Bossy Bree

8 First Fight

Bree POV

I ran to Howard and excitedly embraced him as soon as I saw him standing at the offices' hallway. It's been five long years since I last saw him and good heavens! He is a sight for sore eyes.

"Hey Stranger! You got long hair now!?" Tuwang tuwa kong salubong sa kanya. I examined his handsome face. Walang pagbabago, ang gwapo pa din ng lalaki. He still has those brown mesmerizing eyes, chiseled jaw with a little bit of stubbles and his straight auburn hair that's used to be short, but now reaching his broad shoulders. Mas lalo pa siyang gumwapo at mas appealing sa mahabang buhok niya. He still is my epitome of male perfection.

"Bree! Wow! You look the same! Still the gorgeous Bree!" Ani Howard sa akin na muli nanaman akong niyakap.

"You still have that sweet tongue of yours, Ward." Hindi ko maitago ang laki ng ngiti ko sa papuring natanggap.

Nailang ako ng matagal akong titigan ni Howard, then he released a heavy sigh then became somber. I instantly knew it's because of dad. The news of my father's passing has reached him, and it reached him too late.

"I... I'm sorry, I came late. I was in South Africa doing volunteer work and only heard about Tito Edgar's passing when I finally went back to England." Malungkot nitong pahayag na nagpalungkot din sa akin.

"I understand Ward. I'm sure dad is proud in heaven because of all your philanthropic works and your charitable institutions." I reassuringly smiled at him.

"How are you holding up, sweet?" Anito sa akin sa malambing na tono.

"I'm getting there Ward. I miss him so much but I need to be strong for mom. Plus, the company keeps me so busy, I haven't had time to think." Aniko sa pinagaan na tono. He smiled at me which I returned shyly.

"You are the strongest person I know. One of the many traits you got from Tito Edgar." Ani Howard na lalo namang ikinalapad ng ngiti ko, sasagot pa sana ako kay Howard ng makarinig ako ng tikhim malapit sa likod ko. Nalingunan ko si Clyde na titig na titig sa kamay kong nakahawak pa rin pala sa braso ni Howard. Awtomatikong natanggal ko iyon. Clyde eyes went up to meet mine. May mensahe sa mga mata nito na hindi ko naman maintindihan.

What?! I mouthed. Sabay taas ng kilay ko sa kanya. Napailing naman si Clyde sa akin.

"Hey! I remember you. Mr. Santillan, right? The ever loyal right hand of tito Edgar. Lagi ka niyang kasama sa lahat ng lakad niya. How are you?" Howard said. Clyde shook Howards hand.

"Good, Sir. How are you, Sir? It's been a long time since your last visit." Magalang din sagot ni Clyde

"I'm good. I'm good." Nakangiting sagot ni Howard."...and I'm sorry, man. I know Tito Edgar is like a father to you. You two were close." Dagdag ni Howard habang tinatapik ang balikat ni Clyde.

"Yes sir, he was. Sir Edgar is the father I never had. Mauna na ako sa inyo, Sir." Matiim na sagot ni Clyde.

Pumaling sa akin si Clyde and I saw how his mood instantly changed when  he looked at me. Kaya naman gumanti din ako ng pagtaas ng aking mataray na kilay.

What's this nerd's problem?!

"Bree, my wife, I'll just be behind my desk if you ever need me."  Malakas na anito sabay humalik pa siya sa labi ko na lalo kong ikinagulantang. My jaw dropped while watching him walked towards his table.  Nang magtama ang mata namin ni Howard ay nakita ko rin ang pagkagulat niya habang nakatingin sa akin. Napayuko ako habang gigil na napakuyom ng kamao.