Chapter 11: Vacation
Two hours passed since my body suddenly turned wrinkled, old, and shit. I thought it would only last for a few minutes, and I would have my flawlessness back. Maybe I really overused the necklace this time.
I was well aware that abusing the necklace could not just suffocate me. It could also affect me physically and fuck them by forgetting that when something affects you physically, it could bother you too mentally.
I was taken aback when I heard glass shatter. It was a scene in a movie Kristan played for us. He warned me that it was a horror movie, but nothing was more horrifying than wrinkled skin.
I sighed as I pulled the comforter up to my chest. Nakasandal ako sa ulunan ng kama at nakatingin lang sa TV. Kristan was still beside me, but I hadn't paid attention to him yet since the movie started. Ironically, I shouldn't be confused about what's happening in the film right now.
I took a glimpse of him. He was hugging a pillow where his chin was resting. Whenever the background sound of the movie intensifies, which usually means that something is about to happen, he would bury half of his face there. He was watching with only one eye open.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
He almost jumped out of the bed as a loud gasp escaped his lips. Napapikit pa siya nang madiin bago huminga nang malalim. Napansin niyang nakatingin ako sa unan na yakap niya kaya binitiwan niya 'yon.
"Why? Are you thirsty?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Are you scared?"
"Of what?" he sounded offended. "Don't tell me you are thinking that a movie can terrify me?"
"Aren't you?"
"No. Are you?" he returned my question.
I ignored him and just straightened up my seat. Pumayag ako sa kagustuhan ni Kristan na manuod muna ng movie habang hinihintay ang pagbabalik ng dati kong kutis.
It's been hours. I don't think I can regain my skin tonight. Maybe I need to contact my manager regarding this. I can't also get out of here tomorrow without wearing that. I'll probably cancel all my schedules until I get a replacement for that necklace.
The movie ended, and I didn't understand a thing. Kristan tried to explain to me the ending, but all I did was stare at his lips. He caught me staring at them, so he stopped talking.
"Kristan..."
He swallowed. "Can you feel it now?"
Mula sa kanyang labi ay umangat sa kanyang mga mata ang tingin ko. His stares have always been intimate, and that's something I don't think he's aware of. He doesn't know how beautiful, dark, and enchanting his eyes are. I would die to have his eyes and lashes, but I prefer to stare at them.
"Feel what?" I smirked.
"Your strength—"
I held his hand while staring at his eyes. I spread my legs underneath the comforter and slid his hand inside. I wasn't wearing anything down there, so his clenched hand landed on my bare thigh.
"Feel me..." I dared him.
I would honestly laugh if he suddenly felt disgusted because I get it. I am not in my usual physical appearance. I am not flawless, young, or even pretty. I am the opposite of those.
He unclenched his fist. Hinipo niya ang hita ko. I cautiously watched his expression, but it didn't even flinch. Alam kong ramdam na niya ngayon kung gaano kakulobot ang balat ko.
"I told you to be honest," I whispered to him.
I don't know if I will feel frustrated that he denies it, or he just really doesn't give a damn. I can't tell by just watching his expression.
