Termination of Desire

Kabanata 21

"Wait, w-what?" nautal ako sa sariling kapalpakan.

He was watching me closely, observing my every move. Nakapatong ang kaliwang siko niya sa counter at nakahilig doon. Sa isang kamay naman hawak niya ang goblet. Nakatingala ako sa kanya dahil nakatayo siya at nakaupo naman ako. Magkadikit din ang mga legs namin kaya para akong nako-conscious lalo.

He sipped on his drink and didn't speak. He was just staring at me. I don't know if I'm already drunk or it was just my natural reaction because I can't get my eyes off of him. He's so freaking hot. Para siyang isang sikat na artista na bida sa isang K-drama. Samahan pa ng may pa-smoke effect sa background niya at ang malalalim na titig niya sa akin. And he really stands out in the dark. I don't think there's someone as hot as him here.

"What plan are you talking about?" Ngumisi ako kahit kabado nang kaonti.

I have no other choice but to pull off this stunt. Nandito na ako e. And...I really wanted to see their priceless reaction when they find out that I'm actually Frances and not Francine. If I get that satisfaction then I'm done.

"Just stop," he whispered hoarsely.

I chuckled and sipped on my drink. I lifted my hand and slowly put it on his shoulder. Napatingin siya doon. I caressed his broad shoulder. Matigas.

He looked at me seriously.

"Stop what?" mahina at malambing na saad ko.

Hindi siya nagsalita kaya napangisi ako. Unti-unting gumapang ang kamay ko papunta sa leeg niya at doon nagpahinga.

"Don't you really remember me? Ako 'to, si Francine. Didn't you...like me before?" I smirked sensually. "That's why you replied to my messages...and talked to me."

I caressed his face with my thumb. Ang kinis at ang lambot ng mukha niya. At ang perpektong panga niya naman ay matigas.

I stood up slowly and neared him, our body almost touching. Nakatingala pa rin ako sa kanya dahil sa tangkad niya kahit naka-high heels na ako. Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang lakas ng loob ko. Parang may sariling isip lang ang katawan ko at ito ang gusto niyang gawin.

He towered me.

"Hindi ba?" bulong ko.

We looked at each other's eyes so intently. His serious and piercing gaze suddenly turned into a cold and blank stare. Para siyang isang robot na biglang nag shutdown at nakatitig lang nang diretso sa isang bagay. And that is my eyes.

Habang tumatagal ang titig niya ay nagiging mainit at nakakapaso. I removed my gaze from him and turned to a different direction. Para akong biglang natauhan.

"I talked to you because I found you interesting. And not because you're Francine," aniya.

My eyes blinked. I didn't look at him. Nanatili ang titig ko sa mga nagsasayaw sa dancefloor.

"Remember what I told you? I don't like popular girls," he added.

Napatingin na ako sa kanya this time. He was looking at me seriously.

"Now, I know why. I know why I felt confused back then. You're two different people."

Nagulat man ay hindi ko pinahalata. Nanatiling nakatitig ako sa kanya. My lips are now in a grim line.

"And do you know what's funny? You both fooled me," he whispered.

Bagaman matalim ang tingin niya ay nagawa pa niyang ngumisi nang mabilis. And it only means one thing; he's mad.

Napalunok ako. Aalis na sana ako nang hapitin niya ang baywang ko, ipinirmi sa kinatatayuan. I was shocked. His large hand on my waist...seems like a steel. Hindi ako makagalaw. And it left me felt uneasy all of a sudden.