Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The Kiss
"The best feeling in the world is kissing someone for the first time when you've really wanted to kiss them for a longtime"
***
Eiffel's POV
"Hubby! Wake up! We have to eat now or we'll be late!" sigaw ko kay Kuya Clyde na nahihimbing parin sa sariling kama.
"Hubby!" nakapout na tawag ko pero mas sumiksik siya sa unan.
Niyugyug ko ang balikat niya pero napatili ako ng bigla nyang hinablot ang kamay ko at hinatak ako sa kama. He wrapped his arms around me na parang body pillow.
I looked at his face and he looked so peaceful.
"Hubby, wake up" kako at hinawakan ang mukha niya.
He lazily opened his eyes at ngumiti saka inilapit ang mukha sa akin. He cupped my cheeks as he comes nearer ang I think I already turned into a stone kasi hindi ako makagalaw.
Ilang inch nalang ang lapit niya sa akin at nabibingi na ako sa bilis ng tibok ng puso ko!
I-Is he gonna k-k-kiss me!
"H-Hubby..." Nangnginig ang boses ko na tinawag siya. Lakas loob na ginamit ko ang index finger to stop his lips.
He blinked his eyes repeatedly na parang nagulat din sa nangyayari.
"I'm not dreaming?" gulat na tanong niya.
Nahihiyang umiling ako at agad siyang tumalon mula sa kama niya, he looked so scared.
"W-What did I do?" he asked we worriedly. Umupo ako mula sa pagkakahiga "W-Wala. L-Let's just eat" kako at lumabas na ng kuwarto niya. Pagkalabas ko ay hinawakan ko ang dibdib ko at napabuntong hininga.
He'll be the death of me.
Clyde's POV
"I almost kissed her" I said and slumped my head on my table.
Willam who is beside me can't help but to snicker.
"Dreams never lies, you are really in loved with your little wifey" mapangasar na sabi niya.
"Bat ganun! She's only eleven pero ang lakas nyang mang attract! She can tempt me effortless!" inilalabas ko ang lahat ng sama ng loob ko dahil mas magandang hindi ito kinikimkim.
"Brad, it's ok, ang totoo ay naaawa nga ako sayo..." puno ng simpatsya na hinawaka niya ang balikat ko
"If I were in your place... Having a wife as pretty like her is a torture. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano ka nakakatagal na kasama siya sa iisang bubong" he stated and sighed.
I glared at him. "Are you making fun of me?"
"Nope, absolutely not! Though, I really wonder kung gaano katagal mo na ba siyang napapanaginipan Clyde"
Napaiwas ako ng tingin at naramdaman ko ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.
"Ohh... Naughty lil' Clyde"
"Shut up! She just started popping in my dreams recently!" depensa ko
"Recently... And what are those dreams about hubby?" pangagaya niya kay Eiffel.
"Look! There's nothing dirty about my dreams ok! Sometimes we're just holding each other hand, other time ay sinusubuan niya ako. Then minsan ay yakap yakap niya ako! See! It's pure innocent! Kaya wag mo kong itulad sayong malandi!"
He clenched his chest na parang nasaktan sa sinabi ko "You're hurting me Clyde! I'm not a flirt" pagdradrama niya.
"Willa-" I was interrupted by my ringing phone. I checked it out and saw that it was an unregistered number. I looked at him and he nodded understanding what I'm saying.
"It's the crazy girl" puna niya at tumango ako.
I swiped my phone and answered it.
"We need to talk babe" she demanded.
"No, we don't" sagot ko.
"Tsk tsk tsk you will talk to me if you don't want that little secret of yours revealed in the internet this instant" she stated full of intimidation.
"I'll see you at my favorite Cafe bab-" ako mismo ang pumatay ng phone ko.
Tumayo na ako at kinuha ang bag ko Willam threw his keys on me "alagaan mo ang baby ko" bilin niya and I smiled.
I went to the parking lot at pinaandar ang motor na hiniram ko leaving the school. I went to the Cafe where Elizabeth is.
