One Message Received . . . . Another story. Because this idea begged, grovelled, cried and threated me with a plastic spoon to be written. This is a story that kids these days are very fami liar with. Dati kasi nababawan ako sa mga high-tech na relationships so I want t o write something that's deeper than what I perceive modern relationships to be. As usual, I'd like to know what you think. Thanks! . . . One fateful night. One missent text. The rest is history. . . .
P.S. I Know the spacing sucks. May pinagdadaanan yata si Wattpad. . . . ? jennicka One Message Received - Chapter 1 "Tinatamad akong lumabas." I groaned over the phone. Kausap ko ang bestfriend ko ng si Maureen na nagyaya na namang mag-swimming dun sa pool ng subdivision nila. Sabado at mag-aalas kwatro na pero mas gusto ko pang magpaypay ng walang humpay sa bahay kesa magtampisaw sa pool kasama ang lahat ng miyembro ng home owners a ssociation. "Ang boring mo ! Ano namang pagkakaabalahan mo dyan sa bahay nyo eh walang kuryente?" "Ayokong maligo sa ihi ng madla, Maureen Mae Bajamonte! Kung sa tingin mo ay hea lthier option yun kesa magpawis ako dito sa bahay, go!" I said as I sat up. Magp apagupit na talaga ako! Nakakainis! I murmured as I sat on my window's ledge.
"Anong ihi ng madla? May banyo dun, ano!" "Ano ka ba, sa dami ng batang naliligo dun for sure sa pool na rin sila umiihi. Seriously, best sige mag-swimming kayo at kapag naisip kong pumunta dyan ay susu nod ako at gugulatin ko na lang kayong lahat." "Carina Sapphire Esquivel wag mo nga akong utuin. Alam nating dalawa na takot ka sa araw kaya malamang ay di ka lalabas!" "Baliw! Anong takot sa araw? Tinatamad lang talaga ako." "O, sya bahala ka. Magkikita-kita ang buong barkada at absent ka na naman." "Sino bang nag-abroad? Excited magkita? Parang kahapon lang nasa mall tayong lah at tapos magkikita ulit ngayon?" "Sus, kunyari ka pa! Iniiwasan mo lang si Sam eh kaya ayaw mong sumama." "Wala akong iniiwasan." I insisted. "Wag mo nga akong niloloko dun. Ang awkward na nga na lumalapit-lapit sya sa akin na para bang hindi rin natin kabarkada yun g ex nya." "May magagawa ka ba kung ikaw ang type nya?" "Wala, pero wala rin syang magagawa kung di ko sya type. Sabihan mo si Candice w ag na nyang iyakan yung lokong yun, ano." "O sya, sige. Bahala ka dyan. Ikaw rin magka-college na tayo ngayong pasukan kay a magiging busy na tayo at di natayo makakagala masyado." "Exajj naman yang magiging busy. Agad-agad, pasukan? April pa lang ngayon. Bye n a at alam kong pipili ka pa ng two-piece bikini na isusuot." I joked and she lau ghed. "Hay naku, wala ka nang-iiwan ka sa ere." "Ere? Akala ko ba magtatampisaw ka sa ihi?" "Gaga! O sige na nga, text na lang kita mamaya. I'll tell everyone na pagtripan ka sa text dahil isa kang malaking KJ!" "Asa kayong magrereply ako. Wala akong load." "Poorita!" "Hindi tumatanggap ang sari-sari stores ng tseke." I said and we burst out laugh ing. "Bye na. Ingat kayo." "Bye, Saff!" "Bye, Mau!" I said. Ang totoo gusto ko naman talagang sumama pero hindi ako komp ortable sa attention na binibigay ni Sam sa akin. I find it rude that he's so bl atant in showing off that he's moved on when in fact si Candice ay milya-milya p a ang layo sa move-on line. First year high school kami nung nagsimulang nanliga w sa akin si Sam but I turned him down at naging sila ni Candice nung third year kami. I turned him down because I wasn 't ready at kahit siguro ready na ako nung time na yun para pumasok sa isang rel asyon, hindi ko feel maging boyfriend ang isang taong kakilala ko na since our d iaper-days. Feeling ko walang thrill at walang excitement which is weird dahil s abi nga ng iba kong kaibigan, mas gugustuhin daw nilang maging boyfriend ang isa
"Anong ihi ng madla? May banyo dun, ano!" "Ano ka ba, sa dami ng batang naliligo dun for sure sa pool na rin sila umiihi. Seriously, best sige mag-swimming kayo at kapag naisip kong pumunta dyan ay susu nod ako at gugulatin ko na lang kayong lahat." "Carina Sapphire Esquivel wag mo nga akong utuin. Alam nating dalawa na takot ka sa araw kaya malamang ay di ka lalabas!" "Baliw! Anong takot sa araw? Tinatamad lang talaga ako." "O, sya bahala ka. Magkikita-kita ang buong barkada at absent ka na naman." "Sino bang nag-abroad? Excited magkita? Parang kahapon lang nasa mall tayong lah at tapos magkikita ulit ngayon?" "Sus, kunyari ka pa! Iniiwasan mo lang si Sam eh kaya ayaw mong sumama." "Wala akong iniiwasan." I insisted. "Wag mo nga akong niloloko dun. Ang awkward na nga na lumalapit-lapit sya sa akin na para bang hindi rin natin kabarkada yun g ex nya." "May magagawa ka ba kung ikaw ang type nya?" "Wala, pero wala rin syang magagawa kung di ko sya type. Sabihan mo si Candice w ag na nyang iyakan yung lokong yun, ano." "O sya, sige. Bahala ka dyan. Ikaw rin magka-college na tayo ngayong pasukan kay a magiging busy na tayo at di natayo makakagala masyado." "Exajj naman yang magiging busy. Agad-agad, pasukan? April pa lang ngayon. Bye n a at alam kong pipili ka pa ng two-piece bikini na isusuot." I joked and she lau ghed. "Hay naku, wala ka nang-iiwan ka sa ere." "Ere? Akala ko ba magtatampisaw ka sa ihi?" "Gaga! O sige na nga, text na lang kita mamaya. I'll tell everyone na pagtripan ka sa text dahil isa kang malaking KJ!" "Asa kayong magrereply ako. Wala akong load." "Poorita!" "Hindi tumatanggap ang sari-sari stores ng tseke." I said and we burst out laugh ing. "Bye na. Ingat kayo." "Bye, Saff!" "Bye, Mau!" I said. Ang totoo gusto ko naman talagang sumama pero hindi ako komp ortable sa attention na binibigay ni Sam sa akin. I find it rude that he's so bl atant in showing off that he's moved on when in fact si Candice ay milya-milya p a ang layo sa move-on line. First year high school kami nung nagsimulang nanliga w sa akin si Sam but I turned him down at naging sila ni Candice nung third year kami. I turned him down because I wasn 't ready at kahit siguro ready na ako nung time na yun para pumasok sa isang rel asyon, hindi ko feel maging boyfriend ang isang taong kakilala ko na since our d iaper-days. Feeling ko walang thrill at walang excitement which is weird dahil s abi nga ng iba kong kaibigan, mas gugustuhin daw nilang maging boyfriend ang isa
ng lalaking matagal na nilang kakilala but not me, I truly find it odd. Pito kam i sa barkada, tatlong lalaki at apat na babae at magkaklase kami since elementar y. "Ano ba to kelan ba magkakakuryente?" I mumbled as I fanned myself again. Hin di ko namalayang nakatulog ako at nagising na lang ako nung tumunog na ang cellp hone ko. I groped for it under my pillow and frowned seeing the time. 6:52 PM. S iguro binuksan ni yaya ang aircon nung nagkaroon na ng kuryente. I thought as I stretched and yawned before I swiped my phone. Nasaan ka na? The message said and I frowned. "Sino na naman to, bakit hindi to naka-register sa phone ko?" I asked myself. "A y oo nga pala, Kiko lost his phone last week. Maybe this is his new number. Nasa pool pa rin sila? Ano ba tong mga to ginabi na?" Nasa bahay pa rin, hindi pa kayo umuuwi? Talagang babad kung babad ha. I typed. Ha? Anong babad? Anyway, I badly need the book back kasi hinahanap na ni Kuya. " May hiniram ba akong libro dito?" I mumbled. "Kuya? Umuwi si Kuya Arthur galing Australia?" What book? Kelan dumating Kuya mo ? I replied. Yung Neverwhere. Kakauwi nya lang kanina. "Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman? Kelan pa t o nahilig magbasa?" I murmured to myself. "Besides, I own that book. Ang lakas n g trip nito." Are you high or something? I own that book. Kelan ka pa nahilig magbasa ng libro ? Umuwi na nga kayo, nalasing na yata kayo sa kakainom ng tubig sa pool. I texte d back before I stood up. My phone rang and I picked it up. " "Aba mayaman si Franciso ngayon, may patawag-tawag nang nalalaman." I murmured. "Hello." I said over the phone. "You're a girl?" Kiko said and I arched a brow. "And you read Neil Gaiman books? " He added. "The last time I checked, I am a girl and yes , Kiko I read Neil Gaiman books. Okay ka lang ba? Ano ba yang mga tanong mo? Par ang hindi tayo halos sampung taon nang magkakilala ah." I kidded. "Are you related to Dexter Consolacion?" "Ha? Baliw! Si Sapphire to! Ano ka ba, Kiko! At sino si Dexter Consolacion?" "Sapphire?" "Oo. Baliw!" "I'm sorry. I think I texted the wrong number. Hindi kasi malinaw ang pagkakasul at ng classmate ko. I'm really sorry." "Guys, wag nyo akong pinagti-tripan ha bagong gising lang ako baka pagbuhulin ko kayong lahat dyan." "Sorry, this is Sebastian. There's a mix-up and--" "Kiko, nakakainis ka na! Nasabi na sa akin ni Maureen kanina yung plano nyong pa gtripan ako kaya wag ka nang magdrama dyan! Sebastian ka pang nalalaman! Ewan ko sa inyo!" I murmured as I ended the call. " Nakaka-praning tong mga to, parati
na lang akong niloloko." I complained as i stepped out of my room. My parents separated when I was ten and Mom left to work as a nurse in Canada a few months after. Hindi malinaw sa akin kung ano ang naging problema because the y never quarreled, in fact masyado silang tahimik na para silang hindi magkakila la kahit nasa loob na ng bahay. I was eleven when I learned that Dad has another family. Mag-isa akong anak pero may tatlo akong kapatid sa labas. Tinanggap ko na ganun ang sitwasyon and I forced myself to grow up. Ayokong maging tulad ng i bang batang galing sa broken families na napapariwara. I was a Daddy's girl but his betrayal ran deep and I declared myself fatherless after I learned about his other family. "Gusto mo na bang kumain?" Tanong sa akin ni Yaya Emy. Malayong kamag-anak sya ni Mommy a t simula nung nagka-isip ako ay sya na ang yaya ko. "Opo. Kayo po ba kumain na?" "Oo, nauna na kami. Nung nagkailaw na inakyat kita sa kwarto mo kanina pero tulo g na tulog ka kaya hindi na kita ginising at binuksan ko na lang ang aircon." "Salamat, Ya. Ano pong ulam?" "Yung paborito mong sinigang na hipon at pritong tilapia." "Wow! May sawsawan po bang maanghang na bagoong isda at kamatis?" "Meron." Nakangiting sagot ni yaya. Apat kami sa bahay -- ako, si yaya at ang ma g-asawang sina Manong Nilo na driver ko at Manang Mabel na all-around katulong n amin. Tulad ni Yaya, kasama na namin sila ni Mommy mula nung nagkaisip ako. Para ko na silang pamilya kaya nahihiya akong hindi tumulong sa gawaing bahay kahit anong protesta nila. May anak at mga apo na sina Manang Mabel pero mas pinili ni lang samahan ako nung nag-abroad si Mommy. After I ate dinner, ako na ang naghugas ng pinagkainan ko bago ako umakyat ulit sa taas. I checked my phone for messages and got another message from Kiko. Sorry about earlier, Sapphire. "Hay naku ano ba to si Francisco ang laki ng prob lema!" Hindi kita mapapatawad pero kung ililibre mo ako bukas sa Starbucks ay patatawarin kita. I jokingly replied. Sa sobrang kuri pot ni Kiko panigurado iiyak muna sya ng dugo bago nya ako ililibre. "Siguro nak ahanap ng bagong girlfriend to." I murmured to myself. Naalala ko nung sinagot s i Kiko ng girlfriend nya dati ay nanlibre sya for the first time sa Jollibee... ng peach mango pie. Peach mango pie lang at walang kasamang drinks. Sure. I read his reply and arched my brow. "Aba, big time to ah! Talagang Starbu cks pa! Pustahan maya-maya magti-text to na joke lang." I told myself laughing k aya hindi na ako nagreply. And I was right, maya-maya lang tumunog ulit ang phon e ko at galing ulit sa kanya. Saang Starbucks pala? Hehehe. Sure yan? Manlilibre ka nga? Maanda ka yata ngayon? Hindi ako tatanggi dyan sa g rasya mo kaya humanda ka. I texted. "Teka, alam kaya ng buong barkada to? Tawaga n ko nga si Maureen. Ay wait, paano kung lahat sila magpapalibre din, baka magal it sa akin si Kiko." Saang Starbucks ba tayo magkikita? He texted again. Ano ka ba, saan pa ba kundi yung malapit lang dito sa bahay! Starbucks St. Charb el! I answered.
Alright. I'll see you at 8 AM? He messaged me back. "8 AM? Ang aga naman. May da te pa yata to bukas. Pero wag nang choosy at once in a blue moon lang manlibre t ong si Kiko." Sure. Samahan mo na din Oreo Cheesecake yung kape ko. Lol. "Try lang naman, malay mo mauto ko to ng isang to." I murmured grinning and was surprised when I received his reply. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight, Sapphire. "Aba! Nakakaloka! Gumana!" I laughingly said. Nag-usap kami ni Mommy sa Skype ba go ako natulog and if there's one good thing that resulted from hers and Dad's b reak-up ay yung pagiging close ko sa kanya. Ayoko kasi sya dati kasi disciplinar ian sya at masyadong seryoso unlike my father... Oh well, I sometimes forget na wala na nga pala akong tatay. I slept at around 10 PM and woke up at 6 AM. Tulad ng nakasanayan ko, I jogged around the subdivision and had breakfast after. Hin di ako masyadong kumain kasi pinaghandaan ko yung panlilibre ni Kiko kaya nag-ga tas lang ako at isang pirasong pandesal. "Ang payat mo na kaya hindi mo na kailangang mag-diet." Tukso sa akin ni Manang Mabel. "Ako nga ang taba ko na pero hindi ko na naisipan pang magdiet-diet pa." "Hindi po ako nagda-diet, Manang. Ililibre kasi ako ni Kiko." "Si Kiko manlilibre? Aba himala." Manang Mabel said. Sa tagal na naming magkakas ama ng mga kaibigan ko ay kilalang-kilala na rin sila ng mga kasama ko sa bahay. "Yun nga rin po ang naisip ko kaya I will take advantage of his offer, mamaya ma gbago pa po ang isip." Tumatawang sagot ko. Naligo ako agad at nagbihis at 7:30 AM pa lang nasa loob na ako ng sasakyan. Although ang Starbucks ay malapit lang sa gate ng subdivision, hindi ko talaga ugali ang ma-late. "Wag nyo na po akong hintayin, Manong at baka yayain ko na rin po si Kiko na magsimba. Magko-commute na lang po kami." "Sige. Mag-ingat ka. Tumawag ka kung magpapasundo ka." "Opo, sige po." I said before I stepped out of the car. Pumasok ako agad sa coff eeshop at umupo. Dalawa lang kaming nasa loob kasi maaga pa kaya wala pang masya dong tao. One of the barristers greeted me and I smiled at her. "I'm waiting for someone." I said. I looked at the other person, dedma lang sya at busy sya sa k akabasa ng libro so I sat down a table away from him and waited for my friend to arrive. Nasaan ka na? I texted and arched my brow when the guy on the other table checke d his phone too. Gaya-gaya naman to. I murmured. My phone rang and I smiled. "Maureen!" "Saff! Loka, buti hindi ka sumama. Alam mo bang na-food poisoning kami? Bwisit t ong si Candice, sobra yatang depress at kung anu-ano ang naihalo dun sa spaghett i na dala nya. Nakakabwisit! Nag-overnight kami sa hospital kasi mega suka at ta e talaga ang ginawa namin. Lahat yata ng bituka ko naisuka ko na!" "Food poisoning? Kayo? Oh my God, are you guys okay? Nakauwi na ba kayo? Kaya pa la nagtataka ako kasi wala man lang akong na-receive na text messages sayo. Pero bakit walang na-mention sa akin si Kiko?" "Si Kiko? Bakit, nagkausap ba kayo ni Kiko?"
"Oo, he was using his new number, andito nga ako sa Starbucks ngayon kasi ililib re nya daw ako." I said and I suddenly felt nervous. "Gaga! Nananaginip ka ba eh halos di na nga makabangon si Kiko sa dami ng sinuka nya. Nasa ospital nga kaming lahat kahapon!" "Ha?" "Ano ka ba, si Kiko ang pinakamalala kasi sya yung umubos dun sa spaghetti! Sya nga lang ang hindi pa nakakauwi eh!" "What the hell ... eh sino yung kausap ko, Mau?" I whispered over the phone as I felt a chill r an down my spine. "Sino yung manlililibre sa akin ngayon?" I asked in panic as I gripped my phone tightly. "Ewan ko sayo." "Oh my God, aalis na ako." I said. "Usap tayo mamaya, tawagan ko lang si Manong Nilo at magpapasundo na ako dito." "O, sige. Tawagan mo ako agad ha. Mag-ingat ka dyan at wag tatanga-tanga!" "Oo." "Sige, bye. Call me agad." "Okay. Bye." I said and immediately searched my contacts for Manong Nilo's numbe r. The guy on the next table stood up but I was too busy panicking to pay him an y attention. That's until he sat down on the chair in front of me and put the bo ok he was holding on top of the table. I stared at the familiar Neil Gaiman nove l. Neverwhere. "Hello, Sapphire. My name's Sebastian." He said. . . . . . . One Message Received - Chapter 2 I stared dumbfounded at him. Lahat yata ng dugo ko sa katawan napunta sa mukha k o sa sobrang hiya ko. Hala, nagpalibre ako dito sa isang taong hindi ko naman ki lala?! I remembered him telling me last night that his name's Sebastian pero sa sobrang shunga ko ang akala ko pinagti-tripan lang ako ng mga kaibigan ko. He wa s wearing a pair of glasses and a pleasant smile. Ano ba naman sa dinami-dami ng pwede kong pagkashungaan dito sa gwapo pa. Saklap. Negative ganda points. "Hi." He repeated as he waved his hand in greeting. "I expected you to be surpri sed but not this surprised." He said and still, I just stared. Takbo na kaya ako palabas? Pero magmumukha naman akong tanga nun. "Sapphire?"
"Yes?" I automatically replied. "Pasensya ka na. I am still drowning in shame ka si nagpalibre ako sayo when in fact hindi tayo close. Teka lang, may salbabida k a bang dala dyan kasi kailangan kong makaahon sa hiya?" I blurted out and he lau ghed. Yung tawang hindi bigay na bigay pero tawa pa rin. "Wala akong salbabida pero may dala akong tabo, tulungan kitang maglimas?" He as ked and I couldn't help but smile. "You don't have to honor your word; I really thought you were someon e I know. Pasensya na ulit." "Okay lang. It was a funny coincidence pero wala akong regrets kasi nagkita tayo." "You told me who you were last night but I was too stupid to believe." I said. "Hey, you're not stupid. Naïve maybe but not stupid." Sabi nya. Aruy, pinaganda la ng. Euphemism ang laro ni Koya. "Err... thanks. Sorry ulit. Let me buy coffee for you para hindi naman sayang yu ng pagpunta mo dito." "Hindi na. Di ba sabi ko kagabi ako ang manlilibre?" "As I said hindi na kailangan, it was a mistake." "And as I said it was a mistake that I didn't regret." He countered. "Just because you're not regretting it doesn't mean that I should feel the same. " I retorted and he grinned. "I'm not asking you to feel the same; I just want to have coffee with you." He s tated and I felt silly. "What for?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "To talk? Gusto kitang makilala." He uttered. "So can you stay for coffee?" He a sked smiling. "Wag kang matakot at wag kang ma-crept out kasi nasa public naman tayo. May mga staff tong coffee shop at may CCTV pa. Siguro naman palagay na loo b mo nyan." "I would like to pero may naghihintay kasi sa akin sa bahay." I lied glibly and he arched a brow. "Sapphire, kanina pa akong 7 AM dito at hindi pa ako nagbi-breakfast. I'm not as king you to keep me company until the day ends, ang sa akin lang let's take this opportunity to know each other. Aren't you curious about the guy who reads the same book you're reading?" "No." I answered. "Come on, Sapphire. Bakit ako, curious na curious ako sayo?" He inquired and I s tared at the book on top of the table. "Kasi tsismoso ka?" I answered sheepishly and he burst out laughing. "Hindi naman sa tsismoso, curious lang talaga sayo." "Curious sa English, tsismoso sa tagalog." I said and he laughed again. I find h
is laugh very manly, feeling ko dapat ganun tumawa ang mga lalaki -- hindi paran g aliw na aliw na tipong naiinsulto ka na at lalong hindi parang condescending n a parang tanga ka naman sa harap nya. "Lalo tuloy akong naku-curious sayo. Please stay, Sapphire kahit ilang minutes l ang." "Mamaya budul-budol gang ka." I murmured to myself and he cracked up. Hala, did I say that out loud? "Hindi mo syang it to re you
ako masamang tao. Look, here's my school ID pwede kunan ng litrato at pwede mo ring akong kunan ng litrato ang you can send a friend para kampante kang just in case may gawin ako sayo, which I assu ay wala, merong nakakaalam na ako ang kasama mo."
"Ang weird." I mumbled. Hindi ko na tiningnan yung ID nya at ayokong ma-curious. Iba pa pa man din ako kapag curious tungkol sa isang tao, nagiging stalker extr aordinaire. "Sige, I'll stay for an hour." I said and he smiled. "Thank you." He uttered. "First things first, I'm Carlos Sebastian Enriquez." He said. "Carina Sapphire Esquivel." I answered. "Is Carina spelled with a C or with a K?" He questioned and I frowned. Ano naman g kadramahan to? I asked myself. "C." I retorted. "Magkapareho tayo ng initials." He remarked smiling at siguro kung kasama ko lan g si Maureen ay nagtitili na yun dahil mahilig yun sa kababalaghan at desti-dest iny. Oh okay, ano yan the fault in our names? "Cool." Oo nga, ano. Dapat na ba a kong kabahan? "So nagbabasa ka ng Neil Gaiman?" I started the conversation because I wanted to change the topic. "I collect his works and I absolutely find him brilliant. Kun g nasa US lang siguro ako ay pumunta na ako sa bahay nya at kumatok sa pintuan n ya to offer my services as his house help for free." "I collect his works too and to be honest ikaw lang ang alam kong babaeng nagbab asa ng libro ni Neil Gaiman." "Saang planeta ka ba galing kasi sa planeta ko, ikaw lang ang kilala kong lalaki ng nagbabasa ng mga gawa nya." I retorted and he laughed again. "Teka lang, Sapphire I'll order for both of us. Oreo cheesecake din di ba?" He a sked. "Naku, wag na. Wag ka nang mag-abala. Grabe nahihiya talaga akong nagpalibre ako sayo, akala ko kasi talaga ikaw yung friend kong sobrang kuripot. Actually, nag bibiro lang ako dun sa kape at cheese cake because I was trying to see kung tala gang ililibre nga nya ako." I blabbered. "Please. I insist. I made you stay kahit alam kong gusto mo nang umalis. Let me buy you coffee at least."
"Hindi na nga. Tara, KKB na lang." I said as I stood up. He put a hand on my sho ulder and shook his head. "Ako na, Sapphire. Anong kape ang gusto mo? I will feel really bad kung hindi ka magpapalibre sa akin. And when I feel bad hindi ako nakakatulog. Baka magka-ins omnia ako nyan, kapag wala pa man din akong tulog ayoko ring kumain kaya baka ma gkasakit ako. All because you refused to let me buy you coffee." He smoothly sai d and I laughed. "O sya sige, nakakahiya naman yung magkakasakit ka pa dahil ayaw kong magpalibre . White chocolate mocha." I said and he smiled before he excused himself and lef t. He was back with our order after a few minutes and he placed my coffee and a slice of Oreo cheesecake in front of me. "Alam mo nahihiya akong makita yang Ore o cheesecake, feeling ko I took advantage of your kindness ." "Bakit ka mahihiya? Ako nga tong mali ang number na tinext. Pero what a coincide nce, right? You thought I was your friend and I thought you were my classmate." "Oo nga eh, si Kiko kasi may Kuya rin na nasa abroad and he just lost his phone kaya tuloy akala ko sya ikaw and he was texting me using his new number." "Nandito lang yung Kuya ko and I admit I was a bit confused when you asked kung kelan sya umuwi." He chuckled and I laughed. "Akala ko naman pinagti-tripan lang ako ng mga kaibigan ko when you asked for me to return the book." I confided smiling. "Nagduda ako when you insisted that you own the book my classmate borrowed kaya ako tumawag." "Yung tanong mong: You're a girl? Was epic." I said and he laughed again. "Kaya gusto kitang makilala because as I said ikaw lang ang babaeng nagbabasa ng libro ni Neil Gaiman sa mundo ko." "Gusto kong puntahan yang mundo mo kung maraming lalaking nagbabasa ng libro dun ." I kidded. "Ilang taon ka na, Sapphire. Hindi mo kailangang sagutin kung ayaw mo." "I'll be seventeen in a few days." I answered. "Ikaw ilang taon ka ba?" "I just turned nineteen." He answered. "Hi, Kuya." I said with a small wave and he smiled. "Just call be Seb, Sapphire. Wag na Kuya." "Saff." I said and he nodded his head. "Seb, one more thing. Let's veer away fro m personal questions kasi hindi talaga ako komportable. First time ko actually n a may makakwentuhang lalaki na hindi kilala ng Mommy ko at ng mga kasama ko sa b ahay at hindi ko classmate mula nung nursery." "Ganun? So hanggang pangalan at edad lang tayo?" He asked and I nodded my head. "Alright, I'll respect that." He replied. "So what do you want to talk about?" "Neutral topics." I retorted.
