"Oliver," I hissed at him pero hindi niya ako pinansin. Hinila niya pa rin ang tali ng bathrobe na suot ko.
"Isa pa," ungot niya na parang bata.
Isa pang pinagsasabi nito? "Naka-ilang isa pa ka na!"
He pouted and kept on tugging at the belt. "Bitin. Isa pa."
"Baliw ka talaga. Pinagbigyan ka na nga umaabuso pa. Nakaligo na ako."
"Eh 'di maligo ulit. Saka na tayo magtipid ng tubig kapag nasa bahay na tayo."
Sampalin ko na kaya ito baka sakaling matauhan. "Tumigil ka na, Oliver." At pinagpatuloy ko na ang pagtutuyo ng buhok ko gamit ang tuwalya.
"Ang damot naman," himutok niya. "Parang hahalik lang ulit, eh."
I sneered at him. "Diyan ka magaling. Sa pahalik-halik lang tapos mayamaya kung ano-ano na pinaggagawa mo."
Ngumisi siya. "Hindi kita narinig na nagreklamo kanina. More . Harder. Those were the only things you've said."
Umingos ako sa inis. Hinila ko na ang robe belt mula sa kanyang kamay at mahigpit iyong ibinuhol at my waist. Tinapon ko na rin sa kama ang basang tuwalyang ginamit ko sa aking buhok.
"Kanina pa 'yon," I said primly. As prim as I could get with me standing in front of him as he sits butt-naked on the edge of the bed. Dahil nga hinila niya ang belt ko kanina, napilitan akong tumayo in between his open legs.
"Your family is expecting us. Kanina pa," dagdag ko. "Huwag puro ulo diyan sa ibaba ang pinapairal, San Martin." Nginuso ko pa ang mukhang rume-recover niyang tarugo. Wala talagang kapaguran ang isang ito.
He glanced at his cock at parang timang na kinausap iyon. "Paano ba 'yan, little buddy. We've hit our quota already. She wants us to start on our no-pussy diet now."
Parang nananadya rin naman talaga, that cock bobbed its mushroom head.
Tiningnan niya ako. "Nalungkot siya, love," pagsusumbong niya pa. "Hindi ka naaawa?"
Laughter bubbled from within me. Confirmed. I have chosen a crazy, crazy, crazy man to love. Crazy. Perverted. So adorable.
Natatawa at nanggigil kong hinawakan ang magkabila niyang pisngi at mariin siyang tinulak pahiga sa kama. He bounced on it chuckling bago tatawa-tawa ring naupong muli. Good god! The core strength of this guy! Minamani ang sit ups!
Nakatingin ako sa kanya in wonder and in awe of his athlete's body when that wicked smile of his came back. Nagbabadya na naman na wala siyang matinong sasabihin. "Are you sure na ayaw mo nang umisa pa? You look thirsty."
"Ang kapal talaga ng mukha mo."
He snickered. "Oh, c'mon baby. Kunwari ka pa. You're looking at me that way."
"What way?"
"'Yong tipong hawak na hawak."
Napahalakhak na rin ako sa mga kabaliwan niyang pinagsasabi at lumapad lang din lalo ang pagkakangisi niya. Inabot niya ang isa kong kamay at hinila ako papalapit hanggang sa nasa dulo na naman ako ng kama. Pinatong niya ang mga palad ko sa kanyang matipunong dibdib and licked his lips. "Now, love, touch."
Nakipagtitigan muna ako sa kanya bago din naman sumunod. Oliver San Martin has always been a temptation I cannot resist. The serpent to my Eve. And he seems to be even more tempting tonight.
Maybe, it is because this would be our last encounter and this has to last us for a month. Two weeks ang bilang niya. Nakalimutan niya yatang uuwi ako ng saktong Christmas day at babalik lang after the New Year.
Bumaba ang aking mga kamay mula sa kanyang dibdib. Umalon pa ang kanyang tiyan nang pinaglandas ko roon ang aking mga kamay. My hand went lower to the part of him he promised to be mine alone.
"Is this what you wanted?" I stared into his eyes as I pressed a pad of my finger on the tip of his cock.
"That does not even cover a tenth of what I need from you, Sabrina," he whispered. His head is thrown back so he could look at my face.
"Oh?" Wrapping my hand around his hard length, I pumped him slowly as my face descended towards his. "Are you going to insist on another round?"
