Chapter 19

"Wow! Just wow! Ang ganda! This place looks unreal!" bulalas ko habang hinahangaan ang nakamamanghang tanawin.

Before us is a very long breadth of immaculate turquoise water. Napakapino at napakaputi ng buhangin na wala ni isang bakas ng kahit isang maliit na basura mula sa kinatatayuan namin. Along the way are all sorts of trees that give a mysterious path to the water. White glitters are everywhere. The sun is kissing the white sand, its light seething into the cracks and folds of the leaves from the trees.

Napalingon ako kay Maverick na kabababa lang sa sasakyan. Tumawa ito at kinurot nang mahina ang pisngi ko pagkatapos ay inakbayan ako. Itinaas nito ang sunglasses sa ulo at tiningnan ako nang malamlam.

"You really love water, huh."

My smile widened as I can't help myself from containing the excitement to soak my body in the inviting water.

"Yeah, water is my first language. Sabi nga ni nanay, mas nauna raw akong natutong lumangoy kaysa magsalita. It's been years since I got to enjoy swimming like yesterday, thanks to you." Nginitian ko si Maverick.

"Years?"

"Years since I swim in real bodies of water. I've hated swimming in pools. I can't just stand the smell."

Ibinaba nito ang nakaakbay na kamay sa akin at ginamit para kunin ang isa kong kamay. He linked our fingers and started walking slowly.

"Kung ganoon, dalian na natin para mas masulit mo ang araw. Mukhang kukulangin pa ang isang linggo sa iyo sa sobrang lapad ng ngiti mo. If only you can see yourself."

Hindi mapatid ang ngiti sa mga labing nagpahila na ako kay Maverick, ang buong atensiyon ay nakatuon pa rin sa dagat.

Napadpad kami sa isang kubo na tindahan. Inilibot ko ang tingin sa paligid at nagtaka sa napansin.

"Hey Mav, tama ba itong pinagdalhan mo sa akin? Bakit parang walang tao? I thought tourist spot itong isla? Di ba peak season naman ngayon dahil summer?" Nagpalinga-linga pa ako para kumpirmahin ang napansin. "Did you rent the whole place? What's the name of this resort?" sunud-sunod ang tanong ko.

May sinabi muna ito sa lalaking nagbukas ng tindahan bago uli bumaling sa akin.

"Nasa other side nitong isla ang mga turista. This place here, all this you can see is exclusive only for the residents of the island." Inilahad nito sa kamay ang buong lugar.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "I thought you'll tour me around? If what you're after is privacy then we could have just stayed in your place."

"So impatient. We'll get there later. Bakit, ayaw mo ba dito? I presume you want me to tour you around. This is the first round of tour. Welcome to paradise." He winked at me. "The second paradise. Nauna na kasi nating puntahan kagabi yung isa," dagdag pa nito.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko. "Oh, that was paradise? What a lousy one."

Humalakhak ang lalaki. "Pakipot ka pa. Tumirik nga ang mga mata mo."

Awtomatikong nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig mula sa lalaki. Namula ang buong mukha ko sa pagkapahiya at nilinga ang kubo. Hinampas ko sa braso si Maverick.

"Must you say that? Baka may makarinig! Nakakahiya."

He gave me a shrug. "Joshua's out to get my key. Walang nakarinig pero kung meron man, it should never be a thing to be ashamed of. Kailan pa kasi naging kahiya-hiya ang magsabi ng totoo? Right, Fem? Hmmm?"

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata at marahas na nagbuga ng hininga. Dumilat ako pagkatapos.

"I know what you're doing. You're trying to ruin my day as your way of revenge for my rejection." Nginitian ko ang lalaki ng pagkatamis-tamis. "Manigas ka pero hindi mo masisira ang araw ko."

Lumapit lang si Maverick sa akin at hinaplos ang gilid ng labi ko. "You're hyperthinking everything." Bahagya nitong inalog ang likod ko. "Relax, Fem. I won't do anything you wouldn't like."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ko. "Good. So now while you wait for your key, I'll walk around and enjoy the sight without your presence, okay? Bye!" Bumitaw ako sa hawak niya at nagmartsa papunta sa dagat.

