hi ulet.
Yasi
"Give me a moment, I need to take this call," I motioned Trisha to go and assist the person calling for some attention. She nodded understandingly and followed.
" 'Tay!" Masyang bati ko kay Tatay Romulo matapos masagot ang video call niya.
Nasa bahay sila ngayon ni Kiel, my four year old son. Kakatapos lang maipatayo ang dream house ni Tatay ngayong taon. I designed it and asked a good engineer to build it. Tuwang tuwa nga si Tatay nang ibalita ko sa kanya na maipapatayo na namin ang bahay niya. It was delayed for one year and a half but I managed to offer him his ideal house. At masaya akong natuwa siya ng sobra.
"Sorry anak. Nasa trabaho ka?"
"Oho 'Tay. May inaantay kaming special guest na siyang guest speaker ngayon sa international event na 'to," kibit balikat ko. "Tatay kumain na po ba kayo ni Kiel?" I changed the topic.
Just when I asked about my son, his face appeared on the screen. Lumapit siya kay Tatay at naupo sa kandungan nito.
"Mommy!"
"Hi anak!"
Tumawa ako nang mag-flying kiss siya. Kahit ganon, parang lalaking-lalaki pa rin umasta. Frankly, it's too unfair because he got all his looks from his father. Kamukhang kamukha ni Reeve. The only feature he got from me was the color of his eyes dim brown, and the shape of his face. The rest? His lips, his brows, 'yung matangos na ilong niya, buhok, height at etc., kay Reeve niya nakuha. Isang tingin lang sa kanya, kapag tumabi siya kay Reeve, mapagkakamalan siyang kid version nito. Kung hindi man, mas guwapo siya kesa kay Reeve. Nakakatakot kasi baka kapag lumaki siya, maraming iiyak na babae.
"Come home, Mommy!" He closed and opened his fist as if trying to reach me.
"Later, baby. Uuwi si Mommy mamaya pagkatapos ng work ko, okay?" Masuyong wika ko at nginitihan siya. I bit my lip when he pouted cutely.
"I miss you na," malungkot sa saad niya.
I sighed. "Mommy misses you too, Kiel. But I have to finish work first. I'll just buy you your favorite brownies, do you want that?" pagpapalubag loob ko sa kanya.
"But it's you I want, not the brownies," he pouted more.
Napaawang ang labi ko sa narinig. Tinignan ko si Tatay na kalong siya, tumawa siya. Huminga ako ng malalim at nginitihan ang anak ko.
"Kumain ka na ba anak?"
"Yes po Mommy," magalang na sagot niya.
"Okay, play with lolo first. I'll come home before you know it, with your favorite brownies. Konting hintay lang anak please. Uuwi rin si Mommy," I blew him a kiss.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang ngumiti siya at humagikgik. He blew me a kiss too.
"I'll wait for you, Mommy!" He said cutely. Apat na taong gulang pero kaya na niyang magsalita ng diretso. Napansin namin ni Tatay na magaling si Kiel. He's a witty kid and a very cheerful one.
"I love you, anak,"
"I love you too muah!"
I chuckled at how good that sounded. Tinignan ko si Tatay. "Bakit po kayo napatawag 'tay?"
"Si Kiel ang may gustong tawagan ka. Kanina pa ako kinukulit, gusto raw marinig ang boses mo at lambingin ka nitong anak mo," sagot niya at tumawa.
Ayaw matanggap ni Tatay noon ang tungkol sa pagbubuntis ko matapos kong ipagtapat sa kanya. He advised me to tell Reeve about it. Ngunit nakapagdesisyon na ako. I begged him not to tell anyone about it. Pinakiusapan ko siya na 'wag ipagsabi sa kahit sino. Grabe ang iyak ko noon sa paghingi ng tawad sa kanya. Pero sa huli ay tinulungan niya ako sa pabor na hinihingi ko. Iyun ang lumayo kami papunta sa lugar kung saan hindi alam ng pamilyang Legaspi. Only Ate Phoebe knows but she never said a word.
