15

Ruby

Time flies. Talagang pursigido si Xenon sa panliligaw niya sa akin. I was already aware of it but to really see him determined is on a different level.

Months passed. Malapit na ang birthday ko. Ever since, hindi ko talaga trip na magcelebrate. I just feel weird kung lahat ng atensyon ay nasa akin. Instead, I'd prefer to be on the sidelines. Mas matatahimik ako sa ganun.

For me, it's like everyone's judging me. Kaya mas mabuting lumayas sa paningin nila.

Although sometimes, makapal ang mukha ko. Why would I care about their thoughts? I care about mine only.

Maganda ako. Maswerte silang nakikita nila ako.

Pero 'yun nga, depende sa mood ang confidence. Even for someone like me who's almost the bestest ever.

"Your day is nearing. Anong gusto mong regalo?" Xenon asked as we were both eating in the dining room.

"Wala."

"May regalo bang wala?"

"Nagtanong ka 'di ba? Ayan sagot ko."

"'Yung seryoso ngang sagot!" Kulit niya.

"Seryoso naman ako?"

"Hindi halata!"

"Ay hindi ba? Hindi ko kasalanan iyon basta ayoko."

Napasampal siya sa noo niya. Maya-maya ay nagsalita ulit. "Nagpaplano sina Mama ng party mo-"

"Huwag na!" Sigaw ko.

"Pupunta ang Lolo mo at si Ruce-"

"No! I don't want a party, Xenon!"

"But Mom just wants you to feel special on your day..." Aniya. "Ayaw mo talaga?"

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. I took a deep breathe. "I'm not comfortable with all eyes on me. I appreciate Tita's efforts but..."

He didn't even wait for me to finish my sentence. Tumango siya bigla bago naunang magsalita. "Naintindihan ko na. Maybe I can talk to Mom. Sabihin ko, kahit simpleng handaan na lang. Huwag lang ifocus masyado sa 'yo." He looked at me carefully. "How about that?"

I pursed my lips before nodding. "Thanks." He understood too fast.

With all the time I've spent here with him, hindi na katakataka iyon. We're always together. I'm not complaining though. Wala rin naman talaga akong iba pang sobrang kaclose rito sa isla maliban sa kaniya.

"'Wag na magalit," He teasingly said before pinching my cheek.

Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya. I grabbed my fork and held it towards him. Agad nanlaki ang mata niya. "Wait! Wait! Joke lang iyon! I-pause mo muna ang aggressive instinct mo!"

I laughed at how panicky he was. I gave him a smug look before putting the fork down proudly.

"Alam mo talaga kung paano ako papaamuin ano?" He asked.

"Yes. 'Cause you're my pet."

"What!" He acted shocked. "I'm no pet!"

"Yes you are. Say meow meow." I teased him more.

Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata. Akala ko ay hindi na iimik ngunit 'di ko inaasahang sasagot pa siya. "Meow meow." Nakanguso niyang sabi.

"Sabi mo-"

"I give up, okay! Pet mo na ako!" He surrendered. I chuckled.

My brow arched. A smirk appeared on my lips. "Ganito pala feeling na maging sunud-sunuran si Xenon Ashenbert?"

"Grabe ka naman sa sunud-sunuran. Hindi ba pwedeng malakas lang tama ko sa 'yo?" He replied.

Nanatili ang nang-aasar na tingin sa mata ko. I kept on gazing him and he just pouted more. "You're my pet. My servant. My right hand."

"Manliligaw mo rin ako pakidagdag. Bukod sa right hand, pwede bang hawakan ko na lang kamay mo?" Sakay niya.

"Sabi mo nga manliligaw ka. Ibig sabihin, ang mga bagay na paghawak sa kamay ko, hindi ko pa pwedeng ibigay sa 'yo."

"Bat naman?"

"Kasi hindi pa kita sinasagot."

"Kailan mo ba ako sasagutin?" Curious niyang tanong.

Pareho kaming nanahimik. Hindi ko naman pwedeng aminin sa kaniya na gusto ko na siyang sagutin agad.

Nang mapansing hindi agad ako sumagot ay siya na ang nanguna magsalita. "Hindi naman kita pinipilit. Curious lang. Willing to wait naman ako."

