Some Mad Hope (ML, #4.5)

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Something Bad

"What did you do?" I hissed, eyes wide looking at Newt starting the engine of his big toy. I almost want to pull his hair out of his head. Hindi ako mapakali sa ginawa niyang pagsigaw kina Millie at sa kanyang grupo. What will they say? That...I did something to make Newt defend me! "What did you do? Alam mo ba kung ano!" Air leaving my lungs as I screamed.

But only adding zest to my annoyance, Newt curving his lips, not looking at me. Feigning his grip on the steering wheel and trying not to laugh at my sentiments, bigla siyang tumingin sa akin na nakataas ang isang kilay. His look is giving me chills. Dahil for this moment, he is so relax and unruffled. "You have to calm down and chill, angel...you know..." aniya sabay iwas. I saw him smile! And I am not even joking!

"This is not funny! Did you know her? Alam mo ba na mahirap kalabanin si Millie dahil halos lahat ay kinatutuwaan siya? Me?" Tinuro ko ang aking sarili. "Is nothing to this world? Baguhan? Millie?" I looked at where she is. She is still standing in front of their car. Glaring hard at our direction. "Look what you've done!" I gritted my teeth. Hindi ako mapakali. There are many things running inside my head. I can't keep calm. "Pa'no na lang kung makarating ito sa kanila? To the big boss? What am I gonna do--" I am babbling.

And, he is just staring at me, amused. Napaawang ako ng labi.

"Fuck them?" patanong niyang sagot. Labi nakakurba sa isang ngisi.

I immediately punched his bicep. He feigned the pain. Hinimas niya pa ang braso dahil kunwari ay nasaktan siya. Mas nasaktan pa nga ako sa ginawa 'ko. I only hide the hurt I am feeling for my poor knuckles. Napayukom na lamang ako ng kamay habang masamang nakatingin sa kanya. "Really? Damn you!"

Napahalakhak si Newt sa mura 'ko. He bit his lower lip and shook his head. The nerve of this guy! Seriously, he will be the death of me! Sa kahit anong aksyon niya'y sobrang nakakaarita! Hindi ba siya pwedeng magseryoso? For a minute, please, for the love of God, Newt, please be serious!

"What?" kunwari niyang reaksyon. He combed his hair using his long fingers. "Seriously, Mags. Fuck them, really? You do not owe them your failure or success. Kung ano man ang mangyari sa'yo sa industriyang ito ay dahil sa mga ginawa mo." He breathed a sigh. "So fuck them, own your shit, and rise, angel," aniya. "Besides, you really did well on the campaign a while ago." Umiwas siya at pinaadar na ang kotse. "Nice fucking legs." His breathing coagulate.

My cheeks blushed. It was seconds apart when I realized...what he said. Nanlaki ang mata 'ko. "Manyak!" Pinalo 'ko ang braso niya kahit siya'y nagmamaneho. Hanggang ngayon ay ganito pa rin ang kanyang galawan at postura.

"I am driving, Mags! Stop it!" natutuwa niyang sabi.

I am still slapping his bicep. Tuwang-tuwa naman siya habang ang atensyon ay nasa daan. "That's your asset. I am only admiring you! Masama ba 'yon? Kami ngang mga lalaki natutuwa pa kapag sinasabihan niyong mga babae tungkol sa parte ng katawan namin, e. We don't call you names. Tsk!" Umiling siya ng isa. "It is so unfair. We are all human." Fake disappointment embraced his face.

"Kapag kasi galing sa bibig, is it pure dirty. Whatever you said will be filthy on my ears!" I crossed my arms and even my legs. Side-eye, nakita 'ko ang paghagilap ng mata niya sa aking binti sabay iwas. Umayos siya ng upo na tila nahihirapan sa kanyang pwesto. I saw him loosen his belt using one hand.

My cheeks redden. Mabilis akong umiwas.

"I know I talk dirty. But I know how to admire people, too, Maggie," aniya.