5 - By The Bay

The door swung open and I was glad that I was saved. There I saw Mel looks shocked when she saw Thaddeus.

“Ow, you have a visitor.” Sabi niya sa boses na gulat pero kita ang pilyong ngisi sa kanyang labi. Napairap ako tsaka tumayo at hinayaan si Thaddeus na ligpitin ang pinagkainan ko.

“So, what are you doing here?” Tanong ko kay Mel tsaka napaupo sa upuan ko at kinuha ang papers sa kabilang lamesa para ipagpatuloy ang pagbabasa.

“When did you got here, Captain?” Mel asked Thaddeus. Captain? Huh? Captain? Ng alin? Pagkakaalala ko Thaddeus wants to be a seaman. Is he a captain now?

“Last month.” Nakangiting sagot ni Thaddeus. Napatingin naman saakin si Mel na may kahulugang ngisi.

“Ow, and anong ginagawa mo rito? Sinadya mo lang ba si Cali?” Tanong niya pa, pero nakatingin ito saakin kaya iniwas ko ang tingin ko at pinagpatuloy ang pagbabasa ng reports.

I made myself busy while they're having a conversation, but I can't help to listen.

“Oh, I signed a contract earlier. And I noticed Cali didn't have her breakfast and it's nearly lunch, so...” I feel Thaddeus stare at me, but I didn't bother to look at him.

Mel chuckled knowingly. "Always looking out for her, huh?"

Thaddeus shrugged nonchalantly. "Just making sure she's taking care of herself."

I tried to ignore their conversation, but the tension in the room was palpable. Thaddeus being here, as a captain no less, was unexpected and unsettling. His presence stirred up memories and emotions I thought I had buried long ago.

“Anyway, I should get going,” Thaddeus said, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled between us.

Mel nodded. “Sure thing, Captain. Don't be a stranger.”

Thaddeus glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “Take care, Calliope.”

I nodded curtly in response, still avoiding his eyes. As Thaddeus left, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Mel watched him go with a knowing smile, then turned to me with raised eyebrows.

“So, Captain Thaddeus Dela Vera, huh? Didn't see that coming.”

I sighed, feeling conflicted and unsure of what to make of Thaddeus's unexpected visit and newfound title. But one thing was clear: his presence had reopened a chapter of my life I thought was closed for good.

“So, may mukhang magbabalikan ah.” Pangangasar ni Cali.

“As if,” I replied dryly, trying to mask my inner turmoil. I noticed an email notification and opened it to read. Napansin ko may email akong natanggap kaya binuksan ko iyon at binasa.

“Bakit naman hindi? I can see that Thaddeus is trying to be with you again. And I know that you still love him, Cali. What's stopping you?” Mel's voice was earnest, but her teasing edge remained.

I glared at Mel, feeling irritated by her presumption. "You're not exactly helping, you know."

Mel shrugged, unfazed. "Just saying it as I see it. You two have a history, and it's obvious there's still something there."

I sighed again, setting aside the email and rubbing my temples. "It's complicated, Mel. A lot has happened between us."

The pain, and everything…

She nodded sympathetically. "I get it. But maybe it's worth exploring, especially if Thaddeus is serious this time."

"I don't know if I can trust him again," I admitted quietly, my gaze drifting towards the door where Thaddeus had left.

Mel leaned forward; her expression serious. "People can change, Cali. Maybe it's time to give him a chance."

I mulled over his words, torn between the past pain and the lingering feelings I had buried deep inside. Could I really open my heart to Thaddeus again after everything that had happened?

“Why don't you focus on your work and own love life, Melpomene?”

"Calliope!" Sigaw niya.

I chuckled. Ayaw na ayaw niyang tinatawag siyang Melpomene. Ang baduy daw. Kahit nga Mel ayaw niya sana kaso nasanay na kaming tawagin siya nun. Kesa naman Autumn itawag namin sa kanya, mas ayaw niya. Hindi naman daw siya season, pero ugali ay pa-season-season.

Mel left after our conversation with the launching of the cruise ship. Pupunta kami next week doon para tignan lahat ng facilities and rooms and even the engines if they're working fine. We need to secure everything before using the ship. Baka kasi may problema at billion dollars pa ang mawala saamin. We can't afford to lose that.

