Kabanata 4: Maling Akala
As soon as we're done boating, I immediately took off Caio's shirt and gave it back to him. Hindi ko na gusto ang sama ng tingin ni Emerald na pakiramdam ko'y may balak akong lunurin sa dagat.
I could already feel my skin a bit painful because of the slight burn. The parts of my skin that were left uncovered turned red and pinkish.
"Are you sure you won't need this?" Cai asked, looking a bit hesitant to take his shirt from me.
Tinulak ko ang kamay kong may hawak ng tshirt niya para kunin na niya ito. Biglang dumating si Emerald sa gilid niya habang hindi pa kami tapos sa pag-uusap. Kaagad niyang hinawakan ang braso ni Caio.
"C'mon, Cai. I've been waiting..." malambing na sabi nito kay Caio.
Naibaba ko ang braso ko sa pangangawit dahil hindi agad nakuha ni Caio ang kanyang tshirt. I sighed.
"Ipapatong ko nalang ba sa kubo?" Tanong ko.
Emerald stopped flirting. She's obviously annoyed and interrupted.
"Cai, halikana." This time, she interrupted Caio who was about to speak.
Caio gently took his arm away from Emerald.
I felt a weird and awkward moment there. Para bang ako ang nahiya para kay Emerald.
"Ilalagay ko nalang sa kubo," sabi ko kasabay ng mabilisang pagtalikod.
Good thing, I chose to stay away from that sickening sight. I don't know if I'd call them a 'corny' couple. But something is not right, that's what I'm sure of.
Is it really true na wala talaga siyang girlfriend? Kasi parang ang one-sided ng relasyon nila kung pagmamasdan mo.
Ayokong maniwala kay Caio nang sinabi niya na wala soyang girlfriend kasi unang kita ko palang sa kanila, parang may relasyon sila. But as I've been observing them since they've been with me for a short moment today, I could feel that it's more like a friendship between them and not any intimate relationship. My goodness, Latti! Hindi ka pa ba nasanay sa States na puros mag-fubu lang? Friends with benefits? Flings?
I thought he was just denying things because he's trying to hit on me. Yeah, silly thoughts.
Sino ba namang hindi mag-aakalang may gusto siya sa'yo kung napakaelamero niya habang di pa kayo close?
"Lulubog na ang araw maya-maya. Hanggang dumilim ba sasali ka?" Biglang may nagsalita mula sa likuran ko.
Napalingon kaagad ako at nagtama ang aming mga paningin. Nagdalawang isip ako kung pupulutin ko ulit ang damit niya sa kubo at iabot sa kanyo o hintayin nalang siyang kunin iyon.
"Sure naman. I came for the sunset," sabi ko. Sa huli, kinuha ko na lamang ang tshirt niya at inabot ito sa kanya.
"Thank you for that," sabi ko saka umayos ng tayo.
The vibe between us felt awkward yet at the same time giving me a new unexplained feeling. Parang gusto kong umalis, parang gusto ko ring magsalita pa para mabawasan ang pagkailang, pero mas nangingibabaw ang gusto kong tumahimik lang habang magkaharap kami.
Nakakapanibago. This isn't the first time I talked to someone like we're already close before even though we just met. I've made a lot of friends even faster than this back in the US. I cannot even tell if we're friends already or not. Some seconds I hate him, some seconds I don't.
For a moment, I felt my knees trembling upon realizing how attractive his light-honey-colored eyes were. It feels bewitching; like staring at a rising orange sun that doesn't blinds you with its brightness but rather pulling your soul closer. I gulped.
There is nothing with his eyes. That's what I'm sure of.
His brows raised and he looked at me with an amused face. Kaagad akong tila bumalik sa katinuan at inismiran siya.
"What's funny?" Supladang tanong ko at kaagad tumalikod sa kanya.
I felt my cheeks get hotter because of a weird feeling of embarrassment. Gusto ko ulit mainis sa kanya. He must be blamed for this. If he's not being flirty, I won't get attracted.
