Hi guys! Namiss ko po kayo... namiss niyo ba si Nicki at RJ? Eto na po, di ko na kayo bibitinin pa, promise!😍
Please play the music before you read ahead.
Happy Sunday everyone!😘
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She was dumbstruck. She wasn't able to understand anything from what her best friend's saying on the other line because her eyes were locked with his and her heart was beating erratically against her chest. She opened her mouth and tried to speak but she seemed so lost for words.
Juicecolored! Ganun na ba ko kagrabe mag-imagine?! Totoo ba toh?! Andito siya?!
She blinked a couple of times, trying to register in her mind if what was right before her very eyes is real. The he smiled. That deep dimple on his left cheek showed and his eyes twinkled when his lips curved upward. Her best friend on the other line was momentarily forgotten.
Gahd! Why does he have to
be so cute?! Ang hiraaaaap!
"Nics!!!! What's happening?! Hooooy! May nangyari bang masama dyan?! Ano na?! Bat ka nawala?! Hello!!! Besh!!! Hello!!!"
Sheena's alarming voice on the other line brought her back to reality. She realized that she was still holding her phone on her left ear.
A-a-RJ's here...
She stuttered as she looked away.
"Ay sus! Kaya naman pala... ayieee! Teka, are you gonna be fine there?!"
Yepyep! Call you later, promise!
She whispered then instantly pressed
the end call button on her screen.
As soon as she ended the call, she returned her gaze back to RJ. His smile already faded. She looked at him with questioning eyes and raised an eyebrow at him as he remained standing in front of her with a bouquet of yellow roses in his hand while he looked at her with so much longing in his eyes. Silence filled the empty hallway of the condominium as both got tongue-tied and lost in each other's eyes.
Umayos ka, RJ! Tandaan mo yung
sinabi ni Josh! Wag kang mastatwa
sa ganda niya! Magsalita ka uy!
Ano ba naman universe?! Bakit nandito toh?
At bakit may dalang bulaklak? Ito na ba?
Aasa na ba ko? Tama ba si Sheens?! Teka lang,
wag muna tayo masyadong kiligin, self.
Let's wait for what he has to say. That is if
magsasalita pa. Eh parang napipi na yat—
Namiss kita...
His lips slowly curved again and the dimple on his left cheek showed as he smiled at her so sweetly. But deep inside, he was nervous as hell and he was reprimanding himself for the words he uttered.
Susmaryosep! Sa lahat ng pwedeng
sabihin yun talaga agad pambungad
mo?! Pero namiss ko talaga siya...
She was stunned with his words. She didn't know how to react. Truth is, she missed him too. But she's afraid to let it show. Much more, she's scared to say it back.
Mas namiss kita, if you only knew...
The way he was smiling at her made her knees buckle and her chest heaving as if her heart wanted to jump out of it. She tried her best to control her emotions as she gave a small smile.
Wag kang pa-obvious na
apektado ka ng ngiting yan!
H-hey! Y-you're here...
Yes, I'm here...
He then handed her the bouquet
of yellow roses.
Uhmmm... for you...
She looked at the flowers first then looked at him straight in the eyes, seeking for answers. He bit his lower lip as he held the flowers close to her and nodded as if asking her to take it. She looked at the bouquet once again then took a deep breath before she reached out to accept it.
Thanks?! Teka.. b-bakit may
pabulaklak? Tsaka ang aga mo
yata. Sabi mo 3pm diba?
Ah, ano kasi, wala naman
akong ginagawa sa condo
so naisip ko puntahan na
lang kita dito... tsaka ano
kasi... ahm... ano...
namiss talaga kita... yun...
She felt her face blushed with how he shyly mumbled the words like a cute little boy.
Ugggghhh! Ang cute cute! Nakakainis!
Kahit anong gawin yata nitong tukmol
na ito maiinlove ako eh! Namiss ko din
naman siya. Pero wag muna mag-assume.
Hindi pa nasasagot yung isang tanong mo.
B-bakit may pabulaklak?!
Hmmm?! B-bawal ba?!
Sinabi ko bang bawal?
I'm just asking why?
Eto na, RJ. Pagkakataon mo na.
Sabihin mo na bakit. Pero pano kung
mabasted? Paano kung boyfriend na nga
niya yung sabi ni Josh na nambabakod?
I just... I just wanted to
give you flowers...
Aaahhh... so wala lang pala...
Sabi ko nga eh, wag na kasing umasa.
You don't have to...
He saw a hint of disappointment in her eyes. It gave him hope. Hope that he's not yet too late. Na baka pwede pa at hindi naman siya mababasted. Hope that maybe she also wanted to hear the real reason why he suddenly appeared in front of her doorstep with a bouquet of her favorite flowers in his hand. So he pushed a little further.