"Tulad ng?" "What was the last book you read?" I asked. We talked about many things, mainly about Neil Gaiman's books. Nakakatuwa lang na may lalaking adik din sa libro tul ad ko at mukhang mas marami pang nabasa kesa akin. "Aside kay Neil Gaiman, sinong authors ba ang binabasa mo?" Tanong nya. "Marami. Lahat ng pwede kong basahin binabasa ako. I got my first book when I wa s seven kaya nga relate na relate ako kay Neil Gaiman dahil sya din seven years old nung niregaluhan sya ng libro ng tatay nya." "So your Dad was the one who introduced you to reading?" He asked and I nodded m y head. "Professor sya sa isang univer--" I started to say and stopped. Ayoko syang pagusapan. He looked expectantly at me and I took a sip from my coffee. "Okay, no personal topics nga pala. I apologize for my lapse." "Hindi. Hindi mo kasalanan. Ako nag-open nung topic na yun." "Your life must be so mysterious kasi ayaw mong pag-usapan. Yung sa akin kasi no rmal lang. I have a Dad who's a pilot, yung Mommy ko naman teacher din pero high school ang hawak nya. I have four older brothers, yung tatlo may mga sariling p amilya na." "Parang ang saya na may kapatid." I remarked. "Wow, you're an only child? I envy you. Mahirap maging bunso at puro hand-me-dow ns nakukuha mo. Pati nga yung mga libro ni Neil Gaiman pinamana lang sa amin ng nakakatanda naming kuya." Hindi na ako nag-react sa only child remark kasi kung tutuusin may mga kapatid ako sa labas kaya hindi ako only child. "Pilot ang Daddy mo, ikaw ba gusto mo ring maging pilot?" "Hindi. He was always away kaya ayoko yung trabaho nya. Ayoko ang kahit anong tr abaho that would make my wife and children jealous because I spend more time at work than with them ." "Wife and children? Wow, ang aga naman nyan." "Gusto kong mag-asawa ng maaga." "Ayokong mag-asawa." I laughingly said and he frowned. "Bakit?" "Ayoko lang. Malay natin magbabago yun pero sa ngayon ayoko." I said smiling and he shrugged. "Oh, well sana magbago yan." He murmured. Hindi sadyang napatingin ako sa relos na nasa dingding ng coffee shop sa bandang likuran nya. "Mag-aalas dose ng tanghali na?" I asked in disbelief. I looked around and notic ed na madami na palang tao sa loob ng Starbucks. He was so entertaining that I w as fully immersed in our conversation. "Oo. May pupuntahan ka ba?"
"Wala naman pero panigurado nag-aalala na yung yaya ko." I said as I prepared to stand up. "It was a pleasure talking to you, Sebastian." I said as I held my ha nd out to him. He took it and smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Sapphire." He said. Sabay kaming tumayo at lumabas and I was touched when he opened the door for me. Yung mga kaibigan ko kasing lalaki, sobrang balahura, wala silang pake kung hirap na hirap kang buksan yung pinto ba sta sila nakalabas na. "May sundo ka ba?" He asked. "Meron, ito tini-text ko na." Nakangiting sagot ko sa kanya. "Sayang. Gusto sana kitang ihatid sa inyo." "Naku, nilibre mo na nga ako ihahatid mo pa ako. Kalabisan na yun. Salamat ulit ha. Sige, mauna k a nang umuwi, magka-cab ka ba?" "Hindi, may dala akong sasakyan." "Ah, okay. Ingat sa pagmamaneho." I said. "Hintayin ko nang dumating ang sundo mo." He uttered. "Nakapagsimba ka na ba?" "Hindi pa." "Ako rin." He stated and I just smiled. I knew it was an invitation pero hindi k o na kinagat. It was interesting talking to him pero kilala ko ang sarili ko, I' ll lose interest after a day. Wala pang fifteen minutes ay dumating na si Manong Nilo and I waved goodbye at Sebastian. "Salamat ulit sa kape at oreo cheesecake, Seb!" "Sa uulitin, Saff." He said as he waved goodbye too. I was already inside the ca r when I heard him call my name. "Sapphire!" "Yes?" I asked after I rolled the window down . "Do you believe in fate?" He asked and I laughed. "No." I answered. "Well, I do and I think I'm fated to fall for you." . . . . . . One Message Received - Chapter 3 I was ready to forget him -- the guy whom I had a very enlightening talk over co
ffee with. Hindi naman ako ganun ka-naïve para isiping destined yung pagkikita nam in pero hindi rin ako manhid para hindi kiligin kahit papano. I was still smilin g when I got home. Dapat didiretso na ako sa simbahan kaso lunch time na at tuma wag si Yaya Emy na umuwi daw muna ako para kumain. "Kumusta si Kiko?" She asked as soon as I sat down to eat. "Kasama nya ba sina Mau?" "Hindi po si Kiko yung nandun, Yaya." "Paanong hindi si Kiko?" She inquired as she sat down opposite me. "Nakakatuwa yung story namin, Yaya." Sabi ko sa kanya. Hindi ako malihim kaya na gkwento ako kaagad kay Yaya tungkol sa circumstances ng pagkikita namin ni Sebas tian. "Yun lang, nag-usap kami tapos umuwi na sya sa kanila." "Saan sya nakatira?" "Hindi ko po alam. Sabi ko kasi sa kanya dapat wala kaming personal questions sa isa't isa." "Wala nga pero alam nya kung saan ka nakatira, kahit hindi yung exact address mo eh alam nya pa rin kung saan yung location mo." "Yaya naman, hindi naman po sya masamang tao. May masama bang tao na nagbabasa n g mga books ni Neil Gaiman?" "Saff, may mga masamang tao na nagbabasa ng bibliya, wag kang magpapakasiguro." Yaya said. Ganun si yaya, sobrang nega at ang nakakabaliw ay nakakahawa ang kapr aningan nya. Feeling ko tuloy aabangan ako ni Sebastian sa labas ng subdivision, dudukutin at ibibenta sa sindikatong tatanggalan ako ng mga lamang-loob para sa mga kliyente nilang may sakit. O kaya ay ibibenta sa casa, o kaya ay... "Hay, naku! Tama na, Saff! Para kang ewan!" I murmured to myself. Si Yaya Emy ta laga, nakakainis!" I mumbled as I brushed my teeth. "Ang ganda ng pakiramdam ko kanina, ngayon tuloy kinakabahan ako." I sighed before I washed my face. Lumabas ako sa banyo ko at umupo sa kama. "Ay, nagpapatawag nga pala si Mau." I said ya wning as I lay on my bed. Sinagot nya agad ang tawag ko. "Buti buhay ka pa, akala ko nabiktima ka na ng white slavery." Pambungad nya hab ang tawa ng tawa. "Maureen, hindi ka na nakakatuwa!" "Baliw, biro lang. O ano na, kumusta naman yung Kikong manlilibre sayo? Gwapo ba ? Mabango? May girlfriend?" "Mukhang okay naman pero napa-praning ako kasi sabi ni Yaya alam daw ni Sebastia n kung saan banda ako nakatira, feeling ko tuloy kikidnapin nya ako." "Naninibago ka pa rin ba kay Yaya Emy eh nung kabataan nyan puro horror stories ang kwinento dyan at hindi fairytales." "Ang sama!" I laughingly said. "Kung dukot lang din naman ang intensyon nya sayo eh di sana di na kita kausap n gayon, ang dali mo kayang magoyo."
"Hoy, Maureen salamat ha! Ewan ko ba paano kita naging bestfriend when in fact p arati mo naman akong binabalahura." "Best, it's written in the stars, tayong dalawa ang magsasama hanggang sa magkaasawa't anak ako at tumandang dalaga ka." "Bwisit ka! Pag ako talaga nagka-boyfriend hinding-hindi ako magku-kwento sayo!" "Paano ka naman magkaka-boyfriend eh masyado kang takot sa mga lalaki? Aba, dina ig mo pa si Rapunzel na loner ang peg at nakatira sa tuktok ng palasyo. Yun nga lang hindi ganun kahaba ang hair mo kaya walang prinsipeng pwedeng umakyat sa kwarto mo at ipakita sayo kung paano ang magmahal." She said and we burst out laughing. "Mau, galing ospital ka pa sa lagay na yan, ha." "Kailangan kong magsalita ng magsalita kasi for ilang hours puro suka ang lumaba s sa bibig ko, I was actually expecting na bigla ko na lang isuka ang atay ko." "Baboy mo." "Ano ba yan, napapalayo ang usapan. Go na, kwento na tungkol dun sa lalaking nap agkamalan mong si Kiko. Gwapo ba? Saan sya nag-aaral? May kapatid ba yan para ti g-isa tayo?" "May itsura." I said and she squealed. "Keriboom! Sa taas ng standards mo kapag sinabi mong may itsura ay ka-level na n yan si Daniel Padilla!" "Gaga!" "Thank you!" She replied and I laughed. "O tapos, anong kahiwagaan ng kalawakan at naisipan mong sya si Kiko? Nangangamoy destiny ito at ramdam kong nag-align a ng mga bituin para lang maisakatuparan ang matagal mo nang minimithing lalaking pupukaw sa iyong puson at damdamin." "Walanghiya ka talaga, Mau! Anong puson?" I asked laughing. Ganun si Mau -- pran gka, kadalasan green, kunyari conservative kapag may gwapo, medyo sexually frust rated at single since birth. Sa kakanuod nya ng korean soap opera ay tumindi ang pananalig nya sa destiny. "Ano ngang itsura! Kainis ka naman eh! Naglalaway na ako dito!" "Matangkad, moreno, matangos ang ilong, malamlam ang mga mata tapos nakasuot ng glasses." "Ay putek, naiihi na ako sa excitement! Kung ayaw mo dyan eh ipasa mo na dito, m y arms and legs are wide open for him!" "Ang sagwa mo, baliw!" "Ano ba, ako excited na akong magka-jowa nang magkaroon naman ng katuturan ang p agbabasa ko sa mga librong How To Make Your Man Happy, Pleasure Him In 5 Simple Steps at Romance in Kama Sutra." "Alam ko kaya hindi ka nagkaka-boyfriend eh puro kahalayan ang mga nasa utak mo at naamoy ng mga lalaki yan kaya nilalayuan ka nila dahil takot silang mawaglit sa kanila ang kanilang mga puri!" "Gaga! All bark, no bite naman itong ganda ko. Feeling ko nga kahit
kiss lang sa cheek eh hihimatayin na ako agad kaya good luck talaga sa akin. Ang dam i mong sinabi, hindi mo pa ako sinasagot!" "Ha? Ano bang tanong mo?" "Type mo ba? Wait, Sebastian name nya? Ano ba yan pangalan pa lang parang gusto ko nang maghubad!" "Leche!" I said as I doubled over in laughter. "Type mo ba sya, Saff?" "Ano ka ba naman, ilang oras pa lang kaming magkakilala eh tatanungin mo na ako kaagad kung type ko sya? Pwede ba naman yung maging type mo agad-agad ang tao?" "Tungeks! Ganun talaga yun, unang tingin mo pa lang eh alam mo na kung type mo b a yung tao o hindi. Type lang naman, hindi ko sinabing ibibigay mo na puri mo sa kanya." "Mau, siguro ang daming tubig ng pool na nainom mo at mas lumala yata yang saltik mo ngayon." "Uyyy... iniiwasan ang tanong! Type mo sya! Ayyiiiie! Ang pagdadalaga ni Sapphir e!" "Hay naku, ewan ko sayo. Nagsimba ka na ba?" "Oo, kaninang umaga pa. Ikaw ba?" "Hindi pa eh, mamayang alas dos magpi-prepare na ako para sa 3PM mass." "Hindi mo man lang sya niyayang magsimba kayo together? At least may basbas ng M aykapal ang pagkikita nyo!" "Mau, ibababa ko na to, ha kasi sumasakit na ulo ko sayo." I said and I heard he r laugh aloud. "O sya, Mother Superior bye na. Panain ka nawa ni kupido para tumibok naman yang patay mong puso." "Heh! Gaga!" I said laughing before we ended the call. Hindi sya nag-text. Hindi rin sya nag-missed call man lang at hindi ko alam kung bakit disappointed ako. "Hay, Saff nahawa ka na kay Mau." I murmured as I plopped on my bed. I actually thought of sending him a message para pasalamatan sya sa panlilibre nya at para rin itanong kung nakauwi ba syang maayos. Pero ayoko kasi alam kong excuse ko la ng yun at ayokong gumawa ng move na pagsisisihan ko sa huli. "Sabi ko nga, dapat hindi naku-curious dun!" I chastised myself as I stood up to power my computer and typed his name on the Google search bar. "Teka nga, bakit ko ba sya ini-stal k?" I asked myself as I turned my computer off. . Do you believe in fate? . I heard his question in my head again. "No, I don't." I repeated what I told him before I sighed and closed my eyes. I felt my phone vibrate and I groped for it under my pillows. 1 Message Received.
Kiko: Hi, Saff. I just got home. Nagpunta pa kasi akong SM-North para bumili ng libro. Ano nang ginagawa mo? "Bakit ba Kiko pa rin pangalan nya dito?" I mumbled as touched edit to change th e name to Sebastian. Hi, Seb. Andito sa bahay, nakatunganga at walang ginagawa. Glad to know that you got home safe. I replied. Sebastian: Thanks. You know what, I would have wanted to spend more time with you because w e totally click . I love girls who speak their minds and who have minds to speak. "Aba, aba pumipick-up line." I sniggered as I typed my response. Seb, as I said I don't believe in destiny. I don't believe in fate and I don't b elieve that there is a deeper reason kung bakit tayo nagkakilala, coincidence la ng yun. Let's not be overly-romantic even if we both are book geeks, realistic a ko at hindi ako romantic. I reread the message before I sent it to him. Sebastian: Saff, to quote Jennings Bryan: Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. And t his is the destiny I was talking about, Saff and not something manipulated by ou r perceived muses of fate. "At talagang may kasama pang quote, pursigido! Nakakaloka naman itong lalaking t o, yun ngang mga magulang ko all their lives magkakilala pero nagkahiwalay pa ri n tapos sya susugal sa isang taong ilang oras nya lang naka-text at nakausap?" Seb, that's cute. You're cute but I'm not into cuties. Hahaha. Nothing personal, I am just weird. I don't believe in chance, I don't believe in fate and I don't believe in destiny. I'm wishing that you'll find someone who believes in those things like you do. Pero hindi ako yun, I'm too jaded for romance. I stared at my phone as I waited for his reply but nothing came so I just shrugg ed it off and decided to sleep. Mabuti nang klaro, although sa cute nya, nakakap anghinayang nga naman sya. Pero ayokong maiwan tulad ni Mommy who had to work ab road to raise her daughter because the man she took a chance with left her for another. Why complicate lif e? I murmured to myself as I closed my eyes. Nakatulog ako at nagising ako ng alas kwatro kaya ayun pang 6 PM mass tuloy ang ganda ko. Hindi na ako nagpahatid kasi alam kong ma-traffic sa area na yun and i t would be better kung mag-jeep na lang ako, at tsaka nagsimba na sina Manong Ni lo. "Kahit ba ma-traffic pwede ka namang hintayin ni Manong Nilo mo sa labas." "Wag na po." Sabi ko kay Manang Mabel. "Ang lapit lang naman po pwede ko nga pon g lakarin eh, madaming taga dito na nilalakad lang yung simbahan." "Sige, ikaw ang bahala. Wag mong kakalimutan ang telepono mo
para masundo ka kung kailangan mong magpasundo." "Opo." I replied before I left. Madami akong nakasabay at sa totoo lang, sa mukh a ko lang sila kilala. Di kasi talaga ako pala-kaibigan, I do not like getting o ut of my comfort zone. Pagdating ko ng simbahan ay umupo ako sa pew kung saan ak o parating umuupo. Wala pa ang pari and I looked around me to see kung meron ba akong kakilalang nakasabay ring magsimba. I felt my phone vibrate and I took it out of my pocket. Sebastian: You're too young to be jaded and reading those thoughts in your messages makes m e want to know you more. Bakit hindi mo muna ako subukang kilalanin? Hindi ka na niniwala sa destiny at fate pero naniniwala ka naman siguro sa milagro? "Ang kulit." I mumbled smiling. "Ang kulit nitong taong to." Anong klaseng milagro naman? I typed grinning. Sebastian: Kahit ano, try me. "Nakakaaliw ka na, nakakaasar." I said unable to hide my grin. I looked at the s ea of people around me and smiled. Kapag nahanap mo ako before the day ends. I'll give you a chance. I typed and sh ook my head in disbelief. At talagang pinatulan ko ang kabaliwan nito. I thought . Sabagay, imposible namang mahanap ako nun dito, kahit alam ba nya yung area ku ng saan ako nakatira malay ba nya kung nasaan ako ngayon? "All rise." The church's speakers sounded signaling the start of the mass and I stood up together with the other parishioners. Soon, it was time to offer each o ther the sign of peace at tumingin ako sa mga katabi ko to say 'peace be with you.' I felt my phone vi brate again and I quelched the urge to check the message pero hindi ko natiis ka ya tiningnan ko. Sebastian: Peace be with you, Saff. "What the..." I uttered aloud and heard others clear their throats. "Sorry po." Bulong ko bago ko nilagay ulit sa bulsa ko ang telepono ko. Coincidence ba yun? Pwedeng nagsimba sya tapos trip nya lang mag-text sa akin at nagkataon lang na n agbibigayan din kami ng sign of peace dito ngayon. I thought. I peeked at the pe ople beside me. Nandito kaya sya? I silently asked myself. Imposible! Napa-prani ng ka lang, Saff! I thought to myself and tried to forget the text message I rec eived from him until the mass ended. Sa dami ng tao, pahirapahan ang paglabas sa simbahan. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sila nagmamadali. Sila na ang hectic ang sch edule. I murmured as I felt someone push me. "Teka po." I said as someone graspe d my hand. "Excuse--" I started to say and stopped. "Hi, Saff." I heard him say. "Do you believe in destiny now?" . . .
. . . One Message Received - Chapter 4 I did not have time to be surprised much more to ask questions as he led me out of the church. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong matakot kasi hindi ko naman tal aga sya kilala o kaya ay matuwa dahil aminin ko man o hindi, the destiny thing w as starting to get cute. Paano naman ako nahanap nito? Sino ba yang destiny na y an? May GPS locator ba yan? I thought to myself as he steered me away from the c rowd. "May sundo ka ba?" He asked when we're finally away from the pushing, church-goi ng mob. "Wala. Lalakarin ko lang ang bahay namin." I answered stiffly. I didn't want to give him any other information kasi naalala ko na naman yung sinabi sa akin ni y aya Emy kanina. "Ah, so malapit ka lang pala nakatira dito?" He asked smiling as he glanced at m e. Hala, teka lang mamaya miyembro talaga to ng sindikato who targets young girls like me. Ang bata ko pa para mamatay! I murmured panicking. I realized that I'm really weird kasi alam kong hindi ganito ang magiging reaction ng mga bida sa s ine kapag may ganito kagwapong lalaki ang humaltak sa kanila sa labas ng isang s imbahan. But unfortunately, hindi nag-slow motion ang paligid at wala akong nari nig na love song. In fact kinabahan ako ng bongga at naririnig ko sa utak ko ang theme song ng Saw. "Um.. ano... Seb...Salamat ha. Eh ano kasi... bye na... kasi... kailangan ko... ano... uwi na pala ako. Yung ano kasi... yung mga friends ko... ano... kasi... k ailangan ko na talagang umuwi." I stammered as I glanced around us. "Diyos ko, s aan mo ba ako dadalhin?! My God, masyado pa akong bata para mamatay!" I nearly s hrieked and he suddenly stopped walking before he turned to look at me. "Are you scared of me, Saff?" He asked and I just stared at him. "Why?" "Anong why? Hindi nga kasi kita kilala tapos bigla-bigla na lang tayong nagkita dito tapos hinihila mo pa ako..." I blabbered like a total imbecile. "Saff." He said as he held my face. "Hindi ba palagay ang loob mo sa akin?" He a sked, may halong tampo ang boses nya and I felt like a dreadful human being for hinting that he's someone I should be scared of. Pero he's a stranger! Pagtatang gol ko sa sarili ko. Get your bearings back, Sapphire! I commanded myself as I s traightened my spine. He let go of my face as he sighed. "You're really scared o f me." He murmured. "Well, don't I have reasons para hindi maging kampante ang loob ko sayo? Firstly , hindi tayo magkakilala. An hour's worth of conversation isn't enough to really know the person. Secondly, bigla-bigla ka na lang susulpot kung saan ako nagsis imba. Thirdly, I don't even know where you live." I said and he gazed at me for a full second before he laughed softly. "Do you want to know where I live?" He asked and I scowled.
"No." I said. "Bakit ko naman gugustuhing malaman kung saan ka nakatira?" I ques tioned. "Eh di forever na lang pala akong magiging kahinala-hinala sayo kasi wala ka nam ang balak alamin kung saan ako nakatira kaya hindi ko mafu-fulfill yun isa sa th ree conditions na sinabi mo?" He uttered smiling. I find smart boys freakingly a ttractive as hell and his attractive meter just surged. In fact lumampas na. Tam a pa ba to, gwapo ka na nga magaling ka pang lumusot tapos naka-glasses ka pa. N asaan ang hustisya? Saang lupalop ka ba galing at parang ang perpekto mo naman? Mahilig kang magbasa, you can quote lines from a book like a pro and you have a beguiling smile! This is so unfair! Ano naman ang laban ng inexperienced kong pu so sayo?! "Well..." I stammered as I thought of something to say. "Maybe, I'll have a chan ce to get to know where you live when we've gotten to know each other more." I s aid. "And how are we supposed to get to know each other more if you think of me as a rapist or as a kidnapper?" He asked. "How did you know--" I started to say and closed my mouth. Ang tanga mo Saff! I told myself quietly as he laughed. "Halata kaya sa itsura mo. Hindi ako rapist. Hindi ako kidnapper at hindi ako ma samang tao. The reason why I brought you here is because this is where I'm parke d." He said as he took something out of his pocket and pressed it. A car sounded somewhere. "See?" He said and I frowned. "Bakit mo ako dinala kung saan ka naka-park?" I asked, doubt very evident in my voice. "Because I'm inviting you to dinner." He said as he pulled me with him. "Wait, dinner? Sa amin ako kakain! Sabi ng yaya ko wag daw akong sumama sa mga m ag-iimbita sa aking strangers na kumain kasi pwede daw akong mabiktima ng budolbudol o kaya ng ativan gang at mababasa na lang daw nila sa newspaper o kaya ay mapapanuod sa TV na nahanap na lang ang walang-buhay kong katawang natagpuan sa isang bakanteng lote!" I stated and he stopped walking again and laughed aloud. "Saff, ang grim naman nyang iniisip mo ." He said. "Di ba sabi mo pag nahanap kita before the day ends you'll give me a chance?" He asked and I gazed guiltily at him. "Hindi ko naman kasi inisip na mahahanap mo nga ako kasi di ba kung mangyayari y un eh di sobrang coincidence na, ang creepy naman." I muttered and heard him sig h. "Alam mo ba kung rinig ko ngayong re coincidence?" g ako bigla. Seb
ilang simbahan na ang pinanggalingan ko at ilang mass na ang na araw na to just to prove to myself that meeting you is not a me He asked. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong kiligin pero kinili naman, awat na.
"Ganun?" I asked as I bit my lower lip to stop my smile from showing. "Oo. At alam kong nangingiti ka wag mong pigilin yan, you look more beautiful wh en you smile." "Excuse me, hindi ako nangingiti!" I denied but I couldn't stop myself from grin ning. "Okay, fine nangingiti ako." I admitted and he chuckled.
