Dahlia's Lover

CHAPTER 06

Memories From the Past

"You're here?"

Pagkapasok ko sa condo unit ay bumungad sa akin ang isang napaka-habang lamesa. It was almost covered the entire living room. What is happening? Will there be many guests coming for him to serve such a big feast? I placed my handbag on the coffee table and stare at those—i think— nineteen different cuisines. And it was all expensive. But I don't think he cooked all of this. It can't. He can't. He can't even make himself a coffee.

"What are you staring at?" I was dumbfounded, surprised by his suddenly appearance, I didn't even know where he came from. I raked my eyes on him, head to toe. There's nothing wrong with his clothes, suot pa rin niya ang plain gray t-shirt and pants. But one thing that I realized... he looks neat.

I think it's my first time seeing him without smoking or holding a alcohol. Watching him closely, not being drunk... is unusual.

Ngumiti siya na parang aso sa akin. Pagkatapos ay nilapitan ako, bigla na lang akong napaatras dahilan para matigilan siya. My heart beat suddenly stopped when his expression automatically changed. From smiing to dissapointment.

Suddenly, bigla na lamang akong napapitlag nang hawakan niya ang aking kaliwang pisngi. I can hear my heartbeat pounding so fast. It's erratic. Napapikit ako. Nahigit ko ang sariling hininga nang simula niyang haplusin iyon. It's rough. He has a calloused hands. Pakiramdam ko ay masusugatan ang aking pisngi sa paraan niya nang paghaplos sa akin. It has a scent. But I don't what that is. It isn't pleasant. Truly, it disgust me.

Walang nakabara sa aking lalamunan ngunit pakiramdam ko'y masasamid ako ng walang oras. His long big fingers are drawing circles on my cheeks, slowly, his sinful hand went down towards my neck. I'm clenching my fists, as if that thing is the way to lessen the nervousness and disgust I feel. Naaamoy ko ang mint na hininga niyang bumubuga sa aking mukha.

"I told you to eat, aren't I?" he whispers behind my ear. "Do you know that I made all of this? I cook them for almost an hours. I was kinda hoping that you will appreciate it."

I let out an audible gasped. "Why are you doing this?"

Napasinghap ako nang ipulupot niya ang kanyang kamay sa aking bewang. Hinigpitan niya iyon at idinikit ang mukha sa aking leeg. Mas lalo akong hindi naigalaw. In fact, mas lalong bumigat ang aking pakiramdam.

"Mm-hmm... you smells... just... so good..." he starts sniffing my neck.

I push him. He almost lost his balance but managed to control himself quickly. I swallowed. Hindi ko alam kung papaano nangyari ang naging pagtulak ko. I don't even recall what exactly happened kahit pa segundo lang ang nangyari. It was accident. All I can say.

Is he going to hurt me? Nakatagilid siya sa akin. Pinagmamasdan ako. Stoic, no expression at all. And that's the worst. I can't read him between lines. Arthur is such a secretive person. I never saw him laugh nor smile dahil sa totoong masaya siya at hindi nagpapanggap. It was always, fake, and sarcastic.

Humalakhak siya. "Come on. Aren't we used to do this before? Kissing, hugging, cuddling with each other's... and making love anytime, anywhere—"

"S-Stop," It's disgusting.

He clicks his tongue. "Alright, alright." itinaas niya ang kamay na animo'y nag-s-surrender.

I crossed my arms. Hinila ko ang upuan na nasa tabi at umupo roon. I can see him in the corner of my eye, watching my every gestures. Nalalanghap ko ang mabangong aroma ng mga pagkain. It is all vegetables. I bit my lower lip. It's not that I don't eat vegetables and I don't like them, that's not the reason. I was still eating this. But, rarely. Madalas akong kumain ng desserts, and beverages. And...i don't personally do diet. I ate breakfast, dinner, lunch and even brunch. After that, pumupunta ako sa gym and sometimes, doing walks to consume carbs.