KABANATA 3

I WAKE up early with a light feeling in my head. Sinilip ko muna kung natutulog pa si Sydney sa kwarto nya bago ako pumunta sa kusina at naghanda ng breakfast, baka sakaling maisip ni Zurich na sumabay samin kaya dinamihan ko na ang luto. Besides natutuwa ako na kompleto ang kitchen utensils at grocery nya.

I was humming a nursery rhyme as I pick up the last batch of sausages on the pan when Sydney suddenly puffed at the kitchen.

"Good morning" I cheerfully greeted her.

"Morning" tamad na tamad nyang bati rin sakin habang nagkukusot ng mata nya.

She was still wearing her bunny printed pajamas and barefoot while walking towards what I cooked.

"I cooked breakfast, tulungan mo kong i-set ang dining..."

She shrugged and get the forks and spoons while I carry the plates and glasses.

Pinagtulungan namin na i-set ng dining saka kami umupo ng mag kaharap sa mesa. She was about to eat when I remember something.

"Opss... Not yet. Magdasal muna tayo"

"What?" iritado nyang bulalas

"I told you last night, I will teach you the way a four year old kid should act right? Lesson one, you must learn to grace before every meal" I said softly.

Nakokonsensya kasi akong sabayan ang pagka maldita nya. Not after what happened last night.

"Fine" she closed her eyes.

Ganon din ang ginawa ko at pinakinggan ang dasal nya.

"Dear god thank you for the food. Amen"

I almost laugh after I signed a cross pero sinimangutan nya ko.

"Mali ba ang dasal ko?" she asked in a total bitchy tone.

"No. Walang maling dasal" nakangisi kong sagot.

Inirapan nya ko.

"Bakit parang pinagtatatawanan mo ko?" 

"Wala. Ang cute ng dasal mo, short and easy"

She made a 'tsk' sound before eating the hotdog in her plate.

We ate in silence when Zurich interrupted us.

"Hindi nyo ko hinintay?" he asked.

I glanced at him.

Mukhang kakagising nya lang dahil magulo pa ang buhok nya. But his bed hair makes him look hotter like it give the natural charm in his eyes.

"Sorry akala ko kasi... Ah... Upo ka na kukuha lang ako ng plato sa kitchen" I awkwardly said then stood up and head towards the kitchen's direction.

Kumuha ako ng isang plato, kutsara, tinidor at baso tapos inayos yun. Ayokong mailang kaya hindi ko sya sinulyapan man lang habang ginagawa ko yun.

My instinct is telling me to ask him if he want a cup of coffee so I did.

"Kape gusto mo?" nakayuko kong tanong.

"Wag na, mukhang masarap naman yang juice" 

The juice he was talking about is the one I made from cucumber and lemon.

"Masarap dad, tsaka yung egg hindi masyadong sunog unlike pag ikaw ang nagluluto" sang-ayon ni Sydney na tuloy-tuloy sa pagkain.

At least pinuri nya diba?

Bumalik ako sa upuan ko at nakatingin sya sakin ng sulyapan ko sya kaya hindi ko na nagawang mag-angat ng tingin.

I heard Sydney's cough. Akala ko nabubulunan na sya kaya agad ko syang tiningnan.

"May nangyari ba sa inyong dalawa?"

Ako ang biglang nasamid ng hotdog na nginunguya ko dahil sa tanong nyang yun. To the rescue naman si Zurich na inabutan ako ng isang basong tubig.

Umubo-ubo pa ko para tuluyang mawala ang bara sa lalamunan ko. Now I have a good reason to turn red.

"Easy anak, dahan-dahan sa tanong mo dahil hindi pa sanay si Praia sayo"

So sya sanay na? 

Tiningnan ko sya at nakangisi sya sa direksyon ko. Naalala ko na naman yung sa office kaya pakiramdam ko tuloy pati tenga ko pulang-pula na.

"Nagtanong lang naman ako" katwiran ni Sydney

"Straight to the point ka eh, anyway bakit mo naman naiisip na itanong yun?"

"Kasi kanina bago ka dumating hindi sya ganyan, kahapon ko pa napapansin pagkatapos ko kayong madatnan sa office mo"

Damn. Kids don't lie nga pala. Malay ko bang observant ang batang to?

Nagkatinginan kami ni Zurich at nginisian nya ko kaya naman ganon na lang ang kaba ko sa pwede nyang isagot.

"Maybe she thinks I'm hot" he said in a humorous tone then winked at me

Inirapan ko sya.

"Asa ka..."

"Wala ka dad... Burn" 

Nagtawanan kami ni Sydney kaya nakasimangot si Zurich hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain.

"BYE dad may lesson kami ngayon"

Iiling-iling ko lang na hinayaan si Sydney habang nagpapaalam sya sa daddy nya. 

She's so excited at talagang gusto nyang seryosohin ang lesson ko tungkol sa kagandahang asal. I nearly laughed ng makita ko sya sa labas ng pinto ko na parang inip na inip sa paghihintay sakin. Pinaliguan at inayusan ko pa kasi sya bago ako maghanda.

