Chapter 46: Gathering Storm

The sound of the bass reverberated along my very bones as I toyed with my drink on the bar. Sweaty bodies undulated to the beat of the house music as strangers met and shared intimacies in the dark. For the first time, I paid no attention to the smiles directed at my way. Instead, I watched the swirling, dark liquid as it mixed with the slowly melting ice. Beads of cold water bled like tears on the rim.

They looked so much like Bleu's tears.

I don't know why it never bothered me before – breaking hearts. It seemed so easy: all fun and games and when they get too serious, I take a step back. The rules were that simple.

The rules have changed.

Or I have changed.

I gulped my drink and felt it slowly burn down my chest, before settling warmly in my  stomach. I signalled the bartender to give me another one and she flashed me a knowing smile.

Darn. It didn't have the effect it should have.

What the hell is happening to you Alfredo Derick Zabala?

Imposible namang nababakla ka na?

Oh shit, hindi pwede.

'Tangna, the last time I went to bed with someone was two fucking months ago. That's the longest I've been without a bed partner since I was eighteen. I can't be losing my fuckin' libido at only twenty four. Shit.

My phone started to vibrate and I glanced at the screen.

Baby Girl Calling...

My spirits lifted a bit. Miss ko na si baby girl. We haven't really hanged out lately simula nung maging sila ni Prince.

"Hi baby girl," I greeted her.

"Kuya, nakabalik na po ako," her voice sounded scratchy and I frowned.

"Okay ka lang ba? Bakit boses palaka ka baby?"

"Ang bad mo talaga kuya, hindi kaya. May sipon lang ako," she sniffed. "Ang ingay kuya, asan ka po?"

"Andito sa Privé, naghahanap ng date," I heard her sigh. "Ikaw, asan ka baby? Gusto mo dalhan kita food?"

"Hindi na po, andito ako sa apartment ni Prince."

Napakunot-noo ako, "bakit di ka sa bahay magpahinga baby?"

"Okay lang po ako, inaalagaan ako ni Prince." I licked my lips. Ang daya, buti pa 'tong si baby girl may Prince na. Si Aidan may Red, si Ali may Ria, at mukhang 'tong si Adam pinopormahan yung Rin.

"Kuya, bakit ang tahimik niyo po?"

"Di mo na kailangan si kuya, may Prince ka na," I pouted eventhough she couldn't see me. The lights and smoke machine played strange lights on my empty glass. I saw more empty smiles directed at my way.

"Grabe, tampo na si kuya agad," I heard her say, "wag ka na magtampo kuya. Love naman kita eh."

"Kausapin ko si Prince," I heard her moving before I heard him answer.

"Hi Kuya Alfred," bungad niya sa'kin.

"Kamusta si Diosa? Is she okay? Baka mamaya pagurin mo siya ha? Uupakan kita."

"Hindi kuya, aalagaan ko po si Aya," he assured me. "I'll bring her home in a little while. Wala siyang ganang kumain eh. Napilit ko lang mag-soup."

"Dapat lang. Pag may nangyari sa kapatid ko, yari ka sa 'kin Constantino."

"Don't worry kuya, ako na pong bahala. I'll take care of Aya."

"Siguraduhin mo. Iuwi mo nang maaga 'yang kapatid ko. Baka mamaya lumala yung sakit niya."

"Opo kuya." Alam ko sinsero siya. Alam ko napa-paranoid lang ako, pero I can't help it. Natural lang na maging protective kami sa bunso namin.

"Okay, kausapin ko si Diosa." I heard him pass the phone to her. "Baby, magpahinga ka na. Gusto mo ba ng fruits? Dadalhan kita bukas."

 "Sige po. Thank you kuya Alfred."

"Okay, tulog ka nang maaga. Goodnight baby girl."

"Good night po. 'Love you po. Wag ka na magtampo." She giggled before I heard the click and the call ended.

I sighed and stared at the device on my hands. My contacts list is full of numbers from random girls. Girls who are game any time. Girls who just want a good time...

Yet I'm haunted by laughing brown eyes.

Seriously, this is getting annoying. 'Tangna, nagayuma ba ako? Not that I actually believe in that stuff, but man... this is crazy.

