Captured and Tainted (SERIE FEROCI 2)

Chapter Six

Avoid him, don't talk to him, Angel.

How can I avoid Zakariu if I'm currently staying here in his house? What if I leave? Hahayaan niya ba akong umalis? I know him, he will blackmail me using his gun or he will use Jaze an an excuse. Why does he need me here anyway? Ano ba ang dulot ko sa pagsulpot ni Jaze? I don't understand his point at all, and I don't understand myself too.

After taking a bath, dumiretso agad ako sa kusina para uminom ng warm water. I was taken aback when I saw Zakarius there, sitting on his usual spot and eating his favorite breakfast, toasted bread and coffee. I just shrugged and didn't say anything. Kumuha ako ng baso at naglagay ng warm water doon. I can feel that Zakarius is stealing glances at me, but chose not to say anything. The atmosphere between us is awkward, it's maybe because I'm not bugging him nor talking to him.

“Uuwi na 'ko bukas sa bahay ko, and you can't stop me,” I said and gritted my teeth. I looked at Zakarius, he remained emotionless, I'm not surprised.

Tumayo si Zakarius at lumapit sa 'kin, but not that close. We're still one meter apart from each other. He looked at me with serious look in his eyes. I can't bear the intensity of it.

“Is there a problem? You've been like this since yesterday,” he said while he was looking straighly in my eyes. I turned my gaze away from him.

“I have my own house. Don't scare me with your devilish s**t again because I'm not scared of you. Nagsasayang lang tayo ng oras pareho ng oras, Zak. Let's just stop this play and get back to our normal lives, I, being an actress and you, being a director or killer or whatever the hell you are. This is not working, Zakarius. This won't bring Jaze back, we're just wasting our time.” I sighed and put my hand on my waist.

Zak remained silent while staring at me. I honestly don't know what to feel right now because I can't read what's going on in his mind. Why does he have to be so mysterious? Even his facial expressions are mysterious that I couldn't read them, and it's so frustrating.

“You can't stop me, Zak. Didiretso na ako sa bahay pagkatapos ng shooting. Don't bother me again, please.”

Hindi na ako naghintay na sumagot siya at agad na umalis ng kusina saka nagtungo sa silid ko.

I don't know why my heart feels heavy, I just stayed here for a couple of days for heaven's sake. I should stop this before it gets out of hand. I should stop the unknown growing feelings inside me that I should not feel.

Being with Zakarius is fatal, it will ruin me, it will ruin the friendship I have with Jaze. She's so important to me, she's like a sister to me. I won't let a man, a dangerously handsome, fierce but cute man, ruin our friendship.

* * *

“Photoshoot muna tayo saka magsisimula ang shooting, Angel. Bawal kang magreklamo dahil ang tagal mong nawala,” sabi ni Cassian saka pinaningkitan ako ng mga mata. Napairap na lang ako.

“Cassian, almost three days lang akong nawala. Sabihin mo kay direk na bukas na lang simulan ang shooting ng scene. I need to take a rest too,” I said and closed my eyes while my personal make up artist is working on my make up. I want to go home immediately after the photoshoot.

Pinuntahan ni Cassian ang direktor at kinausap. I know someday, this bitchy attitude of mine will bring me down, but the hell I care.

“Angel, direk wants to shoot some scenes now. Wala ka ng magagawa,” Cassian said and sat beside me. I just rolled my eyes and groaned. Damn it.

Wala na akong nagawa dahil baka mapikon na rin talaga si direk sa 'kin.

Castor Raven is my partner in the movie. He's a handsome and good actor, he's professional too, we almost dated before but it didn't work. He's a good guy but I really feel nothing about him. I don't want to settle in that kind of relationship. Magkaibigan naman kami ngayon, he knows my real attitude, he tried to ask me out again last month but I declined. Our loveteam have a strong fanbase, kaya marami ring negative comments noong lumabas ang dating scandal namin ni Zak.

“Are you ready?” Castor asked and smiled at me. I gave him a smirk and removed my coat.

