6 - Thank You

VERONIKKA ELYSE LAURIER

I woke up early to do my morning exercise and yoga. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden glow through the windows. I grabbed my yoga mat and headed to the exercise room, eager to start my routine and clear my mind.

As I entered the room, I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. There, in the center of the room, was Sir Elio, running on the treadmill. He was topless, his muscular chest glistening with sweat, and he was wearing only a pair of loose workout pants. The rhythmic sound of his feet hitting the treadmill's surface echoed in the room.

I stood there for a moment, unable to look away. His intense focus and determination were palpable, and the sight of him in such a raw and unguarded state took my breath away. He hadn't noticed me yet, so I quietly unrolled my yoga mat in a corner, trying to compose myself.

As I stretched and started my yoga poses, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. His movements were fluid and powerful, with each stride full of purpose. The way his muscles flexed with each step was mesmerizing, and I felt a strange mix of admiration and something deeper, something more intense.

Just then, he slowed down, transitioning from a run to a walk, his breathing heavy. Nagpupunas siya ng kanyang pawis tsaka uminom ng tubig mula sa tumbler na bitbit. Habang nilulunok ni Sir Elio ang tubig, napapalunok din ako sa kanyang ginagawa. Shit.

Basang-basa ng pawis ang kanyang katawan, maging ang mahabang buhok. I noticed that he cleaned his face, no more hair around his mouth. He looked... more decent and handsome, and... hot. So gorgeous. Fuck. Ano ba itong iniisip mo, Veronikka! Umayos ka! Ang landi-landi mo!

Piliting ko sanang ibalik ang focus ko sa yoga, pero parang magnet si Sir Elio sa mga mata ko. His movements were so natural, and confident, and each time he wiped the sweat from his body, it made my heart race. Nagpatuloy ako sa aking mga poses, pilit na binabalik ang focus sa sarili, pero ang init sa aking pisngi ay di maitatanggi.

I snapped out when he stared back at me. Kaagad akong napaiwas ng tingin at ginawa ang pag-ee-stretching.

Shit. Nahuli niya ako! Bakit ka ba kasi natutulala, Nika?!

Abot langit ang kaba ko nang maramdaman kong humakbang papalapit si Sir Elio saakin. Napatigil naman ako at napatingin sa kanya. Nabigla ako nang umupo ito sa harapan ko para lebelan ako.

I met his alluring, dark, and sharp brown eyes, framed by long and thick eyelashes. His brows were thick, perfectly complementing his chiseled features. His nose was pointed, giving his face a strong and distinguished look. His lips, though pale and cracked, still looked inviting, their natural shape making them undeniably appealing.

I found myself drawn to him, unable to look away from his captivating presence. Each detail of his face seemed to be etched with a rugged handsomeness that was impossible to ignore. My heart raced as I took in every feature, the intensity of his gaze making my pulse quicken.

"G-Good M-Morning, sir," I greeted him. Fuck. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mautal sa kanya!

Bakit ba ang lapit niya?! Bakit parang kinakapos ako ng hininga kapag nasa malapit siya?! Bakit ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko? Bakit... Bakit nanlalabo lahat na nasa paligid namin at tanging siya lang ang nakikita ko?

"I heard doing yoga can help mental health," panimula ni Sir Elio. Hindi ko mabasa ang expression niya. Ganito ba talaga siya? Ang gulo niya.

I swallowed hard as I saw his Adam's apple move, a visible reminder of his masculinity. Tangina. Tukso! Layuan mo ako, please! Not now! And especially not with him! My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of frustration and desire battling within me, making it nearly impossible to think straight.

"Y-Yes, sir." I closed my eyes slowly, trying to compose myself despite my stammering in front of Sir Elio. The heat of embarrassment crept up my cheeks, making it even harder to regain my composure.

Kaagad akong napaiwas ng tingin, pero kaagad ding napatingin sa kanya nang mag-Indian sit ito sa harapan ko.