"Kapag matanda na ako."

"Ha?!"

"Kapag uugod-ugod ka na." Biro ko.

"Grabe naman 'yun!"

"May reklamo ka ba?"

"Wala po! Sabi ko nga, hihintayin kita kahit mabali likod ko. Willing ako!"

"Willing ka na mabali likod mo?" Tanong ko.

"Hindi!" Sagot niya. "Willing akong maghintay nga!"

"Galit ka?"

Umiling siya agad. "Hindi po. Sinasagot lang kita."

Kinalaunan ay pareho kaming natawa. Damn. It's like this always. Lagi kaming may bardagulan. It's honestly tiring but with him, it's different.

"Hindi mo pa rin sinasagot?" Dalia asked one time when we were in court. Naglalaro na naman sina Xenon, Tide, Coco, at Wee.

"Oo nga. Baka mabaliw na 'yan. Months ka na niyang nililigawan hindi ba?" Paula said.

"So what if months na nanliligaw, Paula? Dapat nga matagalan ang panliligaw. Depende na lang sa lalaki kung kakayanin maghintay. Pero dapat may assurance. Kaya dapat, huwag ka mapressure Ruby. Make Xenon wait until you're ready," Sagot naman ni Lau.

I nodded at what she said bago sagutin ang mga tanong nila. We were sitting on the bench. "I don't know how to express myself."

"Halata nga," Dalia replied.

"Too harsh!" Natawa si Lau.

"Sanay na ako sa ganiyan." I said and Paula pouted before hugging me.

"Don't be pressured! Nandito kami kung kailangan mo ng tulong."

"Thanks..." I answered.

My eyes roamed around the court before finally landing to Xenon. I'm always looking for him. Sa kaniya lagi ang padpad ng mata ko.

"Tapos na kayo?" I asked when he jogged towards me. Pawis na pawis.

"Yeah..." Hinihingal niyang sabi. Inabot ko sa kaniyang 'yung water jug niya at tuwalya.

I wanna roll my eyes. Mga lalaki talaga. Always madungis. Si Ruce lang yata ang naiiba dahil medyo maarte siya.

"Thanks." He replied.

I nodded.

Napalingon ako kayna Dalia, Paula, at Lau. Dalia was laughing with Tide as they both sat together. Si Paula, busy ayusin ang damit ni Coco. Habang si Lau, she was holding the towel and gently drying Wee's sweat.

Napatingin tuloy ako kay Xenon na nasa harapan ko habang nakaupo ako. He was busy drinking habang tumitingin sa paligid. Nakasabit sa balikat niya ang tuwalya na binigay ko. I sighed before reaching for it. I gulped hard. I wanna try this.

"Crouch for a bit," I whispered.

He was surprised but managed to do what I said.

"Bakit?" Bulong niya pabalik habang nakalapit sa akin.

Hindi ako nagsalita. Slowly, I reached for his hair. It was wet due to sweat. I gently dried it with the towel. I felt how he stiffened. Tila ba hindi alam ang gagawin. Hindi ko siya pinansin though, I continued with what I'm doing. I dried his hair down to his nape and even told him to move a bit so I can wipe his face properly using the other side of the towel.

When I was done doing all of that, sinampay ko ulit sa balikat niya ang tuwalya. I looked around and saw the three couple looking at us. Lahat sila ay tila ba nagulat at hindi inaasahan ang ginawa ko. Did they see it all?

"What?" I mouthed curiously. They all shook their heads and went back to what they were doing.

Napadpad muli kay Xenon ang tingin ko.

"Hey, are you fine?" I asked when he was still frozen. Parang hindi gumalaw magmula nang matapos ako.

"Y-Yeah..." He said and slowly sat beside me. Napahawak pa sa ulo.

"Is there a problem?" I was worried.

"No. I mean, yes-"

"Ano?"

He looked at me. Nagtama ang tingin namin. "My heart, Flaire. It's beating so fast and loud. What did you do?"

I was surprised. "Well... Pinunasan ko lang pawis mo-"

"Exactly." He massaged his forehead. "Simple things that you do affect me like crazy."

