Kabanata 34

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 34
''Love''

Noong tanghali na ay nagulat ako at nandoon pa rin ang dalawa kong pinsan. Pababa pa lamang ako ng hagdanan. Solenn gave me a knowing smile before she whispered something to her brother. Tahimik na tumango lamang si Rhys sa sinabi ng kapatid.

''Rhys Alexander,'' tawag ng boses ni Mama. Napalingon ako sa gawing iyon at nakitang mukhang galing sa opisina ni Lolo si Mama.

"I talked to Papã. He's already given his permission-" Mama paused as she spotted me at the foot of the stairs. "Oh, you're here too. This is great."

''May problema po ba, Mama?'' tanong ko.

"Hmm. It's nothing, really. Rhys just mentioned that he's returning to Manila later. I asked him if you could hitch a ride with him, so I'd feel a bit more at ease," she explained. Nangunot ang noo ko, halos hindi makasunod. "It's an hour from now . . . but your bags are already packed anyway, so it won't be a problem."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mapagtanto ang gustong mangyari ni Mama. It's not that I didn't want Kael to drive me, but I didn't like the idea that my grandfather had sent him, perhaps to spy on me. I'd rather be with my cousin.

''Pumayag po si Lolo, Mama?''

Her lips curled, ''Yes.''

Tumango ako at naibaling ang tingin sa aking mga pinsan. Rhys also gave me a slight nod and a soft smile. Napangiti na lang rin ako at napahinga nang maluwag.

Agad akong naligo at nag-ayos. Agad akong naligo at nag-ayos. I wore a comfy polo shirt dress. The upper part is white with black detailing on the chest, and the lower part is red. I paired it with white shoes.

Pagkatapos, inihanda ko rin ang aking mga gamit. Medyo matagal akong doon kaya medyo marami rin ang aking dalang damit. Most of my clothes will settle in the condo. Ang iba ay iiwan ko sa bahay namin noon. I would drop by our house once in a while. Naipangako ko rin kasi kay Papa na pupuntahan ko siya lagi.

We were all together again for lunch. Maraming bilin si Mama, at lahat ay pinakinggan ko, kahit ilang beses na rin naman naming napag-usapan ito ni Lolo. Kalaunan ay natapos na rin at lumabas na kami ng dining area.

''Always call me, okay?'' ani Mama nang humiwalay sa yakap. ''Be safe, Georgianna. I love you.''

Ngumiti ako. ''Opo, Mama. I will update you every time. I love you.''

''Mimi!'' Eli waved his hands at me.

Agad kong yinakap ang aking kapatid at pinaulanan ng halik ang kanyang pisngi. Eli giggled non-stop.

''Be good to Mama while Mimi's away, hmm?''

"Okay!" he answered with glee. He also kissed me on the cheek, which really melted my heart.

"Rhys Alexander, make sure Georgianna is safe. While you are there for work, check on her most of the time, too," rinig kong bilin ni Lolo.

''I will, Lolo.''

Nagpaalam na ako nang maayos kay Mama, Eli, at pati kay Lolo. Lolo had that indifference on his face, but he still hugged me. I waved one last time at them before I slid onto the passenger seat.

Medyo malayo ang byahe namin at sigurado akong gabi kaming makakarating doon. Binigyan kami ng linggong pahinga para maghanda. Maaga ako ng ilang araw. Wednesday pa lang. Linggo pa raw si Rona roon kaya sa akin muna niya binigay ang susi ng condo. Gusto kong makarating doon ng ilang araw nang mas maaga para somehow ay makapag-adjust din ako.

Naayos ko na ang seatbelt ko nang napansin sa rearview mirror na nakaupo na rin Solenn. Nakatinginan kami. Dapat ata ay rito siya at doon ako sa backseat.

''Uh, Solenn, gusto mo bang dito umupo?'' tanong ko.

She smiled at me. ''I'm fine here, Anya. Don't mind me.''

