[R18]
"Chill, ito na nga ang condom."
Iniabot niya sa 'kin ang condom at binuksan ko 'yun gamit ang bibig ko.
"Woah! Sexy," He commented and I gave him death glares.
He pinched my cheek while I am wrapping the condom in his member. It fits well. Nag-ready talaga siya para dito ah? If I'm right, he's also prepared last time.
"You're cute kapag maldita ka. Nakuha mo pang mag-maldita nang magse-sex tayo ah," pang-aasar niya at umirap ako.
"Shut up, Aso," ismid ko.
Humawak ako sa magkabilang braso niya habang tinatapat ko ang gitna ko sa alaga niya. It's still pulsing under me. Tinignan ko 'yun at hindi ko alam kung itutuloy ko pa ba ang ginagawa namin o hindi na. His hands are resting in my hips, not forcing me down. He's being patient with me kahit na halata naman sa kanyang gusto niya na ipasok sa 'kin si 'Tiny'.
"We can stop, princess, if you're not ready," aniyang bumangon at itinulak ng palayo ang beywang ko mula sa gitna niya. He's stopping his urge to get wild with me.
Kumunot ang noo ko. I didn't back out last time so that means gusto ko! Kinakabahan lang ako at baka hindi ko na kayanin ang laki at haba 'nun. Ano ba kasing ginawa niya 'dun at humaba ng ganun? Hindi naman ganun kahaba 'yun nung nakaraan!
I forced him to lean his back on the foam and his eyes widened when I did that. "Wala akong sinabing titigil tayo so hindi tayo titigil." I aligned myself on top of him and tried to slip his tip inside me. I twitched when I felt pain.
"Are we alright, Lai?" tanong niya at tumango naman ako.
I tried to lower myself again and it was more painful than before. Tangina.
"Mahal, we may stop and do this some other ti--"
"Ayus lang ako..." I was panting while I said it. "Kaya ko pa..."
"Sorry, ang laki eh." He kissed my forehead.
I tried to lower myself again and he kisses my forehead, nose, cheeks, or lips whenever I squeeze his shoulder because of the pain I am feeling down there. Ayus lang. Mawawala rin naman 'to mamaya.
"You can do it, baby."
He kissed my forehead again while I am panting. Hulas na ang mukha ko dahil sa ginagawa namin.
"Teka...Ang laki, gago..." I heard him laugh when I said that. "Ano bang ginawa mo diyan? Kasya naman dati 'yan ah."
"You said you like it big? I just granted your wish, princess."He smirked.
Napaisip naman ako. Kailan ko sinabi 'yun? Wala akong sinabing ganun! I tighten my grip on his shoulder as a revenge.
"Argh! Gagsti ka, Lai. Ang sakit 'nun ah!" he complained.
"Deserve~" asar ko at binelatan siya.
"Ah, ganun?"
He raised one brow at me and that's when I blame myself for teasing him. He push my hips down and I couldn't resist lowering myself, feeling the pain inside me. I have already come when he filled me to the brim. Ang laki niya!
"Shit!" I cursed when he hit my spot by just entering me.
"Deserve~" asar niya pabalik sa 'kin habang inaasistahan pa rin ang beywang ko.
I felt my body shaking because of his big member. Other than that, the whole member is now inside me. I felt crying and torn apart while I feel his member throbbing inside me.
"Ang sakit, Lavin," daing ko.
"Hm...Sinong naunang manakit?"
"Gago!"
"Gago? Is that how a nurse treats a patient?"
He started moving inside me hitting my spot. Napakagat ako sa labi ko at napayakap sa kanya habang gumagalaw siya. I moaned as he moves. It was slow but I can still the pain inside me. He's really filling me up!
"You already came, huh?"
"Ang laki mo kasi! Ah, fuck, Jason! Slow down?" reklamo ko as he keeps on thrusting.
"What?" He asked, pretending to not hear me.
I moaned and he shut my mouth using his fingers. He choked me with them and fuck, it made my sex drive more active!
"Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh!"
The pain is already disappearing when he started thrusting fast. He's torturing me! Para akong tinutusok sa loob ko. I can feel our skin slapping while I am bouncing above him. Naghahalo ang sarap at sakit sa katawan ko habang gumagalaw siya. He sucks my nipple while he's still moving. Ang dami niyang lakas para gawin 'to, shit. Bakit ako pumayag?
"Shit, love! Ugh!"
I felt something building up inside me and I stared at him. "Shit, baby, I'm gonna..." I saw him smirk and stopped. My body also stopped bouncing and was pierced inside. I came when I felt his tip hit my spot. "Ugh..." I moaned as I felt my juices dripping.
"We're not done yet, princess."
He made me turn around and lean my back on his shoulders while he is lying down. I felt his member turn inside me and I felt pleasure because of it.
He started to move aggressively while his left hand was on my neck, choking me and the other in my clit. It gave me more pleasure unexpectedly. His finger rhythms with his member made me crazier.
"Ugh, ugh, ugh...Mm, mm...Oh, Jal! Shit! I can feel it comin - -"
"No, no yet."
He thrust fast and hard while his finger is fast, too. Feeling ko wasak at basang basa na ako sa ginagawa niya. His left hand went from my neck to my left mound. He squeeze it so aggressively that made me arch my back. He added more flame to my body when he started to play with my sensitive nipple in between his index and middle finger.
