Chapter 2

ONLY

After the kissing incident, mas lalo akong nailang sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganoon. I kissed Kuya Lindsey and Kuya Coles every now and then pero nung siya na, parang nagkaroon ng malisya ang nasa pagitan namin! Or ako lang ang nagbibigay ng malisya?

I tried to act normal, I even called him Kuya like how I call his twin but he got angry and irritated. So after that I stopped calling him kuya. Nakakatakot!

One day, I got into a fight. I went home full of scratches and hair in a mess. The reason? My brother and his friends being playboys. Apparently my brother dated one of my schoolmate's sister and left her broken and pregnant!

At first I couldn't believe it. I told her to stop bad mouthing my brother. But she showed me photos of them together. Kissing and dancing. Even Kuya Lindsey and Kuya Coles were there. Having fun with each girl by their side. I saw Peter too with some bleach blonde skinny girl hugging him from his back!

Shaking with anger, I stormed inside our theatre room where they usually hang out.

The lights were dimmed and some movie was playing when I entered the room. I heard moans and loud music playing but I didn't pay attention. I squinted my eyes to adjust my vision and ran towards my brother. Kuya Coles shouted in surprise and switched the screen off. Then the lights went on.

My brother, and Kuya Lindsey were looking at me with wide eyes. Then they all stood up. I looked around and found Peter sleeping with his arms crossed over his chest on our couch. He looked like an angel but he was really a devil incarnate!

"Do you know these girls?" Gigil kong tanong at tinapon sa kanila ang mga pictures.

Kuya Coles and Kuya Lindsey tried to catch it. But some flew in different direction.

My brother just stood there watching me. He clenched his jaw when he saw my tear stained face. And probably I looked like hell from the scratches.

"What happened to you? Who did that?" He said angrily.

"You tell me! I thought you're different! Ngayon, dahil sa pagiging playboy mo pati ako napapaaway! Hindi mo man lang iniisip na may kapatid kang babae. And yet you play with girls feelings!" Umiiyak na sigaw ko sa kanya.

Natigilan silang tatlo. In the peripheral vision, Peter quickly sat up straight then looked at us.

Napalunok si Kuya. And tried to come near me. I stepped back twice.

"You filthy dog! You impregnate her! Then dumped her? What the fuck!" I screeched. Then grabbed the throw pillow and smacked his head.

"Wait Princess.." Kuya Coles tried to stop me. "You stop! Mga wala kayong kwenta! Lalo ka na!" I pointed my finger at Kuya. He was standing there looking hurt. But I didn't care! It was his fault anyway!

"May kapatid kang babae. You should've known better. Akala ko matalino ka! Paano kung ako naman ang pinaglaruan at binuntis! I hate you!! all of you!" I said then threw them everything I could get.

I felt strong arms went round my tummy. Napatigil ako ng bumulong siya.

"Love.. you'll get hurt. Please stop now." Peter said while his lips were on my hair.

Bigla akong napalayo sa kanya at hinagis ko ang baso sa kanya. He caught it with ease. Lalo akong nag ngitngit!

"Isa ka pa! Mga makakati! Mga walang kwenta! I hate you! Never show your faces to me again!" I said then ran to my bedroom.

I locked myself in my room. I would never ever want to see their faces again. I felt betrayed.

After few days at school, I heard from my fellow schoolmates that my brother challenged that pregnant girl to get a DNA after she gives birth and if hindi sa kanya, he would file a lawsuit against her and her family. Then suddenly my schoolmate who I had a fight with changed her tune. Dati kinakalat niyang nabuntis ang ate nya ng kuya ko. Now, hindi naman daw pala si Kuya ang nakabuntis.

She even apologised to me. She just jumped into conclusions daw. Kasi biglang umuwing umiiyak iyong ate niya tapos si Kuya ko lang daw iyong laging bukambibig kaya akala niya si Kuya ko ang nakabuntis.

I told her that I didn't want to see her face again. So she scrambled out of my way. And hindi niya na pinatapos ang school year. Umalis na silang pamilya at balita ko nasa England na. Dahil sa kahihiyan.

While at home, I stopped talking to my brother and his friends. They tried to act like nothing happened na mas lalong nagpakulo sa dugo ko.

My parents were away kaya nagagawa nila ang gusto nilang gawin!

