"Roxy, we're here," Archie softly said to her.
Roxy slowly opened her eyes, realizing she had fallen asleep on the way home. She looked at Archie, who was smiling at her, his dimple showing on the corner of his lips.
It dawned on her that after everything that had happened, it was finally official. She and Archie were finally a real thing.
"Napagod ka sa byahe?" Archie asked.
Roxy stretched her arms and smiled back at him. "Sakto lang, nakaiglip naman ako."
"Good, let's head inside," Archie said.
They opened the door slowly to avoid making noise, and Archie led Roxy upstairs without turning on the lights.
Once they entered the room, Roxy removed her cardigan. She flinched as she heard the door lock, and then Archie hugged her from behind.
"I'm so happy," Archie whispered to her.
Roxy felt her body shiver as she felt Archie's breath on her ear. He gently moved Roxy's chin to give room for her neck as he trailed kisses down to her nape.
Each touch sent a wave of warmth through her body, she closed her eyes while savoring the sensation of his lips on her skin. Feeling the intensity of their connection growing stronger with each tender kiss.
Archie turned Roxy to face him, then kissed her passionately. She felt his hand travel from her neck down to her waist, while he brushed his tongue against hers.
Roxy wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as she tiptoed so he could properly reach her lips. Then she felt him lifting her, carrying her towards the bed as their embrace grew even more intense.
Without pulling away from the kiss, Archie gently placed Roxy on the bed. While on top of her, he kissed her neck, his hand supporting his weight while the other slowly moved to her chest.
Roxy gasped when he felt his touch, then she pushed Archie away when she felt his hand cupping her left breast.
"Wait! Wait lang," Roxy said, trying to catch her breath.
"What's wrong? Ayaw mo?" Archie's disappointment was clear in his voice.
"Hindi, di naman sa ayaw. Parang di kasi tayo ready," Roxy replied.
Archie took a deep breath as he moved away from Roxy, while she sat quietly beside him, adjusting her dress.
"Huy, galit ka ba?" Roxy asked, placing her hand on Archie's shoulder.
"No, of course not." Archie reassured her. "Syempre, I want to do this with you again...na gusto mo na."
Roxy bit her lip, if she can be honest with him: it's not that she doesn't want to, it's just that she's scared of getting pregnant again.
"Gusto ko naman, ano kasi——" Roxy hesitated.
"Ano, what?" Archie asked impatiently.
"Condom." Roxy whispered.
"What? I can't hear you, magsalita ka kaya ng maayos." Archie urged.
"Condom!" Roxy exclaimed to him.
Archie's eyes widened at Roxy's words, while Roxy covered her face with her hands out of embarrassment.
"Oh, you want to use protection?"
"Malamang, ayoko muna mabuntis ulit Archie." Roxy admitted.
Archie stared blankly and nodded, then held her hand and leaned closer to her.
"Meron ako."
"Ha?" Roxy asked in confusion. "Merong alin?"
"Condoms." Archie clarified. "I have a box dun sa dresser ko.
Roxy pursed her lips, suddenly feeling extremely annoyed and jealous that Archie kept a box of condoms without her knowledge.
"Bakit may ganyan ka? May pinag-gagamitan ka ba?" Roxy said angrily as she pushed Archie away.
"No! Wala Roxy! Grabe wala pa nga tayong 24 hours super paranoid mo na." Archie said.
"Eh bakit ka meron niyan?"
"Because we're sharing a room, I just wanted to be prepared, you know," Archie explained in a serious tone.
Roxy fell silent, feeling her face grow hot and her heart racing. It occurred to her that Archie was a man after all, and sharing a bed with her must be difficult for him.
"So... do you want to?" Archie asked nervously.
Roxy didn't reply; she bit her lower lip, unable to endure the awkwardness and her own shyness in the conversation.
Meanwhile, Archie sensed that she might not be ready yet. He took a deep breath and nodded.
"Hey, Roxanne. It's okay if you don't want to," Archie assured her. "We can just, you know—cuddle and sleep?"
Roxy stared at Archie, seeing the disappointment clear on his face, yet he seemed to be trying to brush it off for her sake.
She thought about the days when she denied her feelings for him, how she ended up hurting him. Despite his ego and prideful personality, he always stayed with her, no matter what she said or did.
After all that had happened, what else could she lose by being honest?
Roxy then grabbed his face and kissed him. This time, it was so passionate that it made Archie tremble slightly. She then climbed on top of him, grinding against him as her hand ran through his hair.
