Mistress of the Strings ✔️

28

Kabanata 28

Should I kiss him back?

"OH MY GOD!" Narinig ko ang sarili kong tili.

I just did the most logical thing after being caught off guard — I slapped him. Hard.

"Sh-shit!" Nasapo ni Ponti ang pisngi niya, napalakas pa yata ang sampal ko kasi kita ko ang marka na naiwan non sa mukha niya.

Nagulat rin ako. My god, Arie!

"I-I'm sorry.." My hands were shaky, I tried to come to his aid but he just gestured me not to. "Sorry, I was.. stunned." I reasoned out, crossing my arms at a protective position.

He pressed his palm against his aching cheek. "Ah.. Ano! Hindi ka dapat basta naghahalik!" Bahagyang napataas ang boses ko. Saan ka nanggagaling, Arietta?!

Ponti went stiff, barely moving. I even saw how his jaws clenched, so I backed off. "It's .. it's .. ano. Sexual assault yon! Alam mo ba? No one should be touched without his or her consent."

Napa-awang ang labi niya, alam ko gusto na niya akong murahin kanina pa pero walang salita na lumalabas sa bibig. "Yes because it wasn't a consensual kiss. You didn't ask my permission!" I supported my own words.

Tama ka, Arie! Clap clap para sa kaartehan mo.

"Tangina.." Mahina niyang usal, umiiling pa na tila di makapaniwala sa narinig.

"Ka-kahit pa ikaw ang pinaka-gwapong lalaki sa paningin ko. You still have no right." I feel like a young girl defending her principles to its core. "Even so, I like you very much.. and I like ... that kiss very much. Still you can't kiss me like that!"

Mas lalong bumuka ang bibig, at naluwa ang mata. Uhm, maybe I was exaggerating but he gaped, I'm certain he did.

"Tangina." Was all he can utter, I snapped my fingers to bring him back to reality. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have slapped you, just pushed you a little further so you won't take advances."

Pontius blinked twice and turned around. I saw how his blood rise to his cheeks, making him blush.

Nakapamewang siya habang nakaharap sa lamesa kung nasaan ang di pa namin ubos na pagkain. He seemed frustrated.

"Pontius, I am not being maarte." And cheap. I called him again, "I am just saving myself. Ayoko maging kirida mo no! You can't kiss me if you still have another woman." I said sternly, keeping my head held high. Way to go, Queen!

I felt proud!

Humarap siya sa akin na matalim ang titig. Di makapaniwala, at wala pa rin kibo maliban sa malalim na pagbuntong hininga.

I convinced my self what my thoughts and feelings are valid. I am a woman and I need to be respected.

O kahit pa, man or woman, or any gender; shouldn't be coerced against their will. Shouldn't be touch nor kissed without their consent. And lastly — and of great emphasis, no one should be abuse or harassed for whatever reason!

A piece of sexy clothing, sensual style or a tainted reputation is not an invitation to rape anyone!

I condemn that culture.

Maliit lang na bagay to. Pero kapag napabayaan, unti-unting maninira.

That is what I am trying to avoid.

"I'm sorry." He apologized, softening his features. "Sorry rin. But please ha? No kissing and touchy-touchy yet. I intend to respect myself kahit sa ganun paraan lang."