Chapter 7

HEARTLESS

I woke up with my phone ringing. When I heard his voice , I suddenly got energised.

I was so excited to see the movie with Peter. It was a rom com so at first I hesitated. Kasi ang mga lalaki naman hindi mahilig sa mga ganoon. But he assured me that he would definitely try it.

When the clock ticked at three, I immediately ran to the gate entrance and waited for Peter. Panay ang tingin ko sa cellphone ko dahil, the showing would start soon. When I looked around, I got surprised because only few students were left.

I tried to ring his phone but he didn't answer. When it was almost five o'clock, I decided to call Kuya Ram.

I waited some more but he never showed up. Bagsak ang balikat na nagpahatid ako sa mall.

He should have sent me a simple message that he couldn't come so I should go and watch it myself. Or call if it was too much for him.

I would try to understand him as best as I could. Hindi yong ganito.

I entered the cinema with my heavy heart. All I did was cry while everybody was laughing. Sana hindi na lang pala ako tumuloy..

Because even my favourite actress couldn't make me happy..

I got a call two days after he stood me up. Apparently one of their big vessels got into trouble, their investors rang non stopped and he had to attend to meetings all day. He said sorry and wanted to meet me but I just said it was fine and should concentrate on their company.

What hurt me was that Penelope got his phone that day at nakiusap siyang tawagan ako para masabihan.

Hindi niya ba ako matawagan mag isa? Bakit kailangang si Penelope pa?

When the problem got solved, Peter started going out with Penelope more often. He asked me to join them. But three is a crowd.

So I kept my distance from Peter and Penelope. I let them have their time together even if that means konting oras lang ang napupunta sa akin. Kontento na ako sa text or tawag nya. I know that they missed each other kaya sinasamantala na nilang magbonding ngayon.

He promised me that once my semester finishes, I could come with him to Cebu and spend our days together.

So I was holding onto that. I was so excited that I already packed my clothes and swimwear para wala ng problema. I really tried to be his equal. Mature and understanding. Because I knew that I would be his end game.

So after almost two weeks of not seeing Peter for the sake of Penelope, I finally

decided to come and join them when Tita Patricia invited me to have dinner at their home. They're always kind to me. So nakakahiya namang patuloy na hindian.

Peter offered to fetch me but I declined. Mas mapapalayo pa ang byahe niya dahil iikot pa siya. At usually, ang traffic ay sobrang bagal. Around our area.

My heart was pounding so hard when I got out of the car. I grabbed the box of my homemade chocolate cake and walked towards the entrance of their home. Peter met me half way, kissed me on my forehead and took the box out of my hand and guided me to his parents.

Nakita ko si Penelope na nakikipag usap kina Tita at Tito.

Sina Tita at Tito ay maluwag din ang mga ngiti na nilapitan ako at hinalikan sa pisngi. We exchanged pleasantries before heading to the dining. I saw Penelope look at me with her angry stares. Hindi ko malaman bakit siya ganito sa akin. Ibinigay ko na nga lahat ng oras ni Peter sa kanya.. wasn't that enough?

Peter held my hand and helped me with my chair. Then he sat beside me. Kuya Lindsey was sitting opposite to me with Penelope beside him.

Our dinner was served and all we talked about was my parents and my studies. Nakakahiya because they even found out about my gold medals. My mommy and Tita Patricia are good friends too like my dad and Tito Vincent. Si Penelope ay sobrang tahimik lang, occasionally she would interrupt me with her comments but Tita Patricia would let me talk most of the time.

"Pene, what do you do for a living?" I ask just to include her in our conversation. Halata ang pag ka out of place niya because Tito and Tita's attention were all on me. But it seemed like it didn't help. She looked insulted or something.

"I'm not as rich as you. I'm working for my own money and never ask my mom for my caprice like some rich kids I know."her brow raised up.

I got speechless. Because she was right.

"Well, Shanelle is still too young to work iha. But she's very active in their foundation. Right my dear?" Tita asked me then smiled at me apologetically.

I nodded. "She's a good painter. She always participates in their art exhibit for a cause every year." Tita continued quite proud of me.

"Typical rich kids.." Penelope commented. I looked at her and her stares made my body tremble in fright. Napayuko ako at kagat labi. I could see her hate. So much hate towards me.