Truth is, nagpaalam ako kila Tita Monic matapos umalis si Reeve. I told them that we broke up. At sinabi ko ring aalis kami ni Tatay, aalis kami papuntang probinsya, subalit hindi ko binanggit ang lugar. We went to Bulacan for the mean time until I gave birth. Saka ko pinagpatuloy ang review ko para sa ALE after some months. I was so happy when I passed the Archi board exam, I became a registered architect. Meron na akong lisensya. For the past three years, nagtrabaho ako sa Laise Corp. Hanggang ngayon, dito pa rin ako. Mahirap noong nag-uumpisa pa lang ako. Sa isang unit pa kami naninirahan noon kasi maliit lang sahod ko, starting pa lang. Mas mahirap pagsabayin ang pag-aalaga kay Kiel at 'yung sa trabaho ko. Mabuti na lang meron si Tatay na magbabantay sa kanya. Through hardwork and perseverance, I managed to crawl my way up here.
"Anak kasi. Masyado kang babad sa trabaho mo. Pinagsasabay mo pa pagiging architect at even organizer," reklamo sa akin ni Tatay.
"Last na po talaga ito. Minsan lang naman ako nag-oorganize ng events since wala pa akong project sa Laise Corp. ngayon. Sayang rin kasi ang sahod ko dito kahit freelance lang. Alam niyo naman ako, ganid sa pera," humalakhak ako na parang demonita. "Last na talaga 'to Tay. Kasi babawi na ako sa anak ko, hindi 'yung puro trabaho na lang," Matapat na sabi ko.
Ngumiti ako. Pagkatapos naming mag-usap, nagpaalam na ako dahil kailangan ko pang magbigay ng instructions sa team ko.
"Let's give a good impression for the agency. But if someone bothers any of you, please don't think twice of informing me immediately,"
I told the servers and the staffs under my supervision. Last week, I was appointed to lead a team for today's event. I am the head organizer and I am responsible for making sure that there won't be any issues that would happen. In any circumstances, kailangan kong siguraduhing maayos ang lahat. Because this event is a big one, international elites were invited to come.
Ito ang pinakamalaking event na ihahandle ko. And also the last event I'm supervising.
Ang mahalaga sa akin ay walang mababastos na staff ko at walang gulong magaganap. Because if a problem would burst out and I couldn't handle it, it's my dead end. Sayang ang dagdag kita ko 'pag nagkataon.
"Ma'am Yasmin, hinahanap po kayo nung si Sir Almonte. Pinapatawag ka po, may importante atang sasabihin,"
Tinanguhan ko si Trisha matapos marinig ang ibinulong niya.
"Sige. But I need you to keep an eye on our special guest who hasn't arrived yet. The name is Mr. RDM. His name in not on the list," I don't understand why that guest wants to keep a low profile well in fact he's the most valued person in tonight's event.
"Ewan ko din kung ano ang meaning ng RDM. Ma'am Sariaga won't tell me the complete name either. But the men at the entrance will signal you if he's around already. Kapag dumating na, tawagin mo agad ako. No matter how busy I am or if ever I'm talking to some guests, inform me. Do you understand?"
Istriktong untag ko sa kanya. Isang pagkakamali lang, malalagot ako.
"Opo ma'am!" masiglang wika niya. Sumaludo pa siya. Not to mention, Trisha is my favorite staff for tonight.
Iniwan ko muna siya saglit para hanapin si Sir Almonte. What does that guy want again? Tanginang Benjamin Almonte na 'yan! Palagi na lang mayroon ang presensya niya sa trabaho ko! Isang taon nang nanliligaw pero ayaw pa rin tumigil.
Naabutan ko siyang nakikipag-usap kay Livy. He looks pissed while Livy was saying something to him.
