KABANATA 5: Dinner

SLOAN

Twenty minutes na ang nakakalipas simula nang umalis si Dominic para sa meeting. I was left alone here in his luxurious office.

I have been wandering around his office for quite some time now. I am amazed by the house miniatures displayed in the glass case. Halata talaga na iniingatan iyon.

Even though Dominic’s business is in the metal industry, his acquired course is not irrelevant because I also saw various blueprints hanging on the wall, such as elevators, escalators, appliances, and ships! Siya ang may gawa no’n dahil may pangalan niya sa pinakababa.

“Wow…” I muttered as I saw the blueprint of an aircraft. May nakalagay sa taas na Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

Malinis ang pagkaka-drawing no’n. Walang kalat na ink at detailed talaga. Sa unang tingin ay aakalain na printed ‘yon pero ang totoo ay hindi. Naka-sealed ‘yon para maprotektahan sa kahit na ano mang alikabok.

I think this is the original blueprint copy.

Nawala ang atensiyon ko sa mga iyon nang biglang bumukas ang pinto ng opisina ni Dominic. Iniluwa no’n ang babaeng pamilyar sa akin. She’s wearing a black overcoat dress with a high collar and long sleeves. She walked like a model in the ramp stage.

I remember her! She’s Dominic’s sister!

“Oh, sister-in-law!” nakangiting bati niya sa akin nang makita niya ako.

I stood up straight, fixing my posture, and then flashed her a smile that was a bit too forced. I remember her name now, she’s Tami.

“H-Hi, good morning,” bati ko. “A-Are you looking for Dominic? H-He’s currently in the meeting.”

“Yeah, I know. Ronna told me. I’m here to pick you up!” masayang sabi niya.

“P-Pick me up?” I asked, confused.

She nodded. “I’d rather take you to the mall instead of Nala. She’s busy. Magbo-bonding tayo before I go back to the US tomorrow!” she said excitedly.

Gusto ko sanang magtanong kung ano’ng gagawin niya sa US pero hindi ko na tinuloy dahil baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya. I just nodded my head bilang pagpayag. Wala naman sigurong masama kung sasama ako sa hipag ko, ‘di ba?

Tami and I left Dominic’s office. Habang palabas kami ng building ay nakahawak siya sa braso ko na para bang close na close kaming dalawa at matagal nang magkakilala.

May mga nakakasalubong kaming empleyado na binabati at ang iba ay titig na titig kay Tami na para bang iyon lang ang nakikita.

“You know what, sister-in-law? I like you for Dominic,” biglang sabi niya habang nagmamaneho ng mamahalin niyang sasakyan.

I looked at her. “W-Why?”

She shrugged her shoulders off. “Well, I know that you’re not a bad person naman. I can see it. I know that you’re good for Dominic. Kahit hindi naman kami buong magkapatid ni Dom, I want the best for him. Sa kanila ni Nala.”

Natigilan ako dahil sa sinabi niya. Hindi sila buong magkapatid ni Dominic?

“W-What do you mean?” naguguluhang tanong ko. She looked at me cluelessly. After a few seconds, her face brightened as if she understood what I was referring to. Muli niyang binaling ang tingin sa kalsada.

“You didn’t know pa pala? How come Dominic didn’t tell you?” she asked. “Dominic and Nala are my step siblings. Magkakapatid kami sa ama. That’s why we have different surnames.”

Napatango naman ako dahil doon. Now I understand.

“S-So, kaninong apelyido talaga ang nanggaling sa totoo niyong tatay?” I curiously asked.

“Mine. I grew up with our d-dad.” Nakita ko na natigilan siya sa sariling sinabi. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela at huminga ng malalim. “Anyway, we’re here na. Let’s go, sister-in-law! I’m so excited to bond with you!”

Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang biglaang pagbago ng mood niya. When Tami went out, I also went out. I intended to get my phone from my bag, but I was startled to realize that I didn’t have it with me. Wala akong bitbit!