Ipinusod ko ang nililipad na buhok dahil sa malakas na hangin at hinubad ang suot na t-shirt ni Maverick. Underneath is my red bow tie two-piece swimsuit.

I stepped into the sparkling water and paused to take in its immense beauty. Hindi kagaya sa private beach house ni Maverick, may nakikita akong mga iilang tao sa unahan na naliligo. May ilang jet skii rin na nakadaong sa gilid.

Ganunpaman, hindi ito nakapingas sa angking kagandahan ng lugar. This even made it more fantasy-like.

I was about to plunge right into the deeper area of the water when a strong hand grabbed my waist.

I turned to see a half-naked Maverick.

"What?" I squinted at him.

Itinaas nito ang kamay. "You forgot to put on sunscreen. Masusunog ka kapag nagbabad ka sa ilalim ng araw nang walang panangga."

"Yeah, silly me. I was just too excited I forgot about it." I went with him when he nudged me to go back to the seashore.

He opened the bottle, poured a huge amount of it on his hand and apply it on my arms, over my shoulders, on my back, neck and stomach. His warm rough hands touching my body send  tingling sensations straight to my gut and down to my core.

I am definitely turned on especially when he's doing it while staring at me and making love with his eyes.

Damn those flirty eyes for being too effective.

I gulped when he knelt down in the sand and start smearing the sticky lotion into my butt cheeks, my legs down to my toes. Inilagay pa nito ang paa ko sa hita nito para daw mas madali nitong maabot.

He's clearly enjoying it.

I tried to ignore the fire he just ignited.

"There." Tumayo na ito at iniitsa sa tabi ng mga t-shirt namin na nasa buhanginan ang bote.

"Thank you." I coughed to try to take the lump off my throat. "Come on. The water's nice."

"Wait," he stopped me again by my wrist. He took out a small bottle from the pocket of his swimming trunks and wriggled it in the air. "You forgot to put sunscreen on your face. Let me put it on for you."

I almost laughed at his suggestion. "No, naglagay na ako kanina. Baka ikaw wala pa. Saan mo ba to nakuha?" I snatched the bottle from his hand and came closer to him.

"Joshua's. He offered to give me for you. Mukhang tinamaan yata sa iyo. Gusto kang makilala. That boy." Ngumiti ito pagkuway umiling.

In my head, a boy. Kaya naman pala.

"Ah, a minor. I'll meet him later na lang."

I put an ample amount on my hand, throw the bottle to the sand, and tiptoed to apply it on his face. I dabbed a dash of cream on his forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and then massaged it all over his face. I did it while avoiding his scorching gaze. Alam ko kasi ang susunod na mangyayari.

"Ang tangkad mo. Your height?" tanong ko habang ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa.

"6 feet and 2 inches." He encircled his hands on my waist and tugged me closer.

"Mali pala ang mga fans mo. They said you're somewhere between 6'3 to 6'4. Your weight?"

Dumako ang mga kamay ko sa leeg nito at ipinahid ang naiwang sunscreen.

He laughed softly and kissed my head. "175 pounds, I'm 27 years old and I live at every top floor of my hotel. You can come by anytime sweetie."

"No need to tell me that. I can just google that away."

Tinapik ko ang pisngi nito at hinila ang kamay ng lalaki.

"Tara na. Ligong-ligo na ako."

Tinakbo namin ang dagat at agad naglunoy. Binitawan ko ang kamay niya at agad na lumangoy palayo. Ang lamig pa rin ng tubig kahit malapit ng magtanghali. The water is so cool and refreshing.

I swim and swim and swim until I'm transported back to the days where I am still carefree at everything and all I have to worry about is that once a month visit to the mansion.

Doon malaya ako kahit nag-iisa. Doon masaya pa ako.

Sumagap ako ng hangin bago inilublob muli ang sarili sa tubig at lumangoy.

If only I could swim back to my life before that happened. If only.

May humila sa paa ko sa ilalim ng tubig kaya napatili ako. Inaninag ko ang ilalim ng tubig at nakita ang nakangising mukha ni Maverick. Lumitaw ang ulo nito sa harap ko.

"You're good. Nahirapan akong hulihin ka," hinihingal na wika nito matapos punasan ang tubig sa mukha gamit ang kamay.

