The Fortress Island Series 2: Romano, Can't We Try

FIVE: KIND

Bea’s POV

Malalakas na katok sa pintuan ang nagpagising sa diwa ko. Bahagya ko pang kinusot ang aking mga mata saka ko inabot ang aking antiparang nilapag ko sa mesa kanina.

Tiningala ko ang lumang wall clock sa sala. Alas singko na ng hapon? Umungol ako dahil sa pananalakay ng sakit sa aking leeg. Nakaidlip pala ako dito sa sofa at halos tatlong oras ang itinulog ko. Wala kasi akong sapat na tulog kagabi dahil may hinahabol akong deadline para sa aking mga panahing kurtina. Kailangan ko na kasi ito sa makalawa at kalahati pa lang ang natatapos ko. Naubusan kasi ako ng tela kaya kahapon ay sinadya ko pa ang suki kong nagtitinda ng mga tela sa Divisoria.

 I lazily stood up. Hindi ko na nagawang pasadahan man lang ang aking buhaghag na buhok at gusot na bestidang pambahay. Iniisip ko kung sino ang kumakatok? Ang paalam sa akin ni Krizette ay mamaya pa ng gabi ang uwi nito dahil may date daw sila ng kanyang boyfriend. At isa pa, hindi nito ugaling mangatol. She would choose to yell outside the door as if the whole is burning.

Nanggalaiti ako sa inis dahil mas lalong lumakas ang mga katok at tila nagwawala na ang kung sino man ang kumakatok na iyon.

“Sandali!” I answered angrily.

Kakapihit ko pa lang sa seradura ay napaatras na ako dahil sa pagtulak ng pinto ng tao mula sa labas. Muntik pang tumama ang mukha ko doon. Kung nagkataon, basag na tiyak ang salamin ko sa mata.

“What took you so long to open the door?”

Bakas ang inis sa boses na iyon ng lalake. Oo, lalake. Nagmadali ito sa pagpasok at panay ang lingon nito sa labas bago sinara ng tuluyan ang pintuan.

Mas lalo akong napaatras. Sino naman ang mamang ito? Nakasuot ito ng makapal na  salamin  kagaya ng sa akin at kahit naka-sombrero ay di naitago ang malago at medyo kulot na buhok na ang haba ay hanggang batok.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanyang suot. Naka-Nike jacket ito at maong na kupasin na punit-punit sa bandang tuhod. Itim ang kulay ng kanyang rubber shoes.

“Sino ka?”

Imbes na sagutin ang tanong ko ay nagreklamo pa ito. “Ang init naman dito sa bahay mo.” Tinanggal nito ang sombrero. Mamasa-masa na ang mukha nito sa pawis. “Pengeng mineral water.” Utos nito.

 I huffed in annoyance. Namewang ako sa kanyang harapan. “Excuse me? Sino ka? Anong ginagawa mo dito? Anong kailangan mo?”

Binaba nito ang zipper ng kanyang jacket. “Seriously, grandma? Can’t you recognize my voice? And I thought I was your idol? But even my speaking voice, you failed to recognize? Some fan you are.” He made tsk sound.

Napamaang ako at sandaling nablangko ang isipan. I looked at him from head to toe. Pinaningkit ko pa ang aking mga mata at marahang humakbang palapit sa kanya. Tiningala ko ito.

Nag-angat ng kilay ang lalake at bahagyang binaba ang mukha na halos isang dangkal na lang ang pagitan mula sa akin. Inaninag ko ang kanyang mga mata, ang tangos ng kanyang ilong at ang hugis ng kanyang mga labi. Nagtagal ang titig ko doon. This could not be happening. I was still probably sleeping or was I dreaming?

I slightly parted my lips, my eyes still affixed at his. “Ro…Romano?”

He smirked and crouched down to level his gaze on me. “Hmm…must I kiss you para maniwala kang ako talaga ito?”

Hindi ako makasagot dahil napako ako sa aking kinatatayuan. Si Romano ba talaga ito?

He leaned forward and brushed his lips slightly against mine. It happened so fast that my mind failed to process what was happening. I blinked my eyes rapidly. Umayos ito ng tayo at namulsa sa aking harap.

