Rod's POV
I'm here at my office right now, busy doing some plates about our expansion at the province. Actually Mr. Gonzales haven't convince yet to sell some of the residence's land at the side of our ongoing project. Pag-iisipan pa daw ulit nila. But then again, Dad told me to finish the plate na so that once they sell, mauumpisahan na agad. When I saw Dad went out of the conference room, I followed him cuz I wanna tell something. As I open the door, he gave me signal to enter his office while talking someone over the phone.
Lucas: Tapos mo na ba yung pinapagawa ko? (Then wore his reading glasses)
Rod: Not yet Dad but I'm almost done, just checking the elevations nalang (then sit on the chair infront of Lucas)
Lucas: Good. Once you finish that plate, ipakita mo na sa akin agad.
Rod: Okay Dad.
Lucas: So is there any update about the properties at the province? Ilang ektarya na ng lupa ang nabili ni Mr. Gonzales?
Rod: About that Dad, wala pa po.
Lucas: What? (Look at Rod)
Rod: No one sold some lands yet.
Lucas: Call Mr. Gonzales, tell him na ti-triplehin natin ang bayad sa mga lupa nila.
Rod: Dad, Do we still need to do that?
Lucas: Yes Roderick. We need those lands besides bibilhin naman natin eh. Hindi naman natin nanakawin, anak.
Rod: Kaya ko naman gawan ng paraan yung plano Dad eh. Wag na po natin pilitin yung mga tao kung ayaw nila.
Lucas: Roderick just do what I'm telling you to do, sumunod ka nalang.
Rod: But Dad, seriously I can make ano—(didn't finish his words cuz Lucas speak up)
Lucas: You know what, go to your office and continue finishing the plate. I'll excuse myself na muna. Oh by the way, your mom and I are having lunch. Wanna join us?
Rod: Hindi na Dad, still have a lot works to do.
Lucas: Okay.
As Dad agreed, he stood up then wore his tux. I took a deep breath and said "What if wala na talagang magbenta ng lupa? Edi sayang lang paghihirap ko na tapusin yung plano. Tsk! Triple? Ano dad? Sisilawin mo sila sa pera? Hayst! Ibang-iba ka talaga kapag nasa trabaho ka. Lahat nalang ng gusto mo, dapat makuha mo (in his mind)". As I stood up, dad turned his back and look at me.
Lucas: Roderick, I need that plate on my desk as soon as I arrive.
Rod: Okay, Dad.
As Dad tell those words, he went out of his office habang ako naman napaupo ulit. I called Mr. Gonzales to get some update again but sadly still the same, wala pa din nagbebenta ng lupa sa kanya. So I took a deep breathe then head straight to my office na. While I'm busy checking the elevations, someone knocked the door.
Rod: Yes? Come in.
Airish: Hoy! May naghahanap sayo.
Rod: Sino? (confused)
Airish: Stephanie Alvarez daw, kilala mo?
Rod: Ah oo.
Airish: Nandito siya sa labas, papasukin ko na ba?
Rod: Si-sige.
Airish was about to turn his back but Steffie suddenly speak up which cause her para magulat. Kitang-kita sa facial expression niya ang pagkainis.
Stephanie: Hi Roderick!
Rod: Hello
As I greet her back, I offer my hand for a handshake but she refuse. She walk towards me and kissed me on my cheek. Airish saw that kaya kumunot ang noo niya and whispered "Napakalandi naman!" then went out of my office.
Stephanie: So ano na? Let's have dinner naman mamaya. Babalik na ako sa Barcelona next week eh.
Rod: Ahm, tignan ko Steffie. Magpapaalam lang ako.
Stephanie: Magpapaalam? Kanino?
Rod: Kay Lizzy.
Stephanie: Oh my god! So are you saying, kayo na?
Rod: Not yet pero malapit na.
Stephanie: Ah ganun? Okay.
Rod: Yeah, if ever pumayag siya, isasama ko siya ha?
Stephanie: Huh?
Rod: Eh diba sabi mo gusto mo siyang makilala? Oh edi isasama ko siya mamaya.
Stephanie: Si-sige.
Rod: Why? Is there any problem?
Stephanie: Wala! None at all (then smile) Ahm, lunch? Naglunch ka na?
I was about to answer but Franky immediately enter my office without even knocking and she's holding a blueprint.