"After lunch pa ang schedule mo ah..." takang tanong ni Zurich na may ginagawang kung ano sa laptop nya.

"Hindi, may ituturo lang sakin si Praia ngayon" bumaling sya sakin "Let's go"

Hinayaan ko syang hilahin ako palabas at hawak nya ang kamay ko hanggang sa makarating kami sa sand bar.

"San tayo?" tanong nya ng bumaling sakin.

"San mo ba gusto?" balik-tanong ko sa kanya.

Pansamantala syang nag-isip saka humarap sakin.

"Ah... Alam ko na. Tara may alam akong lugar"

"Okay then, lead the way"

Napadpad kaming dalawa sa isang open cottage na walang tao. Mula doon ay kita ang magandang dagat at ang isang magandang rock formation.

"Dito na lang tayo, mas relaxing at tahimik" aniya na parang kaedad ko lang sya kung magsalita.

Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba si Zurich ang palagi nyang kasama--- well hindi ko pa nakikita ni anino ng mommy nya at ayaw nya naman yung pag-usapan--- o ganon talaga ang attitude nya. Pwede rin na sakin lang, kasi bago pa lang ako sa buhay nya at hindi pa kami sanay sa isa't-isa.

"Gusto mo na bang simulan ang lesson two natin?" tanong ko ng makaupo ako sa tabi nya.

Gawa sa kawayan ang cottage at anahaw naman ang bubong. Open ang side na nakaharap sa dagat at yun din ang pasukan at labasan doon. Half body ang dingding kaya pasok ang hangin sa loob. Sa tatlong side ay may mga upuang kawayan at may isang maliit na table sa gitna. Sapat na siguro para i- accommodate ang sampung tao.

"Oo naman..."

"Lesson two, you should learn to respect everyone" 

Tinatantya ko ang reaksyon nya, pero hindi naman sya naging bayolente. Tinaasan nya lang ako ng kilay.

"Mukha ba talaga akong walang galang?"

"Hindi naman, pero kelangan mo yung i-improve. You should learn to use po and opo, specially when you're talking to your dad"

"Oww... That wouldn't be hard" sabi nya na parang kinakausap ang sarili "Ganito po ba?"

Napatawa ako dahil halatang praktisado ang huling sinabi nya.

"Improve it a little more" komento ko.

Nagkibit-balikat sya.

"Oh well, when I'm using English I can speak without using that po and opo right?"

Tumango-tango ako. May point ang batang to.

"When you are speaking in English, you should show your respect through your voice tone and a polite smile"

"What if I'm annoyed?"

"When you're annoyed, you can be sarcastic but not too much... I mean it depends on the reason why you're annoyed"

"Thank God, I thought I should smile politely even I'm pissed. That was a relief"

Ginulo ko ang buhok nya.

"You're so cute"

"Don't mess up with my hair kasi ikaw din naman po ang mag-aayos nyan" she said sarcastically.

"You're applying our lesson already... I see" 

I flashed a grin.

"You're annoying..." diretsa nyang sagot.

"Galit ka na nyan?" pang-aasar ko "Okay... Then..."

"What are planning?" namumutla nyang tanong ng mapansin na palapit sa kanya ang kamay ko.

"Here comes... The tickle monster..."

Next thing I know, we were both laughing to death.

Nang humupa ang tawa naming dalawa ay nagulat ako ng yakapin nya ko ng mahigpit gamit ang maliliit nyang braso.

"Thank you... Thank you kasi dumating ka..." ibinaon nya ang mukha sa leeg ko kaya naririnig ko ang hikbi nya.

"Sydney... Sydney bakit? May problema ba?" natataranta kong tanong.

Umiling sya at bumitaw sa pagkakayakap sakin.

"Wala... Walang problema. Masaya ako kasi ngayong nandito ka na, pakiramdam ko may mommy na ulit ako"

Pinatayo ko sya para maging magkapantay ang mga mukha namin.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa mommy mo, kung ayaw mong magkwento okay lang. Hihintayin ko kung kelan ka magiging ready. Pero wag ka ng umiyak ng ganyan kasi kinakabahan ako"

Pinunasan ko ang luha nya.

"Mangako ka sakin... Mag promise ka na hindi mo ko iiwan ha"

"Yeah... I promise, hanggang kaya ko hindi kita iiwan"

What have I done? 

ALIW na aliw ako habang pinapanood si Sydney na seryosong-seryoso sa kinukulayan nyang picture ng sunflower. Sa sobrang focused nya sa ginagawa hindi nya ata napansin na tumutulo na ang pawis nya sa noo.

Kumuha ako ng panyo sa bulsa at nilapitan sya. Lumuhod ako sa picnic mat dahil nasa part kami ng garden na hindi masyadong naaarawan para sa three hour class nya.

Lumingon sya sa akin at binigyan ako ng nagtatakang tingin.

"Kasi po..." marahan kong idinampi ang panyo sa noo nya "Pawis na pawis ka na..."

