Love of France (Friend Series #3)

Chapter 35

Kaagad kong binatukan ang lalaking nasa driver seat. He had to pull the car over dahil hindi na siya makapag-maneho ng maayos sa pananakit ko sa kanya.

Kahit tumigil na ang sasakyan ay hindi ko pa rin siya tinitigilan habang si Kyze na nasa tabi ko ay walang pakealam sa amin. His eyes were glued on the screen of his iPad. He finally found his true love in his iPad.

Pabagsak akong umayos ng upo at inayos ang buhok na nagulo. I crossed my arms and let out a deep breath. I was glaring at him while he was reaching for my forearm and I kept on slapping it.

"After one month, you finally fucking showed up." I hissed.

"Sorry Love. I was,"

Kaagad kong pinalis ang kamay niya sa'kin nang subukan niya akong abutin mula sa driver seat.

"You know why." he just said.

Umiling ako. Hindi na talaga nagbago ang lalaking 'to. Kahit kailan ay napakapanira ng imahe. Kapag nandiyan ang problema ay nawawala. He'll just return to make up for it and I kept on forgiving him, of course.

I owe him, bigtime. Kahit pa masama ang simula namin ay hindi ko kayang abanduna-hin ang unang naging kaibigan sa bagong buhay ko. Kahit pa wala siyang dinala sa'kin kung hindi isiyu.

We became the subject of controversy for as long as I could remember. The issue of us being together won't just stop. Lalo pa't palagi kaming magkasama. It only keeps adding fuel to the fire.

The fact that Marcus hired me as an escort and enrolled me to a modeling school wasn't a secret to people. It was the great foundation of the controversy. And then, just last month, pumutok na naman ang haka-haka tungkol sa pagiging engaged namin kaya ang gago ay iniwan ako sa ere at tumakas.

Tumingin ako kay Kyze nang magsimula na itong magsalita tungkol sa launch ng sarili kong brand. He did that on purpose. I know his real intention was to ignore Marcus' presence. Malamang sa malamang, kagaya ko ay nagalit din sa pagkawala nito dahil halos siya ang sumalo ng trabaho nito sa isang buwan. Ang hirap siguro no'n.

We arrived at the company building just in time. Kaagad kaming tumuloy sa conference room kung saan gaganapin ang meeting. Everyone is already waiting for us. One of the boards reviewed the minutes of our previous meeting before we get started with our agenda today.

It is expected to launch my brand next month. We've been planning this for years that is why people are already anticipating and looking forward to it due to its long preparation.

"We're going to put our main branch in the Philippines as planned..." one of the boards said.

Ang katabi kong si Marcus ay lumingon sa'kin.

"Are your sure 'bout this, Lavienna?"

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"I mean, you were recognized first in France. Putting your first branch in Philippines is quite contradicting... and take a look at the name..." Marcus started talking and showed me papers but my attention wasn't there.

Bigla kong naalala iyong isa sa mga ambush interview ko noon na hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan.

"Love, is it true that your most hated country is Philippines?"

Tumigil ako sa pag-pirma nang marinig ang tanong na 'yon.

"Is it true, right? Given the fact that you never return to Philippines after leaving for France six years ago?"

Nawala ang naka-plaster na ngiti sa labi dahil sa narinig. Hindi ko natapos ang pag-o-autograph dahil tuluyan na akong binalot ng tanong na 'yon.

Totoo nga ba, Love? Do I hate my own country?

I raised my head and looked at the press. I forced a smile and shook my head for an initial answer.

"I don't hate my own country. I will come back and stay there for good when the right time comes."

"When's the right time?"

I only answered his question with a smile. I couldn't tell him soon because I was busy building my own name back then.

But now that I am at the height of my fame, I think it's about time to return home. I am determined to put my first branch there. Miss ko na rin si Nanay at Tatay. Hindi sapat ang FaceTime at tawag ko sa kanila araw-araw para mapunan ang pagka-miss ko sa kanila.

The meeting exactly adjourned at one in the afternoon. We finalized the first ten branches we'd open this year across the globe and then reviewed the first collection of dresses we'd sell in market.

Being a model is tiring. Tapos heto ako at pumapasok na naman sa panibagong industriya. But I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Gusto kong subukan dahil inaral ko 'to.

Hindi man ako nakapagtapos pero inaral ko 'to. Sayang din ang ilang taon kong pag-aaral ng kursong may kaugnayan sa business kung hindi ko susubukan. Lalo pa't ngayon na mayroon din naman akong pera pang-kapital.

