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

TEN: WISH

“Sigurado kang nagpaalam ka kay Tiya Lorna?” Ito na ata ang pang-sampu ko na na tanong sa kanya. Kasi naman, nung paglabas namin ni Romano mula sa silid ay hindi ko na naabutan si Tiya. According to Romano, nagpaalam daw siya sa kanya tungkol sa planong ito at agad naman daw pumayag ang magaling kong tiyahin. Basta lang daw ay umuwi kami agad kinabukasan.

Nawindang ako. Unang-una, hindi ko inaasahan iyon kay Tiya. Akala ko nga nagsisinungaling si Romano sa akin kaya ang ginawa ko ay tinawagan ko ito. She did confirm that Romano asked permission from her, and she agreed to it in a heartbeat. Pangalawa, hindi pa nagsi-sink in sa akin na talagang tutungo kami sa Palawan! I mean, hello? Palawan! The best islands are in Palawan!

Lulan na kami ng yate ni Romano. I tried not to show my excitement and amazement when I first saw the yacht, but my eyes said it all.

First time kong makakita ng yate sa malapitan at first time ko ding makasakay. Dati, pag dumadaan kami sa Manila Bay kung saan naka-daong ang mga private yachts ng mayayaman, nakatanaw lamang ako sa mga malilit na barkong ito. Yeah, I called yachts ‘small ship’ because for me, they really are.

“Tiya Lorna said that you have motion sickness. Here, take this pill. It’s effective.” Inabot niya sa akin ang bottled water.

Tinanggap ko iyon pero ang isang kamay ko ay nakabitin sa ere, naghihintay na iabot niya ang pill na sinasabi niya. “Eh? Saan na?”

Romano touched my chin. “Say ‘ah’.” Ang mga mata nito ay nakatitig sa aking mga labi.

I blushed instantly. I hit him on the chest. “Ewan ko sa’yo. Akin na kasi. Sige ka, kapag feel kong sumuka, susukahan talaga kita!” Banta ko sa kanya.

He only laughed at me. Bahagya pa nitong pinisil ang aking baba. “Ang cute cute talaga ng babe ko.”

“Makaangkin ka ha.”

“Aangkinin naman talaga kita.”

I facepalmed. Bukod sa napakabulgar ni Romano, nahihiya din ako dahil sa pagtikhim ng mga tauhan nito na kasama namin ngayon. Even the kind captain Romano introduced to me earlier ,who was busy navigating the wheel at the moment, smirked and threw us a knowing look.

“Romano, please lang ha. Umayos ka sa mga salita mo. Nakakahiya sa mga nakakarinig baka anong isipin.”

Pasupladong sinulyapan lamang ako nito. “You’re going to be mine, Maya. I will make sure of it.”

“Ewan.” Inagaw ko sa kanya ang tableta at agad pinasok sa aking bibig. Romano grabbed the bottle and opened it before giving it back to me. I could only pout at his action.

Romano offered me to take a nap in the cabin. Agad namang tumango ako dahil nakaramdam ako ng antok kahit ba nakaidlip ako kaninang tanghali. Epekto siguro ng gamot na ininom ko o dahil kulang pa rin ako sa tulog.

Romano woke me up and informed na kita na ang isla mula rito. Excitement engulfed me. Sabay kaming umakyat sa taas at agad na napasinghap ako sa magandang tanawing bumungad sa amin. Even though the island was surrounded by darkness, ang mga ilaw na nagkikislapan mula sa mga kabahayan ay tila mga bituin.

And there it was. The magnificent castle on the top of the hill.

Romano hugged me from behind. Agad namang yumapos ako sa mga braso nito at pinahinga ang aking ulo sa kanyang matigas na dibdib.

“The heart of the island.” He whispered just above my ear.

I smiled. He was referring to the castle.

“I want to draw the island. Pero hindi ko makita ang buong detalye dahil sa dilim.”

“You will have your chance tomorrow, babe.”

“Sabagay.” Uuwi nga pala kami sa Batangas bukas ng umaga para makarating kami doon bago magtanghali. Yan ang pangako namin kay Tiya Lorna.

