This is a work of FICTION. All characters are used in FICTITIOUS manner.
---
A year later...
Greggy's POV
I looked at the door when I heard a knock and it was opened afterwards.
Pumasok ang taong kanina ko pa hinihintay. "Jusko, napaka-init sa Pilipinas. How are you people taking it?" reklamo niya.
"At kung di ka rin kasi tanga, nagcoat ka pa." I joked. "Welcome back, Beatrice"
"Namiss niyo na naman ako 'no" she said that made me rolled my eyes.
Kakauwi niya lang galing ibang bansa. She just got married few months ago.
She changed. I'm glad she did.
She did something crazy to me before but I already forgave her dahil pinagsisisihan naman niya. She drugged my drink and pulled me in a room. Pero hindi niya tinuloy ang plano niya dahil naiisip niya raw si Irene.
Irene.
Naaalala niya raw yung lakas ng sampal nito sa kanya noon.
When he met her man, she changed her life. At iyon nga, they got married.
"Ito na yung flash drive na hinihingi mo kay Daddy. I don't know what's in it but it seems important at ako pa mismo ang nagbigay" reklamo niya pa.
Maya-maya pa, bumukas na naman ang pintuan at pumasok ang dalawang kumag.
"Wohoi! Nakita namin ang sasakyan ni Alondra sa baba, mamamahagi na ba ng blessings?" Thiago is refering to pasalubongs.
"Excuse me, kakarating ko palang yan na agad ang bungad mo sakin?" pagtataray ni Beatrice.
"Eto kasing Santiago na to, mahiya ka naman kay Mrs. Beatrice Alondra R. Alvez" Felix gestured his hands to her.
"Ako lang to" pagsakay niya sa trip ng dalawa.
"Di na kayo naawa sa magiging anak niyo, mauuna sa recitation" Thiago uttered. "Pati ikaw Araneta"
Gago talaga 'to.
"Siya sige, I'll go ahead, hinihintay ako ng asawa ko sa baba" she playfully said. "Later na lang ang pasalubong"
"Asahan namin yan ha!" Thiago yelled again.
"Ang sakit mo na nga sa mata, ang sakit mo pa sa tenga" I told him.
"Tangina mo" he solidly cursed.
They stayed in my office dahil malamig daw dito.
"Oo nga pala Greggy" baling sakin ni Felix. "Have you seen the latest photo of Irene?"
"Let me guess" singit ni Thiago. "Kasama niya si Conrad 'no"
"P-patingin nga ako." I don't even know why I am stuttering.
He showed me his phone and yes, Thiago is right. Magkasama sila. Though they have some friends with them but that didn't changed the fact that they are together.
I gave the phone back to him. From that very moment, naging tahimik kami hanggang sa maisipan na nilang lumayas.
Now that I'm alone. I stared at the picture frame on my table.
I still love the sun even though it shines in different place now.
Kung papipiliin man ako sa napakaraming mga libro at kwento, ang istorya parin namin ang pipiliin ko. My heart is still stuck with all the promises we told each other.
Suddenly my phone rang. Napataas ang kilay ko nang makita ang tumatawag.
My fiancée.
"Anong kailangan?" I asked.
She sighed. "Dinner na naman. Business partner nila Dad. Kailangan daw na nandoon tayo"
"Tell me kung anong oras at saan. I-ready mo na rin yang acting skills mo" I chuckled.
"Duh, I do acting for living 'no. Ikaw ang mag-ready at mag-practice. Your acting skills sucks" she also laughed. "Sige na, may shooting pa ako" she added.
Xylyx Zabini Harris. The girl that Dad arranged me a marriage to. An actress who's living a different lifestyle. She's in the showbusiness but still, her father dragged her in the business world.
Pareho kaming hindi pumapayag sa engagement na inayos ng mga ama namin pero pareho rin kaming walang magawa. But we talked about making a plan to call off the engagement before things are too late.
Because of that, we became friends. Isa pa, she has a non-showbiz boyfriend.
I just hate that Dad did that to me. He knows that I'm not still over with this one girl yet he made a decision without consulting me. I can still remember that day.
"Malaki ang utang na loob natin sa Tito Ysmael mo. And now, they need our help. Do this for us Son" Dad uttered.
"Can't you think of helping them in other way? Ayoko nito Dad!" naiiyak kong sabi.
"Marrying her daughter is the only way. Think of it Gregorio. Hindi sila nagdalawang-isip na tulungan tayo noon, I hope you'll do the same. Don't disappoint me." he said before walking away.
I brushed my face with my palm. Nanghihina ang tuhod akong napaupo.
I looked at my mother who's looking at me with sadness in her eyes. "Mommy please... help me. Dad is controlling my life again" I cried.
This is not the first time that he arranged me into marriage. All of them failed, he just stopped when I met Irene, and now, he's doing it again.
"Anak, I'll try to talk to your Dad, but I can't promise anything" she held me as I cry like a kid.
In the past months, I kept on choosing myself. But I don't know why myself kept on choosing someone, her.
What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always her. Her and only her.
I sighed. I glanced at the picture again. "You are the pain that I don't want to heal and I can't seem to heal" I murmured.
---
Irene's POV
"Bakla ka, nasaan ka na ba? Kanina ka pa namin hinihintay. Magsisimula na ang ceremony any minute from now." Leo called me.
"Pasensiya na Leo. I'll just settle this minor accident."
"Minor accident eh lumusot nga ang gulong mo sa drainage. Bilisan mo na, I'll call Conrad, tutal on the way rin naman siya." he uttered.
"Thank you. Please apologize to the children and the guests for me. Bye" I ended the call.
Lumapit sakin ang driver ng truck na muntik kong makabangga. The good thing was, it didn't happen because we both stirred the wheel to the other direction.
Unfortunately, my wheels got stucked on the drainage and the truck bumped into a wall. May konti... na medyo malaki na damage at iyon ang kailangang isettle.
"Malapit na raw si Boss, Madam" he informed me.
Tumango ako bilang sagot. I excused myself when I received another call. It's Conrad.
"I told you I should've fetch you. Ayan ang napapala ninyong matitigas ang ulo. I'll track your location, dadaanan na lang kita" panenermon niya.
I didn't got the chance to speak because he already hunged up.
"What's the commotion here?" a deep baritone familiar voice walked towards where we are.
"Boss, gusto po kayong maka-usap ni Madam."
Unti-unti akong lumingon, and to my great surprise. It's the man that I least expected to meet. My heart thumped when I saw him.
Bakit hindi ko napansin ang logo ng truck?!
Dahil hindi ako makapag-salita, ang driver na ang nagsalita. "Gusto po ni Madam na bayaran na lang daw ang damage dahil nagmamadali raw po siya Boss"
He glanced at the truck. He then talked with the driver, leaving me here, still can't believe it.
I flinched when someone held my arm. "Hey" Conrad said. Umakap siya sa bewang ko at bumeso.
I don't know why but I peered at him and he's looking at us. Did he just clenched his jaw or is it just my imagination?
I sighed.
Greggy. The pain that I loved the most.
Mukhang nahalata ni Conrad iyon kaya mas lalo siyang dumikit sakin. "Are you done here? Kailangan na tayo doon sa awarding"
"N-not yet. I still need to talk to..." I looked at the man in front of us and cleared my throat. "M-Mr. Araneta."
