Always By Your Side

Kabanata 17

"I'm scared, Ventura." I snuggled closer to Vernon after telling him what's bothering me.

Kanina pa niya ako pinipilit kaya wala na akong nagawa at sabihin ang bumabagabag sa akin.

We're cuddling on my bed in my room. Enjoying each other's warmth and I love being fondled by Vernon.

I hate that there's a possibility that he will leave me. I know what they can do and I'm now filled with dread.

"Kaya pala kakaiba yung katahimikan mo kanina," He held my chin at inangat ito para matignan ako. Nagtama ang mga mata namin at binigyan niya ako ng isang matamis na ngiti.

"Huwag kang matakot. When fear is consuming you, hold my hand." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinagsalikop ang mga kamay namin. "Now, look at my eyes, Astrid."

I'm staring at his captivating green eyes. His eyes are telling me something, it's like conveying his unsaid feelings. The feelings that is hard for him to voice out and his only way of telling his feelings is by showing it.

"Andito lang ako. Nasa tabi mo lang ako. Don't let go of my hand until your fear is gone. Feel my love, sweetheart. Feel it and own it. Use my love as your foundation and let my love support you until you conquer everything."

I am not a crybaby, I swear! But why the freak am I tearing up while gazing at this big baby?

"Let it all out, Astrid. It's okay." He cooed. His hand on my chin is now at the back of my hand as he pushed it towards his chest.

He knows.

I don't like somebody seeing me in this state. Crying. Vulnerable. Far from the bitch and ruthless Astrid Avila.

What he's witnessing right now is the real me. I am Addy behind the mask I use, Astrid Avila. Addy, the woman who have self-doubts, flaws and insecurities. Complete opposite of Astrid Avila. She's a cunning, cocky, and self-centered devil.

Astrid Avila is the best, as what my grandparents say and believe.

"Ventura.."

Vernon's caressing softly my hair while giving small kisses on my hair. His other hand is at my naked back, tinatapik niya ang likod ko na para bang nag-aalo ng umiiyak na bata.

"Still scared?"

Marahan akong umiling. The fear subside and was replace with serenity. I heard the familiar fast beating of my heart as it reacts to Vernon's sweet gestures and words. My mind stopped thinking as if telling me to remove my worries and enjoy the moment.

"I'm sorry. Did I ruin our night?" Puno nang pag-aalala na tanong ko.

"Not at all, Addy." He kissed my temple when I looked up to see him. "The night is still young. We have all the time for me to know you more. Who's Addy behind the supermodel Astrid Avila?"

Sinubsob ko ulit ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya. Pinalo ko siya which made him laugh.

"I like this Addy more than Astrid." He muttered. "That Astrid is bossy and I hate it because it turns me on. This Addy above me is cute and for fuck sake, I just wanna baby you all day if you keep this up. Ako dapat baby sa'tin."

I mentally rolled my eyes.

I got up nang makaramdam ng gutom. Not minding my naked body, walking towards my clothes that are scattered on the floor.

"Magdamit ka, Addy." Utos nito.

"Uy!" Hindi ko siya pinansin. "Wear your robe! Ano ba! You're corrupting my mind! My innocent eyes! You're really a beautiful devil! A walking temptation! Suotin mo na, please? Someone's up that should still be sleeping."