Ipinagpatuloy ko yun hanggang sa mawala ang lahat ng pawis nya. I checked her back pero hindi naman yun pinagpawisan kaya hinayaan ko na lang syang bumalik sa ginagawa.

Nanatili lang ako sa tabi nya at tiningnan ang papel na napakalinis nang pagkakakulay at nasa iisang direksyon lang lahat.

I felt that someone is watching us kaya inilibot ko ang mata ko sa buong garden. I don't see anyone dahil kahit ang mga pader ay parang ten feet ang taas. Then I unconsciously looked at the villa and I found him at the terrace of his room.

Nakahalukipkip habang nakatingin samin. Mukhang natigilan sya ng makitang nakatingin ako sa kanya--- at ganon din naman ako.

Ibinalik ko ang atensyon ko kay Sydney dahil ipinakita nya sakin ang finish product ng kinulayan nya. 

"What can you say?"

"Well..."

Her eyes widened in anticipation. Mukhang hinihintay nya ang sagot ko.

"This... Is... This is so great... Very good" I sincerely answered.

"Really?" she asked excitedly.

"Yup... Now let's proceed to mathematics"

Kinuha ko ang textbook at ibinigay yun sa kanya.

"My favorite..." she exclaimed.

Nahawa ako ng excitement nya kaya dumungaw sa sinasagutan nyang addition.

Marunong na sya ng basic fundamentals, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Kaso isang digit pa lang ang kaya nya. Quite impressive for a four year old.

RIGHT after taking shower, lumabas na ako sa banyo ng nakatapis ng tuwalya dahil sa sobrang pagod at pawis ko kanina, inuna ko ng ibabad ang sarili ko sa shower. Sadly I don't have a bathtub full of bubbles where I can dip after a very exhausting day.

Sydney was so hyper. After our lessons, we played in her playroom for like two hours then after dinner we had a pillow fight in her room.

Kakalabas ko lang ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto. Hiniling ko na lang na bumuka ang lupa para kainin ako dahil si Zurich ang iniluwa nun.

He's with a plain shirt and a jeans but she looks like a sexy beast in my eyes.

"Ahm... May kelangan ka?" kabado kong tanong.

Hindi ko ipinahalata na apektado ako sa presensya nya. I don't know how i manage to get a robe on the chair and add it to the white towel that covers my nakedness.

Habang inaayos ko ang robe ay nakita ko na isinara nya ang pinto at naglakad palapit sakin.

"Why do you need to be that gorgeous?"

I can sense frustration in his voice pero hindi ako makapag react o makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. I was so shocked because it was so fast and he was behind me now. And I was also astonished by his eyes.

He hugged me from behind and I just stood there like a straight bamboo plant. I can't move any part of my body to push him.

"You're one hella good seductress darling..." he whispered in a low and husky voice.

Nagtayuan ang mga balahibo ko sa batok dahil ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng hininga nya sa parteng yun.

He gently planted small kisses into my nape while his hands were carefully roaming in my shoulders. Dahan-dahan nya akong pinihit paharap sa kanya.

I let out a moan when he kissed my collarbones. Once again the familiar heat was travelling into my whole being.

Dinala nya ang halik sa labi ko at pinalalim iyon. Still kissing, he held my waist and pulled me closer to him. 

Binuhat nya ko at hindi ko alam kung ano ang demonyong nagtulak sakin para ipulupot ang binti ko sa bewang nya at hayaan na manguyapit ang braso ko sa leeg nya.

Nakapikit ako kaya hindi namalayang nadala nya na ko sa kama at nakapatong sya sakin habang dahan-dahan nang tinatanggal ng kamay nya ang tali ng robe ko.

It was like hitting a panick button in my mind when my back reached the soft mattress.

Umungol sya bilang protesta ng iiwas ko ang ulo ko sa labi nya. Itinulak ko sya pero hindi yun sapat para palayuin sya dahil pakiramdam ko ay hinang-hina ako.

"This is wrong... Oh my gosh what am I thinking" I whispered in a hoarse voice.

Ibinaon nya ang ulo sa leeg ko at dahil nakapatong sya, nasa akin ang buong bigat nya na himalang kinaya ko. He is big tall man while i was shorter and lighter than him.

Hinalik-halikan nya ang leeg ko kaya ginamit ko ang kamay ko para paluin sya sa likod.

"Damn. What was that?" tanong nya at tuluyan ng bumalikwas ng bangon.

"Can you just please stay away from me?" hirap na hirap kong pakiusap.

Hindi ko alam kung kanino ba ko maiinis, sa kanya na pumasok sa kwarto ko o sa sarili ko na pumayag naman na mangyari lahat ng yun.

Why would I be this submissive kahit alam kong mali yun?

Umalis sya sa ibabaw ko at nahiga sa tabi ko habang ang kamay nya ay naka dantay sa bandang tiyan ko. Inalis ko yun at umupo ako sa kama. Ganon din ang ginawa nya.

