Kabanata 4:

Stuck

Pinagpaliban ko muna ang pagbabasa ng libro. I would continue reading it later. The story was interesting and the title was catchy and rare. Whatever that story made my innocent sister crazy over the male lead was actually shoal for my preference in men.

"Why you stop reading? The story seems to enthrall you..."

"The male character is devilishly hot, flawed in behavior, possessed that immaculate intelligence. I couldn't ignore the fact that I was enticed by those unrealistic qualities." I responded as if I didn't have any bad blood towards him.

"I may be , flawed in behavior but never had that immaculate intelligence..."

"Good thing you know."

"So, you agreed that I'm devilishly hot..."

"Being devilishly hot is not a crowning stroke. Don't state the obvious you don't have that immaculate intelligence..." I said blandly.

His laughter thundered. "Your humor pulled up a major bon-"

"What? Say that word or your dead." I interrupted him threateningly.

"Your humor pulled up a major bonanza to my..."

"My? You're getting out of context, Mr. Lopez. You are trying to be suave; it's just not working on me..." I commented bluntly.

His eyes sparkled like I said the most heart fluttering words. "I don't know how to handle this..." His gaze shot unearthly feeling to me. "You're just immaculate..."

I rolled my eyes and the vexing crooked smirk on his face showed up again. I watched the boys from the balcony and ignored him.

Naka-paa silang nagsasayaw. They were jovial and talented. May pinagmanahan ang mga batang ito! They were filming a video on the shore and dancing hip-hop with the medley songs from early 20th century artists.

It was a good way to avoid them from engaging into bad vices and juvenile illegal doings. I clapped my hands once they finished with an outstanding ending. Abigail, our youngest would be astonished by their talent. They were born to be on the dance floor!

"Ang unfair mo naman babe..." I turned my head to him.

His shoulders were curling forward on the table, cramming the cigarette in a manly manner with his forefinger and middle finger. He poured the bottle of white liquor to the whiskey glass and without wasting any seconds, he guzzled it with his magnetic drunk eyes that were buried down the window of my soul. His Adam apples stirred up and down every time he gulped.

"Anong unfair ang sinasabi mo? I'm just being honest. They are obviously talented."

Lasing na ata siya. I could smell the strong scent of alcohol and smoke from where I am. It was worthless talking to a drunkard.

He reclined his back on the rocking chair.

"Sana pinalakpakan mo rin ako. I may not be quite talented as them but still I have that undeniable talent."

Bumuntong hininga siya na parang may nakadatong na mabigat sa dibdib niya.

He sounded jealous.

What he was pertaining to?

"I can't understand you. Why would I clap my hands for you?"

"You don't see it, do you?"

I couldn't find any intoxicated sign from his voice. How could he manage to be sober in that state? I mean, his voice should be shaky or wobbly. His face was blasted. Namula-mula ang tenga at ilong niya. His skin type floated his foreign features: his red dotted pigmented skin; his dark eyes and aquiline nose.

Pinutol niya ang pagtitig sa akin. He drank another shot. Umiigting ang panga niya nang bumaling ang tingin niya siya dagat.

That afternoon filled with the boy's laughter.

***

For the whole week, the scenarios were repeating each day. Sa umaga, binabati niya ako, tanging tipid lang na ngiti ang tinutugon ko. There was no blasting of music. There was no turmoil between the house. Nakapagtataka. Subalit iniwasan ko nalang ang magduda. Sumapit ang lunes ng hapon, naisipan kong mag-grocery. Naubusan na ako ng stock ng pagkain.

Pabalik balik nalang ang aking kinakain. I wanted to eat something healthy. Kahit hindi ako masyadong marunong magluto. I would do some research on the internet at tatawag na rin kay Marky.

Isinuot ko ang V-neck wrapped dress na hapit na hapit sa aking katawan. It emphasized my curves. I paired it with hingeless sunglasses na regalo pa ni Marky during my last birthday. Isang spray lang ng perfume, and I was ready to go.