Nauna na lamang akong naglakad at dumiretso kay Kuya. Gusto kong mainis kay kuya dahil parang binubuhos niya ang atensyon sa babae niya. Hindi naman ako sigurado kung nagseseryoso ba siya sa babaeng iyon. If I'm not mistaken, the girl's name was Ingrid.
Nakaupo na silang lahat sa tabing dagat kung saan maraming maliliit na bato. The sun is getting on its way to set. I sat beside Kuya Nico and was immediately followed by Caio. Rocco shifted to give space for him beside me. I almost rolled my eyes.
"Wag masyadong solohin si Latti, Cai. She might not sleep well later," kaagad na tukso na Kuya. Mabilis ko siyang nahampas sa balikat sa inis.
They all laughed. Walang nakakatawa. I cannot relate to their stupid sense of humor. These other three girls seem to not be taking it as a joke too. Rather, they looked pissed.
"And what do you mean by that? Hindi naman ganyan 'yung type ni Cai. We all know that, Emerald's brow raises as she speaks.
"Right. Ito kasing si Nico. Gusto lang maging bro-in-law si Cai..." Anabelle added in an amused tone. I don't think she meant it as a joke or just to ease the awkward atmosphere.
I bit my lip. Pakiramdam ko, gusto akong pagkaisahan ng mga babaeng kaibigan ni Kuya. Of all the people here, of all the nice-looking folks here, bakit ito pa ang mga kaibigan niya? Are they really friends or are these girls just tailing them for other reasons?
"You're making Latisha uncomfortable," Valdemar finally said.
"Hindi 'no. Just clarifying things. Besides, hindi naman nanliligaw si Caio..." Emy defends herself.
"Right. Tapos, alam niyo naman. Kaming mga babae, mabilis kaming mag-assume—"
"Excuse me?" Hindi ko na napigilan pa ang sarili kong magsalita. Bahagya pa akong napatawa.
"I'm not like any of you girls. I don't assume things that fast just because of a stupid conclusion. Hindi ko type si Caio so why would you girls worry? If I would assume, siguro normal nalang 'yon. I know I'm a head-turner. I'm used to flirty boys."
I felt my intestines screaming and cheering me up. Hindi naman talaga ako papayag na magiging talunan lang. I'm no goodgirl.
Umismid si Emerald. Parang may gusto pa sanang sabihin kaso mukhang nagpipigil ng sarili. That's good. Ayaw kong makipagtalo.
"Can't we stop the ship or like the panunukso? We're supposed to be enjoying. Don't we have drinks?" Sabi ko na lamang.
"Yeah... in-denial stage, Latti..."
Tiningnan ko nang masama si Kuya. Ayaw talaga nitong tumigil. Nahahalata namna siguro niya na naiinis na ang mga babaeng kaibigan niya sa akin.
I'm wondering why his girlfriend is quiet. I'm sure she agrees with her friends. Siguro, ayaw lang niya ma turn-off si Kuya.
"Whatever, Nicolai. Ikaw nga moving-on stage palang rin..." I shot a brow at him.
He pressed his lips together. His male friends made a long "Oooh" to pester him. I laughed.
"Let's not talk about her," walang ganang sabi niya.
I shrugged. Tumayo si Caio.
"I'll get the drinks," aniya, tila nawawalan na rin ng gana sabay lakad palayo.
"Tulong ako," Emy said and tailed him.
The corner of my lips rose as the two of them walked away.
Just then, Anabelle rushed to follow her. Hindi rin sila nagtagal at bumalik agad.
"Boys, Cai asked for your help," ani Emerald habang malapad ang ngisi.
"Dito kalang, Lath?" Kuya asked before leaving with his friends.
"Hmm. Yeah," tipid na sagot ko.
The breeze starts to get colder as the sun prepares for its beautiful setting. I hugged both of my knees as I sat on the sand beneath a thin towel. I prepped my chin on my knees.
I am not alone here but I feel like I am. I can feel their stares on me, judging me. It's not making me feel awful, just a bit uncomfortable. Unang una sa lahat, wala naman akong ginawang pag-atake sa kanila o ano para ipakita nila sa akin ang kanilang pagkadisgusto.
"P****k."
My brows knitted upon hearing Emerald as if she's pertaining to someone. They've been whispering lately but now, she spoke loudly.
