I am a wild child. I do what I want and I don't make excuses for my deeds.

He's too
prim and proper for my taste but I thought a one-time deal wouldn't hurt. Or would
it?

Warning: For Mature Audience Only. This story IS NOT about sex. But I apologize in
advance for Lia's potty mouth and not-so-wholesome thoughts.

P.S.

This story is still in my head and I feel that there's really no need to rush.
Thanks ^_^

♥ jennicka

These corporate parties bore me. But I had to attend or else magwawala si St. Alexa
Lianna Carbonel-Sandoval. Although, I admit that I like it when she nags me, ramdam
na ramdam ko kasi na meron akong pamilya at di ako nag-iisa. My sisters are both
sweet, ako lang ang sour. Alexa loves to order food delivery for me because she
knew, that just like her, I hate cooking and my baby sister Lee Ann would send
flowers and chocolates to my condominium unit regularly. At kaya yata hindi ako
nagkaka-lalaki ay dahil akala ng mga tao ay may jowa na ako dahil sa ka-sweet-an ng
dalawa kong kapatid.

I saw Alexa head towards me and I turned before I hastily throw the cigarette I was
holding.
"Ate!" She called and I pasted a smile on my face as I waved happily at her. Nasa
terrace ako ng hotel, just outside the ballroom where the party was being held and
I was still surprised at Alexa's knack for finding me. Kahit saan ako magpunta ay
nahahanap ako nitong kapatid kong to at kadalasan kapag nalulungkot ako ay bigla na
lang syang tumatawag. "Naninigarilyo ka na naman ba?" She asked. Namewang sya sa
harap ko and I gave her one of my rare sweet smiles.

"Hindi. Bakit ko gagawin eh di ba ayaw mo nga kasi sabi mo nakakasama sa akin?" I

tried sweet-talking but it didn't work. Mahirap talagang utuin ang mga abogado. I
murmured to myself as she arched her well-trimmed brow at me. "Isang puff lang
naman."

"Ate naman, alam mo namang nakakasama sayo yan."

"Alexa, ilang buwan na akong hindi nagyo-yosi pero nakakabato itong party na to.
Parang gusto ko na ngang tumalon dito sa balkonahe dahil sa sobrang bored ako.
Jusko, ano ba to? Meeting ng mga senior citizens? Nakakaloka! At dapat sa susunod
ay may timer yang mga speech na yan! Alam ba ng matandang panot na yun na halos
isang oras syang nagbigay ng thank you speech? Pati yata garapata ng aso ng
kapitbahay nila napasalamatan na nya. Aba, eh nakatulog na lahat ng ugat ko sa
katawan nagsasalita pa rin sya! Muntik na nga akong pumunta sa stage para tumanggap
ng ostia dahil akala ko nagho-homily sya!" I complained and my sister laughed.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na, Ate. It's not everyday that he gets a Leandro Carbonel
Loyalty Award for his exemplary service to the company for twenty-five years."

"Jusko. At isa pa, sino ba ang nag-isip ng ganun kalaking trophy? Eh hirap na hirap
yung matanda at kamuntikan pang mahulog sa stage. Baka imbes na thank you speech
ang gawin nya eh mapadeliver tayo ng eulogy ng walang sa oras."

"Ano ka ba, Ate puro ka kalokohan!" Alexa laughed again. She looked truly happy
kahit walang humpay ang pangingitlog nya. Ulirang Ina Awardee kasi ang kapatid ko
kaya ginawa na niyang hobby ang manganak. I touched her flat belly. They gave us
the news last week and although I felt happy for her and Alex, hindi ko pa rin sya
naiiwasang tuksuhin.

"Another Sandoval." I said. "Anong sinabi ko sayo? Walang silbi yang family
planning nyo kasi iisa lang ang plinaplano nyang asawa mo, ang ikama ka gabi-gabi."

"Ate, ano ba." She murmured as some of the employees passed by us.

"Good evening po." They greeted and we greeted them back.

"Yang bibig mo grabe." She admonished laughing. " Okay ka lang ba dito?" She
inquired and I nodded my head. "Sige balik muna ako sa presidential table. "Nauna
nang umuwi si Lee Ann at may school activity daw bukas."

"Oo nagpaalam sa akin kanina. Uuwi na rin ako at sobrang nakakabagot."

"Wag ka nang mainip at malapit nang matapos itong party. Pag nakita mo akong
umakyat sa stage nagko-closing speech na ako nyan at ballroom dancing na ang
kasunod."

"Ano?! May ballroom dancing pa? Jusko! Buti hindi ka nag-hire ng caregivers at puro
gurang ang nandito."

"Si Ate talaga." She was laughing hard. "O balik na ako sa party. Give me a kiss at
alam kong mauuna ka nang umuwi." She added and we kissed each other's cheeks. "I
love you at mag-ingat ka sa pagda-drive."
"I love you too. Ingat din kayo sa pag-uwi." I uttered before I waved goodbye. I
watched her walk back to the party and I scanned the crowd again for papables. Wala
talaga akong mahihita dito. "Jusko ang tigang mo na, Lia. It's been more than a
year since you got laid, bukas pa kaya yang pekpek mo?" I asked myself as I eyed
the boring guests -- lahat sila ay matatanda o kaya ay may asawa o kaya ay bakla.

"Good evening." The speakers sounded as the emcee spoke and I watched my sister go
up the stage, assisted by her ever loyal husband.

"Ang OA ng dalawang ito, feeling teenager may pa-kiss kiss pa talagang nalalaman
ia-adjust lang ang microphone?" I chuckled. They looked like the perfect family out
of a Christmas postcard, ang pinagkaiba nga lang ay totoo sila at totoong masaya
sila sa buhay nila. "Hay, sana hindi ko tinapon yung yosi ko." I groaned and was
surprised when someone handed me a lit cigarette.

"Hi, Lia." He said.

"O, anong ginagawa mo dito?" I asked as I took the cigarette from him. "At
nagyoyosi ka pala?"

"Occasional lang, nagagalit kasi si Mommy." He replied and I took a peek behind
him. "Ano yun?" He asked in confusion.

"Hinahanap ko ang umbilical cord na nagdudugtong sayo sa nanay mo, mukhang hindi pa
kasi naputol." I joked and he laughed. "Baka mapikon ka ha."

"Hindi. Sanay na ako sayo." He replied as I gave the cigarette back to him. "Ang
lamig ano?" He asked and I nodded my head. I was surprised when he took his coat
off and handed it to me.

"Para saan to?" I asked.

"Isuot mo."

"Ah, isusuot ko ba? Akala ko kakainin ko." I uttered and he burst out laughing.
"Malamang isusuot ko di ba pero ang tinatanong ko ay bakit mo binibigay sa akin?"

"Dahil malamig at medyo exposed yung shoulders mo kaya ipapahiram ko muna."

"Talaga naman. Natu-turn on pa man din ako pag gentleman." I said and he laughed
again. "Tapos na yata." I said after a few minutes as I watched Alexander Sandoval
help my sister off the stage.

"Who would have thought that Atty. Alexander Sandoval would act like a smitten
schoolboy in public?" He asked and I grinned.

"Yan ang nagagawa ng muscle control." I replied and he looked at me before he

laughed again. "Joke lang." I added as he continued laughing. I took his jacket off
and handed it back to him. "Salamat dito, mauna na akong umalis at ayokong mabaliw
habang pinapanuod itong mga gurang na tong nagbo-ballroom dancing." I uttered.

"Sabay na ako sayo. Uuwi na rin ako."

"Ay, ang sweet naman. May curfew ka, baby?" I ribbed and he smiled. Kami yata ang
pinakaunang lumabas kasi wala kaming nakasabay sa elevator. When we reached the
basement parking, huminto ako para magpaalam sa kanya. "Mauna na ako kasi sa
kabila ako naka-park." I said. Madilim sa terrace kanina kaya hindi ko kita masyado
ang itsura nya but I nearly purred with admiration when I saw how his white long
sleeve polo stretched over his muscular chest. Naku, Lia kumalma ka. I said as I
cleared my throat. Kailangan ko na talagang makahanap ng momolestyahin gabi-gabi. I
inwardly groaned as my mouth went dry.

"Ihatid na kita sa sasakyan mo." He offered and I shook my head.

"Wag na!" I quickly said. Tukso, layuan mo ako jusko baka sumabog ang matres ko
dito.

"Bakit?"

"Okay lang ako, wag mo na akong respetuhin masyado at baka sa susunod ay

magpapabastos na ako sayo." I said and he chuckled. It sounded so manly that I
nearly sighed. Hay naku naman, baka magkasala pa ako ngayong gabi.

"Halika na, ihatid na kita." He said before I felt his hand on my back. I stiffened
at the contact. Hindi ko alam kung chinachansingan ba nya ako because I was wearing
a backless gown. Pero mukhang wala naman itong kamanyakan sa katawan. Kulang na nga
lang magsuot ng sotana itong isang to.

We walked in silence towards my car and I smiled at him as soon as we reached it.
"Goodnight." I said and he nodded his head.

"Goodnight." He replied. I didn't know how it happened -- one minute I was pulling
my car's door open and then he was kissing me senseless the next. I heard a moan
and realized that it came from him. I felt his hand on my thigh and I pushed him
away.

"Teka, ang bilis mo. May pupuntahan ka ba, parang nagmamadali ka yata?" I asked as
I tried to smile but saw the feral glint in his eyes. "Hay, naku wag kang
magsisimula at ayokong mabitin." I tried to joke as he pulled me towards him again.

"Lia, ngayon lang." He murmured.

"Emergency ba yan?" I gasped when I felt his tongue on my ear. "Hindi ba may CCTV
dito?" I asked and he sighed before he got into the backseat of my car. He pulled
me with him and I had no choice but to sit astride facing him. He began kissing me
again and I felt something deep inside me stir. "No strings attached." I whispered
and he nodded his head.

"No strings attached." He said as he pulled the bodice of my gown down freeing my
breasts. I felt his mouth on my flesh and I couldn't stop my moans. I fumbled with
my gown's zipper and pulled it down freeing myself from its confines. He undid the
buttons of his polo before he conquered my mouth again and I rubbed myself against
him. He surged up and I whimpered with need. Lia, safe sex! My mind screamed. Paano
kung walang rubber to? Sayang naman, kaligayahan na magiging bato pa.

"Teka lang, may baon ka?" I asked and he nodded his head. I nearly wept with
relief. Langhiya, ganun ako ka-tigang? I asked myself as he pulled his wallet from
his back pocket and took a condom out. I discarded my clothes and for a minute, he
did nothing but feast his eyes on my nakedness.

"Lia Carbonel, you're a goddess." He uttered, his voice ragged as I felt his hands
roaming across my skin. "And you're mine."

"Just for tonight." I amended. He unzipped his pants and I stared dumbfounded at
the size of him. Jusko! Pasko na ba? I asked as I swallowed an invisible lump in my
throat. He tore the condom open and I nearly drooled.
"Do the honors, please." He said and I rolled the rubber down on him. He hissed
sexily as I let my fingers linger on his length. Who would have thought na wild
pala tong taong to? I thought to myself but he didn't give me more time to think as
he moved and I felt a prodding at my entrance. "Oh crap, Lia." He groaned as I
slowly impaled myself on his flesh. My breath hitched as he gently slid inside me.

"Jusko ano ba to." I moaned brokenly as I felt him fill my warmth. He was so huge,
it was painful. "Teka lang." I said as I stopped moving.

"You're so tight." He whispered.

"Wag ka munang gumalaw." I whimpered. This is more painful than my first time. I
murmured. Sabi ko na nga ba sumara na to eh.

"Okay ka lang?" He asked.

"Parang ang sakit." I said.

"Are you a virgin?" He asked, his face etched with worry.

"Nagpapatawa ka ba?" I asked back and he chuckled. "Mahigit one year na kasi kaya
walang practice." I told him truthfully and wondered at the gentle look in his
eyes. He pulled my face towards him for a kiss as he started to move slowly.
"Masakit." I protested and felt his hand on my core as he started to caress me
while his head bent to pay attention to my breasts. I was moving along his length
in no time as he continued to pleasure me.

"Lia, you're so hot." He whispered against my skin as I felt my release near.

"I'm close." I whispered and he doubled his efforts. I screamed his name as I
shivered helplessly, speared by his manhood. The sensations were ebbing when he
started to surge against me faster.

"One more, Lia." He murmured and I moaned his name for the second time. "And one
more." He whispered as he held me, helplessly bound to his body. I felt nothing but
sensations and I thought I was going to pass out at the intensity of it all. He
joined me when I reached my peak for the third time and I collapsed against him,
boneless, wilted but extremely satisfied.

"I should probably get off you." I whispered but he tightened his arms around me.
"Dito ka muna." He said as he started massaging my back.

"That's nice." I murmured drowsily. I felt him kiss the top of my head as sleep
slowly claimed me.
 Author's Note:

I might not be able to update this often. Thanks.

I've never felt so sore and so happy at the same time. Ang hirap bumangon kasi ang
sakit ng balakang ko. Daig ko pa ang nasagasaan but I couldn't wipe the smile off
my face. He wanted to do one more round pero for the first time ay humindi ako.
Hindi ko na talaga kaya. He did not even grow limp, gusto ko tuloy pumalakpak kung
hindi lang parang nasagasaan ng ten-wheeler ang pakiramdam ko.

We kissed before we parted ways and it was sweet how he followed my car to my condo
and only left when I turned towards the basement parking of my building.

I woke up late and I had to reschedule a meeting with our creative department.
Gusto kasi ni Alexa na kasama ako sa Creative team kahit di naman ako ganun ka-
creative. I nearly cried when I saw the gold plaque outside my own office that says
Lia Agatha Carbonel, Creative Consultant. Ang pakiramdam ko ay may silbi ako for
the first time. My phone rang and I smiled seeing the name reflected on the screen.

"Alexa!" I happily said. "Good morning, dearest sister."

"Ate! Anong nangyari sayo? May sakit ka ba? Bakit nag-reschedule ka daw ng meeting?
Hintayin mo ako, I'll come over. Have you eaten breakfast? Kakagising mo lang ba?
Anong oras na at hindi ka pa nakakain?"

"Hoy, dahan-dahan. Wala akong sakit nasobrahan lang ako kagabi."

"Ha?"

"Ikwento ko sayo, next time na magkita tayo. Grabe, ang galing nya pala at ang laki
nya. Hindi ko ma-explain yung size nya, normal pa ba yun?"

"Normal ang ano?" Alexa asked and I laughed. Si Alexa kasi napaka-inosente pa rin
kahit nakadalawang anak na at buntis na naman ulit. Pero I like her innocence kasi
hindi peke at hindi pilit. Nagi-gets nya yung mga kamunduhang pinagsasabi ko pero
meron akong mga kwento na hindi nya masakyan agad.

"Hay, naku! Maaga pa lang eh kaya ayokong punuin ng kaberdehan yang utak mo. Minsan
mag-overnight tayo ni Lee Ann para makapagkwento ako. Itaon mo na lang na meron ka
para naman pumayag yang asawa mong mawalay ka sa piling nya."

"Ate talaga." She laughed. "Pero are you sure you're okay? Sabihin mo sa akin if
you need to be taken to the hospital."

"Mamaya silipin ko kung kailangan ko ng stitches dun." I blurted out before I

laughed loudly.

"Ewan ko sayo, Ate! Why do I have a feeling puro kabastusan yang sinasabi mo? Tama
ka, ang aga pa nga for such talks. O sya, tumawag lang ako because I received the
email that you've rescheduled the meeting and I got worried."

"Salamat, Alexa sa pag-aalala. Minsan feeling ko sa ating dalawa ay ikaw ang Ate."
I muttered and she laughed.

"Feeling ko nga rin ako ang Ate kasi mas matindi ka pang magpasaway kay Lee Ann.
Papasok ka ba ng office or may modeling stint ka ngayon?"

"Papasok ako after lunch kasi may kailangan akong tapusin. Have you reviewed the
budget proposal for the hotel's promotions that I emailed you?"

"Oo, check your email because I already approved the proposal although meron akong
suggestions."

"Sige, dadaan ako sa office mo later so we can talk. Don't work too hard at buntis
ka, ano ka ba."

"Alam ko, nakaupo lang naman ako dito at nagbubukas lang ng emails."

"Alas singko pa lang umalis ka na or else kakaladkarin kita pababa." I told her and
she laughed again.

"Opo, Ate. Thanks sa concern. I love you, I'll see you later."

"I love you too. Yes, see you later." I replied before I ended the call. I limped
towards my bathroom. Grabe naman yung taong yun, for the first time ay hirap akong
maglakad after a vigorous loving. I mumbled grinning. I lit the scented candles and
turned the small speaker, that's connected to my Ipod, on. "Hay, langit." I
murmured smiling as I took my bathrobe off while Michael Buble's Always on My Mind
played.

One more, Lia.

I heard his sexy voice in my head and I involuntarily shivered. "Naman, boses pa
lang eh pempem food na." I sniggered as I tested the temperature of the water
before I added the 2 cups of Epsom salt and 8 drops of lavender oil I prepared
earlier. I wheeled the small table with chocolate-dipped strawberries near my
bathtub before I got into it. "Ang sarap." I whispered contentedly as I closed my
eyes. "Ano ba naman yang--" I sputtered as his face, which was contorted in
pleasure, flashed in my head. "Tangna, horny na naman ulit ako." I uttered as I
adjusted my inflatable pillow. "Behave ha, pempem." I said but I never attempted to
close my eyes again.

Lia, you're so hot.

I heard him say in my mind. "And you are the god of phallic pleasures." I murmured
laughing. Sino ba namang mag-aakalang ang hot nya eh mukha syang naglalakad na
yelo? Halos ka-level nya si Nickolai sa pagiging cold at kapag nagkakasalubong kami
sa office, halos hindi sya namamansin.
"Thou shall not judge someone's performance in bed by his cover, Lia Carbonel." I
told myself and laughed. Siguro sa dinami-dami ng experiences ko, sya ang hindi ko
makakalimutan. He's big alright pero it's not his weapon that I remember but how he
used it. Pati kaluluwa ko yata naki-ungol. I thought.

But I know that what we had should be the first and the last dahil ayokong magkalat
sa kumpanya ng pamilya ko. After I finished bathing, I quickly changed into my
light blue and gray business suit. The lukewarn bath did it's trick at hindi na
parang nasagasaan ng truck ang pakiramdam ko, tricycle na lang.

"Good afternoon po, Ms. Carbonel." The valet parking attendant greeted as I handed
him my car key.

"Good afternoon po, Manong Caloy." I greeted back. That's what I like about how
Alexa runs the company, hindi natatakot sa amin yung mga trabahante but they treat
us as part of their families who deserve respect. Kahit ba ayokong maka-ballroom
dancing sila pero gusto ko kung paano nila kami pinapakitunguhan - hindi sila
takot, hindi sila nagpapasipsip at lalong hindi sila galit.

I walked to the elevator and smiled at the guard stationed near it who greeted me
warmly when he saw me. I got in and pressed number forty-five on the panel. I
hummed to myself as the elevator started its ascent. It stopped on the seventh
floor and I looked up to find Zacarias Montilla, AdMedia's new General Manager, get
in.

"Hi, Lia." He smiled and I felt a delicious shiver run down my spine. Ang gwapo mo
naman. Payakap nga saglit, tapos pakurot na din sa pwet. I thought as I smiled
back.

"Hi, Zac." I replied as he pressed number thirty-three on the panel.

"Good afternoon." He answered. Feeling ko lang sundae ako at hot chocolate topping
sya kaya dapat eh nakapatong sya sa akin habang nalulusaw akong masaya sa ilalim
nya. Ano ba ito, kinikilig ako para akong high school. I murmured to myself as I
bowed my head and bit my lower lip. "I heard you rescheduled the meeting?" He asked
and I looked up after I arranged my face into a semblance of polite curiosity.

"Yes, I did." I replied. "Didn't you receive the memo?"

"I did." He smiled. Gusto ko syang lamutakin. Ang gwapo nya talaga, ang tangkad,
ang tangos ng ilong and those muscles. Ohlala.

"Sige, mauna na ako sayo." He said and I nodded my head. Sige mauna ka lang,
susunod ako. I thought as I smiled back.

"Bye." I told him as he got off on thirty-third floor. I nearly squealed sa sobrang
kilig ko at buti na lang hindi ako nagtititili dahil hindi tuluyang sumara ang
pinto kasi hinarang nya gamit ang kamay nya.

"And Lia." He said.

"Yes?" I answered.

"You look gorgeous today." He uttered before he let the door go and it closed with
a ping. I waited for the elevator to reach the thirty-fourth floor bago ako parang
tangang nagsisisigaw. Bihira akong kiligin, in fact ngayon ko lang yata naranasan.
Pero meron talagang kakaiba kay Zac na parang kinikiliti pati pwet ko kapag
nakikita ko sya.
"Hay Zac, pangalan mo pa lang parang napakamakasalanan na. Zac parang sack or suck
or--" I stopped talking as the elevator opened on the thirty-fifth floor.

"Hi, Lia." Nickolai greeted and I frowned at him. Ano kayang nagustuhan ni Lee Ann
dito? Parang yelong tinubuan ng paa at kamay. I murmured to myself. I remembered a
conversation I overheard during one commercial's shooting, nagko-complain si
Precious kasi para daw tuod sa kama si Nick and she had to do all the work.

"Hi." I said. Ako yung tipo ng taong hindi nakakatiis kung may gustong sabihin and
no matter how nice I try to appear eh lumalabas talaga ang pagiging maldita ko.
"Nick."

"Yes?"

"Ingatan mo yung kapatid ko at wag mong sasaktan. Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na

ipa-salvage ka pag iniyakan ka nun." I told him and he stared at me before he
smiled.

"Hindi mo ako kailangang pagsabihan, iingatan ko sya." He said and I nodded at him.
I wanted to warn him about Lee Ann's age, na bata pa lang ang kapatid ko kaya hindi
nya dapat minamanyak pero naisip ko, kung tama ang sinabi ni Precious eh wala akong
dapat ipag-alala. Besides, I was Lee Ann's age when I lost my virginity. Pero ano
bang meron sa mga kapatid ko at hibang na hibang sila sa magkapatid na Sandoval na
to? I mumbled as the elevator opened on the forty-fifth floor and we both got off.

"Bye, Nick." I said as I headed towards my office.

"Bye." He replied. Dumiretso ako sa opisina ko sa kabilang dulo. Gusto sana ni

Alexa na isiksik ako kahilera ng mga opisina nila pero hindi ako pumayag. Malaking
trabaho pa kasi kung gagawan ako ng office beside hers kaya I opted to take the new
office at the other end of the floor. At least doon walang tao at hindi
nakakahiyang tumunganga at matulog kasi hindi ko katabi ang aking hard-working
sister. I typed in my office's password on my door's LED panel and took my shoes
off as soon as I got in. I looked around my office and smiled. I love my office --
modern, simple and very functional.

"Hindi pa pala ako kumakain." I murmured as I took off my blazer. I dialed my

sister's number and she picked up on the second ring.

"Ate." She said.

"Uy, paano mo nalaman na ako ang tumatawag?" I asked and she laughed.

"Ikaw lang naman ang mahilig tumawag sa local." She answered and I laughed too.

"Bukas na tayo mag-usap kasi gusto kong umuwi ka ng maaga ngayon. I'll just email
you back the revisions after you've emailed me your suggestions tungkol dun sa
proposal ko."

"Oo nga, nagyayaya si Alex na umuwi kami ng maaga at gusto nya daw akong magpahinga
kasi kanina pa ako nahihilo."

"Alexa, pahinga ha at hindi pahiga. Baka mamaya kahit pagod ka sige ka pa rin."

"Ate talaga." She laughed and I smiled. "O sige, bukas na tayo mag-usap at ang dami
ko ring gustong itanong sayo. Medyo ngayon ko lang na-gets yung sinabi mo sa
telepono."

"Ang slow mo ha, Atty. Alexa Carbonel-Sandoval? Akala ko ba Harvard graduate ka?"
"Walang kahalayang tinuro sa Harvard eh." She said and we both laughed. We said
goodbye and I stared at my computer's screen and heard that guy's moan in my head.

"Jusko, Lia maghunos-dili ka." I murmured as I stood up and took my stockings off.
"Bakit ba ako pumayag na magpa-ano dun?" I asked myself. "Kasi tanga ka, malay mo
ba kung may girlfriend yun?" I groaned as I sat down on the plush sofa in the
middle of my office. "Kailangan mo syang kalimutan, Lia!" I scolded myself as I
stood up.

I went to my table and sat down on my chair. "Gutom lang to." I said. "Kain muna
ako, pag busog na ako hindi ko na sya maiisip." I murmured as I picked my bag up. I
was about to put my shoes back on when I heard a knock. "Hay naku si, Alexa to." I
told myself smiling as I opened the door.

"Hi, Lia." He said and I stared at him in surprise.

"Uy, hi." I said after I recovered from my initial shock. Bakit nandito to? "Ano
yun, may kailangan ka?" I asked. I did not invite him inside kasi ayokong isipin
nyang hindi one-time deal yung nangyari sa amin.

"Pinapabigay ni Alexa." He said as he handed me a folder.

"Okay, thank you." I said smiling at him.

"Lalabas ka ba?" He asked and I shook my head kasi ayoko syang makasabay. My sister
gave me a chance to be a part of the company and I have no plans of blowing that
opportunity up by acting like some sex-starved woman.

"Hindi." I said. The way he ran his gaze from my head down to my bare feet made me
want to take another shower. Ang init ng tingin mo, nakakapaso.

"Ganun ba?" He asked and I nodded my head.

"Oo eh."

"If that's the case, ako na lang ang papasok..." He whispered as he gently pushed
the door open and stepped inside. "...sayo."

I laughed at what he said as he closed the door behind him. Ang init. I mumbled as
quelled the urge to fan my face with my hand. He stood there watching me. I smiled
as I walked towards my sofa. Ayokong umupo kaya nakatayo lang akong nakatingin sa
kanya.

"So..." I mumbled and he smiled. More of like smirked. Jusko, saang planeta ba
nanggaling ang sex appeal nito at parang ngayon lang yata lumabas? O ngayon ko lang
napansin? I thought as he walked towards me.

"Hi." He said as he stood in front of me. I involuntarily took a step back and felt
foolish. Virgin ang peg, teh?

He was standing so close to me and he smelled sinfully divine. Ano ba pempem, your
new friend is here pero behave ka lang. I murmured to myself.

"Hello." I replied as he continued to stare. Ay naku, Lia. Tingin pa lang nito

foreplay na. Be a good girl ha. Tandaan mong nasa loob ka ng opisina. Ano na lang
ba ang sasabihin ni Mother Superior Alexa kapag nalaman nyang nakikipagharutan ka
sa loob ng opisina? Siguro ipapa-bless nya tong office mo one hundred times.
"What?" I asked as I laughed. "Ano to magtititigan na lang tayo?" I flippantly
questioned and he grinned.

"Bawal ka bang titigan, Miss Carbonel?" He asked in a husky voice and my pempem was
happy at his words. Taragis tong lokong to ang landi! I thought to myself as I
thought for a cute but equally flirty reply pero wala akong maisip.

"Oo eh, bawal. Alam mo naman ako, Limited Edition." I said and he chuckled.

"You're really cute, Lia." He muttered. First time kong matawag na cute, usually
kasi ang tawag sa akin bitch at na-flatter daw ako kahit papano.

"Cute? Napaka-virginal naman nyang word na yan. Si Lee Ann cute pero ako?" I
laughed.

"Yeah, Lee Ann is cute. She's the younger sister I wish I had." He said. "But you,
Miss Lia Carbonel, I don't want you to become my sister."

"Don't worry, I never wished for a brother." I answered and he grinned.

"Good." He replied before he bent down to capture my lips. I allowed him to kiss me
but I remained passive as he opened his mouth over mine. Lia! Wag kang mag-respond!
Wag kang mag-respond! I repeated recited in my head even when I felt like returning
his gentle kisses.

"Hindi mo ako na-miss?" He asked as he nibbled my lower lip and I nearly groaned.

"Bakit kita mami-miss?" I answered and gasped when he took advantage of the
opportunity and invaded my mouth with his tongue. I heard a moan and prayed that it
did not come from me.

"Na-miss kasi kita." He whispered as he cupped my face.

"High school lang ang peg? May pa-miss miss pang nalalaman?" I tried to joke as I
moved away from him. He let me go and I hastily went to my table to get my bag.
"Ano palang kailangan mo?" I inquired without looking at him. My hands were
trembling and I fisted them as I pretended to clear my desk.

"Gusto lang kitang makita." He replied and I felt like melting. Yan ang problema sa
mundong to, kung kelan naman gusto kong magpakabait ay tsaka naman may mga
temptasyong lumalapit-lapit. Lia, wag mong papatulan yan, gugulo lang buhay mo.
"Okay. So ngayong nakita mo na ako, pwede ka nang umalis." I told him with a smile.
Ayoko naman syang ma-offend, hindi nya kasalanang type sya ng matres ko at crush
sya ng pempem ko.

"Pinapaalis mo na ako agad?" He asked. "Hindi dapat ako papasok ngayong araw na to
pero gusto kitang makita kaya pumasok ako." O sya pasok lang ng pasok. Kung saan-
saan ka na pumapasok. I said to myself as I picked the stockings I discarded
earlier off the floor. I opened a drawer and hastily stashed them inside. "May
gagawin ka ba today? Do you want to eat out? My treat." He said and I straightened
up before I faced him.

"I have a meeting kaya nagmamadali ako. Pasensya ka na ha, alam mo naman ang mga
dalagang ganito kagaganda parating in-demand." I said and he smiled at me, his
expression indulgent. I cleared my throat as I bent down to retrieve my shoes.

"Ang sabi ni Alexa, nag-reschedule ka daw ng meeting." He stated and I turned my

head to smile at him.

"Oo, nag-reschedule ako sa Creative Department pero may meeting ako with the
modeling agency people." I lied and saw him nod his head.

"Ihatid na kita kung saan kayo magmi-meeting."

"May pahatid-hatid talaga? Bakit?" I asked. I suddenly felt conscious that I was
wearing nothing on my feet. Parang feeling ko hubad ako samantalang sya eh balot na
balot.

"Bakit naman hindi?"

"Kasi may sarili akong kotse at hindi ako sanay nang hinahatid."

"May naghatid na sayo dito sa office dati." He said and I frowned.

"A blue Toyota Camry." He stated and my scowl deepened before I smiled in
remembrance.

"Ay oo nga pala, si Junel. Type ko dati, kaso nagpapaturo sa akin kung paano mag-
make-up kaya sumuko na ako. Mahirap kaagaw ang ibang lalaki pagdating sa pag-ibig."
I told him and he laughed softly.

"He's gay? Not that there's something wrong with being gay but I don't see you as
the type of girl who'll fall for men who are..."

"Men who are what?" I asked arching my brow.

"Who are soft." He finished and my mouth went dry remembering how hard he was the
last time we met. "Or am I wrong?" He added and I imagined myself banging my head
against the wall. Lia, ano ba! Stop thinking about your pempem's bestfriend! This
guy is off-limits! Do not mix business with erotic pleasure, you fool! I harshly
berated myself.

"Magkaliwanagan nga tayo. Are you flirting with me?" I asked hoping that my
straightforwardness would catch him off guard. Usually, men would cower when I'm
being blunt and I expected him to react the same way. But he smiled instead as he
moved towards me. Ano ba tong lalaking to! I was starting to panic as I turned away
from him.

I felt him behind me and I closed my eyes. Lia! What the hell! Gather your wits and
leave! I told myself as I felt his arm wrapped around my waist.

"I've always been intrigued about you." He said and I couldn't help but arch my
brow.

"Yeah, right." I muttered.

"Totoo, kahit dati pa curious talaga ako sayo. You seem very interesting. Lahat ng
iniisip mo sinasabi mo and you're not afraid to show who you are. And your face--"

"Oh well, maganda talaga ako." I cut him off and he laughed. "Lahat kami magaganda,
blame our father's genes." I said. "Pero kailangan ko na talagang umalis."

"Ihahatid nga kita kahit saan ka man pupunta." He said. I moved and felt his crotch
near my backside. I felt him take a step back and I nearly sagged with relief. I
heard Zsa Zsa Padilla in my head singing: Di ba ako'y tao lang na nadadarang at
natutukso rin. Maalis mo ba sa akin ang magustuhan ka ng aking pempem-- Crap, Lia
cut that out! I admonished myself.

"Thanks, you're invading my personal space." I mumbled as I stepped away from him.

"I haven't done any invading yet." He suggestively replied and I nearly rolled my
eyes. Sino bang mag-aakalang ang landi ng lalaking ito at sino bang mag-aakalang
magpapalandi ako dito? I thought. I took my bag from my table and headed towards
the door but he blocked my way. Talaga naman, feeling ko talaga isang magandang
dilag ako sa mga pinaggagagawa nito.

"I need to leave. Ano bang kailangan mo?" I asked and he winked.

"Ibibigay mo ba ang kailangan ko kapag sinabi ko, Miss Carbonel?" He asked back.

"Hindi." I answered and he laughed aloud. It sounded so manly that goose bumps
erupted along my thighs and arms. "Stop playing with me. Ano ba--"

"Lia..." He whispered my name as he took a step forward. I automatically took a

step back and felt my table brush against my backside. Naman. I inwardly groaned as
he leaned forward and placed his hands on either side of me effectively trapping
me.

"What kind of game are you playing?" I asked as his gaze fell on my lips. I felt
like blushing. Teen-ager lang? Blushing ka pang nalalaman. I berated myself as I
met his gaze.

"Kiss me." He said before I felt his lips on mine. This guy definitely knows how to
kiss. I thought as he lethargically moved his mouth coaxing mine to open. He
groaned his approval the moment I parted my lips as he moved a thigh in between my
legs.

"Wait." I said as I felt his hand on my chest, gently kneading my flesh. "Oh...
crap..." I murmured as I felt him place open-mouthed kisses along my neck. "Shit...
we really should... stop." I panted as he started to unbutton my blouse.

"Why?" He asked without ceasing his movements.

"Baka... baka... teka lang..." I groaned as my blouse fell open and his mouth moved
lower. "Shit... hindi... tama to." I whimpered as he unhooked my bra.

"Bakit hindi tama?" He asked and I moaned when I felt his mouth latched onto my
flesh.
"Wala... ka bang... girlfriend... ahh... shit..." I moaned the question as he bent
his knee and started grinding me against it.

"Wala." He answered. "Wala ka namang boyfriend di ba?" He questioned, his voice

raspy and I nodded my head. "Good." He said as he started to discard my clothes.

"Hoy, teka lang..." I protested still riding his knee. I felt him reach behind me
as he unzipped my skirt. "Ang bilis mo naman." I groaned and he smirked.

"Ang bagal ko nga eh." He said.

"Ganun?" I gasped as he pulled my skirt upward and I felt his fingers on my core.

"I really should---"

"Oh, Lia you're so wet." He murmured as he bent down to kiss me again. I felt him
lift me off the floor before he guided me to sit on my table. Jusko! Dito sa mesa
ko? Paano na lang ako magtatrabaho nyan without my thoughts drifting towards this
man?!

"We should... stop..." I murmured as he lowered my underwear before he unzipped his

pants.

"We should?" He asked and I nodded my head as I felt him slide inside me.

"I mean... this is... oh shit... an... oh... an office." I moaned as he started to
move.

"You're... probably...right..." He panted as he slowly drove in and out me.

"Yes... I... am..." I replied as one of his arms wound around my waist while the
other guided my legs to wrap around his hip.

"Ihinto ko?" He whispered before he pulled me higher, still joined intimately with
him, and began sucking on my breast.

"Oh shit..."

"Should I stop, Lia?" He asked as his thrusts became faster and I was lost in a sea
of sensations. "Should I stop?" He repeated the question as I moved against him.
"You drive me crazy, Lia Carbonel." He intoned as I met his thrusts.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and we kissed again. I screamed in his mouth as I
found my release and he held me tight. "Hold on to me." He instructed before he
lifted me off the table. He was still hard inside me and I gasped in pleasure with
each movement. He sat down on the sofa and he held my face with both his hands as
he ravaged my mouth.

I felt him surge up against me as I ground myself against him. My office was filled
with gasps and moans as he brought me to heights unimaginable. I noticed that his
movements were becoming frantic and I realized that he's nearing his peak. I guided
his head towards my chest and he happily obliged. Two more thrusts and he groaned
my name as he shivered beneath me. I felt hot liquid fill my womb and I froze.

"Tangna!" I cussed as I made a move to stand up but he held me tight. "Shit!"

"What is it?" He asked, his face filled with concern.

"Tangna, Dustin! Hindi ka nag-condom?!"

"Oh for pekpek's sake! Bakit--paano kung--baka--argh!" I pushed away from him to
stand up and felt sticky liquid trail down my thighs. "Jusko naman." I groaned.

"Keep still." He said and I felt him wipe my thighs with a cloth.

"Ano yan?" I asked. "Wait, are you using your hanky to wipe that off?" I queried in
disbelief. Jusme, note to self, wag manghihiram ng panyo ever sa taong ito! Pero
grabe naman to, he's still hard? I thought to myself seeing his engorged member.

"Why? Sa atin naman yan galing?"

"Hindi ba uso sayo ang tissue?"

"Uso ba sayo?" He asked back smiling and I glared. Tarantado din to eh. Kung di ka
lang mighty meaty binayagan na kita.

"I need to clean up. Please leave and lock the door behind you." I murmured as I
ran to my bathroom. "Yuck." I whispered. Yuck ka pa dyan, Lia first time makakita
ng love juice? I murmured as I took my clothes off.