But I want to... Tsaka ano...
ahm, may sasabihin sana ko..
He added.
Huh?! May sasabihin daw. Anong sasabihin?!
Bakit lalo akong kinabahan? Mind over matter,
Nicki! Don't assume until siya mismo magsabi.
The flowers are for nothing. Whoo!
Pwedeng pumasok?
Ha?!
Ah, wala... baka busy ka pala...
sorry I came here ng wala
man lang pasabi...
Urung-sulong lang, RJ?!
Make up your mind boy!
Ahhh... No, it's okay... wala
naman akong ginagawa...
you want...you wanna come in?
Pwede ba?!
Kung gusto mo lang...
Gustung-gusto! Hehehe!
He smiled widely at her as she genuinely smiled back. And just like that, the tension earlier was thrown out of the window.
Joke lang po!
Di ka naman excited?!
Di naman, natuwa lang po ako
kasi nakita na ulit kita eh...
Dami mong alam ah!
Lika na, come in...
Salamat!
Upo ka na dyan.
Kumain ka na ba?
Hindi pa. Ikaw po?
Kakain pa lang sana kaso
tumawag si Sheena kaya
hindi pa ko nakapagready.
You mean wala ka pang
kinakain simula kanina?!
Uhmmm wala pa po...
Tsk! Buti na lang pala
may dala din akong food.
He showed the paper bag in his other hand.
Sabay na tayo maglunch,
O-ok lang ba?
Oh, wow. Prepared ha?
Syempre, always. Para sayo.
Sus! Bola pa! Tara? Sa
kitchen na lang tayo ulit.
Nicki placed the flowers in a vase while RJ settled in the kitchen counter as he took the food he bought out from the paper bag.
I hope okay lang sayo
itong binili ko.
Sino bang tatanggi sa chicken
and fries combo ng Mcdo? Haller!
Sabi ko nga eh. Hehe! Dinagdagan
ko na ng gravy para sulit.
Thanks. Nakakahiya naman.
Sana di ka na nag-abala. I have food
pa naman here na pwede maluto.
Uy! Bat naman nakakahiya?
Syempre para di ka na mapagod.
Sabi mo kanina sa phone diba
pagod ka? Sabi ko naman sayo
i'll treat you today eh.
Di ko naman inexpect na mas
maaga ka dadating. Di ka naman
nagtext. Huling sabi mo 3pm diba?
Eh surprise nga kasi. Tsaka
naexcite talaga ko, gusto na
kitang makita. Buong week ka
kayang busy. Pero sana
nakakapagrest ka pa rin ng
maayos ha? Wag mo sagarin
ang sarili mo, Nicki.
She felt guilty with his words. She wasn't really that busy. She was intentionally avoiding him yet here he is, still wishing her well. Still so concerned of her welfare. So she decided to just enjoy this day with him as much as she can. Pambawi man lang sa nakaraang linggo na hindi siya masyadong nagparamdam dito.
But don't forget the plan. At the end of the day, you have to stick to the plan, Nics! Sasabihin mo na magiging busy ka na. Para di na rin mangulit ng mangulit. Kasi for sure hindi mo matitiis yan.
She constantly reminded herself while they busied themselves eating lunch in her kitchen. She decided to go on with their day like they always do. Go to church, stroll in the mall, have dinner somewhere then chat over coffee in the cafe across her condo. Enjoy the most out of today first before telling him that she'll get busier in the coming weeks due to school requirements, volleyball training and upcoming competitions.
On the other hand, RJ's thoughts while having lunch was filled with scenarios on how he would properly ask Nicki.
Scenario1: While having lunch...
Nicki, pwede ka bang ligawan?
Baka mabigla tapos mabulunan. Wag! Ang panget. Hindi pwede ngayon over lunch.
Scenario2: Before playing hoops sa Timezone...
Nicki, pag natalo kita papayagan mo na akong manligaw sayo. Pag ikaw nanalo, tayo na. Deal?!
Wag! Baka masapok ako bigla nito. Panget din!
Scenario3: After mass, hintayin namin na makalabas yung mga tao... pag konti na lang dadalhin ko siya sa gitna ng altar tapos hahawakan ko yung kamay niya... tsaka ako magtatanong...