Pagpasok ko sa mamahaling Cafe ay agad tinaas ni Elizabeth ang kamay niya at kumaway sa akin. She looked so happy, akala niya ata ay date ito.
Naiinis na umupo ako sa upuan na katapat niya.
"Look at the other couples like us babe, they're so sweet right?" nakangiting sabi niya.
"We're not like them Elizabeth and we will never be." I stated.
She took a sip from her cup and seductively pursed her lips and fluttered her eyelashes.
"Don't be so nega babe. You know... I'm already a famous model. I have so many connections in the Fashion Industry, even in the social industry. Isang scoop ko lang sa mga writer friends ko ay tatambad sa publiko ang tinatago nyong secreto ng ASAWA mo. But of course, I wouldn't do that as long as ako ang pipiliin mo and you will dispose that brat." She demanded.
"Do that and I'll make sure that this would be the last time na makakapasok ka sa isang mamahaling Cafe Elizabeth"
"What are you talking about?"
"Let me get this straight. Never I mean NEVER lay any of your filthy hands on Eiffel or else"
"Or else what?" sabat ni Elizabeth. "You don't love her. Clyde, baby, I know that you are only forced in this farce you called marriage and you're only doing this because the Fuentabellas and Sinclaires are friends. Merging two companies is a common thing now a days in our status and I know that is the only thing you're after. Just because that brat is a little pretty and have a little bit of money you in gave in to their persuasion? Just divorce that brat and marry me instead, I can give you a lot more billions than a scrap of millions that her dads puny company can give you." She suggested with a smug on her face.
I laid my back on the chair and smiled "Are you finished already Ms. Chan? I'll give you a little bit of lecture about business since you have no idea on what you have been spouting"
"First of all, I guess your informant is dense or just an idiot to give you false information on the Sinclaires. Just because they're not often seen at any socialite parties in this country that you and your family attend doesn't makes their company puny."
Minsan napapaisip ako kung paano babagsak ang Chan Group of Companies oras na pinamunuan na ito ni Elizabeth, before that happens, sisiguraduhin ko nang ipupull out ko ang lahat ng investments ng pamilya ko doon, sayang lang naman ang assets namin.
"Sinclaires are one of the most powerful and influential family in Europe, it is all known throughout the world that they can control any country they want with the backup of other noble families not just in Europe but also from other continents. That's how powerful Sinclaire's lineage is, one word from them will all do. So, I advise you change tactics and use that brain of yours if and if it's still working because it might have already been rusted by not using it every now and then" I insulted her and smirked.
"Dressing nice and taking good pictures don't make you smart Ms. Chan"
Pagkatapos ay expressionless na tinitigan ko siya.
"Second of all, the Fuentabellas is the major shareholder and investor of your company, your business will crumble with just one snap of my fingers. Mawawala ang lahat na tinatamasa mong karangyaan sa kamay ko. Sisiguraduhin kong hindi lang ikaw ang maghihirap kundi ang buong angkan mo hangang sa huling henerasyon niyo. I'm a good ally, but a very bad enemy... So don't try me Elizabeth Chan" taas noong saad ko.
Napalitan ng takot ang nakakaloko niyang ngiti at nanlaki ang mga mata "A-Are you threatening me Clyde?!"
"No. I'm just stating the fact" I answered and stood up.
"How can you do this to me Clyde?! Just because of that brat?!"
"I will do anything just to keep our marriage safe, even if I have to kill you myself" Walang emosyon na sagot ko at tumalikod na. Nangigigil na tinabig niya ang lahat nang nasa lamesa at nagsisissigaw. Agad siyang nilapitan ng mga guwardiya at mga waitress.
Lumabas na ako ng cafe at baka madawit pa ako sa kabaliwan ng babaeng yun.
Biglang tumunog ulit ang phone ko at agad ko itong sinagot.
"Brad! Bilisan mo! Bumalik ka na dito agad" sigaw ni Willam sa kabilang linya.
"Bakit anong meron?" tanong ko.
"Ngayon na raw yung deadline natin sa investment! Hindi ko pa natatapos yung atin!" hysterically na sigaw niya.
