The Way It Was - Abridged (Complete)

22

Then

I COULD not take my eyes off Roarke on stage. Everything about him was exquisite. His voice, his face, his every movement–everything. He was performing so magnificently. The band sounded so good. Roarke's energy was infectious. He looked like he was having so much fun up there. He was uninhibited. The crowd was wild for him. They were singing along. They already loved him.

I was happy for him. I wanted this for him. I knew he had always belonged up there. He should always be up there.

I watched the concert in full awe of him and the band. I was watching on the side stage. Gusto ko sana sa harap pero late na ako nakarating.

I loved the way he smiled when he saw me there. Mas sumigla ang mga mata niya. He winked at me and I blew him a kiss.

I could hear women screaming they loved him so much. I had to smile smugly. He was mine. God, I missed him. Gusto ko siyang abutin at pupugin ng halik. Because I missed him so, I flew out to see him.

He was so busy with the tour. Their album was selling and it was kind of surprising. They wanted it to sell but they didn't expect it to sell this much. Lalo na pagkatapos ng hindi magandang reviews from critics. The album is fast becoming a commercial hit. Palaki nang palaki ang crowd sa mga venue. Napag-alaman ko na sold out na ang lahat ng natitirang tour dates ng banda. There was even a plan to extend.

The band finished their set. An assistant ushered me backstage. Mabilis akong nilapitan ni Roarke. May nag-abot sa kanya ng itim na towel. Pinunasan niya ang pawisang mukha bago pumaikot sa baywang ko ang braso niya. He lifted me up and kissed me hard on the lips.

Kumapit ako sa mga balikat niya at kaagad na tumugon sa halik niya. He kissed me with such blatant ownership. We were both ravenous. His tongue swept inside my mouth and rubbed erotically against mine. I curled my legs on his hips because I felt as though I was dissolving and my knees were weak. I kissed him as passionately as he was kissing me. I didn't even try to control the passion and fire. There was no holding back. We were both hungry for each other.

And we wanted so much more.

Pero hindi namin ganap na makalimutan na wala kami sa pribadong lugar. We heard laughter and hooting.

"Go get a room, you two," sabi ni Storm.

"Or find a closet at least," dagdag ni Corey.

"Hi, Marianne," bati ni Mark.

"Hello, guys." Nahihiya kong ibinaon ang mukha ko sa leeg ni Roarke. He was drenched in sweat, but he still smelled good.

"We still have encore, Roarke," paalala ni Storm habang naglalakad palayo.

"Catch your breath and hydrate," bilin ni Corey habang nakasunod kay Storm.

Natawa ang tatlong lalaking palayo.

"Where's the nearest private closet?" tanong ni Roarke sa isang stagehand.

"Roarke!" bulalas ko. "You only have a five-minute break before the encore." Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mga mata.

Natawa siya at dinala ako sa kung saan.

Hinampas ko ang balikat niya, natatawa. "You're crazy."

"I missed you like crazy."

Hinagkan ko ang tainga niya bago kinagat.

He returned for an encore with sex hair and satisfied grin.

*

Pagbalik ko sa silid ay nahihimbing pa rin si Roarke. Hindi man lang siya gumalaw sa puwesto niya. I turned off some lights. The bed was so inviting and I was really tired from all the travel, but I searched for my bag instead. Pagkatapos ay bumalik ako sa loob ng banyo.