"Let me treat you to dinner. Please." He said and my brows furrowed in indecisio n. "Let's take a photo together tapos ipadala mo sa yaya mo, sa parents mo, sa f riends mo or pwede mo ring i-post sa FB mo para just in case something happens t o you today ay alam nila kung sino ang kasama mo. Although, I give you my word n a walang mangyayari sayong masama kapag ako ang kasama mo." "Ang weird lang kasi--" "Saff, I know you shouldn't just go anywhere with a stranger pero I'm hoping tha t by the end of the day ay hindi na tayo stranger sa isa't isa." He said. "Ilaba s mo na ang telepono mo and let's take a picture together." "Ang baduy." I mumbled. "Saff, you're right na hindi ka dapat sumasama sa mga hindi mo kakilala. At sana ako ang kauna-unahan at kahuli-hulihang taong hindi mo kilalang sasamahan mo. S o let's do this, okay?" He said as he stood beside me. I took my phone from my p ocket and took a picture of us. "Can I see it?" He asked and I showed the pictur e to him. "We look good together." He said and I rolled my eyes heavenward. "Teka ha, ipapadala ko muna to sa NBI." I kidded and he laughed. I sent the pict ure to my yaya and my best friend Mau and even opened my Facebook account to post it." "Lagyan mo ng caption for security reasons." He said, his voice teasing. "Caption? Ano namang ilalagay ko dito?" I asked. "Okay lang ba sayo na ako ang maglagay ng caption?" He asked and I shrugged. "Okay." I said ad I handed my cellphone to him. "All done." He said as he gave my cellphone back. "Tara na? Saan mo gustong kuma in? Do you have a particular resto in mind?" He asked. "Akala ko ba libre mo , kung sino ang manlilibre sya ang magdi-decide." I said and he smiled again. Wa g ka ngang ngiti ng ngiti, nakakaasar ka, nalulunod na ako dito. I murmured to m yself as he led me to his car. I'm really am not into cars, hindi ako relate sa mga usapan ng mga kaibigan kong lalaki about sa mga kotse but when I saw his car , I was blown away. "Wow." I whispered. "Meet my baby girl, Erza Scarlet." He announced with pride. "I get it na pula sya kaya scarlet pero bakit Erza?" "You don't know Erza Scarlet?" He asked grinning. "Artista ba sya?" I asked. "She's a kick-ass anime character." He said. "Panuorin natin together yung anime nya one of these days." He said as if he's sure na magkikita pa kami ulit. I wa s starting to feel warm and fuzzy and tingly. Para akong naligo sa maligamgam na bubble bath. Gusto kong itanong kung anong ibig nyang sabihin doon sa sinabi ny ang maraming simbahan na syang napuntahan at maraming misa na syang napakinggan pero ayokong mag-feeling at ayokong mag-assume. Mamaya eh over religious lang pa la sya at panata nyang maki-misa sa iba't ibang simbahan. He opened the door for me and I slid into the passenger's seat of his car. I snapped the seat belt in
place and watched him get into the driver's seat. "Seatbelt mo?" He asked and smiled when he saw that I've already worn my seatbel t. "Tara na." "Saan tayo kakain?" "Akala ko ba surprise ang gusto mo?" "Wag yung surprise na sa ibang lupalop pa ng Pilipinas ha. Surprise na Quezon Ci ty lang. Mamaya maisipan mong sa Baguio mo pala ako gustong i-treat ng dinner." I said and he laughed again. "Grabe naman yung Baguio. Tagaytay lang." "Ha?!" "Hindi, QC lang." He said. "Relax, ano ka ba." He uttered as I began fidgeting w ith my seatbelt. "Hindi nga ako masamang tao. Magpapa-picture ba naman ako kasam a ka kung masama akong tao? Eh di kulong ako agad. Sinulat ko pa full name ko, d ate at time dun sa FB mo para hindi ka na kabahan." "Talagang kumpleto? Yung address mo yata nakalimutan mong i-indicate." "Tsaka ko na isusulat kapag nadala na kita sa bahay." He said and I averted my g aze. Lakas naman magpakilig nitong taong to. Hindi kaya social experiment lang t o o kaya pustahan? How could someone be so nice at wala syang vested interest? "Seb, kung may kailangan ka sa akin, sabihin mo lang. Mamaya nautusan ka ng mga kaibigan mo o kaya ay nagpustahan kayo, just tell me and I'll cooperate. You don 't have to pretend that you find me interesting." I said and saw him glance side ways at me. "Saff, I'm not that kind of person. Hindi ako mahilig maglaro. And yes , I find you interesting. You might think it's weird but the moment I saw you wa lk inside that coffee shop, I knew you were someone special." "Ay naku, tama na nga baka maniwala na ako sayo. Mamaya may sumabunot na lang sa akin bigla kawawa naman ako." "If you're trying to ask me if I have a girlfriend, the answer is no, I don't." He said smiling. "Hindi ko yun tinatanong, okay ka lang!" I defensively muttered and he laughed. "Ikaw ba, may boyfriend?" "Marami." "Ha?" "Marami akong kaibigang lalaki." I said. "How long has it been since you broke u p with your last girlfriend?" I asked. "Don't tell me na hindi ka pa nagka-girlf riend ever kasi hindi ako maniniwala." "Two and a half years ago." He replied. "She migrated to Australia. We were too young then for a long distance relationship kaya it didn't work." "Ay, high school romance?" I jested and he laughed. "First love ba ito?" "First girlfriend lang. We were too immature to call it first love. Hindi naman
lahat ng nagiging una mong kasintahan ay pwede mong tawaging first love. You cou ld be in a relationship but fall in love a few years later pa." "O wag na defensive, I wouldn't think less of you kung ikaw ay na-inlove na. Tat anggapin pa rin kita bilang kaibigan." I said and he chuckled. "May problema tayo dyan." He said and I turned to look at him. "Bakit? Ayaw mo ba akong maging friend? Okay." I murmured. "Ayaw kitang maging friend lang." He replied. "I'm taking you out to dinner beca use I want to know you enough to be your boyfriend, Saff." He said. . . . . . . One Message Received - Chapter 5 "Boyfriend?! Ang bilis mo naman? Baka sa susunod na linggo aasawahin mo na ako?" I blurted out in surprise and he laughed. "Kaka-seventeen mo lang eh kaya hindi pa pwede, pag eighteen ka na siguro." He a nswered and I looked at him suspiciously. "Bakit? Hindi ka ba pwedeng ligawan? H indi ka ba pwedeng maging girlfriend? Hindi ba pwedeng magkagusto ang isang tula d ko sayo?" "Isang tulad mong ano? Teka nga, bigla akong nawindang sa sinabi mo. Ang bilis m o naman! Kaya mo ba ako ililibre para sagutin kita? Anong akala mo sa akin patay -gutom?" "Saff, wag ganyan. Why would I think that of you? As I said, I find you interest ing and I have a feeling that you are someone special. Is it a crime if I want t o know you more? Is it a misdeed on my part if I am so vocal in my desire to be Sapphire's boyfriend?" "Sapphire and desire do not belong in the same sentence." Sagot ko sa kanya at n gumiti lang sya. "Kuya Seb ang bilis mo po!" "Kuya-zoned?" He asked laughing and I couldn't help but laugh with him. "Sakit pala nyan, akala ko sa mga posts ng mga kaibigan ko lang mababasa." "It's too fast, too soon and I really am not looking for any romantic connection right now. Sabi ko nga sayo, I'm jaded. My personality's far from being girlfri end-material." "Bakit mo ba kailangang ibaba ang sarili mo? You are fond of doing that, parang nilo-lower mo ang worth mo sa harap ng ibang tao."
"Hindi ako ganun, ano." "Ganun ka. Wala ba sa mga kaibigan mo ang nakapagsabi sayo nyan? It's not health y." "I don't have self-esteem issues if that's what you're trying to say." "I am not trying to say anything, I am merely stating an observation." "It ceases to be an observation if you voice it out. It is now called an opinion ." "An opinion that's not intended to offend you." "Your opinion about me does not offend me in the slightest. It is your arrogance in thinking that your opinion is a fact that compels my urge to buy a gun and s hoot you in the head." I countered and he laughed. "I am starting to love you, Saff." He said. "You're smart." He added. "Ewan ko sayo, Seb naloloka na ako sayo sa totoo lang. Namali ka ng text, nilibr e mo ako sa Starbucks, nag-usap tayo, nagkasabay tayong magsimba, ililibre mo ako ng dinner, you entice me to cross verbal swords with you and you compliment me lav ishly. And that's in a span of less than twenty-hours. May deadline ka ba? Nagma madali ka yata?" Tanong ko habang tawa sya ng tawa. "Well, if you look at it that way, parang mabilis nga." "Hindi parang. Mabilis talaga." "I am the type of person who goes for what he wants, Saff." He retorted. "Unfortunately, although I am a romance cynic, I still prefer someone who needs me over someone who wants me." "In a relationship, wanting comes first. Tsaka lang naman lumalabas ang needing kapag malalim na ang relasyon ninyo." "Oo na, ikaw na ang may experience at ako na ang single since birth." "Ito na nga, nagsusumamo na ako sayo para bigyan mo ako ng pagkakataong baguhin yang pagiging single since birth mo." "Magsumamo ka pa more." I replied laughing and he laughed along. "Alam mo, ikaw nakakatawa ka rin eh. Ang ganda ko naman at sa dinami-dami ng babae sa ibabaw ng lupa ay ako pa talaga ang napag-isipan mong baguhin ang relationship status." "May magagawa ba ako, Saff kung sayo ako tinamaan?" "Tinamaan ng lintek ba?" I asked and we burst out laughing. "Wag namang lintek, kidlat pwede pa. Kidlat ng pagmamahal." "Boom. Wasak." I said and we doubled over in laughter again. "Ilibre mo na nga l ang ako, Seb para matapos na yang pagdedeliryo mo at bumalik na tayo sa normal n ating buhay. I admit, I find you funny , interesting and attractive."
"So what's holding you back?" "Hindi tayo magkakilala ng lubusan. At hindi rin ako handang pumasok sa isang re lasyon. I don't believe in love, feeling ko pakana lang yan ng mga paktoryang gu magawa ng candies, teddy bears, chocolates, greeting cards at kung anu-ano pang ka-sweetan na pinang-uuto ng mga tao sa isa't isa." "You know why I'm so curious about you? Hindi ka pa nagka-boyfriend pero kung ma gsalita ka parang sampung lalaki na ang bumasag sa puso mo." "Iisa lang but he made it impossible to mend." I replied with a bitter smile thi nking about my father. Ano pa bang mas sasakit na pagtalikod kesa ang pagtalikod na ginawa ng isang ama sa kanyang anak? Ano pa bang mas sasakit sa katotohanang iniwan ka nya because he doesn't love you enough? Kung yung sarili mong tatay a y kaya kang iwanan, how much more yung ibang lalaki? My father's betrayal ruined me for life. "Anway, enough of the drama, saan ba tayo kakain?" I asked, my voi ce cracking up with emotion as I blinked the tears that formed in my eyes. Hindi sya sumagot at hindi ako ulit nagtanong until he handed me his handkerchief. "P ara saan yan?" I asked. "Napuwing ka yata." He answered. "Gamitin mo, malinis yan. Ako pa naglaba nyan." He said smiling and I thanked him quietly. Hindi na sya nagsalita and I welcome d the silence with open arms. Ako talaga ang tipo ng taong at-home kapag tahimik ang paligid, I want to be left to my own thoughts. "Saff..." He suddenly said a nd I turned my head to look at him. "Nothing hurts forever unless you allow it to." "Ano naman ang koneksyon nyan sa akin?" I asked arching my brow. "Wala. Gusto ko lang sabihin sayo na ang sugat naghihilom pero yung takot na mas ugatan ka ulit, yun ang mahirap mawala. Pero you'll miss out on a lot of things kung patuloy kang matatakot." "Alam ko." Sagot ko sa kanya. "Pero sino namang tao ang gustong masaktan?" "Marami." He retorted. "At isa na ako dun. Hindi dahil adik ako sa sakit pero da hil alam kong the only way for me to live this life meaningfully is to embrace everything including the pain." . . . . . We dined at a restaurant in Timog and I was surprised when he told me that his f amily owns the establishment. According to him, it was handed down to them by his mother's great grandfather. Yun nga lang daw, yung generation ng Mom nya ay walang hilig sa pagluluto o sa pagpapatakbo ng negosyo. It was his e ldest brother who reopened the business at ngayon meron na itong five branches. "Akala ko regular ka lang dito that's why they were so happy to see you." I rema rked and he chuckled.
"Masarap naman ang mga pagkain di ba?" He asked me eagerly and I nodded my head. "Mamaya, sinasabi mo lang yan kasi nahihiya kang mag-comment ng hindi maganda." "Hindi ah. Masarap talaga ang pagkain." "Mabuti naman. Recipe pa ng mga ninuno ko ang mga pagkaing nandito." "Ibig sabihin magaling ka ring magluto?" "I would like to think na oo kasi nakakahiya naman, kumukuha pa man din ako ng C ulinary Arts." He replied and I looked at him in surprise. "Wow! Magiging chef ka? Hi, new best friend!" I said waving my hand at him. "Lah at ng iluluto mo kakainin ko, hindi ako magrereklamo." I said and he laughed. "Nakakatuwa ka talaga, Saff." "Teka nga, may papel at ballpen ka dyan?" "Wala pero pwede akong magpakuha. Aanhin mo?" "Papa-autograph ako sayo, baka sumikat ka eh at least may remembrance." I said a nd he laughed harder. "Ang astig naman, alam mo bang mahilig akong manuod ng coo king shows sa Asian Food Channel at sa Food Network? Ang sexy lang ng mga lalaki ng magaling magluto." I blurted out like a naïve teenager and immediately closed m y mouth. "Of course sexy not in a sexual way pero alam mo na yung ano--" I mumbl ed and he arched a brow. "So you find me sexy, huh?" He asked and I felt my face flare. "Malalandi rin pala ang mga chef." I mumbled and he chuckled. "Binibiro lang kita, Saff." He said. "It's really cute how you blush." "So you find me cute, huh?" I questioned and he laughed. I tried to maintain a p oker face pero hindi ko rin natagalan at nakitawa na rin ako ng malakas. "Salama t sa dinner, Seb." I said after we've caught our breaths. "At maraming salamat k asi napatawa mo ako ng bongga ngayong araw na to." "Walang anuman, Saff. Di bale sa susunod, ako na mismo ang magluluto para sayo p ara mapangatawanan ko naman ang pagturing mo sa akin na sexy." He uttered grinni ng. "Hoy, loko parang ang pervert ko dyan sa sinabi mo." "Ayan ka na naman, hindi yun ang ibig kong sabihin but you're welcome to fantasi ze about me if you want." Dire-diretso nyang sabi at naibuga ko sa kanya ang tub ig na iniinom ko. "What?! Anong fantasize?! Praning ka!" I exclaimed and he laughed again. "Sorry nabugahan tuloy kita ng tubig." "Okay lang, kailangan ko na rin yatang maligo." He said as he took off his glass es and wiped it using the table napkin. "Sorry talaga, Seb." I said as I stood up. Gusto ko rin sanang makipunas pero na hiya naman ako. "Okay nga lang, hindi mo naman kailangang ulit-ulitin." He said as he put his gl asses back on. I sat back
down and looked guiltily at him. "O, what's with the facial expression? That was all my fault kasi may sinabi akong kinagulat mo. Wag nang malungkot." "Sorry ulit ha." "Okay lang talaga, Saff. Ano ka ba, tubig lang naman yun. Sorry kung nagulat ka sa sinabi ko, I just can't stop teasing you." He smilingly told me. He just turn ed his head and one of the waiters hovering inconspicuously near our table appro ached. "Paki-serve yung dessert, Mel. Salamat." He said and the waiter bowed his head a nd left. "I need your honest opinion regarding the dessert." He uttered and I no dded my head. The waiter arrived with our dessert and I took a spoonful. "Ang sarap!" Sabi ko sa kanya bago ako sumubo ulit. "Ay ang saya, may chocolate sa loob?" "That's molten chocolate cake. Do you like it?" "Oo." I nodded eagerly. "Hindi ganun katamis tapos ang soft. Ikaw gumawa nito?" "Oo. I prepared a batch this morning bago tayo nagkita, had it frozen and just i nstructed them to bake it fresh a few minutes after we arrived." "Ang galing mo naman. Sana may ganyan akong talent, gusto ko talagang matutong m ag-bake pero hindi mo talaga ako maaasahan sa kusina, pritong itlog na nga lang nasusunog ko pa." I said. "Don't be sad if you can't cook. Hindi naman porke't babae ka ay required ka nan g marunong magluto." "Close na talaga tayo, Seb." I said grinning at him. We talked some more, mostly about him kasi ayokong mag-open up samantalang sya ay parang hindi hirap na mag kwento sa akin tungkol sa buhay nya. Hinatid nya ako pauwi at gusto ko sanang bu maba sa may gate lang ng village kasi napa-praning pa rin ako but he insisted na ihatid ako sa bahay namin mismo. "Gabi na, ayokong maglakad kang mag-isa sa daan ng ganitong oras." He said. "Ito na yung bahay namin. Gusto mo bang pumasok?" I asked as I unfastened my seatbelt. "Okay lang ba?" He asked back and I nodded my head but he must have sensed my he sitation because he declined after a few seconds. Ang sabi nya pagod na daw sya at next time na lang. He got out of the car and opened the door for me. "Salamat, Seb. Goodnight." I said. "Thanks for a charming evening." "You're welcome, Saff." He answered. "But I have a question for you." "Ano?" "May pag-asa ba ako?" He asked and I blinked at him in surprise. "Come on, you s aid you'll give me a chance. Naka-dalawang signs na tayo o, di ka pa rin ba nani niwala?" "Segurista ako eh kaya maniniwala lang ako kapag may third sign na." I kidded an d he sighed.
"Sabagay, tama ka. Let's wait for the third sign." "O, paano goodnight na. Pasok na ako sa loob." I said as I waved goodbye at him. He took his fisted hand out of his pocket and showed it to me. "Hulaan mo kung anong nasa loob nito." He said and I rolled my eyes at him. "Seb, ano na naman yan?" "Sige na, just indulge me once more and then I'll shut up kapag hindi mo nahulaan. Hindi na kita guguluhin at tatanggaling ko na din sa utak ko yung des tiny, destiny na yan. Pero pag nahulaan mo, tayo na." "Mas malala pa saltik mo sa best friend ko." I declared and he smiled. "Hulaan mo na." He said. "Ano ang nasa loob ng kamay ko?" He asked. "Eroplano." I told him the most unlikely answer. He seemed surprised and I giggl ed. "Ano ka ba naman, Carlos Sebastian!" Ano ka ngayon? I thought. "O sya, wag m o na akong kukulitin ha. Sige na goodnight. Salamat sa libre." I uttered as I sm iled at him. He smiled back and opened his hand. "I was right all along, you're really meant for me." He said as I stared at the miniature airplane keychain on top of his palm. . . . . . One Message Received - Chapter 6 Feeling ko marunong sya ng magic. O kaya ay sobrang tindi ng power of suggestion nya kaya na-manipulate nya ang utak ko. Kasi how could that be possible? It's t oo much of a coincidence. I wished I found it creepy but I didn't. I was... curi ous. "How did that happen?" I asked as I stared flabbergasted at his open palm. "It's called destiny, Saff." He uttered grinning and I frowned as I watched him put his hand back inside his pocket. "Third sign na yun." "Ha?" I asked as he extended his hand towards me. Ano ba to, kakamayan nya ako d ahil nahulaan ko ng tama? This guy is weird. "Hi, Sapphire." He said. I stared at his hand for a few seconds before I shook i t and he smiled. "I'm Sebastian, your new boyfriend." He added and my mouth gape d open at his announcement. "Okay ka lang?" I demanded as he continued to smile. "Ayan ka na naman, Saff di ba sabi ko kapag nahulaan mo tayo na? Nahulaan mo kahit parang imposibleng hulaan. Must be fate, right?"
"Wrong." I said. "Besides, hindi ko naman nahulaan eh! Ang sabi ko airplane eh k eychain yun! Ang iniisip kong airplane ay yung lumilipad at hindi yung nakasabit sa susi!" "Well, I don't mind if your answer wasn't specific." He countered smiling. "Sabi mo airplane, airplane naman talaga yun. Same as kung sinabi mong keychain ay ta ma pa rin kasi hindi ko naman hinihingi kung anong klaseng key chain ang hawak k o, di ba?" "Seb naman, niloloko mo na ako!" "Sakit mo namang magsalita." He sighed as he looked at his watch. "Three minutes pa lang naging tayo tapos aakusahan mo na ako agad na manloloko?" He jested and I felt like throwing a tantrum. "Sebastian!" "Yes, Buttercup?" He asked. "Ha?" "You're my Buttercup." Kaloka! Buttercup?! She's my favorite Powerpuff Girl! "An o yun, Buttercup?" "Heh!" "Anong gusto mo? Sugar na lang?" "Ano ba! Wag mo naman akong paglaruan! Masyado mo na akong pinapaikot eh! Bata p a po ako!" I said as he chuckled. "Halika nga. Ano ba tong girlfriend ko, nagta-tantrum naman." He remarked as he pulled me towards him to give me a hug. Hindi ako sanay ng hinahawakan at ayokon g hinahawakan. Sa aming magbabarkada, ako lang hindi touchy at ayaw magpa-touch. I'm not into skinship, mapababae man o lalaki. I instantly stiffened but instea d of letting me go, he hugged me closer. "You're so stiff." He murmured against the top of my head. "It's just me, Saff. Relax." "I can't relax. Pwedeng bitiwan mo ako?" I asked. Wow, kung makasabi ng it's jus t me parang sabay kaming pinanganak. I thought. "Sebastian--" I started to prote st and stopped when he began running his hand up and down my back. I felt goosebumps erupt along my skin. "Seb, I really am not comfortab le being held." I mumbled as I tried pushing away from him but he held me tighte r as he started humming my favorite song. I froze. Standing by my window, listening for your call. Seems I really miss you after al l... I may not be a romantic but I'm not immune to the beauty of love songs. Pero wal a akong sinabihan at ayoko kasing matawag na emo and knowing my friends, they'll tease me nonstop about it. But how did this guy know that I love that song? I a sked myself as he continued to hum. "And I'll always love you, deep inside this heart of mine, I do love you. And I' ll always need you and if you ever change your mind, I still, I will love you." He sang. "Sebastian--" I murmured as I slightly shivered. Dapat na yata akong matakot sa taong ito? This is getting weird. "Bakit mo alam na yan ang fav-- I mean bakit a
lam mo ang kantang yan?" "Sino bang hindi nakakaalam sa kantang yun?" He asked. Oo nga naman, sa sobrang popular ng song na yun, imposibleng di nya alam. Masyado ka nang praning, Saff! I scolded myself. "You're one hell of a crazy guy." I told him. "In life, you have to be crazy sometimes." He whispered as he resumed humming an d he started swaying. I had no choice but to sway along since he was holding me close. "Life is beautiful, Saff. Don't let your past ruin your present and throw shadows in our future ." "Ang deep." I tried to jest and I wasn't sure why I felt my eyes get misty with tears. "Anong our future?" I inquired. "Hindi ako aalis. Nandito ako para sayo." He stated and I laughed dryly. "Wag ka ngang nangangako dyan! Ikaw din baka maniwala ako, mahilig pa man din ak ong maningil. At Alam ko namang mahirap tumupad ng pangako kaya nga pangako lang tawag dun eh kasi hanggang salita lang." "Saff." "Bakit?" "Let me make life beautiful again for you." He said and I just stared at him bef ore I shook my head. "Masyado kang seryoso, Seb." I said as I tried to pull away from his embrace . "Masyado nang late, pasok na ako sa loob. Goodnight na baka nagtataka na sina Yaya kung bakit hindi pa ako umuuwi." "Teka lang." He said as he pulled something out of his pocket. "Ano to?" I asked as I felt him fasten something cold around my wrist. "Bracelet ?" "Today is when we start making memories together." He said. "That's a charms bra celet." He added as I raised my wrist at eye-level to look at it. "Every time th ere is something memorable, may idadagdag tayo dyan." He uttered and I trained m y gaze on him. "Why do I have a feeling that this is staged? Parang planado lahat. Don't tell m e dala-dala mo to sa bulsa mo and the first girl who accepts your offer to be yo ur girlfriend will get this?" I asked doubtfully. "Ayan ka na He said as ver jewelry . Kalimutan
naman, Saff. Masyado kang maduda. That's mine, parati ko yang dala." I looked at the silver bracelet again. It reminded me of another sil a long time ago and I gave myself a mental shake. Tapos na yun, Saff mo na yun. I told myself.
Bigay sayo ni Daddy yang kwintas na yan? Bakit puti? Kasi peke? Ang pangit! Yung sa akin gold because he loves me! "Saff?" "Yes?" I replied.