"Anak ng! Papunta na ako!" sigaw ko pabalik. Napaka pabaya talaga ng gagung yon!
Eiffel's POV
"Eiffel! Pakopya ako!" pacute na sigaw ni Turquoise at natatawang napailing ako. Busying busy kami sa last subject namin which is Math kung saan ay miraculously na naghihirap sila.
"Uy neng! Kala mo seryoso sa pagsagot yun pala nagdradrawing lang!" sita ni Diamond kay Emerald na focused na focused sa notebook niya.
"Opal, bakit alien language ang problem na sinosolve natin? Itranslate mo nga!" utos ni Topaz.
"Che! Kay Eiffel ka magpatulong!" sita nito at tumingin sa notebook ni Alexandrite na katulad ko ay natatawa sa kulitan naming magkakaibigan.
Pero naghiyawan sila ng magring na ang bell ending our class today.
"Ok, we'll continue this tomorrow. Class dismissed" paalam ng teacher namin at nagsitayuan na kami.
"Eiffel wanna grab some food in the mall?" yaya ni Emerald. Naglalakad na kami papunta ng school gate.
"A-eh, m-may hihintayin pa ako." Sagot ko.
"Ano bayan! Para kang si Opal! School at bahay lang! Napaka KJ" comment ni Turquoise.
"Sorry naman daw, mahirap lang ako" depensa ni Opal.
"S-Sorry talaga" nakangwing paumanhin ko.
"Wag niyo nang awayin si Eiffel" singit ng mother hen namin "Thanks Alexandrite"
"Ok fine!" sabay na sagot nila Emerald at Turquoise.
"Sige mauuna na kami" paalam nila and I waved back.
Tumayo lang ako sa tabi school gate waiting for Kuya Clyde like I always do. Pero 30 minutes had already past at wala parin si kuya Clyde.
Biglang nagvibrate ang phone ko at agad ko itong chineck. It was a text message from Kuya Clyde stating that he can't pick me up today because they're beating a deadline.
I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed and sad but I inhaled and smiled.
"It's ok Eiffel, you're already a big girl" bilin ko sa sarili ko at maglalakad na pero agad akong napahinto nang makita ko ang taong papalapit sa akin.
"Hi! Eiffel!" bati niya sa akin with a smile.
Bigla akong nalamig at kinabahan. I don't feel good about this.
"A-Ate Elizabeth..."
"Do you have a minute? I know a great Resto near here" yaya niya .
I don't really want to go with her pero "s-sure ate..." payag ko at sumama sa kanya.
"""
Parehas kaming nasa loob ng isang posh fine dining Five Star Restaurant.
We are both eating an italian cuisine and I must say, the food and everything is excellent. Pero maya maya ay sinusulyapan ko si ate Elizabeth. I'm really scared of her after what I've heard from ate Kathlene and Kathrene.
Well in spite of that, eating in such restaurants is fine with me, I'm after all used in to move with etiquette and grace.
"Well, you are indeed splendid Eiffel." Puri niya sa akin at uminom sa champagne flute niya.
I felt cold sweat crept down to my spine with her cold deadly voice.
"You're intelligent, talented, sweet, humble, beautiful, full of elegance and rich" pagpapatuloy niya. I know she's complementing me. But my intuition says different.
"And I even bet that you will be more beautiful once you turned into the right age..." then she looked at me with those dead eyes of her na parang gustong gusto na niya akong mawala sa mundo.
"But then again, you are just a BRAT" madiing saad niya.
"You think that you already won now, just because Clyde married you."
"I-I don't understand you ate-"
"Isiksik mo ito sa utak mo Eiffel, pinakasalan ka lang ni Clyde dahil sa PERA mo." Putol niya sa akin at napalunok ako sa takot.
"Kahit anong pagpapaawang gawin mo, Clyde will leave you alone in the end. Bakit? Dahil bata ka lang." and she laughed.
