Sam

By Mikejuha
email: getmybox@hotmail.com
fb: getmybox@yahoo.com
blogspot: http://www.michaelsshadesofblue.blogspot.com

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Part 1:

I was in my first year of college when I started to be a little enterprising about anything. I tried a little of cigarette and alcohol. And although I considered myself to be kind of aloof and picky when it comes to friends, I got a handful of close male friends with whom I would always hang around with.

Our favorite hangout was my place. My sister had this two-story house just opposite ours and her whole family moved to the big city for good. She left the house under my charge. It was a perfect hotbed for some nasty undertakings.

Well, actually, not really nasty. All I and my friends wanted was to share time and fun like go fishing or swimming in the nearby creek, harvest young coconut, sweet potato or banana, grill freshly harvested young corn, chicken from our livestock, or the fish we caught. And when there would be no class the following day we would either campfire in the middle of the coconut plantation, or stay indoor overnight and buy the province’ most popular drink, “tuba”.

One day, the group gathered in my place and we decided to have a drink indoors. As usual, we talked and discussed about matters of the day as a glass of wine would be passed around for each turn of drink. It was already past midnight when we felt the intoxication in our blood and decided to call it a day. As usual, we all went to the second floor which, as always, served as our barrack. Everyone lay on the floor, side by side.

The light was turned off for the big sleep.

Suddenly, Sam who lay beside me shouted, “I love you Ma’am Cathy, how can you be mine!”

Everyone burst into laughter, “Yeah, she’s damn beautiful!” the other guys agreed in unison.

Sam was the oldest guy in our group. He was 19, well-built, tall, intelligent, and handsome. The truth is many girls had a crush on him. For his good looks, he earned the title “campus crush”.

Cathy was our teacher in Psychology. She was new to the campus, just 23 years old, smart, and really beautiful. She had a long hair, a fair complexion, and was very trendy. While everyone admired her smartness, all the boys adored and fantasized her beauty.

“Have you seen her this morning sitting in front of the class? Gee, my eyes were glued straight in between her legs! And while she was discussing about the Sigmund Freud thing, my mind was focused on screwing her up right there! Ah... shit! I was so turned on I could ejaculate just in front of her!“ Sam said showing off an air of frustration.

“Hahahahahaha!” We all laughed. “Really?”

“Yeah, and I think I’m in love with her! Every time she looks at me and calls me to recite, damn! I would just melt there and forget all about all my answers. And all my mind could say is that ‘Ma’am, psychology is having sex with you – a lot! Hmm! I wish she were here with me nowwwwwww, uhhhhhhhh Cathy, Cathyyyyyy.....” as he hugged me tight, pushed his hard-on on me and kissed my cheek playfully imagining that I was his “Cathy”.

(To be continued)

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Sam: Part 2

And then I added teasing him, “Suddenly, our Theology professor Father Bernard appeared, sprinkling you with the holy water shouting fiercely, ‘The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you...!’”

“Arrrggggggghhhhhh!! Shittttt! What’s the matter with you, Geoff? What does Father Bernard have to do with this? You’re ruining the story! You’re ruining my damn concentration!” Sam snapped.

Everyone burst into laughter.

“Don’t you know I’m almost there? Arrggggghhhh! Shiiitttt! Ok, now continue without the damn sprinkling of the holy water... please?” Sam pleaded.

“Ok... as Miss Cathy sat on the edge of your bed gently touching your hair, nose, and face as you lie there, she finally reaches for your pants and unzips it, then... her fingers touch your manhood,” Sam hurriedly unzipped and released his hard-on. “She feels it... it’s warm, very hard, and throbbing. She holds your hand and in an alluring voice she whispered into your ears, ‘Sam, touch me; touch every part of my body. I’m so steamy and so wet inside, and I’m all yours. Do it now, Sam. Please…’”

Sam moved his hand...on me! He was actually touching me! I was stupefied! But as I was also intensely affected by my own story, I let him, and continued...

“You touch her breasts and run your fingers there, feel it, press it... harder and harder. Then you run your hand on her neck, face, nose, lips... Miss Cathy keeps moaning, ‘ahhhhhh, ahhhhhhh! Oh, Sam you’re so goooood, ohhhhhhh!’ Your fingers manipulate her breasts again; fondle them, press them, and hold her nipples. Then you move your hand down to her stomach, her navel, stay there for a while, then down... down... down”

Sam followed everything I said doing it all on me as I was totally carried away with the overflowing sensation.

“Down Sam, some more, more... and yeah” Sam moved his hand underneath my brief and held my hard-on! I couldn’t believe he was so horny and in a trance-like state I could ask him to do everything! And as I lay there on my back, I hurriedly unzipped my pants to let him stroke freely my dick!

“Ahhhhhh”, I moaned now forgetting all about Miss Cathy. “Yeah, Sam, I like it, yeah... oh God, I like it, ahhhhhhh!” I whispered into Sam’s ear as he continued to stroke me.

Suddenly Sam took my hand and led it to his hard-on. I obliged hesitatingly. I tried to turn my head to our other friends in the room to check if they were sleeping or watching us. But all I could see were silhouettes... and they’re moving – all of them are masturbating!

So I stroked Sam’s hard-on too as he did mine, “Ahhhhh! Ahhhhhh!” as our moans filled the room.

I was in a state of ecstasy when another surprise struck me – Sam positioned himself on top of me and kissed me on the lips! I thought he was just carried away by his intoxication and the “Cathy” story so I let him played his tongue on my lips and my mouth as he continued to stroke my hard-on. Then he kissed my neck, my chest, and when he sucked my nipples, I couldn’t control the tickling sensation, “Ahhhhh, Ahhhhhh, am coming Sam, Ahhhhhhhhh! as he accelerated stroking me.

Anticipating that Sam was on the verge of orgasm, I rubbed his dick so hard until he grasped my head to press our mouths together..... “Ugggggghhhhhhh, Ummmmmmmmmm! Ahhhhhhhh!” Sam moaned as we reached the climax almost at the same time.

Our semen splattered all over my body.

It was late in the morning when I and everyone awoke. To my surprise, Sam was not there by my side anymore. My nephew said he asked permission from my Mom to go ahead while everyone was still asleep.

“Ah, maybe he had an urgent thing to attend to” I said to myself. I thought everything was ok.

But on the following class days, Sam seemed to avoid me and never talked nor come with the group anymore. Even in our Psychology class where he would always sit at the front-most seat just opposite Miss Cathy, he sat at the backmost seat, preferring to be all alone, silent and sometimes in a deep thought.

I knew something was wrong.

So one afternoon when he was in the library, I approached him. “Hey, can I talk with you for a moment?” I told him in a somewhat raised tone.

“I am running out of time, Geoff and really busy...” he answered back, as if wanting to leave me there.

“Well, if you are busy then I won’t disturb you. But I would just say this: our group misses you a lot and things are different when you are not there. We are your friend, and if you consider us to be, then nothing should come between us, even if we do weird, nasty or stupid things together. We have the right to know what is bothering you and what keeps you from coming with us. You are the eldest in our group and you know it better Sam. Now if you decide to leave us, then it’s all up to you. But remember, we suffer as much as you do...” And showing my disappointment, I hurriedly turned to leave.

“Geoff!” Sam called out. “Can you stay with me for a while? There is something I would like to tell you” as he gathered his notebooks, stood up and said, “Let’s go to the campus botanical garden. It’s nice there...I can tell you what’s in my stupid mind.”

When we reached the botanical garden, I immediately sat down on the grassy part under the shade of the acacia. “OK, tell me what is in your stupid mind!” I kind of tease him.

He was still serious. He sat down on the grass beside me. “Geoff, you know how obsessed I am with Ma’am Cathy, right?”

“Everyone knows that... so, yeah!” I answered philosophically.

“And... do you still remember that night when we were intoxicated and something happened to us?”

“With the ‘Cathy story’ yeah! And where is this story leading?” I asked impatiently.

“It’s true and I admit it, I’m so obsessed with Ma’am Cathy that all I want is to see her every moment of the day. But when that incident with the two of us happened, it added to my confusion.”

“Shittt! You were bothered by what we did? Yeah, I’m affected too but it’s not like I would kick butts or junk my friend?! Things happen between friends, you know, and the crazier the happening, the deeper is the friendship, right?” I explained to assure him I was fine.

“Geoff, you don’t see the point. It’s not it. Yeah, I’m damn guilty, and I accept responsibility for what happened. But as I am crazy with Ma’am Cathy, what we did just sticks to my mind and it comes back over and over!”

“So...?”

“So, I still feel it, dammit! And I couldn’t get over with it... with you!” Sam shouted like he was on the verge of crying, avoiding contact with my eyes.

“I still don’t understand your point Sam, what’s the big deal?” raising my voice in confusion.

Sam paused for a while then held my shoulders and looked at me, “That... I think I feel something for you, Geoff; that... I love you!!! That’s the big deal, and now, you understand! Are you happy now?” as tears finally rolled down his cheeks, sobbing in front of me like a kid.

I was stupefied. I thought I would laugh and shout to the whole world, “Hey everyone! The campus prince charming is in love with me – hahahahaha!” But all I could do was look at him in pity. I did not know what to say. “But... what about Miss Cathy?”

“That’s why I’m confused, Geoff; really, really messed up. I’m so ashamed with you and our group and I don’t understand what’s going on with me. I love Ma’am Cathy, but I don’t know why I also think of what happened to us... of me!” He wiped his tears.

“As I told you, Sam, it’s no big deal. But if something is bothering you, I can’t help it except to understand... I got to admit, I liked what we did. But that is only up to that, and nothing more. As a friend, I like you – so much. But I don’t know if I could be capable of feeling something beyond that. That is to be honest.” I said in an air of seriousness. And I continued to make him laugh, “But... if you decide to court me, just give me some time, or maybe some chocolates will do”.

Sam smiled. “You are stupid and crazy!” He paused and released a sigh. “Yeah, if only I could... But I can’t imagine myself having to court another guy! Shittt!”

“That would be my greatest achievement! Imagine, the campus idol is courting me? It’s like winning the Mr. Universe title! Hahahaha!” I answered sarcastically.

Sam was silent. “Maybe it would help if I would just stay away from the group for awhile until I can sort things out and be ready to get back with you, guys...”

“And I thought you would court me...” still teasing him.

“Geoff, please... I am serious”

Ok, I’m sorry. Whatever is your decision, go for it. We will be there to support you. Remember, the group is waiting for you, especially me.”

Then he gave me a big hug, did our fraternal handshake, and said goodbye.

“And by the way, you keep our secret, promise me!” He added.

“Yes Sir!”

(To be continued)

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Sam: Part 3

About two months had passed since Sam avoided the group. Everyone missed his company, but all I could tell the group was that Sam had a problem which he needed to deal on his own. No one knew the real reason for his change of heart except me.

For two months, Sam never talked with me nor made any contact. Whenever we meet at the corridor or library, we just say “Hi” and that’s it. There was my best friend simply zipping past through me like we were both strangers. It was like stupid. Every time it happens, I would always feel the urge to come and talk with him like we used to. But pride overwhelmed me.

Even in our psychology class, he never sat near us anymore. He seemed like a different person, so far away I couldn’t reach.

Day by day, I felt as if something was lacking. I couldn’t understand myself especially when I remember what Sam confided me the last time we talked at the school’s botanical. That episode just kept coming back to my mind, “Geoff... I feel something for you!” It was breaking my heart.

One week into the first semestral break, Ma’am Cathy called him after class, “Sam, please remain, I’d like to talk with you.” And they gesticulated something I could not figure out.

I could hear my heart throbbing fast. “Did Sam court Miss Cathy and they would be talking about it?” My mind screamed. “And why should I feel jealous? God! Arrgggg! I’m damn confused!”