"I love you," Roxy whispered to him as she unbuttoned his shirt one by one.
Archie couldn't hold back any longer; he wanted her more than anything. He eagerly helped her unbutton his shirt, then tugged Roxy's dress upwards, revealing her almost naked body in lace underwear.
He unclipped her bra and cupped her chest while kissing her deeply. He then lifted her onto the bed and kissed his way from her mouth, down her neck, to her chest, and further down to her stomach.
Roxy gasped and pulled Archie's hair when she felt his tongue on her genitals.
"Time pers! Ano ginagawa mo?!" Roxy exclaimed.
"Trust me, Roxanne, you'll like it," Archie said patiently.
Roxy took a deep breath and nodded, she felt a tingling sensation as Archie pressed his face deeper on her. She arched her back as the sensation became more and more intense.
She felt her body shiver as she climaxed, she opened her eyes to watch Archie walk to his dresser and grab a box of condoms. Taking three packets, he kneeled in front of her, tearing open one with his teeth as he unzipped his pants.
Leaning towards her, Roxy closed her eyes and bit her lower lip as she felt him enter her slowly. She sensed his gentleness, something she hadn't experienced with him the night in his car.
"Are you okay?" Archie whispered to her, as he move slowly.
Roxy nodded, feeling Archie plant gentle kisses on her cheek, forehead, nose, and lips. She dug her nails deeper into his back as she felt his rhythm become faster and harder.
She moaned loudly as they both climaxed, and he collapsed on top of her. Eventually, he pushed himself beside her, trying to catch his breath.
"Gusto mo ng water?" Archie asked, panting.
Roxy nodded, and Archie stood from the bed, quickly putting on his boxers and pants before heading downstairs. Roxy stared blankly at the ceiling, unable to wipe the smile off her face.
"Here you go, Roxy," Archie said as he handed her a bottle of water.
She drank almost half the bottle before Archie slid beside her, putting his arm behind her head. She then covered herself with the blanket and rested on Archie's chest.
"Hindi talaga hubadera proof yung mga damit mo noh?" Archie teased.
"Tigil-tigilan mo nga ko." Roxy said, annoyed.
"Joke lang." Archie said as he kissed her forehead. "You know what, after our first time and dami kong what ifs."
Roxy furrowed her eyebrows and stared at Archie. "What ifs?"
"Yeah, after you walked out, I thought na what if I offered you water or asked if you were okay... Or if I should've just cuddled you and reassured you," Archie said.
"I also thought, what if I took you to my condo or a hotel para naman comfortable yung first time mo... Or if I should've just controlled myself and been content with just a kiss," Archie continued.
Archie then stared at Roxy, looking her in the eye as he gently moved her hair from her face.
"I'm sorry if I ruined your first time. You deserve so much better," he said softly.
Roxy interrupted Archie by pinching his cheeks hard. "Awww! what's that for?"
"Eh ang drama mo kasi, saka alam ko yung ginagawa ko nun. Importante, okay na tayo— okay na okay tayo." Roxy assured him.
Archie smiled and hugged Roxy tightly, then gave her multiple playful kisses on her face, lips, and neck.
"Archie! Ha! Ha! Nakikiliti ako, time pers!" Roxy exclaimed while chuckling.
"What? Maaga pa, isa pa tayo." Archie insisted.
"Anong maaga? may pasok ka pa bu—"
Archie then gave Roxy another passionate kiss, and Roxy's mind went blank as she kissed him back. All she knew was that her heart was full and happy in that moment.
———————————————————
Roxy placed a plateful of pancakes and eggs, while one of the maids assisted her in setting the table. Meanwhile, baby Harriet sat in her high chair, happily chewing on her toy.
"Hey, good morning!" Z said as she approached the table. "Oh no Roxy, nagluto ka nanaman you know I can't help myself to eat pag ikaw yung nag co-cook eh."
"No worries, Keto pancakes yan with bacon and eggs. Oh diba?" Roxy replied.
Z smiled and clapped happily. She had decided to do Keto for a healthier diet, which had shown good results so far. Besides Roxy and Harriet's arrival, eating healthy had also improved Z's mental health.
"Thanks, Sissy!" Z said as she sat down. "So, how was your date with kuya?"
"Okay naman—kami na," Roxy said shyly.
Z squealed in delight then took a bite of her pancakes. "So happy for you guys! By the way, Roxy, your skin is glowing—new skincare?"