"Clyde is a man, he needs someone who can provide him his needs, needs that I can provide and I'm afraid you can't. However, as a good ate I'll give you an advice... Ngayon palang ay iwan mo na si Clyde bago ka pa niya iwan, save yourself from future heartaches"
"Ito pa ang tandaan mo Eiffel. Clyde is mine" nanlilisik ang mga matang deklarasyon niya.
I felt my hands tremble with fear, how can the friendly ate Elizabeth I met days ago turned into this? Or was she already like this from the beginning?
I mustered up all of my strength and looked back to her. I must do this as Kuya Clyde's wife.
"I'm so sorry but I think you still don't fully know Kuya Clyde ate Elizabeth. Yes, I might only be a child in his eyes but being married to him... I can tell that he loves me more than anyone" pagtatangol ko sa sarili ko at tumayo na. She looked so shock, I bet she didn't expect my response. Hindi ko na siya hinayaang makasagot pa.
"The food was great, thank you for everything" puno ng galang na paalam ko at naglakad na paalis.
Pagkalabas ko ng shop ay agad akong pumara ng taxi at tahimik na nagisip.
Paulit ulit na pumapasok sa isipan ko ang lahat ng mga sinabi ni ate Elizabeth. I know that I should let it get in to my nerves because she's just obviously trying to destroy my trust for Kuya Clyde.
But a part of me believes in her.
A part of me is afraid that she might be telling the truth...
I-I'm scared.
Baka iwan nga niya ako and I know that I will not be able to survive it once he did.
I can't lose him, not now that I already love him this much.
Pagdating ko sa street tapat ng bahay namin ay bumaba na ako, malalim parin ang iniisip kaya hindi ko namalayan na nakatayo pala sa tapat ng wooden gate si Kuya Clyde.
"I've been waiting for you for hours" puna niya at napatigil ako sa paglalakad.
Unti unting inangat ko ang ulo ko at tiningnan siya. Ho looked angry but worried at the same time.
"Kung alam ko lang na hindi mo pa pala kayang umuwi ng magisa ay sana iniwan ko na si Willam." Dadag niya and stood there waiting for my reply.
"Wala ka bang sasabihin? Hindi ka ba nakokonsensya't pinagalala mo ako?" gulat na tanong niya, pero nanatili akong nakatayo, still not uttering a single word.
"Ok, I guess hindi na ako ganon kaimportante sayo" tinaas ang dalawang kamay na parang suko na.
Out of nowhere ay tumakbo ako at niyakap siya. He froze, not expecting my sudden action kaya napatumba siya sa lakas ng impact at dalawa kaming nakaupo sa malamig na semento.
"A-Aray" inda niya pero nanatili akong nakayakap sa leeg niya at ibinaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry...I'm s-sorry" paulit ulit na paumanhin ko as tears fell down from my eyes.
He became stiff as he heard my sobs, nalilito sa mga nangyayari "I'm sorry" ulit ko.
"O-Ok... Stop crying Eiffel, I'm not mad anymore" pilit na pinapatahan ako.
"I never intended to make you cry" amin niya.
Pero nagpatuloy ako sa pagiyak while repeating my words.
He hugged me back, so tight na parang natatakot siyang mawala ako.
I'm not apologizing because I made him worried, I'm apologizing because I'm scared, very scared for I don't fully believe that he will not hurt me just like ate Elizabeth said.
I'm apologizing cause I'm so scared of everything. Of him leaving me...
"I'm so s-sorry..."
Kuya Clyde used his left hand and held my cheeks, pinunasan ang luhang tumulo.
"Eiffel, I'm here." He said with his gentle eyes at ipinilig ang noo niya sa noo ko. Gamit ang kanang kamay ay kinuha niya ang kaliwang kamay ko at hinawakan ng mahigpit.
Pumikit siya at hinalikan ako malapit sa labi ko.
It wasn't on my lips but it was enough to melt me and my fears away.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed this moment with him.
In the silent street in front of our house, where no disturbance can be heard, under the sky full of shimmering stars, our hearts became one...
*****
This Chapter is dedicated to @MyCuteLittleDarling for voting and giving comments every time I update. Maraming salamat po sa pagiinspire sa akin to continue Marry me Kuya!