Oh, my god! What did I do? Pa’no kung hanapin ako ni Dominic? Hindi pa naman ako nakapagpaalam! Binilin niya pa naman sa ‘kin na huwag kong aalisin sa tabi ko ang phone ko!

“Let’s go na!” Tami called me once again. Sa halip na isipin ang hindi ko pagdala sa bag at phone ko ay sumunod na lang ako kay Tami. Sasabihin naman siguro ni Ronna na sumama ako kay Tami.

Halata na sanay na sanay si Tami sa mall. Para siyang model maglakad sa tiles. Many people can’t help but look our way, making us seem like celebrities.

We entered Glamour Galore, a popular boutique shop here in Manila, because of their wide selection of trendy and fashionable clothing, accessories, and shoes. This boutique also offers a range of sizes to cater to different body types, ensuring that everyone can find something that fits well and makes them feel confident.

This is also my cousin’s favorite boutique shop. Marami kasi itong branches all over the globe.

“Good day, Madame!” bati nang mga staff sa amin.

Tumango lang kami at saka dire-diretsong pumasok sa loob. Hawak pa rin ni Tami ang braso ko.

“What do you want, sister-in-law? Do you want dresses? Bags? Shoes? What? Tell me,” sunod-sunod na tanong ni Tami.

I immediately shook my head. “N-No need. It’s fine. D-Don’t bother.”

She pouted. “It’s not fine! Wala kaya akong gifts sainyo ni Dom no’ng wedding ninyo. Kaya pili ka na. It’s on me!”

“B-But—”

“No buts. Magtatampo talaga ‘ko sa ‘yo kapag ‘di mo ako pinagbigyan,” aniya.

Huminga naman ako ng malalim at saka dahan-dahang tumango. May mga pinili ako para sa sarili ko pero mas maraming pinili si Tami para sa akin. Pinasukat niya pa ang mga iyon sa akin sa dressing room at kapag bagay ay agad-agad niyang binibigay sa mga staff para isali sa babayaran.

I can totally buy this kind of clothing; it’s just that I’m not into spending, even if we’re not struggling financially.

Mas pipiliin ko pang i-donate ang pera ko sa mga nangangailangan kaysa ibigay ‘yon sa sarili ko.

I am not ungrateful for my life right now. I’m thankful, but sometimes I can’t help but think about the possibilities of my life if I wasn’t here. I mean—kung wala ba ‘ko dito, mararanasan ko pa rin ba ang mga naranasan ko noon?

I envy those people who have liberty. Sa mga taong kayang i-express ang nararamdaman nila nang hindi iniisip ang sasabihin ng ibang tao. Sa mga taong independent at kayang magdesisyon para sa sarili nila nang walang nagmamanipula. Sa mga taong kayang maging masaya kahit maraming kinakaharap na problema.

Sana gano’n din ako.

We left the boutique with a bunch of paper bags. It’s already 11 o’clock in the morning. Isang oras na ang nakakalipas nang umalis kami sa company ni Dominic.

“Let’s eat lunch na, sister in law,” Tami said while typing on her phone.

“S-Sure,” I responded.

May mga lumapit sa aming mga lalaking nakaitim para kuhain ang mga paper bag na hawak namin pagkatapos ay sabay kaming pumunta ni Tami sa isang mamahaling restaurant.

“S-Sino ang mga ‘yon?” tanong ko sa kaniya.

Tami smiled. “Mga tauhan namin.”

Pagkatapos naming mag-lunch ay hindi kaagad kami umalis ng mall. Niyaya pa ‘ko ni Tami sa iba’t ibang shops bago namin mapagdesisyunan na umalis na.

I enjoyed being with her. Hindi ko nararamdaman na iba ako, kagaya ng pinaparamdam sa akin ni Dominic. Pakiramdam ko ay welcome na welcome ako sa pamilya nila.