Nakasuot ako ngayon ng leather jacket at leather pants na medyo sira sira, Castor is topless while wearing a ripped pants. We're currently working on a romance-action movie. Kaya medyo ganito ang datingan naming dalawa.

“Angel, Castor, hold your guns tightly, magtalikuran kayo. Don't forget the fierce look, okay? Let's start,” the photographer announced and started taking pictures of us.

Iba't ibang pose ang ginawa namin ni Castor. Smooth naman ang naging photoshoot dahil komportable na kami ni Castor sa isa't isa. Mabilis natapos ang photoshoot. My stylist chose set of clothes for me to wear and after that, my make up artist started fixing my make up again.

“Oh my God! Good thing you came, Director Cavalvante!”

Natigilan ako nang marinig ang sinabing 'yon ni Cassian. My eyes widened when I saw Zakarius talking with Cassian from afar. What the hell is he doing here?!

Natigilan ako nang mapansing papunta sila sa direksyon ko. I straightened my back and act cool as if I don't give a f**k about him. Well, I really don't give a f**k about him. So why do I need to act like I don't? Damn, am I making any sense?

“Angel, I invited Director Cavalcante to watch your shoot for today para makita niya ang talent mo. It's a good thing para rin makita niya kung paano ka umarte. I hope I didn't bother you, direk,” sabi pa ni Cassian saka ngumiti kay Zak. Napairap na lang ako.

Masyadong wino-worship ni Cassian si Zakarius. Siya lang ba ang magaling na direktos sa Pilipinas? Cassian is f*****g annoying to the highest degree! Kapag nalaman niya lang talaga na killer ang Zakarius na 'yan, ewan ko na lang kung tratuhin niya pa rin nang ganyan.

“It's fine,” Zak answered shortly. He's really a man of few words, and damn him.

“Let's start!”

Agad akong tumayo at lumapit kina Castor. I can feel that Zakarius is looking at me but I didn't dare to look back at him. Damn Cassian, why did he invite Zakarius? Hindi na ako magiging kompotable nito.

“Castor, after that, you have to hug Angel from her back while teaching her how to use a gun. You have to whisper on her ears, like that.”

Wala akong masyadong maintindihan sa sinasabi ni direk. I can't focus because I can feel Zakarius' intense gaze even though I'm not looking at him which is weird. Kapag nagkamali ako rito, talagang sisisihin ko si Cassian.

“1, 2, 3, action!”

I gulped and took a deep breath. I took the gun and pointed it at the target, this is just a fake gun but I don't know why I'm shaking like hell. Castor positioned on my back and held my hands.

“Hey, you're shaking. Are you alright?” Castor murmured. I just smiled at him and nodded.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at napatingin kay Zakarius. Katabi niya ang direktor, he crossed his arms over his chest and looked intently at me. His blue eyes are penetrating into my system for some unknown reason. I can't focus at all because of him.

Calm down, Angel. May mga naka-trabaho ka nang magagaling na direktor kaysa sa kanya. Calm down, relax.

“Angel, focus! Look at the target, you have to look fierce than nervous!”

I bit my lower lip in embarrasment when the director shouted. I took a deep breath once again and calm myself.

Pilit kong pinakalma ang sarili ko hanggang sa natapos ang scene na 'yon. Pinilit ko na lang na isipin na wala si Zak dito. I was really embarrassed because it was just a simple scene. Halatang nanibago rin si Castor sa 'kin dahil hindi talaga ako awkward sa camera.

Kasalanan 'to ni Zakarius.

“You both know what to do with the next scene right? Just look at each other's eyes intently as if no one is around and then boom, you know what to do.”

Napatango na lang kami ni Castor sa sinabi ni direk.

We will be shooting a kissing scene. Actually, I'm used to it. In my five years in showbiz, hindi na ako naiilang sa mga ganitong eksena. But I don't know why I suddenly felt uncomfortable knowing that Zakarius is here, watching us.

“Action!”

Castor held my waist and I clung on his nape. We fell on the soft mattress together while he's on top of me. We stared at each other's eyes, without breaking the eye contact. Castor gently caressed my cheek. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa mga mata niya nang bumaba ang tingin niya sa labi ko.

