We waited for almost fifteen minutes before our turn. He lowered the driver's window. The staff greeted us merrily then handed Rafus the menu."What do you want?" Bumaling siya sa akin."Basta ako ang magbabayad?"Hindi siya sumagot sa akin at ibinalik ang tingin sa menu saka dumukwang papalapit sa bintana para sabihin ang order."That much?" I gasped yet he just looked at me with that usual expression, calm.Pasimple kong tinignan ang pera sa wallet ko. Kinuha ko mula roon ang limang daan at nang iabot ko sa kaniya ay namilog ang mata ko dahil nakaabot na siya ng dalawang libo sa staff."Keep it," he simply said."But-"Pinutol siya ako sa pamamagitan ng pag-abot sa akin ng isang bucket ng fried chicken. Wala akong nagawa kundi ang kunin iyon sa kaniya at tumahimik."Just keep your money for you future expenses. You don't have to spend when you're with me, don't worry I won't charge you with anything." He sensibly said right after we received all the foods he ordered.Kinuha niya ang
"Why are you avoiding us?! We're making an effort to give you comfort Helen! Nanggaling pa kami sa malayo tapos magiging ganito ka lang sa amin?!" Crezst shouted at her and Helen was taking all of it quietly."Crezst..." Pigil ko sa kaniya at umiling para matigil siya.Crezst heave a sigh then slowly loosen her hold on Helen's arm. "Good thing, I've cutted my nails yesterday!""Kamusta ka na?" I turned to ask Helen.Tamad na napaupo si Crezst habang ako naman ay nasa likuran niya. Helen is in front near her center table. She looks like being interrogated by her evil aunts."She's obviously not okay, Slaine. Look at her state," she uttered then turned to Helen with piercing eyes. "What now? What are your plans?"Napayuko siya at nang makalipas ang ilang segundo ay narinig ko ang paghikbi niya. "I w-want to abort the baby..." She mumbled.My body went rigid and almost go deaf after hearing those words from her. I was immobile for a moment until I heard the sound of a hand landed on one
I plan to spend my weekend in Iloilo with Helen and Crezst. Yesterday we explored places excluding nightclubs using Helen's car. The next day we stray over malls, restaurants, and amusement parks.Actually I wanted to oppose with the thought that Helen will shoulder our expenses because she said that she's the reason why we're here. Even Crezst dislikes the thought. We came here wholeheartedly to comfort and ease her feelings, without expecting for return."Helen, hindi ka namin sugar mommy! Kaya naming magbayad para sa sarili namin!" Singhal na sabi ni Crezst.We're in Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM City Iloilo Southpoint right now. Helen's been insisting to pay for the food. I shook my head heaved a sigh because of the determination in her eyes."Sige na! Pagbigyan niyo na ako, bukas narin naman ang alis niyo. Just treat this as farewell treat!""Maka-farewell treat ka akala mo naman hindi na tayo magkikita-kita pagkatapos nito!" Natatawa kong sabi."Fine! Treat us whatever you want, y
"Slaine..." Rafus' voice echoed and firmly held my arm."What?" I turn to meet his eyes. They were intense, dark, and piercing my soul to oblivion."Siya lang ang matino sa aming magpipinsan, Slaine. I doubt you don't have feelings towards my cousin, I've been in serious relationship so I could determine that you're affected by that conversation." Rojas seriously uttered."I am not," I smiled at them and I could feel Rafus attempted to reach for my hand again beneath the table but I veered my hand before he could touch it. "I think it's better to drop this conversation. Don't worry, I won't change the way how I treat Rafus.""Slaine," Rafus barely whisper near my left ear. "Let's talk this later."I stared at him in a while before forcing myself to nod and smile. "Sure."The table went silent until we get to finish eating our lunch. Naunang lumabas sina Rojas at kami naman ni Rafus ay nagpaiwan ng ilang sandali."I'm sor
Kinalma ko ang sarili at itinahak ang direksyon kung saan ang paradahan ng tricycle. Ayoko namang mag-isip ng kung ano at baka paasahin ko lang ang sarili ko sa wala."Slaine..." Hinihingal na sabi ni Rafus dahil siguro sa pagtakbo papunta sa kinaroroonan ko.Nilingon ko siya at parang pinagsisihan ko iyon. Kailan pa ako nagkaroon ng laban na matiis ang nga mata niya?"A-ano?" Bigla akong nautal kaya napaiwas ako ng tingin."Didiretso ka na ba sa trabaho mo? Ihahatid na kita."Napakagat ako ng labi at hindi alam kung saan ibabaling ang tingin. "Uh hindi na kailangan, Rafus. Uuwi pa ako ng bahay kaya huwag mo na akong—""Ihahatid parin kita. And don't think that it'll be a burden on my side because it's totally not." His voice was calm and serious. I puffed a loud breath and I saw from afar that Aurora's staring at us. "I don't think that way. Maybe you have other plans to do, and you're free to leave.""Yes, I
We ate our lunch at Ravishing Diner and I love the ambiance of the said place because it's giving me a warm feeling and a korean drama vibe. The lights were bright, the choice of color of the wood for the tables and chairs compliments the minimal designs of the place, and I can't help not to take photos of the restaurant and myself."Bili muna tayo ng tsinelas para maisauli ko na ang sa'yo," sabi ko sa kaniya nang makalabas kami sa Ravishing Diner. Naaawa kasi ako dahil hanggang ngayon ay nakapaa parin siya. I'm afraid he might step on something that may wound him, I don't want him to get hurt."Okay, we'll do that." He took my hand and I think I'm getting used to this gesture.Nakarating kami sa mga naglilinyahang tiyangge. Nakapili narin ako ng tsinelas. It's a good thing to know that he let me pay for my own expenses and he's just standing there, looking at me as I deal with the vendor."Thank you po," I politely said when she gave me the plast
I ate like a viking and I didn't heard any comment from him. He even wipe the side of my lips if there's an excess food on it. Ang mga diner na napapadaan sa table namin ay nakangiti at may ilang babae na lantarang pinuri si Rafus sa mismong harapan ko. It's okay for me that I'm not the only one who have been captivated by his charm. I'm not like the other girls who's too possessive, I have matured enough and I realized that it's not a big deal.In addition, it's a good thing to know that he didn't do a VIP reservation for us, because I dislike the thought. Mas magandang may nakakasalamuha kami, at kahit na medyo kakaunti lang ang kumakain dito ngayong gabi, hindi mapagkakaila na masarap ang mga pagkain dito.Rafus took care of the bill. I'm kinda embarassed because I didn't contribute any penny. I'm silent the whole time after we got out of the said restaurant and I think it bothered him."Is there something wrong?" He couldn't help himself but to ask me.
He cups my cheek and smiles at me genuinely. "Come on, let's have some breakfast."I nodded at him and both of us got off the bed. I didn't get to change my clothes last night. Hindi narin naman ako nag-abala kasi walang tatabi sa akin.Rafus volunteered to sleep on the couch last night. I agreed and gave him the spare pillows and blanket that I've found in the cabinet. Ayoko namang magtabi kaming dalawa at alam ko namang nirerespeto niya iyon."Where do you want to eat breakfast?""I'm not in the mood for eating breakfast outside," I honestly replied while looking at him. "So I prefer eating here with you. How 'bout you?""I also want to eat here with you. What about the foods? What do you want to eat?""Anything is fine." I said since I'm not picky eater.He nodded then kissed my temple before excusing himself to make a call. Sinamantala ko ang pagkakataon para dumiretso sa banyo at maligo. After spending twenty minute
"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.