It's not like I don't try. Pero nung hinalikan ako ng ka-date ko kagabi, ni wala man lang akong naramdaman. Nothing.  

"Bang," I heard a soft whisper by my ear and someone's finger on the small of my back. "Why so serious, handsome?" I turned and saw dark, seductive eyes.

"Hello, mi bella," I kissed her cheek. "Do you wanna drink?" She nodded and took the seat beside me. I noticed a taller girl with her who took the seat on my other side.

"Strawberry daiquiri," Jem ordered from the bartender. "This is Jace, by the way." She introduced the beautiful creature beside me. Long, gorgeous locks framed a strong face and smoky eyes.

"Piacere di conoscerla," She smiled as I took her hand and kissed it.

"Alfredo Zabala and the pleasure is all mine."

"The night is young, let's dance?" Jem didn't wait for my reply. She pulled my hand and led me to the dance floor. She looked gorgeous in her little pink number.

Oh yeah. This is gonna be one long night.

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

"Ano yan?" Aya frowned as she touched the patch I placed on her forehead. "Kool-fever? Seriously?" She laughed. "Para naman akong two years old niyan eh."

"Sabi ni kuya, yari ako sa kanya pag may nangyari sa'yo," I replied habang pinapalis yung kamay niya. "Wag mong tanggalin."

"Priiiiince!" She pouted at me. "Ayaw ko nito..."

"No, wag makulit," I tried to be stern but ended up laughing with her.

"Hay, ang epic ng monthsary na 'to," she buried her nose on my shoulder. "Hmmm... ang daya ang bango mo..."

"Gusto mo maligo? Mag-iinit akong tubig. Walang hot shower dito sa apartment eh," I stroked her back.

"Di na. Sa bahay na lang," she murmured drowsily.

"Gusto mo na bang umuwi?" I asked her gently. Alam kong pagod siya, at alam ko ring pinipilit niya ang sarili niya para sa'kin.

"Ayaw. Dito muna tayo..." she rubbed her nose against my shirt. "Sawa ka na sa'kin?"

"Hindi no," I hugged her tighter. "Hindi ako magsasawa sa'yo... miss na miss nga kita eh." I kissed the top of her head.

"Kiss ka nang kiss, mamaya mahawa ka sa sipon ko," she chided me.

"Hindi yan," I assured her. "Na-miss kita talaga," I confessed.

"Hmmm... I love you," she smiled up at me. "Anong ginawa mo nung wala ako?"

"Gumawa ng project saka thesis proposal. Naka-uno ako," I grinned at her.

"Wow naman, ikaw na may uno."

"Syempre, inspired ako eh," I kissed her forehead. "Nag-promise ako sa'yo saka kila Mama na magseseryoso na ko."

"I'm so proud of you," she tightened her arms around me. "Ang galing ng Prince ko."

"Syempre, I want to be worthy of you Goddess," I stroked her cheek.

"Ano ka ba, you're worth it Prince. Kahit hindi ka maka-uno or top of the class, proud ako sa'yo saka love kita."

I smiled and kissed her brow, "kaya tanggalin mo na 'to, please?" She gave me a hopeful look but I just shook my head.

"No." She pouted at me. Grabe, parang bata talaga 'tong girlfriend ko. But I love her all the more... I love her innocent ways, her honest reactions, and her simplicity.

I smoothed the frown on her forehead with a fingertip. "Gusto ko gumaling ka na agad baby. Ayokong nahihirapan ka." I took her temperature.

"Mmm... kaya kita love eh," she snuggled closer. Nabawasan na yung init niya at mukhang  mas masigla siya kaysa kaninang pagbaba namin sa bus. I put the thermometer on the side table and rearranged our position on the bed. I want her to be as comfortable as possible. Si Aya yung tipo na mahina sa lamig at ang bilis sipunin.   

"Baby, tago ko muna yung food ha." Nagpaalam ako sa kanya bago tumayo. Sayang naman kasi yung pagkain na niluto ko para sa dinner namin kung masisira lang. Saka parang wala na rin akong gana kung mag-isa lang ako kakain.

"Di ka pa kakain?" She asked.

I shook my head, "hindi na siguro. Bukas na lang para sabay tayo."