Dahan dahan kong ipinikit ang mga mata ko nang unti-unti niyang inilapit ang mukha sa 'kin. We were about to kiss when someone interrupted.

“Cut!”

I instantly opened my eyes when I noticed something, hindi iyon ang boses ng direktor.

Halos lahat ay nakatingin kay Zakarius, kahit si Cassian ay halatang natigilan. Zakarius is just looking at us with a serious look on his face. Castor stood up and helped me stand up. I can't believe it, did he just interrupt our shooting?!

“What the hell?!” I asked and put my hands on my waist. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na mapasigaw. Okay na sana, e. Mabilis sanang matatapos ang kissing scene kung hindi lang panira itong si Zakarius.

“Ms. Angel Mendoza doesn't seem to be in a good mood to do kissing scene. She didn't show much emotion at all. I'm disappointed,” dire-diretsong sabi ni Zakarius saka lumabas ng silid. Agad naman siyang sinundan ni Cassian.

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from screaming because of irritation. Damn him, damn Zakarius ‘f*****g’ Cavalcante! How dare he embarras me like that?!

* * *

“Ngayon sigurado na 'kong wala kayong relasyon ni Director Cavalcante, kasi kung meron, hindi ka niya ipapahiya nang gano'n,” natatawang sabi ni Chan.

I glared at him and threw him my pouch. He bit his lower lip, trying to supress himself from laughing again. I inhaled deeply and try to calm myself. f**k.

“Matapos-tapos niya akong kidnap-in ng ilang araw, ipapahiya niya ako nang gano'n?” I asked in disbelief and fanned myself using my hands.

Natahimik si Chan sa sinabi ko, napaawang din ang labi niya. Doon ko lang napagtanto ang sinabi ko. Tumingin ako sa paligid, buti na lang busy ang lahat.

“Woah, Angel. That's a good joke,” Chan said, laughing.

I kicked his legs and threw him a tissue roll. Tinawanan niya lang ako. Halos umusok na ang ilong ko sa inis. Minsan talaga naiisipan kong sisantehin na lang si Chan.

“If he kidnapped you for days, paano ka nakakapunta ng shooting? Saka bakit hindi ka kaagad tumakas o nagsumbong sa pulis? Joker ka pala, Angel Mendoza. Pwede ka na sa comedy movies,” natatawang sabi pa niya.

Natigilan ako, tila nawala sa isip ko ang pang-aasar ni Chan. There's only one thing that bugged me... why am I not escaping? Why am I still staying at his house? Why can't I leave him even if I can?

I don't know why I became a b***h, maybe it's because I can't trust anyone. Halos lahat pina-plastik ako. Aarte sila na parang kaibigan ko pero malalaman ko na lang na sinisiraan na nila ako sa iba.

I don't know why they did that. Maybe they are insecure, wala naman kasi akong ginagawang masama sa kanila. Actually, I'm a good friend, I don't know why they keep on breaking my trust as well as my heart. Of course, friendship is still a special bond, masakit mawalan ng kaibigan, but it's much better than staying in a toxic friendship. Naglolokohan lang kayo kung sakali.

I met Jaze during my first year in college. Akala ko noon wala na akong magiging kaibigan, but she came into my life and became my best friend. To be honest, Jaze is way too good to be my friend. She's the real angel between us. Sobrang saya ko noong dumating siya sa buhay ko dahil sa unang pagkakataon, may taong naging totoo sa 'kin.

Hindi ko inakala na magtatagal ang friendship namin ni Jaze. We're now on our last year in college. Saglit na lang at makakapagtapos na kaming pareho. I'm still thankful to have her as my best friend.

“Where are we going, Jaze? I'm busy,” I said, kinda irritated when Jaze dragged me somewhere.

May shooting dito sa tapat ng university namin kaya marami-raming tao. I'm not interested in watching this kind of stuff dahil maraming tao. Ayaw kong nakikipagsiksikan.