"Teach me," he said coldly. I blinked in surprise, letting out a soft "Huh?" at Sir Elio's unexpected request. My mind raced, trying to grasp what he meant, while his intense gaze made it hard to think clearly.

"But maybe tomorrow. I'm tired. Ganitong oras ka ba nag-yo-yoga?" he asked, his voice softer now. I nodded unconsciously, still processing his earlier request.

He chuckled, "Okay, I'll be here around this time." His unexpected smile sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring.

Tumayo siya at sinuklay ang kanyang buhok na hanggang leeg. At para akong isang bata na tinititigan ang bawat galaw niya. There was something captivating about the way he moved—a blend of grace and strength that drew me in. His fingers ran through his damp hair, and the simple act seemed almost mesmerizing.

I couldn't tear my eyes away, feeling a mix of admiration and nervousness. The room felt smaller, and the air was heavier with unspoken words and lingering tension. As he gathered his things, he glanced back at me, catching me off guard.

He then walked away from me graciously. Tangina. Bakit... Bakit ang gwapo niya?

As he moved farther from me, his broad shoulders and confident stride only accentuated his attractiveness. It was as if the universe had conspired to place this perfect specimen in my path, just to torment me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and refocus my thoughts. This was getting out of hand. I couldn't afford to be distracted by his looks and the way he made me feel. But no matter how much I tried to convince myself to stay professional, I couldn't deny the powerful pull he had on me.

I finished my yoga session, but my mind was elsewhere, replaying every glance, every smile he had given me. I knew I had to be careful, to protect myself from getting too involved. But as I rolled up my mat and headed out, a part of me was already looking forward to tomorrow and the chance to see him again.

Bakit nga ba ganito ang epekto niya sa akin? Bakit parang siya lang ang nakikita ko? Ang hirap, pero ang sarap din. I knew I was treading dangerous waters, but I couldn't help but feel a thrill at the thought of what might happen next.

Matapos ang nangyari kagabi, sa paglapit ng dalawang bata sa kanya, tingin ko ay lumambot narin siya? Not sure, maybe to his kids. Pero bakit siya magpapaturo ng yoga saakin?

"Kids, sabi ni Ate Kelly ayaw niyo daw kumain?" Tanong ko nang makalapit ako sa dalawang bata na nasa kwarto ni Vien, nagdo-drawing ng kung anu-ano.

Kakatapos ko lang kasi magyoga, at iyon kaagad ang sinabi ni Ate Kelly saakin nang bumalik ako sa mansyon. Nasa kabilang building kasi ang gym at nasa gilid nun ang pool.

"Daddy," wika ni Vien. Napangiti ako dahil alam ko na kaagad ang gusto niyang mangyari.

"Alright, let's go to Daddy then." Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanila at inabot ko ang dalawa kong kamay para mahawakan nila.

"Paano kung ayaw ni daddy, Nurse Nika?" Tanong ni Vlad, kinurot ko naman ang pisngi niya at tumawa ng mahina.

"Bakit ayaw? 'Di ba nga sabi ng daddy niyo kagabi, babawi siya?" Tanong ko.

Nakita kong napakagat ng labi si Vien tsaka yumuko. Nakita naman iyon ni Vlad, kaya hinawakan ang kamay ng kapatid niya nang mahigpit. Ang cute lang tingnan ng magkapatid na nag-aalaga sa isa't isa.

Naglakad kami papuntang kwarto ni Sir Elio na nasa kabilang dulo ng mansyon. Katabi non ay ang kwartong nilaan para saakin. Nasa kabilang dulo naman ang kwarto ng kambal, mas malaki kasi ang mga kwarto nila kaya kain sa espasyo.

"Daddy!" Sigaw ni Vienna tsaka tumakbo palapit kay Sir Elio nang lumabas ito sa kwarto nito.

Gulat namang napatingin si Sir Elio saamin, nagtama pa ang tingin namin, pero mabilis lang din siyang napatingin ulit kay Vienna at sinalubong ang yakap ng anak.

