Jay-jay's POV
"It's taking so long! I'm getting bored," I complained as I sat with both feet propped up on the bench.
This idiot had just finished 'treating' my feet, supposedly. He only dabbed ice on them, that's all. Good thing I've got thick calluses on my feet. Otherwise, they'd be covered in blisters from the hot sand I ran on earlier.
"Give me 10," he said.
"I don't have 10 pesos. Got any change? I've got a twenty in my bag."
He chuckled softly. "I'm asking for 10. Ten minutes. Or maybe ten kisses will do."
Idiot!
"I'll throw this chair at you," I threatened lifelessly. "Is it going to take much longer? I'm starving."
"Just a moment, okay?" he sighed. "It's hard serving a wife!"
"Your face is the wife."
He laughed again, He kept walking to the fridge, back to the sink, then putting something on the stove while he was cooking.
I swear, if this isn't good, I'll slap him.
I had no idea how much longer I'd have to wait, but the smell of what he was cooking filled the room and made my stomach growl even more. My gut's little minions were going wild.
It was obvious he was just waiting for whatever he put on the stove to finish cooking. After a while, he took some wine glasses from the cupboard, placing one in front of me and the other on the opposite side.
When the animal's dish was ready, he arranged it on plates. He looked more meticulous than a chef with how detailed he was. And when he set the plates down, I couldn't help but drool at the delicious smell and sight.
He turned his back for a moment, and when he returned, he was holding a bottle of wine. I gave him a sharp look.
"Are you sure about that?" I asked sarcastically.
He looked at me, then at the bottle in his hand. He thought for a moment. He shook his head. "Probably not."
He put the bottle back and came back with a pitcher of juice instead.
Probably scared I'd burn him alive.
He poured into each of our glasses. And when he made sure everything was ready, he faced me with a smile.
"Enjoy the salmon steak."
He was obviously very proud of his cooking. I rolled my eyes before digging into his boasted dish.
In fairness, it could compete with Eman's cooking. Fancy salmon turned into steak. At home, it'd be drowned in oil while being fried, half-cooked on one side and stuck to the pan on the other.
A proud Filipino dish.
He started eating, too. I usually have rice for dinner—just a little since it's already nighttime. Three scoops of rice and a huge serving of the main dish. My aunt doesn't like pure meat at night because she says it's unhealthy, so dinner was often vegetables or fish.
"So, how's life while I was gone?" he asked like he was talking to a long-lost lover who he'd hurt and betrayed, only to come back acting like nothing happened, offering to buy factories and all of Marikina. Idiot!
I gave him a nasty look while taking a bite of the fish. I chewed it slowly before swallowing and sipped juice from the wine glass—because I couldn't drink alcohol or I might end up offerering him to the flames.
"It's been great. Promise," I answered dramatically. "Kidnapping's been a joy." Then I flashed him a plastic smile.
He nodded repeatedly. "It's my fault—"
"Oh, good thing you know!"
"Look—"
"Can we not? I'm eating." I complained, and it seemed like he got the message.
We ate in silence. I enjoyed the fancy salmon. When we finished eating, the silence continued. I could tell he was probably thinking of how to get me to wash the dishes.
I'm not washing them. Suffer.
"Would you like—"
"I'm not washing the dishes!" I interrupted.
He burst out laughing. "I was about to ask if you want some desserts."
"What... What is it? Is it good?" I asked, feigning curiosity.
"Of course," he said and he stood up.
He opened the fridge and took something out. He also grabbed a saucer from the cupboard before starting to put something on it. I waited a few minutes before he handed me a serving of chocolate ice cream with whipped cream and vanilla syrup.
SOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!!
I was already smiling before I started devouring in.
"You like it?" he asked.
"Who wouldn't?"
He laughed again before resting his chin on his hands while watching me. That's when I noticed he didn't have any dessert like I did.
A strange feeling suddenly came over me"W-what did you put in this?"
"Whipped cream and vanilla syrup."
I narrowed my eyes at him, squinting even more than a Korean or Chinese person. "Just that? Just that?!"
His forehead creased. "Should I have put something else?"
"Nothing else? You really didn't put anything like what you made me drink water before?" I accused.
It seemed like he understood what I was implying. He shook his head while smiling. "No. I did not put anything else."
I pointed my spoon at him. "I'm telling you! I'll really get Kuya Angelo to beat you up."
"Like I'm scared," he muttered, but I still heard it.
I'll tell Kuya on you. Just you wait.
I just continued devouring the ice cream. He kept watching me like he was enjoying seeing me eat so happily.
"I miss you," he suddenly said.
"I miss yah too," I answered absentmindedly.
My eyes widened when I realized what I had just said. I looked at him and then at the ice cream I was eating.
"I miss yah ice cream! I miss yah too!" I said, poking at the ice cream with my spoon.
"Of course. You miss the ice cream," he said, with that teasing smile appearing again.
He kept smiling and laughing. It made me want to punch him until all his teeth fell out.
"You're so annoying!" I said irritably. "Why did you even come back?"
His smile faded, and I wouldn't deny that my heart hurt a little when his eyes turned sad. His eyes had a sad face.
