My Guard for Life

Chapter 15

Ate Avi called when we were at the restobar to check up on me. Ikinuwento ko naman ang nangyari kanina sa parking lot ng Avffee. I also told her the Pierre and I had made up.

"I knew you could handle this both! That girl deserves a big slap from my pretty palm!" masayang tugon ni Ate Avi.

Nasa tabi ko lang si Pierre, watching the performance on stage while his right arm was on my waist. I felt livelier and happier. It has been hard for me not to be this close with him. I thought this day wouldn't come.

"Ang hindi ko alam ay sino ang nagpakalat ng recorded audio, Ate," I shared my confusion.

"Oh, that's Pierre."

No way. Bigla akong napasulyap sa katabi ko. My heartbeat skipped a beat then my chest felt heavier. I hugged Pierre, which shocked him. I'm so lucky to have him as my bodyguard, and now I'm luckier he became my boyfriend.

"I love you, Pierre," I whispered to him.

He kissed my forehead. Itinapat ko ulit ang phone sa tainga ko.

"I didn't know that until now, Ate."

"I told you he has everything under control. That brother of mine has tricks under his sleeves. If you would, ipademanda natin si Rainne. We should make her pay for hurting you physically. I'm sure Pierre would agree."

I shook my head repeatedly. Nanginig ang kamay ko bigla. Ini-imagine ko pa lang ang magiging reaksyon ni Rainne ay natatakot na ako. I don't want to see her again. And it's unnecessary.

"I don't want to, Ate. I slapped her din naman."

Ate Avi stayed silent for a while. "That's self-defense, Dae. What about the burn scar in your tummy? She's not guilty of doing that to you."

I took a deep breath. Sumasakit na ang ulo ko sa isang baso pa lang ng alak.

"It's okay, Ate. There are ointments or medical treatment naman for this."

She nagged for almost a minute. Ang bait ko raw para hindi idemanda ang demonyitang 'yon. Ayaw ko lang naman ng gulo pa. That bitch is powerful and driven. She could play her hands sa gusto niyang paglaruan. What more if ipa-demanda ko pa siya? She would never stop her crazy antics.

Kinausap din ni Ate Avi si Pierre. I heard them talking about the recorded audio. Napakinggan ko rin ang malakas na sigaw ni Ate Avi.

"Take care of Dae!"

I giggled. Pierre expressed his annoyance towards his sister. Nakatutuwa na ang close nila kahit hindi naman laging nagkakasama.

"Bye, Ate! See you!"

I ended the call. Malawak ang ngiti ko habang nakatitig kay Pierre. I couldn't believe he did that to Rainne. I never thought na siya ang babawi para sa akin.

"Why did you do that to Rainne, Pierre?" I asked him.

His shoulders tensed. Tumikhim siya at umiwas ng tingin. Namumula na ang tainga niya. I grinned. Lalong naglaho ang inis at disappointment ko sa kanya. I thought he's not going to come back. I thought he's done with me. But in the end, siya pala ang tatapos ng lahat ng 'to.

"Answer me," I second.

Tumikhim siya bago uminom saglit bago ako hinarap. He rested his chin on his palm and stared at me. He became cuter. Kinilig tuloy ako. Gusto kong kurutin ang pisngi niya. Pinigilan ko ang sarili.. Bakit ang guwapo-guwapo niya?

"I said I will handle it, Dae. I know I can. She also threatened me."

Bumagsak ang panga ko. Umayos ako ng pagkakaupo.