Simula
"CONGRATULATION, Architect. Another job well done." I flashed a simple, formal smile before straightening my back.
"Thank you," I muttered, accepting the hand of our new investors.
"Miss Valderama, congratulations!" salubong sa akin ng iba na kaagad kong nginitian.
I accepted their hands, smiling humbly yet formally.
"Manang-mana sa ina," one of our oldest board members said when he got to me.
"My mother's still the best," I muttered, chuckling.
"Sandejas at Valderama ba naman ang dugo, talagang mahusay iyan," ani ng iba na kaagad kong nginitian.
After some moments of pleasantries and greetings, I felt exhausted. Sumulyap ako sa team na malaki rin ang ngiti at nang mahuli akong nakatingin ay ngumiti sa akin.
"Architect, congrats!" Anna, one of my friends and also a member of my team, said.
"Congrats sa ating lahat," I added, smiling and after we took a group picture ay dumiretso akong muli sa opisina para magpahinga.
Being a Sandejas-Valderama wasn't easy. Maraming nagsasabing mabuti pa ako ay anak mula sa angkan namin pero hindi nila alam ang bigat na dala ng apelyidong ito.
Being a part of the family is pressuring, for me. My mother and father never forced me to take architecture yet I wanted it. At first, I didn't like it. Gusto ko lang talagang gayahin ang mom ko—the famous Architect Zidney Agnieszka Sandejas.
At a young age, she is my role model. She was fierce, smart, and intimidating yet a good mother to all of us.
Masaya ang aming pamilya; wala na akong mahihiling pa. If I was given a chance to change families, I won't. I'd still choose Zidney as my mother and Thorn as my father.
Pero kagaya ng nararamdaman ko, I am pressured. Being the daughter of Zidney Sandejas and Thorn Valderama, one of the greatest and most famous architects and doctors in their generation, I am expected to be one, too.
"Architect?" My eyes landed on the door and I saw my secretary, Abigail, walking inside with a folder in her hand.
"What's that?" I asked and she smiled before putting it on my desk.
"Pipirmahan po, Architect," aniya at tumango na lang ako kahit pagod na.
"Thanks and uhm, I want black coffee sana," I said and she nodded.
"Sige po, ayusin ko," aniya bago ako iwan sa loob.
I opened the folder and saw that it was the budget for our upcoming project which I have to approve first.
I sighed and shook my head before reading it.
My back hurts and my nape aches yet I have to sit straight on my swivel chair even if I'm just reading. My father warned me I might damage my spinal cord if I sit like a tambay at nakatungo pa so, I am training myself.
Architect Scira Rosalie Sandejas Valderama
I smiled when I saw my name and put my signature on top of it. Naalala ko pa noong nagpaparaktis ako ng pirma noong college ako. I wanted my signature to be perfect and furnished, just like my mom's.
Hindi naman ako nabigo at maganda ang kinalabasan. Plus, I'm an architect too, like my mother.
Dumating ang kape ko. I thanked my secretary before she left and I spent my time reading reports and approving budgets for our projects.
I am wasted and tired yet I have to look good. Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng opisina nang malapit na ang uwian ay kaagad kong nakita ang tingin sa akin ng mga empleyado at ang heads ng mga department.
"Architect! Uwi na po kayo?" the man from the HR asked and I nodded.
"Yes," tipid kong sagot pero may ngiti sa labi.
"Ingat po!"
"Kayo rin," I said softly.
Habang papalabas ako ay nakita ko ang pinsan kong papasok at kaagad na gumaan ang loob ko nang makita ito.
"Kuya!" I exclaimed happily.
Kuya Chiel glanced at me. His cold blue eyes met mine and I saw how it softened.
"Scira," he called and I chuckled. Tumakbo ako palapit sa kanya at napangiti nang kunin niya ang handbag na hawak ko.
"Napadaan ka?" I asked and kissed his cheek. He then held my elbow to assist me.
"Pinapasundo ka ni Tita Zid," he said and chuckled. "Looks like Miss Perfect got a hard time today?"
I pouted and sighed. Sumabay ako sa kanya sa paglalakad.
"Medyo lang, Kuya. I approved budgets for today and meetings, countless ones," I said.