Yep! That's the best idea. Medyo romantic pa. Tsaka at least alam niyang seryoso ko kasi sa loob ng simbahan diba? Tama! Dun na lang mamay—
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when he felt her fingertips brushing his cheek, almost touching his lips. He looked at her astoundingly as his face and ears turned crimson red. She saw the surprised look on his face and she instantly removed her hand but he was fast enough to hold her wrist and place it back to his cheek. He was now gazing at her lovingly and she couldn't avert from his eyes as she was now holding his left cheek with an open palm. Her heartbeat raced as they held each other's gaze.
S-sorry. Ahhh... ang kalat mo
kasi kumain. Yung gravy nasa
pisngi mo na. Parang baby!
Then she mumbled,
Baby ko...
He heard it. Not quite clear but he thought he heard her call her "baby ko" and it sent shivers to his bones. So he had to ask.
Anong sabi mo?!
Gahd! Did I say it too loud? San ba kasi
nanggaling yun Nicki? Anong baby mo?
Note to self, stick to the plan!
She was silently reprimanding herself.
Hmmm?
Anong sabi mo kanina?!
I said para kang baby...
Baby mo?!
Ha? Ah, ano bang sinasabi mo?
Sabi mo baby mo ko...
Ang sabi ko parang baby
ka lang kung kumain.
Hindi lang yun eh. Parang
may narinig pa ko eh.
Ha? Guni-guni mo lang yun.
Talaga ba?
He moved close to her.
Oo.
She was not moving away.
Iba yung dinig ko eh.
He was inching closer...
Yun lang sinabi ko.
She sat still. Locked in his gaze.
Nicki...
...and closer...
A-a-RJ...
She was stuttering.
Nicki...
...and closer.
M-may tanong ako...
He stopped. Their faces almost touching but nobody dared to move.
Hmmm?!
She was already breathing heavily. He put his hand on top of hers and leaned on it. He was gently caressing the back of her hand. She felt goosebumps on her skin and heat rise up to her face with his gesture and the way he was deeply looking at her. He looked down on her supple lips then back to her eyes as Nicki did the same.
Nicki... can i...
And before he could even finish his question, he felt her soft lips on his as she closed the small gap between them.
It was meant to be just a chaste kiss. But when Nicki was already pulling away, he cupped her face with both hands and crushed his lips into hers. This time it was deep and searing.
And before they knew it, their lips were already dancing to the beat of their hearts. Slowly. Languidly. Both got carried away in the moment. They were only pulled back to reality when Nicki's phone started ringing. She opened her eyes and realized that their lips were still locked together. She was the first one to pull back.
Shit! Shit! Nicki, paano nangyari yun?
Ikaw! Ikaw ang nauna! Kasalanan mo!
Nakakadala naman kasi talaga! Bakit
kasi magtatanong lang ganun kalapit?!
Pero ikaw pa din ang nauna! OMG!
Nakakahiya ka, self!!!!
She was continuously battling with her inner self, not minding the incessant ringing of her phone. RJ still couldn't believe what happened. He was still on cloud nine. When he got his bearings back, the ringing of her phone already stopped. He glanced at her and saw the confusion in her eyes. He knew he had to make a move. He knew it wasn't just a spur of the moment kiss. It meant something. He felt it.
S-sorry. I-I didn't know what
came over me. Di ko sinasadya.
She apologized without looking at him.
He was slighty hurt but he knew he had to say something. She needs to know what he truly feels. He boldly took her hand and asked her to look at him. When she didn't move, he cupped her chin and moved her face so he could look directly into her eyes. He took a deep breath before he started to let the words out.
I'm not. I'm not sorry that I kissed you before. I'm not saying sorry for kissing you again now. Because the truth is, I like it. And if you'd let me, I would love to kiss you again and again. Everyday. Every chance I get. Every single time. Every moment of our lives. I'd kiss you and take your breath away.
Naguguluhan ako, RJ...
She was indeed confused.
She couldn't even construct
coherent thoughts in her head.
Sinasabi ba niya na gusto niya lang
akong halikan? Yung lang ba ang gusto
niya?! Gahd! Brain cells magprocess
ka naman ng maayos.
Eto na RJ. Hindi na aabot sa
scenario3 yung pagtatapat mo.
Wala ng urungan ito! Let's go!
Aaaahh... Nicki... wha..
what I'm trying to say is...
Susmaryosep! Mapapahiya ang lahi
natin, umiigsi ang dila mo! Ayusin mo, RJ!
Hmmm??
She prodded for him to go on. She saw him heaved another deep sigh as she put her free hand on top of her chest, trying to calm the fast beating of her heart.
Nicki, I... I... I love you...
No, wait, let me rephase it.
He took another deep breath.
Nicomaine Deiana Mendoza, I'm in love with you. Hindi ko alam kung kailan o kung paano. Basta alam ko minamahal kita. At hindi ko na kayang pigilan. Nicki, I don't wanna be just friends with you. I want to be in a romantic relationship with you. Only with you. Will you give me a chance to prove my love to you, Nicki?