After taking our lunch at the hotel, we went home together. We were inseparable to the point that they're almost living at my house. May kanya-kanya rin silang bedroom sa bahay ko. Sa sobrang kailangan ko sa kanila ay hindi puwedeng malayo silang dalawa ng sabay sa'kin. Someone has to stay with me to run my busy life.

"These people won't just stop." inis na sabi ni Kyze habang nakatingin na naman sa kanyang iPad.

"Why?"

"Ang daming naglalabasang brand gamit ang pangalan mo. Gamit na gamit ka na talaga Lavienna."

Marcus laughed kaya napatingin kaming dalawa sa kanya.

"You know, I find your name rare before pero ngayon ay mukhang kasama na siya sa top familiar names sa mundo." he said as a matter of fact.

I pursed my lips and looked at my phone. Malayo sa problema nila ang iniisip ko.

Naka-base ba siya rito o temporary lang?

"Kailan nga 'yong checkup ko?" I suddenly asked the two.

Walang sumagot sa tanong ko kaya nilingon ko ang dalawa. Umangat ang kilay ko sa binibigay nilang makahulugang tingin.

"Himala at concern ka sa health mo ngayon."

"I'll summon your doctor then." mabilis na aksyon ni Marcus sa problema ko na mabilis ko ring pinigilan. Umahon ako sa pagkakadapa sa kama at kinuha ang cellphone sa kanya.

"No, I'll go to the hospital by myself."

Kyze opposed it of course.

"Ano? At saan na naman nilipad iyang utak mo Lavienna? You going to the hospital is like committing suicide. Bobo."

I rolled my eyes.

"I can handle myself besides I'll bring my security with me."

Alam kong ang tanging problema lang niya ay baka masaktan o mapaano ako kung lalabas ako at personal na pupunta sa hospital para sa regular checkup ko. Wala naman kaming dapat ikabahala sa reputasyon ko dahil matagal na rin naman itong sira.

May ikakasira pa ba ang pangalan ko?

The fashion show went normal and great. I was wearing a lingerie filled with silver glitters. It was paired with a silver heels. A white wing was also attached on my back. Noon, gustong-gusto kong isuot ito. Now that I'm wearing this, I feel awful.

Hinihintay ko na lang ang hudyat para sa final walk ng mga modelo sa likod ng runway. A staff gave us a go signal kaya sunod-sunod nang naglabasan ang mga modelo. Ako ang pang-huli dahil ako ang mag-i-escort sa designer. Pero sa suot ko ngayon at ng fashion designer na katabi ay mukhang mas ako ang i-escort niya.

We simply walked in the runway. Charles Everett placed his hand on my back habang ang isa ay abala sa pag-kaway sa mga tao. I smiled sweetly at the crowd as we walked slowly on the platform. Everyone stood up for Charles but there was one person who didn't bother to stand up nor clap his hands.

My eyes fixed on that man.

Where's the manner? I mean, nakita naman niya na siya lang ang hindi tumayo at pumalakpak. Kung hindi niya feel tumayo, sana ay pumalakpak man lang siya. Huling-huli siya dahil nasa first row pa naman siya.

Tumigil kami sa harap ng runway para sa kaunting speech ni Charles. Habang nagsasalita ito ay bumalik ang tingin ko sa crowd at hindi nakalagpas sa aking mga mata ang kinauupuan ng lalaking walang asal.

Parang tinakasan ako ng dugo nang mapag-sino ito. Sinimulan na akong pagpawisan ng malamig nang mapansin ang malalim nitong paninitig sa'kin.

If not for Charles calling my name, hindi ko mapapansin na tapos na pala siya sa pagsasalita. Habang naglalakad kami pabalik ay wala ako sa sarili.

I was glad that I noticed him just now dahil kung kanina pa bago magsimula ang show ay baka mahilo ako, kabagin, matapilok at mawalan ng balanse o 'di kaya ay mahimatay. His exquisite eyes have the power to that to me all at once.

I was looking at my reflection in the mirror, thinking of him. My team was packing my things up when Charles Everett went to me. Tumayo ako para salubungin siya.

"Love."

"Mr. Everett."

We do cheek-to-cheek kiss before he handed me a bouquet of flowers. Halos lahat ng tao sa backstage ay nasa amin ang mga mata.

"Thank you." sabi ko at tiningnan ang team. I gave them the eyes to make their packing quick.

