Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14

"RAI," I CALLED, touching his arm.

He didn't say anything as he drove. We arrived at the building where his condo unit was located, and he stepped out of the car. He walked to my door and opened it. Inalalayan niya akong palabas. His hand remained firm on my waist as we entered the building, but he stayed quiet, jaw clenched in anger. Even when the guards greeted him, he didn't respond.

Pagkarating namin sa condo unit niya, marahan ko uling inabot ang kamay ni Rai.

"Doon lang ako sa sofa," paalam ko.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

I sat on the couch, watching him speak with Lando. I caught Lando glancing at me before nodding.

I checked my phone and saw messages from Ma'am Asunta and Marco, asking if I was alright. I was thankful they didn't ask what happened. Ni wala akong natanggap na galit na mensahe tungkol sa nangyaring gulo sa resto.

Pero s'yempre, nakakahiya. Nagkumosyon ang resto dahil sa akin. Bukod pa ro'n baka kumalat ang relasyon ko kay Rai at pati siya ay mapepeste pa.

Then a text from Gino appeared. I was startled and quickly read it.

From: Gino

Sorry, Sera. I'm sorry for what Jenny and Jesusa did to you. Hindi ko alam na gano'n ang gagawin nila. I hope you will talk to me.

I replied.

To: Gino

Hi, Gino. Wala kang kasalanan. Naiintindihan ko rin ang nangyari. Galit kayo at sorry sa lahat ng kasinungalingan ko. Sorry sa panloloko pero sana maniwala kayo na 'yong pagkakaibigan natin, totoo 'yon. Sorry ulit at pasensya na sa nangyari sa 'yo kay Vioxx. Sorry talaga. Sana mapatawad n'yo rin ako.

Mabilis ang reply niya.

From: Gino

P'wede ba kitang makausap?

Napansin kong nandito na uli si Rai dala ang first aid kit na ipinatong sa lamesa sa harapan ko. He loosened his necktie, unbuttoned his cuffs, and rolled up his sleeves.

Tahimik siyang naupo sa tabi ko, inabot ang kamay ko at tahimik na nilinisan muna iyon.

"Rai, sorry..." I murmured, watching him.

He stopped and glanced at me.

"What are you sorry about?"

"For bothering you," I whispered. "Ever since I came into your life, palagi na lang akong may dalang gulo."

"There is nothing to be sorry about, Serafine," he said firmly. "This is not your fault."

My lips parted in a soft sigh.

"Kasalanan ko, Rai," I insisted. "Nagsinungaling ako sa mga kaibigan ko, at naiintindihan ko ang galit nila."

"Pero tama bang istorbohin ka nila sa trabaho mo? Tama bang pahiyain ka nila sa harapan ng marami, Serafine?" he snapped.

"Mali iyon, at nakahihiya kila Ma'am Asunta. Pero mali rin iyong ginawa mong pagsugod kay Gino—"

"And you're protecting him, huh?" Umigting ang panga niya.

"Wala naman kasing mali ang tao, Rai. Pinagsabihan pa nga niya sila Jenny na mali 'yong pagpatid nila sa 'kin. Hindi mo siya dapat sinaktan. He's a friend—"

"Was a friend," he corrected me. "I won't let those people near you again."

I sighed. "Just don't do it again. Ayaw kong nadadamay ka sa gulo ng buhay ko. Mali na dinala nila sa trabaho ko, ang issue nila 'kin but I deserved it. I am a liar—"