Pagbalik ko ng campus ay nakasalubong ko si Rafus sa corridor. Our eyes met, and instead of stopping from my tracks, I walked past him.After a few steps, I felt a hand grip my wrist, and I was lightly pulled backward. I grunted overactingly and made a fake, annoyed face."What?"His lips were pursed, and his stares were calm and serious like he's studying me. Eventually, I felt the grip loosen, and the next thing I knew, his hand was on mine. I felt shiver in my body, and when his hand slowly moved on my palm, I felt like I was being electrocuted by a thousand volts.I took my hand from him as I drew backward. Seeing him right now only makes the conversation of Dani and Carys echoed in my mind. I slightly felt a pang on my chest. My vision was a bit blurry, so I tilted my head sideward."What's the problem? Is there anything wrong, hmm?" He asked in a calm voice, but I can almost hear the concern in it.Wipe my eyes, then simply
Our first day was smooth. Maaga kaming pinayagang umalis ni Mrs. Cattaneo at dumiretso nalang ako sa trabaho. Pagpasok ko ng store ay napasin ko agad si Rafus pero hindi ko pinaglaanan ng atensiyon kahit na ramdam ko ang mabigat niyang tingin."Good evening, Ate Reive!" Masigla kong bati nang makalapit ako sa counter.She smiled sweetly at me. "Good evening din sa'yo, Slaine!"Looking at Ate Reive, I'm not sure if she really is okay. I'm too afraid to ask because she might think I'm nosy with her private life. I understood why she didn't came to work that day, I could say that she still loves that Lazaro.I did my work seriously and I rarely took a glance at Rafus to the point I haven't noticed him exiting the store. Noong humupa ang bumibili sa store ay saka lang ako nagpaalam kay Ate Reive na maglilinis ng kalat sa mesang iniwan ng mga estudyanteng tumambay.I don't know if they saw the big sticker on the table about cleaning the place
Starting from that day, I started avoiding Rafus because every time I saw him, the scene in the library was always replaying at the back of my mind. How I was slapped hard by the reality that I won't be chosen by him. I bet Rafus felt relieved since there's no nuisance leeching around him anymore.Ibinuhos ko ang lahat ng atensyon ko sa work immersion. I sometimes help Dani when there's no available bagger. Hindi ko pa masiguro ang rating ko. Mrs. Cattaneo's a hard to impress. One time, when she's simply observing one of us, she wears that intimidating and stoical expression. Her lips were in straight line, and arms were crossed above her bosom.Good thing that happened when I was here in Cattaneo's Enterprise was that I didn't encounter shallow minded people and didn't see Rafus in my working hours.It's already last week of November, a week where our work immersion will come to an end. I could say that I've learned so much during my overall work immersio
"Pinapatawag na kayo ni Mrs. Cattaneo sa office," anunsyo ng babaeng empleyado.Nagkatinginan kami ni Dani bago tumayo. Katatapos lang naming magbreak time at sa tingin ko ay ngayon na ibibigay ni Mrs. Cattaneo ang rating namin.Naglalakad kami at ibang kasamahan ko sa work immersion papunta sa office ni Mrs. Cattaneo nang naagaw ng atensyon ko ang empleyado nila na medyo nahihirapan sa pagkukuha ng box sa wheel cart."Saan ka pupunta, Slaine?" Takang tanong ni Dani at napahawak sa palapulsuhan ko. Siguro ay naramdaman niya ang akma kong pagdistansiya. "Dani, sandali lang ha?" Paalam ko at hindi na hinintay ang tugon niya. Basta akong pumunta roon sa empleyado at tumulong."Uhm, you don't need to help— Aranza!"I smiled at him, then continued helping him on the box. He's the guy who's helping me sometimes when I'm struggling, so I guess it's time to return the kindness."Sy, ano ba? Okay nga lang, tulungan na kita." Sab