Si Livy ay matalik kong kaibigan. Nakilala ko siya sa Bulacan noong pinagbubuntis ko si Kiel. Saktong naroon siya para bisitahin ang farm ng pamilya niya. We clicked as friends. Now we're best buddies. Also, si Roberto pero may flight 'yun ngayon.
"Kahit anong gawin mo, hindi siya bibigay! You need to fix your face and that stupid attitude you have first before you can have her heart,"
"I don't need your opinion," iratadong sagot ni Benjamin.
But his eyes instantly lit up when he saw me. Binalingan ko muna si Livy.
"You look hot with that," she raked her sight on my body and let out a whistle. "Ohh I could take you out for a steamy date! You look so bomb and gorgeous," She chuckled.
Since I am just the head organizer of today's event, I am wearing something very formal. A white blouse tucked inside my black high waisted pants. I topped it with a black blazer that fits my form perfectly. I also put on some cream stiletto. And yep, I am wearing a simple earing and single necklace. My lipstick is dark red.
"Shut up. You look fabuluous," sabi ko sa kanya.
She's invited as a guest in this occasion. Livy is wearing a white dress that shows her curves and figure. "Of course!" She confidently said and laughed.
"Yasmin,"
I turned to look at Benjamin.
"You called for me. What do you want, Sir Almonte?" I sarcastically asked. I fixed the fold my blazer sleeves.
Benjamin sighed. "I want to ask you for a dance later. Can I?" He asked sounding hopeful.
Binaba ko lamang ang tingin ko sa hawak niyang glass wine.
"Such an idiot," I heard my bestfriend Livy mutter. Palihim akong ngumiti. She knows that I don't like Benjamin. Ma-attitude din kasi si Livy kaya bagay kami eh!
"Shut the fuck up Olivia Bautista!" Ben hissed, annoyed at her.
Humalukipkip lang si Livy. She threw him a bored look.
Napailing ako. "Ben, you know for sure that I can't. I have a job to do. And dancing with you is definitely not part of it,"
Disappointment clouded his eyes. I rejected him for how many times now but he just won't give up.
"Well, you can just ask Livy to dance with y–"
"Yuck! Ayoko nga!"
"Nevermind if it's her,"
Magkasabay nilang putol sa sinasabi ko kaya mahina akong natawa. I saw a guest from afar who signalled me. "Saglit lang," paalam ko sa dalawa at naglakad palapit sa matandang lalaki.
They know I am a staff because of what I am wearing. Nakikita rin nila sa name plate na nasa chest ko. "Yes, sir? Is there anything I can help you with?" Magalang kong tanong kahit nangangalay na ang mga paa ko.
I tried to hide a grimace.
May kasama siyang dalawang business men as well. And they're all smiling at me. I know that kind of smile. I usually see that everytime I am assigned to organize an event. Ayoko n'yan.
"Well, yes. You look beautiful," he said and took out his phone. Itinapat niya iyon sa akin.
"You can type your phone number here," turo niya sa phone niya at ngumisi. He looks twenty years older than me and has strong guts to ask for my number?
Tipid lamang akong ngumiti. "It's inappropriate, sir. You are our guest and I am just a mere staff," I refuse to give him my number. Of course, I even had to choose my words carefully so I would not sound rude.
Sa trabaho ko, 'di puwedeng bastusin ang mga guest kasi trabaho ko ang nakasalang. Kahit freelancer lang ako sa aspetong 'to, dapat pa rin I follow the rules as the one in charge!
Sanay na rin ako sa ganito. I've organized many events already, and I always encounter men who wants to take me out on a date. Some would do everything to get my number. Why are they like that? It's just so stupid.
"Just ask some of the staffs around if you need anything else. Please excuse me," I dismissed myself from their eyes and walked away.
Minutes passed. And I'm still not getting any information from Trisha regarding our most important guest for tonight. Inasikaso ko pa ang ilang guests na may kailangang tanungin. I can feel my feet getting tired already.
