Chapter 4 - Frog Prince

Time flies so fast that we don't even realized it.

It's been two weeks mula nang bumalik sa Manila ang mga kaibigan ko kaya heto ako, mag-isa ulit. But I don't feel alone though, Aciel and Axian sometimes drop by to make sure I was doing okay here. Ayoko sana silang abalahin dahil kaya ko naman ang sarili ko kaso binilin daw kasi ako sa kanila nina Drew at Shiela. Grabe talaga ang magpinsan na yun, ginawa akong bata.

Aciel's really nice and sweet. Madali kaming nagkasundo. While her brother? Never mind. Daig pa niya ang climate change kasi ang bilis magpalit-palit ng mood. Ang hirap niya basahin. Bihirang bihira din kaming mag-usap. 

"You're going out?" Shiela asked the moment her face appeared on the screen of my laptop. We promised to call each other everyday. Clingy.

"Yeah. I have interview today." I replied.

"Bakit ba kasi kailangan mo pa mag-apply? You can work as freelancer naman para hawak mo oras mo."

"I love working in a design firm, you know that."

"Dito ka na lang kaya sa Manila? You can stay here in my condo para magkakasama na tayo," she offered once again which I already declined a few days ago.

"I can't. Hindi pwedeng malaman ni mommy na nakabalik na ko." Ang alam kasi ni mommy pumunta akong Italy. Nailigaw ko yung mga alipores niyang nagbabantay sa akin.

Shiela placed her hand under her chin na parang nag-iisip.

"Hindi ko maitindihan yang nanay mo. Dati naman okay kayo. But Jec, alam mong hindi 'to magtatagal right? You know you're mom. Malalaman at malalaman niya rin na nandito ka na."

I just shrugged. "Bahala siya. Basta sasamantalahin ko muna ang kalayaan ko. Sige na, alis na ko. Talk to you later!" 

"Okay, goodluck! Sana matanggap ka at sana makita mo na doon ang forever mo." She blew a flying kiss to me. Loka loka.

****

"You're a Bradford?" A man in his mid 40's and dressed in a grey suit looked at me with his eyes widened and mouth dropped open. That's when I realized he was surprise because of my surname. 

"Jeacelle Bradford, 28. I worked as an interior designer in Hamilton Group of Interior Designer." I supplied. 

We've talked for a couple of minutes, asking me questions and I answered them without breaking any sweat. He scanned my portfolio, glancing at me from time to time. Then he composed his self and nodded, however he still giving me a confused look. 

"You came from a powerful family, why do you want to be a part of our small design firm when in fact you can build your own empire?" napapantastikuhang tanong nito.

"It's just a surname, sir. I want people to acknowledge my ability and see me as me, not just because of the surname I carry. I want to start from scratch."

"But why here? Mas maraming magagandang opportunity sa Manila at sa U.S, hindi ka ba nanghihinayang?" He asked still observing me.

"I don't regret my decision, sir. My heart's telling me that I'm on the right place. And why not here when I can transform this into a great opportunity?" I said confidently. 

He stared at me for a long time bago siya tumawa na parang namamangha sa sinabi ko.

"Anak ka nga ni Laurene." 

Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya nang banggitin niya ang pangalan ni mommy.

"We're schoolmates," dugtong nito. "Anyway, you're hired. You can start working here next week as soon as you completed the requirements." He extended his hand for handshake but I became hesitant.

"With all due respect sir, kung dahil lang po sa anak ako ng nanay ko kaya niyo ko tinanggap then I won't accept this job," I said firmly.

"I could see the fire of determination in your eyes that's why I hired you. And who am I to turn down a gem and a talented lady like you? You'll be a great asset in our firm. I'm looking forward to work with you but no special treatment here kahit isa kang Bradford," he reminded.

"Gladly, sir." I took his hand and accept the handshake. Kinapalan ko na rin ang mukha ko para humingi ng pabor na huwag sabihin sa mommy ko na nandito ko. Mabuti na lang mabait ang bago kong boss. He said he will keep my identity a secret.

My happiness was unfazed. Hindi na mawala ang ngiti sa labi ko as I happily skipped to the parking lot. I got my car yesterday kaya malaya na kong makapunta kahit saan. I don't know what's gotten in to me that I found myself driving in the downtown and headed to Althea's. Yeah, that pink cafe.

*****

"Uy kayo pala ma'am," the girl in the counter greeted me as soon as I went inside.

"You remember me?" I asked in amusement. Pangalawang beses ko palang ngayon na nakapunta dito pero natatandaan niya pa din ako.