He's just wearing a simple black tee and cargo shorts. His long hair is tied back, with a few strands framing his face. He... looks hot. Tangina. I couldn't help but feel a wave of attraction, despite my attempts to stay focused.

I tried to compose myself, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart. The way he interacted with his children, his genuine smile, and the warmth in his eyes made him even more irresistible.

Ano bang nangyayari saakin? Bakit ganito nalang lumalabas sa isip ko?! Hindi ko naman siya pinagpapantasyahan ano?!

Kainis! Kakaasar, 'to nila Ate Tri saakin! Ayoko na!

"What are you all doing here?" he gently asked. Napatingin siya kay Vlad tsaka binuhat si Vienna.

My eyes couldn't help but drift to his bulging biceps, the muscles taut and well-defined beneath his shirt. Damn it, Veronikka, stop staring at him! My heart raced, and I tried to tear my gaze away, but it was like my eyes had a mind of their own, betraying me with every glance.

"You're drooling, Nurse Nika." Vlad giggled. Napatingin kaagad ako sa kanya nang sabihin niya iyon. Gulag na gulat ako. How could a five-year-old know that thing!

"Huy, I'm not, Vlad!" Singhal ko, natawa siya, at tumakbo sa daddy niya.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang may gustong ibulong si Vlad sa daddy niya. Napatingin naman si Sir Elio sa anak, at umupo para lebelan ang anak. Vlad said something to him, but I think Vien could hear it as I saw her giggle while her hands were on her mouth.

Suddenly, Sir Elio looked at me as if they were talking about me. Nakaramdam tuloy ako bigla ng pagkahiya, kahit na hindi ko alam ang sinabi ni Elio.

"Let's go downstairs," aniya.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Vlad, kahit na kita parin sa mukha ni Sir Elio na kinakabahan at natatakot parin siya. But somehow, he's trying to be a dad for them. He's doing his best.

Nasa hapag-kainan na kaming apat, katabi ko si Vien dahil gustong-gusto niyang nagpapasubo saakin. Kaya nang susubuan ko na sana siya ng pagkain nang bigla siyang umayaw.

"I... W-Want m-my daddy," she muttered. Napatawa ako ng mahina, kaya napatingin ako kay Elio. He stopped eating, and looked at his daughter, too.

I pursed my lips when I saw him doubting. He was unable to move, like he was struck by lightning. Napatawa lang ako ng mahina nang matawa ng mahina si Vlad na nasa tapat namin, katabi si Ate Kelly para alalayaan siyang kumain.

"You want me to feed you?" He asked shockingly. Napanguso si Vien na para bang nagkamali siya nang sabihin iyon, dahil mukhang ayaw ni Sir Elio na pakainin siya.

"No. No, baby. I'm just... Uh..." Napakamot siya sa kanyang batok. Tumayo ako para umusog ng upuan at ibigay kay Sir Elio ang upuan ko. Napatingin siya saakin na nagtataka.

"Gusto ni Vien na subuan mo siya sir, you can sit here beside her." Nakangiting sabi ko sa kanya. Ilang beses siyang kumurap at napatingin kay Vien.

Nakayuko na ang bata, at nilalaro ang kamay. She's anxious. Hahawakan ko na sana ang kamay ni Vien nang narinig kong umusog ang upuan, kaya napatingin ako kung saan galing iyon at nakita kong tumayo si Sir Elio mula sa pagkakaupo nito sa upuan niya.

Napatingin ako kay Vien na nag-angat din ng tingin. I smiled when I saw her victory smile. Naughty.

Umupo ako sa katabing upuan tsaka ding umupo si Sir Elio sa tabi ko. Napag-gitnaan namin ngayon ni Vien.

This time, when he's around,. I forgot how to breathe. Normal pa ba ito? Umiwas ako ng tingin nang bigla siyang tumingin saakin. Pinagtuunan ko nalang ng pansin ang pagkain ko.