Is she referring to me? Hindi ko alam ang salitang 'yon. Or maybe, it's just an expression?
"Tss. Can't believe she acts as if she isn't guilty." It's Emerald again.
Umayos na ako ng upo at doon na sinubukang lingunin sila.
Dang. They're all staring at me. Masama ang tingin ng tatlo sa akin habang ang isang laging nakabuntot kay Kuya ay tila umiiwas ng tingin.
Emerald shot a brow.
"Hindi ba kaka-18 mo lang?"
"Huh? Oo," kaagad kong sagot.
Ang tono ng kanyang pananalita ay nang-iinsulto.
"So...hindi ka na virgin?"
I laughed at that question. I did not expect her to ask me that.
"So, what if I'm not?" Tanong ko na may halong sarkasmo.
They all looked shocked.
"Aw. Kaya pala!" Anabelle exclaimed.
Fancheska also made a shocked look. Meanwhile, Ingrid keeps on acting as if she's not one of them. I wonder if she really doesn't like her friends' attitude.
"Bakit?" I asked again, trying to stop myself from heating up.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mararamdaman ko. Kumakabog ang dibdib ko sa dahilang parang nakararamdam ng gulo. I just wanted to laugh this feeling out because I'm not supposed to feel scared or ashamed.
So, what if I'm a virgin? So, what if I'm not? Isn't it inappropriate to ask that question?
"Ang laswa mo kasing tingnan, Latisha. Hindi naman sa inaano kita, ha? Kaya lang...wala ka bang bra sa inyo?"
Francheska made my jaw drop. Ito na ba 'yon? Iyong mga tumatandang paurong?
"To tell you...Cai doesn't get easily attracted to flesh. I doubt if those boobs are real..." Emerald added without looking at me but to her nails instead.
"Oh my Gosh, seryoso kayo? What makes you think that I want Caio to get interested to me?" Tumaas ang kilay ko.
Jealousy. I cannot find any other reasons than that. Kaya sila nagkakaganito dahil sa inggit.
"And to tell you, these are much real than any of you."
Emerald laughed sarcastically.
"Excuse me? Your boobs aren't attractive at all! Malaki lang naman 'yan kasi malusog sa lamas!"
My palm immediately flew to her face. Halos umikot ang mukha niya sa ginawa ko.
"What's happening here?"
Suddenly, the guys came and saw how I slapped Emerald. Ramdam ko pa rin ang panginginig ng nga kamay ko. I gritted my teeth.
The four girls were dead silent. Hawak-hawak ni Emerald ang namumula niyang pisngi.
"Anong nangyari, Latisha?" Kuya Nicolai asked.
"What did you do?" Salubong ang kilay na tanong sa akin ni Caio.
I stood up in anger.
"You know what? I don't fvcking belong here!" Halos manginig ang boses ko habang sinasabi iyon at kaagad silang tinalikuran.
Someone caught my arm and pulled me. Napaikot ako at mabilis na tumama ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya.
"You're not telling me what happened," Caio said with full authority.
I smirked.
"Why don't you ask her?"
"Latisha!" Kuya Nico warned.
Lalo lang akong nainis. I strongly pulled my arm away from Cai as I shout.
"Pwede ba 'wag mo 'kong hawakan?!"
"I am asking you, what happened?" He asked, this time in a calm voice.
Before I could finally answer, Anabelle speaks.
"She's trying to seduce you kaya sinuway ni Emy! But she got mad and slapped her."
"Excuse me?!" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.
I'm trying not to say the truth lately because it felt wrong to talk it with them. Lately, I just thought of keeping this and solve this with the girls but now... they're trying to make stories.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit may pumipigil pa sa akin para sabihin ang totoo. Nag-aalanganin ako.
I gulped as I saw Cai clenching his jaw. Halatang nagulat siya.
"Is that true, Latti?" Tanong ni Kuya.
My heart raced uncontrollably making me unable to speak. My lips were trembling as if I'm going to stutter if I'll utter a word.
My cheeks were burning. I didn't know where I got my strength to ran away from them.
What the hell is happening to me?
