Chapter 5

SAFE

Days went by quickly. I found new hobby. Joined clubs and won medals.

I just stopped thinking about some irrelevant things. Dahil I'm too young to be depress. I stopped talking to him, coming to his house and I changed my number too.

I'm always away all the time. Spending my time with my classmates. Either sa coffee shop or sa book store.

Kapag naaalala ko kasi siya, sumasakit lang ang loob ko. I didn't know what to do. I decided to let go of his playful heart. Kasi in the first place I didn't own him.

During those time, hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong tignan si Amelia Perreira. Out of boredom and maybe curiosity. And nadisappoint lang ako sa sarili ko because we were miles apart! She's a brazilian top model. Big boobs, small waist and big booty. Skinny and tanned. She was so sexy with her seductive smile. No wonder Peter had sex with her. Baka nga continuously pa rin eh. Kasi I heard that she was staying in Boracay and had a fight with Keira the actress. One of Peter's 'one night stand'. Keira was almost like Amelia. Physically. Pare parehong malalaki ang mga dibdib at bilugan ang pang upo. While I had nothing.

Nakakainsecure talaga. Lalo na't hindi naman ako hinabol ni Peter.

It was long weekend kaya nakahilata lang ako sa kama. I had my period at sobrang sakit ng puson ko. I already took some pain reliever para matanggal at nang makakilos na ako.

While playing with my phone, Manang Nena knocked on my door. I was supposed to learn how to cook bicol express.

"Manang! Can we postphone it. Masakit pa po." I answered. She opened my door and shook her head.

"Maligo ka na iha. Maggagabi na oh. Para mapalitan mo na yang pad mo. Baka kaya sumasakit dahil basa na."

Napasimangot ako at umiling.

"I'll change my pad but I'm not going to shower. I'm lazy." I said then slowly got up and went to my bathroom.

After cleaning myself up. I went out of my bathroom and found Peter on my bed sitting quietly with chocolates and flowers in his hands.

I pressed my lips together when our eyes met. Ngayon babalik sa akin? Nagsawa na ba sa mga babae niya?

"I heard you're having a rough day." Peter said in soft voice. He handed me the flowers and chocolates. I took it and threw it back on my bed.

"Why are you here po?" I asked without further ado. My brow raised up.

"I missed you love. I went abroad and I came back because I couldn't contact you. I thought something bad happened.."paliwanag niya. His eyes were sad.

"Okay ako. Thanks sa pagbisita." I said then walked outside my room. Buti nalang hindi na makirot yong puson ko.

"Why can't we talk love? I really wanna know what's happening. Please.." he said in desperation while walking behind me. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Wala nga. Bakit ba ang kulit mo!" I almost shouted at him. I turned to face him.

"Then why did you change your number?" He challenged me. Napaiwas ako ng tingin.

"I was so worried about you."

"I suddenly got tired from everything." I answered nonchalantly. Then looked at him. I could see the hurt that flash in his eyes. He swallowed hard. He put his hands inside his pockets.

"How can I do to bring back your feelings for me then?" He said almost in a whisper.

"Just leave me alone for awhile Peter. You can't do anything about it." I said then went down the stairs.

He grabbed my wrist. "Just listen to me then. If it was about that model, Bernard was mistaken. I never slept with her. I can show you the video recordings. If it was that actress, I never left our ship when we docked in Boracay. Captain Emanuel can vouch for that." He explained. Napabuka ang bibig ko. Pero itinikom ko na lang.

He took his phone out and tapped on it, then it rang. He handed me his phone.

"Anong gagawin ko dyan?"nakataas ang isa kong kilay.

Nilingon ko ang cellphone at nakita ang pangalan ni Kuya Lindsey sa caller id.

Tinanggap niya ang tawag at idinikit sa tainga ko. Napaiwas ako at tinulak ang kamay niya.

"I can't see any point." I said annoyed.

"Please, just talk to him love." Aburido na niyang pakiusap sa akin.

Napabuntong hininga ako sabay hablot sa

cellphone niya. Maybe just this once.

Naglakad ako palabas sa garden. I felt his presence behind me. I heard Lindsey's sighs.

"Sup.."tamad kong sinabi.

"Goodness Shanelle Loveria! Don't you have any heart?"napataas ang isa kong kilay.

"My brother has been so restless this past few days. He even declined his job abroad! Why don't you two talk?"

"It's not my problem." I shot back.

"That's why I don't want a young girl. Still impulsive and stubborn."bulong niya na narinig ko naman.

