"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, susSumasayaw 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
My following days were never the same. And I'm aware that it slightly affected my relationship with Rafus. I often spaced out and rarely communicate with him. I'm just too drowned with my thoughts about Shey. I'm ignoring her right now because I'm still feeling the pain and the disappointment, but I noticed Shey's doing her best to make up with me. I would be glad yet I can't force myself to accept it now. Even when we welcomed the New Year, I just greeted her then returned to my room to sleep the heavy feelings."Baby, are you okay?" Rafus worriedly ask.I was pulled out from my deep thoughts. I shook my head and a reassuring smile crept my lips. "Uhm, yeah. I'm okay.""Are you sure?"I sipped from the iced coffee he ordered for me. "Hundred percent."We're in a particular coffee shop here at El Paso. Kabubukas lang nitong business kaya nag-aya siya na pumunta dito lalo na't alam niya na medyo adik ako sa kape."Anyways, do you
"Kaya mo ba ang responsibilidad na maging batang ina, Shey?!" Dumagundong ang boses ni Nanay kahit na sa tarangkahan palang ako ng bahay.My heart sank when my eyes landed to Shey. Her eyes are full of tears mixed with different emotions. Regret was deeply etched. And she seems helpless.This is when the moment I knew... that I have to defend her.I had to defend her even though it means I have to be slapped by my mother for accusing me that I tolerated this matter and not telling them after I found this out.After that day, Shey's been grounded. Kailangan ko pang magmakaawa kay Nanay para pigilan siya sa pagsugod sa pamilya ni Norman.Buti nga at pumayag si Norman na subukang kumbinsihan ang magulang niya na kausapin sina Nanay at Tatay. Nagkaroon ng hidwaan sa pagitan ng pamilya namin at maging si Tatay ay mayroong hinanakit sa akin at kay Shey. Naiintindihan ko naman kung saan nanggaling iyon pero ang sakit lang kasing isipin na parang
"Good afternoon, Ma'am," I greeted in almost formal yet in polite way."Have a seat," Mrs. Cattaneo said and gestured her hand to the seat across to hers."Pwede po ba akong magtanong kung ano iyong pag-uusapan natin?"She just smiled, totally ignored my question. She then softly pushed the menu to my side using her middle and forefinger. "Have yourself something to eat or drink first.""Uh, busog pa po ako sa pagkaing ibinigay niyo kanina." Magalang kong pagtanggi at medyo ilang na ngumiti. "At salamat po pala sa pagbigay no'n Mrs. Cattaneo, hindi ko nagawang magpasalamat kanina kaya sasamantalahin ko ang pagkakataon para magpasalamat sa inyo ngayon."She just nodded and sipped from her drink. The moment she putted the cup back to the table, I feel like my mind was gone haywired.Mrs. Cattaneo looked at me as if magnifying my flaws and my heart skipped a beat after hearing her question. "You're my son's girlfriend?"I n
I hastily wiped my unending tears. My lips trembled and a sob escaped my lips. I was never a gold-digger... and the thought of taking advantage of Rafus' riches never ever crossed my mind.Why do they have to be this cruel? Just because my social standing differs from Rafus, doesn't mean I'm only chasing after his money. Why does people view this that way? This society is goddamn fucked up!Mugto ang mga mata ko nang bumalik ako sa pagtatrabaho. Nawalan ako ng paki sa estado ko ngayon matapos marinig ang mga salita ni Mrs. Cattaneo kanina. Oo, nirerespeto ko siya, pero sobra naman ata ang pagtingin niya sa akin. Nanliliit ako at kahit gusto kong ipagtanggol ang sarili ko ay hindi ko nagawa dahil nalunod ako sa sinabi niya.I ended my shift earlier and rushed to Tito Edison's house for confirmation about our land being purchased by the Cattaneo's."Oo, Slaine. Ibinenta ng Nanay at Tatay mo 'yong lupa niyo bago pa man sila pumasya na doon na manirah
"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.