Kabanata 5: Friendly KissI slammed the door as I entered the house. Alam kong nakasunod lang si Kuya Nico sa akin. Mula nang makapasok ako sa gate, hindi na siya tumitigil sa pagtawag ng pangalan ko."Leave me alone, Kuya!" Sigaw ko nang hindi siya nililingon."This isn't helping you, Lath! Do you even understand why Dad wants you here? Kasi ang tigas ng ulo mo!"I stopped and turned to him. Furious."Yes, I am hard-headed because ever since you wanted to cage me!""That is not true, Latisha! Kung kinukulong ka namin, edi sana you haven't experienced the life you wanted in States! We've been spoiling you, especially Daddy. Pero anong ginawa mo?"Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. For real, I know that I'm wrong for many reasons but it's hard to admit it. All I think is that I'm happy being free and I could enjoy my youth."Ano ngayon kung may gusto ka kay Cai—""Oh my God! Kuya! Are you serious?! Naniniwala ka sa mga 'yon? I can't believe you! I would never ever seduce someone—especiall
Kabanata 6: Hacienda HerezoI put the treadmill on a slow speed, panting. Then, I checked my wristwatch. It's already 10 am.Hindi ko alam ang susunod na gagawin. Malalim akong napabuntong-hininga. The boredom here is making me stressed. I have no internet, no phone, no gadgets, no friends—nothing! How am I supposed to adjust here? Hindi nga ako nababagay dito! Thank God we have a gym here or else, I'd be crazy.Kinuha ko ang towel sa upuan at pinahiran ang sarili.After taking a rest for about 25 minutes, I took a bath.I put on a low-rise denim short and a cropped top. I decided to go out of the house to chill outside. Sana naman, walang man
Kabanata 7: Beautiful DisasterHabang papalapit na kami sa lawa, napalitan ang tensyon ng isang nakabibinging katahimikan sa pagitan namin. It was all awkward.I had never been like this before. I've been aggressive towards my past flings sometimes, but I don't feel any regrets after. I feel like, my ego is getting crushed after thinking that he might only be playing with me.Pero... gano'n naman dapat diba? You're supposed to be just playing with each other and having fun with each other. No strings attached. That's how it works."The water here flows from that long river, then down on that small waterfall..."Or it's just me who's thinking such things. Siguro talaga, hindi na bago sa kanya iyon. But what about me? It's not new to me either."It feels...peaceful here..." Lalo na kung hindi nangyari ang nangyari kanina."Yeah. I came here alone often, especially after a heavy, stressful, and long weekday of work and business stuff," he replied calmly.My jaw tightened. It angers me so
Kabanata 8: No BiggieSinabi ni Caio na doon na kami mananghalian sa pinakamalapit nilang resthouse. Makikita ko na nga iyon na nakatungtong sa isang maliit na burol. Moderno ang disenyo no'n. May mga puno rin ng pino na nasa paligid ng bahay, halos salamin ang pader, habang kongkreto naman ang boardwalk."You have quite a lot of men here...and SUVs," sabi ko nang hindi pa kami masyadong nakakalapit sa resthouse.Kitang-kita ko na ang garaheng halos mapuno ng mga sasakyan. Hindi iyon gano'n kalaki kaya mga limang sasakyan lang ang magkakasya roon. May mga nakatayong mga matitipunong lalaki rin sa paligid na kumakalat, siguro'y suot ang uniporme nilang black suit o hindi kaya ay puting polo at itim na pants."I forgot to mention, kahapon ka pa pala inaasahan ni Abue."Nilingon ko siya sa likod ko at kinuotan ng noo. Kaagad rin akong tumingin sa harapan."Huh?""Abuela...my grandma," sagot nito."How should I call her? Grandma Abuela? Or is she called Donya Abuela?"Marahang napatawa si