"Tangina, love. Love! Ugh! Hindi pa pwede? Shit...Make me come already!"
Tangina, ang sarap na! Tapusin niya na 'to bago ako matuluyang mabaliw dito!
"Are you still jealous with Christine?" tanong niya habang nagse-sex kami.
"Shit...Ahh...Type mo 'yun, Jason - -" Lalo niyang binilisan ang paglabas-masok sa 'kin. I screamed. "Shit, tangina! Oo na, oo na!"
Pinaparusahan niya talaga ako.
"She's not my type." He kissed my neck and sucks. "You're my type, princess."
I felt my legs shaking and I came even though he didn't say I am allowed to. His thrusting went faster and I moaned because of it. Is he not tired yet?
"Why did you come, huh?" He wrapped his hand around my neck and choked me. "Who told you to, babe?"
He played with my clit and again, my legs shook and I can feel myself coming again. This is his third and it feels like he's an expert already!
His thrusts became sloppy and slow before he came inside the protection. He removed his member inside me and I moaned when he did. He's so big and I cannot feel my legs anymore!
I heard him chuckle. "You're so tight, you know?" He asked and I gave him death glares. He planted kisses on my neck. "I love you."
I felt my cheeks burning when I heard the three words I'd been longing to hear for so long. It's music to my ears.
"Tse!" I tried pulling myself up and I sat. My legs are numb from sex and my nipples are still sensitive from his touch. Nararamdaman ko pa rin ang libog ko sa katawan ko. Hindi pa rin 'yun nawawala. Mainit pa rin ang katawan ko.
"Let me clean you," he said making me face him and lie down to my crotch.
Tinukod ko ang siko ko sa kama para suportahan ang bigat ko. I thought he will clean me with wipes or tissue but it was the other way around.
He licked my juices and inserted three fingers inside me again which made me feel floating again. I threw my head back when he started moving.
"Shit, Jason!" I screamed.
"Ubusin muna natin ang libog mo, Lai, bago kita linisan." He thrusts fast and hard with his fingers until I came again. I felt my body giving up.
I lay down in bed, tired. Ngayon ko na lang ulit naramdaman 'to 'tas pinagod pa 'ko. Sa ospital pa! Patay ako kay Xy kapag nalaman niya 'to. Aasarin ako 'nun!
I felt something cold down there that made me look. Nililinisan na pala ako ni Jason gamit ang tissue sa night stand. I can feel it brush my clit and it made me jolt a little.
"Did you have sex with other men before we did this last time and today, Lai?"
Nabigla ako sa tanong niya at hindi nagsalita habang nililinisan niya pa rin ako. Nang matapus siya ay itinapon niya 'yun sa isang plastic bag kasama na rin doon ang condon na ginait niya habang umayus naman ako ng upo at isinuot ang undies at nipple cover ko.
"Wala. Ikaw ang last. Masyado akong nag-focus sa nursing," sagot ko.
"Flings?"
"Marami pero hindi nag-workout. Mga nireto lang ni Xy."
"Exes?"
"One."
"Sino?"
"Ikaw."
"Except for me."
"Wala na."
"Wow, tinupad mo talaga ang wala kang ibang jojowain 'no?"
"Anong tingin mo sa 'kin? Magkekwento ulit ng buhay ko sa iba? Asa! Kahit sa flings ko, hindi naman ako nagkwento ng buhay ko. 'Yung isa nga wala pang isang araw, gusto na raw ako maging jowa," bulyaw ko and I heard him laugh. "Ikaw ba?" tanong ko.
"Anong ako?"
"Si Christine...Naging fling mo ba?"
"My secretary?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Mahal niya ako but I didn't like her nor have feelings for her. Ikaw pa rin talaga kaya ayoko sa kanya."
"Pero kung 'di mo na ko mahal, papatulan mo siya?"
"Fling, but GF? No. I wouldn't tell my story to anyone, sayo lang."
"Parehas pala tayong gustong makalimot pero hindi natin magawa 'no?"
"It's still painful to see you pero mas lamang ang saya kong makita ka ulit. It's my first time again to feel my sex drive being this intensely active," He chuckled.
"Dry season ka rin?"
"Dry season?" tanong niya.
Umirap ako. "Term for hindi nakapag-sex ng matagal."
"Not exactly."
Napabangon ako sa sagot niya.
"Gago, nang-iyot ka ng iba?! Hala, fuck boy!" Tinakpan ko ang bibig ko at medyo lumayo sa kanya bilang pang-asar.
"Naluwagan ba ang turnilyo mo sa ulo? Sex toys are useful, you know? That's what I used."
"Eh, bakit parang hindi mo naman najakol sarili mo ng ilang taon sa tagal nang nakatayo kanina ni 'Tiny'?" tanong ko, open-mindedly.
"Epekto mo."
"Lakas ng effect, huh?"
"If it's not you, it wouldn't react that much."
"Ah, so nagre-react sa iba 'yan?"
"Did that sound like that?"
"Magtatanong ba ko ng ganun kung hindi?"
"Yeah, right." He fixed his hair while saying that.
I just stared at him closely. He became more handsome and more appealing. His jawline is sharp and his nose...Ang tangos. Matangos naman na dati but it's more appealing now.
"Nagpa-nose job ka?" tanong ko.
"Hindi, why? You're staring at me, Lai!"