Mayabang na ngumiti ako. "I know. May malapit na ilog sa aming probinsiya na araw-araw kong pinagpapraktisan. I could be in the Sea Games, you know?"

Lumapit ito sa akin at kinabig ako patungo sa kaniya.

"Walang duda. Now wrap your legs around me," utos nito.

"Ha? Why?"

"Just do it."

Nagtataka man pero sinunod ko pa rin ang gusto niya. Humawak ako sa mga balikat niya kaya ramdam ko ang buong katigasan ng kaniyang katawan. "Now what?"

"Breathe," utos uli nito, may kakaiba ng kislap ang mga mata.

"Fuentebella, what are you planning to do?" nanlalaki na ang mga mata ko.

"You talk too much."

Bigla na lang niya akong hinila pailalim sa tubig at sinakop ang bibig ko. My scream was drowned out.

I immediately parted my mouth and responded. He cupped my ass and rub his hardness on my thigh. I moaned underwater in his mouth and closed my eyes. I think we were kissing for far too long now before we rose back above the water.

I sucked for air when we break the kiss. That was a literal wet kiss.

Our bodies are still entangled. My hands on his neck and legs on his waist while his hands on my back.

"Ang alat," natatawang biro nito habang nakatitig sa aking labi.

"Tanga, malamang nasa dagat tayo," hinihingal kong sambit.

"Nagsisisi ako kung bakit lumabas pa tayo ng bahay. I want you," he said in a whisper and buried his face on my neck.

I let out a throaty laugh and gently held his chin to catch his eyes. "I want to torture you more."

I closed our gap and met his salty warm lips. The kiss we shared is hot and demanding as if we can't get enough of each other. I crushed my lips against his and meshed my body with his hard physique. I felt his hand inside my bikini top palming my already firm protruding bud.

I broke the kiss the instant his hand started untying my bra.

"Hey, stop," I hissed at him and looked around. "It's a public place."

Tumawa ito nang nakakaloko. "Lesson number one. Don't bite off more than you can chew."

"Whatever, Mav. Wanna race? It's a good exercise and an effective way to shun off your pervert thoughts. What do you think?"

"I like that."

Nagpalinga-linga ako.

"Okay. Kita mo yung babaeng naliligo sa parteng iyon? Kung sino ang unang makarating sa kaniya ang panalo."

"What's at stake?"

Nag-isip ako. "A question. The winner gets to ask the loser a question and he or she is obliged to answer it with utmost truthfulness. Ano, call?"

"One question and a true answer. Sounds good. Game."

"Okay. Game!" Itinulak ko nang malakas si Maverick at agad na lumangoy patungo sa finish line.

Tinawanan ko lang siya nang sumigaw ito na madaya raw ako.

As expected, I won.

"Paano ba iyan. You have to answer my juicy and fishy question my dear Mabmab," ngisi-ngising alaska ko dito na nakakunot-noo.

"No, let's start again. You clearly cheated," kontra nito.

"Oops, wala tayong rules na ginawa. Ang kasunduan lang ay kung sinong mauuna kaya panalo ako. Kaya ako ang magtatanong sa iyo. Makes sense? Of course it makes sense."

I crossed my arms and arched my eyebrows at him.

Amuse na tinitigan niya muna ako bago sinuklay ang basang buhok. "What a trickster. You'll go to places."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment but that doesn't change the fact that you have to answer my question."

Itinaas nito ang mga kamay sa ulo. "Wala na akong sinabi. Bring it on."

"Okay. What was the most unforgettable moment you have?"

"What is this? A beauty pageant?"

Sumimangot ako. "Sagutin mo na. A loser doesn't have the right to complain."

"Diktador ka pala, eh. Hmmm. Let me see. Ang dami kasi. But I think I'll pick that one in college when dad told me he'll give his dying hotel for me to manage after I graduate. I was so elated that time. I've been nagging him, no, I'm actually forcing and blackmailing him to gift the place to me. I love the place and I wanted to prove to the family that time that I can transform it back to its former thriving glory."

"Did you succeed?"

"No. The hotel went bankrupt after a year of managing it. I had to sell it off in the end. But here's an interesting thing. The money from that hotel became the starting capital for my empire now."