When we arrived at VMC, I was the only one who went inside alone. Hindi na sumama si Tami dahil may pupuntahan pa raw siya. Sinabi niya rin na ang mga pinamili namin ay ipapadala niya na lang sa condo ni Dominic which is okay lang naman sa ‘kin para hindi na ako mahirapan magdala.

I quickly walked towards Dominic’s office as soon as the elevator doors opened. I passed by Ronna’s desk, but I didn’t pay attention to it because of my nervousness. Sana ay hindi galit sa ‘kin si Dominic.

Nagdadalawang isip pa ‘ko kung bubuksan ko ang pinto o hindi pero mas pinili ko na lang na buksan ‘yon nang dahan-dahan. Para tuloy akong teenager na takot mahuli ng magulang dahil late na ng gabi umuwi.

I was taken aback when I saw Dominic facing the glass wall with one hand in his pocket while holding a glass filled with alcohol in the other. Nakatalikod siya sa gawi ko kaya hindi niya ako nakita.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Magsasalita na sana ako para magpaliwanag pero hindi na natuloy dahil humarap siya sa gawi ko.

Our eyes lock, his deep ocean gaze meet my warm amber one. I gulped.

“D-Domini—”

“How’s your bonding with Tami? Did you have fun?” putol niya sa sasabihin ko dahilan upang matigilan ako.

He’s not mad?

“A-Aren’t you going to scold me?” utal na tanong ko sa kaniya.

His eyebrow raised. “No, why would I? You were with my sister, so it’s fine,” he said.

“B-But you said I shouldn’t take my phone away with me. I f-forgot my phone so…” Napayuko ako. Hindi ko alam kung itutuloy ko pa ba ang sasabihin ko.

“It’s okay, Sloan. Nagpaalam sa ‘kin si Tami bago siya pumunta dito para kunin ka.”

Palihim akong nakahinga ng maluwag dahil sa narinig ko. Mabuti na lang nagpaalam si Tami. I thought he was going to scold me for not obeying him, just like Yosef always did to…

Mabilis ko iwinaksi iyon paalis sa utak ko. What am I thinking? I shouldn’t have thought Yosef! He’s died for Pete’s sake!

I truly hope Yosef finds his eternal peace. Not just Yosef but also Maximiliano and Frederick.

“Have you eaten?” he asked after a deafening silence.

I looked at him and nodded. “Y-Yeah, ikaw?” I asked back.

“Not yet. I was waiting for you,” he simply answered.

My eyes widened. I felt a sudden surge of guilt upon hearing that. It was already past two o’clock in the afternoon tapos hindi pa rin siya kumakain!

“B-Bakit mo pa kasi ako hinintay?” hindi ko mapigilang sermon sa kaniya.

“Akala ko kasi ay babalik kayo kaagad. Hindi ko naman inaasahan na magtatagal kayo roon,” he explained.

“B-But still. Hindi mo na sana ako hinintay. L-Look, pa’no kung malipasan ka ng gutom nang dahil s-sa ‘kin?”

“Then it’s not your fault, okay? It’s mine. Hindi mo naman ako sinabihan na hintayin ka but I still did so technically wala kang kasalanan kapag nalipasan ako ng gutom,” pagpipilitan niya pa.

Gusto ko siyang irapan dahil sa mga rason niya. It’s nonsense! Hindi ko nga kasalanan pero ako naman ang dahilan!

Unang araw pa lang namin sa pagiging mag-asawa tapos malilipasan na kaagad siya ng gutom nang dahil sa ‘kin. I don’t want that. Kahit naman wala akong nararamdaman para kay Dominic, I want him to be my last. Pagod na ‘ko sa paulit-ulit na pagsisimula sa umpisa.

I’ll do my best to make this marriage work, even if there’s no love between us.

Huminga siya ng malalim. “Are you mad?”

Natigilan ako sa tanong niya. My lower lip was instantly caught between my teeth as I came to the realization of what I had been thinking. Am I overacting?