Ilang sandali pa ay dumaong na kami sa maliit na pier ng isla. May sumundo sa amin na isang karawahe, sa gulat ko. Namilog ang mga mata ko habang nililingon ko si Romano.

“We are not in a fairytale book, are we?”

He chuckled. “Nope. But I can be your prince and you’ll be my princess. It’s a love story, baby just say yes.”

Humagikhik ako. “Romano! Adik ka ba?”

“Adik sa'yo, awit sa akin,

Bilang sawa na saking mga kwentong marathon.” Ngisi nito.

A series of laughter escaped my mouth. I pressed my lips to stifle the laughs, but I really couldn’t hold it. Sumakit ang tiyan ko kakatawa kaya nahampas ko tuloy ito sa braso. Hindi ko akalain na joker din pala ang lalakeng ‘to.

Naunang pumasok si Romano sa loob ng karawahe. Hawak nito ang kamay ko habang hinihila niya ako paakyat. I was about to sit beside him pero sa gulat ko, bigla niyang hinawakan ang aking baywang at pinaupo sa kanyang kandungan.

The chuckles trapped behind my throat, and it became difficult for me to breathe. Romano and I had been super close lately, like literally. He would always invade my personal space and I got accustomed to it. But this kind of closeness was kind of different. It was more intimate and sensual.

Wala sa loob na pinalupot ko ang aking braso sa kanyang leeg. “Anong ginagawa mo?” Pabulong na kastigo ko. Ewan ko lang kung kastigo ba ang dating noon sa kanya. Para akong tanga na tumingin-tingin sa paligid kahit enclose naman at madilim sa loob at labas.

“Treating you like a princess.” Paos na boses na sambit nito. Bumaba ang kanyang mukha at bahagyang kinagat ang aking balikat.

“Umayos ka, oy.”

“Maayos na maayos ako, babe. I’m free to do anything to you. But don’t worry, I promise Tiya Lorna that I will hand you to her in one piece.” He buried his face on my hair, inhaling my scent. I felt him tighten his hold on me. His hand squeezing my waist.

He sighed. “s**t, babe. This is not good.”

“Ang alin?”

“I might not be able to hold back anymore. You have to keep me at bay, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

 Romano drew back and looked at me with fire in his eyes. He swallowed as he roamed his gaze on my face. “Nanggigil ako sa’yo, Maya. I want to bite you, kiss you, hug you and….” He stopped as if it was difficult for him to speak the next word. “We’re alone in the island. I’m a breath away to suck the living out of you.”

“Romano…” I bit my bottom lip and looked down. I may be young, but I knew what he was trying to imply. I was getting scared. Not to him but to myself. Because I may not be able to stop him and instead, I might let him indulge me.

And it was wrong. So, so wrong. But I don’t know, when it comes to this man, everything seemed right.

*********

Since it was kind of late to have dinner, Romano and I decided to skip it. Kumain naman kami ng sandwich sa yate nito kaninang hapon kaya hindi pa ako nakaramdam ng gutom.

“Dito ako matutulog?” Laglag ang panga ko habang nililibot ang tingin sa buong silid. I wouldn’t be surprised if my jaw locked soon dahil kanina pa ako nakanganga pagpasok pa lang namin sa kastilyo. I literally drooled as my eyes wandered at the beautiful interior of the castle. I almost choked my saliva when he mentioned the number of rooms this castle has. It was astounding.

“You want to see my room? Ah, forget it. I won’t let you.” Nakakrus ang mga braso nito habang nakasandal sa hamba ng pintuan.

“Bakit naman? Siguro dahil may sekreto kang tinatago? Tadtad siguro ng posters ang room mo, noh?” Binaba ko ang backpack sa single sofa ng silid.

His brows furrowed. “Posters? Posters ng ano?”

Lumabi ako at nagkibit-balikat. “Posters ng mga celebrity na crush mo. O di kaya yung mga sexy model ng kalendaryo.” Umirap ako. Iniisip ko pa lang ay naiinis na ako.

“What? Gagastos kami ng mamahalin na wallpaper para lang tapalan ko ng mga posters ng kung sino-sino? Maya, baby, hindi pa ako nasisiraan ng ulo.”

