mermaid dress, her long legs, and big locks reminded me of an incident eight years

ago. Back when Rad's

still starting.
Engineer Anne, who called me Nene, who used to work for VHRV, Holdings, is here!
Tumuwid ako sa pagkakaupo at taas noo na nilingon ang pinsan kong katabi ko. Why
are these people here?
What the hell?
Sumulyap ako kay Agatha na ngayon ay kunot-noong nakatingin sa akin. Wearing a
vintage looking yellow
dress, her skin looked paler than ever. Her black hair is curled artificially and
when she saw me looking at
her, she looked away.
"Are all these businessmen here... investors?" sabay sulyap ko kay Ethan.
"Yes," sagot ng pinsan ko.
Great!
The questions started. One of the boards facilitated it. At dahil medyo maganda ang
ginawa ko sa mga
empleyado, wala na masyadong tanong galing sa kanila.
It was a painful thirty minutes of sitting in front of all of them, answering their
queries until it's time.
Ipinakilala ang bibili ng stocks ni Daddy. Ethan and Radleigh were recognized.
Agatha clapped along with
the Engineer, who called me "Nene", years ago. Kung pwede lang sanang magmayabang
na CEO ako ngayon,
ginawa ko na. Kaso'y masisibak din agad ako ngayon.
P 28-2
They introduced the new board. And luckily, both Agatha Valderama and Engineer Anne
Ruiz were one of
the few new board members. Note the sarcasm. There's even another woman who looked
as mature as that
Engineer Anne who joined the table. Baka naman reunion ito ng mga babae ni
Radleigh?
I shifted uncomfortably on my seat when it was the turn to vote of the President
and Chairman of the Board.
Ethan facilitated it.
Nanatili akong nakaupo. Sumu-sulyap sulyap sa mga bagong board members at nakikinig
sa lahat ng sinabi ni
Ethan.
I just really hope that he'd win. It's wonderful to know that the Vista Grande will
still be a Leviste Company
after this but to my horror... only two voted for Ethan! Ako at ang kanyang
kaibigan.
Nilingon ako ni Ethan.
"Prepare for the worst..." he murmured.
I sighed. I don't want this to happen but this is one of the consequences! Malamang
ganito ang mangyayari.
And I noted that most of the board were Radleigh's associates! Of course they are
the leading Real Estate
Developer now. Kahit ang Le Viste ay sa kanila nagpapagawa ng mga bahay!
Nakita ko ang ngisi sa labi ni Agatha nang halos lahat ay bumuto kay Radleigh. I
surveyer the whole room
and only the three of us didn't vote. Ethan, his friend, and of course me.
Nakaupo lamang si Radleigh sa gitnang upuan, binabati na ng mga bagong board
members. Hindi ko alam
kung bakit kabado ako lalo na noong nagpalakpakan na ang lahat. Even Ethan clapped
his hand. Ako lang yata
iyong parang nasunugan.
Before Radleigh was given the chance to say something, Ethan requested for his
part.
"As much as I want to lead my Grandfather's business, the Vista Grande, I amstill
honored that a trusted
friend was chosen to be the Chairman. Like Zariya Leviste, this company holds a
special place in my heart.
And I know, Radleigh Riego will do his best for the company, its employees, and the
clients. With that, I take
the responsibility as the Vice President of the Vista Grande, granting that the
previous President, Zariyah
Leviste, will head the Architectural Design."
Parang gusto kong lamunin na lang ng lupa habang sinasabi ni Ethan iyon. Most of
the boards nodded and
agreed to his request.
"But of course, as Executive Vice President, I will have to honor the Chairman's
decision about it."
Kung tutuusin, hindi na dapat iyon sinabi ni Ethan. Napagbigyan lamang siya dahil
dating amin ang
kompanyang ito.
My throat ran dry when Radleigh stood up. Pakiramdamko ay sasabog ang puso ko sa
sobrang kaba. Halos
hindi ako makagalaw para man lang tumuwid sa pagkakaupo. They were all clapping
their hands while I just
froze on my chair.
Radleigh started his introductions. Although, hindi na kailangan dahil mukhang
kilala siya ng lahat. Malaki
P 28-3
ang ngisi ni Agatha habang pinagmamasdan si Radleigh sa harap. Instead of looking
at Rad, I fixed my eyes
on his girlfriend. She looked so proud of him.
"I will grant Ethan Leviste's request. Zariyah Leviste will be the head of
Architectural Design."
'Tsaka lang ako napalingon kay Rad. His eyes stayed on me for a while but then a
hand was raised in the air.
Si Engineer Anne Ruiziyon. Nagtagis ang bagang ko.
Sumasakit ang panga ko. Pakiramdamko'y kailangan kong mag retail theraphy
pagkatapos nito. Oh... right. I
can't do that easily. After this meeting, I'mprobably broke as fuck. But how broke
is broke, I wonder?
"For a failing company to hire someone with less experience, isn't that a bit
scary?" she said.
Bitch!
I hate this damn girl! Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang ginawa niyang pagpapahiya niya
sa akin. Sumulyap pa
siya sa akin, walang pag-aalinlangan na hinagod ako ng tingin. She smiled
confidently and turned to
Radleigh.
"She has all the experience abroad to prove that she is efficient," Ethan
countered.
Gusto kong magsalita pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. Rad's lips twitched a bit and
another hand was raised
in the air.
I presume he's an Engineer and one of the investors as well. He's young. Younger
than Radleigh. He was
granted to talk.
"Maybe we should give Miss Leviste a chance. After all, she won't be a Leviste for
nothing."
Nagtanguan ang mga board. This man is great! Ilang saglit kong tiningnan ang
lalaki. Determined to memorize
every bit of his face.
Bakit parang ipinagmamakaawa ko pa ang trabahong ito? Well, I can just sit and wait
for money to grow and
not care about the company. I care for the company that's why I amextending my help
in the Architetural
Design team. Kung ayaw nila, e 'di h'wag!
Wow! Zari! You forgot you might not have much money. Waiting for the company to
profit and gain from
your investments will take what? Three? Four? Five years? Paano kung wala na akong
pera sa susunod na
taon? Anong gagawin ko? I need to fight for this spot!
Radleigh's brow creased. Now, he looks seriously pissed for some reason.
Without raising her hand, Agatha chose to talk.
"Maybe you can find a more experienced Architect, Radleigh. You know how important
that is. You are an
Architect yourself."
I froze again at that. Ang mature ng pagkakasabi niya noon. Tila ba sobra-sobra ang
confidence niya sa sarili.
P 28-4
At mahinhin din siya. Aside fromthat... Radleigh is an Architect? I thought he's an
Engineer? Or is he...
fuck... both?
Oh... The million things I don't know about him. Hindi ko na siya matingnan ngayon.
Pain crept in me even when I don't want to feel it. Oo nga pala...
"Oh wait! You are too busy since you're a Chairman. I can extend my services and be
Head instead," she
giggled.
And of course... she's an Architect, too.
How common is my profession is in this field, I wonder?
Pride is whispering at me. "Zari, h'wag ka nang makipag-away sa posisyon na mukhang
hindi para sa'yo..."
Kinagat ko ang labi ko para pigilan ang sarili sa pagsasalita. Sa lahat ng
pagkakataong pinili kong
manahimik, ngayon ang pinakatama.
"I give Miss Leviste the chance to be Head of Architectural Design. There will be
no questions."
Bastard! Of course, you should! Salamat nga pala sa pag iinfect nitong kompanya ko
ng mga kampon mo!
Namely, your hell of an Engineer and your fiancee!
Some groaned at Radleigh's decision. Hinanap ko ang mga mata niya ngunit ngayon ay
seryoso na siya. No
gentleness was found in his eyes, only his business-like demeanor. Good! I almost
forgot what he is because
of everything that's happened.
He is a tycoon. Hindi iyan susugal kung wala siyang makukuha. He came fromscratch
and would never
probably want to experience it again.
"As for the office. The Vista Grande will now become a Riego Holdings, Incorporated
company so the
remaining employees will have to move to the RHI office."
Damn! Mag eevacuate pa yata ako! Not that I have much documents! And I won't be in
an office! Cubicle lang
siguro!
How pitiful!
Damn it, Zari! Will you shut up!
I seriously need retail therapy. But do I have money, by the way? Siguro grocery na
lang. Baka wala na akong
makain sa mga susunod na araw sa condo!
I suddenly regret that I didn't tell Calla how I want to go out after this. This is
stressing me out. Ay, oo nga
pala. Wala akong cellphone!
"The Vista Grande has a total of three undone real estate projects that we need to
push through. The other one
still on the planning stage. It is a good plan with the middle-class as the target
market. By next week, we can
P 28-5
discuss about the project's plan."
Napatingin ako kay Radleigh. I have that plan.
"We can review the budget..."
I raised my hand. He stopped talking. May ibang plano pa yata siyang tanggalin ang
mga dating nakaplano ko
na!
"Yes, Miss Leviste..." medyo huminahon ang boses niya kumpara sa tono niya kanina.
"I have the plan for that."
Labas sa ilong ang hininga ni Agatha pagkasabi ko noon. My eyes went to her,
immediately. She awkwardly
smiled. Bumaling muli ako kay Radleigh.
"Okay. We can review that Miss Leviste."
Tumango ako at bumalik sa pagsandal sa aking upuan.
The meeting lasted for hours. Food was served para hindi magutomang lahat. My
attention was caught when
my secretary went to me.
Nagkatinginan muna kami bago siya bumulong.
"Ma'amZari, ang sabi po ng Accountant n'yo na maaaring tumalbog ang ibang cheke if
we are going to wait
for your properties to be sold. Isa pa, ang iilan doon ay hindi pa sa'yo
nakapangalan kaya medyo matatagalan
ang proseso and you said you'll pay this Monday?"
Damn! What amI gonna do with the properties, then? Naisip ko ang isla pero muli ay
isinantabi ko iyon. An
idea flourished within me but I just couldn't picture it out properly.
When the meeting was adjourned, almost everyone didn't leave. Most especially,
Radleigh remained with his
affiliates. Ang iba'y nag-uusap-usap at nagtitipon tipon pa.
Radleigh's talking to Engineer Anne Ruiz when I saw how Agatha went up to them.
Seryoso naman si
Radleigh sa pakikipag-usap sa kanila kasama ang iba pang businessman. Ngunit ang
kaalamang magiging
kasama ang mga ito sa mga board meeting ay mas lalong nagpapairita sa akin.
My eyes drifted to the women's bodies. Engineer Anne Ruizlooked so hot. She's tall
and mature-looking,
with big boobs and big butt! Si Agatha naman ay maputi, balingkinitan, ngunit may
mas malaking hubog ng
dibdib at puwitan! She's like a better version of my body.
Thinking about it hurts my ego.
Anger and hatred suddenly welled in me. Gago rin talaga itong si Radleigh, e. How I
thought there's
something in between us back in the island is all down the drain now. Bakit ko ba
laging nakakalimutan na
mayroon nga pala siyang mga babae?
P 28-6
"Zari."
"Ano?" iritado kong baling kay Ethan.