He held his breath when she didn't speak. She only gave him a blank stare, and he couldn't read the emotions in her eyes. Their hearts both wanting to jump out of their chests. He was hoping she'd say yes. She wanted to say yes, but at the back of her mind there were still questions in his motives. What he said was clearly music to her ears but what does she know? She was never in love with anyone until him. Heck, she was still amateur when it comes to relationships.
Pag nag yes ba ko, ibig sabihin kami na?
Hindi ba parang nagmamadali? Ayokong
isipin niya na madali akong makuha.
Hindi ba masyadong mabilis na naman
kami? Hindi ba pwedeng manligaw muna
siya? Diba ganun naman dapat? That's
definitely the right thing to do diba?
Nicki, please say something.
Kahit ano tatanggapin ko.
RJ... kasi...
Naku! Basted pa yata...
His heart was beginning to ache.
Oh well, here goes nothing!
She blew out the breath she was
holding in then she said,
I-I like you too. You know that
from the very start. I wouldn't
waste my time on you if you
don't mean anything to me.
He let out a sigh of relief. Then he smiled as he asked her to continue.
Kaya lang?! I feel like may
kasunod pa yan... okay lang
Nicki, please let me know what's
running inside that beautiful
mind of yours. Lahat naman
gagawin ko for you.
Uhmmm... hindi ko alam Rj...
Hindi ba masyado tayong mabilis?
L-ligawan mo kaya muna ko?
Diba ganun dapat?!
She was quite unsure of her question.
Nicki you don't even have
to ask. Liligawan talaga kita.
Kaya nga nagpapaalam ako
sayo ngayon diba?
G-ganun na ba magpaalam ang mga
manliligaw ngayon? Nanghahalik
muna bago magpaalam?
His eyes turned into slits as he smiled genuinely at her. She smiled coyly back at him.
Ang cute mo! Sino bang nauna?!
I was about to ask you kung
pwede akong manligaw tapos bigla
ko na lang naramdaman yung lab—
She put her forefinger in his lips to stop him from teasing her. The awkwardness and tension in the kitchen was suddenly turned into a comfortable atmosphere.
Ssshhh! Oo na, okay na diba?
Oo na?
Yes.
Sinasagot mo na ko?
Ha? Diba manliligaw ka pa lang?
Sabi mo kasi oo na, kala ko
sinasagot mo na agad ako.
Hindi naman yun yung
tanong mo diba?
Eh kung yun yung tanong
sasagutin mo na agad?
Gahd Richard Jay Faulkerson,
ang kulit kulit mo!
Baka lang po makakalusot. Hehe.
Ang cute mo din noh?
She fought the urge to pinch his cheeks but she still pinched them nonetheless.
Aaah...aray!!!! Ang sakit!
Nakakagigil ka kasi! Tapusin
na nga natin tong pagkain.
Malamig na yung fries oh.
Sige, tapusin na natin
tapos magmovie marathon
tayo tapos higa ka dito sa
balikat ko tapos akbayan kita
tapos pakiss ako ulit.
Jeez! Ang layo ng narating ng
imagination mo noh?! Anong kiss?!
Fyi lang, huli na po yung kanina.
Ligawan mo muna ako ng maayos.
She bit her lip to stop herself from smiling.
Malay mo lang pumayag ka.
Tutal ikaw naman nauna kanina—
Shut up, Faulkerson!
She glared at him as she cut him off.
Sabi ko nga shut up na ako eh.
Wala naman akong sinasabi.
Eto nga oh, kakain na lang ako.
He stuffed all the remaining french fries in his mouth then grinned at her. But Nicki was not yet contented as she shoved her leftover fries into his mouth too. He had no choice but to take it all in, making his cheeks look so full.
Ayan, ubusin mo na lahat.
Ang daldal mo eh!
The rest of their lunch was shared in laughter and banters. After the elephant in the room was addressed, they were back to the way they were before the awkwardness begun a week ago. It's as if nothing happened the past week. Their hearts were both dancing and doing cartwheels because it feels like everything finally fell into their right places. They're happy and contented at the moment.
Since it was too early for the mass schedule, Nicki agreed with what RJ suggested except the making out part. They decided to while away the time watching a movie in her living room. They sat next to each other and RJ created a safe distance so Nicki would not think he's taking advantage of their situation.
After the movie, Nicki excused herself to prepare so they could head to the church to attend the mass together. When she got to her room, she couldn't contain the giddiness she's feeling anymore so she hurriedly dialed her best friend's number.