Roxy's eyes widened, and she touched her face, unable to stop smiling, which made Z realize why Roxy's skin was glowing.
"Ugh! I shouldn't have asked," Z said, disgusted with the thought of her kuya.
Sasha then went downstairs and walked straight to the dining area.
"Good morning, girls." Sasha said
Roxy and Z greeted her, while Sasha immediately went to Harriet to give her a morning kiss. Roxy still couldn't help but feel awkward towards Sasha, considering their limited interactions, mostly just morning greetings and conversations about Harriet.
"So, pancakes, hmm?" Sasha remarked. "Where's Manang? She knows I don't eat carbs."
Roxy gulped, while Z rolled her eyes. "Mom, it's Roxy who prepared our breakfast, and it's Keto, so chill."
"Oh, I see. You know you don't have to, dear." Sasha said.
"Ay no problem po Tita, wala naman po akong masyadong ginagawa." Roxy responded nervously.
"Mom, Roxy always does breakfast and lunch—– unaware ka kasi you're rarely at home eh." Z interrupted.
There was a sudden awkward silence at the table, with Z focusing on eating while Roxy awkwardly played with Harriet.
"Well, thank you, dear," Sasha said as she sat down.
"You're welcome po," Roxy responded.
"And by the way, ako lang ba or does your skin seem to be glowing? Do you have a new skincare routine?" Sasha asked Roxy.
Z almost choked on her pancakes while Roxy gave her a stern look. Then Archie hurriedly came downstairs, buttoning his uniform.
"Hey, good morning!" He greeted them. "I can't join you sa breakfast kasi I'm late na sa class."
"Di ka man lang magcocoffee? Sayang naman tong prinepare ni Roxy." Sasha said.
"Oh, sorry, we have exams pa and it's a major subject. I promise I'll come home right after." Archie said as he leaned down to kiss Harriet.
Then he turned to Roxy and gave her a kiss on the lips, shocking her considering his sister and his mom were with them.
"I'll go ahead, Love you!" Archie said as he ran to the parking lot.
"Oh, now I have an idea why your skin is glowing," Sasha said, chuckling.
"Mom, eww, can you please not?!" Z responded, her face contorted in disgust.
Meanwhile, Roxy stayed silent, feeling her cheeks burning with embarrassment. How could Archie do that in front of her mother and sister?
"Lupa lamunin mo na lang ako please!" Roxy thought to herself.
———————————————————
Archie is at the coffee shop alone, writing on a yellow pad while highlighting important notes in his book. He's making a reviewer for his upcoming finals.
"No way?" Poch said as he approached Archie's table. "Archimedes Aguerro studying in a coffee shop? ikaw ba talaga yung kaibigan ko?"
"Dude, shut up," Archie replied, giving Poch a firm handshake. "Ikaw na nga tong late, ikaw pa tong nang-aasar."
"Sorry naman, I thought kasi sa bar tayo pupunta. It didn't occur to me na sa coffee shop na pala yung bagong jam natin." Poch teased.
Archie rolled his eyes, closing his book and pushing it aside to focus on Poch.
"I haven't thanked you yet pala for what you and Tim did for Roxy," Archie said sincerely.
"You don't have to, but I wouldn't say no for a coffee. Poch said, smiling.
"You know I've always got you, what do you want?" Archie asked Poch.
Archie observed as Poch pursed his lips while thinking. He couldn't help but notice that Poch's outfit had become distinctly more daring: a white sleeveless shirt paired with a see-through crop top and tattered jeans. Poch also wore some sort of manly makeup, which made him appear more vibrant.
After he came out and underwent therapy following his traumatic experience, he seemed to exude more color and happiness compared to before.
"I think I'll go with Caramel Macchiato, saka a slice of carrot cake na din." Poch said, rubbing his palms together eagerly.
"Okay, hold on order lang ako." Archie said, standing up from his chair, which left Poch confused.
"Hey, ako na oorder. Just like old times, libre mo then ako yung kikilos right?"
"Pffft! It's just right over there, just sit there and I'll take care of it," Archie said as he walked towards the cashier.
Poch watched Archie as he ordered, feeling touched by this simple gesture. He had always been the runner and freeloader of the group, and seeing Archie do this for him meant a lot. It was a sign of character development.
"Thanks to Roxy, I guess," Poch said to himself, reflecting on the positive changes in his friend.
————
"Look at her," Archie said, showing a video of Baby Harriet clapping and smiling. "She has this dimple at the corner of her lips, just like mine and Roxy's. And when she cries, she pouts her lips."