Franchesca: Rod could you please check this? Parang mali yung—(didn't continue her words cuz she saw Steffie)
Stephanie: Hi (the smile)
Franchesca: Hello (didn't smile back)
Stephanie: Are you Franky? Yung bestfriend niya?
Franchesca: Yes. Why? (Attitude tone of voice)
Stephanie: Encantada de conocerte (Nice to meet you)
Franchesca: Likewise. So going back, Rod mali ata 'tong sukat nito. Check mo nga, kainis naman kasi si Angelo eh.
Rod: Wait.....Ah yan yung sinasabi niya, palitan mo nalang. Here's the copy (handed the copy to Franky)
Franchesca: Okay, sige.
As Franky tell that word, she went out of my office without even saying goodbye to Steffie. After a couple of minutes, someone send me a message, it's Franky. "Tignan mo tong babaeng toh, may patext text pang nalalaman. Wala naman akong masamang ginagawa ah (in his mind)".
From Franky:
HOY! WAG KANG MALANDI DIYAN KUNG AYAW MONG ISUMBONG KITA KAY CHAVEZ MO! KAASAR NA BABAE YAN, SABIHIN MO NGA MAGSALITA SIYA NG TAGALOG, WALA SIYA SA BARCELONA😏
To Franky:
TIGILAN NGA AKO! ANONG AKALA MO SAKIN? BABAERO!? TSK!
✅Message Sent.
As I send that message, I immediately send Imee a message also. Asking her if she ate lunch already? If she's okay? Kung madami ba siyang patients and so on. I was distract when Steffie shouted, nandito pa pala siya HAHAHA.
Stephanie: Hey Roderick! Ano na?
Rod: As I've said earlier, I'll ask Lizzy pa.
Stephanie: Hayst! Wag na kasi, ngayon lang naman eh besides why do you have to ask permission anyway? Sabi mo nga, hindi pa kayo. So ibig sabihin, hindi ka pa niya pwedeng bawalan sa ganyang mga bagay.
Rod: I'll call you nalang later, Steffie. Madami pa akong ginagawa eh.
Stephanie: Okay! Fine! Basta call me ha?
Rod: Yeah.
As Steffie left, someone knocked the door then entered right away and it's Franky. Hayst! She ask me about Steffie. Mukhang baliw naman tong kaibigan ko na ito. Around 11:30am, we had our lunch na din kasama syempre ng mga workmates namin. As I go back to my office, my phone vibrates.
From Imee:
Hi. Yeah, tapos na.
I am now sitting on my swivel chair, nag-iisip kung paano ko sisimulan magpaalam kay Imee about the dinner. Well, for sure she'll agree naman pero kasi gusto ko siyang isama and yun ang problema ko. Baka ayaw niya ulit. Around 1:30pm, Dad's secretary inform me na pinapatawag daw ako so I immediately get the plate then head straight to his office. It took me an hour convincing him about the plan and thank god, he approved. After a minute, he gave signal to his secretary and I was shock cuz Steffie show up.
Stephanie: Hi Tito! (Offer his hand for a handshake)
Lucas: Hello. Buti naman nakadalaw ka dito?
Stephanie: Yes naman Tito. You know me, I always have time.
Lucas: Oh Rod, say Hi naman to Steffie.
Rod: Tapos na dad, nag-usap na po kami kanina.
Lucas: Oh, I see. So what brings you here, Steffie?
Stephanie: Well, tito is it okay if I work here?
Rod: Huh? Akala ko ba uuwi ka na next week.
Stephanie: I change my mind besides I would like to try new things. Gusto ko din kasi mai-assign sa ibang lugar. So is it okay tito if dito po ako magtrabaho?
Lucas: Su-sure. Wala namang problema sa akin eh besides we are hiring new Architects here in our firm naman.
Stephanie: Great. So kelan ako magsisimula Tito?
Lucas: Pwede na bukas.
Rod: What? Agad-agad? Wala man lang screening or any interview that will be conducted?
Lucas: I've known her Roderick besides she's an Architect naman sa Barcelona eh. Tinanggap siya ng Tito Jake mo so ibig sabihin, she's good.
Rod: Okay.
Stephanie: Wait, Roderick is there any problem? A-ayaw mo bang dito ako magtrabaho?
Rod: Hi-Hindi naman sa ganun, Steffie. It's just that, ba-baka hindi papayag si Tito Jake.