Namewang akong humarap sa kanya gamit ang salubong na mga kilay. “Hindi ka kailanman nagka-crush sa kahit kanino? Kahit sa school mo? Wala man lang babaeng lumalapit sa’yo o di kaya nagpapansin?”

Irritation crossed his face. “Girls are annoying and overly dramatic.” He said as he walked towards me. He stopped in front of me and using his forefinger, he placed it below my chin and tipped my head up. “You, on the other hand, are interesting. Hmm…” Nanliit ang mga mata nito habang nakatitig sa akin.

“Romano, bakit—bakit ganyan ka makatitig sa akin?” My voice faltered. Na-conscious tuloy ako lalo.

“Don’t mind me. I was just trying to memorize your jealous face. It’s fascinating.”

I glared at him. “I’m not jealous!”

“Yes, you are. In fact, you’re about to cry.”

“I’m not!” Baliw ‘to! “You’re so annoying, Romano! Lumabas ka na nga at nang makatulog na ako!”

“Paano kung sabihin ko sa’yong may magazine collections ako ng mga…you know. May mga DVD’s din ako. Wanna watch it with me? Did I mention to you that we have a media room here?” His brows rose up and down. He was grinning playfully.

“Lumabas ka na, isa!” Bilang ko.

“Dalawa…tatlo…apat…” He continued.

I gritted my teeth. I swear I could see the steams coming out from my ears and nose. It was such a wonder how Romano could be so sweet and annoying the next minute. In fact, I wanted to strangle him to death right now!

His boisterous laugh filled the corners of the room. He crouched down to level his gaze on me. “Hindi ka na mabiro, Maya.”

“You just ruined my night, Romano. Lumabas ka na.”

He placed his hand on the top of my head, making it difficult for me to move back.  “I did not bring you here in the island para lang matulog, babe. Let’s not waste our time sleeping. Let’s have a stroll. I want to show you something.” He grinned boyishly. Tumayo ito ng tuwid at namulsa sa aking harapan. Mapang-asar pa rin ang kanyang ngisi. Nakakainis.

“Kung may halong kalokohan yan, salamat na lang, Romano.”

“I’m serious this time, babe. Hindi ka na talaga mabiro. I was just kidding, you know.”

“Hay naku, kahit totoo pa mga yun wala akong pakialam.”

He sighed and reached for my hand. “C’mon.”

“Don’t you think it’s already late?”

“Do you really want to sleep? Are you really that sleepy?” The smile on his lips vanished. Napalitan iyon ng kalungkutan. “Promise, saglit lang tayo roon. Babalik agad tayo dito para makapagpahinga ka na. I will wake you up before sunrise. We can go swimming in the morning.”

I took a step sideward and sighed in resignation. “Fine.” Ako na ang humila sa palad niyang nakahawak pa rin sa akin. “Tara na, Romano. Saan ba tayo pupunta?”

“To my sanctuary. You gonna love it.” There go his smiles again.

“Make sure that sanctuary of yours will impress me, otherwise, I will never believe you anymore.” Irap ko.

Hinuli ni Romano ang aking baywang at pumulupot doon ang kanyang braso. Hindi na ako nakapalag pa kaya hinayaan ko na lamang ito.

Gusto ko na sana magreklamo dahil parang napalayo na kami sa kastilyo. Naramdaman ko na rin ang pananakit ng aking mga paa.

“We’re here.” He uttered.

My steps halted when he spoke. I glanced at the huge rock in front of us. Beside it stood a not so tall palm tree. The rock looked different compared to the rocks we had passed by. Malaki ito at malapad. Kapansin-pansin din ang makinis na anyo nito. Kasya ang dalawang tao at tila kay sarap umakyat doon at mahiga habang nakatanaw sa mabituin na kalangitan.

Romano climbed on it and when he reached the flat surface, bahagya itong yumuko at nilahad ang palad.

“Take my hand, babe.”

Hindi ako nag-alangan dahil tiwala akong hindi ako bibitawan ni Romano. At isa pa, hindi naman iyon kataasan. Sana lang talaga tumangkad pa ako sa mga susunod na mga taon para mas madali na lang sa akin ang umakyat dito.