Nics!
Sheeeeeeens!!!
Ano?! Bat napatawag ka? Diba may date pa kayo ni Mr. Sparks?!
Sheena! Homaygahd! I can't believe it!
Wait lang... Jeeeezus! Ugggghh! Beshie!
Ano ba?! Wala akong naintindihan besh! Huminahon ka nga! Bat ganyan ka?! May nangyari na ba sa inyo?! Ano?! Sabihin mo!!!
Yes, besh! Finally! Finally! Shocks!
Ay susmadre! Hoy Nics!
Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam besh!
Finally, nailabas na namin!
Juskupong mahabagin! Hoy teka lang naman! OMG! OMG!
Hindi ko maexplain yung feeling ko
ngayon pero sobrang happy ko
talaga, Sheens! Syeeeeet!
Suspatawarin! Teka nga muna...
Yung dibdib ko parang... parang...
Holy crap! Nicomaine Deiana!!!! B-Bakit mo naman sinuko agad ang bataan?!
parang sasabog na sa tuwa at
saya, besh tapos—Whaaaaat?!
Jusko naman Nics! Bakit ka bumigay agad?Akala ko sabi mo iiwasan mo na lang? Paano na ngayon yan? Ano? May masakit ba sayo? Ok ka lang ba? Ha?
Huh?! What are you talking about?
Anong bumigay agad? Anong masak—homaygahd ka! It's not what you think.
Grabe, ang dumi ng isip mo Sheens!
Eh ano ba?! Sabi mo may nangyari sa inyo eh... What else would I assume?! Ayusin mo kasi ang sagot!
May nangyari pero hindi
mahalay! Juskuka!
Sure ka ba ha?!
Oo. Sure na sure!
Hay, salamat naman! Kala ko sinuko mo agad ang bataan eh. So anong nangyaring hindi mahalay? Holding hands? Hug? Kiss? Ano?!
Wait lang, pwede?! Wag
mo kasi akong sabayan.
Okay. Bilis na! Go!
Sinabi niya sa'kin that
he's in love with me.
I knew it! Sabi ko n—
Sabing ako muna eh. Mabilis lang
'toh kasi magsisimba pa kami.
Mamaya na yung full details ok?
Sorry sorry... naexcite lang me besh! Go na...
Ayun nga. Basta to make the long story short, nagpaalam na siya manligaw. Later na lang yung kwento, magbibihis na ko.
Hoy, teka bakit? Anong magbibihis? Kala ko ba walang nangyari? Bakit nakahubad ka?
What?! Di ako nakahubad, susmadre!Magbibihis ng pangsimba besh! Gahd!
Wala ngang nangyari. Unli ka teh?!
Eh nililiwanag ko lang. Concern lang ako syempre. Alam ko naman na marupok ka din eh. Hahahahaha! So yun lang? Wala man lang exciting na nangyari? Nagtapat lang sayo si RJ? Ganun?!
Naku, later na yung details.
Malelate na kami sa mass.
Sige na, babye!
Hoooy wait wait!!! Nicki ha?! May di ka pa sinasabi! Nagmomol kayo noh?! Ano?! Sinagot mo na ba?
Huh?! Anong sinagot? Kakasabi
pa lang nga na manliligaw diba?
Eh kala ko di mo natiis eh... parang ang sarap pa naman ng biceps ni Papa Jay!
Hoy! Anong Papa Jay?! Tsaka anong
konek nung biceps sa pagsagot?
Ay possessive talaga ang beshie ko oh! Sayong-sayo yan, don't worry. Di ko aagawin. Haha! Naku, syempre pag sinagot mo si Jay, private property mo na yung biceps niya. Ikaw na may-ari. Hahahahaha!
Gaga! Sige na mag- aayos na talaga ko.
Sige sige. Call me later na lang besh. Enjoy your bonding! Ingat kayo ha? Tsaka wag ka masyadong marupok. Hawakan mo mabuti yung undies mo baka malaglag. Hahaha!
Homaygahd ka! Sige na,
laters! Mwamwah!
She was smiling and shaking her head as she ended the call and walked to her closet. She carefully picked the perfect Sunday dress she would wear. And because she was still feeling elated with the unexpected turn of events, she decided put on some make up and look beautiful for him.
When she came out of her room, she found him sitting in the corner of her sofa in the living room, his eyes focused on a certain tv show.
Let's go?
When he suddenly looked up and turned to her, he was stupefied.
Susmaryosep! #staystrongRJ
He was completely in awe of her beauty. Without a doubt, she took his breath away. She was smiling from ear to ear because she saw how she has affected him.
Mission accomplished, Nicki!