"Ma'am Yasmin!" I turned to find Trisha who's walking fast towards me. "Dumating na po 'yung guest na sinasabi niyo," imporma niya.
"Ma'am! Ang gwapo gwapo ho! Sobrang hot pa niya!" Kinikilig na sambit ni Trisha sa akin habang naglalakad kami papunta sa gawi kung nasaan 'yung guest. I frowned while listening to Trisha who looks like she's about to pee her pants while talking about how good-looking the guest is.
"Matangkad tapos tapos... hala ma'am! Crush ko na po siya! I think I just fell in love!" Hagikhik niya. Talande hayp,
Napailing na lang ako nang makalapit na kami sa area.
I saw my bosses and some men. Ngunit napako ang tingin ko sa lalaking nasa gitna.
"It's a great privilege to have you here Mr. De Marco! We are so glad you accepted our invitation!"
Mabilis akong natigilan sa narinig. M-mr.. what?
Dama ko ang biglang pagbigat ng paghinga ko. Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko. I was staring at a familiar figure of a man's back. Nakatalikod siya at kausap ng ilang boss ng agency namin.
N-no way. He can't possibly be here!
"Trisha," I called her attention.
Bigla akong tinamaan ng kaba na hindi ko maintindihan.
"Ma'am?"
"W-what's the full name of our guest, Mr. RDM?" Kabadong tanong ko habang titig na titig sa napakapamilyar na likod. He's wearing a black tux. And he looks formal and very professional even from the back.
I almost stopped breathing with what I heard Trisha answer.
"Reeve De Marco daw po. Pati name, ang gwapo diba, ma'am!"
Pakiramdam ko nanginig ako. Pati ata pechay ko nanginig!
Reeve... oh my god.
Tuluyan akong nanigas sa kinatatayuan ko. Ngunit napahawak ako ng mahigpit sa kamay ni Trisha nang mapansin ako ni Ma'am Sariaga.
"Oh! Ms. Yasmin Alvares is here! She's the head organizer of tonight's event. And she would be responsible in making sure that you will be comfortable. If you need something, you can ask her,"
Shit.
At this point, I should prepare my biggest smile because I am meeting a special guest. But I couldn't do it. Lalo akong nanghina nang humarap sa gawi ko ang lalaking dahilan ng sobrang kaba ko ngayon.
I suddenly felt uncomfortable when he just stared blankly at me. Like he doesn't even recognize me.
"Miss Alvares?" Kuha ni Ma'am Sariaga sa atensyon ko. Pinandilatan niya ako. And she gave me that knowing look to greet the most important guest tonight.
Na-alarma ako at mas lumakas ang kabog sa dibdib ko.
I am certainly aware of the stare I am recieving from Mr. De Marco. He looks intimidating. Cold and unapproachable.
Lumunok ako. Ibang-iba na siya.
I hope nobody here knows that Mr. De Marco and I have been in a relationship before. That would be crazy.
Pinilit ko namang ngumiti. I failed but I still tried to show a perfect smile. "Mr. De Marco. H-hi," I mentally slapped my face because of stammering. Darn it,
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at dahan-dahang lumapit sa kanya. Tumango ako bilang respeto.
But my lips formed a thin line when he just tore his gaze away from me and walked pass me like I am nobody.
Napahawak ako sa dulo ng blazer ko. I smiled sarcastically.
Wala pa rin palang pinagbago. Gago pa din.
Napakagago ng tatay ng anak ko, BUWISET!
Napairap lang ako bago siya sinundan. Tinitignan ako ni Ma'am Sariaga. Wala akong choice kundi sundan siya! I bit my lip when I took a good look of his back. His shoulders became broader. Batok pa lang pede nang magsaing ng bigas tapos siya ang ulam! He became more manly in all areas. And he looked exquisitely gorgeous.
Yuck Yasi! Ba't mo pinupuri ang taong 'yan?! Iling ko sa isip ko.
