SUKBIT ANG bag ay nagmamadaling lumabas ng building si Saskia para makapaggrocery siya.
Siya ang hindi masyadong busy sa kanilang magkakaibigan kaya siya na ang umako na maggrocery para sa linggong iyon. Samatalang ang isa niyang kaibigan na si Encar ay wala sa isla. May history tour daw ito.
Saskia placed her shoulder bag on the shotgun seat and was about to start her car when she hears her phone ring.
Kinuha niya iyon at napataas ang kilay ng makitang numero lang iyon. But she answer it anyway.
"Luv, how's your entire day?" Salubong sa kanya ng boses na kilalang-kilala niya.
Hmm... my moody boss now her...
Boyfriend?
Man?
Ewan, hindi niya talaga alam kung ano niya ang binata. Basta nasa relasyon sila. Ayaw niya naman i-claim na boyfriend ito dahil mukhang hindi naman. Tawagin niya na lang itong karelasyon. If that makes sense.
"Hello, Lorch. This is Saskia," Saskia greeted with sarcasm. Hindi man lang mag-hello 'tong isang 'to.
Narininig niya itong nagbuga ng hininga. "Hey, luv, sorry for the rude prelude."
Umangat ang isang gilid ng labi niya dahil sa sorry nito. Mukhang natututo na ito magsorry sa kanya.
"How's your day, luv?" Muling tanong nito.
"It was fair."
"You should be after work by this time, are you home yet?"
"Nope. I'll be doing grocery so I'm heading to the nearest grocery store."
"Ingat." Lorch sighed.
"Sure," sagot niya dito habang pinanood niya ang mga dumadang sasakyan at nag-iisip kung ano dapat niyang bilhin.
"That it?"
Nabalik ni Saskia ang atensyon kay Lorch ng marinig niya ang dismaya sa boses nito.
"What—"
"Is this how it is to be in a relationship, luv?" Tanong nito na nagpataas ng dalawang kilay niya.
Okay?...
"No how are you? How was your day? Are you doing great? No question at all from you?" anito sa dismayadong boses.
Oo nga 'no? Saskia bit her bottom lips when she felt guilty for not inquiring about his day.
"Luv—"
"I'm sorry." Saskia inhaled deeply. "I was thinking about what to buy so I didn't ask about how are you doing. Um..." she trailed, thinking what to ask. "Anyway, how are you?"
Ilang sandali itong hindi umimik.
"This relationship sucks," Lorch commented then tsked, tone really disappointed.
Napangiwi siya. Sino ba naman kasi ang may gusto sa ganito?
Saskia slyly sighed. "Ano ka ba, syempre sa una nag-a-adjust pa tayo," she explained for him not to get disheartened.
Kailangan niya mapamukha sa isang 'to na may kakaiba sa relasyon. That it is worth the time, love, emotion, and even pain.
"No. You should have given me your attention when I talked to you just like what I'm doing right now. Buong atensyon ko na sayo."
Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi sa narinig at nakaramdam siya ng guilt dahil hindi ganon ang ginagawa niya. She has a lot going on in her mind and Lorch was not one of them.
"You didn't even ask how I am." Dagdag nito.
Napalabi si Saskia. "Sorry, baby," she apologized, saying the baby sweetly to coax him to forgive her. "I'll make it up to you. How about that? I'll bake you something and bring it to your office tomorrow."
"I'm not on the island," anito na kababakasan parin ng yamot ang boses.
"When you get home then."
"Okay." Sang-ayon nito sa narinig niya ang malalim na pagbunot nito ng hininga. "I'll message you what I want."
"Sure. Make it a day before you go back to the office so I'll get time to prepare."
"Noted." Tipid nitong saad bago niya narinig ang senyales na putol na ang tawag.
Just like that.
No bye. No, take care. Nothing. Saskia slowly stared at her phone.
"Rude," she whispered before she saved his number and sent him a message.
Moody Lorch 😒
Baby, take care. Learn how to say goodbye, see you soon, or whatever before you hang up the phone.
May ngiti sa labi niyang binalik sa bag niya cellphone at hindi na hinintay ang reply ng binata. Tapos ay binuhay niya ang sasakyan at nagmaneho papuntang mall kung saan napili niyang maggrocery.