"Are you going to give in?" balik-tanong niya. His warm breath fans my lips.
My tongue slid out for a quick lick on his full lower lip. Softly, I whispered, "No."
A determined glint lit up his eyes. "This has to be enough then."
He grabbed the back of my head and crushed my lips with his. I welcomed his questing tongue inside my mouth, letting it slide against mine. He moved it as his cock would have done inside my pussy. Kung pinagbigyan ko siyang muli.
Bumaba ang kanyang mga kamay sa aking likod, drawing me even closer to him without letting up from the kiss. Nalunod na namang muli sa sarap ang aking utak dahil natagpuan ko na lang ang aking sarili na nagpapaubaya at tumutugon. Kahit sinabi ko nang wala nang isa pa.
Huminto siya and continued to trail wet kisses to my chin. His fingers tunneled through my hair and pulled my head back so he could lick, nibble, and suck his way better down the column of my neck. Napapapikit na lang ako sa sarap at init ng kanyang katawan na nakapalibot sa akin. My eyes opened with a gasped when he suddenly sucked on the sensitive skin of my jugular notch.
"Oliver," I panted. "Marks." But he ignored it and the sucking intensified. Kagat-labi na lang akong napaungol sa nag-aagaw na sakit at sarap ng ginawa niya. Masarap ito ngayon pero isang linggo na naman ako nitong maglalagay ng concealer.
Before I could attempt another complaint, his mouth moved lower.
Hindi ko alam na nakalas na niya ang pagkakabuhol ng belt ng bathrobe na suot ko. The next thing I know, I can feel the sleeves of it dropping lower and the front is now open. I came to that realization when he buried his face in the hollow between my breasts, his hands at my back pushing my chest closer to him.
Gently, he dropped an open-mouthed kissed on the top of one breast, nibbled, and licked. With a snail's pace, he did that around and along the base. Hinawakan na nga niya ang dibdib na dinidilaan, pushing it up higher so he could lick the sensitive spots better.
He glanced at me from beneath his lashes and threw me a wicked smile bago pinisil ang kabila kong dibdib na hindi niya pinagpapala.
"You have beautiful breasts, Sabrina," papuri niya. With the broad part of his tongue, he took a long swipe of the areola.
Naipatong ko na lang ang mga kamay ko sa kanyang balikat to keep myself upright. Nanghihina ang tuhod ko sa ginagawa niya.
"Breasts made for fondling." He cupped both breasts at the base, and bounced them up, very gently, enjoying the weight.
I believe I got respectable-sized breasts. Sakto lang sa tindig ko. Just enough para masabing mayroong hinaharap. Pero kung papakinggan itong si Oliver, akalain mong ang laki ng hinaharap ko. Palaging gigil.
"Made for licking," he piped up again. With the tip of his tongue, he traced the dark patch of skin around my nipple. Licked all around while taking care to avoid the actual tips.
"Made for sucking." Finally, he licked my nips. Blew on it lightly. And brought it inside his warm, moist mouth. He suckled like a hungry baby. So hungry.
Salitan niyang ginawa iyon sa aking dibdib. Alternated between sucking and flicking his tongue. Walang kasawaan. And I stood there, between his legs, letting him have his delicious way with me.
O, Sabrinang kay rupok, tuya ng utak ko and I silenced the little whiner with a vengeance.
Kung marupok ako, ano na lang ang tawag dito kay Oliver na kung makasibasib sa mga hinaharap ko, kulang na lang ay lunukin ng buong-buo.
After a while, he eased up on my breasts, licking them all over. Parang tutang humihimod sa mukha ng kanyang pinakamamahal na amo. Mayamaya, huminto na rin siya at inilayo ang aking katawan. He is visibly panting at the effort.
"Let's stop here. I'm this close to throwing you on the bed again. Baka bukas na tayo makakarating sa bahay kapag nagpatuloy pa 'to."
"We can't have that," mariin kong sabi.
"No, we can't have that." Ang lalim ng buntong-hiningang pinakawalan niya. "But you gotta promise me one thing, love."
Umarko ang isang kilay ko in question and he grinned at me wickedly. Lalong tumaas ang kilay ko. "Ano?"
"Promise muna," parang bata na naman nitong pangungulit.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Ano na kasi?"
His grin widens. "When we have our child and you got milk, I want to suckle from you again."
"Ulol mo," asik ko sa kanya. "Ang arte mo nga sa kutsara at tinidor, tapos ngayon gusto mo pang kumain diretso mula sa akin."
