ZION ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ang nakalagay sa napakataas na building sa harapan ni Trisha. Nag-undertime siya sa trabaho upang makausap si Marsden at pasalamatan sa pagbibigay nito ng regalo kay Jay.
Nang siya ay papunta na sa reception at the ground floor hindi niya maiwasang magworry kung ano ang magiging reaksyon nito kapag nakita siya. She wanted to thank him personally and perhaps to say sorry for the ultimatum. They might not see each other again but atleast they separated in a good way.
“Yes Ma’am?” tanong sa kanya ng magandang receptionist.
“Nand’yan ba si Mr. Hernandez?” aniya.
“May appointment po ba kayo?”
“Wala pero–“
“Pasensya na po ma’am hindi po kasi pwede kung walang appointment.”
“Importante lang talaga ma’am,” pakiusap niya dito. “He knew me, baka pwedeng itawag mo muna?”
Nagdadalawang isip ang receptionist mabuti na lamang at paglipas ng ilang saglit ay kinuha nito ang telepono at tumawag sa opisina ni Marsden.
“Trish?”
Agad nilingon ni Trisha kung sino ang tumawag sa kanyang pangalan and she smiled nang makita ang papalapit na kaibigan.
“Hi Max!”
“Hey!” bati nito at lumapit sa kanya for a beso-beso. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, gusto ko lang sanang makausap si Marsden.”
“He’s not here. You should have called him.”
“Sana nga tumawag muna ako.” Ngumiti siya while waving her cellphone.
“Let’s go to my office for a cup of water, coffee or me?” pabiro nito.
Natawa siya dito, kaya pala magbestfriend ang dalawa pareho silang charmer.
“Thanx for the offer Max pero okay lang… I’ll just call him, bye Max and thank you ma’am,” paalam niya sa mga ito.
“Bye Trish, you’re welcome anytime. No need to ask the reception.” Kinindatan nito ang receptionist na napangiti na lamang.
“Next time…” At tuluyan na siyang umalis. Kung may next time pa, nasabi niya sa sarili.
Dumiretso na siya sa sakayan ng jeep sa may kabilang kanto. She was disappointed and partially relieved na hindi niya ito nakausap. Siguro nga dapat tumawag muna siya.
★★★
“Bakit ba dito ka natulog bata ka! ‘Wag ka na kasing mag-alala sa ‘kin apo, okay na ako,” saad ng lola ni Marsden nang makita siyang nakaupo sa gilid ng kama at kakagising lang. Nakahiga ito sa malapad na kama at may nakakabit na dextrose sa kaliwang kamay nito.
“Don’t worry Gram, I’m fine. I wanted to stay with you,” aniya sabay kuha sa kanang kamay nito at hinaplos. “You scared me!”
Tumawa ito ng mahina. “Kunting hilo lang ito, talagang eksaherada lang ‘yang kaibigan ko.”
“You fainted Gram. Mabuti na lang at nakita ka ni mama,” aniyang alalang-alala dito.
Tinawagan siya kahapon ni mama, ang matalik na kaibigan ng kanyang lola na siya ring kasa-kasama nito sa bahay. Nakita nila itong nakahandusay sa hardin kaya naman agad siyang lumipad papunta dito sa Tagaytay from his branch in Cebu where he had a business meeting with a client for a day. Agad niyang tinawagan ang personal doctor nito.
“Mild lang kasi dapat ang exercise Gram. You don’t need to do zumba. Com’on! You are still sexy,” pagbibiro niya dito.
Natatawa itong tinapik ang kanyang kamay. “Bolero kang bata ka.”
“I’m serious! Come with me. I’ll take care of you.” Seryoso niyang saad dito at kinuha ulit ang kulubot nitong kamay. He caressed the wrinkles in her hand. The hand of the woman who took good care of him and love him more than he could asked for.
“I’m sorry Gram…for leaving you.”
“You didn’t left me. You always make your presence known even you’re far.”
Tinatawagan niya ito three times a week even just to bid her goodnight and always monitored her health through her doctor kahit noong nasa Amerika pa siya. Last month he stayed here for one week para bawiin ang ilang taong hindi niya ito nakasama. He was still guilty for leaving her then.