''Dadaan muna ba tayo sa inyo?''

''Hindi, sasama na rin ako papuntang Maynila. Next week na din ang internship namin.''

Halos napatampal ako sa noo. Oo nga pala. We are both fourth year students. Pareho rin kami na Maynila ang pinili. Hindi nga lang kay Javier sa sa mga De Leon. Ang alam ko ay kila Vernaise ang internship niya.

When Rhys had already gotten in, we drove away. Palabas na sa may gate nang maalala kong hindi ko pa pala nasabi kay Carlos. Sobrang bilis rin kasi ng mga pangyayari. Ngayon pa lamang ako nakapagtipa ng mensahe.

Ako:

There was a change of plans. I'm on my way to Manila now. Kasama ko si Rhys at Solenn.

I sent it to him. I stared at it for a while. Parang hindi ko pa nasabi nang buo ang gusto kong sabihin sa kanya. Kaya't nagtipa ako ng isa pang mensahe.

Ako:

I will miss you. When you aren't busy and you're in Manila too, for work or for your family, maybe you can drop by to visit me? I will be happy to see you sometimes.

I chewed on my lower lip when I sent that to him.

Huh! I realized maybe I'm getting clingy. Well, it's true anyway that I want to see him. Sabi naman niya ay hindi problema ang pagpabalik-balik niya. Ginagawa naman niya iyon noon, eh. Natyempo lang na nandito siya habang ako naman ang wala. But . . . I don't want to demand him too, so I added that if only he wasn't busy.

I went to my gallery and browsed the soft copies of our pictures. Napapangiti ako habang tinitingnan iyon. It all looked good. I looked happy. I have the biggest smile in each shot, to the point that my eyes were almost closed because of the smile I had. And in some of the pictures, I was even laughing. I feel like this is the first time I have seen myself being so happy like this. It's a different kind of happiness.

Huminga ako nang malalim at napatitig sa labas ng bintana. I then suddenly recalled my conversation with Mama.

Am I . . . in love?

I'm still not really sure. Or maybe I'm indeed in the denial stage? I know I like him, though. I like everything about him. Pero hindi ko rin pa talaga alam. Ibang klase ng pagmamahalan ang nakita ko sa aking mga magulang. It was only my mother who was loving between them. While my father seems like he's just there to fulfill his obligation.

So how do I name this feeling I have for Carlos? Am I in love with him . . . or just the idea of him? Or maybe I just love his' face? Pero marami naman akong nakita na kasing gwapo niya. Hindi nga lang rin talaga mapagkakaila na mas gwapo siya sa mga iyon. His mesmerizing eyes are breath-taking too.

Do I love him because he's rich? I know it isn't too. The De Leons are rich. I may not be well off myself, but Javier and my family have been providing for me that I don't feel the need to be greedy. I will work too and I will have my own.

Carlos and I didn't have any other physical contact aside from hugs and kisses, so I can't say I just love his body.

Although as I pondered about these things, the word 'like' seems to be something not fitting in this case. Masyado iyong mababaw kung ipapaliwanag ko ang nararamdaman ko para kay Carlos. I know it's not just a shallow one, it's a feeling so deep like it is buried not just in my heart but my soul as well.

Mahirap ipaliwanag pero isa lamang ang sigurado ako. And I don't know why it scared and comforted me to the core. It scared me in the sense that I know I'm chained already and won't be able to run away from anyone. I won't be able to prevent the things that might happen when we declare to everyone that we are in a relationship. But somehow, what I feel for Carlos comforted me too. Because I know that whatever may happen, he'll always be there.

My heart felt so heavy, torn between happiness and misery, as I realized my own feelings.

My eyes literally welled, and I felt my tears rolling down my cheeks. I shifted my body closer to the door so my cousins wouldn't be able to see me. Tinago ko ang mukha gamit ang buhok at mas nagsumiksik sa gilid. I wiped the tears and calmed myself down.