"Are you okay?" He queried as he cupped my face with both his hands. "Ano yun, S aff?" He questioned, his voice gentle, and I smiled even when my vision blurred with tears. His arms instantly went around me and I swallowed the sobs that rose to my throat. "Hush, tahan na." He murmured and I found myself returning his hu g. "Tahan na." He repeated. Yun ang badtrip sa memories, hindi sila nawawala at patuloy kang sinasaktan. "I'm okay now." I mumbled after a few minutes as I smiled up at him. "Pero hindi ko to matatanggap to, Seb. Pasensya na ha. Tingin ko nga labis-labis na yung ni libre mo ako ng dinner tapos hinatid mo pa ako sa bahay." "No one's counting. Bakit mo binibilang? I took you out to dinner kasi gusto ko; hinatid kita because I want to make sure that you'll get home safely at binibig ay ko yan sayo because I want you to have it." "Salamat pero--" "Saff, don't you know that it's rude not to accept a gift from one's boyfriend?" He asked smiling. "Papanindigan mo talaga ang lovelife ko?" Nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya. "Nung sinabi ko sayong single since birth ako, wala naman akong intensyong pikutin ka. " "Mukha ba akong napikot? Mukha ba akong napilitan? Ang lapad nga ng ngiti ko eh. " "Lakas ng trip mo." I murmured. "Isang araw pa lang tayong nagkakilala--" "One hour, forty-two minutes at thirteen seconds na mula nung nag-text ako sayo. " "Wow. Bilang." "Love is precision." "Love is silly." "I can be silly, Saff." "I'm not into silly." "But you'll learn to love to be silly with me." He said and I couldn't stop myse lf from laughing. "Mahilig ka sa chocolate cakes, di ba? Masarap akong mag-bake. Hindi ka lang magkakaroon ng boyfriend, you'll also gain yourself a steady supp lier of your chocolate cravings. Maliban dyan, I can cook so you don't have to f orce yourself to learn kitchen arts because I would gladly cook for you." "Seb--" "And, I love books too. The first time we talked, you told me that you're lookin g for a guy who loves to read just like you. You don't have to search for him be cause I am standing in front of you willing to turn pages for you to your heart' s content." "Panis. Talagang pinaghandaan mo ha." "Saff naman, hindi mo tinotoo yung mga salitang binibitiwan mo at nasasaktan na ako. Una, ang sabi mo gusto mo ng lalaking mahilig magbasa, mahilig akong magbas a pero hinindian mo pa rin ako. Pangalawa, ang sabi mo, kapag nahanap kita bago
matapos ang araw na to, you'll give me a chance. I found you but you still turne d me down . Pangatlo, ang sabi mo kailangan mo ng third sign, nagpakita na ang third sign sayo pero ayaw mo pa rin akong tanggapin." "It just feels so--" "So right. Right?" He asked, his face anxious and I groaned. "Seb, don't do this to me, please. Hindi nga ako girlfriend-material. I will be a lousy girlfriend. I am pessimistic, I am not romantic and I even snore." I sai d and he laughed. "Sige, pag nagtabi tayo matulog, I'll keep that in mind." "That's not what I was trying to--" "Carina Sapphire Esquivel, give me one good reason bakit ayaw mo akong maging boyfriend." "Isang araw pa lang tayong nagkakilala--" "We have the rest of our lives to know each other." He countered. "As I said, I'm not yet ready to be in a relationship--" "I'm ready enough for the both of us." "I'm only sixteen--" "You'll be seventeen in a few days. Tsaka, there is no law banning minors from g etting into a relationship at two years lang naman tinanda ko sayo, hindi naman pangit tingnan yun. In fact, according to a recent survey, mas nagtatagal ang re lasyon kapag mas matanda ang lalaki ng ilang taon kasi kaya nyang mag-adjust." "I--" "I am chef, I can cook." He answered grinning and I frowned at him. "Sebastian naman!" "What? Di ba wala naman talagang rason na aayawan mo ako? Those excuses are triv ial. Nandito ako sa harap mo, willing to make you one happy girl." "Happy sa una, suicidal sa huli." "I'm here for the long haul, Saff." He said with a sigh. "I never plan my stay i n your life to be temporary. I'm willing to stay beside you as long as you let m e." "Masyado kang magaling magsalita, nakakainis." "Dapat hindi ka naiinis, dapat proud ka na ngang magluto ang boyfriend mo, magal ing pa syang magsalita." "Push mo yan, Seb." I laughed. "Pinu-push ko na nga." "Push mo pa." I suggested grinning and he drew me towards him.
"Pull na lang." He replied. "Saff, don't make me beg." "I am not making you beg but I'm just finding your idea of a relationship ridicu lous." "Ridiculous is fun." "I don't want to have fun." "Saff naman, kanina pa kita yakap-yakap pero ayaw mo akong maging boyfriend? Ika w din, mamimiss mo ang mga yakap ko." "Wooh, lakas!" "Sige na, Saff. Give me a chance to be part of your life." "Ang bilis mo." "Okay lang yun pang-counter sa bagal mo. Sige na, gusto mo bang lumuhod pa ako?" He questioned as he made a move to kneel down and I hurriedly pulled him to his feet. "Ano ka ba?" I asked and he bowed his head sadly. I stared at him and rolled my eyes. "Fine." I finally said. "Sige, tayo na." I declared and he looked up and s miled. "Thank you, Saff." He whispered against my ear as he hugged to his chest. "Yakap in mo din naman ako." "Hindi ka naman demanding." I huffed as I hugged him back and he laughed. "I wan t to trust you, Seb. I really do but I'd like to warn you that I'm one hell of a paranoid being." "That's not true, you just got your heart broken that's why you find it difficult to trust. Aayusin natin yan, we'll mend it together. "The way you talk parang ang tagal mo na akong kilala." I stated and he hugged m e tighter. "I prayed for you, Saff." He whispered quietly before I felt his lips on my fore head. "I wished and prayed for you, Carina Sapphire de Jesus Esquivel." He added and I looked at him in astonishment. "I didn't tell you my middle name." I said. One Message Received - Chapter 7 "I didn't tell you my middle name, Seb." I repeated as I stepped away from him. "Sino ka ba talaga? Why do you know so much about me? You even know that my favo rite Powerpuff Girl is Buttercup and you even hummed my favorite song! Who the h ell are you?!" "Saff-" He started to say as he moved forward to grab my hand but I stepped away in time. "Lumayo ka!" I said. "Saff, calm down." He said. "Okay hindi na ako lalapit. But please, wag ka munan
g umalis hangga't hindi natin to napag-uusapan ng maayos." He spoke in a pleadin g tone. "Kinikilabutan na ako sayo! You're creepy." I whispered as I wrapped my arms aro und my middle. "Wag kang lalapit!" I warned again as I took a step back. He sigh ed as he put his hands inside his pockets. "Ilabas mo yang kamay mo! I want to s ee your hands, mamaya may bunutin kang patalim dyan!" I said and he showed his h ands to me. "Talk." I said as I took another step back. "Sino ka at paano mo nal aman na de Jesus ang middle name ko?" I asked as I glowered at him. "Unang-una, I don't know what a Powerpuff girl is. Yung tawag ko sayong Buttercu p is from a song by a band called The Foundations , yung Build Me Up Buttercup. Also, I knew about your middle name through your Facebook account. Remember, I volunteered to create a caption of our picture together?" He uttered as he sighed. "Hindi ba kumpleto ang pangalan mo dun? Ang nakasulat d un Carina Sapphire de Jesus Esquivel tapos may naka-close at open parenthesis na Saff?" He asked. My indignant glower turned into an expression of horror and th en embarrassment when I realized that I acted like a complete lunatic. What the fudge?! Oo nga pala! I thought as I felt heat swallow my whole face. Way to go, Saff you idiot! I scolded myself harshly. Sigurado akong nagmukha akong tanga ka nina at sigurado din ako na kung nagkapalit kami ng sitwasyon ay di lang ako mat u-turn off, masusuka pa ako sa bwisit kasi napagkamalan akong kriminal. "Saff?" "I need to go." I heard myself say as I turned to leave. I fumbled with our gate 's lock and heard him speak. "Pwede na ba akong gumalaw dito sa kinakatayuan ko?" He asked. "Yes." I croaked. Yung hiya, lampas-milky way na at gusto kong ibagok ang ulo ko sa gate. "Sorry, Seb. Goodnight." I said and felt him wrap his arms around me. "Saff, galit ka pa rin ba sa akin? I'm sorry if I freaked you out." He whispered against my hair. "Saff, kausapin mo naman ako, please. Sorry na." He repeated. "Gusto ko nang pumasok sa loob." I heard myself say. "Saff--" "Please, let me die in embarrassment in peace ." I said and heard him chuckle. "Papasukin mo na ako sa loob, Seb. Ayokong mama tay sa hiya sa harapan mo utang na loob naman." I mumbled and he slowly turned m e around to face him. "Anong nakakahiya dun?" He asked and I glanced up long enough to scowl at him be fore I bowed my head again. "Ano ang hindi nakakahiya dun?" I asked. "After I hinted na serial killer at sta lker ka, hindi ka pa rin natatakot kung paano ako mag-isip?" "Ikaw na rin ang nagsabi na meron kang trust issues, why would I take your actio ns earlier against you?" He asked as he tilted my face up to look at him. "Naiin tindihan ko naman where you're coming from. I might not have went through what y ou went through pero alam kong nahihirapan kang magtiwala and you must have been scared when I seem to know a lot about you." "I told you, malala na ako at hindi mo na ako pwedeng ayusin. Kung ano man ang p inagdaanan ko hindi lang yung puso ko ang naapektuhan, pati utak ko na rin. You' re one cool guy, Seb at ayokong masira ka just because you are trying to fix
me." "I'm not trying to fix you, I am merely trying to let you see things differently . Wala ka namang depekto. May naranasan ka lang na masakit kaya sobrang taas ng pagiging defensive mo." "Hindi ka ba natatakot sa akin? Hindi ka ba natatakot na baliw ako tapos mamaya ay bigla na lang akong mangagat?" I asked and he laughed. "Nangangagat din ako." He said and I stared at him in alarm. "Joke lang, ano ka ba." He added as he continued to laugh. "You're way too cute." "I am still trying to figure out kung bakit gusto mo akong maging girlfriend." "Anong gusto kitang maging girlfriend? Girlfriend na kita." "Hindi uso sayo ang ligaw, ano?" "Uso ba sayo ang magpaligaw?" "Hindi." I answered and he grinned. "Bagay na bagay talaga tayo." He announced and I could no longer hide my laughte r. "Seb, you're unbelievable!" I laughingly declared. "Grabe, okay ka lang ba? Kung ako ikaw tatakbo na ako palayo and I'd barricade my door, change my name and mo ve somewhere else." "Hindi ako ikaw. I am even not half as amazing as you." "Baka amusing?" "No, you're amazing." "O, tama na baka kumanta ka pa dyan. My amazing self is convinced." I said and h e laughed before he bent forward to kiss me lightly on the lips. It was just a smack but my heartbeat tripled. We stared at each other in surprise at his actions before we both averted our gazes. "Wha t the fuck, Seb?" I asked still not looking at him. Naramdaman kong uminit and p isngi ko, tenga ko, ilong ko, pati ang noo ko. Para akong nilalagnat but the res t of me was cold. "Should I say sorry even if I don't want to?" He asked. Normally, I would have t hrown a fit that would put a rampaging Titan to shame pero parang ako yung nahih iya. You need to go inside, Saff. I told myself as I cleared my throat. "Pasok na ako." I said. "Goodnight." I murmured. "Saff?" He called my name. "Kailangan ba akong mag-sorry? Did I do anything that I should ask forgiveness f or?" "Ha?" I asked, taken aback. Kailangan ba nyang mag-sorry? Ako yata ang may kaila ngang magsorry dahil sa mga kabaliwan ko kanina. "No, hindi na." I said as I smi led at him. "Good." He said before he moved forward, wrapped his arms around and kissed me o n the lips. His face swam before my vision as my eyes widened in shock. His arms
around me loosened as his hands moved to cup my face. I stood frozen as he open ed his mouth over mine. "I've been aching to kiss you all day." He whispered as he lifted his face a fraction off mine. "Aching to kiss you..." He murmured as h is eyes dropped to my lips. Alam kong dapat akong magalit but I felt weak and un able to speak. I tried to reevaluate my feelings - Takot ba ako? Galit? Gulat? W hy am I not kicking and screaming like I should? "Seb..." I whispered his name and my breath caught in my throat as I felt his so ft lips on mine again. My arms wrapped themselves around his neck as if they hav e a mind of their own and before I knew it, I was kissing him back. He gasped in surprise and I relished at the small power my kiss evoked. I don't know how long we kissed, time ceased to exist and all I was awa re of was the pleasant quiver that ran through my body as he invaded my mouth ag ain and again. He hugged me close when we parted for air. "I'll make you happy again, Saff." He said and I smiled. I would have arched a b row if he told me he loved me - love doesn't happen in twenty-four hours. Or doe s it? "Let me make you happy again." "You're already making happy now." I kidded. "I can make you happier." He replied and I sighed. "Natatakot pa rin ako, Seb." "I know. I also know that it will take a while for you to trust me but I'll be p atient." "Anong makukuha mo dito? Ano to, charity lang at ako ang naisipan mong gawing project?" I tried to joke. "Wag mo ngang tinatawag ang sarili mong charity. What do you mean by anong makuk uha ko? Hindi pa ba enough na rason na magkakaroon ako ng magandang girlfriend n a mahilig magbasa, palasimba at nakaka-appreciate ng luto ko?" "May ganun?" "You're precious, Saff always remember that." "Sapphire? Ikaw ba yan?" I heard Yaya Emy's voice from the other side of the gat e and we parted like guilty teenagers na totoo naman, guilty naman talaga kami. "Good evening po." Sebastian greeted Yaya who did not reply. "Pumasok ka na sa loob, Sapphire. Anong oras na, nasa labas ka pa rin." "Sige po, susunod po ako." I answered and her lips pressed into a thin tight lin e of disapproval. "Yaya, pumasok ka na po sa loob." I said and she glared at Seb astian before she went back inside. "Nakakatakot naman yaya mo." He whispered. "Mabait yun, ano ka ba." I responded. "Single sya?" He inquired and I nodded my head. "Sabi ko na. I am trying to resc ue you from the same fate dahil ayokong tumanda kang nakasimangot." He said and I laughed. "O sige na, goodnight. Isang oras na yata tayo dito."
"Goodnight, Saff. Dream of me, okay?" He said. "Tatawag ako mamaya, pasok ka na sa loob." "Okay." I said as he gave me a bear hug. "Mag-ingat ka sa pagda-drive." "Ang sweet naman ng girlfriend ko." "Sarap ng buhay mo ah, nagka-girlfriend ka ng walang kahirap-hirap." I ribbed and he chuckled. "Sige, pwede mo akong pahirapan kahit tayo na pero wag masyado at baka di ko kay anin." "Okay, ihahanda ko na ang paddle para sa initiation mo." I replied and he laughe d before he rubbed his face against my hair. "May gagawin ka ba bukas?" "Masyado ka namang clingy." I replied and he grinned. "Pasensya na, clingy talaga ako. Pero may gagawin ka ba?" "Let me check my schedule." I said stepping away from his hug as I took my phone out and pretended to browse. "Medyo..." "Medyo busy ka?" "Medyo wala akong gagawin." I uttered and he hugged me to his chest again. "Seb, ang touchy mo. Ayoko pa man din ng hinahawakan at feeling ko naha-harass ako." "Sorry." He mumbled as he let me go. "Pasensya na. I didn't mean for you to feel uncomfortable. Sige, goodnight. Pumasok ka na sa loob." "Goodnight." I said as I waved goodbye. "Saff!" "Yes?" "Wala lang. Sige, goodnight." He muttered. Hinintay ko syang umalis pero hindi k o narinig na umandar ang kotse nya kaya binuksan ko ulit ang gate. "Hi." He said and I laughed. "Ano ka ba, don't tell me balak mong dito matulog?" "Pwede ba?" He asked. "Hindi." I retorted. "May kailangan ka pa?" "Hindi ko alam." "Ano nga yun?" I asked and he lowered his gaze. "Tayo na di ba?" "Oo nga, ang kulit." "Pa-accept naman sa FB." He uttered grinning and I laughed. "Yun lang ang problema mo? Kaya ka hindi umaalis dyan dahil lang sa Friend Reque
st?" "Status request na rin sana." "Ang corny naman, may ganun pa?" "Saff naman, akala ko ba tayo na? Mamaya bawiin mo eh. Mamaya sasabihin mo sa ak in na nagbibiro ka lang. Kaya daanin na natin sa screenshot to." He said. "Kakasimula pa lang natin wala ka na agad tiwala sa akin?" "Don't go using my line against me, young lady." He retorted laughing and I laug hed along too. He pulled me gently towards him, draped an arm around me and had me lean against him. "For posterity." He said as he aimed his phone at us. "Smil e, Saff." He said before I heard a soft click . "Patingin nga?" "Maganda." "Patingin nga!" I insisted. "Gagawin ko ngang profile pic, accept mo na request ko." "Mamaya na." "Ngayon na." He said and I made a face at him before I took my phone out of my p ocket and opened my FB app. O, dami ko namang notifs. I thought. "Ayan na, na-ap prove na kita." "Relationship status, please." He said and I paused. "Tatanungin ako ng mga kaibigan ko nito." "Eh di sagutin mo." "How am I supposed to explain na naging tayo after a day?" "Ako na ang sasagot mamaya kung may magtatanong sa wall mo. Pa-accept na. Hindi ako aalis dito hangga't di mo tinatanggap. Gabing-gabi na o." "Hay naku." I grumbled and he grinned as I accepted his request. "Thanks. Goodnight, Saff." He said as he opened his arms wide towards me. I went to him willingly and we hugged. "Goodnight, Seb." I whispered. Pinapasok muna nya ako sa gate bago sya umalis at nakangiti akong pumasok sa bahay. "Boyfriend mo na ba yung lalaking yun?" Yaya asked and I guiltily nodded my head . "Ano ka bang bata ka! Para kang hindi nanunuod ng TV! Ang dami-daming manlolok o ngayon! Mamaya miyembro ng sindikato yung taong yun at mabibiktima ka lang!" "Goodnight, Ya." I ignored what she said and smiled as I gave her a hug. I took the stairs to my bedroom and I took a bath. I changed into a clean pair of pajam as, checked my phone and groaned seeing the gazillion text messages from my frie nds. "Naku, ito na." I murmured to myself as I decided to ignore
them and turned my computer on. Tama sya, cute nga kaming tingnan sa picture kanina. I thought with a smile kasi shinare nya sa wall ko ang pic naming dalawa. And t hen I remembered. "Ano kayang nilagay nyang caption dun sa first pic namin toget her?' I asked myself as I scrolled down. I couldn't stop the smile that tugged a t my lips as I read what he wrote.
Sebastian and Sapphire. Destined to prove together that forever is real...
Author's Note:
I update REGU-FUCKING-LARLY. All you need to do is wait. And wait you should. ST OP FLOODING MY INBOX AND THE COMMENT BOX WITH UPDATE REQUESTS! Maraming salamat.
? jennicka One Message Received - Chapter 8 Someone knocked on my door and I opened it to find Yaya frowning. Hindi yung nor mal na simangot nya kundi simangot nyang extra special. Pagagalitan ako nito pan igurado. I thought. She has a point and I value everything that she says but I s uddenly have this impulse to defend Seb and what we have. What we have? Ano bang meron kami? I thought as I smiled hesitantly at Yaya Emy. "Hello, Ya. Bakit po?" "Si Maureen tumawag sa landline." She unsmilingly replied. "Nagtataka kung bakit daw hindi mo sinasagot ang cellphone mo. Naliligo ka yata kanina nung kumatok ako kaya ang s abi ko na lang ay sasabihin ko sayong tawagan sya." "Okay po, Ya goodnight po." I said and she sighed. Here comes the lecture. "Gaano mo na katagal kakilala yung boyfriend mo, Saff? Hindi sa pinapakialaman k ita, pero ang bata mo pa para pumasok sa isang relasyon. At kung matinong lalaki yan eh di sana umakyat yan ng ligaw dito hindi yung liligawan ka sa labas ng ba hay. Ang pangit tingnan na nasa labas kayo ng bahay gayung ang lawak naman ng sa las ng pamamahay na to." "Hindi ko po kasi sya pinapasok pero gusto po sana nyang--"
"Isa pa, paano kung lokohin ka lang nyan? Paano kung paiiyakin ka nyan? Paano ku ng saktan ka lang?" "Hindi naman po sya ganun--" "Hindi ka pa rin ba natuto sa nangyari sa Mommy mo?" She said and stopped. She k new she went too far at alam nya din that I'm not one to let things, like what s he said, pass. "Hindi ko nagustuhan yung sinabi nyo, Ya." I stated. "Do not bring up what happe ned to my parents just because gusto nyo akong pasunurin." "Nag-aalala lang ako sayo kaya sana wag mong masamain." "Hindi ko po minamasama. Alam ko naman po ang ibig ninyong sabihin but leave Mom my out of this." "Pasensya ka na." "Naiintindihan ko naman po ang sinasabi nyo, pero naniniwala po akong hindi ganu ng tipong tao si Seb, he won't deliberately hurt me." "Paano ka nakakasiguro? Kilala mo na ba syang lubusan?" "Hindi ko po alam. Pero ramdam ko pong mabuting tao sya at hindi nya po ako lolo kohin." "Masyado ka pang inosente, Saff kaya hindi mo alam kung anong kayang gawin ng is ang lalaki--" She muttered and stopped. She sighed again before she smiled sadly at me. "Nag-aalala lang ako sayo." "Alam ko po at marami pong salamat." "Ayokong ginagabi ka sa labas. Kung gusto ninyong mag-usap dito kayo sa bahay at ipakilala mo sya sa akin kasi gusto ko syang makausap. Alam mo naman na siguro ang tama at mali kaya hindi ko na kailangang isa-isahin. Mag-iingat ka parati." "Sige po. Pero lalabas po kami bukas--" "Saff, ayokong sama ka ng sama dun." "Sige na, Ya payagan nyo na po ako. Hindi po ako magpapagabi." "Pag may nangyari sayo, ano na lang ba ang sasabihin ng Mommy mo? Pinagkatiwala ka nya sa amin tapos hindi ka namin nabantayan ng maayos?" "Mabilis lang naman po kami at magti-text po ako sa inyo parati para alam nyo po kung nasaan na ako." "Saff--" "Sige na, Ya. Kilala nyo naman ako di ba? Hindi ako pala-lakwatsa. Pagbigyan nyo na po ako." "Hindi ko alam--" "Kakausapin ko po si Mommy at magpapaalam ako sa kanya ng maayos." I said and sh e sighed. "Basta magpaalam ka sa Mommy
mo . At kung payagan ka nya, mangako kang sasabihin mo sa akin kung saan ka nya dad alhin. Mag-iingat ka!" "Opo." I replied and she nodded her head. It looked like she was about to say so mething but thought better of it and said goodnight. I picked my phone up from t he bedside table and dialed Mau's number. "Carina Sapphire de Jesus Esquivel!" She shrieked excitedly. Nilayo ko ang telep ono ko sa tenga ko kasi kung makatili si Maureen ay wagas. "Saff! Nandyan ka pa? !" "Loka, wag kang sigaw ng sigaw at baka magka-depekto ako sa tenga." "Di bale nang bingi basta may jowa!" "Baliw!" I answered laughing. "O bakit ka tumawag kanina?" "Hoy, gaga wag ka ngang patay-malisya dyan! Malandyutay ka, friend! Syet! San mo nahanap yung papable mong yun? May kapatid ba yun? Kaibigan? Kapit-bahay? Hangg wapo jusme! Teka lang, teka lang yung pantyliner ko nalalaglag na!" "Ang balahura mo." I muttered laughing. "Syet! Parang may something sa kanya! Mukha syang..." "Ano?" I asked. Mau is a great judge of character at kahit hindi pa nya nakikita si Seb sa personal ay gusto kong malaman kung anong tingin nya dito. "Mukha syang magaling!" She shrieked as she continued to laugh. "Pag nagsawa ka sa kanya, ipalamas mo naman sya sa akin kahit one time lang." "Kadiri ka, Mau!" I laughed. "Pero, sige kung ikakasira naman ng friendship natin yun eh wag na lang, maghaha nap na lang ako ng iba." "Alam mo ikaw na babae ka, puro ka kamo kalokohan." "Heh! Pabayaan mo akong kiligin! Tsaka ano itong destined to prove together that forever is real? Nantutsa naman! Yung kilig ko umabot sa mga di dapat umabot ka ya naiihi tuloy ako!" "Mau, ano ka ba naman!" I laughed along with her. "Hoy, leche wag kang maarte dyan ha. Hindi ko na tatanungin kung paano naging ka yo nitong si Papa Sebastian kasi kahit ako man siguro eh gogorabels sa kanya. Su re ako na kahit oras lang ang itatanong nya sa akin eh huhubarin ko na agad pant y ko!" "Mau, ano ba mukha kang ewan!" I admonished lightly. Si Maureen ang tipo ng baba eng kapag nag-uusap-usap kayo, lahat ng bagay ay nakakakitaan nya ng kaberdehan -- mapa bubblegum, paso, tsinelas, ultimo sampay. Pero virgin sya, sure ako dyan kasi hindi pa sya nagka-boyfriend, mahalay lang talaga utak nya at bastos ang b ibig. "Dali-dali kwento ka! So after ninyong nag-coffee ay nagsimba kayo? Syet, yan an g mga masasarap, yung mga banal pero bastos!"
"By chance lang kami nagkita--" "By chance? Naku, girl sasabihin ko na sayo ngayon baka by chance ay magmotel na lang kayo bigla! Ikwento mo sa akin ha!" "Hoy, ang bastos mo!" "Wag ka nang pa-demure! Ako nga atat na atat nang ipamigay itong puri ko wala la ng kumukuha!" She said and I laughed. Sa aming lahat si Mau ang eager maka-exper ience ng sex. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, hindi naman sya malandi sa gawa, sa sali ta lang. Gusto nya daw maranasan kung anong meron sa topic na trending sa lahat ng oras at sa lahat ng age bracket. Kung gaano kami katakot, ganun sya ka-excite d. "Wala akong balak ipamigay yung mga di dapat ipamigay bago ako ikasal." I stated and she sniggered. "Sows naman! Wag magsalita ng patapos. Sabi mo din dati wala kang balak mag-boyfriend pero ito ka ngayon may jowabels na mukha ng pinagpala ng langit." "Ano ba yan, Mau puro ganyan na lang ang sinasabi mo. Bawas-bawasan mo kaya yang kabastusan mo para magka-boyfriend ka na." "Ay naku, hindi totoong mahilig sa mga demure yang mga lalaking yan. According d un sa bagong librong binili ko, at the back of every guy's mind ay gusto nila ng mga babaeng wild." "Gusto nila ng babaeng wild kung ang tanging pangarap mo lang ay ikama ka nila." "Anong masama kung gusto ko silang ikama at gusto nila akong ikama? Aba, sex is meant to be enjoyed." "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. Ano ba ang gusto mo sa isang relasyo n? Pang ganun lang?" "Natural, hindi. Baliw mo naman. Pero hindi rin ako plastik na magkukunyaring ay okong maranasang paligayahin." "Maghanap ka muna ng magpapaligaya sayo, gaga. Puro ka kabastusan pero kapag may nanliligaw naman sayo ay ayaw mo, ilan na ba nabasted mo nung high school pa la ng?" "Naghahanap ako ng something eh. Something long, hard and slimy!" She naughtily announced. "Leche!" I answered laughing. Sanay na ako sa bunganga nya pero kadalasan ay nal oloka pa rin ako sa mga pinagsasabi nya. "Teka lang, usap tayo bukas kasi sabi n ga pala ni Seb tatawag sya baka tumatawag na yun. Bye muna!" "O sya, sige tumawag lang ako para i-express ang kilig ko. Congrats naman, norma l na babae ka na, akala ko kasi dati tibo ka." "Anong tibo, mas malaki boobs ko sayo no !" "Ay, dinaan sa boobs ang sukatan. Sige tatahimik na lang kami ng 32-A kong hinah arap." "Loka-loka!" I laughed. "Bye, Mau!"