Hinaplos nito ang kanyang pisngi. “I’m so happy you’re here. I can hold you and pinched your cheek.” He laughed when she did what she said. “Just like the cute little boy you used to be.”
Still laughing Marsden stand up and checked his wristwatch. “It’s time for your dinner.” Pumunta siya sa pintuan and asked the housekeeper for the food.
Nang makabalik siya ay unti-unti na itong sumasandal sa headboard. Agad siyang pumunta dito para tulungan.
Alam niyang ayaw nitong nanghihina at sanay na palaging may ginagawa kaya naman hindi na niya ito pinagalitan. “If you wanted to work in the garden, bring Sally with you.” Tukoy niya sa dose anyos na anak ni Nanay Medring na kasambahay nila.
“Pero–“
“Gram! Mabuti na lang at may nakakita sa’yo agad. You told them you’re going to take a nap and then nasa garden ka pala planting.” Marahan niya itong pinagsabihan.
“I’m just transferring the roses dear,” paliwanag pa nito.
“Naiintindihan ko na ayaw mong walang ginagawa, just bring Sally with you next time okay?” Pakiusap niya dito.
Napatingin sila sa pinto nang pumasok si mama na may dalang tray ng isang mangkok ng sopas at tubig.
“Oh ano pinagsabihan mo ba anak?!” bungad ni mama nang ilagay ang tray sa lamesita.
“I told her to bring Sally with her everytime she wanted to go in the garden.”
“Oh narinig mo bestie? Hindi ka na bata, may mga limitasyon na tayo. Makinig ka sa apo mo,” saad ni mama Gelda.
Napabunong-hininga ang kanyang lola. “Oo na sige na, kapag nababagot ako maglalakad-lakad na lang ako sa hardin.”
“Good!” aniya sabay appear kay Gram. Hanggang ngayon nangingiti pa rin siya kapag naririnig ang tawagan ng mga itong bestie, sabay lang sa uso.
Nakangiti pa rin siya habang pinapanood ang pagkain nito ng sopas. Sinusubuan ito ng kanyang mama. “I need to make a call and I’ll come back later so eat well, okay?” aniyang papalabas na ng kwarto.
“So pumayag ba si Mr. Uchico sa condition natin?” tanong niya sa kanyang assistant na nasa kabilang linya. Nasa study siya at nakaupo behind the massive desk.
“Yes sir! Napakasaya nga niya eh. Ang sabi niya atin ang pinakamagandang deal kaya siguradong closed deal na ‘yon pagbalik mo.”
“Very good Hans, maasahan ka talaga. Kumusta nga pala ‘yong regalo para kay Jay?”
“Natanggap na nito at balita ko sir napakasaya daw nito at naiyak pa.”
Napangiti si Marsden. Masaya siya na kahit papaano nagustuhan nito ang regalo. Gusto sana niyang makilala ang mga kaibigan ni Trisha pero parang hindi na mangyayari.
“Thanks, just call me if something needs my attention. I’ll be back in a couple of days.”
Nang ibaba niya ang cellphone ay tumayo siya, took a glass and a bottle of brandy inside the small liquor cabinet at the corner. He poured a brandy into his glass at binuksan ang malapad na glass door at lumabas sa terrace. He enjoy the magnificent view of the hill below.
Dito sa rest house na ito nagbabakasyon silang tatlo ng kanyang lolo and lola. Nang nagsimula na siyang magtrabaho sa kompanyang pagmamay-ari ng kanyang lolo ay lumipat na ang mga ito dito at siya naman ay naiwan sa Makati upang palitan ang kanyang lolo as CEO.
Alam niyang ayaw iwan ng kanyang lola ang bahay na ito dahil dito naiwan ang mga masasayang ala-ala nila ng kanyang lolo.
He took a deep breath and leaned on the wall at the side. Ala-ala. Marsden looked at the horizon and think about the ultimatum Trisha gave him. While drinking he was contemplating if he was ready to share everything to her. He grinned mockingly. Trisha thought the nightmare will cease if they won’t see each other again but she was mistaken. Being with her actually eases the pain of being reminded how he haven’t had the chance to say goodbye to his mom.
