Chapter 8

#OnePromisedWp

Chapter 8

I sighed as Othniel's grip tighten around my wrist.

I winced when my elbow started hurting again. Damn, the pain reliever must be wearing off!

Akala ko naman, alcohol eases pains. Bakit hindi niya tanggalin ang sakit? In fact, mas dumagdag pa!

That slogan is a scam!

"Othniel! My elbow hurts! Can you let go now? Stop dragging me!"

Matalim kong binalingan ng tingin si Othniel bago ibinaba ang tingin sa kamay niyang mahigpit na nakahawak sa akin. Ganoon din ang isinukling tingin ni Othniel.

Imbis na sundin ang sinabi ko, lalo niya pang hinigpitan ang kapit. Kahit mahigpit ang kapit niya sa siko ko, sa totoo lang, hindi siya talaga ganoon kasakit. Ramdam ko pa rin ang pag-iingat niya sa bawat hawak niya sa akin.

"No," may riin niyang tugon.

Umirap ako. Sapilitan kong tinanggal ang kamay niyang mariin ang hawak. He smirked when he saw my attempts. Kumirot ulit ang braso ko dahil sa mga galaw ko.

It's futile, I know that. I'm weak compared to him. He can hold me anytime he wants, and drop me just the same.

What's new? I wouldn't surprise if Othniel were to do that, my parents were capable, what more from someone who isn't even related to me.

I sighed once again. I continue looking at Othniel with dagger looks.

"You're so annoying! Ano ba! Bitiwan mo na kasi ako, Othniel!"

His jaw clenched, hindi niya ako pinansin. Patuloy niya akong hinatak papunta sa kanyang sasakyan.

Mabilis ang kilos niya. He would curse everytime I'd trip, and his angled jaw clenches everytime I would get a chance to interact with some random stranger.

"Muntikan ka nang mahimatay kanina, Naomi. If I wasn't on time to catch you, can you imagine what would have probably happened to you? For God's sake, that's a fucking bar!" His voice boomed the area. Kahit abot na rito sa labas yung ingay ng bar, mas malakas pa rin ang boses niya.

Pagod ko siyang hinarap. "Should I care? For God's sake, no once cares about me anyway! So, why the hell would I care?" I disappointedly looked at him. "Can you stop acting like you care, Othniel? Hindi kita boyfriend! Huwag kang umasta na parang boyfriend kita kasi hinding-hindi kita magiging boyfriend!" Pumiyok ang boses ko nang isinigaw ko ito sa kanya.

All my frustrations were piling up, and I felt like exploding anytime soon! Othniel was just fueling it more. Now, pasensyahan na lang, hindi ko na kayang kimkimin pa ito and Othniel just happened to be the unfortunate one who will feel my wrath.

Pansamantalang nagulat si Othniel. He stiffened right after I said that. Nilingon niya ako. Hindi ko alam kung guniguni ko lang o nakita ko talaga ang sakit o lungkot ang kanyang expression. His gripped loosen kaya agad kong nahatak pabalik ang aking siko.

"Bakit kailangan mo pang makialam, Othniel?" Umusog ako patalikod, palayo kay Othniel.

"Because I care about you!" He carefully took a step towards me.

"Kailan ka pa nagsimulang maging isang stalker ng isang Naomi Angeles?" I sarcastically rolled my eyes. Humalukipkip ako pagkatapos.

Madilim na tingin ang iginawad sa akin ni Othniel habang masuring nagmamasid sa bawat galaw ko.

"Should I feel proud na may bodyguard na ako?"

Madrama siyang umirap. "Don't tell me we're going to have these petty fights, Naomi."

"Ikaw kasi! Pakialamero. We won't fight if you'll just leave me alone! Bakit ba ang kulit mo?" I whined.

Para akong batang nagmamaktol dito. Strangers passing by deemed at me like I'm some whiny little kid that seeks attention! Of course, Othniel's mestizo vibes earned him a way out of these shameful scenario.

Bakit ba ang pangit naaapi, ang gwapo laging napapaboran?