"Wait! Punta ako dyan bukas para magkwentuhan tayo!" "May lakad kami ni Seb bukas." "Agad-agad mai-itsapwera ako? Grabe naman, fafa muna bago best friend." "Ano ka ba hindi sa ganun--" "Hoy, chika lang! Sige mag-enjoy ka muna habang ako ay mag-a-unli para makapagse nd na rin ng texts sa random strangers. Malay mo di ba may kumagat?" Tumatawang sabi nya. "Uy, Mau wag kang makikipagkita tapos mag-isa ka. Magsama ka ng back-up." "Ganun? Pag ikaw gora lang makipag-coffee mag-isa pero ako dapat may kasama? Hin di patas, friend, masyado mo naman akong ginagawang demure nyan." "Kaya lang ako nakipagkita mag-isa dun kasi akala ko nga si Kiko yun. Sa tingin mo makikipagkita ako sa isang hindi ko kakilala? Na-shunga lang talaga ako nung panahong yun." "Anong nung panahong yun? Shunga ka talaga all the time!" She jokingly said. "Yu n lang naman pala, eh di iisipin ko na din na si Kiko ang imi-meet ko para panat ag ang aking loob." "Maureen, I'm not kidding!" "Oo na po, mahal na reyna. Hindi na po. O sya sige bye na at dapat hindi pinaghi hintay ang mga lalaking mukhang masarap! Bye, Saff!" "Bye!" I replied before she disconnected the call. Sebastian called after fiftee n minutes and I was already drifting off to sleep. "Hi, Seb." I murmured over th e phone as I tried to stifle my yawn. "Inaantok ka na?" He asked. "Oo, ikaw ba?" "Hindi pa pero kung inaantok ka na matulog na tayo." "Hindi, sige. May sasabihin ka ba?" I questioned. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pin ag-uusapan ng mag-boyfriend sa phone. Magkakamustahan ba kayo eh kakakita nyo la ng? Tsaka bakit kailangan tawag? Hindi pa pwedeng text na lang para isang 'K. By e. Night' ay solb na. "Nakahiga ka na ba?" He questioned. Teka lang, don't tell me parang si Maureen d in to? Bakit nya tinatanong kung nakahiga ako? Bababaan talaga kita ng telepono kaya wag na wag kang magkamali! I murmured to myself. "Oo." I replied. "Kantahan kita?" Ano daw? "Ha?" "Kantahan kita." Seryoso ba tong lalaking to? "May ganun?" "Oo."
"Maganda ba ang boses mo ?" I joked and he chuckled. "Baka bangungutin ako nyan." "Sige, wag na lang. Nahiya tuloy ako." "Biro lang yun, sorry kung na-offend kita." "I wasn't offended. Nagpapapilit lang ako." He answered laughing softly and I sm iled. "Sige nga kantahan mo nga ako." I said and he laughed. "Kiss mo muna ako." "Nyak. Eh di bukas ka pa makakanta nya? Teka? Don't tell me nasa labas ka ng bah ay?!" I asked as I got off my bed and ran to the window. He laughed. "Wala." He uttered. "Kiss mo ako sa phone." "Paano yun?" I asked feeling silly. Ano ba yan, Saff mukha ka tuloy tanga. "Ganito. Mwah!" He said and I frowned. Okay, ang corny ng trip nitong lalaking t o? "Mwah?" I said and he laughed again. "Syempre do it with feeling." "Ang corny." "Sige na. Pucker your lips like you're really giving me a kiss ." "Hindi, sige wag na. Matulog na lang tayo. Wag mo na akong kantahan." I replied and he grew silent. "Sige." He said. Ang awkward lang kasi hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin. Nev er naman kasi akong naging sweet kaya pakiramdam ko tuloy disappointed sya. "Seb ..." "Yes?" "Sorry, I really am not girlfriend material--" "Stop saying that." He interjected. "Wag kang ma-pressure sa akin, just do what you're comfortable doing. I'm sorry about the kiss thing; I shouldn't demand suc h from you." "Hindi lang kasi ako sanay tsaka di ko talaga alam kung paano yun." "Don't worry about it. Pagpasensyahan mo na boses ko ha." He said. "Kakanta ka nga?" I asked in surprise. "Akala ko ba--" "Love shouldn't have a price." He answered and I felt goose bumps erupt along my arms. Kinikilig na ako sayo, awat na. "You don't have to, Seb. Really."
"But I want to." He replied. "Gusto kitang haranahin." "Wala na, wala na talagang laban puso ko sayo." I kidded and he laughed. "Wag mo na kasing labanan." He answered before he cleared his throat. I heard th e strumming of a guitar and I felt a chill run down my back. ? I never had anything happen so fast. Took one look and I shattered like glass. I guess I let it show 'cause your smile told me you knew. That you're everythin g I ever wanted at once, there's no holding this heart when it knows what it wants. And I never wanted anything more than to know you. ? "Seb." I called his name when he got the the chorus and he stopped singing. "Ano yun?" "Stop." I said. " I'm falling for you as it is." I added. "Saff." "Yes?" "I was hoping you would." One Message Received - Chapter 9 Hindi ako nakatulog at mukha akong tangang nakangiting nakatingin sa kisame ng k warto ko. The last time I felt this happy was when I was seven years old and my parents told me that they'd take me to Hongkong- Disneyland as a birthday presen t. "Matulog ka na, Saff!" I groaned before I giggled. "Sapphire, quit it! Para kang tanga!" I chided myself as I burrowed my face into my pillow. "Ano ba naman to. " I murmured as I rolled onto my back and stared at my ceiling again. We said goodnight after he sang at nagmadali akong i-off ang telepono kasi hindi ko na mapigil yung tili ko. I shrieked like a deranged teenager for the first t ime and I even jumped around my bedroom. Kulang na lang ay kumuha ako ng megapho ne at i-announce sa buong neighborhood na kinikilig ako. "Pero hanggang kelan ang kilig at kelan magsisimula ang sakit?" I asked myself. The thought dampened my spirit and I sighed as I hugged my pillow to my chest. " Habang kinikilig ka sa kanya ay lalo ka lang masasaktan kapag umalis na sya." I murmured. Ang nega ko lang. Alam ko naman but I felt that being prepared for his eminent departure in the future was the only way to protect my heart from getting broken again. "Crap." I murmu red as I felt my eyes mist with tears. I felt my phone vibrate under my pillow a nd I groped for it. Tulog ka na? He texted and I frowned. Bakit gising pa to eh alas dos na? I thoug ht. Ayokong mag-reply because I didn't want him to think that I was awake the wh ole time and thinking about him kahit na totoo. Kaso, I can't seem to ignore his text message. Para syang Pandora's box na kailangan kong buksan at titigan hang gang sa mamuti na mata ko. Hi, Seb. I texted and my phone rang. Ayokong ngumiti kasi wala namang kangiti-ng iti sa isang tawag but I couldn't stop the corners of my mouth from lifting.
"O, bakit?" I asked as I answered the phone. "Hi, Saff." He said and I laughed softly. "Why are you still awake?" "Should I ask you the same thing?" I questioned and he chuckled. "I was thinking about you." He replied and I just melted. Parang ice cream na nilagay sa microwave, isang segundo lang tunaw na agad. Nakakaasar tong lala king to! Ang daming alam! I murmured to myself smiling. "Kaya pala hindi ako makatulog because you were thinking about me." I joked and he laughed. "You're right, Saff. Kaya sorry kasi hindi kita pinapatulog." He replied flirtat iously. Landi mo, Seb. At ikaw, Carina Sapphire ang landi mo rin! "O, sige patulugin mo na ako, hindi ba may lakad tayo mamaya? Anong oras ka pala pupunta?" "Kung gusto mo punta na ako dyan ngayon." "Okay ka lang?" "Hindi na. Hindi na ako okay because I am wondering why I'm missing you so bad." "Seb, tama na nga. Masyado mo na akong binobola baka mamaya tumalbog na ako nyan ." I joked and heard him sigh. "O, bakit nagbuntong-hininga ka?" "Hindi kita binobola, I'm just being honest with you. Hindi ka mawala sa isip ko kahit anong gawin ko. Sorry." "Sebastian!" "Bakit?" "Tama na! Kahapon pa naging tayo eh pero yung pagpapa-cute mo walang hanggan!" I uttered and he laughed. "Nakakainis ka na!" "Saff, I really miss you. I'm finding it weird that I'm missing you. I'm finding it unbelievable that your smile is stuck in my head and I am so close to being disgusted with myself kasi ka-lalaki kong tao pero kinikilig ako kapag naiisip k o yung kiss natin--" "Seb, awat na!" I spoke. "Awat na, grabe na." "Sorry." "I miss you too." I said and there was silence on the other line. "That's it. Punta ako dyan. Hintayin mo ako. Let's watch the sunrise together." "Hala hindi pwede!" I exclaimed as I sat up. "Ha? Bakit?" "Magagalit si yaya. Tsaka di ako nun papayagang lumabas ng bahay ng ganito kaaga ."
"Okay." He murmured. He sounded so disappointed that I felt guilty. "Sorry, Seb." "Hey, what are you apologizing for? Naiintindihan ko yung Yaya mo. Of course, sh e'll want to protect you at masyado nga namang maaga kung ngayon ako pupunta. Ma maya may curfew pala yang village ninyo at di rin ako papapasukin. Don't feel ba d." "If you want, maaga kang pumunta dito--" "Great! I'll see you in three hours?" "Alas singko y medya ka pupunta dito?!" "Bakit? Maliwanag na nun tapos sabay tayong magbreakfast. Dalhin kita sa resto p ara makita mo kung paano ako magluto." "Ano to, shock and awe? You want to shock my senses by being the awesomely sexy chef?" "Pwede ring, command and conquer, I'll command the kitchen to help you conquer your fear of marriage when you see how great a husband I'll be." "Weh. Isang araw pa lang husband agad?" "Ayaw mo?" "Hindi sa ayaw--" "Kung hindi ayaw, ibig sabihin gusto. Change na natin relationship status natin to engaged." "Ang bilis mo ha, baka sa susunod na linggo ipanganak ko na panganay natin nyan? " I kidded and he laughed loudly, the sound doing weird things to my heartbeat m aking it erratic. Ay naku, grabe ang gayuma ng lalaking to. Baka naman may gayum a yung pagkaing pinakain nya sa akin sa restaurant nila? Hindi kaya? "Seb..." "Yes?" "Hindi mo naman ako ginayuma di ba?" I asked and there was a very pregnant pause on the other line. "Saff, thanks for telling me indirectly that you're crazy about me too but no, h indi kita ginayuma." He answered laughing and I felt myself blush. "Are you blus hing?" He asked and I scowled at my phone. "No!" I replied hotly and he laughed some more. "Nakakaasar ka!" I murmured. "I'll name one of my pillows Saff para magkayakap tayo buong gabi." "That sounds so wrong." I mumbled and he chuckled. "Anyway, matulog na tayo at a nong oras na. Tsaka sayang naman load mo." "Walang sayang para sa girlfriend ko." He said as I rolled my eyes at his words even as I smiled. Grabe tong lalaking to! Nakakakilig! "But if you're already sl eepy, tara matulog na tayo." "Goodnight, Seb."
"Goodnight, Saff. I can't wait to see you. Imagine me hugging you tight as you s leep."
Mahigit isang oras lang ang tinulog ko kasi para akong may ADHD na di mapakali, kahit sa panaginip ko ay naliligo na ako at nagbibihis kasi hinihintay na daw ak o si Seb sa labas ng bahay. I dragged myself to my bathroom to take a shower. Hi ndi na ako nag-breakfast and just drank milk. "Ang aga mo namang nagising." Yaya commented. "Good morning, Ya." I replied with a smile as she sat down beside me. "Good morning, gusto mong bilhan kitang pandesal?" "Hindi na po." I answered. "Susunduin ako ni Seb ng maaga at kakain kami sa rest aurant nila." I told her and she frowned. "Ipakausap mo sa akin yang boyfriend mo, Sapphire. At itanong mo kung ano ang ku mpletong address ng bahay nila para kung sakali--" "Yaya naman, ang aga naman nyan." I muttered. "Hindi nga po ganun si Seb, Ya." "Ano ba ang pinakain sayo ng lalaking yan at nabilog nya kaagad ang ulo mo?" "Yaya, tama na. Alam ko namang nag-aalala lang kayo sa akin pero hindi po magand ang husgahan nyo sya kahit hindi nyo pa po sya nakikilala." I said and heard my phone ring. "Excuse po muna." I mumbled before I ran up the stairs to my bedroom . "Hi! Good morning!" I greeted happily over the phone. "Hi, Saff. Are you in your bedroom?" "Yes." "Dungaw ka naman saglit." He said and I ran to my window. "Hi, beautiful." He sa id and I saw him waved. "Mabuti visible yung kwarto mo from the street or else hindi kita makikita." "May ganun talaga? Parang di tayo magkasamang aalis ah." I replied laughing. "Bi his lang ako." "Sige, take your time." He said. Mabilis akong magbihis kasi kung anong damit ang nahaltak ko eh yun na ang sinus uot ko. Pero dati yun, ngayon twenty minutes na akong nakatunganga sa harap ng c loset ko ay di ko pa rin alam kung ano ang isusuot ko. "Ano ba yan! Dapat ni-rea dy ko na ang isusuot ko kagabi!" I grumbled as I haphazardly pulled a pair of de nim jeans and a cheerful yellow blouse from the hangers. Mabuti na lang limang p iraso lang ang sandals ko or I would have spent another twenty minutes choosing
which one to wear. Nagmadali akong bumaba and was surprised to find Sebastian being interviewed by my Yaya. He was nodding his head at whatever Yaya Emy was telling him and he loo ked very serious. "Ya!" I called and they both turned their heads to look at me. Tumayo si Sebasti an and he smiled as he watched me approach. "Kanina ka pa dito?" I whispered and he winked. "Basta yung sinabi ko sayo Sebastian, wag na wag mong kakalimutan." Yaya Emy sai d and my boyfriend bobbed his head in agreement. "Opo, makakaasa po kayong hindi ko po ibibenta si Saff sa sindikato at wala din po akong balak na ipa-kidnap for ransom po sya." He replied smiling and I wanted to run back to my bedroom and hide. Ano ba naman to si Yaya! "Mabuti na yung malinaw. Sinasabi ko sayo ang mga kamag-anak ko sa--" "Ya! Alis na po kami!" I hurriedly said as I pulled Sebastian with me towards th e door. "Yung cellphone mo, Saff dala mo ba?" "Opo!" "Wallet mo?" "Opo, dala ko po." I replied. "Bakit wala kang bag? Paano kung umulan? Nasaan ang payong mo at nasaan ang jack et mo? Tingnan mo yung panahon parang makulimlim--" "Bye, Ya! Tatawag po ako at magti-text kung magpapasundo po ako. Bye!" I said as we stepped out of the door. "Pasensya ka na kay Yaya, ganun talaga yun." "Okay lang." Sebastian answered. "As I said, natural lang na mag-alala sya tungk ol sayo. Pero totoo bang may kamag-anak kayong NPA?" "Grabe ka naman!" "Yun ang sabi ng Yaya mo." He uttered and I burst out laughing. NPA talaga? Naka kaloka si yaya. We drove to their restaurant and he disappeared inside one of the doors and emerged a few minutes later wearing his chef's uniform. I couldn't stop mys elf from fangirling big time. "Teka, pa-selfie naman!" I uttered as he laughed. "Grabe, may kilala na akong ch ef!" I added and he frowned. "Kilala lang? Hindi ba boyfriend?" He asked. Ano ba naman tong lalaking to, lima ng words lang at parang sasabog na atay ko sa kilig. "Oo nga, boyfriend." I murmured. He draped an arm around me and guided me inside the kitchen. He helped me put on an apron and a hairnet before he led me to the sink to wash my hands. "Hindi ako marunong magluto." I said and he smiled. "Alam ko." He said as he dried my hand with a towel. "Just sit there and look pr etty." He told me as I sat on one of the stools. "Everyone." He said and his emp loyees looked at him. "Girlfriend ko si Saff."
"Hi, Saff!" They chorused and I smiled. "Hi." I greeted back. The kitchen was caught in a whirlwind of activities as the y prepared the ingredients for the day's menu. Seb was at the top of his game as he gave out instructions on how the tomatoes should be diced, how the onion lee ks should be sliced, how the meat should be prepared and all those sexy things t hat chefs do on television. I was amazed. Hell, I was in love. "Are you okay?" He asked looking at me as he turned an onion into even thin slic es. This is not food porn dahil preparation pa lang ito but this is definitely m y kind of porn. I thought nodding my head as I watched his hands. I wanted to st ay longer and watch but Seb guided me out of the kitchen and into one of the tab les for breakfast. "I'll prepare our breakfast. Hindi ka pa yata kumakain." "Okay." I said as he pulled a chair out for me and I sat down . He was back after nearly thirty minutes as he laid out plateful of food in fro nt of me. "Hindi ko alam kung anong gusto mo but try the eggs benedict with smoked salmon, masarap yan." He said and watched as I put a spoonful inside my mouth. "Is it g ood?" He asked and I nodded my head. "Seb..." "Yes?" "Sakaling di tayo magkatuluyan friends pa rin tayo ha para may nagluluto pa rin para sa akin." I kidded and he leaned against his seat as he crossed his arms ov er his chest looking intently at me. "Okay, wag na lang. Biro lang yun." I said. Nahiya ako bigla, oo nga naman bakit naman sya makikipagkaibigan pa sa akin aft er naming maghiwalay? "Saff." "Yes?" "Sorry." "Ha? Tungkol saan?" I asked and he sighed. "Sorry if I made you think na pwede ka pang kumawala." He murmured and I arched a brow. "Ha?" "You can't run away from me, Saff. He said. "The moment you answered that call t wo days ago, I knew that you're mine." One Message Received - Chapter 10 I laughed at what he said after I gawked at him for maybe fifteen seconds. It so unded so possessive, creepy even but it made me feel warm and tingly. Nababaliw ka na, Saff. "Ganun? Ano to, The Matrix? Should I have taken the other pill?" I asked him and he grinned before he took a deep breath. "Gusto mo
na ako agad hiwalayan?" He asked, his voice sad and I shook my head. "Hindi sa ganun." "Hindi naman yun lalabas sa bibig mo kung hindi mo iniisip. Did I do something t hat displeased you?" He questioned. Displease talaga? "No, you didn't." I answered. "Sorry, hindi ko alam kung bakit nasabi ko yun. Al am mo naman ako, I'm so defensive. Kapag feeling ko mangyayari yung bagay na yun inuunahan ko na agad--" I stopped rambling when I realized that I already said too much. Ano ba, Saff! Walang preno yang bibig mo! "Ayun." I murmured. "Kaya nangyayari kasi iniisip mo, sumusunod lang naman bibig mo at katawan mo sa kung anong laman ng utak mo so you have to be careful with your thoughts." "Oo na, ako na ang nega. Binabawi ko na yung sinabi ko kanina." "Wag mo nang sasabihin yun ulit." "Hindi na. Promise." I said. "Kumain ka na din, sabayan mo ako. Di ba sabi mo nu ng nag-usap tayo kaninang madaling araw na sabay tayong magbi-breakfast?" "Dapat ganyan ang mga sinasabi mo para sweet." He scolded me lightly and I rolle d my eyes at him. Masarap syang magluto. Gusto ko tuloy syang iuwi sa bahay para gawing personal chef. "Grabe ang sarap!" I said and he chuckled. "Paano ba to pwede bang dito na lang ako kumain ng umaga, tanghali at gabi?" I kidded and he laughed. "Oo naman. Ikaw pa, ang lakas mo kaya sa akin." "Naks, yun yun eh." I said and he winked. "Saan tayo after dito? Or kung gusto m o dito na lang tayo tumambay, okay lang naman sa akin." "Sa ibang araw na tayo tumambay dito because I want to take you somewhere else." He said and I heard Yaya's nagging voice inside my head about men who are out t o get me to sell my internal organs to the black market. Ano ba, Saff iniwan mo nga si Yaya Emy sa bahay pero binabaon mo naman dyan sa utak mo ang words of wis dom nya! I chastised myself silently. "Where is that somewhere else?" I questioned. "Natatakot ka?" He challenged wiggling his brows. "Bakit ako matatakot kung pwede naman kitang multuhin." I replied tactlessly and I saw him stilled. "Mumultuhin? Tingin mo papatayin kita?" He asked. Medyo tumalas ang boses nya an d I was surprised at his reaction. "Hindi ko nga maisip na saktan ka, patayin pa ? I am starting to frown at what your Yaya Emy has been putting inside your head . Your views are too grim for someone your age, Saff. Think happy thoughts hindi yung patayan, kidnapan at kung anu-ano pa. Hindi na normal yan. Ikaw lang yata ang taong na-meet ko na ganyan mag-isip, it's...weird." He said and I bowed my h ead. Hindi naman talaga ako normal. Parating sinasabi sa akin yan ng mga barkada ko n a kakaiba daw akong mag-isip, parang mamamatay na ako kinabukasan. Hindi ako nas asaktan sa mga sinasabi nila but hearing those things from him made me realize j ust how different I am.
"Okay." I mumbled quietly. "Hey..." He said and I felt his thumb on my chin. "Sorry." "Okay lang." I muttered. "Gusto ko nang umuwi, Seb. Salamat dito sa breakfast." "Saff..." He sighed as I stood up. "Saff, sorry na." "Oo, okay lang. Wala sayo ang problema nasa akin. Sabi ko sayo di ba, may factor y defect yata ako." I said as I smiled brightly at him. "Sumakit kasi ulo ko kay a gusto ko nang umuwi. Hindi mo na ako kailangang ihatid kasi pwede naman akong magpasundo. Besides naalala ko pala may lakad pala kami ni Mau later kaya hindi rin kita masasamahan kasi magtatampo sa akin yun." I spoke, my smile never leavi ng my face. I turned to look for my bag and realized na hindi nga pala ako nagda la ng bag, wallet at telepono lang ang bitbit ko. I pocketed my phone before I s miled at him again. "O sya una na ako." I said as I walked quickly towards the d oor. "Ihahatid na kita." He said. "Magbibihis lang ako. Please, don't leave without m e." He added before he ran and opened one of the doors . As soon as he disappeared from my view, I quickly ran out of the restaurant an d hailed a cab. "Saff!" I heard him call my name but I hastily told the driver t o go. "Saan po tayo?" The driver asked. Ayokong umuwi ng bahay kasi masusundan nya ako dun. I decided to go straight to Mau's. "Manong ano pong pangalan ninyo?" I asked after I took a picture of him and the plate and taxi's body numbers that painted on the door. "Bakit po?" He sounded startled. "Para saan po ba?" "Sabi kasi ng Yaya ko dapat tinatanong ko kung anong pangalan ng driver at i-sen d ko sa kanya agad ang plate number at body number ng sasakyan kapag magta-taxi. " "Arnolfo po." He replied after a few seconds of silence and I nodded my head bef ore I dialed Yaya's number. "O, Saff nasaan ka? Okay ka lang ba?" I heard Yaya say and I smiled. "Opo, Ya. Papunta po ako kina Maureen. Ya, sinend ko sa inyo yung picture ng dri ver ng taxi pati yung plate at body number." "Taxi? Bakit ka nasa taxi?!" "Eh ano po eh medyo... ano po." "Hay naku, nag-away kayo nung boyfriend mo ?" "Hindi po." "Ikaw kasi sinabi ko nang--" "Ya, tama na please. Wala po ako sa mood makipag-debate sa inyo ngayon. Basta na ipadala ko na yung pictures at kung dumaan man po si Seb dyan pakisabing may pin untahan ako. Yun lang ang sasabihin nyo hindi yung kung anu-ano pa." I said and heard her sigh.
"O, sige mag-ingat ka ha. Tawagan mo ako mamaya para ipapasundo kita kina Mau." "Opo." I said before I ended our call. Nag-text ako agad kay Mau na pupunta ako sa bahay nila pero ang sabi nya nasa labas daw sya kasama ng mga pinsan nya kaya wala akong choice kundi mag-isip ng ibang pagtatambayan. "Kuya, Trinoma na lang po tayo." I said at tumingin ng masama sa akin ang driver. "Trinoma na po ba talaga? Baka mamaya eh magbago na naman isip nyo." "Opo, Trinoma po." I answered and he dramatically exhaled before he made a u-tur n. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko dun pero ayoko munang umuwi. Siguro pun ta na lang ako sa isang bookstore at mamimili na lang ulit ako ng libro. I thoug ht. It took us more than thirty minutes bago makarating ng Trinoma. I went insid e the mall and headed straight to National Bookstore. Naisip kong bumili muna ng libro at tumambay sa Starbucks habang umii nom ng kape at nagbabasa. Pagdating ng National Bookstore hindi ko alam kung anong libro ang bibilhin ko k asi lahat ng books ni Neil Gaiman meron na ako. Ano kaya? I murmured as I scanne d the titles. In the end, I settled for a book that's on their bestsellers list. Armed with my new purchase, I made my way to the escalator para dumiretso na sa Starbucks. "Good morning po, Ma'am." The girl behind the counter greeted and I smiled at he r. "Cappuccino and a slice of Oreo cheesecake please." I said as I opened my wallet and was surprised to see someone hand her a thousand peso bill. "I'm paying, I don't want to argue, Saff. Please." He said as the girl behind th e counter smiled curiously at us. "Umupo ka na, ako na dito." He murmured. "Plea se." He added when I opened my mouth to say something. Umalis ako sa harap ng co unter at umupo sa bandang dulo ng coffee shop. Ayoko sana syang makausap. Ayoko muna sana syang makita. I was starting to reali ze that this whole relationship business isn't really for me. And I wanted to en d it. I pushed my hurt aside as he sat down in front of me and I pasted a smile on my face. "Seb--" "No, we're not breaking up." He muttered without looking at me. "I already said sorry, Saff ano pa bang gusto mong gawin ko? I did not mean to offend you--" "I know." I interjected. "Pero much you say you adore me, you 's cheerful, someone who's not ed them again as he grabbed my
ganito ako eh and I also know that no matter how will still want someone who's better, someone who me." I said and he closed his eyes before he open hands.