“Masaya ako at nandito ka na.” Lumapit sa kaya ang kanyang mama Gelda. Sumandal ito sa railings at nakaharap sa kanya.
Nginitian niya ito. “Thank you for being with her ma no’ng mga panahong wala ako dito para sa kanya.”
“Naiintindihan ko anak at tsaka masaya akong kasama ang bestfriend ko at tumira dito. Eh kumusta naman ba?”
“Okay lang, medyo busy sa trabaho dahil sa plano naming expansion.”
“Balita ko nagkita na kayo ng mga kaibigan mo.”
“Yeah!” napangiti siya nang maalala ang mga kaibigan. “We had fun.”
Hinawakan nito ang braso niya. “Masaya ako at nagkaayos na kayo. Napakasaya ninyong mga bata kahit na pressure kayo sa status ninyo sa buhay.” Tumitig ito sa kanyang mga mata. “Don’t be a cynic in love anak. Your time will come.” She patted his shoulder before leaving and Marsden was left alone thinking about the cynic thing. Is he?
“Hey little sister!” bati ng kanyang kuya Marco sa kabilang linya. “Hey big bro! Kumusta ang mga pamangkin ko?” Nakaupo siya sa supa at nanunuod ng food channel nang tumawag ito. Two days na silang nago-overtime dahil palapit na ang year-end kaya naman ngayon ay wala siyang ganang maglinis. “Okay lang namimiss ka–“ “Tita uwi ka na dito–“ saad ng limang taong gulang na si Angel. “–miss ka na namin,” sabat naman ng apat na taong si Margoh. “Miss you too dearest!” aniya. “Dito ka magpapasko tita?” tanong ni Margoh na nauutal pa. “Siyempre! Wala na siyang nobyo eh,” saad ng kanyang kuya. “Kuya!” natatawang saway niya dito. One month ago inamin niyang wala na sila ni Drake pero hindi niya sinabi dito kung ano ang totoong dahilan. Ang alam nito siya ang nakipagbreak dahil hindi na niya kaya ang pagiging busy nito. Naintindihan ito ng kanyang kuya dahil abogado rin ito at gan
Startled, agad niyang itinulak ang pinto. Naisip niyang gumamit ng bagay ang mga magnanakaw upang itulak ito ngunit narinig niya ang tila mga suntok at sipa at mga ungol sa labas ng kanyang kwarto. “Trish?” sabay ng malakas na katok sa pinto niya. “Mars?!” Hindi siya makapaniwalang ito ang kumakatok. Pero hindi siya maaring magkamali. Boses ito ng kaibigan. “Are you okay?” nag-aalala nitong tanong at itinigil na ang pagkatok. Inalis niya ang upuan at binuksan ang pinto. Agad siyang yumakap dito at umiyak ng umiyak. Walang tigil na tumutulo ang mga luhang kanina pa niya pinipigilan. Nang makita ang kaibigan, para siyang nahulog sa napakadilim na bangin nang biglang may sumilaw na liwanag…lahat ng takot at desperasyon ay nawala at napalitan ng kaligtasan at kaluwagan. She took refuge in his embrace. He hugged her tight and slowly caressed her back and head for comfort. “Everything is fine…the
Hindi maiwasan ng batang si Marsden na mainis sa kanyang ina dahil priority nito ang trabaho. Palagi itong wala, palaging may business trip kaya naman palagi rin siyang mag-isa sa napakalaking bahay kasama ang kanyang yaya at mga katulong. Mag-isa siyang kumakain, natutulog at naglalaro. Sa kanyang murang edad alam niyang may ibang pamilya ang kanyang papa. Simula’t sapul ang kanyang mama, lolo at lola lamang ang tinuturing niyang pamilya. Nang mag-away ang kanyang mama at lolo nagdisisyon ang kanyang mama na lumipat sila ng bahay sa San Juan. Masaya si Marsden no’ng una dahil pinili ng kanyang mama na ituon ang pansin sa pag-aalaga sa kanya…sumasabay sa paglalaro ng lego, sa pagprepare ng kanyang meryenda at mga gamit sa school. Sa tuwing umuuwi siya pagkagaling sa school libangan nila ang manatili sa music room hanggang oras na ng dinner. Tinuturuan na siya nito simula pa no’ng
