Chapter 45.5: Naturrific 2 (Singing Froglet, Dancing Zebra) Warning: Rinam overload ahead. 

I noticed her starting to nod off after her second cup of chamomile tea. She's probably dead tired after pulling an all-nighter last night. Napangiti ako habang minamasdan siya from my peripheral vision. She's really fighting to keep awake, and she's losing very badly. I'm biding my time until she's out like a light so she can't fight me off. She has a really strong left-hook at ayokong mabiktima na naman.

I started counting to five when I saw her eyes close. Good. Her fingers started to slacken around her tea cup and I took it out of her hand before it fell on the floor.

"Z, baka sipunin ka. Pasok ka na," I murmured softly to her as she leaned on my shoulder. It's rare for her to have such a peaceful expression on her face. She wet her lips and burrowed on my side.

"Mamaya na," I heard her slur. I pulled her closer and she snuggled comfortably on my chest. I hope she doesn't realize how fast my heart is beating right now.

Sorry, hindi ko sinasadya. I'm sorry Z.

"Okay sige," I know I should stop... I shouldn't make this harder for both of us. I promised Kuya Ali. I could still hear his words in my head.

"I have one agent down already, don't add another one to the list," I couldn't help but sigh. "She's been slacking and you are distracting her from her duties."

"Pero kuya..." I started to answer but he cut me off.

"Adam, I'm starting to regret getting you all involved in the mission. Don't make this harder for the two of you. Now answer me: do you like her?"

I couldn't answer right away.  Ano ba naman yung ilagay ka bigla sa hotseat? I haven't really analyzed my feelings for her. Masaya akong kasama siya, yes. I enjoy being with someone so simple and uncomplicated. Yung alam kong walang ulterior motive kaya sumasama sa akin, yung tipong hindi nahihiya at kayang makipagsabayan.

"Yes. We're friends."

"I mean seryoso ka ba sa kanya?" His tone held no room for deceptions. Kuya Ali is not known to mince words.

"I'm not sure."

"Adam, being an agent has been Rin's dream since childhood. Don't take away that dream from her. She has sacrificed alot for this job; her family, friends, time, blood, sweat and tears... don't distract her from her goals."

"Ayusin mo muna ang sarili mo bago ka gumawa ng mga bagay na maaring makasakit sa huli. Rin is a great asset, but she is still erratic and immature. "

The painful reality hurts worse than my last heartbreak. She murmured something incoherent and I started stroking her back to calm her.

So you sleeptalk, eh? Her hair is still damp from the shower and I buried my nose on their strands.

Buti tulog ka na kasi baka baliin mo ang leeg ko kung gising ka ngayon.

"Mama..." She whimpered softly and I left a damp kiss on her forehead. Miss mo na ba sila?

"Xander...anak ng... minu-minuto puro kaga...hu..an..." Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti. Pati sa panaginip nagsasabi pa rin siya ng anak ng phrases. Kakaiba ka talaga...

"Yung kumag na palaka..." I stopped what I'm doing and listened intently, "bakit ang cute mo? Hindi makatarungan..." How many times have I heard girls say those words? Kasalanan ba namin na ganito kami pinanganak?

Cute ako? Buti alam mo. Akala ko manhid ka lang...sabi ko naman sa'yo wag ka ma-iinlove sa akin di ba? I swallowed a huge lump on my throat.

Pero bakit ang sakit? I guess I have something to confess too.

"Chen yu luo yan," I whispered softly to her. I gathered her in my arms and lifted her bridal style. She shivered when the cold wind blew over us. Kawawa naman, baka magkasakit ang zebra ko. I brought her to my room and gently placed her on my bed. I started to pull away but she held on to my arm.

"A..." I checked if she's awake pero mahimbing ang tulog niya. I chuckled softly to myself. Baliw ka rin, Adam. Kung alam lang ni Z na kaya mo siya pinapatulog sa kwarto mo para bukas, the sheets would smell like her. Baliw... baliw...

"I'm here," Okay, I probably should rethink this kasi baka bukas magising na lang akong may nakakabit na bomba sa katawan ko... or baka hindi na ako magising. Whichever comes first.

I threw caution to the wind and slid under the sheets with her. She immediately burrowed against my side and buried her nose on my collarbone. Her unconscious actions are too tempting. I held her close as I felt sleep claim me as well.

I'm sorry Irina Jean Lim Ignacio, I didn't realize how selfish I've become.

In my desire to ease my pain, I didn't consider the possibility that I could fall again. Suddenly, irrevocably. Hard. I need to fix myself before I become someone who can love you fully... who can be your strength. Let me pick up my pieces and sort myself. I want to know if these feelings are love or it's just my loneliness and feelings of betrayal talking.