"Saff--" "Ayoko na, Seb. Magkakasakitan lang tayo." I laughed softly. "See, ilang araw pa lang nasasaktan mo na ako kahit hindi mo sadya." "Ako ang magbabago, hindi mo kailangang magbago--" "And you'll hate me for that. You'll hate me for changing you and I'll feel your hatred and it would make me hate myself--"
"Saff, give us a chance. Alam ko yung kanina kasalanan ko kasi hindi muna ako na g-isip--" He stopped talking when he heard his name being called. He excused him self and stood up to get our order. He put the tray in front of us before he too k his seat. "I already gave us a chance and I have proven that this really isn't my thing." I smiled as I spoke. "Ilang araw pa lang tayo, Saff. Ang bilis mo namang mag-give up sa akin? Ganun a ko kawalang-kwentang tao na yung girlfriend ko aayawan ako kaagad? I'm that unli kable?" "Hindi ikaw ang may problema. Ako nga. I'm weird, I'm grim, I'm cynical and I'm not for you." "You are for me; you're just not giving yourself a chance. Just because of one s tatement kakalimutan mo na yung mga magagandang nangyari sa atin?" "I can't do this--" "You can. I'll help you. Trust me, Saff, please. Hinding-hindi kita sasaktan del iberately. Kung nasasaktan man kita hindi ko yun sadya at sabihin mo kaagad sa a kin para mabago ko o magawan ko ng paraan." "Seb--" "Saff, I prayed for you. I waited for you. Please don't do this to me. If you're going to break my heart now, I won't ever recover and I'll become cynical and I might go breaking other girls' hearts and they in turn might break other boys' hearts, it will be a vic ious cycle, Saff and the world will end that way. And all because mas pipiliin m ong saktan ang puso ko ngayon. It's your choice." He muttered and I gazed at him before I burst out laughing. "Ganun?" I asked and he smiled. "Oo ganun. Don't you feel guilty thinking about all those girls who will cry bec ause of what you're about to do to me today? Nineteen lang ako, Saff, marami pa akong babaeng mapapaiyak so please be the heroine and stop me from ever heading that way. Mahalin mo na lang ako at wag mo na lang akong saktan para sayo lang a ko talaga." He stated grinning infectiously. "Bati na tayo?" "Inuuto mo na lang ako parati." I said as I took a sip from my coffee." "Mahal na mahal kita tapos uutuin lang kita? Bakit ko naman gagawin yun?" He ask ed and I rolled my eyes at him. He moved his chair closer to mine before he lean ed towards me to kiss my cheek. "Sorry ulit." He whispered and I nodded my head. "Sensitive lang talaga ako." I murmured. "No, you're not. You're wonderful. I just spoke without thinking kaya tuloy nasa ktan kita. You can't help who you are, Saff and I'm sorry if I made you feel as if I wanted to change you." He said and I sighed. "Yakapin mo naman ako." "May kapalit ang speech?" I laughingly said as I embraced him. "Paano mo ako nas undan dito?" "I followed the taxi you were on."
"Stalker." I mumbled and he chuckled. "Saff..." "Yes?" "Wag mo akong iiwan ha." He muttered. "I-promise mo sa akin yan." "Sapilitan lang?" "Sige na." "Okay." "Say the words." "Ano ba yan, Seb nagiging corny ka na." "Please." "Fine." I relented. "Tell me you'll promise not leave me no matter what happens." "I promise not to leave you no matter what happens." I repeated and he sighed wi th relief. "I'll hold you to your promise, Saff." He said and I nodded my head. "Parang meron kang tinatago." I joked and he stiffened. Or maybe I just imagined it. Kumalas sya sa pagkakayakap sa akin as he smiled at me. "Malamig na ang kape natin." He said before he took a sip from his coffee. I sho ok the uneasiness off my mind as I returned his smile. One Message Received - Chapter 11 He was very attentive, feeling ko tuloy ang ganda-ganda ko. He held my hand the whole time while we were having coffee and I was very flattered at the attention . Iba pa rin pala kapag yung boyfriend mo pinaparamdam sayo that he's proud to be with you. "May surprise ako sayo." He said as we were walking towards where he's parked. "Ano?" I asked looking at him. "Surprise nga eh." He replied and I laughed. He pulled me close before he draped an arm around me. Hindi talaga ako touchy at naninibago ako sa mga hawakan ng m ag-boyfriend. "Teka lang." I smiled at him as I shrugged his arm off. "Naiilang ako." I said a nd he frowned a little. "Bakit?" "Hindi ko alam. Hindi lang talaga siguro ako sanay." I told him. "Is it alright if I hold your hand?" He asked and I nodded my head. Ang arte mo, Saff. Para namang hindi pa kayo naghalikan nyan. I thought as I felt my face fl are. Feeling ko pinagtitinginan kami kahit alam ko namang hindi. "Ang lamig ng k
amay mo." He remarked. "Natatakot ka ba sa akin?" "Hindi. Naiilang lang. First time." I said. "First time may ka-holding hands in public?" He asked smiling. "Kahit in private." I answered and he laughed. "Although nahawakan mo na ang kam ay ko dati..." "Holding hands lang naman to, Saff. At boyfriend mo ako, walang nakakahiya at na kakailang dito." "Tell me, bakit kailangang mag-holding hands ang mag-boyfriend? Hindi ba pwedeng maglakad na parang mga normal na tao lang? Kailangan talaga magkahawak?" "Tell me, how do you feel now that I'm holding your hand?" He asked back grinnin g. "Wala." "Come on, Saff." "Bakit, ano ba dapat ang maramdaman ko?" I inquired and he laughed softly. "Kaya nga kita tinatanong. Ano bang nararamdaman mo?" "Wala nga." I insisted even when I started to feel butterflies in my stomach. Na kaka-high ang ngiti nitong lalaking ito. "Ito? Wala pa rin?" He asked as he draped an arm around me again. "Wala?" He que stioned when I remained quiet. Kinakabahan ako na parang nanlalamig pero ang ini t ng mukha ko. "Ito?" He said and I turned my face to look at him. My eyes widen ed in surprise when he bent down to kiss me on the lips. In public. Oh shit. It only lasted for a few seconds bu t I seriously felt time stood still. "Wala pa rin?" He whispered holding my gaze . I blinked at him and he smiled. "Why did you that?" I asked. Parang hinahabol ko ang hininga ko sa kaba. It wasn 't even our first kiss because we've kissed before. "Kasi gusto ko." He responded. "Because I miss you. And you looked so cute flust ered." "Ano yun, every time natutuwa ka ay hahalikan mo na lang ako?" I demanded. I was drowning in mortification. My God, Saff. PDA?! "Wonderful idea." He chuckled. "Ano ba naman tong girlfriend ko. You're free to kiss me anytime, Saff. I would love for you to kiss me anytime." His voice sound ed strange at napatingin ako sa kanya. His ears were red. Weird. He cleared his throat. "Gusto mong bumili ng food para may kinakain tayo sa byahe?" Byahe? Saan ba kami pupunta nito? "Byahe? Malayo ba ang pupuntahan natin? Baka masyado akong gabihin at magalit sa akin si Yaya." "Gagabihin ka pero hindi masyado." He grinned. Hala. Saan ba ako dadalhin nito? "Relax, Saff. Hindi kita ipapahamak, okay?" "Pero saan tayo pupunta?" "Surprise nga." He said. "Tara, balik tayo at bumili tayo ng pagkain para hindi
ka naman ma-bore." He pulled me along with him at dumiretso kami sa baba ng mall para mamili ng groceries. "Ang dami naman yata nito?" I asked looking at our cart. "Saan ba tayo pupunta, sa Ilocos?" "Pwede." He answered laughing. "Malapit lang, next time na yung Ilocos at gusto kitang ipaalam nang maayos." "Hindi ako papayagan." "You haven't seen how convincing I can be." He winked at me. Para kang tanga, Sa ff kindat lang nagha-hyperventilate ka na agad. Get a grip, Sapphire! "Seb--" "Yes?" He asked smiling at me. And I just stared kasi nakalimutan ko ang sasabih in ko. He can't possibly have this effect on me. Ang labo mo, Saff! "Ano yun?" H e questioned as he took his wallet from his pocket. It was already our turn and he handed the lady behind the counter his credit card. "Bakit nakatulala ang girlfriend ko?" Tanon g nya sa akin. Nakita kong ngumiti ang cashier at nakaramdam ako ng inis. "Wala." I said as I twined my fingers with his. He looked pleasantly surprised a nd he guided my arms to wrap around his waist. Ano ba, Saff landian pa more. My mind taunted. Aminin ko man o hindi ay kinikilig ako. Nakakakilig pala yung ang lalaki ang mag-i-initiate para yakapin mo sya. "Paper bag po ba?" The cashier asked. "Eco bag." He answered. He kissed me on the forehead before he took his credit c ard, which the lady handed back to him, and put it inside his wallet. "Halika na." He said as he ca rried the bags. "Ako na magdadala ng isa." I volunteered but he just smiled. "Ako na, hawak ka sa akin." Sabi nya at humawak ako sa braso nya. We took the es calator and headed to the parking lot. He transferred the other bag to his other hand so he could open the door for me. "Thanks." I mumbled as I slid into my seat. He stashed the bags on the backseat of his car before he slid into the driver's seat. "Seatbelt, please." He said and I fumbled with my seatbelt. "Thank you." He smil ed again. Feeling ko alam na alam nyang hibang na hibang ako sa ngiti nya kaya m aya't maya ay ngumingiti sya. Not that I mind. "Have you been to Tagaytay?" He a sked and I nodded my head. "Oo, nakapag-field trip na kami doon. Wait, is that where we're going?" Tagaytay ! Ang layo! Yaya is going to freak out! "Oo. May bahay kami dun." "Bahay?" I asked. What?! Bahay?! "Anong gagawin natin sa bahay nyo?" I asked try ing my hardest not to sound paranoid. But I failed miserably and he laughed. "Ano bang ginagawa sa bahay, Saff?" He asked back. "Hindi ko alam."
"Dapat alam mo kasi yun ang gagawin natin dun." "Uwi na ako." I said and he grasped my hand, which was lying fisted on top of my lap. "You can trust me." He stated and I'm not sure why but I felt better hearing tho se words from him. "Do you trust me, Sapphire?" "Yes." I whispered. "Thank you." He said. Usually kapag nasa byahe ako ay natutulog lang ako at kapag may fieldtrip kami a t nagdadaldalan sila habang ako naman ay naka-headphone at tulog na tulog. But i t was different with Seb, hindi ako makatulog sa sobrang daldal nya. "Okay, next question. What is your favorite color?" "Ano to slam book?" I asked and he chuckled. "Is it a sin kung gusto kong makilala ang girlfriend ko?" "And knowing what my favorite color is like a peek at my inner soul?" "I don't want just a peek, Saff. I want to really know you. I am so interested i n you na kahit nakahiga na ako at patulog na ay iniisip ko pa rin ang enigma als o known as Sapphire, my girlfriend." "Enigma talaga?" I laughed. "Well, favorite color, wala. Hindi ko alam kasi wala naman akong particular na kulay na gusto. Hindi ako partial sa isang hue." "Masyado ka na namang nagpi-play safe, Saff." "Wala nga talaga. Bakit, ano bang favorite color mo?" "Red." "Red? Dugo?" "Others would say, red? Color of love pero ikaw dugo talaga ang naaalala mo." He chuckled. "Pwede ring red na yung favorite color mo kung wala ka pang favorite color para pareho tayo." "May ganun?" "Oo. What's your favorite movie?" "The Lion King." "I like that movie too, may DVD kami nyan sa bahay." "Kami rin, it's heartbreaking pero ang ganda how Simba triumphed over his fears and was able to return home to lead his people. Well, technically not people, pe ople dahil animals sila." "What's your favorite song? Alam ko na pala, I'll Always Love You, di ba?" "Oo."
"Gusto ko rin ang kantang yun. Ikaw ba wala kang gustong itanong sa akin? Sobran g hindi ako interesting kasi wala man lang gustong malaman ang girlfriend ko?" "Anong name ng Mommy mo?" "I like that, it's very personal." He smiled. "Deborah Enriquez. Yung name naman ng Daddy ko Samuel Enriquez." "Ah, okay." "Magtanong ka pa. I like being asked questions by you." "Are you still a virgin?" Where the hell did that come from? I felt myself blush as Seb grew quiet. "Hindi mo kailangang sagutin! I apologize for asking that question, sobrang below the belt. Sorry." "No, I'm no longer a virgin." He answered and I felt my heartbeat stop. Ha?! "Do es it matter, Saff?" "Ang ano?" "Na hindi na ako virgin?" "Ha?" "Takot ka na ba sa akin?" "Bakit may masama ka bang balak sa akin?" "Wala." "Yun naman pala." I said. Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. I was disap pointed. Not that may balak akong i-devirginize sya pero feeling ko hindi na sya buo. Something's missing. Para kang tanga, Saff. How do you expect a nineteen-y ear old healthy male to be a virgin? Yung ibang kaibigan mo ngang lalaki may exp erience na. My mind reasoned. But who cares about my male friends, hindi ko nama n sila gusto. "Saff, magsalita ka, please." "Buti hindi ma-traffic ano?" I said. "The last time na nagpunta kaming Tagaytay grabe ang traffic tapos ang ingay pa ng mga kasama ko buti na lang dala ko yung Ipod ko kaya nakinig na lang ako ng music ." I blabbed laughing uneasily. I knew I shouldn't have asked that question. Kas alanan mo rin, may patanong-tanong ka pa kasi. "I'm sorry." He uttered. "Did I disappoint you?" "Um...wala yun." I mumbled kasi hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot ko. But I wa s curious. Kanino? Saan? Kelan? "I could have lied pero ayokong magsinungaling sayo." "Okay." "Sana hindi magbago ang pagtingin mo sa akin." "Okay." I whispered.
"Saff, please..." "Okay lang. Ganun talaga, lalaki ka and this society is full of double standards bullshit." I murmured and he sighed. "Wag mo muna akong kausapin, please." "Saff." "Please." I wanted to gather my thoughts. I wanted to think it through because I realized that despite the destiny cutesiness and despite the kilig he made me f eel, hindi ko pa rin sya kilala. "Seb--" "Should I just have lied? Dapat ba hindi ko na lang sinabi sayo ang totoo para h indi ka nailang at hindi ka nagalit sa akin?" "Hindi ako galit sayo." "Pero ano, Saff? Bakit bigla kang nanlamig?" "Hindi ko alam! Anong gusto mong sabihin ko? Congratulation at hindi ka na virgi n? Salamat ng marami kasi meron ka nang experience? Ganun ba?" "I took a risk by telling you the truth." "And I can't help how I reacted. What did you expect me to say?" "Hindi ko alam!" He sighed. "Pakiramdam ko gusto mo akong sumbatan." "Sorry kasi hindi natin napag-usapan noong una tayong nagkita na hindi ka na vir gin at oo, naiilang ako, nadidiri ako. Sorry din kasi weird ako at ganun ang rea ction ko. Sorry kasi ganito ako at sorry kasi hindi ito ang ini-expect mong reac tion from me! Iuwi mo na ako, I want to go home!" "Okay." He said as he slowed the car down. "Gusto ko nang umuwi, Sebastian!" "Later." He said as he took his glasses off. "Uuwi na tayo." He murmured as he t ook his handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped his face with it. "Teka lang ." He whispered. Hindi ko sya tinitingnan as I looked the other way. He started the engine after a few minutes and we drove off. Ang tahimik namin, the silence was stifling. "Salamat sa lahat." I muttered. "Okay." He said as we made a u-turn. I glanced sideways at him and he was silent ly crying. Ano ba naman to. Nakakaasar. I thought to myself. "Fine! Masama na akong tao! Stop crying, will you?!" "Sorry." ng mahal ngayon. t you're
He replied. "Ang sakit lang kasing malaman na hindi ka tanggap ng babae mo. Sana hindi ko na lang sinabi yung totoo, di sana masaya pa rin tayo Sana di na lang ako nagpakatotoo sayo and just replied with answers tha dying to hear."
"Don't be sarcastic with me, Seb." I said and he laughed softly. It sounded so s ad and bitter. He slowed the car down before we stopped completely. "Sapphire, please. Please. Why won't you love me back?" He was crying in earnest now and I stared at him. Nasasaktan ako para sa kanya.
"Seb--" "Why can't you remember?" He asked and I felt as if my heart was being squeezed tightly as my tears started falling. "Why can't you remember me?" One Message Received - Chapter 12 "Anong ibig mong sabihin?" I asked in a whisper and he stilled. "Have we met bef ore? Magkakilala ba tayo? What do you mean exactly by why can't I remember you?! " "Saff..." "Anong sinasabi mo?! Wag mo akong niloloko!" I was getting upset. I felt an over whelming sadness when I heard him say those words and it felt so frustrating bec ause I couldn't recall meeting him prior to the first time we met. "Bakit mo sin abi yun?! Trip lang?!" "Saff..." "Don't play games with me, Seb!" I yelled as I unbuckled my seatbelt. I hastily got out of the ca r and he followed me. "Saff, where are you going?" He asked. Naglakad ako sa gilid ng daan at kahit ta kot na takot ako na baka mahagip ako ng bus ay hindi ko pinansin yung takot ko. "Away from you!" I yelled as I continued walking. "Saff, please." His voice was pleading. "Please, pag-usapan natin to saglit--" "Umalis ka! Wag mo akong susundan!" I shouted but he continued to follow me. "Saff, please. Please, I'm sorry. I was just so upset at kung anu-ano na lang an g lumabas sa bibig ko. Saff, it's my fault. Nagulat din ako sa sinabi ko. Kalimu tan na lang natin yun. Please, Saff." I felt my heart twitch painfully inside my chest. It was unpleasant to hear him beg. Masakit sa puso. But I didn't like the antic he pulled. "Umalis ka na, Seb! Please just leave me alone!" "Sapphire, please. Please." "Ayoko na sayo!" "Okay. Hindi na ako magpapakita sayo. Kahit kelan." He spoke and I felt my heart break. I stopped walking. Gusto ko syang lingunin but my pride wouldn't let me. Ayokong pinapakitang nasasaktan ako at ayokong magmakaawang wag syang umalis. B esides, mas mabuti na rin yun para hindi na kumplikado ang buhay ko. Ilang araw pa lang kaming nagkakilala but he already managed to shake my world. "Kahit kela n." He repeated. "But please let me take you home. Gusto kong ihatid kita sa iny o nang maayos." "I'll just take a cab. Thanks." I murmured as I resumed walking again. I didn't think it was possible to feel a hundred emotions at the same time but that's how I exactly felt -- different degrees of confusion, sadness, regret, anger, pain
and fear gripped me. Hindi ko alam kung alin dun ang uunahin ko, hindi ko alam k ung ano ba dapat ang maramdaman. Nagdududa ako kung tama pa ba ang mga nararamda man ko. "Saff." He grabbed my arm. "Madalang ang cab dito. He said. "Please, Saff. I'm s orry." I looked at the hand gripping my arm before I raised my eyes to look at h is face. His tears were continuously falling and he tried to smile. "Please, pab ayaan mo akong ihatid ka. I promise after today hinding-hindi na ako magpapakita sayo." His voice cracked and he pulled the handkerchief from his pocket again as he wip ed his tears but he never let my arm go. "Please." He said and I finally nodded my head. I shook his arm off and walked back to his car with him trailing behind me. Wala ng nagsalita at tahimik nyang pinaandar ang sasakyan. "Your seatbelt please." He murmured and I fastened my seatbelt. Ilang minuto na ang nakalipas and the sile nce was driving me crazy. "Pwede ba tayong magpatugtog?" I questioned and he glanced quickly at me. "Okay." He said as he reached forward to turn his player on. "Anong gusto mo? Ik aw na lang ang pumili." He muttered. "FM na lang." I said as I pressed the player's button for auto-scanning. The DJ rambled on and on but it was better than nothing. Wala ulit kaming imikan and I closed my eyes as I decided to sleep. Ang bilis kong nakakatulog kapag may fieldtrips kami pero nagtataka ako bakit gi sing na gising ang utak ko kapag kasama ko si Seb. I replayed the day's events a nd wondered how a lot could happen in just a few hours, parang seesaw lang ang e motions ko sa sobrang dami kong naramdaman -- humanga ako sa kanya, natuwa, naas ar, kinilig at nasaktan. . "Saff..." He whispered and I pretended that I was asleep. Naramdaman ko ang kama y nya sa tuhod ko and I was tempted to push his hand away but a part of me wante d to know what he'll do next or what he'll say. "I'm sorry." He said before he s ighed and withdrew his hand. I felt a prickling behind my eyes and I tried to hold back my tears. Nalilito na ako sa aming dalawa, kapag masaya kami sobrang saya pero kapag malungkot naman, sobra ring sakit. I turned away from him kasi ayokong nakikita nyang umiiyak ak o. I cried silently. I knew it was time for goodbye and the misery I felt was ov erwhelming. My eyes were closed the whole drive at hindi ko alam kung gaano kami katagal nag babyahe, I had the feeling na sobrang traffic kasi ramdam ko kung gaano kabagal ang takbo nya. I discreetl y glanced at my watch. Mag-aalas kwatro na. "Seb." I called his name as I opened my eyes. "Yes." He answered. "Thank you." I said as my eyes blurred with tears again. "You're welcome." He whispered. I saw the looming archway to our subdivision's e ntrance and I turned to look at him. "Dito na lang." I smiled. "Maglalakad na lang ako papasok. Maliwanag pa naman ka ya okay lang. Sige, Seb ingat ka."
"Ihatid na kita hanggang bahay nyo." He insisted. "Please." Hindi ako kumibo. He rolled his window down and handed the village's guard his license. Ang bigat sa dibdib habang papalapit kami sa bahay and I felt my eyes water again. He stoppe d the car in front of our gate and I unfastened my seatbelt. "Bye, Seb." I smiled before I unlocked the door. I gave him a small wave but he didn't look at me. "Bye." I heard him whisper as I stepped out of the car. Sinara ko ang pinto at d ire-diretso akong naglakad papunta sa gate. Hindi na ako lumingon kahit narinig kong umalis ang sasakyan nya. I took my bunch of keys out of my pocket and opene d our gate. Nasa may pintuan ng bahay si Yaya and she didn't look too happy. "Aba, Sapphire hindi ka na tumutupad sa usapan ngayon. Di ba ang pangako mo bawa t oras ay iti-text mo ako kung nasaan ka? Anong oras na, nag-aalala ako say--" H indi natapos ni Yaya ang sasabihin nya dahil hindi ako huminto sa paglalakad at dumiretso ako sa loob ng bahay. Ayokong tanungin nya ako, ayokong kausapin nya ako at higit sa lahat I didn't wa nt to be reminded that I bade Seb goodbye. She was hot on my heels but I didn't pay her any attention. "Anong nangyari, Sapphire?" I heard her ask me loudly but I just shook my head a s I took the stairs. "May ginawa ba sayo ang lalaking yun?" I opened my bedroom door and closed it behind me. Bakit ang sakit? I asked myself as my tears contin ued to flow. Ilang araw lang kaming nagkakilala at nagkasama ni Seb pero mas mat indi pa ang sakit na naramdaman compared to the pain I felt when Dad left. I hea rd someone knock on my door and I felt angry that Yaya Emy won't leave me alone. "Ya! Pwede ba! Pwede bang pabayaan nyo muna ako?!" I screamed. "Kung gusto ko ka yong kausapin malalaman ninyo! Do not force me to talk when I don't want to!" Th ere was a pause before I heard Yaya spoke. "Nasa baba lang ako kung may kailangan ka." She quietly said and I felt guilty. Alam kong concern lang sya sa akin but I'm not the type of person who shares my pain. I pulled the comforter over my head as I started to cry.
It's been three days but it felt like three years. Hindi ako makakain, hindi rin ako makatulog at maya't maya ay naiiyak ako. Pinilit kong kumain kasi tumawag n a si Mommy at nag-aalala sya. I couldn't tell her that I turned into a mess beca use of a boy. Walang lasa para sa akin ang pagkain at hirap akong lulunin. "Magsabi ka nga ng totoo, saan ka dinala ng lalaking yun? May nangyari ba sa iny ong hindi maganda?" Yaya Emy asked and I scowled at her. "Ya, pwede po? Lalo akong naasar sa mga sinasabi ninyo." "Ang sa akin lang naman--" "Walang ginawang masama sa akin si Seb, Ya!"
