Man at Arms

Chapter Twenty-Three: Te Amo

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  
Nothing seemed to compare to how perfect the day was for me. The clouds were as enchanting as the whitewashed alleyways of the Old Town of Parikia, Paros. The blue doors and windows of the village were as vibrant as the sky. After getting lost in the incredible mazes, we explored the waterfront and went up to see the white windmills.

I've been to these islands before, but nothing compares to the experience I had with Calix. I'm seeing the beauty of Paros even more, it was magical like I was living inside a fairytale book with a ruggedly handsome knight who never let go of my hand.

My exes were clingy, and I hated it. Pero kay Calix, natagpuan ko pa ang sarili na hinahangad ang hawak niya. We couldn't get enough of each other. Our lips would meet as often as we breathe. Whenever we were walking down the street and I was in the middle of speaking, he would steal kisses. His lips lingered on mine like a tattoo, so I'd never forget the taste of him, and his eyes were always staring earnestly at me.

Lagi kong sinusuway si Calix na tignan ang view pero ang tanging sagot niya, "How can I appreciate the beauty of others when yours is imprinted on my mind and heart?"

My toes curled, and, as cliche as it sounds, he gave me butterflies. He was weakening my knees, and he was aware of his effect on me.

Calix kissed me passionately, his teeth tugging and sucking on my bottom lip. I moaned in his mouth, and everything was forgotten around me.

A cough broke us apart, and I realized the other customers of the cafe were staring at us with flushed faces and judging eyes. Paano nakakalong na pala ako kay Calix.

Calix was shameless; he just shrugged and bit into his pie while I was flushed as red as an apple. Calix chuckled, hugging me tightly and kissing the crown of my head as I buried my face in his neck to hide my embarrassment.

"We just got married!" anunsyo niya sa mga tao kaya pumalakpak sila at naghiyawan. Samantala ay mas lalo namang nag-init ang mukha ko.

Ang kapal talaga ng mukha!

Pagkatapos naming umalis sa cafe ay sunod naman naming binisita ang simbahan. Wala kaming dalang kahit na anong uri ng sasakyan kaya ang paglalakad ay nagiging parusa na sa akin.

Even though I'm used to running and walking, it felt different in my strap sandals. The strap was scraping against the heel of my foot, which irritated me. Nang pasimple kong silipin habang hindi nakatingin si Calix ay napangiwi ako nang makita na may gasgas na nga at namumula na ito. Wala pa man akong dalang band-aid. Magmumukha naman akong tanga kapag boots ang sinuot ko gayong malapit kami sa dagat.

Lumapit si Calix bitbit ang dalawang Ice Cream na binili niya. Binigay niya sa akin ang strawberry flavor at sinurpresa ako nang bigla itong tumalikod at umuklo.

"Get in, Bambina."

Of course, I declined, feeling a little embarrassed about it. I mean, we were adults, not to mention giants. Calix is 6'2 and I am 5'8. What will people think when they see us?

Humarap muli sa akin si Calix at kahit naka-shades siya ay ramdam ko ang dilim sa mga mata niya.

"Either you get on my back or I'll carry you on my shoulder like a sack. Choose wisely, Circe," he smirked, and I felt the underlying malice in his tone.

I winced as a memory of him carrying me on his shoulder flashed before my eyes. I will never suffer like a sack at his mercy again!

Lumapad ang ngisi ni Calix nang pinili ko ang piggyback ride. Sinubo niya ang buong Ice Cream sa cone niya bago nginuya ang cone na tila chicheria. He ate the ice cream in three seconds, while mine was still whole.