I promise that this is the last. We're gonna go out with a bang.

------------------------

I woke up with a throbbing headache. Ilang minutong hindi ko binuksan ang mga mata ko sa kirot ng aking ulo. Naririnig kong may gumagalaw sa paligid. Siguro gising na si Mitch at naghahanda ng pampaligo. Matagal bago ako nakatulog kagabi.

Kahit na sinabi pa ni Prince na mas mahalaga sa kanya na okay ako kaysa sa singsing, I still feel bad about what happened. Pahamak kasi yung palaka! Kunghindi nagulat si Issa, hindi niya ako kakapitan at di rin niya mahahablot yung kwintas ko.

This is crazy. Nababaliw na yata ako, pati palaka sinisisi ko. I felt a bitter smile come into my face. Tama na nga, hindi maganda na simulan ko ang araw ko na bad vibes. Ngayon pa naman ang monthsary namin ni Prince. Miss na miss ko na siya. Gusto ko na talaga umuwi. Pati si Mommy saka sila kuya miss ko na din. Kahit si Yaya Maring miss ko na. Natuwa ako nung isang gabi kahit papano kasi tumawag sa akin si Kuya Ali at nalaman ko na nakauwi na siya sa bahay. Kasama daw niya si Ria at na-excite ako kasi may makakasama na akong babae na ka-age ko sa bahay pagbalik ko. Miss ko na din talaga si Kuya Ali.

Haaay, gusto ko na makita ang pamilya ko. Feeling ko ako ang tao na hindi kaya ang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa kasi ayokong mapalayo sa family ko. Hindi uso sa akin ang maging independent. 

I tried opening my eyes again. Parang nabawasan yung kirot ng ulo ko pero mabigat pa rin ang aking pakiramdam. Parang nilalagnat ako. I carefully tried to sit-up.

"Owww...." Napahawak ako sa nosebridge ko at bahagya kong minasahe 'pagkat biglang namuti ang paligid at tila umakyat sa ulo ko ang lahat ng aking dugo. I felt someone sit beside me on the bed and put something on my hands.

"Drink." Nathan?

Iminulat ko ang aking mata at di nga ako nagkamali. Nakaupo siya sa tabi ko at hawak pa niya ang baso na may tubig.

"C'mon," he urged me. I licked my parched lips and drank. Medyo bumuti yung pakiramdam ko. Dinama niya ang aking noo and he looked alarmed. "You're burning up!"

"Okay lang ako," I took his hand off my forehead. "Iinom na lang ako ng paracetamol."

"Wait, I'll get it for you. Saan nakalagay?"

"Dun sa blue na pouch sa harap na bulsa ng backpack ko," He went to where my backpack is at kinuha yung emergency kit ko. I swallowed one pill and drank the rest of the water.

"Is that okay? You haven't had breakfast yet." He reached out to stroke my hair off my face pero iniwas ko ang ulo ko. He looked surprised for a minute but he got the meaning of my reaction.

"It's fine. Biogesic naman yun, walang side effects." Medyo nahiya ako kasi alam ko namang concerned lang siya sa akin pero mas pinaninindigan kong hindi ako magpapaasa. "Thanks."

"Aya," he dropped his hand and licked his lips. "I'm sorry."

"Ha?" I realized that he couldn't meet my eyes and he was actually sweating. "Bakit?"

"I didn't... I know I don't have the right..." He pulled something from his pocket and I went rigid when I felt it's familiar weight and grooves. I clenched my fingers around it. What the heck?!

"I'm sorry, let me explain." His eyes were pleading with mine.

"Talk, then I'll decide if I would accept your explanation."

"I knew it belonged to you, but I knew what it meant too. I just... I guess I didn't want to accept it."

"When did you find it?"

"I came back for it that night. I couldn't take seeing your tears." He confessed. Oh, wow.

"But when I found it, I don't know what came over me. I just... I couldn't. Look, I was jealous because I knew you first but you couldn't see me. I wanted you to see me so I transferred but I was too late. Shit, Aya... I'm really sorry, it was wrong."

Gusto kong magalit. Gusto ko siyang sigawan kasi sobrang sakit nung naramdaman ko nung akala ko hindi ko na uli makikita yung singsing pero seeing how miserable he is, parang nadudurog din ang puso ko para sa kanya. Pero masama pa rin yung ginawa niya.

"Ouch!" Napahawak siya sa ulo kung saan ko siya binatukan.