Malandi man akong babae but I never had someone come in me. Yung first time ko
lang. We were both sixteen, stupid and he found his release after he shoved himself
inside me. I was traumatized. But not for long. I smirked remembering my escapades.
I decided to take a shower. Buti na lang talaga girl scout itong si Alexa at pati
toiletries, robes at towels ay nilagyan itong banyo ko.

I stepped under the shower and adjusted a knob for the water's temperature. "Ni-
lock kaya ni Dustin ang office? Oo naman siguro." I mumbled aloud. "Ikaw na talaga,
Dustin. You're the mightiest and meatiest of them all." I said and laughed aloud.
Buti safe ako ngayon. May kinakana kayang iba yun? Wala naman siguro syang STD.

"Lia--" I shrieked as the bathroom door opened.

"Jusko ano ka ba! Bakit andito ka pa?" I asked. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin
kong takpan -- yung boobs ko ba o yung pempem ko. Para namang hindi pa ako nakita
nitong partly-naked. "Bakit ka pa nandito?" I straightened. Keps ba kung maglaway
sya sa alindog ko, bakit naman ako mahihiya? I thought as he stared.

Yun nga lang he just stared. And he continued to stare until I felt myself blush.
"Um... may kailangan ka pa?" I asked, my voice sounded breathy. I felt my insides
quiver as he started to unknot his tie. I watched as he took his clothes off. He
was magnificent naked, all sinewy and muscly. Jusko, mapapalaban na naman yata
ako---I moaned the rest of my thoughts as I I felt his hands on me.

"Alam mo na siguro kung ano ang kailangan ko." He murmured before he plundered my
mouth. He was inside me in an instant.

"Dustin...wag sa loob..." I warned as I was nearing my peak.

"I'll try." He groaned. Ayan tayo eh. Try lang ng try. I cried his name in rapture.
"I'm close." He said and I opened my mouth to warn him again and felt his seed
inside me. Shit. Langya. Pero di bale one-time big time na to.

"Gusto mo pa ba?" I asked him as soon as I was able to catch my breath. "Sagarin mo
na." I said and he started moving again.

Yun ang masama sa mga masasarap, pagkatapos ng sarap magi-guilty ka at tatanungin

mo ang sarili mo kung bakit ka ba nagpapakalunod sa sarap. Parang chocolates---
after you eat your fill, you start counting the calories, the sugar and the
whatnots. Parang lalaki, matapos kang mapagod at umungol nang wagas, you lie awake
in bed thinking why you were stupid at naging three nights, three days ang
supposedly ay one-night stand lang. Parang vacation package lang ito.

"Ang bobo mo, Lia!" I groaned for the fourth time. "Ginagawa mong kumplikado ang
buhay mo! Nakakita ka lang ng gargantuan weapon of mass seduction eh nagpa-seduce
ka naman!"

Hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa kanya. Oh well, aside dun sa kanyang
makapanindig-balahibong pagkalalaki pero I was never a girl who judged a man by his
length...or girth. Gusto ko good time lang, landi-landi, kembot-kembot ng kaunti at
ayoko ng mga seryosong commitments. And I know na yun ang hanap ni Dustin.

"Teka nga." Napabalikwas ako sa kama. "Bakit ko ba yun pinuproblema eh hindi naman
kami so dapat klaro sa kanya na naglalaro lang ako." I said and remembered how I
woke up in his arms after our hot shower. "Jusko, jusko naman!" I grumbled and
heard my phone ring. "Sister!"

"What's wrong, Ate? Are you okay?" Alexa's very worried voice made me laugh.
Minsan, nakakaloka din ang pagma-mother figure sa akin nitong kapatid kong ito.

"Keri lang, marami lang iniisip. Bakit ka pala napatawag?"

"I was expecting your email--"

"Ay, shit oo nga. Sorry. Sige, i-email ko in thirty minutes. Ilalagay ko lang yung
suggestions mo para mapirmahan mo na agad."

"Kahit bukas na." She said. "Ay may chismax ako..."

"Ano ito?" I excitedly asked. Si Alexa mahilig din sa chismis pero hindi halata.
Hindi tulad ko na naturingang tsismosa mula nung elementary.

"Si Dustin, may girlfriend na!" She divulged and my jaw literally dropped. I
snapped my mouth close.
"Talaga?" I questioned. Pinamalita na kaya nyang kami? I thought surprised na medyo
kinilig daw pempem ko. Buti ka pa, pempem may lovelife, You na talaga.

"Oo! Ang sabi ni Alex parati daw wala si Dustin and he even missed their golf date
last time."

"Ganun?" I asked. "Sino?" Hay naku, Dustin isa ka na naman sa mga lalaking
nabiktima ng aking nakakabaliw na alindog. Kung sabagay, okay lang naman sya maging
boyfriend -- gwapo, matalino, stable ang trabaho, mahaba ... ang pasensya,
malaki... ang puso. I was laughing like crazy in my head at my thoughts.

"Suzette daw ang name." Alexa said and I felt my world tilt.

"Ha?!"

"Ano ba, Ate wag ka namang sumigaw." I heard Alexa complain and I mumbled an
apology. Suzette?! Sino si Suzette?! At ang bilis naman nyang magka-girlfriend! O
baka may nililigawan sya habang ini-exercise nya ang pempem ko! Tangnang yun,
tarantado! Two-timer! Manloloko! Gago! Hayop! Hayok sa laman. Wait lang, bakit ba
ako nagagalit? I asked myself. "Ate, nandyan ka pa?"

"Oo, andito. Nagulat lang ako. Sino ba namang mag-aakalang magkaka-girlfriend si

Dustin eh parang tuod yun na naka-kurbata."

"Grabe ka naman, Ate!" Alexa burst out laughing.

"Parang tuod na binabad sa ref ng ilang siglo at dinamitan ng designer clothing." I

added at di na magkamayaw si buntis sa kakatawa. "Hoy dahan-dahan baka mapa-ire ka
dyan."

"Ano ka ba, Ate ilang buwan pa lang to."

"Baka mag-spotting ka na naman at akalain mo na namang may period ka yun pala

kumapit na lang ang binhi ng asawa mo sayo kaya ka dinudugo."

"That's supposed to sound scientific, Ate pero pag galing sayo parang porn."

"Naku, pareho naman na tayong hindi na virgin, wag na tayong magkaila. Yung baby
nating si Lee Ann ay bantayan mong mabuti at mukhang--"

"Wag na wag magkakamali yan si Nickolai at makakatikim sya ng unlimited roundhouse

kicks sa akin."

"Sabihin mo nga kay Lee Ann na tawagan ako, bakit ba mukhang napaka-busy ng batang
yan? Kumukuha ba yan ng masteral at ganun na lang kadami load nyan?"

"Busy sa lovelife at busy sa school. Pero tini-text ka naman?"

"Oo, araw-araw pero miss ko na yun kausap." I said. "Sabihin mo nagtatampo na ako
sa kanya."

"Sige, sasabihin ko. Naku, Ate bye na muna at yung mga anak ko nag-susuntukan na."
She said and I laughed. Yung pamangkin ko kasing si Alexanna, mas maton pa yata sa
Kuya nya.

"Sige, bye." I cheerfully said pero pagkababa na pagkababa nya ng phone gusto kong
magbasag ng gamit sa asar. "Ang kapal ng mukha mo Montemayor! Mamaya kinikimbyular
mo rin pala yung Suzette na yun eh ilang beses tayong di gumamit ng condom dahil
safe ako! Tangna ka!" I threw my pillow on the floor.
Nakakadiri yung lalaking yun! I angrily murmured as I stood up. Bakit ba ako asar
na asar? I asked myself. Dahil takot kang magka-STD at ang sabi ni Dustin ay si
pempem lang daw ang ini-exercise nya at naniwala ka naman!

"Sinungaling talaga tong mga lalaking to!" I murmured in annoyance. "Well, hindi
naman lahat. Wag lang magkamali yang mga Sandoval na yan na lokohin ang mga kapatid
ko at naka-ready na ang labaha kong pangkapon sa kanila."

My phone rang again and I angrily snatched it from my bed. Lalo akong naasar noong
nakita ko kung sino ang tumatawag. Hindi ko dapat sasagutin pero makapangyarihan
talaga si pempem kaya napasagot tuloy ako nang wala sa oras.

"Hello." I said. My voice sounded sharp but I didn't really give a fuck. "Bakit ka
napatawag?"

"Bakit masungit ka yata ngayon, gorgeous?" Pesteng to ang daming alam, mag-condom
lang ang hindi!

"Busy lang ako. May date kasi ako ngayon." I answered. "I'm shaving my pubes, so
bye muna!" I creatively added. Hah! Ikaw lang ba ang marunong, gago!

"Wait! Lia!"

"What?"

"Date? You have a date?"

"Why do you sound so surprised? I'm single at sayo na din mismo nanggaling that I'm
gorgeous. So anong nakakapagtaka dun?"

"Paano tayo?" Gago!

"Tayo? What do you mean?" I asked. Kunyari hindi ko gets kahit gets ko naman. Anak
ka ng tulya! Akala ko rin exclusive bedroom agreement ang meron tayo pero
gumagarahe ka pala sa iba. I don't do multi-fucking!

"Shit, Lia. Ano ka ba!"

"Bakit, ano ba ako? Are we going to start the shit-slinging and name-calling now as
if we're both brokenhearted and each other's ex?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Dust, the sex was good, no scratch that, it was beyond best but I don't do
relationships, I only do people." I said before I ended the call. "Makapag-yoga na
nga lang! Bakit kasi kailangan pa ng lalaki, Lia eh isang taon mahigit naman na
yoga lang ang exercise mo?" I asked myself as I prepared to take a bath. Pwede
akong mag-yoga sa bahay pero may lifetime membership naman ako sa isang yoga gym
kaya sayang naman kung hindi ko gagamitin.

Two hours later and I definitely felt better. I decided to take a quick shower
before I drive home. I have my own locker inside the gym because I'm a Platinum
member and I stashed my things inside it before I headed to the shower rooms.

"Hi, Lia!" A group of girls greeted. Ito na naman tong mga plastic.

I did not greet them back. Hindi talaga ako magaling sa pakikipagplastikan kaya
dire-diretso lang ako sa glass cubicles.
"Are you invited sa fashion show event ni Tita Dulce?" One of them asked as I
pushed the glass door open. "Baka hindi kasi sikat lang daw ang iniimbita dun." She
said and they giggled. I turned to look at them and smiled.

"Actually, I will be modeling one of her masterpieces. After all, I am Lia

Carbonel. What's your name again?" I questioned and she gasped indignantly. I
arched my brow. Chura mo.

I pretended to push the door open before I back-pedaled and gazed thoughtfully at
them. "Your breasts are sagging, ipa-check nyo yan baka nag-leak yung silicone." I
said before I dropped my towel and stood naked in front of them. "This is what
gorgeous looks like, by the way." I said and watched smirking as they scurried out
of the room.

Aminado naman akong bitch ako and my motto has always been: If you can't stand me,
that's your problem. Mga bwisit.

Hindi ko na pinatuyo ang buhok ko kasi maliligo din naman ako ulit pagdating ko sa
condo. My phone rang as I was inside the elevator. "Yung best friend mo, pempem,
ang kulit!" I mumbled as I ignored the call. Gusto ko sanang bisitahin si Alexa
pero for sure magtatanong sya at ayoko munang magkwento kasi ninanamnam ko pa mga
katangahan ko sa mga nakaraang araw. Unprotected sex, Lia! Tanga!

"Good evening po, Miss Carbonel." The valet parking attendant of my building
greeted and I smiled at him.

"Good evening." I greeted back before I handed him my car key. Pagdating ko sa
lobby, the receptionist called my name.

"Miss Carbonel, these arrived for you." She said and I smiled. Napaaga yata ang
flowers ni Lee Ann. I thought as I cradled the bouquet. "Aba himala, hindi roses."
I smilingly said looking at the tulips as I rode the elevator to my floor.

I was surprised to find Dustin outside my door. "O, bakit ka nandito?" I asked as I
typed-in my password on the LED panel. I better have his name removed from the list
of visitors allowed to directly come up to my unit. I mumbled to myself as he
pulled the door open for me.

"Saan ka galing?" He asked as soon as we're inside.

"Bakit mo tinatanong?" I asked back putting the flowers and my bag down.

"Saan ka nga galing?" He repeated calmly and I rolled my eyes at him.

"Dustin, stop. You're acting like a jealous boyfriend." I uttered as I took my

shoes off.

"Let's become official, Lia." He said and my heart did a black flip. What? Ang haba
ng hair? Official talaga? Pero tanga, wag ka nang papauto dyan! May Suzette na yang
gagong yan!

"What do you mean by official?" I inquired. "Besides, paano naman si Suzette?" I

asked and I nearly smacked my head with one of the vases when he grinned.

"Selos?" He questioned, his voice low and oh so freaking sexy. Lia! Snap out of it.

"Ako? Magseselos?" I laughed as he moved towards me and I instinctively took a step

back. I felt the wall behind me and he wrapped an arm around my waist.
"Let's date." He said and I laughed again and gasped when I felt his fingers on my
crotch. He held my gaze as he fondled me and I started to squirm as delicious
shivers ran down my spine. I like the sensations that he's making me feel but I
never liked relinquishing control. Dinadaan na lang ako ng lalaking to sa karinyo
nya.

"Date? Are you trying to court me, Dust? Nililigawan ba ako ng isang Dustin
Montemayor?" I asked, my tone mocking as he undid the knot holding my cotton shorts
and it pooled at my feet. He lifted me and I was forced to swathe my arms around
his neck as he guided my legs to wrap around his hips. We both moaned as he entered
my body in one push.

"I don't do courting, Lia Carbonel." He whispered as he started to move. "But I

love doing you."

"Oh, Dustin. I love doing you too." I tried to be sarcastic pero ungol ang lumabas
sa bibig ko. He's good. He's really good. He's really, really good. Shit ka, Lia!
Hindi pwede tong ganito! Magpapatalo ka sa lalaking ito? Hindi pa pinanganak ang
lalaking magpapaluhod kay Lia Carbonel. I moved against him, determined to race him
to the finish line. Gusto ko nang tapusin because with him, I lose control and I
never liked losing control.

"Do you like this, Lia?" He asked as he began circling his hips and I came
screaming his name. Hindi sya agad natapos, nagpakasawa sya sa alindog ko and I was
on my way to my third before he reached his climax. Bitin. Gusto ko pa pero alam
kong hindi na dapat. Talo na ako.

"Ibaba mo ako, Dustin." I told him and he pulled out of me before he put me down.
Pucha, nakakawalang poise ang tikas ng lalaking to! I thought to myself as I
grabbed a chair to keep my balance. My knees were shaking and I felt like crawling
to my bed.

"Okay ka lang ba?" He asked and I held my hand up.

"Okay lang ako." Sagot ko sa kanya. "Can you please leave?" I requested and he
looked surprise.

"Bakit?"

"May lakad nga kasi ako." I lied to him. Dustin is over six feet tall, kasing-
tangkad nya ang mga Sandoval but unlike Alex and Nick who exude raw, animalistic
power, itong si Dustin ay parang little lamb sa amo ng mukha. Anghel ang itsura
pero demonyo sa kama.

"Tutuloy ka pa rin?"

"Oo naman." I grinned. Gusto ko na syang umalis kasi hindi ko na kayang maglakad.
Nakakahiya namang gumapang sa harap nito. "Bye na."

"Lia--"

"No. Ayoko ng isang relasyon. I'm not like my sisters and this is something that
you should have realized by now. Wala akong balak mag-asawa, wala akong balak
magkaanak at wala akong balak magpamilya. Okay na akong ganito."

"Hindi naman kita minamadali." Hindi nga pero dinadaan mo ako sa haba, laki at
bilis, hindot ka. Sarap mong itali sa kama. What?! Lia, ayan ka na naman! Tama na
yan!

"Kahit gaano pa kabagal ang gawin mo, hanggang dito lang ang kaya kong ibigay." I
sighed. "Sorry, Dust, you'll find someone better." I said. He looked like a lost
little boy and it tugged at my heart. Gaga, anong heart? Baka si pempem lang yan
kumikirot.

"Hindi ko na ba kayang baguhin ang isip mo?"

"Hindi na. Salamat sa sarap." I gave him a wink but he did not smile as he took his
handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his instrument with it. Naman, sa harap ko
pa talaga? Anong meron dito at ang hilig nyang gamitin ang panyo nya sa pagtanggal
ng katas ng kamunduhan?

"Okay." He uttered as he pulled his boxers and pants up. He walked towards my door
and I just stood there, nakahawak pa rin ako sa silya. I pasted a smile on my face
as he turned to look at me.

"Bye!" Happy to serve! I wanted to add pero alam kong wala sya sa mood. He nodded
his head before his gaze shifted towards the flowers.

"I hope you like them." He said and I frowned.

"I like them, they're from Lee Ann."

"No, they're from me." He said before he opened the door and left. I gaped at the
closed door. First time kong nakatanggap ng bulaklak galing sa lalaki sa buong
buhay ko and it felt weird -- bigla akong kinabahan, bigla akong nanlamig at
biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Tanga, orgasmic pala ang makatanggap ng
bulaklak? I asked myself. I slid to the floor because I haven't recovered from
Dustin's lovemaking yet. Wait lang, bagong term? Love-making talaga? Dalagang
Pilipina ka, teh?

Pinilit kong tumayo kahit nanginginig ang mga tuhod ko at dahan-dahan akong
naglakad papuntang banyo para maligo. I turned the shower on and welcomed the
refreshing warmth of the water. I never really liked cold baths kaya nga nung
nagpunta akong Baguio at sira ang heating system ng hotel na tinuluyan ko ay gusto
kong maglaslas.

I hope you like them... He sounded so unsure, parang yung pinakauna kong boyfriend
na lahat na lang nang gagawin ay itatanong pa sa akin dati kung okay lang. Pati
paghawak sa pempem at paglamas sa boobs tinatanong nya kung okay lang. Naka-score
tuloy sa akin, feeling ko kasi ang bait nya, inuuto lang pala ako ng gago.

"Lia, pinaalis mo na sya, wag ka nang ma-guilty." I murmured as I pulled a towel

from the rack. Isa sa mga rason why I prefer one-night stands over relationships ay
dahil ayokong makasakit ng tao. Iniisip ko nun na since wala naman akong balak
magpakasal ay hindi magtatagal lahat ng relasyon ko. I was right. Ang pinakamahaba
kong relasyon was two months. Mabilis kasi akong magsawa. At some point nakakapagod
din magsabing It's not you, it's me. "Hay, Dustin okay ka sana pero laro lang ang
gusto ko." I murmured as I toweled myseld dry.

It's been three days since he left my condo. I had no regrets, masarap naman sya at
natuwa naman ako sa pagka-meaty nya but we're back to him being cold towards me.
Hindi naman ako nagpapapansin, hindi rin naman sya gumagawa ng move but I would
have preferred kung naging magkaibigan kami total friendly naman ako at gifted sya.
We're a match made in heaven. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock and
I pushed the button that electronically unlocks my door.

"Ate!" Alexa came strutting in at tumayo ako para yumakap sa kanya.

"Hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangan mo pang kumatok. Hindi ba alam mo kung ano ang
password nitong office ko?"

"Syempre courtesy pa rin, malay mo naman busy ka pala."

"Busy? Wala na hindi na ako dinadalaw ni mighty meaty." I murmured and she arched
her brow.

"Ha?"

"Wala. Gusto kong hotdog." I said and for some reason ay natawa ang kapatid ko. "A
real hotdog, yung nasa stick tapos mayonnaise at catsup."

"Ahh."

"Alexa, pakisabi sa asawa mong tantanan ka naman nya, nagiging berde na yang utak
mo." I kidded and we both laughed. "O, bakit ka pala nandito?"

"Sabay ka na sa amin mag-lunch. Sa baba lang kami kakain."

"Okay." I readily agreed. Gusto kong nakikita si Alexa at Alexander because they
make me believe na may happy endings pa. "I have been feeling down lately,
kailangan ko ng sugarcoating." I joked as I picked up my bag. Magkaakbay kaming
lumabas ng opisina ko. When we got to the elevator, agad-agad syang niyakap ng
asawa nya at napataas ang kilay ko. Ang OA ni Sandoval.

"Ang tagal mo naman, Love. Na-miss kita agad."

"Alex, every time na nagpapaka-sweet nagkakalaman tyan ko." My sister replied and I
laughed. We got inside the elevator and got off on the fifth floor. Dumiretso kami
sa bagong bukas na restaurant. Alexander opened the door for us and we stepped
inside.

"Nandito na pala sila." Alexander uttered smiling and I was surprised to find
Nickolai, Dustin and Zac waiting for us. Naku, pempem behave. Nandyan ang ex mo
pero let's pretend that he's never been inside you. I thought as we walked towards
their table.

"Hello, Alex, Alexa and Lia." Zac greeted. Yung bestfriend naman ni pempem ngumiti
lang as we took our seats.

"Hi!" I greeted back. Katabi ko si Alexa na katabi naman si Alex. Si Nickolai ang
umupo sa head ng table samantalang kaharap namin si Zac at Dustin. "Order na tayo,
I'm so hungry." I said and I pretended to browse the menu. Never akong dumaan sa
awkward stage but Dustin's lingering gazes made me feel awkward. And horny. Badtrip
tong tender juicy na to! Wagas naman kung makatitig!

"I orderd the group feast, Lia. Lahat ng nasa menu nila kasama dun." Nickolai said
and I lowered the menu I was holding down and pretended to look around the
restaurant. Jusko baka mahalata ni sister dearest na hindi ko tinitingnan si
Dustin, Harvard graduate pa man din si Alexa kaya for sure matindi ang observation
skills nito. I thought as I took a sip from the glass of water infront of me.

"Dustin, kelan mo ba ipapakilala sa amin si Suzette?" Alexander asked. Naasar ako

bigla and I didn't even notice na nilagok ko na pala ang tubig.

"Ate, are you alright?" My sister asked and I nodded my head at her.

"Grabe, uhaw na uhaw ako." I replied and saw the corners of Dustin's mouth lift.
Pinagtatawanan ba ako nitong gagong to? "Nandyan kasi si Zac, he's so hot." I told
everyone, my voice teasing and Zac laughed.

"Ikaw talaga, Ms. Lia Carbonel, you never fail to make me blush." Malandi din pala
tong gagong to. I felt Alexa kick my foot and I mentally rolled my eyes at her.
Tsismosa talaga itong kapatid kong to.

"I make you blush, Zac?" I replied smiling. "Am I that hot to make a man like you
blush?" I flirted. Natutuwa ako sa flirting, it's so harmless and cute.

"You're always hot, Lia." Zac laughed and I laughed along with him. Hindi ko na
tiningnan ang reaction ng madla kasi for sure nagtaas sila ng kilay. Lalo na yung
kapatid ko.

"Well, thank you, Zac. I know I am but that confirmation from you just made me feel
hotter." I replied at nagtawanan kami ulit. Ayokong tingnan si Dustin kasi nako-
confuse ako at sya ang pinipintig ng pempem ko kahit wala naman syang ginagawa.
Pempem, ishtahp! Oo, I know. I miss him too. Pero kalma ka lang, it's time to say
goodbye to his mighty meatiness. I jokingly told myself.

"Hey, may bagong bukas na club just two streets away from here, do you wanna check
it out? We could hang-out and watch a movie bago tayo pumunta dun then we could..."
He let the rest of his sentence hang in mid-air and I smiled. Ay naku, malantod
tong lalaking to.

"I'll think about it." I replied as Alexa cleared her throat. Alam kong
nagpaparamdam sya kasi hindi ako nagkukwento and she must have sensed na kinikilig
ako kay Zac. Sino ba namang hindi kikiligin sa lalaking ito? Muscles pa lang sa
braso ulam na? I thought as I averted my gaze and met my sister's laughing and
curious brown ones.

"Alex, sya nga pala yung revisions na pinagawa ni Dad dun sa deal natin with the
Cushman's natapos mo na?" Nick asked my brother-in-law and they started to talk
about business. Alam kong kailangan kong matutunan ang magpatakbo ng business pero
wala talaga ang interest ko dun no matter how Alexa tries to get me interested. But
I love the creative department, at least man lang may napuntahan yung pinag-aralan
ko sa Creative Design school.

"Magkwento ka." I heard my sister whisper as she pretended to lean towards me para
abutin yung tissue paper holder malapit sa akin. "What's the real score between you
and Zac?"

"Wala." I whispered back. "Kembot-kembot lang."

"Ikaw ha." She murmured and I grinned.

"Lia." I was surprised to hear Dustin call my name and apparently the other
occupants of our table were surprised too as they stopped talking and gave him
their full attention.

"Yes?" I answered. Ang tindi mo namang makatitig? Are you undressing me in your
head, Dustin? I asked myself as I started to feel hot all over. "Ano yun, Atty.
Montemayor?"

"I need a favor from you, I know you're good with designs so I need help for my
mother's surprise birthday party." He smoothly said and I blinked. Ano daw? Is that
some sort of a secret code? Is birthday party equivalent to him saying that he
wants to make my pempem happy again?

"I'm rather busy..."

"Please." He said. Please lang yung sinabi ng tao, Lia bakit feeling mo may
dumidila sayo? I asked myself. How could please sounds so damn sexy coming from
this guy?

"Well, my department can help you, Dustin kasi mukhang busy si Lia." Zac said as
Dustin continued to stare at me. I felt Alexa kick my foot again. Oo na, dear
sister ako na ang in-demand. I told her in my head.

"Please." He said and I gave in.

"Okay." I finally replied and he smiled. My pulse raced. Takte, Lia! What the fuck
did you get yourself into?

"Thank you." I said before he stood up. "May tatawagan lang ako." He told everyone
and left. Bigla akong nanghina.

"I need to use the comfort room." I stood up too and nearly ran towards women's
silent sanctuary when we get flustered -- ang banyo. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" I chanted
as I looked at myself on the wall-to-wall mirror. "Tangna mo, Lia bakit ka
pumayag?" I asked myself harshly and straightened when the door opened. My eyes
widened when I saw who stepped inside. "What are you doing here?" I asked as he
stood behind me. He was looking at me through the mirror and I gripped the counter
tightly when he started to raise my skirt. I was wet in an instant.

"Lia Carbonel, when are you going to get it inside that pretty head of yours that
you're mine?" He asked and I gasped when he pushed inside me.

"Dustin, what are you doing?" I whispered the question as he held my gaze through
the mirror. I knew what he was doing pero feeling ko sign of protest ang
pagtatanong ko sa kanya. At least man lang hindi nya ma-feel na para akong
welcoming committee sa pagiging accepting ko sa kanyang advances.

I was slightly bent forward and his knee was bent behind me. I wasn't thinking of
kinkiness when I chose to wear a thong that morning pero siguro pati underwear ko
friends ni Dustin because here I was wearing something that he easily moved aside
when he moved inside me. "Ah, Lia I missed you." He groaned as I gasped.

"Teka... baka... may pumasok." I moaned as I felt his hand on my chest.

"Nakapasok na." He whispered and I cried out in pleasure.

I'm not into kinky. And I'm not in public displays of intimacies either. I'm a
woman who knows what she wants and who knows how to say no. I have my own set of
rules but Dustin's too meaty for conventions and arguments.

"Dust-"

"I know." He moved faster and I put a hand over my mouth to silence my screams.
He's freaking hot. I had to give him that. Nasusunog na ako sa kanya. Ang lutong ko
na nga pero ayaw pa rin nya akong tantanan.

He deftly put a hand under my blouse as he began palming my flesh and I stared at
us on the mirror. His eyes were holding my gaze and his mouth was slightly open.
His arm was around my waist and one of his hands was under my blouse. While I was
panting, wide-eyed, immaculately groomed and not a hair out of place. It was an
erotic sight to behold.

"Isa lang." I told him as I neared my release. Hindi ko kaya ang dalawa, hindi ako
nag-vitamins kaninang umaga sa kakamadali dahil late akong nagising. At iniisip ko
pa lang na gagapang ako pabalik sa mesa medyo di na kinakaya ng katawang-lupa ko.

I gasped in pleasure as I felt my warmth squeeze him repeatedly and I hoped that he
reached the precipice too. Ano kayang sasabihin ni Alexa kung bigla akong lumabas
ng CR na iika-ika? I thought as he continued to drive inside me. "Isa lang, Dust
please." I was begging but a part of me didn't want him to stop. "Isa pa pala." I
murmured when I felt my belly knotted with pleasure.

I think I saw him smirk as he quickened his movements.

"Ate." I heard Alexa's voice at nagkatinginan kami. He maneuvered me inside one of

the cubicles as someone pushed the door open. "Ate, are you okay?" Alexa's voice
was very worried and Dustin and I froze. "Nandyan na ang pagkain--"

"Ale-Alexa, I'm fine." I said. "Medyo sumama lang ang tyan ko. Mauna na kayong
kumain." I answered.

"Do you want me to buy medicines for you?"

"No! I mean, okay lang ako. Kailangan ko lang labasan. I mean magbawas." I cleared
my throat and felt Dustin shook with silent laughter behind me. There was a pause
on the other side of the door at alam kong ramdam ng kapatid ko na may kakaibang
nangyayari sa loob ng cubicle.

"Ate."

"Yes, Alexa?"

"Hihintayin kita sa table natin. Make it quick." She said before I heard her
receding footsteps and a door opening and closing. I leaned against Dustin in
relief. That was a narrow escape! Lia, isa lang ibig sabihin nito.

He was sitting on the toilet, he had lowered the toilet seat cover earlier, and I
was sitting on his lap. His arms were around me and he was nuzzling my neck.

"Dust, did you...?" I asked. Tapos na ako, okay na sa akin ang isa pero hindi
naman ako selfish na tatayo na lang tapos sya bitin na bitin pa.

"Okay lang." He whispered against my ear. "Meron pang mamaya."

"Ay naku, hindi ako mahilig sa installment. Tapusin na natin to ngayon." I

answered. I am attracted to him. It's a fact. A fact that I won't deny. Pero
natatakot ako sa kanya. He's too persistent. He's too good-looking. He's too nice.
And he's too big. Too big to be turned down. Grabe na ito, kailangan ko yatang mag-
Kegel exercise ng ilang taon dito.

"Kaya mo pa ba?" He asked. Hindi na ako nakasagot because he lifted me slightly off
him and speared with with his hardness. He held my hips with both his hands to
guide my movements.

"Lia..."

"Yes?" I sighed as our fleshes fused.

"Wala." He replied kissing me on the neck. Hindi na ako nagtanong. Nawala na ang
isip ko sa pagtatanong as he started surging against me.

"Tell me when you're close." I said as I moved faster. He pulled me against him
suddenly and I gasped in gratification as I felt the searing heat of his release
shot inside my womb. He put his arms around me and held me as I shivered.

Pagod na pagod ako at ang gusto ko na lang ay matulog at ayoko nang kumain pero
ayoko namang dagdagan ang duda ni Alexa. I know she respects my choices and my
activities pero ngayong sobrang close na kami, I'm also sure na ini-expect nyang
magkwento ako.

Yun nga lang hindi ko alam kung paano ikukwento yung sa amin ni Dustin. Anong
sasabihin ko? Besides, hindi ko alam kung ano kami. I pulled some tissue paper from
the bathroom wall dispenser and handed it to him.

"Ano to?" He asked.

"Naawa na ako sa mga panyo mo." I said and he chuckled. I slowly stood up and he
began wiping me with the tissue paper I handed him. Ang messy. Ang lagkit.

"Gusto mong panyo?" He asked grinning and I rolled my eyes at him. He moved and I
felt the texture of something soft against me. "I don't mind sharing." He said. Sa
susunod, Lia magdala ka ng wet wipes ha. I murmured to myself. Nauna akong lumabas
sa cubicle at inayos ko ang sarili ko as best as I could. I washed my hands and
tidied my blouse and skirt before I knocked on the cubicle's door. Nakangisi syang
lumabas.

"Mauuna kang bumalik." I told him and he nodded his head before he leaned down to
kiss me on the forehead. I gave him a half smile and he left.

Matagal kong tinitigan ang sarili ko sa salamin. "What happened to you, Lia
Carbonel?" I asked. Hindi ako yung tipo ng babaeng nadadaan sa karinyo at hindi rin
ako ang tipo ng babaeng nadadaan sa lambing. Ako ang kumakama at hindi ako ang
kinakama. Shit ka, pempem pahamak ka talaga! Malandi ka kasi! I mumbled as I smiled
at my reflection. "Kaya mo to, Lia." I told myself before I stepped out of the
comfort room.

I was suprised kasi pagdating ko sa mesa namin ay wala pa rin dun si Dustin. Alexa
looked inquiringly at me, her brown eyes mirrored concern and I smiled at her as I
took my seat.

"Are you okay, Ate?" She asked and I nodded my head. Na-gets nya kaya na may kasama
ako sa loob ng cubicle? I questioned myself as I smiled at her. Knowing Alexa,
she'll only ask once at kung di mo sya sasagutin o iiwasan mo ang tanong nya ay
she's sensitive enough not to ask you again. Yun ang isa sa mga gusto ko sa kanya,
she doesn't pry.

"Okay lang ako. Ganun ang reaction ko usually if I drink water on an empty
stomach." I reasoned.

"Hindi ka na naman ba nag-breakfast? I'll have to schedule a breakfast delivery for

you before you head to the office para hindi ka nalilipasan ng gutom."

"Ano ka ba, bayaan mo na. Nagda-diet ako eh." I said. Dumating si Dustin at patay-
malisya syang umupo habang nag-uusap kami ng kapatid ko.

"Saan ka galing?" Alexander asked.

"Miss mo ako agad? Masyado ka nang clingy sa akin, Alex." He responded and Alexa
and Nickolai laughed. I filled my plate with food kasi sobra talaga akong gutom.
Kakakain mo lang ng hotdog pero gutom ka pa rin. My mind taunted and I mentally
rolled my eyes.

"Ate! Let's watch Fifty Shades of Grey!" Alexa suddenly exclaimed and I turned
excitedly towards her.

"Oh my, si Christian Grey!" We squealed like crazed teenagers and Alex put the
glass that he was holding down with a loud thud.

"Alexa, I won't have my wife drooling over another man." He calmly said and I
arched my brow. My sister did the same but Sandoval held his ground.

"Movie lang yun, Alex."

"Isama natin si Lee Ann." I said and Nickolai glared at me.

"She's a minor."

"And Christian Grey is about your age." I retorted.

"Hindi ako papayag, Alexa. Kung gusto mong itali kita sa kama magsabi ka lang."
Alexander spoke and I hid a smile. Ang seloso talaga nitong asawa ng kapatid ko.

"Love naman, ayaw mo nun marami akong matutunan?" Alexa teased. Hay, Lia for sure
manunuod ka ng Fifty Shades of Grey na mag-isa. Alam kong hindi susuwayin ni Alexa
ang asawa nya, she's too in love to do something that obviously upsets him.

"Kulang pa ba ang mga tinuturo ko sayo?" Alexander asked before he leaned towards
his wife and whispered something in her ear that had my prim and proper sister
giggling like she's just thirteen. Nickolai's phone rang and his face brightened.

"It's my girlfriend." He proudly announced. Proud na proud? Pers taym? I wanted to

ask but held my tongue. Na-OP ako sa dalawa, paano ba naman kung makapagharutan
wagas. Kaya tuloy si pempem ay namimiss ang bestfriend nya. I discreetly glanced at
Dustin and immediately looked away because he was staring at me.

"Lia," Zac addressed me and I smile at him.

"Bakit?" I questioned.

"Mahilig ka bang mangabayo?" He asked and my smile froze. Hindi ko alam kung bastos
lang ba talaga akong mag-isip o binabastos nya ako. Tarantado ba to? "Meron kasing
ranch ang Tito ko sa Quezon, if you want pwede kitang dalhin dun para turuan kitang
mangabayo." Ahh. Totoong kabayo pala? Akala ko naman.

"Hindi ako marunong eh." I said. Dustin was watching us avidly at medyo na-
conscious ako. Counted kaya yung experience ko kay Dustin kasi mala-kabayo yung sa
kanya. I was laughing like a lunatic inside my head. Hoy, pempem! Ayan ka na naman!
Ang hirap pigilan ang tawa kaya mukha tuloy akong timang na ngiti nang ngiti.

"Kaya nga tuturuan kita." Zac eagerly said. "You'll love it there, very close to
nature kaya ang presko ng hangin."

"Ah." I uttered. Mahirap kapag yung utak mo ay kasing-bastos ng pempem mo. So

freaking confusing.

Dustin's phone rang and he took it out of his pocket. Hindi ko lang sya pinansin
kasi OA kung makapagpa-impress si Zac kaya feeling ko tuloy dalaginding ako sa
sobrang trying hard nya.

"Malawak ang ranch ng Tito ko, ilang libong ektarya--" He said and I just nodded my
head. I watched Dustin out of the corner of my eye.

"Suzette." I heard him say over the phone and I was confused why I felt so angry
hearing the name. "Yes. Tatawagan kita later. Thank you. Bye." He said before he
pocketed his phone.

Hindi ko na naintindihan yung mga sinasabi ni Zac kasi bwisit na bwisit ako. I
pasted a smile on my face the whole time and was glad when lunch ended. Nagpaalam
si Nickolai at may pinapabili daw na pagkain si Lee Ann kaya kaming apat lang ang
umakyat. Kahit anong pilit ko na wag ipakita yung asar ko, hindi ko talaga maitago.
Shit ka talaga, Dustin. At ang lalong nakakabwisit ay hindi ko alam kung mag-ano
kami. Hindi man lang ako maka-react nang maayos.

Zac got off on the twenty-fifth floor dahil may kailangan daw sya sa isa sa mga
department heads. Pagdating sa floor namin, nagpaalam na din sina Alex at Alexa.

"Yung kwentuhan session natin Ate, hindi na natuloy-tuloy." My sister said.