I felt the car come to a stop. Napatingin ako sa labas at nakitang huminto kami sa isang convenience store sa bayan. Pumikit na lamang ako at nagpanggap na tulog. Even with my eyes shut, I sensed Rhys stepping out. However, his absence didn't last long before he returned.

''How's my baby?''

I froze in place. Soon, my eyes flew open as I recognized that very familiar, soft voice. Agad akong bumaling sa aking katabi. When I saw the man who had been on my mind, my eyes widened and my lips parted.

I was so emotional that I couldn't contain the tears welling up in my eyes again. Nakita kong natigilan pa siya nang makita ang mukha ko. I took the seatbelt off of me and went to hug him.

''Baby, what's wrong?''

Ang kanyang malambot at nag-aalalang boses, ang pagyakap niya pabalik, at marahang paghagod sa likod ko ang dahilan kung bakit muling tumulo ang aking mga luha.

I love this man . . . That's what I'm sure about now. But what will happen to us if our relationship gets out of hand? We could never hide it, and we won't be able to hide it forever.

''What happened? Why are you crying?'' Carlos asked in a soothing voice.

I shook my head, hugging him tighter. I don't know why I was crying too. Siguro sa pag-aalala at dami na rin ng mga pinag-iisip.

Hindi ko alam kung papaano't nandito si Carlos ngayon . . . At na mukhang sasama sa amin papuntang Maynila. Siya na rin ata dapat ang magmamaneho pero dahil medyo matagal tumigil sa ang luha ko at kinailangan na naming bumyahe ulit, nagpalit na lamang kami ng mga pwesto. Si Rhys pa rin ang driver at katabi na ang kanyang kapatid.

Nang kalmado na at magaan na ang aking pakiramdam, napalabi ako nang mapagtanto na hindi lamang pala kami ni Carlos ang nandito. Medyo nakakahiya pala ang nangyaring pag-iyak ko kanina.

''Baby, here.''

I briefly opened my eyes. Nakadantay ang aking ulo sa balikat ni Carlos. I saw him opening a chocolate bar. Nagputol siya ng kaunti doon at inilapit iyon sa bibig ko. Tinanggap ko naman.

''What's this for?'' I asked, my voice sounding a bit hoarse.

I felt him kiss the top of my head before answering, ''To make you feel better. You love sweets.''

Nasulyapan ko ang rearview mirror at nakitang nakatingin sa amin si Solenn. There was a sly smile playing on her lips before she averted her eyes.

Hindi ko na lamang pinansin at muling pumikit. Carlos held my hand, caressing it softly. Hinila niya rin ako papalapit sa kanya at inayos ang pagkakaupo ko para makadantay at makatulog. I felt his thumb caressing my cheek before his fingers stroked my hair.

Carlos's touch always soothed me. His mere presence comforted me. His kisses made my heart beat faster. And just hearing his voice, there's almost a sense of familiarity. And whenever he hugs me, I feel like I'm home. I have all noticed that, even before. I like . . . love more so, everything Carlos does. Even with simple things or gestures, he did not fail to make me feel special, cared for, and loved. Sa kanya ko lamang naramdaman ang lahat ng ito. At sa kanya ko lamang gustong maramdaman.

Nakaidlip ako sa byahe at nagigising na lang paminsan-minsan. Carlos would always be there to assist me. Gabi na nang makarating kami sa Maynila. We went to a restaurant to eat dinner first. Carlos was still the same, he's very attentive. At siguro sa dalas naming paglabas noon ay alam niya na kung ano ang mga gusto o madalas kong kainin. Napansin ko kasing iyon lamang ang mga inilalagay niya sa plato ko. Pati ang dami ng kanin ay alam niya rin kung ano lang ang kaya ko.

''I took a few days off from work. Do you want to stay with me?'' marahan niyang bulong.

My eyes lifted to my cousins who are in front of us. Bulong naman iyon ni Carlos kaya mukhang hindi naman nila narinig at abala pa rin sila sa pagkain.