Humalakhak siya at hinapit ang baywang ko. Nagnakaw pa ng mabilis na halik sa aking dibdib ang walanghiya bago kusang isinara ang roba ko. Tuwang-tuwa pa siyang tumugon. "Iba naman kasi 'yon, baby. My issue is eating other people's dirt. Iba namang usapan kung ikaw. Kung galing sa'yo, kakainin ko kahit na ano."
"Kadiri ka rin talaga minsan, Oliver," asar na asar kong wika habang pilit na nilalayo ang sarili ko sa kanya. I'm so done with this stupid conversation.
"I'm a guy. We're supposed to be all kinds of yuck and kinky, right?"
"Tao king," sabay irap ko sa kanya.
Pinagtawanan na naman niya ako. "Ano 'yan? Mura na naman ba 'yan?"
"Bitawan mo na kasi ako, Oliver."
"Nyotaimori," bigla niyang sabi na ang lapad ng pagkakangiti at may kakaiba pang kinang ang mga mata. "Let's try that one time, love."
"Kalokohan na naman ba 'yan?" may pagdududa kong tanong.
"Hindi ah," mariin niyang pagtanggi pero hindi naman mapagkakatiwalaan ang pagkakangisi. "It's a time honored Japanese tradition."
Ma-research nga kung ano na namang pakulo ang sinasabi niya. Mapasubo na naman ako sa kung anong gulo dahil sa nobyo ko na 'to na puro yata kalokohan at kahalayan ang laman ng utak. Saan kaya pupulutin ang Zenith Properties balang araw kung ganito siya palagi?
"Maligo ka na nga rin. Para makaalis na tayo," pamimilit kong muli dahil mukhang nawawalan na naman kaming dalawa ng direksyon.
He sighed at binitawan nga ako. Agad akong umatras para makalayo sa kanya. Walang gana naman siyang tumayo at inabot ang tuwalya na ginamit ko sa aking buhok. Akala ko ipangtatapis niya. Isinampay lang pala sa balikat. Hubo't hubad pa rin siyang nagmartsa sa harapan ko. Ang exhibitionist talaga.
Kinuha niya ang cellphone sa bedside table on his side, placed his thumb on the screen at saka inabot sa akin. Nagtataka ko naman iyong tinanggap at sumikdo ang puso ko nang makita ang twofie namin na ginawa niyang wallpaper. Kuha namin iyon nang minsang magbilad kami ng mga kubre-kama at pareho kaming naka-jersey shirt niya. Ang saya namin sa larawan.
"Para saan 'to?" Pilit kong inalis ang aking mga mata sa larawan at tiningnan siya.
"You wanted to buy a box of chocolates, right? Iutos mo na lang kay Edgar. Para dire-diretso na tayo sa bahay. Edgar ang name niya diyan sa contacts."
Hindi na niya hinintay ang tugon ko at tumalikod na para pumuntang ensuite bathroom.
I sighed and looked through the mobile's contact registry to find Edgar. Nakakahiya man, sinunod ko ang sinabi ni Oliver dahil tama siya. It would be more practical for the butler to buy what I needed rather than dumaan na naman kami sa isang shop. I really think we are late for his family's dinner and we will be even more late if we make another detour.
After three rings, the butler finally picked up the phone. "Good evening, Sir Oliver."
"Hello po," nahihiya kong bati.
Saglit na tumahimik sa kabilang linya.
"Ahh. Miss Sabrina?" tanong niya na ikinagulat ko. Kailan pa nalaman ng butler ang aking pangalan? Ang alam ko isang beses pa lang kaming nagkita.
"Opo," magalang kong tugon.
"How may I be of service to you today?"
"Do you know what's Sra. Ynez's favorite brand of chocolates?"
Muli siyang tumahimik. Tila pinag-iisipan nito ang aking tanong. "I may know it," maingat nitong sagot pagkaraan.
"Can you please get me a box of it please? 'Yong pang-gift edition po sana, if they have it. Assorted flavors, if possible."
"Consider it done. Should I have it delivered to the mansion?"
"Dito na lang po sana sa suite. Hintayin ko na lang po dito."
"As you wish. And, Miss Sabrina?"
"Yes po?"
"If I may be so bold and make a suggestion? Drop the honorifics when you speak to the help. As you are with the Emperor, every sign of weakness on your part will be a reflection on him. He deserves an Empress. He seems to think that you are it. Act like one."