She waited for him to acknowledge her but he seemed to be rooted on his seat. When he still didn't move a muscle after a few seconds, she walked closer to him.
Uy, RJ, okay ka lang ba?
Malelate na yata tayo.
Di pa ba tayo aalis?
Ha?! Ah, oo. Sorry,
akala ko kasi nasa
heaven na ko.
Ha?
Eh kasi may magandang
anghel sa harap ko eh.
Sus! Nambola pa. Tara?
Nahiya naman ako,
ang ganda ganda mo.
Awat na sa pambobola, RJ!
Parang di bagay na
ako kasama mo...
Tssss! Seryoso ba yan?!
Kala mo naman hindi siya gwapo!
Tingnan mo oh! Jusko, kakapitan
ko nga yung panty ko talaga eh.
Oo kaya. Nahiya ako bigla
sa suot ko. Simpleng tshirt
lang kasi. Hehe!
Ok lang yan. Cute ka pa din naman.
Gahd, RJ! Simpleng tshirt pero ang
hot na tignan! Jusko, kapit Nicki!
Talaga?! Cute ako?
She just nodded.
Bagay ako sayo?!
He asked, grinning.
She just smiled back.
Ay, ngumiti lang...
He pouted.
Haha! Manligaw ka muna.
Sabi ko nga eh. Hehe!
Ano? Shall we?
He offered his arm and Nicki gladly took it as they walked out of her condo unit.
Ay wait lang RJ, yung car keys
naiwan ko sa room. Kunin ko lang.
Ha? Wag na. I'm your
chauffeur for today. Dala
ko yung kotse ni Josh.
Talaga? Wow, prepared ha?
Syempre, aakyat ng ligaw eh.
Ayoko mapagod magdrive
yung MVP ko.
He answered as he wiggled
his brows at her.
MVP mo?!
Yes. You. Ikaw ang MVP ko.
You're my Most Valuable Person.
Hindi! Hindi ka kinikilig, Nicki!!!
Jeez! Dami mong alam noh?!
She said as they stopped in
front of the elevator.
He pressed the down button
as he answered,
Of course! San ka nakakita
na yung nililigawan pa yung
nagdadrive para sa manliligaw
niya? Wala diba? Dati okay lang
kasi friends pa lang naman tayo.
Ngayon hindi na pwede. Nililigawan
na kita. Ako na lang palagi ang
magdadala ng sasakyan pag lalabas tayo.
Ha?! No! Kaya ko naman magdrive
eh. Tsaka wala naman prob dun.
Ginagawa nga natin before. Besides,
what if may lakad din si Josh?
Syempre isesched natin. Tsaka
wag ka na makulit. Ako yung
nanliligaw. So let me do these
simple things for you.
Ok fine. Pero wag mo na palagi
hiramin yung car ni Josh.
We can take my car naman.
Ikaw na lang magdrive.
The elevator doors opened and he let her enter first. She removed her hand from his arm as he guided her in. Then he followed shortly after her and pressed the button for the ground floor.
Ipapadrive mo sa'kin yung car mo?
He asked as soon as they were inside.
Oo naman. Hindi mo naman
ipapahamak yung nililigawan
mo eh, diba?
Yes, oo naman, syempre.
Well, then, i trust na hindi mo
din ibabangga yung kotse ko.
I trust you.
Thank you, Nicki. Your trust
means so much to me. Salamat
sa pagtitiwala na hindi kita
ipapahamak. I won't ever break
your trust. Kahit kailan.
Promise ko po yan!
Ang drama mo, di ako sanay!
Haha! San ka pala nakapark?
Dun sa coffee shop
across. Hehehe!
Grabe, di ka naman bumili dun
tapos nakigamit ka ng parking.
Eh suki naman eh. Tsaka
sabi ko susunduin lang kita
tapos oorder tayo pagbalik.
So oorder tayo?
Hindi. Mamaya pa. Hehe!
Wow! Sure ka ba na papayag
ako magcoffee later?
Hindi. Hindi din nga ako
sure kanina na makakasama
pa kita ngayon pero here we are.
He smiled then continued.
Pero if you don't wanna have
coffee later, pwede pa din naman
akong umorder ng cake and coffee
para kay Josh na lang. Iuuwi ko
para di nakakahiya sa pakikipark ko
dun at sa paghiram ng car ni Josh.
Win-win situation pa din.
Hmmm... pinag-isipan mo
mabuti yan noh?! Hahaha!
Just then, the elevator doors opened signaling that they're now on the ground floor. And like earlier, he let her out first then trailed behind her. They were walking side by side towards the entrance of the condominium when the receptionist caught their attention as she called Nicki.