The following day, I managed to sneak a note into Sam’s notebook, “Sam, can I talk to you - Botanical Garden, 4pm today?”

But Sam did not show up. That night, I cried. I was angry with myself, I was confused, and I did not even know why I was angry nor why did I cry. “Is this the feeling that Sam felt for me too?” My mind protested.

It was the last day of class for that semester when I chanced upon a short note inserted into my notebook, “I’m free at 3pm today, Botanical Garden”.

It was from Sam! I was so excited.

At 3 pm, I was already at the garden seated at the grassy part under the shade of the acacia, the same place two months ago when Sam confided his feeling for me. There was a deep feeling of nostalgia.

“So sorry I’m late!” Sam called out from my back. “I thought I would pass by the canteen and buy something for us to eat while we talk. And it’s my treat for you too” he said as he showed me the two cans of soft drinks and some junk foods. He was still gasping, standing there in front of me with a big grin on his face.

Since my friendship with Sam, that was the first time I noticed and appreciated his looks. He was so gorgeous in his jeans and Nike sneakers, white printed sweats with two blue stripes on both arms; his well-built body and pronounced chest showing off. His hair was long, thick and well-groomed, his uniform set of teeth sparkled, his red lips, magnetizing eyes, dimples, and good-looking face were inviting. But his killer weapon was his alluring and infectious smile. I was simply dumbfounded.

“No wonder everyone calls him the campus crush” I murmured.

“Hey, will you just be staring at me?” He teased.

He laid down the drinks and foods on the grass, sat beside me, and extended his hand in our fraternal hug-shake.

“I can’t believe you’re here! I thought you would ignore my note...” I said

“Why would I ignore...?” he butted, “Me, to ignore Mr. Geoffrey Lopez, the cutest guy in the whole campus and the third most intelligent person in this College? Hahaha!” He sarcastically laughed explaining that my name was already at the honors list posted that afternoon. “You are my best friend and even if you are not in the top list of whatever, nothing can change that. The truth is I am so happy that you sent me that note. I am dying to talk to you like this!”

“The group misses you a lot!”

“Wow!” He paused as he naughtily looked me in the eyes. “But… no one particular person in the group?”

“Hahahahaha! If you mean me, Sam, of course I missed you – more than anyone else!”

“Really! Hmmm, keeping myself away paid up, huh! So what is it that you want to tell me, Mr. Lopez?” as he lay on the grass placing his head on my lap, playfully tossing a few crackers into his mouth and sipped his drink.

“I don’t know how to start...” I paused for a while. And in a serious tone, “Do you still remember that time when you told me you had a feeling for --”

“Yeah...yeah!” He cut. “Before I forget, I have a good news first: Ma’am Cathy and I are already in a relationship! Yessssss!”

“What?!!! How did it happen?” I yelled removing his head from my lap in a veiled gesture of protest. My mood suddenly changed like I was hit by a thunderbolt. There was a sudden surge of grief, pain, jealousy, and helplessness. I could feel tears looming in my eyes.

“I risked sending her letters since a month ago, she replied to all my letters! And last week, we talked over it and that’s it!”

“As simple as that? Damn! She is so easy! Don’t you think Miss Cathy could be culpable of unprofessional, unethical, or immoral conduct in having a romantic relation with her student? She could be fired by the school, or... she could even be charged with corruption of minor!” I reasoned.

“Hahahahaha! Corruption of minor, very funny...” He laughed emphasizing the words ‘corruption of minor’. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No!”

“Oh Geoff, you are overreacting again...” He scratched his head, knowing my non-concurrence to his news. “First, I am nineteen and Cathy is only 22; second, she is single and so am I; and third, what’s the use of the word ‘secret’ Geoff? We agreed to keep it, and it’s only you whom I have told this. Aren’t you happy for me?”

“Yeah, I am... and shit! Congratulations!” clasping his hand with some hesitation. “How about that... something you told me, your feelings... for me.” I asked, controlling the looming tears in my eyes.

Sam paused for a moment, looked down and as if he did not hear me, asked, “What is it again that you want to tell me?”

“Oh, forget that stupid thing!” I just wanted to know what happened to you and your Cathy. That’s all!” I answered, with deep anguish inside me.

But Sam was insensitive or he just played innocent. “So, well... this calls for a celebration, right? - That I’m back; that you’re in the honor’s list; and that Cathy and I are in a relation. And since there is no class tomorrow, we will do it in your place tonight! What do you say, Geoff?”

I felt a mix of emotions to his proposal – anger, and happiness of having him back. I thought I would pass yelling, “Celebration... your face!” But the excitement of having him back prevailed.

“...With the two of us only?”

“Why not? All the other jerks have gone to their places already coz tomorrow starts the semestral break! Yesssss!” He was damn happy.

(To be continued)


Sam: Part 4

In my place that night, Sam did all the dinner preparations. “This is my treat Geoff, my way of compensating for what you missed in two months. So let me do everything.”

“OK, you’re the boss!” I said.

Sam was always like that. Even with the group during our bonding, outing, or picnicking, he would take the initiative to do whatever he thought needed to be done. He would cook, grill, fry, wash dishes, carry something, gather firewood, or buy anything... He was full of energy, teamwork, and diligence.

When everything was done, he called me, “Jan-jarannnnn! There you go! The word for tonight is ‘grilled’: grilled chicken, grilled fish and grilled squid complete with sauce, tomatoes, onions and hot pepper, your all-time favorite!”

He reached for his knapsack and took one huge candle, lit it and placed it at the middle of the table. He took another item – a streamer with the words, “To the Best Friendship of Sam and Geoff!” He posted it on the wall.

“Wowwwww! How romantic – GRRRRRRRR!” I sarcastically remarked. “Don’t tell me you have roses for me too!”

“Hahahahahaha!” We both laughed, as he pulled out one chair and guided for me to sit on.

After our dinner, we drank at the terrace. As usual we talked about those normal things in school, what the group did when he was not with us, our plans for the next semester and for the future.

It was past 10 when we already felt the intoxication in our blood. The topic moved to some controversial ones.

“Sam, do you really love Miss Cathy?” I asked in a serious tone.

“Of course I do...” as he gulped the whole content of alcohol in his glass, and then another one.

“What happened to... your feelings for me? I’m sorry I brought this out again. I know you ignored this question in the garden.”

“Yeah, I intentionally ignored it. But you know, Geoff, I’ve promised myself not to talk about it anymore... what for? It’s not helping nor leading to anything. And even if it would lead to something, I wouldn’t want it. I just can’t... and I hope you would respect that.”

“What for...? You mean you lied to me when you said that?”

“I did not lie, Geoff and I’m not a liar! Just remember, I have never told you any lies!” he said raising his voice.

“Then why can’t you tell me straight if you still have that damn feeling?” I asked him in an equally raised voice.

“I can’t say anything and there is nothing to say! Look Geoff, I have swallowed my pride in saying that to you. Wasn’t that enough already? What more do you want? If you want to know, why can’t you just feel it, ok? How about this: do you understand why I still come here? Did you not notice I sent you a note just today and chose this timing, our last day of school and without the intrusion of our other friends? Did you not see that damn candle and streamer I was bringing with me in my bag for that stupid dinner? If you still don’t feel it, then you don’t deserve to be in that stupid honor’s list, Mr. Lopez, coz you’re an idiot! God…! If you only knew how my heart broke when I was away from you!” Sam shouted, laid his head on the table and sobbed.

I was glued there for a moment. I could not say anything, realizing how selfish, insensitive, and judgmental I was. I thought I knew Sam that much already.

“Yeah, you’re right Sam I just have to feel it, and understand...” I said to myself.

Then he went to the toilet and threw out. He was so intoxicated he could not walk straight back. So we stopped drinking and I helped him to bed... I wiped and cleaned his face, removed his shoes, socks, shirt, and changed his pants with my spare shorts.

As I watched him lay there, I couldn’t help admiring his sculpted abs with his fine black hairs lining down from his navel towards underneath his brief, his fair smooth skin, his robust chest and well-formed biceps, his lips, thick long hair, pointed nose, immaculate face. He looked so naive and perfect. The sight of him just took my breath away. “Here is this guy – so lively, full of vigor and whom many people so love and idolize but now lying vulnerably and seemingly lifeless in front of me,” I murmured and released a deep sigh.

I turned off the lights, lay on the bed beside him.

A few minutes later, he woke up, turned to me, hugged me and arched his legs over my midsection. He did not say anything. He just moved his head towards me; his lips searched mine. I kissed him back. It was long and passionate. We relished every moment of it, playing our tongues in our mouths together.

We ran our hands and lips to every part of our body – the face, the neck, the chest, the stomach... everywhere. We savored every contact of our flesh, every touch of our skin, every breath we took together, filling the room with our moans as the cries of the cicadas and other nocturnal creatures filled the silence outside. And, when we both reached the summit, our moans got stronger, and stronger, and stronger. “Ahhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh!”

When we were done, we took some rest and, did it again – a few times over until we lay flat on the bed in complete exhaustion.

Then he faced me, twiddled his hands on my cheek, his eyes overflowed with passion. “Geoff, I’m sorry I was angry. But I got to tell you this: I love you. I really do!”

My fingers reached for his mouth and covered it, “Shhhhhh, you don’t have to say it, Sam; I felt it already“

He pressed his lips against mine and the room was filled with our moans again...

(To be continued)

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Sam: part 5

Semestral break came. Three times in a week, Sam would visit me and sleep in my place. As his place was 25 kilometers away, he would come by his motorbike. Sometimes we would go places: to the park, beach, visit friends or his place, or just stay in my place swimming in the creek, fishing or picnicking together with my cousins. It was one of my happiest school breaks.

One day during the last week of the break, Sam’s parents invited me to a dinner. His parents knew I was their son’s best friend and they treated me like a family member.

At the dinner table, Sam’s father asked me, “I heard you are in the top three honor’s list, Geoff, congratulations! Keep it up!” then turning to Sam, “But how about Sam in school? I observed he was not doing as much as I expected. And I heard there’s one teacher there whom he has a crush with? I hope she’s not the reason for his dull performance. Is he courting her?”

“A, er...” I was gasping for words to say.

“Dad, don’t bring this topic here please?” Sam intervened in a pleading tone.

“Sam, I am asking Geoff. I just want to be sure that you are doing your best to study” his Dad answered, then turned to me. “So, Geoff is this true?”

Sam seated opposite me winked his eyes and gestured like he wanted me to say “no” and to cut the conversation. But I proceeded to answer his Dad’s question. “A... for the crush, yes Sir. It’s Miss Cathy, our psychology professor. But everyone has a crush on her too including all our friends...”

“How old is she?”

“Dad, please...” Sam pleaded for his father to stop the conversation about Cathy.

I looked at Sam. He stooped in disappointment sensing I would answer the question anyway. “Miss Cathy is nearly 23 but she looks younger.”

Then in an air of suspicion, his Dad asked again, “Geoff, does Sam visit you almost everyday? Coz there are times Sam doesn’t sleep here all night and there are times too that he comes at already dawn... and when I would ask him, it’s always your name he mentions”

I was stunned by the question coz Sam hadn’t visited me everyday and if ever he sleeps in my place, he would not leave at dawn. I looked at Sam. He was equally stunned and could not look at me. Then he suddenly stood up and walked out in protest.

“Sam! Where are you going?” His mom and dad inquired.

Sam didn’t answer and proceeded to walk. After a few minutes, we heard his motorcycle run.

“See that? He is a different person now! I don’t even know if he’s my son! I have been observing him acting strange these past few months. He has changed in everything! He is absent-minded, his grades are low, and he is always out. I don’t know what’s going on with him!”

“We should understand Sam, Bert. He is in that age. It should be tough on him...” Sam’s mom pacified.