And thank you also for loving Clyde and Eiffel as much as I love them.
"The best feeling in the world is kissing someone for the first time when you've really wanted to kiss them for a longtime"
***
Eiffel's POV
"Hubby! Wake up! We have to eat now or we'll be late!" sigaw ko kay kuya Clyde na nahihimbing parin sa sariling kama.
"Hubby!" nakapout na tawag ko pero mas sumiksik siya sa unan.
Niyugyug ko ang balikat niya pero napatili ako ng bigla nyang hinablot ang kamay ko at hinatak ako sa kama. He wrapped his arms around me na parang body pillow.
I looked at his his face and he looked so peaceful.
"Hubby, wake up" kako at hinawakan ang mukha niya.
He lazily opened his eyes at ngumiti saka inilapit ang mukha sa akin.
He cupped my cheeks as he comes nearer ang I think I already turned into a stone kasi hindi ako makagalaw.
Ilang inch nalang ang lapit niya sa akin at nabibingi na ako sa bilis ng tibok ng puso ko!
I-Is he gonna k-k-kiss me!
"H-Hubby..." nangnginig ang boses ko na tinawag siya. Lakas loob na I ginamit ko ang index finger to stop his lips.
He blinked his eyes repeatedly na parang nagulat din sa nanggyayari.
"I'm not dreaming?" gulat na tanong niya.
Nahihiyang umiling ako at agad siyang tumalon mula sa kama niya. He looked so scared.
"W-What did I do?" he asked we worriedly. Umupo ako mula sa pagkakahiga "W-Wala. L-lets just eat" kako at lumabas na ng kuwarto niya. Pagkalabas ko ay hinawakan ko ang dibdib ko at napabuntong hininga.
He'll be the death of me.
Clyde's POV
"I almost kissed her" I said and slumpped my head on my table.
Willam who is beside me cant help but to snicker.
"Dreams never lies, you are realy in loved with your little wifey" mapangasar na sabi niya.
"Bat ganun! She's only eleven pero ang lakas nyang mang attract! She can tempt me effortless!" inilalabas ko ang lahat ng sama ng loob ko dahil mas magandang hindi ito kinikimkim.
"Brad, it's ok, ang totoo ay naaawa nga ako sayo..." puno ng simpatsya na hinawaka niya ang balikat ko
"If I were in your place.. having a wife as pretty like her is a torture. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano ka nakakatagal na kasama siya sa iisang bubong" he stated and sighed.
I glared at him. "Are you making fun of me?"
"Nope, absolutely not! Though, I really wonder kung gaano katagal mo na ba siyang napapanaginipan Clyde."
Napaiwas ako ng tingin at naramdaman ko ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.
"Ohh... naughty lil' Clyde"
"Shut up! She just started popping in my dreams recently!" depensa ko
"Recently... and what are those dreams about hubby?" pangagaya niya kay Eiffel.
"Look! There's nothing dirty about my dreams ok! Sometimes we're just holding each others hand, other time ay sinusubuan niya ako. Then minsan ay yakap yakap niya ako! See! It's pure innocent! Kaya wag mo kong itulad sayong malande!"
He clenched his chest na parang nasaktan sa sinabi ko "You're hurting me Clyde! I'm not a flirt" pagdrdrama niya
"Willa-" I was interrupted by my ringing phone. I checked it out and saw that it was an unregistered number. I looked at him and he nodded understanding what I'm saying.
"It's the crazy girl" puna niya at tumango ako.
I swiped my phone and answered it.
"We need to talk babe" she demanded.
"No we don't" sagot ko.
"Tsk tsk tsk you will talk to me if you don't want that little secret of yours revealed in the internet this instant" she stated full of intimidation.
"I'll see you at my favorite Cafe bab-" ako mismo ang pumatay ng phone ko.
Tumayo na ako at kinuha ang bag ko Willam threw his keys on me "alagaan mo ang baby ko" bilin niya and I smiled.