"Nakakaasar ka." I pushed his shoulder. "Thanks."

"That's it? You forgive me?" Hindi siya makapaniwalang napatingin sa akin.

"Anong gusto mo, awayin kita? Murahin? Saktan?" I expelled a long breath. "Nakaka-tempt, but no. Hindi ako ganoong klase ng tao."

"Wow." He still looked like he didn't believe me. "F*ck, he's really damn lucky."

"Nathan," I took his hand and gave him a small smile. "I'm not the one for you. I'm sorry. Pero naniniwala ako na makikita mo siya. Just like I found my Prince, you will find the one that's meant for you too."      

"Ouch, I hope so." Tinitigan ko siya at saka ako natawa. Gumaan na yung pakiramdam ko.

-----------------------

I woke up feeling refreshed. Kiniskis ko yung mukha ko sa unan na sobrang lambot. Grabe, ang sarap nung tulog ko kagabi.

Ang lambot naman nitong unan ko, pati kumot. Gumamit kaya sila ng tone-toneladang Downy? Parang hindi naman ganito yung amoy ng unan at kumot ko. It smelled strong and fresh. Masculine.

Masculine...

Masculine?!

'TAKTE!

Biglang napamulat ang aking mga mata.

This is definitely NOT. MY. ROOM.

Damn, ano bang nangyari kagabi? Wait, what?! Anong nangyari?! Ang huli kong naaalala ay yung uminom ako ng tea tapos inantok ako. Oh shit, tinulugan ko ba si A? I think he's the one who brought me to his room last night.

Malamang di ba? Wala naman kaming ibang kasama dito. Wait, oh man... hindi kaya ako ginawan ng masama ng palakang 'yon?

Ano ba Rin? Feelingera ka masyado. Hindi ba yung mga gusto niya mga feminine na girls, yung mayumi? You're nowhere near that kind of person so stop dreaming. Hindi ka magugustuhan ni A. Adam.

Shit. Pag binabanggit ko yung pangalan niya, kahit sa isip pa lang parang gusto ko nang magpapadyak. Ano bang nangyayari sa akin?

Pak, nakakahiya. Agent ako tapos tinalo ako ng antok? Damn, anak  nang ginisang sisiw parati na lang akong nawawala sa huwisyo pag kasama ko siya. This is bad. This is definitely bad.

He's breaking every rule in my book.

And the worst thing is, I don't seem to mind at all.

'Di ka pwedeng ma-inlove sa akin, Z.'

He's always saying that. And I've always told him na hindi ako ganoon. Pero bakit ko ba siya palaging ine-entertain. Hindi ko naiintindihan ang sarili ko. I should stop this. I told myself over and over na I don't mix business with pleasure but I can't stand not seeing him, or talking, or replying....

This is bad.

Napalunok ako when the painful reality hit me.

My hands made contact with a package on top of the fleece blanket. Zebra-striped gift wrapper.

Ano ba 'tong lalaking 'to? Ayaw niyang may ma-in-love sa kanya pero may pa-rega-regalo pa?

At ikaw, luka-lukang babaita na tanggap nang tanggap at sama nang sama. Gaga.

I tore the package and saw a zebra-striped Headware band. Matagal ko ng gustong bumili nito pero wala akong nakitang ganitong pattern lagi sa shops. Laging sold-out. 

Bakit ba niya ako nireregaluhan? Hindi naman siguro siya super generous lang di ba? I mean, parati siyang nagbabayad kapag kumakain kami sa labas at hindi naman puro turo-turo niya ako dinadala.

Rin. Tumigil ka. Wag ka sabing feelingera. Baka na-mi-miss lang niya si A7 na kapatid niya. Yeah, that must be it. Friends lang kayo, so keep it that way.

Pero paano pag nangligaw siya?

Putspa. Anak ng bakulaw na naka-tutu, kung ano-ano nang pumapasok sa utak koooo!

"Aaargh!" Ginulo ko yung buhok ko. Patay. Patay talaga ako.

--------------------

Tahimik si A at hindi ako sanay. Parang ang seryoso ng mood niya.

Ano bang nangyari kagabi? Bakit parang nakakapanibago siya?

"Gusto mo ba ng chips?" I offered him and he shook his head. "Hot choco?" He shook his head again.

"Tapos na. Para sa'yo talaga yan," he replied.

"Ayaw mo, 'de wag." I can't help but pout. May topak ba 'to? Bipolar? Kahapon ang saya-saya nung sinundo ako pero ngayon naman ang weird lang. I looked out of the car's window. "Bwisit."