"Excuse me! No one's asking!" I shouted. Nakakainsulto! Talagang pinamukha pa sa akin? Peter snatched his phone then talked to Lindsey. He pulled me closer to his body and put the phone on loudspeaker. I could hear Kuya swearing.

"Fucking fuck!! It was Bernard who told me that. Why not ask him to talk to your girl!"

"Shut the hell up and talk politely to Loveria. It's on loudspeaker Lindsey."matigas na sabi ni Peter.

Narinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya at nagmura ulit.

"Bernard I swear you'll regret this, shithead."

"I said talk to Loveria politely!"Peter shouted.

Napaatras na rin ako sa gulat. Natahimik si Kuya sa kabilang linya.

"Bernard told me about Amelia. If you know her, she was some model who was so obsessed with my brother-"

"Lindsey I'm gonna count now."Putol ni Peter sa sasabihin ni Lindsey. I didn't know but I find our situation funny..

"Okay, okay. Bernard got mixed up. I can show you our records. Peter was not in that cabin that night but somewhere else."

"I even have the CCTV recordings Shanelle."dugtong ni Kuya Lindsey.

"You can leave now." I said without looking at him. Napahinga nang malalim si Peter.

He cut the call and put his phone back inside his pocket.

"Love.. i swear to God.." his voice almost begging.

"Just leave. And go back to wherever you're supposed to be. Baka ako pa ang sisihin kapag nadelay yang promotion mo!"

He looked at me with red eyes and slowly turned his body towards the exit.

Napahabol lang ako ng tingin. Before he got in his car, he looked at me for the last time. Then drove his car out of our driveway.

Naparoll ako ng eyes. Sumuko agad.

Hindi man lang ako kinulit at pinilit.

What I thought was wrong. The next day, he came back with flowers and chocolates. As in halos mapuno ang living room namin. He asked me if he could stay with me at home.

"Love.. how's your night?" He said then placed my plate full of pancakes and chocolate syrup. On the side were berries.

He went to our fridge and pour strawberry juice in a glass then placed it beside my plate. He did the same for him.

"Bad." I grumbled. My menstrual cramps were killing me so I didn't sleep well and now I have a terrible headache.

I ate quietly.

He stood up quickly and get me a glass of water and some tablets..

"Try this love. You might need magnesium. It relaxes the muscles." He said then put two tablets on a serving plate with the water.

"Thanks." I said then took it all at once. After I finished with my food, I went back to my room. He stayed behind.

Hindi ko na maintindihan kung ano pang ginagawa niya dito kung may trabaho siyang dapat gawin abroad. Hindi ko naman mapuna dahil wala akong energy.

I woke up with some delicious smell. When I opened my eyes, it was Peter holding a tray.

I sat up and combed my hair with my fingers.

"You okay now?" He asked. I nodded my head and looked at him with sleepy eyes.

"I made you some beef broth with sauerkraut juice. This will help you with your headache."he said then laid it on my bed.

I finished the soup and lied back on my bed. He went out to take the tray and after a while he came back with some hot bottle.

"Still painful?" He asked.

"Just a little bit." I said then lie on my side. He slowly sat on my bed and removed his shoes. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang magsimula siyang tanggalin ang belt niya.

"What are you doing!" I couldn't believe him. May period ako! Kadiri. Ayoko namang ang first time ko ay may dugo ako!

"I wanna lay beside you."he said then pulled down his jeans and threw it on my couch.

"Turn your back on me." He ordered me softly. I looked at his boxer first. It had a huge bulge. Then looked at his face. He was watching me darkly.

Napatalikod na lang ako. My heart beat quickened again. I felt the bed dipped behind me and his arms pulled me towards him. His warm hard chest collided on my back. He placed his arm on tummy and felt the hot bottle pressed against it.

Napakagat labi ako. Inasikaso nya talaga ako at mas inuna.

"I'll put this on my calendar so I'll be able to take care of you all the time."he whispered then kissed my hair.

Biglang lumambot ang puso ko. Napag isip isip ko na rin kagabi pa iyong mga sinabi niya at ni Kuya Lindsey. Kuya Lindsey even sent me a record of their guest list,their room numbers and the video recordings. Amelia went inside that cabin that Bernard saw but Peter stay in a different floor. So mali talaga si Bernard.

"What about your job abroad?" I said sleepily.

"I already declined it love. And I rather be with you. You always comes first." He said. I smiled contentedly. Mas sumiksik pa ako sa kanya. Then he kissed me on my hair.

I felt safe.. and happy

In two days straight, he stayed and cooked for me. Wala akong masabi sa tyaga niya. At sobrang sarap ng mga luto niya. I couldn't help but to compare my food and his. Sobrang magkaiba.