"Yung sa office mo pa lang, mali na... Hindi ka na dapat pumunta dito" 

Nahilot ko ang sentido ko dahil sa frustration. 

"I tried... I tried so hard" pabulong nyang sagot.

"Try harder then. Mas magiging madali to kung makikipag cooperate ka"

Humarap sya sakin na may bahid ng inis ang ekpresyon.

"Then what? Hayaan ang sarili ko na mabaliw sa tuwing naiisip ko ang labi mo?"

I jumped of the bed dahil kelangan ko ng distansyang malayo sa kanya para makapag-isip ako ng tama.

I was about to say something when he pulled my arms using his hands. I landed on top of him and he get that chance to kiss me.

His lips was moving slowly against mine while seeking each corner of my mouth using his tounge.

His hand was on my nape and the other one is gently caressing my back. The familiar tender kisses from him give my body an automatic response. But when I realized what we're doing, I pushed my self out of him and roll over the bed.

"Ano ba? Nababaliw ka na ba talaga?" hinihingal kong singhal sa kanya.

May hang over pa ko sa halik nya.

"Kung yun ang tingin mo, oo" kampante nyang sagot like he was satisfied that I give him the answer and respond he needed.

Tumayo ako paalis sa kama at siniguro ko na may lagpas five feet na distansya sa aming dalawa.

"Nakakainis ka na, hindi na to nakakatuwa" I said in a threatening voice.

"It is crystal clear Praia, we are attracted to each other" nakangisi nyang sagot habang nakaupo sa kama.

Tiningnan ko sya ng masama.

"O ngayon? Even we are fucking attracted to each other, it doesn't matter coz you already have a wife" 

Tumaas ang kilay nya.

"Who told you I'm married?"

"Don't you try to fool me Monteclaro, I'm not stupid"

"Woah... You're hotter when your mad"

Nakakuha ako ng isang unused towel na nakatupi sa dresser at yun ang ibinato ko sa kanya. Mabilis naman syang nakaiwas kaya sinuklian nya ng ngisi ang irap ko.

"Magseryoso ka nga" singhal ko.

"Seryoso ako, wala akong asawa"

I made face to tell him I don't believe a single word he just said.

"How about Sydney's mother? Sige nga, ano mo sya? Don't tell me hindi mo sya pinanagutan after mo syang mabuntis?"

Nagkibit-balikat sya.

"If that's what you think, then be it. But I am definitely, single" he flashed an evil grin "Can I kiss you now?"

Lumapit ako sa kanya hindi para halikan sya kundi para kumuha ng unan at ihampas yun sa kanya.

Dahil sunod-sunod ang hampas ko, hindi nya naiwasan yung iba.

"Hey stop--- Damn stop or I will..."

Itinigil ko ang pag hampas ng unan sa kanya at humalukipkip.

"You will what?" mataray kong tanong.

"I will go to my room and sleep" nakangisi nyang sagot at bumangon sa kama.

"Good" 

Sinundan ko sya sa pinto para mai-lock ko yun pagkaalis nya pero nagulat ako ng bigla nya kong sunggaban at nakawan ng halik sa labi. 

Mariing dampi iyon at pagkatapos ay tumakbo sya sa kwarto nya na nakabukas sa tapat lang ng sakin.

Iiling-iling ako ng marinig ko ang pag lock ng pinto nya.

Maybe I should do the same to my room's door. I will lock it as well as my heart. He can't snatch it and runaway quickly like what he did.

I shouldn't fall for him.

AFTER we all ate the breakfast I made, pumasok si Zurich sa kwarto nya dahil may 'importante' daw na gagawin samantalang nagyaya si Sydney na mamasyal kaya agad kaming naghanda para hindi kami maabutan ng sobrang init ng araw.

"You're pretty" komento ni Sydney na naghihintay na naman sa labas ng kwarto ko.

She say we won't go swimming so I wore a maroon beach dress.

"Thank you. Ikaw din, you're so cute"

Sinimangutan nya ko.

"You're the one who pick my clothes, of course you will say I'm cute"

I pinched her cheeks.

"Lesson number three, always be kind"

She shrugged.

"I don't know anything about being kind"

"Silly. Of course you do. Lahat ng tao ay mabuti, minsan kelangan lang nilang maalala yun"

She chuckled.

"So all we got to do is go to jail, visit a criminal and tell them 'hey, you are not in a murderer in nature, you are kind'. You think it's effective?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Don't take it literally, I mean it as idiomatic expression"

"Hi girls, may lakad kayo?" 

Nakalimutan kong mag katapat lang ang kwarto namin ni Zurich kaya paglabas nya don, kami ni Sydney ang bubungad sa kanya.

"Yes dad, I am planning to show her the whole resort. Since you are too busy to do that" sagot ni Sydney sa isang sarkastikong tono.

Kinalabit ko sya kaya biglang lumambot ang facial expression nya.

"Sorry po..." 

Zurich looked at me like I was an alien with three heads, eight legs and five eyes. Hindi sya makapaniwala na nag sorry si Sydney dahil sa isang kalabit ko lang.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako.