"Baka ungusan mo na si Tita Zid, ah?" he joked.
"Attorney, Architect! Magandang hapon po!" bati ng guard nang makita kami.
We greeted him back and went out of the building.
"No one could surpass Mom, Kuya. Para maging kasing perfect ni Zidney Valderama, kakain pa ako ng maraming bigas," I said, making him chuckle.
"Narinig ko kanina, may nakuha ka ulit na deal?" I nodded. His eyes glistened. I pouted when he ruined my hair.
"Kuya!" I called.
"Good girl," he chuckled. "We are so proud of you."
My heart melted at that. "Thank you," I said softly.
Pumunta kami sa kanyang sasakyan. He opened the door and let me in before walking towards the driver's seat.
"Kuya, my car?" I asked him and he just shook his head at me.
"Don't worry about it. Pakukuha ko sa driver," aniya at pinaandar na ang sasakyan.
We talked about things while in his car. One thing that I love in our family is that... we're all close. We were like brothers and sisters kahit magpipinsan kami.
We are making sure no one was left out. If may oras, palagi kaming nag-i-sleep over sa ancestral house namin.
"Kumusta ang kaso, Kuya?" I asked him. He glanced at me and smiled.
"Great, I got mild cases this week so I'm chill," he laughed. "But I think this coming week's cases aren't easy as pie."
I chuckled and tapped his shoulder. "Ikaw pa ba, Attorney Sandejas? Anak ka yata ni Iñigo," I said and he laughed at me.
"Well, my father's great. Kagaya mo, marami pa akong kakaining bigas para maabot siya," aniya.
"Well, our parents are great," I chuckled. "Tayong mga anak, marami pang pagdaraanan para maging kasing galing nila."
"Anyway, I got food in the back. Gusto mo?" aniya. Sumulyap ako at napangiti nang makitang may mga sweets doon at donuts.
"Para kay Tita Thallia?" I asked and he nodded.
"Hmm, she likes donuts. Nakikihati rin si Crest," he chuckled and glanced at me. "Anyway, Scira?"
"Yes, Kuya?" I asked when I noticed that he was kinda serious now.
"Did you reach her?" he asked.
"Si Ate Clyte?" I muttered and he nodded. "Hindi pa, eh," I sighed and I saw him pursed his lip a bit and nodded.
Naging tahimik na ang usapan namin nang matapos iyon at napabaling lang ako sa phone nang tumunog ito.
My forehead creased when I saw Lucas' name, my boyfriend, calling.
I rejected the call but moments later, he called again and I saw Kuya Alchiel glance at me.
"Why aren't you answering?" he asked. I licked my lips and sighed.
"Nothing, Kuya. It's nothing important."
He nodded. His eyes then landed on the phone I was holding before returning his gaze back to the road.
Suddenly, my phone rang again.
Ano bang kailangan nito?
My forehead creased. Nang maingayan ako at nahiya na kay Kuya Chiel ay iritado ko iyong sinagot at inilagay sa tainga para marinig.
"Yes?" I asked casually and I almost frowned when I heard his voice.
"Scira! Why aren't you answering my calls?!" he exclaimed loudly on the phone.
"I'm in the meeting, Lucas," I said while I rested my back on the seat and stared at my colored nails.
"Until now?" he exclaimed.
"No, I'm on my way home," I said.
"Then why aren't you answering my calls?!" he demanded, making my forehead crease.
"Why are you screaming?" I said, now feeling annoyed.
"Are you okay?" Kuya then muttered when he glanced at me. I smiled and nodded.
"Who's that?" he hissed on the phone. "Are you cheating on me, Valderama?!"
"Can you quit it?" I said impatiently. "I am with my cousin, Lucas. I am busy."
"Busy? Ilang linggo tayong hindi nagkita tapos busy?" he muttered. "H'wag mo nga akong niloloko! Wala ka nang oras sa akin!"
Makapagsalita ang lalaking 'to, akala mo ay asawa! I almost cursed at him.
"You see, Lucas, let's talk when we're both cool, okay? I have a family gathering tonight—"
"Palagi na lang pamilya mo! Palagi naman kayong nagkikitang lahat, ah? Hindi ba pwedeng ako naman?" he said frustratedly and I scratched my brow, trying to be calm.