"Oo naman po. Paano ko naman po makakalimutan ang mukhang yan eh kamukhang-kamukha niyo po si----"

"Lani! Ako na diyan. Ayusin mo mga delivered goods sa storage room." Napalingon ako kay Axian na mukhang mainit ang ulo. Mas mainit pa ata ang ulo niya kesa sa sikat ng araw sa labas. 

"Y-yes, sir. Sorry po," nakayukong sambit naman nung babae bago umalis sa counter at pinalitan siya doon ni Axian. Sungit naman palang boss nito.

"Alam mo hindi mo dapat sinisigawan mga empleyado mo," sita ko sa kanya. Kaso para lang ata akong hangin sa kanya.

"Bakit ka ba nandito?" He asked looking at me irritably. 

"Baka manuod akong sine kasi cafe to di ba?" Sarkastikong sagot ko. He look startled dahil napalakas pala boses ko. Hindi ko ugaling manigaw ng tao kaso nakakainis siya.

"Order mo?" Biglang naging malumanay at maamo ang boses niya.

"Ayoko na nawalan na ko ng gana," irap ko.

"Sorry," he muttered. "Sige na order ka na, it's on me."

Mabilis na natunaw ang inis ko. Tatanggi pa ba ko sa grasya?

"Okay. Madali akong kausap."

I told him my order as I continue to watched him making a frappe.

"By the way, are you free tonight?" Lakas loob kong tanong. "Huwag kang assuming ha, I'm not asking you on a date. I just want to celebrate tonight, ayoko naman mag-isa. Tapos wala pa akong masyadong kakilala dito kundi kayo lang ng kapatid mo. Pwede mo ding isama si Aciel kung gusto mo," I added.

Bigla naman siyang tumawa at nilingon ako. Ang sarap sa pandinig ng tawa niya, it's like music to my ears tapos parang nag-slow motion din ang paligid habang pinagmamasdan ko siya. Ano bang meron sa lalaking ito? Ang lakas ng epekto niya sa sistema ko. At that last thought, I shake my head to rid off those thoughts.

I squinted my eyes at him and then cleared my throat. "What's so funny boy? Nagpapatawa ba ko?"

"Daldal mo pala. O baka nahawa ka na sa kadaldalan ng kapatid ko? Lagi kasi kayong magkasama." He smirked and I just rolled my eyes.

"Mabuti nga yang kapatid mo nakakausap ko, hindi gaya mo. You keep on ignoring me. Are you mad at me because I kissed you?" Wala sa loob na bulalas ko. I quickly covered my mouth nang mapagtanto ko ang mga sinabi ko. Nailang ako bigla dahil ang tagal niyang nakatitig sa akin.

"Upo muna ko," paalam ko at dali-dali akong nagpunta sa pinaka-dulong bahagi ng cafe. Mahinang sinasampal ko ang bibig ko ng paulit-ulit. For the first time in my life, I kinda hated myself for being so blunt and straightforward. Ano bang nangyayari sa akin? Pagdating sa kanya, nawawala ako sa sarili ko. My goodness self! You just met the guy. Chill!

Biglang dumating sa table ko si Axian bitbit ang isang tray na may lamang pagkain kaya inayos kong muli ang sarili ko.

"You're order." He put the plate of chocolate cake and the taro frappe in front of me.

"Thanks."

Tumango lang siya. Akala ko aalis na siya kaso nagulat ako nang bigla siyang umupo sa harap ko. 

"Naglunch ka na?" He asked all of a sudden.

"Ngayon palang." I replied before taking a bite from my chocolate cake.

"At yan lang ang kakainin mo?" His chin was resting on the palm of his hand while watching me. My heartbeat fastened. Iba talaga epekto ng mga tingin niya. Help!

"Oo, bakit?"

I heard him sighed and raised his other hand in the air.

"Aldrin!" Tawag niya sa isang waiter. Lumapit din naman agad ito sa table namin.

"Yes boss?"

"One tenderloin pepper steak with rice and vegetable. At pakisabi bilisan." He ordered. His voice was soothing and calm. Sana ganyan siya lagi. 

Nakita ko namang biglang nanlaki ang mga mata nung waiter nang saglit siyang mapatingin sa akin. Bakit ba lagi na lang nagugulat ang mga tao dito sa tuwing nakikita ako? Hindi naman ako celebrity. Naiiling-iling na lang itong pumunta sa kusina.

"Mamaya mo na kainin yang cake. Hindi ka mabubusog diyan. I ordered something for you, mabilis lang yun. Hindi ka dapat nagpapalipas ng gutom."

I tried so hard not to be swayed by his sweet gesture. I shouldn't let myself get carried away but the truth is, my inside and every fiber of my being were screaming.

