Abrianna
I was in a meeting break with Mrs. De Vega when Cervantes messaged me that he is already at the parking. I checked the time and it's still half an hour before five. The heck. He came too early.
Well that's not my problem. Maaga siyang dumating so I believe he already knew that he has to wait for thirty minutes. He won't expect me to drop my work, go down and meet him just because he is in the parking area already. That won't happen. Tsk.
I was about to call him but the door opened and revealed Mrs. De Vega.
"I'm sorry for that Ms. Abrianna" she said referring to her emergency call.
"It's fine Mrs. De Vega. Shall we continue?" I asked then turned down my phone.
She sat down. "Yes. Go on"
Like what she said, I proceeded. I made the meeting short yet concise and after fifteen minutes of discussion, she requested to schedule another meeting for the presentation dahil may emergency siya ngayon.
"I'll inform you of the details then Mrs. De Vega" I said after I agreed with her request.
"Ah. Yes. Thank you very much Ms. Galvez. As much as I want close the deal today, I really have an emergency"
"No worries, Mrs. De Vega"
She expressed her gratitude again before she bid goodbye. I watched as she hurriedly grab her things and went out. Looks like she really got an emergency.
I shrugged and fixed my things before going to my office. Dahil wala na akong gagawin pa, pwede na akong umuwi. I'll just inform Cervantes when I am out.
I was busy fixing my things when Dylan suddenly entered unannounced. I coldly looked at him. "Knock before you enter, Dylan" Hindi ko nagustahan na basta na lang siyang pumapasok nang hindi man lang kumakatok.
He grimaced. "My apologies" then he stepped forward. "Anyway, are you leaving already?" He asked when he noticed that I was gathering my things.
"Yeah"
"I see"
"Why? Do you need anything?" I glanced up at him after putting my laptop inside my bag.
"Nah" he shook his head "I'll just see you tomorrow" then he left without waiting for my response.
Napakunot noo ako. What was that? Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang sa magsara ang door. I wanted to stop him to probe him to speak but I just shrugged it off then carried my bag. Dylan will tell it eventually to me if it's important.
I checked everything before locking my office. I rode the elevator until I reached the ground floor. While walking towards the lobby, I called Cervantes. He immediately answered.
"Where are you?"
"How 'bout you? Where are you?" he fired back instead of answering my question. Hindi ko tuloy mapigilang mapaikot ng mata.
"I'm heading out of the building. Come and pick me up"
He chuckled. "That's the plan. Wait for me at the entrance, wife." he said so I immediately hanged up.
The guard greeted me when I made my way out so I nod in acknowledgment. As soon as I stepped out of the building, a familiar black car parked few meters away from me. I grinned when Cervantes came out wearing his business suit. He jogged around then opened the shot gun seat.
"You can pass as my butler, Cervantes" I teased when I neared him. I placed my bag on the shot gun seat and when my eyes landed on the stirring wheel, I feel like doing something crazy today.
He scoffed and motioned me to get inside. "Get in, wife"
I faced him. "Sure I will but let me drive" I innocently said to hide my evil plan.
He blankly stared at me.
"No hidden agendas, Cervantes. Loosen up" I kidded but he smirked. "Your eyes speak the otherwise, love. So, no" then in a blink of an eye, he swiftly carried me. Gulat akong napakapit sa leeg niya. He gently deposited me inside kaya bumitaw agad ako sa pagkakahawak sa kanya. Just what the heck did he just do!
Mabilis niyang kinabit ang seatbelt ko "Behave, wife"
"I'm not doing anything, Cervantes" I glared at him because of what he did. He caught me off gaurd for pete's sake!
He lifted my chin with his finger. "Not yet is the right term, wife" then he kissed me on the lips before closing the door. Inis akong napa-cross arms habang pinagmamasdan siyang umikot. Sumagi lamang sa isip ko ang balak ko sanang gawin nang pumasok siya. Bakit kasi ang bilis niyang makatunog. Nakakainis!
I faced him. "You're no fun"
"I'm fun in bed" he winked then started driving.
I mentally rolled my eyes. Fun in bed my ass.
"Don't be ambitious, Cervantes"
"Wanna try it tonight?" he looked at me for a moment.
"Wanna sleep in the guest room tonight?" I sarcastically smiled.
"You're no fun" copy cat.
"I'm fun in dragging you out of the room" bale-wala kong sagot.
He shook his head. "So violent, wife"
I scoffed. Like he wasn't used to it.
"You came too early" I stated after a few seconds.
"Mom wants us to get there early that's why"
"Just how early does she want us to be there?" Parang dinner lang naman.
