Fortress Island Series 2 Romano: Can't We Try (BOOK 2)

EIGHT: FRIEND

Days passed by so quickly. At sa bawat araw na iyon ay madalas ang pagkikita namin ni Romano. He would sometimes come to my aunt’s house to hang out. Minsan naman ay ako ang nasa mansiyon nila at doon ako madalas kumakain ng tanghalian. Syempre, malakas ang loob kong pumasok sa malaking bahay dahil wala naman doon ang Mama ng lalake. Medyo ka-vibes ko na rin ang kanilang mga katulong at lagi akong nakikipagkwentuhan sa kanila.

Hindi ko pa nakita sa personal ang Mama ni Romano. Sa pictures ko lang nakita ang buong pamilya nito. I made a comment of how handsome his older brother was, and just like that, he ignored me for like an hour. Gusto kong mainis sa kanyang reaksiyon but I found myself laughing at him. Romano was so darn cute when he’s being jealous. We would spend time in their garden at pagkatapos ay tutungo na kami sa burol para hintayin ang paglubog ng araw.

“Anong kulay ang bagay dito?” Tanong niya sa akin.

Pareho kaming nakadapa sa picnic blanket. I was busy with my drawings while Romano spent his time coloring my finished subjects. Sumulyap ako sa hawak nitong papel.

“Hmmm….sa isip ko ay dapit-hapon ang oras na ito. I guess, orange for the sky. I would prefer lightest shade from this area and then use a subsequent darker layer on this part to create a fading effect.” Turo ko sa bandang bundok kung saan papalubog na ang araw.

 Tumango ito at pagkatapos ay nilingon ako. Pinatakan niya ng halik ang aking noo. “You’re very good at this, babe.”

“Naman.” Ani ko. Romano and I became close that every time he would kiss me on the forehead, hindi na ako umaangal pa. Parang normal na lamang iyon sa akin. In fairness to him, he never tried crossing the line. Hanggang halik sa noo, yakap at hawak sa kamay lang ang ginagawa niya sa akin. He was being gentle to me. He would make sure na hindi ako maaasiwa sa mga overture niya. Romano was a gentleman through and through. Nabatid ko iyon sa paraan ng pakikipag-usap niya sa kapwa. He’s friendly to everyone. So far, hindi ko pa ito nakitaan ng masamang pag-uugali. He’s also respectful towards Tiya Lorna and Papa. Speaking of my father, bihira na lamang kaming magkita ngayon. Madalas ay lagi ito sa Lipa. Marami daw kasing pinapautos ang Mama ni Romano na nasa isla pa hanggang ngayon.

Namili si Romano ng angkop na kulay sa loob ng malaking box sa aming harap. Looking at it, naalala ko ang nangyari kahapon. Tumungo kasi kami sa bayan para mamili ng crayons. He chose the most the expensive brand available. Saglit pa kaming nagtalo dahil ayoko nga ng mamahalin dahil hindi ko afford.

“Wala akong dalang sapat na pera, Romano.” Inis na turan ko.

“I have my cards and enough cash in my pocket. Don’t worry.”

“Romano, nagpapasama lang ako. Hindi ko sinabing ibili mo ako.”

“Maya, sinasamahan kita at gusto kong ibili kita ng gusto mo. Buti nga crayons lang ang ibibili ko.”

“Bakit, may iba ka pa bang bibilhin?”

“Oo. May bibilhin sana ako doon para sa’yo.” Ininguso nito ang labas.

Kumunot ang noo ko. I was sure he was pointing at the famous jewelry shop across the bookstore. Yun lang din kasi ang nag-iisang shop sa tapat at wala nang iba.

 “What’s in your mind, Romano?” Curious na tanong ko. He was casually choosing pens and answered me without looking. “I think of buying you a ring and asking you if you’d like to marry me three years from now.”

I made a silent scoff. Sarap batukan ng lalakeng ‘to. “Don’t you dare think about it, Romano. Iniisip ko pa lang ay kinikilabutan na ako. Puro kalokohan talaga laman ng pag-iisip mo.”

“What? You’re the only one I think about so you’re wrong about that, babe. Hindi ka kalokohan para sa akin.” He beamed at me. Inabot nito ang takas kong buhok at inipit sa aking tainga. “My beautiful, Maya.”