I went to the parking lot at pinaandar ang motor na hiniram ko leaving the school. I went to the Cafe where Elizabeth is.
Pagpasok ko sa mamahaling Cafe ay agad tinaas ni Elizabeth ang kamay niya at kumaway sa akin. She looked so happy, akala niya ata ay date ito.
Naiinis na umupo ako sa upuan na katapat niya.
"Look at the other couples like us babe, they're so sweet right?" nakangiting sabi niya.
"We're not like them Elizabeth and we will never be." I stated.
She took a sip from her cup and seductively pursed her lips and flutterd her eyelashes.
"Don't be so nega babe. You know... I'm already a famous model. I have so many connections in the Fashion Industry, even in the social industry. Isang scoop ko lang sa mga writer friends ko ay tatambad sa publiko ang tinatago nyong secreto ng ASAWA mo. But of course I wouldn't do that, as long as ako ang pipiliin mo and you will dispose that brat." She demanded.
"Do that and I'll make sure that this would be the last time na makakapasok ka sa isang mamahaling Cafe Elizabeth"
"What are you talking about?"
"Let me get this straight. Never I mean NEVER lay any of your filthy hands on Eiffel or else"
"Or else what?" sabat ni Elizabeth. "You don't love her. Clyde, baby, I know that you are only forced in this farce you called marriage and you're only doing this because the Fuentabellas and Sinclaires are friends. Merging two companies is a common thing now a days in our status and I know that is the only thing you're after. Just because that brat is a little pretty and have a little bit of money you in gave in to their persuasion? Just divorce that brat and marry me instead, I can give you a lot more billions than a scrap of millions that her dads puny comppany can give you." She suggested with a smug on her face.
I laid my back on the chair and smiled "Are you finished already Ms. Chan? I'll give you a little bit of lecture about business since you have no idea on what you have been spouting"
"First of all, I guess your informant is dense or just an idiot to give you false information on the Sinclaires. Just because they're not often seen at any socialite parties in this country that you and your family attend that doesn't makes their company punny."
Minsan napapaisip ako kung paano babagsak ang Chan Group of Companies oras na pinamunuan na ito ni Elizabeth, before that happens, sisiguraduhin ko nang ipupull out ko ang lahat ng investments ng pamilya ko doon, sayang lang naman ang assets namin.
"Sinclaires are one of the most powerful and influencial family in Europe, it is all known through out the world that they can control any country they want with the back up of other noble families not just in europe but also from other continents. That's how powerful Sinclaire's lineage is, one word from them will all do. So I advise you change tactics and use that brain of yours if, and if its still working because it might have already been rusted by not using it every now and then" I insulted her and smirked
"Dressing nice and taking good pictures don't make you smart Ms. Chan"
Pagkatapos ay expressionless na tinitigan ko siya.
"Second of all, the Fuentabellas is the major shareholder and investor of your company, your business will crumble with just one snap of my fingers. Mawawala ang lahat na tinatamasa mong karangyaan sa kamay ko. Sisiguraduhin kong hindi lang ikaw ang maghihirap kundi ang buong angkan mo hangang sa huling henerasyon niyo. I'm a good ally, but a very bad enemy... so don't try me Elizabeth Chan" taas noong saad ko.
Napalitan ng takot ang nakakaloko niyang ngiti at nanlaki ang mga mata "A-Are you threatening me Clyde?!!!"
"No. I'm just stating the fact" I answered and stood up.
"How can you do this to me Clyde?! Just because of that brat?!"
"I will do anything just to keep our marriage safe, even if I have to kill you myself" walang emosyon na sagot ko at tumalikod na. Nangigigil na tinabig niya ang lahat nang nasa lamesa at nagsisissigaw. Agad siyang nilapitan ng mga guwardiya at mga waitress.
Lumabas na ako ng cafe at baka madawit pa ako sa kabaliwan ng babaeng yun.
Biglang tumunog ulit ang phone ko at agad ko itong sinagot
"Brad! Bilisan mo! Bumalik ka na dito agad" sigaw ni willam sa kabilang linya.