"Lucas, that's my family we were talking about. I can't miss—"
"Kung mahal mo ako, makipagkikita ka sa 'kin!" he exclaimed, throwing tantrums like a retarded child and my lips lifted.
"Fuck off," I said coldly.
Kuya glanced at me. He looked curious at my sudden cursing yet he didn't say anything.
"Scira!" Lucas muttered but before I lost my cool and cursed him nonstop, I turned the call off and sighed.
"Boy problem?" Kuya asked. I sighed, nodding.
"He annoys me every time," I muttered and he chuckled.
"Gusto mo upakan ko?" he joked and even pretended to lift the sleeves of his shirt pa. I chuckled and shook my head.
"Ayos lang, Kuya,"
"Sama ko pa si Deion, oh?" he said. "Pabaril natin kay Tito Zeij?" he joked at sabay kaming napatawa sa sinabi niya.
We reached our house and my smile widened when I saw my cousins outside.
"Zire!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs and I saw her glance at me and jumped.
"Bakla!" she chirped and ran towards me.
We laughed while hugging. Kaagad akong nagtungo sa bahay para batiin ang iba pa.
"Kuya!" I cheered when I saw my brother, Kuya Deion.
"Oh, Scira, maraming trabaho?" aniya at kinuha mula sa kamay ko ang bag.
"Opo," I said, pouting and he chuckled. He looks a lot like my father. He kissed my forehead first before letting me go.
"Sige, dadalhin ko sa kwarto mo 'tong bag. Go greet them, nasa kusina ang iba," he said and left.
I entered the house and saw my titos and titas with my cousins. Karga pa ni Tito Dash si Audette at napangiti pa nang makita ako.
"Ang perfect kong pamangkin!" he even greeted me. I smiled, walking towards him for a hug.
Nag-bless ako matapos ko silang batiin ni Tita at ang mga pinsan ko.
I saw Tito Zeijan with Zion in the kitchen.
"Hello, mga gwapo!" I greeted them as they glanced at me.
"Uy, si Miss Perfect!" Halos mabulunan pa si Kuya Zion sa kinakain nang makita ako.
"Perfect ka r'yan..."
I greeted them and gave them hugs and kisses. Nang makalabas ng kusina ay naabutan ko ang mom and dad ko na kausap sina Tita Thallia.
"Mom," I called and she glanced at me, smiling.
"Oh, my baby," she muttered softly, hugging and kissing my cheek before I glanced at my father.
"Hi, Dad," my father, still handsome as ever, smiled and ruffled my hair.
"How's my princess?"
"Good," I reassured.
I kissed his cheek too. Nang mapansing nakaupo at naglalaro ng manika sa sofa ang bunsong kapatid kong si Queen Scira ay napatawa ako. Marahan akong lumuhod at niyakap siya.
"Hi, my little teddy bear," I said softly.
"'Te!" she exclaimed.
"Give Ate a kiss," I said and she giggled before giving me one.
The small gathering is superb and I felt happy for it. Kagaya ng nakasanayan at dahil nga may party ay sa bahay natulog ang mga pinsan ko.
Ang mga babae ay nasa kwarto ko habang na kay Kuya Deion ang mga lalaki.
"Naninibago ako kapag wala si Clyte," Ate Crest muttered while sitting on the bed. Nag-s-skin care naman ako habang pinagmamasdan siya.
"I contacted her pero hindi sumasagot," I said and sighed. "Busy siguro sa trabaho, Ate," I muttered.
"Maybe?" Ate Crest sighed.
Sa aming lahat, Ate Crest is closest with my sister Ate Clyte kaya miski siya ay dama na hindi nakarating ang Ate ngayon. She's now in Aklan for her new even coordinator projects pero 'di nga lang namin matawagan.
We had movie marathon, drank a little and slept late kaya kinabukasan tuloy ay hindi ako nakapasok.
It's okay with my Mom naman. My secretary told me I got no work to do kaya ayos lang na absent ako.
The next day, I got back to our firm.
With my chin up and straight-ironed hair, I feel confident walking around. I am wearing a formal jumpsuit, my hair is on my back with my black handbag dangling on my elbow.
