Chapter 4

PROMISE

Last night, we just had dinner then went to bed early. Siguro, I was totally drained kaya nakatulog ulit ako. Peter even insisted on staying with me. He got so worried that I might do something stupid again. Hindi pa rin niya talaga natanggap yong sinabi ko na nadulas lang ako kagabi. The receptionist was long forgotten.

So the next day when I woke up, I felt fresh and back to normal, I also found him sleeping peacefully on my bed with my head on his arm and the other one wrapped around my body. Even his leg was on my thighs. It looked so intimate and territorial. My face was on his hard chest. Naka tshirt siya at boxer.

Ngalay na ngalay na ako kaya marahan kong tinanggal ang mga nakapulupot na braso at hita niya sa akin.

I got out of the bed and showered. Nakakahiya kung makita niya akong mapangit sa umaga na may magulong buhok at puro muta at panis na laway! Samantalang siya naman ay fresh at gwapong gwapo pa rin.

I got out from the bathroom with only towel wrapped around my body. Tutal tulog pa naman siya so walang problema.

Pero nagkamali ako!

Napaatras ako nang makita ko siyang gising na at nakasandal sa headboard na may magulong buhok at namumungay na mga mata. Oh my!! Ang gwapo talaga at sexy! Napahawak ako ng mahigpit sa buhol ng tuwalya ko.

"Good morning love."bati niya sa akin sa namamaos na boses. I greeted him back in a whisper. He got off of the bed and walked to my bathroom. Inside, I heard the running water. Probably he was showering. Kumuha na siya ng mga damit niya kagabi para may pampalit.

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatrong nagbihis ako. My heart was beating so fast. When I was done and already drying my hair with my towel, I heard the shower tap goes off.

"Do you want to have breakfast here or downstairs?"narinig kong tanong niya mula sa banyo.

"Downstairs.."hindi ako makapaniwalang hindi man lang niya isinara ang pintuan ng banyo! Lumabas siya na tumutulo pa ang buhok at nakaboxers. He handed me my hair dryer so I took it quietly. I plugged it while watching him rub his hair with a towel. His bicep flexing.

Ang hot! Then he put his jeans on and sat beside me.

"Let me.." he said then turned the dryer on and massaged my head. Napapikit ako sa sarap ng pakiramdam. I moaned. I guided his hand para hindi lang sa isang place nakatutok iyong dryer.

When he was finished, I got up with my trembling knees and went to my bathroom to put some perfume and lip gloss on. Sobrang lakas nang tibok ng puso ko.

I saw him watching me through the mirror. He was leaning on the door frame. Looking at me darkly. Bigla kong naimagine na mag asawa na kami at ganito ang ginagawa namin tuwing umaga..

Napailing lang ako. Day dreaming...

"Let's go?" I quickly went out of the bathroom and grabbed my sling bag and my coat.

He helped me put my coat on then held my hand tightly.

Our holiday wasn't bad at all. All his attention was on me. On our third night, he still insisted on sleeping in my room!

Grabe lang. Akala ko ba he wanted to get some Korean girl here.. Gusto ko sana siyang paalalahanan eh. Kasi baka sabihin niya sagabal lang ako sa pambababae niya. Pero naisip ko baka nag eenjoy din siya na lagi akong kasama?

Atsaka marami pa namang araw.

And I promised that I would prepare myself when that day comes na may dadalhin siyang babae sa kwarto niya. Kahit masakit, I would accept it. Wala eh.. Gusto ko na siya. He was gentleman and patient. He always do what I want without hesitation. I think I like him na. Or baka love na.. I'm still young so maybe this is puppy love?

I started looking on the internet about men para may alam ako, and I was shocked when I found out that most of the time, all they think about was sex. So even if it would cost me pain, I would let him do that to other girls. But once I'm grown up, I would give it to him too para ako na lang ang gustuhin nya!

"Love, what about this?" I was looking for a souvenir sa Cartier when I saw love gold bangles with diamonds around it! May kapartner din. Parang panlalaki naman. It was silver and the design matches the gold one but without the diamonds.Gusto ko sana kaya lang masyadong mahal! So kahit masakit sa loob ko lumipat ako to get something for my mom and myself. Naiwan si Peter doon.

I checked their jewelries some more and finally decided get gold bee earrings for me and mommy. While daddy and Kuya Ashmere would have silver bracelets with their names engraved on it.

When I was done paying for it, I saw Peter talking to the saleslady and she handed him a paper bag.

Napakibit balikat lang ako. Maybe for his mom and dad.

I walked towards him with a big smile. I saw his eyes sparkled too. Too beautiful.

He took my bag with me and held my hand tightly.

We walked hand in hand and went to the food market. I got tons of our pictures together. He even posed for me. Lahat ng trip ko ginagawa niya. Nakakatawa lang dahil ang laki niyang lalaki pero hindi man lang siya naghesitate na pagbigyan ang mga hiling ko.

