The Heiress' Revenge (SPG)

Kabanata 14

Over our lunch, we were just quiet. Aga did not attempt to speak either. When he called me for lunch, I was a bit hesitant to go out and join them, but I don’t want to be that main character vibe. The only time I spoke with Aga was when I compliment his ginataang alimango. It was really yummy! He’s really impressive with his cooking skills. That’s it.

Pagkatapos no’n, umalis si Aga at kuya papunta sa beach. Hindi na ako nagtanong kung bakit, hinayaan ko lang sila. Naging abala rin ako sa pagliligpit sa pinagkainan namin. I set up the room where Aga slept last night for kuya to sleep on tonight. Nang makita ko ang mga gamit na ginamit ko kaninang madaling araw, I can’t help but think if Aga is really okay. He had just recovered and now he’s entertaining my brother. But then again, if he doesn’t need to be nursed, my help is no longer needed. Niligpit ko nalang ang lahat ng kalat. I bet Aga’s sleeping in his house later.

Then, I went to my room to take an afternoon nap. I got beat from no proper sleep, from the unexpected fishing, and that argument with kuya. Itinulog ko muna ang tindi ng nararamdaman ko. Para akong puspuro na sinindihan at nag-apoy saglit. Upos na ito ngayon. I let my whole body rest up at nang nagising ako na kahit papaano’y naibsan ito.

I heaved a sigh.

“Should I be happy knowing I was not sexually assaulted? Was that something that I should be happy about?” I said to myself whilst staring at the ceiling.

That’s the first thing I thought about when I woke up. It sucks when you wake up and things will never be the same.

I remembered our small conversation this morning. No! Kahit walang s****l intercourse, I was taken somewhere without my consent, it doesn’t mean I was sexually assaulted. Not all r*pe means to have s****l intercourse, it could be other way like s****l penetration. It’s not something that I should be happy about. A life was lost. People were miserable.

I still have no memory of what happened to me. I should not drop any conclusion. I sighed heavily again. When I heard Clarence voice, I will admit I felt fear. The reason as well I wouldn’t dare to call him when I always have the chance was I fear he hates me. The last time I claimed, I wasn’t virgin anymore. Paano ko siya haharapin? Paano ko sasabihin sa kaniya? Tatanggapin ba niya ako kung malaman niya? Alam ba niya? Sinabi ba ni kuya sa kaniya lahat?

I couldn’t bring it up myself. I fear to hear the truth.

Alam kong mahal ako ni Clarence, at kahit anong mangyari, tatanggapin niya ako pero paano kapag nalaman niyang may ibang gumalaw na sa akin? That I was not simply kidnapped for money or for some revenge s**t? Ayaw kong malaman kung alam na niya o hindi. Umaatras ang dila ko kanina, natatakot na baka pandirian niya ako.

Pinaalis ko ang luhang tumakas sa gilid ng mata ko. I’ve been trying to take it easy for myself. Kuya can’t provide me therapy yet as because of this situation. Sarili ko lang ang nagpapanatiling buo para sa sarili ko rin.

Whilst I’m in my deep thoughts, I heard a consecutive three knocks at my door.

“Iza?” Boses ng isang lalaki.

Lariza. That’s my second name, and it has a nickname too. Iza! My kuya and his old friend used to call me.

Bumangon naman ako agad. I don’t lock my door for security purposes, so it was easy for kuya to get in.

“Hey…” he started.

Umayos ako sa pagkakaupo at ngumiti sa kaniya, “hey…”

“Are you up already? Nakaisturbo ba ako?” Sabi niya pero nasa bukana lang siya ng pinto nakatayo. May araw pa pero masasabi kong mag-sa-sunset na rin. Hindi naman masyadong mahaba ang naging tulog ko. Tama lang…

Umiling lang ako bilang sagot.

He doesn’t call me Iza all the time. But when he does, the next thing he would say, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for earlier.”

Hindi ako sumagot. Hindi ako galit sa kaniya. I know I acted crazy a while ago, but I am not sorry for what I’ve said. I’m up for reconciliation anyway. Ayaw kong magkatampuhan kaming dalawa.