Halos umatras siya nang nakita ang iritasyon sa aking mukha.
"Well, meet the accountant again now. Let's go..."
"Fine!" nagpupuyos kong sinabi.
Kasama si Edgar at Roman ay lumabas kami roon! Maiwan na nga kayong lahat diyan!
Kahit sa meeting namin kasama ang accountants, iritado parin ako. Ethan knew that
my mood isn't okay
anymore. Lalo na noong sinabing matatagalan pa bago maibenta ang mga properties.
Lalo pa noong sinabi rin
kung magkano na lang ang natitira para sa akin.
"Don't stress yourself too much, Zari," si Ethan nang pababa na kami sa basement.
I ordered Roman and Edgar to just tail me. After my grocery, pu-pwede na silang
bumalik sa mansyon.
Huminga ako ng malalimat pinatunog ang BMW ko. Nilingon ko si Ethan. At muli ay ang
BMW ko.
His brows furrowed when he noticed my idea.
"I can sell my car and I will buy a downgrade," sabi ko.
Umiling si Ethan. Mukhang disappointed na sa mga desisyon ko samantalang ako'y
parang natauhan. Bakit pa
kailangan ng BMW? Kailangan ko lang ng sasakyan. Anything will do, right? So a
Toyota won't hurt!
"Whatever you want, Zari. Call the secretary for your ideas. Are you going home
now?"
Gabi na. Hindi ko alamkung nasa condo na ba si Belinda. Sabi niya'y ngayon ang uwi
niya. And I will need
some groceries.
"I'll buy some stuff for the condo."
Nanliit ang mga mata ni Ethan sa sinabi ko. "Ugh! Groceries, Ethan! Don't worry!"
But... he needs to worry! Dahil noong nasa mall na ako'y naglalakbay na naman ang
mga mata ko. I indulged
my eyes as I looked at the clothes at Forever 21. Kahit hindi na sa mga high end
boutiques!
Imbes na mag grocery ay natagalan pa ako sa pagtitingin ng mga damit. I was wearing
a dress so it's not
obvious that I'mnot really buying any of those! No one judged me.
After spending an hour looking at so many clothes, I went to a phone store.
Alamkong bilin sakin ay
ichicheck pa ang safety ng phone ko pero tingin ko'y kahit sabihin mang ayos na
iyon, hindi parin ako
magiging panatag kaya bumili talaga ako ng bago.
I will sell my BMW anyway. Maybe I can divert my funds fromthere, right?
P 28-7
Kita mo si Rad. I don't think he cares if I have a phone or not. After the island,
he doesn't care anymore. Not
that I expect himto care, though. But after that heated night, inisip kong may
nararamdaman talaga siya para
sa akin. Ngayon, the convenience away, he's just the same old person.
After buying the latest Iphone, I went to a restaurant to eat. Oh how I miss eating
in a restaurant. Bukod pa
roon, na miss ko rin ng lubusan ang magpa spa! A day at a spa won't hurt my budget.
That could go a long
way... like... a month?
Pero hindi ito ang tamang araw para roon dahil baka bukas, magluluto na si Belinda
ng tsinelas dahil wala
nang laman ang ref.
Kung sa bagay... I can't expect Radleigh to spend most of his time on his phone.
Aside sa marami siyang
trabaho, he probably finds that gesture childish. Hindi ata uso sa edad niya ang
pagtitext. What more ang
social media?
Even so! I ampretty sure he texts Agatha! No! He just doesn't text her. He calls
her! Skypes her! At sakin...
wala?
After eating, I went to the groceries to buy all that I need. Breakfast doesn't
need to be cooked most of the
time. I'mfine with fresh fruits, cereals, oats, or graniola. Pasta is a must. And
some known Filipino food.
Bawat hatak ko sa mga binibili ay halos padabog ang bagsak sa cart.
Imagining that the cart is Rad's chest and I'mslamming himeverything. I hate him!
He's a bastard! I know he
tried his best to save me but I'msure he wouldn't do that if he isn't involved!
Kung hindi ko siya kinidnap,
wala rin siyang gagawin. Dawit siya kaya may ginawa siyang paraan!
I was so agitated pagkabalik ko ng condo. Nagpatulong pa ako sa dalawang roomboy
para lang madala ang
aking mga pinamili. Ang tanging naging dala ko ay iyong paperbag ng iPhone.
Binuksan ko ang aking condo at pinauna ko sa pagpasok ang dalawang roomboy para
mauna ang aking mga
pinamili.
Nang tuluyan kong nakita ang loob ng condo ay nabigla ako. I expected Belinda to be
there, but not Radleigh!
"Ma'amZari! Buti naman at dumating na kayo!"
Tumayo si Radleigh nang namataan ako. He looked tired as he rose frommy sofa. His
necktie was loose. He
looked at me fromhead to foot and then his eyes stopped at the paperbag I have.
Parang lason ang galit sa aking sistema. Uminit ang pisngi ko nang halu-halo na ang
naramdaman.
Bukod sa iritado ako sa kanya sa nangyari kanina, tiningnan niya pa ang paperbag na
dala ko, pati ang mga
dala ng roomboy na tila may nagawa na naman akong masama!
"Kanina pa si Ser Rad dito-"
"What are you doing here?" I said heatedly at Rad.
Itinago ko sa aking likod ang paperbag ng iPhone. I don't know why I'msuddenly
guilty.
P 28-8
"Where have you been? I was worried-"
"What are you doing here?" I said, ignoring his question.
"You bought a new phone?" tanong niya sabay tingin sa aking iba pang pinamili.
The roomboys exited and closed the door behind us. Natutop ni Belinda ang kanyang
bibig at bahagyang
umatras. Mukhang alamang nakaambang galit ko.
"So what?!" iritado kong singhal kay Rad.
Gulat sa aking galit ay bahagyang tumaas ang kanyang dalawang kilay. He looked
confused at first until he
relaxed.
"And don't you dare judge all these! I bought this so I can live for the rest of
the week! Anong pakealammo?"
sabi ko sabay martsa padabog.
"Whoa!" Umaliwalas ang kanyang mukha at nagtaas siya ng dalawang kamay. Like an act
of surrendering. "I
amnot-"
"I need a phone! And if I wait for my other phone, I don't think magiging panatag
akong gamitin pa iyon kung
natrace ako dahil doon!"
Bumagsak ang kanyang balikat. A small smile played on his lips and I don't know
what that's for. Muli ay
nagseryoso siya.
"Okay... I know..." humakbang siya palapit sa akin.
Kumalabog ang puso ko sa takot at galit. I remember what happened earlier today and
all I think about is the
bitterness.
Nag-iingat siyang lumapit sa akin at marahang hinanap ang aking siko. Nang
nahawakan niya ako ay agad
kong binawi ang sarili.
He looked so stunned at my reluctance. Lalo na noong nakita niya ang talimng aking
mga mata.
"Bakit ka ba narito? Umalis ka na nga?! Paano mo ba ako natunton dito?" iritado
kong sinabi.
He sighed.
"Zari, you're being unreasonable. What's your problem? Let's talk about this,"
tunog sumusuko na siya.
He attempted to hold my elbows again. Muli kong ipinagkait iyon sa kanya.
Naglakad ako patungo sa aking kwarto at sumunod agad siya. Thoughts of being locked
in a tight space with
himmade me so thrilled... dahilan kung bakit mas lalo lang akong nairita!
Mabilis ko siyang binalingan.
P 28-9
"After inviting your fiancee to invest on my company, you come here like nothing
happened? Anong gusto
mong mangyari sa kompanya ko, ha?"
I advanced. Akala ko'y aatras siya dahil sa takot sa akin, imbes ay nanatili siyang
nakatayo, towering over
me.
"Ma'amZari, Ser Rad, huminahon ho kayo..." Natatarantang sinabi ni Belinda.
"She is not my fiancee-"
"Then what? Your... girlfriend?" I said the last word with pure disgust.
He looked pissed now. His eyes were as dark as a stormand his jaw clenched tightly.
Magpakatatag ka, Zari. H'wag kang papatinag sa lalaking ito. Two timer. Playboy! Sa
bagay, paano nga ulit
siya masasatisfy sa akin? The hell!
"She's not my girlfriend! There is nothing in between us. Whatever that was, it's
pure business, okay? Zari..."
hinawakan niya ulit ang siko ko ngunit mukhang in the mood talaga akong ipagtulakan
siya ngayon.
I pushed himwith all of me. Hindi siya natinag. He looked so problematic as he
looked at me hurling at him.
"So... myth na pala ngayon iyang 'A Riego doesn't marry for business?'"
Now he looked aggressive, as well. Pero bago pa siya makapagsalita ay tinalikuran
ko na siya at sinaraduhan
ng pinto.
"Zari!" he called and knocked on my door.
"Leave! I want to rest! You are making me so stressed and that's the last thing I
need now!" asik ko sabay
padabog na naupo sa aking kama.
Ilang sandali kong tinitigan ang pintuan. Ang hindi siya marinig doon na nagsalita
o kumatok ay parang mas
nagpalala sa aking nararamdaman.
Hinilot ko ang aking sentido at pumikit ng mariin.
I don't know what's gotten into me. Maybe anger. Maybe jealousy. Maybe lack of
resources. Maybe career
problems. Maybe everything.
Damn!
Binagsak ko ang katawan ko sa aking kama.
HHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAILYZARI HAHAHAHSHHAAI THINK LIKE ZARI
P 28-10
Kabanata 27
529K 20.7K 20.4K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 27
Jealous
"Madaling araw yata siya umalis, Ma'am," ani Belinda habang nagsasalin ng kape sa
kanyang sariling tasa.
He must've been very guilty. Iyon ay kung may natitirang guilt pa sa kanya.
I must've forgotten that he didn't say yes to marrying me. That alone means
something. Why this is a big deal
to me, I don't know. What happened in that island is just nothing. We're both
adults. It's just lust. We're in a
dark room. Our hormones are raging. That's all.
"Bilin niya sa akin na sabihin sa'yo, Ma'am, na maaga siya ngayon dahil may
aasikasuhin siya sa Cavite.
Magkasama yata sila ni Ser Ethan sa isang conference sa Cavite."
"Why, I don't really care, Belinda. Besides, I have so many things to do aside
fromtalking to himof
nonsense."
Ngumiwi si Belinda sa sinabi ko. Tila walang tiwala sa naging sagot ko. Pero iyon
ang totoo!
"Poor man, he must've been very stressed at work. Where did he sleep then, Belinda?
Or did he?"
masamyong boses ni Calla habang nakatingin sa aking kasambahay.
I asked her to come over today. She's more than willing to be with me since she
doesn't have work.
Dakilang housewife si Calla at kung hindi nagtatanimng mga halaman sa kanilang
hardin ay nagpapa-spa ito.
She's literally living the life I want. Well, except that if I'mnot going to work,
I will be broke as fuck.
"Sa sofa lang, Ma'amCalla. Hindi ako sigurado kung natulog iyon pero mukha nga
siyang pagod. Kawawa
nga, e."
