Forever and Always BOOK 1 ( a sequel to As Long As Forever)

Forever and Always - CHAPTER 4

He felt Antoinette's hands encircling his nape. Antoinette is beautiful. She is even considered the campus' sweetheart. He should consider himself very lucky for being with her this close. He felt bad that it felt like she's using her to cover his true feelings.

"Thank you for coming tonight," aniya.

Ngumiti ito. "I guess, I can't help it if I wanted to be with you, too."

He chuckled. "I thought you despised me," biro niya. Dahil hindi lamang isang beses na tinanggihan siya nitong makipag-date.

"I thought you were not serious," she pouted. "And your reputation with girls, nakakatakot."

Napatawa siya. "Bakit? Ano bang naririnig mo?"

"That," anitong napabuntong-hininga. "That irresistible charm of yours behind that rugged look. Those beautiful eyes..."

"You sound like you are falling in love with me."

"And that unbelievable self confidence!"

Napatawa siya ulit. Being with Antoinette isn't that bad at all. Ngunit nahagip ng tingin niya si Pepper, mag-isa na naka-upo sa table. Bigla'y gusto niyang iwan ang kasayaw at puntahan ang kababata. May sinabi si Antoinette na hindi niya narinig.

"Alex?"

"Yes," aniyang ibinalik ang tingin rito.

"How much?"

"Huh?" aniyang napakunot ang noo.

"I was asking how much you love me."

Saglit siyang natigilan. Napamura siya ng lihim bago nakabawi. "Nasusukat ba 'yon?" tudyo niya rito.

"Well, I just want to know before I say yes."

"What?" aniyang nawala ang ngiti sa labi.

"I guess, I'll find it out myself, huh?" She said as she caressed his nape. "You have been invading my thoughts since that day you gave me flowers. And I guess, I could no longer stop myself from falling for you. I love you, too Alex. Tonight, I'm officially yours."

Ilang beses na napakurap ang mata niya. Napalunok siya. "Oh, yeah? Great. I mean, thank you." Thank you? Gusto niyang batukan ang sarili. Naramdaman na lamang niyang mahigpit itong nakayakap sa kanya.

"I love you, Alex," ulit nito.

Saktong napadako ang tingin niya kay Pepper na namimilog ang matang nakatingin sa kanila. "I love you, too," aniya habang nakatingin kay Pepper. Ano ba itong pinasukan niya?

They danced a few songs more. Pero hindi siya mapakali dahil kita niyang nag-iisa ang kababata. Nasaan ba ang tarantadong Lance na iyon? They escaped to the garden afterwards and they talked and kissed like teen couples do. He could've enjoyed it if not for the fact that Pepper is alone. Nang sa wakas ay nagpaalam si Antoinette na umuwi na'y tila nabunutan siya ng tinik. He felt bad feeling this way but he could not help it. Hindi na niya ito hinatid dahil kasama nito ang driver nito.

He felt so relieved that he ran back to the ballroom only to find out that Pepper is still siting there alone. That jerk! Himutok niya patungkol kay Lance.

Kumuha siya ng cocktail drinks at pasimpleng umupo sa tabi nito.

"Where's your date?" aniya sabay abot ng cocktail drink dito. He looked at her closely and she took his breath away with a smile.

"Thank you," anito sabay tanggap ng baso. Inginuso nito ang kinaroroonan ni Lance. Kausap nito and Papa niya.

"I'm beginning to hate your dad," himutok ng dalaga.