Stephanie: Hindi papayag? Nagpaalam na nga ako kanina eh and he agreed. Okay lang naman daw sa kanya.
Rod: Ah okay.
Stephanie: So ano na? Tuloy mamaya ha?
Lucas: Excuse me, anong tuloy mamaya?
Stephanie: Kasi Tito I'am inviting Rod to have dinner with me. Kaso lang he keep on refusing eh.
Lucas: Why anak? Pwede ka naman mamaya ah. Wala ka naman ng gagawin after this, right?
Stephanie: Wala naman na pala eh, so g?
Lucas: Go on anak.
Rod: Dad may puputahan pa po ako mamaya.
Lucas: Why don't you resched? Minsan lang naman mag-aya tong si Steffie eh.
Stephanie: Kaya nga. Sige na kasi.
Rod: Okay, fine.
Stephanie: Ayown! Sige Tito, I'll go ahead na po. See you tomorrow. Ahm, Rod?
Rod: Yes?
Stephanie: See you at the resto around 6pm, okay? Text ko nalang sayo kung saan.
Rod: Sige.
As Steffie went out of the office, I immediately talk to Dad. Tumawa lang siya and said "Magpamiss ka naman kasi kay Lizzy. Tignan mo, tatawagan ka non mamaya." Our conversation goes on and he keep on teasing me. Tsk! Minsan talaga napapaisip din ako kung bakit siya yung naging ama ko eh.
Imee's POV
It's already 3 in the afternoon and kadarating ko lang dito sa bahay (at Mom and Dad's house). Wala kasi masyadong pasyente eh, kaya nagpaalam na ako. As I enter our house, Isabella ran towards me and showered me with hugs and kisses. Hay! This is what I like about whenever umuuwi ako dito. After a couple of minutes, I excuse myself muna para magpalit ng pambahay. While tying my hair up, someone knocked the door so I speak up.
Imee: Come in.
Isabella: Tita Pretty! I've been waiting for you at the living room for like an hour na po. You're so tagal naman po eh (then pout her lips)
Imee: An hour? (Then laugh) Hindi kaya, wala pa ngang 10 minutes eh.
Isabella: Hmpft! Let's go downstairs na po kasi. Let's play!
As Isabella tell those words, she hold my hand then hinila niya ako papunta sa baba. Exaggerated din minsan tong batang to eh, wala pa ngang 10 minutes, isang oras na agad? HAHAHAH. We're now here at the living room playing with her toys. Jusko nagkalat na naman ang mga laruan dito.
*While playing tea cup party
Isabella: Tita?
Imee: Yes?
Isabella: Where's Tito Pogi?
Imee: H-He's working baby. Teka nga, bakit mo siya palaging tinatanong whenever umuuwi ako dito? Hmmm, Is there something I need to know?
Isabella: Eh kasi po Tita I really miss him. Parang real Tito ko na po siya. Ang bait niya po and you know what Tita, he said he will treat me when you said yes already.
Imee: He said that?
Isabella: Yes po. Ahm, Tita?
Imee: Yes?
Isabella: What's Tito Pogi's question po ba? Is it mahirap?
Imee: H-huh? Ah eh, kasi baby ano.......Ano kasi i-it's dif—(didn't continue her words cuz Isabella speak up)
Isabella: I think it's only answerable by yes or no.
Imee: Yes it is but —
Isabella: Then why it took you so long to answer?
Imee: Eh kasi baby kailangan munang pag-isipan ng mabuti ni tita.
Isabella: Bakit pa po kailangan pag-isipan ng mabuti?
Imee: Eh kasi kapag sinagot ko siya, forever na yun. Wala ng bawian.
Isabella: Forever? Wala ng bawian? Wha-what do you mean tita? I don't get it.
Imee: Hay naku! Hindi mo talaga maiintindihan, baby. You're only five years old palang eh.
Isabella: It doesn't matter if I'm only five years old Tita. Why don't you tell me nalang kasi about the question of Tito Pogi? Maybe I can help you (then smile)
Imee: You know what, let's continue playing nalang.
Isabella: No Tita. Tell me po muna kasi! Ang kulit kulit mo po naman. You're like Daddy, Mommy and Yaya (then frown)
Imee: No, hindi mo pa maiintindihan, baby.