Nakita ko ang pamumula ng tenga niya sa hiya. Hanggang ngayon pa rin pala ay nahihiya siya kapag kino-compliment ko siya. Kapag ibang tao ang nagsabi sa kanya 'nun, hindi naman siya nahihiya. I guess it's really different when it's your special someone who compliments you. It has a different feeling. A different emotion.
"Why? Hindi ba pwede? Gumwapo ka!" I compliment again. "Kamusta nga pala sila tita?" tanong ko.
Wala na naman kasi akong balita sa kanila ngayon dahil hindi ko na naman nabubuksan ang Messenger ko. I am always in IG and never FB and Messenger.
"They're fine. Well, my sister will graduate soon."
"Which one?"
"I know you know who, Lai."
Tumango ako habang inalis sa kanya ang paningin ko. I looked at the blinds and little lights emitted from them. He hugged me from the back like I was going to leave him again just like I did before.
"Jason? Bakit?"
"I just want to hug you." Lalong humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa akin.
Habang ginagawa niya 'yun ay tinignan ko ang cannula niya at ang tubing kung natanggal dahil sa ginawa namin kanina at buti naman ay nakisama 'yun.
"Is your leg fine already? I rode you," tanong ko nang maalalang may injury nga pala siya.
"Yeah, it's fine. It didn't hurt."
"Kahit na! We will check, okay?"
"Fine, my personal nurse." He kissed my forehead afterward.
"Jason, I have a question."
"What is it, Lai? Actually, do you have a Sanrio with you? Your hair's messy because we made love."
"Meron. Nasa paper bag nga lang."
"Can you walk or should I get it?"
"Ako na, magpapalit na rin naman ako ng damit."
"Yeah, change your clothes. You cannot wear that when you're going around," aniya at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"Excuse me? Ikaw ang nagpasuot sa akin nito 'no!"
"Yeah, you look damn hot there," He smirked.
"Alam mo, tigilan mo na pantasya mo. Baka tumayo ulit 'yan. Wala na akong oras para kay 'Tiny'."
Nakaipon na naman ako ng lakas kong tumayo dahil hindi na masyadong masakit ang gitna ko. I went to the table and grab the paper bag where my clothes are neatly placed. Pumasok ako ng banyo para umihi at magpalit ng damit. Medyo nanlalambot pa ang mga binti ko kapag tinataas ko pero naisuot ko naman ang uniform pants ko.
Nang makapagpalit na ako ay hinayaan kong nakalugay lang ang buhok ko at lumabas dala-dala ang paper bag. Buti na lang ay may nakasabit akong spray container sa ID lace ko kaya nakapagpabango ako kanina sa loob ng banyo.
Lumapit ako kay Jason at binigyan siya ng tatlong Sanrio at suklay. Umupo ako sa kama niya nang nakatalikod at inayusan niya ako ng buhok. He did a great job doing a bun. He also made sure that there are no baby hairs in front of my face. He even had a kit of black hair clips with him!
"Ayan! Mukha ka nang waiter," aniya kaya hinampas ko siya ng mahina sa braso. "Aray ko!"
"Kainis ka!" singhal ko.
"Asar!"
Inirapan ko siya bago ako tumayo at inayus ang kama niya. Tinulungan ko na rin siyang isuot ulit ang pajama at undies niya. I was a nurse after all and I was used to see penes around the hospital kaya hindi na bago sa aking makita ang kanya. Ang kaibahan lang, 'yung kanya pumasok sa akin, 'yung sa iba hindi.
Kinuha ko ang paper bag sa table niya at nilagay sa drawer ng isang nightstand doon dahil kasya naman at ang plastic bag na pinagtapunan niya kanina nang condom at wipes at tinapon 'yun sa trash can sa banyo. I once again faced him before leaving to kiss him on his cheek and talk about our connections.
"So...What's our status, engineer?" tanong ko.
"Status?"
"After what we did, what's our status? Single, in a relationship, complicated - -"
"Soon to be married."
"Soon to be - - Wait, what?!"
Napahinto ako sa pagsasalita dahil hindi maproseso ng utak ko ang sinabi niya. Soon to be what? What does he mean by that? Ikakasal na kami? Ano raw?
Mariin ko pa siyang tinignan at hinihintay na sabihin niyang prank lang 'yun pero ang ibinigay niya lang sa akin ay ngiti.
"No..." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mag-sink in sa akin ang sinabi niya. "No way...You can't be serious, Jason."
"Why would I be serious?" tanong niya.
Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang tanungin niya 'yun. Akala ko ay ikakasal na ako sa kanya pagkatapus nang mga nangyari pero may parte pa rin sa akin umasa na sana totoo na rin 'yun para wala nang makakapagsabi na maaagaw nila 'tong lalaking 'to.
"Why would I be serious if I can tell you that the prank was the question, Lai?"
Muli akong napatingin sa kanya nang isunod niya ang tanong na 'yun. Lalong hindi nagproseso sa utak ko ang sinabi niya. The first question was a prank?!
"Huh? What prank?" maang-maangan kong tanong habang kinikilig na ang puso ko sa bilis ng tibok 'nun.
"Lai, I know you know what's the prank. You're watching and reading detective stuffs since then."
"Pero - - What?" tanong kong hindi pa rin naniniwala.
"You're soon to be married, Lai," nakangiti niyang sambit.
"To who?" tanong ko. "Sayo?"
I pointed to him and he smiled. I do not know what I should feel at the moment when I asked him if it was him because, in the first place, he's the only one I can think of, to 'date-to-marry'.