"Wow. Galing mo."

He winked at me. "I know. Tara, balik sa starting point. I will beat you. Magdadagdag rin ako ng rules. We have to count up to three before we start, okay?"

"Okay."

We swim back to the starting point and compete again. Maverick won.

"Ops, you can't say I cheated. I won fair and square." Inunahan niya ako bago pa ako nakapagprotesta.

I rolled my eyes. "I was just about to ask 'what's your question'."

"Good girl." He paused to think. "What was the most unexpected moment that happened in your life? Explain why."

"Parang essay question lang, ah."

"A loser doesn't have the right to comment on the question." He grinned.

Tinalsikan ko siya ng tubig sa mukha. "Gaya-gaya. Well, unexpected moment? Being here with you. It was so unexpected and sudden like never it has crossed my mind because I was so adamant in rejecting you. But look where I'm now."

Natahimik si Maverick at inobserbahan lang ako.

"O, balik na tayo. This time, I'll make sure to beat you the second time around."

But he still won.

"Only child ka?"

Natigilan ako sa tanong nito pero ipinaskil ko pa rin ang ngiti sa mga labi.

"No."

Tumalikod ako at iniwasan ang nagtatakang tingin ng binata.

Naka-ilang balik pa kami pero palagi na ay talo ako kaya umayaw na ako sa laro. We just decided to spend the hours floating in the water and sometimes racing again.

"Pagod na ako." My stomach growled. "At gutom."

Nilingon ako ni Maverick na nakalutang rin sa tubig. He flexed his muscles and turned his back on me.

"Come on. It's time to go to the other side." He motioned me to ride on his back.

Walang pag-aalinlangan na sumampa ako sa likod nito at ikinapit ang mga kamay at paa sa katawan nito. I put all my weight on him.

Nagsimula na itong lumangoy papunta sa dalampasigan habang para akong unggoy na nakakapit dito.

When we reached the shore, there are already bottles of water and two towels that were laid beside their shirts. Kinuha ni Maverick ang dalawang bote, binuksan ito at ibinigay sa akin ang isa.

"Salamat." Inubos ko ang tubig saka kinuha ang towel para tuyuin ang sarili. Pinagpag ko ang kumapit na buhangin sa t-shirt at isinuot.

And then Maverick is leading me to one of the jet skiis. I got thrilled with the idea.

Sumampa ito sa jet ski at nginisihan ako. "Ready for a ride of your life, sweetheart?"

Ibinalik ko ang ngisi sa kaniya. "Aye, aye, boat driver."

Napuno ng halakhak namin ang lugar. Inalalayan niya ako sa pagsakay sa likod at ikinapit ang mga kamay ko sa bewang nito.

"Kapit ka nang mahigpit."

"Okay."

He started driving and everything takes its own life. The pattern of wake lines materialize behind us as we crossed the waters. The wind on our faces blowing our hair away. The astonishing view of deep blue water surrounding us.

I closed my eyes and felt the strong breeze all over my body and Maverick's sinewy body beneath my grip. I'm trying to imprint everything in my mind making sure that they will stay there forever.

Because I came here with only memories and I will leave here with only memories.

I opened my eyes and kissed his nape.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Thank you for giving me a taste of freedom even for a short span of time.

Huminto kami sa dalampasigan kung saan kapansin-pansin ang pagkakaiba mula sa kabilang dagat. The shore here is filled with more people, of tourists consisting of majority of foreigners.

There are also establishments you can see from the shore. There are souvenir shops, restos, bars, and hotels.

"So this is where all the people are hiding, huh," ani ko pagkatapos kong abutin ang kamay nitong nakalahad.

"I wonder why you become so giddy all of a sudden. Planning something, huh?" wika nito nang magsimula kaming maglakad.

"Sira. I'm not planning to escape. I need the money."

Hindi na ito kumibo pero mas humigpit ang hawak nito sa kamay nito. He led me into an open nipa hut cottage floating in the water. May lumapit kaagad sa amin at inistima kami. We were given each a menu. After ordering, we just sit there in an awkward silence.

"You didn't bring your phone? What if some business emergency comes up that needs their CEO's intervention?" I opened up a conversation to try to get back our energy.