“N-No,” sagot ko at nag-iwas ng tingin.

Nagpadala siya kay Ronna ng pagkain sa opisina niya pagkatapos naming mag-usap. Nakita ko ang bag ko na nakalapag pa rin sa itim na sofa kung saan ko iyon iniwan kanina.

We were stuck inside Dominic’s office for the entire afternoon. Hindi ko siya inabala sa ginagawa niya dahil seryosong-seryoso siya sa pagbabasa ng mga document na nakapatong sa lamesa niya. I watched as he shook his head, clearly disappointed. The stress was evident as he massaged his temple.

Hindi naman ako na-bored dahil inabala ko rin ang sarili ko sa pagbabasa ng mga magazine na nasa center table. Paminsan-minsan ay nag-i-scroll sa social media pero hindi ako nagtatagal dahil hindi naman ako sanay na magbabad doon.

I lost track of time. I felt a gentle shake, which slowly woke me up. It was like a gentle nudge from the universe, urging me to open my eyes. Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog pala ako.

Si Dominic ang una kong nakita pagbukas ng mata ko. He had a gentle gaze fixed on me, patiently awaiting my return to reality.

“Hey,” marahan niyang sabi.

I blinked and looked outside the glass wall. Madilim na.

“A-Are you done?” I asked using my just-woke up voice.

Sumulyap ako sa lamesa niya. Wala na doong mga papel. Malinis na iyon at maaliwalas na ulit tingnan.

“Yeah, kakatapos ko lang.” Sumulyap siya sa relong nasa palapulsuhan niya. “Let’s go? It is already eight o’clock. I made a reservation for our dinner.”

Tumango ako. “O-Okay.”

Dominic put on his navy blue suit that was hanging on his swivel chair. Pinanood ko siyang gawin ‘yon. Even though he’s stressed and tired from the whole day at the office, you wouldn’t even notice because he still looks handsome and fresh.

Huminto ang sasakyan ni Dominic sa harap ng Gourmet Garden, isa iyong high-end restaurant. Alam ko ‘to pero hindi ko pa nasusubukang kumain dito dahil hindi naman ako pala-labas.

Dominic opened the passenger seat door for me. Nagpasalamat naman ako sa kaniya.

Naramdaman ko na naman ang braso niya na pumalibot sa bewang ko. His large arms were warm and gentle.

“Good evening, Ma’am and Sir. Welcome to Gourmet Garden. Any reservation po?” magalang na salubong sa amin ng staff.

“Yeah. Dominic Velasco,” tipid na sagot ni Dominic.

The staff smiled widely and nodded. “This way po.”

Sinundan namin siya. Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa kabuuan ng restaurant. The ambiance is warm, cozy and welcoming. The furniture is made from dark wood. Ang mga table naman ay may puting tela na maganda ang pagkaka-pleating, gano’n din sa mga upuan. There is also a lamp hanging above the ceiling.

The woman led us to the outdoor tables, strategically placed next to glass railings. In front of us, the beautiful city lights illuminated Manila in all its glory. From this vantage point, we were treated to a clear view of the entire city. It was a sight that left me in awe, reminding me of the vibrant energy and charm that Manila has to offer.

Pinaghila ako ni Dominic ng upuan kaya nawala sa paligid ang paningin ko. Umupo naman ako doon kaagad. May isang bote ng mamahaling wine ang nasa lamesa namin, katabi noon ang dalawang wine glass. There are also candles that I don’t know what they are for.

“You like it?” Dominic asked when he noticed that I looked around again.

I genuinely smiled. “Y-Yes. This place is a-amazing.”

“Yes, it is.”

Naputol ang pag-uusap namin nang lumapit sa amin ang waitress. She handed us a menu.

Napansin ko na panay ang sulyap nito kay Dominic na parang nahihiya habang iniipit ang buhok sa likod ng tainga. Palihim din akong tumingin kay Dominic pero parang wala naman itong pakealam sa waitress na nagpapapansin sa kaniya.