"Good morning po, Architect," they greeted me.
Sumabay sa paglalakad ko ang aking secretary. I glanced at her and saw her quite nervous while talking to me.
"What's the matter?" I asked and she smiled again.
"Uh, Architect kasi, nandito si Sir Lucas kahapon," her answer made me wince.
"And?"
"He's looking for you. Hindi ka raw po niya matawagan? Hindi rin po kami sumubok na tumawag sa 'yo, Architect, kasi baka maabala ka," aniya.
My brow raised. Sumunod siya nang maglakad ako sa opisina at nagsalita.
"He almost made a scene, Architect. Pinatawag pa po ang guard pero umalis naman po kalaunan," aniya.
I nodded and placed my handbag on the table before sitting on my swivel chair.
"Okay, thank you," I said. "Can I have a cup of coffee?" I asked nonchalantly.
"Sige po, Architect," aniya at saka umalis.
I was bothered. Iritado rin dahil sa pagpunta ni Lucas pero bahala siya sa buhay niya. I don't need a nagger in my life.
As usual, my day goes on. I had countless meetings and tiring shake hands with rehearsed smiles. Sometimes, it's tiring being the daughter of my parents yet I wanted this, anyway. Might as well get used to it.
Nang buksan ko ang telepono ay kaagad akong inulan ng mga tawag at napailing na lang ako nang makita ang pangalan ni Lucas.
Annoyed, I answered it.
"Scira! Why do you keep on ignoring my calls?" His demanding voice filled my ear the moment I answered his call.
"Lucas—"
"H'wag ka nang magpaliwanag. Let's meet later at dinner," he said, as if dismissing me.
"Fine," I said and ended the call.
Pagod ako pero alam kong kailangan ko nang kitain si Lucas ngayong dinner.
I checked my face first at sinuklay ang mahabang buhok bago tingnan kung may gusot ba ang damit ko. Nang makontento ay sumakay na ako sa kotse para magtungo sa itinext niyang lugar.
When I got to the restaurant, I fixed my clothes before going inside after I parked my car.
Malayo pa lang ay kita ko na siyang may kausap na babae sa table. They were obviously flirting. I saw Lucas grinning at her, even touching her hair. My brow shot up yet I didn't say anything. I walked towards him with my chin up then he almost jumped on his seat when he saw me.
"Scira," he called as he stood up.
I saw the woman he was conversing with stand. She glanced at me with a mocking smile but I just looked at her coldly.
"Girlfriend mo, Luke?" The woman asked and Lucas nodded, assisting me to sit.
I did sit. Nakita kong natigilan ang babae dahil wala akong reaksyon.
"Uh, sige, Luke. Doon muna ako," she said before walking away hesitantly.
I immediately met Lucas' black eyes. I stared back at him and simply took the glass of water to take a sip.
"Hindi mo man lang tatanungin kung sino 'yon?" he asked me, as if it was weird I don't care if he was talking to someone.
"Tell me, then," I said and I saw his jaw clench.
"She's a colleague," he said and I nodded.
"Okay."
"That's it?" He doesn't look pleased with my answer.
"Yeah? Do you expect I'd say something? Like, magwawala ako?" I asked.
"You should!" he said. "May kausap akong babae. Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung bakit—"
"You said she's your colleague, right?" I asked.
"Yes, but won't you ask me if I'm cheating—"
"Oh, are you?" I asked and glanced at his eyes coldly.
"No!" he said frustratedly.
"Then, what's the point of accusing you of something when you said you're not?" I asked him, now folding my arms on my chest. "You know I am not the jealous type, Lucas."
"Yes, I know..." He almost pulled his hair. "But can't you at least act like you're jealous?"
Hindi ako umimik at pinagmasdan lang siya.
"You know what, Scira? I'm tired of this," he said and I just looked at him. I don't know why but I already know his next words. Maybe because it was used against me a lot of times?
"Wala kang pakialam. You're sweet when we're just in events pero kapag wala? Wala kang pakialam!" he said, annoyed. "You... You were so damn cold, you care less! You're a control freak!" he said and I tried feeling the pain yet I felt nothing.