Syempre, ang lakas na naman ng tambol ng dibdib ko to the point na parang ang hirap huminga lalo na’t ang lagkit na naman ng mag titig niya sa akin. I reached and pinched his nose so hard until he groaned in pain.

“Don’t look at me with wistful eyes, Romano.” It’s not good for my heart.

“I’m just looking at you, babe. Ouch. My nose.” He said while nursing it with his fingers.

“Buti nga sa’yo.”

Syempre, dahil mapilit ito, siya na talaga ang nagbayad ng mga pinamili namin. In fact, wala akong ginastos ni piso sa lakad namin na iyon. Ayoko na ring makipagtalo pa dahil mas lalo kaming magtatagal sa bookstore na iyon. Nairita ako sa paraan ng tingin ng mga sales lady sa kanya. Pati mga namimili ay sumusulyap din sa gawi niya.

Good thing was he didn’t pay attention to his surroundings. Kada tingin ko sa kanya ay lagi kong nakakasalubong ang kanyang mga seryosong titig sa akin.

Ako lang naman ang nako-conscious. Paano ba naman kasi, kahit ang simple ng kasuotan ni Romano, ang lakas pa rin ng s*x appeal nito. Ako na nakasuot ng summer dress, my best summer dress to date, mind you, ay nagmukha pang alanganin sa porma niya.

Hindi ako mapalagay sa kinatatayuan ko habang pumipila sa cashier area. Nakayuko ako at nakatitig lamang sa sahig dahil pakiramdam ko’y tumatagos sa aking buto ang matatalim na tingin ng mga tao. Nagtataka siguro sila kung sino ako. Malamang iniisip nila na alalay ako o kasambahay ng lalake. Bukod pa doon, kapansin-pansin din kasi ang height difference namin. Hanggang kili-kili lang ako ni Romano.

Sa gulat ko ay inakbayan ako ni Romano at ang kanyang palad ay banayad na hinaplos ang nunal sa aking pisngi. Dinungaw niya ako gamit ang mga nag-aalalang mga mata.

“You’re fidgeting. What’s wrong, babe?”

Dalawang babae sa unahan ay lumingon sa amin. Their eyes widened in disbelief. The lady standing on the left gasped while looking at us interchangeably. The girl beside her gave me a bitchy face as she smirked at me.

“Ang bata pa pero marunong nang lumandi.” The taller girl spoke while looking at her friend, I assumed.

“Oo nga. Hindi naman kagandahan.” The other girl replied.

Tiyak akong ako ang pinag-uusapan ng dalawa. Hindi ko alam kung narinig iyon ni Romano. At the end, they just shook their heads with an expression of disdain on their faces.

I sighed deeply. I knew that there’s nothing special about my face. I do not possess a beauty that is worth a second look. Kaya nga hindi ako naniniwala sa mga papuri ng mga kaibigan at pamilya ko.

Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay wala akong karapatang tumayo sa tabi ni Romano. Iba na talaga ang panahon ngayon. Bukod sa pera, pisikal na anyo na ang batayan ng mga tao para sukatin kung ano ang iyong halaga dito sa mundo. Para bang wala nang karapatan maging masaya ang mga di pinagpala ng maaamong mukha. Ang saklap naman ng buhay.

“Hey.” Pukaw ni Romano sa naglalakbay kong diwa. Hinaplos ulit nito ang nunal sa aking pisngi. “Why do you look so sad? Is there something wrong? Did I make you upset? Are you mad that I chose this brand of crayons? f**k, baby, I’m sorry. s**t, sorry for the curses. Damn it, I cursed again. Wait here. Papalitan ko lang ang mga ito.” Taranta nitong sambit.

I immediately linked my arm with his to stop him from walking away. I looked up to him and smiled. “Romano.”

“Yes, babe.”

“Gusto ko nang umuwi. Nagugutom na rin ako.”

Romano took a sharp breath. Relief was written on his face. “Damn it, Maya. You got me worried there. Akala ko ay may nagawa akong mali. Mukha ka nang iiyak kanina, e.”

“Pssh. Nagugutom lang.” This man. He’s so pure.