''Okay,'' I decided without much thought. ''But I need to be at my place before Monday.'' dugtong ko para na rin malaman niya na kailangan ko ring maghanda bago mag simula sa aming internship.

''Alright,'' he said, nodding a bit. ''I promise to send you back on Sunday night.''

Tumango na lamang ako at ibinalik ang atensyon sa pagkain. Naramdaman ko nga lang ang pag-ayos ni Carlos ng kanyang upo. My eyebrows knotted when I felt his formality after drinking water. Tumikhim din siya na tila ba kinukuha ang atensyon ng dalawa kong pinsan. And he succeeded in doing so.

"Sa akin muna si Georgianna,'' he declared in a serious tone. ''She'll stay at my place for a few days. I'd take care of her, so you don't have to worry about anything."

Pareho kami ni Solenn na halos maibuga ang kinakain. I did not expect Carlos to say that—not even declare that aloud in front of my cousins! Ang buong akala ko ay ihahatid muna ako sa condo namin ni Rona, pagkatapos ay pupuslit na lang kami!

''Rhys, I hope you'd do me this favor,'' dagdag pa niya.

My cousin didn't say anything and only nodded in agreement.

Napailing na lamang ako. I remember Lolo telling Rhys to check up on me . . . pero mukhang kasabwat na ni Carlos ang aking pinsan. Sa totoo lamang ay kanina pa ako kabado dahil na nga rin pinsan ko sila. But somehow, I find myself sighing in relief. I'm grateful that they are here . . . and not really objecting to the thought of Carlos and me.

''Anya, do you know the rumors or sayings about the men in their family?''

My eyes shifted from Carlos' back to Solenn, who was in front of me. Tapos na kaming kumain at papaalis na. Wala si Rhys dahil pumunta sa banyo. While Carlos was outside, where we can still see from where we are, and talking to someone on the phone.

''Rumors . . .?'' I asked curiously. ''What rumors?''

"You know, things I always heard somewhere about their family,'' she started.

About . . . the Montecarlos?

''Ang sabi nila kapag ang isang Montecarlo ay nagmahal, iyon na ang mamahalin nila pang habang-buhay. Wala nang hihigit pa sa pagmamahal na iyon. It's one of their weaknesses . . . Love is their greatest weakness. And their men knew that. That's why they are hard to please and difficult to reach. They don't date just anyone. It takes great effort and time to get their attention, but it's harder to keep their interest in you. They don't fall in love easily, but when they do . . . they fall hard, deep, and deadly," she said, smiling a bit at me knowingly. "Kapag nahulog ang isa sa'yo, anila'y wala ka nang kawala sa isang Montecarlo."

I shifted in my seat. I didn't know she knew these things very well? And . . . Are those just really rumors, though?

"I thought Carlos might just be playing with you. You know, he doesn't like our family,'' Solenn added with a shrug. ''But seeing Carlos right now—how he acts, talks, and moves around you—which is very different from the man I knew before, I can say he's whipped, head over heels, and very possessive of you. I don't think he's playing with you. I don't think he just likes you, Anya. It's more than that.''

My heart pounded hard upon hearing that from Solenn. Is this also the reason why she's been watching Carlos? She's observing him?

"And I don't know if you should be scared or what. I'm not saying this to scare you, though. But you should be prepared," she said, tilting her head to the side, her eyes fixed somewhere.

Sinundan ko iyon ng tingin at nakitang nasa loob na ng restaurant si Carlos at papalapit na sa amin. His gaze was on my way. And when our eyes met, the corner of his lips curled upward.

''He's just on a leash right now, your leash, Anya. Your words and fears are the only thing that's stopping him from facing our family. But when the time comes, our whole family will know about your relationship, and they oppose it—which they will truly—I don't know exactly what a Montecarlo, like Carlos Lorenzo, will do,'' halos pabulong na wika ni Solenn. ''But I feel like he'd fight until he bleeds and dies on that battleground.''
   

         
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