Hmmm.  Bakit ko naisip yun? As if naman makakabalik pa ako dito? Baka nga ito na ang huling sandali na magkasama kami ni Romano. Malapit na ang pasukan at tiyak akong pareho na kaming magiging busy sa pag-aaral sa mga susunod na buwan. Romano will probably forget me soon.

Bakit tila pinipiga ang puso ko sa isiping yun?

“Sit here with me.” He tapped the space beside him. Sumunod naman ako. Ayoko munang isipin ang bukas, ang mahalaga sa akin ay ngayon.

“Wow.” Bulalas ko. The view from up here was astonishing. Kalmado ang hampas ng mga alon sa dalampasigan. The moon was in its majestic glory. The moonlight brought a comforting beauty to the night. Ang mga ulap ay tila nahihiyang tabunan ang kinang nito.

“Ang ganda.” Manghang-mangha ako sa tanawin na nasa aking harapan.

“Trust me, the one I’m looking at right now is way more beautiful.”

Nilingon ko si Romano para sana alamin kung saan banda ang tinutukoy niya pero naestatwa lang ako dahil taimtim itong nakakatitig sa akin.

“You’re so beautiful, Maya.” He whispered. His eyes twinkled from the emotions I could not name.

He lifted his hand and cupped my cheek. His hand was warm but the moment his skin touched mine, I shivered. Hindi ko kayang palisin ang aking tingin sa kanya. Kung ikukumpara ko ang ganda ng gabi sa lalakeng nasa aking harap, di hamak na mas masarap pagmasdan ito. Ilang beses ko na bang nahuhuli ang sarili kong nakatulala sa mukha niya? Sabi nila walang perpektong tao, pero tingin ko’y mali sila.

The man staring back at me was perfection personified. Hindi ko alam pero the fact that I was sitting next to him felt like a blessing.

“May sasabihin ako sa’yo, Maya. The main reason why I brought you here….”

Come to think of it, I forgot to ask him what had kept him busy the whole day yesterday. Kung bakit hindi ko ito ma-contact at hindi rin ito nagrereply sa mga texts ko. I got distracted of his presence at ang biglaan niyang anunsiyo na pupunta nga kami dito sa isla. Ni sa hinagap ay hindi ko akalaing makakarating ako dito sa isla ng Salvatore.

“Ano yun?”

“Baka matagalan pa ang sunod nating pagkikita, Maya. My family is planning to go back to Spain. I might transfer there and finish my remaining years in college there. I refused vehemently, but my father did not allow me to go against their will this time.” Malungkot na pahayag nito. “That’s why I prepared all this because I want to build more memories with while I still can. I just couldn’t—”

He wasn’t able to finish his sentence because I caught him off-guard. Sitting next to him wasn’t enough. I scooted over and jumped on his lap. Nangunyapit ako sa kanyang leeg at sinubsob ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg. I cried.

“Babe.” He seemed surprised at my action. So was I. But I don’t care. The only thing that sank into my mind was the fact that our time together was limited. “Please don’t cry.”

“Kailan ang alis mo?”

“I don’t know the exact date. But I think within this week. My parents planned this beforehand without asking my permission. Father was mad at me when I disagreed. Pero alam mo naman, isang hamak na anak lang ako. I’m powerless. I am bound by their rules. Sa aming dalawa ni Alejandro, ako ang hindi nila mapasunod. I am the black sheep.” He chuckled bitterly.

“Hey…” He cupped my chin and tipped my head back. I had no choice but to meet his tender eyes. “I will study hard. I will work hard. Mag-iipon ako. Para kapag nagpakasal na tayo, hindi ako aasa sa kanila. I promise you; I will be the man you’ll ever need.”

Sa kabila ng malungkot niyang pahayag, natawa ko. “The last time I checked, hindi pa kita sinasagot, Romano. Hindi ko nga alam kung nanliligaw ka ba.” I dried my tears away.

“Babe, I already told you. You had me the moment our eyes met for the first time.” Romano cupped my cheeks with both hands. He pressed his forehead against mine.