Romano lovingly patted my head. “Don’t give me that facial expression again. I hate to see the sadness in your eyes, Maya. I hated it when I first saw it when you mentioned your mother. The caveman in me wanted to protect you, gather you in my arms and hold you like there’s no tomorrow. And you just gave me that same feeling again. Come here.” Romano put down the basket with crayons and pens on the floor and he pulled me towards him. Niyakap niya ako, my head buried against his chiseled chest.

I felt him heave a deep sigh as his hold tighten around me. His warmth enveloped me, and it gave me a feeling of contentment. I could only sigh. Gasps and whispers from people around us suddenly filled my ears. Oppss. This was a wrong move.

“Romano.” Bulong ko.

“Hmm? Feeling better?”

Tumango ako. Hindi ako makahinga sa higpit ng yakap ng lalakeng ‘to na akala mo mawawala ako sa paningin niya. “Ano ka ba, I’m okay. Stop overthinking. Pakawalan mo na ako. Pinagtitinginan na tayo ng mga tao.”

“I don’t care. You’re the only one I see, anyway.”

“Psshhh. Malapit na tayo sa cashier.”

Romano finally freed me from his embrace pero nakaakbay pa rin siya sa akin. He pulled me to his side kaya wala akong choice kundi magsumiksik sa kili-kili niyang napakabango.

Pagkatapos naming mabayaran ang mga pinamili namin, lumabas na agad kami sa bookstore na iyon. “Gutom na talaga ako.” Kasalanan ko naman. Late na ako nagising kaya nagmadali na ako sa paggayak. Hustong dumating si Romano sa bahay pagpatak ng alas nueve kaya wala na akong oras para kumain pa. Nakakahiyang paghintayin ito gayong nagpapasama lang ako sa kanya.

“If my baby is hungry, then I must feed her. There’s a fine dining restaurant across the street. It looks decent and cozy. Why don’t we eat there?”

Umiling ako sa kanya. “Ipinagluto tiyak tayo ni Tiya Lorna ng tanghalian. She is surely expecting us to be home by lunch.”

“Hmm…home.” He murmured with a smile on his lips. Ginagap ni Romano ang palad ko. “Let’s go home, then.”

*********

When I finally finished my drawing, saka ko lang naramdaman ang pangangawit sa batok. I placed my sketchbook on my side and changed my position. I decided to sit and lean my back against the tree.

Tumingala ako at pinagmasdan ang mga ulap. Pagkatapos ay binusog ko ang aking mga mata sa hindi masukat na kagubatan sa ibaba. Kung dudungaw ako sa gilid ay kita mula rito ang tahimik na daloy ng ilog. Gustong-gusto ko talaga ang lugar na ito. Ramdam ko ang kapayapaan at katahimikan. Pakiramdam ko’y tanggal lahat ng aking problema. There’s really something about being in nature. Connecting in nature is like a way of healing your heart and soul. It makes me kinder, happier, and more creative. No wonder it is always my favorite subject.

Romano picked up my sketchbook. Sandaling tinitigan niya iyon. He came towards me, and I thought he was going to sit beside me but what he did caught me off-guard. Ang loko, humiga lang naman at umunan sa aking kandungan.

“Sarap mong sabunutan.” Angal ko. Ramdam ko ang bigat ng kanyang ulo sa aking mga hita.

“Sarap mong halikan.” He retaliated and winked at me. Umamba akong susuntukin ito sa mukha pero ngisi lamang ang ginanti nito sa akin. Hawak pa rin ni Romano ang aking sketchbook at tinitigan niya iyon.

“Is this an island?” He asked.

“Yep. Hindi ba obvious?”

“Hmm…Have you seen a real one? Have you ever been to any island?”

Umiling ako. “Hindi pa. Sa internet lang ako tumitingin. Di ba may isla kayo?”

“Yes. The Fortress Island.”

“You mean, your family own the whole island?”

Nagkibit-balikat ito. “Sa father side ko. The island was just minutes away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Hindi ito makikita sa mapa. Maraming islets ang katabi nito. The most famous one is the Isla Fuego. It’s actually a private island and only VIPs can have access to it.”

“Wow.” I uttered. “Hindi ka pala talaga ma-reach, noh?”

Creases formed on his forehead. “Nasa langit ba ako at di mo maabot?” Masungit ang kanyang tono.