"I will come with you two" he declared when he picked up his lost shocked self.

"Really?" Sydney's eyes lightened "Yes! It's a family day"

I looked at the floor trying not to mind her remarks--- 'family day'.

"HERE we go..." ani Sydney ng makarating kami sa tapat ng malaking karatula.

It says 'Escape'. Under it was a smaller letters saying 'butterfly sanctuary'.

Pumasok kami at ang una naming nadaanan ay ang mga puno ng agoho na nakahanay ng maayos. Dahil sa malalimig na simoy ng hangin at nakaka relax na huni ng mga ibong sa paligid hindi ko napansin na nalagpasan na namin ang napakaraming mga puno.

Sunod kong nakita ang isang napakalaking garden na puno ng iba't-ibang halaman, bulaklak at puno. My eyes widened when a blue and black winged butterfly went on my shoulder.

"Oh my gosh... She likes you" Sydney exclaimed na para bang alam nito ang iniisip ng butterfly habang nakatingin doon.

"No wonder... I like her too" Zurich commented.

It made me feel uneasy. Silly, the butterfly flyaway but it feels like some of them is stocked in my stomach.

"Your daughter looks adorable" komento ng isang lalaking dumaan sa harap namin.

I think he is a British or something like that because of his accent. 

Nakahawak kasi si Sydney sa kanang kamay ko at nasa kabila naman nya si Zurich na may bitbit na basket ng merienda at isang maliit na bag na may laman ng vitamins at iba pang gamit ni Sydney.

"Thank you" Zurich answered then winked at me.

Inirapan ko sya. Hindi man lang itinama na hindi ako ang nanay ni Sydney. Pero kung ako talaga ang nanay nya sobrang magiging proud ako.

"Sabi na eh... Pwede kitang mommy" baling ni Sydney sakin 

That made my tounge tied. I faked a cough first.

"Ikaw talaga..." I playfully pinched her cheeks and glanced at her dad na permanent na ata ang ngisi.

"Bakit ayaw mo ba?" inosente nyang tanong.

I was so red all over dahil alam kong nakatitig sakin si Zurich.

"Mainit dito, dun tayo sa ilalim ng puno" I shifted the topic. 

Hindi na naman sya nangulit kaya nakarating kami ng matiwasay sa ilalim ng isang acacia.

Si Zurich ang naglatag ng malaking picnic mat at kami naman ni Sydney ang nag-ayos ng mga dala naming pagkain.

"I wanna catch a butterfly. Tara dali... Unahan tayo" Sydney exclaimed excitedly like she already pictured out her victory on her mind.

Napatawa na lang ako ng agad na tumayo si Zurich. He is willing to participate to her daughter's game.

"Tara na... Masaya to..." yaya sakin ni Sydney na hinala pa ang braso ko.

"What would be my prize if I win?" I asked I a playful tone.

"Prize..." nag-isip sya saglit at nakangising humarap sakin "I can't think of anything, you want my dad? I will give him to you"

I laughed hard. She's so confident to give Zurich to me like he is just a toy from a wet market.

"Bakit ba ibinibigay mo sakin yang daddy mo? Ayaw mo ba dyan?" I stand up "Ang gusto kong prize ay turuan mo kong mang hack ng wifi"

"Okay... If I win, gusto kong mag movie marathon tayo" bumaling sya kay Zurich "What about you dad?"

"I want her to kiss me" he said without further thinking while pointing me out.

"Yey! Deal. Let's go" she excitedly clapped her hands.

Bago pa ako nakapag react nawala na sila sa paningin ko. Kaya siguro sila mag-ama, magkatulad sila ng ugali.

Lumapit ako sa isang hybrid red and white gumamela na halos kasing laki ko lang dahil may green butterfly na nakadapo doon. 

Wala naman akong planong seryosohin ang butterfly catching contest ni Sydney dahil bothered ako na baka manalo si Zurich kahit hindi ko sure kung seryoso sya sa prize na hinihingi nya.

My eyes was fixed at the butterfly and I was about to hold it when someone grabbed my waist. I was about to scream for help when the familiar aquatic scented perfume reached my nostrils.

"Zurich?" I whispered in a shaking voice.

"Hmm..." sagot nya habang pinaglalaruan ang buhok ko.

Agad na hinanap ng paningin ko si Sydney pero mukhang abalang-abala sya sa panghuhuli at panghahabol ng mga butterfly malayo samin.

"I want to kiss you..." he groaned.

Humarap ako sa kanya at nakangising nilagay ang braso ko sa leeg nya. I gave him a pick on lips and immediately pulled away before he could ever react.

I gave him a sweet smile before running into Sydney's direction.

"May nahuli ka na?" hinihingal kong tanong.

Umiling sya.

"Ayaw nilang magpahuli"

I smiled at her priceless facial expression, she's pouting like she badly wants to win.

