Chapter 5

Shane'

  

I can't believe she's saying that. She's very unbelievable.

"Ano bang sabi sayo Shaney?" Had Sandy read my mind?

"Ano?" I inquired. Should I tell her?

"Anong sinabi sayo?" She's a close friend of mine, so perhaps I might share it with her.

"She likes me," I noticed confusion in her gaze.

"I'm serious, Shane." Do I seem to be kidding her?

"I'm serious as well."

"Shane? Do you want to play? Ano ang sinabi sayo nung kambal bakit hindi sila pumasok? She likes me? Ano ba yun ha? Tuloy na tuloy ba bromance niyong tatlo?" Oh,

"Ah. I had no idea." I assumed she—

"But what makes you believe she likes you? Uy Shane, what is it that you're referring for?" I told her it was nothing, but she kept poking my biceps.

"Wala bang sinabi sila Alfie sayo?" I responded to the question,

"Uh wala nga eh. Hoy! huwag mo nga ibahin yung usapan?" And he grabbed my arms.

"Ah!" It hurts like hell.

"Shane, you're so mysterious na ha? Sino nga nagsabing she likes you? Kilala ko ba 'to? Clue naman jan," she said as Ms. Obrie walked in.

"What's the deal with the shout?" She shifted her gaze to us, and the girl next to me waved at her.

"Good morning class, please sign on our chart now," she said to the person in the middle row, and she began talking about it. I was staring at her, and she seemed unconcerned about what happened last week.

"Lumilipad nanaman ang isip ko,

 Na para bang ako'y nasa kalangitan." Sandy began singing as she pinched my arms once again.

I tend to ignore her, but I can't ignore the pain on my skin. It aches a lot.

"That's all for today's talk, but before I go, I'd really need to make announcements regarding our University's Halloween celebration, which will be happening this Friday."

Just at the event, Ms. Obrie addressed, each of us expresses our thoughts on what makes a good costume.

But I'm still stuck on Sandy's endless questioning, so I simply patted her on the back and wished her luck with her interview later.

"Alam mo ba sa lahat ng interview dito lang ako sobrang kinakabahan?"

"I'm confident you'll get the job I promise."

"By the way, students, if you win the best costume, the prize is a three-day vacation in Baguio City with all costs paid, including food, lodging, and transportation for the entire section, as well as exemption from all activities or tests that they will take here during your stay."

Our room was filled with shouts and chit-chat.

Everyone agrees, "That's a fantastic deal."

"Mam, would you join us in Baguio?"

"Good question. One more thing, students have the power to choose their adviser for the event. Kung sino yung gusto nila kasama na mag portray ng characters at maglakad sa red carpet in the party. Of course, siya din ang makakasama niyo if ever you won." In the end, each of them votes for Miss Obrie to be our adviser for the upcoming competition. I'm not bothered. I could afford it if I want to.

"I'll just drive you to the Restaurant Sandy," I suggested.

"OK. Ano pala sadya mo don?" I don't genuinely think I should tell her either.

"They sell food so I'm gonna get some food."

"Ah, may klase pa tayo ah."

"Yes,"

"Baka nag-aalala ka lang sakin ha? Kaya ko sarili ko magko-commute nalang ako." she says.

"I can't afford to see a female in a miniskirt seat in a crowded vehicle."

"Gentelmen ang kumpare ko. Sige kung ayaw mo papigil edi let's go."

I opened the car door for her and saw Ms. Obrie staring at us.

Is she?

"Ah—" she stepped away before I could finish my sentence. I don't see her car here; perhaps she parked it someplace.

"She's impossible," I said as I fastened my seatbelt.

"Sino nanaman Shaney? May nakikita ka bang hindi namin nakikita? Mygad. Huwag ka manakot ha."

"Nevermind."

"Wait," she said as she stepped out of the vehicle.

"Where did you go?"

"Kinakabahan kasi talaga ako so nag-CR muna ako. Let's go na talaga totoo na 'to." She's been silent the entire time, so I guess she's worried right now. I simply want to laugh. I can't picture her reaction when he sees us on the panel later. Sandy's plight saddens me.