“I suspected Clarence.” He admitted.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. Tumango siya sa akin. I saw regrets in his face. He sighed heavily and was about to look away.

“He talked to the media about what happened. It was almost televised due to his negligence.” Kuya revealed.

I gasped to his revelation. Clarence did what? He would never do that. He wouldn’t dare. My lips are trembling. Too stunned to speak.

“We were able to stop it. We were able to manage silencing them. Nagka-iringan kaming dalawa ni Clarence. I accused him of doing this to you! Upon investigation, I found nothing to relate him to the incident, that’s when I learned about Aga’s case. I could easily ask Clarence to help you out whilst you’re here, but I can’t because of that.” Paliwanag niya pa.

A sharp pain hit my heart. Wala akong maisagot sa sinabi ni kuya. Luha ang pumapatak sa mga mata ko. Paano niya ito nagawa sa akin?

“I forbid him to know what’s going on. But I was wrong…” ani kuya.

Nagkatinginan kami. Lumapit siya sa kama ko at umupo sa gilid ko. He sighed heavily again and wiped my tears. It was no use I am crying like crazy. His words broke my heart.

“Hey…” He scooched beside me.

“How could he do that? No, he wouldn’t. He cares for me more than anyone.” My voice is stammering.

“Don’t worry about it alright? That’s why I’m sorry. We found nothing on him. He’s not responsible to the incident. He explained to me everything as well. He thought media can help us find the suspects. He cared for you and wanted justice for everyone. He regretted what he did. He’s innocent…” sabi ni kuya.

Napapikit ako at lalong napaiyak. Thank goodness! I know he wouldn’t do that! Mahal ako ni Clarence. Napayakap ako kay kuya ng mahigpit. Kung bakit ba kasi hindi niya sinabi agad. Nasaktan pa tuloy ako ng ganito. I can’t imagine a life without him. But now I understand why kuya is so careful about trusting anyone. It’s going to be unfair to Rence but it’s okay.

As long as he’s safe too. Hindi ko gugustuhing madamay siya dito. Maging si Rissa at magulang nila. Someone lost a life. I wouldn’t want anyone risking again.

Para akong nabunutan ng tinik. He explained to me further about what Clarence did to help me. Kuya felt bad for not letting anyone tell my location. Even my parents, although they know which province I am hiding, they can’t know the exact location. Kami lang tatlo ni kuya at Aga ang nakakaalam.

Kuya can’t let off guard to anyone. Hanggang sa hindi pa nakikilala ang gumawa nito sa akin, mananatili ako rito.

That night, kuya and I reconciled. Sabay ding babalik si kuya at Aga sa Manila. The last time I forced Aga, he got sick. Kaya naman nang nagpaalam sa akin si Aga, hindi ako nagsalita. Tumango lang ako at hinayaan lang siya. Hindi na rin siya masyadong nakikipag-usap sa akin simula nong bangayan namin ni kuya.

I was embarrassed. I let my crazy side fire in front of Aga! Who knew I was capable of that? I was shocked myself as well.

“Ingat kayo…” paalam ko sa kanila.

When I closed the door, I immediately locked it. Here I am to being alone and quiet again. Kuya brought me sets of new books to read. I’m not a book person before but I’ve read heaps of it. Sinusubukan ko na rin aralin ang business at accountancy. It’s going to be hard since no one is here to explain things to me, but I’m giving it a try.

If Aga can spare me time, he can teach me a few. I guess…

Kung gusto niya lang naman. Well, Gab, you need to ask him, right? Here I am, arguing with myself again.

I carry on the day just like the other days. I didn’t expect something new. I clean our mess in the morning, read a few pages of books in the afternoon, took a nap and the dark began.

I cooked fried eggs for dinner, not expecting Aga to be here. I just want him to fully recover, and he has business to focus on. I sighed deeply, I’m alone again. Dapat pala sinasanay ko na ang sarili ko. Aga’s original plan was just to visit me time to time. He never intended to stay in with me. That’s just f*cked up! He doesn’t owe me anything. I do owe him something!

