Chapter 15

I had a great day yesterday. I had no idea that Zie would bring me to a place that feels like home and where disabilities are a normal thing and shouldn't be discriminated against. I've been living for it my whole life and when I found my solace there, a bit of a judgment won't pierce my heart anymore.

I should've listened to Miss Sandra a long time ago and I'm quite sure that it was also mentioned by some family guest we had a few weeks ago. The foundation had a great structure for helping people like me who need help and guidance.

I mean, I don't have to go through any sessions anymore at the L.M. Foundation. They do that to those people who need it more, but I do believe that it's my time to help those who are in need. I've had my share of help before with Miss Sandra at ako naman ang magbabalik no'n. And it feels so great.

If I just had known that there are great people behind this, hindi ko na in-ignore ang isang 'to. Ang dami kong pinalampas na pagkakataon. Ang dami kong sinayang na oportunidad na magbubunga sana ng magandang kinabukasan. I wasted those years doing nothing when I could have done better to improve myself.

Iyon naman talaga ang mahalaga, 'di ba? Unahin ang sariling kapakanan kaysa sa iba? And if I knew that I'm already settled in my situation, it's my time to help others. I guess wala na dapat akong aksayahin na oras ngayon.

Maya-maya lang ay nakarinig ako ng katok sa pinto. Binaba ko ang gitarang hawak ko sa couch at napatalon pa ako para pagbuksan ko ng pinto kung sino man 'yon. I know Zie wouldn't knock anymore. Nagpagawa na ako ng spare key kahapon at ibinigay ko isa kanya 'yon. Well, I basically trusted her so I gave her one. Who knows baka siya rin naman ang magiging ending ko? It's still a question, but I'm taking a hunch to everything.

She can be a Foyer anytime now.

But to my surprise, I wasn't expecting to see a couple of familiar faces.

"Mom? Dad?" I mumbled shifting my head to both of them. "Uh... this is a surprise. I'm a little shocked. And... Dad?"

"Yes," he firmly responded. Inayos naman niya ang tupi ng kanyang long sleeves. "I'm just here to check on you."

At tumapon naman ang tingin ko kay Mom. "I brought him here. Hindi ko naman siya pinilit. He actually insisted on seeing you himself."

"I did," tugon pa ni Dad. "So you moved out of the mansion and live in this sulky, little apartment?"

Nilingon ko naman ang paligid. "I mean, it's nice and it's comfortable for me. Why don't you guys go inside and check it all out? It's good even though it's small. It's not hard to see each and everyone."

"But you're the only one who lives here," Dad pointed out.

"Uh yeah..." sagot ko. "I might have some few friends who frequently visit me."

"Really?" Sa tono pa lamang niya, hindi na siya makapaniwalang naririnig niya iyon. I know he still doesn't believe that I can do whatever I want to do without their help. Nasanay na lang din ako.

Instead of looking around he just stood there in the center, spinning his head around. Minamanmanan niya ang paligid. Naghahanap siya ng mali. Ano pa nga bang aasahan ko kung pupunahin na lamang niya ang mga gagawin ko sa buhay ko? I move out 'cause I know it'll help me. And it did.

Kahit siguro patuloy tayong umaangat, may mga taong humihila pa rin sa atin pababa. Ayaw kasi nilang nakikitang may ginagawa tayong maganda. Ayaw nila no'n. They hate it when they see us improving. Gusto nila sila lang ang umaangat and that's being selfish of them. Look how sad their world is. Nakatuon sa ibang tao ang atensyon nila at hindi sa sarili nila.

And to my Father who keeps belittling me, it's his life and it's his choice. Whether he would accept how I made my own decisions, it's his decision to accept it or not.

"What do you think, hun?" mom asked, walking towards him saka pinalibot ang kanyang kamay sa braso nito.

Father hummed, maybe composing a lot of hatred in his head. But to my surprise, it wasn't that bad.

"It's good... but so small." Of course, he can't slip that away.

"I guess Malachi will be fine here," Mom said. "He's doing great."

"Really?" He sounded so confused, saka siya lumingon sa akin. "What are you doing nowadays? You clearly don't have a job and you're only relying on your allowances on your bank account. What can you do now when you're alone in this apartment, Malachi?"

"I'm volunteering in a foundation," confident kong sagot.

"Do they pay you?"

Umiling ako.

"And how do you think you can pay your own bills if you're not making money?"

"I'm trying to look for a job," sagot ko.

"And this volunteering doesn't sound good at all," aniya at masasabi kong against talaga siya sa lahat ng gagawin ko. If Millarca was here, she would have my back already. Kampi sa akin 'yon e!

"For you, it doesn't but for me, it does and it makes me happy."

