Below The Tide (Charity Series #1)

• Twenty Two •

Betina Tiara

~

Araw-araw ay nakakatanggap ako ng iba't-ibang klase ng flower bouquet dito sa office. Long-stemmed roses, pink tulips, white daisies, anemones at ngayon... basket of red 50 pieces roses.

Yes, singkwentang piraso ng red rose.

Hindi rin pumapalya si Zen na tawagan at i-text ako para malaman ang nangyari sa araw ko. Hindi kasi siya nakakadalaw dahil nag-umpisa na ang shooting nila sa ginagawa nila ngayong educational short film.

And... since he started courting... I still cannot make time to talk to Hailey that I know, she's aware that Zen is now pursuing me.

Hindi kasi siya madalas nandito. Nitong mga nagdaang araw ay isang beses palang siya nakakadalaw dahil sa trabaho n'ya. Gusto ko sana siyang makausap dahil ayoko 'yung feeling na nagkakailangan kami dahil kay Zen.

Atleast I wanted to be honest with her... and I want to confirm her feelings.

Saktong pagtanggap ko ng bulaklak galing sa delivery boy ay dumating si Hailey. Inayos n'ya ang salamin n'ya at napatingin sa malaking hawak ko.

"Who's it from?"

Pumasok muna kami bago ko siya sagutin, "It's from Zen."

"Oh..."

Binuka ko ang bibig ko para sana magsalita tungkol sa iniisip ko pero agad ko rin 'yun naitikom. This is the first time she caught me recieving flowers from his idol so I'm a bit embarrassed.

Nakaupo na siya ngayon sa sofa at inaayos ang mga dala n'yang folder. Tumingin ito sa 'kin, "Betina... what's wrong?"

Umupo ako sa kaharap n'yang sofa at binaba ang basket ng rosas sa tabi, "...do you have feelings for Zen?" diretsang tanong ko.

She was caught off guard, "Pardon?"

"Hailey, you once told me that Zen shouldn't date any other woman but I know--- and I'm certainly right that you're now aware that he is now courting me to be his girlfriend," I bit my lip, "Were you hurt?" I snickered at my dumb question, "I mean... I just wanted to clear things up."

Sandali siyang hindi nagsalita, inayos n'ya ang kan'yang salamin at mataman akong tinignan.

"I don't have any personal feelings for Zen," she formally answered, "But sure, he is my inspiration. He is an amazing actor but I don't like him for myself. I like him because he's talented, handsome and kind--- that is all."

So... wala siyang gusto kay Zen? And here I thought she has...

Tumango ako at ngumiti, "Thank you."

"You like him?"

"I'm interested in him."

"I'm very sorry if I looked strict over Zen. If I dare to say so, I only speak as a fan who is always on Zen's side. Now that he's developing his feelings for you, at first I thought that it will not be good for the two of you."

"Yes I understand," mahinahon kong usal, "But leave... our relationship to us."

"Of course, Betina. I trust in you. So please don't think something unhealthy about me. Aside from that, do not forget the responsibility he have."

"Responsibility?"

"I am certain that some of his fans are expecting him to maintain his dignity as a public figure. As much as I want... I want him to take the safe road--- hide his relationship with you."

Hailey... it's too late to say that, a lot of people saw us together because he and his two buddies made a scene in that pastry shop.

"That's the safest choice I can think to keep his image privately... to show fans only what they want," she added.