Sumunod ako sa kanya at iniwan si Conrad doon. The truck has dent on the bumper and has scratch. Geez.
"You don't need to pay for it, kaya na ng kompanya" he said.
Okay.
Yun naman pala eh. "Can we go now? We're in a bit hurry kasi"
He rolled his eyes on me.
Wait what? Did he just rolled his eyes? Tinatarayan ako ng tarantadong ito.
"But you owe me, I mean the company a thing."
"What do you mean?" I am confused.
"You can't just leave the damage that you caused. Hindi naman porket kaya na naming ayusin yung dinulot mong problema ay hahayaan na lang namin na iwan ng nagdulot nito" he uttered, his face is... blank.
Namemersonal. I can feel it.
"You don't have to pay, but you have to work for us. Our architectural group is in need of an additional skilled person and I want you to join them. Iyon lang ang hinihingi ko kapalit ng nasayang mong oras ng mga trabahador ko at sa idinulot mong problema" he added.
Architectural group. If I am right, iyon yung mga architects who create designs for new construction projects, alterations and redevelopments. They develop the concepts for structures and turn those concepts into images and plans.
"Bakit ako? Ang layo ng natapos kong kurso sa ipapagawa mo, are you out of your mind?"
"It doesn't mean na ikaw na ang magssketch and everything. You just need to help them, give ideas and suggestions ganoon. Imposible namang wala kang kaalam-alam doon, especially that you are an art major" malamig niyang ani.
"It will be a waste of time for us if we hire a real professional because the team will undergo an evaluation soon. Matatagalan kung mag-hire pa dahil kailangan pang i-monitor and suchs and besides, pandagdag tao lang since they are competing few months from now." he added
Compete? May ganon?
Ano ako saling-pusa? "Don't you think that's a stupid move? Getting a person that does not fit the job. Just give it to those who really are suitable for it. I'll pay for the damage"
"Irene, they'll start minutes from now" Conrad spoke behind me.
"The only option is to say yes. You're running late right? Eight months wouldn't be that bad" bahagyang ngumisi si Greggy.
He's talking as if I don't have a choice. "Eight months? That's too long just for a dent and scratch" turo ko sa truck nila.
He sighed. "Five months"
"No. I'd rather pay."
"Three"
"Still no."
"Two months."
Conrad held my shoulder. Damn it!
"Fine. I'll give my help for two months only"
He flashed a light smile. "That's nice. Today is Monday so, you may start tomorrow or Wednesday"
Agad-agad naman. Um-oo na lang ako dahil mahuhuli na talaga kami.
Conrad opened his car door for me. As I slid myself in, I looked at Greggy. He just stood there, watching us leave.
I thought I am already okay. But I guess, I'm still lost and the directions kept on guiding me to him.
May kamay na pumitik sa harap ko kaya nabalik ako sa reyalidad. "Why?"
"Tulala ka na naman diyan, sabi ko, pinakuha ko na ang sasakyan mo. Tsaka nandito na tayo, tara na" he said.
Agad na nagsimula ang programa pagkarating namin. I feel so proud to see these children receive their certificates. I was one of the teachers who taught them.
After what happened to me, to us, I decided to help Leo in his music school. To somehow divert my attention.
The program ended with Leo's speech, thanking everyone.
We are now here in the school, having snacks. "Balita ko nagkita kayo ng ex mo" bulong sakin ni Leo.
Tinignan ko si Conrad at tumawa lang siya. Bwisit naman! Bakit sinabi agad?
"Malalaman din naman nila kapag nagpaalam kang magtatrabaho ka doon bukas" he chuckled.
Nanlaki ang mata nila Leo. "You're gonna work there?"
"It's just for two months, na--"
"Nabangga niya kase ang truck ng kompanya nila. Greggy 'd ex' didn't let her pay but instead, magtatrabaho daw siya for two months." Conrad stated.
Oh, siya na. Siya na nagkwento.
I kicked his feet and glared at him. "Humanda ka kay Lindsay" banta ko.
"Wala naman na akong sasabihin, tatahimik na ako" he laughed.
Hindi lang ako sa pagkain nabusog kundi pati na rin sa panunukso at tanong ng mga kasama ko.
Nang pauwi na kami, of course sumabay ako kay Conrad dahil wala naman ang sasakyan ko.
"Uwian na nila Lindsay diba? Let's pick her up." ani ko.
"Kahit naman hindi mo sabihin, talagang susunduin ko siya 'no" he told me.
With that, sumakay na ako pero sa likod ako pumwesto. We arrived in her school in no time.
She waved her hand at us immediately upon seeing the car. Naiwan ako sa loob ng sasakyan dahil nilapitan siya ni Conrad at pinagbuksan ng pinto sa passenger's seat.
"Oh my god, Irene is here!" she happily exclaimed when she saw me. "Dito ako sa likod" she told Conrad.
Wala nang magawa ang mokong dahil wala naman talaga siyang magagawa kapag si Lindsay na ang nagsabi.
"What happened?" she asked me.
Nakita kong bumuka ang bibig ng nasa harap namin. "Ask your boyfriend tutal siya naman nagkalat sa lahat" I said, referring to Conrad.
Yes, Lindsay is Conrad's girlfriend and she is a highschool teacher.
"What did you do this time?" she asked him.
"Bakit ako? Si Irene nga dapat ang pagalitan mo dahil muntikan na siyang maaksidente" he said.
"Ikwento mo na, nahiya ka pa" ani ko.
He smiled widely before giving his attention to the road while telling Lindsay what happened.
"Eh kumusta naman?" Lindsay asked me after she already knew it.
"May dent and scratches ang bumper ng truck nila and my car has scratches too. Nahu--"
"No, I meant how was it, meeting with Mr. Ex again?" she gave me a teasing look.
My face fell when they started to tease me, both of them. "Enough na nga"
"No! Kain tayo tapos ikwento mo sakin lahat." she uttered. "Or... Uuwi ka ba sa mansion?"
I shook my head. "Sa condo."
"Then sama kami, doon na lang tayo mag-meryenda at magkwentuhan" she happily said.
"Kapag sinabi ko bang hindi, titigilan niyo ako?" I asked.
"Hindi rin" she giggled.
I sighed. "Fine"
Nang makarating kami sa building ng condo ko, I saw a familiar figure in the other building. Tinitigan ko pang maigi just to make sure it's him. When I blinked my eye, I can't see him anymore.
"Tara na Irene!" tawag nila sakin.
I think I am imagining things now! Damn it!
I placed my things in my room first before attending these 'guests'. May cake pang natira sa ref kaya iyon na lang ang kinain namin.
"Pero hindi ba may fiancée siya?" Conrad asked.
"Si Xylyx diba? Yung actress? Iyon nga lang" Lindsay uttered.
I can't help but to roll my eyes again. "Do I look like I have a plan on ruining them? Hindi 'no"
"But I know that you know that you haven't moved on yet" he smirked.
Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. "Anong hindi pa? FYI, naka-move on na ako!" pamimilit ko sa sinabi niya.
"Sabihin mo ulit sakin yan kapag deretso mo na siyang natitignan sa mata ng matagal" ngisi na naman niya.
Lindsay bumped her knees to him just to stop him. Buti nga sa Conrad na 'to.
"Oo na titigil na" he whispered.
"So, your plan is? You are really gonna work for him?" she asked.
I sighed before nodding my head. "I don't have any choice. He didn't let me pay pero hindi ko naman pwedeng hayaan na lang na ganon"
"Gawin mong service to oh" she pointed Conrad.