“Grandma, I’m thirsty. Water, please.”

Wait. Did he…did he kiss me????

Suminghap ako at tinutop ang aking bibig. “Hinalikan mo ba ako?”

Nagkibit-balikat ito. “Hindi, a. Nananaginip ka pa siguro.” Hinawakan nito ang magkabilang-balikat ko at bahagya akong niyugyog. “Mira, wake up. You’re not dreaming.” Tinanggal nito ang salamin sa mata at pati ang wig na suot.” It’s me, Romano, ang minamahal mong idol. Ang nag-iisang idol sa buhay mo.” He chuckled. Aliw na aliw sa kanyang sinabi.

Tuluyan na rin nitong inalis ang jacket at hinagis sa malapit na upuan. “Ang init talaga dito. Wala kang aircon or electric fan man lang? Paano ka nakaka-survive sa araw-araw na balot na balot sa ganitong kainit na panahon?” Inikot nito ang tingin sa aking payak na sala.

“Sandali!” Pigil ko sa kanya. “Anong ginagawa mo dito?! Paano mo nalaman kung saan ako nakatira?! Paano mo nalusutan ang mga tao sa kalye na hindi ka dinudumog?! At balik sa unang tanong, ano ang ginagawa mo dito?!”

“I need water. Uhaw na uhaw na ako. Malayo-layo rin ang nilakad ko mula sa pinagparadahan ko ng aking sasakyan. Mahabag ka sa akin kahit konti.” Umupo ito sa sofa at pansin ko kaagad na hapong-hapo ito.

I suddenly got worried about him. Anong pumasok sa kokote ng lalakeng ‘to para sadyain ang isang tulad ko? Hindi ba niya alam kung gaano ka-delikado ang kanyang pagpunta dito? Alam ba niya kung anong pinasok niya? Kahit pa hindi squatters ang kinalulugaran ng bahay ko, mapanganib pa rin para sa kanya. Marami pa ring tambay sa kanto na wala nang ginawa sa araw-araw kundi ang mag-inuman. Kung bakit hindi pa nasusunog ang mga atay ng mga yun ay di ko alam.

“Ikukuha kita ng tubig.” Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kusina at binuksan ang luma kong ref. Nagpapasalamat akong kahit walang laman ang ref ay ginagamit pa rin namin ni Kriz. Buti na lang din at may malamig na tubig sa loob. Kiber kung mataas ang bill ng kuryente ngayong buwan, napakinabangan naman ni Romano. Hindi ko tuloy mapigilang ngumisi.

Kinuha ko ang pitsel sa loob at isang babasaging baso, ang pinakamagandang baso sa bahay na ito, mula sa cupboard. Mabilis akong bumalik sa sala at nilapag ang dala sa gitnang mesa. Pinagsalin ko ito ng tubig at inabot sa kanya ang basong may laman.

Kinuha niya agad iyon at mabilis na uminom. Naubos niya iyon pero ang mukha ay halos di maipinta.

“Bakit ganito ang lasa ng tubig n’yo? Parang lasang kalawang. Sa gripo lang ba ‘to galing? Wala kang mineral water?” Ngumiwi ito.

Humugot ako ng hininga. Calm down, Mira. Hindi mo ugali ang pumatol sa kapwa mo. Let it slide this time. May araw din ang lalakeng ‘to.

I gave him a deadpan expression. “Pasensiya na, kamahalan. I did not receive the memo that you’re going to thrust yourself in my house without permission. Nakikiinom ka na nga lang, nagrereklamo ka pa? Konting hiya naman, Romano.” Humalukipkip ako at umupo sa katapat na upuan nito. Bakit ba nahumaling ako sa lalakeng ‘to? Ang dami naman diyang singer!

“Ano ang sadya mo? Nabago ba ang isip mo? Balak mo na bang bawiin ang iPod na binigay mo?”

“I wouldn’t go to this extent just for the sake of getting back my iPod. At isa pa, binigay ko na iyon sa’yo. Iba ang sadya ko at mahalaga itong sasabihin ko sa’yo.” Seryoso nitong sagot. He shifted on his seat. He leaned slightly forward as he rested his elbows on his thighs. Matamang tinitigan ako nito.