Binalingan ako ni Calla. Her eyes accused me of being so hard on that bastard.
That's just right, 'no!
"Oh well, I'll reserve my pity to the people I like," I said proudly.
"Hindi mo ba like si Ser Radleigh, Ma'am?" Mausisang tanong ni Belinda habang
nilalapag ang tasa ng kape
kay Calla.
Napigil sa ere ang ambang paghigop ko ng kape dahil sa nakakaagrabyadong tanong ni
Belinda.
"No," I denied to save my pride. Ngayon lang yata may pakinabang ang pride, e.
P 29-1
Humagikhik si Calla. Nanginginig ang kanyang balikat sa tawa. Nang tinapunan ko ng
tingin ay umiling siya
na parang wala lang.
So... today we will move the office. Ang sabi'y kagabi agad sisimulan ang pag-
eevacuate para walang
masayang na panahon. I agreed to it even if it hurts me. Ilang taon na rin kami sa
building na iyon. But if
moving will mean for the betterment of the company, so be it.
Dadaan muna kami ni Calla ngayon sa dating opisina ko. Pagkatapos ay kukuhin ang
isang box na inayos ng
secretarya ko noon at pupunta sa bagong opisina ko.
The new office is located at the 16th floor of the building where the RHI is. Ang
alamko, sakop ng floor na
iyon ang RHI. Sa 17th, 18th, at 19th naman ang VHRV, Inc.
At dahil ilang bloke lang ang layo noon sa building namin, hindi na rin naman ako
mahihirapan.
"Kuya is always partying with his girls. Alammo bang si Maica ang girlfriend niya
ngayon?"
Halos umuga ang sasakyan sa gulat ko sa sinabi ni Calla. Nasa front seat siya
habang ako'y nagmamaneho.
Kanina pa naglalakbay ang utak ko sa pagbibenta nitong BMW pero nakuha niya ang
atensyon ko nang sinabi
niya iyon.
Maica? My ex barkada? Glaiza's friends?
Buti na lang iniwan ni Ethan si Glaiza. I heard Glaiza cheated. Obviously! Medyo
nararamdaman ko nga
noong gusto ni Glaiza si Radleigh, e. Ethan's probably only her trophy! Once a
cheater, always a cheater. A
leopard just doesn't lose its spots.
"Really?" nagulat ako roon.
"Yes!"
Nagpatuloy sa pagkukwento si Calla tungkol sa mga escapades ni Caleb. Na tulad ko'y
gastador din. Iyon nga
lang, mas grabe siya ngayon. Magkakasundo talaga kaming dalawa noon!
Nangingiti ako habang kinikwento ni Calla na bumili ng Ducati si Caleb at hindi
niya man lang daw ginamit.
Nagpaplano raw itong maglakbay sakay ng isang cruise ship. Wow!
"We should join one himone of these days, Calla. Iyang mga parties niya. I want to
get even with those
girls," sabi ko.
Ngumiwi siya. "Luigi won't let me go to Clubs without him."
"E 'di, isama mo siya!"
She pouted a bit. Nakakasakal ba? Buti na rin pala at hindi ako maagang nag-asawa.
May panahon pa ako
para makapag explore!
"Akin na nga 'yang box!" sabay hablot ni Calla sa dala ko.
P 29-2
Hinayaan ko siya. She looked at me fromhead to foot. Ganoon din ang ginawa ko sa
kanya.
"I'mgoing to a spa. You're going to your office. And yet, we look like this?"
natatawa niyang sinabi.
Ako'y nakasuot ng isang tube top dress, covered with a boyfriend coat. She's
wearing skinny jeans, a red tshirt,
and a red flat shoes.
"What? This is, normally, my office look!" halos natigil ako sa paglalakad.
"Besides, if I have time, I'll go
with you in that spa."
Sinubukang buksan ni Calla ang aking BMW. Pinatunog ko ito at 'saka niya pa
nabuksan.
"I know, Zari. I just think you're a little bit overdressed."
Kumunot ang noo niya nang napagtantong hindi niya maipasok ang dalang box sa likod.
May isa pa kasing
malaking box diyan.
"This is my fashion statement. I'mglad I shopped for enough clothes before I paid
my father's debts. At least I
have something to wear."
"And where do I put this? Kakandungin ko na lang?" tanong ni Calla sa akin.
The pink clip on her hair looked so childish. May asawa ba talaga ang isang ito?
"Yes, you should."
Sinarado ko ang pintuan sa likod bago tumuloy sa sasakyan. Sumunod na rin siya sa
akin at nagseatbelts.
"How much did you spend yesterday? I don't mean to intrude, friend, but
I'mwondering."
"Ugh! Pati ba naman ikaw? Those are needs, Calla. I'mactually glad I didn't buy
anything other than that."
"Fine, then!" she ignored.
Umirap ako at pinaandar na ang sasakyan.
Ang gusali kung saan ang VHRV ay mas matayog sa gusaling pinagrentahan namin para
sa opisina ng Vista
Grande. I can imagine more high end companies here and I'msuddenly excited.
Lumabas kami ni Calla sa basement parking. Kinausap ko ang guard tungkol sa mga
dalang gamit ko. Ang
iba'y naihatid na sa taas at ang dala ni Calla ay iyong iilang mga kakailanganin ko
na lang.
Nakapunta na ako roon dito. This is where I caught Radleigh cheating with his
client. Bittersweet memories
of my childhood filled me. I remember how heartbroken I was back then.
Agad ko ring iwinaksi iyon sa aking isipan. Hindi panahon ng pagto-throwback
ngayon.
Tumunog ang elevator at pumasok na kami ni Calla sa loob. Bumaling ako sa reception
na may nakalagay na
Riego Holdings, Inc. Sa baba nito ay inaayos ang kulay green na Vista at kulay blue
na Grande, gaya ng
P 29-3
aming logo.
"I look like your maid here," ani Calla habang nakasunod sa akin.
Bawat nakakasalubong ay pinagtutinginan kami. I removed the coat I have and let it
hang loosely on my
shoulders. Hawak ko ang isang Louis Vuitton clutch.
"I told you I should bring that."
"Nevermind. I like it..."
Baliw din pala ang isang ito.
Nang nakalapit na kami sa receptionist ay nilingon ko ang magkabilang panig. The
left side is full of cubicles.
The ends were doors leading to the offices of high ranking people. Ganoon din ang
right wing. I wonder
where I will sit?
"Where is the Vista Grande staff located?" tanong ko.
The receptionist looked at me with amazement in her eyes. Hindi na ako nagtataka.
Ganoon naman talaga ang
epekto ko.
"On the left wing, Ma'am."
Iyon nga rin ang iniisip ko dahil nakikita kong medyo magulo pa. Maraming boxes at
kung anu-ano sa
kanilang mga cubicles.
Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Cubicles. I will surely be in one of those!
Nilingon ko ang right wing at nakita ang dami ng lalaki roon. The left wing has men
but mose were girls. Ang
lalaking nahalo lamang ay ang mga empleyado ko roon.
"I amthe Head for the Architectural Design. Could you lead me to my office?" tanong
ko.
Nilingon noong receptionist ang kasama. Natataranta namang tumango ang kasama nito.
"My name is Zariyah Leviste. Can you check it in your files?"
Nagmamadaling nagcheck iyong babae. Pagkatapos ma kumpirma na naroon nga ako ay
lumabas na iyong isa
para igiya ako sa aking magiging cubicle.
The familiar faces of some of my employees were there. Sanay na sila sa akin pero
kitang-kita ko ang
pagkakatigil nila nang nakitang palapit ako.
Men looked at me in awe. Ang mga babae naman, hindi ko sigurado kung pagkakamangha
ba iyan o
pagkakainis. Nagpatuloy na lang ako sa paglalakad.
"Here is your table, Ma'am," sabi noong receptionist.
P 29-4
At least I expected it to be a cubicle, hindi na ako nagulat. Nilapag ni Calla ang
aking box doon. Tiningnan ko
ang computer chair at agad nasiyahang bumili nga ako ng mas komportable.
The computer chair I have here is generic. I don't like it. I want something
similar to my swivel chair, only
not as big.
"Can you please call the guard and ask himto deliver the box I have downstairs.
He'll know if you tell him
my name," sambit ko sa receptionist.
"Okay, po."
Humalukipkip ako tiningnan ang box na hinatid na rin siguro kanina ng mga tauhan.
Aayusin ko na sana ang
nasa loob nang bigla kong nakita si Agatha.
Wearing a dark orange ruffled dress, she's with three other younger males.
Nakatingin siya sa akin, seryoso
ang mukha habang kausap ang mga lalaking kasama.
"Oh..." napasinghap si Calla nang nakita iyon.
Oh well. We shouldn't be affected by Agatha. I'mhere for work and not for any
competition.
Habang inaayos ko ang mga papel sa aking magiging lamesa ay narinig ko naman ang
sinabi ng isang nasa
mga late thirties na babae sa isang kadarating lang na kliyente.
"Engineer Riego will be here soon, Ma'am!" anito sa babae.
"Okay. I'll be back," sagot noong babae at muling naglakad paalis ng opisina.
My eyes unconsciously went to her body. The same demographic status. Galing talaga
ni Radleigh, 'no? Is he
choosing his clients through their body?
And he'll be here fromCavite? I thought he won't be here today. God!
"Good afternoon, Miss Leviste," si Agatha sa isang pormal at banayad na tono.
I expected her to come to me. Ibinaling ko sa kanya ang tingin nang nawala na iyong
kliyente kanina. Kitangkita
ko ang paghagod ng tingin ni Agatha sa aking damit. Her brows furrowed.
"Good afternoon," I smiled a bit and then turned towards her companions.
She has done nothing wrong to me. Why I amso pissed of her is beyond my logic.
"These are your Architectural assistants. Sa tabing table ang kanilang lamesa. I
believe you know these two.
These are fromVista Grande?"
Tumango ako nang nakilala ang mga natitirang employees ko. Ang dalawang lalaking
kakapasa lang sa board
ay nanatili sa kompanya. Parehong magaling magtrabaho si Phil at Barth.
"And this is Glen. He's fromRHI. He will be part of your team," ani Agatha.
P 29-5
Naglahad ng kamay si Glen sa akin. Hindi kagaya ng naunang dalawa ay mas matanda
siya ng siguro'y ilang
taon. Kinamayan ko siya at pagkatapos ay nagkamot siya sa batok, namumula.
"Boys, this is going to be your cubicle. I believe you all know your job
description?" si Agatha sa isang
pormal na tono.
She smiled at them. Sinuri kong mabuti ang damit at galaw niya. Well, walang
kapintasan sa mga iyon. Kahit
ang boses ay pormal. She's screaming of class and elegance.
Sumulyap ito nang nakita akong nakatingin sa kanya. Binaling ko agad ang tingin ko
sa aking lamesa. I pulled
out the chair I disliked and put it beside Calla.
Calla glared at me and then siya na mismo ang nagbuhat noon para mailagay sa tabi.
"Why did you pull that chair out, Miss Leviste?" tanong ni Agatha.