"Hindi na, pwede naman akong magdr--" hindi ko natuloy ang sasabihin ko.
"Tapos mababangga ka na naman. Wag na lang muna." Lindsay said. "Does your siblings know about this? May plano ka bang ipaalam?"
"Pag nalaman nila mas lalong hindi yan makakapag-drive" Conrad chuckled.
He's right. Baka palagi na lang akong ipagd-drive ng driver kahit saan ako pumunta oras na malaman nilang muntik na akong mabangga.
"Kunin mo muna si Con na service tutal wala pa naman kayong tuturuan diba? Matagal pa ang session sa school ni Leo since tapos na ang bakasyon ng mga bata?" Lindsay.
I nodded as an answer.
"Okay na ha. Sasama ako pag ihahatid at susunduin ka namin" she giggled. "Tas kwentuhan mo ako kung anong ganap niyo with Mr. Ex"
"Oo na Maam Isay" I chuckled.
Teacher ba talaga ito o ano?
Conrad and I became close after I rejected him before, when he tried to court me. Then I found out na may girlfriend na siya so I distanced myself to avoid misunderstandings.
But turns out, hindi selosa ang girlfriend niya. Siya pa mismo ang lumalapit sa akin noon. She always insist to do things with me kahit sinasabi kong wag na or hindi na.
"We need to go. May tatapusin pa akong lesson plan. Basta usapan Irene ha" paalam ni Lindsay.
"Titext ka na lang namin kapag susunduin ka na" Conrad.
"Alright. Thank you"
After bidding goodbyes, I went to my room to change my clothes.
As I was enjoying my solitude, his image flashed in my mind again.
Ano ba yan!
I had my dinner at seven and after that, I went to my bed.
Hindi ko alam kung totoong nakita ko siya kanina o namamalikmata lang ako.
If it was really him, what is he doing here? Visiting someone? Eh hindi naman taga-dito ang fiancée niya.
Nabalik ako sa reyalidad nang tumunog ang telepono ko. I swiped it to answer it.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Wala, kung ano-ano kase napipindot ni Borgy." sagot ni Manang. "Anyways, nai-dial ka na rin na lang, papasok ka pa rin ba bukas? Diba tapos na ang klase?"
No, hindi pwedeng malaman nila ang pupuntahan ko bukas.
"Uhm, may trabaho pa rin Manang. Sige na, baka kailangan ka na ng mga anak mo. Bye" I said before ending the call. Napahinga pa ako ng maluwag nang bitawan ko ang cellphone ko.
I checked my doors before proceeding to sleep. When it's all done, I went back to bed for my slumber.
---
"We're here na Irene" Lindsay informed me through a call.
"Alright. Bababa na rin ako"
"Sige, see you" she said before she hung up.
I glanced at myself in my mirror. I am wearing an off shoulder cotton-corset waist dress and paired it with a suede peep toe block ankle high heel.
Okay na yan.
I grabbed my bag before locking my condo. Pagbaba ko, nakita ko agad ang kotse ni Conrad.
"Ay. Ganda! Parang ikaw pa may-ari ng kompanya" bungad ni Lindsay pagpasok ko ng sasakyan.
"Muntikan na nga eh, naudlot lang" singit ni Conrad.
"Con..." Lindsay glared at him when she realized what he meant.
"Let him, sanay na ako sa bwisit na yan. Parang magkakasakit kapag walang napipikon sa kanya" I grunted.
It was a bit traffic pero madali lang kaming nakalusot. We arrived in the company's building in no time.
I saw him immediately with Josh beside him. And wait, why is Trisha here?
"Hinihintay ka oh" Conrad peeked at me through the rearview mirror.
"Isn't that your assistant?" Lindsay pointed Trisha.
"Yes. His secretary is Trisha's boyfriend" I answered.
"Mas nagtagal pa sila kaysa sa mga boss nila" Conrad whispered to Lindsay pero dinig na dinig ko pa rin.
"What if itikom mo yang bibig mo" I told him.
Tiningnan ko silang dalawa at nagpipigil sila ng tawa.
When they both recovered, "Sige na, malelate na si Isay, may program pa sila sa school" he said.
Oh, right. Nagpapahatid lang pala ako.
"Mauna na 'ko. Thank you"
"Susunduin ka pa namin ha. Wag ka na umangal. Bye" she waved her hands, so did I.
I walked towards the entrance. "Sir she's here" Josh informed him because he's turning his back on me.
I saw him fixed his suit before facing me. "Good morning. You're quite late for office hours, but that's okay" he said with a serious face. "Anyways, I called your assistant para tulungan ka or anything"
"Good morning Miss Irene" she said.
"Good morning Miss" Josh also greeted.
"Good morning" I smiled at them.
"I greeted her first yet she didn't respond to me" Greggy mumbled but I didn't understand so I just ignored it. "Let's go"
We entered his lift and Josh pressed the floor number.
"You can use my elevator anytime para hindi ka na makikipagsiksikan sa kabila" he gestured where the elevator for everyone is.
I just nodded pero hindi ko 'yon gagawin. Why would I? Anong karapatan ko?
Afterwards, the elevator tinged and it opened for us. We had reached the floor, just a couple of floor away from his.
Bumungad samin ang malawak na espasyo na puno ng papel at iba pang gamit.
"Nasaan si Valdez?" Greggy asked one of his employees
"Sandali lang po." the guy said before approaching a man. "Sir Zack, hanap kayo ni Sir Greggy" he informed him.
Napatingin ang lalaki sa gawi namin at tumayo. "Wow, I didn't know that you got us a pretty extra" he flashed a bright smile.
Excuse me? Extra?
Why am I perceiving that this is all on Greggy. They don't look like they lack on workers, ang dami kaya nila dito.
I don't want to assume but, is this one of his pakulo?
I felt a soft touch on my elbow. It was him. Agad niyang binawi ang kamay niya nang makita ko.
"This is Engineer Zackarie Valdez, the company's head engineer." pagpapakilala niiya sa lalaki. "Zack, this is Ire--"
"Come on Gregorio, everyone knows who she is" Zack cut him off. He then looked at me, "It's nice to finally meet you Miss Irene" he offered his hand.
It's very rude not to accept it so I did. "Nice to meet you too" I smiled back.
He held my hand and he was looking at me straight in the face.
We heard Greggy faked his cough, "Let her go" he said in a serious tone.
"Sungit" Zack rolles his eyes. "Sige na, bumalik ka na sa lungga mo, ako na ang bahala kay Miss Irene dito"
"Huwag mo akong manduhan, I am the boss here" he grunted. "Lead her to her table"
"Okay boss"
As we walked pass the other employees, they keep on bowing their head and greeting their boss.
"This will be your table Miss Irene, beside you will be your assistant. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them" he gestured everyone.
"Sino dito?" Greggy interfere, pointing a table not far away from mine.
"That's vacant you idiot, kita mo na ngang walang gamit diyan" Zack said.
"Continue talking back to me like that and I will tell everyone your secret" he blackmailed, still in his serious face.
"Eto naman di mabiro." Zack then turned to me, "Anyways, Miss Irene maybe we can give you files to review or something? Is it okay with you if may ipag-uutos--"
"Hindi niyo siya pwedeng utos-utosan. Kaya ko nga tinawagan ang assistant niya tapos uutos-utosan niyo." bakas ang inis sa boses ni Greggy.