"Let's try again wala pa rin ako eh"

Next thing i knew sobrang nag eenjoy na ko sa paglapit sa iba't-ibang bulaklak at panghahabol ng paru-paro. They were so sensitive even from the very small noise. Pakiramdam ko nga alam nila pag may tao sa paligid. They were so many but I ended up catching nothing.

"I have a good news..." Sydney cheerfully said while coming near me.

Lumuhod ako para maging magkalevel ang mga mukha namin dahil may properly trimmed carabao grass naman sa buong paligid kaya hindi masasaktan ang tuhod ko.

"Dad catched one"

It was like an atomic bomb exploded in front of me. My heart was beating so fast and loud like they are in some racing competition.

"Eto na sya..." bumaling sya kay Zurich na pangiti-ngiti habang papalapit sa amin "Show her dad"

Lumuhod din sya at dahan-dahang ibinukas ang dalawang magkadaop nyang palad. I was stunned when a small blue violet butterfly showed up. Dumaan pa yun sa mismong harap ko bago lumipad palayo.

"I won..." he said in a matter of fact tone.

"Yeah..." kabadong pag sang-ayon ko.

I literally wasn't breathing the whole time he was looking at me because I am so afraid that he might hear my heart's loud bangs.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng tumayo sya at humarap sakin.

"I will claim my prize later"

"WAIT... Dad, I will lead the prayer" Sydney volunteered then close her tiny eyes.

Nang mapatingin ako kay Zurich ay nakatitig sya sakin. He looked so amazed how Sydney act today. She applied what I said without me, reminding her.

I closed my eyes to avoid his gaze. I'm too distracted with him that I can't even think what I am doing or mind if it is right or wrong.

"Dear Almighty God, thank you for the all the blessings and for the food you have give to us. Bless us all with your powerful holy spirit. Amen"

After I signed the cross I proudly pat her head.

We were at C&M for lunch because we are all tired and hungry to cook.

"You're improving..."

"Thanks but I'm tired" malamya nyang sagot.

"We will go home after this but you should eat first" 

"I'm too lazy to move my hands. Feed me"

Tumikwas ang kilay ko.

"Lesson number four, say thank you, sorry and please the most sincere way possible"

"That was the hardest among your lessons... Can I solve a math problem instead?"

I shrugged.

"Feed yourself then" I said in a serious voice.

Her eyes twikled like she was one of those cute puppies I like.

"Please... Sige na... Subuan mo na ko"

"Very good. I told you kaya mo"

"It's hard, but bearable"

I WAS about to close the book I am holding dahil napansin kong nakatulog na si Sydney ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto nya.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo sa kama at ibinalik ang libro sa night stand.

"Mabilis syang nakatulog, napagod siguro kanina" I opened up the topic while looking at Sydney.

How can I look at him if every time I'm doing that I felt like something is in my stomach and I get a mini panick attack.

"Ngayon ko lang ulit sya nakitang ganyan kasaya, mabuti na lang dumating ka"

"Alam ko na kung saan nagmana ang anak mo..." sabi ko na lang para hindi ako masyadong ma-overwhelm sa sinabi nya.

I heard him chuckled.

"Matutulog ka na ba?"

I nodded.

"Tara ihahatid na kita sa kwarto mo" sabi nya na parang sampung kanto pa ng tatawirin bago ako makarating don.

Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at hinayaan syang sumunod hanggang sa pintuan ng kwarto ko. Hinarap ko sya.

"G-good night..." I said awkwardly.

I saw a ghost smile on his lips when I glanced at him and before I could think, he pulled my waist and hugged me tight.

He kissed me passionately that I couldn't even open my eyes because I felt dizzy with the sensation he is giving to me.

We were both panting when he pulled away.

"Goodnight to you too" he said while catching his breath.

Natulala ako at nakabalik lang sa tamang katinuan ng makita ko ang ngiti nya na abot hanggang tenga.

"I claimed my prize already kaya matulog ka na bago ko pa maisip na gapangin ka"

SYDNEY and I just finished our lesson ng may dumating na tatlong lalaki sa garden. She introduced them as Denver--- the helicopter's pilot, Cairo and Israel--- mga kapatid daw ni Zurich. No wonder magkakahawig silang lahat, nagkaiba lang sa height, skin complexion at pananamit.

Niyaya ko sila sa loob at pinaupo sa sofa. May mga dala silang pagkain galing daw sa coffee shop ng pinaka panganay nilang kapatid na kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay Kiev ang pangalan--- the CEO of Monteclaro Empire.

Mababait silang lahat at para silang mga instant kuya sakin kaya madali ko silang nakapalagayan ng loob na para bang matagal na kaming magkakakilala.

"What are you guys doing in my house?" aroganteng tanong ni Zurich habang pababa ng hagdan.

We all stopped laughing like it was a scripted play.

His eyes were directed at me and was so serious. Bagay lang sa suot nyang button down mint green long sleeves.

"Tol..." the three greeted in unison

They did some weird handshake gesture bago sya umupo sa upuan na nasa tapat ko. Nakaupo ako sa gitna nina Sydney at Cairo. Nakaupo si Israel sa sahig kahit maluwag pa naman ang sofa habang nasa tabi naman ni Zurich si Denver.