Tuwang-tuwa naman si Vien ng subuan siya ni Sir Elio. Noong una ay kunot-noong pinapakain ni sir ang anak, pero nang makita siguro na masaya si Vien ay napangiti din siya kaagad.

Nasa kusina ako at naghuhugas ng mga pinggan kahit na may mga katulong naman sila rito. Nakaugalian ko narin naman dahil wala naman akong ibang ginagawa rito kundi ang tignan ang mga lagay ng mga bata.

"Nako, paano mo nadala si Sir dito, Nika?" Tanong bi Ate Kelly.

"Huh?" Kaagad ang sagot ko. Hindi ba ang mga bata ang tanungin niyang iyon? Bakit puro ako nalang?

"Sila Vien po nagdala sa kanila, ate." Nakangiting sagot ko. Natigilan naman si Ate Kelly at humarap saakin tsaka nag-isip.

"Hindi din e," napataas ang kilay ko. "Ilang beses ng inaya ng mga bata ang ama nila. Pero laging natanggi." I tilted my head to check them in the living room, where Vlad is riding on his mini car from Doc Caleb, while Vien is playing dollhouse with Sir Elio.

"Nako, simula nang dumating ka. May nagbago kay sir." Muli akong napa "huh?" Sa sinabi ni Ate Lia.

"Ako na naman nakita," nakanguso kong sabi. Tumawa silang dalawa at tinapik naman ako sa braso ni Ate Lia.

"Totoo naman kasi," umiling ako sa pagsasang-ayon ni Ate Kelly.

"If he changed, it means kagustuhan niya iyon mga ate. Isa pa wala naman akong ginawa para mapabago siya." Paliwanang ko. But they're just giving me their mischievous smiles.

"Nurse Nika, can we go to the park later?" Tanong ni Vlad. Napayuko ako para tignan si Vlad na lumapit saakin.

"Pwede naman, papayag ba daddy niyo?" Tanong ko sa bata. Pareho kaming napalingon sa gawi nila Vien at Sir Elio. Kaagad na nag-iwas ng tingin si Sir Elio nang magtama ang mga tingin namin. Nakatingin na ito kay Vien, pinagmamasdan ang bata na maglaro ng dollhouse.

Huh? Is he staring at me?

"Yes, I already asked Daddy for permission. And he said, yes." Nakangiting sabi ni Vlad.

Yumuko ako at pinatong ang magkabilang kamay sa tuhod.

"Alright, you know the rules, right?" Tanong ko. Tumango naman si Vlad sa sinabi ko.

Vlad and I talked before about our rules, especially when we're going to the park. For his safety and health too. He can play, but not much. His heart can't carry too much stress. Kaya kahit nakatingin ako sa kanya, he needed to take care of himself too. Kasi hindi habang-buhay kasama niya ako. Hindi habang-buhay may magbabantay at mag-aalaga sa kanya.

They slept for two hours, getting ready. The two are too excited, lalo na kasama nila ang daddy nila ngayon.

Huminto ang sasakyan ni Sir Elio sa tapat ng entrada ng mansyon. Kaagad na pumasok ang dalawang bata kasama sina Ate Kelly at Ate Lia. Napatingin ako sa passenger's seat dahil iyon nalang ang bakanteng upuan.

"What are you waiting for, Nurse Nika?" Napaitlag ako nang biglang magtanong si Sir Elio mula sa likuran ko.

Haharap na sana ako sa kanya nang bigla itong naglakad papuntang driver's seat. I pursed my lips, still not know what to do.

I mean, laging passenger's seat ang inuupuan ko sa tuwing lalabas kami, pero kasi si Kuya Tio iyon o ang ibang driver. Ngayon kasi si Sir Elio ang magda-drive.

Naiilang ako. Hindi ko parin makalimutan ang labi niyang lumapat sa labi ko! Ang... Awkward.