"Medyo busy ako because of the hotel's anniversary celebration." I answered. "Pag
walang klase si Lee Ann puntahan natin sya sa mansyon." I spoke as we kissed each
other's cheeks. Nasa kabilang dulo ang opisina ko kaya mabilis akong naglakad.
Mainit ang ulo ko at gusto kong magbasag ng gamit.

"Lia." I heard Dustin's voice pero hindi ko sya pinansin. "Are you mad at me?" He
asked as he fell into step beside me. "Lia." He uttered as he grabbed my hand.
"What's wrong?" Ang sarap manampal.

"Wala." I retorted. "Bakit?"

"Why are you suddenly cold towards me?"

"Kapag ikaw cold towards sa akin at hindi namamansin ay okay lang pero kapag ako
kailangan may explanation?" I asked as I resumed walking again. I reached my office
and typed in my password and was surprised when he gently pushed me inside.

"Why won't you tell me what's wrong?" He asked and I glared at him.

"Because there's nothing wrong!"

"Meron! Ramdam ko! Ang problema sayo ay hindi mo sinasabi ang mga nararamdaman mo!"

"Kasi wala akong nararamdaman!" I yelled. "I told you before that I am not into
feelings! I am not into romance and I don't want a relationship!"

"If that's the truth bakit ka nagseselos?!" He yelled back and I glowered at him.

"Sinong nagsasabing nagseselos ako? Nagpapatawa ka ba? Isang Lia Carbonel,

magseselos? Besides, bakit ako magseselos? We're not even together?!"

"We are!"

"What?!"

"We are a couple. Yes, we're together! I do not sleep around, Lia! And I do not
merely fuck!"

"Well, I do not care!"

"You should!" He shouted before he closed his eyes and expelled a heavy breath.
"You should. Because you're meeting my family today. Dress nicely." He said before
he walked towards the door and left.
"What?!" I angrily asked as my office's door closed. I wanted to run after him and
kick his balls pero naisip kong sayang naman. What's a hotdog without eggs? "Jusko,
Lia bayaan mo na nga yun! May magagawa ba naman sya kung hindi ka magbibihis?
Alangan naman kaladkarin ka nyang hubad papunta sa kung saan para ma-meet ang buong
angkan ng Montemayor?" I murmured to myself as I stood up and walked to my table.

We are a couple! Yes, we're together!

"Ay, pauso ang loko. Pempem ha, I do not like how your boylet is getting demanding.
Couple? Pwede ba yung couple kami eh kayo ang may relasyon? Yung ibang tao talaga
puro kabaliwan ang alam."

I took my shoes off and removed my stockings. Mas komportable ako na nakapaa lang
sa opisina. Kung pwede nga lang maghubad ay ginawa ko na. "Ito lang badtrip dito
eh, kailangang nakapang-opisina ka. Nakakatuyo ng matres kaya ang magmukhang
kagalang-galang araw-araw." I sat down in front of my table and powered my Mac on.

"Oh my, may e-mail si Zac!" I exclaimed excitedly grinning like silly. "Isa pa
itong nagpapauso eh, di na lang ako puntahan dito sa opisina ko para masilayan ko
ulit ang biceps nya." I laughed as I read his email.

Lia,

I attached photos of my uncle's ranch in Quezon. I hope you'll find the pictures
appealing enough. I promise you we'll have fun.
Waiting,

Zac

"Waiting? Waiting for what naman kaya." I sniggered as I opened the attachments.
"Wow. Kaya pala yaya nang yaya ito na magpunta kami sa ranch ng Tito nya dahil
meron naman palang maipagmalaki." I whispered to myself as I looked at the
pictures. "Ang bongga! I-send ko nga to kay Alexa!" I said as I forwarded the email
and dialed my sister's local number.

"Nag-email ako sayo!" Bungad ko sa kanya.

"Teka, let me check, Ate at wala ako sa harap ng computer ko."

"Aba, himala? Hindi ka nakaharap sa computer mo? Iisa lang ang ibig sabihin nyan,
nakapatong ang asawa mo sayo."

"Ang halay mo, Ate! Excuse me, pero ako ang nakapatong sa kanya."

"Malantod ka!" We burst out laughing. "Sorry naman sa istorbo, sige tawag na lang
ako mamaya."

"Joke lang yun, ikaw talaga."

"Joke daw. Ang sabihin mo tapos na kayo kaya pwede ka nang magtrabaho ulit." I
teased and she laughed again. "Nakita mo na yung e-mail? Yan daw ang ranch ng Tito
ni Zac and he invited me to spend the weekend with him!"

"Spend the weekend? Ang bilis naman nya. At hindi mo pa nakukwento sa akin kung ano
ba talaga ang real score sa inyo ni Zac?"

"Real score? Hindi pa sya nakaka-score sa akin." I burst out laughing. "Ano ba,
Alexa naglalandian lang kami!"

"Halata ngang nilalandi nyo ang isa't isa. Nanliligaw ba sya sayo?"

"Hindi ka ba kinilabutan dyan sa tanong mo? Anong nanliligaw? Ano ako, si Maria
Clara at sya naman si Basilio?"

"Loko ka, Ate ang partner ni Maria Clara ay si Crisostomo Ibarra!" Alexa laughingly
corrected.

"Mas gusto ko si Basilio tutal landian lang naman!"

"Ayaw mong ikaw si Sisa?"

"Incest? Sabi ko na nga ba eh, kinky ka." We roared in laughter.

"Pero, Ate seryosong usapan." Alexa said as soon as she caught her breath. "Pag-
isipan mo nang maraming beses yung offer ni Zac. Alam ko naman na wala kang
pakialam sa opinion ng iba pero syempre mahirap pa rin yung ang kalandian mo ay ka-
opisina mo. Magkikita kayo araw-araw nyan. What if it's going to end badly?" Mind-
reader ba to si Alexa? I asked myself.

"Parang may pinaghuhugutan?" I joked.

"Oo. Kami ni Alex di ba hindi naman kami naging maayos kaagad. Para akong tanga na
nagtatago at tuma-timing kung kelan sya wala bago ako lumabas. It's annoying and
awkward."

"Oh well, may annoying and awkward ka pang nalalaman pero nagpauto ka naman."

"True love eh."

"High school?"

"Hindi. College naman." Alexa replied laughing. "But whatever your decision is, you
have my full support, Ate. Kaming dalawa ni Lee Ann will always be on your side."

"I know. Thank you, Alexa. Alam ko namang maasahan ko kayong dalawa ni Lee eh kahit
anong klaseng kalandian ang susuungin ko." I was getting teary-eyed kahit light
lang naman ang usapan namin. Pagdating kasi talaga sa pamilya medyo madrama ako. "O
sige na, bye na. Alam kong busy ka."

"I always have time for you."

"I know, pero hindi importante itong usapan natin, puro kalanturan lang kaya tsaka
na tayo mag-usap ulit."

"Sige, Ate bye!"

"Bye!" I put the receiver down.

Hindi ko napansin ang oras because I was reviewing the promotional materials for
Hotel Blanca's anniversary and was coordinating with our marketing department. I
heard a knock and looked up. Anong oras na ba? I thought as I stretched. At sino
naman to? I looked at the small screen beside my computer and arched my brow.

"Ang kulit nito ni Dustin!" I murmured to myself and chose to ignore him. He
knocked again and I glanced at the screen for the second time. He looked at the
camera and waved. Praning talaga itong taong to. "Dustin, I'm busy!" I shouted.
Mabuti na lang at nag-decide si Alexa na palagyan ng cameras yung pintuan ng
offices namin so we could check kung sino ang kumakatok bago namin pagbuksan.

"Hindi ako aalis dito hangga't hindi mo binubuksan itong pinto." He replied and I
rolled my eyes. Whatever. Ang kulit ng lahi mo! "Lia, open the door."

"No!"

"Sige, maghuhubad ako dito."

"Go! Eh di maghubad ka, ako ba naman ang magmumukhang tanga!"

"Pero hindi ka makakapagtrabaho because I'll be showing you my gigolo moves, ikaw
rin." Sarap hatawin ng martilyo ang ulo nitong isang to. I pressed a button and
heard the door click open before Dustin walked inside.

"Why are you not yet dressed yet?"

"Do I look naked to you?" I did not look at him and continued typing. "Besides,
wala akong damit na dala dito at lalong wala akong time para sa kung ano man yang
iniisip mo."

"Didn't I say that we're going to meet my family today?"

"Did you hear me agree to what you said? Di ba hindi naman? Why are you acting as
if I am obliged to be there?"

"Lia, please. Stop being difficult."

"No, you're the one who should stop. Don't tell me to dress nicely as if you own me
and I have no other choice but to follow what you say."

"Lia--"

"I already said no, Dustin. What part of no didn't you understand? And you're not
my master, you're not even my boyfriend--"

"Yes, you don't see me as your boyfriend. You only see me as your guilty pleasure."
He muttered before he walked towards my door and left. Guilty pleasure? Jusko! Baka
pempem's pleasure! Ang arte mo, Atty. Montemayor!

"Hay naku!" I said aloud. After nya kasing umalis, hindi na ako nakapagtrabaho and
my thoughts kept on going back to what he said. "Ano ba, Lia! Tama na nga yang pag-
iinarte mo dyan!" I murmured angrily as I stood up. I put my stocking and shoes on
and decided to go home.

Dumaan ako sa office ni Alexa and knocked on her door. The door unlocked and I
stepped inside. "Hi, Ate! She uttered as she stood up to give me a hug. "Tinanong
ka ni Dustin sa akin kanina, nagkita ba kayo?

"Oo. Di ba nga tutulungan ko sya para sa birthday party ng Mommy nya? Kaya nya ako
hinanap."

"Oh, okay. Wait what happened to you? You look...harassed." Alexa said. You have no
idea. Yung boylet kasi ni pempem masyadong nakaka-stress. I thought to myself.

"Medyo masakit ang ulo ko kaya uuwi na ako."

"Sige magpahinga ka na. You're working too hard." Alexa replied. Hard? Dustin's is
harder. I wanted to laugh loudly but smiled at her instead.

"Sige, una na ako. Sabay ba kayo ni Alex uuwi?"

"Oo, kausap nya lang si Dad. Mag-ingat ka sa pagda-drive."

"Okay. Kayo din ingat sa pag-uwi mamaya."

"Okay, Ate. Bye!"

"Bye!"

I drove home pero hindi pa rin mawala sa utak ko si Dustin. The weird thing was I
wasn't even thinking about him in intimate terms. Masyado ba akong harsh dun?
Masyado ba akong cold? He might have the pleasure instrument of a giant but he's
still a mild-mannered lamb.

I parked my car myself kasi ayoko nang mag-isip and I was hoping that the act of
parking my car would keep my mind off him. I gathered my things and alighted the
vehicle.

"Good evening po, Ms. Carbonel." The guard greeted and I absentmindedly smiled at
him before I stepped inside the lift. A couple got in on the third floor and I
nearly puked at how sweet they were. Ano ba itong dalawang to? Mang-inggit daw
ba?---Wait, inggit? May inggit ka sa katawan, Lia?! I asked myself as I got off on
my floor.

I arched my brow because someone was standing outside my door. At sino naman to?
Nakatalikod sya sa akin pero bigla akong kinabahan. It's pempem's bestfriend. I
couldn't hide my smile.

"Dustin, what are you doing here?" I asked nonchalantly. He was wearing a single
button peak lapel tuxedo and he looked absolutely ravishing. I've never experienced
being so attracted to someone that I felt like getting my way with him pero iba si
Dustin, parang gusto ko syang gahasain at gusto ko ring magpagahasa sa kanya.
Syempre give and take, di ba? Ano yun sya lang ang matutuwa?

"I need a date." He answered as I typed the password on my door's LED panel.

"I think you came to the wrong place." I said as I pushed my door open. He was
standing very close to me and I nearly swooned when I smelled his aftershave.
Pempem, you need to calm down! Stop getting wet and excited, you nyakis!

"Aren't you going to let me in?" He asked because I remained standing in front of
the door. Feeling ko kasi kapag hindi ako humarang papasok sya. Buti sana kung yung
pintuan ng condo ko lang ang papasukin nya. Hay, pempem. Parati ka na lang
dinadalaw nito.

"I'm really tired." I said.

"I haven't done anything yet, pagod ka na agad?" He whispered and laughed softly.

"You're such a flirt, Atty. Montemayor. Pero kung naghahanap ka ng date hindi ako
available."

"Why?"

"Because someone's coming over tonight." I lied glibly. "May pila."

"As far as I know nauna ako sa pila." He replied as he gently pushed me inside. Ito
na naman kami. Lia, you have to say no! Ang kaladkarain mo na, kung saan-saan ka na
lang pinapaungol nyan! Practice self-control! He smiled and my pulse raced.

Why in the world does he affect me this way? Hindi ako nililigawan nito pero kung
pagurin ako dinaig pa si Hitler sa pagka-demanding. Wala man lang chocolates or
dinner or... I nearly gasped in surprised when I felt his arm circle my waist. He
pulled me against him and I swallowed hard. "Hindi ba may priority number ako, Miss
Carbonel?"

"Hindi ako namimigay ng priority number, Atty. Montemayor. Kelan naman kita
binigya--Dustin!" I felt his hand on my bare behind. When did he hitch my skirt up?
"What? Wala naman akong ginagawa."

"Your hands are on my rear!"

"Oh, sorry." Swabe mo! Sarap mong itali sa poste ng bahay tapos--I don't like where
you're taking my thoughts, pempem! Behave!

"Sumama ka na sa akin." He whispered against my hair. "Kasi kung hindi ka sasama,

hindi na rin ako a-attend sa party and since wala naman akong pupuntahan..."He let
his sentence hang in mid-air and I stifled a moan.

Kakaiba itong lalaking to! "Since wala naman akong pupuntahan, dito na lang ako
pupunta." He murmured as I felt his hand gently squeezed my flesh. King of all
mighty meaties, why did I wear a thong today?! "Unless gusto mong magkulong tayo
dito..." He suggestively murmured. Pempem, tama na! Mahabag ka naman sa pagkababae
ko, why are you so sensitive when it comes to him? Hindi ka naman hinahawakan pero
naglalaway ka agad! I squirmed.

"Ano bang pupuntahan natin? Burol ba at naka-ganyan ka?" My voice sounded raspy and
I cleared my thoat.

"Party." He responded. "Pero mamaya may ibabaon ako sayo." Shit.

"Hindi ako mahilig sa party--"

"O sige, diretso na tayo sa pagbabaon--" I felt him take a step back as he unzipped
his pants.

"Teka! Okay! Party! Fine!" He laughed.

"You're no fun, Lia." At ikaw naman wala nang alam kundi bumaon sa mga hindi mo
dapat binabaunan! "I'll take a quick shower and change."

"It's strictly formal." He said and I nearly turned to raise my middle finger at
him. Pak na pak ka eh! Wala kang ibang alam gawin kundi i-pak ako! Ako naman
nagpapa-pak rin! Pakyu!

I ran to the bathroom and took a very quick shower. Mabuti na lang at sanay ako sa
mabilisang blow-dry , pagbibihis at pagmi-make-up. Ganun kasi ang gawain namin when
we're abroad for runway shows, lahat mabilisan.

"You're quick." He whistled. You're quicker. I wanted to retort. Sa sobrang bilis

mo nga eh hindi ko man lang namamalayang nilalabasan na pala ako.

"Let's go." I said and he smiled before he took something out of his pocket. "Ano
yan?" I asked when he approached me.

"It's a necklace." He said.

"But I'm already wearing one." I protested.

"Well then take it off. Unless you want me to do it for you. Yun nga lang baka
hindi lang kwintas ang hubarin ko sayo--" I quickly fumbled with my necklace. He
smiled before he stood behind me and made me face the large mirror on the wall.

"My great grandmother owns this." Naku, hindi ako mahilig sa antigo. Jusko! Mamaya
multuhin ako nun!

"Thanks." I murmured when he finished fastening the gold chain around my neck.
"Bagay sayo." He declared. I looked at the jade and gold pendant resting just above
my cleavage before I gazed at myself on the mirror. He's right bagay nga sa akin.

"What's the party for. Akala ko ba next week pa ang birthday ng Mommy mo?"

"It's for me." He answered.

"For you? Birthday mo ba?" I questioned and he laughed.

"Hindi."

"Ano?" I asked.

"Engagement party ko." He replied before he kissed the top of my head.

Ay puta. Yun kaagad ang naisip ko. Puta. I got screwed. Big time. Habang
pinapaungol pala ako ng gago ay nagpaplano syang magpakasal sa iba. Tang-ina, anong
kapestehan ang pinagagawa nitong ulupong na to?! He's engaged?

At ang lalong nakakababa ay nakuha pa nya akong imbitahan sa engagement party nya.
Kailangang ipamukha sa akin?! Mukha ba akong maghahabol sayo?! I wanted to slap the
smile off his face pero ayokong ipahalata ang galit ko. I was sure that he was
expecting some sort of a reaction from me and I didn't want to give him the
satisfaction of seeing me riled. He dropped a kiss on my bare shoulder and I
clenched my fists before I smiled at him.

"Congratulations." I said. "Kung sino man yang nauto mo, pwedeng-pwede akong
magbigay ng recommendation sa kanya to praise your bedroom performance but that
would be awkward, right?" He laughed as he touched my cheek. "Let's go?"

"Let's go." He smiled as he offered me his arm. Gusto ko sana syang pugutan ng ulo.
Kahit alin dun sa dalawang ulo nya ay gusto kong putulin pero bagong manicure ako.
"Lia."

"Yes?"

"My family will be there, please no matter how surprised you are-" Ang kapal mo! I
felt so used. Wag na magdrama, Lia you enjoyed the size of him too. I thought to
myself. Oo nga naman, hindi bagay sa akin ang maging bitter kasi ayokong magkaroon
ng kulubot.

"No worries, I'm not going to make a scene."

"Hindi ko naman iniisip na magwawala ka dun."

I pasted a smile on my face, magaling akong magtago ng feelings at may Masters
Degree ako sa pagkukunyari. Kaya wag nyang aasahang iiyakan ko sya. But the truth
was gusto kong manakit. Gusto ko syang saktan kasi sya lang ang lalaking may lakas
ng loob na manggago sa akin. Sya lang din ang lalaking dinaan ako sa laki at
pinaungol ako sa banyo.

"Are you okay?" He asked. We were waiting for the elevator and I was staring at our
reflection on the metallic door. I lifted my face towards him and smiled again.

"Of course. I just can't get over the fact that I look gorgeous wearing this
dress." I replied.

"Yes, you look gorgeous, Lia Agatha Carbonel." He sounded breathless.

"Thank you, Dustin Montemayor." I answered. Sana lang mapugutan ka na ng hininga,

demonyo ka! Nakakagago ang hayop, ang tindi ng trip sa buhay. At talagang dadalhin
pa nya ako sa engagement party nya matapos nyang labas-masukan si pempem? Tangna
nito!

"It's Dustin Marcus Montemayor." He grinned and I arched a brow. Pakialam ko,
bakulaw?

"Should I call you Marc?" I asked as the elevator door slid open. We stepped inside
and he pressed B1 on the panel.

"You can call me whatever you want, Agatha." Agatha?! Pauso?! Di ka lang salawahan,
epal ka pa! I ranted silently.

"Your fiancée..."

"Yes?" He asked.

"What is she like?" I was curious. Gusto kong pagdating ko sa venue ay hindi ako
magmumukhang tanga, mamaya akala ko nanay nya yun pala yun ang babaeng pakakasalan
nya. Mamaya magmano ako at tawagin ko syang tita tapos malaman-laman kong sya pala
ang karibal ni pempem. Baka maloka ako at di ko na naman mapigil ang bibig ko at
baka maging comedy ang engagement party nila.

"She's very elegant and sure of herself." Fine. Sya na ang perpekto. Siguro birhen
sya at siguro habang pinupunasan ni Dustin ng kanyang mahiwagang panyo ang ano nya
ay biglang may nagpakitang anghel sa kanya na may dalang picture at nagsabing: Ito
ang babaeng hindi lang busilak ang kalooban, hindi pa napasok ng iba ang lagusan.
"Lia?"

"Yes?"

"You're frowning."

"Iniisip ko lang kung na-email ko ba yung budget request kay Alexa kanina." I lied
smoothly and he nodded.

"I love how you're taking your job seriously. Yan ang gusto ko sa mga Sandoval at
Carbonel, mahal na mahal ninyo ang kumpanya. Unlike me na walang hilig sa pagiging
doktor kaya hindi ko man lang maalagaan ang hospital na pagmamay-ari ng pamilya
ko."

"May ospital pala kayo?"

"Sila." He smiled. "Wala akong interest doon. At mukhang yung pakakasalan ko ay

wala ding hilig sa medical field." Tinatanong ko? Tinatanong ko?! Pakyu ka!

We got off on the first level basement parking and I pretended to ignore the hand
he offered kasi yung bwisit ko sa kanya tumodo na. Alam ko namang hanggang taas-
baba lang ang direksyon ng relasyon namin pero hindi ko take na pagmumukhain nya
akong tanga by inviting me to his engagement party. Ano bang akala nya? Kahit may
asawa na sya ay magpapatuloy kami sa aming tender juicy moments? Hindi ako ganun
kabalahura, I drew the line on opening my legs to married men kahit ba lahat ng
pwedeng tumulo sa akin ay tumutulo na sa sobrang yummy nya.

"Anong iniisip mo?" He asked because I stopped walking.

"Magdadala ako ng kotse. Mamaya kasi kailangan mong mag-stay sa party mo, ayokong
makaabala." He frowned.

"Ihahatid kita."

"Hindi na, ikaw naman, hindi naman ako minor na walang muwang at lalong hindi ako
dalaginding na nangailangan ng pag-aaruga. I can manage. Besides, it's your party
alangan naman iwanan mo yung guests mo para lang ihatid ako?"

"Kung ayaw mong ako ang maghatid sayo, pwede kitang ipahatid sa isa sa mga drivers
namin-"

"Hindi na kailangan." I tilted my head and gave him, what I hoped was, an
enthralling smile. "Susundan ko na lang ang sasakyan mo." I turned to leave.

"Lia-"

"Bye!" Hindi na ako lumingon at dumeretso ako sa paglalakad papunta sa sasakyan ko.
"Tangna ka, Montemayor!" I hissed."Mas garapal ka pa pala kesa ibang lalaking
nakilala ko! I thought you were different! Yung size mo lang pala ang ipinagkaiba
mo sa kanila!"

I didn't know what his motive was, anong klaseng kabullshitan ang iimbitahan mo ang
babaeng kinakana mo kahit saan sa engagement party mo? Ego trip? Setting
expectations? Severing ties? Aba, puta sya hindi ako maghahabol! Ang kapal! "Lia,
get ready for a show. Do not ever show weakness!" I told myself as I got inside my
car.

I was fuming the whole drive at kaya ayoko syang makasabay sa sasakyan kasi baka
hindi ko ma-contain ang galit ko at bigla ko na lang ibagok ang ulo nya sa steering
wheel nang paulit-ulit hanggang sa mawalan sya ng ulirat. Baka mabangga kami kapag
nangyari yun at ayoko pang mamatay.

I was tempted na wag syang sundan. Getting wasted sounded a million times more
appealing than meeting his future wife pero ayoko ring aminin na talo ako. Tsaka
party ng angkan nya yun, mamaya yung pagiging mighty meaty nya pala ay genetic at
lahat sila daku. I laughed loudly. "Hay, pempem, do not despair. We will soon find
another playmate for you. Hindi lang mas mahaba at mas malaki kundi mas matigas
pa." I announced turning my music player on.

"Hah! You can't take me down, Dustin Marcus Montemayor!" I declared as Meredith
Brooks' Bitch blasted inside my car.

Around forty minutes ang travel time papunta dun sa akala kong bahay nila and I was
very surprised upon learning na bahay nya pala yun at hindi ng pamilya nya. Bongga!
Three-storey yung bahay at elegantly-designed, halatang pinag-isipan at ginastusan.
Weirdo ang tingin ko mga lalaking may sariling bahay. Hindi ba condo na ang uso
ngayon? Ang sagwa namang makabasa ng punta u three-storey haus ko, bring u foods. I
laughed hysterically inside my head. Ang bahay kasi ini-equate ko sya sa family,
kung single ka, feeling ko dapat wala kang bahay at dapat ay makikisiksik ka lang
sa isang building kasama ang ibang singles at sabay-sabay kayong matulog nang
walang kaulayaw gabi-gabi.

"You must be Lia." Someone spoke behind me and I turned to find a man smiling at
me. Hindi sya kasing-tangkad ni Dustin but the resemblance was visible. Meron syang
balbas at medyo ayoko sa mga taong may balbas.

"And you are...?" I inquired and he laughed. His voice sounded manly and warm pero
hindi ko alam kung bakit nandidiri ako sa kanya. Tingin sya nang tingin sa dibdib
ko since the bodice of my gown's cut was very low. "Excuse me but are you staring
at my boobies?" I asked and he looked flustered. Hindi porke't maalindog ako ay
pwede mo na akong bastusin, tarantado ka!

"No. I'm sorry." He smiled. I'm Carmelo, Dustin's cousin." Like I care.

"Kilala mo na yata ako kaya hindi na ako magpapakilala." I smiled before I turned
to leave. He fell into step beside me and my temper just skyrocketed.

"You're a model, right?" He asked and I nodded. Hindi na ako nagsalita kasi ayoko
syang i-encourage na kausapin ako. "I have a lot of friends who are from the same
industry-"

"Lia." I was so relieved to hear Dustin's voice and I immediately walked towards
him. He put his arm around my shoulders before he nodded at Carmelo.

"You're here." He said. His voice sounded cold. Kung ako yung Carmelo ay baka
maramdaman kong hindi ako welcomed. "You've met Lia." He stated and his cousin
grinned.

"Oo. She's very... interesting." He replied and this time I wasn't able to hold my
tongue back.

"You're interesting too, I've never met someone who looks so... mismatched." I
smiled after I ran my eyes from his head down to his shoes. Dustin laughed softly
before he placed a tender kiss on my forehead. Teka lang, teka lang! Anong drama
ito?! Baka mamaya may sumabunot na lang sa akin dito ha, isusumpa talaga kita!

"Halika na?" He asked me and we both started to leave.

"Dustin." Carmelo called and we stopped walking. "Nagkita na ba kayo ni Lauren? She
just got back from Italy with her very old but very wealthy husband." I felt Dustin
stiffen. "Oh, I'm sorry but is she still a very sore topic for you?" He added
leering. "I'll see you around, Lia." He smirked. Kupal tong troll na to.

"Matagal pa bang magsisimula? Because I'm seriously bored. Nasaan na ba ang

mapapangasawa mo so that I can congratulate her and leave? Besides, stop being so
attentive to me at baka mamaya magwala yung mapapangasawa mo."

"Makikilala mo rin sya mamaya." He stated at naalala ko na namang isa syang

talipandas na wala namang ibang pwedeng ipagmalaki kundi yung laki ng ano nya.

"Will you please let my hand go? Ano ito, hindi ka pa kasal pero ina-announce mo sa
lahat ng nandito that you won't be loyal to your wife? I have a married sister at
iniisip ko pa lang na tatarantaduhin sya ni Alexander ay parang gusto ko nang
ilabas yung labaha ko para putulan yung damuhong yun!"
He laughed at what I said and I frowned. Gago rin itong isang to eh. "You're
something else, Lia." He looked very amused.

"I'm not kidding. If you think okay lang sa aking makipagharutan sayo kahit engaged
ka na, I'm so sorry pero hindi ako ganun."

"Hindi ko sinasabing ganun ka at alam kong hindi ka rin ganoong tipo ng babae. You
have class." Huh? Ano daw?

"Then why did you invite me here? Anong gusto mong palabasin? Ano yun, gusto mong
saktan si Suzette by using me?"

"What? Anong kinalaman ni Suzette dito?" Ay ang kapal. Grabe. Engagement party pala
nila ng sarili nya, wala syang kasama.

"If that's the case, then I'm going home." I turned away from him.

"Wag na wag mo akong tatalikuran, Lia. I won't tolerate that kind of behavior." At
bigla kaming naguluhan ni pempem. Hanudaw? I won't tolerate that kind of behavior?
At bakit? Anong pauso na naman to?!

"I'm no child, Dustin and I do not tolerate being treated as one!" I snapped.

"Lia-"

"Ladies and gentlemen." The speakers sounded and I pulled my hand free from his
grasp.

"Magsisimula na." He said. About time. Anong petsa na!

"I am Dr. Marco Montemayor." I politely clapped along with the other guests.

Matangkad ang lalaking nasa stage and he was all-smiles samantalang yung babaeng
nasa tabi nya ay halatang pilit ang ngiti. "We are here to celebrate the engagement
of my only son-" Jusko, nag-iisang lalaki pala ito? I thought as I glanced quickly
at Dustin. "Atty. Dustin Marcus Montemayor-" Nagpalakpakan ulit ang lahat as they
turned to look at Dustin. Nakipalakpak na rin ako. "To his girlfriend-" Jusme, Lia!
Gulo hanap mo?! Bakit kayo ang magkatabi nito?! Baka mamaya may mag-abot na lang ng
granada sayo. I smiled taking a step back but Dustin was quick to put an arm around
my waist as he pulled me against him.

"What are you doing?!" I hissed at him. "Let me go, you're causing a scene!"

"Miss Lia Agatha Carbonel!"His father finished announcing and I stared wide-eyed at
Dustin as everyone clapped enthusiastically. Ha?! I wanted to shout but he moved in
front of me and hugged me to his chest. Tangna, ano to?!

"Hi, Miss Carbonel." He whispered against my ear. "Welcome to our engagement

party."

Author's Note:
Utang na loob, wag na kayong mag-comment at mag-message kung ang sasabihin nyo lang
naman ay:

1. Ud please - Mag-a-update ako kung kelan ako may time at hindi kung kelan nyo
feel magbasa.

2. Bitin - On-going ang mga stories ko, malamang hindi sila tapos. Yung mga tapos
na ay wala na sa Wattpad dahil published or to be published na.

3. Pwedeng pa-promote ng story ko? (or posting of story links) - Mukha bang
billboard ang Message Board at Comment Box ko sa Wattpad? Seryoso, children
irespeto nyo ang 'bakuran' ng iba. Anong mararamdaman nyo kung may pumasok sa gate
ninyo at tumae sa harap ng bahay nyo? Shit lang di ba? Parang ganun yun.

4. I followed you, follow back - I don't do follow-backs because I have no time to

read other stories. Kung mayaman na mayaman na ako at afford ko nang hindi
magtrabaho at magbabasa na lang ako buong araw ay baka dun lang ako magpa-follow ng
ibang authors. Besides ang pag-follow ay parang love yan, dapat hindi ka
naghihintay ng kapalit.

5. Bakit ang tagal mong mag-update? - Who died and made you my master?

I have a life outside Wattpad. I have my family, my love life, my dogs, work and
friends. Do not expect me to cater to your boredom. Go find something else to
occupy your time when you're done reading any of the updates.

I appreciate the support. Sobra. Pero minsan nakakalimutan ninyo na hindi umiikot
ang buhay ko sa pagsusulat. Be considerate. Pastime lang to, hindi ko ito life. I-
appreciate nyo naman kahit papano kung paano ko sinisingit yung pagsusulat araw-
araw sa twenty-four hours na meron ako makapagbasa lang kayo. Marami na akong
naging kaibigan dito at dahil dyan ay thankful ako pero yung iba naman kung mag-
demand naman ay may kasama pang mura sarap ipakulam.

Thanks!
My engagement party? What engagement party?! I froze. Pati si pempem din yata
nalito sa mga pangyayari. I was certain that pempem adored Dustin as a playmate but
as a fiancé? Jusko, nakakapagod yun, pempem because you'll have to accommodate him
everyday, every afternoon and every night. Wasak.

People swarmed around us as they shook my hand and congratulated me. Some asked
kung kelan ang kasal, others wished us good luck at yung iba naman ay nagtanong
kung buntis ba ako. I was very confused and when I get confused, I do nothing but
smile. Kaya sumakit ang panga ko sa kakangiti. Napaisip ako tuloy kung Abril na ba
at parang isang malaking joke time lang itong lahat.

"Sa wakas, magkakaroon na rin ng apo ang mga Montemayor." An elegant old lady
gushed. "Ang ganda ng mapapangasawa mo, pamangkin. Such an statusque beauty! I hope
you're already pregnant, iha. Matagal na kaming nag-aabang ng apo galing kay
Dustin!" Jusme! Anak? Agad-agad?!

"Auntie Dally, wala pa po." Dustin laughed. "Pero sana magkaroon na although I
would prefer na kasal muna." He smiled at me. Ha? Aba, abusado ka! Hindi na lang
yung mighty meaty mo ang balak mong ilabas-masok sa pempem ko ngayon! Pati
tagapagmana mo balak mong iluwal ko pa?!

"Wag na kayong mahiya, kahit hindi pa kayo kasal pwede nyo nang unahin yung bata."
Someone piped in. "Welcome to the family, iha. Too bad, Anita isn't here." She
added as she gave me a hug. Sino si Anita? May Suzette na nga, may Lauren pa? Ang
dami namang mga babae nito ni Dustin! Bigla akong nairita sa narinig ko. Feeling ko
isa akong proxy sa isang beauty pageant-hindi sumipot yung isa kaya ako muna ang
representative.

"Anita is my Mom." Dustin whispered in my ear. "Ang bilis mong sumimangot. Pati
nanay ko pinagseselosan mo?" He grinned at me. Ang kapal mo ha.

I turned to him to retort but he was quick to cover my mouth with his. I heard
laughter and clapping as the guests cheered. Lia, ano ba ito! What did you get
yourself into? Palabas lang ba to? Kinailangan lang ba ni Dustin ng tulong? Anong
nangyayari?!

"Dustin! Lia!" The man who made the announcement happily called as he approached
us. He immediately gave me a bear hug and kissed me on the forehead. He had an easy
smile and kind eyes and he reminded me so much of Dad. "Welcome to the family,
Lia." He said as he took both my hands in his. "I was so eager to meet you. Parati
kang naikukwento ni Dustin sa amin ng Mommy nya and your Mommy Anita would have
loved to be here but she was called for an emergency operation kaya wala sya dito."

"Thank you po." I said. He was so warm that I felt it would be rude not to reply
kahit naloloka na ako sa mga pangyayari.

"Don't worry, we'll have dinner with the family para masolo ka naman namin. Dito
kasi ang daming tao at hindi tuloy tayo makapag-usap nang maayos."

"Oo nga po eh." I replied.

"I almost forgot, I'm Dr. Marco Montemayor, Dustin's father and your future father-
in-law." He announced as he patted my shoulder. Ngumiti lang ako. Anong sasabihin
mo sa mga ganoong declaration? Ay, no, Sir mali po kayo, ang totoo po nyan yung
malaki at pinagmamalaking kaligayahan lang po ng anak ninyo ang gusto ko. Tsaka
hindi po kami ang may relasyon, yung pempem ko po. Mamaya kailangan ko pang i-
muestra kung sino si pempem eh di naiskandalo kaming lahat at naging headline pa
ang ganda ko?

"Hello po." I said. Bigla akong naging demure at hindi ko alam bakit bigla akong
nagmano. Ano yan, Lia?! He affectionately patted my head.

"Bweno, I have to talk to the other guests. I'll leave you lovers by yourselves,
alam ko namang this night is yours. I hope we can talk longer next time, Lia." He
smiled before he left. I felt disoriented. Ano ka ba, Lia! Kailangan mong
magpasalamat?! Kailangan mong magmano?! Hindi mo nga naiintindihan kung anong
nangyayari? Tanga ka ba?!

"Lia-"

"We need to talk, Dustin." I said.

"I know. And I promise you that we will. But Tita Freda is heading this way and we
can't avoid her. Let's just say hello and then we'll leave." At sino naman si Tita
Freda?! I thought as I watched the unsmiling woman, who was beside Dustin's father
earlier when he announced our engagement, approach.

"Dustin." She coldly said.

"Good evening, Tita." Dustin greeted. "This is Lia-"

"Yes, I know who she is." The woman replied and I couldn't help but arch my brow.
At anong problema nitong isang ito? Inggit sya kasi may cleavage ako?!
Hindi nya ako binati kaya tiningnan ko lang din sya. Wala akong alam sa kalokohang
engagement drama ni Dustin and I wasn't going to pretend to be nice just to impress
anyone. Wala akong pakialam sa mga kamag-anak nya.

"You're a model?" Dustin's Tita asked. Parang nakaka-insulto yung pagkakasabi nya
ng model. Parang ang dating sa akin ay nagtitinda ako ng taho nang nakahubad.

"Yes, she is, Tita. Model po si Lia and she's also their company's creative
consultant." Dustin said and the woman ran her gaze from my head down to my feet.

"Nakapagtapos ba sya?" Aba, sasapakin ko na to eh!

"Yes, I have a degree." I replied. "Although considering how rich we are, a degree
isn't really necessary." I haughtily added and she frowned.

"You used to have better taste when it comes to women, Dustin." She muttered and my
temper rose. Aba! "I used to approve all the girls you dated but after you and my
daughter, Lauren, broke up I don't know what happened-" I felt Dustin's demeanor
changed at her words.

"Oh, Lauren's your daughter? I heard she married someone very rich and very old.
Congratulations, that speaks a lot regarding how you brought her up."

"Don't you dare-"

"And considering how ancient you look, being approved by you is not flattering at
all." I interrupted and she glowered at me. "I'm so glad your taste in women has
improved, babe." I smiled up at Dustin. "I'm bored, can you take me somewhere more
interesting?" I happily returned her glower. Chura mo. For sure mas maganda pa ang
patay na kuko naming magkakapatid dyan sa Lauren mo! Peste!