But I reasoned to cover Sam even if there was anguish in me and a feeling of betrayal. “A.. er, Sir, Sam comes to my place normally on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays... but maybe he visits our other friends too!”

“I hope that what you said is true, Geoff coz there was a time I heard him talking with someone over the phone and it was this ‘Cathy’”

I felt like an insult was added into my injury. My anguish amplified, and I wanted to smack Sam so hard in the face to at least let him feel my pain. I felt like my world turned upside down. I thought I would leave right there and then. But civility prevailed over me.

After an hour, Sam came back. Sam’s parents wanted me to stay overnight but my feeling of disgust so overwhelmed me that I thought it was not a good thing to do. So I asked to be excused and they asked Sam to send me home on his motorbike.

The more my anger grew. But I had no choice, lest Sam’s parents might suspect. And as Sam started his motorbike he shouted, “Mom, I’ll stay overnight at Geoff’s place!”

On the way, I couldn’t control myself yelling, “Why did you use me, Sam?!!! Why did you not tell me everything?!!! What have I done wrong to deserve this?!!!...”

Sam yelled back, “We will talk this over in your house, ok?!”

But I did not stop, “I want it now, Sam, tell me why? I want an explanation now! Why? Why?!!!” hitting his back with my fist.

Sam absorbed my punch but did not move nor give an answer. Instead, he drove the motorcycle at full speed that even in curves he wouldn’t slow down. I held myself tightly to his body in total panic. “What are you doing?!!!”

“It is better if we die together now!” Sam shouted at the peak of his voice.

So I shut up and kept my silence until we arrived. I did not talk to him. I went directly to my room and dropped myself flat on the bed as Sam followed me without saying a word.

He sat on the edge of the bed. Then stooping and in a poignant and hesitant tone said, “Geoff... I am so sorry for what I did. I did not tell you I was with Cathy too because I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t know what to do... I’m so confused. Everyday, I think of you, and then I think of Cathy. The truth is I try to force myself to forget you, and have happy relations with Cathy. But you are always there and I don’t understand... I can’t think straight, I don’t even know how to get you out of my mind....” he narrated as tears rolled down his cheeks.

And I cried there listening to him, but I just let him talk.

“Dad was right. I have changed, and he doesn’t understand me. But only if I understand what’s happening to me too... It’s like everyone is against me now, even my family. And I am even afraid to face the future!” He finally broke down sobbing.

My anger gradually melted and replaced by compassion. I held his hand. He hugged me tight. He was still sobbing.

“You are the only person left who understands me, Geoff. I don’t want to lose you, so please I’m sorry. Don’t be mad at me!” Sam pleaded.

I stroked his hair and kissed his cheek. “I understand now Sam, don’t worry.” I returned his hug.

We stayed in that position for a couple of minutes, just hugging, caressing, feeling each other’s presence, and assuring ourselves that we will not let each other down.

I stood up and took two bottles of beer and we drank. As our emotions subsided, Sam initiated a conversation, “There is something I would like to tell you, Geoff...”

“Go ahead.”

“Do you still remember that time when you asked about my feelings for you and I ignored it?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s about us, our status; that... even if we do sex together, all I want is the friendship, no matter how emotionally involved we are to each other. Friendship lasts, Geoff... and it’s all I want.

“What do you mean?”

“Remember I told you we just need to feel and to trust each other without necessarily saying ‘I love you’? Coz it’s the best thing to do. I don’t want you to commit yourself with me... not because I don’t want it. God! If you only knew how I wished I could shout to the whole world I love you and you are my... boyfriend. But, I can’t coz if I do, I will be ruining our lives and our future. Geoff, you are intelligent, a student council member, and even have the potential to be council president. Many people admire you, look up to you, trust you. You have a clean image in the campus, a model student. Can you imagine yourself if one day someone asks straight to your face, ‘Geoff, is it true that Sam is your boyfriend?’ Can you stand that? And this, don’t you dream of having a family of your own one day, and have kids...? Everyone wants it Geoff, and you are stupid if you don’t. And all I want is when we reach that point in our lives, we are still there for each other, care for each other, support each other, feel the love, the trust and the friendship... don’t you want that?”

I couldn’t say a word for what Sam had said. His words hit me hard and pierced deep into my heart. There was shock, an unexplained feeling of guilt and self-pity. Then tears filled my eyes and sobbed there as Sam gave me a hug and a pat in my back.

“But how about us, Sam... how about me?” I asked in a deep sense of insecurity.

“Nothing changes, Geoff, with you and me. Everything we did, we still do. I won’t stop coming here, and if there is still a part of me in your heart, I am just here. Nothing changes... I promise. As I said, we just don’t have to say ‘I love you’; we just have to feel it”, as he took my hand and guided it into his chest, “You have a part here in my heart, Geoff, do you feel it?”

I held my hand on his chest for a long time and felt its beat..., “Yeah, I can feel it Sam, I can feel it”

Sam never said anymore words. He hugged me tight and pressed his lips against mine. Then we both lay on the bed, full of energy and desire. We removed our clothes, savor the electrifying touch of our flesh, and fathom the depths and the heights of our raging emotions.

And then again, the room was filled with the sounds of our moans...

(To be continued)

----------------------------------------

Sam: Part 6 (Last Part)

School days came and having Sam back with the group, everything was normal; of course, except for the secret relations of Sam and me, and Sam and Cathy. No one knew that secret. As usual, the group would go to my place on some weekend get-together; swimming at the creek, catching fish, going on a picnic, do our assignments together, or drink our favorite “tuba”, a native coconut wine. And if the group would not come to my place, Sam will come alone and stay with me. Everything was just perfect.

But few days into the next semestral break Sam & Miss Cathy’s relationship was exposed. It spread like a wildfire in the campus. And the worst thing was that Miss Cathy was pregnant!

I was stunned. So I thought of confronting Sam about it. In the evening, Sam came and just as he stepped into the living room he said, “Geoff, I think you heard the rumor already...”

“What rumor?” I asked playing innocent.

“...About Cathy and me. And she’s pregnant. This morning the School Director terminated her employment.” Sam said anxiously.

I didn’t know if I would be angry or would pity him. But the thought of losing him stuck to my mind. “So what is your plan now?”

“I don’t know? If this reaches my Dad and Mom, surely they will be furious. Secondly, I don’t know how Cathy will handle all these; her life is in a mess, she has no more job... and it’s all because of me!”

“Yeah, there’s no one to blame, Sam but you. Coz you are stupid and self-centered. And all you want is for people to understand you. You don’t care about me, and you don’t care about my feelings!” I yelled at him.

“God! Do I have to tell you, everything Geoff? We talked about this already. I told you all about this... do you need to know when, where and how Cathy and I had sex together? When you learned that Cathy and I had a relationship, what did you expect us to do – say the rosary or the novena in her room, ha?!” Sam raised his voice.

“Yeah, but I told you to be careful and responsible, Sam! And you can have a relationship with her without sex! See what happens now – it’s all because of your stupidity!” I blamed him.

“Yeah, I got your point, Geoff and everyone’s stupid points. Now what? You want me to kill myself? I accept responsibility for all of these, it’s my fault. What do I need to do in order to get my life back, our lives back, Geoff; it’s what I want to know! Shit!!” Sam yelled.

I paused for sometime. “I don’t know Sam... It’s not easy...”

“Geoff, everyone is pointing fingers on me and Cathy, even my family now... It’s only you who understand me and who could give me guidance. Please be there for me.”

“Yeah, Sam, I know. It’s what you have always told me, just to feel you, and to understand you...” I said in an air of self-pity and sarcasm. Then I paused in deep thought, flashed my mind back to where Sam and I had started and discerned. And with a sense of deep sadness and self-denial, I gathered my whole strength to say the harshest and most masochistic advice, “You marry her, Sam, you marry Ma’am Cathy.” Then I went straight to my room to avoid Sam from seeing me cry.

Sam was stunned there to hear such words from me. After a few minutes, he followed to my room, sat on the edge of my bed and caressed my hair. “Geoff, you don’t have to say that. I will try my best to find a way that I can’t marry Cathy...”

“Then you are running away from your responsibility, Sam.”

“No... only to delay it until I am ready for it. I will persuade Cathy and my parents that I got to finish my studies first and let us see what happens then...”

I was temporarily relieved by what Sam said. But my thoughts went for Miss Cathy; will she allow it considering her situation? And knowing that Sam’s parents are deeply religious...? “I don’t know Sam, I don’t know...” I said worrying about such a possibility.

Sam didn’t stay long that night. He was so worried about things and what could be the reaction of his parents upon knowing the situation.

The following day, Sam never went to school. I just learned that he was suspended until the end of the semester and will just be given special arrangements to comply with the requirements for the finals. Like Miss Cathy, he was nowhere to be seen in the Campus. It was an incomplete student life without Sam. And not knowing what happened to him added to my anxiety.

On the night of the last day of school, Sam came to my house. He looked very sad, and his eyes as if he had never slept for nights. His vigor, happy disposition and strong enthusiasm for life had gone. I was worried.

“Geoff, they have already decided everything. Cathy and I will get married on Sunday next week; after the marriage we will go to Cathy’s province so Cathy can find a job there; father will continue to shoulder my education in her province until I finish my course...” Then he added, “I want you to be there on my wedding, Geoff; you will be my best man and all the other friends are my groom’s men.”

It was like my world had collapsed instantly and I stopped breathing; I felt a knife cut my heart into pieces and my dreams and aspirations blew apart. Tears immediately filled my eyes.

“They decided it for you, Sam? What did you say? You told me you will try to convince them not to marry Cathy yet...”

“It was my father’s choice, Geoff... and he was furious, I couldn’t say any word. You know Dad when he is angry...”

Then in all humility and understanding amidst tremendous feeling of loss and devastation, I hugged Sam as he hugged me. We cried together, hang on to each other like two helpless and wounded people, victims of circumstances and events and with whom the world had disdained and judged. We stayed in that position for a long time.

Then we drank, releasing all the bitterness inside. And when we were already intoxicated, we made love like it would be our last time together. We kissed passionately like we had never kissed before; we felt and relish the presence of each other and we hugged like there’s no tomorrow.

It was late in the afternoon when Sam decided to leave. Before he left, “Geoff always remember this: whatever happens, you will always have a part in my heart.” as he removed his white gold left earring, and next his jacket and shirt. Then from his jacket, he took a pocket bible. “Take these items, Geoff and keep these so you will remember me always...” handing them to me.

I took the items. Then I removed my shirt and my silver bracelet, “I want you to take these also, Sam. Please keep them, and take care of them...”

Sam put on the shirt I gave him, slid the bracelet into his pocket and then caressing my cheek, “Geoff, in case a time comes when I am not there and you would want me, just press your hand to your chest and feel your heartbeat, coz when you feel it’s beating, you know that my heart beats with it too.” Then he took my hand and guided it into his chest, assuring me of his undying feeling.

I felt his heartbeat, and I nodded, as tears again flowed into my eyes. Then I kissed him, hugged him and we did our fraternal handshake.

Wedding day came. In spite of my mind screaming for me not to show up, I bravely stood there as Sam’s best man, as I promised. But I did it not just for my promise; I did it also for the thought that being Sam’s best man I should be the first person to be there for Sam, no matter what happens. That was my only consolation. But it was so tough being there, having to pretend I was happy when deep down, my heart bled and grieved. I couldn’t explain my feeling. It was like I died over and over. And every time someone would greet Sam and Cathy, “Congratulations!” I felt my heart was ripped apart.

In the altar, Sam looked so magnificent and so good-looking in his black suit and dark pants as he stood there waiting for Cathy. His hair was clean shaven as a protest, although he still looked equally dazzling as he was with his long hair. When I looked at his wrist, there was my bracelet. I looked at Sam’s eyes; they were tough hiding the strong pent-up feelings that tortured him inside. He was like a person whose body was there, but whose spirit flew away... with mine.