"Bakit ka nagkakaganyan kung walang ginawa yung lalaking yun sayo? Wag kang mata kot sabihin sa akin--" Hindi nya natapos ang sasabihin nya kasi tumayo ako. "Hin di mo na naman ba uubusin ang pagkain mo? Tatlong araw ka nang nagkakaganyan, pa ano kung magkasakit ka?" "Ya, please. Gusto ko pong matulog." I murmured. Tanghali pa lang pero feeling k o parating gabi dahil wala na akong gustong gawin kundi matulog. "Si Mau tawag nang tawag at nagrereklamo kasi hindi mo raw sinasagot ang mga tex t messages at tawag nya sa cellphone mo." "Pakisabi pong masama ang pakiramdam ko." I mumbled. "Saff, nag-aalala na ako sayo--" Narinig ko ang boses ni Yaya pero hindi ako lum ingon umakyat ako sa hagdan. "Saff, ano bang nangyayari sayo?" I heard her say b efore I got inside my bedroom. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari sa akin, I ju st felt so...sad. I plopped down on my bed and stared at my ceiling. "Ginusto mo to, Sapphire kaya wag kang nagpapakatanga dyan!" I scolded myself as I felt my eyes water again. Nakakapagod na umiyak at alam kong kailangan kong h uminto. Ilang beses nang tumawag ang mga kaibigan ko at ilang beses na rin nila akong niyayang lumabas but I never replied to their text messages. "Come on, Saf f ang pathetic mo kung mamamatay ka sa ulcer dahil lang sa isang lalaki--" I sta rted to sob. Seb is not just any boy, he's a boy that I want to be with. But he got over me too soon, hindi man lang sya nagparamdam. I closed my eyes as more t ears threatened to spill. "Saff! Si Mau tumatawag." Narinig ko ang boses ni Yaya sa labas ng kwarto ko. "Pakisabi pong ako ang tatawag sa kanya." I shouted my reply. A minute later, I heard my phone rang. Siguro alalang-alala na to. I thought as I groped for my ph one and blindly swiped its screen to answer the call. "Hello?" I said. "Saff?" It definitely wasn't Mau's voice. My heart slammed against my chest as I sat up and looked at my phone's screen. Sebastian. "Uy." I said. I hoped I didn't sound like i was in mourning. I tried to appear p erky. "Napatawag ka? Kumusta? Teka lang ha." I uttered. I touched the mute butto n and repeatedly cleared my throat because my voice sounded thick from crying. I unmuted my phone. "Pasensya na, may kinuha lang ako. Bakit ka napatawag?" I ask ed and heard him sob. "Seb?" "Can we talk?" "I don't think it's a good idea." "Please. Please, Saff. Tatlong araw na ang nakalipas, are you still mad at me? H indi mo pa rin ba ako napapatawad?" "Nasaan ka ba?" I asked. I had a feeling that he's nearby. I put my slippers on and ran down the stairs. "Saan ka pupunta, Sapphire?" Yaya Emy demanded pero hindi ko sya pinansin as I r an to the gate and pulled it open. He was there, leaning against his car and wai ting for me. "Hi." He said and I just stared at him.
"Hi." I replied as I pulled the gate close. Hindi ako lumapit sa kanya at di rin sya lumapit sa akin. Finally he held out his hand towards me but I ignored it. He sighed and dropped his hand to his side. "Na-miss lang kita kaya ako bumisita. Buti pinapasok ako ng guard kasi namumukha an nya ako." He smiled but I remained staring. He expelled a heavy breath. "Akala ko ba sabi mo hindi ka na magpapakita kahit kailan?" I questioned. "Sorry." He murmured. "Sige, alis na ako. Pasensya sa abala." He added as he tur ned to open his car. I took four steps towards him and he froze. Hindi sya lumin gon at nanatili syang nakatalikod sa akin. I took another step and another until I was a foot away from him. "Seb." I called his name and he turned to snatch me up in his arms. I returned h is embrace and soon we were both sobbing. "Sorry." I cried. "Sorry din." He said as he held me tighter. "Ayokong magkahiwalay tayo ulit, Saf f. Ang tagal kong nagdasal para sayo." He uttered before he kissed the top of my head. "I love you so much, Saff. I love you with each heartbeat now and I'll lo ve you with every breath until forever." He whispered and I felt a chill ran dow n my spine. It wasn't the first time I heard that line. I closed my eyes and tig htened my arms around him. "Seb?" I asked. "Yes?" "Tell me the truth." "Ano yun?" "Where, when and how did we meet?" I asked and I felt him stiffen. One Message Received - Chapter 13 "Anong ibig mong sabihin by where, when and how did we meet? Hindi mo na ba mata ndaan, Saff kung saan at paano tayo nagkakilala?" He asked softly. "Ang bilis mo namang makalimot." He sounded teasing but it just felt so weird. Okay, Saff thi s is getting ridiculous. What's happening to me? Bakit feeling ko lahat ng sinas abi nya may ibang meaning? Am I losing my mind? "Natatandaan ko pero bakit parang--" "Parang ano? I'm sorry but I don't know why I'm easily carried away kapag tayo a ng magkausap. Ilang araw mo pa lang akong nakikilala pero para sa akin ay mataga l ka nang parte ng buhay ko. Maybe it's because I'm so in love with you, Saff." "I'm sorry too because I think I'm more paranoid than usual." I murmured. Sumaki t ang ulo ko bigla and I massaged my temple. "What is it?" He asked. "Are you okay? Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo?" I shook my head and smiled at him. "Kulang kasi ako sa tulog at tsaka nagugutom ako." I muttered and closed my mout h. Para ko na rin kasing inaming huminto ang pag-ikot ng mundo ko kasi hindi kam i nagkita. Parang pinangalandakan kong ang pathetic ko lang kasi sobra akong nal ungkot noong nag-away kami. I thought he was going to tease me but he didn't.
"Kain kaya tayo sa labas? Or mas gusto mo bang ipagluto kita?" I shook my head. Sobrang nagiging dependent ka na sa kanya, lumayo-layo ka naman ng kaunti, Saff. "Hindi bale na. Talagang mag-aabala ka pa eh pwede naman akong magpaluto ng mery enda kay Yaya Emy." "Pero gusto kitang makasama." He sighed. "Pwede ba kitang makasama? Tatlong araw kasi tayong hindi nagkita." "Baka busy ka--" "Hindi ako busy. Although natatakot ako kasi baka mag-away na naman tayo ulit. N a-trauma yata ako sa last na tampuhan natin." "Praning ka na rin tulad ko." I said and he chuckled. "Sige, kain tayo bihis lan g ako." I told him and he held my hand. "Lalabasin mo ako uli, di ba? You're not going to change your mind, right? Baka kasi kapag nakausap mo si Yaya Emy ay magbago ang isip mo at iiwasan mo ako ulit ." "You're too cute, Seb." I laughed as I squeezed his hand. Ngumiti at kumaway ako sa kanya at bumalik sa loob. I took a quick shower at kahit anong sabi ko sa sa rili kong mabilis lang ako ay inabot pa rin ako ng mahigit thirty minutes kasi i lang beses akong nagpalit ng damit. "Sorry!" I said after I closed the gate behi nd me. "Ang tagal kong nakababa!" "Naligo ka?" He grinned. "Bakit, anong binabalak mo?" I asked and he laughed. "Wala." He uttered as he took my hand and led me to the passenger's side. "It wa s just a statement. Kahit kelan hindi kita sasaktan, Saff." He added as he opene d the door. I slid into the seat and was surprised when he moved to fasten my se atbelt. "Ako na." I murmured. Naiilang ako kasi ang lapit nya. His face was a hairsbread th away from mine. I looked the other way and was relieved to hear the seatbelt' s lock clicked into place. Yun nga lang hindi sya umalis. "Saff." He whispered. Hindi ako lumilingon as my pulse raced. I was tempted to c lose my eyes pero feeling ko masyado namang exaggerated yung reaction ko at baka ma-misinterpret nya. "Bakit?" I mumbled. I felt his thumb and forefinger on my chin as he turned my f ace towards his. I opened my mouth to talk and change my mind, ang lapit kasi ng mukha nya, di tuloy ako makahinga. "I miss you, Saff." He said and I swallowed. Parang may makabara sa lalamunan ko and my lower lip felt parched so I ran my tongue over it. But he decided that o ne tongue wasn't enough and I felt him lick my lip too. "Sobra kitang miss." His voice shook and my hands moved to cup his face. "I miss you too." I muttered. I felt him open his mouth over mine and I responde d by pulling his face closer as I eagerly kissed him back. I felt as if my heart was about to burst as a sob rose to my throat. "Why are you crying?" He asked and I shook my head. "Hindi ko alam." "Natatakot ka ba because I kissed you?" His voice sounded worried and I shook my
head again. "Ano pala? Are you scared of me?" "No." I responded. "I just miss you so much." I said as tears gathered in my eye s again. He put his arms around me I couldn't stop crying. I didn't know why I h urt. I didn't know why I miss him yet it's painful to be in his arms. "Tama na. Wag ka nang umiyak." "I'm hurting." I sobbed. "Bakit?" "Hindi ko alam." I answered and felt him hug me tighter. "Ipagluluto kita ng paborito mong ulam." "Alam mo ba kung anong paborito ko?" I asked and he paused. "Nasabi mo na yata sa akin. Hindi ba sinigang na hipon at pritong tilapia na may sawsawang kamatis at bagoong isda?" He said and laughed when he heard my stomac h grumble in hunger. He kissed me again before he straightened and closed the do or. I watched him jog to the driver's side and got in. "Sa restaurant nyo ba tayo pupunta?" I asked. "Okay lang ba sayong hindi doon?" He sounded unsure and I frowned. "Saan pala?" "Sa condo ko." "Hindi ka ba sa bahay ninyo nakatira?" "Malayo kasi ang bahay namin sa resto kaya sa Timog ako umuuwi." Nagdalawang -isip ako. Sa condo nya? Kaming dalawa lang? "If you're not comforta ble, doon tayo sa restaurant dumiretso. Kaya ko lang naman sinuggest na sa condo para sana makapagpahinga ka." Anong klaseng pahinga? I bit my lower lip. Ano ba , Saff! Heto ka na naman eh! Masyado kang paranoid! "Okay lang." I spoke after a few minutes. "Okay lang ang alin?" He sounded confused. "Okay lang na sa... ano tayo... sa condo mo." I nervously replied. "Are you sure?" "No." I responded truthfully. "But I trust you." I added. Hindi sya nagsalita at bigla akong nahiya. Feeling ko I said too much. "Pero kung naiilang ka rin eh d i--" "Thank you." He said. "Your trust means so much to me." His voice sounded thick. "You're welcome." I murmured and he held my hand and gave it a squeeze. Pareho kaming tahimik. Usually, sya ang nagsasalita but he was awfully quiet. Ak ala ko tuloy may nasabi akong hindi maganda because he looked brooding. "Bakit a ng tahimik mo?" I broke the silence. "Natatakot akong magsalita baka may masabi na naman akong ikaka-offend mo at mag -aaway na naman tayo." He reasoned.
"Ganun? So anong gagawin natin sa condo mo kung ayaw mo akong kausapin? Magtitit igan?" "Kakain." He laughed softly. "I want to know what makes you mad because I hate i t when we quarrel. So can you please tell me now kung ano ang mga pwede at hindi ko pwedeng sabihin?" For some reason, the question saddened me, para kasing napaka-restricting ng rel ationship namin kasi my heightened paranoia ako. "Wala naman. Siguro, masyado lang akong sensitive." "I hate to see you leave me again, Saff." "Sorry." "It's okay. I'll be more careful kung ano ang mga sasabihin ko." He said. Ayokon g ipi-filter nya ang thoughts at words nya para sa akin. Ayokong masyado syang t akot. "You can say whatever you want. Kung magagalit man ako, sundan mo lang ako sa ba hay. Give me an hour or two to calm down bago mo ako tawagan sa cell phone." "Kakausapin mo ba ako pag ginawa ko yun?" He inquired and I felt myself blush. I sa hanggang dalawang oras lang talaga ang itatagal ng galit mo sa kanya, Saff? M asyado ka namang nagpapahalata. "Depende." "Depende saan?" "Depende kung anong kasalanan mo." "Pwede bang mag-suggest?" I nearly laughed. "Ano yun?" "Pwede ka namang magalit pero pwede bang wag kang umalis? Hindi ako magsasalita, hindi kita kukulitin at uupo lang ako sa isang tabi." "Para namang possible yun, ang mga girls mahilig mag-walk out." "Ang mga boys naaasar sa walk out." "Wala namang pakialam ang mga girls kung maasar kayo. Yun nga ang purpose dun eh , ang asarin kayo." "You girls are evil." He declared and I laughed. We reached his condo after near ly forty minutes and the guard greeted us politely. "Hulaan mo kung anong floor ako?" He told me and I arched my brow. "Wala akong superpowers." I frowned. "Sige na, hulaan mo lang. Hindi umaandar yung elevator o, kawawa naman yung iban g naghihintay." "Para kang ewan." "Sige na, Saff. Just give it a try."
"Ano naman kasi ang makukuha ko kung huhulaan ko?" "Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert?" He grinned and I gazed at him. Seryoso ba to? "What are you trying to do? Awaken my inner manghuhula?" He continued to smile a s I stared unblinking at the elevator panel. "Seventh?" I said. "Seventh nga?" "Oo." "Hah! I'm so good!" "Yes, you are." He answered beaming at me. "Ngayon hulaan mo kung saan ang unit ko." He said when we reached his floor. "OA na yan ha, hindi pa ganun ka developed ang superpowers ko." I made a face as he took my hand in his. "Paano naman made-develop yan kung hindi mo gagamitin?" He questioned still smil ing. "Ano namang makukuha ko kapag nahulaan ko ng tama?" "Ipagluluto kita ng paborito mong pagkain habambuhay." "Ay wait lang, dapat in writing yang mga ganyang declarations. Wala akong papel! Teka, i-record natin." I took my phone out of my pocket and activated the recor der app. "Ano ulit ang makukuha ko kapag nahulaan ko nang tama kung saan yung un it number mo?" I spoke before I moved my phone close to his mouth. He was laughi ng and shaking his head. "Sige na!" "Ibibigay ko sayo lahat." He said and I stared at him because he sounded so seri ous. "Wag na nga!" I turned the app off. He was looking intensely at me. Ano na naman problema nito? I murmured to myself as he pulled me with him. Huminto kami sa h arap ng pinto na may gold numbers na 7201. "This is your unit?" He nodded as he took his keys out of his pocket. "Ang dami namang lock, takot manakawan?" I teas ed and he chuckled as he pushed the door open. I stepped inside and looked aroun d. "Welcome home, Saff." He said as I heard him close the door. "Talagang home? Pero ang homey nga ng unit mo. I love the play of colors." I wal ked around. "Ang ganda ng sofa mo. Ang ganda ng taste mo ha. O may interior deco rator ka?" "Kami--I mean ako ang nag-ayos nito." "Talaga? Ang galing mo." "Thank you." He said as I sat down. "Wow, ang comfy naman ng sofa mo parang gust o kong humiga." I said and he smiled. His eyes looked sad and I was confused but he blinked and I thought guni-guni ko lang lahat yun. "Make yourself at home at magluluto lang ako. Do you want cofee, tea or milk?" "Tubig lang." I replied. Umalis sya at pagbalik nya ay may dala na syang isang b aso ng tubig. "Thank you, Seb!" "You're welcome. Sa kusina na ako."
"Pwede ba akong manuod habang nagluluto ka?" "Pwede naman pero baka mainip ka lang." "Gustung-gusto kaya kitang pinapanuod habang nagluluto. Naa-amaze kasi ako kung gaano ka kabilis maghiwa." I divulged. I followed him to his kitchen and he aske d me to wash my hands before he handed me a pink apron. "Pink? Mahilig ka sa pin k?" I teased. "Dalawa apron ko, isang pink at isang blue." "Weird." I said. "Bakit hindi na lang parehong blue? Pinaghahandaan mo talaga ba ka sakaling may babaeng pumunta dito?" I asked and felt a twinge of jealousy. Il ang babae na ba ang nadala nito dito? Pang-ilan kaya ako? "O bakit ka sumimangot?" "Wala lang." I smiled but he looked unconvinced. "Ano yun? Ayokong mag-away tayo at kakabati lang natin." "Wala nga!" "Nabasa ko na kapag ang babae daw nagsabi ng wala, ang ibig sabihin nun kailanga n ng mga lalaki ng kapangyarihan to guess what's running inside your heads. Unfo rtunately, no matter how much we hate quarelling with you, wala talagang ganoong instinct ang mga lalaki kaya sabihin mo na sa akin." He pleaded. "Please." "Ilang babae na ang nadala mo dito?" I blushed. Kadiri ka, Saff. Pati ba naman y ung mga ganoong bagay ay gusto mong malaman?! "Nagseselos ka?" "Hindi ah!" "Bakit ka namumula?" "Magluto ka na nga lang!" I grumbled and he laughed as I turned to leave. "Dalawa." He replied and I stopped walking. "Dalawa?" So ako at yung ex-girlfriend nya? "Yung ex mo? Yung nag-migrate?" "Hindi. Wala pa akong condo noong naging kami." "So may iba pang babae?" I was curious and I ignored the resentment I felt. "Oo." "Ah. Okay." Stop sulking, Saff! Mukha kang tanga! Ayoko syang tanungin kung sino at mukhang ayaw din naman nyang magkwento. Tahimi k akong pinapanuod sya habang nagluluto. "Mabuti may hipon at tilapia ka sa free zer mo." "Hindi nawawalan ng hipon at tilapia ang freezer ko. I buy fresh ones everyday." "Bakit? Paborito mo rin?" Nakangiti kong tanong sa kanya and he returned my smil e.
"Hindi." "Eh bakit ka bumibili kung hindi mo paborito?" "Paborito kasi ng mag-ina ko." He said. One Message Received - Chapter 14 Paborito kasi ng mag-ina ko. He froze and I stared at him. He recovered quickly and he smiled engagingly at m e. "Gusto mo ba akong tulungan? Turuan kita kung paano maghiwa ng mabilis, nasa tamang paghawak lang yun. Kung gusto mong ikaw ang maghiwa ng kamatis, madali la ng naman yung gawin-" "Are you married, Seb?" I asked. "May asawa't anak ka ba?!" "No, what I mean is-" "God, what the hell am I doing here kung may pamilya ka pala?! Ano to lokohan?!" "Saff-"I did not wait for him to finish talking as I ran out of the kitchen. "Saff!" He ran after me and I looked for the sandals I took off earlier. He said he wanted me to feel comfortable kaya binigyan nya ako ng tsinelas. "Nasaan ang sandals ko?!" "Saff, will you please listen?" "No! How dare you! Pinaglalaruan mo ako?! May asawa ka tapos... tapos dinala mo pa ako dito sa bahay ninyo! Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" "Saff, please..." "Let me go!" I yelled as I slapped him. He staggered backward and I looked at my hand in surprise. It was pure reflex on my part, ayoko kasi nang hinahawakan pe ro ayoko rin namang manakit. "I'm sorry." I mumbled. "Saff, wag kang umalis." "Please, bitiwan mo ako." I murmured as I tried to pull free from his grasp but he tightened his hold on me. "I won't." He calmly replied. "I can't." He whispered before he covered his face with his free hand. His shoulders shook as he openly cried and my heart broke l ooking at him. "I can't, Saff." He spoke. "I tried but I can't so please..." I didn't know why I felt like dying as he cried. Ang sakit sa loob, para akong p inapatay nang dahan-dahan. And I realized that he's in deeper pain than I was. E very sob that spilled from his lips felt like an arrow being driven repeatedly i nto my chest. "Seb..." "Ayaw kitang saktan and I really am trying to be strong pero ang sakit na, Saff. Hindi ko na kaya." Anong nangyari sa kanya? Is he holding his pain back because I'm already a mess? Maybe he went through a lot too pero hindi nya lang masabi. "Did your wife die?" I asked after a minute and he shook his head.
"I'm not yet married." He told me as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. "Ano yung sinabi mo sa kitchen kanina?" "I'm waiting for you, Saff." He said. "Ikaw lang." "Seb, stop talking in riddles, please you're giving me a headache." He stopped s obbing as he looked worriedly at me. "Just tell me the truth, sino ka ba talaga? " "My name's Sebastian and I'm so in love with you." He answered and I held his an xious gaze before I laughed softly. "Ang mais mo." "Mahal na mahal nga kita." "Napakaiyakin mo!" "Ikaw lang naman ang iniiyakan ko." He announced and I was not able to hold myse lf back and wrapped my arms around his waist. He was surprised for sure and it t ook a few seconds before he hugged me back. "Sorry. I overreact and I'm a bitch." I said and he chuckled. "I don't care as long as you don't leave my side." "Kahit parati kitang pinapaiyak tapos nasampal pa kita?" "Oo." "Ganun?" "Basta dito ka lang." "Gutom na ako." I said and kissed the top of my head before he pulled me with hi m towards the kitchen. He made me sit down as he put his apron back on. "Upo ka lang dyan. Tatapusin ko to." He said. "Give me your glasses." I opened my palm towards him and he looked questioningly at me before he took his glasses off. I used the hem of my blouse to wipe the s mudges on the lens before I gave it back to him. "Thank you." He smiled. It was a joy to watch him cook and he would explain every step of the process as if he's on television and I was part of the audience. "Bakit kailangan mong banlian muna ng kumukulong tubig yung sugpo?" "Para hindi malansa." He replied and I nodded. "Sana marunong din akong magluto." "Kahit hindi ka na mag-aral at ako na lang ang magluluto para sayo." He said. He was baking our dessert at the same time and I got hungrier when the smell of ch ocolate filled the kitchen. "Gutom na ako." I whined.
"Malapit na." He said. "I'll set the table." I stood up. "Ako na, upo ka lang dyan." He insisted so I sat back down. For the first time, I was so excited to eat. Mahilig naman talaga akong kumain but I've never felt s o much anticipation for a meal. I could barely contain my excitement as he put t he food in front of me. "Dahan-dahan." He laughed softly as we started eating. " Marami pa yan." "Ang sarap." I said in between mouthfuls. "Tama yung asim tsaka yung anghang. Ma s masarap to kesa luto ni Yaya." "Talaga?" He beamed and I eagerly nodded. "It's like coming home." I said laughing and he smiled. "Paano mo ginawa yung sa wsawan? May kalamansi ba to?" "Lemon." He said. "Sosyal." I said and he chuckled. Ang dami kong nakain kaya tuloy inaantok ako nung natapos kami. "Ako na ang magh uhugas ng pinggan." I said. Halos hindi na ako makatayo sa kabusugan. "Dun ka sa sala, ako nang bahala dito. Manuod ka na lang ng TV." "Gusto kong maghilamos, feeling ang mantika ng mukha ko." "Teka to my spare owels
lang." He said and wiped his hands with a small towel before he pulled me feet. He led me to the bathroom and opened one of the cabinets. "Ito, may na toothbrush. Hindi pa nabubuksan yan. Kung gusto mong mag-wash up, yug t nasa pangalawang cabinet."
"Abuso na tawag dito. Pinakain mo na nga ako, makikigamit pa ako ng tuwalya mo." "Okay lang, gusto ko lang komportable ka. Teka dyan ka muna at kukuha ako ng mai susuot mo." "Hindi na!" I said but he shook his head. "Sige na para makapagpahinga ka. Manuod muna tayo ng palabas kasi kakain mo lang tapos matulog ka after. Tingnan mo yang mga mata mo, antok na antok na." "Wala nga kasi akong tulog." I said. "Ako rin eh, puyat sa kakaisip kung paano ka suyuin." He nonchalantly said and I arched my brow. Di ko alam kung nambobola lang ba sya o tinotokis nya ako pero nakaramdam ako nang kilig. "Lakas." I murmured and heard him laugh before he closed the bathroom door. "Sigaw ka lang kapag may kailangan ka." He said. "Oo!" I replied and started taking my clothes off and, without thinking, stepped under the shower and turned it on. "Oh shit!" I exclaimed. "Okay ka lang?" He knocked and I groaned. "Bigla akong naligo!"