"Ano 'yon?" I rolled my eyes and didn't reply. I took out my earphones and listened to some music to pass the time. Di ko napansin na nakatulog na ako.

"Hey, Z. We're here," I felt him shake my shoulder. Hindi ko pinansin at nag-tulog-tulugan ako. He was very quiet before I felt his fingers tuck my hair behind my ear. He pulled off my earphones. Hindi niya alam na kanina ko pa pinatay yung sounds. "Gising na. Paano ka ba naging agent, tulog-mantika ka?"

Bwisit na 'to. Lakas talaga mambuska!

Bibigwasan ko na sana pero napatigil ako sa sumunod niyang sinabi.   

"Sorry, Z. I want you to be happy, pero... oh man. Ang gago ko."

Anong sinasabi niya?

Oh shit. Nagkunwari akong naalimpungatan. Peste-pestita, anong klaseng kadramahan ba meron dito kay A ngayon? I gingerly opened my eyes.

"Hmmm, dito na ba tayo?" He looked surprised at bigla siyang lumayo.

"Ah, oo. Tara na. Mamaya abutan tayo ng init." He turned away and opened the door on his side. Teka, di niya binuksan pinto sa side ko? Bago yun ah.

Ay leche. Hoy Rin, feeling chicks ka? Eww... di ako dapat nasasanay sa special treatment. I opened the door on my side and took my bag from him.

Sumisikat pa lang ang araw at napakalamig ng hanging bahagyang umiihip. Pi-nark niya ang kotse sa isang eatery na naroon at kinausap yung may-ari para maiwan namin ng overnight.

"Tara, Z," He held out his hand to me but I didn't take it. Nag-inat ako. Binawi niya yung kamay niya at tumalikod na. Naiwan akong nakatanga sa likod niya. Putspa, na-realize ko na lang na nagsisimula na siyang mag-trek.

"Ay anak ng tortang palaka," I muttered to myself as I scrambled up to follow him. "Hoy A!" Shit, ang taas ng damo at naramdaman ko kaagad na na-soak yung rubber shoes ko. The tall grass that swayed were all covered in sparkling silver dew.

Sa una parang ang tahimik. Napatigil ako at iginala ang aking mata sa luntiang paraisong iyon. Naririnig ko ang matinis na sagutan ng mga ibon at mahinang kiskisan ng mga dahong basa na inuugoy ng malamig na hangin. Ngayon pa lang talaga ako mag-cli-climb sa tanang buhay ko. Hindi pa kasi kami naka-abot sa jungle warfare sa training ko at kaya puro urban at lab ang napupuntang trabaho sa akin.

"Z, 'lika na. Ang tagal mo, zebra ka ba talaga? Ba't di ka makasunod?" He pulled me out of my reverie when he  caught my hand in his.

"Sandali lang naman kasi," I pouted at him. "Saka hindi naman sa gubat ang habitat ko. Sa savannah kaya ang mga zebra."

"Sasagot pa eh," he pretended to be pissed. "Lika na, baby Z." He ruffled my hair and I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Baby Z, ka diyan..." He smiled his first genuine smile of the day. Why do I feel so relieved? He turned away and tugged me to follow him. His figure cut a broad swath through the tall grass and I blushed when I realized that he's still  holding my hand tightly in his warm one.

-----------------------

Pakshet ka A.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang bwisit na nararamdaman ko habang pinagmamasdan si A at yung babaeng nakadikit sa kanya at humahalakhak sa bawat sabihin niya.

Peste. Peste ka. Mahilig ka talaga sa maarte at makati. T*ngna. Ayoko na. Uuwi na talaga ako. I adjusted the strap of my daypack at tinanggal ko yung suot ko na headware para pigaan. Napaka-humid ng hangin at di nakatulong ang malagkit na putik na hanggang tuhod.

Bakit ko ba kasi naisipang sumama dito? Anak ng patatas ni Sarah, dapat nagpahinga na lang ako sa HQ para hindi ganito... hindi ako pinapapak ng insekto at ginagawang main course ng mga limatik!

"Ugh. Sh*t," bahagya akong napamura ng na-out-balance ako at natanggal ang sapatos ko. Leche, dapat pala hindi na ako nagsapatos. Napakadulas at lalim ng putik at parating naiiwan sa pagkalubog ang sapatos ko. "Fine." I pulled my shoes off at itinali ko together yung mga shoelaces bago isinabit sa backpack ko. Masakit yung mga ugat at may matatalas na bato pero mas mabilis akong nakakilos dahil hindi ko na maya't-mayang hinihila paalis sa putikan ang sapatos ko.