"Because I told you, Naomi, I care about you," aniya.

He walked big steps towards me. Sa bilis ng lakad niya at sa gulat, hindi agad ako nakagalaw sa kinatayuan ko kaya agad niya rin akong nalapitan.

Yumuko ako dahil may namumuong luha ulit sa aking mga mata at ayokong makita ito ni Othniel.

"Why, Othniel?" my voice croaked.

His hands held tightly to my arms. He looked at me with determination burning into his eyes. "No matter what selfish act you do, if I think you're wrong, I'll stop you. If you're in pain, I'll save you. If you're lost, I'll work with you. But us being apart is the last thing I'll allow."

My lips slightly opened. The tears that were threatening to fall doubled and some was able to escaped. I'm hurting for myself. Why do I love self pity so damn much? Why can't I trust my heart and open up? Othniel's being persistent but I still couln't find myself to trust myself to him.

Hinatak niya ako palapit sa kanya. He hugged me tight and softly whispered those cooing words. "It's okay, Naomi. It's okay to cry. It's okay to let out your frustrations. I'll help you battle those. You're not alone in this world. You just have to trust me and let me fight with you."

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko at hinayaang tumuloy ang luhang kinikimkim ko. Hingod niya ang likod ko para pakalmahin ako.

Hindi ko namalayan kung gaano kami katagal nagyakapan, pero nasisigurado kong iyon ang pinakamapayapang oras ng buhay ko.

Othniel's arms made me feel safe and secured.

Nang mahimasmasan na ako, agad ko siyang itinulak at lumayo. Pinunasan ko ang mukha ko para hindi naman ako magmukhang wasak.

Umuwang ang bibig ni Othniel sa gulat, but his hands immediately gripped my wrist again. His eyes flashed worry and panic for a moment. Nang makitang ngumiwi ako sa sakit, he sighed before he let his grip slightly loosened. Pumungay ang mga mata niya at sinamahan pa ito ng sakit at awa. I could see how much he's hurt and how he acted it as if he understands the pain I felt.

No, Othniel. Hindi mo ako madadaan sa ganyan. You don't understand, because you never felt it. You don't experience it.

Hindi ko kailangan ng karamay. Kahit alam kong nakaugalian ko nang humanap ng taong magiging karamay ko, alam ko pa rin na kahit ano'ng mangyari, ako lang ang makakaintindi sa sarili ko. Ako lang ang makakaintindi sa nararamdaman ko. Ako lang dahil akong lang nakararanas nito.

"What? Now you pity me?" I disgustedly spat. "I don't need pity, Othniel. Kaya huwag kang umasta nang ganyan. What I need are alcohol and life. I've been living too damn holy all my life! Tamang pagwalwal na nga lang, bawal pa!"

Namumungay akong pinagmamasdan ni Othniel. His jaw kept clenching.

"Baby," malambing pero may riin niyang sinabi.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Don't you baby me! You're not my daddy!" Itinulak ko ang kamay niya palayo.

His jaw clenched once more. This time, hindi na siya galit, he's suppressing a laugh.

"If you don't want me to call you baby, then how should I call my future girlfriend? Honey? Sugar plum?" he amusingly retorted.

I was stunned for a bit. Was he serious? That was too fucking corny for a damn nickname.

"Alam mo, Othniel, feel ko, gagapangan ako ng langgam dahil sa iyo!"

He manly chuckled with my remark.

"Ugh! Maiwan ka na nga riyan!" I frustratedly raked my fingers into my hair.

By instincts, agad niya akong hinawakan at pinigilan. Hinatak niya ako payakap sa kanya bago niya ako binuhat na para bang isang sako.

"Hey!" Hinampas ko ang kamay ko sa kanyang likod. "Ibaba mo ako!"

He shrugged, inaayos niya pa akong mabuti sa kanyang balikat.

"Huy, Othniel! Ibaba mo ako! Baka nakakalimutan mong revealing itong suot ko at kitang-kita ang panty ko!" pareklamo kong utos sa kanya.