The food came, and all of us were already here in the room, including Rafus' mom. She gave a brief speech, and Rafus was standing beside her. Nagsimula na kami sa pagkuha ng pagkain at hindi lang ako ang napadami ng kuha kundi pati rin ang mga kasamahan pa namin.Sa bandang gilid kami umupo ni Dani at tahimik na nilalasap ang sarap ng pagkain. Inabutan na kami kanina ni Sy ng soft drinks."Ano'ng rating mo, Slaine?" Tanong ni Dani sa gitna ng pagkain namin. Hindi ko pa siya masagot dahil ngumunguya pa ako. "Ninety-four din ba? 'Yan kasi ang nakuha ko maging ang ilan at ninety three naman ang nakuha ng iba."Natigilan ako at napatingin kay Dani pero hindi niya ata napansin ang pagkabigla ko. How come I receive a ninety-six when it's just ninety three to ninety four on my co-workmates. I find it suspicious yet... I'm afraid to tell Dani. Hindi ko alam ang takbo ng isip niya at sa tingin ko ay baka may mali lang sa rating ko."Uhm, ano kasi Dani-""Is this seat taken?"Hindi ko natuloy a
"I just want to congratulate all of you for the successful work immersion! The school received good feedback from where you all conducted the work immersion!" Our adviser happily said. "For now, l want to tell you in advance about the accomplishment report that is needed to submit on the first week of March. It only means the span is two months and a half before the submission. Hindi pwedeng hindi kayo makapasa nito dahil hindi kayo makakagraduate ng senior high kapag gano'n."We all frowned, and some were giving comments about what our teacher had said."About our Christmas party, the cakes are on me class!" Sumigla uli ang mga bangag kong kaklase dahil sa sinabi ni Ma'am. Our teacher smiled while looking at us, and I couldn't help myself but smile also.Hindi na nagklase si Ma'am sa hapong iyon at nakipagpalitan naman si Dani ng upuan para makatabi sa akin. She told me everything that they discussed about our Christmas Party. The menu's, the program, the
We almost finished our food when the commotion occurred, and it made us seven to lift our heads. My eyes widened and can't take it off to those people."Oh? That's Sienna Gallegos," Helen said in wonder while her forefinger was pointing in Sienna's direction."And that's Shantal Salazar," Jangkit sighed."Namantsahan mo ang sapatos ko!" Pahisteryang sigaw ni Shantal at bahagya pang napapadyak.Nanatili akong nanonood sa kanila habang nakunot ang noo. Lumapit si Carys sa tabi ni Sienna para kampihan siya."Shantal, hindi ka naman siguro color blind, ano? Paano namantsahan ng color orange ang sapatos mo eh tubig naman ang binili ni Sienna? Isa pa, paano mamantsahan 'yan eh hindi pa nabubuksan ang bote ng tubig niya?" Matapos sabihin ni Carys iyon ay humagalpak sila sa katatawa ni Avianna at nahawa si Sienna."Ops, bobo spotted." Bungisngis ni Crezst sa tabi ko. Nakita ko rin na nagpipigil sa tawa sila Helen habang sina Dom at Lowel
Wearing a blue dusk colored off shoulder top in bishop sleeves and a black skinny jeans, I exited our house. I let my hair flow and curl the ends of it a bit. I paired it with my one inch ankle strap sandals. Instead of applying makeup, I only put a light amount of matte lipstick.It's Saturday, and today is the day where five of us agreed to buy gifts for the upcoming Christmas party.Nasa labas na ako, naghihintay sa sasakyan ni Helen na dumating. Sinasabi ko nga na huwag nalang niya akong sunduin dito sa bahay pero nagpupumilit talaga siya."Wazzup, Aranza!" Helen greeted. The driver's window was opened, and I can see her outfit from here. She was wearing a fitted black top in a spaghetti strap. She did her hair in Elsa-like braid and put it in the side. "Hop in, babe!"I entered the passenger seat and immediately fastened my seat belt. Napatingin ako kay Helen ng tumikhim ito at nakita ko ang pangisi niya. She paired her top with blue cargo pa