I chuckled. “Are you pissed? Hindi naman talaga, a. Nakakapagtaka nga kung bakit kinakaibigan mo ang isang tulad ko.

Mas lalong naningkit ang mga mata nito. Now, he looked extremely annoyed. “I have my own mind. I make my own decisions. I won’t allow anyone to control me and tell me who to befriend with. My life, my rules. Aishht, Maya. I’m so pissed right now. You can reach me. All you have to do is to touch me, babe.” He unceremoniously grabbed my hand and placed it on his chest, right where I could feel the fast beating of his heart. “See? You’re touching me now. You feel that thing beating inside my chest? Well babe, this damn thing beats for you.”

I was stunned, not by his words but by how he uttered them with conviction. Ramdam ko ang paggapang ng init sa aking pisngi. I tried to pull my hand from his hold, but to no avail.

“Ewan ko sa’yo.” I looked away. I had no idea how to retaliate anymore. Habang dumadaan ang mga araw, unti-unti akong nahuhulog. My walls were starting to shake. No, it’s not right. There was no way I would like him to that extent. Ang bata ko pa para makaramdam ng ganito. He’s just a friend. A dear friend of mine, so to speak.

“Pag inaya kita sa isla namin, sasama ka?”

Niyuko ko ito. “Ako? Anong gagawin ko dun? At kahit gusto ko pang sumama ay imposibleng payagan ako ni Papa at ni Tiya Lorna. Malayo ata yun.”

“Hindi naman ganun kalayo. Mula sa Batangas port hanggang sa isla ay inaabot lamang ng pito hanggang walong oras na biyahe.”

I scrunched up my face. “May biyahe ba ng Roro mula Batangas hanggang Palawan?”

“If ever we’re going there, we’re not going to use public transportation. My family owns a handful of yachts. In fact, I have one exclusively. Nasa private dock iyon malapit sa port ng Batangas. It is at my disposal. I can always call the captain to sail us from the port to the island.”

“Talaga?” Di makapaniwalang sambit ko.

“Hmm…talaga.” Romano yawned and then close his eyes.

Hustong umihip ang malakas na hangin sa aming direksiyon. Buti na lamang at nakatali ang aking buhok. The wind ruffled Romano’s medium length wavy hair. Wala sa loob na hinaplos ko iyon. Hinayaan ko ang aking mga daliri na haplusin at laruin ang iilang hibla ng kanyang malago at malambot na buhok.

He was probably having his nap. Nakakapagod ba ang magkulay? I chuckled internally. Pinagmasdan ko ang payapa niyang anyo. Kahit nakapikit ito ay hindi maitatatwang ang gwapo niya. Makapal ang kanyang kilay. Mahahaba ang kanyang pilik-mata. Ang tangos din ng kanyang ilong. Papalubog na ang araw pero mamula-mula pa rin ang kanyang pisngi. Nagtagal ang titig ko sa kanyang mga labi. I didn’t know what gotten into me that I let my fingers cupped his chin and stroked his warm skin. I gulped down. His heart-shape lips are to die for. They’re moist and naturally red. I wonder if…..umiling ako. Kung ano-ano ang pumapasok sa isip ko.

I heaved a deep sigh and settled myself by leaning my head against the tree. Kailangan na naming umuwi but I did not have a heart to wake him up. Siguro ay mamaya ko na lang ito gigisingin.

I hummed a song while I let my fingers played on his hair and on his face. Romano made a move and lay on his side facing my stomach. Siniksik pa nito ang mukha sa aking tiyan. He sneakily put his arm around my waist kaya bahagya akong napaliyad mula sa pagkakasandal sa puno.

Bigla tuloy akong na-conscious. Amoy pawis na tiyak ako. Marahan kong tinapik ang kanyang pisngi. “Romano.”

He didn’t even flinch. Hay naku. Tulog ba talaga ito o nagtutulog-tulugan?

“You smell good.” He mumbled drowsily.

I pinched his cheek. “Uwi na tayo.”

“Later.”

“Magdidilim na kasi. Pagagalitan tayo ni Tiya.”

“Five minutes. Let me hug you like this for five minutes, babe.” Mas lalong sinubsob pa nito ang mukha sa aking tiyan hanggang sa napaaray ako. Tinampal ko agad ang kanyang braso.