When the priest finally asked him if he would take Cathy as his wife, there was something in me that could explode any moment. Sam looked behind him and searched his eyes. And when our eyes met, I pressed my hand into my chest, feeling my heartbeat, “Sam, I can feel you here...” I murmured. But when Sam finally said, “I do” my tears just flowed down uncontrollably.

After the wedding, I asked to be excused telling everyone that I did not feel well. Sam wanted me to stay, to be with our group, but I told him it would not help me to stay there with a pretense smile.

I locked myself in the room. In the evening, I could not sleep. I imagined that while I stayed there on my bed alone, there was Sam and Cathy together. My mind flashed back those days when I first met Sam, when he told me his feelings under the shade of the acacia and how I laughed at him for that; how I turned to fall in love with him later; when we would be alone together as if the world belonged to us; when he gave me that candlelight dinner with the streamer; when we had our little arguments which would end up in hugging and pacifying each other; when I would ride with him on his motorbike and he would intentionally drive fast so I would lock myself tightly into his body; all the things which made us laugh and cry together. Those were still fresh on my mind. And as the bed I was lying down was a testament to our love, my hands spread to search for his body. But he was not there anymore. My tears just kept flowing...

I went to my locker and took Sam’s shirt and jacket and wore them. I wore his earring too. But still, I was craving for more.

Then my mind was focused on the bible that Sam gave me. I read it... over and over, reflecting the words that might give me the answers as to why I should suffer, or let go of the one I love, and why it should happen to me and Sam. It did not give me the direct answers. But it helped ease my feeling to know that life was full of trials and obstacles, and of pain and sufferings, and that my suffering could probably be little compared with someone’s suffering out there. I did not know how long I had stayed in that position. But I just thanked God that I made it through the next day.

The next semester started without Sam and Miss Cathy. I felt like I was a new-born person studying in an unfamiliar school, except for the acacia tree at the botanical garden which always reminded me of Sam. There was a feeling of nostalgia and kind of disorientation.

But gradually, I managed to fully let go and accept what happened.

As for Sam, he continued to exchange updates and greetings with me and the group. And true to his promise, he would visit me in my place in every opportune time whenever he gets to my province. And when his first baby was baptized, the whole group visited him, and I was one of the godfathers.

Two years later, I was elected student council president as Sam had thought I would one day be. And during my victory party, Sam attended as one of my special guests. But at that time, I already moved on. In fact, I had already a girlfriend with whom I gladly introduced to Sam, who also happily approved her for me.

Now, Sam has four children and I got two. And even if we have already our own separate families, our friendship remained strong. Sam even suggested that we will match his eldest fifteen-year-old son with my ten year-old daughter so that if it succeeds our thwarted story will continue and get fulfilled in them.

Sam is now thirty-five and I’m thirty-two but even when we meet we still do the “chest-pressing” of our hands. Then we would laugh knowing that only the two of us knew what it meant.

I know that for as long as I live, Sam will remain to hold a special place in my heart. And if I have to live my life all over again and choose someone to share it with; I’d still go... for Sam.

(End)

Moonlight

By: Jayson Patalinghug

email: king_sky92@yahoo.com

FB: jaysoncbucable@aim.com

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This is narration of a terrible dream...

It is hard to live in a miserable family....
you have to stand alone and face the challenges of life....

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I felt a heavy force on my hand, as I lay on my bed. I can not move nor manage to wake up. I was catching my breath and it seemed that the air inside me has been consumed. But my mind was wide awake, I can hear the noises of the broken plates and glasses, the shouts and cries. I heared the door and the walls being kicked and pushed. I struggled to move and opened my eyes but the force on top of me was strong. Then I remember to call on Him. “I rebuke the demon on top of me, let me go, in the name of Jesus my God and savior evil spirit let go of me ” I was exhausted and stuttering when I spoke those words. Then there was silence, my eyes opened up and I felt that the strong force has just let me go. My whole body was wet with sweat and I was catching my breath like I was dying.

I got up of my bed and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. On my way to the kitchen I noticed the front door was open. I looked at the clock and saw it was still 3:00 o’clock in the morning, I can see the moon shining from the old and rugged window. I walked on our veranda and gazed the beauty of the moon as it illuminates the surroundings. It must be magical as I felt serenity inside of me. Then my throat reminds me of my thirst and decided to get some water.

Huhuhu….There was a noise in the kitchen.. a cry! yes a cry that softly echo in the stillness of twilight. The voice haunted my soul and suddenly my entire being felt so heavy. I walked through the sala which only the soft light from the moon gave light on my way. I was searching for the switch but I stumbled. Then a figure of woman appeared into my sight. She was sitting with her head sobbed in our dining table. Her long hair covered her face and her white gown glowed against the moonlight. She was crying and her ghostly voice trembled my body. I can’t speak and my sweat was flowing like stream on my face and my heart was vexed causing the river of tears to flow freely on my cheeks. The woman stood up and walked towards me and knelt in front of me then looked straight directly to my eyes. Her eyes were full of pain, and then her soft voice crumpled my heart as she said “Your father has left us and  he broke my heart as he went with his mistress last night.”

THE MARTYR, THE STUPID AND THE FLIRT 10

CHAPTER 10 (Heartaches of Goddess)


Malungkot na tinatanaw ni Monty si Orly habang nagpapraktis ito sa field. Tatlong araw na ang lumipas ng magmakaawa siya rito para huwag siyang hiwalayan. After that fateful day, Orly was never the same. Although hindi siya nito tinataboy ay naroon ang manaka-nakang parunggit nito para sa kanya. Na kesyo ipinipilit bakit daw may ibang tao na ipinipilit ang sarili sa taong ayaw na sa kanila at iba pang masasakit na salita.

In short, napakalamig ng pakikitungo nito sa kanya. Hindi naman siya makaangal kasi mahal niya ito. Isa lang naman ang punto niya, gusto niyang ipadama rito ang pag-ibig na para dito. Na tanging siya lang ang kayang magmahal dito against all odds. Kahit ito pa mismo ang may ayaw sa kanya.

Kulang dalawang buwan na lang at matatapos na ang semester na iyon. Kaya naman todo-effort siya para iparamdam dito na mahal na mahal niya ito. Kahit minsan lang, gusto niyang ipadama kay Orly kung paano ang mahalin ng tulad niya. He was sure, it's just a matter of time. Magbabago rin ang isip at pakikitungo ni Orly sa kanya.

Sumenyas ito ng time-out at tinungo ang kinauupuan niya. Oh how his heart leaped to the very sight of him. Hinding-hindi niya ito ipagpapalit kahit sa isandaan Ronnie pa.

Weh? Banat ng atribidang bahagi ng isip niya.

"Why are you here?" bungad nito sa kanya.

Napalunok siya. Wala kasi siyang maisip na dahilan kung bakit siya naroroon gayong hindi naman siya dapat naroon. Alam kasi nitong may practice din sila sa teatro.

"I..." wala siyang maapuhap na sasabihin.

"You skipped your practice. Bakit?" putol nito sa kanya.

Napatango na lang siya. Hinubad ni Orly ang football uniform nito na agad niyang kinuha para isampay pansamantala sa bangko. Maagap niyang kinuha ang towel na pamunas nito.

"T-tumalikod ka." mahina niyang sabi.

Tumiim ang mata nito pero tumalima rin naman. He held his breath as he gently brushed the sweat off of Orly's' back. Napakaganda talaga ng katawan nito. Ang klase ng built na papangarapin ng kahit na sinong babae at bading na haplusin at pagpalain. Namuo ang luha niya sa mata ng maalala ang mga sandaling nakasandig ang kanyang pisngi sa likuran nito habang nagbabasa ito ng libro sa mismong bench na saksi ng pagiibigan nila.

"T-tapos na. Sa harap naman." aniya.

Bumugha ng hangin si Orly bago napipilitang humarap sa kanya. Napayuko siya para ikubli ang namuong luha. Marahan niyang pinunasan ang matipuno nitong dibdib. From his hard pecs down to his chiseled abdomen. Flashbacks of how he played with those perfect muscles gave him a stab on the chest. His heart constricted and his throat ached. Nanginginig na rin ang kamay niya na hindi rin naman nawala sa pansin ni Orly na mataman siyang tinititigan.

"What? Hindi mo na kaya?" tanong nito at hinawakan ang kamay niya.

He sobbed. Ang kanina pa pinipigilang luha ay naglandas na sa kanyang pisngi. itinaas niya ang mukha at buong sakit na tinitigan ito.

"Sinabi ko na iyo. W-wala akong hindi kakayanin Orly." he said almost whispering.

Marahang umiling si Orly. Hindi niya alam kung guni-guni niya lang pero may iglap na sakit din ang bahagya niyang nakitang dumaan sa mga mata nito. Napakurap siya para kumpirmahan iyon ngunit naging blangko na ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito.

"Monty..." wika ni Orly. Tunog frustrated pero walang maaninag na ganoong emosyon sa gwapong mukha.

"What? Itataboy mo na naman ba ako? Sinabi ko na sa'yo..."

"Kaya ko na. Bumalik ka na sa practice niyo nila Dalisay. Naghihintay na iyon sa iyo." masuyong sabi nito.

Biglang nanubig na naman ang mata niya at sumakit ang panga sa pagpigil ng iyak. Ilang gabi niyang pinangarap na maging masuyo man lang ito ulit sa kanya kahit sandali lang at mukhang nangyayari na nga. Parang lokang ngumiti siya sa kabila ng pag-iyak.

"I-i will." he choked on his words. Sa sobrang saya niya dahil sa biglang pagbabago ng mood ni Orly eh halos di na siya makahinga at nagkakandasamid-samid na siya.

Pinunasan ni Orly ang luhang naglandas sa pisngi niya and looked straight in his eyes. The stare held him captive and immobile for a while. Na-miss niya rin iyon. Iyong buong suyo siyang tinitingnan ni Orly.

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa labi niya. Now he's anticipating if Orly would kiss him. Bahagya niyang inangat ang mukha at sinalubong ang tingin nito at ginaya ang pagtaas baba ng tingin sa mata at labi nito.

Dahan-dahan ang naging pagbaba ng mukha ni Orly sa kanya. Anong galak niya at parang narinig niyang bumukas ang pintuan ng langit at bumaba ang mga anghel at nagsi-awitan.

He didn't want to close his eyes but the emotions he's feeling right now made sure that he would savor the moment as if it was his last kiss from Orly. Anong saya niya ng dumampi ang labi nito sa kanya na iglap ding napawi ng matantong it was just a quick kiss. A smack actually.

Naguguluhan siyang nagdilat ng mata at naiwang nakaawang pang bahagya ang labi. Nakita na lang niyang tumatakbo na si Orly palayo sa kanya at pabalik na sa field para magpractice. Hindi makapaniwalang ganoon lang ang mangyayari. Hinayang na hinayang ang pakiramdam niya pero may bahagya ring kaligayahan.

Maybe hindi pa ready si Orly ulit. Sabi niya sa isip.

Hoping? Asaness teh! Sabi naman ni Rubi, este ng isip niya.

Itinaboy niya ang masamang naisip. Tama na ang mga pangyayaring iyon. At least, kahit paano ay medyo nagkakasundo na sila ulit ni Orly. Iyon na lang ang itinanim niya sa isip niya.

Sinipat niya ang relos. May oras pa para makapunta sa practice ng play. Bagaman nag-away sila ni Jordan ay hindi naman nito pinersonal ang pagiging miyembro ng teatro niya. May pagkakataon na kakausapin siya nito ng pormal pero hanggang doon lang yun. Walang parinigan. Walang away.