"Baby..." I heard Rafus spoke and I felt his presence in the bathroom.I stayed silent and acted oblivious. I don't want to talk with him at the moment because I know it'll end with screaming and fighting."Let's talk, I'll explain everything to you." His voice is cooing, and I just found him behind my back. His clothes are already soaking wet but he didn't left not until I faced him."Later... let's do that later." I said almost a whisper."No," he shook his head. The wet shirt is tracing his built. "We have to settle this now. I don't think I can last another second knowing something's off between us."My lips remain in thin line. I'm staring at him because I'm waiting for the words that will come out his mouth."That night when you finally gave me and our relationship another chance, kagagaling ko lang no'n mula sa dinner kasama ang pamilya ko at pamilya ni Aurora." He sighed and held my waist. His eyes were pleading and fille
"Be with me," Rafus whisper to my ears.The sunlight's already spreading everywhere, yet we're still here lying on my bed, both naked beneath my comforter.I hummed then buried my face more on his chest. "Where to?"He tightens the hug before kissing the top of my head. "Palawan. I brought a vacation house from Sienna, and I wanted to visit it with you."Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. I don't think I can get used to his handsomeness that will welcome me when I wake up in the morning. "Kailan ba ang plano mong bumisita roon?""Two days from now. Is that alright with you? We'll just fix what we needed to be fixed in the corporation, then I'll ask Rojas or Amadeus to look after the business for a while."I gasped audibly and blinked twice. "You're still friends with Amadeus?""Baby, what are you talking about? Of course, I'm still friends with Amadeus." Natawa si Rafus at inangat ang pang-itaas na katawan para kubabawan
I groaned when my clock alarmed loudly. I covered my face with the blanket, hoping that my sleepiness would visit me again, but failed.Marahan kong iminulat ang mata ko at ngayon ko lang natanto na walang sinag na tumatama sa mga mata ko dahil natatakpan ng kurtina ang sliding glass door na nakakonekta sa balkonahe.Natutop ko ang labi nang maalalang sa sofa ako kagabi, papaanong nandito na ako ngayon sa kwarto? I scanned myself, and I also found out that I'm wearing comfortable cotton oversize shirt, not my office clothes.I shook my head. Damn he's doing this again! Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. It's beating wildly as if something triggers my system to feel those feelings again.I climbed off my bed then help my way towards the bathroom and fixed myself ready for work. Hindi na ako nag-abalang magluto ng agahan dahil dadaan nalang ako sa café mamaya."Good morning."My heart leaped. Kalalabas ko lang ng apartment ay siya agad an
I fixed the belt on my trouser and left the two buttons of my long sleeve top open. I wore tube beneath, so I won't get to receive any lewd stares from anyone.Napakurap-kurap ako nang lumuhod si Rafus at siya mismo ang nagpasuot ng ankle strap sandals sa akin. I felt the gentleness as he held my feet and carefully assuring that the strap was perfectly locked."Rafus, don't treat me like this please..." I said almost begging.I don't want him to treat me like I'm valuable. Damn, I don't want to get hurt by the same person again! Nawasak ako dati at ayokong mawasak ulit. His gestures and the way he treat me brings the feelings I used to feel for him."Let's clearly draw the line. I don't have any hang ups with you, and yes, we had sex. I think that's normal for us, don't try putting another meaning of what happened last night when it's clearly lust and sexual desire."His expression became stoic and later, he laughed at himself. "Damn, bab
We're both silent the whole ride. I refuse to utter a word because I'm trying hard to control myself after remembering all the memories we had here, and Rafus' perfume never change over the years.Damn, even if I don't admit it, I know to myself that I still have hangs up for him.I don't know where Rafus is taking me. Nagdrive thru lang kami ng pagkain tapos tumulak uli kami. I looked at my wristwatch, it's nearing five thirty already."Seriously speaking, where are you taking me Rafus?""You'll see, we're almost there, just hang on for few minutes."I sighed and shut my mouth. He won't tell me, period. Why did I kept on trying since earlier then? Rafus' unbending, what's new about it?After an hour of driving, finally the car stopped. I didn't wait for Rafus' cue and help myself got out of the car."What are we doing here?" I seriously asked him with my arms crossed over my chest.Kalalabas niya lang ng kotse