Tulak ang isang malaking cart ay naging abala si Saskia sa pagkuha ng mga stocks. Hanggang sa nakita niya ang pasulpot-sulpot niyang kaibigan na kamakailan lang sinabi sa kanya na myembro ito ng Crown Island Club.
Youri, a very caring and down-to-earth lad. Also very mysterious. Nakatitig ito sa isang estanteng puno ng iba't-ibang uri ng gummy bears.
Nilapitan niya ito habang may natutuwang ngiti sa labi. "Hindi ka makapili kung anong gusto mo?"
Sinulyapan siya nito at mukhang napansin naman siya nito bago siya lumapit dahil walang sorpresa na kababakasan sa mata nito, hindi lang ito lumingon.
"I'm glad to see around again," anito at malawak na ngumiti. "Haven't seen you for some time. Kumusta?"
"Ayos lang. Nagkasakit kasi ako, and after that I was busy cramming up to get the paper works that was stuck in my office done," Saskia explained and reached for gummy bears in a jar. "Here, this one is good. Pineapple flavor, one of the best for my taste bud."
"Oh, thanks..." anito at inabot ang gummy bears. "How are you feeling? Are you fully recuperating?"
"A-huh." Saskia nodded taking a jar of gummy bears for herself. "Dalawang araw na akong pumapasok. Ikaw? Kumusta? Madalang akong makakita ng miyembro ng CIC na naggo-grocery."
"I just have to search for myself something I can give to my friend who will have a birthday soon." Tinignan nito ang cart niya. "You got a lot of stuff, you need help? I can spare time to lend you a hand."
Saskia chuckled. "Hindi, kaya ko na."
"Okay..." he drawled then took a few more jars of gummy bears before smiling at her. "See you around then." Paalam nito at nilagpasan siya.
"Sure." Saskia followed him with her gaze.
Itutulak niya na sana muli ang cart ng marinig niya ang tawag nito.
"Saskia!"
Turning her head, Saskia arched her brow. "What?"
Youri scratched his nape looking like he was contemplating before running his fingers to his ruffled hair.
"Nothing. Sorry." He smiled.
But his answer just made Saskia curious. Kaya't tinulak niya ang cart at lumapit sa binata.
"Ano 'yon?" Pangungulit niya.
"Wala—"
"Do you know how I hate people calling me knowing that they need something but changed their mind leaving me all curious?" Salubong ang kilay na saad niya dito.
Natawa ito. "My apologies. I just wanted to ask if you can spare time next weekend."
Nakagat ni Saskia ang labi habang nangingiti. "May balak ka sa akin?"
"Explain what you mean by that?" Youri tilted his head while slowly one corner of his lips tugged up.
"Do I have to? Isn't it obvious what I mean?"
Mahina itong natawa saka inangat ang kamay at pinisil ang tungki ng ilong niya.
It surprises Sakia but she didn't move away as she can see in Youri's eyes that he means no harm but just amused by what she said.
"No, nothing like that. Tsk." Nakangiti itong umiling. "I just want to invite you as a friend— may I quote." He playfully narrowed his eyes at her, pointing out that he means nothing more than just a friend. "I will be celebrating my birthday the next weekend so I would like to invite you to go with me for a few hours of road trip."
"Hindi, Youri." Saskia offered an apologizing smile. "We just met a few times— like over five — and I don't trust you enough to go with you alone on a road trip. Maybe when we get to know each other more, at pagnapakilala kita sa mga kaibigan ko, sasama ako."
"Oh..." Youri offered a lopsided smile, his eyes glinted with disappointment. "Sorry, I— I never really thought about it. But— yeah, you shouldn't go somewhere with someone you barely know for your safety."
"But I can be with you somewhere here to celebrate your birthday. How about that? I'll make something for you. Just name the food and I'll try to cook it," Saskia offered.
"Yeah, that will be better." May kinuha ito mula sa wallet nito. "Here, that's my new personal number— I lost my phone hence the new contact. Call me."
Inabot niya iyon at tinignan. "Youri Pierre Tottenham..." Basa niya sa pangalan nito. "Ph.D. MLS. Rechetti Clinical Laboratory," she kept on, smiling. "You got a brainy head, huh." Saskia was amazed.
Nagkibit-balikat ang binata habang nakangiti. "Maybe."
"Anyway, I'll give you a text later so you'll know my number," aniya dito at linagay sa bag ang card nito.
"Sure." Youri waved his hand and left.
Siya naman ay nagpatuloy sa pamimili at iniisip si Youri.