Napansin ko ang paglapit ng ilang associates sa kanya. Some of them were architects and engineers. They started a conversation so I made sure to stand still from a distance.
"Yasi!"
Napatingin ako kay Livy na nakalapit sa akin. She was judging Reeve through her hawk eyes. "Correct me if I'm mistaken. Pero 'yun yung ex mo diba?" She even pointed at him. Taranta kong ibinaba ang kamay niya.
"Livy 'wag kang manturo! Kapag napansin niya, huli ka!" I hissed at her before checking the group of women at the side.
"Oh my god, he's more handsome in person! Take a good look at him. Gaga, 'yan nga pala 'yung sinayang mo!" Para siyang kinikiliti. She smirked teasingly at me.
"Tumigil ka Livy, hindi nakakatuwa," masungit na sagot ko at inabala ang sarili ko sa panunuri sa nangyayari sa paligid.
"It's my first time seeing him after five years. Ilang taon na ba ang lumipas? Five years? At kailanman ay hindi ko maipagkakailang maraming nangyari sa mga taong iyon," napahilamos ako sa mukha ko.
Livy knows my past because I shared it to her. And I know her background too. Mula nung nagkasama kami sa Bulacan, we became bestfriends since then.
"Yes, at marami na rin akong tsinismis na balita tungkol sa achievements niya. Yasmin, he already reached his dream job because of you. What's more surprising is that he branded his name with his own hardwork. You see, he's now the most popular engineer in Switzerland. Higit pa sa pangarap niya ang narating niya! Companies are rivaling just to have him. And he's the highest paid engineer in Switzerland. Taray ng ex mo!" Tinampal niya ang braso ko kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"Next year pa dapat siya uuwi pero dahil natapos niya ang lahat ng trabaho niya don sa Standler Corp., nakauwi na siya. I even wonder why he agreed to be the speaker sa agency natin? It's so weird," dagdag niya.
Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi ni Liv at sinulyapan saglit si Reeve bago ko ibinaba ang tingin ko. I'm proud of him. So proud. At least my lies paid off no matter how stupid they were.
I looked at Engineer Reeve. "Wow, nagawa na niyang palitan ang apelyedo niya," mahinang bulong ko sa hangin. He didn't even spare me a glance. He's busy talking to other businessmen.
"Tignan mo 'yung mga babae dito. Halos sa kanya napapatingin," Livy nudged me. Kunot noong inilibot ko ang tingin ko at napansin ang sinasabi niya. Most of the women here, single or not, are looking at him with admiration.
"I don't care," masungit kong sabi kay Liv.
"Look at him Yasi, he's doing so great! I'm a fan!" Parang gagong sabi ni Liv, tinatantya ang reaksyon ko.
"Sabi ko, wala akong pakialam. So shut your mouth," irap ko sa kanya.
Tinawanan niya lang ako nang patago ko siyang tinaasan ng gitnang daliri bago ako lumapit sa isang guest na tinawag ako. I mentally cursed myself when the man who called me was beside Reeve. Umarte na lang akong pormal at lumapit sa gawi nila. Reeve didn't look at me, he was having conversation with the other man on his right side. Edi wow, masyadong VIP tse!
"Good evening sir. Is there anything I could help you with?" I muttered my most famous line when approaching guests.
Napakunot ang noo ko nang suriin niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa tsaka ngumisi ng maloko. Abot langit ang ginawa kong pagpipigil na huwag mapairap sa harap niya.
"You're the head of the organizing team, am I right?"
Naramdaman ko ang pagbaling ni Reeve sa amin ngunit hindi ko pinansin. "Yes, sir," I smiled politely at the man.
"After the event, can I ask you out for a date?" He asked, not minding if anyone was listening to him.
Kumuyom ang kamao ko nang abutin niya ang balikat ko. I flinched away. Manyak neto ah, humahawak!