A 1960s Classic Jaguar E-type was hidden in the backyard parking area. It was clean and luminous. Mukhang hindi masyadong nagagamit. Magara itong tignan at halatang mamahalin.

I wondered how much he spent for a vacation car?

Classic cars were expensive. Marky had a good taste in cars with its lavish amount.

Ibinigay ni Marky ang susi bago ang aking flight. Mabuti nalang at hindi na ako mahihirapan sa aking local transportation. I could drive wherever I want.

I was currently whirling the keys in my forefinger habang hinihimas ang outer part ng kotse. This car looked exquisite. The color was red.

"Saan ka pupunta?"

I was in the verge to open the door of the classic jaguar. I wheeled around and found him on the doorjamb. His brows were knitted. He was scanning my clothes.

"Grocery." tipid kong sagot.

Pumasok na ako sa kotse at pinaandar ang makina. The green leaves from the tree drifted as I drove the way out from the rest house. The white fence was barricading the two lands.

I noticed the white plaque on the next land. It had the blue wave and beach ball animated pictures with the cursive named Sussana Coast.

Ibig sabigin beach resort dapat ang lupain. Pero bakit walang katao-tao? Maybe, a private beach? May tatlong cottages akong natanaw sa loob. Hindi ito makikita galing sa rest house. I wasn't able to stroll the whole place.

I straightened my eyes to the way and focused on driving. The road was not crowded kahit more than 80 km speed ang pagpapatakbo ay pwedeng-pwede. Ngunit hindi ko iyon gagawin.

Kahit nasa deserto pa ako nag-dadrive. I would only do it when someone was following me with evil intentions.

Sinuklay ko ang aking buhok gamit ang isang kamay.

The breeze was fresh and sibilant to the ears. There were eco-tourism park mangroves, a public beach, farmlands, a videoke house in front a small beach with palm trees. Sa hindi kalayuan ay may alliance church and also a power plant.

I didn't need a Google Map to guide the way since it directed in one route. Napapalibutan ang lugar ng berde ng kalikasan. Matatayog na mga puno. Especially coconut trees. The small waves of deep blue water wanted me to stop by and dip my toes. I must say, this locality was like a hidden paradise of beaches and nature spring water.

Even the ass of the Philippines was breathtaking. This place should be known...

The beeping sound of motorcycles tricycles and clamors from the people in the town of Maasim was lively. Walang traffic at madali kang makakarating sa paroroonan mo.

The main business area of the locality filled with retail outlets, convenience stores, drug stores, net cafe, snack house, salons, etc. The municipal hall was well-constructed.

The moment I entered the particular merchandise, several heads followed my walk and few were murmuring. They were looking at me as if I came from a different planet. I didn't pay attention to them. I didn't feel the need to give them my precious attention.

I checked my phone at binaha ito ng mga calls at texts. I deleted all of them and didn't even dare read them one by one.

I wandered through the selves of the merchandise.

Inipit ko ang aking phone sa tenga gamit ang aking balikat.

"Hello, Marky?"

Nagsimula akong maglagay nang canned goods sa basket.

Ilang segundo bago niya sinagot ang tawag.

"Buti naman at napatawag kana. Your parents are worrying! Especially your mom! They are terribly worrying! Hinahanap ka nila sa akin at wala akong ibang magawa kundi ang magdeny na hindi ko alam. I think they hired a private investigator already." histerikong bungad ni Marky.

"What should I do?" Naalarma ako. "Ayoko munang umuwi. Isang linggo palang ako dito."

"To ensure them that you are safe, why not send me a long message? I will deliver it to them personally. Para mapanatag sina Tito at Tita."

"That's a good idea. It would at least make them feel at ease through informing them my current situation. But wait, tell me honestly, Marky. May nangyari na bang milagro sa inyong dalawa?"

I checked the nutrition label of the jar of jelly I was holding.

"Who? I couldn't remember any faces and names. The last time was on December. Wala akong bagong target. Nagtatago ata sila sa akin."