Trisha opened her eyes and swiftly looked at the door, still feeling the sensation of fright in her nerves. Huminga siya ng malalim and calmly looked at her side. Napangiti siya ng makita si Marsden na katabi pa rin niya at hindi siya iniwan. The lampshade was dim but when her eyes adjusted with the dark, she felt before she saw the deep and rapid breath Marsden took. Umupo si Trisha at hinawakan ang noo nito to check if he was having a fever but a cold sweat touched her palm and Trisha knew he was having a nightmare. The nightmare he was trying to fight alone. “Mars?” sabay mahinang tapik sa pisngi nito. “Hey stay with me,” saad niya ng marinig ang mahinang ungol nito. His eyes were closed and brows were furrowed showing a troubled face. Trisha shoke his shoulders but he seemed so in deep that he can’t break free. Worrily Trisha touched his cheek smoothly and partially lay down on top of him. She heard the
Trisha woke up alone. Matagal rin siya bago nakatulog. Alam niyang hindi na bumalik si Marsden sa kwarto kaninang madaling araw. She was actually dreading the awkwardness kapag nagkaharap sila muli. “Oh my God!” bulalas ni Trisha nang maspasulyap sa wall clock. Alas-onse na ng umaga. Hindi niya akalaing makakatulog ng mahimbing at nakakahiyang isipin that she slept the day away. Agad siyang pumunta sa banyo at inayos ang sarili. After washing her face itinali niya ang kanyang buhok in a loose ponytail. Nakita niyang nasa kusina si Marsden. Her stomach complained of hunger ng maamoy ang adobo at sinigang. Napangiti siya ng makita itong nagluluto sa harapan ng stove. He looked domestic with an apron on and singing the usual “Linkin Park” which was playing in the living room. “Ang bango naman,” bungad niya ng lumapit dito. “Thank you. I just showered,” anitong nakangiti sa kanya handsome
“Kumusta naman ang trabaho?” Marsden asked Vivien while they eat in a classic reataurant. “It’s almost done, baka next month matatapos na namin,” anitong nakangiti. Trisha concentrated on eating, trying not to hear their conversation. She doesn’t wan’t to feel more insecure habang unti-unting nalalaman ang mga bagay tungkol kay Vivien. She was also an engineer after all! Napatingin si Trisha kay Marsden when he put fresh lumpia on her plate and he even poured the sauce. How sweet! Isa ito sa paborito niya. “Thank you,” she appreciatedly said. “I know you’ll like it,” sabay kindat sa kanya. “Not really!” aniya. He was playing the part well para pagselosin ang babae. Hindi daw type. Liar! Marsden laughed at akto sanang babawiin ang fresh lumpia but she playfully pinched his side. She knew she have to pretend that they were lovey-dovie to help him out so she pasted a smile on her face.