"I love her paintings. She and her brother Ashmere are very talented." Tito Vincent said. Napaangat ako ng labi dahil sa sinabi ni Tito. He's a man with few words. Kaya nakakataba ng puso ang mga sinabi niya.

Peter pressed my chin hard so I snapped my head towards him. He was looking at my lips darkly. Then went up to my eyes.

"Don't bite your lip love."he said huskily. His pupils dilated. I released it instantly and put my hands on my lap. I was the first one to finish my food because I could only eat so much. Hindi gaya ni Penelope. She eats a lot but never get fat or anything..

Peter's hand held my hand under the table and squeezed it.

"Do you want anything else love?" He whispered. His voice was so sexy. Parang iba ang dating sa akin pero hindi ko na lang pinansin.

"No.. I'm good. You should eat more." I said then stood up to get some dishes but Penelope already took what I'm supposed to get. She smirked at me and asked Peter if he liked some more.

Napaupo na lang ulit ako ng salinan niya si Peter without getting his answer. Kuya Lindsey was quietly watching me.

"He loves this dish too. But my bicol express is still his favourite." She said then put the plate down and sat slowly. She had a satisfied smile.

"Kaya nga eh. He cooked it for me.." I said. Then I felt Peter's hand touched my thigh. Napaupo ako ng tuwid. Good thing, we were on Tito Vincent's left hand side. Kaya kaliwa iyong nakahawak sa hita ko while he was still eating.

"You liked it too? He couldn't get enough of my Bicol Express Shanelle." Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang double meaning ang perception ko sa sinabi niya.

"Peter.. I told you to feed Shanelle more. She's still skinny." Tita Patricia exclaimed.

"Tita.. It's not his fault po. I just can't eat a lot. But I'm trying.." I answered for Peter. He just squeezed my thigh. Napasinghap ako when he slowly caressed it up and down. Bigla akong pinagpawisan. And my heart sped up.

"Oh.. pity you can't do that. I told you that Peter loves cooking. He likes to feed me before. And now that I'm here, he also cooks for me." Penelope said making me stiffened on my chair. Naramdaman kong natigilan din si Peter at hinila ang hita ko para mapa harap sa kanya.

"Love.. you okay?" He asked me. I just nodded my head then looked at Penelope.

"Glad to know that you're enjoying your vacation Penelope." I said then forced a smile.

"My dear, why don't we start the desserts? I'm excited to taste Shanelle's chocolate cake. I've heard you're trying some organic sweetener instead of white sugar for your cake." Tita was trying so hard to bring our topic back to me.

"Yes Tita. I heard that Peter gets diarrhea whenever he eats sweets so nag try po ako ng ibang sweetener." I answered.

"Dad! See.. Shanelle will be a good wife." Tita said excitedly. Tito just smiled warmly at me while Kuya Lindsey just raised his brow up.

Napatingin ako kay Peter when he stood up and pulled me.

"We'll get our desserts Mom." Peter said then grabbed me by the arm and walked with me to their kitchen.

Two helpers handed us the mango float and my chocolate cake. Peter shook his head and suddenly the two scrambled out of the kitchen.

"What's happening?" Naguguluhang tanong ko.

Napasinghap ako nang hawakan niya ako at isandal sa wall malapit sa fridge.

"You look so hot wearing that dress love. I've been dying to kiss you." He said sexily and aimed for an open mouth kiss.

I just closed my eyes and kissed him back. He put my hands round his nape and then held my waist tightly. He pressed me against the wall.

My heart was beating so fast. I was excited and scared at the same time. Dahil baka pumasok sina Tita and Tito and they would see us like this.

"Peter. No more.." i said then cocked my head on my right.

I licked my wet lips and looked at him. His eyes were dark with passion.

"I missed you so much love." He said the thrusted his hips on me. I gasped when his hard on pressed against my tummy.

"You can't go back like that Peter." Bigla akong nataranta. He just chuckled sexily

"Watch me." Hamon niya. Napailing ako.

"Baka kung ano ang isipin nila. Na may ginawa tayong milagro."

"They won't.. because once I make love to you, you won't be able to walk straight." He said naughtily. Napaawang ang mga labi ko.