"If possible an hour before the dinner but since we won't make it she asked us to be there 30 minutes prior"
"And what time is the dinner?"
"7:00"
I looked at my wrist watch. It's already five. "We still have enough time" Tumingin ako sa harap. "Drive us at home. I'll change first"
I immediately glanced at him when I heard a violent reaction. I raised him an eyebrow. "May problema ka?"
"You're beautiful with your corporate attire, wife. You need not to change" he sounded begging.
I rolled my eyes. "I know I look pleasing, Cervantes" But I don't want to go there looking formal with my pencil skirt and blouse. I want to dress accordingly. "But we will still go home. Magpapalit ako"
Napabuga siya ng hangin. "Ma-lalate tayo kung magpapalit ka pa"
"So?"
"Mom will kill me if we go late"
My eyebrows furrowed but after a second, a smirk slowly made its way on my lips. "Scared cat"
"Tsk" I laughed at his response. Damn. I wonder how scary their mom is for him to react this way.
"Just drive home Cervantes. You won't get us late for sure" Takot niya lang sa mom niya kapag na-late kami. I thought he'll disagree but he heaved a sigh then took the rode leading home.
"Just be quick, wife"
I bit my inner cheek to prevent the grin forming on my lips. Oh Cervantes.
Nang makarating kami sa bahay ay hindi na niya pinasok sa garage ang kotse dahil hassle kapag ilalabas muli ito so he just parked it outside the gate. Dumeretso siya sa kitchen pagkapasok namin sa bahay. Susunod sana ako para inisin siya by moving slow but looking at how he patiently waits for me, I didn't push through. Kawawa naman. Umakyat na lang ako sa room at mabilis na gumalaw at nagpalit bago mag-re-touch.
I was looking at my reflection, checking my outfit when the door opened.
"You ready?" I heard Cervantes asked.
I looked sideways to check on my dangling silver pair of earings. "Yup" I grabbed my black pouch and faced him. "Let's go"
His astonished faced was the first thing that I noticed.
"Lovely as always, wife" He complimented.
I walked towards him while he remained leaning against the door post. He stood straight the moment I neared him. I grinned and confidently kissed his cheeks. "I'm always aware, Cervantes. Always" His eyes twinkled and his lips slowly thugged up. I grinned back before passing him.
It didn't take long before we went back on the rode. We're now on our way to their house. It's a one hour travel but with our current speed we will be there 30-40 minutes depending on the flow of vehicles. But I am certain we'll be there early. Halatang nagmamadali siya ayaw ma-late. Tsk.
"What's with the dinner by the way?" I asked to kill the time. I didn't had the confidence to asked her mom earlier so I am clueless. Hindi ko rin natanong ang gagong ito kanina dahil wala ako sa mood.
"Monthly family gathering"
My eyebrows furrowed. "Monthly what?"
"Monthly family gathering" he repeated. "It's mom's way of keeping us intact especially with our busy schedules. Sort of a family catch-up. Kinda a family tradition as well" he slowed down when a group of teens were passing by the pedestrian.
So the Cervantes' has that thing? I didn't know they're family-oriented. "I didn't know you are that kind of family" I whispered.
"Now you know" I rolled my eyes when he glanced at me and smiled. I was hoping he didn't hear it but damn he got a hearing capacity like a dog.
Inarapan ko na lang siya bago tumingin sa labas. But while looking at the houses we're passing by, I cannot help but think. This is their family gathering. Their family bonding in simplest term so why am I here? Why invite me? Is it because I am married to their son? Iyun ba 'yun? If that's the reason then I don't think I should be here. The marriage is just for business. There is no need to be attached.
In the first place, bakit pumayag pa kasi ako? I should have known that dinner like this is for family matters!
Damn. Getting closed to this family is wrong.
I should have not come. Hindi na dapat ako pumayag.
"What is it, wife?"
Kunot-noo akong tumingin sa kanya. He glanced at me for a brief moment. "You were mumbling something"
I did?
"It doesn't concern you so just drive" I shut him down then glanced back at the window.
The drive went silent until we arrived. Naunang bumaba si Cervantes matapos niyang patayin ang engine. I calmed myself before moving out, too. He threw me a questioning look when I didn't wait for him to open the door. Inirapan ko na lamang siya bago nagsimulang maglakad. I just want to get over this dinner fast.
Coming here in their family gathering is a mistake. It's like throwing myself into something I know I am not genuinely welcome. I was just invited because I am tied to their son. If it's not because of the marriage, I wouldn't be called here for sure.
"Mom, they're here!" Cervantes' younger sister shouted when she saw us entered. She was running downstairs wearing an emerald knee-length dress. Naka-ayos din siya. She was wearing a slight make-up and her hair was in a messy bun.