There is something with that friend of her that reminds him of somebody. She just couldn't pinpoint who. Pero lagi talaga siyang may naiisip pagnakikita niya ang binata.
MULA SA binabasang pdf file sa laptop ay tinignan ni Lorch ang one-way mirror door niya ng mahagip ng mata niya si Saskia.
One corner of his lips instantly twitched into a smirk while watching her with a paper bag as she approaches his secretary outside.
Leaning against his seat, Lorch crossed his fingers and bring his hands to the back of his head, stretching his arms.
Nasabihan niya na ang secretary niya na darating ang dalaga at huwag itong pigilan. He was expecting her and he was excited to see what she has for him to get back at him for not even inquiring how he was doing.
Pagbukas ng pinto ay agad na sumilay ang ngiti nito. Somehow, it made Lorch stares at it and hope it'll be always there.
"Looks like you've been waiting, baby," anito pagkasara ng pinto.
Lorch blinked. His heart skip a beat again the way it did when he heard her call him baby for the very first time. And when it resumed, his heartbeat was quicker and he felt a bit nervous. Why the fuck do I have to feel this?
Yet, he managed to not show any sign of what he was feeling inside and remained calm as he watch her with a serious gaze. His eyes skimming her curve that was visibly displayed because of her just above the knee-length skirt, partnered with a fit long sleeves white office shirt.
"You can't have more sexier clothes for the office, eh?" Lorch arched his brow, boldly looking at her chest that has three open buttons. Enough for her cleavage to peek. Tsk.
"Baby—"
Lorch's breathing hitched as his heart hopped from another sweet baby endearment.
Darn it! What the fuck is wrong with you asshole?! Inis niyang sita sa sarili.
"Nothing is wrong with my clothes." Nilapag nito sa mesa niya ang paper bag na dala. "It passed the dress code in this building and decent. Not unless you have pervert eyes that see through my clothes." Umikot ang mata nito.
Lorch shook his head to clear his head.
"Can't see through your clothes, luv. I'm not seeing tits," he said, smirking.
"Lorch!" Pinandilatan siya nito dahil sa walang habas niyang pananalita na kinatawa niya lang lalo na ng mamula ang pisngi nito.
Nagmamartsa itong lumapit sa kaya sa pinitik ang tenga niya.
"Huwag ka ngang manyak." Saskia hissed and sauntered back to her place only to pause when he held her wrist to stop her.
"What?" Sakia asked with a glare and pulled her wrist.
"Sit here," aniya saka tumayo at binigay ang kinauupuan niya. "I'll lay the table. What do you have for lunch?"
"Lahat ng riniquest mo," sagot nito at naupo bago umusog para mas malapit ito sa mesa.
Lorch hummed and get suddenly hungry knowing that he'll be eating a few of his favorite food.
Mabilis pero maayos niyang nilipat ang ilang papel at dokumento na nasa mesa niya at nilagay iyon sa estante bago niya isa-isang nilabas ang dala nitong pagkain.
"You cooked all of these?" he asked as he scanned the food that looked and smells delicious. Damn, I'm gonna have a feast!
"Mm-hmm." Tumango ito. "Kaninang umaga. Bumangon ako ng mas maaga, than the usual time to make it so it'll be still fresh until this time. Pero syempre malamig na natin kakainin 'yan unless may microwave ka para initin 'yan."
"No, I don't mind if the food is warm or cold. As long as it is edible and not poisonous it'll be fine."
"Hindi 'yan kasing sarap ng gawa ng mga chef, pero nakakain naman ng hindi sasakit ang tiyan mo." Tumawa ito.
"Ayusin mo lang." Lorch tsked and left for a while to take plates and utensils. "Do you have something to do on the weekends?" Tanong niya sa dalaga pagkabalik niya.
Kumunot ang noo nito. "Oo. Bakit?"
Placing the visitor's chair beside her chair, Lorch responded, "I was thinking of inviting you to go with me to sailing. Saturday morning we'll leave then Sunday afternoon we should be home."
"Oh, that's unfortunate that you had told me this late. I had already agreed to spend the weekend with a friend. Saturday afternoon. It's his advance birthday celebration."
Natigil si Lorch sa paglalagay ng pagkain sa pinggan nito at salubong ang kilay na tinignan ito.
"His?" he asked, brows creased.