"Your clothing looks great on you," I added.

"Thank you," she replies without looking back.

Wow.

I wasn't expecting her to respond that pretty fast.

Sandy goes into this 'Syempre everything looks nice to me as I do,' and she's like a new person.

I realize it's a good time to play a joke on her. I messaged the twin, and I'm presuming they're preparing something as well lol.

"Anong nakakatawa?" I didn't realize I was laughing.

"Next!"

"You know what, what's the sense of having so many applicants, therefore, you've chosen someone for the job already?" Carlos said.

"Well, we can't cut the line, so just keep asking," I advised.

"I even skipped class simply to have seen this dude."

"Keep up the fantastic job hahaha."

"Antagal niya. Ilan pa ba si Sandy? Gusto ko na makita yung reactions niya hmft," Alfonso whispered.

"Good morning, everyone," She said as I took a girl's file and began reading the application.

"Tell me a little bit about yourself," Carlos began. As a result, the girl began to introduce herself.

After the interview,

"We'll call you," I assured.

"I appreciate the chance to interview with you today; you provided me with a thorough overview of the job. Thank you." Then she left.

"You know what I mean. She's really excellent. And I believe she can provide us with the service we need."

"Indeed," I said, adding that she was well-qualified for the role.

"Was it a service we wanted or a service you desired?" Alfonso muttered before hurling a folder at his brother.

"Both. She can do the job here as well as the job for me. She'll also have a fantastic position here and a fascinating position on me." We all chuckle and go on to the next one.

"Next!" Alfonso yelled.

"Good morning, every-w*-what are you all doing here?" It's Sandy, and we're all w*tching her go in, pretending not to recognize her during the interview.

"Bakit nandito kayo? Shane hindi kana pumasok sa second period? Tsaka pala absent kayong dalawa ha?" she continued :

"You may now sit, Ms. Montenegro," Carlos said, but you could sense the uncertainty in her eyes.

"Sandali mali ba yung pinasok kong room? I'm sure dito pumasok yung mga kasabay ko eh," she says as she hops up and opens every door she sees inside the office.

"Do you want this position, Miss?" Alfonso asked specifically.

I'm impressed at how peaceful he is now and how he doesn't react negatively to Sandy.

"Oo naman Alfie— Uh? Wait sino sa inyo si Alfonso? How could I forget? Sabagay kalimot-limot naman yung unggoy na yun." She was awaiting to see how the identical brothers would respond.

To be honest, I can't even figure them out if they're both quiet and serious like that.

They are nearly identical; they just differ in their speech patterns.

"Do you realize what's going on, Miss? I'm going to throw your résumé in the garbage if you don't behave yourself." I could see she was scared. Oh, I was already hating myself.

"Eto parang mga hindi friend," she responds, still trying not to seem weird.

"Tell me a little bit about yourself."

"Hello, my name is Sandy Montenegro—-"

"No stop, don't waste our time as well as yours, you didn't make it into the job," he said.

"Alfonso, kung galit ka sakin dahil sa ginawa ko sayo kahapon, let me finish my interview. I need this job badly."

"My name is Carlos actually."

"Hindi nga? Carlos is that you? Oh sorry, bad errors hahaha. Continue."

"Hindi mo ako nakilala gelpren?" Sandy didn't speak much but rather stared at me, as if she was pleading for extra help.

"Yes, Carlos was on my right, and this is Alfonso on my left."

"As I said, Sandy isn't eligible for the job. The girl who just left has become the most qualified among you, and we can't just pick you because we are best friends, and we also value the profitability of that firm."

"Are you sure, you're Carlos?" He removed his coat and lifted the sleeves of his blouse to reveal his initial.

"Ano ba tingin mo sa akin Sandy walang puso? I could even give you my kidney." Alfonso remarks as he walks alongside her.

"No one knows. Saktan lang ako ang alam mo," he said, pushing him.

"Alam mo Sandy, I can purchase you much business you want as long as you use my surname. It's as easy as that. Maging Mrs. Alfonso Rossi ka lang."

"Alam mo, hindi ka nakakatulong, mas nakakasama ka pa ng loob. Naiiyak na ako oh!"