Natahimik ako saglit.
"I'll bear that in mind," malumanay kong tugon kahit na alam kong namumula ang aking pisngi. "Thank you," controlling my impulse to tack a 'po' at the end.
"I am here to serve. Have a great evening, Miss Sabrina."
I ended the call and heave a deep sigh. Will there be more butlers at the San Martin residence? Bakit nga ako ulit pumayag na umuwi kina Oliver? I am in over my head talaga.
Edgar was right, though. Someone like Oliver San Martin deserves an empress to his emperor. Alam ko naman sa simula pa lang. Pero sa ngalang ako ang nasa tabi niya ngayon got to fake it that I can fill those shoes.
Who knows? I may eventually grow into the role.
Kung lahat sana ng pinapangarap ay siya ring nakukuha, ang saya sana.
Muli akong bumunton-hininga at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang pamimili ng damit na susuotin. Now that I've heard that reminder from Edgar, I must take care with the clothes I wear tonight. I have to be presentable kahit na mukhang lalaki sa kanto na naman malamang ang get-up ni Oliver nito. Okay lang sa kanya kasi parte naman siya ng pamilya.
Nilalatag ko na sa kama ang napili kong damit nang bumalik si Oliver sa kuwarto. Saglit akong huminto sa ginagawa ko at sinulyapan siya. He got inside the room naked and dripping water all over the carpet. Ganyan din talaga ito. Hindi nagtutuyo sa loob ng banyo. Binabawasan niya lang maging ganito kapag nasa kuwarto ko siya natutulog. Alam niya kasing sinusunod ko ang basa na kinakalat niya everywhere he went inside the room.
Naiiling na muli ko na lang sinipat ang damit habang nararamdaman kong pinapanood niya ang aking ginagawa.
"That looks nice," komento niya. Nagpapatuyo na siya ng buhok ng lingunin ko.
I lifted the long-sleeved, black chiffon midi dress with floral details at itinatapat sa katawan ko. "Ito?"
Tumango siya. "You'll look like a fairy in that." At ngumisi. "Covers up my mark nicely, too."
Eyeroll lang ulit ang response ko at muling ibinalik ang damit sa kama. Binalikan ko ang aking maleta to find a pair of shoes na ipapares ko sa damit. Crossing my fingers that I brought a pair that would go well with it.
I was squatting over my luggage, rummaging inside it for the shoes nang biglang umalingawngaw sa kuwarto ang ringtone ni Oliver. Napatuwid ako at nagpalinga-linga, trying to find the location of the sound. Pagkatapos kasi ng pag-uusap namin ng butler, hindi ko na namalayan kung saan ko nailapag ang cellphone.
Nakatayo na si Oliver sa aking tabi nang mahanap ko nga iyon. Inabot ko iyon sa kanya na agad naman niyang tinanggap. Dropping a kiss on my forehead in thanks, he swiped on the screen.
"I'll call you back, Kuya," bungad niyang sagot at agad ding ibinaba ang tawag.
Walang sabi-sabing binuhat niya ang maleta ko na nasa sahig at inilapag sa kama, sa tabi ng nakalatag kong damit.
"Marurumihan ng gulong ng maleta ang kama," paalala ko. Kaya nga hindi ko na iyon inakyat sa kama.
"The staff will clean after us. I want you comfortable, love."
Nangingiting napapailing na lang ako. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, baby." And I got another chaste kiss on my cheek bago siya tumalikod sa akin and swiped over his phone screen again.
Isa-isa ko nang nilalabas ang mga packing cubes to check for shoes as I listen to Oliver's part of the conversation. Unavoidable naman kasi na marinig ko iyon dahil hindi naman siya lumabas ng kuwarto. Katulad ko, naghahanap din siya ng maisusuot mula sa kanyang closet naman habang nakikipag-usap.
"You're all there?" nagtatakang usisa ni Oliver. Mayamaya nga ay napatingin ako sa kanyan ng mahina siyang natawa sa kung ano mang sinasabi ng kausap.
"Hold the fort," sabi niya. "We're coming."
"Hindi pa tayo late for dinner?" usisa ko naman nang lingunin niya ako after ending the call.
Nakangiti siyang umiling at ibinaba ang cellphone sa bedside table. "Apparently, hindi pa sila nagsisimula. That was my cousin. Hinihintay daw tayo sa bahay. Come here, baby, and help me choose what to wear."