My heart was thumping rapidly as my throat becoming dry. He dropped his eyes on my half-opened mouth. I did the same.

“I love you, Maya. I know we’re still young, but I also want you to know that what I feel for you is true and real. All you have to do is to look into my heart, babe. I have engraved your name in it.”

I wet my lips. “Okay.”

“You believe me?”

Umiling ako.

His brows smashed together. Bahagya pang lumayo ang kanyang mukha sa akin. “What do you mean by ‘okay’?”

I smiled shyly. “I mean, I…I… love you, too.”

Saglit itong natulala. Then a proud grin spread across his lips. “You love me….”

I nodded. Now, this was becoming awkward. Yumuko ako para iwasan ang mapanukso nitong mga tingin. I tried to move away at umupo na lang sa malayo pero maagap na napagilan ako ni Romano.

“Say it again.” Pangungulit pa nito.

“It’s embarrassing, Romano.”

“I love you, Maya.”

I pouted. I looked up to him. “I love—”

Romano stopped me from talking by pressing his lips on mine. He did not move. Pareho naming pinakiramdaman ang isa’t isa. I swear I could hear the loud beating of my heart in my ears.

I blinked a couple of times. I didn’t know what to do.

Romano drew back and stared at me. “That was a peck kiss.” He swallowed hard. “This is the real kiss.” Romano’s hand cupped my nape and the other on the back of my head before he leaned forward.

The next thing I knew he was kissing me fervently.  I could feel his tongue licking the corners of my mouth, seeking permission. All my reservations vanished into thin air. I welcomed him opening my mouth and let him invade my wet cavern. A moan escaped my throat. My arms immediately went around his neck. He titled my head to deepen the kiss, and everything seemed like magic. I was lost in our world.

I was feeling lightheaded. I felt his hold tighten around me. Naikuyom ko ang aking mga kamao sa kanyang dibdib at balikat. When I felt like were out of breath, lumayo kami sa isa’t isa para sumagap ng hangin.

“We made love here, babe.” Paos na sambit nito.

I couldn’t process anything at the moment. I just stared at him. “We made love here?”

He smirked. “We exchanged our first ‘I love you’ here. We made love, babe. We made our love here.”

I smiled, finally understanding what he truly meant. “I guess we did, Romano.”

Hinubad ni Romano ang suot nitong jacket at nilatag sa tabi. Humiga ito ng tuluyan sa bato at tinapik ang kanyang balikat. “Come here.”

Sumunod naman ako at umunan doon. I snuggled closer to him because the air was becoming colder.

He dropped a kiss on my forehead. “Tell me, babe. How do you see us in the future?”

“Hmm…the future is uncertain, Romano.”

“Oh c’mon. Nothing is impossible. Sige ganito na lang. How do you see me in the future?”

Saglit akong nag-isip. “I really love your voice, Romano.  I know being in the spotlight is not your cup of tea, but I really want the people to acknowledge your talent.”

“Huh? Gusto mo akong pumasok sa mundo ng showbiz?” He chuckled.

“You don’t need the world, Romano, but the world needs you. You deserve recognition. You have a talent in singing. I know it’s foolish for me to say this because you’re a private person, but I wish to see you on stage someday, singing your heart out to everyone. Pero alam kong hindi yun mangyayari. Lalo na’t may attitude ka.” I giggled. “But I’m your fan.”

“And my…”

I blushed. “And your…err…girlfriend?”

Tumawa ito at hinapit ako lalo. “If I’m going to sing, I’ll make sure I sing for you, and only you, Maya. I don’t care about everyone else.”

Tumawa ako. “Suplado naman talaga. Okay, my turn to ask. How do see me in the future?”

“Hmmm…” Romano shifted his position. He was now lying on his side facing me.

“Easy. My wife.” Sagot nito bago dampian ng halik ang aking labi.

My heart did a backflip. “Stop kissing me.”

“Opppsss. Sorry.” And then he kissed me again! “There, I’m returning it back.”

Kinurot ko ito sa kanyang tagiliran at pareho kaming nagtawanan. My heart was full of love and happiness. I wished moments like this never end.