When I knew that tension rose, Mom also chided in.

"Uh... Kai, would you please get us a glass of water?"

"Sure, coming right up."

"Of course, you only have water here," ngisi pa ni dad.

Hindi na lamang ako nagbigay ng komento at tumuloy sa kusina. Kumuha ako ng dalawang baso at sinalinan iyon ng mineral water. Bago ako bumalik sa kanila sa sala ay humugot muna ako ng malalim na hininga. I cracked my neck to ease the tension in my body.

Dala-dala ang baso ay bumalik ako sa kanila at inabot ang hawak ko. Mom took the glass of water while dad ignored it. Nilapag ko na lamang iyon sa center table at umupo ako sa couch na tapat nilang dalawa.

"I didn't expect you guys here," panimula kong muli, trying to break the heavy tension.

"We're just checking on you," sagot ni mom. "Do you think you needed something? Baka may ilan ka pang kailangan na appliances or furniture. We can have you deliver some as soon as possible."

Bahagya akong luminga sa paligid at umiling nang humarap muli sa kanila. "I don't think I need something right now. But I'm doing fine with all that I have."

"What are you planning, Malachi?" biglang tanong sa akin ni dad. As usual, magkasalubong ang kilay niya. "Are you thinking of putting up a business or you're just going to lay down here all day and..." Nahagip ng mata niya ang gitarang nakapatong sa tabi. "To play this guitar? I'm not expecting something from you but you're progressing. I wanna know where your head is at."

"I'm thinking of doing some business... it's all in my head for now but I'm sure I can make it work in the future. But do you think you can put me to work at the Foyers Corporation? I mean, my speech is clearer and better now. My device helped me a lot and I think you don't have to worry about my communication anymore. I wouldn't be a trouble for you."

"I see." He nodded his head. "Let me think of it then."

"So you're playing guitar now, hun?" ngiting tanong sa akin ni mom. Tumango naman ako. "I didn't know you could play. Do you mind playing something to us?"

"I'm still not that good. I'm still learning," sagot ko. "But I'll try..."

When I stood to pick up the guitar, bigla namang may kumatok sa pinto. Tumapon ang mga tingin namin sa direksyong iyon at nakita namin si Mackenzie na may hawak na brown paper bag. Agad kong binitawan ang gitara at lumapit ako kay Mackenzie. Pansin ko naman ang kaba sa mukha niya nang makalapit ako.

"I'm sorry... am I interrupting?"

Umiling ako. "No, you're not. I guess it's time for you to meet them, too."

Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at inilapit ko siya sa magulang ko. Masuri naman nilang tiningnan ang babaeng hawak-hawak ko at panigurado'y nagtataka silang dalawa. But I know mom already had an idea who she is but dad seemed clueless of who she is.

"Mom, Dad, I would just like to introduce Mackenzie Fletcher, my girlfriend."

Binati at ngumiti naman si Zie sa kanila pero pansin kong kinakabahan at nahihiya siya sa kanila.

"Nice to meet you dear," Mom smiled. "But I feel like I know you. Are you related to Miss Fletcher? Kai's private tutor before?"

Tumango naman si Zie by confirming it. "Yes po! She's my mom."

"Great! That's how you remind me of her."

"What is this, Zie?" tanong ko sa bitbit niyang paper bag.

"Oh, it's two tubs of yogurt. One's strawberry and then blueberry cheesecake—a new flavor for you."

I chuckled. "Nice, I'll take it to the fridge now and let you guys talk for a moment."

Kinuha ko sa kamay niya ang malamig na paper bag. Tumayo naman ako at idinala iyon pabalik ng kusina. Hindi ko alam kung anong pag-uusapan nilang tatlo but I'm happy that they're not against to my relationship. Saka why would they hate Zie for me? I love her and it's my decision whether they will like her or not.

Pagbalik ko naman sa sala, naabutan kong kalalabas lamang ni dad ng pinto. Nagtaka naman ako kung bakit pero mukhang may kausap siya sa phone. Naagaw naman ng dalawa ang atensyon ko nang magtawanan silang dalawa.

I joined them at mabilis din silang nakapagpalagayan ng loob. Nakatutuwa lang dahil ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko nang makitang okay silang dalawa. I just don't know about dad. Mahirap talagang kumbinsihin e. It will take time para sumang-ayon din ang lahat.

"Bakit lumabas si dad?" tanong ko kay mom.

"Oh, he received a call from one of the executives. It might be about business again," Mom said.

"As usual," ngisi ko pa. "But it looks like you guys are doing well."

"She's really nice, Kai," mom implied. And it's good to hear that from her though. But it's not new to me. She always says nice things to me para hindi lumubog ang kumpiyansa ko sa sarili and she does so well with that. If dad was too harsh to me, siya naman ang bumabalanse no'n. "I think you're in good hands."