"Bakit anong meron?" tanong ko
"Ngayon na raw ung deadline natin sa investment! Hindi ko pa natatapos yung atin!" hysterically na sigaw niya.
"Anak ng! papunta na ako!" sigaw ko pabalik. Napaka pabaya talaga ng gagung yon!
Eiffel's POV
"Eiffel! Pakopya ako!" pacute na sigaw ni Engie at natatawang napailing ako.
Busying busy kami sa last subject namin which is math kung saan ay miraculously na naghihirap sila.
"Uy neng! Kala mo seryoso sa pagsagot yun pala nagdradrawing lang!" sita ni Diamong kay Emerald na focused na focused sa notebook niya.
"Opal bakit alien language ang problem na sinosolve natin? Itranslate mo nga!" utos ni Topaz.
"Che! Kay Eiffel ka magpatulong!" sita nito at tumingin sa notebook ni Alexandrite na katulad ko ay natatawa sa kulitan naming magkakaibigan.
Pero naghiyawan sila ng magring na ang bell ending our class today.
"Ok, we'll continue this tomorrow. class dismissed" paalam ng teacher namin at nagsitayuan na kami.
"Eiffel wanna grab some food in the mall?" yaya ni Emerald.Naglalakad na kami papunta ng school gate.
"A-eh, m-may hihintayin pa ako." Sagot ko.
"Ano bayan! Para kng si Opal! School at bahay lang! napaka KJ" comment ni Turquoise.
"Sorry namn daw, mahirap lang ako" depensa ni Opal.
"S-Sorry talaga" nakangwing paumanhin ko.
"Wag niyo nang awayin si Eiffel" singit ng mother hen namin "thanks Alexandrite"
"Ok fine!" sabay na sagot nila Emerald at Turquoise.
"Sige mauuna na kami" paalam nila and I waved back.
Tumayo lang ako sa tabi school gate waiting for kuya clyde like I always do. Pero 30 minutes had already past at wala parin si kuya Clyde.
Biglang nagvibrate ang phone ko at agad ko itong chineck. It was a text message from kuya Clyde stating that he can't pick me up today 'cause they're beating a deadline.
I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed and sad. But I inhaled and smiled.
"It's ok Eiffel, you're already a big girl" bilin ko sa sarili ko at maglalakad na pero agad akong napahinto nang makita ko ang taong papalapit sa akin.
"Hi! Eiffel!" bati niya sa akin with a smile.
Bigla akong nalamig at kinabahan. I don't feel good about this.
"A-Ate Elizabeth..."
"Do you have a minute? I know a great Resto near here" yaya niya .
I don't really want to go with her, pero "s-sure ate..." payag ko at sumama sa kanya.
"""
Parehas kaming nasa loob ng isang posh fine dinning Five Star Restaurant.
We are both eating an italian cuisine and I must say, the food and everything is excellent. Pero maya maya ay sinusulyapan ko si ate Elizabeth. I'm really scared of her after what I've heard from ate Kathlene and Kathrene.
Well inspite of that, eating in such restaurants is fine with me, I'm afterall used in to move with etiquette and grace.
"Well, you are indeed splendid Eiffel." Puri niya sa akin at uminom sa champagne flute niya.
I felt cold sweat crept down to my spine with her cold deadly voice.
"You're intellegent, talented, sweet, humble, beautiful, full of elegance and rich" pagpapatuloy niya. I know she's complementing me. But my intuition says different.
"And I even bet that you will be more beautiful once you turned into the right age..." then she looked at me with those dead eyes of her. Na parang gustong gusto na niya akong mawala sa mundo.
"But. Then again, you are just a BRAT" madiing saad niya.
"You think that you already won now, just because Clyde married you."
"I-I don't understand you ate-"
"Isiksik mo ito sa utak mo Eiffel, pinakasalan ka lang ni Clyde dahil sa PERA mo." Putol niya sa akin at napalunok ako sa takot.
"Kahit anong pagpapaawang gawin mo, Clyde will leave you alone in the end. Bakit? Dahil bata ka lang." and she laughed.