"Yes, Ellaine Yezdaeca Gonzales..."
He pauses for a moment to get something from the nightstand again and when I saw a red velvet box, my mouth opened and I cannot speak. I cannot tell what I am feeling right now. I was in pain, hurt, overwhelmed, overjoyed, wants to cry, laugh, angry...I feel like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. I do not know how to react to him.
It was a long time ago, seven years ago to be exact, when I felt safe like this in his arms, in someone's arms. It was nostalgic for me that I do not need to rebuild myself again for another man because I am the better version of myself today, tomorrow, and in the future ahead with him. Because I became the better version of myself when he let me decide for myself and my future.
That reassurance that it's still me even though he was surrounded by girls and fans. He can just leave me alone forever and build his own family but he didn't. He can choose from his followers on IG or FB but he didn't. I do not know his reason for that but it's been seven years and I am asking myself some questions right now.
Was it not enough for him to forget about him? Did he not crave care, attention, and love at that time? Was he not seeking for someone to lean on at that time? Were Sheedise and Daniel really enough for him? Did he hit up girls but didn't tell me? Did he really wait for me?
"...Dela Rosa," he ended while I am still in shock, standing in front of his hospital bed.
He was about to open the box when I ran to him and made him close it. His brows furrowed and he was confused. Kahit ako ay nagtataka sa sarili ko kung bakit ko ginawa 'yun. Maybe, the thought of him not proving to me that he waited gave me an impact to not marry him yet. I love him but I am not ready to marry him yet.
"Lai?"
I met his questioning eyes and battled with the emotions which screams to me why I disagreed with him to open the box.
"Can you wait for the next years?" tanong ko.
"To be engaged?"
"Yes," sagot ko. "And if those years are already finished, my answer's yes automatically, Jason."
I caressed his cheek and he lean onto it like he was a baby. Both of us didn't talk for a moment until I kissed him on the lips. It was a peck but it was a moment to cherish for both of us. After this, it won't happen again because of work and my trip to the US.
"That's how you will end the chase, Lai?"
"Yes."
"Then, I'll agree." He smiled
The day of my trip was near and my heart was panicking because of the date of it. "April 3," I whispered to myself while I am preparing my things.
Sol was brought back to me by Elle because she was the one taking care of him because I am always in the hospital, working but Elle always says that Sol was finding me instead of her even though she is taking care of him.
He's now on the couch wagging his tail at me while I am packing my things up. I pat his head and he stuck his tongue because of it before he lay down his head on the bed, looking sad.
"Aw. Come here, Sol!" tawag ko at lumapit siya sa akin. Hinimas ko ang ulo niya at inihiga siya sa kama bago ko hinalikan ang tiyan niya. He's chill and just stuck his tongue out the whole play. "You're going to your daddy, Sol, for two years! Mommy's going to the US for her work before she retires. I'll just be back as a writer. I can still do that," I said as he can talk back to me.
Aside from being a writer, I can also start my own youtube channel to give information to upcoming nurses about the basic procedures they can encounter once they are already graduated or will start their training. I can also share with them how did I take notes when I am still a nurse student as a help for their own convenience.
He barked like he was saying 'Okay!' to me like it wasn't a big deal for me to leave him. He didn't meet Jason yet. It will be his first time and the same for Jason also. This will be their bonding while I am out of the Philippines.
Sinarado ko ang maleta ko sa kama bago ako tumayo. Awtomatiko namang tumayo si Sol sa pagkakahiga niya at dumapa sa kama. I looked at him with sad eyes. I will miss him. Wala akong ibang makakasama sa apartment ko doon kapag wala na akong pasok. I have roommates and they are also nurses, but it's different when you feel you're really at home.
I placed my luggage on the side of my closet, near the door of my room before I went outside with Sol to eat. Mamaya naman ay Despedida party akong pupuntahan. Prepared by one and only Abegail Faith Plaga! Pero alam ko namang silang lahat ang naghanda doon dahil huling araw na nila 'to para makita ako.
Tomorrow, I will pack my things again and Jason will drive me to the airport because he reasoned out that it will be his last farewell to me...for now and he will bring Luna with him so that I can see our daughter for the first time! Elle and the others won't go with us because they have work, that's why they're going to throw a Despedida Party for me.
Time flew by, my time with Sol ended and the Despedida party time is minutes away already. I just wore a simple latte-colored halter dress to match my latte bow hairpin. I partnered it with my white channel bag and lace-up heels.
As I was fixing the lace of my heels, my phone made an Instagram sound which means someone chatted me. I picked up my phone from the bed, clicked the notification, and typed the password which is just the birthday of Sol.
lavincl: i'm at the parking lot already
ellayg: ok, i'll be there in a minute
lavincl: did you fix your hair already?
ellayg: y? yes, naka-half ponytail ako
lavincl: did u do your make up?
ellayg: no, need pa ba nun?
lavincl: it's your day, babe, u need to do your make up
ellayg: diyan na lng ako maglagay sa sasakyan. anong dala mong car?
lavincl: the mercedez
ellayg: wow yayamanin
lavincl: it will be the last day i'll see u for now so i need to use this
ellayg: ah ganun ba un? tsaka, magtigil ka sa english
lavincl: hahaha okay, do ur things na, it's been more than a minute, lai
ellayg: sige, boss
lavincl: hahaha okay, intayin kita dito
ellayg: okie ^^
After I finished fixing my lace-up heels, I picked up Sol and garbed him in his harness. He didn't struggle or anything so it's easy for me to attach the harness. After the harness, I attached the leash. I don't need to make him wear a diaper because Jason will bring a dog toilet for him and Sol's a trained dog.