“Ahmm…have a drink with me?” tanong ni Marsden sa kanya. “Please!” agad naman niyang sagot at isinirado ang car door. She was relieved dahil tama ito nang sabihing she was still in shock about what happened the previous night. Hindi niya mapigilan ang pagtaas ng kanyang mga balahibo sa batok nang masilayan ang madilim na apartment. Chloe will be here tomorrow for a sleep over. Galit na galit ito nang malaman ang nangyari at nagdesisyon na sa kanya muna matutulog for a week pagkagaling nito ng Cebu. Nahihiya siyang maging dependent kay Marsden dahil napakarami na nitong naitulong sa kanya. Mabuti na lamang at inalok siya nito ng alak. Makakatulong ito upang makalimutan ang paninikip ng kanyang dibdib sa tuwing maaalala na napakaimportante ni Vivien para kay Marsden, that maybe he felt something for her deeper than meets the eye. Napagkasunduan nilang sa condo ni Marsden na lamang mag-inuman. Dumaan sila ng convenienc
“You should forgive yourself first…to begin with.” Trisha said with a loving caress not just on his face but his heart. Marsden didn’t meant to share with her the anguish of a lost child and of a regretful man. He doesn’t wan’t her to be sad. But he felt light and relaxed with her as if she can heal him from the pain and hatred that keep on pulling him back. Without planning it, he was talking and telling her everything. From what happened before her mother died and what he’d became after. How he had not talked to his grandparents for almost a year. How he always had bruises on his face when he went home from school. How he hated music instruments. His grandparents knew how much he loved it. In High School, when his grandparents were called upon by the principal after the big fight that happened inside the school gym against Max and his friends, they’ve decided to have an appointment with a psychologist fo
After a while, she raised her head, blew her nose with her handkerchief and looked at him. He wiped a drop of tear upon her lip. “What happened?”“It’s because of me…it’s my fault, I killed an innocent child Mars.”“What are you talking about?”She retold Chelsea’s accusations and it angered him.“Nothing happened that night, I just let him kiss me to show him I don’t feel anything anymore, to have a closure, for him to leave me alone.”“Hey, hey, listen to me,” gently palming her cheeks with both hands. “It’s not your fault, it was an accident.”“I know, yet I’m so afraid…what if karma befell me. I know I shouldn’t because God won’t be that cruel pero kasalanan pa rin ‘yun. She lost her child because of me, because I let Ash kissed me that night. I have the choice to stop it but I didn’t–““And what are you afraid of? That someday it will also happen to you?” Napansin niyang natigilan ito. “We all have our sins Trish and what you think you’ve done is not even your fault at all.
It’s been a week since Trisha heard Chelsea’s reason for hating her and no matter how much she tried to be optimistic and stop herself from feeling guilty, she can’t. Because she was there, and Ash did kissed her and she let him, to show him that she’s not affected anymore, there’s no spark, that things have changed for months of being apart after she transferred to a public school. And also to close their relationship properly, to say goodbye, so Ash would stop those childish acts that forced her to come to him. Chloe was in Davao with her boss and Marsden was in Bacolod to close a big deal. She missed him so badly especially now that she’s feeling down. They talked over the phone yet being together physically is different. She can’t eat properly, she can’t even sleep for fearing of the nightmare that came to her that night after she and Chelsea talked. She woke up crying, feeling the pain of losing someone, her heart cried and ache for someone. Her baby, her own baby. Most
Weeks passed and Marsden and Trisha enjoyed every moment spent with each other. They read books together, do joggings together at the park Marsden usually do joggings. Marsden stayed with her in her apartment, together they went to the office and when Marsden needed to extend his time at work, he always asked Gareth, one of his trusted employees to drive her home using Marsden’s car.Trisha knew her friends noticed the change in their relationship but she always denies it. They both agreed to keep it secret and asked Chloe and Rudy to do the same. In the eyes of the others who knew them both they were just friends. Wala rin namang malaking pagbabago dahil sanay narin ang mga kaibigan na palagi siyang hinahatid at sinusundo ni Marsden pero siguro dahil na rin sa effort nitong mahatid siya araw-araw, at sa mga chocolates na dumarating, pati na rin sa mga pagkain kapag nag-oovertime sila kaya naman minsan iba ang ngiti ni Jay sa kanya.Everyday, waking up with Marsden was like livin