"Adam tanggalin mo, please?" Pak. Gusto kong maghuramentado kapag naririnig ko ang boses nitong babaeng 'to. Nakasabay lang namin sila kanina kasama yung dalawang lalaking mga pinsan daw niya. Nung una pa-demure pa ang luka-luka pero ng maglaon ayun, kumapit na kay A na mas matindi pa sa limatik, lalo na nung malaman niya na hindi kami mag-boyfriend.

"Don't move, okay." Lumuhod si Adam at hinawakan yung binti nung babae. Tinanggal niya yung limatik na kumapit roon at tumulo ang dugo.

"Oh, oh... I'm scared of blood!" Yumakap ito kay A. Syet, ang OA lang at parang masusuka ako sa ka-cheapan niya. Bwisit.

Sa sobrang asar ko, hindi ko napansin yung tinatapakan ko. I hissed in pain when I felt the sharp stone slice through the sole of my foot. Damn. Nakagat ko na lang ang labi ko at hindi ako kumikilos sa kinatatayuan ko kasi hindi ko alam kung saan ako uupo na hindi ako lulubog. Ano bang katangahan 'to Rin? Kung sa training nangyari ito, tiyak bagsak ka at baka matanggalan pa ng privileges.

"Hey," the guy behind me nudged my shoulder. "Okay ka lang?" I nodded to him and tried to smile.

"Yeah, nagpapahinga lang sandali." I lied. Ang hapdi nung paa ko. I quickly scanned the area. S'an ba ako pwedeng umupo?

"Z?" I heard A call my name. "Are you okay?" Hindi. Obvious ba? Leche ka.

"Oo, okay lang." I turned away from them kasi parang kumukulo na ang dugo ko. Lechugas, pechay, talaba... gusto ko nang umuwi!

"Adam yung paa ko masakit na," the girl complained. I spied a banana tree a few meters to the side and decided to limp my way there. Hinila ko yung isang saha para may maupuan. I got my water bottle at binuhusan ko ng tubig yung paa ko para makita ko yung damage. Hindi naman pala ganoon kalaki. Wala naman akong choice kasi nasa gitna pa lang kami ng climb at kahit suotin ko yung sapatos ko, mapupuno pa rin ako ng putik.

"Oh, that hurts." The guy from earlier sat beside me. He handed me his water bottle. "Inom ka. Ubos na yung sa'yo eh."

"Thanks," I was about to reach for it pero sinalag ni A ang kamay ko.

 "Thanks pare, ako na." He handed me his own water bottle and I was reluctant to accept it pero inabot ko na rin. I let the water trickle down my throat without letting my lips touch the mouth of the bottle. Mahirap na, indirect kiss na yun.

"Z?" I felt him kneel beside me.

"Sandali lang. Hinga muna ako," I said softly. Agad kong ibinaba yung paa ko but he reached for my foot.

"Ano bang ginagawa mo?" He said in a soft scolding tone. "Lagot ako." Naiinis talaga ako sa kanya. Hinila ko kaagad yung paa ko.

"Nevermind." I started to stand pero pinigilan niya yung braso ko.

"Kapit ka sa 'kin. Dun ka lang mag-step kung saan ako tatapak, okay?" He pulled me close and slid his arm around my waist. Shet.

Shet. Parang nanigas yung katawan ko.

"Ano ba A..." I protested softly. Matalim na nakatingin yung girl sa akin at hinila na siya ng mga kasama niya. "Kaya ko nang maglakad." I tried to pull away pero hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa akin. Parang gusto kong mapangiti sa ekspresyon ng mukha nung girl.

"Tin, tara na," One of the guys tugged at her arm at napaismid siya.

"Sige, mauna na kayo guys. See you sa base camp." A waved at them and they returned his wave. "Dahan-dahan lang tayo."

"Okay nga lang ako. Agent ang kasama mo hindi kamote." I elbowed his side.

"Owww... masakit yun, dear." He massaged his side. "Sorry ha, akala ko kasi patatas ka."

" 'Tado!" Siniko ko ulit. Bwisit. Kung di ka lang kapatid ni Jaguar baka ibinaon na kitang parang patatas diyan sa putikan! Patatawarin kaya niya ako kapag niligpit ko ang isa sa mga kapatid niya?

"Peste ka talagang palaka ka, dun ka na sa Tin mo at baka kainin siya ng limatik kapag hindi ka niya kinapitan. Bwisit ka."

"Selos?" Yung nakakalokong ngiti. Peste. Ang cute.

Putspa. Naloko na. Nararamdaman kong uminit yung pisngi ko at lalong lumapad ang ngiti ng kumag na 'to.