Ang sosyal naman ng asong 'to!
"We're all ready, baby! Are you excited to see your daddy?" I asked like I was talking to a person. He barked as an answer. "Okay! Let's go!"
Isinukbit ko ang sling bag ko sa balikat ko bago kami lumabas ng kwarto. I also closed the door afterward. Isinarado ko na rin ang sliding door sa may sala at ang iba pang kailangang isarado para masigurado kong walang mananakaw sa condo ko habang wala kami ni Sol bago kami pumunta sa main door ng condo at doon ko isinarado ang mga ilaw.
Lumabas kami ng condo at ni-lock ko ang pintuan gamit ang card ko. I immediately placed it inside my bag to be safe. Baka kasi may makakitang magnanakaw at biglang kuhanin sa akin ang condo card ko. Pumunta na kaming tapat ng elevator at pinindot ko doon ang G button. Kinarga ko naman si Sol habang hinihintay na bumukas 'yun.
I was playing with Sol when I heard the elevator opened. Hindi maipinta ang mukha ko nang tumingin ako sa loob ng elevator. Bakit ba sa tuwing aalis ako ay kailangan ko siyang makasabayan?
Nagulat siya nang iangat niya ang ulo niya mula sa pagtitipa sa cellphone niya. Masama pa rin ang tingin ko sa kanya hanggang ngayon. Even Sol was growling. Hindi niya rin gusto ang lalaking 'to. Forever na namin siyang kagagalitan.
He strike the start of the conversation when he went outside the elevator but I am not interested.
"Um...Aalis ka?"
"Oo at wala kang pakialam," ani ko at pumasok ng elevator.
"Look, Ella, I'm sorry about - -"
"Oh, sorry! Gotta go!" Sinadya kong pindutin ang floor button para makababa na. Buti naman at nakisama sa akin ang elevator at sumarado kaagad ang pintuan.
I don't need his apology and I won't need it! A cheater of my sister cannot receive my acceptance. In an alternate universe, kung nagtino siya sa kapatid ko at hindi nagloko at iniwan lang siya ni Elle for a reason, eh 'di sana maayus kami but...that's not even the case here.
I caressed Sol to ease my anger 'til we reached the ground floor. Lumabas kami ng elevator bago ko binaba si Sol at tinanggal ang leash na nakakabit sa harness niya. Tumakbo kaagad siya palayo sa akin at pumunta sa isang direksyon. I am looking at him when he ran.
At the end of his run, I saw someone's feet wearing a Balenciaga speed trainers in black recycled knit, and white and black sole unit. Napairap na lang ako sa kayabangan niya dahil sa suot niya. Pasikat.
"Oh, hi, Channel," bati niya sa akin.
Ngumiwi naman ako. "Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton," pang-aasar ko pabalik.
"And Jo Malone," he corrected at muli akong umirap.
"Ang daming brands ha? Model?" tanong ko.
He picked up my dog because Sol is running around him before he answered my question seriously. "No. I bought them myself, Channel," He smirked.
"Yabang," ani ko. "Oh, nasa'n ang Mercedez?"
"Just near your car. Let's go. Baka ma-late tayo," aniya at nagsimulang maglakad. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya.
Pinaglaruan ko muna ang kamay ni Sol habang naglalakad kami at wala namang reklamo doon si Jason. When we stopped in front of his car ay napanganga na lang ako.
"Tangina," I cursed unconsciously. "Akala ko nagbibiro lang sina Sheedise...Sayo talaga 'to?"
"Yeah," sagot niya habang hinihimas ang ulo ni Sol. "That's the fruit of my bearing."
"Shit, ang ganda."
Pagkatapus kong sabihin 'yun ay kung anu-ano na ang naiisip ko. May nakasakay na kayang ibang babae sa shotgun seat? Biglang uminit ang ulo ko nang tanungin ko 'yun sa sarili ko.
"Huwag na kaya kami sumabay ni Sol?" tanong ko.
"Bakit? Don't you like the car? I thought maganda? What's the problem?"
"Baka may iba ng nakasakay diyan," ani ko.
"Yeah, somebody did."
"Oh, tignan mo nga! Hindi pa ako ang first! Manloloko!" Ngumuso ako.
"Mama and Luna did," He smirked. "Isumbong ba kita kay mama na ayaw mo siyang paupuin diyan?"
"Si tita? Eh...si tita naman pala eh! Hindi mo sinabi!" sigaw ko.
"Puro ka kasi tamang hinala, Lai."
Umirap ako bago ko siya ismiran dahil sa sinabi niya. Naninigurado lang naman ako at hinuhuli ko lang naman siya. Kung napasakay niya na dito 'yung pang-limang buwan sa kalendaryo, hindi talaga ako sasabay dito.
He opened the door for me while I am still sulking behind him and when I sat on the shotgun seat. He gave me Sol before closing the door and went around the car to open the door of the driver's seat for himself and sat beside me so he can finally drive.
When he finally sat, he started the engine and something licked my elbow from my side. I looked to my side while Jason started driving and I saw another Pomeranian! It's white and little like my Sol and it's wearing a pink harness.