"It's okay with me." singit ko agad.
"See" pagmamalaki ni Zack. "So, okay na ba lahat Miss Irene?"
"Just Irene please. Miss Irene is very formal. And besides, I'll be working with all of you." I said.
"Alright Irene. Oh siya, I'll leave you here na. May tinatapos pa akong pinapagawa ng boss naming pinaglihi sa sama ng loob" he slightly chuckled.
I smiled as he walked away. I placed my bag on the table and sat on thee chair.
I saw Greggy stood up and went somewhere else. Good thing he left already.
Dumungaw ako sa katabi kong mesa para tingnan ang ginagawa nila.
"Ay hello po," the girl greeted.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"I'm Qwyncy po"
Now that's unique.
I glanced at her table. "What are you doing?"
"Nagso-sort lang po ng mga papeles"
"Do you need help on that?" marami pa kaseng bulto ng papel ang nasa harapan niya.
"Huwag na po Miss Irene, kaya ko na po" she immediately said.
"I have nothing to do naman so let me help you" ani ko. Wala na siyang nagawa nang buhatin ko ang ibang papeles at ilagay sa mesa ko.
Tinapik ko ang kamay ni Trisha nang magtangka siyang kumuha sa mga papel sa harap ko. "That's mine. Go get yours from her"
Aagawan pa ako ng trabaho eh wala na nga akong ginagawa. Kung hindi rin naman kasi tanga ang may-ari ng kompanya, kukunin ako tapos ilalagay sa trabahong hindi para sa akin.
"Move" I was busy sorting the papers when I heard someone spoke from behind me.
I looked back and saw him again. "Huh?"
"I said move away a liitle bit" he even gestured his hands.
I stood up and did what he said. When I was out of his way, he pulled the chair I was sitting and replaced it with a swivel chair.
"You can sit down now"
Slowly, I sat down on the chair he gave me. It was quite more comfortable than the monobloc one.
"Thanks" I said in a small voice.
With that, he left pulling the monobloc chair with him. Akala ko ay aalis na talaga siya pero umupo siya sa inuupuan niya kanina.
I ignored his presence and just resumed what I am doing.
As time passes by, the office became more busier. Pero ni isa walang binibigay na gagawin sakin. I was just the one who just offer my help.
Lunchtime came. Up until now, he's still here.
"Miss Irene, ako na lang ang bibili ng lunch mo, marami kasing tao sa canteen" Isa-isang lumapit ang mga empleyado samin.
Geez.
"Maybe Trisha will just go with you. She knows what to buy for me. Thanks anyway." I uttered softly.
Nang maka-alis na sila, I took my phone out. I received a text from Conrad and Lindsay.
These two, really!
Lindsay:
I cooked meryenda pala this morning, pabibigay ko kay Con. Basta ba chikahan mo ko sa uwian ha. : P
11:43 am
Conrad:
Hello, Madam. Tumatanggap ba kayo ng bisita?
12:05 pm
Maghahatid lang po ng meryenda Madam.
12:07 pm
Madami-dami to Madam, huwag mo raw solohin.
12:07 pm
I glanced at the wall clock and it's already 12:15. Matagal pa ata sila Trisha kaya dinial ko ang number ni Conrad.
While waiting for him to pick up, my eyes travelled in the whole office. Mabibilang lang sa daliri ang tao ngayon dito. What's surprising is that, Greggy is still here. He's doing something on his laptop.
"Lunch palang ngayon, hindi pa meryenda" dinig kong bungad ni Conrad nang sagutin niya ang tawag.
"Ano yang dadalhin mo ba?" I asked.
"Basta pagkain. Nandiyan ba ex mo? I mean, boss mo?" he chuckled that made me roll my eyes. "Baka panlisikan na naman ako ng mata niyan pag nakita ako ha"
"He's here actually" I lowered down my voice. "Hindi pa rin umaalis dito."
"Ay, binabantayan ka ata" he joked. "Baka daw umalis ka na naman"
Imma need a tip on how to punch someone through phone call.
"Alam mo, suggestion ko, huwag ka na lang pumunta dito" I'm starting to be pissed off.
"Pikon na naman siya oh. Pupunta ako mamaya, sayang tong ginawa ni Isay. I just don't get it, parang mas mahal ka pa ata niya kaysa sa akin" he said that made me laugh.
It's quite right tho. She even said once that I'm like a little sister to her and Conrad. They're few years ahead than me, that's why.
Our conversation went on. May naririnig akong minsan na nagdadabog malapit sakin pero di ko na yun pinapansin pa.
"I have to go, maybe I'll just see you na lang later" I said when I saw Trisha and the others walking towards me.
Hindi ko na hinintay pa ang sagot niya at ibinaba ko na ang tawag.
"Punuan na ang canteen dito Miss Irene, so we just went to buy outside sa turo-turo. But don't worry Miss, they assured us that this is safe and clean to eat. Pati rin kasi sa ibang restau, punuan din po" Trisha explained as she put everything in front of me.
She bought pinakbet and pork caldereta. That'll do. May meryenda naman na dadating mamaya.
"Join us" I gestured my hand to the others.
They smiled and immediately pulled the table and connect it to mine, para salu-salo kami.
"Sir kain po" one of them said. Tiningnan ko ang kinausap nila at hindi nga ako nagkamali.
He slightly smiled and nodded. He closed his laptop before pulling a chair to sit with us. Sa dami ng pwede niyang pwestuhan, bakit sa tapat ko pa.
"What's your ulam?" conyo niyang tanong sa mga katabi niya. I saw him glanced at my plate before pulling out his phone. "I'll just message Josh to buy me lunch"
After a few minutes, malapit na akong matapos nang pumasok si Josh.
I scoffed when I saw the food that Josh bought for him.
It's the same as mine.
"What are their names?" I whispered to Qwyncy so I'll know who to call and what to call them.
Hindi kasi sila pinakilala ng boss nila, only Zack.
"Ay kami na po magpapakilala," dinig kong sabi ng malapit samin. I think he's gay, based on his look.
"I'm Luciano but just call me Luke Miss."
"My name is Kassandrea po"
"I'm Marion po."
"Girvic po Miss Irene"
"Ako po si Prynzess"
Their names makes me dizzy.
"Qwyncy, Luke, Kassandrea, Marion, Girvic and Princess" turo ko sa kanila isa-isa.
"Ay Miss, Prynzess po, not Princess" she interfere.
"Oh my bad, magkaiba ba yon?"
"Opo, malayo hehe"
"We'll introduce the others po later, mas pinipili po kasi nilang umuwi" Luke said so I nodded.
They are fun to be with. Maya't-maya ka tatawa dahil sa kanila.
Natapos ang lunch, tuloy ng trabaho. I am getting bothered with his presence here.
I leaned closer to Qwyncy. "Is your boss always here?"
"Hindi Miss eh. Doon siya sa office niya palagi. Ewan ko bakit nandito ngayon" she answered.
Luke, who is just near us heard it. "Ay ako Miss Irene parang alam ko kung bakit." Alam ko na kung saan to patungo. "Pero hindi ko na lang po sasabihin kase mahal ko ang trabaho ko" he chuckled.
Napailing na lang ako sa kanila.
Pagsapit ng alas tres ng hapon, nakatanggap ako ng text kay Conrad.