Mel and her team are working on the marketing para makahakot ng passengers, as its first trip from Amsterdam to Singapore. As for the itinerary it's a Asian to Far East destinations.

I engrossed myself with work, as I was loaded with several papers for signing, approvals and for documents that needed to be revised tomorrow.

Nang sumapit ang alas siyete ng gabi ay kaagad na ako nagligpit nang gamit at handa na sanang umalis nang may kumatok sa pintuan ng opisina ko.

Bumukas iyon at iniluwal si Thaddeus na nakasuot ng baby blue polo at naka tucked-in iyon sa itim niyang pantalon. Nakabukas pa ang dalawang butunes sa kanyang polo kaya kita ang itaas na bahagi ng kanyang dibdib. His hair disheveled.

His sharp and magnetizing pitch-black eyes meet mine. Sa sobrang itim ng kanyang mga mata ay halos malunod ako sa kanyang mga titig.

And then, my heart keeps on traitoring me. Ang tanging tao lang na nagpapatibok ng puso ko.

“Good evening,” he said and a sweet smile plastered on his lips. His mood was so good to have that kind of smile on his face, while I was so stress because of the workloads today.

“Why are you here?” I coldly asked. Lumapit naman siya habang ang mga kamay ay nasa bulsa ng kanyang pantalon. He walks... Gracefully. Like he's walking on a runway. Ang dami talagang nagbago sa kanya, and I can’t help but to be so proud of him.

Bakit ba puro komplimento ang nabibigay ko sa kanya ngayong araw? Tsk.

“I told you, I will fetch you.”

“Hindi ka ata busy,” sabi ko sa kanya habang sinusuot ang coat ko at kinuha ang bag ko para umalis na.

“Yeah, I'm waiting for my Baby.” Napataas naman ako ng kilay. Pero tumawa lang siya at wala nang sinabi pang iba. Baby? Who? I don’t want to assume, pero ako lang naman ang tinatawag niyang, baby. O baka naman may ibang baby siya. Tsk.

He keeps talking while we're on our way to the parking lot. Sinabi ko sa kanya na magkikita kami ni Zen sa beach, kaya hinatid niya ako doon. Pero hindi ko alam na sasama din pala siya.

Kaya pareho na kaming naglalakad patungo sa restaurant na sinasabi ni Zen. Malapit lang iyon sa beach, walking distance sa tabing dagat, kaya sobrang lamig ng simoy ng hangin na dumadampi sa mga balat namin. Marahas din ang alon ng dagat, but it was a familiar feeling.

"Cali!" Tawag saakin ni Zen. Kumakaway pa siya habang kasama ang fiancé na nakahawak sa bewang niya at nang makita si Thad sa tabi ko halos mapunit na ang ngisi niya sa kakangiti.

Parang kahapon lang may pagbabanta pa siyang sinasabi saakin dahil kay Thaddeus, tapos ngayong nakita kaming magkasama e, halos mapunit na labi niya kakangisi. Baliw din nito e no. Hindi ko talaga matandaan kung bakit naging kaibigan ko siya!

"Ow, hi Thad." Bati niya rin kay Thad. Ngumiti naman si Thad at nagbeso-beso silang dalawa. Inirapan ko si Zendria nang makita ang nakakalokong ngiti saakin. “Damn you.” I mouthed at her, but she just chuckled.

"Captain Dela Vera!" Bati naman ni Andrei kay Thaddeus.

"Chef Monroe." Binati din ng lalaki si Andrei. And they did a friendly man-hug. Siyempre, magbarkada ang dalawa during highschool.

Captain? Kanina ko pa naririnig 'yan ah. Captain sa saan ba?

"He's a ship captain, Cali." Wika ni Zen, dahilan para mapa-huh ako. Tumawa naman siya at pinulupot na ang braso niya sa braso ko.

"A ship captain. Hindi ka naman bobo Cali para hindi maintindihan iyon, hindi ba?" Asar na sabi ni Zen saakin pero kaagad ding tumawa at hinila na ako papasok sa restaurant.

Since Friday ngayon at walang pasok bukas, nagbalak na mag-clubbing si Zen malapit dito. Hihindi na sana ako dahil marami pa akong gagawin, pero Zen keeps pulling me.

"Come on, Cali! Just one night. You need a break," Zen insisted, her grip firm on my arm.

"Okay, okay," I relented, finally giving in to her enthusiasm. "Just for a while."