"Well then, mainggit sila. Hindi ko naman hahayaang mangyari iyon. Pero kahit makitaan ka nila, makikita rin nila ako. Me beside you means only one thing, Naomi. You're my girl."

Feeling ko, sobrang pula na ng pisngi ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Natameme ako roon at hindi na ako nakagalaw. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko at dumami rin ang katanungan sa isip ko.

Totoo ba?

Can I trust, Othniel?

Bakit ako?

"There," he said, as he buckle my seatbelt.

Doon pa lang ako nakabalik sa ulirat ko. Agad kong kinapa yung seat belt at sinubukang alisin iyon. Othniel smirked, bago niya ako iniwan at kumaripas ng takbo papunta sa driver's seat.

His smirked remained habang inaayos niya naman ang seat belt niya. He looked so amused with everything.

"Saan mo ako dadalhin?" I asked.

"Iuuwi na kita," he answered.

Umirap ako. "Stop the car," I continued.

"Why?" Nagulat siya sa sinabi ko.

"Ayokong umuwi," pagmamatigas ko.

He released a sigh of annoyance and disbelief. Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata niya at hinimas ang kanyang sentido.

"Naomi, don't push it. You know you don't have a way out of this anymore."

Hinarap ko yung bintana ko. "I know, pero ayokong umuwi. I'm still annoyed with Dad, disappointed with myself, too," I softly said. "Dalhin mo na lang ako sa hospital. Susulitin ko na lang yung babayaran ni Daddy bukas."

He stopped the car in one side of the empty road.

Hindi ko siya hinarap. Hinawakan niya ang baba ko at ipinilit iharap ang mukha ko sa kanya. Sinubukan ko mang labanan pero malakas ang pagkahawak niya.

Namumungay ang kanyang mata habang nagmamasid sa akin.

"If my baby wants to go to the hospital, then we'll go. If you'll stay, then I'll stay with you."

I pouted. He pinched my nose and chuckled.

Umayos si Othniel ng upo.

"Brat," he muttered under his breath before he started the engine.

True to his words, Othniel stayed with me throughout the night. In fact, sobrang alaga niya sa akin, daig ko pa ang may malubhang sakit.

Istrikto rin siyang magbantay. Walang tiwala sa akin at laging nakasunod o kaya't namamasid.

"Othniel, kapag ba magpupunta ako sa restrom, sasama ka?" pang-aasar ko.

His jaw clenched again. "No. But I won't allow you to close the door."

My jaw dropped. "What! Paano kung matukso kang sumilip? O kaya kung tumatae ako? Kakalat ang amoy sa kuwarto! Nakakahiya!" protesta ko.

His dark gaze sent shiver down my spine. "Nice try, Naomi. Baka nakakalimutan mo, kilalang-kilala kita. You're witty, but I'm way smarter to fall for those tricks."

Tumawa ako.

"Paano iyan . . . hindi ako makatulog? Gusto ko kasi, may teddy bear sa tabi. Puwede mo ba akong tabihan?"

Umusog ako para maglagay ng space sa tabi.

Othniel looked at me with daggers. He's on alert mode, too. I gathered my cutest smile and batted my eyelash.

"Come on. Pati ba naman sa pagtabi? Isn't it an honour na makatabi ako?" I insisted.

Othniel sighed. Umupo siya sa kama ko at marahang hinaplos ang buhok ko.

I yawned when I felt his fingers touched the strands of my hair.

"Othniel, why are you really bothering yourself with some good for nothing like me?" I asked.

Napahinto si Othniel sa paghimas.

"I told you, I care for you, Naomi. I don't believe that nobody cares for someone. There will always be that one person who would care, Naomi. No man is an island, and God will never allow that to happen. If you feel like you don't have anybody to lean on, lean on God. He's always your number one friend to talk to."

I softly chuckled.

"Then after leaning on God, I'll lean on Othniel?" Ngumisi ako sa kanya, ngumisi rin siya pabalik.

"And Shaien . . ." we both continued and chuckled.