"What? The offer I made was excellent. Wala kang ibang gagawin kung hindi dalhin yung apelyido ko. San ka makakahanap ng ganon kadaling trabaho? Magpaganda at pasayahin lang ako ang kapalit. Deal?"

"Or be my model instead," Carlos adds.

"Model? Go ahead Carlos, I'm listening," Sandy said with a smile.

"I believe you have potential; I will further give you a modeling class to attend, and we can collaborate on anything else you want to."

"How much?" I just picked out my phone and let them chat.

"We can speak about it, and I'll call you to tell you where you'll sign the contract."

"Pick your own price, just be my wife Sandy. "

"Alfonso seryosong usapin'to," says by Sandy,

"Seryoso ako," he says.

"However, I'm taking Carlos's offer." I don't have further to say about it so we just left.

"Alam mo Shane, wala akong makitang malipara tanggihan ni Sandy yung offer ko."

"Baka kasi puro 'tama' mo nakikita niya hahaha."

"Seryoso ako dude."

"So do I."

"Hindi ka ba nagtataka?"

"Tungkol saan?"

"Ayaw niya sa akin pero gustung-gusto niya kay Carlos eh magkamukha lang naman kami. Yung palagi niyang pinupuri na nose bridge ni twin eh meron din ako. Ang ganda daw ng mata niya eh ganoon din naman yung sakin hindi ba? Collector nga lang ng babae yun siya pa ginusto."

"Perhaps he noticed something remarkable about Carlos that he didn't notice in you."

"Like? Kung gusto niya ng gwapong mga anak maibibigay ko naman. Kung pera lang din bro alam mo namang hindi mapapahiya si Sandy sa akin. Isa pa ano bang pagkakaiba ng magiging anak nila sa magagawa namin? Well for sure mas sweet yung akin tsaka gentelmen."

"Really, andon kana? Hahaha."

"Shane, iniintindi mo ba ako?"

"Of course I do," I replied.

"Lahat ng mayroon si Carlos, mayroon din ako. Lahat ng kaya niyang ibigay kaya ko naman higitan ah? Lahat nga pinaparaya ko para sa kaniya tsk." I could sense his hatred.

I offer him another bottle of beer, which he instantly sips.

Actually, I don't know how to comfort a man.

"Wait, you're admitting you're serious about Sandy?" He simply stares at me and keeps drinking.

"You know I'm better than him."

"You know what?" We turned around to see who was speaking, and it was Ms. Obrie.

"Identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg and can share the same placenta and have two separate or, in rare cases, one amniotic sac; They share all of their DNA and are always of the same sex, much like your situation with Carlos, though it's normally like that — same in complexion, hair, and eye color, but remember you may have one face but two hearts and personalities."

"Hindi ako pumunta dito Miss para makinig sa Gemellology class niyo," he stated quietly.

By the way, what exactly is gemellology? I looked it up and discovered it was research about twins. I had no clue Alfonso had such a wide range of vocabulary.

"As somewhat of a necessary consequence, twins become competitive and/or jealous of one another over time due to their unique and deep attachment, which creates judgments; this rivalry is based on the reality that twins measure themselves against each other."

"I know." I offer her a seat and she started to advise.

"Never blame anyone for not liking you. Don't you think it is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not?"

"I get it. Thank you Mam. Wala talaga ako sa mood."

"No problem. I had no idea you were so serious about Ms. Montenegro ha. I remember the exact moment I met you two. You're cute. I mean you'll make a lovely combination, you're both fun to be with." Hearing that from her, I'm surprised.

"Pero alam mo mas funny, Ma'am? Hindi mo talaga naaalala kung kailan yung exact first meeting natin." I'm starting to get curious to know that.

"What exactly do you mean?" I'm waiting for Alfonso's answer as well, but he simply looks away.

"Come on, dude. That's your eleventh bottle already." I want to take the bottle away, but Miss Obrie stops me and says, "Just let him."

"Ano, bro, hayaan mo ako. Okay, binili ko lahat 'yan kaya uubusin ko."

"We've got a class tomorrow." I try to convince him,

"I'm sure Miss Lantana is aware of the cause for my absence. Am I right Mam"

"Of course. Hangover."