"Sorry if you feel like I was ignoring you. Hindi ko lang alam kung paano kikilos pag nasa harap na kita." He explained rubbing the back of his head na parang nahihiya. My heart almost jumps out of my chest. Ako nga ang dapat mahiya sa kanya dahil sa ginawa ko.

"Am I making you uncomfortable? Don't worry, I will keep a safe distance from you. Mahirap na baka itulak mo na naman ako," pabirong sambit ko.

Ang sakit pa naman mahulog tapos walang sumalo. Literally, no hugot intended.

"Sorry about that," he apologized once again. 

"Let's just forget about that, can we?" I suggested. He nodded his head in agreement with an eye smile. 

Don't smile at me boy. I'm weak against your smile. 

Ilang minuto ang lumipas, sinerved na sa akin nung waiter yung inorder ni Axian para sa akin. It looks appetizing and mouth-watering. Not wasting any second, I took the first bite of the steak, quietly munching and savouring it's juiciness.

"This is really good! I love it!" I complimented. The meat is so soft and it melts in my mouth, I couldn't stop myself from eating.

"I'm glad you like it." He's still watching and studying me with a small smile but this time, I remain unbothered. The only thing that matters for now was the delicious steak in front of me.

"So what's there to celebrate tonight?" He asked curiously.

"Oh that. I passed the interview and will start working next week as a junior designer!" I replied proudly.

"Wow! Congrats! We really need to celebrate." He beamed. Excitement dancing in his eyes. He looks genuinely happy for me.

"Thanks! So tonight? Game ka?" I asked and I was rewarded with that heart-melting smile of his.

"Just tell me what time. I'll pick you up."

******

"Uy my date siya."

"Shiela, it's not a date." Paulit-ulit kong giit sa kanya habang magkavideo call kami. Telling her about hanging out with Axian tonight was probably a bad idea. She hadn't stop teasing me about it for almost an hour.

"Will you stop teasing me and just help me decide what to wear?" I suggested showing her what's inside my closet.

"Akala ko ba hindi date? Eh bakit hindi ka magkanda-ugaga diyan?" may mapang-asar na ngiti na naman sa labi niya.

"Ewan ko sa'yo. If you don't want to help then I'll hang up na." I tried to sound annoyed but she just laughed at me.

"Alam mo ngayon lang kita nakitang nagkaganyan. Dati naman wala kang pake sa mga lalaking nakaka-date mo. Just be yourself, Jeca. Just be yourself. Axian's a nice guy, I think. Whatever you wear or whatever you do he will appreciate it as long as you're being yourself. Enjoy the date! Bye!" With that she hang up on me, kung kailan ko siya mas kailangan. At ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa kanya na hindi nga 'to date. Bahala na nga.

I settled for a simple white silk top, blue cardigan and jeans paired with white sneakers. I studied myself in the mirror. Instead of putting a make up, I just pat a powder on my face and put a lipgloss on my lips. My long blonde hair was curled into tousled beachy waves.

May narinig akong busina ng kotse sa labas kaya mabagal akong kumilos para bumaba. Baka isipin naman niya excited ako masyado pag nagmadali akong lumabas. When I opened the gate, my eyes landed on the handsome guy leaning on the bumper of his car. His hands were inside his pants' pockets.

"Nice sweatshirt," I commented on his Rolling Stones printed sweatshirt

"Thanks. You look beautiful."

My cheeks suddenly get hot. I'm just glad that it's really dark here. Sira yung isang poste ng ilaw. Pabiro ko na lang siyang hinampas sa braso para hindi niya mahalata.

"Bolero."

I heard him chuckled. "Saan tayo?"

"Kahit saan. Ikaw ang tagarito eh. Nasaan pala si Aciel? Akala ko kasama siya?"

"Busy eh tapos sobrang aga ng duty niya bukas. Next time na lang daw. Pinapasabi niya Congrats," he informed.

So dalawa lang kami? Good Lord, bakit? I'm not gonna lie, medyo kinakabahan talaga ko.

"Gusto mong pumunta sa nightmarket? Masarap magfoodtrip dun," nag-aalangang tanong niya.

"Sure!" 

*****

"Sigurado ka ba? Nakakain talaga 'to? Masarap ba 'to?" I couldn't stop bombarding him with questions nang pilit niyang pinapakain sa akin yung intestine ng chicken. What do you call that? Isaw? This is my first time trying this food. Fishball palang kasi ang na-try ko.

"Come on, just one bite. Masarap yan, promise." Nakangiting saad nito.