Lumapit siya ng bahagya sa field at sinigawan si Orly. Tumigil naman ito saglit ng senyasan niyang lumapit.

"What?" humihingal pa nitong sabi.

"I'll be at the auditorium. Pwede mo ba akong sunduin mamaya?" sabi niyang sobra ang pag-asa.

Saglit itong nag-isip.

"I can't promise. But I'll try." sagot nito.

Nalaglag man ang balikat niya sa sagot nito ay kinalma niya ang sarili. Tama na ang sinabi nitong susubukan nito.

"O-okay?" pinilit niyang ngumiti.

"Sige na." sabi nito. Dismissing him gently.

Nagpasya siyang puntahan ang practice nila. Nang makarating doon ay agad siyang humilera sa mga nagpapahinga pang kasamahan nila.

"Uy! Bakit ngayon ka lang?" sabi ni Freia. Ang baklang nambara sa inggiterang babae sa canteen.

"Hey! Nawala sa isip ko." tipid siyang ngumiti.

Sasagot pa sana si Freia ng putulin iyon ng talak mula kay Jordan.

"Lagi ka namang wala sa sarili. Kaya tuloy yung ibang bagay nababalewala mo."

Masama ang tingin na ipinupukol nito sa kanya. Napayuko na lang siya at nagsalita.

"Sorry."

"You should be. Dahil wala ka, napilitan kaming gumawa ng ilang eksena. Tapos na lahat ng mga kasama mo, ikaw na lang ang kulang. Kung anu-ano kasi ang naiisip mong unahin. Hindi naman importante." dire-diretsong talak nito.

Pinili niyang pigilan ang sariling sumagot at nginitian ito. "Kung pwede pa, gawin na natin ang mga eksena ko. Para naman makahabol ako."

Naningkit ang mata nito pero di na nagsalita. Naramdaman siguro na ayaw niyang makipagtalo. Nahihirapan din siya sa sitwasyon at tama naman ito para tumalak. Late siya. Kahit pa anong anggulo tingnan, mali siya.

"Okay! Guys! Yung eksena sa gubat ang gagawin natin. Kabisado mo pa ba yung linya mo? Baka di ka na nakakapag-kabisado kakaisip mo ibang "bagay"?" maanghang na tanong nito sa kanya.

Napalinga siya sa paligid. Nakita niya ang nakikisimpatyang tingin ng mga kasama. Muli, pinilit niyang ngumiti at huwag sumagot sa patutsada nito. Alam naman niyang ang ibang "bagay" na tinutukoy nito ay si Orly.

"Let's do this D. Kapag di ko nagawa ng maayos, saka mo ako pagalitan." kimi niyang sagot.

Umingos na lang ito at di na nagsalita pa. Sumenyas ito sa control room at inihanda na ang set para sa eksena niya sa gubat.

Sa eksena, siya si Althea, ang trans-gender na Dyosa na kapatid ng trans-gender ding Dyosa na si Yasilad. Spoof nila iyon ng Encantadia. Dangan nga lamang ay pang-beki talaga ang mga characters.

Ang kapangyarihan niya ay ang control niya sa mga halaman. Parang kay Kurama ng YuYu Hakusho. Ang kapatid niyang si Yasilad ay si Jordan ang gumaganap. Yelo at Niyebe ang kapangyarihan nito.

Kunwari ay mag-eemote siya sa batis na tahanan ng katotohanan. Walang kinikilingan. Walang pinoprotektahan. Serbisyong totoo lamang ang tema.

Iniwan kasi siya ng mortal niyang dyowa na si Coco Marvin at ipinagpalit sa isang mukhang kabayong bading. Ipinagluluksa niya ang pag-ibig niya para dito. Tamang-tama naman na nasa kondisyon siya para mag-emote. Inilagay niya si Orly at ang sitwasyon nila sa isip para mag-internalize.

Nang sumigaw si Jordan para sa take ay nagsimulang tumugtog ang background music na Saan Ka Na Kaya Ngayon at naging si Althea na siya.

Limang taong na simula ng hiwalayan siya ni Coco Marvin pero ang pakiramdam niya ay parang noong isang buwan lang iyon.

Nagsimulang umawit si Ana Fegi na feeling straight ang buhok.

Hanngang ngayon sariwa pa
Sugat na sa'kiy dinala
Sa puso kong limot mo na
Hindi matanggap mahal mo'y iba.

Masaya ka na ba sa piling niya?
Sa bawat halik ba'y mas kinikilig ka?
Isa 'tong na medyo presko,
Kahit minsan ba'y hinahanap mo ako?

Bago mag-chorus ay nagsimula na siyang mag-monologue.

"Mahal kong Coco Marvin. Nasaan ka na kaya ngayon? Hinahanap mo kaya ako? Naaalala mo pa ba kaya ang pagmamahalan nating dalawa? Miss na miss na kita. Sana naririto ka..."

Malungkot na hinaplos ni Althea ang gawa-gawang batis habang nakaupo sa gawa-gawa ring bato. Unti-unting pumatak na ang luha niya.

Nasa isip ang sakit na pinagdadaanan. Kahit kasi nandiyan si Orly, parang ang layo pa rin nito sa kanya. Hindi na niya ito maabot ngayon. Kaya naman sisiw lang ang pag-iyak sa kanya ngayon.

"Masaya ka ba sa tinamaan ng magaling na adik na baklang yan? Ako, babae na ako. Tinanggihan mo pa. Mas gusto mo yung may libre kang singhot sa nakakasulasok na usok ng shabu kaysa ang makipaghabulan sa akin sa paraisong ito." nananangis niyang sambit.

"Paano na ako ngayong wala ka na? Hindi ko kayang mabuhay ng wala ka mahal kong Coco Marvin." saka siya nagtakip ng palad at humagulgol.

Nagtuloy ang chorus ni Ana Fegi na kanina pa nilalamok kakahintay na ituloy ang kanta.

Sino na kayang kasama mo?
Mas magaling ba siyang maglambing sa'yo?
Nais kong malaman kahit napakasakit para sa puso ko.

Hindi na ba magbabago ito?
Nagtatanong lang naman ako.

Saan ka na kaya ngayon?
Mahal pa rin kita.
Saan ka na kaya ngayon?

At muling binusalan si Ana Fegi ng mga kawal.

Nakaloop ang instrumental ng edited na kanta. Sakto sa oras para sa panibagong pag-e-emote niya. Muli siyang humikbi.

"Mahal kong Coco..."

"Ang OA ha." anang isang tinig.

"Huh? Sino ang nariyan?"

"Wala! Wala! Wala kang narinig." ang tinig ulit.

"Weh?" sabi niya.

"Kung maka-emote ka, akala mo bagong break lang kayo ng Coco Marvin na yan! Shutah ka! Limang taon na yon!"

"Sino ka ba? At nasaan ka? Magpakita ka kung hindi ay ipapakain kita sa mababangis na halamang alaga ko." galit niyang sabi.

"Echozera! I-try mo. Atashi pa ang piangbantaan nitong beking ito." anang tinig kasabay ng isang liwanag mula sa gitna ng batis.

Ang liwanag ay naging pigura ng isang tao hanggang sa maging ganap ang hitsura noon at lumitaw sa paningin niya ang Diwata ng Batis na tahanan ng katotohanan. Walang kinikilingan. Walang pinoprotektahan. Serbisyong too lamang. (Kapagod i-type ha!)Siyempre pa, effects lang iyon. Wala talagang ganoon.

"Diwatang Ivor!" gulantang niyang sabi. Ginanapan ni Freia.

"Walang iba!" nakangiti nitong sabi. Ang umiikot na tubig sa katawan nito ay talaga namang nakakamangha. At ang mga brilyante sa noo na kumikinang ng parang estrella ay tunay na kagila-gilalas.

"Ikaw ba ang nagsasalita kanina?" tanong niya.

"Oo Dyosang Althea. Paulit-ulit?" mataray na wika nito.

"Malay ko bang nandiyan ka?" umiismid niyang wika.

"Ah ganoon. Bet mong lunurin kita dito?"

"Huwag naman."

"Ano na namang drama ito Althea? Ang tagal mo ng wala sa piling ng hinayupak na Coco Marvin na iyon eh kung makapag-emote ka eh parang kahapon lang kayo naghiwalay. Di bale sana kung ang tagal niyo ring nagsama. Hello two-weeks lang ang relationship niyo no? On and off pa! Kaloka!" mahaba at detalyadong patutsada nito sa kanya.

Nagitla siya at napahawak sa pekeng dibdib. "Paano mong nalaman ang lahat ng iyan?"

"Hello again! For five years, iyon lang ang iniyak mo dito sa batis ko. Hindi na nagsilakihan ang mga karpa dito ng dahil sa patak ng luha mong may halong MSG."

"Paki-alamera ka Diwatang Ivor." nakalabi niyang sabi.

"Text MOVE (space) ON sa 2366. Umayos ka nga. Shutah ka!" iyon lang at nawala na ito.

Iniwan siyang hindi man lang nakaganti ng salita. Pero nagsalita pa rin siya dahil alam niyang nakikinig lang ito.

"Text INGGITERA (space) ON sa 8888. Para unlimited! Baliw!" galit niyang sabi.

Pagkatapos niyang sumigaw ay umihip ang hangin at nagsimula na uling kumanta si Ana Fegi na pumuti na dahil sa kakahintay ng turn niya.

Ooohh Oooohhh... Sino na nga ba?

Nais kong malaman, wala na bang pag-asa! Ooohh...

Saan ka na kaya ngayon? Mahal pa rin kita ah... Saan ka na kaya ngayon?...


Nang matapos ang take ay umani iyon ng palakpakan sa nanonood na estudyante at kasamahan. Kahit si Jordan ay may satisfied na ngiti sa labi. Pero ang mas ikinaloka niya ay ang malakas na tinig at palakpak na nanggaling sa isang tao.

Walang iba kung hindi si Ronnie na sumisipol pa at talagang tuwang-tuwa sa rehearsal nila. Pumapalakpak pa itong lumapit sa kaniya.

"Ang galing mo Monty. Ang galing!" niyakap pa siya nito sa gulat niya.

"Ah eh..." sabi niya habang nakaipit sa braso nito.

"Ronnie... di ako makahinga." ang totoo ay naguguluhan at kinikilig siya. Ewan ba niya. Hindi dapat ganoon ang nararamdaman niya di ba?

"Sorry." hinging paumanhin nito pero nakangiti pa rin.

"Bakit ka nandito?" tanong niya.

"Nanonood sa rehearsal niyo."

"Bawal kaya iyon."

"Well, may backer ako."

"Sino?"

"Si Dalisay."

Hindi siya nakaimik. Nakita niya ang nakataas-kilay na kaibigan na nakatingin sa kanila ni Ronnie.

"Ganoon ba?" sambit niya.

"Oo. Listen Monty. Date tayo mamaya. Third date na natin." sabi pa nito at sabay kindat.

Napasinghap siya ng gagapin nito ang kamay niyang biglang nilamig. May sasabihin sana siya ng marinig niya ang isang tinig.

"Sinong nagbigay sa'yo ng karapatan na hawakan ang kamay ni Monty?"

Si Orly! Mapanganib ang hitsura at talaga namang galit.

Si Ronnie naman ay tila nakakalokong ngumiti pa at itinaas ang kamay nilang magkahugpong pa. Natatarantang binawi niya iyon pero hindi ito binibitawan ng una.

"Ronnie..." nanghihinang sabi niya.

"Relax Monty. Wala namang masama sa paghahawak natin ng kamay di ba?" balewalang sabi nito.

Napapailing siyang tumingin kay Orly na palapit na.

"Nananadya ka talaga no? Bitiwan mo si Monty." mahina pero mapanganib na sabi nito.