Every night, pinapahatid ko na lang sa kwarto ko ang dinner ko. At ibinababa ko nalang kapag alam kong tapos na silang kumain. At kahit naayos na ang situation ko sa school, hindi ko pa rin sila mapapatawad for playing with girls feelings.

Sa tuwing bababa ako I always see Peter everywhere at ako lagi ang umiiwas. Halos dito na siya tumira eh. At ako lagi ang nag aadjust sa sarili kong bahay!

"Don't you have your own house po?"i spat angrily when I saw him in our kitchen. He looked at me with sad eyes. Napatigil ako. I furrowed my eyebrows when I felt a twitch in my chest upon seeing his beautiful sad face. Umiwas ako ng tingin. Gusto ko na siyang umalis. Dahil sa tuwing nakikita ko siya, nakikita ko lang yong babaeng nakayakap sa kanya! Hindi ko maintindihan pero sumasakit ang loob ko! Kaya mas magandang wag na siyang magpakita pa sa akin.

"Bakit sa tuwing bababa ako, andito ka! Naiinis na ako sa pagmumukha nyong apat!"galit kong sigaw.

Still no response, I turned my back.

"Bwisit."

His large hand grabbed my arm.

"What did I do this time love?"he said quietly. His eyes looking at my face. Trying to read my reaction.

I rolled my eyes. "If you're worried about that pictures, I can assure you that nothing happened between us. She just suddenly came up to me and hugged me. I swear." He said with a hint of desperation in his voice.

I struggled to make him let go off me.

"Let go!"i shouted.

"No, not when you're bothered like this. Please tell me what you're thinking."he tried to touch my cheek.

I hit his hand.

"Never touch me again with your filthy hands!"I said acidly.

He let me go but blocked my way. He was so huge that his frame almost occupied our door.

"Please let's talk love."he said frustratedly.

"I don't want to see you face ever again!"I pushed him hard.

He stepped back and let me go with his shoulders slumped forward.

I looked back at him and rolled my eyes.

Prick!

Pagkauwi ko sa bahay, I noticed my parents car so I rushed to welcome them home. At long last..baka pwede akong mag request na sa condo nalang muna ako!

Last few weeks kinda made me so busy with our finals and clearance. Next year I would be enrolled in an all girl school in high school. Si Kuya pa rin ang nasunod.

"Mommy! Daddy!" I shouted then ran to our garden. They usually stay there para magpahangin.

"Well, my Princess!" Daddy embraced me tightly and kissed my head. I jumped on Mommy and kissed her cheeks.

"I missed you so much po." I said and smiled prettily.

"We missed you too." Daddy pulled me to sit beside them on the couch.

"We are just planning for your birthday party Princess. Daddy wants you to have a big party." Mom said then patted my head.

I leaned on her shoulder and embraced her side way.

"No.. i want something simple po. Iyong tayo lang! Tutal bakasyon naman, bakit po hindi nalang tayo magabroad like the last time?" I suggested. I never was fond of big crowd and media.

"But Princess, I just wanted to show them how beautiful my daughter is." Daddy said smiling.

I shook my head. "Please! I promise, sa eighteen birthday ko po we'll have a big party. But now, there's no use. I'm not even a teenager yet." I pouted. Napatawa si Mommy.

"I told you Dad. Let her do what she wants." Napabuntong hininga si Dad.

"What can I do? Pinagtulungan nyo na akong mga magagandang dilag?" I snickered with what my father said. Ampangit pakinggan. Mommy just shook her head while smiling.

"I love you Dad! I love you Mom!" I said then hugged them tight again.

"In a week na po iyong commencement exercise ko. Are you coming po?" I asked them.

"Of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world my Princess." Dad said.

"Okay po! I'll go get changed!" I exclaimed then ran back inside. I saw my brother coming out of our living room kaya mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin at dumire-diretso lang. He stopped and I could feel his stares on my back.

I was still angry at him kaya bahala siya sa buhay niya.

He had to change or he would lost me..

"Kuya, Are mommy and Daddy around?" I asked my driver Kuya Ram when we stopped at our driveway.

"On the way na Miss." Kuya said. I nodded and went out of my car.

Napastretch ako ng braso. Nangalay ako sa mga binuhat kong gamit kanina. I took my pink back pack with me and walked towards our house.

Napataas ang kilay ko ng makitang nakapatay ang ilaw.

Asan ang mga kasambahay namin? Naguguluhan na pinindot ko ang switch at nagulat ako sa nakita ko!