Isabella: I'm top 1 in our class Tita. How come hindi ko po maiintindihan? I'm smart po kaya.
Imee: Ang yabang ha (whispered then laugh)
Isabella: Tita! Ano na kasi? Madami po ba question si Tito Pogi?
I was about to speak but Mom and Dad arrived so Bella stood up then gave them hugs and kisses. I ask them kung bakit ang aga nilang umuwi and mom answered "We'll going to have dinner at the resto." How sweet! I ask ate Ava about kuya and she said susunod nalang daw siya, may meeting pa daw kasi. After that convo, mom told us to get ready na so that at exactly 5:30pm, aalis na kami.
I only took half bath lang then straightly go to my closet room. I wore white sleeves and jeans then paired with white sneakers. I also chose sling bag lang that is perfect enough for my phone and cards.
Around 6pm, nakarating na kami sa Resto. As we enter, kuya Anthony waved his right hand, nauna na pala siya dito. I let them order our food na while this little girl beside me suggest her own, napaka-bossy at kulit naman talaga. Kasi naman she keep on asking mom and dad kung bakit daw yun ang dapat I-order. Is it healthy daw ba? What vitamins we will get if we eat that food. Bakit daw steak? Is it good for our health and so on. She also ask the waiter kung paano daw lutuin. Hayst! Natawa nalang ang waiter sa pagiging madaldal niya. It took us an hour to finish our dinner. While walking palabas ng mall, tinawag ako ni Ate Ava kaya medyo nahuli kami.
Ava: Imee!
Imee: Yes ate?
Ava: Is that Roderick?
Imee: Huh? Nasaan?
Ava: Inside the Gerry's Grill Resto. Hindi ko naman maituro, baka makita tayo.
Imee: Nasaan ba? Hindi ko makita ate (still looking for Rod)
Ava: The one who's wearing white polo shirt.
As ate Ava tell the colour of his shirt, I saw him na. He's having dinner with a girl.
Ava: Siya yun diba?
Imee: Y-yes.
Ava: Bakit iba ang kasama niya?
Imee: Ba-Baka naman client lang ate.
Ava: I doubt it. Call him nga.
Imee: H-huh? (Look at Ava)
Ava: Call him.
Imee: And why would I do that ate? Can't you see, he's having dinner oh.
Ava: Yes, he's having dinner but with a girl. So call him, ask him kung nasaan siya at kung sino ang kasama niya.
Imee: Huh?! Is that necessary?
Ava: Yes it is. Go on, call him.
I just sigh deeply then get my phone inside my bag. I called him twice but sadly, he didn't answered. Nakasilent ata kasi tuloy-tuloy lang siya sa pagkain. I was about to turn it off but Ate Ava told me to call him for the last time and good thing he answered. I saw him excuse himself at lumabas muna sa Resto.
*on call
Rod: Hello Lizzy?
Imee: Hi Rod.
Rod: You know what, this is the second time you called me and Thank you, I feel important na (then smile). Sorry hindi ako nakapunta jan ha? Busy kasi ako ngayong araw eh.
Imee: It's okay.
Rod: Nakauwi ka na ba?
Imee: Yes.
Rod: Kumain ka na ng dinner?
Imee: Yes.
Rod: Good.
Imee: Nasa'n ka?
Rod: Oh, I'm having dinner dito sa Resto.
Imee: Talaga?
Rod: Y-yah.
Imee: Sinong kasama mo?
Rod: Ka-kasama ko?
I didn't speak, basta tinitignan ko lang siya mula sa malayo. "Please tell me the truth Roderick. Don't lie to me kasi nakikita kita. No more lies, please! (In her mind)."
Rod: I-I'm with mom and dad. Yeah, we're having dinner kasi tinamad magluto si mommy eh (fake laugh)
Imee: Talaga?
Rod: Yes.
Imee: Okay, then enjoy your dinner. Bye.
I immediately ended the call then put it inside my bag. Ate Ava notice that my mood changed so she didn't ask na basta sinundan nalang namin sila kuya. Around 8pm, we got home. I immediately changed my clothes then went downstairs again para makapag-isip. While sitting malapit sa pool area, my phone vibrates. As I checked who's the sender, hindi ko na muna binasa. Hinayaan ko nalang. After a second, I was shocked cuz Kuya Anthony speak up.
Anthony: Hoy!
Imee: What the!