Bago ko pa masagot ay nakita ko ang sunod-sunod na pagpasok ng mga naka tuxedo na
mga panauhin. One
man immediately went to an office. Ang isa, iyong Engineer na sumang-ayon sa akin
kahapon, ay naglalakad
kasama si Radleigh.
The Engineer talked to Radleigh as Rad's stern face looked straightway na tila
walang kausap. Ang
sekretarya ay nagmamadaling lumapit sa kay Radleigh, informing himprobably of a
client waiting in his
office.
Tailing themare the two building guards, bringing my new computer chair inside the
box!
And shoot! Kailangan nga pala iyong iassemble pa!
Rad's eyes met mine. Lumiko siya patungo sa cubicle ko. I shifted my gaze to the
bodyguards behind him.
My heart started pounding but I didn't mind it so much. I amso busy for anything.
"Good afternoon, Rad!" si Calla ang unang bumati.
Kita ko ang pagkabigla ni Radleigh sa presensya ni Calla. He nodded curtly at her.
Nakatitig agad si Radleigh sa akin. The Engineer he's with is on his side. Binati
niya kami at palipat lipat ang
ngiti sa amin ni Calla pero natigil din sa akin.
"It's nice to see you here, Miss Leviste!" malamyos na sinabi noong Engineer.
Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi na ako nag-angat ng tingin. "Nice to see you, too,
Engineer. I will be
working here in this cubicle."
"Well, that's good! I'mthe head of the Engineering Department. My office is just
near," sabi nito.
Sumulyap ako kay Radleigh na ngayon ay lumalimang gitla sa noo habang nakatingin sa
akin. Imbes na
magpatuloy sa kwentuhan ay nilingon ko ang kadarating na mga security guards.
P 29-6
"What is that?" tanong ni Agatha.
Obviously, it's a new computer chair.
"Can you do it, Manong? I think it's easy," sabi ko sa dalawa.
"Kaya po, Ma'am..." Sabay ngiti noong mas batang security guard. "Madali lang ito."
"Oh! Thank you! I can do it myself but I'mnot in the proper attire to do the dirty
work."
"Miss Leviste, you bought a new computer chair? Kaya ba inilayo mo iyong isa?" si
Agatha ngayon.
I sighed. Why are there so many nosy people? Kahit ang mga empleyado rito ay
nakatingin na sa amin.
Bahagya pang tumabi si Calla dahil masikip na ang daanan at naaabala na siya ng
dalawang guards na ngayon
ay kinukuha na ang mga parte ng computer chair at pati na rin ang papel kung paano
iyon iaassemble.
"Is it bawal?" sarkastiko kong tanong kay Agatha.
Napakurap-kurap siya sabay tingin sa pinagkakaabalahan ng guards ngayon sa sahig.
"Rad..."
Nagbabanta ang tingin ko kay Rad. Anong problema sa pagbili ng panibagong computer
chair? His serious
pitch black eyes remained that way. He didn't speak.
"Paano ba ito?" tanong noong isang guard.
"Hindi n'yo po ba kaya, Manong?" malambing kong sinabi sa pag-aalala.
"Medyo mahirap po pala ito." Binaliktad niya ang papel na binabasa sa pagkakagulo.
"I think I can help..." sambit noong si Glen, na isa sa teamko.
Umaliwalas ang mukha ko. He squatted with the guards near me. Then he turned to me
with a wide smile.
"Kaya ko 'to, Miss Zari," he proudly said.
"Oh! Thank you! Sige, tulungan mo sina Manong!"
"I have a computer chair like this, Zari. I think I still remember how this works,"
si Engineer I-don't-know
ang nagsabi noon.
"That's great! You can help, too!"
"Anytime..." sabi noong Engineer at nakisali na ngayon sa pag-aayos noong computer
chair ko.
"I see nothing wrong with our computer chairs here..." si Agatha habang nakatingin
kay Radleigh.
Nagtiim-bagang ako. Why is this girl so nosy? Power tripping? Bakit? Pera niya ba
ang pinambili ko ng
silya?
P 29-7
"Zariyah, in my office," mahinahon ngunit mariin ang pagkakasabi ni Radleigh noon.
Napaawang ang bibig ko. Inayos niya ang kanyang tuxedo at tinalikuran ang lupon.
Nagkatinginan kami ni
Calla.
Now what?
"Miss Leviste," si Agatha.
Nilingon ko at nahanap ang ngiti niya. She looked pleased and I don't know for what
reason.
"You just insulted him. Getting a new chair and dispatching the company's chair
means you're not pleased
with his decisions."
Bumilog ang labi ko sa sinabi ni Agatha. I don't know why I amsuddenly so sarcastic
that even her threats
are funny to me. Napansin niya ang sarcasmko. Her features hardened and lips in a
grimline.
"Please, don't act like a child here. This is business and we take it seriously,"
she said.
"I take it seriously, too, Agatha. Don't worry..." sabi ko at naglakad na patungo
sa pinasukang opisina ni
Radleigh.
Before I left, I saw her face contort in anger. I don't know what's her
relationship with Rad but if it's true that
they planned to engage for business, and for himto say yes to that, there must be
something going on.
My heart hurt a bit but I did not let it affect me.
Ganito naman siya, noon pa. He was always vague and unlike other men, hindi ko basa
ang kanyang mga
kilos.
He acts like he likes me but then sometimes I also think he thinks of me as his
little sister. Back when I was
fifteen, I always have the first move with himthrough texts. And it's always me
who's excited to see him.
Hindi pa iyon dahil bibilhan niya ako ng mga gamit! Ako lagi.
Siguro ay masyado pa akong bata. That himbeing so mature means everything I do is a
childish act. The
texting thing. The excitement thing.
Damn!
Pagkabukas ko sa kanyang opisina ay namangha ako sa kalinisan nito. Walang wala ang
opisina ko noon
bilang CEO. It looks sleek and neat. With white and chocolate brown interiors.
Spikey green plants on the
side is the only source of other color.
His large table sat on the right side. Ang isang dingding ang isang mahabang glass
windor galing sa dulo
hanggang dulo. The ash gray carpetted floor and the ash gray rectangular sofa
greeted me.
His coat was removed now. Nasa likod ng kanyang upuan. I caught himtrying to loosen
up his tie. His eyes
met mine.
P 29-8
Nasa likod siya ngayon ng kanyang swivel chair, nakatayo.
Palihimkong hinagod ng tingin ang kanyang torso pababa. His white longsleeves
hugged his body right. I
swallowed hard, secretly as I confidently strut till his sofa. Tinutupi niya ang
kanyang damit ngayon hanggang
siko para. The veins of his armshowed up when he fisted. He shifted a bit. His long
and powerful legs is
hugged rightly by the soft material of his slacks.
Nainsulto ko raw siya. I proudly looked at himin the eye.
He looked dangerous. His strong and masculine bone structure is more defined now
that anger is etched on
his face.
Nangatog ang binti ko pero dahil isa akong mahusay na artista, hindi ko iyon
pinaramdamsa kanya.
I crossed my arms. Trying to piss himoff...
"Care to explain?" tumaas ang isang kilay niya.
"Explain what? The chair? You're insulted because I didn't like the computer chair
you have here?" panimula
ko.
Marahan siyang pumikit, tila nagpipigil ng galit. Then he sighed before opening his
eyes again.
"I hope you're not wearing that everyday." He pointed at my body.
Napatingin din ako sa aking damit. Hindi ko alamna marami pala siyang issues sa
akin. Una ang aking silya.
Ngayon ay ang aking damit.
"Wow! Care to informme of your suggested office attires? Why is Agatha allowed to
wear her dress while I
can't?Oh! Right... She has the priviliges while I don't..."
Mas lalo yata siyang naging problemado sa sagot ko. Nakapamaywang na siya ngayon at
nagtatagis din ang
panga.
"Those men are looking at you like you're some TV show. Have you seen the staff
around you, Zari?"
"If they find me pretty, then that's not my problem, Radleigh."
Kinagat niya ang labi niya at muling pumikit bago bumaling ulit sa akin.
Pakiramdamko ay kaonti na lang,
sasabog na siya. Kung kahapon ay ako ang nainis sa kanya, ngayon siya naman. Now,
we're even.
"They are all wanting to please you, Zariyah! And you're using that to your
advantage! These men should be
working and you're distracting themfromdoing that because of your new computer
chair!"
Pakiramdamko ay mapupudpod ang ngipin ko sa galit. Humakbang ako palapit at
nagmukha siyang binuhusan
ng malamig na tubig galing sa pagkakainit.
Tumuwid siya sa pagkakatayo at naestatwa. Tatlong hakbang lang ang ginawa ko.
P 29-9
"E 'di sana sinabi mo 'yan kanina at nang sa ganoon, pinigilan ko sila sa
pagtutulong sa akin at ako na lang
ang gumawa noong silya ko, 'di ba? You are the CEO, you should've stopped
themfromdoing that! Also, the
last time I checked, I amalso an investor here! That means, hindi ako sakop, tulad
ni Agatha, sa kung ano
mang damit na gusto mong ipasuot sa mga empleyado mo. I can wear whatever I want,
whenever I want,
Radleigh. Don't be so controlling over me! I'mnot your employee!"
"Zari..." now his voice turned softer.
Diretso ang lakad ko patungo sa labas at patungo sa aking cubicle. Ngiting tagumpay
ang iginawad ni Agatha
sa akin na ngayon ay naroon parin, tinitingnan ang mga hired men ko. Calla gave me
a meaningful gaze. Tila
alamkung ano ang nangyari.
"Excuse me, Engineer, Sirs... Thank you for your help."
Narinig kong kumalabog din ang pintuan sa opisina ni Radleigh sa aking likod.
"However, Engineer Riego doesn't want to distract you fromwork," sabi ko.
Unang umalma iyong Engineer. "I have a free time, Miss Leviste," he smiled.
"Mang Salyo..." si Radleigh sa aking likod.
Muntik nang umikot ang mga mata ko.
"Po!" sagot noong mas matandang sekyu sabay tayo.
"Paki dala na lang ho iyang silya niya sa aking opisina. I'll let some Vista Grande
employees assemble that
instead."
Ngayon hindi ko na napigilan ang pag-irap ko. Fine! Whatever!
Sinenyasan ko si Calla na aalis na lang kami. Natatakot siyang lumapit sa akin.
"Thank you for the help, po..." masuyo kong sambit sa mga tumulong. "Engineer,
thank you very much."
"No problem, Miss Leviste." Tumayo si Engineer at lumaki ang ngisi sa akin.
I smiled sweetly and then turned to Rad's scowl. "Bukas pa ang simula namin, 'di
ba? I'll go now."
Hindi iyon para sa kanya. Para iyon sa lahat. I smiled at the men who helped me
again then immediately left
the whole room. Almost all of their male employees looked at me. I ignored all of
them, too.
"He is vile! He thinks he's so great!" patuloy ko sa paninira kay Radleigh habang
nagpapabody scrub kami ni
Calla ngayon sa isang paborito niyang spa sa Fort Bonifacio.
"You're going at this for the last fifty minutes, Zari."