"Nakikitambay lang kuya" depensa ni Denver dahil masama ang tingin ni Zurich sa kanya.

"Bakit, wala ba kayong mga bahay?" he asked without humor.

"Boring nga kasi" pangangatwiran ni Israel habang nilalantakan ang donut na dala nila.

"At kelan pa kayo nagkaroon ng interest sa villa ko?" taas kilay pa ring tanong ng 'may-ari' ng bahay.

If was Denver binatukan ko na yun. Napakasama ng ugali. Wala man lang pasintabi kahit sa harap ng anak.

"Ngayon lang, kasi itinatago mo ang tutor ng anak mo" ani Denver na balewala lang ang tingin ni Zurich.

"Yeah. You're unfair bro, kung hindi kami nagkusang pumunta dito hindi namin makikilala ang ipinagmamalaki ni Sydney" segunda ni Israel.

"Kuya takot ka bang maagaw namin sayo?" sulsol pa ni Cairo

Sinilip ko ang reaksyon ni Zurich at mukhang naiinis na nga sya--- ewan ko kung bakit. His jaw was clenched.

"Lol, di mangyayari yun" he confidently answered

"At bakit hindi? Di hamak naman na mas gwapo ako kesa sayo"

"Dream on fucker"

"So Praia, balita ko nauna ka na daw makilala ni LA?" baling sakin ni Cairo habang patuloy pa rin sa pagtatalo sina Zurich at Denver kung sino ang gwapo sa kanila.

"Yeah. Naligaw kasi ako" simpleng sagot ko.

"Diretsang tanong. Kayo ba ni kuya Zurich?" tanong nya pa ulit.

My jaw dropped. Nasa lahi yata nila talaga ang pagiging straight forward.

"Dude what kind of question is that?" biglang react ni Zurich ng marinig ang pangalan nya

"Shut up, your not Praia" sabat ni Israel na hindi ko alam kung interesado sa sagot ko o gusto lang barahin si Zurich.

Ano bang sasabihin ko? We kissed pero hindi ko sya boyfriend.

"No, he's my boss"

That is the only answer I gave to him.

"Oww..." sabay na react nina Israel at Cairo

"Wala kuya, torpe..." pang-aasar ni Denver

He looked so pissed. Maybe dahil sa pang-aasar ng mga kapatid nya.

"But she'll be my mom soon" sabat ni Sydney na halos nakalimutan kong katabi ko nga pala.

"Ouch pamangkin, ayaw mo ba syang tita? Mas bagay kami" giit ni Denver na sinundan yun ng halakhak.

Napangisi na lang ako dahil sa joke na yun.

"What the hell?!" sigaw nya agad dahil binato sya ni Zurich ng marshmallow, sapol sa pisngi.

"Don't waste the food mga gago, ako ang nagbayad nyan" saway ni Israel sa dalawa dahil nagkaroon ng mini food fight ang mga ito.

Kulang na lang pati kape at baso ibato ng mga ito sa isa't-isa. He was laughing but i had this feeling na doon idina-divert ni Zurich ang inis nya.

"You remind me of someone" biglang bulong sakin ni Cairo.

"Who?" 

"Our youngest sister?"

That hit my interest. Maybe it's time to open something about Florence.

"What's her name?"

"Florence"

Bulls eye. Nasa tamang landas ako. 

I was about to ask him where is she pero naunahan nya ko.

"She's so pretty like you"

Natabingi ang ngiti ko.

Malamang. My dad's mistress must be pretty because my mom is. Kaya siguro nahulog sa kanya si daddy, kung totoong minahal nya nga si Florence.

My heart ache because of the thought that he loved another woman other me and my mom. I don't wanna be selfish and tell that he should let himself be trapped with their marriage even it is a failed one. I just want him to be loyal because they were still married.

Sana inayos nya muna ang divorce bago nya i-push ang relasyon sa iba para hindi ganito kasakit. Ako na sarili nyang anak, nalaman ko lang dahil sa isang pangahas na pulis.

At kung hindi sya pinatay, malamang hanggang ngayon wala pa rin akong alam kasi determinado si mommy na ayusin yun para sakin.

"Uyy Cairo ano yan? Lagot ka sa Horizon mo"

Israel's voice made my head snapped back to reality.

"Wag kang maniwala sa kanila, single ako pramis" nakangising depensa ni Cairo na itinaas pa ang kamay.

Natawa na lang ako--- not that genuine but I still laughed.

Pakiramdam ko, ang magaan na hangin kanina ay naging parang toxic na sakin. Ginawa ko na lang dahilan ang pagkuha ng tubig sa kusina para makalayo sa kanila.

Binuksan ko ang ref at hinayaan na lumabas doon ang malamig na hangin para pakalmahin ang sarili ko. I need to compose myself kasi nandito na ko, anytime pwedeng magpakita dito si Florence dahil nandito ang pamilya nya.