Umarko ang isa kong kilay sa narinig. "Won't you get into your usual jeans and T-shirt?" tudyo ko.
"That was the plan before I learned that one of my aunts is having dinner with us. Distressed jeans and T-shirt won't cut it tonight. My mom would throw a fit if I appear looking like a hobo."
I doubt if Oliver could ever look like a homeless person even if he tried very hard. Anyway, lumapit na nga rin ako at dalawa na kaming nakatingin sa laman ng closet niya. Jeans and T-shirts to a full set of Barong Tagalog and tuxedo are in there.
"Dito ka ba nakatira kung wala ka sa apartment?"
Umiling siya. "But among our properties, dito lang ako may mini-maintain na suite talaga. Kaya may complete wardrobe dito. The rest of the family have rooms at The Riviera. I have one there, too. But I have not used it yet. Baka ngayong taon lang."
Sabay kindat sa akin. I stuck my tongue out at him in revenge. He chuckled at inakbayan ako. Inayos niya pa ang pagkakabalot ng bathrobe ko sa akin kasi nga alam niyang ayaw kong nababasa. He is still dripping.
"Formal affair ba ang hapunan sa bahay niyo?"
Frowning, I scanned his clothes critically. I picked up a navy polo shirt at itinapat iyon sa katawan niya, taking care na huwag masyadong magdikit sa kanya para hindi mabasa. He stood up straighter so I could see better how it would look on him.
"Hindi, usually. Pero Tita Grace is in the house with my cousins. May pagka-snotty 'yon. Sa bahay nila, may dress code during meals."
I raised an eyebrow at that. "Bisita lang ang tita mo sa bahay niyo, 'di ba?"
Natawa na siya sa expression ko. "Yeah, but that doesn't stop my aunt from mouthing off. Kaya nga she easily gets on my mom's nerves. Hindi pa nga sila nagdi-dinner at sabi ni Kuya Raphael mukhang ginugutom na daw ang nanay niya. The hungrier she is, the more annoying she gets. She's pestering my mother right now at malapit nang mapuno sa kanya si Mom."
His mother will be in a bad mood. And I'm going to be dropped on her as the girlfriend she had no clue about. And I'm going to stay with them for the next two weeks. Just great.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako at binalikan ang pamimili ng damit para sa kanya. "Ang weird ng pamilya mo," nasabi ko na lang.
I picked one white chinos from among the pants at itinapat din kay Oliver. Napailing ako. Though it looked good on him, the vibe is a little bit more casual than what I think he needs. Napakagat-labi ako at muling pinasadahan ng tingin ang iba pang klase ng mga pantalon sa loob ng closet.
He chuckled. "Aren't all families? I'm sure the del Valle clan has its own quirks."
I found a dark navy jeans na mukhang slim fit ang tabas. Kinuha ko iyon at itinapat muli sa kanya. It looked better. Kaya iyon at ang polo shirt ang inabot ko sa kanya.
"Try this one," sabi ko pa.
Tinanggap naman niya ang mga damit pero the look on his face signifies that he is waiting for some kind of response from me. Pinilit ko ngang alalahanin ang huli niyang comment and shrugged when I recalled it.
"I wouldn't know," wika ko. "I only ever see them on New Year's Eve Party at formal affair 'yon. Since Rachel is a bit crazy, baka nga may kabaliwan din ang side na iyon ng dugo ko."
Iniwan ko na siya sa tapat ng kanyang closet para makapagbihis at ako man ay muling bumalik sa kama. I whispered a prayer in thanks nang makita ko ang heels na hinahanap ko. Inilabas ko din ang pares ng bra at panty that would go well with the chiffon dress at inilapag iyong lahat sa kama. I stared at the ensemble. I need a pair of earrings. Should I go for a pair of stud pearl earrings? Or something dangling? Ilulugay ko ang aking buhok. I don't have the time to actually do something intricate with my hair.
I was getting into the pair of underwear nang mapansin ko ang pananahimik ni Oliver. Binalingan ko siya and I was surprised to see na hindi pa rin siya nagbibihis and the dark expression on his face.
"Are you alright?" nagtataka kong tanong.
"No." Mas lalong nandilim ang kanyang mukha. Tinatlong hakbang niya lang ako and I suddenly found myself in his arms.
"What's gotten into you?" maang kong tanong.