"Breaktime niyo ba ang alas tres?" tanong ko ulit sa kanila. Baka mamaya hindi pala sila nagmemeryenda.
"Opo, pero 20 minutes lang"
I nodded and I look back at my phone.
Conrad:
Dito na po sa baba Madam.
2:58 pm
"Trisha, can you go see Conrad downstairs. He's waiting there, may dadalhin daw dito." I said.
"Sige po Miss" she answered and went outside.
Conrad:
Ano sasabihin ko sa guard? Reply please, iiyak na ako dito.
3:01 pm
Napatawa ako sa text niya. Ganyan yan kakulit. I never imagined that he's like this.
I didn't send him a reply since Trisha will see him anyway. OA lang talaga siya.
Few minutes later, I heard footsteps. "Hello, si Irene?" bungad niya.
Napasapo ako ng noo sa ingay niya. When he saw Zack, mas lalo siyang umingay. I know they're friends.
"Connor? What are you doing here?" Zack asked.
Wait. Connor?
"I brought snacks for Irene. Pero this is too much for her, kaya kakasya to sa inyong lahat." he said that made everyone here smile.
Nahagip ng mata ko si Greggy na masama ang tingin sa kanya. When Conrad walked towards me, he glanced at where Greggy is, sabay balik ng tingin sakin.
I understand him immediately when he smirked. Isusumbong ko to kay Lindsay mamaya.
"Madam oh, meryenda." he put it all on my table.
"What's all this?" I asked.
"Eggpie ni Maam Isay at chocolate truffles. I brought drinks na rin para hindi ka magreklamo" sagot niya.
"Sweets again? Pinapataba niyo ako eh" busangot ko pero tumawa lang siya.
Hinila niya ang isang monobloc palapit sa upuan ko. "Yayain mo na sila, iuuwi ko pa yung pinaglagyan para wala nang bitbit mamaya, may date kami ni Isay pagkahatid sayo."
Ah okay.
Tinawag ko na sila para matapos na. Mabilis pa naman ang pagpatak ng oras. Some of them are even shy to come to my table.
"Bigyan mo rin ex mo" I heard him whisper while I'm putting a pie in their plates.
Tiningnan ko ang nakabusangot na Greggy bago ibinigay kay Trisha ang isang platito na may laman na pagkain. "Give it to him"
Conrad is stopping himself to laugh when Trisha placed it beside his laptop. "Meryenda raw muna Sir" aniya bago bumalik samin.
When they're done eating, they put their plates back on my table. "Thank you po Miss Irene, tsaka kay Sir pogi" Luke said.
"Just call me Conrad, nakaka-flutter ang Sir pogi" Conrad chuckle.
Napaka-feeling.
I leaned closer to him. "Why did Zack called you Connor?"
"That was my nickname when I was still in college" he answered so I just nodded.
"Boyfriend niyo po Miss Irene?" dire-diretsong tanong ni Girvic, siniko pa siya ng katabi niya.
I choked on my own saliva with her question. I was about to say no pero inunahan ako ng katabi ko.
"Yes."
Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinagot niya. What the hell?!
Narinig ko ang malakas na pagsara ng laptop ni Greggy at agad na nagmartsa palabas. I simply kicked Conrad's feet beside me.
"Ah sige po. Thank you po ulit" ani ng mga nasa harap namin bago bumalik sa table nila. I even heard Luke scolded Girvic and she answered that she was just asking.
Agad namang niligpit ni Trisha ang mga nagamit namin pagkatapos. "I'll just walk him out" I informed them before pulling Conrad.
"Zack una na'ko" paalam niya pa kay Zack na kumaway lang.
When we're alone in the hallway, I pinched his arm na nakapagpa-wala ng ngiti niya. "Ouch! Why did you do that?" reklamo niya.
"Why did you said that?" balik kong tanong.
"Said what? Ah, iyon? Nakita mo yung reaction niya? That was epic. I'll tell it to Isay later" he said na para bang nakakaproud ang ginawa niya.
Gigil kong naihilamos ang palad ko sa mukha ko.
"Eto naman. You should thank me. Kapag nalaman nilang hindi ka pa nakamove-on, magiging kawawa ka sa paningin nila. Para ang dating kasi ng pagtratrabaho mo dito, naghahabol ka pa rin sa ex mo na malapit nang ikasal. We know that 'that' is not true pero kahit na, alam mo naman kung gaano kajudgemental ang mga tao, lalo na sa pamilya niyo." mahaba niyang paliwanag.
Ayan na naman tayo sa hindi maka-move on na yan. Bakit parang ang mga tao pa ang hindi maka-move. Tapos na, wala na!
"And besides, I said it as a joke. Hindi ko naman akalain na seseryosohin nila. You had the chance to take it back pero hindi mo ginawa" he chuckled.
Of course I was caught off-guard!
Sakto namang bumukas ang pinto ng elevator kaya pumasok na siya. "Sunduin ka namin mamaya. Galingan mo sa trabaho ha" he said like a father.
When the door closed, I sighed. Why does my life have to be this complicated.
I get his point but it still makes me think a lot of things. Bahala na nga.
Bumalik na ako sa mesa ko para ituloy ang ginagawa ko. Wala nang Greggy ang bumalik na ikinagaan ng loob ko. I feel so awkward when we're in the same room.
The office became busy. I helped everyone that I can para naman gumaan kahit papano ang ginagawa nila.
"Bye po Miss Irene" they said when we were about to go home.
I waved goodbye to them before entering the elevator. "Sumabay ka na samin, Conrad and Lindsay will fetch me" I told Trisha. Conrad already messaged me that he's already outside.
"Ay hindi na po Miss, magsasabay po kami ni Josh" sagot niya.
"Is that so? You'll wait for him where?"
"I'll go to him po, I'll just accompany you downstairs"
"Oh. Kahit huwag mo na akong samahan sa baba. I can manage" I said. She was about to speak but I stopped her. "Okay lang, ako na" before pressing the ground floor button then the door closed.
When I reached the ground floor, I already saw Conrad talking with the guard, they're even laughing. On the other part of the entrance, I saw the group of Luke.
But before I can walk towards Conrad, Greggy's elevator opened and he went out of it.
"Irene!" Conrad waved his hand before coming to me and getting my bag. "Sunduin natin si Isay sa school, hindi pa tapos ang klase niya" he informed me.
Napatingin ang mga tao sa kanya. Ako na ang nahihiya para sa kanya, napakalakas ng boses!
He held my elbow as we went to his car. "Ang sama na naman ng tingin sakin ng Aranetang iyon, nakita mo ba?" he asked when he entered the driver's seat.
He looked at me through the rearview mirror dahil sa likod ako nakapwesto. "Napakasatisfying niyang pikunin" he even chuckled.
I ignored him and just focused on my phone. When we arrived in the school, we waited for Lindsay. I saw her heading towards us so I fixed myself dahil alam kong tatabi siya sakin.
"Kamusta ang first day?" bungad niya pagpasok ng sasakyan.
"Saan po tayo Maam?" singit ni Conrad.
"What?" balik na tanong naman ng isa.
"Papaandarin ko na po ang metro ha" he acted like he's pressing something on the screen in front.
I get it. He's copying those lines of taxi drivers. Dahil siguro nasa likod kaming dalawa and he's like our driver.
Lindsay just chuckled before giving her full attention to me.