"Baka magutom ka. Okay lang naman ako dito. Magpapahinga na lang muna ako." She assured me.

"Gusto ko kasabay kita. Niluto ko 'yon for the two of us so gusto ko sabay tayong kakain." She got up and hugged my middle. "Kaya pagaling ka na baby kasi gusto ko matikman mo yung food na prinepare ko." She buried her face on my chest and nodded eagerly.  

"Grabe ka, eto magpapagaling na nga," she grimaced and pinched my cheek. 

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

I closed the door of my bedroom with a sigh after I put Aya back on the bed. Gusto niya akong samahan na magligpit pero sabi ko magpahinga na lang siya. I know na na-gui-guilty siya pero alam ko rin namang hindi niya sinadyang magkasakit.

I made quick work of cleaning up everything and putting the food in containers para pwede pang kainin bukas. Baka ipauwi ko na lang kay Goddess then punta ako ng maaga sa kanila bukas para sabay kaming makapag-breakfast.

I was busy putting away the dishes when my phone rang. Si Mama, tumatawag.

"Hi Ma," I answered her quickly. Ang matampuhin ni Mama lately kaya ayokong mainis na naman siya kaagad.

"Prince, anak, kamusta?"

"Okay lang Ma, nagliligpit lang ako ng mga pinggan." Tinuyo ko lahat ng pinggan bago inilagay sa paminggalan.

"Hindi ka na naman umuwi dito. Wala ka ng oras sa amin," may hinampo ang boses niya.

 "Hindi po ganon Ma, next week uuwi ako diyan para sa birthday ni Papa." I sighed. Eto na naman tayo. Alam ko na ang susunod na litanya ni Mama.

"Prince, baka naman mamaya isama mo pa dito si Aya." I had to suppress a groan. Ano ba naman itong si Mama, hanggang ngayon di pa rin makalimutan yung nangyari kahit ilang beses ko ng in-explain na wala namang kasalanan si Goddess.   

"Ma, isasama ko po siya. Please naman, wag nating pag-awayan 'to. I love you Ma."

"I love you pero hindi mo naman ako sinusunod. Ang tigas ng ulo mo. Ang daming babaeng nagkakagusto sa'yo, bakit sa magulo ka lagi pumupunta?"

"Ma, hindi nga po ganon 'yon. Please, ma?"

"Ewan ko ba sa'yo, parati na lang ikaw ang nasusunod sa sarili mo." I heard a click and the line went dead. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako.

I went back inside my room to find Aya sleeping soundly. I sat down beside her as gently as I could and checked her temperature. Halos wala na yung lagnat niya. I got up and fixed the covers around her and went outside to make a call.

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

I was surprised to see her eyes brim with tears.

"Z?"

"Ang kapal mo!" There was a resounding crack before pain bloomed on my left temple.

WTF?!

"Sh*t ," I cursed softly as my vision blurred and the world spun.

"Anak ka talaga ng tatay mo!" I felt her kick my shin and I was left in a writhing, painful mass. "First kiss ko 'yon! Bw*sit! Hayop!"

"What the h*ll, Z?!" 'T*ngna, sa ilong ko lang naman siya hinalikan ah?! "Teka, tekaaa!" I got a few more thumps on the head. F*ck, nahihilo na 'ko.

"Ang gago mo! Palakang hayop ka!" Oh shit, she's... crying?

"Z?" I groped around in the dark. I could hear her backing away from me.

"F*ck you!" My vision is slowly returning and I can see her blurry figure.

"Sorry na," I tried to reach for her. "Sorry na,please?"

"Walang sorry-sorry, mababalik mo ba yung... arrgh!"

"Teka, di pa naman kita ki-niss ah? I mean not like..." she gave me a look of horror before she turned and ran away from me.

The f*ck? Anyare dun?

I scrambled up and followed her. 'Takte, ang bilis naman tumakbo ng zebra ko.

"Irinaa!" I called out to her pero hindi niya ako pinansin. She's already gone when I got up from the ground. "Z!!" I sighed deeply and followed the trail she left. Nakabuti siguro na galit siya because she didn't care about masking her trail. I shook my head to clear the ringing on my ears.

Dear, you have one h*ll of a kick.