Poch nodded silently, which made Archie feel embarrassed, realizing he'd been talking about Harriet and Roxy non-stop.
"Shoot– I'm sorry, puro pala ako Harriet and Roxy." Archie apologized.
"No worries, Dude. To be honest, I like this side of you more. Before, kasi, you're full of anger. Ngayon, grabe ang lakas mo na maka-daddy vibes." Poch teased.
Archie laughed, raising his middle finger toward Poch and throwing him a crumpled tissue.
He then thought about Gino. If he were here with them, they might decide to jam, just like old times.
"If umuwi si Gino, we should hang out. Jam tayo sa studio malapit sa school." Archie suggested.
"Yeah, I like that idea," Poch replied. "Pero on a serious note, I'm so proud of you dude. You look, happy and contented."
"Same goes for you," Archie said.
"Who would've thought the 'Untouchables' from Northford would end up like this? Yung isa Daddy na, tapos ako working student na out and proud."
"Fuck, I hate that title, legit ang baduy! Sino bang nakaisip niyan?" Archie said, laughing.
Poch laughed and took a sip from his drink. "Malay ko, but I kinda like it."
Archie sighed and raised his coffee to Poch. "Pero, change is good Poch."
"Agree," Poch replied. They stayed there for another hour.
It still felt the same, but this time they had fun without the alcohol, drugs, rebellion, and angst.
Just two friends catching up purely.
———————————————————
"Tingnan mo to, uuwi raw agad pero kinita si Poch." Roxy muttered bitterly to herself when she saw Archie's message.
"Coffee shop pang nalalaman, pag umuwi talaga to ng lasing malilintikan to sakin." she continued.
Roxy then piled up all the orders from her live selling, carefully placing them inside the eco bag for pickup tomorrow.
It had only been a month since she returned to live selling, and her sales had been steadily increasing. This made her happy because she could contribute to the Aguerro household and prepare for school next year at the same time.
"Hi, Roxy, you seem really busy," Sasha said, startling Roxy.
"Ay Tita, andiyan pala kayo." Roxy said awkwardly.
"Yeah, I decided to stay at home muna. Can I join you?" Sasha asked, prompting Roxy to hurriedly put the packages inside the eco bag so Sasha could sit beside her.
"Where's Harriet?" Sasha inquired.
"Ay, natutulog po. Pinabantayan ko muna kay Manang, para matapos ko din po yung inventory ko." Roxy explained.
Sasha looked around at the packages. "How's your business going?"
"So far, so good po Tita." Roxy answered, trying to sound as humble as possible.
"Kaya pala sabi ni Manang na you always insist on contributing money for groceries and helping with chores," Sasha noted.
Roxy lowered her head, wanting her contribution to be discreet. She had always been independent, but she worried that it might strain her relationship with Sasha.
"Sorry po Tita, alam ko po na gusto niyo sana nina Archie focus ako kay Harriet. Kaso gusto ko din po makatulong, saka syempre may sarili po akong income." Roxy explained.
Sasha's expression remained unchanged, heightening Roxy's anxiety.
"Pero po di sa nagmamalaki ako, gusto ko lang po makatulong saka baka isipin niyo pera lang habol ko kay Archie—"
"Kahit lagi po kaming nag aaway, mahal ko po yun. Kahit bayaran niyo po ako ng blank cheque, di ko iiwanan yun." Roxy blurted out nervously.
Sasha grinned and laughed heartily, while Roxy stared blankly at Sasha, confused. She then sighed while wiping the corners of her eyes.
"Oh, gosh Roxy, you're so funny! That was like super soap opera ah?" Sasha said, still giggling.
Roxy felt a sudden sense of relief when Sasha laughed. Maybe she needed to control her overthinking and her tendency to speak without filtering her thoughts.
"Well, the truth is, I want to apologize for doubting you and your sister... And also thank you for bringing out the best in my son." Sasha said sincerely.
Roxy's face softened as she listened to Sasha, she remained silent as she watched her. Despite her age, Sasha remained beautiful, something Roxy had only just noticed.
"Before, I couldn't understand him. We gave him everything— clothes, gadgets, money, a lifestyle. Anything a teenager could dream of. But he remained distant and angry," Sasha confessed.