"Because it's true! Hindi ko nga alamkung bakit... bakit..." hindi ko masabi.
P 29-10
Narinig ko na lamang ang hagikhik ni Calla.
"Maybe he's just really jealous?"
My heart hurdled a bit at Calla's statement. Mabuti na lang at pareho kaming naka
prone position kaya hindi
niya nakita ang ekspresyon ko.
"Ba't siya magseselos? Bakit? May gusto ba ako sa mga lalaking iyon?" wala sa
sarili kong sinabi. "Isa pa!"
ngayon pagalit naman. "Ba't siya magseselos? Gusto niya ba ako?"
Hindi nagsalita si Calla.
"He's bedded women before. I can't be suddenly the chosen one. Lalo na dahil
pinahiya ko siya ng husto
noon."
Our conversation went on until our availed services was done. Iyon lang ang gusto
ni Calla sa araw na ito
samantalang mangha ako sa isang bagong serbisyo sa buhok.
I'mnot sure if I'mhallucinating or what but I think my hair has been so dry for the
past few weeks dahil sa
dagat ako tumira. Gusto ko tuloy marejuvenate iyon.
"So? Ano? Papunta na rito si Luigi," ani Calla pagkatapos bayaran din ang pati sa
akin.
Well, I can certainly avail that rejuvenating thing for the hair since Calla has
paid for my body scrub and
manicure-pedicure!
"Oo. Mauna ka na. Hindi naman kalayuan ang condo ko, e. Thanks Calla!" sabi ko.
Alas singko y media na noong nagsimula ang hair treatment. Ang sabi'y isang oras at
kalahati lamang iyon.
It costs a lot but the feedbacks were great that I think it will be worth it. Hindi
rin naman lagi. Nilibre naman
ako ni Calla sa spa. At ibebenta ko naman ang BMW ko.
I need to budget! Damn it!
When it's all done, my hair looked so soft and shiny! Tuwang-tuwa ako na
pakiramdamko'y hindi ito ang
magiging huling treatment ko ng ganoon.
"Ten thousand pesos, all in all, Ma'am," sabi ng baklang nasa counter.
Binigyan ko siya ng isang Debit Card. Nagulat ako nang ngumiwi siya.
"Ay, Ma'am. Wala ba kayong cash? Sira kasi iyong machine namin for Credit Cards."
Oh great!
I scanned my wallet for some cash and to my surprise... I have only five hundred
pesos!
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at napatingin muli sa bakla. Ready na akong makipag-away.
Hindi ko naman kasi
P 29-11
kasalanan kung sira ang machine nila!
"I only have five hundred pesos. I can withdraw if there's an ATM nearby."
"Hmm..." Medyo nalito siya. "Meron po pero sa kabilang building pa."
Bigo niya akong tiningnan na tila ba ako dapat ang maghanap ng paraan kahit na kaya
ko namang bayaran ito.
"Well, I can just go there and withdraw first..."
I walked out and he immediately called help fromthe guards. Natigilan ako at
napatingin sa bakla,
nagpupuyos.
"How can I pay this then? I can certainly pay for it if only you have that machine.
I don't pay cold cash,
dear..." iritado kong sinabi.
"Saglit lang po, Ma'am. Sir!" may tinawag siya sa loob.
It's their freaking manager. A tall, chinito guy went to the counter. Lumagkit ang
tingin niya sa akin bago sa
bakla.
"Anong problema rito?" tanong nito.
"Kasi Sir... wala po siyang cash..." pangit na tono ang gamit ng bakla.
"I don't really pay cash, usually. Is it my fault that your machine is not working?
I have to go to the ATM
nearby."
Tumango ang Manager at may kinuhang mga papel sa ilalimng lamesa.
"We'll have to get more of your information so we would allow you, uh..."
Napatingin siya sa papel. "Miss
Leviste, to go out..."
Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. I sighed and then went to the table again to fill
in some information about
me. Umalis iyong bakla at ipinaubaya na sa lalaking manager.
"Especially that you're not a regular customer," marahang dagdag niya habang
nagsusulat ako.
"Well, this isn't my spa. This is my bestfriend's. It's pretty insulting, you know.
I pay everything and it's not
my fault that..."
Hinawi ko ang takas na buhok sa aking balikat at nag-angat ng tingin sa lalaki. I
caught himlooking at my
chest. I licked my lowerlip and smile at him.
"... your machine is not working. You think a girl like me won't pay it?" malambing
kong sinabi.
He grinned and then gave me another chilling head-to-toe before leaning on the
counter. "Of course you
would. Magkano ba ang bill mo?"
P 29-12
Nagulat ako sa tanong nito. He reviewed my bill and then an eyebrow shot up before
he looked at me.
"I like your services here," I praised.
"You know what, I can do something about your bill..."
With that, naitikomko ang ngiti ko. My smile faded into a grimline. What does he
mean by that? Biglang
lumamig ang aking tiyan.
"If you go out with me tonight, I can just forget about this amount..." before I
started lashing out, may isang
makapal na tig iisang libo na nailapag sa counter.
A large warmhand scooped my waist making me almost fall on my knees. Tumingala ang
manager na kausap
ko sa taong nasa likod. Stunned, bumaling ako sa lalaki at nakita si Radleigh na
matalimang mga matang
nakatingin sa manager.
"Is this all?" his cold baritone made some customer's head turn.
Tiningnan ni Radleigh ang aking bill.
"Ah... Y-Yes, Sir!" The manager said hastily.
Bahagyang tumango si Radleigh pagkatapos ay iginiya na ang katawan ko palabas.
"Let's go home now, baby..." he said just enough for everyone listening to hear.
HAHAHAHHAHSHHSSHHAAPALABAN KATALAGAZARI DAMHIWIEJEJEHAHHAHAHAMASHADO AKO MADALDAL
SASTORYNATO JUSKO ZARI SUKWJSJSHS
P 29-13
Kabanata 28
587K 21.5K 25.9K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 28
Girlfriend
"Ano na lang ang inisip ng mag taong naroon? Na sugar daddy kita? I can pay for
what you that!" giit ko at
natulala nang nakita ang 'Offline' na nakalagay sa ATM na tinukoy noong baklang
receptionist kanina.
Nanggigigil ko siyang hinarap nang napagtantong hindi ko siya mababayaran sa
winaldas niyang sampung
libo dahil sira rin ang machine dito.
"What did the manager say to you?" tanong niya, binalewala ang mga sinabi ko.
"That the machine is broken so I have to pay cash?" I know what he meant but I
don't want to make it big.
"God! He must've thought I'msome cheap girl with a sugar daddy!"
"I'mtoo young to be your sugar daddy," he was serious when he said that.
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. Nasa kahabaan kami ng Fort Bonifacio ngayon. Panay ang
linga ko sa
paghahanap ng isa pang grupo ng ATM machine. Dapat ay mayroon dito!
Kung hindi lang kumakalamang sikmura ko ay kanina ko pa nilakbay ang lima pang
bloke para lang
makahanap.
I turned to him. With only the lights fromlamp posts and stores, his eyes looked so
mysterious. As dark as the
night, he looked at my soul easily while I couldn't understand any of his.
He's tall and with enough masculinity. Kaya naman ay mapapalingon ang mga dumadaang
mga tao sa kanya.
Aside fromthat, his jaw is prominent. It made himlook more serious and manly. The
only thing that's
probably soft in his features is his lips. It looked sexy. Especially right now,
when he twitched it.
"Uuwi na ako!" agap ko at ibinaling ang tingin sa mga boutique sa paligid.
A big red "sale" was on those western boutiques. As much as I want to window shop,
I know that my
priorities are already shifting. I can't spend money more than I can earn. Hindi ko
alamkung magkano ang
sahod ko sa Vista Grande pero alamkong hindi iyon kalakihan. Maybe cost cutting
with clothes could go a
long way. 'Tsaka ko na babaldahin ang iba kapag nakapag adjust na ako. Besides,
gutomna rin ako.
"Let's eat first," wika niya.
Umiling ako at nagpatuloy na sa paglalakad.
Suminghap na lamang ako nang nakita ang mga mata ng mga tao patungo sa aking likod.
I certainly know who
they're looking at. Mas lalo kong binilisan ang paglalakad.
P 30-1
"I will eat in my Condo. Nagluto si Belinda..."
Hindi siya nagsalita. For a moment, I thought I was alone. Nilingon ko siya at
nakitang naroon parin naman sa
aking likod. Tahimik nga lang.
Guilt crept in me. Alamkong may hinanakit ako sa kanya at hindi maganda ang mga
nangyayari sa aming
dalawa nitong mga nakaraang araw pero kung iisipin kong mabuti, kung wala siya
kanina'y baka binastos na
ako noong manager. Parang may humawak sa puso ko at bigla itong bumusilak.
"I brought my car," nag-iwas ako ng tingin. "If you want to go to my condo, magkita
na lang tayo roon."
Tinalikuran ko siya at dumiretso na sa likod ng building noong Spa, kung saan ako
nagparking. Nagulat ako
nang pag-ikot ko sa sasakyan ay nakasunod parin siya. Kung hindi lang siya tumigil
sa medyo may distansya'y
iisipin kong makikisakay siya sa akin.
Nakapamulsa siya habang pinagmamasdan akong pinapatunog ang aking BMW. The muscles
of his face
moved. He was so silent, I don't know what he's thinking.
"You don't have a car?" I said. Halos makumbinsi na akong ganoon nga.
"I parked it on the other lot. I'll wait till you leave. Let's meet in your
basement parking."
Nagkibit ako ng balikat at pumasok na sa aking sasakyan. Habang inaatras ko ang
sasakyan ko'y sinulyapan
kong muli siya.
Don't tell me he's sporting the old Honda, again? We'll, it's been years! Baka
naman warak na iyon o ano. But
really, aside fromhe needs to let go of that old vehicle, he's the CEO of the
largest real estate industry.
Having a good car will give himcredebility and good image. Matalino naman siya. He
probably realized that
a long time ago.
Nilagpasan ko siya ng dahan-dahan. He looked at me with serious eyes. Hindi ko
mapigilan ang mag-isip ng
kung anu-ano.
Ano kayang feeling kung siya ang boyfriend mo? Ano kayang feeling ni Agatha na
muntik na silang ikasal?
Our engagement isn't counted. I was too young. We were too young!
Nasa daanan na ako nang pinaharurot ko ng mga 80kmph ang aking BMW at niliko sa
basement parking ng
aking Condominium. Bumaba agad ako at inikot ang mga mata sa basement parking.
Walang ibang kakapasok
doon na sasakyan.
I wonder if he's already here? I shrugged and then went directly to the elevator.
Pinindot ko ang close button. Papasarado na nang bumukas ulit dahil may na detect
na tao. My eyes widened
a bit when I saw Radleigh in front of me. He went in.
I scanned the basement parking again for his car but there's none. Guests parking?
Valet? Where?
Kumunot ang noo niya nang nagkatinginan kami. I pouted. Tumuwid muli ako sa aking
pagkakatayo.
P 30-2
Nasulyapan ko siyang ngumuso para itago ang ngiti.