"Watch your step, Vienna" Cervantes reminded.
"Don't worry kuya. I won't strip" she jumped at the last step before kissing her brother on the cheek. "Good evening, kuya" She turned to me. "Hi ate Abrianna" she shyly said and I can see that she's wary whether she'll kissed me on the cheek too or not. So to stop her dilemma, I shortly smiled "Hello Vienna" and I bent my knees a little for her to reach me. She quickly got what I mean and smiled widely before planting a kiss on my cheeks.
"You're so pretty, ate" she whispered.
"You're beautiful, too" I complimented. She shyly smiled.
"Hello there, the two of you" I straightened up and looked at their mom who just came in from the kitchen. Linapitan agad siya ni Cervantes at humalik sa pisngi nito. "Good evening mom"
"You're almost late" she said that made me bit my lower lip.
"Almost mom. Almost" Cervantes grinned.
The woman just lightly shook her wide while smiling. Then, she faced me. "Hello sweety"
"Good evening po" I smiled and walked near her and dumped a kissed on her cheek.
"You look stunning" she complimented "And like what I have said, call me mom, Abrianna"
"Will do mom"
"Great!" she clapped her hand in delight. "Now, come and join me in the kitchen" that's when I noticed that she is wearing a simpls blouse and a pant.
"I'll be upstairs, mom" paalam ni Cervantes. "Be back to you later, wife" he knowingly looked at me straight in the eyes before kissing my forehead. What's that knowing look for? I curiously looked at him but he already turned his back. We watched as he took the stairs.
"Kuya's sweet. Don't you think, mom?" I glanced at Vienna who is still looking at the stairs even though Cervantes is already gone. Tumingin siya sa gawi ko ng maramdamang nakatingin ako sa kanya. She sweetly smiled.
"Let him be, Vienna. Let's go" sabi ni mom. She smiled at me so I smiled back.
We all went to the kitchen. Everything is cooked already. Ang kailangan lang naming gawin ay i-set ang lahat. Mom instructed me while Vienna assisted me with what I have to do. It feels uncomfortable because I am not used in setting tables for gatherings or preparing for it but feels fine at the same time.
"Vienna, call your dad and brothers" mom said after we set everything.
"On it, mom" Vienna cheerfully replied and exited the kitchen.
Now there's me and mom. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko sa kanya so I pretended busy on the glasses. I knew she will initiate a conversation but it still didn't help when I heard her speak behind me.
"Is my son treating you well, Abrianna?"
I bit my inner cheek and gently placed the glass on the table before facing her with a simple smile. Why do I feel uncomfortable around her?
"Yes, he is, mom" Ayoko mang aminin but truth to be told Cervantes is indeed treating me well. Far from what I have imagined if we stayed together. I thought we'll be strangers in one roof but we're not. We interact and it feels like he wants to make this arriage works. Opposite from what I want.
"I'm glad to hear that" dama ko ang sincerity sa boses niya. She held my left hand while her other hand cupped my right cheek. "I can see he is doing his best for the both of you even if everything started wrong and as a mother I am proud of him. I know napilitan ka lang, kayong dalawa, na ikasal sa isa't isa dahil lang sa business but please know that Luke cares for you. Kahit hindi maganda ang naging umpisa ng samahan niyo, natutunan ka pa ring alagaan ng anak ko. He made you one of his priorities not because of marriage but because he learned to when you ran away from him nearly two years ago after your marriage. He may sometimes show it to you the wrong way but he trully cares. I am not saying this for you to harbor the same feeling" there's a glint of softness in her eyes. "I am saying this because I can see my son is reaching you but it seems like you are hesitant to take his hand"
Her last sentence caught me off-guard.
She squeezed my hand. "Is something bothering you, my lovely daughter? May magagawa ba ang mommy para sa'yo?" she sweetly smiled and caressed my cheek.
So this is how a "mother's care" feels like again? I cannot help but weakly smile in my head. It's been so long since I felt a maternal love. And feeling it right now is overwhelming at the same time, it feels strange. Sa sobrang tagal simula nang huli akong hagkan ni mommy, nakakapanibago na makaramdam ng katulad noon ngayon. I almost even forgot how it feels to be cared by a mom.
I smiled shortly and reached for her hand on my cheek. "Nothing's bothering me, mom" I squeezed her hand.
Still with a smile on her face, she tucked the loose strands of hair in my ear. With how she acted, I knew already that she is aware that I lied. Nakikita ko iyun. But I appreciated it when she let me be. "Okay, sweety. Just remember that mom is here for you. Always"
"I will, mom. Thank you." Hinandugan muli niya ako ng ngiti. The least I could do is to atleast thank her for trying. But my burdens are my problems. It's not my thing to share it with anyone.