On our last day, we planned to visit Hwagae after dining in a Michelin starred restaurant.

So I readied myself and put the best dress I have. Buti nalang pala at may naisiksik ako. It was a beige high neck midi dress with ruffles. It was longsleeves too para hindi masyadong malamig. I also put some make up on para naman magmukha akong matanda. Kinikilig na ako ngayon palang. I bet we look good together.

I was so excited that I paced back and forth while waiting for him. He knocked after five minutes.

I greeted him with a smile. He was a knockout. Ang gwapo niya sa suot na dress shirt at black jeans. He had his coat on too.

I grabbed my coat and held his arm when he offered it. My heart was beating so loud.

When we got to the restaurant, I was awed by the design and also the food! Superb! Then after our dessert, a violinist came and played for us.. I looked at him surprised. He stood up and offered his hand. Napatingin ako sa mga tao and sure enough they were looking at us while smiling.

I took a deep breath and placed my hand on his palm.

"Happy Birthday Love.." he whispered huskily.

"T-thanks.." i murmured. He pulled me closer and I could feel his fast heartbeat. Kinakabahan din ba siya?

We danced until my feet hurts. When we were about to go back to our table, I found two medium size boxes on our table.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Peter.."

He smiled and guided me to sit then he pulled his chair closer to me.

He took the box and when he lifted the lid, I was shocked! It was the gold bangle that I fancied two days ago! I was so speechless. Ang mahal nito..

He took it out with his shaking hands and put it on me. Our skin touched and I felt goosebumps on my skin.

I stared at his face. His eyes were sparkling and have a tender smile. Napangiti na rin ako. And hugged him immediately. He was caught off guard but hugged me back. He kissed my hair and forehead.

"Pero ang mahal nito.." i said.

"That's nothing compare to what you've given me love." He said then kissed me on the tip of my nose. I closed my eyes while smiling. Buti pala at pumayag akong kasama siya. This was the best trip I've ever had.

"Okay.. now you have to put my bangle too." He said. I withdrew and excitedly took the other box and opened it. The silver one glimmered under the light.

"Thank you for making my birthday special!" I said happily after putting his bangle.

"Thank you for giving me so much happiness love. I promise that I'll wait for you. And when the day comes.. We'll get married and have our own family." Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Marry him?

Bigla akong napaiyak. Sobrang saya ko. Ibig niya bang sabihin ay gusto din niya ako?

"Love.. don't cry. I'll make sure you fall for me first before we get married." He said then kissed my forehead.

Our night ended walking along the Hwagae while watching the cherry blossoms fall. Sobrang romantic at kahit nasa hotel na kami ay sobrang nag uumapaw pa rin sa saya ang puso ko. At sobra kong naappreciate na hindi niya ako pinilit na halikan siya. Sobrang gentleman at patient.

And I think I'm falling for him..

Two more years had passed by. I was on my grade eight. While my Kuya just finished his college and flew to America for his Masteral. He was also busy helping our parents with our company.

I was alone in our big mansion because I didn't want to leave our country.

My mind was set to be Peter's wife kaya as much as possible ay gusto ko siyang nasa malapit lang.

Kuya Coles and Kuya Lindsey was now working in their family companies while my soon to be boyfriend was working as a deck officer. Then from there, he would get promoted.

Sa tuwing bababa sa barko si Peter ay lagi kaming magkasama.

I didn't know if my parents and his knew about us because they never ask me. They just let me hang around their house and vice versa. Tita Patricia was always kind and treats me well even before. Walang pinagbago.

Lagi rin akong namamasyal sa kanilang head office or sa barko kung saan siya nakatalaga.

Sobrang proud ako dahil kitang kita ko kung gaano siya kadedicated sa propesyon niya.

My car stopped at the harbour and I quickly got out of the car.

I straightened my crumpled above the knee backless dress and my hair. Maghahatid lang ako ng lunch kina Kuya Lindsey and Peter. Medyo napaaga lang ako dahil may dadaanan pa ako bago dumiretso sa classmates ko para gumawa ng projects. Kinuha ko ang paper bags at naglakad nang mabagal. Bigla akong kinabahan pero pinagkibit balikat ko lang.. I'm always nervous whenever Peter's around so wala nang bago.

I asked their crews and told me to head to the deck.

I smiled at everyone. Sa isang taon na pagpunta punta ko dito ay nasanay na rin sila sa akin.

I decided to sneak behind them. To surprise them. But my smile faded when I heard Kuya Lindsey laughing about last night's rendezvous.

Napasandal ako sa wall. For support. Then peeked at them. They were looking at the sea so I couldn't see their faces.

Narinig kong tumawa ulit si Kuya Lindsey.

While Peter was probably smiling too while shaking his head.

"I knew you knocked her off last night dude. Some birdy told me today. How was Amelia in bed? Did she justify what she portrays in her magazines and movies?"Lindsey's voice was lace with curiosity.

Patuloy lang ang pag iling ni Peter.