"Naku naman po, nahiya naman po ako bigla," hagikgik pa ni Zie.

"I think I am," pagsang-ayon ko pa. "I've waited for her for four years so I won't let her go."

"I'm sure you won't, hun," Mom genuinely plastered a smile on her face. Something I know she's proud of me for.

Maya-maya lang ay biglang pumasok si dad at tinawag niya si mom. Sinabi nitong kailangan na nilang umalis at may kailangan silang puntahang emergency meeting. Hindi na naman nila binigay ang dahilan pero mabilis na rin silang nagpaalam sa amin ni Zie.

Once we were left in the living room, pareho kaming nanahimik ni Zie sa couch.

"Well, they're nice and fun," aniya. "Especially your mom."

"I know," I chuckled. "She's already fond of you. She might love you for me."

"We might not know that, but I'm sure that I love you, too," she giggled then planted a kiss on my cheek.

"I love you, too," and I had to give a kiss back on her lips.

"Are you ready for our guitar session?"

"Of course!" Kinuha ko naman iyong gitara at maayos kong pinatong sa hita ko. "Akala ko nga ikaw na 'yong dumating kanina but let's get it on now."

"Right and listen to me very carefully so it'll be easy for you to catch up."

"Aye, ma'am. I will." I saluted and she pinched my cheek. Pinanggigilan ba naman ako.

Nagsimula na rin naman kami sa session namin. She has been teaching me to play for two weeks na at nakaka-keep up na naman ako sa mga tinuturo niya sa akin. At first, mahirap dahil wala akong background sa pagtugtog ng kung ano mang instrument. Mackenzie also told me she had a hard time when Charleston taught her. Hindi naman ako nagseselos sa tuwing kinu-kwento ang mga moment nilang dalawa no'ng ex-boyfriend niya. She was happy when she was with him but I assured that she'll attain so much happiness when we got married.

After an hour, we took a break.

Tiningnan ko naman ang daliri ko at parang napupodpod na 'yon. She told me na normal lang daw 'yon sa mga baguhan at kahit naman daw sa mga propesyonal na ay hindi maiiwasang mapudpod ang dulo ng daliri pero medyo mahapdi kasi. Kaya ang ginawa ni Zie ay kumuha siya ng band-aid sa first-aid kit box at tinapalan niya iyong tip ng finger ko na medyo namumula na.

"Next week na ulit kita tuturuan. You should heal that first para hindi ka na mahirapan."

Napangisi naman ako. "Okay lang naman ako mahirapan. I've been through worse. Itong parang tinutusok ng karayom ang daliri ko ay parang wala lang. I'm fine, we can still do it tomorrow."

Pero agad niyang inilingan ang kagustuhan ko. "No, 'wag matigas ang ulo. Next week na."

"Sure, babe..." At saka ko siya hinalikan sa pisngi.

"You keep stealing kisses from me, huh?" aniya. "Anyway, I would love for you to taste the blueberry cheesecake yogurt. I think it's their new flavor."

"Sure, but please bring the strawberry one. It's still my favorite."

"Okay, wait for me," aniya at saka siya tumuloy papunta sa kusina.

Inayos ko muna saglit ang gulo sa sala at bumalik naman si Zie na dala-dala ang dalawang tub ng yogurt at dalawang spoon. Dali-dali naman siyang tumabi sa akin at inabot ang tub ng strawberry yogurt. Nang buksan ko iyon ay bumungad sa akin ang bango ng amoy nito. Agad naman akong tumikim at halos sumabog ang manamis-namis na katas sa bibig ko.

It always makes me happy kapag nakakakain ako ng yogurt na dala ni Zie.

"Looks like you really wanted it," komento ni Zie at saka niya binuksan ang tub ng isa pang yogurt. Kumuha naman siya roon ng kaunti at idinala sa akin ang tutok ng kutsara. "Taste this one. You might like it, too."

Sinubo ko naman ang kutsara at biglang naglaban ang tamis at asim sa bibig ko dahil sa flavour na 'yon. Nanginig pa ang buo kong katawan dahil sa bagong panlasa ko sa yogurt.

"I like the strawberry one better. No thanks, blueberry cheesecake," I muttered then took a spoonful of yogurt.

Kahit may kutsara kaming dalawa, nagsusubuan pa rin kaming dalawa hangga't sa ang isusubo ni Zie sa akin at tumulo sa damit ko at nagkalat na bigla. Tumigil naman ako sandali sa pagkain at hinubad ang damit ko at sumandal sa couch, pinatong ang paa sa center table at nilantakan ang yogurt ko.