“Baliw ka talaga. Bakit mo kinagat tiyan ko?!”

“Nanggigil ako. Sorry.”

“Hay naku, Romano.” Sa inis ko, I grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled it. Umaray ito.

“f**k, that hurts!”

Napangisi ako. Now that he cursed, I knew the pain was real. Agad naman akong nakonsyensiya. “Sorry.”

Umungol lamang ito bilang sagot. “Tsk. My naughty girl.”

I softly ran my fingers though his hair and played with it. Hindi ko maiwasang ikompara ang buhok ko sa kanya. Di hamak naman na mas malambot ito at madulas. I was certain that I could spend my time doing this and I wouldn’t be complaining at all.

 Sinilip ko ang kanyang mukha. His eyes were closed. I was curious about something. Kaya pasimple akong yumuko at inamoy ang kanyang buhok. My hunch was right. His hair smelled so good. Parang gusto ko nalang isubsob ang ilong ko sa makapal niyang buhok at amuy-amoyin ito hanggang sa magsawa ako.

“Babe, stop doing that.”

“Ang bango ng buhok mo.”

“I know. But stop sniffing on my hair. You’re giving me goosebumps. I so f*****g want to kiss you right now, so you better behave, yeah? You’re not helping me at all, Maya.”

“Uhm, okay.” Tinuwid ko ulit ang aking likod sa pagkakaupo at pinagpatuloy ang paglalaro sa kanyang buhok.

Romano shifted his position. He lay on his back and he’s now looking at me intently. “I hate it when someone is touching my hair. Not even my mother could dare to touch it.”

“But I’m touching your hair and you don’t look like you’re mad. Are you?”

“Far from being mad but you’re giving me signals, Maya. As a man, I think of this as an intimate action. If you run your fingers through my hair openly in front of everyone, you’re telling them you like me.”

“Uh-huh. I do like you. As a friend. Wala namang ibang tao, Romano.” I grinned. I continued stroking his wavy hair.

“Keep doing that and I would think you are telling me you like me more than a friend That you see me as a man.”

My hands froze. It took seconds before I managed to pull them and rest them on my both sides. “I’m not doing it again.” I shrugged my shoulders in nonchalance.

His eyes narrowed at me. “Coward.” Bumangon ito ng tuluyan at tumayo. Naglahad ito ng palad sa akin. “Time to go home, babe.” Nakasimangot ang mukha nito.

Inabot ko iyon at nagtangkang tumayo. But I yelped in surprise when Romano pinned me against the tree, earning him a gasp of shock from me. I winced from the impact. It was so sudden.

Romano caged me with his arms stretched on my both sides against the tree. He crouched down so that our faces were on a level. Sinandal nito ang noo sa akin. His breathing labored and so was mine.

“f**k, baby. I’m on my wit’s end. I cannot think straight anymore. You’re driving me crazy I’m about to lose my sanity. Tell me what to do, please.” His voice was hoarse. His pained expression made my stomach churn.

“What do you want me to tell you, Romano?” My voice was just above the whisper. I was trembling but I hoped to God Romano wouldn’t notice it.

“Tell me honestly, babe….” His nose touching mine. His lips were an inch away from my half-opened mouth. “Tell me, do you want me to be just your friend?”

I forced myself to look him in the eyes. How he could ask me such question when the answer was glaring right in front of his face!

I took a sharp intake of breath. I raised my hand and touched his cheek. He closed his eyes as his expressions softened. Maybe, a little assurance wouldn’t hurt. Bahala na.

I slowly leaned forward and kissed him on the jaw. His skin tingled my lips. He was so warm.

“I don’t want us to be friends.” I answered wholeheartedly.

Another squeak escaped my throat when Romano gathered me in his arms and swung me around like I was just a piece of paper. When he laughed, I laughed with him. I pressed my nose on the crook of his neck as I tightened my hold around him.

When he finally put me down, his hand engulfed the back of my head as he held me close. His forehead leaning against mine. The tip of his nose brushing against mine.

“Mine.” He uttered. His voice was almost breaking with emotions.

Simpleng tango lang ang ginawa ko. But in my heart, I knew I was his from the start.