I took my time walking among the undergrowth. I tried to compose what I would say to her.

Teka, hinalikan ko lang naman siya. I mean, yeah pero it doesn't count. I mean, ang definition ng first kiss sa lips di ba?

Kailan pa nila sinabing pwedeng maging first kiss yung sa ilong? I mean, well technically baka ako nga unang nag-kiss sa nose ni Z na hindi niya kamag-anak pero sobra naman yung reaction niya. Like... watdahel?

Oh, shit parang ang layo naman nang narating nitong si Z. I breathed deeply as I pushed through the dense undergrowth. Ang dilim pa naman, paano pag nakagat siya ng ahas? O kaya madapa siya tapos mahulog sa bangin?

Shit, Adam ang gago mo kasi.

Adam sabi niya sa'yo, agent siya hindi kamote. Stop dwelling on the worst-case scenario. 

I found her sitting on a clearing by the waterfalls. Mabuti na lang nakita ko siya kaagad kasi mala-camouflage yung zebra-striped na jacket niya. Maingay ang lagaslas ng tubig at napapalibutan ng madulas na bato ang daanan. She's hugging her knees while hiding her head on her arms on the ankle-deep water. I took off my slippers on the edge and treaded close to her side.

I moved extra slow. I don't want her to bolt away like a wild animal, or worse, baka upakan na naman niya ako without listening to me.  

The water is freezing and I'm sure she's soaked. Tiny droplets collected like diamonds on her skin and on the tips of her hair.The air is humid. Parang ang hirap huminga, o ako lang yon dahil sa paghabol ko sa kanya?Or maybe because I want time to freeze right now.

She looks so beautiful in the moonlight.

I want to preserve this crystal clear moment.

I knelt down beside her, she didn't move away. We stayed that way for long moments until her sobs ceased.

"I'm not gonna say sorry anymore." She peered at me. "I realized, I don't actually regret it."

"Adam..." I closed my eyes at that scratchy-soft utterance. Hindi makatarungan.

"Don't use my name, please?" I couldn't look at her anymore. The simple sound of my name on her lips are making my hands shake. "I might do something na talagang pag-aawayan natin." 

"Okay...okay..."

"Z..."

"Hmmm...?"

"Wag kang magalit, please? I won't steal anything from you, unless you want me to."

"Huh?"

"Galit ka parin ba sa'kin? I don't understand."

"Um, ano... kasi..." she sounded unsure. It's not like her. She's usually full of witty comebacks.

"I wasn't doing anything malicious, akala ko kasi tinulugan mo ako so I kissed you goodnight."

"Shit." She cursed softly. "Bwisit ka A."

"Ano na namang ginawa ko?" 'Takte, ang hirap talaga intindihin ngayon nitong zebrang 'to.

"Nakakaasar ka, ginawa mo pa akong mukhang assuming!" She hit me repeatedly on the shoulders and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yun lang? Grabe ka, muntik na akong magka-brain hemmorhage sa 'yo."

"Bwisit, bibigyan kita talaga ng hematoma diyan eh," she splashed water on my face.

"Oy, tama na nakakarami ka na! Z!" I tried to dodge her attacks and we chased each other around the low pool. She splashed me repeatedly and soon we were both laughing, soaking, and shivering in the darkness.

"Lechugas, ang lamig!" She breathed on her hands. "'Langya, b-balik na t-tayo..." I can hear her teeth chattering.

"'Kaw kasi bigla ka na lang tumakbo. Tara, Z." I put an arm around her shoulders and she buried her cold nose on my shoulder.

"S-sisipunin ako. Bukas b-boses-palaka ako..." she mumbled softly.

"Ako rin. Di bale, palaka-twins na tayo hindi lang barf-brothers." I patted her head. "Mas lalong nagiging malalim ang ating samahan."

"Buset." Binatukan niya ako. Mahina lang naman at parang mas feel ko na sign of affection yun kaysa pagka-asar niya. "Di ko a-alam kung dapat s-sweet yun o pambwi-swit."

"Dear, take it anyway you like." I kissed the top of her head. "You have to admit, it was extremely fun. Although it hurt a lot on my part." She blushed deeply and I suppressed a chuckle. Mamaya dagdagan pa niya yung pambabatok niya.