I've been cautious about his sex life. I kept telling him about the results of doing it with various men.

"Why, Eirene?" dagdag niya.

"Wala naman. Napatanong lang."

"Siguro iniisip mong may nangyari sa aming dalawa ni Mr. hottie Lopez, no?"

"Hindi ko maiwasan. Maharot ka pa naman." mapakla kong sabi.

"Kung meron man, bakla. Selos ka?" panunukso niya.

"The hell!" I shouted.

I shivered at that. Napatingin sa akin ang isang matanda. Ngumiti ako at humingi ng dispensa.

Ang imahe na naiisip ko na nagseselos dahil sa kanya ay parang palatandaan na nahihibang ako. I maybe insanely in love if that would happen.

"Ilang beses kong inakit ayaw niya talaga sa amin."

We were talking the topic so casually. His answer was a relief. I felt relief not for my neighbor but relief for my friend.

Kumuha ako ng isang rectangular box ng ice-cream at dumiretso sa counter.

"Pero ngayon bibigay na iyan dahil nandiyan kana."

"What the-"

Pinutol kaagad niya ang tawag.

Siya nga itong nagsabi na umiwas ako sa lalaking iyon.

The merchandise clerk was scanning the barcodes of the products which directly imprinted the prizes to the computer screen. Akala ko sa mga big convenience stores lang usually na gumagamit nitong barcode scanner.

I was searching home recipes in my phone while waiting. I saved some PDF files. I think I would be a proficient cook. Hula ko talaga. I could imagine it.

"Nine hundred." walang emosyong pagkakasabi ng clerk.

Sinuri niya ang aking suot at umismid.

Anong problema nito? Inggit lang siguro. Kapag may sarili na akong clinic, bibigyan ko siya ng discount pangpa-rejuvenate at pangpa-moisturize ng balat niya. Kung ano naman kapangit ang texture ng balat niya ay ganoon din ka pangit ng ugali niya.

I handed her the money. "Keep the change, Miss."

Kinuha ko ang aking paperbags matapos maisaayos at mastaple ng lalaking staff. I dashed outside. Nilagay ko ang aking mga pinamili sa backseat ng kotse ni Marky. I still got the curious facial expressions from the local folks. I composed a long message for them, saying that they should not worry about me. it wasn't enough. I'll make sure to send them a traditional letter. I pushed the send button and slipped my phone back to my purse.

It looked like I was the center of their attention. I realized I didn't buy something healthy. Inikot ko aking ang mga mata, searching for any vegetables store. Luckily, may isang vegetables cart na nakapwesto hindi kalayuan sa merchandise.

I slinked to the cart. I removed my shades. Sinubukan kong huwag ibalin ang atensyon nila sa'akin, by smiling and acting normally pero mukhang ayaw talagang bumitaw ng mga mata nila sa'akin.

"Magkano po?" Turo ko sa isang supot ng assorted slices of vegetables.

"Bente, hija."

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil nagtatagalog si Manang. Inabot ko ang pera ngunit pinagpagan ni Manang ang makulubot niyang kamay sa kanyang pantalon. Nahihiya ata si Manang madungisan ang akin.

Napangiti ako. I knew it! Approachable and respectful ang mga tao dito, maliban lang sa isang trabahante ng merchandise.

"Taga-saan ka ba ineng?" nagtatakang tanong ni Manang.

Nawala ang ngiti sa aking labi. Pero hindi naman tunog chismosa si Manang at marangal lang na nagtatanong. Anyway, it might be the reason of my incongruous clothes and Marky's out-of-place car.

"Nagbabakasyon po ako diyan lang malapit sa Sussana Coast."

"Kaya pala hindi pamiliar ang mukha mo. Ang ganda-ganda mo kasi, hija." Manang complimented me at ibinigay ang supot ng assorted vegetables.

"S-salamat po." nahihiya kong sagot.

I received a lot of praises, and I'm used to it. Hindi sa pahumble ako. Ganoon lang talaga ako mag-isip. No need to sugarcoat myself.