Anthony: Anong ginagawa mo dito? (Then sit beside Imee)
Imee: Maka-hoy naman toh! May pangalan ako kuya. Tsaka bakit ba nandito ka? Manggugulo ka lang na naman dito eh (then rolled her eyes)
Anthony: Hindi ah, I'm just here to comfort my sister (then wink)
Imee: Comfort? Bakit naman?
Anthony: Napansin ko kasing nag-iba ang mood mo nung pauwi na tayo eh. So anong nangyari? Lovelife ba yan?
Imee: Hindi! Ano ba kuya, umalis ka na nga dito. Puntahan mo na yung mag-ina mo doon. Matulog ka na din.
Anthony: Nahihiya ka lang magsabi eh. So tama ako noh? About lovelife nga yan.
Imee: Tsk! Ang kulit mo kuya (then crossed her arms)
Anthony: Come on, tell me na kasi. Nahiya pa, ako nga yung kasama mo noong nagpaalam ka kay Rod diba? Umiiyak ka pa nga dati. Yumakap ka pa diba? (then laugh) Payakap nga ulit (He was about to hug Lizzy but she refuse)
Imee: Ano ba kuya! Kadiri toh.
Anthony: Oh bakit? Totoo naman eh. Narinig ko pa nga sabi mo kay mommy "Alam ko naman po na masakit kapag nagmahal ka pero I didn't figure out na ganto pala kasakit. Kung alam ko lang, sana hindi ko na hinayaan tong sarili ko na mahulog sa kanya" (still laughing)
Imee: Mapang-asar ka talaga kuya noh?! Wala ka bang ibang alam gawin kundi asarin o inisin ako? Wala ka bang ibang purpose in life? Tsk! Diko talaga maintindihan kung paano natitiis ni Ate Ava yang ugali mo (then gave Anthony a death glare)
Anthony: Alam mo hindi ko din maintindihan si Rod kung bakit patay na patay siya sayo.
Imee: Nyenye, Whatever! (Then rolled her eyes)
Anthony: But seriously Ivy, anong nangyari? (Serious tone of voice)
Imee: Wala kuya.
Anthony: Ayaw mo sa taong sinungaling diba? Eh bakit ikaw mismo ayaw magsabi ng totoo?
Imee: Tsk! Okay fine (then sigh deeply)
Anthony: So what is it? Tell me, makikinig ako.
Imee: Kuya nung nanliligaw ka palang ba kay Ate Ava, nagsisinungaling ka din ba? Like, kapag ba tinatanong ka niya kung nasan ka or sinong kasama mo, hindi ka nagsasabi ng totoo?
Anthony: Well, I admit, yes but believe me ayaw ko naman talagang magsingaling sa kanya eh. Look Lizzy, I'm a businessman and hindi talaga maiiwasan na kung sino-sino jan ang mga nakakasama ko.
Imee: What if nakita niya tapos nagsinungaling ka? How would you deal with it?
Anthony: Well, I admit my mistakes and pinapaliwanag ko agad kung bakit hindi ako nagsabi ng totoo.
Imee: Naniniwala ba siya agad?
Anthony: Hindi, actually it takes time pero one thing I assure her is that I'm telling the truth whenever she ask why. Alam mo kasi Lizzy, hindi naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon eh dapat nagsasabi ang isang tao ng totoo lalo na kung hindi naman importante. Bakit nagsisinungaling ba sayo si Rod?
Imee: Yes at ilang beses na din kuya. That's why medyo nawawalan ako ng tiwala sa kanya.
Anthony: Tinanong mo naman ba kung bakit siya nagsinungaling?
Imee: Hindi. Actually he didn't know nga na alam ko yung totoo eh.
Anthony: Nagbago ba ang treatment niya sayo?
Imee: Hindi naman.
Anthony: Tanga pa din?
Imee: Tsk!
Anthony: Just kidding but seriously, kung hindi naman siya nagbago at consistent pa din then there's nothing to worry about.
Imee: Are you sure kuya?
Anthony: Yes, Lizzy. Alam mo siguro ang iniisip lang non kaya nakakapagsinungaling siya sayo is that ayaw ka niyang bigyan ng rason para magselos.
As kuya tell those words, I just smile then rest my head on his shoulder. We talk a lot of things pa muna then around 10pm, nagpaalam na ako para matulog.
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