On my third day, he taught me how to cook bicol express. His favourite. I told him that I would try to master it para mapatikim ko sa kanya.

Everything went well.

Sa umaga, we would hang around our garden. Tapos panay luto siya during the day dahil gusto nyang pakainin ako ng pakainin.

After lunch, we would stay in my hammock and have a nap. His phone was in my room kaya lahat ng atensyon niya nasa akin.

"Peter, what about your work?" I asked again. Hindi na ako mapakali kasi this would be his second day.

"I took a week off. Don't worry."

"But Kuya Lindsey said that you should be working abroad. Ano bang nangyari?"I was worried now.

"It's all good love. Don't worry."

Napapout ako. "But your job is more important. That's your career. Your dreams."

"No.. you're far more important. And I couldn't concentrate anyway if we have misunderstanding so I rather stay with you." He said then played with my bangle. We were on my hammock for our afternoon nap.

"I'm worried.."

"Nothing to worry about. I will still be your captain." He said then put me on top of his body. My chest was pressed on his hard ones.

Napatili ako pero naputol agad nang maramdaman ko ang init ng dibdib naming dalawa.

"Just rest so you're ready for school tomorrow. I'll pick you up and drop you off at school." His eyes were shade darker.

Napalunok ako at namawis.

Bigla bigla nalang talagang umiinit ang pakiramdam ko..

"Love.. I want to kiss you so bad.."he said huskily. Napatingin ako sa mukha niya. Para siyang nahihirapan.

Oh my! Baka bumigat na ako kaya nahihirapan na siya. Pakain kasi ng pakain sa akin.

"Teka.. mabigat na ba ako?" I tried to get up but he just pulled me back. Napasubsob ako sa dibdib niya.

"You're as light as a feather love." I pursed my lips.

"So.."he said. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"So what?" I asked confused. My heart beat so fast.

"My kiss.. i want it now." He said huskily.

"Okay!" i said then I quickly kiss him on the side of his lips. I felt naughty today eh.

He pouted his lips. Ang cute. Na ang gwapo at hot nang boyfriend ko.

"Here.." he said then pouted again.

Napatungkod ako agad sa hammock para lumayo.

"Hindi pa ako nagtotoothbrush!" Tanggi ko

He pulled me back again then his hands turned my head upward. I could see his burning eyes.

Napalunok ako. "B-Baka mabaho yong h-hininga ko Peter!"umiling ako ng umiling..

My heart was beating so hard and fast. I bet he can hear it.

"We'll see about that.. let me taste your mouth." He said then pulled my body up and pushed my head down.

The moment our lips touched.. it was so magical. Parang nag slow motion ang nasa paligid. I could only hear my heartbeat and feel his warm lips that were moving slowly.

With my trembling lips, I tried to copy him. When his tongue swiped on my lips, I opened it for him. Then he pulled my head more and angled it.

He sucked and played with my tongue. He bit my lower lip before releasing me. I gasped for air.

"Sweet. So sweet.." he said then pulled me again for another kiss. This time it was more intense. Our teeth were clashing so I opened my mouth more. I inserted my tongue too and he sucked it. Napakapit ako sa dibdib niya. Then I felt his lower part hardened.

Napalayo agad ako. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. His pupils were dilated while licking his red swollen lips.

"You did that to me love." Napaawang ang mga labi ko. I saw something flash in his eyes then pulled me again for a kiss.

I closed my eyes and kissed him back.

True to his words, his remaining days off were spent on me. Hatid sundo niya ako sa school.

My classmates noticed that I looked radiant and happy.

Well.. I'm really happy.. too happy.

After that kiss, he never ask me again for another one. He said we'll take our time. But every now and then he would squeeze my waist or my arms. Parang nanggigigil. Nakakatawa lang.

That intimacy we shared brought joy to me. Parang feeling ko he was also lusting after me. Parang nag level up na. Hindi na patweetums.

I just got out of my class when Kyla blocked my way.

Napangiti ako sa kanya. She was smiling too.

"Shanelle.. birthday ni Kuya ngayon.. he's hoping that you could come and celebrate it with us.."she said hesitantly.

Napatango agad ako. I remembered that he really made an effort to make me laugh when I was there so I couldn't see any harm coming to his party.

"Sino-sino ba ang mga nandoon?"

"Friends lang niya then my parents business partners. Pero hindi naman malaking crowd. It's only his fifteenth birthday kaya simple lang." biglang nabuhayan nang loob na sagot niya.

I nodded. "Sure. What time will be the party? I'll ask my driver to drop me off na lang."