"Kung ayoko?" si Ronnie na nagiinis pang ngumisi.

"Oh you're so getting this!" sambit ni Orly sabay bigwas kay Ronnie.

Dahil sa nakahawak sa kanya si Ronnie ay nahila siya ng wala sa oras at talagang nawalan siya ng panimbang dahil hindi nakaiwas agad si Ronnie. Parehas silang natumba at napadagan siya sa ibabaw nito.

Dagli siyang tumayo at hinarang ang sarili kay Orly.

"Tama na!"

Pero hindi ito nagpapigil. Nakatayo na rin si Ronnie at dahil sa siya ang nasa gitna, nang isalya siya ni Orly ay tumama siya sa kamao ni Ronnie na pabigwas kay Orly.

Next thing he knew, there were stars circling his head and then he passed out.


Itutuloy...

Task Force Enigma: Rovi Yuno 16

By: Dalisay
E-mail: angelpaulhilary28@yahoo.com
Blog: http://dalisaynapusoatkaluluwa.blogspot.com
Other details: I was taken by the most amazing man in the world. Kenneth Nicdao.

CHAPTER 16


"Wala tayong dapat na aksayahing panahon Perse. Mahirap ng malaman nilang nawala ang ambush team na nakatoka sa gubat." si Rovi sa kanilang team leader sa misyon na pasukin ang kuta ni Park Gyul Ho.

"Tama ka pare. Pero anong plano ang sinasabi mo kanina? Sa report mo ay mukhang iisa lang ang naiisip mong paraan para pasukin ang factory, tama ba?" seryosong sabi ni Perse sa kanya sabay bugha ng hinithit na sigarilyo.

"Oo. Magpapanggap tayo bilang ang mismong ambush team." tumatangong sabi niya.

"Paano gagawin iyon? Imposibleng hindi kilala ang mga nakasagupa mo ng mga tauhan doon."

"Base sa observation ko, mukhang per team ang mga taong nagbabantay. Sa layo ng mga gate sa isa't-isa, hindi imposibleng sabihin na hindi sila halos magkakakilala. At ang ambush team na nakasagupa ko ay may takip sa mga mukha. Pwede nating gayahin ang mismong hitsura nila at pumasok sa kuta na iyon ng hindi napapansin."

"Sige, gagawin natin yan, pero paano natin gagawan ng paraan ang ikalawang gate? Pati na rin ang mismong factory na may automatic lock?" si Perse na diskumpiyado pa rin sa kaniyang plano.

"Wala bang sinabi sa'yo si Rick? Sa mga oras na ito, malamang ay naisagawa na niya ang plano." napapailing niyang wika ng maalala ang balak na gawin ng kaibigan.

"Anong plano?" kunot-noong tanong ni Perse.

"Lilipad siya."

"Lilipad?"

"Tatalon siya sa isang eroplano pare. Yung jump suit na dinesenyo ni Jerick ng katulad ng sa isang squirrel ang gagamitin niya pagkakalas niya sa parachute. Timing ang kailangan natin. Isang sabay na atake mula sa taas at sa ibaba."

"Walang-hiya! Siguradong masaya ito!" natatawang sabi Perse sabay high five sa kanya.

"Sinabi mo pa. I-radyo mo na si Rick. Nasa ere na yun malamang."

Tumalima ito at inayos ang static ng communication line. Ilang saglit pa ay nakakuha sila ng malinaw na sigla mula kay Rick. Medyo maingay gawa ng hangin sa paligid.

"Pare! Langya ka! Nag-a-ala Batman ka diyan ha." si Perse.

Tumawa ito. "'Tol, pumasok na kayo. Siguradong hahanapin na ang mga nakasagupa ni Rovi kanina. Walang tao dito sa lalandingan ko. Okay na ang pwesto." medyo garalgal ang tinig nito gawa ng nasa ere ito.

"Sige 'tol. Nakaisip na rin kami ng paraan. Kapag nakapasok na kami, sila Anipse na at Takeshi ang susunod sa atin. Kailangang magawan mo ng paraan na mapasukan ng bug ang kanilang surveillance system para ma-hack ito ng mas madali ni Jerick. Kanina pa naloloko ang mokong sa pag-crack ng security code ng buong hideout. Mukhang matinik ang anti-hacking security system ng buong lugar." mahabang paliwanag ni Perse.

"Sige 'tol. Raradyohan ko na lang kayo kapag nasa rooftop na ako." paalam ng tinyente.

"Sige."

"Okay. Men. Move!" sigaw ni Perse.

"Yes sir!


Binalikan nila Rovi ang lugar kung saan nakasagupa niya ang ambush team ng talipandas na Koreano. Naroroon din ang grupo ni Jerick na busy sa laptop nito at nasa loob ng isa pang van na gamit nila papunta doon.

Nakahanda na rin ang disguise nilang gagamitin na mula rin sa mga nakalaban niya. Kailangan lang nila ng suot nitong mga jacket at takip sa mukha. Pare-parehas naman silang mga naka-itim kaya tama na ang mga iyon para sa kanila.

Tinapik niya ang busy-busyhan na si Jerick. "'Tol! Anong balita?"

"Sa radyo at tv?"

"Ungas!"

"Same to you." saka ito natawa sa sariling kalokohan.

"Hindi nga. Nasa itaas na si Rick. Papasok na rin kami any moment."

"Okay yan. Pero dalhin ninyo yung mga mini-time bomb ko." sinenyasan nito ang isa sa mga kasama nila at may inabot na mga malilit na tila lighter.

"Ayos to ah." aniyang napapangiti.

"Ako pa." sabay turo nito sa sarili.

"Oo na." naiiling na sang-ayon niya.

"Siyanga pala, Perse! Nakalapag na si Rick." imporma ni Jerick.

"Talaga? Sige. Men. Get your ass ready. We're moving in five minutes." seryosong pahayag ni Perse.

Mabilis silang kumilos. Isinuot ang disguise at isinukbit ang mga armas na gagamitin. Kinuha rin nila ang mga M-16 rifle na gamit ng nakasagupa niya kanina at ang ilang flash bomb, tear-gas, mini-bombs at ilang kunai, combat knife at butterfly knives.

Parang may iisang isip na nagtanguan sila at kumilos palabas ng gubat para pumasok sa gate na pakay nila nang tawagin sila ni Jerick.

"Mga hunghang. Iyong bug at mic nakalimutan niyo. Paano kayo malalaman ang instructions ko kapag na-hack ko na?"

Napakamot sa ulo ang ilan sa kanila saka mabilis na kinuha ang mga bugging device at mic. Nang all set na talaga sila ay lumarga na sila para lumapit sa bukana. Ang siste ay raradyo sila kung pwedeng magpalit ng poste at kailangan nilang magre-group.

Nagpanggap siya bilang yung sniper na naka-poste kanina saka sila kumilos ng kumpirmahin na ng kausap nila sa radyo na may papalit na sa "kanila".

"Okay men. Alerto lang. Move." si Perse.

Mabagal ang kilos nila pero sigurado. Kailangan na din na tutok sila sa mga posibleng mangyari katulad ng pagkabuko sa cover nila. Natanaw nila ang gate at sinalubong sila ng limang tao doon. Katulad ng hinala ni Rovi, nakipagtanguan lang sila dito at saka sila pinatuloy. Disimulado at pasikretong inilaglag niya ang isa sa mga mini-bomb na mukhang lighter.

"Santos! Lighter mo." tawag sa kanya ng isang tauhan ni Gyul Ho.

"Ah salamat. Pero wala ng laman yan 'tol."

"Ganoon ba?" Nagkibit balikat ito at saka itinapon ang inakalang bomba sa malapit na basurahan sa mismong gate.

Napansin din niya ang simpleng pag-iitsa ni Perse at ng tatlo pang kasamahan sa mga dala rin ng mga itong mini-bombs. Para sumabog iyon ay kailangan lang nilang kausapin si Jerick na nakikinig lang sa kanila mula sa bug na nakakabit sa kanila.

Ang misyon, makarating sa ikalawang gate at malapit na sila doon. Pagkatapos, magbabagsak pa sila ulit ng ilang mini-bombs saka gagawan ng paraan na madisarmahan ang mga naroroon. Malapit na sila ng mapansin nila ang bulungan ng ilang nakaposte sa ikalawang gate. Duda siya sa ekspresyon ng mga ito kaya nagsalita siya ng mahina sa mic para kay Perse. Good thing na nakatakip sila ng mukha.

"Pasabugin na natin. Mukhang bistado na tayo. Trap ito pare."

"Mukha nga. Okay. Jerick, men, on three. One. Two. Three." sabi ni Perse sabay kalabit ng gatilyo ng M-16 na dala-dala. Kasabay rin nun ang pagsabog ng sabay-sabay ng mga bombang naitapon na nilang lahat.

Naghiwa-hiwalay silang lima na nakapasok sa loob. Sa kabiglaanan ng mga tauhan ng Koreano ay nawalan ang mga ito ng pagkakattaon na gumanti ng putok. Bawat lumabas na kalaban ay pinapuputukan nila. Napansin niya ang bukas na bintana ng isang gusali na kinaroroonan niya. May nauulinigan siyang mga tao sa loob. Kinuha niya an gisang flash bomb at inihagis iyon doon saka nagpaputok.

Sa sala-salabat na balang pinakakawalan nila ay imposible na para sa kalaban ang makaganti agad. Kahit ang nasa unahang gate na tinatanaw niya sa kalayuan ay itinumba na rin ng mga kasamahan nila.

"Perse, nasaan ka pare?" sigaw niya sa habang nagpapaputok. Ang mga lumalapit or malapit lang sa kanya ay nakakatikim ng suntok o dika sipa saka niya pinapaputukan.

"Tang-ina pare! Na-miss mo agad ako?" nakakalokong sabi nito na halatang nag-eenjoy din sa sagupaan nila.

"Ulol!" tumatawa rin niyang sabi.

Magsasalita pa sana siya ng maagaw ang atensiyon niya ng malakas na pagsabog mula sa itaas ng mismong building na pinasok ni Rick. Mukhang ito ang may pakana nun. Mahilig din ang mokong sa grand entrance.

"Agaw-eksena ang lolo mo!" sigaw niya kay Perse na ang tinutukoy ay si Rick.

"Oo nga. Ang tinyenteng eksenadora!" banat pa nito.

Natawa silang pareho at muntikan ng hindi maka-iwas sa mga bala ng marinig nila ang biglang pagsasalita ni Rick sa linya nila.

"Mga ungas! Naririnig ko kayo."

Paiwas siyang tumalon sa isang kalaban na dadaluhungin siya. Wala na kasi siyang bala kaya kailangan niyang gamitin ang kwarenta y singko niya.

"Kamusta Tinyente?" nangiinis niyang sabi in between shooting every one on his way.

Maingay na maingay ang paligid sa bawat pagsabog. Unti-unting pumapasok na sa loob ng building ang mga kalaban at ang steel gate ay nagsasara na. Napapalatak siya ng wala sa oras.

"Rick. Pasara na ang gate. Ano bang ginagawa mo diyan?" sabi niya habang pinapatamaan ng bala ang mga kumag na nag-aatrasan.

"Naglalaba! Baliw ka ba? May sarili rin akong laban dito. At saka ikinakabit ko ang pang-hack ni Jerick." naasar na sabi nito. Narinig pa niyang nagmura ito at nagpaputok ng sunod-sunod.

"Bilisan mo diyan. Kailangan na makapasok kami."

"Sigurado yun. Sige na."

Natuon na rin ang atensiyon niya sa kung paano sosolusyunan na makapasok kahit nakasara na ang mga gate.

Pinagbabaril niya ang nasa bukana ng building. Ganoon din si Perse na mula sa kung saan ay nagmamadaling lumapit sa kanya.

