Chased (BS#4)

N-Needed

CONTRASTING to the cold compress against her skin, his hands were warm like a sunny afternoon. Pinanood ni Clarine ang marahang pag-alalay nito sa cold compress sa kanyang paa. Her leg was slightly elevated with a throw pillow on this lap. Katabi niya itong nakaupo sa malawak na sofa na may tamang espasyo para sa kanilang dalawa.

"So?" Untag niya sa binata. "Will you entertain my questions now? I'm still angry."

Tahimik itong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. Kakikitaan ng pagkaseryoso ang mukha. Saglit ang pagdaan ng pag-aalangan sa mga mata, but it was quickly engulfed with tenacity.

Hindi nito inalis ang kamay sa kanyang talampakan. He stared at her for a long time. Tinaasan lang niya ang binata ng isang kilay. As if that would urge him to start the conversation, because truthfully speaking, pagod na siya sa paulit-ulit na pagtatanong. He'd divert the conversation at every chance he get, it's annoying.

Kumunot ang noo niya nang mapansin ang iilang butil ng pawis na namumuo sa noo nito. "Mainit ba? Bakit pinagpapawisan ka?" She tried to wipe it off but he brush her hand away.

"I'm fine." anito at kusang pinunasan na ang butil ng pawis sa noo gamit ang likod ng kamay. Hindi pa ito nagsalita na tila nag-iisip ng malalim. Umuulan sa labas, malamig ang panahon sa Tagaytay at mukhang wala namang naka-on na heater. Nagkibit na lamang siya ng balikat at hindi na ito inusisa pa tungkol roon.

Malamim itong tumikhim. "It's true," he started.

Bumalik ang mga mata nito sa kanyang paa na masayang nakadantay sa throw pillow na nasa hita nito. "Roy had no romantic interest in you," dugtong nito. 

Mainit na ang ulo ni Clarine kanina pa ngunit parang mas gusto niyang gulpihin ang lalake kung di lang sa nasaktan niyang paa. She gritted her teeth and tried to kick him with her other foot. He just calmly blocked her other foot, locking it on his lap. Ngayon pareho nang paa niya ang nasa kadungan nito.

"You brat! Did you know how ashamed I was? Nambasted ako ng taong wala namang gusto sakin!" Uminit ang mukha niya sa kahihiyan nang maalala ang naging pag-uusap nila ni Roy. She almost beg him to just kill her right there.

"I'm sorry..." She tried to kick him again ngunit mahigpit ang pigil nito sa paa niya. He sighed. "I had my reasons."

"Yeah? Entertain me, Wolfy. Come on,  I want to hear it," her voice was dripping with sarcasm. Kaya nga naroon siya para komprontahin ito eh, hindi ba? Of course he should come up with a reason!

Napakamot ito sa batok tila hindi alam kung saan magsisimula. Humalukipkip si Clarine at naghintay kahit pa nginangatngat na sya ng pagkainis. Surprisingly, being alone with a man in this situation, she does not feel awkward at all. Matagal na niya iyong napapansin. Of course, there were few instances where she felt confuse and bewildered of him. However, in the most of the situation, she felt unusually calm and warm around him. Like an old childhood midsummer home where she'd be thrilled to drop off to after a long tiring day. Like looking forward to a much needed rest where a sense of belongingness and security can be found.

Sinandal niya ang ulo sa wooden headrest ng sofa at pinakatitigan ang mukha ng binata. He sure looks attractive. Few strands of his hair were falling on the side of his forehead, she almost had the urge to brush them off so she can see him more clearly. Conflicting with his snob and cruel usual front, it was surprisingly unusual to feel at ease like this around him. Was that also one of the uncertain reasons she put up with his favors then?

"I'm not really sure where to start but I'd like you to know that I know who you are back when we met countless of times in Carles."

Kumunot ang noo ni Clarine. Sinalubong lamang siya ng mga mata ng binatang tila nauuna nang magpaliwanag ng walang salita. "You are Clarine Cristobal, first-born daughter of Sir Claudio Everin Cristobal. Your father was one of our largest investor. And I had my suspicions when we saw each other again in Carles. You were quite familiar and I was sure I've seen you somewhere other than my hotel suite," he said meaningfully in their first encounter.