I sighed. "It went well" or that's just what I think so? I planned on telling her just a glimpse but I ended up telling almost all of what happened today.
Hindi na naman nakapagpigil ang pagiging madaldal ko.
"You know what. I think..." I know she wants to say something. "I think I should just shut my mouth na lang" she chuckled.
Mabuti naman.
Nang wala na siyang sasabihin, tumahimik na siya. Pwes ako meron akong sasabihin.
"Isay, remember what I texted you earlier? Yung kaninang dinalhan ko sila ng meryenda?" inunahan ako ni Conrad sa pagsasalita.
"Oh, about when you said you're her boyfriend? Dapat may video ka ng reaction nila lalo na si Greggy" Lindsay laughed loudly.
Yan dapat din ang sasabihin ko, inunahan na naman ako!
"Aren't you mad? You should be mad" baling ko kay Lindsay.
"Why would I be mad? Nakakatawa kaya. If you think I'm jealous that Con said that he's your boyfriend, which isn't true, well I'm not. Besides I am fully aware that you two don't feel anything towards each other kaya bakit ko pagseselosan ang taong para na naming kapatid" mahaba niyang ani.
"I'll take it back tomorrow." I said.
"No!" Lindsay immediately objected. "What if huwag muna. Let them believe that you are together and see what happen next. Right Con?"
"Ask her bakit ako, baka mamaya pag-initan ako ni Greggy" he said that made Lindsay chuckled.
"Pag pinag-initan ka niya isa lang ang ibig sabihin niyan. He's still affected" she raised her brows, teasing me.
I shut my mouth before I can say anything. I'd rather chose to be silent than regret what I can say.
Nang makarating kami sa condo ko, agad akong nagpaalam at bumaba na.
I feel so tired even though I did not do anything that is very tiring but I want to sleep now.
That's what I did. After I took a quick bath, I fell asleep.
---
Greggy's POV
I woke up early the next day and get ready for work. I glanced at the big mirror with the other building as the view.
Maaga kaya siyang papasok ngayon? Or will she be late just like yesterday?
After I am done, I grabbed my keys and head down. I stayed in my car for a while.
Few minutes later, I saw a woman walking towards a familiar car. Of course, why did I even expect other things. Malamang susunduin siya.
Bago pa man siya makapasok sa sasakyan ay pinaharurot ko na ang sasakyan ko papunta sa kompanya.
What a way to ruin my mood.
Bakit pa kasi ako naghintay? Such an idiot!
Nang makapasok ako sa building, binati ako ng mga nakakasalubong ko but I remained deadpan. I entered my own lift but instead of going straight to my office, I press the button for their floor.
"Oh, you're here again" puna ni Zack nang makita ako. "Masiyado ka namang praning, wala namang may planong itakbo siya. Takot na lang namin sayo" he chuckled.
I ignored him and I messaged Josh to bring my work here.
Not long enough, I heard a clicking sound of heels. Unang pumasok si Trisha para hawakan ang pinto para sa kanya.
"Good morning Miss" isa-isa nilang bati and she just gave them a sweet smile.
I don't know why I immediately stood up when she walked passed by me. "G-good morning" I uttered.
She glanced at me, "Morning" tipid niyang bati pabalik at naglakad na siya papunta sa pwesto niya.
I frozed. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. She looked at me! And then she greeted me!
Wala akong pakialam kung maikli lang iyon, ang mahalaga binati niya ako.
With that, my mood became lighter than earlier this morning. I did my work with a smile on my face.
While doing some paperworks, I received a text from Josh.
Josh:
Good morning Sir. Sir Thiago and Sir Felix just came here and nasabi ko po na nandiyan kayo.
10:56 pm
I was about to reply at sabihin na huwag papuntahin dito but it was too late. Here comes these two moron.
"Greggy my friend!" ani Thiago. "Himala at wala ka sa lungga mo. What are you doing here?"
I saw Felix looking at the other way tapos siniko niya si Thiago.
"Oh, I get it now. I know why you're here" he smirked. "Irene! It's nice to see you!" lumapit siya rito.
Obviously, she was shocked, with the look on her face but eventually smiled when she saw them.
Wag kang ngumiti ng ganyan sa kanila!
"Hey, nice to see you too" she stood up to greet them.
"You're working here? What happened?" Felix asked.
"Why don't you ask your friend" baling niya sakin. Her smile faded when she looked at me. For some reasons, I got shivers with the way she looked. Pinagtaasan ba naman ako ng kilay.
"Ah, before I forgot" Felix stole the attention. He brought out a cream card from his suit. "Nakakalimutan kong ipabigay sayo and I want to give it now personally. Good thing I carry it with me everytime." he handed it to her. "My fiancée and I will be expecting you on our wedding this Saturday"
Her eyes grew bigger as she scan the card, "You're getting married na?" she exclaimed.
Cute.
Felix chuckled on her reaction but he nodded. "Pupunta ka ha, hindi pwedeng hindi. Ipapadala ko yung susuotin mo bukas. Don't worry some of your friends will also attend so you won't be alone."
"Thanks but I will see" she said.
I stood up and leaned on my table. I cleared my throat to get their attention. "To my office" I told them both.
Nagpaalam sila kay Irene bago sumunod sakin palabas. And just like what I expected, pinaulanan agad ako ng mga tanong.
I sat on my chair pagkarating namin sa opisina ko.
"Is she working here? Bakit? I mean paano?" Felix asked.
"Long story. Stop asking me now" I just answered. They will understand it, they'll ask others that's for sure.
"Tapos bakit nandon ka? Binabantayan mo 'no" Thiago started to tease me.
"Why are you two here again?" pag-iiba ko sa usapan.
"May laro tayo, nakalimutan mo?" he asked.
"Pass. Kayo na lang muna" ani ko.
"Sus, babantayan mo lang siya eh" they smirked.
I just grabbed some of my things before I leave them. Yun lang naman pala ang sasabihin eh.
Naglakad na ako palabas. The elevator door was about to close but then these two entered. I just ignored them as they talk to each other.
When the door opened, lumabas na ako at pumunta sa ino-occupy kong lamesa. I glanced at her first before settling myself down. She's busy.
"Nagugutom ako, anong gusto niyo?" Thiago sat in front of me.
At talagang hindi ako lulubayan ng dalawang ito.
"Libre mo ba Sir?" an employee playfully said. I'm not really good with their names.
"Sure" nagmamalaking ani Thiago.
"Ayan ang gusto ko sa'yo" inakbayan siya ni Felix na agad tinanggal ni Thiago.
"Hindi ka kasama, may pera ka naman" maarteng aniya. Kumunot ang noo ko nang bumaling siya kay Irene at ngumiti. "Irene? What do you want? My treat"
Nag-angat ng tingin si Irene sa kanya. "Ah, anything" tipid niyang sabi.
Thiago's smile faded. "Saan naman ako makakabili ng anything ngayon?" ungot niya. "How 'bout you? What do you want? Dali na ngayong mabait ako sa'yo." he asked me.
He's asking me what I want huh. "Leave"
"Huh?"
"I want you two to leave" I uttered, referring him and Felix.
"Bahala ka diyan, basta kakain muna kami" pagmamatigas niya.
Tumawag siya ng dalawa sa mga empleyado at inutusang bumili ng makakain. "Keep the change!" pahabol niya pa.
Wala na akong nagawa sa katigasan ng ulo ng dalawang to. Ewan ko ba kung bakit hanggang ngayon ay kaibigan ko pa rin sila.