Kabanata 9: The Transferees"Bakit ba nagmamadali ka?" Kaswal na tanong ko kay Caio.Malapit na kami sa bahay. Mula no'ng umalis kami sa plaza, hindi na siya umiimik. Patuloy lang siya sa paglalakad. Mas mabilis siyang maglakad kaysa akin kung kaya nauuna na siya sa akin."I got business to do," walang ganang sagot niya."Akala ko ba nasa bakasyon ka?" Tanong kong muli habang naglalakad-takbo na para maabutan siya."May tampuhan kayo ni Emy?" Tila wala sa sariling tanong ko."How much do you know now about that guy?" Bigla siyang tumigil at lumingon sa akin nang itanong niya iyon.I pursed my lips. Nag-isip ako kung ano nga ba ang alam ko kay Drake."Nothing. Just his name. It reminds me of someone back in Cali—""Boyfriend?""What?" I chuckled."Hindi 'no. Do you think I do LDRs?""So, you broke up with your boyfriend in the States because you don't want an LDR?""Wala akong bf do'n, Cai. At ayaw ko rin sa malayo. It'll only build my trust issues.""Alright," aniya. Gumaan ang ekspre
Kabanata 10: Hindi GustoPinatay ko ang cellphone ko sa sobrang ingay ng Messenger ko. Mayroon na kaagad kaming group chat ng aming section. Masyado silang maingay dahil sa dami ng tanong sa akin at kay Drew. Hindi ako sigurado kung mas marami ba ang nagtatanong kay Drew o sa akin. Naghahalo-halo na nga ang pinag-uusapan namin kaya iyong iba, dumidiretso sa private message.Tsismis. Masyado silang mahilig sa tsismis. Of course, I know that many of them are long-time best friends and I'm sure each has their group chats for their specific friends. Still, they keep talking about stuff their close friends could only relate to. Anyway, I'm not that bothered naman.In-accept ko na rin ang mga kaklase kong nag-add sa akin sa Facebook.Ang unang Facebook friend ko ay si Drew habang si Caio ay hindi pa ako ina-accept."Miss?" Bukas ang pinto ng kwarto ko kaya hindi na kailangan pang kumatok ng kung sinong papasok.Nilingon ko ang maid na una kong tinarayan no'ng unang araw ko dito sa bahay.Pe
Kabanata 11: The FisherfolksHe's just too sexy to be ignored. Kahit ang simpleng pagbulong niya ay tila inaakit pati kaluluwa ko.It is definitely not hard to like him. Siguro nga maraming nahuhulog sa kanya sa unang kita lang. He said he used to be an Olympian. He's probably popular in the country, or maybe not since he's not active on social media. Hindi ko nga rin natanong kung nanalo ba siya sa Olympics o hindi. He once brought pride to his country! That alone is impressive!Wait...what country did he represented? He studied in Cali. Baka naman US ang nirepresenta niya? As much as I wanted to ask him about that, this is not the right timing."Alam mo... it's easier to date guys you don't like...and it's more fun," sabi ko habang pumupulot ng nachos sa paper plate.He shot a brow."Because, ofcourse, when you like the person you're dating...then, it would be awkward for you. You'll get conscious of yourself since you wanna put a really great impression." Katwiran ko.It's honestly
Kabanata 12: Tabing-DagatAng mapait na tubig dagat sa aking mga paa na tumatalsik sa aking buong katawan at mukha ay malagkit sa balat. Sa bawat lakad-takbo ko sa mababaw na parte ng dagat ay mas lalo akong nababasa.Bumabaon ang aking mga paa sa bawat tapak sa pinong buhangin. Yuko dito...luhod doon. Takbo saka lakad takbo.“Here,” sabi ko sa batang may dalang timba sabay hulog ng mga isda sa loob.Hindi na niya ako pinagtuunan ng pansin sa sobrang pagka-abala sa pamumulot ng mga kumakalat na isda. Karamihan sa mga ito ay buhay pa at patalon-talon, sinusubukang bumalik sa tubig at lumangoy palayo.The slimy fish keeps slipping on my palms as I try to hold it firmly. Dalawang kamay ko na ang humahawak doon pero hindi ako makagalaw dahil sa pag-aalalang mabibitawan ko iyon.Tumawa si Cai nang malakas nang tumilapon nga ang isda. Imbes na mainis ay tumawa nalang din ako.I was holding that for almost a minute!“Uy, si Latisha pala!”Sa ilang minuto namin doon, ngayon lang kami napansin