"Bakit naman ako magseselos, tayo ba?" Inirapan ko siya at tinulak. Bwisit. Pero dahil maputik at lumulubog ako, hindi ako makaalis kaagad. I felt his hand slide around my waist again.

"Shh... Z, let me hold you okay?" Hindi niya ako hinayaang makasagot. Instead, he pulled me closer and guided my steps. "Promise, di na kita iiwan."

"A, okay lang talaga ako." I tried to stop pero parang nakakaladkad ako sa bilis ng hakbang niya. "A, sandali lang..." 

Pero hindi siya sumagot at mukhang bumalik na naman yung heavy mood niya kanina. 

------------------------ 

"Di ko alam na pinaninindigan mo talaga yung pagiging Patatas Girl." Leche. Mukha siyang timang na nagpipigil ng tawa habang hawak yung supot ng marble potatoes na dala ko. Putspa. Eh dapat ibibigay ko yun kay Mama para iluto dahil wala na nga akong balak na sumama dito kay A. Iniwan ko na yung karne sa HQ dahil baka masira sa biyahe.

"Akin na nga yan!" I grabbed the bag of potatoes from him. "Peste, wag mo na nga iluto." Binato ko siya ng patatas at tinamaan siya sa noo.

"Oww... ang pikon mo talaga Princess Sarah," he laughed as I pelted him with more potatoes. "Oi, tama na masakit!" He held his hands up and tried to stop my barrage of projectiles. "Z!"

"Alam mo, bababa na ako. Mag-isa ka na dito." I stood up and returned to the cottage. Feeling ko ang childish ng ginagawa ko at para akong hindi agent, pero leche talaga 'tong si A. Nakakawala ng poise.

'Takte, at kelan ka pa natuto ng poise ha? Nagiging weak ka na ba?

Napalunok ako. I don't like where my thoughts are heading.

"Z, sorry na," I heard him enter the cottage. "Uy, joke lang naman eh. Di ka talaga mabiro," he took my bag from my hands. "Wag ka umalis, please? Last na request ko na 'to."

"Ang lakas mo maka-request sa'kin, kasing-lakas ng pagkabwisit ko sa'yo." I pulled my bag at parang naghihilahan kami. "Bitawan mo nga!"

"Irina, please?"

WHAT. THE. H*LL?

I'm convinced may sapi siya. Simula kaninang umaga ang weird na niya. Para siyang bipolar na pusang hindi manganak. Nabitiwan ko yung bag ko.

Damn. Hindi talaga makatarungan. Why does my name sound so different when it came from his lips?  

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I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the bus arrive. Maaga akong dumating kasi atat na akong makita si Goddess. I spent the whole morning preparing and cooking for our dinner. Nilinis ko din ang apartment at pinalitan lahat ng covers pati punda ng unan.  

Ang tagal naman niya.

I started to worry nung halos lahat ng tao bumaba na sa bus. Asan si Aya?

I went up the bus and saw her with her groupmates. She was leaning heavily on Issa at napabilis ang lakad ko para abutin siya.

"Goddess?" I caught her in my arms. "Baby?"

"Kanina pa mataas yung lagnat niya," Mitch said. Hawak niya yung backpack ni Aya. Inabot ko at isinukbit sa balikat ko before I guided her out of the bus.

"Baby mainit ka, okay ka lang ba?" I put my hand against her forehead to check her temperature. She's burning up. "Gusto mo iuwi na kita sa inyo?" Masyadong mataas yung lagnat niya at nag-aalala ako.

"Hindi, dun tayo sa apartment. Nagsabi na ako kay Mommy na monthsary natin. Pinayagan niya ako hanggang 11pm." She buried her nose against my collarbone. "Uwi na tayo, Prince." She's shivering and I tightened my hold. Inalalayan ko siya papasok sa kotse.

"Bye Aya, kita tayo sa Monday, okay?" Issa and Mitch waved to her and she waved weakly at them. I put her bag sa backseat then strapped her seatbelt for her.

We drove quietly and I often stole glances at her. Namumula yung pisngi at leeg niya. She's curled up and sleeping on the passenger seat. Hindi ko mapigilang mapabuntong-hininga. Binuhat ko siya papasok ng apartment and gently placed her on my sofa.

"Aya, gising ka muna." I gently shook her. "Gusto mo mag-change sa kwarto?" She opened her eyes and nodded at me. Tatayo sana siya pero I picked her up para hindi na siya mahirapan. She placed her arms around my neck.