Minutes later, the two employee came back with a lot of foods with them. Thiago and Felix distributed them to everyone here. Para silang namamahagi ng ayuda na ewan.
After they ate, thankfully, they left. May tumawag na kasi kay Thiago.
Lunch came and just like yesterday, she stayed here. I don't know why it feels like I was stucked on my chair and don't want to leave also.
She turned sideways so I saw what she is doing. Bahagya siyang nakatalikod sa gawi ko. I saw that she was looking some photos on her phone.
Photos of cinnamon rolls and croissants.
Does she wants it?
Nagulat ako nang tumunog ang cellphone ko. Shit I just realized.
I'm already late for my lunch meeting.
---
Irene's POV
I put my phone down when it's time to work again. Kita kong papasok na naman si Greggy dito.
Why is he here again. Kanina lang nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil umalis na siya, ngayon nandito na naman.
His office is huge yet he still chose to stay here.
I already ate my lunch but still, I feel so hungry. Naalala ko na naman yung nasa cellphone ko kanina.
Gusto ko ng cinnamon roll at croissants!
I shrugged that thought off muna so I can focus on my work.
Hanggang sa hindi na ako nakapagpigil. "Trisha" I called my assistant. "Please order me cinnamon rolls and croissants for later" I said.
"On your favorite coffee shop Miss?" she asked and I nodded. "Sige po. Excuse me, I'll just call them po."
Napangiti ako dahil doon. But my smile eventually faded when she came back.
"Miss out of stock na daw po sila ng ganon. Someone ordered all of it a while ago daw po." she said. "Do you want me to call other bakeshop Miss?"
I shook my head. Their cinnamon roll and croissant is all I want. Ayoko sa iba. "No need. Thanks anyway Trisha"
I resumed my work but I keep on thinking of the foods that I am craving for.
Until when the clock striked at three, someone called me. "Miss Irene, may naghahanap po sainyo sa labas" turo ng isang empleyado sa may pinto.
Even tho I have no clue who it was, I stood up and went to the door.
"Kayo po ba si Miss Irene Marcos?" a delivery guy read what's on his clipboard.
"Yes, ako nga"
"Delivery po Maam" aniya at nilabas ang ilang box na sa tingin ko ay pagkain. When I saw the logo of the coffee shop, I confirmed it was food.
Pero teka, I thought they ran out of stock? "Ah Kuya wala akong inoorder na kahit ano."
"Maam, may nag-order po para sa inyo, hindi po sinabi kung sino pero ipinangalan sa inyo. Bayad na po lahat Maam" he explained. "Papirma na lang po para sa proof of delivery"
I did what he said. After it's all done, I thanked him then he left.
When I was alone here in the hallway, I put the boxes down on the table that I saw. I opened one box and I suddenly licked my lips.
Cinnamon rolls and croissants!
I checked the other boxes and they are all the same. There are five boxes in total and there's even a cup of coffee.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang makarinig ako mg yabag ng mga paa. "Sakto you're here. Can you help me with these boxes please?" I asked Josh.
"Sige po Miss." aniya at kinuha ang binibigay kong tatlong boxes.
These two boxes are all mine. And this coffee.
I told Josh to put it on the table at the center and call everyone to have meryenda.
I happily sat on my seat and open the boxes. But then I remembered, "Didn't you tell me that they ran out of these earlier?" I asked Trisha.
"That's what the shop told me Miss kaya hindi ako nakapag-order" she answered.
Then who ordered this?
Para sa akin naman siguro to 'no. It was ordered under my name so...
Bahala na, ang mahalaga, may cinnamon roll at croissant ako at bayad pa.
I started digging in dahil kanina pa ako naglalaway dito. The coffee tastes so good too, just like what I wanted.
I really wonder who ordered this, they must know everything I like.
Nakakalahati ko na ang isang box. I roamed my sight around the office and saw everyone eating. When I turned to the right, I caught a pair of eyes looking at me, his lips are also smiling.
But he stopped smiling when I caught him. "You want?" mahinang tanong ko pero siguradong narinig niya.
"No, I'm good" Greggy answered and turned his back and gave his full attention to his laptop.
Okay. I just offered him since he's looking at me. Baka mamaya gusto niya pala, hindi lang nagsasabi.
I felt satisfaction when I got full. I almost finished the whole box, iuuwi ko to, kakainin ko ulit mamayang gabi.
We continued to do our own thing after eating. When it's time to go home, I immediately grab my bag, bid my goodbye and head down.
Pagdating ko sa baba ay nandoon na sila. Himala, they're early.
"Oh, kain" I gave the box with my leftovers earlier. I haven't open the other box yet. Bubuksan ko to kapag ako na lang mag-isa.
"Gusto mo Con?" Lindsay asked.
"No--"
"Okay akin na lang" she happily said.
Good thing hindi ako pinagreport sa mga nangyari ngayong araw. She's busy eating. I think it's a good idea to give her food everyday so she won't ask me questions.
---
Days passed by so quickly. I am currently staring myself in my mirror, all dressed up and ready to go.
Should I really go?
I heard my phone rang so I picked it up. It's Small.
"Sumabay ka na samin Irene, we're on our way na" she informed me, she then hung up immediately.
Hindi man lang ako nakapagsalita.
Few minutes later, she's already at my door. "Halika na" aniya.
"I don't know. Parang ayokong pumunta. Nakakahiya hindi ko naman close ang bride" I bit my lip.
"Mas nakakahiya kapag hindi ka pumunta. Tsaka they invited you naman 'no. Let's go" siya na ang kumuha sa purse ko at hinila ako palabas.
"Your dress suits you. I wonder who picked it." she giggled. "Ngumiti ka nga, parang pasan mo ang lahat ng problema sa mundo"
The dress is really pretty. It's a wine-colored flowy dress that embraces my curves real good.
Why am I worried anyway. Small is right, they invited me to the wedding so I should stop thinking.
But I will see him again.
Of course, he's a close friend of the groom what would I expect.
Pagdating sa simbahan, naka-ayos na sila sa labas. We're not going to march so we proceed to our seats. We sat beside Dawn and Alice.
Not long enough, the organizers announced that the bride had arrived. A tune was played, indicating that the wedding is about to start.
Naunang nagmartsa ang mga bata na sinundan ng mga abay.
"Pst" Dawn silently called me. I looked at her at inginuso niya doon sa entrada ng simbahan.
Just in time, it's Greggy's turn to walk down the aisle. I tried to remove my sight from him but I just can't. He's so serious.
He looks so attractive with his americana suit. He walk so... attractive too. Damn this man!
I cleared my thought when he met my eyes. Agad kong nilihis ang tingin ko. When I looked back to him again, he's looking at the altar now, but with a smile on his face.
Everyone stood up to witness the bride's moment as she make her way to the altar—where Felix is waiting for her. Beside him is his family and then his two best friends.
The ceremony started. Watching a couple tie a knot makes my heart so happy. I have to witness the most important part of their relationship. The part wherein they become legally one in God's eyes.
Applauses filled the whole church as they seal their marriage with a kiss. "Awat na, gutom na ako" Thiago playfully yelled when Felix was about to deepen the kiss.
We head out and went to the reception venue. Hapon na natapos ang seremonya ng kasal, sakto para sa early dinner.
Nagkaroon pa ng maikling programa para sa bagong kasal bago ang dinner.
"Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Valeriano! Congratulations to the both of you"
Napuno ng ingay ang hall dahil dito.
I excused myself when I was done eating. Kailangan kong magbanyo. It took me just a few minutes since wala namang tao sa restroom.
When I went back to my seat, I was taken back when I saw the bride's boquet on it. I looked at my friends and they just gave me a 'wala-akong-alam-diyan' look.
"May we call on here in front the holder of the boquet and garter as per chosen by the bride and groom" I heard the MC announced.
Shit.
I looked around, nagawi ang mata ko sa grupo ng kalalakihan na nakaupo hindi kalayuan sa amin.
My eyes got stucked on the garter that he's holding.
I didn't get the chance to object when they pulled me to the front.
"Kung ayaw mo bro, ako na lang" Thiago tried to steal the garter from Greggy but he immediately stood up.
"Okay, so here's what's gonna happen. Isusuot ni Mr. Araneta ang garter sa paa ni Ms. Marcos at dedepende sa audience kung hanggang saan ito mapupunta. I will ask you if it's 'stop or go on'." the MC explained.
"B-bakit ako?" agaran kong tanong kila Felix. "You two should be doing this"
"Traditionally, yes, the newly weds should be doing it but we decided not to. It would be more fun if we choose who's going to do it and lucky you," Felix pointed his index finger to us, "You are the lucky ones" he grinned. "Don't worry, atin-atin lang to, no one is allowed to take a video."
Aangal pa sana ako nang maramdaman kong may upuan na sa likod ko. Everyone is cheering for us, I can't find a way to back out!
They guide me to sit down on the chair. I can hear their screams and squeals when Greggy knelt on one knee, facing me.
"Calm down, I can clearly hear your heartbeats" he told me. "Relax." he flashed a quick smile. I can smell alcohol being mixed to his perfume.
Palakpakan at hiyawan ang maririnig nang magsimula niyang isuot ito sa kanang paa ko. It's like my heart will escape from my chest because of it's speed.
"Stop or go on?" the MC asked.
"Go on!!" everyone yelled.
Paulit-ulit na ganon sa tuwing makakaangat ang garter. I can see how Greggy swallow the lump on his throat and how his sweats flow down from his forehead.
I can clearly see how his face turn into red. Is he blushing?
Hanggang sa umabot na ito sa hita ko. I felt the warmth of his hands that sent shivers to my spine.
"Okay, stop na" the MC's voice echoed in my whole system.
"Higher pa dapat!" Thiago shouted that made everyone chuckled, except for me and him.
"It would be too much if we ask to go on. Mukhang hindi na sila natutuwa" the MC chuckled.
Mabuti naman at napansin niyo 'yon.
When it's okay to leave, agad akong umalis sa harap. But instead of going back to my seat, I went outside where there's no one, so I can calm myself.
"Hey, Irene wait lang" I shut my eyes close when I heard his voice.
Bakit sumunod ka pa?!
He pulled my arm so I can look at him. "Listen, I just want to let you know na wala akong kinalaman doon. I don't know that Felix and Abelaine will do that"
"Masiyado kang defensive" I blurted out.
I sat on the bench and looked up in the sky that is now full of stars and shining so bright.
"I just thought that I need to explain my side to you" aniya at umupo sa tabi ko. "Sorry" I looked at him when I heard him say, "Sorry about that, I know you didn't like it. Please don't get mad"
"As if may magagawa pa ako kanina. And no, I'm not mad" I scoffed.
Silence wrapped us for a moment.
"Did you bring your car?" he asked so I shook my head. "Can I take you home? Malapit lang sa pupuntahan ko ang condo mo"
"No need, sasabay ako kila Small"
"Pero diba out of the way ka sa kanila?" he pointed out. Damn, he's right. "Patapos na rin ang reception, let me take you home"
"Fine"
Ang bilis mo namang pumayag Irene!
Afterwards, we decided to get back inside dahil nagsisimula nang lumabas ang mga bisita. I looked for my friends but I couldn't find them anywhere.
"Congrats Felix and Abby" bati ko sa dalawa bago ako magpaalam na uuwi na. "I wish you two all the best in life"
"Thank you, thank you for coming. And sorry about earlier, ipinush kasi ni Felix yon" Abelaine said.
"That's okay. Anyway, have you seen Dawn, Small and Michelle? Or any of them?" I asked.
"Ah, they already left. Akala nila umuwi ka na kaya nagpaalam na rin sila kanina. Sino ang kasama mong uuwi ngayon? I think you should call for your driver"
"No worries, I'll take her home" singit ng nasa likod ko.
"Oh, here comes knight in shining armour" Felix smirked.
Thiago looked at us in disbelief. "Ang rurupok niyo naman! Nag-angatan lang kayo ng garter, may hatiran na na magaganap?"
I glared at him that made him hide behind Greggy.
Hinintay ko lang na makapagpaalam siya bago kami pumunta sa sasakyan niya.
Nice car.
Of course I was the one who paid for this!
Walang umiimik sa amin habang nasa biyahe. I closed my eyes to lessen down the awkward atmosphere.
After almost an hour, I felt the car stopped. "Irene," he called but I didn't moved a muscle.
I was about to open my eyes when he spoke again.
"I missed you. I missed you so much" I heard him say. "I'm sorry for what happened to us" I can hear him sniffing.
"I understand why you left, but i can't understand why i'm still waiting." he paused. "If you still see me as your home, feel free to come back"
Napalunok ako sa narinig ko. Am I hearing this right, or am I dreaming?
"You know, I am longing for the love that I've felt before... from you, but... To be love by you is like asking for the moon not to leave when the sun shines, it's impossible." he sighed.
I stayed in my position, not knowing what to do. Afterwards, he tried to wake me up again. "Irene, wake up, we're here"
Naalala kong sinabi niya kanina na may pupuntahan pa siya kaya nagmulat na ako ng mata.
"Oh, sorry I fell asleep" pagkukunwari ko.
"It's okay. Should I accompany you to your room?"
"Huwag na, kaya ko na" I smiled. "Thank you for taking me home, I'll go now." I said as I unbuckle my seatbelt.
He rolled down his window and watch me while I walk my way towards the entrance of the building. Hindi ko na siya nilingon at tuloy-tuloy na lang hanggang sa makapasok ako sa elevator.
Nang marating ko ang kwarto ko, tinanggal ko lahat ng suot ko at nagpalit ng pantulog.
I let myself fall down on my soft bed. Sigh, what a long day.
I can't stop myself from thinking about what he said earlier. He must be crazy now.
"I understand why you left, but i can't understand why i'm still waiting." he paused. "If you still see me as your home, feel free to come back"
"You know, I am longing for the love that I've felt before... from you, but... To be love by you is like asking for the moon not to leave when the sun shines, it's impossible."
Paano ako uuwi sa dating tahanan ko kung may umuuwi nang iba?
Bakit ba ganyan ka Greggy? Why are you making me feel this way? Why did you said all of this things?
I closed my eyes and heaved a deep sigh.
No, he's just under the influence of alcohol. Baka may tama lang siya kanina kaya niya nasabi yon.
That's right. Relax Irene, that's probably the reason. Besides, he's already engaged to someone, so please stop.
Payapa na sana akong makakatulog pero paulit-ulit na pumapasok sa utak ko ang imahe niya.
Bwisit!
Lubayan mo ako please lang!
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