"You sure?" Halos mapatili na ko pero siya tawa lang ng tawa. Mukhang tuwang tuwa siya sa ginagawa niya sa akin.

"Ipapahamak ba naman kita? Sige na, try that."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I slowly took a bite from the isaw. Nginuya-nguya ko ito at nilalasahan. Surprisingly, it tastes good.

"Masarap?" He asked a little bit worried as he waited for my reaction. 

"Masarap nga! Gusto ko pa."

"I told you, you're gonna like it." Proud na proud niyang sabi. "How about this one? Alam mo ba kung ano 'to?" He was pointing at the color orange thingy. Familiar sa akin yun pero hindi pa ako nakakakain nun.

"Yes! I know that! It's kwak kwak!" I said with oozing confidence that made him laughed his head off. Pati yung tindera tinatawanan din ako. Why?

"It's kwek kwek, not kwak kwak." He corrected.

"Pareho din yun! Di ba manang?" I argued. Ngumiti sa akin yung tindera at umiling. What? Isang letter lang naman pinagkaiba.

"Sige na, try mo na yang kwek kwek. Masarap yan, ibabad mo sa suka." He gave me a small plastic bowl with kwek kwek tapos parang nalangoy na nga yun dahil sa dami ng nilagay niyang suka. May inabot din siyang barbacue stick. Napaka-maasikaso ng lalaking ito.

Sinubukan kong isubo yung isang piraso, infairness masarap din. Pati yung timpla ng suka niya masarap. Parang gusto kong inumin. Kung anu-ano pang mga pinatry sa akin ni Axian na street food, like yung kikiam at squid ball. Ang dami palang masarap na street food pero pinaka-favorite ko na yung isaw.

We spent the whole night roaming around the nightmarket. I can't quite describe the atmosphere here. It's a feast for all of your senses. It definitely has everything under the sun, not just food and shopping. There are game stalls like basketball stands, darts, pinball, claw machines and more.

Axian made me experienced something new and I really enjoyed every minute of it.

"Want to play darts?" Pagyayaya nito. And who am I to say no? He lead me to that game stall where you can play darts. It's like a carnival game, you have to popped out the balloon so you can get a prize.

Nagbayad muna si Axian dun sa lalaking nagbabantay and he got 5 darts. Pumwesto siya sa gitna, he's concentrating. Hindi ko tuloy mapigilan matawa, masyado siyang seryoso. 

The crowd started to cheer loudly when he threw his first dart and popped out a yellow balloon on his first try. I watched quietly as he throw another dart on his target gaya nung una, napaputok niya din yung isang balloon. Dumami na din ang mga tao sa paligid, manghang manghang pinapanuod siya. Napapalakpak na din ako ng sunod sunod niyang napaputok yung mga balloons. After niya maglaro, he approached me with a triumphant smile.

"Anong gusto mo?"

Ikaw. Piping usal ko. Parang gusto kong sabunutan ang sarili ko sa inaasal ko.

"Anong gusto mong stuffed toy? Pili ka," he repeated.

"For me?" tanong ko.

"Hindi, para kay manong," patawa-tawang saad nito. "Sino bang kasama ko ngayon? Ikaw di ba?" 

I rolled my eyes in the air. Malay ko ba kung para sa kapatid niya yun. Ayoko lang maging assuming.

Tinignan ko isa isa yung mga stuffed toy na nakasabit. Tinuro ko sa kanya yung nag-iisang stuffed toy ng frog na nasa pinaka-sulok. Pinakuha naman niya yun kay manong. He handed it to me which I gladly accept and hugged.

"Why did you choose that? Ang dami namang cute na stuffed toy dun," nagtatakang tanong niya nang makaupo kami sa bakanteng bench para makapagpahinga.

"Why not? Mr. Frog is so cute. And I kinda feel bad for him. He must feel lonely 'coz no one is choosing him. Hindi ba nila alam? This frog was once a prince."

"Kakaiba ka talaga."

Napatingin naman ako sa kanya at nagtama ang mga mata namin. Kanina pa ba siya nakatitig sa akin?

"But you already know that to turned the frog into a prince, dapat halikan siya ng princess right?" He said in a serious tone, his eyes not leaving mine.

Wait. What does he mean?

I stilled when he suddenly close the distance between us. Palapit nang palapit yung mukha niya sa akin. His lips suddenly turned into a mischievous smirked as he grabbed the frog stuffed toy in my hand at idinikit niya yung bibig nung stuffed toy sa labi ko.

"There. Naging prinsipe na si Mr. Frog. And you live happily ever after."

He kept laughing while holding his stomach and I was fuming in anger.

Ugh! I hate you, Axian!