"I'm sorry to decline sir. It's inappropriate," peke akong ngumiti. I backed away when he stepped closer to me.
"Miss," nakangising lapit niya ngunit napatigil siya nang humarang sa dibdib niya ang kamay ni Reeve. The guy turned to him. Maski ako ay napatingin kay Reeve. I gulped when his eyes bore to mine for the second time around. Umigting ang panga niya bago niya tinignan ang kasama.
"Let her do her job. Pick another woman here, not her," matigas na sabi niya sa kasama niya.
When he turned to look at me, I nodded before walking away. My heart doubled in beat. Doon ko lang napansin na pinipigilan ko na pala ang paghinga ko.
Pumalakpak ako matapos ang speech ni Reeve. Almost all of the guests were looking at him with admiration. Pati ako napahanga sa kanya. Sobrang layo na talaga ng narating niya. Mas malayo pa sa kaysa sa height ko!
"Time to do my job," sarkastikong bulong ko sa sarili ko at tumayo para lapitan siya pagkababa niya ng stage.
"Engineer De Marco," I called his attention. Reeve looked at me, emotionless.
"Sorry to disturb you but I just want to inform you that you will be sitting with the other VIP guests at the center table for lunch," pormal na sabi ko.
He's standing arrogantly in front of me with his sleeves folded above his elbow. He looked so professional with his hair fixed on a clean cut. Three of his buttons were opened.
I quickly looked away when his brows furrowed. Pinagdasal ko na sana hindi niya napuna ang pagsusuri ko sa kanya. Nakakahiya Yasi! Ang manyak mo!
Napansin ko ang paglapit sa akin ni Trisha. "Ma'am hindi po ba kayo kakain ng lunch? Pinapatanong po ni Ma'am Livy,"
I shook my head at her query. "No, I'm good," tipid na sabi ko. She nodded and left.
Sinulyapan ko si Reeve na seryoso ang mukha. Nagsalubong ang kilay.
"Have a happy lunch, sir. If there's a problem, please don't hesitate to ask me," I smiled at him and was about to turn my back but he shook his head.
Magtatanong na sana ako kung bakit ngunit may batang bumunggo sa akin. Nawalan ako ng balanse. "Shet!" Mura ko.
"Putangina," Reeve whispered, holding me by the waist. He caught me right on time.
"Hala, sorry sir!" Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko. I panicked and broke free away from him. Lumingon ako at nakitang may ilan na napatingin sa gawi namin. I bit my lip.
Someone whistled at the side so I turned to look who that was. May lalaking nakangisi habang nakatingin sa amin ni Reeve. "Hi Miss. Engineer Paulo Galvante, kaibigan ni Engineer Reeve," pagpapakilala niya sa sarili sa akin.
He turned to Reeve. "Nice Engineer De Marco! Para kayong mag-ex. Pero bagay pa rin kayo," natatawang sabi niya.
Sa pagkapahiya ko, tumungo lang ako bago ako nagmamadaling umalis. I walked gracefully to the veranda of the hall. Nang mag-isa na lang ako, napahawak ako sa railings.
"Yasi boplangs ka! Sinong tiyanak ang bumunggo sa akin?!" Pinaayan ko ang sarili ko at huminga ng malalim. Marahil isa sa mga anak ng associates ang makulit na nakabangga sa akin.
Pagkatapos kong kalmahin ang sarili ko, bumalik ako sa loob. Lumapit muna ako sa catering area at tinignan kung maayos ba bago ako umalis. Tinawag ako ni Ma'am Sariaga. At gusto kong mapamura dahil katabi niya si Engineer Reeve. Humugot lang ako ng malalim na hininga at naglakad palapit kay Ma'am.
"She's Yasmin Alvares, the head organizer of this successful event," nagulat ako sa pagpapakilala niya sa akin sa mga associates. "Most of them were asking about you," bulong ni Ma'am Sariaga sa akin.
"Natatandaan kita! I saw you one time, you're an architect diba?" Tanong nung isang babae.
