Sexy Virus (Phoenix #1)

Chapter 44

Chapter 44 - In-Laws

Nagising ako nang magaan ang pakiramdam... at agad na nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa napagbuksan ko ng mata. 

Clark is beside me, at sa paraan nang pagtitig niya, parang bang hindi na niya ako makikita ulit, like someone might snatch me away from him at any moment.

We're in his bed room, with only the lampshade as our light. Still, I can clearly see his face.   

When he moves closer, napalunok ako. At napapikit nang halikan niya ako sa noo. 

"Pinanood mo kong matulog?" I try to tease him, but he just nods. Hindi man lang tumanggi. 

"Matulog ka pa." He commands softly, adjusting my pillow so I'd be more comfortable. 

"Stalker talaga kita 'no? Umamin ka nga."

"I'm not a stalker. I just love staring at your face." He caresses my cheek, "Because I love you."

Eyes wide, my whole body freezes, with the exception of my thundering heart. 

I'm not expecting those words at all. 

"Sleep." He demands again, like he didn't say something shocking. 

"A-ayoko na..." I stammer, "Ayokong may nanonood sa pagtulog ko."

He frowns, as though I don't trust him. "It's just me."

"Panget ako matulog. Porque ikaw gwapo kahit tulog."

Tumaas ang isang bahagi ng bibig niya. "Pinapanood mo rin akong matulog? Tsk, I knew it."

"H-hindi ah!" I deny and get up, to hide my pink cheeks. "Babalik na ko sa unit ko." 

Hinatak lang ulit ako ni Clark pahiga. Only this time, he's facing my back. He slips his hands around my waist, hugging me from behind. "Dito ka lang." 

Wala akong nagawa dahil pati ang mahabang legs niya, dinantay niya sa legs ko. Inayos niya pa ang buhok ko, inipon sa isang gilid at hinalikan ang batok ko.  Nagtaasan yata lahat ng balahibo ko sa buong katawan.

"I'm sorry..." he says after awhile. 

Natigilan akong muli. I don't answer him, I wait for him to continue. 

"I'm an asshole. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to leave you like that, I didn't mean na paglakarin kang mag-isa papuntang Saunder, I swear. My emotions just got the better of me. Then when I came back, you were gone. Hindi ko alam kung saan ka hahanapin, so I went back to school. You were angry at me, and I was angry at myself too, and ashamed. For leaving you, and for hurting you...  And instead of apologizing, I stayed silent. I didn't know what to do, or to say. I was stupid. I'm so sorry, Heloise."

It takes me moment to realize what he's talking about. "Luke is my best friend, Clark."

"I know... and it's not just him. Your ex too." He admits, hurt and remorseful. "You were kissing him. What was I supposed to think? I thought you too got back together, it fucking hurt like hell. Akala ko nagugustuhan mo na rin ako. I felt so stupid for having my hopes up. I was so angry that I wanted to hurt you as well. But seeing you in pain... and that I caused that pain... only do I realize that I am worse than an asshole." 

"You really are an asshole."

"And worse than that... I'm sorry." Lumuwag ang yakap niya, but before he can let go, I grip his arms. 

"But I forgive you." This time, I move to face him. "I'm at fault too. I shouldn't have kissed him. But I had my reasons."

He looks surprised, like he hasn't expected I'd forgive him right away. Then he frowns and blinks, confused.