Pinagsalikop ko ang aking mga kamay sa aking kandungan. Tumuwid ako sa pagkakaupo. “Makikinig ako.”

“I have a proposition for you.” He tipped his chin up arrogantly. His Adam’s apple bobbed down and up his throat.

Naningkit ang aking mga mata. I could tell by his facial expression that he doesn’t like the idea and he’s against it, but he doesn’t have a choice.

 “You do? Then it’s a no. I’m not interested.”

I caught him off-guard. “What? You haven’t heard me yet.”

“May palagay akong malalagay ako sa alanganin sa proposition mo na yan, Romano. Isa pa, bakas sa mukha mo na kahit ikaw ayaw mo rin diyan, kung ano man yan. I’m sorry, it’s a no.” I c****d my head to the side.

“For f**k’s sake! Hear me out first, grandma!” He snarled.

“Lumabas din ang totoo mong ugali. Wag mo akong mamura-mura ha.”

“Grandma…” He sighed exasperatingly. “Makinig ka muna sa sasabihin ko. Hindi ka magiging dehado dito. In fact, tiyak akong magugustuhan mo ang iaalok ko sa’yo.”

My eyes narrowed at him. “Humor me.”

“How do you like the idea of staying with me? Be my roommate and my personal assistant? I’m giving you a job, Mira. This is like a once-in-a-lifetime job offer. Grab it while you still can.” Bahagya pang umangat ang kilay nito.

Kumurap ako. Roommate? Personal assistant? Sa pad niya ako titira?

“Hindi na dapat pinag-iisipan pa ang ganitong bagay, grandma. Dapat oo agad ang sagot mo.”

“Bakit ako?”

“Bakit hindi ikaw? I need you to live and work for me for six months, Mira. Hindi ka ba natutuwa sa ino-offer ko ngayon sa’yo? You gonna live in my place for months. Malayong-malayo sa…” Pinaikot nito ang tingin sa buong kabahayan. “…sa tinitirhan mo ngayon.”

I winced. Hindi dahil sa may iniinda akong sakit sa katawan kundi dahil sa dulot ng pasimpleng pang-iinsulto nito sa kung ano ang meron ako. Akala ko nakita ko na ang lahat ng masama sa kanya, hindi ko akalaing may isasama pa pala ito.

“For f**k’s sake, don’t give me that look, grandma. I’m not insulting you. Kailan pa naging insulto ang pagsasabi ng totoo? I don’t sugarcoat, Mira. I am a straightforward kind of person.” His brows knitted together.

“I can see that.” Malamig kong turan. “I just want to make things clear with you, Romano. I may be your fan, but I’m not desperate. I’m not pathetic. Find a willing girl somewhere else. You are barking up a wrong tree.”

“Don’t you get it? That’s exactly why it has to be you because you are unwilling. You’re not my type. You are undesirable and I have allergy with virgins like you. My point is, I won’t ever think of touching or f*****g you. You are incorruptible. You are someone who defies me. Someone who is immune of my charms. Kaya ikaw ang nararapat sa trabahong inaalok ko sa’yo, Mira. There will be no strings attached between us. You have my word.”

This man is brutally frank. He really doesn’t filter his words. I gave him an impassive look kahit ang totoo ay kumikirot ang dibdib ko sa mga sinabi niyang iyon. My lips quivered as I breathed in short gasps, trying to stop myself from crying. Aware naman ako na hindi ako kahuma-humaling sa paningin ng lahat. Hindi ako maganda at lalong hindi kakaakit-akit ang payat ko na katawan. But did he really have to tell that in my face?

He probably doesn’t know but he has officially crushed and beat my broken ego to the pulp—in his true fashion way.

Tumikhim ako. “Ano ang mapapala ko kung tatanggapin ko ang alok mo?”

He sat back and smiled at me. He looked more relaxed now. “Marami! Well, you will have a salary of fifty thousand pesos a month, tax free. Your other necessities will be provided by me. In other words, wala kang gagastuhin kahit na piso sa loob ng anim na buwan mong pananatili sa tabi ko.”

Sa tabi ko…. sounds like heaven only if the person isn’t the devil himself.