He chuckled again then kissed my lips once more.

"And instead of going back to them, I'll chain you to my bed and make love to you all night until you pass out." Napausog ako sa sinabi niya. I could feel something building up inside me while he was saying that.

Napalunok ako. "Don't worry love.. I told you, we'll take our time. We don't need to rush things." He said then took my cake and the mango float.

They were all finished when we came back. Bigla akong nahiya. Natagalan ata kami. All the helpers were waiting outside the kitchen with plates in their hands.

Peter sliced the cake and served it to us. Sobrang puri ang natanggap ko. My heart swelled up. Now that I had my moment with Peter, I felt good. Yong pagtatampo ko ay biglang nawala. Dahil lang sa mga halik niya.

I noticed Penelope barely ate my cake. I asked her if she was okay.

She just nodded. The mango float wasn't getting the same attention as my cake so I stood up and took it, but like the last time, Penelope snatched it away.

Why was she doing this? So I held it tight. Kanina pinagbigyan ko na siya.

"Oh.. that mango float's really good too. Penelope made it." Tita said. Napalingon ako kay Tita Pat then Penelope pushed the plate on me. I gasped when the mango float was thrown on my dress.

I stepped back and caught the leg of my chair. Good thing Peter's reflexes were quick enough to catch my fall.

"Penelope! What the fuck!" Kuya Lindsey said angrily. Helpers came up to me and gave Peter some paper towels to dry my dress.

Napailing lang si Tito and Tita's eyes went wide.

"Iha, I think I have spare dress for you.." Tita stood up quickly.

Penelope on the other hand was crying and nervously playing with her fingers. She was looking at Peter as if asking for help. Napatingin naman ako kay Peter. He was dangerously looking at her.

He pulled me away from the table. Then mangoes were now scattered on the tiled floor.

"Sorry po. I made a mess." I said apologetic.

"No. I saw Penelope pushed the plate to you. She should apologise for messing with your dress!" Kuya Lindsey clenched his jaw then looked at Penelope who was now trembling and sobbing.

"I'm sorry Tita, Tito. I didn't mean.."

"You fucking did it deliberately." Kuya Lindsey said.

Napayuko ako at kinuha ang mga paper towels kay Peter para punasan ang suot ko. It was so sticky that I wouldn't want to stay on this until later.

"Mom, where's your spare dress?" Peter said while shaking his head. He knew that it was too sticky and uncomfortable for me.

"Maybe I just have to go home Peter.."i whispered.

"No. Penelope has to leave our house." Kuya Lindsey said hotly.

"Love let's go.."Penelope came up to us and took the paper towels from my hand and tried to dry it.

"I-I have spare clothes too. She might fit in some of my clothes because we're almost the same size and height." Penelope quietly said.

Napatango na lang ako. Para mapagaan ang situation. Halata ang galit ni Peter at Kuya Lindsey kay Penelope.

"Oh sige iha. Your idea is better." Tita backed me up. Maybe she could also feel that Penelope would be soon thrown out of their house by Lindsey or Peter.

"Come.. I'll help you get change." She held my arm and walked me up the stairs.

Peter was behind us.

"Peter, ako na ang bahala. It's my fault anyway. Let me take care of her." Penelope blocked Peter when he was about to come inside her room too. She was next to Peter's room.

"No." He said firmly then looked at me.

"Peter.. i can manage." I smiled and went straight to her bathroom.

"I'm sorry Shanelle. Really. I didn't mean to push it hard."she said while going through her wardrobe. She then pulled two dress, yellow and purple. The two colours I didn't like.

I swallowed hard when she handed it to me. Both were sleeveless and short. The yellow one had a plunging neckline and very short. While the purple one was backless and an inch longer.

Pikit matang pinili ko iyong purple. "Nice choice. You'll look good on that." sabi niya at tumingin sa dibdib ko then sa yellow dress. She smirked.

Bakit parang hindi siya sincere sa paghingi ng tawad sa akin? She was even mocking my small breast..

Pinalagpas ko na lang.. I took a towel and wet it, then removed my dress.

"So have you talk to Peter about the job in America? I tried to persuade him but he said he needs to be with you. I didn't know that you're so immature and selfish Shanelle. Well, masyado ka pa palang bata." She said na nagpahinto sa akin.