"So, dinner?" tanong niya. He already asked me about it on his message earlier and I already declined.

"Sorry but no."

"Why? You have other plans? Tell me when will you be free so I'll make time."

Sa tingin ko ay kailangan kong sabihin sa kanya ng personal ang text ko sa kanya.

Mr. Everett, I really don't have time to date. I currently don't entertain men cuz I am busy running my own life. I don't have time to get on a dinner with you or with any other men. I'm sorry.

I was rehearsing my response to Mr. Everett when I felt a hand on my back.

I sighed in relief.

Just in time, Marcus.

I followed the ink from his arm, shoulder then to his neck. Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansing iba ang mga guhit ng tattoo niya.

"Love." he mumbled.

My heart raced. Slowly, my eyes went up. I felt my legs wobbled a bit when I met his intense gaze. It's burning in flame. Pakiramdam ko ay unti-unti akong natutupok sa uri ng kanyang tingin na ibinibigay sa'kin.

Parang napaso bigla ang likod ko mula sa kamay niyang humahaplos sa hubad kong likod. I was wearing a halter dress in gold hue and my back was in full show. Fuck. Even my sideboobs can be seen. Nice choice of dress, Lavienna. Ngayon pa talaga.

But he already saw me in lingerie. Mas lantad ang katawan ko sa suot kanina kaysa sa ngayon. 'Tsaka ano'ng problema, Lav? Ilang taon na ganito ang mga suot mo at ngayon ka pa talaga naging conscious sa bisti mo?

What an amateur.

Tumawa ako ng pilit sa kaharap nang makita ang pagtatanong sa kanyang mga mata.

"Mr. Everett, I already have someone to share my dinner with." magalang kong sabi sa ginoo.

"But you told me you don't have time to get on a dinner with any men."

He remembered and yet he still tried to ask me out again. Ang kulit.

Tumawa ako at tinuro ang sarili.

"Did I? How? When?" sunod-sunod kong tanong.

Our conversation was interrupted when a staff called him. Wala itong nagawa kung hindi iwan kami dahil mukhang importante.

I wiped my fake sweats and turned my body to him. I covered my nervousness with a smile.

"Wanna grab dinner with me?" tanong ko sa kanya, ang puso kong 'di mapalagay ay parang aatakehin na sa puso habang hinihintay ang kanyang tugon.

So, here we are, sitting across the round table and currently dining in a five-star restaurant. Hindi ko inaasahan na pagkatapos ng lahat-lahat ng nangyari sa aming masasakit at masasama ay dito kami mapupunta.

Inilibot ko ang tingin sa malawak at mamahaling restaurant. There were an orchestra playing at the side. Waiters and waitresses were busy waiting tables. We were surrounded with romantic atmosphere and lovers.

This place is made for couples. So, people may consider us a couple too, right? The first thing they will think when they see us together is that, we're dating, right? Hindi ko mapigilan ang mapangiti sa naisip.

I should date often. I said to myself. I mean, I got the time of my life. I can do whatever I want. Ilang taon akong kumayod at nagpakahirap. I deserved to pamper myself. That's why, I should get myself entertained, right? I nodded to myself to agree. Also, I should always make myself available and get dinner when I want too. Yeah, you should Lav. Let's do that.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

My smile quickly vanished.

"Huh?"

I fidgeted a bit. Inabot ko ang wineglass at sumimsim doon. Habang ginagawa ko 'yon ay napansin ko ang mga mata niyang nakamasid sa'kin.

I immediately took the glass away from my lips and reached for a napkin when wine gushed from the glass. Shit.

Why are you staring at me like that?

Parang mawawala ako kung makatingin siya sa'kin. Dumating ang order naming pagkain kaya na-gambala ang titigan naming dalawa. I placed the table napkin over my lap and reached for the fork and knife.

Gagayatin ko na sana ang karne nang kunin niya ang pinggan ko at inilagay sa tabi ng kanyang pinggan. He started to slice the meat finely before I could protest.

Tumikhim ako kaya tumigil siya sa pag-galaw at sinilip ako. Umiwas ako ng tingin at halos mahila ko na ang tablecloth sa higpit ng kapit ko sa dulo nito.

His movement was still fine and exquisite. It's very different from his rough and ruthless look. He looked like Marcus now but not at the same way though.

Ah, why am I comparing him to Marcus? They're totally different. They just have the same body built and both have tattoos. Other than that, wala na.