I squared my shoulders. “Very tempting. But sorry to disappoint you Romano, it still no.”

He shifted on his seat. “What? Bakit ayaw mo? I’m willing to negotiate. Do you have any demands? Gagawan ko ng paraan.”

“Why are you so worked up on persuading me to accept your once-in-a-lifetime offer, Romano?” May halong pang-uuyam sa boses ko. “Bakit pakiramdam ko, may iba pang dahilan? Am I your punishment, Romano?” My eyes narrowed at his flabbergasted face. “Natumbok ko ba?”

“Fuck.”

“Don’t curse in front of me!”

“Oh FFS!”

My mouth fell. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m cursing, okay!”

I gaped at him. “Tell me, what is FFS?”

Romano rolled his eyes on me. “For f**k’s sake, Mira! For f**k’s sake! s**t!”

“Ano bang problema mo? Umalis ka na nga. Marami pa akong gagawin.” I glared at him.

“Don’t test my patience, Mira. You have to accept it.” He gritted his teeth.

“Or else?” I stood up and crossed my arms over my chest.

He sighed. “You’re my only hope. You met my father, right? I f****d up, Mira, and my father is giving me another chance to make things right.”

“But?”

“But in one condition, I need you to live with me. He saw how you treated me like I was just an ordinary person.  You punched me in the gut, remember?  Papa was amused of what you did. He thinks you’re matured and that you have a good character. He thinks that you know the meaning of responsibility and if you live with me, I might learn something from you.”

Kumunot ang noo ko. “Wow. Pakisabi sa Papa mo, I am flattered. Am I going to babysit you?”

He snorted. “Yeah. Probably.” He came to me and grabbed my elbows. “C’mon, Mira. Please say yes, babe.”

“Paano nga kung ayoko talaga, Romano?” Can he just stop calling me babe? Ilang gabi din akong ‘di nakatulog dahil sa endearment niyang yan.

He looked defeated. He hung his head low. “I have to kiss my career goodbye. I will have no choice but to work in my father’s company. I don’t want to give up my singing career, Mira. It’s my dream. Gusto mo bang magretiro na ako sa pagiging mang-aawit? Nakasasalalay sa’yo ang takbo ng karera ko, grandma.” He pouted.

I groaned and bit my lip. I could feel my resolution slowly slipping away. I wanted him to sing for eternity! “What else do I have to do aside from being your babysitter, personal assistant and roommate?”

“Trust me, that’s all there is to it.”

“No drawbacks?” I squinted my eyes.

Umiling ito. “All I want from you is your supervision and managing skills. My father thinks you have a knack for being the best supervisor s***h manager.” He chuckled.

I wrinkled my nose. “Pag-iisipan ko, Romano. Kailangan ko pang kausapin ang pinsan ko tungkol dito. Marami akong dapat isaalang-alang bago ako pumayag sa alok mo. Pero matanong ko lang, okay lang sa’yo na makita kang kasama ako ng mga tao? Hindi kaya isipin nila may personal assistant kang mula sa kulto? Baka ilagan ka ng mga tao dahil sa akin.”

Crease formed between his brows. “Why would I be ashamed of you? You are not my girlfriend. You are simply working under me. And I won’t ask you to change your lifestyle. I don’t have any right to impose anything on you. Do what you think is best for you, Mira. Ang mahalaga lang sa akin at kay Papa ay magampanan mo ng maigi ang iyong trabaho. I badly needed an assistant. My schedules are so messed up right now.”

Namewang ako. “What exactly did you do to be punished at my expense, pray tell?”

Ngumiwi ito. “Like I said, I f****d up. One of the Mariposas I hired had set me up.”

“Isa pa yan sa gusto kong itanong, who are these Mariposa women? Ano sila sa buhay mo? Napagkamalan akong isa ng driver mo dahil sa scarf na yun.”

“I hired those women. I mean, not at the same time, okay? I’m not into polyamorous relationship. Anyway, some of them lasted for few months, some only days. I hired them as my escort. They were my f**k dolls, if you want me to be brutally frank. I hate commitments and I don’t do girlfriend shits. Sorry to say this but my personality is far different from Romano, the celebrity. I am not a sweet person like you think I am. I am not even kind.”