"Sorry, Prince..." She murmured softly as I placed her on the bed. I pulled off her shoes and socks.

"Bakit naman?" I placed a kiss on her feverish skin. Kawawa naman, mukhang pagod na pagod siya. "Change ka na? Kunin ko yung bag mo or yung damit mo na lang dito yung gamitin natin?"

"Yung dito na lang." I nodded at her and went to my closet. May shirt at three fourths siya doon.

"Baby, kunin ko yung bag mo. Andun yung undies mo eh," I left the room and got her bag.

"Sorry. Ako na lang," she tried to stand pero pinaupo ko ulit sa kama. Nilagay ko yung bag sa paanan niya at siya na ang naglabas ng mga damit niya na pangloob. I helped her to the bathroom pero pinalabas niya ako agad para makapagpalit. 

I waited for her to finish and guided her to the bed.

"Gusto mo ng soup?" I asked her and she nodded eagerly.

"Okay lang ako, Prince. Pahingi na lang water para makainom ulit ako ng gamot."

I went to the kitchen and got her water. I also ladled some soup in a bowl at inilagay yun sa tray para mainitan yung sikmura niya.

"Wow, thank you Prince," she smiled at me when I placed the bowl on her lap. "Ako na," she protested pero I insisted on feeding her.

"Ako na baby," I smiled at her. "Masarap?"

"Oo. Favorite ko 'tong mushroom soup." She eagerly ate.

"I know. I prepared yung favourite mo. Nakulitan na nga si Kuya Alfred at sabi pupunta na lang daw siya dito sa apartment para hindi ako tawag nang tawag." She laughed at that.

"Ang close mo na kay Kuya."

"Syempre. Magiging kuya ko naman siya eh, mabuti na yung maaga ako magsimula." I grinned at her.

"Prince," I looked up and she held her hand up. I saw her wearing my ring.

"Nahanap mo?" I took her hand at di ko mapigilan na halikan.

"Nathan found it for me," she replied at umasim ang mukha ko. "Wag ka sumimangot. He's a good guy."

"Did he try anything?" Hindi ko mapigilan yung inis ko kapag pumapasok sa usapan yung kumag na 'yon.

"Wala. Saka sabi ko naman trust me, di ba?" I took the bowl and tray away at ininom niya yung paracetamol. I brought the items to the sink and returned to her side. She looked better already.

"Prince, dito ka." She patted the place beside her and I climbed into the bed with her. I pulled her into my arms and she held on to me tightly. Ramdam ko na miss na miss din niya ako sa higpit ng kapit niya. I felt her sobbing on my shoulder.

"Bakit umiiyak ka baby?"

"Kasi pinaghandaan mo yung monthsary natin pero di naman natin ma-enjoy." She hiccupped.

"Bakit naman tayo hindi mag-eenjoy? Andito ka na, kasama ko. Yun lang ang importante sa'kin," I wiped her tears away. Ayokong nakikitang umiiyak siya.

"Kasi sayang naman yung food."

"Pwede pa yun ilagay sa ref tapos kapag maganda na yung pakiramdam mo mamaya or bukas, di kainin natin," I reassured her. Hay, baby ko. "Smile ka na, okay?"

" 'love you," she murmured softly against my chest.

"I love you more," I whispered to her. I feel so happy that she's back in my arms. "Pahinga ka na."

"Paano ka?" She murmured drowsily.

"Di magpapahinga din," I kissed her nose. "Rest, Goddess. Gusto ko malakas ka para makabawi ka sa'kin." I grinned at her and she pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Ikaw ha..." I pulled her closer and tucked her head under my chin with a laugh.

"Pero babawi ako," she whispered to my ear and I couldn't help but shiver with the promise from her lips.

------------------

I let my body sway to the beat. Marami rin ang mga grupong kasabay namin na nag-climb and they decided to have a huge bonfire where we shared food, drinks and music. May nagdala ng gitara at bongos at nagsimula sila ng sayawan.

A was in the middle of the semi circle, playing the guitar and singing a Brazilian song. Mabilis yung beat at hindi mapigilan ng mga naroon ang mapaindak. Hindi ko rin mapigilan ang mapahanga sa boses niya. Shete, ang daming girls ang pumalibot sa kanya at nginingitian siya buong gabi.

Well, mapipigilan mo ba kung mag-fall sila? Eh pa-fall naman talaga 'tong si A. Ang lakas ng charisma sa chicks. Yung iba blatantly niyayaya siyang magsayaw pero tumatanggi siya.

"Hi," I heard someone say beside me and I saw yung isa sa mga nakasabay ko kanina sa climb. Yung lalaking nag-offer ng tubig niya sa akin.