"Ha?" "Hindi ko alam pero nag-shower ako!" Hindi sya sumagot agad. "May kailangan ka ba?" "Wala! Yung mga damit lang." I answered. "Bakit ko binasa ang buhok ko?!" I aske d myself as I poured a generous amount of shampoo on my palm. "Magkapareho pa ka mi ng brand ng sabon at shampoo." I observed as I lathered my hair. I was done after a few minutes and I wrapped the white towel around myself as I opened the door slightly. "Seb?" "Nandito ako." He said and I closed the door again. "Nasaan yung damit na ipapahiram mo?" I asked. "Lumabas ka at sa kwarto ka magbihis. Nasa itaas ng kama yung mga damit. Malilig o rin ako at ang lagkit ko." He uttered. For some reason, I blushed. Parang napa ka-intimate ang makiligo sa bahay ng iba. "Labas ka na." "Tumalikod ka muna!" "Okay." He responded. "Wag kang titingin!" I yelled. "Nakatalikod ka na?" "Oo." He answered and I opened the door and made a mad dash towards his bedroom. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako tumakbo but the next thing I knew, I tripped and l anded on my bottom. Naked. "SHIT!" I looked behind me. Seb was standing barely two meters from where I was sprawled and the towel was a feet or two away from him. "Okay ka lang?" He asked, his voice sounded very worried. "Wag kang humarap!" I shouted and he froze. "Anong nangyari sayo?" "Aray. Ang sakit ng balakang ko." I groaned in pain when I tried to stand up. "I 'm such a klutz." I murmured. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked again. "Okay lang ako, clumsy talaga ako, in fact nahulog na ako sa hagdanan dati at na bagok ang ulo ko kaya naospital ako." I slowly crept towards my towel. "Wait lan g ha." I told him. "Shit. Bakit kasi nandyan banda yan." I grumbled. "Haharap ako." "Wag!" I panicked. "Ganyan ka lang." I groaned in pain again. "That's it, Saff haharap ako." He declared and I watched in horror as he turned to face me. We stared unblinking at each other and he cleared his throat as he p icked my towel up. He kept his face averted as he walked towards he and handed i t to me. "Magpapakamatay na ako." I whispered drowning in embarrassment. "Yun lang magpapakamatay ka na? Ako lang naman nakakita." He mumbled. Tumalikod
sya ulit. "Secret natin to ha." "Oo." "Wala namang video itong bahay mo, di ba? Mamaya makita ko na lang yung picture ng hubad kong katawan sa bangketa." He laughed. "Wala. "Seb." "Yes?" "Di ako makatayo." I muttered as I felt my face turn about a million shades redd er. Humarap sya ulit bago nya ako inalalayang tumayo. "Aray!" "Sorry. Okay lang bang kargahin kita?" "Wag na." "Ano ba kasing nangyari?" He inquired. "Gusto lang kitang i-seduce kaya binali ko balakang ko." I joked and he laughed aloud. "Should I take you to the hospital." "Hindi na, parang nabugbog lang naman." "Sure ka?" "Oo." "We'll, magsabi ka lang kung mangsi-seduce ka pala, hindi mo naman kailangan ng sobrang effort." He spoke before he picked me up and carried me to his bedroom. "Sabi ko wag na." "Nakita ko na lahat sayo, nahiya ka pa." "Walanghiya ka." "Biro lang." He put me on top of the bed before he left and closed the door behind him. "Shit , Saff ang epic mo." I told myself as I started to get dressed and realized na n aiwan ko pala yung panty at bra ko sa banyo. "Laslas pulso talaga itong araw na to." I put his shirt on and hid under his comforter as I waited for him to finish bat hing. Pero ang tagal nya. Ano bang ginagawa nun sa loob at isang taon na yata sy a dun? "Seb! Baka pati kaluluwa mo mabango na ha!" I shouted kahit alam ko naman g hindi nya naririnig. I scooted towards his headboard and leaned against it bef ore I closed my eyes. I knew I was dreaming because the room looked unfamiliar. It was dim and cold bu t I oddly felt comfortable and warm. I looked around me and the curtains were dr awn. In the middle of the large room was a four-poster bed. Nasaan ako? I though t as I walked towards the bed and sat down. I heard someone knock at todo ang ka ba ng dibdib ko, hindi dahil sa takot kundi dahil sa sobrang excitement.
"Saff?" I heard someone say and I dived into the bed as I feigned sleep. "Saff, natutulog ka?" He asked and I felt like giggling so I bit my lower lip. The door creaked open and I put a hand over my mouth. "Saff?" I felt him near the foot o f the bed and I knew he was watching me. I heard a rustle of clothes as he strip ped naked and my pulse raced with anticipation. I felt his hand on my calf and I nearly shrieked with laughter. "Tulog ba talaga tong asawa ko o nagtutulog-tulugan lang?" He whispered as his hand moved. I was n't wearing anything and I felt my stomach clench delicious as his hand continue d its journey. "Saff..." I felt his lips on my inner thigh and my breathing beca me ragged instantly. "Na-miss kita." He whispered and I whimpered with need as I pulled at his hair a nd he moved higher. A different kind of longing wrapped around me as I felt his breath on my crotch and I moaned aloud when I felt his mouth on my flesh. I arched my back off the bed as he continued to torture me with pleasure until I could no longer contain it and a scream tore from my lips. He moved until his f ace was level with mine. "I missed you." He whispered, his voice ringing with sa dness that a sob rose to my throat. "I miss you so much." He repeated as I felt his hardness slid inside my warmth. "Bumalik ka na sa akin, Saff. Please." He wh ispered. "Please." I opened my eyes and stared at Sebastian's face. My eyes were wet with tears and he was crying too. I opened my mouth to talk and he cupped my face with his han ds before he kissed me passionately on the lips. I hungrily kissed him back. "Seb..." I moaned his name. "I'm here." He whispered as he guided my legs to wrap around his hips and I real ized two things at once - he was driving in and out of me and I was wide awake a nd no longer dreaming. One Message Received - Chapter 15 I stared wide-eyed at him, as he started moving. I was very scared seeing him on top of me. Hindi ko lubos-maisip na yung Seb na nakilala ko, ipinagluto ako at umiyak sa harapan ko ay kayang mag-take advantage nang ganito. "Saff..." Shit, ano to? My God, what's happening?! I thought as I opened my mout h to scream but he drove deeper inside me and my eyes fluttered close at the all -familiar sensation of our flesh melding together. My heart seemed to stop beati ng completely before it drummed erratically against my chest. "Seb?" I was confused why it all felt very familiar. My mind was filled with que stions and my emotions seemed to overflow with each thrust. I was scared and aro used at the same time. It was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed. "Sebastian." I ga sped and he twined his fingers with mine. "I'm here." He murmured. "Ako to, Saff." I untangled my legs from around his hip s as I pushed against his chest. "Wag, Saff. Please." He whispered and his actio ns became frantic as if he was scared that I'd push him away and leave. "Stay, S aff." His eyes welled-up and I watched as tears fell unbidden down his face. A part of me wanted to run but a greater part of me wanted to stay. I wanted to know why he felt familiar. Very familiar. "Saff, wag mo akong iwan." He spoke. " Wag kang matakot sa akin, hindi ako masamang tao." He stopped moving before he h id his face on the crook of my neck. "Bumalik ka na sa akin, Saff. Please, Saff. Ako to. Mahal na mahal kita. Please, Saff." He sobbed. He was crying in earnest and my vision blurred with tears. "Mahal na mahal kita.
" He repeated. "Ang sakit na kasi, Saff hindi ko na kaya. Hindi ko na kayang mag kunwari. Ang sakit na." He wept and I started to cry as I wrapped my arms around him. "Miss na miss na kita, Saff. Please. Come back to me." "Seb-" "Hindi ako masamang tao." He cried brokenly in my arms and I cried with him. "Seb, tama na." I whispered. "Shh... tama na." I murmured as I cupped his face. He cried harder and my heart constricted painfully inside my chest. Ramdam ko an g sakit na nararamdaman nya and my heart bled as his tears flowed. I felt his lo neliness and I felt choked with longing. I knew then that he was no stranger to me. Kilala ko sya. My mind might not reme mber him but my heart did. "Mahal na mahal kita, Saff." He whispered as he press ed his lips against my forehead. "Sobra kitang mahal." "Alam ko." I answered. "Ramdam ko." He lifted his face before he tenderly placed a kiss on my lips. He smiled tearfu lly at me before he spoke. "Ang asawa ko." Asawa? His words didn't make sense, in fact, I did not know what to make of them but ev ery time he spoke, it felt as if something in me awakened. "I love you." He whis pered as he held my gaze. "Hindi mo kailangang sagutin yan ngayon pero sana mari nig ko ulit yan sayo." He muttered. His eyes were sad and lonely. I wanted to sa y something. I wanted to reassure him but I wasn't sure what to say so I pulled his face towards mine for a kiss. He coaxed my lips to part and he moaned in approval when they did. "Sebastian." I let his name roll off my tongue. "Sebastian..." "I love the sound of my name on your lips." He muttered before he sucked on my l ower lip. I opened my mouth and I felt his tongue rub against mine eliciting a n eedy moan from me. His hand was on my chest as he started kneading my flesh and I shivered with delight. Instinctively, I bent my knees as he started moving aga in. This isn't my first time. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I've done this before. I thought. Bigla akong kinabahan. Kanino? What happened to me? Bak it hindi ko natatandaan yung mga ganitong bagay? What is wrong with me? "Saff," He spoke. "What's wrong, is it painful?" He asked and I shook my head. " Is it uncomfortable?" He sounded very anxious. "Hindi." I replied and he bent down to kiss my cheek. "Tell me if you feel any discomfort, okay?" He said and I nodded. His strokes were languid and unhurried and I bit my lower lip as my stomach clen ched pleasantly every time he pushed inside me. I wanted something but I didn't know what. It was as if what he was doing wasn't enough and I was getting impati ent. "Seb..." "Ano yun?" He asked. He wasn't wearing his eyeglasses and I noticed that his eye s were light brown. "Ano yun, Saff?" "Hindi ko alam..." I swallowed hard. "Do you want it faster?" He questioned and I opened my mouth to say yes pero nau
nahan ako nang hiya. Faster. It sounded delicously wanton and I felt my face fla re. "Do you, Saff?" "Ha?" "Say it." "No." "Please." "Ayoko." "Tell me how you want it like you used to." He whispered and I felt a tremor ran down my spine as my toes curled at his words. Like you used to. "Please." "I'm not sure-" "Sige na." He smiled. He sounded teasing and my heart lurched. "Please, Saff. Le t me hear you say it." He uttered before he covered my mouth with his. "I love y ou so much, Sapphire." He started to rain kisses from my jaw down to my neck. I felt the rough texture of his tongue against my flesh and I felt my desire build up. "Faster, Seb." I whimpered and he groaned as he quickened his pace. My hands tra velled to his hips as I pulled him closer against me while I surged up to meet h im. "I love you." He whispered against my ear before he sucked on my lower ear lobe and I screamed his name as I found my release. He didn't stop moving and I clung to him desperately as the tingling ebbed before it intensified again. "Seb-" He swallowed my gasped as his mouth moved over my lips. "Pwede bang sa loob, Saff?" He whispered. "Ha?" "Sa loob, please." Ano yun? "Please?" "Okay." I answered not fully comprehending what he was asking until I felt him s hiver on top of me. Oh my, sa loob nga. I thought, as he lay spent in my arms. I kissed his cheek and held him until he stopped trembling. "Mabigat ba ako?"He murmured the question a few minutes later. "Hindi naman." I replied. He was looking intently at me. "Bakit?" I asked and he smiled before he nibbled my lower lip. "I missed doing that." He said. "I don't want to leave your warmth." He kissed m e gently on the lips before he slipped an arm under my waist. "Yakap ka lang sa akin." He whispered before he rolled onto his back taking me with him. He presse d himself harder against me and I found comfort in his nearness. "Komportable ka ba?" He asked and I nodded. He guided my head to lie below his chin and before he kissed the top of my head. "Akala ko hindi na mauulit to." "Ang alin?" "Ito. Ang magkasama tayo, ang mayakap kita nang mahigpit, ang mahalikan ka at ma kapiling ka sa ganitong paraan."
"Ang dami kong tanong, Seb." "Alam ko. Wag kang mag-alala at sasagutin ko lahat yan kahit ayaw nila." "Ayaw nila? Sino sila?" I felt my head painfully throb and I closed my eyes agai nst the pain. "Ano yun, Saff? Masakit ang ulo mo?" He asked, his voice filled with concern and I nodded. "Oo." "Magpahinga ka na muna, wag kang masyadong nag-iisip. Ang sabi ng doktor mo dapa t dahan-dahan ang pag-feed ng information sayo." "What happened to me?" "We were in a car accident." He replied. "Pero natatakot akong pag-usapan kasi a yokong yun ang matandaan mo. I want you to remember the good memories first. Can we do that?" "Pero sasabihin mo ba sa akin kung ano talaga ang nangyari?" "Oo." "Wala kang ililihim?" I inquired and he sighed. "Oo, kahit ikagalit mo at kahit gaano kasakit. Pero tulad ng sinabi ko, gusto ko ng yung masasayang bagay muna ang pag-usapan natin. Pwede ba yun, Saff?" "Okay. Pero may gusto akong malaman ngayon." "Ano yun?" "Were you my first, Seb?" "Yes." He answered I was flooded with relief. Ayoko ang idea na meron pang iba a t baka pandirihan ko ang sarili ko. "And you were mine too." He added and I snug gled closer against his chest. "Tama na muna. Hindi ka dapat masyadong nag-iisip ." "Ang dami kong gustong malaman-" "You will. Pero wag na muna ngayon, it's too soon." "Pero how come hindi ka kilala ng mga tao sa bahay? Bakit hindi ka kilala nina M aureen at ng iba kong kaibigan? Wala man lang sa kanila ang nagsabing kilala ka nila when you posted our picture on my Facebook . Bakit hindi ka kilala ni Yaya?" I asked and he sighed as he tightened his arms around me. "Na-meet ka na ba nila, Seb?" "Hindi pa." He answered. "Kahit isa sa mga barkada ko walang nakakakilala sayo?" "Wala." "Bakit? Paano nangyari yun?" I asked totally baffled. "Sino ka ba talaga sa buha y ko?" "I am your deepest secret, Saff." He whispered.
Author's Note:
Readers,
I have not given anyone permission to create FB and/or twitter accounts for my characters. If you get invites to follow or add people bearing any of my stories' characters' names, kindly decline. You'll just be disappointe d and your reading experience will surely be ruined. Seriously, people. Respect. You're awesome as you are. And no matter how amazing a Fictional Character is, it's just fiction. Get a life. Thanks.
? jennicka One Message Received - Chapter 16 "My deepest secret? What in the world do you mean? Paano kita naging deepest sec ret? Ibig sabihin tinago kita at walang nakaalam tungkol sa atin? Not even Maure en?" "Walang nakaalam na naging tayo." He replied. "That's not possible. Paano ko naman yun naitago kay Mau? Sobrang sharp ng radar ng babaeng yun pagdating sa akin." "That's the truth, walang nakakaalam. Hindi ko alam kung paano mo ginawa but you managed to keep our relationship a secret." "But still, hindi ko man lang nabanggit o nakwento sa kanila-?" "I don't know, Saff. You haven't introduced me to any of your friends at hindi r in ako namilit. Ayaw mo ring ipakilala kita sa pamilya at mga kaibigan ko kaya h indi ko rin ginawa." Seb answered and my frown deepened. "I wanted to know your friends pero ang sabi mo tsaka na kapag legal na tayo sa inyo."
"Dahil? Adik ka ba? Kriminal? Magnanakaw? May asawa-" "No. Hindi sa ganun." He laughed softly before he sighed. "Hindi ako masamang ta o, Saff. It just so happened na maraming rason kaya hindi natin sinabi sa pamily a mo at sa mga malalapit sayo ang relasyon natin. You said ipapakilala mo ako sa Mommy mo on your seventeenth birthday kasi uuwi sya." "Hindi daw sya uuwi." I murmured. "Sinabi nya sa akin the last time we talked at hindi ko alam kung bakit." "Wag mo na munang isipin. I don't want you to strain yourself. We were both very young when we met, Saff. You were fourteen and I was sixteen at mukhang ayaw ng side ninyo sa akin even if they haven't met me." "Paano mo naman nalaman?" "Sinabi mo. You told me that every time you tried to broach the subject about yo u having a boyfriend ay pinapagalitan ka ng Yaya mo at nagsusumbong sya sa Mommy mo." He replied. The idea sounded weird, feeling ko kasi kapag may boyfriend ak o ay ibabalita ko sa mga taong malapit sa akin regardless kung magagalit sila o hindi. Is it possible na nagbago ang personality ko after the accident? Pwede ba yun? A t ibig sabihin pala, yung sinabi nila sa akin na pagkabagok ng ulo ko kasi nahul og ako sa hagdanan ay hindi totoo? I asked myself. A vision of me plunging down an unfamiliar staircase flashed in my mind and I closed my eyes as my head painf ully throbbed. "Saff? Saff, please talk to me. Natatakot ako kapag sobra kang ta himik." "Di ba sabi mo vehicular accident?" "Oo." He replied and I massaged my temple as the pain worsened. Bakit may naalal a akong nahulog ako sa hagdan? "Seb, saan tayo nagkita?" I asked. "Paano tayo nagkakilala?" "Bago ko yan sagutin, I want to know if you're okay. Masakit ba ang ulo mo, kail angan mo ba ng medicine? Kailangan ba kitang dalhin sa doktor?" "No. I'm okay." I whispered as I smiled at him. "So please answer my question, s aan at paano tayo nagkakilala?" He smiled tenderly at me and touched the tip of my nose with his finger. "Namali ka ng send ng text message." He answered and I looked disbelievingly at him. "O o, namali ka nang padala ng message. I called you because you didn't believe na hindi ako yung hinahanap mo. Galit na galit ka kasi pinapasauli mo ang isang lib ro ni Neil Gaiman na sabi mo ay hiniram ko sayo. Nag-meet tayo sa isang coffee s hop at ayun." "Ayun ano?" "Ayun niligawan mo ako." "Excuse me ha, ang kapal." "Totoo. Why would I lie? Paano kung bumalik ang memories mo eh di ang laking awa y kung nagsisinungaling lang pala ako?" "Hindi nga?" I asked in disbelief. "What the hell! Seriously?" He nodded and I f elt my face flare. Parang ayoko na yatang malaman yung past namin nito! Ako ang nanligaw sa kanya? Impossible! "Don't lie to me, Seb magagalit talaga ako kahit
biro lang-" "Oo nga. I'm not lying." "Oh my God." I groaned. Niligawan ko sya? Seryosong usapan ba to? "Are you alright, Saff?" "Lalong sumakit ang ulo ko." I answered closing my eyes. "Magpahinga ka muna, please. Pag-uusapan naman natin lahat. Pero sa ngayon, gust o kong matulog ka muna. Tsaka ka na mag-isip. I promise you, sasabihin ko sayo a ng lahat nang gusto mong malaman at sasagutin ko lahat ng tanong mo." "Paano ako makakatulog kung parang sasabog ang ulo ko sa dami ng tanong na nagla laro sa isip ko? Niligawan talaga kita?" "Ano namang masama kung oo? Halika, yakap ka sa akin." He pulled me towards him and enfolded me in a hug. "Kakantahan kita. Dati kapag hindi ka makatulog, nagpa pakanta ka sa akin. Ginagawa mo akong jukebox at kapag hindi ka pa tulog at humi nto ako sa pagkanta ay nagagalit ka." "Ang baduy ko pala dati." I remarked and he laughed before he kissed me on the f orehead. Ang baduy ko at ang landi. "I love you so much, Saff. Mahal na mahal kita. I'm so happy that I'm able to ho ld you like this again. Ilang buwan din akong nagdasal na sana ay mabigyan ako u lit ng pagkakataon to be with you." "Thank you sa paghihintay." I said. "I'm glad you waited for me." "I'll always wait for you. Matulog ka na." He started humming and I closed my ey es as I snuggled closer against him. "I love you with each heartbeat, Sebastian. " I heard myself say as I was drifting off to sleep. I felt him tighten his arms around me. "I'll love you with every breath until forever, Saff." He whispered back. That m ust be what we tell each other before. I thought to myself before I drifted off to sleep. I woke up cocooned in his arms. Naisip ko tuloy, ilang beses na kaya akong nagis ing na nakayap sa kanya? Ilang beses na kaya kaming natulog magkatabi? Ilang bes es na kaya kaming nag"Hi." I heard him say. "Gising ka na?" He asked as he opened his eyes. Tumango l ang ako at ngumiti sya. "Are you hungry?" "No." I replied. I felt myself blush. Ang awkward lang kasing magising katabi an g isang lalaki. I scooted away from him and his brows knitted together. "Bakit?" "Wala lang." "Bakit ka lumalayo sa akin?" "Hindi ko alam." I murmured and he moved closer towards me hanggang sa magkadiki t na naman kami ulit. "O, wag ka nang mag-move at baka mahulog ka na sa kama." He grinned as he wrappe d an arm around my waist. "Ano to, Saff every time gigising ka bigla ka na lang
magiging mahiyain?" "It's not as if sanay akong magising nang nakahubad katabi ang isang lalaki." "Sanay ka sa akin." He said. "We both love sleeping naked." Oh-kay. Ang landi ko pala talaga dati! "Before yun pero hindi ko kasi maalala-" "Okay lang, kahit hindi mo maalala, pwede ka namang masanay." He whispered again st my hair. "Sanayin kita ulit." He said. He moved on top of me and I melted as soon as he started moving. I was excited to know the truth. I was excited to know what happened. But I was very scared too. Natatakot akong malaman kung ano ang totoo at natatakot ako tha t once I learn the truth I might not be able to handle it. "Saff?" "Yes?" "Ano yun? May gusto ka bang malaman?" He kissed my bare shoulder. "Wag kang mata kot magtanong sa akin but let's take everything slow, okay?" "Okay." "May gusto bang itanong ang asawa ko?" "Marami pero natatakot ako." "Natatakot ka saan?" "Natatakot akong malaman kung ano ang totoo. Kahit naman sabihin mo, I don't thi nk my memory will return, malalaman ko lang, masasaktan lang ako pero hindi ko p a rin matandaan. Kaya sana-" "Saff, don't ask for a break-up, please. Hindi ko kaya. Kahit ano ibibigay ko-" I turned to face him. "We made love twice today pero natatakot ka pa rin?" I asked cupping his face. " I'll stay with you, Sebastian at hindi tayo maghihiwalay. We'll make love repeat edly because I love making love to you. But I want my memories to return on thei r own. Wag mong ikwento sa akin, instead allow me to remember them and help me r emember them." "Thank you for deciding to stay with me. I promise na gagawin ko lahat para matu lungan ka lang to get your memories back." "Thank you. Pero gusto kong malaman, gaano tayo katagal as a couple?" "Magti-three years na tayo sa birthday mo." "Ang aga kong naglandi." I laughed softly and he smiled. "Ikaw naman corrupting minors ka masyado." "Minor din naman ako kaya we corrupted each other." He grinned and I laughed. "G usto mo bang dito matulog?" "Hindi ako papayagan ni Yaya." "Gusto pa kasi kitang makasama." He said and I leaned closer towards him to kiss
his lips. "Ganun natin kamahal ang isa't isa? Fourteen and sixteen. I'm cringing at the id ea." I scrunched my nose. "Ang bata pa pala natin nung naging tayo." "Mapilit ka eh." He chuckled and I frowned. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?" "Wala, joke lang yun." "Parang sinasabi mo na ako yung nag-initiate!" "Wala naman akong sinabing ganun." He laughed hugging me to his chest. "Tsaka do es it matter kung sinong nauna? We were in love and we still are." "Seb!" "Ano?" "Ako nga ang nag-initiate?" I asked looking at his face. I felt as though he was trying his hardest not to laugh and I turned away from him. "Bahala ka na nga d yan." "Saff, ikaw ang nag-initiate pero ako ang naghabol? Hindi ba fair naman?" "Pero ako pa rin ang nauna." "Okay nga lang, hindi na yun mahalaga. Ang importante we fell in love with each other and we're together now. Dito ka na lang matulog, please. I miss waking up with you in my arms." "Anong sasabihin ko kay Yaya? Magagalit yun at baka mamaya di na ako palabasin n g bahay." "Sabagay." He expelled a heavy breath. "Ganito ka ba ka-clingy sa akin before?" I kidded. Humarap ako ulit sa kanya at yumakap sya sa akin. "Clingy tayo sa isa't isa. We wanted to get married so we went to a church and e xchanged rings and vows. Kahit hindi legal, we acted as if we're married." "At nag-honeymoon din tayo?" "Nauna ang honeymoon." He smiled sheepishly. "Hindi ka man lang nagpigil? Ilang taon lang ba ako?" "Paano ako magpipigil eh ako yung namimilit?" He asked and I laughed. "Halika na , maligo na tayo kasi gusto kong kumain ka muna bago kita ihatid sa inyo." He go t up before he pulled me to my feet. "Teka, yung damit ko-" "Halika na." He "Bakit? es from
na." He carried me to the bathroom. "Kumain ka nang kumain, ang gaan mo added. We showered quickly. "Alam mo bang may mga damit ka dito?" Nag-li-live-in ba tayo dati?" I asked and he smiled as he took his glass inside one of the drawers.
"Hindi." He said.
"Naka-glasses ka na ba dati pa?" "Oo, I used to wear contacts pero may nabasa ka sa internet na nakakabulag ang m aling gamit nun and you insisted that I should wear glasses instead. Ayun, masun urin ako kaya naka-eyeglasses ako mula nun." "Ang sweet ko naman pala sayo." I muttered and he laughed. "Bakit parang ang dam i kong damit dito?" "Ayaw na kasi kita halos pauwiin kaya kailangan kitang ibili ng mga damit at di ka naman pwedeng maghakot ng damit mula sa inyo." "Buti pinapayagan ako ni Yaya dati." "Parati mong sinasabing may school activity ka. Matinong estudyante ka rin kasi kaya hindi ka pinagdudahan." He laughed again. "Bad influence ka pala sa akin eh." I joked and he winked at me. "Hindi ah, naging maaral ka kaya dahil sa akin." "Di nga?" "Oo." He answered. "Anong gusto mong kainin para maipaghanda kita?" He asked. Na sa kitchen na kami and he was pulling vegetables from inside his refrigerator. "Surprise me, ikaw na ang bahala." "Alam mo bang pag sinasabi mong surprise me dati, we always end up in bed?" "Don't take advantage of my naivety, Seb." "Your naivety feeds my desire, Saff." He said as he started washing the veggies he chose. "You're too green for my innocent mind." "Your mind ceased to be innocent years ago and mind you, we turned green at the same time." "Unfair naman kasi wala akong memories." I laughed before I sighed. "Bakit kaya hindi sinabi sa akin nina Yaya na naaksidente ako?" "May rason sila. And I would rather na tayo muna ang mag-usap at sa akin ka muna magtanong kesa sila ang kausapin mo." He said and I frowned. "Bakit?" He smiled at me before he resumed washing the vegetables he was prepari ng. "Ayoko lang na magbago ang tingin mo sa akin." "Bakit naman magbabago? Ano yun, parang sisiraan ka nila? Akala ko ba they don't know you and they've never met you?" "Wala lang, takot lang ako na magkaroon ka ng reason para di ako mahalin." He sa id. "Seb, you're weird. Ano namang masasabi nilang masama sayo if di ka nila kilala at di nila alam na naging tayo?" Hindi sya sumagot. "Seb?"