"Oh, hi!" bati ko.
Kinarga ko siya mula sa likod at itinabi kay Sol. Sol patted the head of the dog and it was a cute moment. The dog stayed quiet in the process.
"Is this Luna?" tanong ko kay Jason habang tutok pa rin siya sa daan.
"Yes."
"Hi, baby! I'm your mommy!"
Hinimas ko ang ulo niya at nag-play bite siya sa daliri ko. Hindi naman 'yun masakit. Samantalang nagpapansin naman si Sol sa akin habang nilalambing ko si Luna pero 'di ko siya pinansin kaya tumingin siya kay Jason na para bang nagmamakaawa. Lumingon naman si Jason kay Sol bago ibinalik ng saglit ang paningin niya sa daan at muling tumingin kay Sol.
"What's our problem, son?" he said like Sol is a person. "Did mommy bully you?"
"Hoy, 'di ah!" Hinampas ko ng mahina ang braso niya. Para naman niya akong sinisi sa kalungkutan ni Sol! Pero syempre, may kasalanan rin ako kahit kaunti dahil napunta kay Luna ang atensyon ko.
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin at napairap na lang ako na medyo natatawa bago ako tumingin kay Luna. "Luna, oh. Si daddy inaaway ako," sumbong ko at tinahulan ni Luna si Jason.
"Why me? Your mommy bullied your brother, Luna," sabi naman ni Jason.
Pagkatapus niyang sabihin 'yun ay iniwas na ni Sol ang tingin niya sa daddy niya at sumiksik sa braso ko. He went on the side of her sister. Nakita ko namang ngumuso sa ming tatlo ang daddy nilang dalawa at binelatan ko siya.
"Ayan, ayaw sayo ng mga anak mo," pang-aasar ko.
"Luna, your mommy's not nice. You can bite her," pang-uuto niya.
"Nope, Luna. Your daddy's deceiving you. I will give you treats later!" pang-uuto ko rin kaya nalito na sa amin ang dalawa naming alaga.
"May treats ka?" tanong niya.
"Abegail have a stock of treats sa house nila for Sol when he's there with Elle."
"Kaya pala. Enough ba sa kanila ni Luna ang mga treats doon? May dog food rin ba?"
"Meron. Hindi pa ba kumakain si Luna?"
"Sol did?"
"Hindi rin."
"Eh, 'di sasabay na lang sila sa atin."
"Yeah, Sol's used to eat with me so that's fine."
"Yeah."
Nanahimik na kami sa byahe hanggang sa makarating kami sa hotel kung saan nag-rent ng lugar si Abegail. Unang tingin pa lang ay bongga na kaagad ang labas dahil sa gold pillars na nasa gilid 'nun. Mayroon ding mga bushes at fountains doon.
Kinabitan muna namin ng leash sina Sol at Luna bago kami bumaba. Pina-park na lang rin ni Jason sa valet ang sasakyan. Pumasok kami sa hotel habang dala-dala sina Sol at Luna sa mga braso namin at nagtanong sa tauhan nilang sumalubong sa amin. They led us to the place where the party will be held and Abegail was there at the entrance waiting for us.
"Oh my gosh! Here comes Sol the Matakaw!" aniya nang makalapit ako at kinuha si Sol sa akin para ibaba sa lapag. She's wearing a white floral Maxi dress with puff sleeves and a slit on the right thigh side of the dress. Her hair's in a bun clipped by an elegant metal butterfly clamp with exquisite little butterflies dangling at the end of it.
"Oh, nandito na pala ang paalis," salubong ni Rain sa akin. She's wearing a black cocktail dress that fits her hourglass body and her hair's curled. She looked hot there. Umirap ako dahil sa sinabi niya bago niya ako niyakap. "Wala na bang bago? Maldita pa rin?"
"Eh, ikaw? Single pa rin?"
"Gaga, may ka-talking stage na ako!"
"'Yung ni-recommend ko?" tanong ko.
"Well..." Nagkibit-balikat siya.
"Hey," A familiar voice came out of nowhere and rested his arm on Rain's shoulder. Napatakip naman ako sa bibig ko nang mapagtanto kung sino siya. "Hey, Nurse Ellaine," bati niya.
Tumango naman ako. "Doc."
"So...Magkakilala talaga o magkatrabaho lang kayo? I'm confused, sis," sabi ni rain at kuwaring nahilo pa sa pagpapalitan niya ng tingin sa amin ni Chavez.
"Maybe later I'll tell the story, babe," nakangiting ani ni Chaves at kunwari naman akong nasuka dahil hindi ko siya nakikitang ganito ka-sweet sa loob ng hospital o kaya sa pamilya niya. "Don't puke, Ella," His voice sounded like threat.
"Ay, sige, babe," pang-aasar ko.
"Who were you calling 'babe', Lai?"
May kamay agad na pumalupot sa beywang ko at hinatak ako papalapit sa kanya. Luna licked my face afterward kaya kinarga ko siya at nilipat sa mga braso ko.
"Oh, Jason Dela Rosa," bati ni Chavez kay Jason nang nakangiti. "I never thought I would see you here!"
Iniabot niya ang kamay niya kay Jason. Naiwan lang 'yun sa ere habang nakatingin lang ng masama doon si Jason pero tinanggap niya rin naman 'yun at nakipagkamayan sa kaharap.
"Same, doctor," ani ni Jason.
