"Mang-aagaw ka Aranza! You don't deserve Rafus! Gold digger and fucking bitch!"Hinigpitan ni Rafus ang pagkahawak sa kamay ko. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at bahagyang ngumiti sa kaniya."I'm okay baby. Both of us know the truth anyway," I assure him.Rafus seems unconvinced of what I've said yet he nodded eventually to drop the topic. Hinila niya ako sa mga booths at nakalimutan ko na parang bula ang nangyari kanina sa corridor."Baby, please? Isang beses lang naman..." I pleaded while doing a puppy eyes.Pinilipit ko siyang magsuot ng bunny ears na headband. I've successfully put some barrettes on his hair earlier and he looks so damn cute because his lips are slightly protrude and red."Come on baby, just for several shots! Para pareho tayo ng headband dali na, ayaw mo pa no'n, malalaman ng ibang estudyante dito na maggirlfriend-boyfriend tayo, at wala ka nang kaagaw sa akin. Sabi mo threathened ka sa mga pumoporma sa akin noong
"You feel so confident about yourself? Dadating ang panahon na babalik at babalik siya sa akin Slaine. You're just his pastime, so enjoy now then cry later." She sneered at me."Oh, I'm just a pastime? Then why did he introduced me legally to his parents when I'm just some sort of pastime? Why did he let me call his father Tito Stefano?" I uttered while brows furrowed.My only intention was to tease her but I didn't know she took my words in another level. She's damn livid and about to attack me but she manage to stop herself. She tiptoed to level her lips on my ear. She then slowly pat my shoulder before whispering words and leave me standing. "You're still clueless about their family affairs though. You may be the girlfriend but I know things you don't."Aurora's words lingers in my mind the next days. I have tried discarding that thought but it keeps on replaying at the back of my mind. What family affairs is she talking about? Rafus' family s
"I didn't know your Senior Ball will extend until today," I tried not to be sarcastic yet failed.Tumahimik sa likuran kaya lumingon ako. Nakita ko si Shey na nasa maayos na pananamit at estado."Shey... you should have at least inform me of your whereabouts so I won't worry a lot. I'm your guardian and you're my responsibility," I uttered in calm and moderate tone of voice.Tumayo ako para harapin siya at kahit na napansin ko ang galit sa mata niya, ipinagsawalang bahala ko iyon."Do I have to remind you over and over again that we only have each other right now? I don't even know the root of this petty conflict between us! You always do it your way... not minding that it'll not just affect me and our relationship, but also your life!""Ano ba ang ikinagagalit mo, Ate?! Kung hindi ako umuwi kagabi, edi sorry! Pasensiya! Pasensiya kung mas gugustuhin ko pang makasama ang mga kaibigan ko kesa ang makasama ka!" Sigaw niya at marahas na inil
"Can my blockmates tag along? We'll pay on our own food, is it okay?" Rafus asked Jean."Sure! Iyon lang ba? Kahit pa buong blockmates mo pa ang maki-tag along sa amin, wala problema!"Hindi ko alam kung sarkastiko na ba ang pagkasabi ni Jean no'n pero nagtipa si Rafus sa cellphone at lumipas ang ilang minuto ay natatanaw namin ang papalapit niyang mga blockmates."Galit ka ba sa akin?" Tanong ko sa kaniya habang ang mga kasama namin ay abala sa pag-uusap kung saang lugar kami kakain."I'm not," he said then breath heavily. "I'm just annoyed at your friend for resting his arm over your shoulders.""Ah you're jealous," I nodded as I concluded something."I'm just threatened seeing you with someone else while smiling," he lowly said and looked away. I saw how his ears and neck reddened, making me bark a laughter."Slaine, tara na! Sa pizza parlor daw tayo!" Naagaw ang atensyon dahil sa pagsigaw ni Jean."Sige, sus
Sumasayaw sa ritmo ng hangin ang mga palay at mukhang malapit na itong anihin dahil sa hitik na bunga at kulay ginto nito. I could clearly see from here that the farmers working under the Cattaneo's are harvesting the mangoes with two different variety... the indian mangoes and the carabao mangoes."My family also owns mango plantation in Guimaras. I'll take you there someday," Rafus softly said as he noticed me watching the farmers.Lumingon ako sa kaniya, "Magagalit ka ba kung sasabihin ko sa'yo na hindi ako nagulat?"He chuckled genuinely before shaking his head. Bumilis ng kaunti ang sinasakyan namin at maraming tanim pa akong nakita dito sa farm nila. I'm really enjoying this and I can't stop taking pictures of the crops and taking pictures with Rafus. On a second thought, what I'm seeing right now is making me hesitant to leave Antique once I graduate in college.I saw a vintage-looking gazebo situated near the stream and just a five meter d
"Tangina! Kailan nga uli 'yon? Third week of October 'di ba? Shit, nawala sa isip ko!""Chill, we'll do a group study. Don't stress yourself too much about it. We can survive the finals!" I said in a cheerful and hopeful voice. I suddenly feel guilty because I've said that, and I don't have any intention to make her panic.Ilang minuto ang ginugol ko hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang kumalma. Nalihis ko ang pinag-uusapan namin ni Jean at nang tumunog ang bell na hudyat na lunch time na ay nagpaalam kami sa isa't isa.Genuine smile automatically broke into my lips as Rafus' name flashed on my phone when it rang. I immediately answered the call while walking in the corridor and heading my way towards the cafeteria."Hey there, mister Rafus Matthieu Cattaneo."I heard him chuckle on the line, "What's with the full name greeting?""Nothing... I just feel like your name sounds sexy when pronounced in full name.""Let's just say I
"You really made my night, Rafus... and I don't know if I can thank you enough for everything."He cupped my face and gently caressed his thumb against it. "No, I should be the one thanking you, baby... for staying with me, for letting me prove that I love you, and for knowing your priorities before me and our relationship came into the scene."Umawang ang labi ko kung paano pumungay ang mata niya at marahang kinuha mula sa bulsa ang isang blue velvet na box."Hey Rafus Matthieu Cattaneo, ano ba'ng ginagawa mo?" Kinakabahan kong tanong at nagbabadya ng tumulo ang luha ko sa tuwa nang lumuhod siya sa harapan ko."I know you have dreams to chase in your life. I know for a fact that we don't know what tomorrow brings and to our future plans. You know I love you and this is not some sort of transient diversion or short-lived feelings. We've been together for a year now and still our relationship remains strong since we both know when and where to admi
Kahit na natapos ang paghuhugas ni Shey at dumaan siya rito sa sala ay walang siyang sinasabi. Noon kasi ay kadalasan siyang nagdadabog, nagpapakita ng pagkadisgusto niya kapag nandito si Rafus.Pending parin ang thesis namin ng kagrupo ko nang mag-holiday break. After the Christmas party of our class, we decided to send what we've started on the thesis to our group leader for review. I did my part but I also have a lot to do.The plans Rafus and I made were only for ourselves. I wanted to ask Shey if she wanted to come with us but she declined saying, "That's your holiday break, enjoy and unwind to the fullest, Ate."Hindi ko nalang siya pinilit baka may plano rin siya para sa sarili o doon siya magdadaos ng Christmas at New Year niya sa Iloilo. That night, Rafus came over to our house to help me pack my clothes."I thought you're going to help me?" I asked with furrowed brows while both of my hands were on my waist.He just laughed befo
"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.