Namumungay ang tingin ni Othniel at ganoon din ang isinukli kong tingin sa kanya hanggang makatulog ako.

Kinabuksan, nagulat na lang ako wala na siya sa tabi ko. Nandito na rin si Daddy at inaayos niya na ang gamit ko.

"Mag-ayos ka na at nabayaran ko na ang hospital bills mo." Ibinilin niya iyon bago umalis.

Agad ko naman siyang sinunod. Iniwan ni Daddy yung mga papeles ng bills na nabayaran niya na. Binilinan niya rin ako ng mga bagay na dapat kong gawin bago ako lumabas. Hinintay ko yung nurse na maghahatid at tutulong sa akin para makalabas.

Nag-aabang si Daddy sa labas. Nasa tabi niya na rin ang lumang sedan namin at ihinatid ako papasok sa eskuwelahan.

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa sa buong biyahe. Hindi kami nag-away o napagsabihan man lang ako.

Hindi ako makapaniwala o mapakali. Nakakapanibago talaga ang katahimikan ni Daddy.

"Dad, okay ka lang?"

Tiningnan ako ni Daddy. His face frowned, and his wrinkles were more visible than ever.

Ano ang nangyari overnight?

Hindi ako sinagot ni Daddy. His jaw clenched and his gripped on the gear shift tightened.

Napalunok tuloy ako sa takot kaya tumahimik na lang din ako.

***

"We signed you up for a new club, Naomi!" masiglang bungad sa akin ni Shaien habang nasa locker ako.

Inaalalayan nila ako sa school dahil naka-bandage pa rin ang aking siko. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ito magtatagal, pero ang sabi ng doctor, possible daw itong umabot ng isang buwan o higit pa.

"Hoy! Ingat-ingat din!" Iniwas ko ang bali kong balikat kina Shaien.

"Sorry!" she raised both of her hands hands up. Othniel was smiling and he just casually stood beside her.

I blushed when I mentally remembered how I acted yesterday.

Damn that alcohol.

"You know what? High school is stupid." Padabog kong isinarado ang locker ko.

I held my books in my free arm while my broken arm is supported by a blue cast.

Shaien immediately took my bag away from me. Othniel took my books.

"Graduating high school is not stupid, you know!" Umirap si Shaien. "Humanap ka na lang ng substitute club to complete your requirements for graduation."

Naglakad kami papunta sa bulletin board kung saan kami magsusulat ng name. Basta may isang vacant line pa under that club, ibig sabihin niyon, may available pang slots.

Tumango ako. Nauna si Shaien sa bulletin board at siya na yung tumingin para sa akin.

"Whoops! Naomi, puno na lahat ng clubs! Like . . . punong-puno na," Shaien said.

"Yeah . . ." Othniel seconded.

My face contorted. "You're kidding, right?"

Nagtinginan sila ni Othniel bago umiling.

"There's one available though," habol ni Shaien.

Her face grew a big smile, it was as if that one available club is a life saver.

"What?" Tinaasan ko sila ng kilay.

Nagkatinginan muna sila ni Othniel bago ako sinagot.

"Writing club," they both answered.

"What the hell? Am I left with no other choice? Eto na lang ba ang club na meron?" I whined.

Ilang minuto na nila akong pinipilit pumasok pero sintigas talaga ng bakal ang ulo ko.

Shaien laughed. "Uh-uh!" Nag-nod pa siya para ipakitang wala na talagang ibang options.

"Now, keep this and give this to your club adviser, okay?" Inilagay ni Shaien yung club application form approval ko.

"Please, don't make me take this club," I pouted and begged.

Itinapak ko ang paa ko sa may hamba ng pintuan para may puwersa ako at malabanan ko ang tulak nila.

Hindi nila ako pinagbigyan. Even Othniel joined this scheme.

Damn him!

Dahil mas malakas sila sa akin, naitulak nila ako papasok sa room.

The room was so quiet. Everyone's minding their own business. Even the club adviser is busy. The silence in the whole room feel nostalgic and awkward at the same time.