At the bottom of our staircase were my brother and his three friends wearing pink skirts and pink spaghetti strap top with ugly make ups. Kuya Ashmere was holding a big pink teddy bear with a heart on his tummy,and bouquets of pink roses. While the three had paper bags and roses too.

That was epic! I wanted so bad to laugh pero pinigil ko. I kept my blank face.

Kuya Lindsey was struggling to walk towards me while holding a bouquet of roses because of his high heels.

He offered a small smile but I just glared at him. He stepped back then walked behind me to give way for Kuya Coles. He gave me his roses too and some paperbags. I could see their regrets.

Dapat lang.

When it was Peter's turn, I pursed my lips. Nakakatawa talaga siya. He even had some clips on his hair! Sobrang nag effort para patawanin ako.

"Love.. I hope you let me make up to you." He said then handed me his roses, paperbags and heart chocolate box. Halos hindi ko na mahawakan kaya kinuha agad ni kuya Lindsey ang iba kong hawak.

Peter stood behind me too. Naninindig ang mga balahibo ko dahil nararamdaman ko ang mainit na singaw ng katawan niya. Iba talaga ang epekto niya sa akin.

When my brother stepped infront of me, he pressed the teddy bears tummy and I heard their voices saying they were sorry.

Of course, I nodded and my Kuya embraced me. Sobrang namiss ko na rin kasi siya. Tama na yong nagsorry sila and I was hoping he would never do that again. Hurting girls' feelings.

When everything was settled, they removed their heels and complained.

"Buti naman at naranasan nyong magsuot nyan. Para maappreciate nyo ang hirap namin!" I smirked.

"I'll never make you upset ever again." Kuya Coles said then patted my head.

I hooked my hand around his waist para sana maglambing. I really appreciated their effort. Pero nagulat ako ng bigla siyang nahiwalay sa akin at nakita ko si Peter na nakakunot noong nakahawak ng mahigpit sa blouse ni Kuya Coles!

"Hala!" I exclaimed.

Kuya Ashmere and Lindsey went to the kitchen to check our dinner.

"Sorry." I heard Kuya Coles said then tapped Peter's shoulder.

Napatingin nalang ako ng pumasok din siya sa dining. So bale kami nalang ni Peter ang naiwan. Bigla akong kinabahan na naeexcite. My heart was beating so loud.

Lumakad palapit si Peter sa akin at parang walang nangyari at sumabay sa pagpasok ko sa dining.

Anong nangyari doon?

After my commencement exercises, our family decided to have lunch at the Silva's. My favourite restaurant. Halos mapatalon ako ng makita ko sina Kuya Coles and Lindsey.

They congratulated me and gave me some presents. Sobrang spoiled ko talaga! I embraced them tight and thanked them.

When I was about to go back to our table, Peter suddenly appeared in front of me and handed me one big bouquet of red roses and a big box. Napangiti ako ng malaki at inabot ang mga ito.

Kahit naiilang ako ay hindi naman ako rude so I tiptoed and kissed his cheeks. Pero namali ako kaya napasubsob ako sa dibdib niya. Buti na lang dahil nahawakan nya ako agad sa mga balikat. I felt the tingling sensation with our skin contact. Napaatras ako. I was wearing my halter dress! But I felt naked all of a sudden.

Ngumiti nalang ako ng alanganin at sinubukan ulit siyang halikan. He just stepped back and shook his head.

"I'll do it. You're carrying so many stuff in your hands."he said huskily and slowly dipped his head.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ang init at lambot ng mga labi niya sa pisngi ko. Bigla akong kinabahan at pati puso ko ay doble ang tibok!

Napalunok ako at ngumiti ng pilit nang dahan dahan niyang binawi ang mukha niya. I saw his eyes became intense and he smiled darkly.

My smile vanished. When Kuya Ashmere cleared his throat, bigla akong natauhan. I almost ran back to our table.

During our lunch, I never lifted my eyes up from my plate. Because Peter was in front of me! I just ate quietly while they talked about business, college and plans for their summer holiday.

My mom tapped my arm lightly. Bigla akong napatingin sa kanya.

"Princess, we were talking about your vacation. Okay ba sayo yong plano namin?"Mommy asked

I looked across the table and found Peter's intense eyes looking at me. I suddenly felt nervous. I always feel silly and stupid whenever his eyes were on me.