I gawked at him. Is he kidding me?

“So, you see, when my driver mistook you as one of them, I felt humiliated. I couldn’t believe my driver think I wanted to be intimate with someone like you and go to parties with you as my date. Good thing I forgave him. He was probably out of his mind that time.”

“Dahil ba malayo ako sa standard mo?”

“Yes, and aside from that, you’re too genuine. You are made of only positive and pure thoughts. One look at you and I could tell you don’t wanna get involved in any kind of intimacy. You’re off-limits, babe.”

“As if papayag akong maging… hayss… I can’t even say the word.”

“Don’t even try saying it, Mira. Your mouth is too pure for my bullshits. When I gave you a smack on the lips a while ago, I thought I kissed an angel.” He grinned sheepishly.

“Ano?” I touched my lips. “It really happened? Hindi ko man lang naramdaman.” Inosente kong pagkakasabi.

Romano pinched my cheeks. “Uh-oh, my grandma is so cute. Weirdly-looking kind of cute.”

I slapped his hands away. “Why does it sound like an insult instead of compliment?”

Tumawa ito. “So, is it safe to assume that you’re in?”

I sighed. “Fine. But let me set my ground rules, Romano.”

His eyes glimmered. He looked pretty happy that I finally agreed to this. Sana lang talaga ay hindi ko ito pagsisisihan.

“Okay, what are the rules I need to follow, my dear roommate?”

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. “I need my own bedroom.”

He snorted. “That’s a given. I won’t let you sleep on my couch and most especially on my bed. All hell will break loose if that happens.”

I dismissed his remarks. “Second, you’re not allowed to do drugs, drink alcohol and most importantly, you’re not allowed to bring girls, Romano.”

He raised a brow. “Jealous, are you, grandma? But okay, no girls, Mariposas, no booty calls whatsoever. This is exactly why my father wants to hire you. You help me avoid any of those, although…”

My eyes squinted. “Although…..”

‘I’m a healthy man and I have needs. I might go out once a week to…. you know…”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. Just don’t parade them in front of me.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Anything else?”

Wala na akong maisip. Bahala na. “Wala na sa ngayon.”

“Good. I’ll tell my father you’re on.” He picked up his jacket and wore it. Sinunod nito ang malaking salamin at sombrero. “I hate that shit.” He said, referring to the fake hair he wore a while ago. “This get-up will do, madilim na rin naman sa labas.”

Napalingon ako sa bintana. No wonder my stomach grumbled. I skipped lunch and it’s almost time for dinner.

“I have to get going now, grandma.”

“Ihahatid kita. May bibilhin din ako sa kanto. Pwedeng pakihintay ako sandali? Magsasaing lang ako.”

“Okay.”

Mabilis akong nagtungo sa kusina. Nagsaing ako sa rice cooker. Bumalik ako sa sala pero hindi mahagilap ng aking tingin si Romano. Saan na yun? Lumabas na ba? pansin kong nakaawang ang pintuan ng aking kwarto. My eyes grew wide as I ran towards my room hastily.

I found Romano standing at the middle, staring at the posters on my wall.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito!” My voice raised a notch.

He chuckled. “I don’t know if I should be flattered of be scared, grandma. You covered your entire wall with my posters. My goodness.”

I held his forearm and pulled him. “Get out.”

“I will never question your loyalty towards me, babe. This is insane but I like it.”

“Shut up. Lumabas ka at magbibihis ako.” I snarled at him.

“My posters have seen you naked? Why do I feel so jealous?” Tawa ito ng tawa.

“Sinasabi ko sa’yo, Romano. Hindi pa ako kailanman nanakit ng kapwa ko pero baka magawa ko yun sa’yo!”

“You will hurt me with these tiny arms?” Inangat nito ang braso ko.

“Stop pestering me or I will back out.”

He instantly let go of me. “Please take your time, grandma. I’ll behave while I wait for you outside.” He smiled sweetly.

Nang makalabas ito ay ni-lock ko ang pintuan. Mabilis akong nagbihis. Sinuklay ko ang aking buhok at tinali, in a bun-style.