Nahihiya akong ngumiti at tumango.
"Wow, you're amazing," puri ng isa. "An Architect slash event organizer,"
Pagtingin ko kay Reeve, muntik na akong mapairap nang makitang may babaeng nakahawak sa hita niya at humahagikhik sa tabi niya. Reeve was smiling lazily while she whispers in his ear. Sa harap nila ay si Engineer Galvante na ngumisi nang mabasa ang reaksyon ko.
He laughed kaya napatingin sa kanya ang ilan sa mga kasama nila.
"Are you okay, Engineer Galvante?"
"Ah oo! Ang sarap lang kasi ng pagkain. Nakakaselos naman 'yung nagluto!" he coughed while laughing. Anong pinagsasasabi niya? Anong relate non?
"Diba Engineer De Marco?" Baling nito kay Reeve na walang emosyon siyang tinignan.
Ngumiti lang ako. "Please excuse me. Enjoy your meal," tipid na sabi ko sa mga VIP bago ko sila tinalikuran.
"Patay ka, Engineer De Marco." I even heard Paulo tease Reeve which did not matter anyway.
"Pati sa hapag, nakikipaglandian. Napakagaleng," sarksatikong bulong ko bago napahinto nang lapitan ako ni Benjamin.
"Sabayan mo 'ko ng lunch, please?" He asked.
"Benjamin wala akong gana,"
"Oh huwag mo nang pilitin, ayaw nga sa'yo– ay etse ayaw ngang kumain!" Livy said mockingly at Benjamin who glared at her.
"I'm not talking to you,"
"Oh? Bakit ka nakatingin sa'king ngayon habang nagsasalita?" Irap naman ni Livy sa kanya. Parang na badtrip agad si Benjamin. He looked at me.
"I'll see you later," paalam niya sa akin at sinamaan ng tingin si Livy.
"Lakas ng amats ng manliligaw mo na 'yun,"
After lunch, balak kong lapitan si Reeve na katabi si Engineer Galvante. Pero natagalan saglit dahil may mga guests na gustong magpa-picture. Like what the hell are they thinking?! Kasali ba sa job description ko 'yun?! I declined them of course!
Reeve was watching me while I refuse the other guests' request. When I walked to his direction, he raised a brow at me.
"Kindly inform me if you're leaving so I'll show you your room, Engineer De Marco," pormal na sabi ko.
Nailang ako nang makita si Engineer Galvante na malawak ang ngiti habang pinagmamasdan kami. What's with him?
Reeve nodded. "I want to leave now,"
"What? Now?" Gulat kong tanong. "Are you not gonna talk more with some of the guests?"
"No," he looked bored.
Naaligaga ako ngunit tumango pa rin. "Oh! Okay uhm follow me then?"
Tipid kong nginitihan si Engineer Galvante bago tumalikod at sinimulan ang paglalakad. Hindi na ako lumingon pa. I can feel Reeve's oozing presence behind me.
"Engineer De Marco!" Sigaw ng isang babae ang nakapagpatigil sa akin.
I pursed me lips and looked behind me, only to see a woman smiling at Reeve. Siya 'yung kalandian ni Reeve kanina. Tinignan ko ang reaksyon ng loko. Ano? Maglalandian ulit sila?
"Are you leaving already? Why so soon?" She asked, glancing at me before smiling at him.
"Pagod lang. I need to rest," he answered.
Humalukipkip ako with poise at prenteng tinignan ang mga kuko ko. Sumimangot ako nang makita ang modernong pagpapa-cute ni ate ghorl kay Reeve. Gosh! Di naman cute!
"I have to go, Engineer Castro," Reeve said before gesturing me to continue walking. Inirapan ko lang siya bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
Tahimik kami hanggang sa tumigil ako sa tapat ng unit niya kung saan siya tutuloy sa araw na ito. Nasa Quezon City kami ngayon para sa event, approximately 13. 7 km away from Manila. Nilingon ko siya.