"How so?"

"Wala, ewan ko. Nababaliw na ako. Kasalanan mo 'to." Maktol niya.

Natatawa kong inabot ang mukha niya para maiharap sa akin. He was pouting. "Bat naging kasalanan ko?"

"Kasi gustong-gusto kita kaya ang lakas ng epekto mo sa akin."

"So pano ko nga naging kasalanan?"

"Kasi nga gusto kita."

"'Yun lang?"

"Hindi ko ma-explain e basta gusto kita. Sobra." Problemado niyang sabi kaya humalakhak ako.

"Tara na nga." Ani ko.

I stood up and he followed me with his gaze. I helped him fix his things at nagpaalam na kami pagkatapos. Habang pauwi, nakatulog siya sa likod, katabi ako. At first nakasandal lang. Nagulat ako ng unti-unting bumagsak ulo niya sa balikat ko.

Napangisi ako nang maramdaman ang hininga niya. "Are you pretending to be asleep para makahilig ka sa akin?"

I felt his small smile kaya palihim na rin akong napangiti habang nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Sinilip ko siya saglit and saw na nakapikit pa rin.

"Just pretend that you don't know." Bulong niya.

"Okay." I gave up and let him do what he wants. Kinalaunan ay nakatulog nga talaga siya sa balikat ko.

When my birthday came, hindi nga talaga tinuloy ang party na binabalak ni Tita Genesis para sa akin. I was really thankful that they understood me. Kahit pakiramdam ko ay minsan pabigat lang ako sa kanila rito.

We just ate a small salo-salo. Simpleng handaan lang. Ruce and Lolo came.

"You know, I never thought that my son would even had interest to court a girl." Tumawa si Tita Genesis. Hindi talaga makapaniwala na nililigawan ako ni Xenon. Baka lalo siyang matawa at hindi maniwala kung malaman niyang may balak akong sagutin si Xenon ngayon.

"Pano pa ako? I never knew a girl would even like him seriously when all he does is joke!" Humalakhak si Tito Rom.

Xenon was sitting beside me. He pouted and looked kawawa. "They're bullying me, Flaire."

"Behavior, Xenon. I'm here." Narinig kong sabi ni Ruce na nasa kaliwa ko at sa kaliwa rin niya ay nandoon si Lolo na tumatawa.

"Sorry po." Agad na umayos ng upo si Xenon nang marinig ang boses ni Ruce kaya mahina akong natawa.

Kahit sina Tita at Tito na nakita iyon ay hindi napigilan, lalo pa silang tumawa kaya lalong bumusangot si Xenon.

"Mom! Dad! Stop!" Nahihiyang sabi ni Xenon na halos takpan na ang mukha.

His siblings were laughing at the table because of him.

"Who would've thought that he could charm you?" Si Kuya Zennon na nagsalita.

"Pustahan, basted 'yang si Kuya," Tumawa si Krypton kaya natawa rin ang Kuya nila.

I saw how Xenon gave Krypton a death glare which made the latter silent and continued eating as if nothing happened.

"Huwag niyo awayin si Kuya!" Ngumisi si Radon na busy din sa pagkain.

A smile slowly crept onto Xenon's lip. Finally thinking na may kakampi na siya. But Radon's latter speech made him lose that tiny bit of hope.

"Kuya Xenon is not perfect. He's not really handsome compared to me, he always jokes and is never serious, but still at least he is nice and caring! But sometimes, well most of the time, he's really more annoying than me!" Radon gave Xenon a thumbs up. "I think Ate Ruby is strong enough to deal with his annoyance!"

Xenon gave Radon a sarcastic smile. "Wow, Radon. Muntik na akong matuwa sa mga sinabi mo."

Everyone laughed. And so did I.

Basag na basag si Xenon ngayon. It's my birthday and seeing him this hopeless in front of everyone is worth it. And funny.

Would he be happy with the new I'll give him later?

Pagkatapos magkainan at batiin ako, Lolo and Ruce talked to me outside. Xenon was inside with his family.

"How are you so far?" Ruce asked.

"I'm still pretty. Don't worry." I proudly said.