"I wonder why he was so tied up to you. Do you think it's because of Tita Patricia? Halatang gustong gusto ka niya eh." She commented. I kept my silence.

Hindi ko maintindihan kung saan patungo ang mga sinasabi niya. She was making me feel bad and uncomfortable.

After I finished rubbing the sticky liquid off my skin, I put the dress on.

My back was showing and I kinda liked it on my body.

"See? Maganda. Bagay sa maliit mong dibdib. Anyway, I have paper bag on my bed. You can put your soiled dress in there. I'll see you downstairs." She said happily and walked out of the bathroom and out of her room.

I slowly went out and looked around. It was almost the same as the other guest rooms. Then I walked to her bed where I found the paper bag. I furrowed my eyebrows. When I saw some pictures inside the bag.

I pulled all the pictures to empty the bag so I wouldn't carry any of her stuff when I get home. Then placed all the pictures neatly on her bed.

Napangiti ako ng makita ang old pictures ni Pene at Peter. Ang cute nilang tignan. So I became curious. My hands trembled when the next photos were so intimate. Penelope was hugging Peter while his arms were around her waist too. Both of them smiling. Then pictures after another were almost the same with different settings. Then the last one made my knees wobble. I fell on my knees.

They were on the bed, with only a white sheet covering their naked bodies. It was a recent picture. Penelope was on top of him looking at the camera while Peter was smiling with his closed eyes.

Napahawak akong mabuti sa picture. My tears fell. Kaya pala ayaw sa akin ni Penelope for her best friend! Dahil they were fucking each other!

I sobbed and crumpled the pictures in my hand. My heart thumped painfully inside my chest. Sobrang sakit. I was crying so hard.

Bakit ganito? Bakit niya ginagawa ito sa akin? Was he so heartless to play with my feelings and Penelope's?

No wonder Penelope's throwing death glares at me. No wonder they're always together. No wonder they're very close and comfortable with each other. They're too familiar like lovers. And It's not because they're friends!

The door opened and I heard Peter called me. His footsteps became heavy like he was running towards me. I couldn't look at him. He knelt in front of me. With worried expression.

"Love.. what's wrong?"he said.

I only managed to throw that abominable picture on his face. Then tried to get up. He closed his eyes when it hit his nose. Then he looked at the picture, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Love .. where did you get that?"he said then clenched his jaw.

"Why? So you can talk to her and hide this from me? Ginagawa mo akong tanga Peter!" I shouted while crying.

"No love. That's not real. I swear. We never went pass as friends." He said desperately.

I walked slowly and Kuya Lindsey came inside with Penelope behind him.

I saw her smirk and raised her brow up. She mouthed pathetic then pursed her lips.

If I could only grab her hair. But it wasn't her fault. Maybe like me, she fell too. To Peter. And she wanted me gone in between them.

"What happened Shanelle?" Kuya Lindsey said then quickly scooped me up. I held his dress shirt and hid my face.

"I wanna go home Kuya. Please.." i said sobbing..

"You're dead Peter." He said then almost ran down the stairs. Good thing Tita and Tito aren't around when we went passed the dining room.

"That fucker."gigil na gigil na nagdrive si Kuya Lindsey.

When we were home, he carried me to my bedroom and carefully laid me down on my bed.

He sat on my bed quietly and tried to take my heels off me. Pero pinigilan ko siya. I wasn't invalid.

"I'm okay Kuya. I just want to rest. Please tell Tita and Tito that I'm sorry if I went home without telling them." I said gently.

"Shanelle-" He massaged the bridge of his nose. Siguro para sabihin sa akin na okay ang lahat.

"I'm okay. I swear Kuya!" I said then smiled. Showing my teeth.

He looked at my eyes. Probably trying to read me. He swore then put his hands up like telling me I won.

Napangiti na lang ulit ako ng pilit. He kissed my head. Then pulled me into his arms. I hugged him back.

"Try to get some sleep Shanelle." He said then stormed out of my bedroom.

Nang mapag isa ay sumubsob nalang ako sa unan ko at ibinuhos ang sakit na nararamdaman.

Sana andito si Mommy. Para may karamay ako.