We eventually reached the club, the neon lights casting vibrant colors on the bustling street. The music thumped loudly from inside, a steady beat that matched the pulse of the city. As we entered, the familiar smell of alcohol and sweat greeted us, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter.

Nag-uusap at tawanan naman sila Andrei at Thaddeus sa mga bagay-bagay, siyempre nagkakaintindihan ang dalawang cheater.

We found a table near the dance floor, and Zen immediately ordered drinks for us. I watched as the waiter brought over a tray of colorful cocktails, each one more enticing than the last. I picked one up, taking a tentative sip. The sweet, fruity taste was a welcome distraction from the thoughts swirling in my mind.

"Let's dance!" Zen exclaimed, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the dance floor.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the two men who were now watching us with amused expressions. But Zen's infectious energy was hard to resist, and soon I found myself swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Pero nang napagod na ako ay muli akong bumalik sa inuupuan namin, I found Thaddeus lustrous stares at me. Inirapan ko siya pero napatawa naman siya ng mahina. Nakita naman iyon ni Andrei kaya inaasar na niya ngayon si Thaddeus.

"Magbalikan na kaya kayo, dinadaan niyo pa sa tinginan e." Natatawang sabi ni Andrei.

Sa inis ko ay kaagad ko siyang binato ng chips na kaagad niya namang sinalo gamit ang bibig niya. Napairap ako sa ginawa niya.

"Oh, com'on, Cali! Stop reading your emails!" Zen exclaimed, grabbing my phone.

"Hey!" Sigaw ko kay Zen nang kunin niya ang cellphone ko. I was reading a email from dad's secretary.

"What? Are you getting married?" Takang tanong ni Zen. Kaagad kong kinuha ang phone ko at inexit lahat ng apps.

Napansin ko naman ang matalim na tingin ni Thaddeus pero hindi ako nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya.

The email I was reading was a proposal marriage arrangement from the Malaria Family. Matagal na iyon, pero laging nade-delay ang kasal namin ni Xian Malaria, dahil sa hindi ako ready at ayoko, at ayaw din ni Xian. But both of our parents keeps pestering us.

And now dad wants to be partnered with the Malaria. The Malaria Family has an airlines business. Mukhang pati iyon ay gustong sakupin ni daddy.

"Kanino? Huy, Cali! Bakit ka nagsesekreto saakin?!" Naasar na sabi ni Zen pero hindi ko siya sinagot. Para saan pa? Hindi rin naman matutuloy iyon.

Zen kept asking me about my fiancé, but I stayed silent, especially since Thaddeus was right beside us. Kaya ayon nagtampo si Zen kaya sinundan ni Andrei at kami nalang dalawang naiwan ni Thaddeus dito sa club.

Naglakad ako palabas ng club at ramdam ko namang nakasunod si Thaddeus saakin, pero hindi ko na pinansin. Masyado akong pagod para makipagbangayan pa sa kanya.

And I was glad that Thad is following me quietly. Bitbit ko ang heels ko habang naglalakad sa buhangin. Suot ko naman ang coat kaya kahit paano ay hindi ako nakakaramdam ng lamig.

Kaninang uwing-uwi na ako, pero ngayon ay mas gusto ko na tuloy muna makapagpahinga dito sa may tabing dagat. And when I found a perfect spot for me to stay, napaupo ako roon.

I closed my eyes, feeling the cold breeze on my skin and the waves crashing against the shore. It was a feeling that had been so familiar to me.

"Why... Why did you leave me, Cali?" he asked calmly, but his voice cracked, betraying the pain in his words.

May kasalanan din ako. I left without saying a thing to him. I didn't let him explain himself, kasi para saan pa? Kung kita ng dalawa kong mga mata ang paghahalikang ginawa nila ni Lila. I was hurt. But I'm not desperate. Kung alam kong ayaw na saakin ng tao, kukusa naman akong aalis. Kahit na wala nang pali-paliwanag.

"Do you love him?" Sunod niyang tanong nang hindi ako sumagot sa kanya.

Him? He mean my fiancé?

"I have no reason to answer your questions, Mr. Dela Vera," I replied coldly.

He laughed softly, bowing his head. I heard his faint sobs, but then they stopped as abruptly as they began.

"Right, you've always been like this, Cali. Why am I not used to it by now?" he said with a bitter smile.