"Clyde is a man, he needs someone who can provide him his needs, needs that I can provide and I'm afraid you can't. However as a good ate, I'll give you an advice... ngayon palang ay iwan mo na si Clyde bago ka pa niya iwan, save your self from future heartaches"
"Ito pa ang tandaan mo Eiffel. CLYDE.IS.MINE" nanlilisik ang mga matang puna niya.
I felt my hands tremble with fear, how can the friendly ate Elizabeth I met days ago turned into this? Or was she already like this from the beginning?
I mustered up all of my strenght and looked back to her. I must do this as kuya Clyde's wife.
"I'm so sorry but I think you still don't fully know kuya Clyde ate Elizabeth. Yes, I might only be a child in his eyes. But being married with him... I can tell that he loves me more than anyone" pagtatangol ko sa sarili ko at tumayo na. She looked so shock, I bet she didn't expected my response. Hindi ko na siya hinayaang makasagot pa.
"The food was great, thank you for everything" puno ng galang na paalam ko at naglakad na paalis.
Pagkalabas ko ng shop ay agad akong pumara ng taxi at tahimik na nagisip.
Paulit ulit na pumapasok sa isipan ko ang lahat ng mga sinabi ni ate Elizabeth. I know that I should let it get in to my nerves because she's just obviously trying to destroy my trust for kuya Clyde.
Pero, a part of me believes in her.
A part of me is afraid that she might be telling the truth...
I-I'm scared.
Baka iwan nga niya ako, and I know that I will not be able to survive it once he did.
I can't loose him, not now that I already love him this much.
Pagdating ko sa street tapat ng bahay namin ay bumaba na ako, malalim parin ang iniisip kaya hindi ko namalayan na nakatayo pala sa tapat ng wooden gate si kuya Clyde.
"I've been waiting for you for hours" puna niya at napatigil ako sa paglalakad.
Unti unting inangat ko ang ulo ko at tiningnan siya. Ho looked angry but worried at the same time.
"Kung alam ko lang na hindi mo pa pala kayang umuwi ng magisa ay sana iniwan ko na si Willam." Dadag niya and stood there waiting for my reply.
"Wala ka bang sasabihin? Hindi ka ba nakokonsensya't pinagalala mo ako?" gulat na tanong niya, pero nanatili akong nakatayo, still not uttering a single word.
"Ok, I guess hindi na ako ganon kaimportante sayo" at tinaas ang dalawang kamay na parang suko na.
Out of no where ay tumakbo ako at niyakap siya. He didn't expect it kaya napatumba siya sa lakas ng impact at dalawa kaming nakaupo sa malamig na semento.
"A-aray" inda niya pero nanatili akong nakayakap sa leeg niya at ibinaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry...I'm s-sorry" paulit ulit na paumanhin ko as tears fell down from my eyes.
He became stiff as he heard my sobs, nalilito sa mga nangyayari
"I'm sorry" ulit ko.
"O-Ok... Stop crying Eiffel, I'm not mad anymore" pilit na pinapatahan ako.
"I never intended to make you cry" amin niya.
Pero nagpatuloy ako sa pagiyak while repeating my words.
He hugged me back, so tight na parang natatakot siyang mawala ako.
I'm not apologizing because I made him worried, I'm apologizing cause I'm scared, very scared for I don't fully believe that he will not hurt me just like ate Elizabeth said.
I'm apologizing cause I'm so scared of everything. Of him leaving me...
"I'm so s-sorry..."
Kuya Clyde used his left hand and held my cheeks, pinunasan ang luhang tumulo.
"Eiffel, I'm here." He said with his gentle eyes at ipinilig ang noo niya sa noo ko. Gamit ang kanang kamay ay kinuha niya ang kaliwang kamay ko at hinawakan ng mahigpit.
Pumikit siya at hinalikan ako malapit sa labi ko.
It wasn't on my lips but it was enough to melt me and my fears away.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed this moment with him.
In the silent street infront of our house, where no disturbance can be heard, under the sky full of shimmering stars, our hearts became one...
*****
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