"A!" She pouted.

"Hindi na nga po." I pulled her closer when a cold wind started to blow. "Malapit na tayo."

"Ang d-dilim, paano mo alam kung s-saan tayo p-pupunta?"

"This is our usual camp site way back nung andito pa si Kuya Alejandro. I've been here countless times whenever I wanted a quick escape to nature."

"W-what was it like?"

"Huh? What was what like?"

"Growing up with the Jaguar?"

"I honestly don't know." I smiled at her curious expression. "Kay baby girl lang ako close."

"Oh..." she looked disappointed.

"Why?" Now it was my time to be curious.

"N-nothing.. Curious lang." She gave a sort-of grimace-slash-smile. "Iniisip ko lang kung pareho lang siya sa work at sa family niya."

Natawa ako, "suplado si Kuya Ali. Kay baby girl lang sweet yun. Siguro kasi majority of their childhood, parating si Diosa ang kasama niya. Saka overprotective yun kay Diosa. He won't let anyone bully her, kahit babae pa papatulan niya."

Napansin kong nangiti siya sa aking tinuran, "Wow, ang sweet naman pala niya."

"Deadly sweet."

She was quiet after that and I'm glad that we seem to be okay again. We reached our cottage and I gave her time to change. Sa labas na lang ako magpapalit ng damit. Boy scout eh.

"Andito ka lang pala," I turned when I heard someone arrive. I saw that it was Tin, yung girl na nakasabay namin kanina sa pag-ascend. "Bigla kang nawala kanina."

"Oh? Well, nag-star-gazing kasi kami ni Z." I know she's interested in me. Halata naman eh, pero ayokong maging rude.  She pouted at me.

"Ang daya naman..." she came closer and I smelled her perfume. "Ako hindi mo ba papakitaan ng stars?"

"Ha?" Her scent is disorienting. 

"Gusto ko rin makakita ng stars..." she whispered before she slid her arms around my bare torso. Shit.

"Um, pwede naman kaso..."

"Stars ba kamo? Baka ibang stars ang makita mo!" My eyes widened when Rin pulled her away by her hair.

"ARAY! ANO BA?!" She tried to pull away from Rin's strong grip. "Shit, bitawan mo 'ko!"

"Leche, maharot..." Ang higpit ng kapit ni Rin and I tried to stop her.

"Z, tama na..." I tried to pry her hands off, "Irina!" She immediately stopped and Tin scrambled away.

"Shit. Bwisit ka." She mouthed off before she turned and fled.

"Bwisit ka rin. Higad ka pa..." she said softly. I couldn't help but grin.

"Irina..." I called her softly by her ear.

"'Takte ka Adam, wag mo 'ko ma-Irina-Irina..." I could see her blushing furiously.

"Di ba sabi ko sa'yo wag mo gagamitin pangalan ko?" I buried my nose on her nape.

"Ha?"

"Irina..." I couldn't help it. It's her fault.

"What?! Ano ba nakikiliti ako!" She hunched her shoulders to get my nose away. "Peste ka talaga!"

I pulled her close, "Don't call my name unless you want me to do this..."

I saw how her eyes widened as my face drew closer to hers.

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

"How is the surveillance?"

"They've tightened their security but I managed to infiltrate through a different front." Lily uncrossed her legs as she slid photos on the table. I took a quick glance at Icen.

"Jaguar, we are closing in on them. Unfortunately, Red is yet to be discharged from the hospital. We are one agent short." I lifted a brow.

"Send Edge to replace her. She can work on the escape plans here at the HQ."

"Red's not gonna like this."

"I don't need Red's approval on what she should do," I reminded her. "It's her fault anyway. By the way, I want Rin to be assigned to the field."

"But she hasn't finished her training... Are you sure, Jaguar?" Trixie gave a worried frown.

"Paanong matatapos ang training niya, mukhang iba ang inaatupag ng trainors niya?" I said meaningfully and both Trixie and Icen averted their gazes. "As senior agents I expected better performance from you two. Especially you, Trixie."

"I apologize—"

"I don't need apologies, I need results," I cut her off. Lily looked uncomfortable. Her gaze shifted between Trixie and me.