"But don't expect me to stop trying to win you back, Cali. I've come too far to turn back now," he declared, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. He was looking out at the sea, lost in thought. I followed his gaze, my eyes landing on the expanse of water.

As I stared out at the ocean, memories of our past flooded my mind. The sea and the sky had witnessed our love story unfold. They had seen the joy, the tears, the arguments, the reconciliations, and eventually, our separation. They had also seen our achievements, how we celebrated the small victories in life, and how deeply we loved each other.

And now, once again, they bore witness to this moment. We sat in silence, both of us gazing at the sea. The waves crashed violently against the shore, as if mirroring the tumultuous emotions inside us.

One evening, as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Thad had turned to me with a seriousness that was rare for him. "Cali," he had said, "do you think we'll always be like this? Happy and free?"

I had laughed, swatting him playfully. "Of course, Thad. We'll always have this. No matter what happens, we'll have our little piece of paradise."

But paradise, it seemed, was not meant to last. Life had a way of intervening, pulling us in different directions. And now, here we were again. Older, maybe wiser, but still carrying the weight of our past. The sea and the sky, ever constant, looked down on us, bearing witness to the continuation of our story.

Thad broke the silence, his voice softer now. "Do you still remember the first time I brought you to beach, to confess?"

I nodded, unable to speak. The memories were too vivid, too painful.

"I was so nervous," he continued. "I thought you will reject me." He chuckle nervously. "The ocean became our own little world, where nothing else mattered."

"It was," I whispered, finally finding my voice. "But things change, Thad. People change."

"Do they?" he asked, his eyes searching mine. "Or do we just let the world get in the way?"

I didn't have an answer. Maybe it was a bit of both. The world had a way of complicating things, of making simple truths seem impossible.

"We were happy," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "We could be happy again."

I turned to face him, the man who had once been my everything. "Thad, you can't just come back and expect things to be the same. We've both changed. We've lived our lives apart."

"Maybe," he admitted. "But the feelings, Cali, those haven't changed. I still love you."

The weight of his words hung in the air between us, heavy with possibility and regret. The sea continued its relentless assault on the shore, a reminder of the passage of time and the constancy of nature.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future. "I don't know, Thad. I just don't know."

He nodded; his eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Cali. And I don't expect you to. I just want you to know that I'm here, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

I sighed, looking out at the sea. The waves were a constant reminder of the passage of time, of how things change and yet somehow remain the same. Could we really find our way back to each other after everything that had happened?

Natahimik siya nang hindi ako nakasagot sa sinabi niya. Why? Bakit ngayon pa, Thad? Bakit ngayon na unti-unti ko nang tinatanggap lahat ng nangyari sa nakaraan? Bakit ngayon pa na sobrang tahimik na ng buhay ko.

"Let's go home, Cali. Baka magkasakit ka pa." Sabi niya tsaka tumayo. Nilahad niya ang palad niya sa akin pagkatapos niyang pagpagin ang sarili.

I held his hand to have support since I was wearing a fitted dress. His touch was warm and familiar, sending a shiver down my spine. He helped me up gently, making sure I was steady before we started walking back to the car.

The silence between us was heavy with unspoken words. The tension and unresolved feelings seemed to swirl around us like the cool night breeze. I could feel his gaze on me as we walked, but I kept my eyes forward, focusing on the path ahead.

We reached his car, and he opened the door for me. I hesitated for a moment before getting in, the leather seat cold against my skin. Thad walked around to the driver's side and got in, starting the engine without a word.

The drive was silent, the only sounds coming from the hum of the engine and the occasional passing car. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, memories of our past mixing with the uncertainty of our future.

When we arrived at my place, Thad parked the car and turned to me. "Can we... start again? By being friends?" he asked shyly.

His request caught me off guard. Friends? After everything that happened between us? It felt like an impossible proposition. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw a sincerity that was hard to ignore.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts. "I don't know, Thad. It's complicated."

He nodded, understanding the hesitation in my voice. "I get it. But maybe we can just take it one step at a time. No pressure, no expectations. Just... see where it goes."

The idea of starting as friends seemed both safe and terrifying. Could I really separate the past from the present? Could I let go of the pain long enough to see if there was something worth salvaging?

"Okay," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "We can try."

A small smile spread across his face; relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Cali. That means a lot to me."