"Excuse us, Tita." Dustin said as I felt his hand on my back. He steered me away
from his Tita Freda and I smiled at the other guests although I was furious
inside.

"Jusko ha, nakakairita sya. Magpasalamat talaga sya na bagong manicure ako ngayon
at ayokong madumihan ang mga kuko ko or else kinalmot ko na sya!"

"Relax."

"What is your ex's mom doing here? Lauren's obviously your ex. Her name came up
twice in a span of one hour!"

"Tita Freda is Mom's best friend."

"Tapos pinagpalit ka ng anak nya sa gurang? Hindi sya na-impressed sa ano mo?" He
laughed softly.

"Stop being naughty, Lia."

"I am not trying to be naughty. In fact, gusto kitang makausap dahil nalilito ako
dito sa circus mong engagement!" He draped an arm around my shoulders.

"Babe naman. I loved how you called me babe earlier. Parang ang lambing. Parang
dinidilaan mo ang tainga ko." He murmured. Oh no, stop it pempem! You're getting
excited again! I felt a delicious tremor ran down my spine at feeling ko tuloy
dinidilaan din nya ang tainga ko. Hindi lang tainga. Pati yung ano ko. Jusko, Lia
kailangan mo nang umuwi. "Why do you look so flustered, Miss Carbonel?
"Ugok ka! Tumahimik ka!" I snapped and he laughed. He guided me towards the house
at bigla akong kinabahan. Parang alam ko kung saan hahantong to.

"Pasok." He said as he pushed the main door open.

"Ayoko. Next time na lang tayo mag-usap."

"Pasok na." He squeezed my behind. "Pasok na at baka ibang pasok ang maisip ko." He
added and I scrambled inside. He chuckled and I scowled at him. Abusado din itong
gunggong na ito eh. Bakit ba kasi ang sarap mong gago ka, ha?

I looked around his house and I was impressed. Napaka-elegante ng bahay nya. It
reminded me of the Carbonel Mansion. I used to hate Dad's house dahil feeling ko
dati napaka-cold. Tsaka ayaw ako ng Mommy ni Alexa kaya natatakot akong pumunta
dun. But when Dad married Lee Ann's mom, she had the mansion renovated and I loved
how she perfected the balance between warmth and sophistication. May ganung feel
ang bahay ni Dustin. Nice house, Montemayor. I wanted to say but I kept my mouth
shut. Baka kasi yayain nya akong binyagan ang bawat sulok ng bahay nya, mahirap na
kasi parang feeling ko ay papayag ako pag nagkataon. Pempem, stop it!

"Do you like it?" He asked and I shrugged.

"It doesn't matter if I like the house or not. What I do not like is this whole
engagement joke, Dustin. Ano to? Kinailangan mo ba ng actress to play as your
fiancée at ako ang naisip mo?"

"Lia, it's not like that."

"Then tell me what this is all about. Anong nangyayari? Wala nga akong boyfriend
and I'm suddenly engaged? You have to tell these people that this is all a mistake.
I don't like this game you've dragged me into, Dustin. I don't like commitments,
aminado ako dyan; ayoko ring mag-asawa at aminado din ako sa fact na yan pero wala
kang karapatang paglaruan ako just because wala akong balak mag-settle down. Ano
ito, after ilang months magda-drama tayong dalawa na nag-away tayo so we can break-
up this engagement?!" My voice rose and we heard a door closed. Nagkatinginan kami
ni Dustin and he put a finger against his lips. He took my hand in his and pulled
me towards the stairs.

"Doon tayo sa taas mag-uusap." He whispered and I followed him. Isang napakalaking
sala ang bumungad sa akin, almost similar to Alex and Alexa's. Ang pagkakaiba lang,
ang sala sa second floor ng bahay ng kapatid ko ay puno ng mga laruan at mga libro
ng mga pamangkin ko whereas yung kay Dustin ay isang napakalaking flatscreen
television na nakaharap sa isang malaking sofa lang ang laman. "Dito, Lia." He led
me towards one of the doors, opened it and gently pushed me inside.

Ang unang nakita ko agad ay yung sobrang laking kama na nasa gitna. Wow. Kahit
siguro mag-wrestling kayo at magpasirku-sirko magdamagan ay pwede. I thought and
inwardly groaned when I saw a vision of myself naked and riding Dustin like a
cowgirl. Pempem, stop it. Ayan ka na naman! Puro kahalayan na lang yang naiisip mo!
I cleared my throat before I turned to face him. He looked very amused. "This is my
bedroom." He said.

"Ah, okay. Nice." I tried to sound nonchalant pero sa kasamaang-palad ay naramdaman

kong uminit ang mukha ko. At kelan pa daw nauso sa akin ang pagba-blush? I cleared
my throat again. "So yun nga, ano...I mean, yung..." I hated that I was stammering
while he was sexily grinning. "Kailangan mong sabihin na hindi ako yung fiancée
mo-" I stopped talking because he started to loosen his tie. Ay teka lang, ano ito?
Bakit naghuhubad to?
"Go on." He said. "I'm listening." Oh well, I'm not! I'm not listening! I'm
stripping naked in front of you while you're tied to that bed-Jusko, jusko! Tukso!
Layuan mo ako! "You were saying?"

"Ha?" I stupidly asked and he laughed softly.

"Pwede bang wag ka munang maghubad?" I blurted out. "Kasi gusto ko ng isang maayos
na pag-uusap."

"Ang lalim mo yata ngayon, Binibining Carbonel." Gagong to! "Gusto mo bang sukatin
natin ulit kung gaano ka kalalim?" Naku, wala lokohan na ito. Tinext mo ba to,
pempem at sinabi mo ba ditong naglalaway ka sa mga lalaking matalinghaga? I took a
step back. Leave, Lia! Leave! Now na!

"Okay. Bye." I said as I turned on my heel and nearly ran towards the door. I
heard him laugh before I felt his arms around my waist.

"Aalis ka na agad? Di pa nga tayo nagsisimula?" He whispered.

"Busy ako, alam mo na." I mumbled as I pushed away from him. "Sige, text na lang
kita-"

"Mas honest pa ito, Lia kesa bibig mo." He muttered as I felt his hand under my
gown's skirt. "Ito na lang dapat kinakausap ko kasi mas nagkakaintindihan kami
nito." He said as I leaned againt his chest.

"Dustin, stop." I whimpered. I knew I wasn't very convincing as he continued to

fondle me. "Dustin-"

"Do you think I'm playing with you, Lia?" He bit my ear. "Do you think I'd go
through all these just to play with you?" He asked and I moaned as his fingers
continued to move. "Answer me, Lia. Sa tingin mo ba pinaglalaruan lang kita."

"Ano pa nga ba?" I asked and gasped as his movement gained speed. "Dustin-!"

"Didn't it ever occur to you that I might be in love with you, Miss Carbonel?" He
asked as my knees buckled.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit natatawa ako sa salitang love. Alam kong nangyayari yun at
nararamdaman-I have a sister who's happily married at meron din akong bunsong
kapatid na kung mahalin ang boyfriend nya ay kulang na lang ay sumali sya sa
prusisyon ng mga pinagpala. But I didn't see love happening to me.

Unang-una, hindi ako birhen. Feeling ko kasi para lang ang love sa mga taong hindi
madaldal ang pempem. Yung mga busilak ang kaloob-looban, mga never been touched,
unlike me who has no qualms about making my pempem happy. Not me who didn't mind
being penetrated.

Pangalawa, I couldn't see myself pining for another human being. Dapat kasi
outstanding sya sa lahat ng bagay para mag-crave ako sa constant company nya. Yung
tipong ideal na lalaki-matipuno, matalino, gwapo, may sense of humor, mabango,
mabait, loyal, mabuting anak... magaling sa kama...hindi napapagod. At sa totoo
lang ay tingin ko walang taong ganun, walang perpekto. Besides, hindi ba nakakasawa
yung parati kayong magkasama at yung pagmumukha nya ang makikita mo pagkagising,
tuwing kakain at bago matulog? Jusko! Hindi ko nga maintindihan eh kung bakit
gustung-gustong magsama parati nina Alex at Alexa? Magkadugtong ba mga pusod nila?
Seriously?

Pangatlo, I refused to do sweet. Iniisip ko pa lang na gagawin ko yung mga landing

may halong sweetness tulad nang ginagawa ni Lee Ann kay Nickolai 'Baby Bear'
Sandoval ay feeling ko magkakasakit na ako at matutuyo na ang pempem ko. Forever.
At ayoko naman yun mangyari, ano!

"Are you going to sit on the floor all day?" Dustin's voice cut through my musings.
He sounded amused. And I was annoyed. He helped me up and I tried to maintain my
poise kahit na ang wagas nyang makaubos ng lakas. Ngumiti sya sa akin pero hindi ko
sya nginitian. "Lia, what's wrong?" He asked. Ang kapal mo! Sinong nagbigay sayo
nang permisong basta na lang kapain yung mga di mo dapat kinakapa?! "Lia... weren't
you...satisfied?"

"Oo na, magaling ka nang magpalabas ng katas but you badly need to learn how to
treat women right."

"Ha? Wait, are you mad at me?" At nagtanong pa daw talaga sya? Ang gago mo,
Montemayor!

"Whatever, Dustin." I murmured.

"Ano yun? Anong kasalanan ko?"

"Seryoso ka dyan sa tanong mo? Ano yun, kapag gusto mo akong kausapin, you're just
going to fondle me to get me to say yes? Thank you ha, your actions made me feel so
cherished and I now have an idea just how much you respect my brain. I'm being
sarcastic by the way. Siguro naman gets mo yung sarcasm since abogado ka kaya for
sure may utak ka. Pero just in case you're thinking with your other head, sinabi ko
na para hindi ka malito."

"What? Lia-"

"I'm going home. Hindi mo na ako kailangang ihatid and stop acting as if you have
respect for me when your actions show otherwise. Oo, malibog ako. Oo, I have baser
needs at oo, I respond to your touches pero tao ako, tang-ina mo. Stop treating me
like an object." I walked out of his bedroom and shakily took the stairs down to
the first floor. Hindi sya sumunod and I was ready to slap him senseless if he did.

I love being fondled, who doesn't? Kahit sinong babae ang tanungin mo, we love
being worshipped lalo na kung dila at daliri ang pag-uusapan. But I don't take crap
too. No matter how good a fondling you give. My moans shouldn't be taken as payment
for a favor. I moan because I want to. I spread my legs because I want to. And not
because you have the gall to manipulate me into succumbing to your whims.

Ngumiti ako sa mga bisita nya kasi kahit naman anong galit ko ay di ko makuhang
magalit sa mga taong wala rin namang alam tungkol sa kabobohan ng isang gunggong na
abogadong nagngangalang Dustin Marcus Montemayor. Hay, naku pempem! Umayos ka! Pag
sya talaga na-miss mo after what he did ipapatahi na talaga kitang tuluyan at nang
magsara ka na!

"Lia!" Someone called and I turned towards the direction of the voice. It was
Dustin's father and he looked very surprised na hindi ko kasama ang anak nyang
dinaig pa ang isang pornstar sa pagiging makamundo.

"Good evening po. Mauuna na po akong umalis."

"Wait, where's Dustin?" He asked. "Bakit wala kang kasama? Teka lang, ipapatawag ko
sya-"

"Naku, hindi na po. He's entertaining the guests. I'm sorry kasi kailangan ko pong
umalis. Meron po kasing emergency meeting sa kumpanya." I lied.

Kahit ngayon lang kami nagkakilala ni Dr. Montemayor ay ayoko syang ma-disappoint.
Ayoko syang ipahiya at ayoko syang saktan. Wala syang kinalaman sa amin ni Dustin
so I decided to let his son handle the situation. Bahala na yung hayop na yun kung
anong sasabihin nya at kung paano nya sasabihin ang totoo.

"I understand, iha. Ganyan talaga lalo na't family business, we cannot help but
attend to issues ourselves. Naiintindihan ko. But Dustin should really drive you to
your office-"

"No, Sir. Okay lang po ako." I smiled at him and he frowned.

"Sir? Bakit naman sir? Hindi ba dapat Dad?"

"Po?" I asked and he laughed heartily.

"Don't worry, alam kong hindi ka pa sanay. Pero mag-practice ka na, you'll be a
part of our family soon." He looked very happy and I hated Dustin more.

Anong klaseng anak naman ang isa-subject ang isang ama sa ganitong kalokohan? Pero
sabagay, kahit ako hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses kong na-disappoint si Dad
dati. Kaya ayokong magkaanak eh, hindi ko kayang lulunin ang mga ganitong klaseng
kamartiran ng isang magulang. I thought.

Pero hindi lang yun ang rason, ang totoo ay takot akong magkamali. Takot akong may
ibang taong maaapektuhan ang buhay dahil sa mga katangahan ko at kamalian ko.

"Sige po, mauuna na po ako. Nice meeting you po." I extended my right hand towards
him as I smiled but he gave me a hug instead.

"O sya, mag-ingat ka, iha. I hope parati mo kaming pasyalan although alam kong busy
ka pero si Dustin kasi may sarili nang buhay kaya madalang na lang umuuwi sa bahay.
My wife's excited to meet you. Sana makasabay ka naming mag-lunch o mag-dinner
minsan. How about this Saturday? May gagawin ka ba?"

"May meeting po kami sa department ko." I answered. "Pasensya na po."

"Okay lang, ganyan yata talaga ang henerasyon ngayon, parati kayong busy. O sya,
mag-ingat ka. I hope to see you again."

"Sige po. Kayo din po mag-ingat din po kayo." I said before I waved goodbye. Ako
ang nasasaktan para sa Dad ni Dustin. Ang tanga kasi nito ni Montemayor! Kung nag-
girlfriend sana sya nang maayos eh di wala na syang problema! Nandamay pa! I
thought angrily as I drove off.

Okay sana si Dustin na ka-KKK o Katampisaw sa Kama ng Kamunduhan pero hindi ko na

gusto kung paano nya ginagamit yung mga pinagmamalaki nyang instrumento sa katawan
para lang mapasunod ako. I love my pempem and my pempem loves him pero ayoko namang
puro pempem lang nakikita nya sa akin.
"Hoy, pempem wag kang magtampo, ha! Close pa rin tayo. Mamaya manuyot ka na lang
dyan, kawawa naman ako."

Matagal ko nang na-realize na ako ang tipo ng babaeng ayaw na ayaw na inuutusan,
pinapasunod at inuuto. "No matter how big you are, Montemayor!" I grumbled. Pakshet
ka, Lia puro pak na lang yang naiisip mo.

Nagbihis lang ako pagdating ko sa condo at umalis din ako kaagad. I wanted to
exercise kasi na-stress ako kay Dustin. Gusto kong magpawis at gusto kong mapagod
para pagdating ko mamaya sa bahay ko ay matutulog na lang ako. Ayokong mag-isip at
ayokong baguhin ng mga kaartehan ko at pagka-miss ni pempem dun sa bestfriend nya
ang desisyon kong layuan si Dustin. I was done playing and I didn't like that I
wasn't the only one playing, pati sya rin nilalaro ako. "Parang ang sagwa nang
nilalaro." I murmured.

I heard my phone ring ang my pulse raced. Alam kong si Dustin ang tumatawag kasi
pati si pempem kinikilig pero ayoko na. Ayoko na yung mga kalokohan nya sa buhay.

"Kailangan mo nang tanggapin, pempem that he's not yours. Let him go. And do not
make comparisons, ha. Don't you dare! Kawawa naman tayo kung hindi natin ma-get-
over yung kanyang haba o laki? Iilan lang silang merong ganun, pempem. Have mercy."
I parked near the entrance of the exclusive gym kung saan kami member na
magkakapatid. Si Alexa at Lee Ann hindi mahilig mag-exercise but I was able to
convince them to become members para may bonding na rin kami.

I was wearing very short shorts kasi feel kong magmaganda but I wasn't happy with
the attention. Ayan kasi naglalandi pero pag tinitingnan nabibwisit naman! I told
myself.

Hindi ako agree na kailangan kong magdamit para sa kasiyahan ng iba. Para saan? Why
would I care to impress people whose stay in my life is temporary? Baka nga hindi
pa temporary, baka pahapyaw pa, yung tipong dadaan lang silang parang hangin sa
araw ko. I dress to express myself and to feel good about my body. Yun nga lang may
mga lalaking sa pwet yata ng mga nanay nila dumaan kaya puro kabastusan ang laman
ng mga utak.

"Lia, looking good!" Someone called and I waved at him. Hindi ko matandaan ang
pangalan nya. Sino nga ba ito? Gerald? Gerard? George? Lumapit sya sa akin nang
nakangiti. "How are you, sexy? Asus.

"Are you talking to me or are you talking to my boobs?" I arched my brow. Ang kapal
nito hindi man lang magpasimple! Talagang titig kung titig! He laughed.

Actually naglandian na kami dati. Harmless flirting lang-coffee, kwentuhan, palitan

ng phone numbers pero hindi kami umabot sa kama, hindi man lang kami nag-first
base. Nalaman ko kasing may girlfriend ang gago kaya iniwasan ko kasi wala akong
balak na makihati sa kaligayahan ng iba.

"Anong magagawa ko, Lia? Those babies begged to be touched." He grinned. Babies?!
At kelan mo naman daw isinilang itong dede ko, aber?!

"Ibig sabihin kapag binayagan kita pwede ko palang gamiting rason that those eggies
begged to be kneed?" I sweetly asked and he stared at me before he laughed aloud.
Tumalikod ako para umalis pero hinawakan nya ako sa braso.

"Gusto mo bang kainin kita? I mean kumain tayo?" He grinned again. "Gutom na gutom
ako, if you know what I mean..." Hindi ko sya sinagot. I pulled my arm free from
his grasp and continued walking. "Lia!"
Jusko! Ano bang meron sa lalaking yun? Kung ano yata ang nilaki ng muscles ay yun
naman ang niliit ng utak! Magpasalamat sya at wala ako sa mood mambara kasi pagod
ang utak ko sa kakaisip!

"Hey, I'm talking to you!" I felt someone grab my hand and I winced with pain.

"Ano ba!"

"Sino ka ba para talikuran ako, ha? Nagka-projects ka lang ganyan ka na-" Hindi na
nya natapos ang sasabihin nya kasi isang malakas na sampal ang sumalubong sa kanya.

"Tang-ina ka! Sinong nagsabi sayo na pwede mo akong hawak-hawakan?!" He was taller
than me but I grabbed him by the hair and kicked at his groin. He yelped in pain at
napaluhod sya sa sakit sa harapan ko. The gym's security guards came running but I
wouldn't let the guy's hair go at pinagsasampal ko sya.

"Ma'am Lia!"

"Putang-ina mo!" I screamed. "Tang-ina ka! Wag mong pinapainit ang ulo ko! Sino ka
para magmalaki sa akin, animal ka!"

"Ma'am, teka po." Inaawat nila ako pero tinulak ko sila palayo.

"Wag nyo akong hahawakan!" I shouted.

"Maam-"

"Lia, stop-" The asshole groaned as he used his arm to fend off my attacks pero
hindi pa rin ako natuwa.

"Bastos kang, demonyo ka! Putang-ina mo kakapunin kita!"

"Ma'am-"

"Wag nyo akong hahawakan sabi!" I snarled at the guards and they took a step back.
Lahat yata ng bwisit ko sa katawan ay lumabas.

"Ma'am, kumalma po kayo baka pwede po nating pag-usapan." Dahan-dahan na tumayo ang
gago. He was still cupping his balls and I glared at him

"You'll hear from my lawyer!" He told me and I arched my brow. "Maghanda ka na ng

abogado mo-"

"I'm her lawyer." Someone spoke. Hindi ko pa man nakikita ay alam ko na kung sino
ang nagsasalita. "And how dare you touch my fiancée?"

Shit. Ayun, sabog.

Hindi si pempem. Kundi ang puso ko.

I tried to maintain my cool kahit gusto ko nang hubaran si Dustin ora-orada at
magpakasasa sa katawan nya agad-agad. Kilig na kilig ako sa gago. Ang nakakabwisit
kakaiba pala akong kiligin. First time kasi kaya hindi ko alam na yung pempem ko
pala ang nagwawala at hindi ang puso ko kapag kinikilig ako. Montemayor, lumayo-
layo ka kundi di kita papatulugin at sasakyan kita hanggang mawalan ka ng malay
kaya maawa ka sa sarili mo. I thought to myself.

Hindi ko sya tinitingnan kahit umakbay na sya sa akin at kahit gusto ko syang
murahin, molestyahin at halikan at the same time ay nagkunyari akong hindi
affected.

"I'm her lawyer. If you need to settle something with my fiancée, talk to me." He
said. At sa unang pagkakataon ay gusto kong magpapapadyak ng paa sa sobrang kiliti.
Paano si pempem ang kinikilig kaya tuloy nakikiliti ako. Jusme, pempem mag-behave
ka!

"Wala akong pakialam kung abogado ka ng babaeng yan. Shit! Did you see what she did
to me?! Ako na isang model-"

"Model ka?" Dustin asked as he frowned at the guy. I didn't even know the asshole's
name.

"Yes! I am Giovanni dela Rosa! Sikat ako!" Putsa, pangalan pa lang ng unggoy na to
tunog bakla na.

"I am Atty. Dustin Montemayor and I can put an end to your imagined fame." Dustin
threatened coolly. Napakagat ako ng labi. Jusko! Pempem, kalma! Ano ba, Montemayor!
Tama na! Maawa ka naman baka bigla na lang akong katasan dito!

"Are you threatening me? I am Giovanni dela-"

"I am stating a fact. My clients are pillars of the industry where you claim to be
famous but I don't know you and I haven't heard about you, Mr. Giowhatever."

"Look-"

"You don't get it, do you?" Dustin chuckled. "Anyway, I do not expect you to get it
so I'll see you in court." He nodded at the guards curtly before he spoke. "I need
a copy of the CCTV feed. Kanino ko ia-address ang formal request ko?" He asked.

"Sir, sa head ng security na lang po namin."

"Okay, what's his name? I'll ask my secretary to contact him immediately. I'd like
to personally do it but my fiancée needs my attention after what she went through
and she's my priority." Jusko, wala nang ligo-ligo ito, ikakama ko na itong
lalaking to agad! Pero teka lang di ba inayawan ko na to?! Pempem, stop influencing
my thoughts! Teka lang, may secretary pala to?! Babae?! Aba!

"Look, I don't want trouble." Giovanni-the-model said and Dustin looked calmly at
him.

"You don't want trouble pero nambabastos ka ng babae? Do you think you're going to
get the public's sympathy just because you're under the delusion that you're
famous? You need to go back to your mother and ask her to teach you some manners.
I'm not going to let this incident pass."

"But-" Giovanni stammered as one of the guards handed Dustin a piece of paper with
the Head of Security's full name and contact number.

"Let's go, babe." Dustin said.

I wanted to object. Gusto kong magpa-demure. Sayang naman kasi yung speech na
binitawan ko sa harapan nya kanina noong nandun kami sa bahay nya. Pero ang hot ng
loko, imbes na mag-inarte ako parang gusto kong manggahasa.

He guided me to where he parked his car. I knew I needed to say something. I was
impressed. Hell, I was aroused kaya lang ayokong ipakita. Takot akong gamitin nya
na naman yun bagay na yun sa akin para mapasunod ako at makuha nya ang gusto nya.
Na gusto ko rin naman. Na gusto rin naman ni pempem. Na sobrang agree lahat ng
parte ng katawan kong gusto ko kung ano man ang gusto nya. Pak ka, Lia. Stop it!

"Dustin..." I stopped walking. Gusto ko sabihing may sarili akong sasakyan kaya
hindi na nya ako kailangang ihatid pero iba ang lumabas sa bibig ko. "Gusto kitang
sakyan." Ha?! Pempem! Stop it! Jusme! Ano ka ba naman!

"Sakyan mo lang ako anytime." He sounded nonchalant. Huminto din sya sa paglalakad
at tumingin sa akin. Uy, pempem wag kang magpyesta dyan! Ang landi mo! I bit my
tongue kasi gusto kong ngumisi. Ang sexy kasi nang pagkakasabi nya, parang gusto ko
tuloy mag-lambada sa harap nya.

"What I mean is...meron akong sasakyan." I enunciated the words carefully.

"Ahh." He replied. "Kung ganun, sayo na lang ako sasakay." He answered and I was
confused kung bastos ba ang ibig nyang sabihin o ako lang talaga ang berde ang
utak. Oh well, di mo lang ako pwedeng sakyan, pwede mo pa akong igarahe. I mentally
arched my brow at my thoughts. Pempem, ano ka ba! Stop na! Ayoko na! Parati mo na
lang akong pinapahamak! Okay, Lia dalagang Pilipina mode on! I told myself kaso
hindi effective.

"Ang ibig kong sabihin...um...may sasakyan ako at kaya....ano... kaya...alam mo

yun, dun ako sasakay sa sasakyan ko." Ano ba ang meron sa salitang 'sakay' at halos
magwala na itong si pempem? I was becoming breathless because he was staring at me
with such intensity. Sige, titig lang. Kainin kita dyan, makita mo.

"Kaya nga, sayo ako sasakay." Tangna, ano bang ibig nyang sabihin?! Sasakyan nya
ako o yung sasakyan ko?! Puro sakayan lang kasi naiisip mo, pempem! Bad ka!

"You mean-"

"You know what I mean." He gave me a lazy smile.

At si pempem naman kung makangiti rin wagas. Pero, pempem! We can't! I'm sorry pero
hindi ko nagustuhan yung ginawa ng boyfriend mo kanina! Kailangan mong manindigan,
Lia or else mauulit at mauulit yung ginawa nya at dadaanin ka na lang nya sa ganun!

"Thanks for earlier. I'm going home. Bye." I nearly ran in my haste to escape him.

Siguro hindi lang talaga ako normal na babae kasi sa tingin ko kung ibang babae
lang yung pinagtanggol ni Dustin tulad nang pagtanggol nya sa akin ay hindi na
magpapakipot. But I wanted him to see me differently. I wanted him to respect what
I say. I wanted him to acknowledge me as someone who's more than a piece of flesh.

Pero naisip ko rin kung para saan yung mga ganung kaartehan ko. Hindi ba laro lang
naman ang gusto ko? Hindi ba ayaw ko namang magpakasal? Hindi pa gusto ko shembot
shembot lang? Bakit may respeto na akong nalalaman? Bakit hindi ko na ma-
differentiate kung kaba, kilig o landi ba yung nararamdaman ko para kay Dustin? Ano
bang meron, ha, Lia?! I stopped beside my car.

"Lia, stop this madness." I murmured to myself as I took my keyless remote from
inside my bag's pocket. "You can't. You can't fall for him. You can't fall for
anyone." I told myself as pressed the remote to open my car.

"Lia." I heard Dustin's voice behind me and I was tempted to ignore him.

"Bakit?" I asked without turning to look at him as I opened my car's door.

"Let's talk." He said and I smiled sadly before I turned to face him.

"I'm sorry, Dust. I really am pero tapusin na natin itong kalokohang ito. Alam
naman nating laro lang ito, di ba? It was hot while it lasted pero masyado na itong
matagal para sa isang laro."

"This isn't just a game for me, Lia." He answered and my heart drummed crazily
inside my chest. I felt hopeful and sad at the same time.

"Ano pala ang tawag mo dito?" I asked as I searched his face. Hindi sya sumagot and
I laughed dryly when he lowered his gaze. See? Hindi nya rin alam. Wag kang tanga,
Lia. Gusto ka lang nyang ikama. "We're compatible in bed, Dust. Hindi ko naman yun
ide-deny. Pero ayoko ng long-term bedmate at sawain ako. Habang masarap pa yung
samahan nating dalawa, tapusin na natin. Sige, bye."

I slid into the driver's seat, closed the door and turned the engine on. I
maneuvered my car out of the parking lot and wondered briefly why my vision became
blurry.

"Tanga ka ba?! Bakit ka umiiyak?!" I harshly asked myself. "Laro lang ito, boba!
Wag kang tanga! Wag mong panghinayangan ang laki nya!" I added as I wiped my face
with my hands. Ayokong isipin kung bakit ako nasasaktan. Ayokong malaman ang rason
kung bakit ako umiiyak. Ayokong bigyan nang mas malalim na kahulugan ang mga
landian namin. Ayoko. Ayoko. Ayoko!

I reached my condo in less than thirty minutes. Hindi ko na nakuhang batiin yung
valet parking attendant na sumalubong sa akin sa harap ng building ko kasi tumakbo
na ako papasok. Gusto kong makarating agad sa unit ko para magmukmok. Tsaka ko na
lang isipin kung bakit ako nagdadrama.

I immediately took my clothes off after I locked my door. I wanted to take a cold
shower kasi hindi ako nakapag-yoga. I wanted to sort out my thoughts. Gusto kong
ihiwalay yung opinyon ni pempem sa nararamdaman ko.

"Kaya mo yan, Lia. Kayang-kaya!" I said as I turned the shower on. "Jusme! Pucha
ang lamig!" I exclaimed. Hindi kasi talaga ako sanay sa malamig na shower, gusto
kong maligamgam parati ang temperature ng tubig kahit summer pa. "Walanghiya ka,
pempem! Siguraduhin mo talagang after nitong cold shower na ito ay limot mo na si
Montemayor kundi, ay naku!"

Dahil malamig ang tubig ay ang bilis ko lang naligo, wala pa yatang five minutes
tapos na ako. Kahit nakapagbihis na ako ay di ako mapakali, gusto kong kumain,
gusto uminom at gusto kong magpakasaya. Jusko! Don't tell me depressed ako?! I
thought as I dialed for food delivery. I ordered pizza, buffalo wings, onion rings
and spaghetti with meatballs. Pero hindi pa ako natuwa, I called my condo's
concierge and asked for them to buy me a dozen cans of beer.
"Nakaka-stress! Dapat hindi ako affected! Bukas na bukas din pempem, magba-bar
hopping tayo at maghahanap tayo ng bagong playmate mo! May pa-fiancée fiancée ka
pang nalalaman, Montemayor! Bwisit! Bakit ba ang tagal nung order ko?! Mga lalaki
talaga wala kang maasahan! Peste!"

I tried reading a magazine and watching television pero lahat na lang ng nababasa o
napapanuod ko nabibwisit ako. Ang masaklap naala ko na naman kung gaano ka-cool si
Dustin kanina habang sinasabon nya yung Giovanni.

"Grabe na ito, ang hot mo kasing gago ka. Ang hot mo na nga ang laki-laki mo pa.
Tapos ang galing-galing mo pa tapos-Hay! Nasaan na ba yang beer na yan?!"

I heard my doorbell chime and I ran to open the door. Dumating na ang pinadeliver
kong pagkain. Cute at nagpapa-cute yung taga-deliver pero wala ako sa mood kaya
kahit tip ay di ako nagbigay. Kumain ako kaagad kahit hindi naman ako gutom. After
a few minutes may nag-ring na naman ng doorbell ko at halos natapilok ako sa
kakatakbo kasi excited akong uminom ng beer. Ang tagal na kasi since the last time
I got so freaking drunk.

"Mabuti naman at nandyan-" I stared at Dustin and the packs of beers in his hands.

"Hi." He was unsmiling. "May kasama ka ba? Nakakainstorbo ba ako sa inyo?" He asked
as he used his shoulder to push the door wider and stepped inside. "Sinong kasama
mo?" He sounded displeased as he looked around the room.

"Bakit ka ba pumasok?!" I angrily asked. "Akin na nga yan! Bakit ikaw ang may dala
nyan?!"

"Nakasabay ko ang magdadala nito and I told him that I'm your friend and you were
expecting me."

"What made you think that I was expecting you?!" I followed him around kasi inikot
nya ang buong bahay ko. Pati yung banyo ko sa kwarto at ilalim ng sofa ko ay di nya
pinalampas. "Ano bang hinahanap mo?!" I shouted and he turned to look at me. His
expression was unreadable. He looked at all the food that I laid down on the center
table before he frowned at me.

"Were you alone?" He asked.

"What do you care if I'm alone or not?!" I snapped. He put the packs of beer he was
holding on top of the side table kasi nag-uumapaw sa pagkain ang center table ko.

"Are you depressed? Bakit ang dami mong pagkain? Bakit ka iinom?"

"Wow. Doktor ka ba? Akala ko ba abogado ka, your honor. Kapag madaming pagkain
tapos umiinom dperessed agad? So kailangan kong tiisin ang gutom ko para sa
ikakapalagay ng loob mo?"

He tilted his head to the side and smiled at me. I just melted. Nyemas talaga itong
lalaking to! I inwardly groaned as I watched him slowly walk towards me.

"Hi ulit." He whispered and I scowled. "Bakit ka nakasimangot?"

"Umalis ka na. Gusto kong mag-isa." I said and he gently touched my cheek. "Ano
ba!" I slapped his hand away. "Umalis ka na nga!" I moved past him to open the door
but he wrapped his arms around me.

"Lia."
"Pwede ba, Dustin wala ako sa mood makipaglaro sayo ngayon. Mag-set ka ng
appointment mamaya kasi sarado na si pempem at lampas playtime nya na!" He laughed
softly before he kissed my still damp hair.

"Lia."

"Umalis ka na, utang na loob naman!" I shrieked when he suddenly lifted me off the
floor and carried me inside my bedroom.

"Ano ba, Dustin! Gusto mo na naman ng sex?!" I furiously asked as he laid me down
on top of my bed. "Yun na lang ba ang tingin mo sa akin?! Isang parausan?!" My
lower lip was trembling and I was nearly in tears. He cupped my face with both his
hands before he kissed me on the forehead.

"Lia." He murmured.

"What?!" I bit out.

"Make love to me." He whispered against my lips. "I'm yours. Please."

Hindi ako sanay makarinig ng mga salitang make love. Feeling ko kapag sinasabihan
ako ng ganun ay pinapaasa lang ako at ang gusto lang naman talaga ng taong yun ay
makalaro si pempem. Ganun ang paniniwala ko. But hearing those words from Dustin
made me want to cry.

Ano ba ito, ito na ba ang tinatawag nilang hormonal changes na dala ng pagme-
menopause? I asked myself as I felt my eyes water. Crap, Lia! Stop being dramatic.
Mapa-make love man yan, sex o pagniniig! Pareho lang yun, tanga! I admonished
myself. Pero may I'm yours pa eh.

"Lia-"

"Pwede ba, Dustin! Wag mo nga akong inuuto dyan!" I murmured as I pushed him off
me. "Gusto mo lang akong ikama eh, sabihin mo nang derecho at hindi yung
tatarantaduhin mo pa ako!" I snapped and he sighed before he sat on the edge of my
bed.

"Alam mo, ako ang nanliliit sa salitang ikama. Kung kama lang ang habol eh di sana
naghanap na lang ako ng iba. Why would I go through the trouble of chasing you when
I can have any woman I want?" Langya, hindi porke't meaty ka ay ganyan ka na.

"Well, what can I say? Hindi mo talaga ako makalimutan." I said flipping my hair.

"I admit that you're great in bed Miss Carbonel but to be frank with you, I've had
better." He said before he got up. Wait! What?! You've had better?! Ang kapal mo!
Kung anong nilaki ng batuta mo, ay yun naman ang kinapal ng kalyo mo sa mukha! I've
had better? Sino? Sino? Sino?!

Gusto kong sumigaw sa asar. How dare this walrus personified say in my face na may
mas magaling pa sa kama sa akin?! Kung totoo lahat ng sinabi nya ay bakit naman nya
pinagsisiksikan ang haba at laki nya sa akin?!

"Excuse me, Montemayor. Kung kama lang din naman ang pag-uusapan, ipakilala mo sa
akin kung sino yang pinagmamalaki mong magaling sa kama para makapag-compare kami
ng notes at yayain ko sya sa isang marathon!" I yelled and he stopped walking and
turned to look at me.

"Ikaw? Magaling sa kama? Lia, ako ang kumakama sayo. You reach your peak because of
my ministrations. Wala kang effort." He shook his head. Ay! Ang taray! Nagbilang?!
Sana sinabi mong paligsahan pala ito para nag-helicopter ako sa itaas mo! Gagong
to!

"Effort? Kailangan mo ng effort? Ano namang makukuha ko kung mag-i-effort ako?

Tsaka pinapartidahan pa kita, hindi pa ako umi-effort sa lagay na yan pero
nakakaraos ka na." I said and he laughed. Ang kapal ng mukha nito!

"Talaga lang ha." At talagang hinamon pa ako ng ungas.

"Oo, ano. Kapag ako nag-effort, I tell you, hindi ka na magigising sa sarap." I
declared and he leaned against my bedroom door and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Sige nga." He uttered grinning. Ano daw?! I arched a brow at him.

"Anong sige nga?"

"Patayin mo nga ako sa sarap." He issued the challenge so casually that I was not
able to prepare for it. Bigla tumumbling kami ni pempem sa ibang dimension at sabay
kaming nawindang. Tae ka, pempem! Is this a set-up?!

"Ha?"

"Ano?" He started walking towards me until he reached the foot of my bed. "Kaya mo
bang panindigan yung sinabi mo? Ako, Lia my word and my handshake are as good as my
signature. Kaya ako hindi nagbibitaw ng mga salitang hindi ko kayang tayuan."
Bastos nitong gagong to, so kapag pala nakikipag-handshake ako sayo ay tinatayuan
ka?! Wait lang, yun ba ang ibig nyang sabihin? Pempem, stop! Ayan ka na naman!
Parati mo na lang akong pinapahamak!

"You're so full of yourself, Montemayor." I replied.

"I'm waiting to fill you to the hilt, Miss Carbonel." He whispered and I felt my
body tingle in response. "Ano, Miss Lia Carbonel? Kaya mo ba? Kapag ako hindi
namatay sa sarap, that only means that you're all talk."