"Hahaha. Ano ba lesson bukas Mam? Discuss mo na ngayon para kahit hindi na ako pumasok bukas madadagdagan yung laman ng mataba ko nang utak. Come on, bring it on Mam."

"Actually, the topic for tomorrow is about alcohol. Dahil andito ka nalang din, can you tell me if this beer helps you with your problem or simply makes it worse?" I'm not sure if she's serious or just playing with Alfonso. But he answered it whose, not a typical Alfonso.

"I drink today because I can't contain my feelings anymore. It worsens my problems and mental health. They may see me drunk for drinking, but not my dying heart. Do you know what I'm saying, Mam? I believe this beer in my hand provides relief, and it may well do; however, this will only be temporary. I just read this study where they prove that moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits, such as: Reducing your risk of developing and dying from heart disease. Also your chances of having an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the arteries leading to your brain become restricted or obstructed, resulting in drastically decreased blood flow. Furthermore, it may lower your chance of developing diabetes. Isn't wonderful? Hahaha."

  When we heard Alfonso's response, our jaws literally fell; I instantly lifted his sleeves to see the letters, and he's definitely our Alfie.

"Mr. Rossi, you have expressed it well. Alak lang pala magpapatalino sayo hahaha just kidding."

"Hahaha. Okay ka talaga Mam eh no? Ako naman may tanong sayo. Anong tingin mo sa kaibigan kong 'to?" He placed his hand around my neck, so I put it down.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Is he charming, seductive, or is he your type?" I poke his shoulder, knowing she'll make Miss uncomfortable.

"Enough, buddy. I'll drive you home. Miss Obrie, you don't need to respond," I added. I'm afraid she will answer I'm not her type it's so annoying for sure.

"How about you, Mr. Rossi? What do you think about Ms. Montenegro?"

"Uh. She's... Uhm, my greatest, best, best buddy," he continued, his voice shaky.

"She's your best friend? How about me, dude? I'm envious ha."

"Ano ka ba, andito naman yung best, best, bestfriend mo ah? Ayan oh si Miss Lantana. I'm also jealous about your relationship, hmm. She was once your friend and more than what you could imagine of my brother. Kaya sikapin mo bumalik yung memory mo, ay sinasabi ko sayo ang gagandang bata ang magawa niyo ror."

   I merely want to chuckle at his statement or perspective, but something inside of me pressures me to believe. I redirected my eyes to Miss Obrie, and to my curiosity, she is staring at me. I'd say she's puzzled as well. And if you get this close to her, there's no arguing she's a real beauty. I see her bite her lips and then stand up.

"Uy! Bakit mo tinititigan ng ganon si Mam? Shaney ah don't tell me... hoo! Feeling ko masusuka na ako ugh." I covered her lips with my hands, he was obviously sober.

"All right, I'll drive you now; let's go."

"Bakit? Para masolo mo si Mam? Naku talaga Shaney ah. I'm kidding make a lot of babies okay? I trust you."

"Stop it. She could hear you, and she may think I'm a pervert like you."

"Don't you?" I pick up the bottle he was carrying and support him to stand.

"Miss, you can lock the door once I go; I have my key," she just nods, and we proceed to the door.

"Wait, wait, wait. Mish Lantana-ah It feels like I can't talk to either of them and I'm hurt. Kindly give me some advice."

"Forgive my friend. Your particular relationship with your brother is that if anybody else in the world will continue to get or be a confidant of your need, it's him, and it's always him."

"You're the best Mam."

"You are also wonderful dear."

"Ok, restore your connection with your spouse as well," he remarked as we walked into my car.

So she's married; I'm curious how Alfonso found out. He gives me a thousand questions right now. I wanted to ask him, but I'm not sure he'd be able to give me the truth.

When I arrived home, the door was not locked.

I slammed the door open, and she was about to swallow the beer remains when I interrupts her.

"Are you supposed to drink, Miss?"

"What do you think of me at sixteen? I don't need anyone's approval."

"All right, but I've already drunk it twice. My saliva was there. If you want, I'll open you one," she sigh but rather placed the bottle on the table and sat across from it.