“Wait, Angel. Look at the director, the man with the blue eyes. Ang guwapo niya, diba? He's Director Zakarius Cavalcante, a young well-known director,” kinikilig na sabi ni Jaze at itinuro ang lalaking nakasuot ng black jacket at seryoso ang mukha.

I was stunned while staring at him. Jaze is right, he's really attractive, sinfully handsome. I honestly think that he's more handsome than the actor. His serious eyes make him more attractive, he looks so matured and reserved. Damn, I have a crush on him already.

Even after class, Director Zakarius Cavalcante still lingers on my mind. There's something about him that really caught me off guard. May mga naka-date na ako noon, pero iba ang dating sa 'kin ni Zakarius Cavalcante.

“Ma'am Angel, saan ka po pupunta? Pinapasundo ka na ng Mommy mo,” sabi ng driver ko. Napairap na lang ako.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ipinapasundo pa ako nina Mommy sa driver kahit kaya ko na naman ang sarili ko.

“I need to go somewhere, uuwi ako mag-isa,” I said and gave him my bag.

“Pero Ma'am Angel, gabi na. Baka--”

Hindi ko na hinintay na matapos ang driver sa sasabihin at agad siyang iniwan sa tapat ng gate ng university.

Actually wala naman talaga akong pupuntahan, gusto ko lang tumambay sa rooftop ng abandoned building na malapit sa campus. Gusto ko munang magpahangin saglit, napagod ako sa exams.

I was taken aback when I saw someone sitting on my favorite spot. My heartbeat raced when I saw the man sitting on the floor, wearing a leather jacket with tousled hair. It feels like my lips curved on its own.

Director Zakarius Cavalcante.

Napalunok na lang ako at nanatiling nakatayo mula sa malayo habang pinagmamasdan siya. His eyes are closed while feeling the cold wind. When I first saw him, he's emotionless, as if he doesn't care about anything. But he's way different right now, it seems like something is bothering him. Mukhang may malalim siyang iniisip.

He opened his eyes when a cat approached him. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang hawakan niya ang leeg ng pusa saka inangat.

Oh my God, what the hell is he doing?

Akmang lalapit na ako sa kanya upang pigilan siya nang ilagay niya ang pusa sa kandungan niya. I blinked thrice when he starts stroking the cat's fur. His eyes are soft while looking at the cat. I supressed myself from laughing, he's weird, but cute at the same time.

Napasinghap na lang ako nang mapatingin siya sa direksyon ko. My knees automatically weakened and my pulse raced when his blue eyes stared at me directly, his eyes are like the blue sea, para akong nilulunod ng mga 'yon.

Wala na akong nagawa at naglakad na lang papalapit sa kanya. I cleared my throat, tried to act cool and sat beside him. We're still few inches apart from each other but I can already smell his manly scent.

“You shouldn't grab cats like that. Ganito.”

Kinuha ko ang pusa mula sa kanya. I gently grabbed the cat's tummy and put him or her on my lap. I smiled and gently rubbed its fur. I really like cats but I can't adopt one, allergic si Mommy sa balat ng pusa. Mamaya pag-uwi ko ay maliligo muna ako at magpapalit ng damit bago yumakap kay Mommy.

Zakarius Cavalcante remained silent, he's just looking at me. I felt uncomfortable, is there a stain on my face or what? Kung alam ko lang na makikita ko siya rito, sana nagpaganda ako nang maigi. I look haggard and worned out right now.

Simula ng tagpong 'yon, gabi-gabi akong napunta sa rooftop ng abandoned building na 'yon, palagi rin siyang nandoon. Most of the time, we're not talking, we're just staring at the moon and stars. Habang tumatagal, nag-i-improve, hanggang sa nalaman niya na ang pangalan ko, at madalas ko ng i-kwento ang nangyayari sa araw ko. It's weird because I found myself trusting him easily, hindi yata maku-kumpleto ang araw ko nang hindi siya nakakasama sa rooftop.

“You want to be an actress?” Zakarius asked while staring at me.

“Yup. But to be honest, I think being an actress doesn't suit me. Baka sukuan ako ng mga direktor,” natatawang sabi ko at kinagatan ang chocolate na bigay niya sa 'kin.