Napatingin sa akin ang ibang mga manunulat doon. Napansin ng adviser na maraming distracted dahil sa pagpasok ko kaya nagawi rin sa akin ang tingin niya.

"Uhm . . ." I fakely coughed.

Tumaas ang kilay ng adviser, lalo tuloy akong kinabahan.

"It's a good club! Keep writing!" sabi ko naman sa manunulat na echosera.

"Hello there, I think you've got into a wrong room." Ibinaba na ng club adviser ang salamin niya. Tumayo siya at naglakad palapit sa akin.

"Hay, nako. Sana nga po, pero no offense."

"Oh! In this room we are practicing English only policy. Besides, none taken. Do you write?" She scrutinizingly looked at me.

Of course, I do! But I'm an Angeles, and Dad would be furious if he found out that I landed in a very lame club.

"No," I lied.

The club adviser shrugged. "Do you sing?"

"No," I lied once again.

"Do you have a story hidden inside you that you want to express? Forcing it to come out and be turned into beautiful melodies of words?"

Of course, I do! A lot. But as much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't. So, I have to force myself out of this stupid club.

"I don't. I'm practically useless. Please, kick me out of this club," I begged and earned a warm laughed from the class adviser.

"Oh darling, we don't do that here. Everyone has that hidden story inside, you're just afraid to tell them. Either because you get judged for that, or because your fear has overpowered your confidence. So, we don't kick people out. We help them." She warmly smiled. "What's your name, dear?"

The beauty of words. Can you imagine how powerful words is? I got stung by what she said, and yet, despite my hatred for landing this lame club, she was still able to force her words in. I'm truly stunned by how easy mind changes just by using carefully the beauty of words.

"Naomi Angeles," I replied.

I fished out the paper Shaien slid in my pocket and gave it to her.

Tinanggap niya ito at binasa.

"Naomi Angeles," ulit ng club adviser sa aking pangalan bago tumango.

Some clubmates guided me to my seat. We were asked to write one short story about God. Your choice of story, as long as it's related to God.

I felt drained, and nothing really comes to my mind! I feel so lifeless.

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko. I mentally prayed to God for wisdom to finish this task. Just a few signs that would help inspire me write.

In the middle of my silent prayers, a light flash through in my mind and I remembered my mom. Her smiles and sweet graces, her cooing words and most especially, her teachings and remembrance.

Unconsciously, my hands touched the pendant on my necklace. The remnants of Mom's remained still intact to my heart.

I smiled and thanked the Lord first before I start to take my pen and write the story that will start to change my career.

Kinabukasan, nagulat ako nang bumungad sa akin ang sangkatutak na "Congratulations." Bumili pa nga sina Othniel at Shaien ng cake. Sobrang laki ng ngiti ni Shaien, kinilabutan din ako roon a!

Bihira lang kasi si Shaien ngumisi nang ganoon.

Lumaki ang ngiti ni Othniel sa akin. Shaien shrieked with excitement. I was too stunned to process what happened!

"Hey, congrats, Naomi!" Othniel said.

He raised his hand for a high five.

"Huh? Congrats for?" I was confused but I answered back his high five.

Their face frowned.

"You didn't checked your emails or news?" Shaien shrugged. Hinawi niya ang buhok niya at tinapik ang balikat ko. "Uy! Suwerte mo! Nakakainggit ka, ha!"

Mas lalo akong naguluhan sa nangyayari.

"Huh? Ano ba'ng pinagsasasabi ninyo?"

Nagkatinginan sina Othniel and Shaien ulit.

Ngumuso si Othniel sa bulletin board sa tabi ko. Nilapitan ko iyon. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ang pangalan ko sa bulletin board as the main producer and script writer ng i-pro-produce na play ng school para sa 50th anniversary nito!

OH MY GOSH?

"Excited ka na ba?" Shaien hugged me tight.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala nang harapin ko si Shaien. Both Othniel and Shaien were expecting something based on how huge their grin was.

Shucks

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:D