Last night, uminom sila kuya at Aga habang nagpapahinga na ako. They were talking about serious business, so I just exited and do not mind theirs. Pagkabukas ko ng fridge para sana kukuha ng malamig na tubig, may mga Heineken pang naiwan. Napangiti ako. Naalala ko ang past. I wasn’t a bad girl, but I’m kind of a drinker. I partied a lot and get influenced in drinking.

Nauuwi ako minsan na lasing at si kuya lagi ang back-up ko. He would always give me a lengthy sermon which I can bare. Kapag si mum ang nag-se-sermon, it’s an earful one.

People just don’t know how my mum, The GREAT Athena Claire Montenegro, sermons. She’s a great mum! But I like to party. Hindi naman ako sobrang lasenggera. I only do it when Rence is around, or I know kuya can back me up. Hindi ko pa nakikitang nagalit si dad sa akin, but I’ve seen how kuya had an earful one. It was harsh and a bit traumatic.

“One drink for tonight. Pampatulog.” Sabi ko habang inaabot ang isang Heineken imbis na tubig.

Dinala ko ito kasama ang pinggan kong may kanin at scrambled eggs. I got excited when I felt the chill of the can on my palm. Gusto ko na agad buksan at ubusin ito ng isang lunok lang. It happened to be Saturday today which in the past, I would have normally had plans already. It could be Rissa telling me to hang-out with her or my other friends inviting me to a party.

Natigilan ako. My eyes roam around the house. It’s just me right now, all alone with a canned of beer. A bittersweet smile came after. Isang gabi lang ‘yon, isang iglap, nawala ang lahat sa akin.

Pagkalapag ko sa pinggan ko, binuksan ko ang inumin ko at umupo. I don’t think I will be contented with just one can tonight.

“Cheers to my eighteen.” Sabi ko sa sarili at nilagok ito.

That bittersweet taste though, I felt it immediately. It hit on the spot with my feelings right now. Binasa ko pa ang label ng nasa can. I remembered it’s a pale lager beer. Sa food and beverage ko na unit, inaaral namin ang mga types at strengths ng mga alcoholic beverages. This one is from Europe. I can also taste the malty and fruity flavour which suits my taste. It tastes as it was. I wouldn’t forget.

There was a sloppy after taste, but it didn’t linger. It’s clean to the mouth. I will have a strong chance of getting drunk since its alcohol volume is 5%. Nang maubos ko ito, napatingin ako sa pagkain ko. Ayaw ko na tuloy kumain. So, I decided to go back to the fridge and take out the rest of the cans.

This way, I can sleep well and early.

I don’t know how time had passed by, but I can’t open my eyes properly. I’m dizzy and any movement will make me p**e. I’m definitely drunk, right? No, I can still feel all the bitterness.

“Can’t be drunk at all… no… no…” I laughed at myself.

Okay, how many cans have I emptied?

“1… 2… 3…” Okay, I’m good. I still know how to count.

I heard the door creak. Nakaharap ako sa pinto kaya kita kong may tangkang bumukas nito o ‘di kaya nananaginip lang ako? I look at my fourth can, last na talaga ito. Kung anu-ano na ang nakikita ko.

The next thing I knew, the main door opened. Niluwa nito ang isang lalaking pamilyar sa akin. I tried to open my eyes wide, but I’m really drown with the alcohol. Active pa ang utak ko, pero malalasog na ang katawan ko sa kalasingan.

“Gabrielle!” Tawag sa akin ng lalaki.

He stopped for a moment, looking confused on what he is seeing. Instead of shock, I smiled and raised my can.

“Oh?”

I’m winking deliberately. Sinusubukan kong ibuka ang dalawa kong mata pero isa lang ang kaya. It’s like my other eye became dysfunctional. Goodness! I’m okay! Why my body so weak?

“Lasing ka na!” He said, hurrying himself towards me.

“Oh yeah?” I answered playfully. I looked at my table, the cans are everywhere. Hindi nga pala ako kumain. The alcohol hit on the spot when the stomach is empty. That’s why! Ugh! Kaya ko pa ‘to!