Nang humupa ang bigat sa dibdib ko ay kinuha ko ang isang glass pitcher na may lamang tubig at pumunta sa hanay ng mga baso para makabalik na ko sa sala pero napatigil ako ng makitang nakaharang si Zurich. Nakasandal sya sa hamba ng pintuan na para bang kanina pa inip na inip na makausap ako.

His expression was unreadably dark and near blank. 

Inilapag ko ang dala ko sa island counter at hinarap sya.

"May problema ba?" 

Nagsimula na namang magtambol ang puso ko dahil sa kaba.

Hindi sya sumagot at tiningnan lang ako.

"Zurich? Are you okay?" 

My face turned pale when he walk closer to me. Bawat hakbang nya palapit ay ang bawat hakbang ko palayo.

Naramdaman ko na lang ang lamig ng tiled sink ng masukol nya ako doon.

Itinukod nya ang dalawa nyang kamay sa magkabilang gilid ko para hindi ako makaiwas. 

"Problema?" tumawa sya ng pagak "Ikaw ang problema ko"

"H-ha?" 

Nalito ako bigla dahil lumapat ang labi nya sa leeg ko. It felt terribly amazing. I bit my lower lip hard to stop my self from moaning out of pleasure.

Itinaas nya ang halik sa mukha ko at pinagdikit ang mga noo namin.

"Don't seat near Cairo, it makes me damn jealous..." he kissed my lips lightly "Ano bang pinag-uusapan nyo at parang napaka-close nyo na agad?"

Irritation was in his tone.

"Nothing. I'm just asking something" I whispered because I wasn't able to find my own voice when he is close.

His hands traveled into the top of my breast. Kahit may shirt at bra na nakaharang doon ay ramdam na ramdam ko pa rin ang mainit nyang palad.

He massaged it gently.

"Next time if you wanna ask something, sakin ka na lang magtanong. Do you understand?" he asked while his hand were teasing my nipple.

I closed my mouth tight shut kung sasagutin ko sya baka mapasigaw ako.

Though may dining pa bago ang sala, I was worried na makarating sa pandinig nila ang ungol ko.

Ipinasok nya ang kamay sa damit ko at dahil nasa unahan ang hook ng bra ko madali nya yung natanggal. He cupped my breast and made tiny circles on top of it which sends tingling sensation down there.

"Praia do you hear me?" ulit nya.

"Ah shit... Y-yeah"

His hand continue to play with my breast while his other hand was busy removing my shorts and panty. All my inhibitions seem to fly away because I even helped him while removing it.

Inupo nya ko sa sink at ako pa mismo ang natanggal ng t-shirt ko. I was fully naked in front of him.

He kissed my lips while his fingers were touching and playing the soft bone on my clit. My moans was trapped on his mouth.

Napakapit ako ng mahigpit sa balikat nya ng bumaba ang halik nya sa leeg ko down to the valley of my breast.

Every part that was touched by his mouth was burning. Until he reached my belly. I thought he is going to stop right there but he continue where his fingers were.

I bit my lips hard when he kissed it then put his tounge into my entrance.

"Oh my gosh Zurich... Ah..." I moaned when his tounge began to lick it.

My stomach was jerking every time his tounge touched my entrance.

"'Ahhhhhh..." 

My moan gets louder as he slowly enter one finger. I felt pain and pleasure at the same time. I closed my eyes shut when he began to thrust his fingers in and out. Napapaungol na lang ako at napapadaing sa sarap.

Dahan-dahan lang ang galaw ng daliri nya loob ko hanggang sa unti-unti ng bumibilis.

"Ugh... Please faster"

I gripped his hair hard like I was getting energy from it as his fingers thrust deeper and harder.

I felt the building orgasm inside me so I demanded him to go faster.

"Argh... Holy mother of sweet juices" 

My toes curled because that orgasm hit me hard. 

As I opened my eyes I saw him lapping every drop of juice I gave out and when he assured that there's nothing left he went up and kiss my forehead.

"Sorry for doing this to you inside the kitchen but I was so jealous coz you were so close to my brother" he whispered in a sincere tone.

Tumango-tango lang ako dahil hinang-hina pa ako dahil sa ginawa nya sakin.

He flashed an evil grin then he helped me went down to the sink. Nakasandal ako dun habang pinupulot nya ang nahubad kong damit at sya na mismo ang nagsuot nun sakin since he know that I'm too weak to do that.

What he had done consumed all my energy.

Sabay kaming lumabas ng kitchen pagkaraan ng ilang sandali. Kalmado na ako at medyo nakabawi na pero sya ang nagbitbit ng tubig.

"Ang tagal naman nyo dun" komento ni Cairo.

I automatically glanced at Zurich because I don't know where I am going to sit.

"Nag-usap lang kami" sagot ni Zurich.

Mas magaan na ang mood nya. He even flashed a grin towards his brothers then eyed on me. 

May isinenyas sya kay Denver dahilan para lumipat sya sa tabi ni Cairo.

He tapped the seat beside him like he wants me to seat there so I do.

"Love birds get a room will you?" Israel growled.