After a minute, Cervantes, together with his dad and siblings, arrived. I don't know how everything turned out but when they came, the kitchen became loud and busy. I glanced at Vienna who is pouring something on Vince's glass. Beside her is her twin who is also doing something pati ang mom and dad nila. They all are roaming around and I don't know what they all are doing and what is happening when everything is set on the table already. Is this how they behave in the kitchen?
While watching them, that's when I noticed that Vince and mom were the only one in simple clothing. Cervantes and his dad were in their white polo and black slacks. I was in my jumpsuit while Vienna was in her dress.
"What's running inside that deceitful brain of yours, wife?" Cervantes whispered beside me so I elbowed him. He grimaced. Kami lang ang naka-upo sa totoo lang habang hinihintay silang lahat na umayos.
"I was just wondering kung saan galing si Vienna" I glanced at her younger sister. Compared to her mom and twin, she is well-dressed for this dinner so I presume, she attended an event or so.
"Tss" Cervantes scoffed so I looked at him. "I heard from Vince that she's supposed to go on a date tonight. Good thing it was cancelled because of the family dinner"
Oh. That explains. "Well that's normal"
"Wife!" Cervantes hissed.
I looked at him annoyed. "What is it to you if she goes on a date? It is not like she's going to get married. And don't raise your voice at me, Cervantes" sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
He scoffed again a sign that he doesn't agree. Pero hindi na siya nakapagsalita pa dahil nag-aya nang kumain ang dad nila. They finally settled down so we started eating. We had small talks until dad called Vienna.
"Vienna"
"Yes, dad" kalmadong sagot nang isa.
"Who's the guy you're dating with?"
I saw how Vince smirked.
Vienna pouted before looking at mom. "Mom" hingi niya ng tulong.
"Hon" It's just a single word yet I saw how the old Cervantes breathed out loud like he yield.
"I'm just trying to know the guy our young lady is meeting, hon" paliwanag niya.
"You are interogating her, hon"
Bumuntong hininga muli ang matanda bago kalmadong tinanong si Vienna. "What's the name of the guy whom you're going out with, Vienna?" his voice became sweet.
I shook my head when Vienna smiled. "I won't tell you, dad. Besides, we're just hanging out. Tsaka ko na lang ipakilala sayo kapag sure na ako"
Oh.
Seems like the old man understood his daughter so he didn't push through. I thought it will end there but the jerk beside me intruded. "Vince, you knew the little boy" it wasn't a question. It was a statement.
"Absolutely"
"Kuya!" maktol ni Vienna.
"Not because dad let it slide means we will, too" Cervantes sternly said to his sister. Pagsasabihin ko na sana siya but I sensed that this is a sibling matter so I let him be. "Who's the guy, Vince?" he glanced at his brother.
The latter smirked. "The school's senior photographer. He is sort of a staff of the school's journalists team something like that"
"And his name?"
"Vince!" Vienna called.
"It's KUYA Vince, Vienna" pagtatama ni Vince
"You're just a minute older, Vince so don't give me that tone"
"Vince, the name" singit ni Cervantes.
"Try to announce and I'll-"
Vienna wasn't able to complete her sentence because Vince announced the name.
"Xian Garcia, son of Mr. Harris Garcia"
"Harris Garcia, the head of-"
"Yes dad, the head of the marketing department" putol ni Vince sa sinasabi ng dad niya.
I've seen how Vienna glared at Vince before turning to their mom with an evil grin. "Mom, don't you know that Vince has three current girlfriends?"
Vince paled. "Vienna!"
"They're Sarah Perez, Cherinna Bautista and Kyleen Lemuer. Sarah is our strand's top student. Cherinna is a volleyball player from another school while Kyleen is a model he met online. I think Vince discovered her in twitter then found her ig account"
The atmosphere turned silent. Mom became emotionless so are dad and Cervantes. Ngising tagumpay naman si Vienna.
Napakamot ng batok si Vince. "Well, I guess I am that charming"
I rolled my eyes with how he pulled those words in an innocent manner while his family immediately bombarded him with sermons.
••••••
A/N:
Oh my gosh! Finally got the chance and will to update after a long time. I feel happy. Lol. Anyway, thank your very much for waiting dear readers. You're all awesome💗.
Regarding the dedication, I have a problem. Ayaw magdedicate ni wattpad. Kept on trying the previous month but still no avail. So I decided to mention your names instead. Hope that is fine with you. I'll try to fix it when got an opportunity. For now, let's settle with alternatives hehe.
Enjoy and keeps safe always💕
~*~