"Six. Kuya can pick you up! Tutal siya naman ang nang istorbo sayo!"she said jolly.

"No.. that's fine.." Tanggi ko. We chatted for a bit then bid our goodbye.

My phone rang when I was inside my car. Peter went back to report in their head office. Kaya busy ulit siya. But he always calls me every morning and afternoon after my classes.

"Love.. are you home?" His husky voice greeeted me. Napangiti ako.

"Not yet. May kinausap pa kasi akong classmate ko about sa project then kinuha ko iyong books ko sa locker for my homework."kwento ko sa kanya.

"Okay then. What are your plans tonight?" He said. It was only three o'clock in the afternoon so may time pa akong gumawa ng homework before the party.

"Homework lang then maybe retire early.. why?" Napakagat ako ng labi because I lied. Kasi for sure, he wouldn't allow me to be alone there. Baka sumama pa siya or si Kuya Lindsey ang utusan niya. Sobrang protective niya sa akin. At ayoko namang makaabala.

"Good. I'll call you again before you go to sleep?"

"No! I mean, kung busy ka wag na. I understand your job Peter." Kinakabahang sabi ko.

"Hmm.."napakagat labi ako.

"Okay. I'll call you na lang." i suggested. Alam ko naman ang working hours nya.

"Okay then. Call me if you want my help with your homework." Nakahinga ako ng maayos. Buti naman nakalusot.

"I'm good. I have all the books I need! Talk to you later!" Sagot ko at pinatayan na siya ng tawag.

I quickly did my homework and prepared myself for the party. I picked a black puffed sleeves above the knee dress paired with black two inches heels and a lipgloss. I tied my hair in a bun. I grabbed my purse and headed out.

Kyla called me few times kaya I called her back. I was taken aback when their house was well lit. Akala ko ba simple lang? I wasn't sure anymore kung appropriate ang suot ko sa ocassion.

"Shanelle!!" Kyla said then ran towards my car. She already recognised my car kaya ang balak kong pag atras ay natigil.

Kuya Ram opened my door for me because I really hesitated. She pulled me out of my car and hugged me tight.

"Wow. You look so gorgeous Shanelle!" She said excitedly and pulled me to their backyard.

I looked around and found many young people everywhere. Bigla akong kinabahan nang makita ko si Kuya Lindsey sa bandang dulo.

Shit! Akala ko talaga konti lang ang invited.

"Girl, yong jowa mo may kasamang iba.."bulong ni Kyla sa akin.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. She was wearing a peach round neck bodycon dress. She looked so sexy and mature with her make up on.

Napailing ako at napatalikod nang makita kong sumulyap si Kuya Lindsey sa akin.

Nakita ko pa siyang nagsalubong ang mga kilay.

"Si Kuya mo ba nasaan? Iyong regalo ko.." kinakabahang tanong ko. She clapped her hand.

"Wow! So sweet naman Shanelle! Kanina ko lang sinabi may regalo kana!"she said distractedly habang nakatingin sa likod ko.

"Si jowa mo palapit dito.."bulong ni Kyla.

"Tara kay Carsen bilis.." sabay hila ko sa kanya.

"Wait up!" Sagot ni Kyla at nagpahila na rin.

Tumakbo kami papasok sa living room sa bandang dulo. It was a bit hidden. Nakita ko si Carsen na may kayakap na magandang babae doon so hindi muna kami lumapit. Nang maghalikan sila ay biglang napailing si Kyla.

"Babaero talaga." Natawa ako.

"Boys will be boys!" I said. Tumikhim si Kyla to get their attention. And she succeeded.

Carsen's eyes went wide when he saw me. He left the girl behind and came up to us. I felt bad for her.

"Hey.. happy birthday!" I greeted him and handed him my present. It was a Kobe Bryant's jersey with his signature. Kinuha ko lang sa cabinet ni Kuya. One of his flings gave it to him na hindi naman niya ginagamit. And Carsen told me about being a fan of Kobe kaya may present ako agad.

"Thanks Shanelle."sabi niya at napahawak sa batok habang tinatanggap ang regalo ko.

"Kuya! Hindi kana nahiya! You even have lipstick stain on your lips!" Kyla said then pulled me away. I could feel her anger.

"Nakakahiya siya. I invited you pa naman tapos ganon ipapakita niya sa yo!"nagngingitngit na sabi niya.

"Hayaan mo na. Tsaka taken na ako Ky.." I said.

Naglakad kami papunta sa gitna nang living room. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero napakunot ang noo ko when I saw a familiar car that stopped on their driveway.

Patay..