"Ay, seryoso ang unggoy!" bulalas ni Rain kaya kinurot ko ang singit niya. "Aray naman, Laine! Pwera naka-halter dress ka diyan ha! Pero magkakilala kayo?" Pinagpalitan niya ng tingin at tinuro ang dalawa.
"Once upon a time, he was a patient in the ER and his personal nurse was Ellaine," paliwanag ni Chavez kay Rain.
"Woi, Laine! Spill the tea! May milagrong nangyari 'no nung mga time na 'yun?"
Napairap na lang ako at napasapo sa noo ko nang tanungin niya 'yun. Hindi naman siya nagkakamali at mayroon ngang nangyari but it was months ago. Hindi ko na iniisip 'yun ngayon at napaalala pa niya!
"As if walang nangyari sa office ni Chavez," pang-aasar ko pabalik, hoping there's a tea about them and I confirmed it when they both stayed silent. Ngumisi ako at tinuro silang dalawa. "Huli na kayo!" sigaw ko.
"Shut up ka na lang, Laine."
"So, meron nga?" tanong ko at natulos siya. "I'm joking lang kanina, Rain. Sineryoso mo?"
"Uhm, yes."
"Hoy, kayong dalawa diyan! Dito na!" sigaw ni Elle sa amin mula sa bar counter.
"The party's not starting yet and you're already drinking, love," rinig kong sabi ni Weather.
"It's just wine. It's fine. Walang tama."
"May tama 'yan sayo, gaga," ani ko nang makalapit ako.
"Yo, 'te Ella!" bati niya at kumaway lang. "Oh, sino 'tong asong 'to? Kanino 'yan? may bago kang aso?" sunod-sunod niya pang tanong.
"She's Luna, Jason's pomee," sagot ko.
"Ay, ang cute! Parang si Sol lang, magkaiba lang sila ng color!" aniyang nilaro na si Luna at kaagad namang gumaan ang loob ang loob niya sa tita niya. "Hi! I'm Tita Elle!" pagpapakilala niya kay Luna na parang tao ang kausap niya.
Iniwan ko muna si Luna kay Elle at nag-order ng Tequila Sunrise sa counter. Habang naghihintay ako ay may iba pang dumadating na mga tao na kakilala ni Abegail na ka-close rin namin. Most of them are colleagues and some are from highschool.
"Uy, Ella!" bati ni Trix at nakipagbeso sa akin. "Alis ka na raw kaya may Despedida party. Sa'n destination?"
"US. Kayo pa rin ba?"
"Oo. Actually, may pinapagawa ng bahay sa Cavite."
"Kasal na kayo?" kunot-noo kong tanong.
"Huli ka na sa balita, Ellaine! Magkakaanak na nga kami. I am four months pregnant!"
"Ha?!" bulalas ko at tumingin sa tiyan niya. Hindi obvious pero mayroon ng bump ang tiyan niya. "Jusko, kailan pa kayo kinasal?" tanong ko.
"When we graduated. Well, wedding siya with the help of his parents so hindi kami 'yung gumastos kaya nagpakasal ulit kami nung nakaipon kami nung nagkatrabaho kami before nabuo si baby."
"Alam niyo na ang gender?"
"Baby boy."
"Congratulations!" Niyakap ko siya at hindi hinigpitan 'yun para hindi ako masyadong madikit sa tiyan niya. "Is Axel here?" tanong ko.
"Oo, kausap yata si ME ng bahay namin. Siya 'yung nag-assikaso ng sa machines na ipapakabit ni Axel para sa bahay, working with the electrical engineer siya nung last na na-check namin," aniya.
"Yeah, he's kind of...my special someone right now," nakangiti kong sabi. 'My special someone' lang muna dahil hindi ko naman siyang pwedeng i-proclaim as my boyfriend dahil hindi pa naman kami nagbabalikan. We became FUBUs and all. 'Yun lang ang itinatawag ko doon dahil hindi pa naman ulit kami official.
"Talaga? I thought wala siyang minamahal dahil rejected lahat ng friends ko na bumibisita sa site."
"Rejected?"
"Hindi niya ba na-kwento sayo? Maraming umaligid diyan."
Lalo lang akong na-amaze kay Jason. He's so loyal. Wala nang kami noon pero wala pa rin pala siyang pinapatulang iba kahit sa kanya na lumalapit ang mga babae. The party started and we played games.
We played the game 'Never Have I Ever' where we are required to put a finger down when a person said something we have done before. We also played the old 'Truth or Dare' and if you don't want to do the truth or the dare, you should drink a shot of gin.
The day ended smoothly as the girls were all drunk except for me and Elle. We have a high tolerance. The boys were not that drunk and were still sober enough to drive. Jason gave me a ride and went to my condo with me even though I insisted I can walk by myself. He also brought Sol and Luna with him because he's staying for the night to make sure that I will get enough sleep before my flight tomorrow.
Nagpalit ako ng damit sa kwarto ko at uminom na rin ng tubig pagkalabas ko. I also brought a blanket for him since he's sleeping in the couch with our two babies. Kasya naman sina Sol at Luna sa higaan ni Sol at hindi naman sila nag-aaway so they're fine.
"Hindi ako naniniwalang aalis ka talaga," ani ni Jason habang nakahiga na sa couch at inunan ang isa niyang braso.
"I can't believe I will leave Sol here. Ikaw na ang bahala sa condo at sa baby natin," ani ko.
"Yeah, as I should."