"At kapag namatay ka sa sarap, kulong ang bagsak ko." I mumbled and he laughed
again.

"Let's just say na figurative at hindi literal ang mga salitang mamamatay sa sarap
and it's up to me to decide kung nakakamatay nga ba ang sarap na ibibigay mo o
hindi." He continued to grin.

Ayoko na pakiramdam ko ay kulang ako sa options. Ayoko na feeling ko ay iisa lang

ang choice ko. At ayaw na ayaw ko rin ang nag-iisip. Gusto ko lang talagang
nagmamaganda.
But what he said made me think-paano kung tatanggi ako? Sasabihin nyang hindi ko
kaya. That I'm all talk. Pero kung papatusin ko naman, panalong-panalo ang gago.
Nakakainis ka, pempem! Hindi na tayo bati! I grumbled inwardly.

"Ano? Kaya mo bang patunayan?" He dared and I stared at him. Hindi sya nagbaba ng
tingin at wala rin akong balak na magpatalo.

"Hubad." I said as I sat up.

"Masusunod." He smirked as he began unbuttoning his light blue polo.

Jusko! Nagtatanggal pa lang sya ng mga butones ng damit nya ay parang gusto ko nang
magpapapadyak sa kilig. I've long acknowledged the reality na attracted ako kay
Dustin. Hindi lang basta attracted, hibang na yata ako. Pero habang hinubad nya ang
polo nya sa harapan ko? Santisima! Parang gusto kong magpatayo ng fans club!

He was oozing with sexy manliness. Tuloy gusto kong dumekwat ng kanin sa labas kasi
dibdib pa lang nya ulam na. Ang landi talaga nito. I thought as his hand moved to
slowly unbuttoned his gray slacks.

"Would you like to do the honor, Lia?" His voice sounded husky and I felt my
stomach cave in. Para akong ihing-ihi sa kilig.

"The honor? Of what? Of taking your pants off? Is that something that I should be
honored to do?" I asked sneering. Kahit gusto ko syang hubaran agad-agad syempe
hindi ko pinapahalata kahit halos magwala na si pempem sa kiliti. Heh! Tumahimik
ka, pempem! Hindi tayo bati!

"Please?" He sounded like a little boy at ako yata pangarap maging ina nya kasi
naglakad ako paluhod malapit sa dulo ng kama para tulungan sya sa kanyang
pangangailangan. The bulge in his pants made me swallow hard.

Aruy, jusko! Uubusin yata ng lalaking ito ang natitirang lakas sa aking katawan!

I unzipped his pants and he groaned when my knuckles brushed against his confined
hardness. Ano ba yan. I wanted to groan with him pero nakakatanga naman kung mag-
uungulan kami eh wala pa namang nagyayari. He pulled his slacks low down his hips
taking his boxers with it and my throat went dry.

Jusko po. Pempem, ayan na. I was nearly gasping for air. Hindi ko alam kung kelan
nya hibubad ang sapatos sya, pakiramdam ko tuloy at some point ay nawalan ako ng
ulirat noong naghuhubad sya kasi hindi ko matandaan.

"Your turn." He murmured. "Or do you want me to do it for you?" Hala. Wag ganun,
baka mamaya wala pa ngang pumapasok ay may lumalabas na sa akin. Pero syempre hindi
ko na naituloy ang manindigan kuno kasi sya na ang nagtanggal ng mga damit ko.

Ang mga lalaki, sa pagkakaalam ko, mahilig sa boobs pero ibang species ng
kamachohan yata talaga si Dustin kasi nag-main course agad sya at si pempem agad
ang sinunggaban nya.

"Teka lang-" I started to protest but my words got lost in my moans. He was lapping
at my core hungrily at hindi ko alam kung saan ko ibabaling ang ulo ko. "Dustin!
Tama na!" I cried out when I felt something gush in between my thighs. But he was
unforgiving and he continued his sweet torture. Pakiramdam ko tuloy dapat ko na
ding pangalanan yung dila nya kasi ang talented lang. "Teka-" I gently pulled at
his hair to get his attention.
"Yes, Babe what is it?" He asked.

"Tama na."

"Gusto ko pa." Tangna, wala akong Philhealth at SSS tsaka hindi ako insured. Baka
naman malagutan ako ng hininga dito?

"Babe, lie down beside me." I whispered. Kinailangan ko na syang gamitan ng lambing
or else talagang mauubos ang katas ko sa kanya. He obeyed and as soon as his back
touched my bed I sat up.

"Anong gagawin mo?" He sounded breathless with anticipation at ewan ko lang kung
bakit pati boses nya parang aphrodisiac na ang dating sa akin.

"Do you want more foreplay, Dustin?" I whispered biting my lower lip as I sat down
on his stomach. He just stared at me with an enraptured expression on his face and
I undulated against his flesh.

"Shit, Lia." He moaned and I slid down his body until I was sitting on his muscled
thighs.

I felt cheated na ilang beses na kaming naglaro pero first time lang namin sa kama.
Yung sofa ko, maswerte kasi ilang beses kami dun. Pakiramdam ko rin ang unfair kasi
parati kaming nagmamadali na para bang may hinahabol kaming deadline kaya unang
beses ko ring natitigan yung katawan nya. I was tempted to check kung tumulo ang
laway, he looked so perfect that I nearly drooled.

I held his hardness with both my hands and he started whimpering. I used to think
that I give pleasure to receive pleasure and I was surprised at the realization
that seeing Dustin find indulgence in my actions was enough payment for me. He was
so responsive, kaunting galaw lang ng mga kamay ko ay umuungol na sya.

I was no virgin but I could honestly say that I haven't taken anyone's dick into my
mouth. Feeling ko nakakadiri. Feeling ko degrading and I wouldn't debase myself for
carnal reasons. I could see moisture on the tip of his hardness and I felt the
overwhelming urge to lick it off him. No, Lia! I told myself. Don't even go there!
Malandi ka pero hindi ka marumi! I reminded myself.

"Lia-" He sounded like he was drowning. "Babe, please..."

I moved to impale myself on his length. I cried out in pleasure. I loved how he
filled me. I loved how his size barely left room for movement. And I loved how
rock-hard he was.

I started moving and his eyes fluttered close. There's just something sexy about a
man's total surrender. He was fisting my bed covers as my movements gained speed
and he bent his knees to thrust harder into me. His right hand came to rest on my
hip and it wasn't long before both of his hands were pulling me hard against him as
he lunged upward to spear my flesh with his manhood.

He let my hip go as he sat up and wrapped an arm around my waist. I was confused at
first, because I could feel that he was nearing his release yet he stopped moving.

"Bakit, Dust?" I murmured the question as he looked at me. His other arm went
around my back and he pulled me against his chest. His maleness was still throbbing
inside me but I knew that he hasn't reached his climax yet. "Is something wrong?" I
asked and felt him shook his head.

"Sorry." He muttered and my brows knitted together in bewilderment. "Sorry because

I didn't have the courage to court you properly. I'm sorry that I had to resort to
being an ass just to get your attention and I'm sorrier that I made you think that
this is just about bedding you. I've liked you for so long and I've wanted you for
so long, Lia." He whispered against my ear as he started surging against me again.
I felt a little disoriented even as my belly clenched as my desire awakened again.
I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as I strained to be closer to him and he
sped up his movements.

"Dustin, faster." I whimpered as he continued to whisper sweet nothings. I ground

myself against him, eager to reach the precipice. His mouth sought and found mine
and I hungrily returned his kiss. He moved and I found myself beneath him and our
new position brought him deeper inside me. He spread my legs wider as he pumped
into me fast and hard.

"I'm close." He gasped and he let out a long moan. I didn't know what triggered my
release, I wasn't sure if it was seeing his face contort with passion, the feel of
his hot liquid filling my warmth...

Or him repeatedly whispering I love you in my ear.

I don't do cuddling. Korni. Ano naman daw ang nakukuha ninyo kung walang humpay
kayong magyakapan pagkatapos nyong magpakapagod para labasan? Wala. Pero si Dustin
kung makayakap parang inaalon kami sa kama at takot syang matangay.

"Muntik na akong mamatay sa sarap." He whispered against my ear before he nuzzled

my cheek. Kung anong nilalim ko ay yun namang binabaw mo. I thought with a smirk.

Ang mga lalaki talaga, kama lang ang katapat. "Bakit ang dami mo palang in-order na
pagkain? Alam mo bang dadating ako?" He asked. Hindi ko na lang pinansin na yung
kamay nya ay nasa boobs ko at walang humpay nyang pinanggigigilan. "I really love
these." He said.

"I'm sure." I answered. I wasn't my usual witty self kasi bigla akong napaisip-mag-
ano ba talaga kami ni Dustin maliban sa nag-aano kami? Mag-boyfriend ba kami?
Exclusive? Pak buddies? Pak talaga itong si Montemayor.

"Hey, anong iniisip mo?" He asked cupping my face.

"Pagod lang." I replied smiling at him a little. "Ewan ko ba kung bakit pakiramdam
ko ay parati akong pagod lately. I think I might have to try extreme sports para
magising naman ang nagmamaganda kong cells sa katawan."

"I forbid you to go into extreme sports, Lia. Mamaya mapano ka. If you want, let's
go to the gym together."

"Ano ba yan, Dust. Kahit ba naman sa paggi-gym ay kailangang magkasama tayo?" I

asked. Ano ba talaga, Montemayor? Ano ba talagang balak mo?

I didn't understand kung yung mga I love you nya ay
lang. Malay ko ba kung ganung tao sya-napapa-I love
kaligayahan. I wondered briefly kung tinatanong nya
ang sinasabi ko kapag nagka-come ako. Kasi kung sya
nagmumura.
totoo o dala ng kalandiaan
you kapag naabot ang rurok ng
rin ang sarili nya kung totoo
nagiging mapagmahal, ako naman

"Ayaw mo nun, may ibang exercise tayong ginagawa." He grinned lecherously.

"Although I'm not complaining kung ganito tayo magpapawis."

"Alam mo bang nagugulat ako kung gaano ka ka-manyak, Dustin? Kasi mukha kang
kagalang-galang. Mukha kang hindi marunong umungol at magpaungol but hearing you
talk now-"

"Talk lang? Yung performance ba walang bearing?"

"So pume-performance level ka?" I arched my brow at him and he laughed.

"Gusto ni Daddy na sa bahay tayo mag-dinner bukas. Gusto ka ring makilala ni

Mommy." He said. "Please, wag ka nang humindi. Susunduin kita dito bukas or better
yet, dito na lang ako matutulog, sasamahan mo ako sa bahay ko para magpalit ng
damit tapos ay sabay na tayong pupunta sa bahay ng parents ko."

"Bakit kailangan kong pumunta sa inyo, Dustin?" I questioned.

Actually, ang gusto ko naman talagang itanong ay ano ba tayo, Dustin? Pero ayokong
magmukhang assuming at clingy. Ang motto ng mga babaeng tulad ko? Di bale nang
malito wag lang magmukhang desperada.

Pero nakakagaga lang. How could you be someone's fiancée kung hindi ka naman nya
tinanong? At ano ba ang pagiging fiancée? Hindi ba seryoso yun? Eh nyeta sya mula
nung nag-declare syang ikakasal kuno kami ay hindi pa kami nakapag-usap nang
matino. Puro lapirutan at kabayuan lang ang ginawa namin.

And who the hell is Lauren? Hindi ko pa man sya nakikita ay gusto ko na kaagad
makipagtalbugan ng alindog sa kanya. Maganda ba sya? Matangkad? Malaki ang
hinaharap?

"Pati ba naman ang dinner with my parents ay lalagyan mo nang masamang kahulugan?"
He spoke. Biglang gusto ko syang bayagan. Ang tanga mo! Akala ko ba abogado ka?
Hindi ka ba nakakabasa ng mga unspoken questions? Hindi mo man lang naamoy ang
gusto kong iparating?!

"Hindi ko binibigyan ng masamang kahulugan at kung hindi mo nagi-gets ay gusto kong

malaman kung ano ang kahulugan." I said looking at him. Ayan na, binigyan na kita
ng opening tarantado ka! Dapat maintindihan mo yan or else...

"Wala naman yung kahulugan..." He replied frowning.

Ay, Jusko ang sarap talagang bigwasan nitong gagong to! Ikaw naman kasi, pempem
masyado kang umasa! At yung friend mong hindi lang mighty meaty kundi turgid and
juicy pa ay masyadong paasa! Mga bwisit kayo, di na lang kayo magsama!

"Ah, ganun ba? Okay." I shrugged.

Ikaw na, pempem ang assuming! I thought to myself. Ano ba ito, Lia! Ano ba naman
kasi ang iniisip mo? Hindi porke't hinahabol ka ng hotdog ni Montemayor at nag-I
love you sya sayo ay makakarinig ka na kaagad ng wedding bells. Hanggang ungol
bells lang kayo!

"Tara, let's wash up para makakain tayo. Nagutom ako." He said getting up. He
helped me to my feet.

"Mauna ka na." I said.

Gusto kong mag-isip at gusto kong ulit-ulitin sa sarili ko na dapat ay di talaga

ako nagpapadala sa bwisit na I love you na yan. Ang babae kasi, weakness talaga ng
lahi namin ang words at kahit gusto ko mang isipin na isa akong kakaibang babae ay
talaga namang natangay ako sa ungol ni Dustin na I Love You to the tune of
Unchained Melody.

Takte! Pati ungol nito ni Montemayor masarap! I was getting angry at myself.
Nagulat ako kasi bigla nya akong niyakap. Ano na namang drama nito?

"Masaya ako kasi kasama kita." He said and I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Ang isang babae ay hindi mahilig sa cryptic messages. Akala lang ng mga lalaki yun
na matalinghaga kami kasi ang lipunan nga naman at nagtataas ng kilay sa mga
babaeng outspoken kaya tuloy sa sobrang pagta-try ng lahi naming maging demure ay
lumalabo ang usapan.

At tsaka mahirap ma-judge, ha. Mahirap makabitan ng label na malandi, easy,

kaladkarin at kung anu-ano pa. Ang tagal kong na-get-over yang stage na yan, ang
tagal nawala sa sarili ko yung takot na husgahan or worse ay pandirihan. Who in her
right mind would want to be ostracized?

But I realized years ago that I should stop living for others, I should stop
minding the opinions of people who wouldn't even cry when I die. May karapatan
silang magpahayag ng opinyon tungkol sayo at hindi mo na problema yun. Pero may
karapatan ka ring manampal, manadyak at manabunot kung hindi mo nagustuhan ang
sinabi nila. At hindi mo na rin problema kung di sila magaling umilag. At yung
pinagmamalaki nilang human rights, pakipaalala sa kanilang pang-tao lang yun at di
yun pang-asal hayop.

"Tara na nga, maligo na tayo." I pushed away from Dustin but he held on to me
tighter. "Ano ba."

"Galit ka ba? Bakit parang uminit ang ulo mo?" Jusko ang dense mo! Masyado ka bang
nabibigatan sa kargada mo at parang lahat ng dugo mo yata ay naka-concentrate lang
dyan?!

"Hindi ako galit pero gutom ako!" I said and he smiled.

"Sorry kung pinagod kita, Babe." Babe mo mukha mo. Tarantado!

Takte! Bakit ba kasi ang hirap? Bakit ba mahirap magbasa ng utak ng tao. Okay sana
kung sapat na yung isang salita para malaman mo kung ano ba talaga ang totong
relasyon nyo pero hindi eh. I needed a verbal confirmation. Ang dami kayang ibig
sabihin ng masaya ako kasi kasama kita-pwedeng masaya ako kasi kasama kita kaya
nakaraos ako; o kaya ay masaya ako kasi kasama kita kaya na-affirm ang pagka-lalaki
ko at pwede ring masaya ako na magkasama tayo at nakaranas ako ng sarap. Lecheng
masaya ako kasi kasama kita yan! Ano yan, gamot? Generic?

"Halika na." He whispered against my ear at alam ko kaagad na hindi lang pagligo
ang gagawin namin.
Hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng karisma meron si Dustin kasi kahit nag-iinarte
akong ayoko ay napapa-oo nya pa rin ako. At wag ka, hindi lang sa pang-kamang
usapan ito, pati na rin sa dinner kasama ang pamilya nya.

Syempre naman kahit anong pagkaka-Gabriela Silang ko ay ayoko pa ring mag-iwan ng

hindi magandang impression sa mudrakels at pudrakels nya. Inisip ko kasi ang
kaechosang dala ko ang pangalang Carbonel kaya kahit ayokong magpa-impress ay
tinodo ko na talaga ang pagmumukhang kagagalang-galang at may busilak na kaloob-
looban.

"Dustin, Lia!" His father greeted us as soon as we got out of the car. Hindi ko
alam kung bakit gumagaan talaga ang loob ko tuwing nakikita ko ang Daddy ni Dustin.
He reminded me so much of Dad.

"Hello po, Tito. Good evening po." I greeted back and he gave me a warm hug.

"Anong Tito? Di ba sinabi ko na sayo to call me Dad?" He smiled. "Pasok na tayo sa

loob, your Mommy Anita is waiting for you."

Magarbo ang bahay nina Dustin pero hindi ko alam why it lacked the warmth na meron
ang mansyon ng mga Carbonel o kahit yung sariling bahay ni Dustin kung saan idinaos
yung engagement party naming dalawa. There was something so impersonal about his
parents' house.

"Dito ka ba lumaki?" I asked in a whisper and Dustin nodded.

"Bakit? Mukha ba akong lumaking hindi kasama ang mga magulang ko?" He asked back
smiling. I was not given a chance to comment because his father spoke.

"Anita, the children are here!"

I pasted a smile on my face and I was tempted to turn my head to see where Dustin's
mother was. May narinig akong nagtatawanan at may lumabas na tatlong babae. I
recognized the woman I crossed words with during the engagement party at muntikan
nang mawala ang ngiti ko. May matangkad na babae na siguro ay kasing-edad nung
bruhang nakausap ko at sa tingin ko ay sya ang Mommy ni Dustin. Then there's
another woman na siguro ay matanda lang sa akin ng ilang taon.

"Bee!" She excitedly squealed before she ran to wrap her arms around Dustin.

Ang taray! Bee? Hindi na lang nya tinodo at nilagyan ng Jolly sa unahan? Don't tell
me sya naman si Hetty Spaghetti?

"I missed you. Ang tagal na nating hindi nagkita." She said. Tumikhim ang Daddy ni
Dustin at kumalag sa pagkakayakap ang babae.

"Lauren, this is Lia, Dustin's fiancée." His Dad introduced. So ito pala si Lauren.
I thought as the woman ran her eyes from the tip of my manicured toes to my well-
coifed hair. Mabuti na lang at mas matangkad ako sa kanya and I had the pleasure of
looking down at her.
Maputi sya, maigsi ang buhok na may brownish gold highlights at petite. In fact,
mas matangkad pa si baby Lee Ann sa kanya at puro alahas ang buong katawan nya na
sa sobrang dami ay mukha na syang may Hepa sa paninilaw. Darling, hindi mo ba alam
na less is more? I thought returning her smug look.

"Hi, Lia." She smiled. The smile did not reach her eyes but I did not mind. Kibir
ko ba sa happiness nya.

"Babe, this is my Mom." Dustin introduced. "Of course you've met Tita Freda and
Lauren."

"Good evening po." I smiled at Dustin's mother who looked at me as if I was

something smelly that an alley cat dragged and left on their doorstep.

"Good evening." Hindi sya ngumiti at si Lia Carbonel ay kamuntikan nang magtaas ng
kilay. Gagang ito, wag mo akong tatarayan kasi hindi mo magugustuhan ang gagawin ko
kahit may kontribusyon pa ang genes mo sa pagiging mighty meaty ni Dustin.

The tension in the air was palpable. She turned to Dustin and her expression
instantly changed. "My son." She smiled fondly. "Nakakain ka pa ba sa tamang oras?
Baka naman pinapahirapan ka kung saan ka nagtatrabaho." She threw a glance at me.
"May sarili naman tayong kumpanya, bakit hindi na lang iyon ang tulungan mong
lumago?"

"Mommy, we're here for dinner and not for a lecture." Dustin smiled.

"Speaking of dinner, mabuti pa ngang kumain na tayo." Dustin's Dad clapped his hand
as if the action could erase the tension. We all followed him to the dining area
and Dustin pulled a chair out for me.

"Thank you." I said. Gusto ko syang murahin. Bakit nya ako ipapakilala sa nanay nya
na halata namang ayaw ako? Anong naisip nya?

Lalo akong naloka nung pinatunog ng Mommy ni Dustin ang isang maliit na gold bell
sa tabi nya at nagmartsa ang mga katulong nila naka-uniporme papasok sa dining room
nila. His father smiled at me kasi siguro nakita nya sa mukha ko na hindi ko kinaya
ang pagring-ring ng bell na yan na para bang mga aso ang mga katulong nila.

"So, Lia you're a model?" Tanong nya habang abala sa paglalagay ng mga pagkain sa
mesa nila ang mga kasambahay. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naasar ako, pakiramdam ko
kasi hindi sila dapat tinatrato na ganun. Kung meron man akong sobrang gusto kay
Daddy ay yung paano nya pantay na pinapahalagahan ang mga nagtatrabaho sa kanya
mapa-hardinero ka man, receptionist o manager.

"Yes, Mom she's a model and she's also C & S Holdings' Creative Consultant." Dustin
replied for me. His mom smiled as if she knew some secret that I didn't at lalo
akong naasar.

"She's an actress too, right?" His mom questioned looking at me. "Tama ba?"

"Yes, I've tried theater." I answered.

"Do you know Direk Allan Corpuz?" She smiled maliciously at me and I felt my heart
jumped to my throat.

"Yes." I replied evenly.

Direk Allan Corpuz was the director who handled my first commercial. Babaero,
feeling gwapo at may asawang mas praning pa sa kanya. Mas bata lang sya kay Daddy
ng ilang taon kaya kinilabutan ako nung nanligaw sya. When I turned him down, he
got nasty. I was just in my teens and I did not tell Dad about it because he was
Dad's friend. I kept quiet because I did not want to stir trouble. I wasn't
courageous then.

"I told you, di ba? Sya nga yung kwinento ni Melissa na naging kabit ng asawa nya!"
Lauren's mother whispered loudly and everyone grew quiet. Even Dustin.

"Ma." Parang nahihiya daw si Lauren sa sinabi ng ina nya and she smiled
apologetically at Dustin. "Pagpasensyahan mo na si Mama, Bee."

"Excuse me, I know you have no breeding but you've brought rudeness to a new
level." I smiled at Lauren's mother. "Before you open your mouth and display your
stupidity by calling me a mistress, I want to remind you that my family runs the
biggest and most prestigious law firm in the country."

"Excuse me too!" She snapped.

"You're excused, I know you're low-class but I didn't realize that you'd stoop this
low."

"Dustin, pakisabihan mo itong babaeng ito!" Dustin's Mom spoke and I arched a brow
at her.

"Mrs. Montemayor, nagpunta po ako dito kasi akala ko po tao kayo, wala po kasing
nabanggit ang anak ninyo na asal-aso po kayo. Or maybe that's exactly the reason
why Dustin doesn't talk about you at all because if I were your son, I'd be
embarrassed too. Pero kung pinapunta nyo ako dito para ipahiya, I'm sorry but it's
not going to work. But I can no longer stand the stench of your character so I'm
leaving." I smiled broadly at her. "Thanks for a wonderful evening, Sir you were
charming as always." I smiled at Dustin's father before I rose to my feet and
turned to leave.

"Lia-" Dustin got up too.

"And before I forget," I turned around to face them again. "Dahan-dahan po sa

pagsasalita, nakakahiya naman sa matandang asawa ni Lauren, maldita po kasi ako at
kapag ako nag-file ng kaso baka kailanganin nyong ibugaw sa ibang matanda pa ang
anak ninyo." I said before I lifted my hand to wave goodbye.

Narinig kong sabay-sabay silang nagsalita pagkatalikod ko-may nagtaas ng boses, may
parang naiiyak at may lalaking sumigaw pero wala akong pakialam. I felt the
overwhelming urge to break something. Puta kayo! Sino kayo para ipahiya ako?!

Kahit gusto kong tumakbo ay hindi ko ginawa. You are a Carbonel. You are Leandro
Carbonel's eldest daughter, you bow to no one. I smiled at the househelps who bowed
their heads low as they held the main door open for me. I knew I'd have to walk to
the subdivision's main gate to get a cab and I wanted to do it with as much dignity
as I could muster.

I suddenly missed Dad, despite the bad publicity and that fabricated video that
came out, he opened his arms to me and held me tightly while I cried. He was my
staunch and constant defender. He was the person who never asked questions, who
never doubted my words and who wiped my tears when I could no longer contain my
pain.

I felt my chest tighten. I realized that no matter how much of a fighter I was, no
matter how independent, I needed a hero-not because I needed saving but because I
too get tired.

"Lia!" I heard Dustin call my name before I felt his arms around me. "Babe, sorry."
He murmured against my hair as I stood stiffly within the circle of his arms
blinking my tears away.

I didn't want to speak because I was so close to crying and I wanted to be brave.
"Hey." He said as he made me turn to face him. I looked the other way because I
didn't want him to see how my lower lip shook or how my eyes were glazed with
tears.

I heard him sigh before he pulled me against his chest. "Babe..." He kissed me on
the forehead. "Pwede ka nang umiyak, nandito na ako." He whispered and my tears
started racing down my face.

I never liked showing weakness but I couldn't stop myself from crying. Naghalong
bwisit, galit at sama ng loob ang naramdaman ko but my pride put a stop to my
tears. I hated the idea na baka lumabas sa loob ng bahay nila ang mga magulang ni
Dustin o yung Tita Freda nya o yung Lauren na bwisit na yun at makita nila akong
umiiyak-I would rather kill myself that give them the satisfaction of seeing me
hurt.

"I'm fine." I pushed away from Dustin's chest. "Uuwi na ako." I said as I took a
wad of facial tissues from my bag and patted my face dry. Buti na lang waterproof
na ang usong make-up ngayon kasi iniisip ko pa lang na magmumukha akong impaktita
dahil nalusaw ang mascara at eye liner ko ay nanggagalaiti na ako sa galit. But I
still took a handy mirror from my bag to check how I looked.

"Ihahatid na kita sa condo mo." Dustin said as I stashed the mirror inside my bag.

"Hindi na. Kaya kong umuwing mag-isa."

"But I insist, Lia-"

"Bwisit ka!" I snapped at him. "May pa-insist insist ka pang nalalaman! Bakit mo
ako dinala dito knowing that you have a lunatic for a mother? Why did you make it
seem as if your mother wanted to meet me? And why the hell is your ex and her
mother eating dinner with us? Ano ito, ego trip? Meeting ng mga babaeng pinatikim
mo dyan sa saging mo kaya nandito si Lauren?!"

"Lia, I know this is all my fault and I'm sorry. But I didn't even know na nandito
sina Tita Freda at si Lauren. Hindi ko alam na inimbita sila ni Mommy-Lia, let's
talk." Umalis ako sa harapan nya. Lahat ng galit ko sa katawan sa kanya nakatuon at
alam kong unfair. Alam ko ring illogical pero hindi ko alam bakit inis na inis ako.
I did not expect him to yell at his Mom pero sana man lang nagsalita sya at nakuha
nya akong ipagtanggol. Even a simple, Mom, stop would have sufficed. "Lia..."

"Tangna mo." I muttered under my breath as I continued walking.

"Lia, babe..."

"Magsama kayo ng nanay mong bruha. Imbitahan mo din si Freda at si Lauren at

magpiging kayo habang nagpapakulo ng dugo sa isang kawa. Mga demonyo!"

"Lia naman-"

My phone started ringing at di ko pa man nakikita kung sino ang tumatawag ay alam
ko nang si Alexa. May sixth sense kasi ang kapatid ko na yun sa mga kadramahan ko
sa buhay. Kapag masama ang loob ko o nalulungkot ako ay parati syang tumatawag.
Others would have found it creepy but I loved the connection. Alexa's constant
nagging even made me feel cherished. Ang korni ko.

"Hello, Alexa." I said over the phone.

"Ate, nasaan ka? Are you okay?" My sister sounded very worried and I felt the sting
of unshed tears when I heard the anxiousness in her voice.

"I'm fine. Wag kang mag-alala. Ano ka ba, ang tanda ko na, ano."

"Kinakabahan kasi ako kaya ako napatawag. I even called Lee Ann at ang sabi nya
kasama nya daw si Nick. Ikaw na lang ang hindi ko pa naa-account." She said and I
couldn't help but smile. Ang sweet talaga nitong kapatid kong ito.

"I'm fine, Alexa..."

"Why does your voice sound thick? Are you crying?" She asked and I shook my head as
I cleared my throat.

"Hindi. Sino naman daw ang magpapaiyak sa akin?" I clenched my jaw kasi naalala ko
na naman yung tatlong bruhilda kanina. Dustin was standing quietly beside me and I
glanced angrily at him. "Pero, I need a favor from you."

"Ano yun, Ate?"

"I need a ride home naiwan ko kasi ang kots-" Pero hindi ko na natapos yung
sasabihin ko kasi hinablot ni Dustin ang telepono ko at pinatay. "Bwisit ka! Ano
ba! Leche ka, wala kang manners!"

"I'll apologize to Alexa later for abruptly ending that conversation pero hindi ba
ang sabi ko, ako ang maghahatid sayo?"

"At ang sabi ko ayoko!" I replied angrily as I continued walking.

"Lia, come on, babe." He grabbed my arm. "Can you stop being immature?"

"Immature?! Nyeta ka! Ako pa ang immature? Ano ang tawag mo sa nanay mo at sa
dalawang babaeng yun kung immature ako? Mentally ill?!"

"Sorry na. Sorry na nga, di ba?"

"Mag-sorry ka lang. Lumuhod ka sa harapan ko kung gusto mo pero tulad ng pang-

iinsulto ng mga tao dun sa bahay ninyo ay di ko kailangang tanggapin yang sorry
mo!"

"Babe-"

"Peste!"

"Babe naman..."

"Bwisit ka."
Tangnang to! Babe nya mukha nya! Hindi pa pala sya tapos sa pagdede sa gatas ng
nanay nya ay sana di na muna sya humiwalay sa sinapupunan ng ina nya!

"Lia...I'm sorry. Sige na, please..."

"Manigas ka dyan, hayop ka." I muttered under my breath.

"Hindi ko ibabalik itong telepono mo kung di ka papayag na ihatid kita pauwi."

"Sayo na. Romansahin mo. Pakasalan mo rin at itabi mo sa pagtulog. May nude
pictures ako dyan, sana makaraos ka." I said as I continued walking. May bumusina
sa likod ko at gulat na gulat akong napalingon. A car stopped beside me and the
window rolled down.

"Lia, get in." Dr. Montemayor said and Dustin opened the door to the backseat for
me and gently pushed me inside before he too got in. Hindi na ako nakapag-inarte
kasi nandun yung Daddy nya although hindi nawala ang bwisit ko. "Are you okay,
Lia?" He asked.

"Opo." I answered.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na si Anita, ganun talaga yun." Anita demonyita. Bagay. "Hindi

lang ikaw ang nasaktan nang ganyan because of Dustin's Mom. Nahihirapan kasi si
Anita na pakawalan si Dustin since he's our only son."

At mas lalo akong nabwisit kay Dustin sa sinabi ng Daddy nya. Hindi ko alam kung
saan ako mas asar-sa idea na alam nyang walang babaeng kinakatuwaan ang nanay nya
but he still insisted na dalhin ako sa bahay nila o dun sa thought na marami na
syang ipinakilalang babae sa pamilya nya. Leche! Siopao at Halo-halo na lang ang
espesyal ngayon, Lia wag kang umasa!

"Gusto ko pong sabihing okay lang yung nangyari kanina because that's what good
manners dictate pero hindi po kasi GMRC ang paborito kong subject, Sir kaya
sasabihin ko po sa inyong hindi po okay. Nainsulto po ako at nabwisit po ako sa
asawa ninyo at mga kaibigan nya. I am not going to pretend that I am a nice person,
in fact, hindi po ako in-law material at gusto ko pong klaro po yan ngayon pa
lang."

"I understand, Lia. Dustin talks so much about you na kahit hindi pa man kita na-
meet ay parang kilalang-kilala na kita. Alam kong hindi ikaw ang tipo ng babaeng
magsasawalang-kibo na lang sa ganung treatment. Again, I apologize for what
happened earlier. Pasensya ka na rin at wala man lang akong nagawa kanina."

"You don't have to, Sir because you were not the one who threw those insults at me.
Hindi nyo rin po kailangang humingi ng dispensa na hindi nyo po ako naipagtanggol
kasi hindi naman po kayo ang supposed fiancé ko."

"I was too surprised to react." Dustin spoke and I glared at him. "Galit ka ba
dahil dun? Babe, I'm sorry."

Jusko, bwisit ka! Yan tayo eh, hanggang kama ka lang talaga! Naturingan kang
abogado tapos may na-surprise surprise ka pang nalalaman?! Ginagawa mo akong tanga!

"I think kailangan nyong mag-usap." Dustin's father said as he stopped the car.
Naguluhan ako kasi biglang bumaba si Dustin sa sasakyan before he offered his hand
to me. "Lia, sumama ka kay Dustin at pag-usapan ninyo ito. Alam ko namang masama
ang loob mo at ayokong palalain ang sitwasyon ninyo. Talk it out and decide after
you've talked." Mas may sense pa yung tatay na doktor kesa anak na abogado.
Kajirits!

"Halika na, Babe." Dustin muttered taking my hand in his just as a car stopped
beside him. Alam kong kotse nya yun at alam ko na rin kung ano ang plano nya.

"Sige na, Lia." Dr. Montemayor said. "Sana yung sunod nating pagkikita ay hindi
kasing action-packed nito." He kidded as Dustin helped me out of the car.

"Sige po, goodbye." I said.

Wala na akong balak makipagkita o magpakita sa kanya kasi gusto ko nang tapusin
yung kahibangan naming dalawa ng anak nya. I wanted out. I wouldn't exchange my
pride for my pempem's pleasure. That's too much a price for sexual gratification.

"Sige, iha. Goodnight." Dr. Montemayor replied smiling kindly at me.

Dustin closed the door and a man in complete chauffer's garb got out of his car and
handed him the car key. "Salamat." Tinanggap ni Dustin ang susi bago tinapik ang
balikat ng lalaki.

"Walang anuman, Sir." Sagot ng naka-unipormeng driver bago sya pumasok sa loob ng
kotse ni Dr. Montemayor. Binuksan ni Dustin ang pinto ng sasakyan nya at tiningnan
ko sya nang masama.

"Sakay na, Babe. Please" He murmured. His voice sounded warm and pleading and I
felt a delicious tremor ran down my spine.

Umayos ka, pempem! Bwisit ka! Mag-break na kayo nitong si Montemayor at ito na ang
huling sakay mo sa kotse nya! I furiously thought to myself as I slid into the
passenger seat.

Hindi ko sya kinibo hanggang sa nakarating kami sa condo ko at nagmadali akong

bumaba sa sasakyan nya. I did not even bother to thank him or say goodbye at dere-
derecho akong naglakad papunta sa elevators ng building.

"Babe." Pero mabilis nya rin akong naabutan kasi naman naka-stilletos ako. Pero
kahit siguro naka-rubber shoes ako ay hinding-hindi ako tatakbo just to get away
from someone. Nakakawalang-poise. Unless holdaper sya. O manyakis. Pero holdaper
naman ng lakas ito si Dustin tapos manyak pa! I thought as he put an arm around my
shoulders.

"Umuwi ka na nga, Dustin." I sighed.

Nakakapagod. Nakakapagod yung Freda na yun na di ko maintindihan kung saan nya

hinuhugot yung pagmamalinis nya samantalang binugaw naman nya ang anak nya.
Nakakapagod yung Lauren na pumatol sa matanda pero nami-miss yata ang hotdog ni
Dustin at kailangan pang ipagsiksikan ang sarili nya. Nakakapagod ang nanay ni
Dustin na di ko masakyan ang trip sa buhay. At nakakapagod si Dustin kasi kahit
pagod na ako ay gustong-gusto ko pa rin syang sakyan. Nyemas! Kaya yata di ko
masakyan yung nanay nya kasi mas feel kong sakyan sya! Leche ka, pempem! Tama na!

"Babe..." He kissed my hair. Jusko, paksyet ka ito ka na naman! "Babe, wag ka nang
magtampo. Please."

"Ano ba! Umuwi ka na sa bahay mo, okay? Leave me alone!" I hissed just as the
elevator dinged and the metal doors slid open. I stepped inside and he followed.

"Babe, ikaw ang gusto kong uwian." He said wrapping his arms around me. Jusko,
pempem utang na loob! Paiinumin na talaga kita ng Muriatic Acid! Bakit ka ba
kinikilig dyan?!

"Ano ba!"

"Kaya ko nga pinagsisiksikan ang sarili ko sayo because I consider you my home."

Taragis talaga! Bakit ba ang galing nitong magsalita? Salita pa lang gusto ko nang
maghubad. May pa-my home, my home pa to! At anong pinagsisiksikan nya ang sarili
nya? Yung hotdog nya lang nakikisiksik sa akin!

"Hindi mo ako madadaan sa ganyan! Umalis ka nga! Wag ka nang magpapakita sa akin
kasi bwisit na bwisit ako sayo!" I shrugged his arms off and stepped away from him.
Huminto ang elevator sa third floor at may tatlong babaeng sumakay.

"Hi." One of them said and I glanced at Dustin and saw him smile and nod at them.
Tumaas ang kilay ko. Aba ang gago, harap-harapan. Nantutsa! "Bago ka ba? Dito ka ba
sa building na to nakatira?" She asked at gusto kong hablutin ang buhok nya at
paulit-ulit na ibagok ang ulo nya sa pader.