"Mag-ingat ka. Hapon na. Walang masyadong tricycle na humahatid banda sa Sussana Coast dahil medyo malayo."

"May kotse po akong dala, Manang..." I smiled at Manang.

"Kahit na. Mag-ingat ka parin."

Bumyahe ako pabalik nang may ngiti sa mga labi at hindi sineryoso ang sinabi ni Manang. May ilang kumakaway sa akin na mga bata at mga teenagers. Napabaling din ang mga basketball players sa basketball court ng kanilang municipal plaza. They were whistling and yelling some Bisaya endearments to me. Pati mga tricycle drivers na tumatambay sa sidewalk. The red jaguar was attractive.

I smirked.

I was driving the car when it suddenly jolted. Fifteen minutes palang ang nakalipas. There was a short coughing sound from the engine. I noticed the whirring sound a while ago at the merchandise, but I ignored it.

The red classic jaguar was old. Isang katotohanan na kay hirap paniwalaan. The sound got louder. There were few series of screeching sound. It was an awful sign when it skidded to stop.

"Oh no... Huwag kang magbiro jaguar!" I gripped the steering wheel and pedaled the accelerator one more time. The engine was barely going.

Pinadyak ko nang malakas ang pedal at pumiyok ito ng isang beses before the smoke wafted around my vision. Akala ko hindi pa ito nagagamit!

Napahilamos ako dahil sa frustration. I rested my head on the steering wheel and began my silent drama.

"I thought Marky would think about my safety? Anong plano naman kaya ang nasa-isip niya para gawin ito sa'akin? Dapat sinabihan niya ako! This is betrayal! Why would I experience this embarrassing and unfortunate situation!? Parang pinaglalaruan ako ng kapalaran!"

My heart was jumping. Walang gas station or pay-phone man lang! Jeez! What I was thinking? I was silently throwing curses in my head.

Ang usok ay kumalat sa loob ng kotse. I jumped out of the freaking old car and slammed the door. I kicked the wheel. Napangiwi ako sa sakit.

I shouldn't have kicked it! Mas lalo lang lumala ang sitwasyon. I was only wearing beach sandals and obviously, my toes ached by that stupid kick stunt I pulled.

I shambled with one raised foot and pushed the car to the sidewalk gravel with the force I could give. It slithered itself without engine power to the sidewalk. That was easy and no sweat! I ran quickly, tiptoeing and giggling at the same time.

Kahit papaano hindi ako nahirapan dun. I shove a hand to my purse, my face uglified seeing the zero-power percentage of my phone. I had my cell phone but the battery was dead.

"Fuck! Ang swerte ko naman!"

I inspected the surrounding and still the same, napapalibutan ito ng mga puno.

No vehicle passed by.

I waited for more several minutes patiently. Minutes after elapsed wala pa ding kotse o tricycle ang dumadaan.

Wala na akong ibang paraan. Walking was my only option.

I sighed. "This vacation is not making me happy anymore."

I tousled my hair into a messy bun. I picked up the paper bags of groceries from the backseat. My summer outfit felt fancy the moment I got to the car and the way the people of the locality stared at me.

Kahit ilang beses akong magmura at magdabog sa tabing kalsada wala paring tutulong. I should probably make a move afore the sky turn to dark.

I commenced my journey toward Sussana Coast. Medyo sumasakit pa ang aking paa. My eyes lowered on my feet. My manicured nails were ruined!

"Wala na bang mas ikakamalas ang hapong ito? Why me!? Sa dinami-daming taong pwedeng makaranas nito. Bakit ako pa ang napili!?"

Lumiwanag ang aking mukha nang maramdaman ang vibration ng sementadong kalsada. Ramdam ko ito sa aking paa. I reeled to the south at may paparating na bulto ng sasakyan.

I waved my right hand repeatedly. I was springing.

A miracle!

"God is always good, all the time." I whispered to the sky.

Periedot Spiels