"Pare, mukhang hirap si Rick sa taas." aniya rito.

"Ang hirap buksan niyan tol. Kung magagawan ng paraan ni Jerick na ma-hack ang system niyan ay pwede niya iyang buksan. Pero siguro may iba pang pwedeng pasukan diyan." sagot ni Perse.

Nilinga nila ang paligid. Tama ito. Imposibleng iyong mga gate lang ang tanging pwedeng pasukan doon. Ang pagingit ng sementong tinamaan ng bakal ay hudyat na nakasara na ito ng lubusan. Walang paraan para daanan ang mga bintana dahil maging ang mga ito ay nakasarado na rin. Automatic ang lock na iyon at ang command ay mula sa computer.

Nagpasya silang maghiwalay ni Perse para maghanap ng ibang mapapasukan. Dumating na rin ang tatlong kasama nila pati na rin sila Anipse at Takeshi na nagsilbing back-up nila. Nagkanya-kanya silang hanap ng pwedeng pasukan ng sumigaw si Perse na halos ikabingi niya.

"Tang-ina pare! Ang lakas ng boses mo." reklamo niya.

"Huwag ka ng magreklamo. May nakita akong pwedeng pasukan. Dito kayo sa likod ng building. Bilis!" excited na sabi nito.

"Talaga?"

"Oo nga."

Tinanguan niya ang mga kasama at pinuntahan na si Perse.


"Pare, kailangan ko talagang makita ka. Hinahanap ka ng mga tauhan ni Kring. Mabuti na lang at naitago ko na nag pamilya ko. Nasaan ka ba?"

Nagmamakaawa ang boses na iyon ni Monday. Naitakas niya ang cellphone ng tulog na bantay nilang pulis. Nag-aalala siya ng sabihin sa kanya ng kamakailan ni Sarhento Jerick na nawawala ang pamilya ni Monday na binalak iligtas ng mga ito.

Nagi-guilty siya ng husto. Pero hindi tumutugma ang sinabi ni Jerick na ang pamilya ni Monday ay kinuha ng mga armadong tao.

"Akala ko ba pare eh nakuha ng mga tauhan ni Kring ang pamilya mo?"

"Muntikan na silang matangay pare. Nakaagaw lang kami ng atensiyon kaya nakatakas kami."

"Ganoon ba? Buti naman. Saan ba kayo nagtatago?"

"Sa isang kaibigan pâre." maagap na sagot ni Monday.

"Narito ako sa isang safehouse sa Batangas pare. Duda ko sa Calatagan ito. Pero di ko alam ang eksaktong lugar." pag-iimporma niya.

"Pwede ba ako diyan pare at ang pamilya ko? Mas maganda kung ang pulis may hawak sa amin. Walang-hiya ang Kring na iyon 'tol. Gusto ka na palang idispatsa nun."

"Itatanong ko tol. Kokontakin ulit kita kapag nagkaroon ng pagkakataon. Try ko bukas." pagpapaalam niya na rito.

"Sandali lang 'tol. Wala ka ba talagang kinuha kay Kring?" tanong ni Monday.

"Wala 'tol. Yung nasa aking epektos, nasa mga pulis na."

"Ganoon ba? Buti at walang nangyaring masama sa Tiya mo."

"Oo nga eh."

"Oh sige 'tol. Okay na." paalam nito.

"Anong okay na?" nagtataka niyang tanong.

"Ang ibig kong sabihin, okay na kami rito nila Misis. Sige, tawag ka na lang ulit." nagmamadaling paalam nito. Pero bago nito binaba ang linya ay narinig niya ang pag-bell ng isang bagay. Nagkibit balikat na lang siya dahil di rin niya kayang tukuyin kung ano iyon.

Nagmamadali siyang bumalik sa loob ng bahay at pasikretong isinauli ang cellphone pagkatapos mabura ang call register ni Monday.

Nananakit ang ulong lumabas ulit siya at pinag-isipan ng husto ang nangyayaring kaguluhan sa buhay niya ng dahil lang sa pagnanais na yumaman.

Wala siyang magawa kung hindi ang mapabugha ng malalim na hininga.


Itutuloy...

The Encounter with The Flirt 2

CHAPTER 2


Nagfile ng four months leave si Billy sa opisina nila. Bilang chief librarian isang municipal library ay may kakayahan siyang gawin iyon. Sabagay, halos naipon naman niya lahat ng leave na meron siya kaya dedma lang magkaroon ng ganoon kahabang bakasyon. Ginawa niyang alibi ang pag-aasikaso ng mamanahin sa Uncle Franny niya.

Kaya heto siya ngayon at nasa harap ng malaking villa nito sa Ilocos Norte. Sa bayan iyon ng Pagudpud. Sinipat niya ang relo. Alas-diyes pa lang. Medyo masakit na sa balat ang sinag ng araw. But it was the perfect time to kill some time in the beach. Nag-aanyaya ang tunog ng dagat. Pinindot niya ang doorbell sa napakataas na bakod na nakapaligid sa bahay.

Maya-maya lang ay may sumulpot na gwardiya. Nagmamadaling nilapitan niya ang gamit na nakahambalang sa daan. He was not used to travel light. Saka magtatagal siya roon kaya kailangan niya ng maraming gamit.

"Magandang umaga po. Ano pong kailangan nila?" anang guard sa kanya.

"Ah Manong, ito po yung Villa Franita no?" tanong niya.

"Ay opo. Sino po ba ang sadya nila rito?"

"Ako po si Billy Mercado. Yung pamangkin po ni Franny. Ito po ba yung villa niya?"

"Ay Sir Billy. Kayo po pala. Naibilin na kayo sa amin ni Attorney. Tuloy po kayo." nagmamadaling sabi nito pagkatapos niyang magpakilala.

Kinuha nito ang maleta niyang dala saka rumadyo sa loob ng mansiyon. Mahaba-haba kasi ang lakarin at mainit sa balat ang sikat ng araw. Maya-maya pa ay may mga unipormadong lalaki ang dumating at kinuha ang mga bagahe niya habang ang isa ay agad siyang pinayungan. Namangha siya ng mapansing ang mga ito ay pulos magaganda ang pangangatawan at magaganda ang hitsura.

Sa pintuan ng villa ay isang nakaposturang lalaki in sunny colors ang buong giliw na sumalubong sa kanila.

"Kamusta ang iyong naging biyahe Senyor Billy? By the way my name is Tomacito. With a "C". Ako nga pala ang butler dito." anang makulay na tagapamahala ng villa.

"Ahm, Hello Tomacito, with a "C". Kahit kilala mo na ako, my name is Billy. That's with a "Y". Okay naman ang biyahe ko."

"Mabuti naman. Ipasok niyo na ang gamit niya boys. Iakyat sa ikatlong silid sa ikatlong palapag." baling nito sa mga tauhan ng villa. Pumapalakpak pa ito as if to emphasis the urgency of that command. Napailing na lang siya.

"Tomacito, narito na ba yung makakasama ko sa bahay na ito?"

"Ah, si Sir Eiji? Naroon siya sa court. Nagpapractice yata. Dala niya kasi ang raketa niya. OMG! Kahit bisexual siya, kaya ko siyang paligayahin!" malanding sabi nito na sinabayan pa ng pagniningning ng mata nito.

Napapailing na inunahan niya na lang ito sa paglalakad. "Ah teka Sir Billy. Samahan na kita sa taas. Masyado kasing malaki itong bahay na ito. Ewan ko ba sa tiyuhin mo."

"Sige. Salamat." maikling sagot lang niya. Naiilang siya ginagawa nitong pagtitig sa kanya.

Nang marating ang kwarto ay hindi niya maiwasan na mamangha. Napakalaki nun at talaga namang mukhang pinagkagastusan. Hindi niya maiwasang mamangha sa nakikita niya. Minimalistic ang appeal ng silid. Tamang-tama lang ang kulay ng wallpapers at ang kama ay malaki para sa isang tao.

Inilagay niya ang gamit sa closet. Inayos niya ng maigi ang lahat ng kailangan at nagpalit ng damit. Isang collared shirt at puruntong shorts ang itinerno niya doon. Nagsandals din siya at isinuot ang thick-rimmed eyeglasses niya.

Kumalam ang sikmura niya pagkatapos magbihis. Nakalimutan pala niyang mag-almusal. Dali-dali siyang lumabas ng silid niya para lang makasalubong ang official sex guru niya for three months. No other than the tennis superstar himself. Eiji Perez. Nakahubad baro ito at pinupunasan ang ulo ng towelette habang unti-unting humahakbang paakyat. Nakamata lang siya dito.

Hindi niya namalayan ang paghinto nito at pagbalik ng titig nito sa kanya. A glint of amusement flickered in his chinky eyes. In his lips was a suppressed smile. Nangunot ang noo niya ng makita ang reaksiyon nito pagkakita sa kanya.

"Are you making fun of me?" naiirita niyang tugon.

Sa inis niya, lumingon-lingon pa ito saka nakakalokong ibinalik ang tingin sa kanya ng nakangisi.

"Are you talking to me?" nangiinis na sabi ng hudyo.

"May iba pa bang tao dito?" balik niya rito.

"Well, I'm not making fun of you. I was just a bit surprised to see "someone" like you here." He quoted on the word someone as if he was an alien or something. With that being said, lalo siyang nagalit. Walang karapatan itong insultuhin siya.

"How dare you insult me! Hindi porke't sikat ka eh may karapatan ka ng manglait. Bakla ka naman." ganti niya rito.

Naglaho ang ngiti nito sa labi pero panandalian lang. Muli itong nagsalita with a twitched smile on his lips.

"You're mean. Ikaw ba yung pamangkin ni Franny? I can't believe you're actually relatives."

"Bakit? Dahil sa pananamit ko?"

"No. I don't have any problem with your preppy outfit. But your attitude is another story. Franny was never judgmental. Unlike you, you already have something to say to me just because I'm a little bit different. It only goes to show how little your knowledge is about the thing called "pakikipagkapwa-tao." Saka siya nito nilagpasan at pumasok sa pintuang katabi ng silid niya.

Naiwan siyang literal na nakanganga ng dahil doon. Nang mahimasmasan ay dagli siyang bumaba while contemplating on his words awhile ago.


Billy was eating with gusto when Eiji appeared in the kitchen. He was wearing a white sando that showed his bulky top and a khaki board shorts matched with sneakers. Presko ang dating nito. Hindi siya partikular sa mga bagay na nakikita niya lalo na sa kapwa lalaki. Ang madalas niyang pagukulan pansin ay ang mga sopistikadang babaeng rumrampa sa paligid niya unaware of his existence. Napabuntong-hininga siya.

"Pasado ba?" nakangising tanong ni Eiji sa kanya.

Namula siya ng bahagya sa pagkakahuli nito pero sinalubong niya ang mata nito ng mapanganib na tingin.

"I'm not gay. And I'm not looking at you." defensive niyang sagot.

"Okay." Nagkibit-balikat lang nitong sagot. Halatang hindi naniniwala sa kanya. Ikinairita niya yun.

"You don't believe me, do you?" naiinis niyang sabi.

Eiji just chuckled. Kumuha ito ng plato at loaf bread sa cupboard. Inilabas din nito ang non-fat mayo na nasa ref bago naghiwa ng kamatis at lettuce na nauna na nitong kinuha kanina. Dinededma siya ng hudyo.

"You're rude." di niya mapigilang sabi.

Natatawang nilingon lang siya nito. Tapos na itong gumawa ng clubhouse kaya naman hinarap na siya nito.

"Just for the record, I haven't done anything rude in my entire life. I was always nice." nakangiting sabi ni Eiji sa kanya bago kumagat sa sandwich na ginawa nito. He munched it slowly then walked towards the table. Naupo ito sa katapat niyang silya.