"Hindi." Dustin answered.

"Ay, sayang. Akala namin magkakaroon na ng cute dito eh." Another girl piped in at
pakiramdam ko lahat ng dugo ko sa katawan ay umakyat sa ulo ko sa sobrang bwisit.

When the lift reached my floor, I immediately stepped out pero ang gagong
Montemayor ay hindi sumunod. Aba, aba! Ay naku! Bahala ka sa buhay mo! I turned to
leave pero para lang akong tanga kasi nagmadaling pinindot ko ang UP button kaya
bumukas ulit ang pinto ng elevator. The girls looked curiously at me as I scowled
at Dustin. His head was bowed and he was leaning against the levator wall looking
like a neglected puppy. A six-foot tall, gorgeous, oozing-with-sex-appeal kind of
neglected puppy.

"Dustin!" I called his name and he looked up.

"Yes, Babe?" He asked and I arched my brow at the girls whose jaws dropped when
Dustin spoke.

"Aren't you coming?" I asked and he looked so relieved that I nearly smiled. Naasar
pa rin ako sa kanya pero mas nakakaasar na di ko sya kasama.

Lumabas sya sa elevator at umakbay sa akin. Jusko, pempem, ha. Nagiging bipolar na
ako nang dahil sayo!

"Akala ko ayaw mo na akong makita ulit." He said. Para syang batang nagtatampo and
for some freaking, stupid reason ay kumirot ang puso ko. Jusme! Lia, what are you
getting yourself into?!

Bakit ko ba sya binalikan? I asked myself as we walked towards my condo unit. Bakit
di ko na lang sya hinayaang umalis? Nag-iinarte akong naaasar ako sa kanya pero di
ko naman sya matiis. Could it be that I am falling for this guy? I asked myself as
I took a quick glimpse at his profile. He looked very happy and I suddenly felt
irritated.

Nakakaasar kasi for the first time ay hindi ko nakuhang panindigan ang bwisit ko.
Naiirita ako sa sarili ko kasi bakit hindi ko sya natitiis? You can't fall for
anyone, Lia. You can't fall for Dustin! I quietly admonished myself.

I didn't even know how he felt towards me. Pwede kasing landi lang. Pwedeng ako
lang ang flavor of the month nya tulad ng gusto kong isiping sya ang flavor of the
month ko kaya ipinagpapatuloy ko ang pakikipagrambulan sa kanya sa kama. We were
compatible in bed, hindi ko naman yun idi-deny but for the first time, I wanted to
know what we really were. Mahirap ang malabo kasi hindi mo matantya kung hanggang
saan at hanggang kailan ka pwedeng magmaganda.

At takot ako. Takot akong mag-fall kay Dustin. Takot akong maging alipin ng nyetang
pag-ibig na yan na kailangan pa para daw ma-propagate ang lahi mo. Di na lang tayo
tumulad sa mga bubuyog, echos dito, echos doon-iba't ibang flowers, iba't ibang
gardens. Walang hassle.

"Akala ko hindi mo na ako babalikan, Babe." Dustin said when we reached my unit.

"So pakana mo lang pala lahat ng yun at hinintay mo lang na sakyan ko?" I asked and
his smile slipped a little.

"Babe naman. Mag-aaway na naman ba tayo?" He put an arm around my waist. Nasa harap
na kami ng pintuan ng unit ko and he took my hand and brought it to his lips when I
was about to type in my door's password. "Ako na." He said nuzzling my neck. My
door clicked open and we both stepped inside. Niyakap nya ako kaagad pagkasara na
pagkasara ng pinto. "I'm so glad you came back for me." He whispered against my
hair.

I was pissed that he totally expected that I would come back for him. I was annoyed
that he was confident that I wouldn't be able to see him leave. I was angry at the
realization that Dustin Marcus Montemayor, despite his cool exterior, was a silent
manipulator.

"Salamat sa paghatid, you can leave." I said as I pushed away from him.

"Babe, kung galit ka pa rin dahil sa nangyari kanina sorry na. Please. Nagalit ako
kay Mommy after you left and I know na dapat umpisa pa lang may ginawa na ako pero
masyado akong nagulat sa narinig ko."

"Nagulat ka?" I asked as I turned to look at him. "Bakit ka nagulat? Ibig sabihin
naniwala ka?"

"Naniwala saan?"

"Dun sa sinabi ng babaeng yun."

"Importante pa ba yun?" He said before he pulled me towards him. "Past mo na yun-"

"Past ko? So you believe what she said?"

"Mag-aaway na naman ba tayo, Lia? Kakaayos lang natin ah. Tanggap kita kung ano ka,
kung anong mga pinaggawa mo kung-" He stopped talking because I slapped him. Hard.
Halatang nagulat sya at napahawak sya sa pisngi nya.

"Before you claim to accept my past, get to know me first. Tanggap ka nang tanggap
ng mga bagay ni hindi mo alam kung totoo!"
"Did I deserve that?" He asked shaking his head in disbelief. "Kailangan mo akong
sampalin? For what? For accepting who you are?"

"How can you accept me for who I am if you do not even know me?!"

"God, Lia! Andito ako, despite what my Mom, Tita Freda and Lauren said! That's more
than enough for other women!"

"I am not those other women! Ang kapal mo! Sa tingin mo dapat akong magpasalamat
kasi nandito ka?! Tangna! Ilang taon ka na ba?! Sa pagdedesisyon mo iisipin mo pa
rin ang sasabihin ng nanay mong demonyita, ng tita mong kabit ni satanas at ng ex-
girlfriend mong puta?!"

"That's enough, Lia!"

"Don't you dare tell me what to do! Nandito ka sa loob ng pamamahay ko! Sinong hijo
de puta ang nagbigay sayo ng karapatang taasan ako ng boses!"

"I won't tolerate you calling my mother names!"

"And I won't tolerate anyone making me feel as if I am trash! Not even you! No
matter how gifted you are or how good you are in bed! Get out!"

"Ang hirap mong intindihin! Ano pa ba ang kailangan kong gawin?! Ginagawa ko lahat!
I even quareled with my mom for you!"

"Hoy, tanga! Wala akong pakialam sa nanay mo pero nakakadiri ka! Ipagmamalaki mo sa
akin na sinagot-sagot mo ang nanay mo?! Gusto mo bang ibili kitang tsupon?!"

"You're unbelievable!"

"You're an ass!"

"I'm an ass? Ako? Nandito ako ngayon at sumama ako sayo! I left my family to be
with you because I thought I could make you feel better!"

"You're here because you thought you were going to get a free roll in the hay!"

"What?!"

"What ka rin, tarantado ka! Wag mo akong ma-what what dyan porke't abogado ka at
kulang na lang ay pagawan ka ng monumento ng nanay mong baliw!"

"Stop calling my Mom names!"

"Go back to your mother, Dustin! And while you're at it, ask her how you can grow a
spine! You spineless jerk!"

"This spineless jerk left his mother for you! Something that I have never done
before and something that I did only for you! But that's totally not in the
definition of a real man under the great Lia Carbonel's dictionary!"

"Yes, I am great and you have no idea how great this Lia Carbonel can be! Salamat
sa pagsama sa akin dito! Di bale papadalhan kita ng gift cheque para sa efforts mo!
Umalis ka na ngang leche ka!"

"Bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan?!"
"Bakit ba ang dami mong tanong?! Abogado ka ba talaga?! Simpleng instructions lang
hindi mo masunod! Get the hell out of my house!" I screamed and he stared at me for
a few seconds before he expelled a heavy breath and walked towards the door.

"How can I get to know you, Lia when every time I try, you push me away?" He
uttered before he left.

It's been four days at nalaman kong meron palang PhD si Montemayor sa Dedmatology.
Ilang beses na kaming nagkasabay sa elevator at ilang beses na rin kaming nagkita
sa corridor ng floor namin pero pinanindigan nya ang kanyang katikasan at di sya
namansin. He was sent to attend a two-day conference kaya dalawang araw ko syang
hindi nakita. Ayokong isiping nami-miss ko sya kasi baka maglaslas ako sa bwisit ko
sa sarili ko.

Jusko, Lia ang tanga mo! Wag ka ngang magpaapekto dyan! Kibir ba sa lalaking yun!
Magpalilok ka ng kahoy na kasing-laki nung sandata nya at ipalagay mo sa isang
glass case para meron kang alaala ng inyong masarap at masikip na kahapon, nyemas
sya! I thought as I rode the elevator.

May pinabili akong snack sa isa sa mga messengers pero nakalimutan kong magsabi ng
drinks at nakakahiya namang tawagan ko pa sya para lang magdagdag ng request. So I
decided to buy a fresh Guyabano fruit shake from one of the newly-opened stalls on
the fifth floor.

Kahapon lang sila nagbukas at kahapon ko lang yun natikman pero halos di na ako
makatulog sa kakaisip kung kelan ako pwedeng bumili ulit. Hindi kaya dahil kay
Montemayor kaya nagki-crave ako ng Guyabano? Dahil naaalala ko ang katas nya-lintek
na yan! Ang bastos mo, pempem! Shadap!

The lift stopped on the thirty-ninth floor and my heart jumped to my throat when
Dustin stepped inside. Pero hindi ko sya pinansin at hindi ko sya nilingon. At
kelan naman dumating itong isang ito? I thought to myself as the elevator made
another stop on the thirtieth floor.

"Good morning po, Miss Carbonel, Atty. Montemayor." The employees greeted and I
smiled before I greeted them back. A phone started to ring and I arched my brow
when I heard Dustin spoke.

"Hello, Terry." He said over the phone and I nearly rolled my eyes. Terry mong
mukha mo! Tiradurin kita dyan, makita mo! "Nasa reception ka? Akala ko ba lunch
time pa tayo magkikita? No, hindi problema at wala naman akong ginagawa. Yes, I am
so excited to see you too. Wala ako sa opisina ko, in fact, pababa na ako." He
said. "Bye. I missed you too."

"May love life na yata si Atty. Montemayor, girls. Pwede na tayong umiyak." One of
the female employees teased. Lalo akong nabwisit nung tumawa si Dustin na para bang
proud na proud sya na may Terry na sya. Kupal nitong hayop na to. I thought to
myself.
"Atty. Montemayor, ano po bang relationship status nyo ngayon?" Another girl
queried and the elevator was filled with excited giggles.

"At puro ganyan daw ang alam ninyo mga malantod kayo! Sayang ang pinapasahod sa
inyo ng kumpanya!"I angrily murmured to myself.

"Ano po yun, Miss Lia?" One of the girls asked and I smiled at her.

"Wala. Bakit may narinig ka bang sinabi ko?" Medyo mataray ang pagkakasabi ko sa
kanya at halatang nagulat at natakot sya.

"Sorry po." She whispered bowing her head.

"Ano ba, hindi ako galit sayo. May ini-internalize kasi akong linya para sa isang
project ko." I smiled and she smiled back, obviously relieved.

"Akala ko po nagalit po kayo sa akin."

"Bakit naman ako magagalit sayo?" I asked.

"Oo, mabait at game yan si Miss Lia kaya wag kang matakot dyan." Another employee
said. "Kayo po, Miss Lia hindi ba kayo curious kung may girlfriend si Attorney o
wala?" Hindi. Bakit naman ako maku-curious, bwisit kang babae ka! I wanted to say
but smiled instead.

"I have a girlfriend." Dustin replied at nagsigawan ang mga babae. I somehow
expected his answer. Kasi nga may pa-I missed you, I missed you pa syang nalalaman
kanina but I did not expect the twinge of pain inside my chest.

Jusko, pempem wag kang mag-inarte dyan! Marami pang hotdog sa kalawakan! Umayos ka!
I thought to myself. At dahil sa pagdadrama ko ay lumampas ako ng fifth floor at
nagulat na lang ako nung bumukas ang elevator sa ground floor. Shuntangers, Lia!
Balak mo bang ma-witness ang landian ni Dustin at ng girlfriend nya?!

"Hindi po ba kayo bababa?" One of the women asked and I realized that she was
pressing the OPEN button for me. I gave her a smile.

"Bababa." I said. "Salamat."

"Walang anuman po." She answered.

"Kuya Dustin!" I heard someone shriek at kahit curious na curious ako ay di ako
lumingon para tingnan kung sino ang bisita nya. "I can't stay for long kasi may
lakad pa kami ng friends ko. I just dropped by to give you this package."I heard
the girl say.

"Friends? Babae ba ang mga yan o lalaki?"

"God, Kuya you're so ancient! Mga babae at lalaki sila! I'm already fifteen, I know
what I'm doing."

"You're just fifteen Theresa-"

"Ay naku, ayan ka na naman! Kaya ka tumatandang binata eh!" The girl replied. "Bye
na, Kuya! See you this Saturday?"

"Bye. Sinong kasama mong pumunta dito?"

"Yung mga friends ko po-" Teka nga, Lia bakit ka pa nakikinig sa usapan nang may
usapan? I quietly asked myself as I walked towards the security guard and pretended
to ask him something before I turned to walk back to the elevators.

"Miss Lia!" Someone called and I turned to find Manang Stella, one of our
messengers wave happily at me. Ngumiti ako at lumapit sya sa akin. "Ito na po ang
pinabili ninyong hotdog sa World Bangers! Ang laki pala ng mga hotdog dun, Miss
Lia! Salamat po dito sa libre ninyo!"

"Salamat, Manang. Pasensya na inutusan ko pa kayo, nagki-crave kasi ako-"

"Hotdog?" Dustin asked and I arched my brow at him. Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang
nahiya akong nalaman nyang kakain ako ng hotdog. Ano bang masama kung gusto kong
kumain ng hotdog, peste sya! I thought.

"Sige po, Manang. Pwede na po kayong umalis." I said and Manang Estella left.
Umalis ako para maghintay ng elevator at nagmamadali akong pumasok nung bumakas ang
pinto.

"You're craving for hotdog?" Dustin asked again when the metal doors slid closed.
Nabwisit ako na sumunod sya at gusto kong mag-tantrum pero hindi ko na lang sya
pinansin. "Hotdog?" He sounded amused.

"O tapos, gusto mo rin bang hotdog?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Sabagay, it's been four days..." Ang kapal, anong gusto nyang sabihin? Na nami-
miss ko ang hotdog nya?! Bwisit talaga itong lalaking ito! I clutched the paper
bag firmly and just ignored his remark. "Lia..." He said when the elevator reached
the tenth floor. "Lia, talk to me."

"What?" I asked without looking at him.

"Sorry." He sighed. "It was my fault. I should have defended you against my mother
and her friends."

"Too late the hero." I murmured and he sighed again.

"I'm sorry. Gusto sana kitang kausapin after that night pero hindi ko alam kung
paano ka i-approach. I apologize."

"Fine." I murmured glancing at my watch. Bakit ba ang bagal nitong elevator na ito?
Wala bang express?

"I'm sorry..."

"Oo nga." Paulit-ulit. Unli?!

"I'm sorry because I know that you've fallen for me." He said. My head swiveled in
his direction and I glared at him.

"What?!" Ang kapal nitong hayop na to!

"Thank you, Lia. Thank you for loving me back."

"You're crazy, Montemayor!" I said as he put his arms around me. "Ano ba, Dustin!"

"I have not asked you this but..."

"Ano na naman yan?!"

"Will you be my girl?" His question caught me by surprise and I felt my eyes sting
with unshed tears.

"Leche ka." I mumbled as he hugged me tighter. "Yan ka eh, isa kang hayop na
paasa."

"Is that a yes?" He kissed the top of my head before he cupped my face with both
his hands.

"Gago!" I answered and he laughed softly.

"I love you too, Miss Lia Agatha Carbonel." He whispered against my lips as my
tears fell.

It's official. May jowa na ako. Nantutsa. Dinaig ko pa ang isang high school na
kinikilig-kilig. Jusko kulang na lang ay isuot ko ang uniform ko dahil sa mga
kadramahan namin ni Dustin. He agreed that we should keep our relationship to
ourselves first. Ayaw namin ng intriga. Ayaw namin ng tsismisan at mas gusto naming
malaya syang nakakalabas-masok sa opisina ko nang walang nagdududa na may iba pang
labas-masok na nagaganap sa loob.

I was thinking about visiting my ob-gyne for a contraceptive kasi medyo nasasanay
na akong walang protection. Well, wala naman akong sakit at wala naman syang sakit
pero ayokong ipanganak yung landian namin after nine months. Jusko, ano! Hindi ako
mother-material. Hanggang kembot-kembot lang talaga ako. At magaling kumembot si
Dustin kaya tuwang-tuwa naman ako sa talent nya.

We talked about his mother at sa totoo lang naintindihan ko naman talaga kung paano
sya nagpapakagago dun sa nanay nya. May sariling ina din akong epal-iba nga lang
ang level ng kaepalan ni Mama, kasi kung si Anita ay OA ang pakikialam sa buhay ng
anak nya because she truly cares for Dustin, yun sa akin naman OA sa pagiging dedma
at ginawa lang akong alkansya. Pero nanay yun, dun ako nanggaling at kahit gusto
kong ibitin ng patiwarik si Mama ay mahal ko pa rin sya.

"Ate, bakit kanina ka pa ngiti nang ngiti dyan?" Alexa asked. Nasa restaurant kami
ng hotel because I wanted to renovate the place. Sophisticated kasi masyado yung
tema ng hotel to the point na para na syang lungga ng mga matronang naghahanap ng
magtuturo sa kanilang mag-ballroom dancing.

"Wala." I replied. Magka-text kami ni Dustin kasi nasa isang meeting sya at puro
kaharutan lang ang alam nya sa buhay. "May nabasa lang akong nakakaaliw na text
quote."

Babe, hintayin mo ako sa office mo, sabay na tayong uuwi. He had texted. Malantod
sya at wala na syang ginawa kundi makitulog sa bahay ko at makipaglampungan sa akin
nang walang humpay. Ayun tuloy, parati akong pagod.
"Text quote?" Alexa asked in disbelief. "Ano ka teenager?"

"Alexa naman, bakit ba kung nagdadalaga ako. Wag ka ngang nega dyan."

"Hindi ako nega pero nakakapanibago lang." She answered.

Babe, nakaligo na me. Where na u? I texted back, laughing my head off. Wala na me
panty. Jusko naman, kung kelan naman ako tumanda tsaka naman ako naging jejemon. I
thought grinning.

Babe naman. Wag ganyan. It is embarrassing to get a boner while I'm in the middle
of a meeting. He replied and I laughed aloud.

Babe, hurry back. I am already naked. I texted and waited for his response.

Okay, I'm on my way. Tawa ako nang tawa habang binabasa ang message nya.

I was kidding. I'll wait for you. Don't worry, I'm not going to bathe without you.
I love the bubble bath massage you gave me last night. I bought some scented oils
earlier and I'm going to return the favor by rubbing some down your gorgeous body
wearing nothing but that necklace you gave me. I loved being naughty with Dustin.
Malandi kasi sya at sinusuklian nya rin ng kiliti yung mga kalandian ko sa katawan.

Babe, you're in for a very long night. He replied and I burst out laughing.

"O, sige na balik na lang ako sa opisina ko. Nakakahiya naman dyan sa ka-text mo."
Alexa said and I looked at her to find her smiling at me. "Ang landi mo, Ate. Yung
tawa mo parang kilig na kilig. Lalaki ba yan?"

"Malamang. Alexa naman, ano ka ba hindi pa nagbago taste ko, ano." I said and we
both laughed. "I'll let you in on a secret." I whispered and she moved closer
towards me.

"Ano?"

"May constant playmate na si pempem." I muttered and she frowned at me.

"Ha?"

"Ano ba! Don't tell me hindi mo kilala kung sino si Pempem? Kepyas, kipay, puks..."

"Ano ka ba, ang bastos mo." She laughingly covered her mouth. "Alam ko kung ano
yung pempem, dun ako napa-ha sa constant playmate."

"Ay naku, may kontrata kami, exclusive and renewable depende sa performance." I
replied and we burst out laughing again. "Seryoso, may ganun nga akong drama. Halos
isang buwan na kasi kaming naglalampungan nun tapos ayun, lampungan pa more.
Chukchakan galore."

"Ano ba yan, naloloka talaga ako sa vocabulary mo." She said. "Pero mas naloloka
ako kung sino yang sinasabi mong bagong playmate. Wait, si Zac ba yan ng AdMedia?"

"Ay, hindi. Kaloka. Hindi na nga kami nagkita ulit nun. Hindi ko nire-replyan yung
emails nya. Ano ba naman yan kasi, ang hahaba ng email ng loko. Akala mo orasyon na
sa sobrang haba. Di na lang nya ako tawagan."

"Bakit, sasagutin mo ba kung sakaling tawagan ka nya?" Alexa asked and I shrugged.

"Dati, oo. Pero ngayon since under contract nga ang talento ko ay malamang hindi
na. Exclusive ito, parang artista!" I said and we doubled over in laughter. "Pero
ang yummy nun, ano? Uy, wag kang mag-deny gwapo syang talaga."

"I'm sorry pero hindi ako naga-gwapuhan sa kanya. Yung asawa ko lang ang gwapo para
sa akin."

"Ay nabulag ng pag-ibig ang drama. Oo na, alam kong loyal ka dun sa asawa mong
pinapagod ka gabi-gabi. I'm not even going to bother asking kung masaya ka kasi
kitang-kita ko naman yung umbok sa tyan mo, malamang gabi-gabi kang masaya."

"Baliw ka talaga, Ate!" She laughed. "Teka nga, tapusin na natin itong discussion
natin tungkol dito sa restaurant. I like your idea. At tsaka agree ako na yung wine
bar iusog natin pa-right para mas malaki yung floor space for the tables. Yes, the
drapes have to go, oo nga I find those embroidered drapes too much."

"Yung bagong design ng table at chairs, okay na sayo?"

"Yes, I love the new designs. Ang creative mo, Ate."

"Ay naku, nambola pa ito."

"Totoo. You have an eye for sophisticated beauty. I like your minimalist style.
You've already discuss this with your creative team, right?"

"Oo, pero may meeting pa kami this Friday and I want you to be there. That is kung
may oras ka."

"Sige, idadagdag ko sa schedule ko yan." She replied and we both rose to our feet.
"Alex wants to reopen the exclusive elevator. Hindi ba ipinasara yun ni Dad dahil
nga ayaw nyang parang may wall between the management and the employees?"

"Oo, I remember his campaign." I said. "Alam mo naman si Dad, mahal na mahal nya
ang empleyado nya at gusto nyang nakakasalamuha sila." I added, my chest
constricting.

"He's happy wherever he is, Ate." Alexa quietly said and I smiled at her.

"Alam ko. Ewan ko ba ang drama ko lately. Signs of aging na talaga ito."

"Signs of aging? Mid-twenties ka pa lang, ano ka ba naman."

"Sabagay, tsaka hindi naman ako makakapayag na mag-menopause ako kaagad. Ngayon pa
na isang kalabit ko lang dun sa kalaro ni pempem, ready for action na yun kaagad."
I laughingly said as we got inside the elevator.

"Alam mo, Ate curious na curious talaga ako kung sino yan. Pero ayokong
panghimasukan ang personal activities mo kaya maghihintay na lang ako kung kelan mo
sasabihin. But he better be good to you or else I'm going to cut his balls off."

"I love you too, Alexa." I replied. "Ikukwento ko rin. Naghahanap lang ako ng
bwelo. Basta, yun na yun."

"Masaya ka ba sa kanya?"

"Oo naman. Wag mo akong masyadong alalahanin, I can take care of myself."

"Alam ko naman, pero wag mong kakalimutan na nandito kami ni Lee Ann para sayo."
She said and I took her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze.
When we reached our floor, dumerecho kami sa kanya-kanya naming offices. I
immediately turned my computer on kasi ang dami kong gagawin. I was already reading
the fifth e-mail from one of the suppliers I've contacted when my phone started to
ring. I absentmindedly swiped its screen and put it against my ear. "Lia Carbonel
speaking." I said.

"This is Dustin's mother." Aba, nakakain yata ng panis na ulam to at napatawag.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I am a very busy woman but I want to talk to you. Meet me at-" Gaga, bakit sya
lang ang busy?

"I am a very busy woman too and if you want to talk to me, meet me where it is
convenient and when it is convenient for me." I answered. Stressful!

Nakakagulat si Anita, parang diarrhea na bigla-bigla na lang nagpapasabog. At kapag

ang isang Lia Carbonel ay nagugulat, nagmamaldita sya nang walang humpay.

"You're rude."

"Thanks. It's not as if you're nice." I said. "Tawagan mo ako after an hour because
I'm busy. I will have to check my schedule kung saan kita isisingit. Bye." I ended
the call not giving her time to reply.

Oo, bastos ako kung binabastos mo ako. Bakit kita reresputuhin? Hindi ako mahilig
sa one-sided churva at kung ano yung binibigay mo sa akin, sinusuklian ko yun nang
buong puso. Wala ako sa isang soap opera kung saan kailangan mong magpakamartir
tumaas lang ang rating ng palabas mo. Hindi rin gawa sa silicone ang katawan ko na
kailangan kong makipagplastikan sayo.

"Manigas kang gaga ka." I murmured as I opened my other e-mails.

Akala ko, hindi na sya tatawag. Kasi kung ako yung sinabihan mo ng kaartehang
ganun? Chura mo. Dedma. Kibir. Good riddance. But she must have been desperate to
talk to me because she called after exactly an hour. Yun nga lang, aswang pa rin
sya at bet na bet pa rin nyang makipagtarayan sa akin sa telepono. As if
magpapakumbaba ako kahit na nanay sya ni Dustin. Ano yung anak nya, menor de edad
na nangangailangan pa ng written parental consent?

"Tapos ka na ba sa paggawa kung ano man ang ginagawa mo? Sigurado naman akong
walang masyadong ginagawa ang isang Creative Consultant." Demonyita talaga itong
babaeng to!

"Actually marami, pero masyado akong busy para i-enumerate sayo isa-isa. What do
you want to talk about? If it's about your son, I am not going to help you
influence his thoughts, tama na may isa syang nanay na ubod nang echosera."

"I don't like you and yes, it is about my precious son." She replied. Ay, ang
taray. Kung maka-precious naman itong si Anita. Sya na. "Nandito ako sa C & S Sky
Tower. I'm inside Cafe Cubano."

"Okay." I said. "Bababain kita."

I took my time. Nagretouch ako, nagpaganda at nagmaganda dahil feel ko lang. Bakit
kailangan ko pa syang i-impress when in fact, alam na alam ko namang bwisit na
bwisit sya sa akin? When I arrived at the coffee shop, I saw her immediately. Tulad
kasi ni Dustin ay matangkad si Anita at mukhang glamorosa. Hindi glamorosa na mala-
beauty queen kundi glamorosa mala-Maleficent. Kapa at sungay na lang ang kulang ay
perfect na sya for the role. And it wasn't because she looked like Angelina Jolie,
talagang demonya lang sya sa paningin ko.

"I don't like you for my son." She announced without preamble as soon as I took the
seat opposite hers.

"I don't like you too. Unfortunately for both us, Dustin is your son and I am his
lover."

"Lover? You only see him as a lover?"

"Bakit, ano bang gusto mong itawag ko sa kanya? Sugar daddy? We both know I'm too
rich for that. Boyfriend? That label is too juvenile for what we have. Fiancé? Kaya
ba ng damdamin mo?"

"Oh, don't act like you care about what I feel Miss Carbonel."

"Oh, don't worry about me worrying about you, Mrs. Montemayor. Your welfare is the
least of my concerns, that was just a hypothetical question." I smiled at her and
she glared angrily at me.

"Isa sa mga rason kung bakit ayaw kita para sa anak ko ay-"

"Wala akong time para pakinggan yan. You don't have to explain why you hate me,
same as I don't have to explain why I do not give a shit about your feelings. I am
dating your son. I am enjoying the company of your son. I am enjoying your son. At
labas ka na dun."

"Isa kang bastos na walang modong babae-"

"Stop pointing fingers, Mrs. Montemayor-"

"It is Doctor Anita Montemayor not Mrs-"

"And it is Queen Lia Agatha Carbonel so we're even." I said. "Tulad ng sinabi ko
before you rudely interrupted me, wag kang magmalinis. Sino ang gusto mong i-date
ng anak mo, si Lauren? Ano yun, hinihintay nyo na lang ng nanay nyang mukhang
manananggal na nasunog ang mukha sa sikat ng araw dahil sa dami ng kulubot na
mamatay na ang matandang asawa ni Lauren? Is that it? Ganun ang plano mo para sa
anak nyo? Ang galing mo namang ina."

"Do not speak about Lauren as if you know her and you know what she went through."

"And do no talk to me as if you know me, you know what I went through and you know
what I can do. Hindi ako tanga, Mrs. Montemayor, hindi rin ako nagpapaapi. Hindi
kita binibigyan ng permisong insultuhin ako at ang pagkatao ko."

"Layuan mo si Dustin. Hindi ka nababagay para sa anak ko."

"Ay, maraming mas higit pa sa anak ninyo sa totoo lang. Pero pinili ko sya at ako
ang pinili nya. Ngayon kung wala ka nang sasabihing iba, magpaalam na tayo sa isa't
isa." I said as I prepared to leave.

"Hinding-hindi ako makakapayag na makasal kayo ni Dustin!" She hissed angrily and I
arched a brow at her.

"Wag kang mag-alala, hindi ka invited." I replied before I rose to my feet and
left.
I was furious. Hindi dahil natalo ako ng gagang yun kasi sigurado naman akong
dinugo sya sa inis nang dahil sa akin. Pero naaasar ako that Anita actually
believed that Lauren was a better choice. Not that I cared. Hindi naman ito contest
at wala rin akong balak mag-asawa. Kibir ko ba sa nanay ni Dustin kung sino ang
gusto nyang mapangasawa ng anak nya. But seriously, I thought that Dustin deserved
better. Someone better than a Lia Agatha Carbonel. That's IF he'd rather not be
with me.

"Hay naku, ayoko na ngang problemahin yang mga ganyang bagay. Dapat di ko na lang
binaba yung bruhildang yun! Shaving my pubes felt like a more pleasant experience
than talking to her." I muttered to myself.

Pero ang init ng ulo ko sa kanya. Sino bang nagpasimuno ng a mother knows best na
yan? Hindi lahat ng nanay matino, may ibang nanganak lang at iiwanan ang anak
nilang parang kuting! Yung iba parang si Mama na ang tingin sa anak ay meal ticket!
May iba ring hindi alam kung ano ang definition ng best. Tulad ng bruhang si Anita.
Mamimili na nga lang din ng mamanugangin, dun pa sa kasal na sa isang matanda.
Boba.

"Pero bakit ko ba yun pinoproblema?" I asked myself. "Pakialam ko ba sa kanya?" I

went straight to the elevators and smiled at the employees who greeted me.

"Miss Lia blooming po kayo." One of the female employees remarked and I discretely
checked the name written on her name plate. Hindi kasi ako katulad ni Daddy, na
pati aso ng mga empleyado namin ay alam nya ang pangalan. Ako, kailangan ko pang
manduga kasi hindi ako magaling kumabisado ng pangalan at mukha.

"Thanks, Sharlene." I beamed at her.

Sa aming tatlong magkakapatid, ako lang yata ang hindi kabisado ang pangalan ng mga
empleyado namin. Si Alexa at Lee Ann kasi machika rin tulad ni Daddy at may talento
sa pagkabisa ng pangalan ng mga tao. Pero ako? Kailangan mo munang mag-iwan sa akin
ng malakas na impact bago malagay ang pangalan mo sa kasulok-sulukan ng utak ko.
Tulad nung nanay ni Dustin. Jusko sa lakas ng impact na iniwan nya sa akin, parang
gusto ko syang hambalusin ng banga para pasok na pasok sa banga ang beauty nya!

"Oo nga po, Miss Lia, blooming po kayo." Another employee piped in and I
automatically smiled at her.

Yun yata ang hindi magandang naidulot sa akin ng pagiging model ko, kapag may
kumausap sa akin ay parang may remote control ang ngiti ko at naka-ready sa isang
click lang. Naisip ko tuloy paano pala kung minumura ako? Eh di mukha akong tangang
nakangiti habang binabalahura nya?

"May kakaibang glow po ang pisngi ninyo. Parang ang radiant nyo pong tingnan." Said
another girl as the elevator door pinged open. We all immediately stepped inside.
"Teka lang, ha, tawagan ko muna ang kapatid ko para bigyan kayo ng salary raise,
okay?" I kidded and everyone laughed. "Kayo talaga, feel na feel nyo akong bolahin.
Alam nyo sigurong mabilis akong mabola."

"Miss Lia totoo po. Ang ganda-ganda nyo po these past few days. Hindi po sa
sinasabi kong hindi kayo maganda dati pero meron pong kakaiba sa inyo ngayon."

Ah kasi nadidiligan ako gabi-gabi at kahit kakadilig lang sa akin ay dinidiligan

ako ulit. I nearly blurted out. Mabuti na lang napigil ko ang bunganga ko kasi
sigurado akong hindi lang ang mga empleyadong nasa loob ng elevator ang mai-
iskandalo kundi pati sina Alexa at Lee Ann.

"O sige na, naniniwala na ako sa mga sinasabi ninyo. Maraming salamat." I said.

I waved goodbye at them when I reached my floor and headed straight to my office.
Hindi sa nagbi-busy-busyhan ako pero marami talaga akong gagawin. Yung renovation
ng restaurant ng Hotel Blanca ang pinakaunang malaking project ko at sobra akong
excited, para akong manganganak sa tuwa.

Babe, wait for me. My meeting's nearly finished. I miss you. I miss you so much,
I'm getting hard.

I read Dustin's text message and laughed. Ang lakas maka-PBB teens ng loko. PBB
Teens R-18 edition. Si Pempem naman kilig na kilig. Jusko, Pempem mag-behave ka!

Ako kasi yung tipo ng taong hindi mahilig mag-text. Ano ba kasi yun? Mega effort sa
pag-ta-type at pagbabasa, bakit di na lang tumawag? But because of Dustin dahil
naaaliw akong basahin sa telepono ko ang mga kabastusan nya, ay pati yung mga
ngumingiting animated na mga pusa, aso at oso na yan at nakakasanayan ko na ring
gamitin sa messages ko. Nyemas, Lia teenager lang?

Babe, I'll be 'wetting' for you. I texted back. Thanks for 'dripping' me a message.
I added as an afterthought. Tawa ako nang tawa. I loved how pornographically witty
I was.

Pero yung lahat ng kahalayan ko sa katawan ay nawala nung binuksan ko ang laptop
ko. Sobrang busy ko kasi at ang dami kong ka-email. Nakakapanibago. Pakiramdam ko
importante ako at meron akong naibibigay na contribution sa kumpanya. Hindi ko na
namalayan ang oras at nagulat na lang ako nung biglang may kumatok sa pintuan ko. I
checked the small screen near my computer and got up when I saw that it was Dustin.

"Hi." He smiled as soon s I opened the door and I nearly melted. I pulled him
inside my office, locked the door behind us and immediately gave him a hug.

"Bakit kailangan mo pang kumatok at di ka na lang pumasok sa loob?" Tanong ko sa

kanya. Yumakap sya sa akin at humalik sa pisngi ko. "Kumusta ang meeting mo? Did
you meet any girls?"

"Nagseselos ka, Babe? Ang sweet mo naman." He chuckled. "But no, I did not meet any
girls and even if I did, I'd still go home to you."

"Sus, bola." Kinurot ko sya sa tagiliran. Ano ba ito, lahat na lang sa lalaking ito
matigas. Nakakainis na nakakakilig! I thought to myself.

"I may be a lawyer but I'm telling the truth." He replied.

Hay naku, Montemayor yan ang problema sayo, ang galing mo. Pinapartidahan mo na
lang ako parati. Wala pang kamay at dila yan, salita pa lang pero parang hinagod mo
na ang buong katawan ko. Nagingiting sabi ko sarili ko.
"What did you do while I was away?" He asked as his hand cupped my breast. Okay na
sana pero bigla kong naalala ang nanay nya na sumugod sa akin na may dalang walis
tingting na may mahabang tangkay kanina at isang truck ng dahon ng pito-pito.

"Umupo tayo kasi may sasabihin ako sayo." I said as I pulled him towards the sofa
and we sat down.

"Okay, that sounds serious." He said. "What's the announcement? Wait, are you
pregnant?"

"Wag ganun!" I immediately answered. "Ano ka ba naman! Kawawa naman ang magiging
anak ko kung ako ang magiging nanay nya."

"Bakit? There's nothing wrong with you. In fact, bagay kang maging Mommy. I've seen
you with Alexi and Alexanna and you're a natural."

"Natural na malantod." I said and he laughed softly. "Anyway, I've spoken to your
Mom." I announced and he froze. "Pumunta sya dito at nag-usap kami."

"Anong sinabi nya?" He asked. He looked very worried. "Are you okay, Babe?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Marami syang sinabi pero marami rin akong binitiwang salita sa
kanya. Gusto kong sa akin na mismo manggaling na nagkabwisitan kami, ininsulto nya
ako at ininsulto ko sya. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin nya sayo kapag nagkita
kayo at wala akong pakialam. I do not like your mother, Dustin and she obviously
hates me. Kung may problema tayo dyan ay ngayon pa lang sabihin mo na kasi hindi
kakayanin ng alindog kong makipag-plastikan sa nanay mo at sa mga kampon nya."

"Babe..."

"I am being honest, Dustin. Baka kasi pumapak ka ng katol at maisipan mong close
kami ng nanay mo. Hindi kami close, bwisit kami sa isa't isa at wala akong makitang
dahilan para makipag-close ako sa kanya."

"Babe, I understand. But please don't be angry at me if I hope that you and my
mother will eventually reconcile."