"Would you mind if I ask why you agreed to stay here though you have your own house and unit in Manila? You can drive there,"
He smirked lazily and messed his hair. Napatitig ako sa mukha niya. He's drop dead hot.
"I came here directly from the airport, Ms. Alvares. Few hours of sleep is what I need. Tamad akong magbiyahe," walang ganang sabi niya.
"Edi matulog ka na! Kailangan mo dahil nagmumukha ka ng zombie," I sarcastically said.
Reeve pursed his lips and stared at me with amusement. Nahiya ako sa inasta ko kaya tumikhim ako. I'm talking to the most important person today. Kung narinig ako ni Ma'am Sariaga baka pinagalitan na ako.
"What about you? Where will you stay?"
Nagulat ako sa tanong niya. "H-huh? Bakit mo tinatanong kung saan ako nakatira?! Bakit... bakit ko sasabihin?! Ano ka stalker?!" I answered defensively. But I quickly realized how wrong it was.
Reeve tilted his head.
"Fak," I muttered and cleared my throat. "Sorry, that answer came out wrong. I mean.. Tatapusin ko lang 'yung event tapos uuwi na rin ako sa Manila," I answered.
"Sinong maghahatid sa'yo?" Reeve asked again. Bakit ba tanong ng tanong?!
Napangiwi ako dahil naiwan ko ang kotse ko sa Manila dahil sumabay ako kay Livy. And I think Livy needs to stay here because she has to finish some errands.
"Sasabay ako sa kung sino ang puwede. Bahala na," Maingat na sagot ko.
Lumunok ako nang makita ang pamumungay ng mga mata niya. Shet! Limang taon akong walang dilig! Pakiramdam ko nga mamamatay na 'ko! Am I dying?!
"Ay puke," mura ko nang mahulog sa kamay ko ang papel na hawak ko.
Tumalikod ako at tumuwad para kunin iyon. Pagharap ko kay Reeve, nakita ko ang paglunok niya at ang pag-iwas niya ng tingin. Na-distract ako at muli kong nabitawan ang papel na hawak ko. Why is he so distracting?! Kasalanan niya!
Reeve sighed before he picked it up and gave it to me. He was standing so close to me, I could smell his perfume. I bit my lip because of that. 'Yung amoy niyang pinaglihian ko noon kay Kiel. Hanggang ngayon, nakaka-adik pa rin. Ubos na 'yung perfume na bigay niya noon.
"Here," Reeve said as he handed me the paper.
"Thank you,"
I turned when someone cleared his throat. Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko si Engineer Galvante.
"Muling ibalik ang tamis ng pag-ibig..." pagkanta niya.
He laughed when I glared at him. Bakit parang may alam ang gagong 'to? What the heck! I turned to Reeve and shot him a judging look. Reeve shook his head and looked at Paulo.
"Ah 'wag niyo sanang masamain lovebirds. Engineer De Marco, nandito lang ako para ibigay sa'yo ang blueprint nung project kay Mr. Salazar," ngisingisi siya. Nag-whistle pa!
And what– lovebirds?! Ibon kami? Tangina ba? Tsaka bakit nakasunod siya sa'min?
"Nice to meet you pala, Miss Alvares. Ang ganda mo," he complimented and offered a hand.
"Share mo lang, Engineer Galvante?" Masungit na pambabara ni Reeve sa kanya.
"Uhm thank you, Engineer Galvante. Pleasure to meet you," nakipagkamay ako bago ako tumingin kay Reeve.
"So I'm leaving now?"
I bit my lip when he just looked at me. His eyes dropped to my lips before he cleared his throat. My lips parted when he gave me his calling card.
"Call me when you're going home. Ako na maghahatid sa'yo. Sabay na tayong umuwi," he said coldly before giving me that authoritative look.
.....
Quarantine, Tuesday, pm.
06-16-20