After an hour and half the movie ended, some of my cousins were already asleep in cold floor and I find Mitchel and Pido's sleeping position in couch uncomfortable. I bet they'll groan because of body pain tomorrow.Tumayo ako para ibigay ang ispasyo kay Mitchel para maging komportable siya sa pagtulog. Tuloy parin ang inuman at pagbi-bidyoke sa labas. Hindi ko na nakita si Shey mula nang magpaalam siya sa akin kanina na lalabas.Lumabas rin ako ng bahay nila Tito at naghanap ng tahimik na lugar. Dinala ako ng mga paa ko sa pool side. Kumuha muna ako ng isang throw pillow sa mahabang sopa bago ilublob ang paa sa malaming na pool.I looked at my wristwatch, it's nearing three in the morning. I wonder if Rafus was still awake? I unconsciously took my phone out then created a message for him.Ako:Merry Christmas, baby!After waiting a few minutes for his respond, my phone finally vibrated.Rafus:Merry Christmas.
"Slaine? What are you doing?" Dan brows furrowed and keeps on putting distance between us. Imbis na kumalas ay mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang pagkapit. I may be look like a leech right now, but I need to save Crezst."Uhm wala naman Dan. I'm just surprised that you're also here." I said with a sweet smile, but actually my knees are trembling because of nervousness. Shit we'll be caught!Sa isahang hila, tuluyan siyang nakalayo sa akin. Napatulala ako dahil mukha siyang galit pero kontrolado naman iyon. "Slaine..." Nahihirapan niyang sambit sa pangalan ko. "I'm in a relationship with your best friend and I love her so much. You're aware of that."Nanginig ako dahil sobrang seryoso ang pagkasabi ni Dan niyon. Feel like I was caught by a strict professor doing ruckus in class. I swallow hard as if there's a lump on my throat, my forehead is dispersing cold sweats."Dan, it's not what you—""This is not a place for the drama. Move aside, you're
Even though the performance proper had started and there's a tribe performing in front, my attention wasn't there. My eyes were still pinned on Hatryx.Yes, I have heard rumors back then that Rafus has an older brother. But since Rafus was the only one who was oftenly seen in the Cattaneo's mansion, those rumors got burried. It's not that I don't appreciate Hatryx's existence, it's just that I'm still shock and trying to process the revelation I have found out right now.The most embarrassing thing I've done today was that, I got stunned when the MC's announced that Hatryx's a Cattaneo while I was on call with Rafus! If only the soil would diverge and ate me alive. Then I won't have to worry about what Rafus will think of me."Are you okay, Slaine?" Jangkit worriedly asked and it made me regain my senses. I looked at him then smiled, "I'm okay, Jangkit."I'm trying hard not to look at Hatryx and focused my attention on the performers, an
I hugged myself as the cold wind brushed against my skin. I've been staying here for couple of minutes, waiting for the tricycle while watching people from different direction who walk passed by me.My heart almost jumped out of its ribcage when the car beeped in front of me. It's a steel gray coupe car. I was really annoyed. The driver was rude, does he or she knew I'm already on the side— on the side walk?The passenger's window slowly moved downwards and my brows furrowed when I was welcomed by Rojas' smirk."Hey there beautiful, are you going home?" He asked and the smirk never left his face. If he's not Rafus' cousin, I swear I have already punched him hard. "Oh, you seem to be in a bad mood?""Sige nga, ikaw tumayo dito sa kinatatayuan ko at bigla kitang bubusinahan. Tingnan natin kung masisiyahan ka, siguro nga ay baka humagalpak ka pa sa katatawa." Puno nang sarkasmo kong sabi at hindi ko maiwasang mapairap."Pasensiya ka na sa pa
After we all settled with the food, we started eating in silence though sometimes Rojas is asking Rafus some things.Pasimpleng iniabot ni Rafus sa akin ang plato ng hiniwa-hiwang steak at hindi ko alam kung nakita ba nila Hatryx at Rojas iyon. Maybe Rafus intentionally order another steak for me. My heart palpitated with that thought but I'm a bit problematic on how to finish the food since it's too much for me.Naubos ko na ang fried chicken at nakatatlong subo palang ako ng spaghetti ay nakaramdam na ako ng pagkabusog. Tumingin ako kay Rafus na nangungusap pero hindi niya ako pinansin na ikinahalumbaba ko."Baby... I can't finish the food. I'm full already," I murmur in plea. I lightly poked his thigh just beside mine, doon lang siya nag-angat ng tingin at lumingon sa akin. "Please, I can't anymore."Narinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya at hinila ang plato ko papunta sa kaniya. I can feel Hatryx's intense stare on me but I couldn't care on hi
I frantically lost my mind that night. I felt euphoric and the happenings were surreal. The butterflies in my stomach were still there everytime I recall that Rafus has also the urge to respond on the kiss but he's under of self-suppression. In my mind, I asked why would he control himself? I would be glad if he responded because that only means he's liking the kiss, I have an effect on him.Tinakpan ko ang mukha ko ng unan saka nagsisigaw sa sobrang kilig. That's my first kiss with him and I can't believe to myself that I am this bold to initiate the kiss!Napaangat lang ako ng ulo nang may narinig na ingay galing sa labas. Napatayo ako at inayos ang strap ng aking cami bago lumabas ng kwarto. Napawi ang ngiti ko sa sumalubong sa akin.I saw Shey who just entered our house. Nanay and Tatay were still asleep, probably got exhausted of their usual activities yesterday. The disappointment in my face is evident and my heart's breaking everytime she
"Nakapagsimula ka na ng accomplishment report mo?" Bulong sa akin ni Helen, sinisigurong hindi marinig nila Jangkit para hindi masira ang mood naming lima ngayon."Yes, I've already started my accomplishment report though they still lacks some information." I honestly answered. I'm saying the truth and even though I felt well-rested in my Holiday vacation, there were times that I can't stop worrying myself about school work. It's not that I'm burning a midnight oil doing my accomplishment report, I'm writing if I feel like doing it."Buti ka pa, ako nga kahit isang pangungusap ay wala pang naumpisahan."I patted Helen's right shoulder then flashed a small smile. "Don't worry, the deadline is in two months from now and it's long enough for you to finish your report."Helen smiled and nodded. Bumukas ng usapan si Jangkit at lahat kaming lima ang kasali. It's fun to catch up a bit with my friends about their experiences during Holiday Vacation. Hindi
Disappointment creeps my body, when I haven't found Rafus' intense eyes as I enter the convenience store. Every seconds had passed, negativity consumes me.Rafus is avoiding me... and it make me feel less likely to be given attention by him. I kept on flooding him texts, explaining my side about what he had seen earlier. I tried calling him while I'm on my way to the convenience store but it's just ringing. After too many attempts, I came back to my senses. I shouldn't force him to talk to me and even though it bothers me, I should give him space.Sumeryoso ako sa pagtatrabaho hanggang sa hindi ko na namalayan ang oras. Kung hindi ko pa narinig ang pagtunog ang tiyan ko dulot ng pagkagutom, hindi pa siguro ako kakain."Kumain ka na muna, Slaine. Ako na ang bahala dito sa counter," masuyong sabi ni Ate Reive.May kinuha siya sa eco bag niyang nakalagay sa gilid at inabot iyon sa akin. "It's home-baked cookies, galing 'to sa uhm—Lola ko. Napansin ko
"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.