"For my siblings. For my friends." He paused and looked at me. "For you."
I could no longer eat properly. I just kept poking the bowl with my spoon.
"Why didn't you just stay there? Your relatives are there. Go find new friends. Find a new girl."
"It's easy to find a girl. But it's not easy to find someone to love." He shook his head. "And why would I look when you're here?"
You're struggling with speaking full Tagalog, huh?
"Am I your girl?"
"No. But you're the one I love."
Ulowl.
I quickly finished off the remaining ice cream before standing up. I didn't want to hear whatever he was going to say next.
"I'm done. I'm going to rest," I said and turned away.
"Jay, please," he called, stopping me.
I let out a heavy sigh and faced him again. "It's scary to listen to what you're going to say. What if it's not true again?"
"I have no reason to lie to you again."
I shook my head and looked away so he wouldn't see the tears welling up in my eyes.
"More than a month. For others, that's just a short time. But for me—who's been waiting for your explanation—it felt like forever." I quickly wiped the tear that escaped. "I had so many questions I wanted answered. I told myself countless times not to hope anymore, but I still do."
He was about to approach me, but I quickly turned and walked away.
"I just want to rest," I said without looking back at him.
Even though my feet ached, I hurried up the stairs back to the room where I had woken up earlier. I closed the door as soon as I entered and wiped my tears.
Damn you!
I knew it. That's why it's never okay for it to be just the two of us. If I don't end up going home pregnant, I'll end up going home with my heart wounded again.
I wanted answers. I desperately wanted them, but every time I thought about what he might say, the things he said when the truth came out would creep into my mind. What if I get hurt again? I might not be able to handle it. I might end up slapping every couple I see.
I was frowning as I walked into the bathroom. That idiot said there was a cabinet inside with clothes I could use.
And there really was a big cabinet. It could've passed as a walk-in closet if it didn't lead directly to the bathroom. The door folded in. Must be a bifold type since the panels naturally folded in two when opened. Impressive!
There were lots of clothes inside. Everything—from full outfits to even bikinis and underwear. I checked the size and narrowed my eyes when I saw they were exactly my size.
Damn it! How did he know my size?
I just grabbed some clothes, including a t-shirt and pajamas, before heading to the bathroom.
My eyes widened when I saw my reflection. I looked worse than a beggar with how dirty and messy my hair was. And then I had the nerve to get all dramatic in front of him.
I just pouted before taking off all my clothes and stepping under the shower. Good thing all the essentials were here—shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, feminine wash, foot scrub, and all sorts of other washes.
Brainwash.
After showering, I dried my hair for a bit before lying down on the bed. I knew that idiot wouldn't sleep here since there were other rooms he could use.
And besides, he better not try anything or I'll beat him up. Let him just try breaking our deal.
I'd kick his little junior.
I really thought I'd fall asleep quickly because I was so tired. But after rolling around so many times, my mind was still wide awake. I had already turned off the lights, closed the windows, and turned on the ceiling fan, but nothing worked.
I even counted the sheep I could eat. Cows, goats, pigs, deer, and even a python—I counted them all. My eyes were still wide open.
I figured I'd try drinking some milk. They say it helps you fall asleep. I just hope there's some here.
I quietly opened the door. The lights in the living room were off, but the front door was still open. He probably didn't bother to close it since no one else was here anyway.
I was about to head straight to the kitchen when I glanced outside the door.
That idiot was sitting on the terrace ledge, chugging a bottle of wine. It looked like he'd had quite a few already, with three empty bottles beside him.
I knew he had a strong liver and a high tolerance for alcohol. But I couldn't help wondering what was going through his mind right now.
I decided to just go back to the room. I didn't want us to run into each other and have him try to open that topic again.
I lay on the bed on one side. I had been staring at the closed window for over an hour when I heard the door open.
I forced my eyes shut. I also gripped the sheets tightly when I felt the bed sink slightly behind me.
Damn you! Damn you, seriously!
I could barely breathe especially when his arm wrapped around my waist as he hugged me from behind. I wanted to scream loudly, but I chose to hold it back instead.
"Jay," he whispered against the back of my neck. "I know you're awake."
Shit! Shit! Shit!
"Breathe. I ain't doing that to you," he said, and my breath escaped.
"L-let go, you idiot," I ordered.
"Please, let me sleep like this. I've been having trouble sleeping since I came back. My body clock is still adjusting," he explained.
"N-no way. I-I'm leaving."
Instead of listening, his embrace tightened around me. There was no way I could sleep with him doing this.
I could push him away and break his bones so he'd leave. But then suddenly, I felt… pity. Even though, if you think about it, I was the one more pitiful because of what he did to me.
I let him stay, just as he asked. But I had no intention of sleeping—I needed to make sure this Judas's hands didn't wander.
"It hurts," he said, surprising me. "It hurts so bad seeing you in so much pain. And it doubled because the reason for your pain is me." I didn't react. "Every day, I keep wishing that your feelings would never change. I'm so scared that one day, I'll wake up and you no longer love me."