"Not in the near future." I answered and he sighed. "Look, Dust kilala mo ako,
hindi ba? Hindi ako magpapakumbaba para sa nanay mo. Hindi ako luluhod sa harap nya
para tanggapin nya lang. I am not willing to swallow my pride for someone who
thinks of me as trash."

"I know." He smiled. "Wag na nating pag-usapan kasi ayokong mag-away tayo." He said
as he guided me to sit on his lap before nuzzling my neck. "Babe, bakit ang bango
mo?"

"Parang alam ko kung saan papunta ito..." I answered as he began unbuttoning my

blouse. "Babe naman..."

"Sige na, ilang oras tayong hindi nagkasama, miss na kita."

Jusko, ito na naman kami, araw-araw bagong taon. Kapag ito pa naman nakakamiss sa
akin, nagpapaputok. Baka naman magbunga na itong landian namin at hindi na lang si
Dustin and dedede sa akin matapos ang siyam na buwan. Jusko wag naman!

"Babe, bukas na lang ng gabi kasi bukas ng hapon may appointment ako sa ob-gyne ko
at hihingi ako ng bagay na contraceptive para sa akin." I muttered as he
successfully took my blouse off. He fumbled with the clasp of my bra and before I
knew it his warm mouth was latched onto my flesh. "Babe..." I gasped. "Babe, ano
ba..."

"Isa lang." He whispered against my flesh. Sige na, Babe. Miss lang talaga kita."

"Naku..." I was starting to pant.

Hot talaga sya at dahil sa kanya ay nagiging mapagbigay ako. Pero sa kanya lang
naman. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hirap na hirap akong hindian sya. Akala ko yata ako
si Santa and since he's both naughty and nice, ayun naman ako halinghing naman
kaagad.

"Babe, please..." He took my hand and guided it to his crotch. "Tingnan mo kung
gaano kita ka-miss." He murmured.

He was rock hard. Parang nanghinayang naman ako bigla kung hindi namin itutuloy
kasi sayang naman yung katigasan nya...ng paninindigan. Naku, tindig na tindig ang
paninindigan nya araw-araw. Walang kapaguran ito! Dinaig ko pa si Curacha, ang
babaeng walang pahinga!

"Pero, Babe... Baka natatakot na ako baka mamaya may mabuo na tayo at di na lang
ungol ang lalabas sa akin, bata na."

"Sige na, Babe... please..." He was begging like a puppy. And what kind of woman
could say no to a puppy? Ang langtod nitong tutang ito!

"Sige na nga." I relented. Tinulungan ko syang tanggalin ang belt nya at buksan ang
zipper ng pantalon nya and the moment his manhood was freed from its confines, he
guided me to sit on it. Bakit ba kasi nag-iinarte ka pa, Pempem? Hihindi-hindi ka
pa, eh agad-agad namang namamasa yang katauhan mo at parati mo namang binibigyan ng
gate pass yang sandata ni Dust- "Dustin..." I moaned his name aloud when I felt him
penetrate me. He had gotten good at not taking my underwear off and just moving it
aside. And I had taken a liking to wearing undies that he could easily move aside.

"I missed you." He said holding my gaze and I took his hands and guided them to my
chest.

"I missed you too." I answered.

I slowly started to undulate as he lethargically surged against me. I set the tempo
and he followed, his breath hitching every time I ground myself against his
hardness. He did not break eye contact and he was holding my gaze the whole time
and it got me more excited. It didn't matter that my skirt was messily bunched
around my waist, I still had my t-back on or that I was sprawled on top of him in a
very unladylike fashion. I wanted him.

"Babe, do you want it faster?" He asked in a husky voice and I shook my head.

"No, I love it this way." I replied and he nodded leaning back against the sofa to
continue to stare at me.

There were times when I wanted it hard and fast but there were moments when I
wanted it slow. I loved watching how Dustin's eyes fluttered closed with each
surge, how his breathing snagged in his throat and how his mouth gaped open with
each thrust. I loved how I was able to bring him to his knees but more than that, I
loved watching him watch me pleasure him.

"Babe..." He put an arm around my waist as he pulled me closer towards him before
he laved my breasts with his tongue. I felt probing finger at the apex of my core
and I was lost.

I came hard. Twice. And I did not even bother telling him to pull himself out when
he reached his climax. Bahala na na Diyos ng mga hotdog. I thought doing a mental
calculation in my head. Teka lang, fertile ba ako ngayon? Hindi ba dapat meron na
ako? Ano ba yun, titingnan ko nga yung diary ko mamaya. I thought with a frown as I
slumped against him, his arms around me.

"What are you thinking?" He asked. "Bakit ka nagbuntong-hininga?"

"Do you remember when I had my period?" Ano ba yan, Lia! Pati ba naman kadramahan
ng obaryo mo ay kailangan mo pang itanong kay Dustin?

"No." He answered. "Why?"

"Parang hindi pa ako nagkakaroon." Masyado yatang masaya si pempem at di na dugo

ang binubulwak nya, likido ng kaligayahan na lang parati.

"Well, kung hindi ka man magkaroon for nine months, walang problema sa akin." He
grinned.

"Loko!" I pushed away from his chest to frown at him. "Jusko, ayoko, ano!"

"Di ba sabi mo hindi ka pa nagkakaroon?"

"Baka delayed lang since mahigit isang taon din akong celibate, baka nanibago ang
matres ko."

"Baka." He smiled before he moved his face close to mine to give me a kiss. "But
what if you're pregnant? Don't tell me you're going to-"

"No! Of course not. Malandyutay lang ako, hindi ako kriminal. Kaya nga hindi pwede
eh. Kaya last day na natin ito na walang protection kasi nakakatakot. Mamaya, daan
tayo sa drugstore at bumili kang rubber."

"But what if you're already pregnant, Lia?" He asked. "What if you're already
pregnant with my child?"

"No, I'm not." I firmly said. "Sigurado ako." I added and was surprised when he
started driving inside me again.

"What are you doing, Dustin?" I gasped.

"Naniniguro lang din." He whispered as my whole body tingled and I started to moan
his name.

Dustin started bringing his things to my apartment without being too obvious.
Magaling talaga ang loko. Noong una, akala ko naiiwan nya lang. Hindi ko naman kasi
masyadong napapansin kasi minsan t-shirt, boxers, panyo, sapatos o kaya ay pantalon
lang. Parang paisa-isa. Hanggang sa nag-ayos ako ng walk-in closet at na-realize
kong ang dami na nya palang damit sa bahay ko.

"Aba, akala ko ba makikitulog lang yun, bakit parang nandito na buong bahay nya?" I
murmured aloud as I started rearranging his things.
Hindi ako marunong magtupi ng mga damit. Oh well, marunong sa paraang gusto ko.
Pero nakita ko kung paano tupiin ni Alexa ang damit ng pamilya and I wondered kung
kasama ba sa curriculum ng Harvard ang pag-aaral tungkol sa pagtutupi ng damit. Ang
ayos-ayos kasi, parang nasa department store ka kapag pumasok ka sa walk-in closet
nilang mag-asawa samantalang yung sa akin parang nasa ukay-ukayan ka lang sa
Baguio.

I pulled my underwear drawer open and arched my brow when I saw some of Dustin's
boxer shorts neatly folded beside my t-backs. At talagang may boxer shorts pa sya
dito sa lagayan ko ng undies. Ano bang balak nya? I-invade itong bahay ko? I
thought to myself.

Hindi ko alam kung para saan ba yung mga damit nya, kasi kapag nasa bahay naman
kami ay hindi kami nagdadamit at halos hindi kami umaalis ng kama. Mahilig kasi si
Dustin, ako rin mahilig. Kaya ayun, napagbibigyan namin ang hilig ng isa't isa. He
agreed to using rubber but it felt weird kaya ang sabi nya magri-rhythm method daw
kami pero araw-araw na lang nasa rhythm kami kaya tuloy nawawala na yung method.

Paano kung mabuntis ako? I remembered asking him. Ayaw mo nun, Babe? May baby na
tayo? He had replied with a smile.

The idea of bearing a child terrified me. Maliban dun sa lolobo ka at tataba ang
mga paa mo ay feeling ko ang laswa kong tingnan kung ang laki na nga ng tyan ko ay
magpi-pekpek shorts pa ako. For sure hindi bagay. Baka magmuka akong balyenang
ewan. But Alexa looks very cute pregnant. I thought. Yung kapatid ko kasi hiyang na
hiyang sa pagbubuntis nya.

Jusko, Lia umayos ka! Yung kapatid mo bet na bet umire pero ikaw di mo yun kaya!
Dapat talagang bumista na ako sa ob-gyne ko para dun sa contraceptives na yun. I
bled for two days pero parang patak-patak lang at mukhang bitin. Pero at least
nagkaroon ako, so malamang ay di ako buntis.

I heard my cellular phone ringing and I walked out of the closet and into my
bedroom to answer the call. "Hello, Alexa!" I greeted over the phone.

"Ate!"

"O, bakit?"

"Do you want to go shopping with me and Lee Ann?" She asked and I suddenly felt
worried. Si Alexa, ulirang nanay at asawa yan at wala na syang nais gawin kundi
alagaan ang pamilya nya. Kaya nakakapagtaka kapag bigla na lang syang nagyayayang
lumabas.

"Is something wrong, Alexa? Nag-away ba kayo ni Alex?" I queried as I sat on my

sofa. "Anong ginawa nya sayo? Nambababae ba ang asawa mo?" I added and heard her
laugh.

"Hindi, Ate, ano ka ba?" She continued laughing. "Tsaka kapag sya nambabae, kahit
close kami ng Jun-jun nya ay puputulin ko yun."

"Naku, ganyan nga. Wag kang nagpapakatanga kahit mahal na mahal mo ang asawa mo.
Ibang usapan na yun kapag nambabae sya kaya at sinaktan ka. Wag kang tumulad dun
sa mga bida sa soap opera na pakikiusapan pa ang kabit para lang ibalik ang asawa
nila. Ibigay mo ang asawa mo pero kunin mo ang hotdog nya bilang remembrance. At
least you'll have something to remember him by." I said and we burst out laughing.

"Si Ate talaga!"

"O, don't tell me si bunso may problema dun kay Nickolai?"

"Wala, gusto lang naming lumabas kasi ang tagal na nating hindi nag-bonding. Nandun
kasi ang mga bata kina Dad at sina Alex at Nick naman ay mag-go-golf daw kasama si
Dustin."

"Oo nga nagpaalam sa akin."

"Ha?"

"Si Dustin-" Jusko, hindi nga pala alam ng kapatid naglalampungan kami ng kumpare
nya. I thought laughing quietly. Inaanak namin pareho ni Dustin si Alexi at kawawa
naman yung pamangkin kong yun dahil hindi lang isa kundi dalawa ang mahalay sa
godparents nya. "Si Dustin, alam kong nag-go-golf kasi niyaya nya tayong tatlong
sumama sa kanila, hindi ba?" Palusot ko na lang.

I felt guilty hiding such things from my sisters pero hindi ko alam bakit hindi ako
komportableng malaman nila na naglalampungan kami ni Dustin. Sigurado kasi akong
magtatanong sila tungkol sa amin lalo na si Lee Ann, panigurado curious ang bata
tungkol sa aming dalawa ng Kuya Dustin nya. Eh ano naman ang ikukwento if they ask
how our relationship was? Kung anong ginagawa namin together? Kung anong balak
namin? Jusko, eh puro patungan at ungulan lang ang ginagawa namin ni Dustin.

Teka lang, oo nga, bakit kaya chukchakan lang kami nang chukchakan? Parang hindi
buo ang araw kung di namin naririnig ang ungol ng isa't isa? Normal pa ba yun? I
silently asked myself. Hindi pa kasi ako nagkaroon ng boyfriend na nagtagal, may
isang lumampas ng isang buwan pero nasa malayo sya at nakalimutan ko lang syang
hiwalayan kaya ganun.

"Ate!" I heard Alexa's voice over the phone again.

"Bakit?"

"Parang nakatulala ka dyan? Anong nangyari? Salita ako nang salita dito tapos di ka
naman umiimik. May bisita ka ba dyan? Sorry naman sa istorbo, sige tatawag ako
mamaya-"

"Wala, loka-loka. Mag-isa lang ako dito at naglilinis ako ng closet. Ito talaga
napakamatampuhin."

"Hindi ako nagtatatmpo, ano." She laughingly said. "Ayoko lang na maging hadlang
nyang love life mo."

"Jusko, sex life ito, hindi ito love life." I answered and Alexa laughed again.
"Bentang-benta talaga ako sayo. Mamaya pinaglilihian mo ako, ha, kaya pala parati
akong pagod at inaantok."

"Natatawa ako sayo eh. Ay, ganun? Totoo ba yun na kapag pinaglilihian daw napapagod
at iaantok parati?" Alexa asked curiously.

"Ewan ko, yun ang sabi-sabi pero hindi ko alam ang totoo. Pero lately pagod talaga
ako at inaantok. Tapos napansin ko ring ang tamad kong pumunta ng gym. Gusto ko
lang na nakahilata ako sa kama ko." Nakahilata sa kama at nakapatong si Dustin. I
added silently in my head.

"Ate, sorry, pinaglilihian nga yata kita kaya ganyan."

"Gaga, di mo kailangang mag-sorry. Keribels lang yan kung paglilihian mo ako, at

least napakaganda ng pinaglilihian mo." I said. "O, sige sabay tayo ng lunch at
alas onse na pala. Saan tayo magkikita?" I queried. "Kung gusto mo dun sa isa sa
mga restaurants sa office na lang kasi gusto ko yung Guyabano smoothie nung bagong
bukas na stall dun."

"Sa Gastro Palace na lang, Ate. Ang sabi ni Dustin, masarap daw yung steak dun."
Oo, masarap kasi kami ang magkasama. Pero mas masarap ang nangyari pagkatapos
naming kumain. I nearly laughed aloud at my thoughts. Jusme, pempem ang landi mo!

"Sige, dun na lang. Maliligo lang ako tapos pupunta na ako dun."

"Okay. Sige, Ate tawagan ko si Lee Ann. Yun pala nagtatampo sayo kasi di ka na daw
tumatawag sa kanya."

"Tumawag ako sa kanya kahapon pero di kami nagkausap kasi mukhang nasa klase yata
sya at di nya sinagot. O, sige na, alas doce nandun na ako. See you! Mag-ingat ka
at magdala ka ng driver mo, ha. Si Lee Ann ba susunduin mo?"

"Hindi. Magdadala daw sya ng driver nya. Sige na, bye at di pa ako naliligo."

"Anong oras na, hindi ka nakakaligo?" My brows furrowed together. "Parang bago yan,
ah. Kilala kita, ang aga-aga mong gumigising at ang una mong ginagawa matapos
tingnan ang mga anak mo ay maligo."

"Naligo na ako kanina kaya lang si Alex, nag-iwan muna ng ala-ala sa sinapupunan ko
bago umalis kaya maliligo ako ulit." My sister answered and we both laughed.

"Ang halay mo, Alexa!"

"Mana sayo!" She replied.

"Korek!"

"Bye, Ate Lia!"

"Bye!" I replied before ending the call.

Mabilis akong naligo at nagbihis. I donned on a pair of denim shorts, sleeveless

white blouse and strappy sandals. Ganun kasi kaming magkakapatid kapag nagkikita-
kita, casual lang. Kaya nga gustung-gusto kong nakikipagkita kina Alexa at Lee Ann
kasi ang gaan sa pakiramdam-walang pabonggahan, walang angasan, just plain sisterly
love.

I reached Gastro Palace and was directed to one of the tables. Tumawag daw kasi in
advance si Alexa at nagpa-reserve ng mesa. Minsan hindi ko lubos-maisip kung gaano
ka forward-thinking ang kapatid kong yun-parang lahat pinaplano nya, hindi tulad ko
na sobrang impulsive at parating lutang. Kung di lang naka-auto-debit sa credit
card ko ang bills ko ay malamang matagal na akong naputulan ng kuryente, telepono o
kaya ay tubig.

"Ate!" Narinig ko ang boses ni Lee Ann at agad akong tumayo. "Tampo ako sayo, di ka
natumawag ulit." My youngest sister pouted before she gave me a hug.

"Akala ko kasi nasa school ka." I answered before hugging her back and kissing both
her cheeks. "Nasaan ka ba nun?"

"Nasa library kaya nga tumakbo ako palabas eh kaso di ka na tumawag. Tapos nung
tinawagan naman kita busy na yung linya mo."
"Sorry, may tumawag kasi after I called you, you should have called me again."

"Hindi na, naisip ko rin na baka busy ka. Si Ate Alexa, Ate?"

"Papunta na yun for sure." I smiled.

"Hello, Ate! Hi, Baby Lee!" We heard Alexa's voice and Lee Ann and I rose to our
feet to give her a kiss and a hug. Sabay-sabay kaming umupo at agad na may lumapit
na waiter sa mesa namin. We gave him our orders and resumed chatting. Kahit kasi
araw-araw naman kaming nagkikita ni Alexa at si Lee Ann naman ay araw-araw ding
dumadaan sa office, iba pa rin yung kwentuhang walang humpay.

"Tapos, alam mo ba, Ate yung prof ko nagalit kasi nga si Nicko parang ewan,
nagpapatawa eh nasa loob kami ng class. Kaya ayun pinalabas kami."

"Ay, kung ako yung mag-iingay ako parati para parati nya akong pinapalabas." I
joked and my sisters laughed. "Ay teka may-chika-" I stopped talking because
someone roughly pushed my chair.

"Oops, sorry." Someone said and I looked up to find a young woman I did not even
know smirking at me. "Akala ko maganda ka, hindi pala sa malapitan." She insolently
added and I arched a brow at her. "I'm Lyza." She introduced herself. "Ako ang anak
ng lalaking sinira mo ang pamilya." She laughed softly. I was so surprised that I
was speechless.

"I'm Alexa." My sister got to her feet. "Ako ang abogado at kapatid ng babaeng
inaaway mo. Magpatingin ka na ng mata, ha, kung hindi mo nakikitang maganda ang
kapatid ko. Sabagay, kung ganyan din ba naman ang mukha ko, I will be insecure and
bitter." Pagtataray ng kapatid ko.

"Excuse me?"

"May pera ka bang pambayad dyan sa mukha mong balak kong sirain? Oh well, sira na
pala yan, my bad." Alexa answered and I nearly laughed.

"You dared to call my Ate a mistress?" Lee Ann asked getting up. I was more worried
about her reaction, bata pa kasi si Lee Ann at idealistic at natatakot akong
magbago ang tingin nya sa akin. Not when I finally earned her respect and trust.
"We own this building and we can have you thrown out. Besides, hindi mahilig sa
pangit ang Ate ko at kung itsura mo ang pagbabasehan, malamang walang itsura ang
Daddy mo!"

"Ipinagtatanggol nyo itong kapatid ninyo? Do you know even know what she did?" The
woman asked my sisters in disbelief. "And how dare you insinuate that I'm ugly."

"Darling, we aren't insinuating, we're telling the truth." I said getting to my

feet too. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Orange make-up is so passé. At yung
ugali mo ayusin mo, nagiging terno na ng mukha mo. I do not remember being
someone's mistress."

"Of course you're going to deny it, you bitch! Hindi mo alam kung kaninong pamilya
ang sinira mo!"

"Oh, please. Quit the drama. Mukha lang sinisira ko at hindi pamilya ng ibang tao.
Pero since sira na yang mukha mo, patatawarin kita. And you can call me a bitch
because I am a bitch. But a mistress? No. Dahan-dahan sa pagsamyo ng usok galing sa
nasusunog na gulong, darling, it's not good for your health."

"Bwisit ka! You are the reason why my parents separated tapos nakukuha mo pang
pagtawanan ako?!"

"Hindi ko kasalanan na nakakatawa ang itsura mo. Who in the hell told you that I am
your father's mistress?"

"My Tita Freda couldn't have lied about you and my father!" She angrily replied and
my temper surged when I heard the name. Tangnang matandang yun!

"Even if you act and look like a dog, you have no right to bark at the wrong tree.
Now, leave because I am so close to scratching all that make-up off your face using
my newly-manicured nails." I furiously muttered under my breath and she looked at
me and my sisters before she ran out of the restaurant.

"Sino yun at sino si Freda?" Alexa asked as she handed me a glass of water. "Uminom
ka, Ate."

"Ate, wag kang mag-alala, di kami naniniwala dun." Lee Ann said and I smiled at
her.

"Thank you." I said. "Malandi ako pero hindi ako nanininira ng pamilya."

"We know, Ate. Don't worry about it, I'll have that girl investigated, may CCTV
naman itong-"

"Wag na, Alexa. Mag-aaksaya pa tayo ng pera at manpower para sa walang kwentang
yun. Gutom na ba kayo?" I asked my sisters and they shook their heads. "Good,
sumama kayo sa akin at may susugurin tayo." I muttered and the three of us gathered
our bags and left.

We agreed to use Lee Ann's SUV at iwanan na lang ang mga kotse naming dalawa ni
Alexa sa office. I actually changed my mind the moment we walked out the
restaurant's door-Alexa was pregnant and Lee Ann was just a child. Bakit ko naman
idadamay ang mga kapatid ko sa kagagahan ko? Paano kung may isang batalyon ng
supporters pala itong si Freda at nagkagulo? I didn't want to risk my sisters, I
would rather face that witch alone.

"Ako na lang ang pupunta, wag na kayong sumama. Hintayin nyo na lang ako dito at
imi-message ko na lang sa inyo ang blow-by-blow account ng kaganapan." I said and
they both stopped walking to frown at me.

"Bakit?" Alexa asked. She had her brow arched as if she was ready to refute
whatever reason that would came out of my mouth."Bakit mag-isa kang pupunta?"

"Uy, teka lang wag mo akong gagamitan ng ganyang katarayan at wala akong panlaban
sa excellent reasoning skills mo courtesy of Harvard." I joked but instead of
smiling, her frown deepened.

"Bakit hindi ka namin sasamahan? Ano yun, hahayaan na lang natin na susugud-sugurin
ka ng kahit sino? Hindi ko nagustuhan na pinuntahan ka pa nya dito sa building na
tayo ang nagmamay-ari para lang insultuhin, Ate! Hindi ako papayag na bastusin ang
kahit sino sa pamilya ko ng isang bwisit na-"

"Kalma, buntis, masyadong hot." I laughed. "Sobrang touched ako but I am worried
about you and Lee Ann. Baka mamaya magkasabunutan dun, magkaroon ng umaatikabong
action scenes at pagkatapos ay may car chase pa eh buntis ka at si Lee Ann naman ay
hindi pa nakakatikim ng luto ni Nickolai, paano na lang ang mga future ninyo? Ayoko
na kayong idamay." I asked and Lee Ann made a face as Alexa stomped her foot.

"Ate naman!"

"Liability talaga itong innocence ko." Lee Ann sighed and Alexa looked at her.

"May balak ka?"

"Wala po, Ate!" My younger sister quickly replied shaking her head.

"Alexa, unfair ka, gusto mong ikaw lang ang nakakatikim." I laughed again. "I am
not encouraging you, ha, Lee at baka kalbuhin ako ni Alexa dito but let's not put
double standards and labels because just like everything else, losing one's
virginity is a choice. As your sister, I want you to keep your virginity for the
right reasons."

"Ano ba yan..." Lee Ann mumbled blushing.

"Lee, what Ate Lia said is exactly my point. If you're going to lose it ay hindi
dahil naiinggit ka, or trip mo lang o gusto mong i-prove yung worth at pagmamahal
mo dun sa lalaking pagbibigyan mo nyan. One's virginity is not something that you
use as a banner to announce your value as a woman, Lee Ann. Tatandaan mo yan, it's
a piece of flesh that does not define who you are pero hindi rin nangangahulugang
ilalako mo na lang yan. Lose it, I hope not very soon, for the right reasons."

"Ang haba ng lecture, hihingi na ba ako nang tawad?" I asked and my sisters and I
burst out laughing. "Pero tama si Alexa, Lee Ann, kung ano man ang right reasons na
yan, alam mo na yun, you're a smart young woman."

"Opo." Lee Ann replied.

"Ate, tumuloy tayo. Saan ba nagtatrabaho yung Fredang yun?" Alexa queried. "Ayokong
sa tingin nang kung sino man bruhang yun ay pwede ka nyang api-apihin."

"Okay, fine. Papayag ako, pero kalma lang kayo."

"Ate naman, ako pa? May major ako sa subtle bitchiness." Alexa proudly announced.

"Ay, ako Ate marunong din." Lee Ann piped in.

"Oo na," I said. "Pamilya na tayo ng mga magaganda at mga maldita." I declared and
we all laughed.

Lee Ann called her driver to fetch us from the building's entrance at kaming tatlo
ay sa likod na umupo. Nagdadalawang-isip ako kung ano ang isasagot ko kung sakaling
itanong nila kung sino si Freda. Jusko, kailangan ko na yatang ibunyag ang aming
pagtatampisaw sa kama ni Dustin. I thought to myself.

"Who's Freda, Ate?" It was Lee Ann who asked.

"Nanay ng isang babaeng insecure sa kagandahan ko." I replied. "May lalaki na ako."
I added and Alexa started laughing. "Wag kang tatawa-tawa dyan."
"Bakit ka ba nahihiyang sabihin sa amin kung sino yang pinagpalang lalaki na yan?
Imposibleng pangit yan kasi may taste ka, imposibleng hindi yan presentable kasi
kinikilig-kilig ka kahit sa text messages lang nya. Ano bang meron at tinatago mo
ang katauhan nyang si MM?"

"MM? Initials nya po yun, Ate?" Lee questioned and Alexa and I burst out laughing.
We were confused when the car stopped and Lee Ann's driver spoke.

"Mga Ma'am, pasensya na po pero kanina ko pa po kayo tinatanong kung saan po tayo
pupunta." He sounded harassed the three of us laughed some more.

"Pasensya naman, Manong, alam nyo naman kami kapag nagsama-sama puro daldalan lang
ang alam kaya hindi ka namin narinig." I said after telling him where we were going
and he smiled.

"Nakakatuwa nga po kayo, Ma'am, hindi po tulad sa mga anak kong babae na kulang na
lang ay magsabunutan sa asar nila sa isa't isa." He answered. "Sakit na po ng ulo
ko kasi away nang away."

"It's just a phase, Manong, wag kayong mawalan nang pag-asa sa mga anak ninyo."
Alexa answered and I nodded in agreement. "Bakit pala sa mall, Ate? Don't tell me
tindera itong si Freda?"

"Palengkera lang sya pero hindi sya tindera. May sarili syang clothing line kuno na
I'm sure ay hindi sikat kasi hindi ko pa naman naririnig. From what I heard, tatlo
dati ang branches nila pero nalugi kaya nag-iisa na lang. Echosera kasi sya at
feeling may talent sa pagde-design." I replied.

"Pero nandun sya sa boutique nya ngayon, Ate?" Lee Ann asked.

"Ang pagkakaalam ko, nandun sya everyday kasi nag-iilusyon syang maraming bumibili
at kailangan ang tulong nya." I said and my Alexa laughed.

"Ilusyunada pala yan."

"Hindi lang ilusyunada, froglet pa." I replied.

We reached the mall in less than an hour and immediately asked one of the guards
manning the entrance regarding the location of Freda's boutique. Nasa second floor
daw kaya agad kaming nagpunta sa escalators. Ang dali naming nahanap kasi ang laki
ng pangalang FREDA'S sa harapan.

"Kawawa naman to, naka-sale na nga ng 50% wala pa ring pumupunta." Alexa remarked.
Maraming maliliit na banderitas ang nakasabit sa loob ng boutique ni Freda, tuloy
mukha nang may fiesta at nagtitinda ng putubumbong at bibingka ang stall nya imbes
na damit.

"Ayokong manlait pero ang baduy ng styles. O, for certain age bracket lang ba itong
mga damit na gawa nya?" My youngest sister commented.

"Ginawa nya lang ito para sa kanya kasi sya lang ang keri itong isuot." I stated
and the three of us covered our mouths as we tried to prevent ourselves from
sniggering. A woman in a hideous pink, yellow and green ensemble stepped out of
nowhere and arched a brow at us.

"Bibili kayo?" Medyo mataray nyang tanong.

"Kahit libre pa yan, di namin kukunin." I answered. "Si Freda nasaan?"

"Anong kailangan ninyo kay Auntie?" She queried and the three of us looked at each
other before we burst out laughing. "Anong nakakatawa?"

"Ikaw, nakakatawa ang mukha mo. Nasaan ba yang Auntie mo para maiba naman ang
timpla ko at nakakapagod tumawa?" I questioned. One of the rectangular floor-to-
ceiling mirrors moved and out stepped Freda in all her fuchsia and lavender glory.

"Girl version ni Barney?" Lee Ann whispered and the three of us doubled over in
laughter again.

"Kung nandito kayo para manggulo-"

"Excuse me, Barnita, wala akong balak manggulo. Consider this visit a charity event
dahil nakakaawa ka naman, halos ipamigay mo na nga itong mga gawa mo pero wala pa
ring nagkaka-interest." I cut her off. It was comical how Alexa and Lee Ann both
arched their brows. Ano ba ito, family mannerism ba itong pagtaas-taas namin ng
kilay? I quietly asked myself.

"Hindi ka pa nanggugulo sa lagay na yan?! Walang modo! Walang class! Mga walang
kayong pinag-aralan!"

"I'm so sorry but my Harvard-educated gorgeous body disagrees." Alexa piped in.
"Nahiya naman ang pagiging international lawyer ko sa mga salitang walang modo at
walang pinag-aralan. Nakakahiya naman sa natapos mo. At nakakahiya naman sa oral
defamation case na pwede kong isampal sayo dahil sa pinagkakalat mo tungkol sa
kapatid ko. Kung wala lang akong puso, kakasuhan din kita sa paggawa nitong mga
kabaduyang ito." My sister carelessly waved her hand in front of her.

"Wala akong pakiala-"

"Magkaroon ka na, utang na loob maawa ka sa sarili mo." I spoke. "Magkaroon ka na

nang pake, kasi hindi mo kakayanin ang pera ng pamilya ko kung pera lang din naman
ang pag-uusapan. Aba, baka pati katawan ng anak mo, kabitan mo na ng SALE para lang
magkapera ka? Do not start something that you cannot finish, bitch pa man din ako,
baka mabwisit na lang ako bigla at puntahan ko ang asawa ng anak mo at sabihin sa
kanyang binubugaw mo sa iba ang asawa nya."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Darling, not this Lia. Do not say you wouldn't dare to me at baka ma-bore at gawin
ko nga yun. Mr. Hiro Tanaka, right?" I asked with a smile and her eyes widened.
"Ang dami nyang tattoo, scary. He used to be rich because he was part of a group
that illegally operated casinos all over Japan. Pero hindi ba dahil nahuli sila ay
naubos ang yaman nya and it was already too late when you learned na ang akala
nyong ginto ay tanso pala. Unfortunately, hindi makaalis ang anak mo sa poder nya
dahil pinagbantaan nya kayo." I smirked at her. "I did my research, bitch. Kaya wag
na wag ka na ulit magkamali."

"Bakit?! Ano bang ginawa ko sayo?! Pinapakialaman ba kita?! Hindi ba hindi naman?!"
She yelled.

"Ay, nagkukunyari pa tong isang to. Wag kang magmaang-maangan dyan, lalo ka tuloy
nagmumukhang tanga. Kung ako sayo, instead of wasting your time trying to ruin me,
mag-audition ka na lang sa TV at baka nangangailangan ng ka-love team si Barney, I
will even support you at magpapa-trend ako sa Twitter para sayo. Hash tag,
Freda&BarneyForever"

"You cannot really buy class!" She hissed and my brow arched higher.
"Of course, dear. It cannot be bought, one is born with it." I said before I smiled
at her. "And sadly, kahit pwede mong bilhin, wala kang pambili kaya wag kang mag-
inarte, poor ka na nga, naghahanap ka pa ng pagkakagastusan ng pera. Froglet."

"Makakarating kay Anita itong kawalang-hiyaan mo-"

"Ay, kahit iparating mo kay Obama, wala akong pake." I answered before I turned to
look at Lee Ann."

"Baby, look at her, yan ang mga hindi mo dapat ginagaya kaya mag-aral kang mabuti
para hindi ka matulad sa isang yan, ultimo anak binibenta. Okay?" I asked and Lee
Ann nodded.

"Yes, Ate." She answered and I beamed at her before I spoke to Freda again.

"Mauna na kami, kindly heed my advice baka kasi magsisi ka kahit lumuhod ka pa man
din sa harapan ko ay hindi ako marunong maawa."

"You're not one to be giving me advices!"

"And you're not one who can afford not to pay attention to my advices." I smiled
sweetly at her. "O sige, aalis na kami, use your head, ha, kasi contrary to what
you believe, hindi ka binigyan ng ulo para may paglalagyan ka nang ganyan kabaduy
na mga sombrero. Wag kang magbabad sa labas, baka akalain ng mga ibon pugad yan at
mangitlog pa sa ulo mo. Bye."

"Miss Carbonel!" She called as my sisters and I turned to leave. "Mauna na kayo." I
told Alexa and Lee Ann. "Kaya ko na to, baka mapaglihian mo pa yang bruhang yan,
Alexa, hindi ko talaga mapapatawad ang sarili ko." I murmured and they laughed
before they stepped out of Freda's boutique.

"Yes?" I questioningly arched a brow at Lauren's mother and Anita's bff.

"You will never be welcomed into their family. Hinding-hindi ka nila magugustuhan
kahit kailan! Magmumukha ka lang kawawang magmamalimos ng panahon, atensyon at
pagmamahal sa kanila! At kilala ko si Anita, she has a firm grip on her son!
Hinding-hindi mo makukuha ang anak nya!" She furiously announced and smiled
victoriously when I said nothing. Her smile disappeared when I suddenly laughed.
"Bakit ka natatawa, you wouldn't be laughing if you knew how much Dustin loves
his-"

"Oh, please. Bakit ko pa kukunin kung nasa akin na naman?" I asked and she scowled
at me. "I was able to do what your daughter failed, Freda and I seriously think
that is the reason why you hate me."

"Excuse me, at ano naman daw ang nagawa mong hindi kayang gawin ng anak ko?!"

"I was able to make Dustin want me enough to leave his mother and that kills you."
I said and sneered when I saw her clench her fists. "I'm right, am I not?" I asked
grinning. She continued to glower at me and I insolently arched my brow at her, ran
my gaze from her head down to her feet and flipped my hair before I strutted my way
out of her store.
 Author's Note:

Marami ang nalito. These all happened BEFORE Lee Ann and Nick's confrontation and
before that scene inside the conference room. Hindi pa nabibilhan ni Lia si Dustin
ng pink silk boxers dito. Thanks

♥ jennicka

Hindi ko maintindihan yung set-up namin ni Dustin-matagalang sleepover lang ba ito,

bisita grande o baka naman nagli-live-in na pala kami ay hindi ko pa alam. Sa akin
na sya umuuwi at sa akin na rin sya natutulog, naliligo, kumakain at wala na syang
ginawa kundi landiin ako. Pagod na pagod tuloy ako araw-araw. Naisip ko nga kung
kailan darating ang panahong magsasawa na kami kasi dinaig pa namin ang mga
hamsters na nakita ko sa Bio Research sa tindi naming maglambingan. Kahit kakain,
manunuod ng television, maliligo at ultimo pagtawag ng food delivery ay
naglalampungan kami.

"Anong gusto mong meryenda?" Tanong ko habang nakakalong akong nakaharap sa kanya.

Ewan ko ba kung bakit gustung-gusto ni Dustin na nakakalong ako sa kanya. Ako naman
malantod, kumakalong din. Si Dustin ay ubod nang touchy. Lahat yata ng sulok ng
katawan ko ay nahawakan na nya at natikman. Noong una parang naririndi pa ako sa
sobra nyang mahawak-sino ba naman kasing babae ang gustong may nakalambitin sa
dibdib nya habang nanunuod sya ng The Walking Dead sa TV o humihimas-himas sa binti
nya habang kumakain sya ng agahan? Wala. Because contrary to what men think, there
are times that we do not like to multi-task-if we want to make love, we have to be
in the mood for making love and if we want to watch TV or eat, back off.

Pero siguro sobrang taas yata ng level of adaptability ko kasi sa kakakulit sa akin
ni Dustin, kahit ilang beses ko na syang kinaltusan, ay nasanay na rin ako sa mga
hawak-hawak nya kahit may iba akong ginagawa.

"Pwede na ako dito, Babe." He squeezed my boobs gently. "This is more than enough
for me." He huskily added.

"Alam mo, di ako naniniwala dati na nakakalaki ng dibdib yung paghawak-hawak na

ganyan pero pakiramdam ko talaga lumaki ang dibdib ko at bumigat. Nakakainis. Wag
mo na ngang hawakan yan, mamaya hanggang baywang ko na yang dede ko bago pa man ako
mag-thirty." I said and he laughed.

"Patingin nga." Hinila nya pataas ang t-shirt ko. Hindi ako nagba-bra kapag nasa
bahay lang at kami lang dalawa ang magkasama. Kung pwede nga lang, di na rin ako
magpa-panty pero paniguradong di nya ako tatantanan. Baka forever na kaming
connected kapag ganun ang ginawa ko at dadaigin pa namin ang Nokia sa tag line
nilang connecting people. "Ganun pa rin naman." He sounded thoughtful as he held
my boobs with both his hands as if weighing them. "They still look gorgeous. And
appetizing."

"I'm sure you think they're gorgeous at sigurado rin ako na appetizing sila para
sayo sa tindi nang panggigigil mo dyan. Baka nga habang natutulog ako ay
nililigawan mo ang mga yan eh." I replied rolling my eyes at him and he grinned.

"Bakit ko naman iisa-isahin ang mga parte ng katawan mo, Babe samantalang pwede
namang dumerecho na ako sayo, hindi ba? Mapapasaakin pa silang lahat."