Nagulat ako nang bumaba ang bintana ng sasakyan at nakita kong napayuko si Sir Elio.

Ilang beses akong napakurap, his hair tied into a clean bun, he's wearing a white long sleeve polo na nakatupi ang mga manggas hanggang siko niya at bukas ang dalawang butones sa bandang dibdib niya. Naka denim short naman siya. Ang simple lang niyang pumorma... Pero bakit parang mukhang rarampa siya?

Hiyang-hiya ang sinuot kong tshirt na sa online ko lang binili, at ang pants na sa ukay ko lang nabili.

"Time is running, Nurse Nika." Doon ko lang narealized na ilang minuto na pala akong nakatayo sa gilid ng sasakyan.

Tumikhim ako bago sumakay. Pagpasok ko ay narinig ko ang mahinang tawa ng mga bata. Nakita ko namang napangiti pa sila Ate Kelly at Ate Lia. Not just a simple smile, but a mischievous smile.

Hindi naman naging boring ang biyahe papuntang park na nasa labas ng executive villa ng mga Sierra. Parang subdivision sa sobrang lawak ng lugar, na puro bahay na nakikita ay tanging sa mga Sierra lang.

Ayaw magkahiwalay-hiwalay e no. Pati mga bahay dapat tabi-tabi din. We once visited the clubhouse nila before. Nandoon ang iilang mga asawa't anak, na nagbo-bonding tuwing sabado't linggo. Ang gara lang din ng clubhouse nila dahil sa gilid noon ay nagpatayo sila ng chapel para doon na sama-samang nagsisimba tuwing linggo.

"Vlad, don't run too much!" Sigaw ko nang makitang tumakbo si Vlad.

Tawang-tawa naman siya sa kanyang ginawa. Nakasunod sila Ate Kelly at Ate Lia sa dalawa, habang kami ni Sir Elio ay nakaupo sa picnic cloth na nilapag namin kanina.

"Hey," napaangat ako ng tingin nang tawagin ako ni Sir Elio. Napakamot ito sa batok, nagdadalawang-isip kung itutuloy pa ba ang balak niyang itanong.

Natawa ako ng mahina dahil ang cute niyang tingnan. Gagi, napaka-manly niyang tignan, pero ang cute pala kapag nahihiya.

"Kung tungkol sa mga anak mo itatanong mo sir, huwag kang mahiya. Pero kung tungkol saakin 'yang itatanong mo, h'wag rin, kasi hindi ako nagbibigay ng personal na impormasyon." Natatawang sabi ko.

Sinamaan naman niya ako ng tingin, pero nag belat lang ako at kinuha ang basket na may lamang mga baon namin.

"Tsk." Naiiling tumatawa ako dahil sa pag-ismid niya.

"Alam mo sir, mga anak mo sila e. Hindi ka dapat nahihiya," sabi ko at kinuha ang egg sandwich tsaka inabot kay Sir Elio.

Hindi siya sumagot at napatitig lang sa kamay ko ba may sandwich. Ilang sandali lang ay hinawakan niya iyon. Nagtama ang mga kamay namin, kaya napatingin ako kay Sir Elio.

The feeling is familiar. Just like how my ex courted me. I felt the spark and butterflies in my stomach. It was too predictable. And I hated myself for falling first. Kahit nawala naman siyang ginagawa para mahulog ako sa kanya.

"Thank you," shocked was evident on my face when he said that. Ano daw? Thank you?

Napaangat ako ng tingin at nakita ko si Sir Elio na nakatitig na pala saakin. He's eyes say that he's really thankful.

"Para saan?" Tanong ko.

Hindi na siya sumagot at kinain ang sandwich na binigay ko sa kanya tsaka nakatuon na ang atensyon niya sa mga anak niyang naglalaro ng seesaw at duyan kasama ang mga iilang bata.

Hindi ko alam, pero sa simpleng 'thank you' niya ay kinikilig na ako.