“That’s all, Sir?” the waitress asked after Dominic told her our order.

“Yes,” tipid na sagot ni Dominic at saka tumingin sa akin.

I kept my gaze fixed on the waitress, tracking her every move until she vanished from my line of sight. May gusto ba siya kay Dominic?

“I think she likes you,” hindi nauutal na turan ko at binaling kay Dominic ang paningin.

The ends of his lips curved and his eyebrows rose. Amusement is evident in his eyes. “And?” he playfully questioned.

“H-Hindi mo ba siya papatulan?”

“I’m married, Sloan. We’re married. What are you saying?” nakakunot noo niyang tanong.

Mabilis akong umiling at nag-iwas ng tingin.

Gano’n kasi si Frederick. Kapag alam niyang may gusto sa kaniya ang babae o nagbibigay ng interes ay pinapatulan niya kaagad kahit magkasama pa kami. Binabastos niya ako at ang kasal namin pero wala akong magawa. Pagkatapos niyang makipaglampungan sa iba ay kakausapin niya ako na parang wala siyang ginawang kasalanan.

I took a deep breath. Why can’t I forget the past?

I’m afraid to trust again. I feel like everyone is capable of disrespecting and spitting on me.

Dumating na ang pagkain namin. Hindi na ulit kami nag-usap ni Dominic. Siguro ay napansin niya rin ang pananahimik ko kaya hindi niya na sinubukan kausapin ako.

All I can hear is the sweet melody of music and the soft chatter of people, aside from the clinking sound of our spoons on the glass plate.

“Excuse me, Ma’am, Sir. Pwede po ba namin kayong maistorbo kahit saglit lang?”

Lumingon ako sa nagsalita. Nakangiti siya sa amin habang may hawak na camera.

“We’re bus—”

“S-Sure po,” putol ko sa sasabihin ni Dominic. “A-Ano pong maipaglilingkod namin sa ‘yo?”

“Thank you, Ma’am. I’m June, a public photographer. I couldn’t help but notice you and your boyfriend, you guys caught my attention! Do you mind if I take a few shots of you? Just a quick and fun session, no pressure.”

I blinked and looked at Dominic. Nakakahiya naman kung hindi namin siya pagbibigyan. Ayaw ko rin siyang mapahiya.

“Gusto mo?” tanong niya.

“K-Kung okay lang,” mahina kong sabi.

“Okay.” Mas naunang tumayo si Dominic kaysa sa ‘kin. He quickly adjusted his suit and then turned to June.

“What are we going to do?” he asked.

“Madali lang, Sir. Just be natural and sweet,” sabi ni June.

Nagsimula na nga kami. Maraming tumitingin sa amin kaya hindi ko maiwasang kabahan.

My heart raced as Dominic’s strong arms enveloped my waist, pulling me closer, his intense gaze locking with mine. I could feel the firmness of his chest beneath my hand as our eyes remained locked in a powerful connection.

“Gorgeous,” bulong niya.

Patuloy lang ang pag-flash ng camera habang kami naman ni Dominic ay paiba-iba na ng pose ang ginawa. Parang sanay na sanay si Dominic dahil siya ang dumadala sa aming dalawa.

I can feel my heart racing because of how close we are to each other.

Nang matapos na ay para akong napapaso na lumayo kay Dominic. June was smiling while looking at his Canon camera.

“This is amazing! Isa ito sa pinakamagandang shots na nakunan ko.” Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa amin. “Bibigayan ko kayo ng copy. I’m sure you’ll like this.”

Hiningi ni June ang email namin para doon niya daw ise-send ang copy ng mga pictures namin.

We didn’t stay long at the restaurant, either. After Dominic paid the bill, we left.

When we arrived at the condo, I was about to go into my room when Dominic called out to me, which caught me off guard.

“B-Bakit?” I asked.

“Good night, sweetheart.”