I’m getting drowsy though. Sino nga ito ulit?

“You should stop.” Wika niya. Oh! It’s Aga! Lumapit siya sa akin. He’s wearing the same clothes when he left. He bends a bit and our eyes locked. I look up to him. I knew he was so closed to me. Hindi ko masabi kong galit ba siya o ano. He always gives me that weird expression. As if he cares for me so much. If he does, he should’ve not left me, right?

Look at me now! Hindi siya pwedeng magalit sa akin. Wala pa akong ginagawa so far. I know I should stop, but who wants to waste the remaining half? No one! Not me. My cheeks are flashing red. I know I’m not in my best look. I’m wasted!

“Hey…” I greeted him, ignoring his mandatory spill.

I smiled at him as if there’s nothing he should worry about. He looks so cute giving me that serious expression.

Nakakunot ang noo niya. Gusto niya ata akong pagsabihan pero nagpipigil lang.

“You’re so cute.” I said.

“Hindi ka kumain. Kaya ka malalasing agad. Bakit mo inunang uminom?” He seriously asked. He’s about to remove my drink. I won’t give him a chance. Nilayo ko sa kaniya ito. Hindi naman siya nagpumilit na abutin ito. Good boy…

Nilapag ko ang pang-apat kong lata at nilapit ang upper body sa kaniya. My torso twisted a bit enough that I can face him and cupped his face. I felt him froze. He didn’t flinch though. Oh, he’s this close to me now. Ang gwapo niya!

I examined his facial features. Mas nilapit ko ang mukha sa kaniya para makita ng maayos ito. He must’ve heard many times how he is unrealistically good looking. He has a strong facial feature like having thick double eyelids. His eyelashes are not too thick which features well his chinito eyes. His sharp-pointed nose does make face a lot distinct. He looks so charismatic. He must’ve have hurt many girls in the past. Oh, let’s not forget about his heart-shaped pink lips.

I saw graphically how he wet his lips. Tinikom niya ito pagkatapos lumunok. Suddenly, I was hypnotised by it. Napaawang ang labi ko habang nakatitig lang dito. He didn’t move or stopped me.

I don’t know what witchcraft he is doing but I want to know how wet his lips are. Lumapit ako lalo at pumikit. Naramdaman kong lumapat ang labi ko sa kaniya. That’s soft! Okay.

Lumayo ako sa kaniya. I took my hands off his face. My heart is beating so fast. His lips tasted sweet like a candy. I don’t know but I want to taste it again. Our eyes locked again. This time, he squatted. He’s lower than me now. My body now is facing him. This must be the effect the of the Heineken.

What it is doing to me is no good at all.

“You’re drunk.” He finally said after than short silence.

“I know.” Sabi ko pa, namaos.

I cleared my throat softly. My heart pounded like a mad horse. I licked my lips so I can taste it again.

Both of us breathed heavily. Then, he leans his body towards me and gave me a deep hard kiss. My body failed me so badly. I let him in my mouth and get to taste the bittersweet of the alcohol. I responded immediately. Enveloped my arms to his broad shoulders and neck, I held tight.

“Hmm…” I groan.

He kisses became aggressive. He’s devouring my whole mouth and won’t complain at all. I tried to answer and equal his kisses but he’s a beast. I didn’t know he can rip someone’s mouth like this.

I felt his hands rested on my hips. Hindi ako kuntento sa espasyo naming dalawa kahit na alam kong dikit na dikit na kami sa isa’t isa. Nagpatuloy ang halikan namin hanggang sa nararamdaman ko ang dugo sa labi ko.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at tinulak siya. We were both breathing heavily. My arms are still all over him and his too. I can smell his breathing and I know he does mine. But I realised something horrible.

What did I f*cking do? I only intend to drink one can of alcohol and how did I end up kissing Aga? Paano siya nakarating sa harap ko ng ganito?

“I have a boyfriend…” I spilt, stammering.

He smirked, “Yeah, I’m not supposed to kiss bad lips.”