"Are you really my apo? Ruby, you look so... different. I mean, your aura is less... intimidating. Mukha ka pa ring maldita but you know? Nicer version." Lolo said.

I acted shocked at what he said. "Wow, Lolo! I'm really flattered?!"

Lolo laughed at my reaction.

"How about the boy? Si Xenon? Sinagot mo na ba?" Ruce asked.

"Bakit ba mas worried ka pa kaysa kay Lolo? I swear I'm fine. I can handle myself." If I tell him that I'm planning to say yes to Xenon today, I'd be in so much trouble.

"That's what I'm worried about."

"At least, Ruce, hindi na siya ganong nakikipag-away. Himala, there were no reports of her fighting anymore since she set foot on the island." Lolo proudly said and gave me a thumbs up.

I smiled nervously. Lying makes me feel so guilty!

"Hmm..." Ruce looked at me doubtedly and I just rolled my eyes at him.

"Ruce, you're creeping me out."

"Mas natatakot ako sa 'yo. You're really... different. Gosh..." He acted like he was fainting so I tried to jokingly punch him and he got shocked. "Lolo! She still hasn't changed! Did you see that!?"

"I was joking, Ruce! You're old and boring talaga!" I answered.

"Ouch..." Lolo said and laughed. "Ako yata ang natamaan."

The talk ended nicely. Lolo and Ruce really had to check me out before immediately flying to Manila again since they need to guard our business. Mahirap na, maraming kalaban.

Actually, si Ruce talaga ang mas worried kaysa kay Lolo. I mean, andami niyang tanong! I'm thankful na he's worried but he's also annoying! When will he get a girlfriend?!

"Behave." Banta ni Ruce sa akin bago umalis.

Binelatan ko siya. "Whatever!"

"Aba!"

"Fine. Just message me or call. I'll answer." I gave up.

He smirked. "No making babies. Ayoko pa maging Tito."

"Ruce!" Shocked kong sabi. Hahabulin ko na sana siya ngunit mabilis na sumakay sa van at kumaway bago umalis. I saw how Lolo was laughing beside him.

A lot of things really... changed me.

I sighed as I came back inside. Everyone's busy doing their own thing. Hinanap ko si Xenon. A maid told me he was at the back near the rock stairs by the beach. I thanked her before rolling my eyes, thinking that I have to travel far just to get to Xenon!

Why did he even think of going there!? Ang laki ng bahay nila! It's so tiring!

I rode a golf cart so that I can go there quicker and so that not many people can see me. Nang makarating ako, I saw how he was sitting at one of the sun loungers.

I slowly crept behind him.

"Flaire?" Agad niyang tawag ng mapalapit ako. How did he felt me walk? I didn't make a sound.

"How did you know?" I asked and sat on the loungers beside where he was.

"I just know... When it comes to you..." He smiled and stared at the night sky.

"Why are you here? Hinatid ko lang sina Lolo. After you bid your goodbye, bumalik ka agad sa loob."

"I figured that you'd want to have more private time with them,"

I reached for his cheeks and playfully pinched it. "Aww, so thoughtful."

"I mean, ako pa ba?" Biro niya.

I chuckled.

"Did you enjoy it?" He asked. I nodded as a reply. He let out a sigh. "Of course you enjoyed it! They were bullying me and you like it so much!" Reklamo niya. "Kidding, I still like you!"

I eyed him full of confusion. "It's fun to tease you."

"Oh talaga?" Sarkastiko niyang tanong.

"Hey, it's still my birthday. Huwag mo akong awayin."

He quickly shifted his mood and laughed. "I'm just joking! Joke lang nga, Flaire. Happy birthday!" He said before grabbing a box out of his pocket.

"What's that?"

"Gift ko."

"Kanino?"

"Aba, sino pa ba may birthday ngayon?" He stared at me blankly which made me laugh.

"Fine. Me. Hooray."

He opened the box and showed me a simple silver oval ruby pendant. It glistens under the moon.

"Mahal ba 'yan?"

"I thought you like expensive things?" He teased me.

Ngumuso ako. "I've changed?" I tried to make an excuse for myself.

He chuckled. "Regalo ko sa 'yo 'to."