He snapped from his deep thought and looked up to me. "I have a very competent team. If my intervention is highly needed then expect someone to be here by now."

"Right."

Nag-iwas na ako ng tingin. Nawalan na kasi ako ng sasabihin.

Katahimikan na uli pagkatapos noon hanggang sa dumating ang mga pagkain. It's a seafood luncheon. Chili crab in a big platter, oyster Rockefeller, garlic butter scallops, mussel chowder, grilled shrimps and squid and steamed salmon. Mayroon ring watermelon shake in tall fruit glasses and mango juice.

Tahimik kaming kumain. Siguro sa sobrang gutom kaya wala na akong pakialam kung halos mag-iisang oras na kaming hindi nagkikibuan.

Napaangat ang ulo ko kay Maverick nang lagyan niya ang plato ko nang hinimay na crab at shrimps.

"It's their specialty. Ito talaga ang binabalik-balikan ko kapag nagbabakasyon ako dito sa isla."

"Thank you."

Halos masimot namin ang mga pagkain kaya napahalakhak na lang kami nang sunud-sunod ang ginawa kong pagdighay.

We chatted the hours away until it's time to go back to water once again.

We tried banana boat riding, kayaking, sea walking, and scuba diving. Pasado alas-singko na kami sa hapon umahon para saglit na magmeryenda. Pagkatapos ay naupo kami sa buhanginan at tinanaw ang mga taong naliligo sa dagat.

"Did you enjoy the day?" Pinagsalikop nito ang mga kamay namin at nilagay sa kandungan nito.

"Sobra lalo na ang scuba diving. That was the best experience."

"May mas exciting pa diyan." Tumayo ito at inabot ang mga kamay ko.

"May isa pa?" Kinuha ko ang mga kamay nito at tumayo.

"I saved the best for last."

He took me to a boat waiting from a distance with a crew in it.

"What are we doing, Mav?" Tanong ko rito nang umandar na ang bangka.

"Parasailing."Tumingin ito sa kalangitan. "The sun is setting. Wait till you see the phenomenon later. You'll thank me for showing it to you."

Tumigil kami sa gitna ng dagat. The crew started inflating the parachute in the air and then they strapped us in the life jacket and into the safety harness.

And when we were slowly hoisted up to the air, I felt my stomach churned from the inside.

Hindi ko napigilang mag-panic nang unti-unti kaming tumataas. "Oh gosh! Ang taas na!" Kumapit ako sa kamay ni Maverick at di napigilan ang sariling tumingin sa ibaba.

"Fuentebella!"sigaw ko nang itaas pa kami sa ere.

Tumawa lang ito saka hinawakan ang baba ko. "Don't look down. Focus on the view from here. Look at the horizon."

"Okay, okay. Just don't let me go, okay? Hawakan mo ako," pakiusap ko rito.

May nabasa akong kung ano na dumaan sa mga mata nito bago nito iyon madaling itinago. "You know I'll do. Now see the view?"

I turned at the horizon and gaped at the magic happening before our very eyes. The sun is setting.

Nag-aagaw sa bughaw na kalangitan ang pula, kahel at dilaw na kulay. The ball of fire is setting in this part of the world and it feels more emotional when you're up in the air witnessing it as if it's within your grasp.

"Ang ganda..." Nababato-balaning nakatitig lang ako sa araw habang unti-unti itong nawawala. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Maverick at parang bulang nawala ang nararamdaman kong takot kanina.

Nakangiting nilinga ko ang lalaki pero nabura ang ngiti ko nang makitang nakatitig ito sa akin. His gaze is so soft and intense at the same time I never want to look away.

"I want to kiss you," he whispered.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko at parang nauhaw ako bigla.

"Me too."

He slowly cupped my face and lowered his face on mine. I closed my eyes and waited having only seen the colors of the sun setting reflecting on his dark eyes. And when his warm lips descended on me for an unhurried sweet kiss that  almost got me teared up, I knew in myself right at the moment that I will not leave this place with only memories.

There is something more. It's deeper than I thought, something I want to explore if only we were in a different world and circumstances.

He grazed my lower lip with his tongue and deepened the kiss.

Maverick Fuentebella, I think I'm falling for you.