"Hi."

"Wanna dance?" He offered. Hindi niya hinintay yung sagot ko at hinila ako sa gitna. The heck?! Kung makahila naman si kuya, ang sarap sapakin. He started dancing at napansin kong magaling siya. "C'mon baby." He urged me on. "Di ka ba marunong?"

THE. H*LL?

I smirked at him. Di pala marunong ha?

I started dancing at siya naman ang napangisi. Kung may pole lang dito, baka tumulo pa ang laway mo.

"Hey," I was startled when I felt an arm snake around my waist. "Move with me, baby." Hindi ko napigilan yung reaksyon ko at tinapakan ko yung lalaki at sinikmuraan.

"Whoa! Wait!" A was immediately at my side, "wait, pare." The guy threw a glare at him.

"Gago ka! 'T*ngna, sinong nagsabing pwede mo 'kong hawakan?!" I aimed my fist at him.

"Dude, if you value your life, back-off." A warned the guy. He muttered a curse before he picked himself up and left. A turned to me, "okay ka lang?"

"Yeah. Kayang-kaya ko yun. Dapat di mo ako pinigilan," I smirked at him. He laughed.

"Alam ko, kaya nga pinigilan kita. C'mon," he put his arm around my shoulders. "Halika na."

"S'an mo ba ako dadalhin?" I tried to shrug him off. Naiinis pa rin pala ako sa kanya.

"Saan pa? Bakit ba tayo nandito? Di ba papakitaan kita ng stars?" He grinned at me. Oo nga pala.  

"Hindi ba tayo magdadala ng light?" I asked him as he guided me away from the clearing. The sound of the music faded away to be replaced by the singing of the night insects. Ang daming fireflies at malamig yung hangin.

"No need, basta kapit ka lang sa'kin," he sounded so sure. We walked in companionable silence. He seemed to be in his element. We reached a small protrusion of rocks na may secluded na spot sa gitna. "Look up, Z."

And I did.

"Wow." I was awed at how many stars there are at the sky. Walang buwan at mas lalong naging matingkad yung pangningning nila. I remembered his words from before. I now understood how he felt so dwarfed by the universe.

"Come here," he patted the spot beside him where he spread his jacket. "Upo ka dito."

It seemed a taboo to break the silence. Tahimik akong naupo sa tabi niya.

"Maganda ba?" He whispered beside me as if he was afraid to break the silence too. I nodded as I gazed up.

"I've seen a hundred different nightskies but it feels different everytime." He had a wistful smile on his face. "I think this is the best one yet."

"Yeah," hindi ko alam kung saan ako nag-a-agree kasi ito naman yung first mountain nightsky ko so I guess, yeah, this is the best yet. He started pointing to the constellations and telling me their stories.

I lost myself in his sounds, his scent, his warmth... I watched how his lips formed his words as he explained the dark carpet of the nightsky to me. I realized I couldn't concentrate on the sky because his light shines so much brighter than the stars. His aura blazed and outshone the constellations. I realized I could listen forever to his voice.

"Z, tulog ka na?" His breath is warm near my face. Nakakahumaling na hindi ko maintindihan. Nakapikit na pala ako."Ganon ba ako ka-boring at parati mo na akong tinutulugan?" His tone held a bit of disappointment. "Kawawa ka naman Adam, di ka na pinapansin ng zebra mo."

Zebra niya? 'Langhiya, bakit di ko napapansin kanina yung sinasabi nito? Ano 'kala mo sa'kin, pet?

"Halikan kaya kita?"

Subukan mo at para bukas manghiram ka ng mukha sa buko. Badtrip.

I opened my eyes just as his face loomed closer to mine and I felt the warmth of his lips.

Tiānyuán qiǎohé.*

--------------------

A/N:

*A meeting destined by Heaven.

Biogesic - is a brand of paracetamol manufactured by Unilab

Downy - brand of fabric softener manufactured by Procter and Gamble

Headware - is an All-purpose stretchable, breathable and tubular accessory that can be used as a scarf, headband, wristband, dustmask, balaclava, scrunchie, pirate cap, beanie, classic bandana, tube top, and even, believe it or not a skirt. Copyright Headware. For more info, please log on to: http://shop.theheadware.com/

P.S. Wala pa akong nakikitang zebra-striped na headware. Huehue... XD Wag kayo maghanap.

Edited 11-11-2014. Patawad. Salamat kay LifeIsRed for the great insights *hugs you super-duper tight* *punasluha* Buti na lang sinabi mo sa akin, thank you kabute!