"Come on dude! Bernard saw her last night when she came out of your cabin!"angal na ni Kuya Lindsey.

Napasandal ulit ako ng maramdaman ko ang kirot sa puso ko. And my tears flowed. I wiped them away.

I should just shrug this off. It was my fault anyway. I'm too young for him. Ni hindi pa nga nya ako nahahalikan sa mga labi. I'm probably so unappealing. Tapos iyong dibdib ko pa konti lang ang inilaki.. Maybe I couldn't turn him on. So he would get someone to satisfy his needs.

My tears flowed non stop. If he could just wait for another year. For sure my body would be the same as any other models he had sex with. And even though I'm too young, I would ready myself for him..

I tightened my hold on the paper bag and took some deep breath. I tried to block my ears and think of something happy para mawala ang iniisip ko. But Kuya Lindsey was so persistent. Pati ang tainga ko..

"Just give a score, come on..Keira was also one of your one night stands in Boracay right?"he said then laugh.

Napalunok ako. So hindi lang pala isa? Sa two years ba na magka MU kami, sumaside line siya palagi?

I heard laughters.. I covered my ears and ran away. I didn't care if they can hear my footsteps. I just wanted to leave this place and think about everything.

"Oh hija, you didn't see Peter?" Captain Emmanuel said. He was with Bernard and some crews. Bernard was watching my face. Napatango lang ako at iniwas ang tingin sa kanya. I wiped my tears and smiled.

I saw Cap furrowed his eyebrows. "Something's wrong?"he asked worriedly.

Napailing na lang ako. I wanted to leave. So bad..

"I'm good po. I'm just in hurry po. Kuya Bernard, would you be kind enough to give this to the twins?" I asked then handed him my paper bags. He just raised his brow but ended up taking the bags.

"As always.. Peter's lucky to have a lovely chef with him.." Cap commented. I smiled sadly to myself then showed them my forced smile.

"Do you want me to walk you to your car Shanelle?" Kuya Bernard said. I just shook my head. Sobra na ngang pagpipigil ko na hindi umiyak.

Kuya Bernard saw everything last night So baka kalat na dito sa barko kung gaano ako katanga at kalandi. Because I'm too young and yet pinagsisiksikan ko ang sarili ko kay Peter! Panay punta ko at hatid ng mga pagkain sa kanila.

I bid my goodbye then ran down the stairs.

I heard Peter's voice calling me when I was about to open my car door. I suddenly froze. Then decided to leave.

"Miss, si Sir Peter po." Kuya Ram said when I get in my car.

"Let's go kuya. I'm needed somewhere else." I said crying then locked my door. I held my face down. To hide my tears. When Kuya didn't move. I glanced at him.

"Please po. Let's go." I begged. Kuya started the engine then manoeuvred it out of the parking.

I heard series of knocks on my window then Peter tried to open my door. I just looked at his beautiful face.. too beautiful that it hurts.

"Tara na po." I said sternly then we left. I never looked back.

I switched my phone off and concentrated on our project. I didn't have problem with my service because I already told Kuya Ram to pick me up after four hours. And I enjoyed talking to my classmates and Kyla's big brother and his friends. We were nine. Five girls and four boys. Kyla's big brother Carsen was a year older than us. Him and his friends were already playing basketball when I arrived at their house. Then after naming matapos sa project namin nag aya na si Kyla na manood sa crush nyang si Train. So we agreed.

I was laughing at what Carsen said when a Mustang parked in front of us. Natigil ang pagtawa ko nang makita si Peter na bumaba sa sasakyan na may madilim na mukha. I turned my back and continued talking to Kyla. My classmates gasped and sure enough Peter pulled me away from Kyla and Carsen.

"Sabi na kasi Kuya. Taken na siya." I heard Kyla whisper to Carsen.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang dire-diretso akong hinila ni Peter palapit sa sasakyan niya.

I tried to struggle. He just couldn't drag me like this!

"Hey!"Puna ko sa kanya ng sapilitan nya akong ipasok sa kotse niya.

"I'll take you home." He said sternly.

"You can't force me to go with you Peter!" I shouted. He stopped then looked at me. Fire burning in his eyes.

"So you rather stay with that boy?" He clenched his jaw.

"Kuya Ram will fetch me! And why are you here? Bumalik ka na sa trabaho mo. I'll just see you tomorrow."mabilis akong lumabas ng kotse niya.

"I already talked to Ram. He won't come." Napataas ang kilay ko. He was still clenching his jaw. I looked away.

Bakit parang ako ang may ginawang kasalanan?

"I- I'll just let them know then." I said coldly. Then turned my back on him.

"What's our problem now? We were just fine this morning.." he said with frustration.

"None.." I answered emotionless.

I talked to my classmates about our project and bid my goodbye. I smiled at Carsen and his friends who were watching me. Before I get in the car, I waved at them.

Now what? Maybe I was too young to know what to do. Maybe I couldn't keep a serious relationship. Maybe.. I need to let go..