Deal with the Bad Boy

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

"Admiring the calm sea before we go?"

Napatigil ako sa pagtingin sa dagat nang marinig ko ang boses ni Clove sa likuran ko. I looked back and saw him leaning on the balcony wall. He has his arms crossed while looking at me with a small smile on his face.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "I'll miss this peaceful life. Even if it's just a week, I get to live without the curious eyes of the people and reporters around me."

"Why did you become a celebrity?" He asked. Lumapit siya sa akin at sumandal sa railings. "I didn't ask you before but I'm really curious why you chose to live this kind of life."

"I want to be loved." Simpleng sagot ko sa kanya.

Naging seryoso ang tingin sa akin ni Clove. "What do you mean by that, Nayi?" Seryosong tanong niya. "You want to be loved? You have your family and friends with you. They love you."

"But I don't love myself." Sagot ko. Tinitigan ko siya sa mga mata niya at mapait na ngumiti. "When I found out the truth back then, I didn't have it easy. Riley was right. Finding out the truth costed me my self love, Clove. Nang umalis ako at iniwan kita ay para akong kinakain ng sakit. I feel like dying everyday. It was hell for me."

My tears suddenly fell but I didn't bother wiping it. "I chose to become a celebrity to feel the love that myself forgot years ago. Hindi ko kayang mahalin ang sarili ko at ang nagpunan ng nawawalang pagmamahal na 'yon ay ang mga taong sumusuporta sa akin. My fans filled the empty spot in my heart that I failed to give love. And before I know it, I grew closer to them. Even if I failed to love myself, life became bearable because of the people who supported and love me genuinely."

Clove didn't answer. Sa halip ay lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi ko. He gently wiped away my tears and leaned in. Nang lumapat ang labi niya sa noo ko ay kusang pumikit ang mga mata ko. My tears fell again when he hugged me tight. Ilang beses niyang hinalikan ang tuktok ng ulo ko habang inaalo ako.

"I should have been there." He whispered. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, baby. I'm sorry."

Umiling ako. "Don't be, please."

Hindi na siya sumagot pa. Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto ba kaming nagtagal sa ganoong posisyon bago ako pinakawalan ni Clove sa pagkakayakap niya.

"Feeling a little bit better?" Nakangiting tanong niya.

Mahina akong natawa bago tumango. "Thank you. You will always be my happy pill."

Sumaludo siya sa akin. "Always at your service."

Mas lalo akong natawa. Malakas ko siyang hinampas sa balikat niya habang natatawa parin.

I actually feel better now. I don't know why, but Clove can easily make me feel better. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya nagagawa 'yon sa totoo lang.

It's like he's the only cure to me.

The only person who can make me feel better without actually trying.

**

"Ahhh. Pollution. The smell of the city."

Mahina akong natawa nang marinig ang sinabing 'yon ni Calli. Nilingon ko siya at nakita ang nakakunot niyang noo habang inililibot ang tingin sa paligid niya.

Alas singko na ng madaling araw at kadadating palang namin sa kompanya ni Clove. The sun hasn't risen yet and thank God there's no people here.

"Nara." Jia walked towards me. "Our cars just arrived so we'll go ahead."