Napatango lang ako at yumuko ulit.

"That's good then. It's all settled. My princess, since we cannot come with you in Korea, Peter will be your escort. How's that?" My mom said joyfully. My eyes went wide.

Oh my! I looked at Peter. He had some a ghost smile on his lips. His blue eyes were sparkling.

I knew I am in trouble..

Mommy and Daddy were always busy with our business. Pati si Kuya ay busy na rin. He's only nineteen pero nagti-train na rin siya sa company namin. He was taking up Engineering while I would take Architecture in the near future.

We have construction company, we own resorts, condominiums and big buildings that we leased to businesses around Asia, North America and Europe.

While his friends, Kuya Coles and Kuya Lindsey were both taking up BS Business Administration major in management and Peter was taking up BS Marine Engineering.

Wright's family owned malls around the globe. And the Allison's owned shipping vessels that transport goods all around the world. I've heard that they would branch out to commercial cruise ships tour too. And soon, Peter would be the Captain.

My parents couldn't come with my holiday kaya si Peter ang nagprisinta. Nag aalangan ako dahil sa ganito pa nga lang na marami kaming kasama ay hindi na ako mapakali, paano pa kaya kapag kami nalang dalawa?

And I was wondering why Peter had time to spare on his summer holiday because he was also busy working with their company same as Kuya Lindsey.

When my parents gave me the tickets of my trip to Korea after our lunch, wala na akong nagawa. They also forwarded Peter's ticket electronically. Tuloy na tuloy na talaga. I couldn't complain.

It was late afternoon when I finished packing my luggage then I went out to our garden.

The breeze was so good so I climbed up the tree and settled on the big branch. Palagi ako dito kaya panatag na ako.

I waited for the sunset. It had been a while since the last time na nanood ako ng sunset. Sobrang busy ko kasi sa school. When the orange hues had spreaded out across the sky, I took out my phone to capture it. Pwede ko rin sigurong ipaint ito..

I got engrossed taking pictures that I only focused on my phone.

"Love, you can't do that anymore."I heard a husky voice below.

Bigla akong napatingin kaya I lost my balance. I tried to grabbed anything but unfortunately it was only a frail branch.

I shrieked and closed my eyes when I felt my body falling so fast. But a pair of strong arms caught me. I heard him grunt from the impact. And series of curses.

I opened my eyes slowly. I saw him looking at me darkly. Anger sparkling in his blue eyes.

I swallowed hard and offered a smile and a peace sign. But when he didn't smile back, I pouted.

"You naughty girl." He said then put me down. Napatingin ako sa mga braso niyang nasaktan. Baka napilay siya?

Suddenly I became nervous. Baka kung napaano siya! "Are you okay? Baka napilay ka!" Nag aalala kong tanong. Lumapit ako to check his muscled arms but he just raised his eyebrow at me.

Napapout ulit ako. Bigla ko siyang binitiwan. "You should worry about yourself. You're too skinny, if I didn't catch you, you'll end up in the hospital." He said darkly.

"Hey! Syempre bata pa ako! Kaya I'm skinny. I'm only eleven no!" I said with a scowl.

He looked at my chest. Abat! Bwisit. Nakakainsulto.

"Button up your blouse."

Napatingin na rin ako sa dibdib kong nakaexpose. Ano ngayon kung maliit lang? Bata pa ako. As if naman iyong mga naging babae niya lahat malalaki ang dyoga!

"Excuse me lang po! I'm skinny and tall. Like models. At itong dibdib ko, lalaki pa kaya wag mong mainsulto!" I defended my body.

"Jesus!" He said then removed his hoodie and put it on me. Ang mabango nyang amoy ang pumutol sa balak kong pakikipag argumento sa kanya.

"You'll be the death of me love."he said. Problematic.

Bigla akong natauhan kaya agad kong tinanggal. But he pulled my hands down and secured them with his big veiny hand.

"Stop being a brat and follow what I tell you to do."he said then clenched his jaw.

"I'm not one of your women who follow you like a lost puppy!"i said defiantly.

"Of course. Because you will be my only woman."he said and lifted me up like a sack of potato.

"Peter! Let me down!"i screamed at the top of my head. I punched his back but it didn't even hurt him. Instead I flinched and stop. I was the one who got hurt.

I pouted and clutched his shirt instead. I didn't want to fall face first on the tiled floor.