His white shirt perfectly fits for his body. My suot siyang hikaw! Could you believe that? The person I have known who loathed piercings is now has his own piercings on his ear?

Ano ba kasing nangyari?

Gusto kong itanong pero kinakabahan ako. Parang... teka galit pa rin ba siya sa'kin?

Tumigil ako sa katatanong sa sarili nang ilapag niya ang pinggan sa harap ko. Hindi na 'ko nagtaka ng malinis ang pagkakahiwa niya ng karne. It's well-proportioned. Parang sinukat. Damn. This is talent.

This made me think further. Sanay na sanay siyang gawin ito. Ibig-sabihin ay palagi siyang kumakain nito. Saan? Sa ganitong lugar din ba? Sino naman kaya ang kasama? Iba't ibang babae? Modelo rin ba kagaya ko? Maganda rin?

"Hindi ka na rin kumakain ng karne ngayon?"

"Ha?" parang tanga kong nai-usal.

Naalis ang tingin ko sa pagkain para mas pagtuunan siya ng pansin. Ngumisi siya habang marahang nginunguya ang karne. Nang malunok ito ay saka siya nagsalita.

"That's understandable. You look like a paper clip."

What?

I feel insulted. Ngayon lang ako nakaramdaman ng pagka-hiya sa katawan ko. All my life, I received nothing but pure and genuine compliments from having this barbie-like body. My 5'9 height and 112 pounds seem surreal. I worked so hard to achieve this figure only wound up getting nothing but an insult from the man I've been longing for his recognition.

Wow. My rounded breasts, narrow waist and elongated legs get shy all of a sudden.

I scoffed and stared at him with pure blaze. My eyes went down to his torso. I bit my lower lip as I say,

"Hmm... and you're... pretty ripped." sabi ko at pinagmamasdan ang ripped muscles niya na bakat sa damit niya. Since when he got those?

"I enrolled in a gym class." kaswal nitong sabi na parang habit niya ang mag-exercise dati pa.

Wow. Kailan pa?

"Ako rin." I shared.

I started eating when I heard his audible laugh. I raised my brow at him as I chewed my food.

"You lift?" tanong niya na may gulat na expression or more likely he's putting an act. Umaaarteng gulat e ano'ng nakakagulat doon?

All models do that. That's a basic knowledge. Ano bang nangyayari sa lalaking 'to?

"You lift... with that body." he said while eyeing my upper body. I dropped my utensils out of shock.

Iinsultihin niya lang ba ako buong oras na magkasama kami? Tiningnan ko siya ng masama at padaskol na ibinagsak ang table napkin sa mesa.

Tumayo ako para sana kunin ang nahulog na kutsilyo sa ilalim ng mesa. Hindi ko inaasahan ang biglang pagbangga ko sa taong nasa likuran. Umikot ako at isang waiter ang nabangga ko at nabuhos sa'kin ang nasa tray nitong dala.

A hot liquid was spilled all over my dress. I let out a curse when my skin contacts with the hot liquid. It starts to burn my skin.

Damn it.

I caused attention inside but that is least of my concern right now. Ramdam ko ang init ng likido sa aking dibdib, tiyan at hita. Manipis ang suot kong damit kung kaya't bakat na bakat na ang suot kong undergarments. Hindi rin nakatulong ang pagdikit ng tela sa aking katawan. Mas lalo kong naramdaman ang init.

Isa, dalawa, tatlo... tatlong waiter ang mabilis na rumesponde sa aksidenteng dulot ko. May nagpapaypay at may nagpupunas. Maraming kamay ang tumulong sa'kin. Hanggang sa itaboy silang lahat ni France.

He looked at the waiters like they did something bad. Ang madilim na tingin ay nalipat sa'kin at mas lalo pang nag-dilim nang pasadahan niya ng tingin ang katawan ko.

He muttered something and dragged me out the restaurant.

We didn't finish our dinner. France brought me to his hotel room. My eyes lingered around as I walked inside his place. Bigla kong naalala iyong apartment niya dati. It was totally different from this.

Sinundan ko lang siya hanggang sa silid niya. He didn't mind though. Humarap siya sa'kin at inilahad ang puting damit at boxer shorts.

He pointed the bathroom with a jerk of his head.

"Go, change. I'll treat your burns." sabi niya at ang mga mata'y dumapo sa katawan ko. Kaagad niya rin iyong iniwas at tinalikuran na ako para hanapin ang first-aid-kit.

I looked at his back. My face heated when worldly thoughts corrupt my mind.

What the fuck?