"What?" I said defensively.
Umiling siya.
"Hmp!" at lumabas ako pagkatunog ng elevator.
Pagkalabas ay nagsimula na ulit ako sa kanina pa bumabagabag sa akin.
"I will call my accountant later to deposit the money in your account. I will pay
for my spa-"
"You don't have to," putol niya sa akin.
"I have to! I have money! I'mnot poor!"
"You are bankrupt, Zari!" sa mariing boses.
Pipihitin ko na sana ang pintuan ngunit natigil ako sa sinabi niya sa akin.
"I may be bankrupt but I still have enough money to pay for that!"
He sighed. "Kung ganoon, bakit hindi ka nakapagbayad kanina?"
"Well, I told you the machine's broken!" tumaas ang boses ko dahil hindi siya
makaintindi.
"It will only be a matter of time now before you finish all your money, Zari."
Umiling siya. He looked so disappointed at me that I felt so insulted. Alamkong may
kamalian din ako but
I'mstriving to be a better person, too. It may not be abrupt but I amdefinitely
trying!
"A little help fromyour boyfriend won't hurt your pride that much, right? I will
provide for us!"
Halos mabuwal ako sa kinatatayuan ko sa sinabi niya. Imbes na magalit ay nawindang
ako. Ngunit
nahalinhinan din ng iritasyon at pagkamuhi ang pakiramdamna iyon.
I have no intention of using any of his money for my personal whims. Years ago, I
still have that mindset even
when my parents were obviously selling me to him! At ngayon, ganoon na naman ang
nangyayari. Without my
parents. Why do we always have that problembetween us?
Yes, I may be very extravagant with most of my things but I make sure it's all
frommy money and not from
anyone else's. Years in Spain, I earned enough. The spending too much was only
triggered by my undending
trust funds! Ngayong mas pinili kong bayaran ang lahat ng pinagkakautangan ni
Daddy, kesa sa makulong siya
o bumagsak ng tuluyan ang kompanya, hindi parin mababali ang aking paninindigan. No
amount of money can
pay for my sympathy... or my feelings. Not now. Not ever.
If I'll be rat poor because of my spending, which I won't allow to happen, I will
never accept any money from
anyone.
P 30-3
The last thing I want now is to be labeled a gold-digger. A socialite turned nada
and now only waiting for
her boyfriend's money. And also, boyfriend?
"I can provide for myself, Radleigh! At anong boyfriend ang sinasabi mo? Sinong
nakakaalamniyan? Ikaw
lang? Hindi ko ata nasagap ang tsismis na iyan!"
The anger on his eyes almost made me tremble. Pipihitin ko na sana ang door handle
dahil sa takot ngunit
sinakop niya ang aking baywang at mariing idinikit sa kanyang katawan. His strong
abdomen made my feet
soft like jelly. Halos malukot ko ang kanyang damit nang hinawakan ko iyon ng
nakakuyom.
My breathing hitched. The blood in my streams turned heated. Pilit kong kinunot ang
noo ko para
mapagtakpan ang takot at mga 'di kilalang mga damdamin na lumukob sa akin.
"Should've jailed you on that island, eh?" halos patawa iyon pero nararamdaman ko
ang matinding galit niya.
"What!?" natataranta kong sinabi ngunit nakabawi rin agad. "If you think that we're
in a relationship just
because we fucked, Radleigh. You're very wrong!"
He muttered a curse. Mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa aking baywang. Hinawakan niya
ng mariin ang kamay
kong nakakuyomsa kanyang damit.
Hindi na ako makapanlaban nang siniil niya ako ng mga halik. His lips is like
poison. Kinalat nito ang init na
kanina ko pa nararamdaman sa aking labi patungo sa aking utak. He was aggressive on
our first night but this
kiss right now made my insides twist... it's too much.
Ginising nito ang mga hindi ko inaasahang nararamdaman. I closed my knees just to
stop the throbbing I'm
beginning to feel but I failed miserably. The throbbing only heightened because of
his kisses. Malalalimat
naghahanap ang kanyang mga halik.
Walang pasubaling napadaing ako nang binitiwan niya ang aking nakakuyomngunit
nanghihinang kamay para
hilahin ang buhok ko pababa. The move made me withdraw a bit fromhis kiss only so
his tongue could enter
me properly and claimevery corner of my mouth.
Tumigil siya. Dumilat ako ngunit hindi ko na halos maibuka ang aking mga mata.
Nakaliliyo ang kanyang
halik na pakiramdamko'y tama siya. Sana pala ikinulong niya na lang ako sa isla. I
will gladly stay there! Not
because I want to run frommy problems, but because of him.
"That was making love, Zari," he said. "That wasn't fuck. But I can do both... if
only you'd ask."
He smiled smugly. Damn him!
Hindi pa nakakaahon sa kanyang mga halik ay naramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay na
bumaba galing sa aking
likod patungo sa aking puwitan. The move made my insides tingle. Halos makalimutan
ko ang pagtatalo
naming dalawa.
He claimed my lips again. He slid his tongue inside my mouth carressing mine.
Nalambing at mapanuyo
naman ang iginagawad niya sa akin ngayon. Naging mapaghanap ang kanyang mga kamay.
Nanatili ang isa sa
likod ko para panatilihin ang aming balanse, ang isa'y hinahagod ang aking tiyan,
dibdib, leeg, at kung saansaan
pa.
P 30-4
I almost forgot that we're in a public place. Kung hindi lang siya tumigil dahil
bahagyang bumaba ang aking
tube top dress dahil sa mga hagod niya'y baka nakasuhan na kami ng Public Lewdness
or something.
Hinahabol ko ang aking hininga nang bumagsak ang tingin ko sa aking damit. We we're
both panting as we
looked at my tube top, a bit lower than normal.
Inangat niya ang tupi noon, making me almost moan when his fingers touched a bit of
my nipple.
Shit!
Kinagat ko ang labi ko. Hindi ko magawang mag-angat ng tingin sa kanya.
But I need to pay him! I don't want debts! And most especially, I don't want himto
pay for me. I'mnot the
helpless spoiled brat anymore. I can pay for myself!
"If you think I'musing you for my whims, Radleigh, you are mistaken," matapang kong
sinabi kahit naririndi
ako sa sobrang kalambingan ng boses ko.
I have a very girly voice but it's ten times girly when I'mall heated up. At siya
lang ang nakakagawa sa akin
nito. Sa kasamang-palad.
He didn't say anything. Nanatili malapit ang kanyang labi sa akin. Iyon lang ang
kaya kong tingnan. The way it
is curved made my heart flutter. It's cherry red and it looks so soft. It's the
only thing that's soft in his features.
"I'mgonna pay you..." sambit ko at muling binalingan ang door handle, ngayon
nanghihina na.
Nabuksan ko na iyon ng bahagya nang pinigilan niya muli ang pagpasok ko. He's
behind me. Ang dalawang
kamay ay nasa baywang, nakadikit ang buong katawan sa akin. Halos mapaungol ako
roon.
"Fine. If my girlfriend says so," he said softly.
Hindi ko alamkung bakit parang nanghihina ako nang pumasok ako. Nadatnan namin si
Belinda sa harap ng
hapag na nag-aayos ng mga plato.
I glanced at her big smile but then my eyes went immediately down on the floor.
Hindi ko alamkung bakit
parang nanghihina at nahihiya ako.
Sumunod si Radleigh sa akin.
"Magandang gabi po, Ma'amZari. Ser Radleigh... Hindi naman po nasabi ni Ma'amna
pupunta ka po rito.
Buti na lang nagluto ako ng sobra!" maligayang sabi ni Belinda.
Hindi na ako nagsalita. I amtoo flushed, too heated, too everything to get my shit
together. Tinulak ko ang
pintuan ng kwarto ko pagkaliko at sinarado. Mabuti na lang at hindi sumunod si
Radleigh. Or...
Damn!
Ilang saglit akong nanatiling sabog bago tuluyang natauhan at natawagan ang aming
accountant. I can hear my
very soft voice as I spoke to her about the transfer.
P 30-5
"I will transfer ten thousand pesos on Radleigh Vesarius Riego's account tonight.
It's possible, right?"
"Yes po, Ma'am!"
Huminga ako ng malalimat pinasadahan ng mga daliri ang aking buhok. After that
talk, I went to the bathroom
for a half bath. Pagkalabas ay naglagay ng lotion at nagbihis.
Why is his touch so different?
Lumabas ako suot ang madalas kong damit dito sa bahay. Ilang hakbang ay kita na
agad ang sala kung nasaan
siya, nanonood ng TV. Belinda's on our kitchen preparing. Hinila ko ang upuan ng
dining table at naupo na
roon.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Radleigh. Tumayo siya at lumapit na roon. Hinayaan ko siyang
maupo sa upuan nasa
harap ko. Sumali si Belinda sa hapag at ilang sandali lang ay kumain na kami.
I cannot look at Radleigh in the eye longer than two seconds. Masyado kong dinibdib
ang halikan kanina na
pakiramdamko'y manlalambot ako buong gabi.
"Tumawag po pala si Ser Ethan kanina, Ma'am! Nagtanong kung narito ka ba dahil may
buyer na raw po ng
BMW n'yo!" si Belinda.
I glanced at Radleigh. He's eating but he stopped when he heard it.
"You're selling your car?" he asked.
Tumango ako. "I don't need an extravagant car. A Toyota will do."
Hindi na sumagot si Radleigh. Hinayaan ako sa gagawin ko. How ironic. Nilalait ko
iyong sasakyan niya
noon, iyon pala...
Humaba ang katahimikan sa gitna namin ni Radleigh. Belinda took the spotlight
through telling us updates
about my father in the mansion. The money I'musing to pay for his medications is
frommy trust funds. Pati
ang pasweldo ni Belinda. The maids in the mansion and the guards, as well, are now
under Tito Eugene.
"Are you ready for your presentation?" tanong ni Radleigh.
I nodded.
Matagal na akong ready doon. I already presented it to the board right before I
decided to be on leave for his
kidnapping. Hindi man nakilatis ng maayos ay pakiramdamko, maganda naman ang
kahihinatnan ng
proyektong gusto ko.
Tomorrow will be my first day at work. Hindi pa bukas ipepresent pero dadalhin ko
na ang presentation para
handa ako lagi.
After the awkward dinner with Belinda, pakiramdamko ay hindi na ako makakatagal na
tahimik at tinititigan
niya lamang.
P 30-6
Nasa sofa siya nang natapos akong maghugas ng kamay sa kitchen. When I got to the
sala, he's looking at me
intently, watching my every move. His legs far apart like he's declaring his
territory.
"I'mgonna rest now," sabi ko. Hindi ko alamba't pa ako nagpapaalamkaya dinagdagan
ko ng mas
makabuluhang bagay. "I already transfered the money in your account."
Tumayo siya at sumunod sa akin. Kumalabog agad ang puso ko.
Bago pa ako makapasok ng kwarto ay nilingon ko siya. He gave me his phone.
"Put your number on my phone," he tenderly said.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin bago tuluyang tinanggap ang cellphone niya. Like I was
hypnotized, I put my number
on his phone.