"Come in," he announces and after a moment, a guy enter his office."Mr. Cattaneo, I'm here to inform you that the partition and curve table is already here. We'll just going to install it here in your office."Rafus nodded, "Okay, and do finish it as fast as you can."Naalerto ako nang hawakan ni Rafus ang kamay ko at pinagsiklop iyon. Nakita ko rin ang pagsulyap ng employee sa kamay naming dalawa kaya ginapang ako ng kaba at nagpupumilit na kumalas."Do inform me if you're done," Rafus formally said to the guy and swiftly picked my handbag on the floor.Lumabas kami ng opsina at doon ako nagkaroon ng lakas loob para lagyan ng puwersa ang pagwaksi ko sa kamay kong hawak niya."It's working hours," I said, not taking my eyes off him. "I believe you do know how to separate personal relationship with work, Mr. Cattaneo."He flashes that smirk, making me feel annoyed. "Well that principle works depending where my woman
I blink couple of times before slowly opening my eyes to adjust to the light that passes through the slightly open curtain.I groaned as I felt pain in my head like it's been hammered multiple times. I travelled my eyes to the whole room and fear starting creeping in my system.This is not my room!I touched my body and that's when I finally felt at ease. Thank God I'm still fully-clothed.I spend few moments of ransacking my head to find answer why I'm here in someone's room, but I only remember that I'm with Ma'am Claireen in the club last night!Before I could finally recognize the familiar scent that fills in the whole room, the door push open and a man step in, making my jaw drop in shock and confusion."Oh, you're awake now..." He calmly said and I got distracted by the sweats dripping from his forehead.I cleared my throat, "Where am I? And why I am here with you?"Mariin siyang napatingin sa akin at doon
"What are you doing here?" My brows furrow and my blood starts to boil. He didn't answer, he just remain there, standing while looking calm and collected.I took a deep breath and almost rolled my eyes on him. Kinuha ko ang grocery bags na nakalapag at binuksan ang pinto ng apartment ko saka bastang pumasok pero bago ko pa iyon maisara, pinigilan iyon ng malakas na kamay."Ano ba'ng problema mo?" Pinigilan ko ang sarili na huwag siyang pagtaasan ng boses.Titig na titig siya mga mata ko at hindi ko magawang umiwas. I can see exhaustion, pain, and longing in his eyes. In a snap, he invited himself in. He took the grocery bags from my hold and shamelessly walked towards my kitchen."Seriously, Rafus? What are you trying to do? Why are you doing this?" I followed him to my kitchen and took the grocery bag to place it on my countertop.I was taken a back when he wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his head between my neck and shoulder
I paid the driver a yellow bill and didn't wait for my change. Lumabas ako ng sasakyan dala-dala ang dalawang duffel bag. Hindi naman siguro ako mukhang haggard mula sa flight dahil malaki ang tiwala ko sa simpleng make-up na inilagay ko sa mukha.I'm wearing a matching plaid trouser and blazer, a black tube top, then white shoes. This is often my office attire, and I never got any complain from my fellow workmates or from Mr. Sorrento.Hindi ako pinigilan ng security guard nang basta-basta akong pumasok. Sa dalawang taon ko ba namang pagtatrabaho dito sa incorporated ay hindi nila ako nakilala."Ms. Aranza!" Gulat na bungad ng receptionist. "Naparito po kayo?"Tipid akong ngumiti, "May problema lang sa resignation ko. Uhm—pwede bang maiwan ko muna dito sa ground floor ang mga duffel bag ko?""Uh sige po," nakangiti niyang tugon at sumenyas sa security guard kaya madaling naipasok sa loob ang workplace ng receptionist ang bags ko.