"I'm a grown-up now. If I want to, I'll drink."

"If you wish, I have no objections."

"You know what, I haven't tasted any alcoholic beverages since." I just walk to enter then realize what she just said What? But the first time we met her she was drunk.

"Are you kidding me?" I responded, picking up the bottle.

"I'm serious, dude!" We're at it again. She's being rude to me again, again.

"It's not a problem if you drink. It's healthy and good for teenagers, in my opinion."

"I told you I'd never tried one!" It's clear she's serious. But she's very wasted on that particular day. Should I approach her? Maybe not. I should have let her live her own life. Okay.

"Do you recall the first time we met?"

“Uh. Why do you ask?

"When we saw you, you were drunk."

"No, I'm not drunk."

"You were a little tipsy and dizzy, weren't you?

"That's correct."

"So you're wasted."

"Incorrect. I stated that I am not Mr. Lafitte."

"How can you explain it?" She begins to rise, so I suppose she's now on her way to her room.

I also begin clearing the table and emptying the bottles into the garbage container.

"Ayaw na ako kausap mo?" She pushed me back, and I sat my butt down again.

"I assumed you'd gone to bed already."

“Why? I'm not in primary school anymore, therefore I can't sleep this early."

"However, we have an early class."

"I understand. But this week, we'll be preparing for the Halloween celebration."

"So we don't have class?"

"Ah, technically, meron, but nag meeting kami ulet kanina, and they suggested that we dedicate this entire week to preparing. Because all of the advisers are trying to compete.

However, naniniwala ako na kaya natin manalo don eh."

"It's not necessary."

“Why?"

"Simple, I can afford to. Around Baguio for three or perhaps a month."

"Yabang! Buti ka pa eh pano naman yung mga hindi?" I believe I just heard Sandy's attitude toward her.

"That's what I mean. I don't have to work too hard. I just need it for extra grades and curriculum."

"Oh. Alam mo, hindi ko nga ineexpect na nakakasama ka pala sa Honor Society eh."

"I'm offended you know. In Elementary and High School I graduated Valedictorian. I am the current Editor in chief of this University's publication. You should do some research first."

"Hmm. Oo na. Syempre yung chickboy na katulad mo mag-stand out sa course tulad ng Engineering, impossible."

“Ano? Ako chick boy? I haven't got a girlfriend."

"Exactly, sino naman papatol sayo huh kung sino-sino inaangkas mo?"

"Sandy is a friend of mine."

"That was the greatest con we'd ever heard,' she's just my friend,' blah blah blah."

"Wait, why are you criticizing it? Why are you so affected?"

"Of course, as your instructor, roommate, and parent's close friend, I'm only worried about who you date."

"Are you, by any chance, jealous?"

“What?" I covered my ears because she yelled so loudly, and it was 12 a.m. in the clock.

"Be as silent as you possibly can."

"Napaka-feeling mo, Mr. Lafitte. Sobrang buti ng parents mo sa akin, and they beg me to care after you, so ginagawa ko lang yung trabaho ko."

"When was the last time you spoke with them?"

"That was yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"Sabi mo 'minimize your voice' makasigaw ka naman jan." she shouts back,

"They don't even pick up my calls. What did they have to say?"

"Tinanong nila whether I'm all right and if I'm pregnant."

"Pregnant?"

"Yeah."

"Bakit ka nila tatanungin ng ganon?"

"Perhaps they think they can get away with it here," she said calmly. Wait a minute, I've got it.

"I'm correct."

"Right for what, exactly?"

"My parents do consistently set things up with odd females. This time, akala ko titigilan nila ako since I'm not now living with them. Natuwa pa ako na may sarili akong bahay, and yet all they want is a grandchild. They don't even question whether I'm still alive."

"Alam mo andami mo nang sinabi. Syempre joke lang yun. Despite the fact that we share a room, I'm still your Proctor and you're my student, okay?"

"Wait, however it is not real?"

"Of course not! Bakit naman nila iisipin na magkakaroon sila ng apo sa ating dalawa?

Come on, dude."

"Bakit lugi ka pa ba sakin?"