Umangat ang sulok ng kanyang labi bago tinanggap muli ang kanyang cellphone.
Nilagay niya ang kanyang
kamay sa ibabawng hamba ng pintuan, stopping me fromentering my room. He leaned a
bit to give a soft kiss
on my cheek.
"Good night, baby..."
Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko. I can't help but murmur back his goodbye.
"Night..."
Wala tuloy akong presence of mind kinaumagahan. Ilang beses akong muntik nang
makabangga habang
nagdadrive at habang dinidetalye kay Calla ang mga nangyari. Well, to her, my life
is an open book. To have
someone like her in my life is liberating. She's more than a hundred of friends!
"So you mean to say you two are in a relationship already?" she pointed out as I
parked the car on the
basement parking of the building.
Alas otso ang time in namin. Alas syete y media pa lang. O, 'di ba? Ang aga ko!
"It's so clear, Zari. He said you're his girlfriend! At baka iniisip noon na kapag
binayaran mo nga ang utang
mo, girlfriend ka na nga niya! Kaya ayun!"
He texted me last night when he's home. I didn't reply and he didn't sent any
follow up messages. Hindi
naman sa nag expect ako. I'mused to himlike that. I just find it so different
fromthe males who keep on
bugging me like there's no tomorrow.
"Ugh! I don't know anymore, Calla. I think I should just concentrate on my work
now! It's my first day of
work and I need to impress people!"
"You already gave thema first impression yesterday, Zari," bigo niyang sinabi.
I sighed and rolled my eyes. "This is different."
"O sige. Call ka kapag kailangan mo ng tulong ha?" malisyosa niyang sinabi.
P 30-7
Ngumiwi ako. Alamko kung anong pinagpipilitan niya kanina pa. My innocent best
friend has turned into a
pervert. Kasalanan ito ng manyak na si Luigi, e.
I remember High School. He was a notorious playboy upper classmen and I'mone of his
prey. Never thought
he'd be tied up to Calla today. And Calla tied up with a pervert asshole. Well,
I've met himonce noong
bumalik ako galing Spain and I think he changed.
But I'mpretty sure the pervert inside himruns deep. Ang resulta, si Calla. Well...
Wearing a one piece flowing suit printed with flowers in pastel colors, lumabas ako
ng elevator para
madatnan ang isang abalang araw sa opisina ng Vista Grande Lands, under the Riego
Holdings, Inc. Ang
flowing short's ko'y hanggang hita ngunit covered naman ang aking shoulders sa
flowing sleeves nito.
I greeted everyone I meet. Ganoon din naman sila ka friendly sa akin.
Inayos ko ang buhok kong malinis na nakalugay sa aking likod. I'mnot wearing
stilletos, just stringed sandals
all the way up to my knees.
"Good morning, Miss Zari!" bati noong mga dati kong empleyado sa Vista Grande noon.
I greeted themback. Some RHI employees looked at me with curiosity. I smiled at
themto until I'mback on
my table.
Naroon na ang aking computer chair, maayos na nakatayo sa tapat ng lamesa. Huminga
ako ng malalimat
umupo na ng maayos.
Kinuha ko sa aking bag ang isang salamin at ipinatayo sa tabi ng aking desktop at
ang aking Macbook para
matransfer ang ibang importanteng files.
The first hour, I was called to sit in a meeting for the RHI. Hindi naman kasali
ang Vista Grande roon pero
kailangan ko paring tumugon para maging parte sa mga project nila.
The next hour, I was called to finilize some of our on going projects together with
the new Engineering team
under the RHI and our old teamunder Vista Grande.
Brainstorming ang nangyari. Palitan ng mga ideya lalo na't mga batikan ang ibang
naroon.
"What do you think, Miss Leviste?" tanong sa akin noong nasa gitnang trenta na ang
edad na Engineer.
They would always ask for my opinion. And everytime I say my opinion, they are
always attentive. Hindi ko
alamkung dahil may katuturan ang sinabi ko o sa ibang rason. In the end, they'd
consider my ideas and from
there, brainstormmore.
Sa kalagitnaan ng isa pang meeting ay tumunog ang cellphone ko. Kinuha ko iyon para
matingnan kung sino
ang nagtext at nakitang si Radleigh iyon!
Luminga-linga pa ako sa seryosong mga kasama ko sa meeting na iyon. Two investors
were there and I'm
there as an investor, as well. Hindi bilang Architect.
P 30-8
Agatha in a yellow skimpy dress is debating about something for the old projects of
Vista Grande. Nakatuon
naman ako sa meeting ngunit naibaling saglit ang mata sa nagtext.
Radleigh:
How's your first day? I'min a meeting.
Humilig ako sa backrest ng inuupuan.
Ako:
Fine. I'min a meeting too.
"Did everyone get what I said?" pahiwatig ni Agatha sa lahat.
Binaba ko ang phone ko at bumaling na lang sa lahat. Nagtama ang tingin namin ni
Agatha. She looks pissed
at something. Pumangalumbaba ako.
"We have to develop the ameneties we promised the home owners. Without the
clubhouse and the pool, para
na rin natin silang dinaya sa ating advertisements. They clearly have it in the
brochure seven years ago when
this project started and until now, wala paring ameneties na inasahan ng mga Home
owners."
Tumango ako dahil tama naman ang sinabi ni Agatha. Father has really neglected our
business. And I'mhere
to clean it up. Hindi man leader ay may maitutulong din naman.
"I have records of the designs of the amenities," sabi ko. "I will informEthan
about this. He'd agree."
Agatha leaned on her backrest. Hindi ko alamkung bakit binibigyan niya ako ng
iritadong ekspresyon ngayon.
"We are under RHI, Zari."
"Oh... Right!"
I put my fingers together. Dahan-dahan ay ang mga palad ko naman ang pinagdikit.
"You informRadleigh," sabi ko ng walang pag-aalinlangan.
She smiled sweetly before proceeding. Lumaki ang mata ko habang tinitingnan ang
aking Macbook para
hanapin iyong design na tinutukoy ko.
"We cannot change the design the previous Architects of Vista Grande has given
since the Home owners are
already expecting that."
In fairness, I agree with her in this business. Lalo na syempre dahil high end ang
mga bahay doon sa aming
mga previous subdivisions. Medyo mataas din ang expectations ng mga Home Owners.
My phone beeped again habang patuloy si Agatha. Binalingan ko ulit iyon at nakitang
si Radleigh.
Radleigh:
P 30-9
I'mdone. I'mleaving the 19th floor for my office.
Ako:
Nasa conference roomako with the Engineers :)
I smiled unconsciously and then I heard Agatha's sermons.
"Iyong iba kasi sa atin, hindi masyadong attentive kaya 'yan tuloy..."
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. Nanatili ang ngiti ko ngunit naging bahaw iyon.
"I know, Engineer, that you want to please the Home Owners by adding more designs
to the Amenities as an
apology, however, it's not RHI's problemanymore. It was under the Vista Grande,
Incorporated's leadership
when the funds got diverted into God-knows-what. Kaya ngayon, walang Clubhouse at
iba pa."
Nahihiyang tumango ang isa sa mga Engineer sa ilalimng kompanya ko noon. Pabalik-
balik ang tingin ni
Agatha sa akin na tila ba ako ang may kasalanan.
Well, the moment I assumed the leadership of Vista Grande, the faults of my father
and my forefathers are
also mine so it's half true.
"I agree with Engineer Daez. Hmm. I will find funds for that, Engineer. It is our
duty to give better satisf-"
"It is not for you to decide, Miss Leviste. You've forgotten that this is under RHI
now. The labor and
materials will be RHI's problem. Including the funds."
Nakanganga na ako para magsalita nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan. Nauna ang mas
nakakatandang
sekretarya ni Radleigh, isang lalaking mukhang sekretarya rin, pagkatapos ay siya
at ang paborito kong
Engineer.
Agatha smirked. Bumagsak ang balikat ko. Parang hinahalukay ang tiyan ko ngunit
hindi ko na pwedeng iatras
ang sasabihin.
"I believe the township can shoulder that cost. Mababawi rin naman sa kita. Better
Clubhouse means guests
fromthe Homeowners. And... Guests mean profit. It will be very costly but it's
going to be worth it."
Umupo si Radleigh sa pinakamalayong upuan. Sa gilid niya'y iyong lalaking
sekretarya. Ang Engineer ay
naupo katabi noong isa pang Engineer sa ilalimng RHI.
"Can we see the minutes?" tanong ni Engineer sabay ngiti sa akin.
Humugot ako ng malalimna hininga at hinayaan silang magreview. Hinayaan ko ring
ipoint-out ni Agatha
kung gaano ka mali ang gusto kong mangyari.
Kinabahan agad ako. Well, I know it's for personal reasons, too. Hindi lang dahil
may profit pero para narin
humingi ng tawad sa mga client. Alamkong may mali rin sa aking desisyon.
"This is not about losing to make more profit in the future. This is about
preventing any more losses!" sabi ni
P 30-10
Agatha.
May point ang babaeng ito. Kaya pala muntik nang pinakasalan ni Radleigh!
Ang pait sa aking sistema ay unti-unting kumalat pero pinigilan kong mapangunahan
noon.
"Well, I guess you're right. I amnot really a safe businessman. I'ma risk taker,"
paliwanag ko. "I give it all
even when nothing's sure yet."
"That's not how the business goes, Miss Leviste. You have yet to learn so many
things."
"Agatha..." Rad butts in.
Should I exit? Nanatili ang mga mata ko sa aking Macbook at kinopya ang design
noong Clubhouse at kung
anu-ano pa.
"We can divert funds fromthe new projects for the Clubhouse of that village. And
pay it when there's profit
in the future. We won't have any losses since the money will be fromthat new
project... Zari is working on..."
"I agree!" second the motion noong paborito kong Engineer.
Sumulyap ako sa Engineer na iyon at nagtagal ang mata ko sa isang plate sa kanyang
lamesa. It's his name.
Engineer Marco Alfeche. Well. At least now, I know him.
Tumikhimsi Radleigh dahilan sa pagtingin ko sa kanya.
"Then that will mean a new idea for the design? Homeowners will expect what's in
the brochure, Radleigh!"
sabi ni Agatha.
I amnot sure if Radleigh's being reasonable or what. Sa totoo lang, tama si Agatha.
Para hindi na mas lalong
malugi, sundin na lang ang dating disenyo. If Rad says "yes" to my reckless
proposal, I might drag their
company down if it's going to lose.
"No... Actually, she's right, Radleigh. We'll just do the previous design."
Nagtaas ng kilay si Radleigh sa akin. His lips twitched. Mukhang hindi siya
makapaniwala na sinang-ayonan
ko itong babae niya.
Well, I may be bitter at times but I know how to differentiate work and personal
life.
"Radleigh," tawag ng isang malamig na boses galing sa isa pang Engineer. "I agree
with Agatha, however,
Miss Leviste has a point so I think we need to adjourn and give the designers
another time. Propose both the
new ameneties and the old one. Just to make sure."