"Miss Nicki!"
Hi Mhela!
"I was calling your unit po Miss, kaya pala walang sumasagot kasi nakaalis na kayo."
Oh, why? Is there any problem?
"Wala naman pong problem. But there's a special delivery po for you." Mhela turned around to get something and when she faced her, she was already carrying a beautiful bouquet of red roses.
"Eto po Miss Nicki, for you daw po." Mhela handed it over to Nicki and smiled at RJ.
Wow! Ang dami naman nito!
She absentmindedly uttered.
Thanks, Mhela!
She took it and looked at the roses with dreamy eyes, not knowing that RJ was already grimacing at her side. His eyebrows furrowed as he remembered her reaction earlier when she accepted the flowers he got for her.
Bakit kanina nung binigyan ko siya ng bulaklak hindi naman ganyan yung reaksyon niya? Mas gusto kaya niya yun? Bulaklak lang yan RJ, ikaw nga nakahalik ka pa kanina. Mas lamang ka pa din.
He was so lost in his own thoughts but what the receptionist said next immediately got his attention.
"Nakakatuwa Miss Nicki! Ang sweet naman ng boyfriend niyo. Walang palya yung delivery niyo every weekend eh!" Mhela added, looking at Nicki and RJ with giddiness, thinking that RJ was the one who bought the flowers.
Huh?
Boyfriend?! Kingina! Sinong boyfriend? Wala naman sinabi si Nicki na may boyfriend siya eh. Every weekend nagpapadala ng flowers? Kelan pa? Bakit di nakwento ni Nicki sa'kin maski dati? Tsaka kung may boyfriend siya hindi na siya magpapaligaw sa'kin diba? Hindi niya sasabihin na gusto niya din ako...
It's the only word that got out of his mouth because his mind stopped when he heard boyfriend. At the same time, Mhela's comment also took Nicki out of her momentary trance. She was stunned and she quickly looked for the card attached to the bouquet. She saw Joaqui's name and she realized how she reacted about the flowers. She glanced at RJ whose face was already void of any emotion then turned to Mhela once again.
Ah, Mhela, salamat ulit ha. Aalis kasi
kami, hindi ko na bibitbitin ito.
Can I leave it here with you?
"Sure po, Miss Nicki! Enjoy your date po with Sir! Ingat kayo!"
When RJ didn't move, Nicki immediately cling into his toned arm and started to walk out of the building.
RJ, ok ka lang ba?
Ha?
I'm sorry about that. Makulit
talaga si Mhela eh, pero kavibes ko
yun sa lahat ng receptionist dyan.
She said, trying to sway the topic
away from what Mhela said.
Aaahhh...
Huy! Anong nangyayari sayo?
Ha? Ah, wala... ang sweet daw
pala ng boyfriend mo noh?
He teased, hoping to get some answers.
Ngek! Seriously?! Naniwala ka
talaga sa sinabi ni Mhela?
She straightly asked with an arched brow
as they stopped in the pedestrian lane.
Patay ka boi! Tinarayan ka na!
Wag ka kasi mag-isip ng kung anu-ano.
Pinayagan ka ngang manligaw,
ibig sabihin pwede pa. Single pa.
Wala pang boyfriend. Bumawi ka!
Ha?! Eh kung ako yung tinutukoy
niyang boyfriend, sweet talaga ako.
So naniwala ka ngang may boyfriend
ako noh?! Kasi nag-iba yung face mo
kanina. It's a dead giveaway eh.
Luh. Hindi ba pwedeng napaisip lang?
Bakit? Do you think I'd still let you
pursue me if may boyfriend na ako?
Ha? What do you think of me then?
She removed her hand from his arm and began to cross the street, leaving him behind.
Wait lang naman, Nicki. Pwede bang mag-explain? Makinig ka naman muna please?
He hurriedly followed, reached for her hand and intertwined it with his as they cross the street. And though Nicki was a bit pissed, she didn't protest. Infact, she even held on to his hand tightly. Because truth be told, his touch calmed her being. He led her to the car and opened the door for her. As soon as he settled in the driver seat, he started the engine. But before he drove off, he turned to her side and held her hand.
Nicki, I'm sorry. Sorry for making you feel bad. Hindi naman ako naniwala eh. I'm more threatened and scared. Kaya it got me to thinking kasi naalala ko yung sinabi ni Josh kaninang umaga. Sabi daw kasi nung dating schoolmate namin na nagtransfer sa inyo, may bumabakuran na daw sayo sa campus na volleyball player din. Honestly, nung sinabi ni Josh yun naisip ko na baka nga may boyfriend ka na. Kaya hindi ka na masyadong nagtetext tsaka hindi na tayo nakakapag-usap unlike before.