"Ano nanaman bang sinasabi mo? That's another inappropriate question."

"Why do I look horrible to you?"

"What are you thinking? They knew you're not legally allowed upstairs, don't you?"

"I have no desire to move there; Anyway, ikaw lang naman ang naninilip sa akin habang natutulog ah?"

"I'm not spying on anyone."

"Eh sino yung nakita ko noon?"

"Baka kamukha ko lang."

"Excuses. Aamin na lang kasi hirap pa," I replied, but rather she rolled her eyes and kept eating. She's eating popcorn, soda, potatoes, and a sandwich.

"Did you starve yourself somewhere?" She simply keeps eating, so I decided to sip my drinks.

"Am I now drunk?" she questioned.

"You started appearing to be one."

"See, but I didn't drink any alcohol." I don't understand. What exactly does she wants me to do if he is indeed drunk without consuming beer?

"I said you looked like one, but how could I tell if you were just acting?"

"Why don't you come close to me and check my face."

"There is no need; please take a seat and finish your meal."

"Hindi eh ayaw mo maniwala eh. Wait for mo ako Jan," I can't stop her as she takes the seat next to me. She can't even able to stand. Maybe she was faking it. We're now sharing a single couch.

"Mr. Lafitte, tignan mo ako mabuti."

"I can definitely see you, so step out a bit closer."

"Flushed skin," she said, putting both of my palms on her cheeks. This is quite embarrassing.

"I'm dizzy," she adds, and now places my palms in her head.

"Burping." Miss Obrie burps right in front of me.

"Dehydration," she whispered, taking my hand again and resting it in her neck.

"Ugh, dry mouth." I guess she let me brush her lips. It was soft and pretty.

What am I thinking? Even where I was, I could hear her heartbeat.

"Pero ang alam mo ang pinaka ayoko? Yung nagkakaproblema ako sa mga memorya ko at nawawalan ako ng konsentrasyon. I could barely know what am I doing." She was already so near that I raised my head since there wasn't enough room for us.

"Oh, nabanggit ni Mr. Rossi kanina, did you also lose your memory?" she asked,

"I was involved in a horrible accident and have just recently returned from a one-year comatose."

"Wow, you're really lucky, aren't you?"

"Lucky? Na-aksidente nga."

"Pero hindi lahat nagigising pa sa comatose ano ka ba."

"Wait, you said you'd lose remembrances if I did?"

"Yeah. Tulad mo naaksidente din ako two years ago, and yeah, I'm also a comatose survivor."

"My injury happened two years ago as well. Wow, really wouldn't ya agree it was a strange similarity for us?"

"Oo nga. Hindi kaya tayo yung magkasama noon? Hahaha kidding." We both start laughing at the coincidence.

I keep listening while she continues to speak.

Then she carefully placed her hands around my waist while leaning her head into my chest. What exactly is she doing? This is unacceptable. But I can't afford to disrespect or push a female. Oh, my good lord, she's actually hugging me.

I'm a gentleman, so I can't just stand up and walk away. We're all alone here so there's no problem no one will see. We are all alone here.

"Yes, I do."

"How is that possible?"

"You know what Mr. Lafitte gustung-gusto ko na mag-I do. Feeling ko na-iinsecure ako kapag matagal na akong nababangko."

"By any chance, you want to marry sooner?"

"I do LOL," she exclaims, clearly wasted from the sandwiches and potatoes. How could that be possible? Also, we're all alone here, but how would I answer no while she's holding me?

"Wait, aren't you married yet?" That question just automatically went out of my mouth. Maybe it is because of the beer, I'm can't control myself. I actually hate this sensation.

As though I'm still a man, and she's—-, and we're all alone. I can't focus!

"Dapat tinanong mo muna ako kung may boyfriend ako hindi ba?"

"Oh, my bad; so you do have a boyfriend?"

"Silly me hahaha."

"So you don't?" I exhaled deeply and waited for her reaction. What's the matter with me?

I can't afford to hear that she's already taken. It's not impossible, right?

"Of course! Because I'm married," she said, showing me her finger and revealing that she is indeed wearing a wedding band with engraved initials and anniversary.