“Let’s go.” I said once I stepped out of my bedroom.

Pinasadahan ako ng tingin ni Romano. I gave him a warning look.  He was supposed to say something, but he closed his mouth again. Good.

While we’re walking, he was so close with me to the point that he’s invading my personal space. I nudged him by the elbow, but the man just grinned at me and instead of doing what I wanted him to do—moving away from me—he draped his arm on my shoulders pulling me closer to his side.

“Romano!” Mahinang kastigo ko sa kanya.

“What?” Inosenting tanong pa nito.

Umirap ako sa kanya at hinayaan na lamang ito. Sa unahan, may grupo ng mga ang naglalaro ng patentero at tumbang preso.

“Hayy…” Malungkot na bumuntong-hininga ako. Malakas ang kutob kong pagtitripan na naman ako ng mga ito. Lumipat ako sa kanan ni Romano. I will use his height and built to hide myself from naughty kids. Kinuha ko ang kanyang kanang braso at nilagay sa balikat ko.

“Itago mo ako.” Ani ko.

“Sinong pinagtataguan mo?”

“Shhhh…” Saway ko sa kanya. Palapit na palapit na kami sa mga batang naglalaro. Sana lang ay hindi nila ako mapansin. Uulanin na naman nila ako ng tukso at tatawagin ng kung ano-anong pangalan.

Konti na lang at makakalagpas na rin kami.

“Si Mira may lalake oh!”

“May boypren na si Mira!”

“May jowa na si Mira!”

“May syota na si Mira!”

“Bilisan natin ang lakad natin.” Sabi ko kay Romano. Pero nakailang hakbang pa lang kami ay may tumama na sa aking likod. Talaga namang mga batang ‘to.

“Sinong nambato!” Malakas na hiyaw ni Romano. He looked back at them as his eyes turned into slits. Mabalasik ang mukha nito.

“Wag mong patulan, ano ka ba. Tara na kasi.” I grabbed the hem of his shirt tightly.

Pero pinalis ni Romano ang aking kamay at nagmartsa patungo sa grupo ng kabataang napatigil sa pangangantiyaw sa akin.

“Sinong nambato ha! Ikaw ba!” Hinila nito ang bata at kinuwelyuhan.

I facepalmed. Seryoso? Papatulan niya ang mga ‘to?

Napatunganga ang bata at bakas sa mukha ang sindak. Mukhang iiyak na ata.

“Wag n’yong binu-bully ‘tong babe ko ha. May paglalagyan kayo sa akin.” Romano reached my hand and squeezed it tenderly. “Palalagpasin ko ‘to pero kapag inulit n’yo pa, ipapasok ko kayong lahat sa sako at ihuhulog sa malaking balon sa likod ng bahay ko.” Binitawan nito ang bata, ganun na rin ang aking kamay. May kinuha ito sa likod ng kanyang pantalon.

Wallet.

He pulled out a few bills. “Kumain na ba kayo?”

Umiling ang mga ito at mangiyak-ngiyak na tiningala ang lalake.

Romano shook his head in dismay. He handed the bills to the tallest kid. “O, ito. Hati-hatiin n’yo yan ha. Ibili n’yo ng pagkain at pagkatapos ay magsiuwi na kayo.”

“Salamat po!”

 “Basta ha, wag n’yo nang binu-bully si Mira. Babe ko yan. Babalik ako dito at ireport n’yo sa akin kung sino nanggugulo sa kanya, maliwanag?”

“Opo!” Halos sabay na sagot ng mga bata.

“Mag-sorry muna kayo sa babe ko.”

“Sorry, babe!” Nagtawanan ang mga ito.

“Aba’t!” Umambang susuntukin ni Romano ang mga ito. Nagtakbuhan ang mga bata kasabay ng malakas na tawanan.

Nagtakip ako ng bibig at napahagikhik na rin.

Romano turned around to face me. His left hand was shoved into the front pocket of his rugged jeans. He then stretched out his right arm while smiling at me. I blushed as I reached for his hand. We continued walking, letting the silence of the night engulfed us.

As his fan, my heart swelled with pride.

He said he is not a kind person. If what he did earlier isn’t a definition of kindness, then I don’t know what is.