"Anyway, there hasn't been any reports on kidnapping from the target lately. I think they're still preparing for their next victim and lying-low because the local politicians are sticking their nose into the issue as well." Icen interrupted.

"Look into that as well. I want no more casualties." I felt a headache brewing.

"I need a car." I turned to look at Lily.

"Where's your AMG?"

"It's being serviced. I need a faster vehicle for my next move."

"I'll see what I can do." She smiled at me.

"Okay, let's meet again tomorrow at 800 hours." They stood up and left me to my thoughts.

First week of being married and I'm stuck on a pile of horse shit dito sa office. I want to go home and spend the night with Maria but it looks like the mountain of work is not getting any smaller.

Shit.

My personal line beeped and I saw Aidan's number on the caller ID. What is it this time?

"Yeah?" Iritado kong sagot. I heard a curse from the other end and suppressed a groan. What the h*ll?

"Kuya Ali can you pick us up?" He sounded worried.

"Tita Susanna?" I intoned.

"Yeah." Oh great. She doesn't like me. Not at all. Aidan's probably in deeper shit than I am.

"I'm on my way."

 -------------

The world tilted on a crazy angle... or ako lang 'yon?

Shit. I can't remember the last time I've been this wasted. I could hear laughter all around me as we walked... or tried to... somewhere...

"Alfredoooo... I'm ticklish..." I opened my bleary eyes and looked as two—wait, three Jems swam in my vision...f*ck... this is not funny.

"Sorry, mi bella..." I buried my nose on her neck... sweet, intoxicating...

"Wait, wait...my turn..." Jace... I think her name is Jace pulled me towards her for a kiss.

Damn, am I lucky or what?

Shit Alfredo. You are one hell of a lucky bastard.

"No fair!" I think a door opened and we spilled inside. My vision swam and I could feel warm skin beneath my hands...Jem? Jace?

F*ck...

Lace... silk sheets... white-hot heat... 

But still I'm haunted by brown eyes, and this time they seem to be crying tears of disappointment...

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

I stopped myself from cursing. Magagalit si abuela kung marinig niya ako pero grabe nakakaasar na alas-kuatro ng umaga ay magigising ka na lang bigla sa tawag ni Jem.

I got off the elevator on the 14th floor and searched for their hotel room. Kakasabi lang ni Jaguar na mag-behave and these two idiots actually decided to get drunk. Jaguar's not gonna be happy. Again.  

I rang the doorbell. Hay naku, ang aga-aga at hindi pa man din ako nakapag-kape. I shifted the bag with their change of clothes on my shoulder. I waited for a few minutes pero walang sumasagot. I tried calling Jem's number pero cannot be reached. Mukhang na low-batt ata siya. Sinubukan ko ang number ni Jace.

"Hello?" Her sleepy voice sounded on the other line after six rings. Hay buti naman may sumagot na.

"I'm outside your door. Open up."

"Who?"

"It's Trixie."

"Oh..uh... okay... " I heard a few scratches and a deep male voice that sounded familiar.

The door opened a crack and I saw a disheveled Jace in her underwear. What the heck?

She opened the door wider to accommodate me and I tried to avert my eyes from the obvious destruction inside the room. Mukhang may nag-wrestling sa kwarto at nagbagsakan lahat ng unan sa sahig. Ang daming basyo ng alak ang nasa lapag.

"Waiit!" I heard Jem laughing loudly before the door of the bathroom opened and she crawled out in her undies. "You naughty beast!" She kicked at the guy who caught her leg and pulled it while laughing. I could feel my blood freeze when our eyes met.

Shet, lamunin na sana ako ng lupa.

"Trixie?"

My heart stopped before it kick-started and I dropped the bag on the floor.

"Excuse me," I mumbled before I headed for the door.

A/N:

Piacere di conoscerla - Pleasure to meet you

Sa lahat ng gustong mamundok, sundin lamang ang simpleng paalalang ito:

"LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS"
"TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES"
"KILL NOTHING BUT TIME"

Masaya mag-mountain-climbing but it is not for the faint of heart. 

And I'm glad to have survived the last quarter. XD Salamat sa mga matiyagang naghintay ng update. 

This will be edited tomorrow!