"So where's the lucky person, Miss?" He is truly fortunate.

Miss Obrie is a hottie, talented, and humorous.

To be honest, I enjoy it.

I waited for her answer again, but she just lean into my chest.

"Hey, you just told me you're married, yet you're embracing your students?"

"I know what I'm doing; I know who you are, but I have no idea who my spouse is."

"Alam mo Miss, naguguluhan na ako sayo, nalasing ka kahit hindi ka uminom ng alcoholic drinks, gusto mo ikasal pero may asawa ka na pala pero hindi mo kilala?"

"I don't know him and where he is. Nawalan ako ala-ala hindi ba?" Oh, no.

I believe I'm a little tired.

"Oh, yes."

"Here's the twist..." She turned back to face me as she said.

"Naaalala ko yung mga initial relationships ko, pero not the ultimate one-man I married, weird right?" she joked, therefore I rested my right hand on her head.

She grinned with her eyes closed, and god, she's adorable.

What am I talking about when I acknowledge she's my teacher?

"Since I woke up after my accident, my parents have constantly paired me up with numerous females, but none of them have been my partner, although there is one girl who is always there in my dream and I don't even know whether she truly exists."

"Do you know who she is?"

"No, I don't, but she seemed so important to me back then." She was simply watching at me, so I stared back.

".........."

"Uh, Mr. Lafitte," I say.

"Um, Miss Obrie?"

"Would you want to swap pleasure before going to bed?" Is she serious? What's the deal, exchange pleasure? I'm not sure how to reply to her. Should I kiss her quickly?

"Sure, you go first," I said, allowing the woman to proceed. What should I do? I can't just touch or kiss her since I'm a gentleman.

"I think you're cute," she remarks, recognizing I'm overthinking it.

Other pleasures sprang to mind.

Oh, my values.

"I believe you're brilliant," I murmured, then averted my gaze. It just doesn't seem right.

It's absurd to imagine she's my instructor, that we're living together, and that we're currently exchanging pleasantries.

"Pero alam mo ba? Carlos is truly attractive ugh,"

"You're hugging me yet you compliment other men tsk."

"Ssh. Just don't tell him."

"Of course not. It's illegal if you had a connection with him, and he's easy to fall for, you know."

"Ako din kaya hahaha. As far as I remember, I had sixteen exes and I'm regretting why I married so young hays."

"I'm sorry, too; if you'd met me sooner, you'd be the luckiest lady on the planet hahaha."

"Hahaha maybe you're right, so I wanted to tell you that if you were my spouse, I'd kiss you right now." And gaze back at me.

"Really, if you were my wife, I would kiss you back." I believe the wink at the end is a hint—-

"Uhm," she said as we kissed. She moves slowly, which I like. Miss Obrie was excellent.

"I thought you were hard to get," I said as we broke up the kiss.

"I thought you were a gentleman," she responded.

"I assumed you were innocent."

"I thought... Uh? Wala na akong maisip. Uhm..." Miss Obrie afterward began again.

While we started kissing, we pressed our foreheads together.

My entire body had been frozen for a minute and it's bad, I couldn't let go.

It gets deeper, and she doesn't want to stop either.

"Uhm,"

I could hear her moan as she savors this moment.

Her lips are the softest I've ever felt, like sucking into cold ice cream and bitting a sweet cotton candy. I know this is not right but I am just out of control. The alcohol perhaps worsens my urges.

I couldn't bear the heat any longer.

I looked at her when I thought she was about to move and saw her sit in my lap without breaking into a kiss.

I wouldn't lie when I said that she was on top of my *thing*.

She continued her work while caressing my head.

The moment, the sensation, and the romance.

"Pwede ba pigilan mo ako, please, otherwise I don't know what I'm going to do next," she pleads drunkenly, gosh she's cute.

How can I say no to her?

I know what I'm doing, but I'm not sure why I'm doing it now.

"Do anything you want," I responded comfortably.

Miss Obrie smiled, grabbed my hair, and kissed me again.

It's harder this time.

She does most of the movements.

So I slipped my hands down to her waist, and she began removing my shirt.

Our groans could be heard throughout the house.