"Goodnight." I smiled.
Bumangon siya sa pagkakahiga at tumayo para lumapit sa akin at halikan ang noo ko. "Goodnight," aniya.
I walk to my room after that and lay myself down on my bed. I still have my water glass with me and placed it on top of my nightstand. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko sa Channel bag ko at binuksan ang IG. I was going to post pictures about the party when Jason's post caught my attention. It was me at the bar counter, talking to Trix.
I clicked his name to see if he posted other pictures except for the one I saw and there are two more and all of it was me!
Nakaawang ang labi ko habang tinitignan ang mga pictures ko. It was all candid and I looked like having fun in the pictures. The captions also caught my eyes.
The first photo of me at the bar counter, talking to Trix while I'm holding my Tequila Sunrise drink when it arrived. I was smiling there. It was captioned 'That smile, it can melt my world.'
The second one was me doing a dare to hug him in the back and I was looking away from the camera when he did the shot. It was captioned 'Her assurance is the top tier.'
The third one is a compilation. The first one was our picture with Sol and Luna facing the camera, smiling. Luna was in my arms while Sol was in his and we took a picture outside where the pool is. The second one was us facing each other looking in each other's eyes and crunching our noses while Sol and Luna were facing the camera with their tongue out. The third picture was us laughing because Sol licked the chin of his daddy and Luna's just chilling in my arm, watching us laugh. It was captioned 'Here's to more to my family for the next years. Pictures were taken by @ llnierts.'
My tears began to fall. He really waited for this moment, huh? I also checked his story and it was us at the party. The lights were dimmed and only our laughs and chants were heard around. I was drinking a shot of gin on the video because I didn't do the dare. That certain dare was inappropriate for Jason so I just drank the shot of gin.
The next one was a collage of me posing with Sol in my hands because he told me to pose and everything without me knowing where he would post it. Sol looked adorable in the photos.
After I looked at it, I slept and just woke up the next day to fix my other things. Jason also woke up with me and helped me pack my things. Sol and Luna are already bathed and it's all because of Jason. He said that they didn't struggle and that's good. I know I will leave Sol in good hands.
Pagkatapus kong makapag-impake at makapagsuot ng simpleng damit ay bumaba na kaagad kami. Alas tres pa lang ng umaga pero aalis na kami dahil alas singko y media ang flight ko. Siya ang nagdala ng mga maleta ko habang ako hawak ko naman ang dalawang aso sa mga leash nila. They're just walking behind their daddy so I don't have a problem with them.
Sumakay na kaagad kami ng Mercedez ni Jason at umandar. I was sleepy the whole time because there's a distance from my condo to the airport. Natulog muna ako saglit bago gumising rin nang maalipungatan ako. My head's still in the clouds but I manage to get my phone from my bag.
Binuksan ko ang IG ko at ang camera sa story ko para pasikretong kuhanan ng litrato si Jason. I captioned it with 'thanks for the ride, mi amor' and tagged him. I made the tag really small before I posted it in my story.
Nang makarating kami sa airport ay nag-park muna siya ng sasakyan bago siya bumaba para kuhanin ang mga maleta ko. I kissed Sol and Luna's heads before I opened the door.
"Sol, magpakabait kay daddy, okay?" paalala ko and he barked back. "I love you both! I'll be back. Goodbye, my moon and two stars."
Bumaba ako at naibaba na ni Jason ang mga maleta ko. Nakataas na rin ang mga handles 'nun at pwede ko na lang hatakin papasok ng airport.
"Ready to leave?" tanong niya nang nakangiti sa akin. I can see the pain in his eyes. Parang gusto ko na tuloy huwag nang umalis pero hindi pwede. I have my name there already. No backing out now.
"Ready," ani ko.
Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit na para bang hindi niya na ako makikita. Ang baba niya ay nasa ulo ko at ang ulo ko naman ay nasa dibdib niya, pinapakinggan ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya. It was a sad moment. It's a goodbye but not the end.
"Oh, sige na."
I can feel his tears on my head. Alam kong ayaw niya lang na ipakita sa akin 'yun but I'll be back. I will go back for the three of them. He kissed my head before letting go of me. Pinunasan niya rin ang mga mata niya.
"Umiiyak ka?" tanong ko.
"There was dust in my eyes, Lai. Why would I cry?" He was still wiping something in his eyes.
Natawa na lang ako sa sinabi niya. Ako pa ang lolokohin niyang hindi siya umiiyak. Tama na ang pitong taong nagtiis siyang hindi umiyak. Dahil ngayon, bukas hanggang sa taong bumalik ako, alam niyang kami pa rin. He has that assurance.
"Huwag mo nga akong niloloko sa 'di ka umiiyak, Jal." I wiped his tears. "Be strong, okay? You can stop the chase now," ani ko.
"'Til the moon came back, Lai."
"'Til I reach you again, my star."
Pinagdikit ko ang dalawang maleta ko bago ako naglakad paalis. I fixed my hair and went inside the airport.
I am like walking in quicksand with every step I make. I inhaled and exhaled when my chest tightened. I need to go already. I need to wait for my flight in the right area. I won't stop the chase 'til I got back in the Philippines. I will save and cure 'til it's my time to return because this is what a nurse is.
This is Nurse Ellaine Yezdaeca Gonzales,
flying off to the US to aid the physician in his work, to devote herself
to the welfare of those committed to my care,
and to return for her chase.