"The del Valles are mistreating you," he growled out. He sounded extremely offended in my behalf na hindi ko na maiwasang mapangiti. This boyfriend of mine is really adorable.
"You know what I am, right?," I gently asked.
Nagtagis ang kanyang bagang. "Yes. The girlfriend I dearly love," matigas niyang wika. The tone of his voice daring anyone to refute his claim and suffer. Who will not fall for this man?
I patted the arm surrounding me, trying to calm him down. "I'm an illegitimate child, Oliver," kumpisal ko. Tumingala ako para matitigan siyang mabuti. "My mother is a del Valle mistress."
I know he has an inkling about my situation pero iba pa rin talaga if I voiced it out loud. It would make it real in his mind and would really sink in. He said he chose me. If he decides to continue doing that, I want him to do it with eyes wide open.
"Every time the clan looks at me, they are reminded of my father's greatest mistake and they feel shame. The die has been cast years ago. I am what I am. They are what they are. Nothing will change that ano mang gusto natin. No sense getting angry on my behalf, love."
He growled low. "I will get angry at anybody who hurt you. You are too good for the lot of them," he kissed and hugged me tight. "'Di bale. Kukuhain kita sa kanila. Becoming a San Martin is better."
The words are so wonderful to hear and I wish I don't have to be the pessimist who will rain down on his parade but there are certain things that needs to be said. "When your parents find out about me, they may not like me for that. You have to be ready for that."
"No way," matigas niyang sabi. "Hindi ganyan kakitid ang utak ng mga magulang ko. I love you. You make me happy. That would be enough for my parents."
Natawa na lang ako sa parang batang paslit na conviction nitong si Oliver. To live a life of an idealist, must be amazing. Mahigpit ko siyang niyakap at napapikit.
'God, if you're listening. Wala ka pa namang panalingin kong nasagot. Pero kalimutan mo na lang lahat 'yon. Ito na lang ang ibigay mo sa akin. Huwag mong hayaang ako ang magpabago sa magandang pananaw ni Oliver sa mundo.' I almost choked up with my last thought but I persevered. 'If someone has to get hurt later, ako na lang. Tutal, sanay na rin naman ako. Huwag na lang ang lalaking ito.'
"Love?" alanganing tawag niya sa akin.
I opened my eyes and raised my face up to his. Magiliw kong hinawakan ang kanyang pisngi. "You are a very silly man, San Martin." At kinintilan ko siya ng mabining halik sa pisngi.
"I love you, Sabrina," seryoso niyang banggit.
Lumamlam ang pagkakatitig ko sa kanya. "I know," at muli ko siyang niyakap ng mahigpit at inihilig ang aking pisngi sa kanyang dibdib. "And I'm glad."
Another tight and fast hug at binitawan niya na rin ako. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagbibihis at ganoon rin siya. Isa-isa na rin niyang sinuot ang mga damit na pinili ko para sa kanya.
Tinutulungan na niyang ibutones ang damit ko nang tumunog ang doorbell. I told him to answer it at ako na ang tatapos . Pagbalik niya ay bitbit na niya ang box ng chocolate wrapped in a red and gold ribbon na pinabili ko kay Edgar.
"Chocolates?" he looked at me enquiringly.
"For your parents."
Naiiling siya. "You're spoiling my parents too much. Baka ngayon na nila mare-realize na ang sama kong anak at itakwil na ako in favor of you."
I grinned at him. "Imposible 'yang mangyari."
He looked at me with an answering grin. "Tingnan natin."
Muli siyang lumapit sa akin at inagaw na ang earrings na ina-attempt kong isuot na hindi nananalamin. Maingat niya iyong isinuot sa akin. He also helped me slip into my three-inched heels. Hindi na ako ganoon kaliit tingnan kapag tumabi sa kanya lalo na at naka-low top sneakers lang siya.
"Let's go?," nakangiti niyang yaya sa akin at inilahad pa ang isang palad. Ipinatong ko naman ang aking kamay doon at ngumiti rin.
"Tara na," maliksi ko namang sagot, interjecting a confidence I don't feel in my voice.
I must have succeeded in faking it for his smile just brightened some more. Hila-hila na niya ang maleta ko habang pasakay kami ng elevator.
I looked at my reflection on the metal walls and smiled.
You're going to get through this, Sabrina. For you love him.
How hard could it be to make his parents love me? When my own can't family can't even bear to look at me? Right. How hard could it really be?