His hug tightened even more. Then I felt him quietly sobbing behind me. It was like my heart was being squeezed. I cried silently along with him.
Why does it feel like it's my fault he got hurt? Did I want this? Is he the only one who doesn't deserve to be hurt?
Damn you!
"I know you won't forgive me that easily. But I will still take my chance."
I chose not to speak. I cried silently like a fool. I didn't know how long we cried together until I fell asleep.
I woke up feeling someone kissing the back of my ear. Instinctively, my hand shot up to smack the offender.
"Ow," he complained softly.
I scratched the back of my ear before turning over — a big mistake. I felt lips kissing mine, trying to deepen it. Arm was still wrapped around my waist.
Jerk!
My eyes snapped open, and my senses fully awakened when I saw the shameless guy. The idiot's eyes were still closed as he feasted on my lips. I immediately slapped him, and he pulled away from me.
He touched his cheek, looking at me with complete confusion.
"You jerk!" I shouted before sitting up.
"W-what? What is that for?"
"What! I'll what-what your face!"
I stood up and moved away from him, just in case he tried something else.
"Good morning to you too," he said sarcastically.
The jerk acted like he didn't know anything, but he couldn't fool me I knew he was just pretending to get away with his nonsense.
He said he wouldn't do anything.
I just rolled my eyes at him and headed straight to the bathroom. I made sure the door was locked to keep that fool from following me. I washed my face and went through my morning routine. I also changed clothes.
Good thing I found a hair clip. I used it to tie up my messy hair, which was all over the place because I was too lazy to comb it.
True beauty hates combs.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I glanced at Kei —kwanan. The fool was still sitting there, looking lost and probably still wondering why I slapped him.
"Get up already! Cook me breakfast!" I ordered.
He looked at me with one eyebrow raised. "After slapping me? Cook your own breakfast," he replied, lying back down.
Look at this jerk.
I marched over and started kicking him lightly. "Is that how you guys are? Once you get what you want from a woman, you stop serving her?"
He suddenly sat up, his eyes wide with shock. I giggled softly, seeing his hair sticking up in every direction.
"Excuse me, I haven't gotten what I want from you yet."
"And what's that?"
A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Lots of kids," he said, reaching to pull me toward him, but I quickly met his face with the sole of my foot.
"Kids, you say? Here! Make kids with my foot! Have them! Go on! Have them!"
I hadn't scrubbed my feet since yesterday — He was probably getting a nice whiff of that smell.
Gross!
He backed away while holding his nose. "When was the last time you scrubbed your foot?"
"Yesterday, maybe," I replied with a teasing smirk. "Now get up and cook my breakfast."
I turned my back on him and went to the kitchen. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long. He had changed clothes and washed his face, but his hair was still sticking up everywhere.
I secretly laughed at him because I didn't want him to think I was okay with him now. But I couldn't deny that after hearing that from him, I felt a bit of sympathy. What if he was hurt by what he did too?
Serves him right!
My stomach growled when he laid out fried rice, hotdogs, longganisa, tocino, and eggs on the table. I didn't wait for him and started eating right away. He was about to sit down too when we heard the sound of a radio. It was like someone was talking, followed by a signal noise.
Kei —kwanan— quickly walked off to check it out. He grabbed something from the side table in the living room table before heading outside.
I let him be and continued eating. I nearly finished everything, but he still wasn't back. It seemed like there was a problem.
I saved him some food, just in case he got mad at me.
I left him one hotdog with a bite taken out, a slice of tocino, one longganisa, one egg, and a scoop of fried rice. It was more than enough for someone like him. I didn't want him to think that I didn't care.
Good for him, at least I saved him some.
I covered the food on the table before going outside to follow him.
He was still talking on his walkie-talkie. I slowly approached, hoping to overhear what they were talking about, but it seemed like he'd be there for a while.
I decided to walk towards the beach and play in the sand. I built my sandcastle and little house. No ugly things allowed here. I was going to add a dragon and a lion, but maybe I'd just put Kuya Angelo instead—he's scarier than both.
I even drew the faces of the serpents in the sand, along with Percy and Aries. And now I can prove that I'm good at drawing.
Although they didn't exactly look human.
I heard Kei—kwanan—say goodbye to whoever he was talking to, so I approached him.
"What was that about?" I asked.
"We have a problem," he said seriously.
A wave of anxiety hit me. "What problem?"
"Angelo is looking for us."
Oh no. Funeral. Burial.
"D-does he know we're here?"
He shook his head. "I just bought this island. The papers aren't processed under my name yet."
I didn't know if that was a relief or not.
"But there's another problem," he added. "We can't leave this island. He will surely find us."
I tugged at my hair. I'd rather die at the hands of my brother Angelo — or maybe he should just die instead. I was innocent in this whole thing! I was kidnapped!
I looked at the ocean. I'd swim for it. I'd swim away from this place.
"Jay?" he called out, but I ignored him.
"I'm going home," I said, running toward the water.
"Hey! It's dangerous!"
"I don't care!"
I'd rather come home a cold corpse than return with a living person in my belly. I'd die either way if that happened.
I'm going home!