"I almost forgot you're richer."

"And charmer," He winked and I acted disgusted.

Sinuot niya sa akin iyon and I tried feeling it afterwards. "Did you buy this because it's ruby like my name?"

"How smart," Sarkastiko niyang sabi bago ngumisi. "I always call you Flaire since I like that more. But you're also ruby. Hindi ko naman pwede iregalo sa 'yo ang apoy."

"Apoy since I'm Flaire?" I frowned. "Corny joke." I smiled again though. "Thanks," I whispered before kissing him on the cheek.

He stiffened.

"Hey, Xenon. Natameme ka agad sa halik ko?"

"You don't do sweet things often, that's why I treasure it when you do." Gulat pa rin niyang sabi.

"Do you still like me?" Wala sa sarili kong tanong. Damn! Kinikilig ako. But I need my composure.

"Tinatanong pa ba 'yan? I'm so whipped. Kung hindi pa obvious para sa 'yo..." Attitude niyang sabi kaya kinurot ko ulit pisngi niya.

"I'm serious!"

"Serious din ako." He answered back. "Like na like kita! Okay?"

I bit my lip to hide my smile. "Then why do you sound angry?"

"Hindi ako angry. I just want to assure you that I'm serious. Porket lagi akong nagbibiro, baka isipin mo pati feelings ko binibiro ko rin. Hindi ganun ah?"

I laughed at his explanation.

"Be my boyfriend."

"ANO!?" Napakapit siya sa lounger. "Anong sabi mo?"

"Bat gulat na gulat ka? I want you to be my boyfriend."

"Sinasagot mo na ako!?"

"Hindi ba obvious?" I held my forehead. Nase-stress na naman ako sa kaniya. Sasagutin ko na lang, pero ang dami niya masyadong reactions.

Mabilis siyang umayos ng upo. "Hindi nga?" 'Di pa rin siya makapaniwala. "Hindi ito joke ah? Birthday mo e. Matagal pa birthday ko. Pero bat ang ganda ng regalo mo?"

Namula pisngi ko kaya pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. "You talk too much! So ano, payag ka ba?"

Natawa siya sa sinabi ko. "Parang ikaw pa ang nanliligaw dito. Huwag mo naman akong agawan ng role. Teka, ulitin natin. Take 2, take 2." He said.

I sighed and did what he wanted. Take 2 it is.

"Flaire, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked seriously, this time holding both of my hands.

"Obviously, yes. Kanina pa ako nagtatanong na maging boyfriend kita kaya hindi pa ba halata-" I was cut off with a warm hug.

"Ang dami mo ring sinabi! Yes lang hinihintay ko!"

We both laughed at each other.

"Pano na ba 'yan? Akin ka na."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever."

"Pwede ba kitang halikan?"

"Boyfriend na nga kita 'di ba?"

"Takot na ako nung huling beses e. Tsaka syempre, need ng permission. Ayokong mareklamo ano."

I chuckled. "Oo nga, pwede!"

"Seryoso ka ah-"

I cut him off with a deep kiss. He was left speechless when I moved away.

"Andaming sinasabi..." Balik ko sa kaniya. He smiled before hugging me again.

"July 12. Thank you..." He whispered and tightened the hug.

I was still into the moment. I never expected him to give a gift dahil una pa lang, my head was too occupied by my plan of saying yes to him. This ruby pendant was a symbol of today's acceptance. Acceptance of a new chapter in my life. New doors to pain, happiness, and contentment.

I'm praying for this love to last. For this love to be strong enough to deal with all my unsaid thoughts and desires. I hope that as long as I'm with Xenon, I can love truly and sincerely.

I kissed him again after the hug. I didn't want to let go.

For the first time in my life, I had someone I can passionately love. Who would've thought? The thought of love back then disgusts me. Pero ngayon, isa na rin akong biktima nito. And sue Xenon since he's the culprit here.

"Sabik na sabik ka ba sa labi ko?" He whispered then laughed.

"Shut up and just kiss me." I quiet him down.

'Cause damn. I really really like all of him... And his kisses.

Thank You, God. Even when I'm this wicked, you still found a way to change me through this annoying man.