Tumango si Radleigh. Tumaas ang kamay ni Engineer Alfeche.
"Ako. I entirely agree with Miss Leviste..." tumango tango pa siya sabay tingin sa
ibang naroon na parehong
tatango tango rin.
P 30-11
Radleigh's brow creased. Binaba niya ang ballpen na pinaglalaruan.
"Meeting adjourned. I want to see the design of the Clubhouse."
Nagligpit na agad ako ng gamit. Thank God. My pwet hurts fromall these. Time to
resume whatever I have
with my Architectural Design Team. Kawawa naman sila at mukhang sila lang ang
nagpapakahirap sa mga
disenyong kalaunan ay ipepresent ko.
"Zari..." tawag ni Radleigh.
"Agatha will show you the design."
Umiling si Radleigh. "I will be busy the rest of the day. Better show it to me
later tonight. When we're home."
And awkward silence filled the room. Ang iba'y tumayo at nagkamustahan. Ang iba'y
nanatiling nakaupo at
pinoproseso ang sinabi ni Radleigh. Kasama na roon si Agatha na ngayon ay matalimna
ang tingin sa akin.
She turned to Rad. Bago pa ito makaalis ay pinigilan niya. Lumabas na ako sa
conference roomat dumiretso
na sa cafe dahil lunch na at gutomna ako at hindi ko ata kaya ang mga sinabi ni
Radleigh.
With my boys, I went to the cafe. There's an organic lemon juice and salad so I
think I'll be fine here. Hindi
matanggal ang isipan ko sa nangyari kanina habang ang teamko naman ay nagbibiruan
na sa lamesa.
Oh well.
Radleigh:
Where did you eat your lunch?
I did not reply because I'mstill eating. 'Tsaka na ako nakapagreply nang nasa
opisina na ako.
Ako:
Cafe. Ikaw?
Iinomna sana ako ng tubig sa water dispenser kaya lang ay nang tinulak ko ito gamit
ang mug ko ay walang
tumulong tubig doon.
Inulit ko ulit ngunit sa huli'y napagtanto kong ubos na talaga ang tubig at
kailangan nang palitan. Bibili na lang
ako ng mineral water sa cafe sa baba?
Luminga-linga ako.
"Anong problema, Miss Leviste?" tanong noong isang empleyado. Posibleng Engineer
din.
"Wala na bang refill ito? Nauuhaw kasi ako."
"Refill daw!" sigaw noong pinagtanungan ko.
P 30-12
Sumungaw agad ang mga ulo ng mga taga right wing na puno ng mga lalaki at isa-isang
nagsitayuan. Inabala
ang sarili sa hinahanap kong refill ng water dispenser.
"Meron pa ako rito, Miss Leviste!" sabi naman noong may kulot na buhok na
Architect.
Ngumiti ako at nakitang lalagyanan iyon ng personal nitong tubig.
"Teka lang, Miss Leviste. Eto. Kaya ko 'to..." sabi noong isa at nakita ko ang
isang lalagyanan ng tubig na
puno pa.
"What's wrong here?" Rad's baritone thundered on us.
Ang isa'y nakandong na ang malaking galon ng tubig. Ang isa pa'y nagtatanggal noong
galong wala nang
laman.
"Ah, refill po ng tubig, Engineer..."
Umatras ako para makadaan ang bagong galon ng tubig. Nagulat ako nang biglang
lumapit si Radleigh sa akin,
nakayuko na tila ba masuyo akong kakausapin.
"Are you thirsty?"
Ngumuso ako at tumango ng isang beses.
"You could've told me. I have one in my office," he said so tenderly that I think
the men got his message.
Pinagmasdan ko ang pinaghirapang bagong refill ng mga Engineer. Some quietly went
back to their tables.
Others were still looking at us.
I glared at Radleigh. He only smirked. Damn bastard!
LahLag
P 30-13
Kabanata 29
541K 17.9K 13.6K
by jonaxx
Kabanata 29
Cook
Akala ko'y magiging emosyonal ako pagkakita kong bibilhin na ng ibang tao ang aking
BMW pero hindi pala.
Maybe, all the drama, the past few days, has made my heart numb. Or maybe, I have
finally accepted that
things can be replaced. That this has to be done for the betterment of all.
Days passed by the office. Ganoon parin ang pakikitungo sa akin ng mga tao. At si
Radleigh, halos gabi-gabi
sa condo ko para makapaghapunan.
During the weekend, I did so many things. Sold the BMW, bought a Vios, went to the
bank to check on my
father's debts. Naka ilang meeting din ako sa accountant ko. Binisita ko rin si
Daddy sa mansion pagkatapos
ng lahat.
Unti-unti kong binuksan ang pintuan ng aking Condo unit pagkatapos kong mabasa ang
text ni Radleigh na
kanina niya pa pala naisend.
Radleigh:
Are you home? I'mwith my cousins.
Ang sabi niya'y madalas kapag linggo ay bumibisita rin siya sa kanila. Siguro ay
naroon din ang mga pinsan
niya. Kanina pa iyong 3PM pero ngayon ko lang napagtuonan ng pansin.
After Dad's check up, we found out that his kidneys are not in a good shape. Right
away, I ordered the doctor
to do the necessary things.
"Kanina pa kayo?" tanong ko kay Calla na ngayon ay nakatayo at tinitingnan ang
iilang muwebles sa aking
sala. Luigi is sitting comfortably on my couch, watching TV.
Ngumiti si Calla.
"Kadarating lang namin."
Nagbeso kami at pagkatapos ay sabay na tiningnan si Luigi. Tumayo ito at tumango ng
pormal sa akin. I
smiled at him.
Si Belinda ay nasa hapag at naglalapag na ng mga pinggan para sa aming apat. Bago
ako umalis kanina,
nagpaalamna si Calla na bibisita sila ni Luigi ngayong gabi sa bahay. Pagkatapos
nilang magsimba. At
marami pa siyang pangarap tulad ng pagpunta roon sa isang bagong Pub sa pangalawang
palapag lang nitong
Condo. Hindi naman siguro masamang pagbigyan iyon.
"How's your visit?" tanong ni Calla.
P 31-1
Habang nagbibihis ako sa kwarto, at si Luigi'y nanonood ng TV sa sala, idinetalye
ko kay Calla ang mga
nangyari sa pagbisita ko kay Daddy.
"Tito should tone down his wine intake," ani Calla.
"Oh he is now. Maybe addiction over something runs in the blood, huh?" nangingiti
kong sabi.
Ngumiti rin si Calla habang pinagmamasdan ako.
I'mwearing a beige off shoulder top and a blue tight skirt. Calla's wearing her
jeans and black spaghetti top.
Alamko na ang iniisip niya ngayon. Sa baba lang naman nitong condo ko pero ganito
na ang damit ko. Well, I
don't have enough money to buy more simple clothes. Ganito talaga ang closet ko. I
have simple clothes too
but this is my mood right now, too.
"Speaking of wine, hindi ko pa nache-check kung gaano ka mahal ang mga wine diyan
sa Pub," sabi ko nang
lumabas kami sa kwarto.
Pumuslit ako ng text kay Radleigh habang nagsasalita si Calla.
Ako:
I'mhome. Calla and Luigi's here.
"Don't worry about it," anito.
"You know me. I have a very expensive tastes with wine. But then I will only pay
for what I can afford,"
paliwanag ko habang nauupo kami sa lamesa.
Sumulyap ako kay Luigi na tahimik parin. Well, I don't think he was noisy when we
were in High School but
he's certainly not this silent.
"As long as I'msure it won't create a large hole in my pocket, I have no problem."
Humalakhak si Calla at naupo na rin.
In front of me is Calla. Sa tabi niya'y si Luigi. Si Belinda ay nasa gitna na
pagkatapos salinan ang mga baso
namin ng inumin.
We started eating. It's my choice to eat here instead of eating out since marami
naman ang pinaggrocery ko
noong nakaraan. Mas makakatipid kung dito na lang.
Naglalagay ako ng pagkain sa aking plato nang napansin ang paglalagay din ng
pagkain ni Luigi sa plato ni
Calla.
Pareho yata kaming tumitig ni Belinda dahil tanging sila at ang mga kubyertos lang
ang narinig ko sa buong
unit.
P 31-2
"That's fine, Luigi..." Calla whispered but we can hear it.
"That's not enough. You need to eat more..." bulong din ni Luigi.
Nagtagal ang kutsara sa aking bibig. Kinagat ko iyon habang pinagmamasdan ang
mumunting pagtatalo nila
dahil sa pagkain.
"You know Luigi, Calla doesn't want to eat too much. She'll get fat!" I said
matter-of-factly.
Calla blushed. Her lips were now in a thin line, wanting me to shut up. Nakangiti
akong tumingin sa
seryosong si Luigi.
"I will exercise, Zari. Don't worry," mariing sinabi ni Calla.
Bumaling si Luigi kay Calla ilang sandaling tumingin dito. Nagpatuloy naman ako sa
pag kain.
"Hindi naman siguro, Ma'amZari. Ilang taon na ring kasal itong si Ma'amCalla at
napanatili niya naman ang
ganda ng hubog ng katawan niya," si Belinda.
I smirked at Belinda.
"Siguro, Ma'amCalla, magbabago lang iyan kapag nagkaanak ka na. Hindi na babalik sa
dati ang katawan
kapag nagkaanak!"
The awkward silence didn't make Belinda feel awkward at all. Tumango-tango pa siya
sa akin na parang
tama talaga siya.
"Though she can always exercise. There are people who got sexier after giving
birth, Belinda," tumango rin
ako.
Maisalba lang sa awkwardness si Belinda na mukhang wala namang pakealam.
"Kung hindi ko lang alamna may asawa na talaga itong si Ma'amCalla, maiisip kong
marami pa siyang
mabibihag na lalaki."
When Luigi's eyebrow slightly furrowed, I know it affected him. Nanatiling parang
tuod si Calla sa
kinauupuan niya.
How awkward could fixed marriage be, I wonder. Kung nagkatuluyan kami ni Radleigh
noon, ganito rin
kaya kami ka awkward? But I'mnot like Calla and he's not like Luigi. Teka... ba't
ko ba ito iniisip?
"Ay panigurado! Let's just thank that it's just a simple Pub and not exactly a
club... ang pupuntahan natin,"
tukoy ko.
"Pub?" si Luigi na parang walang alam.
Nakita ko ang biglaang pamumutla ni Calla. What? She didn't tell him?
"I-I asked Zari if we can go to the new Pub in this tower," nag-aalinlangan niyang
wika.
P 31-3
Nakakunot ang noo ni Luigi habang tinitingnan si Calla. That look means "no".
I'mvery sure of that. I've seen
that look on... hey... why are we talking about himright now? This should be fun!
"Naku, Luigi. H'wag mo sanang pagbawalan ang bestfriend ko na lumabas. Mabuti nga't
sinama ka niya, e."
Luigi turned to me, glaring. I smiled playfully.
"We can... just stay here then. It's okay, Zari."
Napatuwid ako sa pagkakaupo sa biglaang desisyon ni Calla. How can she just cancel
it when I'malready