I don't eat chocolates that much, pero kung galing sa kanya, palagi kong kakainin.

“Be an actress, I will be your director,” he said and gently touched the tip of my fingers. Napapitlag ako sa ginawa niya, tila may kuryenteng dumaloy sa buong katawan ko.

Damn, I want him to touch my hand. I want to touch his hand. I want to hug him. This is really bad.

I smiled with his remark. I want that too, I want to be an actress while he's the director.

“Talaga? Kahit hindi ako magaling um-acting, o kaya may attitude problem ako, kukuhanin mo pa rin ba akong artista?” natatawang tanong ko.

Tumango naman siya saka hinawakan ang pusa na palagi rin naming kasama rito. Hindi ko pa nakikita na ngumiti si Zakarius, sana makita ko siyang ngumiti kahit isang beses lang.

Sa mahigit dalawang buwan naming pagkikita ni Zakarius sa rooftop, I realized something... I like him, I don't even know if it's still ‘like’ or something more. I want to see him always, I want to be with him, just sitting with him on the rooftop without saying anything already comforts me. Kahit hindi kami naglalandian o anuman kagaya ng mga naka-date ko noon, nakukuntento na ako, masaya na ako.

I decided to finally confess my feelings for him. I'm scared that he might reject me, pero baka pagsisihan ko lang habang buhay kapag hindi ako umamin.

Tonight, I will finally confess to him. Bahala na.

Aamin na sana ako sa kanya pero hindi siya sumipot ng gabing 'yon... Hanggang sa ilang linggo na siyang hindi nagpakita sa 'kin.

“Where are you, Zakarius?” I murmured while tapping my finger on the table. I suddenly regretted not asking for his number.

“Angel!”

Natigilan ako nang marinig ang boses ni Jaze. Agad akong napatingin sa kanya at napangiti, ngunit naglaho ang ngiti sa labi ko nang makita ang lalaking kasama niya. They are holding each other's hands habang papalapit sa direksyon ko.

My chest tightened and my lips shivered. I bit my lower lip and tried to stop my tears. Nararamdaman ko ang bahagyang panlalabo ng paningin ko dahil sa nagbabadyang luha pero pilit kong pinigil iyon.

I shouldn't cry, not in front of them.

“Angel, I have a good news for you. Remember him? He's Director Zakarius Cavalcante, he's now my boyfriend!” Jaze announced and squealed. Pilit na ngumiti na lang ako saka ibinaling ang tingin konkay Zakarius.

He's staring at me with no emotion in his eyes, as if he doesn't know me... as if we didn't share a lot of moments together.

“Hello, Director Zakarius Cavalcante, I'm Angel. Please take good care of my friend, and please don't hurt her,” I said and smiled at him. That's right, just smile, Angel.

I think I really did fall for him, sa kanya lang ako nasaktan nang ganito. But what can I do? I just did my best to hide my feelings, I buried it deep within my heart... At hinding hindi ko na ibabalik pa 'yon.

“What the f**k are you thinking, Angel?” I asked myself and massaged my temple. Bakit ba bigla ko pang naalala 'yon?

Just forget about it, Angel. Never think about it again. Please.

That's right, ilang taon na ang nakalipas. Wala na 'yon ngayon, wala na. It was just a puppy love, nothing more.

Napailing na lang ako at lumabas ng banyo. Malamang kanina pa naghihintay si Chan sa van. I should stop thinking about that stupid past of mine. It's all nothing now.

Pilit kong pinakakalma ang isip ko habang naglalakad ako patungo sa van. Maraming napasok sa isip ko, I'm clouded with thoughts and memories that I don't want to remember anymore.

I was taken aback when someone grabbed my wrist and pulled me. Sisigaw na sana ako ngunit natigilan ako nang mapatingin sa mukha niya.

Zakarius, again.

“Wala akong sinabi na pwede ka ng umuwi. You're still my hostage, woman,” he muttered while staring at me, his blue eyes are penetrating my system.

I guess, I'm still weak when it comes to him... My heart is still weak when it comes to him, just like before.