RJ dib—
She tried to interrupt him.
Ssshhh...ako muna please.
She nodded.
Natakot ako nun. Kasi ayokong mawala ka. I prayed hard to find you, Nicki. Kasi what we had in Boracay, kahit saglit lang yung moment na yun, kinapitan ko yun kasi it was special for me. Alam mo ba dun pa lang alam kong tinamaan na ako sayo? Matindi ka eh. Tinamaan ako ng bola sa mukha, tinamaan ako ng tsinelas sa likod, at tinamaan ako ng mga ngiti mo dito oh, sa puso ko. Tagos eh.
She smiled as she remembered those moments.
Kaya when I found you here in Manila, sobrang saya ko. Kasi sinabi ko sa sarili ko na I don't want our story to end in Boracay. I don't want our story to end at all. Pero hindi kita niligawan agad kasi ayokong maisip mo na padalos-dalos ako. Na hindi ako seryoso. Kaya nirespeto ko yung desisyon mo na maging friends tayo. Pero yung malaman kong may bumabakuran na sayo tapos parang biglang nag-iba yung pakikitungo mo sa'kin, it really scared me. Kaya kahit na posibleng huli na ko, pinilit kong pumunta sayo kanina. Sinadya ko na magmaaga. Nagbakasakali ako na may pag-asa pa. Hindi naman ako nabigo. Kaya lang kanina napaisip ulit ako when I saw the look in your eyes when you received the flowers, tapos dinagdagan pa nung comment ni ate na every weekend pala may express delivery. Nakakathreaten kaya. Syempre ex mo yun eh. Ibig sabihin may past na kayo, tapos schoolmate mo pa tapos kasama mo pa sa volleyball tapos—
His ranting was interrupted when she felt the need to speak up about Joaquin. Her heart was swelling with so much happiness from all that he said and she felt she had to assure him that nothing is going on between her and Joaquin. That he has nothing to be worried about. She was never attracted to Joaquin. So she cut him off.
Tapos na. Tapos, tapos na. Kaya nga past na diba? Ibig sabihin tapos na. Hindi ko alam na may ganung klase ng balita sa campus pero I can assure you tapos na yun. Feelingero lang siguro talaga si Joaquin pero he knew from the start that I see him only as a friend. Ang totoo, wala kaming history together. Hindi ko nga siya kinacount as ex kasi wala pang 24hrs tapos na agad kami. What happened then sa Boracay was partly my fault. I was just caught in the moment at ayokong mapahiya si Joaquin kaya I said yes kahit na hindi naman talaga dapat. Kaya hindi ka dapat magworry about it. Yung flowers kanina? I was just surprised kasi sobrang dami nung flowers. Tsaka ang bango. Pero yun lang yun. Walang ibang meaning. And to be honest, for a moment i thought it came from you too. Kasi naman si Mhela had that knowing look on you tapos ngumiti pa sayo. Akala ko tuloy may usapan kayo or something.
I love you, Nicki! Sobra. Punung-puno yung puso ko ng pagmamahal para lang sayo. Kahit siguro forever hindi mauubos ito. Kaya thank you for giving me this chance to prove to you how much you mean to me. Hindi ko sasayangin, promise!
Dapat lang noh? So pwede
na ba tayo magsimba?
Okay na ba tayo?
Di ka na galit?
Di naman ako galit eh. Nainis
lang ako. Pero naexplain mo na
ng mahabang-mahaba eh. Ok na.
Kiss mo nga ako kung
di ka na galit?
Ha? Ano ka sinuswerte?!
Manligaw ka muna noh!
And just like that they were back to the bickering and bantering once again.
**********************************************
A/N: Nagkaaminan na po ng feelings, finally! Ano kayang susunod na abangan sa bangayan ni RJ at Nicki? Paano kayang panliligaw ang gagawin ni RJ? Syempre kahit may assurance from Nicki for sure hindi magpapadaig ang bida natin kay Joaqui diba? Abangan natin lahat ang mga susunod na pangyayari sa kwento ni Nicki at RJ.😊
Thank you po for reading. This is the last installment of that special Sunday kaya if you'd notice may Sunday sa tatlong sunud-sunod na title. At very timing din naman na chapter 16 pala ito. Kilig lang! Hihi! Pasensya na medyo natagalan po. Sobrang busy lang po talaga with office work right now. Namimiss ko na nga yung kama ko sa bahay namin kasi dito na ko natutulog sa office. Hahaha!
Hanggang sa muli! Love you all!
Xoxo,
tinkybella16