"I was talking to you. The least you could do is to answer. Is that too much to ask?" naiinis pa rin niyang tugon.

Again, he heard him chuckled. But this time he answered. "Please don't take this against me, but I actually don't talk to someone who doesn't like me. Lalo pa yung mga kagaya mong may opinyon sa mga tulad ko. I don't talk to a close-minded person." mahinahon nitong sabi pero halata ang bigat sa mga salita.

"Ahm, about that thing awhile ago... I would like to say sorry. I just thought you were making fun of me or stuff." nahihiyang sabi niya kay Eiji.

"Apology accepted." sabi nito pagkatapos lumunok para lang kumagat ulit.

"That fast?" naaaliw na sabi ni Billy kay Eiji.

"Yeah! I don't hold grudges against others. Nakaka-stress lang yun. Isa pa, if one person doesn't like it doesn't mean also na magagalit ako sa kanya. Kanya-kanya lang opinyon yan. To each his own ang motto ko." he said grinning.

"I'm Billy." pagpapakilala niya sabay abot ng kamay.

Inilapag nito ang sandwich saka inabot ang kamay niya. "Eiji. Alam kong kilala mo na ako base kanina. But still, I would like to tell you my name."

"Oh geez, please don't remind me about my rudeness. Nakakahiya. Besides, I'm not usually like that." nahihiya nga niyang tugon.

"Really? So ibig sabihin, nagkataon lang na mainit ang ulo mo kanina at ako ang minalas na napagbalingan mo nun?" naaaliw na sabi nito.

"Yeah. You can put it that way."

"Ang malas ko naman pala." anito sabay tawa ng malakas.

"So you are my sex instructor." nahihiyang sabi niya.

"Huh?!" muntikan na itong mabilaukan sa sinabi niya.

Inabot niya ang tubig niya para hindi ito mahirinan ng husto. Nagpapasalamat na ibinaba nito ang baso.

"Are you okay?" tanong niya.

"Yeah. It's just that... I'm surprised." nakangiwi nitong tugon.

"Why? Don't you have any idea why you are being put up here with me?" nagtatakang tanong niya dito.

"What are you talking about?" napapantastikuhan din nitong sabi.

"I was asked by Uncle Franny to live here for three months and study about sex at the same time. And you are my sex instructor." hindi na niya isinama na iyon ay proviso ng tiyuhin para makuha ang mana niya.

"What?" napatayo ito.

"Yes. I thought Attorney Redoblado already told you about this. I even thought you knew about all of this crap because you're already here when I came this morning." naguguluhan na niyang sabi.

"Wait. I'm only here for a vacation. Alam ito ni Franny. Matagal ko ng nasabi sa kanya na magbabakasyon ako dito kasi ayoko sa Villa ko. Paanong napasok ako sa gulong ito?" frantic na sagot ni Eiji sa kanya.

Tinitigan niya ito. He really looked clueless. Kaya naman naisip niyang sabihin na dito ang lahat ng tungkol sa kalokohan ng Uncle Franny niya. Pati na arin ang tungkol sa proviso nito sa mamanahin niya.

"You mean to say, I have to teach you all about sex so that you can write something about it?" kumakamot-babang sabi nito pagkuwan.

"Yes. Don't worry I'll pay you." nakangiting sagot niya.

"Whoa!" Nagtaas ito ng kamay. "I'm not a man-whore. I don't accept payment for sex." iiling-iling pa nitong turan.

"Ha-ha! Very funny Mr. Perez! I didn't said that you have to have sex with me. I'm not gay, okay? You just need to lecture me about it." inis na sabi niya.

"Are you sure?" diskumpyado pa yata ito sa sinabi niya.

"About what?"

"That you're not having sex with me." tanong nito.

Aba ang hudas! Mukha ba siyang sabik na maka-sex ito? "Sure as hell Mr. Perez!" galit na niyang sabi.

"Relax! Relax Billy. I'm only kidding. And call me Eiji. Masyado kang pormal." natatawa pang sabi nito.

"You will be my teacher kaya dapat lang na tawagin kitang Mr. Perez."

"Stubborn aren't we? Okay, teacher's order. Call me Eiji."

"No."

"Call me Eiji or I won't help you?"

"That's blackmail!"

"No sweetie. That's called persuasion." Eiji grinned.

"Fine. Eiji it is."

"Second, I want to ask you something."

"What is it?" curious niyang tanong.

"Have you had sex before?" walang-pasakalye nitong sabi.

Tumungo siya. Nahihiya man siya pero kailangan niyang aminin. "N-no."

"Great! A 27 year-old geeky virgin. Are you for real?" nakakalokong sabi nito.

He raised his chin defiantly. Wala itong karapatang asarin siya dahil lang virgin siya sa edad niyang iyon.

"Are you mocking me?"

"No." sagot ni Eiji pero halata ang pinipigil na tawa.

"Liar! Eh ano ngayon kung virgin pa ako. It doesn't mean na wala akong alam doon." naiinis na sagot niya.

"Sweetie, if you have knowledge about sex you wouldn't be needing my help. Besides, I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing at the situation." nahihirapan nitong paliwanag in between laughter.

Tinapunan na lang niya ito ng masamang tingin. Kunsabagay, tama naman talaga ito eh. Naiinis lang siya at ito pa ang kailangan niyang hingian ng tulong. Parang tuwang-tuwa ito sa nangyayari sa kanya ngayon.

"So kailan mo ako tuturuan?" sa halip ay tanong na lang niya sa kawalan ng mapagbubuntungan ng inis.

"Okay. Let's start tomorrow. Hindi ako prepared eh."

"Ilang oras ang klase natin?"

"Maybe 2 to 3 hours a day. Depende sa progress natin. For the meantime, hihiram lang ako ng materials na pwede mong magamit. Let's see each other after 30 minutes." nakangiti nitong sabi bago siya iniwan.

Babalik na sana siya sa pagkain pero parang wala na siyang gana. Naiisip pa lang niyaa ng kalokohan na kinasuungan niya ay nanglalata na siya. Pero kapag naiisip niya ang mamanahin ay nanghihinayang siya. Isipin mo na lang nagtatrabaho ka at ang sweldo mo ay naglalakihang shares of stocks, bonds, properties at multi-million assets. Oh san ka pa?


Naeeskandalo si Billy sa mga "materials" na ibinigay sa kanya ni Eiji. Paano ba naman? Sa anim na cd na ibinigay nito ay lima ang M2M isa lang ang Girl to Boy na erotica. Tapos, ang magazine, puro lalaki ang featured. Ilang beses ba niyang sasabihin na hindi siya bakla?

Tinawanan lang siya nito saka sinabihang "It's still about sex so don't fret. And don't worry. Para lang iyan sa pag-aaral mo. Remember. I'm just helping you out. Wala kang choice kung hindi ang sumunod."

Wala na siyang nagawa kung hindi ang tanggapin ang ma iyon. Naiinis na isinaksak niya sa laptop na daladala ang nag-iisang cd na may kasamang babae sa eksena pero inaabot yata siya ng malas. Ayaw gumana ng cd. Naiilang man ay isinalang niya ang isa sa M2M cd. At namangha siya sa agad na bumungad sa kanya.

Two men are actually kissing passionately. Af if they really love each other. Maya-maya ay mas uminit ang eksena. Ang kaninang pagkailang na nadarama ay napalitan ng alinsangan at nararamdaman niyang unti-unti siyang tinatalaban ng maiinit na eksena. He was amazed on that sex with two man can actually happen. No it was not sex, it was making love.

Hindi siya makapaniwalang naapektuhan siya. He was now hard and aching. Ang bilis din ng pintig ng puso niya. Tapos na ang palabas pero ang bawat eksena ay parang nakaukit na sa utak niya. Pabilis ng pabilis ang pintig ng puso niya. Naaalala niya kung paano ang bawat detalye ng galaw ng mga bida. Umigting din lalo ang paninikip ng underwear niya. At sa hindi niya maipaliwanag na dahilan ay nangyari ang hindi inaasahan. He actually had an orgasm. Was is possible? Without the aid of his hand? Teka may term doon ah. Oo nga, naalala niya. premature ejaculation. Nanlalatang napahiga siya bago iika-ikang tinungo ang banyo.

Lumipas ang mga araw at smooth sailing naman ang takbo ng lessons nila ni Eiji. Minsan nga lang nagugulat pa siya sa mga improvised nitong visual aids. Naroon kasing naghubad itong bigla sa harap niya at itinuro kung saan ang mga sensitibong parte ng katawan niya without being malicious. In fact, napaka-formal nito kapag may klase sila.

Minsan naman, itinuro nito how auditory cues can tickle a man’s point of pleasure and how can it actually be considered as slight flirtations.

Hindi niya makalimutan ng ilapit nitong bigla ang bibig nito sa tainga niya at bulungan siya ng mga flirty words na talaga naman nakapagpatayo ng kanyang mga balahibo.

Ngayon naman ay itinuturo nito sa kanya kung paano naaapektuhan ang isang lalaki in a visual manner. Nagpakita ito ng mga litrato ng mga babaeng seksi at talaga namang babavoom ang figure. Pero walang epekto kay Billy ang lahat ng iyon. Ewan ba niya.

He was absent-minded the whole hour na nagtuturo si Eiji. Ewan niya kung napapansin nito iyon. Naaalala pa kasi niya yung nangyari sa kanya limang araw na ang nakakaraan. That pre-jac was a first for him. Hindi niya inakalang of all people eh mararanasan niya iyon after watching a M2M film. Kung may makakaalam nun, siguradong pagtatawanan siya ng husto.

"Hey!" Basag nito sa katahimikan niya.

"Huh? What was the question again?" gulantang na sagot niya dito.

"Silly. I said tapos na ang lesson natin for today."

"Huh? But why? Wala pa tayong two hours na..."

"Never mind. Mukha namang wala ka sa sarili mo eh."

Napatungo siya. So napansin pala nito ang pagkawala niya sa sarili. "I'm sorry." aniya pagkuwan.

"It's okay. Para makabawi ka. Ipagluto mo na lang ako." Eiji said grinning.

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Akala niya kung anong hihilngin nito. "No problem."

Nagpunta sila sa kusina at naghanda na siyang magluto ng merienda nila. Eiji was craving for french fries. Isinalang niya ang kawali at nagsimulang balatan ang malalaking patatas. Ayaw raw nito ng fries na may preservatives. Gusto raw nito ng natural. Yung walang asin.

Naghihiwa na siya ng magtanong ito na ikinagulat niya.

"May natutuhan ka na ba sa mga pinag-aralan natin? Five days na rin tayo nagtuturuan dito."

"Oo naman." aniya ng makabawi sa pagkabigla.

"Sure ka?" diskumpiyadong sabi ni Eiji.

"Oo nga. Ikaw talaga." naiiling na wika niya.

"Ano kaya kung mag-require ako ng hands-on training?" nakakalokong sabi nito.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin at natagpuang nakangisi ito. Para siyang natulala ng bahagya pagkakita niya sa ngiti nito.

Ipinilig niya ang ulo saka sumagot. "Sira-ulo."

"Seriously. I want to demand a hands-on application ng lahat ng naituro ko."

Dinuro niya ito ng kutsilyo. "I thought I told you I won't have sex with you?" naiilang na sabi niya.

"Silly, it's not me. I'll give you a girl na game sa ganitong bagay then apply all the lesson you've learned." Ibinaba nito ang kamay niyang may hawak na kutsilyo.

Napapahiyang itinuloy niya ang paghihiwa ng patatas. "Ah ganun ba?" aniya sa kawalan ng masabi.

Pahiya ka no? parang tanga lang na tukso ng isang bahagi ng isip niya.

Itutuloy...