Well, Scira, you got used to it pretty well.
"You want me to be something I am not! I am not like you, Valderama, I am not perfect!" he hissed and I know it was embarrassing because we were in the restaurant. I can sense people looking at us.
"I never told you to be one," I said.
"Yes, but I still want to be!" he said. "Pero wala kang pakialam! Ni hindi mo nga napansing nagpagupit ako!"
Nagulat ako at napasulyap sa buhok niya.
Oo nga...
"See?!" He looked annoyed. "I don't wanna be that someone who'll say yes to you every damn time. I can't tolerate your sick attitude anymore!"
Sick, huh? Well, that hurt a bit.
"Well, I can tolerate my sick attitude just fine," I said at mukhang mas nainis pa siya sa 'kin.
"See? You're sarcastic!" He looks so insulted. His jaw clenched while shaking his head at me. "You know what? I am breaking—"
"No, Lucas. I am breaking up with you," I said and I saw how he froze.
His mouth parted and blinked at me.
Napahihiya na ako pero ayokong natatapakan ang ego ko.
"Y-you..." He looks baffled.
"I am a control freak? Yes. Drama queen? Yes. Walang pakialam?" I chuckled coldly. "I don't know. You didn't tell me your problems about my sick attitude."
"You won't listen, anyway!" he exclaimed.
"Well, did you try?" I asked and he stopped.
I chuckled and licked my lower lip before I glanced at my handbag. I slowly took it and placed it on my lap.
"Lucas, Lucas, Lucas..." I muttered. "Of all the men I've dated, ikaw ang pinakamaayos. But these days? I don't know anymore. You are always jealous, mad, or making a scene. You even asked me to choose you over my family. No," I said and glanced at my fingernails. "I would never choose anything in exchange for my family."
"Scira..." He looks stressed now.
"I am breaking up with you," I said and stood while glancing at his shocked face. "Ganito lang pala ang sasabihin mo. You could have told me on the phone instead."
"N-no, I just... I was shocked. I really didn't mean to..."
"It's over," I said and placed my bag on my elbow before straightening my clothes. "Goodbye. I had a great time, anyway."
His jaw dropped. He kept on calling me but I walked away without even looking back.
No one walks out on Scira Valderama, unless it's me, walking out.
Sanay na ako sa ganito pero kahit papaano ay may pakiramdam pa rin ako. It hurt a bit. Not that much dahil ilang beses ko na 'tong napagdaanan pero may kurot pa rin kahit papaano.
Well, at least the Miss Perfect, Scira Valderama is still a human, after all.
Napabilis ang lakad ko patungo sa sasakyan. Iritado ako at galit.
Kahit alam ko sa sarili kong ganoon nga ako tulad ng sinabi niya ay masakit pakinggan kapag galing sa bibig ng ibang tao.
The cold, heartless, and egocentric architect. That's what my exes kept on calling me after we broke up. Well, ako pala ang nakikipag-break. Bago pa naman nila masabi ang salitang 'yon ay uunahan ko na sila.
What a selfish brat, Scira. Really an egocentric bitch.
I gasped in shock noong dahil sa pagmamadali ay may nabangga ako.
My bag fell to the ground. Sa lakas ng pagkakatama ko ay napaupo pa ako sa lapag.
Oh, come on. Wala na ba akong mas imamalas pa?!
"Miss." My eyes landed on the hand extending to me and I immediately took it.
A man helped me stand. Iritado kong pinagpagan ang damit ko.
I saw the man take my handbag on the ground and he extended it back to me.
"Sorry," he said even if it was me who wasn't looking on my way.
I accepted the bag, lifted my head and saw the man with serious black eyes. He's tall, with clean-cut hair, wearing a simple black tee and maong.
"Thank you, Sir," I said and after that, I looked away. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa handbag at paalis na sana nang magsalita siya.
"Warren," he said and I froze, glancing back at him.
"Huh?" I asked, confused. He kept glancing at me. His hand was now inside the pocket of his jeans and I nodded, feeling weird at him.
"I'm Warren," he said and my mouth parted a bit, even more confused but decided to shrug it off.
"Oh, thank you, Sir Warren," I said and flashed a small, hesitating smile before turning my back on him.