When Trisha woke up the next morning, she felt like someone who had finally woken up from sleeping for years. She just lay there and closed her eyes again to thanks God for this another day. Last night she thought it would be her last or if not, Arnel would definitely left her devastated and surely ruined. She wanted to cry again, not of fear this time but thankful and relieved to have her guardian angels. “Marsden,” she whispered as his face appeared on her consciousness. She can’t stop the blush traveling over her face as she remembered something else that happened last night. Naitakip niya ang mga palad sa mukha as the events played before her eyes. Feeling giddy for the words he’d uttered and guilty, definitely guilty for sleeping on him. When finally she decided to clean up and went down to the kitchen, her stomach growled with the delicious smell coming from there. Trisha thought him gone but she heard his voice singing along with the music on his phone. Nakita niyang b
Jade was calling Arnel for the hundredth time but it’s always out of coverage. She was anxious to know what happened and even excited to hear her enemy’s downfall. A sly grin slowly appeared over her face. Finally, if Trisha get devastated and change her positivity, Jade’s beloved Ash wouldn’t like the bitch anymore, and she will have him for good. Finally! Finally! But the bastard Arnel can’t be reached and it’s disturbing her nerves. She was about to leave and go to the bar where Arnel wasn’t banned when someone knocked on her bedroom door repeatedly. Her dad is in congress and her mom visited her friends. Who could it be? “I’m coming, I’m coming,” aniyang naiinis at padabog na binuksan ang pinto. “A-Ash!” Jade was a little bit shocked to see him and a sudden burst of anxiety dwells in her rapidly beating heart. What if Ash realized what she’d done? But he looked calm, maybe he is here to ask her out. She pasted her sweetest smile. “Hey, come in.” She led him to her sof
“We should terminate the contract to avoid being caught up with his illegal deeds,” Marsden said in anger. “But sir–“ “Your department is the one whose responsibility is to check the credibility of the people we get into contract with. How come, that this problem is here now taunting our patience.” He looked at their eyes one by one. “Don’t make me caught you receiving commissions from our clientele just for their papers to pass the screening.” They just looked down and received his scolding. This is a serious matter. These men are in the company even when his grandfather was still the chairman. He trusted their loyalties but someone is surely having his loyalty bought. “Sir!” bulong ni Hans sa kanya. “Nasa office mo si Trisha at Drew.” Napangiti siya nang marinig ang pangalan ni Trisha pero nagulat siya ng marinig na kasama nito si Drew. Worriedly, he excused himself at pumunta sa kanyang opisina. He saw Drew outside of his office. He was angry and worried while Drew re
“Mag-oovertime ako ngayon, I have a deadline which I think, is impossible to meet.” Kausap ni Trisha sa cellphone si Rudy nang tumawag ito habang papasok siya ng rest room sa kanilang floor. “I already explained it to her, pero hindi siya nakikinig and after the meeting she just left. I’m so sorry Ruds, pati ikaw nadadamay sa mga kalokohan ko.” “Ano ka ba, sumabay ka na sa boyfriend mo…ako na ang bahala sa sarili ko at tsaka minsan lang nga kayo magkatime, aayaw ka pa.” After assuring him she’s okay kahit na hindi siya masusundo nito mamaya, in.off na niya ang cellphone at ibinulsa sa kanyang blazer. Habang naghuhugas ng kamay, naisip ni Trisha ang meeting kanina. Thankfully, hindi siya late dahil every detail ng meeting ay importante. To start, Chelsea was having an indefinite leave. Unfortunately, as Chelsea is leaving, the staff are required to finish monthly reports this week and other necesarry reports for their new boss. Trisha handles four large branches and it’s defin
“God! She’s killing me!” Marsden whispered to himself when he got inside his car. It’s getting harder to control himself around her. He wanted to give in, he wanted to feel her, embraced her, wrapped himself with her heat. But his mind, the one who keeps on reminding him of his promise not to let his heart rule again over his head, waking him like a drench of cold water. He snorted with the thought that she wanted to learn flirting. She’s already a killer and he’s not sure if he can survive the next time. He tried to keep it cool, everytime this crazy attraction pulls him like a magnet and every day gets harder and harder to resist. Tomorrow, he should tell Trisha to stop what she feels because he doesn’t feel the same, such a big lie. He should stop this and if being far from her is the only solution then he had no other choice. ‘*** “Teka, ang aga pa ata nangangapitbahay ka na?” aniya
Days passed and Trisha and Marsden renewed their friendship. Eating together at breakfast and sometimes at dinner. But one thing that change is that he never sleepover anymore. Even when the rain never stop pouring, he always had reasons to go. Sometimes it makes Trisha laugh to think he was afraid that she would lose into temptation and ravish him at night. But then, reality also makes her sad that even though their friendship was returned, he was still careful and maybe just trying to spare her feelings…he might not have directly told her to stop but she felt how much he avoided her failed flirtations. It was not easy really, because Trisha don’t know how to flirt. With her previous relationships, she wasn’t actually into flirting, was not motivated or doesn’t have the chance or maybe theirs were different with how she felt with Marsden. However, she is quiet enjoying it. Everytime he looked at her in a way that to