Natatawa naman si Zie dahil mas lalo akong nagkakalat at halos tumutulo na sa dibdib ko at tiyan ko ang yogurt. Lumalagkit na rin naman ang pakiramdam ko ng biglang kunin ni Zie ang tub sa kamay ko. Napansin ko naman kung gaano kakalat ang iniwan ko sa katawan ko.

"I made a mess," tawa ko pa. "I think I should take a shower."

"Hmm... do you think you need a shower?" taas kilay na tanong ni Zie.

Kumuha naman siya ng kutsara na puno ng yogurt at tinapon niya iyon sa dibdib ko. Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya. I'm not expecting she'll do that.

"What are you doing, Mackenzie?" tanong ko sa kanya pero wala siyang tinugon kung hindi ang ilapit ang kanyang mukha sa dibdib ko. She licked the drops of yogurt heading down to my stomach and the tingling sensation when she played her tongue on my body, tumindig ang buo kong katawan. Para akong nanigas. Natatawa pa ako ng sitahin ko siya. "Did you learn this from Charleston?"

"No," and then she licked the yogurt off of my chest. Napakagat na lamang ako sa labi ko. "I'm your yogurt girl so... I learned this trick just for you."

"What?" natatawa ko pang tanong pero sabik na sabik na ako sa susunod niyang gagawin.

Ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagdila sa katawan ko hangga't sa dinagdagan niya pa ang pagpahid ng yogurt sa katawan ko. Kahit pakiramdam ko ay lumalagkit na kaming dalawa, hindi ko iyon iniisip dahil mas natuon ang atensyon ko sa mainit na dilang naglalakbay sa katawan ko. Mas tumindig ang katawan ko at pakiramdam ko ay may kailangan na akong pakawalan na naghuhumindig na.

Sunod na ginawa ni Zie ay ipasok ang kanyang kamay sa loob ng aking shorts.

"Oh, shit," I hissed when she started playing it habang patuloy niyang ninanamnam ang bawat lasap ng yogurt sa dibdib ko. Hindi ako makampante sa kinauupuan ko. Itinaas ko ang dalawa kong kamay at pinatong sa likod ng ulo ko. She then travelled her kisses to my neck then to my lips.

"I like how you taste sweet more than the yogurt," she muttered then she bit my lower lip. "No one's around, Kai. Do you also want to taste my yogurt?"

At hindi na ako sumagot kung hindi nagpalit kaagad kami ng posisyon at pumaibabaw ako sa kanya. Hinubad ko ang suot niyang blouse at maging ang kanyang bra. Sunod kong kinuha ang tub ng yogurt at dahan-dahan kong binuhos sa kanyang dibdib iyon at tumulo na paibaba sa kanyang puson. I lowered myself and started kissing and licking all the yogurts from her body. I played my hands on her boobs and she just kept on moaning while I'm drilling her out with my tongue.

Matapos kong dilaan ang kanyang dibdib ay sunod kong nilamutak ang kanyang labi. We even shared yogurts in our mouth and that's fucking amazing.

Inihiga ko naman siya sa sofa at tuluyan na naming hinubad ang saplot sa aming mga katawan. Mariin kong kiniskis sa kanya ang pagkalalaki ko habang patuloy ko siyang hinahalikan.

"You know, Zie, we can do this but I still want to have you when we're married..."

"Oh yeah? So what are we going to do now?" aniya at pinalibot niya ang kamay niya sa akin at mas idiniin niya ito sa akin. "Maybe we could just have a release for now... is that alright?"

"Of course..."

It took us a quick five minutes when we finally had our climax and we were both tired, hugging each other on the couch. We were chasing our breaths and feeling our sticky skins. But it's worth it. And it's good that we do this at hindi minamadali ang lahat. We know our priority. I can't have her when I'm not even putting a ring on her finger. And maybe when the time comes, baka araw-arawin ko na.

"So, let's take a shower now?" I asked.

She nodded. "But I just realized. Wala pala akong extra clothes so how would I be going home now?

"You can use my shirt, pants, and my unused underwear. They won't probably notice it."

"Sige... that's fine."

Bumangon na ako at saka tumayo. Binuhat ko si Zie papunta sa bathroom. We're still both naked and things might get heated up again in the bathroom but just like what I said, I'll still respect Zie and that's what matters to me.

We can only do it when we're married. And she confessed to me that she's not a virgin anymore because she already did it with Charleston—a few times. But that doesn't bother me, ako naman ang present niya and for sure, ako ang magiging future niya. And I admit it too... I'm not a virgin anymore so I guess, we're fair?

But our relationship is one of a kind. To all our exes, fuck you all.  

***
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to read areyaysii and PrincessThirteen00 Chapter 15s!