Sasha paused, taking a deep breath and sighing loudly. "But the truth is, we failed to give Z and Archie the love and guidance they deserved——"
"Yet despite his anger, he remained protective and loyal. He might not show it, but he has a good heart. Thank you, Roxy, for helping him become the best version of himself," Sasha continued.
"Wala po yun Tita, and thankful din po ako sa kanya kasi di siya nag give up sakin. Ang kulit din kasi nun." Roxy chuckled.
"Yeah, if he wants something, he'll do everything to get it." Sasha replied, laughing.
As Roxy and Sasha laughed and talked together, Archie suddenly arrived with a bouquet of flowers. He peeked in the door, feeling confused by Sasha and Roxy's interaction.
"What's happening?" Archie asked. Sasha and Roxy turned to him, trying to contain their laughter.
"Nothing, son. I'm just catching up with Roxy," Sasha explained, then she noticed Archie's flowers.
"Ooh, flowers! How about your mom, huh?" Sasha asked.
"Of course, I got one for you Mom, and one for Z," Archie said as he handed a smaller bouquet to Sasha.
"You're still the sweetest," Sasha said as she kissed Archie on the cheek. "I'll leave you guys alone. Thank you, Roxy!"
Roxy waved back at Sasha, then frowned as Archie approached her."Oh, anong paandar nanaman yan?"
"Eto ang sungit, I texted you na magkikita kami saglit ni Poch right? Archie said.
"Ows, tapos nagcoffee lang kayo?" Roxy asked, intrigued.
"Yeah, I promise, just coffee. Wag ka na mainis Roxanne, I got you flowers–" Archie said, handing over the bouquet. Roxy crossed her arms but couldn't hide her smile.
"You know what, di mo na nga tinanggap yung flowers ko from promposal pati naman to."
"Oo na, nangonsensya pa siya oh!" Roxy said, taking the flowers from Archie. "Pero ang ganda, thank you. Kamusta pala exam?"
Archie smirked and playfully shrugged. "I aced it of course, taas ko kaya sa exam."
"Weh? Seryoso ba yan!" Roxy teased. "So boost na ba talaga yung braincells mo Archimedes?"
"Not Funny, Cristobal," Archie frowned, clearly offended by her remark.
Roxy then hugged Archie from behind and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Huy, joke lang, wag ka nang magalit."
"Fine, as if naman magtampo ako sayo. Kasi I'm pretty sure, magtatampo ka din sakin," Archie said as he walked away to sit down.
Roxy smirked, agreeing silently with Archie. She placed the flowers on the table and then settled onto Archie's lap.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Archie gasped.
Roxy grinned mischievously as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Edi naglalambing, nagtatampo ka eh."
Archie chuckled and placed his hands on her waist. "Well, it's working. How can I be mad when you're sitting on my lap?"
Roxy leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"Sorry po, I love you, Maligno." Roxy teased.
"Wow, kung maka-maligno ka. Ikaw nga, kahit you're short, di kita sinasabihang duwende eh," Archie retorted.
Roxy gasped at Archie's remark, but she wasn't mad; she playfully bit Archie's shoulder, making him flinch and laugh.
Maybe this is how their relationship is: non-stop bantering, laughs, and never-ending kisses.
He fondly remembered stealing glances at her, eagerly watching her live selling sessions online, and admiring her quick-witted replies.
"Can I kiss you?" He suddenly asked.
Her eyes widened before she smiled warmly. "Ha? Bakit ka pa nagtatanong, eh alam mo naman na pwedeng pwede na." she teased.
Feeling a wave of warmth and relief, he grinned. Leaning in, he softly kissed her lips.
As they pulled apart, he looked into her eyes, feeling a sense of completeness he had never known.
Finally, she was looking at him the way he looked at her.
At the end of the day, it was always Roxanne and Harriet who makes him complete.
"Women in my life are crazy, but now... I guess, I don't mind" Archie thought.
-end-
AU Notes:
Hello, this will be the final chapter of Let Bygones Be Bygones. pero may short epilogue naman next na may 5year time skip.
Medyo struggle yung chapter na to, kasi pano ko pa icoclose tong kwento? Kasi as much as possible, gusto ko macover lahat ng conflicts sa story na to: From Ate Ria, Lolo Mariano, and Sasha etc.
So feeling ko naman covered lahat, kaya wag na kayo matakot sa kalaban ng lolo niya. Hahaha! 🫣
Super thank you sa mga nagbasa, saka naghintay matapos tong AU na to. So hopefully sa next AUs ko support niyo padin.
HAPPY READING LOVES! ❤️