"Yeah. It's a guy friend." Kibit-balikat nitong tugon habang nasa ginagawa niya ang atensyon.
Lorch sigh and remained calm despite feeling off knowing that Saskia will be spending time with someone. A male to be precise.
"Thanks, baby," saad ng dalaga matapos niyang lagyan ng pagkain ang pinggan nito.
Lorch nodded and didn't bother to invite her in another time. Hindi niya nga rin alam kung bakit niya naisipan na imbitahan ito. This relationship doesn't need to be that special. They don't need to sail together. What the fuck was he thinking?
"Kung gusto mo sa susunod na weekend," wika nito. "You are scowling at your food again like it has given you bad news."
"You going with a male friend was bad news." Lorch tsked, unable to hide his annoyed tone.
Saskia chuckles and to his utter disbelief, she leaned towards him resting her chin on his shoulder before speaking with her warm whiff fanning against his cheek.
"Lorch, baby, don't be upset. Like what I did today, I will make sure to make it up to you. You just have to tell me when will it be and I'll be there with you."
Hinalikan siya niyo sa pisngi na siyang kinabato niya sa kinauupuan niya. He wasn't able to stop her nor could he move a muscle to dodge. He was motionless, rooted in his seat as his heartbeat pounded against his chest. His mind swearing all the swear words.
What the fuck?! Lorch suddenly reached for his glass and drank till the very last drop. Leaning slyly away from her to give them both space. Thankful that Saskia alone move away but he could feel her eyes on him.
"Ayos ka lang, baby?" Tanong nito.
Lorch's jaw tightened and he was unable to hold his glare but he only gets a hearty laugh from her as a reply.
"Baby, you look like you've been groped." Saskia fixed her hair while chuckling. "You should have seen your face it was worth a million-dollar portrait."
"Stop." Lorch hissed. "I was just caught off guard. We haven't talked about kisses and hugs in this relationship."
"Haven't you expected that?" Saskia looked at him with surprise. "Relationship has it. A lot. But sex, well, depends on the couple but that will definitely will not be part of our relationship."
Lorch tilted his head, looking at Saskia with curiosity. "But sex is good. Don't tell me you haven't done it with your exes?"
"Nope." Walang anong sagot nito samantalang siya hindi napigilan ang tignan ang kabuuan nito.
With that body and beauty she has, her scumbag exes didn't bed her? Lorch was far from believing it. She was in New York where most likely men and women alike are open to premarital sex.
"I have set boundaries with every relationship I had because I know they're not who I expected to give everything in me. They were known to have a bad record when it comes to women so I set boundaries so as not to regret anything if we broke up."
"Why get into a relationship with them if they're not what you wanted to have in your life and not somebody you'll surrender every part of you?" he asked, perplexed.
"Because I was naive to believe I can change them. But you know what I have learned?" Nakangiti itong bumaling sa kanya.
Lorch raised his brow, urging her to tell.
"I can not change a man despite the love I have for him. Pagmanloloko, manloloko talaga maliban na lang kung mahal niya talaga ako ng tunay at mismong sarili niya babaguhin niya para sa akin. Unfortunately," Saskia sighed with a warm smile. "None of the men I dated had loved me enough to change for me. They cheated because they can not deal with the fact that I can't be the woman they wanted to be. A woman that would spread her legs whenever they want to get laid."
"But isn't it biased to make them change for you when you can't break your boundaries for them?"
"Isang bagay lang naman ang hindi ko binibigay sa kanila. Hindi naman ako nagkulang maliban sa sex. When they were my boyfriend, I give them love, time, trust, and loyalty. But what did they give back to me?" Ngumuso ito at nakita niya ang bahid ng disappointment sa mata nito.
"Porke't hindi nila ako makama, sinasabi na nilang hindi ko sila buong mahal... Hindi naman sukatan ang sex sa kung mahal mo ang tao, eh. Nasa effort iyon, sa tiwala at pagiging loyal." Tumaas ang isang gilid ng labi nito saka binalingan siya. "How about you? Anong sukatan mo sa pagmamahal, Lorch?"
Lorch stared at her eyes, thinking how much this woman is so much opposite to her parents.
He ebbed her gaze and looked at his food thinking what he thinks does measure love.
"It's..." He sighed and then smiled. "Giving everything for the one I love despite the pain as long as she's happy, contented, and safe."
👑
Clfern
📪22.08.10