"Hindi sila for sale, for loan lang." I answered and he dipped his hand inside my
cotton shorts.

"Anong for loan? Akin lang ito." He murmured before he leaned forward to nip my
chin. I instantly trembled with desire. Ano ba, Lia. Girl scout ka eh! Ready ka
parati. Kaunting hagod lang bumibigay ka na kaagad dito kay Mighty Meaty.
Magpakipot ka naman!

"Dustin naman, gutom na ako eh." I protested halfheartedly as he placed open-

mouthed kisses along my neck. "Dust..." I knew I sounded whiny but I didn't mind.
Sya nga kulang na lang ay magmakaawa sya minsan pagbigyan ko lang. Ako naman,
maawain, wala pang two seconds humihilata naman ako kaagad. "Dust naman eh..."

"Pa-meryendahin mo naman ako, Babe. Ipaghahanda kita ng French toast as payment, I

promise."

"Aanhin ko naman yung French toast?" I asked biting my lower lip as he continued to
fondle me. "Babe, gutom na nga ako...Babe..."

"Mabilis lang to..." Dustin whispered as he started to divest me of my clothing.

At mabilisan nga sya. Pero ang sexy lang kay Dustin, regardless kung ano ang pace
ng lovemaking namin ay nadadala nya ako kung saan ko gustong makarating. He usually
had a trick or two under his sleeves to give me the release I wanted. Ang
pinakamabilis yata namin was under five minutes at ang pinakamatagal ay two hours.
Ganun sya kagaling. Pero syempre malaking tulong nun ay yung sheer size ng kanyang
sandata dahil hindi pa man sya gumagalaw ay nakikiliti na ako. Naisip ko nga dati
na yung meatiness nya ruined all other hotdogs for me dahil lumaki at humaba bigla
ang standards ko.

"I'm so tired but I'm hungry too." I groaned against the crook of his neck minutes
later and heard him softly laugh.

"Magpahinga ka lang, ako nang bahala. Ipapatikim ko sayo ang specialty ko."

"Kakatikim ko lang, ipapatikim mo ulit? Baka naman mawalan na ako ng ulirat nyan."
I murmured and he laughed aloud.

"Babe, marunong din akong magluto ng French toast at masarap pa."

"Oo, alam kong masarap." I yawned. I was getting sleepy. "Pero nakakapagod..."

"Babe, I'll clean you up. Matulog ka lang. Kapag tapos na akong magluto ay
gigisingin kita, okay?" He whispered against my hair. Kinarga nya ako, pumasok kami
sa loob ng kwarto bago nya ako inilapag sa kama.
One of the countless things I liked about him was he knew how to take care of me.
Lumaki kasi akong independent at parang ako na ang nagpalaki sa sarili ko. Busy
kasi si Mama sa kanyang mga boyfriends noon kaya napabayaan akong mag-isa. Tapos si
Dad naman... oh, well ayoko nang magdrama dahil may mga kapatid akong mahal ako
nang bongga. But Dustin was different, iba yung sweetness nya. O baka lang dahil
lalaki sya at naglalandian kami? Ewan. Basta ang alam ko, yung mga maliliit na
bagay na ginagawa nya ay sapat nang dahilan para maglupasay ako sa kilig.

Naramdaman kong pinupunasan nya ang katawan ko pero dedma lang. Kahit naman alam
kong may halong malisya ang ginagawa nya ay okay lang, feel na feel ko naman.
Pinagsuot nya ako ng t-shirt nya. Yun lang at wala nang iba. Ang sweet di ba? Sana
pinaghubad na lang nya ako, nahiya pa talaga sya.

"Babe, wala man lang pa akong pang-ibaba?" I asked opening my eyes to look at him
and he grinned.

"Para ready na, Babe." He answered before kissing the tip of my nose. "Just rest,
okay? Magluluto ako."

"Okay." I murmured before I fell asleep.

I woke up more than an hour later kasi ginising ako ni Dustin. May dala-dala syang
tray na nilapag nya sa ibabaw ng side table ko. I sat up to look at the food he
brought. May scrambled eggs, isang platong hindi ko alam na ano pero mukhang
tinapay at isang pitcher ng orange juice. Inilagay nya sa harapan ko ang breakfast
in bed stand na binili namin noong nakaraang linggo sa home depot ng isang kilalang
mall.

"Kain na." He said placing the tray on top of the stand.

"Okay, ano ito?" I asked pointing at a delicious-looking pile of bread.

"That's Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toasts." He proudly replied. "Specialty ko
yan."

"Sino naman ang nagturo sayong magluto nyan at sino ang kauna-unahang babaeng
ipinagluto mo nyan?" I questioned. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong nainis.
Most probably ay may naunang babaeng pinaghandaan nya rin ng breakfast in bed at sa
totoo lang ay dapat wala na akong pakialam dun kasi tapos na yun. Pero di ko
mapigil yung bwisit ko. Ano ka ba, Lia. Feeling virgin ka, Teh? Di ka na virgin at
sa galing ni Dustin sa kama ay halatang batikan na syang makipaglaro sa apoy. I
thought as he laughed softly.

"Babe, don't tell me you're jealous?" He was smiling broadly.

"Of course not!" I quickly replied. "I was just wondering, that's all. Bakit? Bawal
na ba ma-curious?"

"Okay lang naman. Ang sexy nga eh." He replied. "Ang sexy at sweet."

"I can do sexy pero sweet? Utang na loob naman, hindi ako sweet, ano."

"Babe, sweet ka kaya kahit hindi mo aminin." He replied. He moved to sit beside me
and started nuzzling my neck. "Ang bango mo pero pipigilan ko ang sarili ko kasi
alam kong gutom ka."

"Salamat, ha." I sarcastically replied. "Pakipigilan na rin yung kamay mong

nakikipaglaro sa boobs ko."
"Sorry." He laughed before taking his hand off me. "Hindi ko napipigilan, parang
may magnet. Hindi ka ba nakakakain kung hahawakan ko ang mga yun?"

"Kapag hinawakan ko ba yang sandata mo, makakakain ka?" I fluttered my eyelashes at

him.

"Oo naman." He retorted before kissing me on the mouth. "At hindi lang pagkain ang
kakainin ko kundi pati ikaw." He whispered against my lips.

The French toasts he made were good. I loved how the Nutella's sweetness was
balanced by the saltiness of the bacon. After our snack slash light lunch, we
decided to take a shower together dahil kahit anong pangako nyang kakain lang kami
ay hindi nya maiwasang haluan ng kalandian ang meal naming dalawa kaya tuloy ang
dungis naming pareho-para kaming dalawang batang nagtampisaw sa putikan. Yun nga
lang ay hindi na kami mga bata at yung putikan ay mamahaling king-sized bed na.

He was to meet Tito Ferdie that afternoon so he said goodbye at around 3:30 PM.
Ayokong matawag na clingy kaya kahit ayoko syang paalisin ay hindi na ako
nagkomentaryo. Paano ba naman kasi, Linggong-linggo may meeting. Dinaig pa nya ako
sa pagka-busy nya.

Gusto ko sanang lumabas kasama ang mga kapatid ko pero alam kong meron silang
kanya-kanyang pinagkakaabalahan kaya lumabas na lang akong mag-isa. Dapat ay window
shopping lang, pero, ang mga babae kahit na window shopping lang ang plano ay
kadalasang nagiging full-blown buying spree.

"Ohh...I love this pair of silk boxers." I murmured. I wanted to buy him something
kaya nagawi ako sa Men's Section. Dapat neck tie lang ang bibilhin ko pero umariba
na naman ang pagiging mahalay ko at napunta ako sa intimate apparel. "Ang sarap
naman nitong hawakan." I said as I ran my hand against the silk cloth. Iniisip ko
pa lang na suot-suot yun ni Dustin ay natatawa na ako. It had small heart prints on
the back and a picture of a pink elephant's head in front-kumpleto rekados, may
kasama pang mahabang trunk na nakausli sa harapan. Para saan ba itong trunk na ito?
Dito ba nya isisilid ang hotdog nya? I thought giggling. "Excuse me, Miss, may
sizes ba kayo nito?" I asked one of the sales attendants hovering near me.

"Meron po, Ma'am." She smiled eagerly. "Teka po, kukunin ko." She jerkily bowed her
head. Naisip kong siguro ay baguhan sya at baka hindi pa nya naabot ang quota nya.
I wasn't new to selling. Noong bagong model lang ako, may kaeklatang ganun na
pinapagawa sa amin but my Dad put his foot down and demanded that if I wanted to be
a model, I should do it right kaya ikinuha nya ako ng agency to handle my projects.

"Wag ka nang tumakbo, your shoes look uncomfortable. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali."
I smiled at the woman and she smiled back. My phone sounded and I took it out of my
bag.

"Babe, where are you?" It was Dustin. Hindi ko ba malaman kung bakit simpleng babe
lang naman ay para na nya akong iniimbita sa kama. Hay naku, pempem! Ayan ka na
naman! Wala kang kasawa-sawa!

"Babe, nandito ako sa mall malapit sa condo. Why? Tapos na ba ang meeting mo?"

"Oo. Nagmamadali din kasi si Tito Ferds kaya mabilis lang ang meeting namin.
Sunduin kita dyan."

"Paano ang kotse ko?"

"Mas iniisip mo na ngayon ang feelings ng kotse mo, Babe kaysa feelings ko?" He
joked and I laughed.
"Babe, ikaw kasi nakakauwing mag-isa, yung kotse ko hindi. Ganito na lang, early
dinner tayo tapos sa kanya-kanyang kotse tayo sasakay pauwi."

"Babe, may kabayaran yang pag-iiwan mo sa akin nang ganyan."

"Babe, my statuesque, exquisite gorgeousness is payment enough, I hope." I kidded

and heard him chuckle. Sinabi ko sa kanya kung saang restaurant ko sya hihintayin
before I ended our conversation. Dumating na ang babaeng may dalang silk boxers at
kung di lang akong nahiyang hawakan ang trunk nung elepante para masigurado kong
sakto kay Dustin ay ginawa ko na.

"Okay na po ba, Ma'am?" She anxiously asked. Siguro naman sakto to sa kanya. I
thought before I nodded. I paid for the merchandize and headed to the restaurant
where I would wait for him.

"Well, well, well... look who's here." Someone said behind me. Pero sorry sya kasi
hindi talaga ako mahilig lumingon at di ako mahilig mamansin. "If it isn't Miss Lia
Carbonel." She added. At hindi pa sya nakuntento, talagang rumampa pa sya sa harap
ko. Sino ito? I thought arching my brow. "You don't remember me?" She asked.

"Am I supposed to?" I asked back and she laughed.

"Sabagay bata ka pa nun but even then halata kong makati ka." She said. Lalong
tumaas ang kilay ko.

"By the looks of your botox-filled face, I can confidently say that we're not from
the same generation. So let me ask you, nanay ka ba ng isa sa mga lalaking
naghahabol sa ganda ko?" I smiled and she glowered at me.

"Watch your words, Miss Carbonel."

"No, you watch yours. Dapat chill ka lang, do not attempt to smile or frown because
you look hideous. Ganyan talaga kapag nagpa-botox, yung ngingiti ka na nga lang ay
mukhang constipated ka pa."

"For someone who slept with another woman's husband just to get into a modeling
job, you're rather arrogant." She said and I looked closely at her.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed. "You're that crazy wife of that crazy director who
released a copy of my supposed sex video with him!" I said and she narrowed her
eyes at me. "Anyare, Ate? Tumanda ka yata ng mahigit tatlong dekada?" I laughed
softly. Lalong nanlisik ang mga mata nya.

"Babe?" I heard Dustin's voice and for some reason, I felt nervous. Bigla akong
natakot sa kung anong sasabihin ng babae sa harap ko.

"Oh, is he your boyfriend?" The woman smiled at Dustin who looked inquiringly at
me. "Alam ba nya ang nakaraan mo?"

"Woman, let me get this straight kasi nakakapagod at nakakabawas ng ganda ang
bigla-biglang pagsulpot ninyong dalawa ng anak mo sa mundo ko. I never slept with
your husband. May taste ako kahit nung bata pa ako. Whatever lies he told you-"

"Of course you're not going to admit it!" She angrily hissed. "Idi-deny mo dahil
ikinakahiya mo! But I saw the video at alam kong ikaw yun!"

"Babe, let's go." Dustin said as he took my hand in his. I rose to my feet.
"Forgive me but we need to leave. Akala ko kasi classy restaurant ito but
apparently not." He smiled at the woman before he draped an arm over my shoulders
and guided me out of the restaurant.

"Dustin-"

"You do not have to explain and you do not have to defend yourself. Sarado ang
isipan nun kaya hindi yun maniniwala kahit ano ang sabihin mo." He answered.

"Naniniwala ka ba na hindi nga ako yung nasa video?"

"I'll be honest with you, I always thought that you were a wild child kaya nga
hinanap ko yung video na yun para panuorin ko. I just felt that I had to see it for
myself." He confided and I felt as though he punched me in the stomach with what he
said. I pulled my hand free from his grasp and stopped walking.

"Okay." I smiled at him. "If that's the case, wala na tayong pag-uusapan. Bye." I
turned on my heel to leave but he caught my hand and held it firmly.

"Lia, come on."

"How can I be in a relationship with someone who doesn't believe in what I say?" I
asked. I suddenly felt like crying. Ang hirap ipagtanggol ang sarili mo.
Nakakapagod na ang paulit-ulit na kailangan mong ipagtanggol ang sarili mo.

"Gusto kong mapanuod. Gusto kong makita. But even before that video started I knew
that it wasn't you. Alam kong hindi mo gagawin yun. Alam ko."

"Alam mo? Pero pinanuod mo pa rin?"

"Because I had to find a way to defend you. I had to see for myself what's on that
video so I can be of help to you. Paano kita matutulungan kung hindi ko nakita ang
ebidensya-"

"Eh nung nakita mo na, anong inisip mo? Na ang cheap ko? Na ang tanga ko? Na ang
dumi ko?"

"You're obviously upset. Babe naman, kakasabi ko lang, hindi ba, na di ko pa man
napanuod yung video ay alam ko nang hindi ikaw yun." He murmured as he pulled me
into his embrace. "Stop crying. Bakit ang bilis mo yatang umiyak ngayon. What's
wrong?"

"Hindi ko alam! Hindi naman ako iyakin! Ano bang meron sayo at napapaiyak mo na
lang ako nang ganun-ganun lang?!" I sobbed against the front of his long-sleeved
polo. "Badtrip ka eh! I am getting so freakingly emotional because of you!"

"Sorry na. Tahan na. I am not going to bring that subject up again."

"Huli na! You've already made me cry!"

"Babe naman..." He tightened his hold around me.

Hindi ko alam kung gaano kami katagal nagyakapan sa gitna ng mall but it felt nice
to feel his arms around me when I felt like hiding from the world.

"Totoo bang hindi ka naniwalang ako yun?" I asked a few minutes later and felt him
nod. "Baka noong simula ay hindi pero nung napanuod mo yung video ay naniwala ka
na. Kamukha ko daw kasi yung babae."

"Tumawa nga ako nang malakas nung napanuod ko yung video. I was 200% sure that it
wasn't you."

"At bakit?"

"Because I know for a fact that you have three moles down there. Magkakatabi sila
and they form a small triangle."

"What?"

"Meron nga. Yun ang point of reference ko parati, pag yung part na yun kasi
hinahalikan ko na, sumisigaw ka na sa saya."

"Bastos ka, Dustin!" I grumbled and he laughed. He cupped my face with his hands
and bent down to kiss my lips.

"I love you." He said and I stared blankly at him. "I love you." He repeated. "I
love you, Lia."

"Ang corny. Tara na nga! Naiihi ako." I walked ahead of him. Hindi nya ako hinabol
at hindi na rin sya umimik. Pumasok akong mag-isa sa loob ng comfort room ng mga
babae at hindi ko alam kung sumunod ba sya sa akin o iniwan na nya ako.

Shit, ano naman daw ang isasagot mo sa salitang I Love You? Kailangan pa bang i-
verbalize yung mga ganung kaechoseran? I thought to myself as I washed my hands
after I took a pee. But I remembered how sad he looked when I didn't reply and my
heart painfully twitched. With a sigh, I took my phone from inside my bag and
dialed his number.

"Yes, Babe?" He sounded concerned. "Anong nangyari? Bakit ka tumawag? Hindi ako
papayag na hindi tayo sabay uuwi, Lia. I'm sorry for what I said, alam ko namang
hindi mo ka pa handa sa mga ganung-"

"I love you, Dust." I said and he stopped speaking. "Ngayon ko lang ito sasabihin
kasi kinikilabutan ako. But I think I'm in love with you too. Ang weird kasi ang
tanda ko na pero parang ngayon pa lang ako nagdadalaga. Hindi ko maintindihan-
Hello? Hello? Dust?" I frowned at my phone kasi hindi na sya nagsalita. Ano nang
nangyari dun? I put my phone against my ear again. "Hello? Dustin?"

"Sir, bawal pong pumasok dyan, pambabae po yan!" I heard a woman exclaim and I
turned towards the comfort room's door to find him looking at me. "Sir!"

"Teka lang po, Manang." He said. Our gazes met and I rolled my eyes at him even
when they welled up with tears. "Lia..." He called my name and I started walking
towards the door where he was standing. I was a few feet away from him when he
snatched me into his embrace. For some unknown reason, I started to cry as he held
me tight.
Love. Noong kabataan ako ay di ako naniniwala dyan although I grew up curious about
love. I always wondered why my mother easily fell in love, cried countless times
over it and yet readily took the plunge headfirst towards the love jungle again.
And again.

Nakakalito. Nakakaloka at nakakawindang. Para sa akin kasi kung nasasaktan ka na,

aba'y huminto ka na. Bakit naman gagawin mo ang isang bagay na nakakapagpaiyak
sayo? At kung may forever, bakit buwan-buwan na lang ay iba-iba? Ice cream ba ito?
Pumi-flavor of the month?

Totoong ang lahat ay nagsisimula sa pamilya kaya nga siguro para sa akin ay
kakatawanan ang pagmamahal-may nanay kasi akong echosera na ginawang hobby ang
pagiging in love at pag-iyak at may tatay akong hindi namin kasama dahil meron
syang ibang pamilya. Wala akong matinong role model pagdating sa pagmamahal.

Until Alexa came. But what I felt for my sister was something that no movie would
ever be able to explain-mahal ko sya hanggang sa maubos ako; mahal ko sya kahit
gaano kasakit at mahal ko sya kaya hahayaan kong umikot ang mundo ko sa kanya. Yun
lang ang pagmamahal para sa akin. Ang pagmamahal ng isang kapatid. Yun nga lang
umalis din ang gaga at iniwan ako kaya lalong nawalan ako ng inspirasyon para sa
love, love na yan. Pero dumating si Lee Ann na mahal ko pero hindi ko maipakita
kasi takot na akong masaktan. Takot akong iwanan ulit at magmukha na namang
nagmamalimos ng pagmamahal.

I may have renewed ties with my sisters but it didn't restore my faith in love.
Para sa akin ang love ay parang lotto-may mga taong siswertehin at makakakuha nito
ay meron naman may balat yata sa puwet na kahit anong taya ay hindi manalo-nalo.
Parang ako.

Hindi ko alam bakit ako nag- I Love You kay Dustin. Mahal ko ba talaga sya o nadala
lang ako sa alaala ng aming mga maiinit na sandali? Anong basis ko bakit ko nasabi
yun? Paano kung umalis sya? Paano kung isa o dalawang buwan lang pala ang itatagal
nitong love-love na ito na sa tingin ko ay excuse lang ng karamihan para maglandi?
Aba, kailangan ko pa ba ng excuse? Kung maglalandi ako ay maglalandi ako at hindi
ko tatawaging love para lang magmukha akong disenteng tao.

"Anong iniisip mo at kanina ka pa tahimik?" Dustin asked. Nasa condo na kami at

nakakalong ako sa kanya habang nanunuod ng TV. As usual yung kamay nya ay
nakikipaglaro sa dibdib kong gustung-gusto namang kalaro sya kahit magdamagan.

"Wala." Sagot ko.

Wala ang standard na sagot ng mga babae. Ang ibig sabihin ng wala ay sobrang dami-
pwedeng hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin ko kaya wala na muna ang sasabihin ko;
pwede ring wala dahil naghihintay ako sa pag-amin mo kaya gagamitan kita ng
Safeguard para lumabas yang nakatagong kunsensya mo kung meron man. O kaya ay
wala...wala kang lusot, hayop ka, kasi gigyerahin kita kasi buking na kita pero
naghihintay ako ng paliwanag sayo na wala akong balak paniwalaan dahil
nakapagdesisyon na akong isa kang animal na hindi dapat binibigyan ng pagkakataong
magpaliwanag. Ganyan talaga ang lahi namin, mahilig kami sa salitang wala. Who
would have thought that one word could cover different meanings and different
shades of emotions? But we're women and one word is enough.

"Babe, may nanay ako na kapag nagsabi ng wala ay ibig sabihin magtago na ako." He
chuckled before he nuzzled my neck. "Ano yun? What's bothering you?"
"I told you I love you." I replied and he stopped moving. "Hindi ako sigurado bakit
ko sinabi yun. I've never told any man, aside from Daddy, that I love him. Nagulat
yata ako sa pagsabi mo ng I love you kaya nakigaya na rin ako."

I expected him to get angry. Kasi kung ako yun, I'd get offended. Ano ito, defunct
game show na lumalaban o bawi? Pero ang mga matatalinong tao siguro ay ibang mag-
isip dahil imbes na magalit ay natawa pa si Dustin sa sinabi ko.

"Harap ka nga sa akin." He gently commanded. Tumayo ako bago umupo sa hita nya nang
nakaharap.

"Parang alam ko kung ano ang ending nito." I muttered and he laughed louder.

"Mamaya na natin pag-usap ang maaksyong ending. Mag-usap muna tayo tungkol sa
sinabi mo."

"Yun nga, hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nag I love you sayo. Feeling ko ay nadala
lang ako ng emosyon. And I am a person who doesn't like saying what she doesn't
mean-"

"Exactly. That's who you are. You do not say things that you do not mean and that
makes your I love you more meaningful."

"Talagang kumbinsido kang mahal kita, ha." I challenged and he wiggled his brows.
"Aber, paano mo naman nasabi? I am curious because I've never fallen in love. May
symptoms ba ako? Parang sakit ba yang love na yan na magkakaroon ng physical
manifestations na tinatawag?" I asked and he tilted his head to the side to regard
me with interest.

"Physical manifestation? Oh, well...you're blooming." He grinned and I rolled my

eyes at him. "Maliban dyan, your cheeks are rosier, you look healthier and you look
very happy."

"Dustin, masyado mo nang pinupuri ang galing mo sa kama. Talagang naging rosy ang
cheeks ko at naging blooming ako dahil sa araw-araw na paglalambing mo sa akin?"

"Anong magagawa ko kung yun ang lumalabas?" He laughed softly. "Bakit ba ang sungit
mo sa akin parati? Ako ay nagtataka na sayo. Dinatnan ka na ba?"

"Oo." I answered. "Kaya kung ano man yang iniisip mo, sorry pero nagkaroon na ako."

"Dinatnan ka na? Bakit hindi ko yata alam yan?"

"Bakit? Kailangan mo bang malaman bawat patak ng likidong lumalabas sa pempem ko?"

"Babe, stop saying pempem. It sounds like an invitation coming from you."

"Babe, kahit naman wala akong sabihin ay feeling mo iniimbita kita sa kama kaya wag
na tayong magplastikan." I rejoined and he laughed aloud. "Pero, seryoso ako. Paano
mo nalaman na mahal kita?"

"Nararamdaman ko."

"Ang korni mo, ha."

"I'm telling you the truth. Nararamdaman mo naman talaga kung mahal ka. In the same
manner na nararamdaman mo kung ayaw sayo, ginagamit ka lang o niloloko ka. May
ganoong instinct ang tao but we usually ignore it. Takot kasi tayong masaktan, ma-
disappoint at takot tayong ma-reject. So even if the signs are staring right at our
faces, mas pinipili nating wag iyon pansinin."

"Babe, baka ang nararamdaman mo ang pagkayanig ng pagkatao ko tuwing nilalabasan

ako..." I whispered against his ear before I bit.

"Lia Agatha Carbonel, are you in denial?" He sounded very amused. "Hindi mo ba
matanggap na mahal mo ako at mahal kita? Bakit nahihirapan kang aminin that you
have fallen for me just like I have fallen for you?"

"Hindi sa in-denial ako. What I'm concerned about is I might be lying to you. Baka
mamaya hindi naman pala ako in love. Fair akong tao, Dustin. Hindi uso sa akin ang
magpaasa and I say things as they are. Ayokong lagyan ng kulay ang isang bagay na
black and white lang naman dapat. I am doing this for you-"

"You are going through all these trouble for me yet you are saying that you aren't
sure if you love me. I am flattered, Babe. I love you, too."

"Ay, naku bahala ka na nga." I murmured frowning at him. He linked his hands behind
my waist and smiled up to me. "Ano na naman?"

"Mag I love you ka naman sa akin."

"May disclaimer nga yung sinabi ko, di ba? Ang sabi ko minsan ko lang yun sasabihin
kasi kinikilabutan ako."

"Paano yan kung gusto kong marinig?"

"Magdusa ka." I replied arching my brow and he sighed.

"Kahit yun lang sana, eh. I am not asking for you to profess your undying devotion
but I'd be very happy to hear you say I love you often. Is that too much to ask?"

"I can call you, the all-meaty lover...kahit na ilang beses pa yan but do not force
me to say those words. Ang korni nga kasi."

"Wala namang corny dun."

"Ikaw naman, pinagbigyan ka na nga minsan, talagang hihirit ka pa. Dapat na ba

akong mainis kasi hindi ka na natutuwa sa alindog ko lang ngayon? Kailangan mo pa
ng verbal stimulation from me?" I teased and he sighed again.

"Lia, this is not a one-time deal kind of relationship for me. Tingnan mo nga sina
Alex at Alexa, masaya sa pamilya nila. Sina Nick at Lee Ann naman, despite the age
difference, ay hindi nahihiyang ipakita sa ibang tao na nagmamahalan sila. Eh tayo
itong pareho namang hindi minor pero kung itago natin itong relasyon na ito ay
akala mo may mga sabit tayo."

"Dustin-"

"I am just confused. Hindi na ako satisfied sa patagong relasyon. Gusto ko nang
malaman ng mga kapatid mo, kaibigan at mga kasamahan sa trabaho na tayo na."

"Babe naman eh. Ayoko kasing husgahan. Ayokong pagsimulan na naman ng tsismis itong
relasyong ito. I just got everyone's nod. Kaka-okay ko lang sa kumpanya. Ngayon ko
lang naramdaman na nirerespeto ako ng mga tao hindi dahil may connections ako but
because I have something to offer to the company. I am just starting to get
recognized as Lia Agatha Carbonel sans her father's connections and sans her
sisters' influence. Please, don't ruin this for me. I do not want the attention to
shift to our relationship. Gusto kong manatili sa kung ano ang achievements ko as
part of C & S Holdings.

"Okay, I understand." He nodded. "Pero sana dumating ang panahong sasabihin mong
tayo na nga. Pakiramdam ko kasi habang hindi mo sinasabi ay hindi tayo seryoso.
Matanda na ako, Lia gusto ko nang mag-asawa."

"Ay, teka lang. Ano ba yan! Asawa kaagad? Ayaw mong laru-laro lang sa kama?" I
kidded but he did not smile. "Babe...tampo ka na naman."

"Dapat sayo pinaparusahan, eh, dahil pinapahirapan mo ang pagkalalaki ko." He

sounded very serious and I wasn't sure why I was turned on big time. "Ano kayang
punishment ang ibibigay ko sayo?" His voice sounded husky as he pulled the shirt I
was wearing over my head. I opened my mouth to give him a flirty comeback but he
started licking my flesh and I forgot what I was about to say.

Sabay kaming pumasok sa opisina kinabukasan. Hindi na ako nakahindi sa suggestion

nyang yung kotse na lang nya ang gamitin namin kasi dinadaan nya ako sa hagod.
Gustung-gusto ko pa rin naman hinahagod nya ako. Nag-isang round muna kami at
humirit pa sya ng pangalawa pero ayokong um-absent dahil may final meeting ako with
my team for the renovation of Hotel Blanca's restaurant.

"Mauna ka na, Dust kasi bibili akong smoothie." I smilingly told him before I got
off on the fourth floor and he frowned.

"Smoothie? This early in the morning? Hindi ka ba nabusog sa breakfast natin?" He

asked as he followed me.

"Jusko, may batas ba na nagbabawal sa pag-inom ng Guyabano smoothie sa umaga?" I

asked starting to get irritated. Pwede ba? Wag mong pakialaman ang smoothie ko kung
ayaw mo nang away! I wanted to scream at him.

"Guyabano smoothie? Babe, hindi ba maasim yun? Baka masira ang tyan mo nyan ang aga
pa lang-"

"Ilang linggo na akong umiinom nun, eh, pero nasira ba ang tyan ko? Nagrereklamo ba
ako? Bakit mo ba ako pinapakialaman-shit, why do I feel like crying? This is so
crazy." I hastily pulled a wad of unscented facial tissue papers from my bag. "You
are upsetting me right now, Dustin!" I hissed and glared angrily at him.

He looked flustered. He looked very lost and he was staring at me like I've lost my
mind. Siguro nga nababaliw na ako sa sobrang stress kasi naging mababaw ang luha ko
at ang bilis ko na lang maasar. He opened his mouth to say something and I expected
to hear his apology but he said something else.

"What time is your meeting?" He asked and I arched a brow at him.

"Bakit? Don't tell me mamaya pa ako sa meeting ko pwedeng uminom ng smoothie kasi
tatalupan na talaga kita!"

"No, it isn't like that...but... I want to have you checked by a doctor."

"What? Ano na naman?!"

"You're acting bizarre lately, Babe..."

"Wag kang OA, ha, Montemayor. What's so peculiar about wanting a smoothie in the
morning?"

"Hindi lang yun, you have mood swings, naging iyakin ka tapos mabilis kang maasar.
Besides, when did you start to love eating hotdogs-"

"Well, I love your hotdog so sue me!" I snapped and he laughed before he pulled me
into his embrace. "Nakakairita ka!"

"Sorry na." He whispered.

"May pa-doctor-doctor ka pang nalalaman. Ano ako, may sakit na kailangan mong ipa-
checkup? Just because of a smoothie!"

"Babe, it's not like that..."

"Ano pala?! Ang OA minsan ng raction mo, eh. Hindi na cute." I grumbled and he
sighed.

" I am just looking after you. Gusto ko lang namang makasiguro."

"Na ano?" I queried as he cupped my face with both his hands. "What?"

"Lia, could it be that you're pregnant?" He asked.

The moment I heard the P word, I automatically did an inventory of my activities,

what I've eaten and taken in the past weeks-inisip ko kaagad kung uminom ba ako,
nagyosi o pumarty nang bongga. Hindi ko alam kung instinct ba iyon ng babae o
talagang praning lang ako. Jusko, kaya ba para akong baliw nitong mga nakaraang
araw? Iyaking bugnutin na di mo maintindihan? Pati informercial tungkol sa mga
sisiw ay iniyakan ko? Hindi ito pwede! Jusme, Lia! Hindi bagay sayo magbuntis!
Magmumukha kang butete!

"Shit...imposible..." I whispered.

Ayokong magbuntis. Ayokong umire. Ayokong mag-alaga ng bata. Ayokong maging nanay.
Pero ayoko rin na dahil sa kapabayaan ko ay may mangyaring hindi maganda sa anak ko
kahit imahinasyon lang naman yata sya ng tatay nya.

"Lia, I'm sorry. Did I upset you?" Dustin asked and I shook my head. "What's wrong?
Bakit nakapikit yang mga mata mo? Nahihilo ka ba?"

"Tumahimik ka muna. Please. Iniisip ko kung nanigarilyo ba ako o uminom nitong mga
nakaraang lingo." I answered.

Naalala ko kung gaano kapraning si Alexa at Alexander pagdating sa yosi. Ayaw

nilang naninigarilyo ako tapos hinahawakan ko ang mga pamangkin ko. Naalala ko rin
yung isang oras halos na lecture ng kapatid ko tungkol sa epekto ng sigarilyo sa
mga bata pati yung masamang naidudulot ng second at third hand smokes. Baka naman
magmukhang tsimniya ang anak ko at bumubuga na kaagad ng usok pagkalabas na
pagkalabas pa lang nya sa pempem ko?
"No, you didn't." Dustin replied. "You've been very busy with Hotel Blanca's
renovations kaya, ang pagkakaalam ko, the last party you went to was the one where
we had our first intimate encounter."

"Ano ba yan, yung Gratitude Night." I frowned at him and he grinned.

"Bagay ang pangalan ng party na yun, ano? Gratitude Night. Gabi ng pagpapasalamat.
Salamat, ha, Babe." He grinned wider. Sarap buhusan ng tone-toneladang Guyabano
Smoothie itong isang to, eh.

"Teka nga, bakit ba ako kinakabahan? As I said nagkaroon nga ako."

"It could just be spotting."

"Spotting? How the hell did you know about these things?"

"Babe, I came from a family of doctors and at some point, I wanted to be a doctor
but I thought that I couldn't stay hidden in the shadows of my parents'
achievements kaya nga nag-iba ako ng propesyon. Spotting lang yun. The flow wasn't
heavy enough for me to notice. May araw ba na hindi tayo nag-ano?"

"Hoy, meron naman! Para mong sinasabing araw-araw tayo!"

"Araw-araw naman talaga."

"Nag-away kaya tayo ng apat na araw. Ano yun? Blinuetooth mo sa akin ang hotdog mo
at ni-receive ng pempem ko? Wag ka na nga. Tama na nga yang pregnant issue na yan.
Hindi ako buntis. Period. Mararamdaman ko yun panigurado kung sakaling buntis man
ako. Nagdadalang-tae lang ako for sure."

"Nagdadalang-tae? What?" Dustin laughed. "Babe, kung anu-anong sinasabi mo. Mamaya
gayahin yan ng anak natin."

"Hindi nga ako buntis. Ang dami mong alam."

"Then explain to me why you are having these mood swings, why you are having these
unusual food cravings ang why you're beautifully gaining weight-"

"Hindi ba ako kumakain? Hindi nga lang kain ang ginagawa natin kundi lamon. That's
the reason why I'm gaining weight at dahil sobrang busy ako ay hindi ko na nagawang
magpunta sa gym. Mood swings? Normal na yun sa akin, ano! At cravings bang
matatawag itong Guyabano Smoothie? Hindi ba pwedeng gusto ko lang ang lasa nya?"

"O, sige sabihin na nating hindi ka buntis. Pwede ba tayong magpa-checkup para
makasigurado tayo?"

"Hindi na kailangan, Dustin, ano ba yan-"

"Kung kumbinsido kang hindi ka nga buntis, anong nakakatakot sa pagpapatingin sa

doktor? At least sigurado tayo, hindi ba?" He asked. I arched my brow at him but he
continued to hold my gaze.

"Fine!" I spoke after nearly a minute of just holding each other's stare. "Fine,
magpapa-check-up na ako."

"Good." Dustin smiled.

"Sige, next week."

"Next week? Lunes pa lang ngayon, Babe. Ilang araw pa ang hihintayin natin bago
natin malaman kung magiging Daddy na ba ako o hindi?" Daddy pa tong isang to? Puro
kahalayan lang siguro ituturo nito sa mga magiging anak nya. At kung genetic pa
yung laki ng sandata nya, arujusko! Maraming pempem ang iiyak! I nearly sniggered
at my thoughts. "Can't we do it today?"

"Busy ako. Pina-finalize na nga namin yung renovation plans ng Hotel Blanca. Inuna
ko kasi yung restaurant pero gusto ni Alexa bigyan ko ng new look yung buong
hotel."

"Hindi ba natin pwedeng isingit ang pagpapa-checkup mo?"

"Hindi. Hectic ang schedule ko sa linggong ito. Araw-araw meron akong meeting.
Tapos, pinag-uusapan pa ang pagpapatayo ng C&S Sky Tower II and III. Alam mo yan
dahil kasama ka noong nakaraang meeting, di ba?"

Ang plano ni Alexa ay magkaroong ng limang Sky Towers. Alam kong masyadong
ambitious but the supportive sister in me couldn't help but cheer her on. Magaling
ang utak nya sa pagpapatakbo ng business, even Tito Ferds was astounded because my
sister nearly tripled the revenue. Alexa wasn't one to waste space or opportunity
kaya yung malawak na pathway, na hindi naman ginagamit dahil meron namang mas
malawak na Zen garden ang harap ng building namin na ginagawang tambayan ng mga
trabahante, ay ginawa nyang commercial spaces for restaurants na bukas twenty-four
seven.

"Okay, let's schedule the check-up next week then."

"Thank you, Babe." I smiled at him and instantly frowned.

"Teka lang, ha. Gusto ko lang na klaro. Ayoko sa ospital ninyo. Mamaya magkita pa
kami ng nanay mo, masisira talaga araw ko at mababawasan talaga beauty ko. Don't
tell me doon mo ako balak ipa-check-up?" I asked and shook my head in disbelief
when he lowered his gaze. "Dustin naman!"

"Babe, wala ka bang balak makipagbati kay Mommy? Ang tagal na nitong away ninyo-"

"Hindi kami nag-aaway! Mukha ba kaming nag-aaway ng nanay mo? We just have extreme
dislike for each other kaya hindi namin take ang presensya, pagmumukha at aura ng
isa't isa!"

"Babe naman..."

"Ayokong makipagplastikan sa Mommy mo, Dust. Jusko, di kakayanin ng kapangyarihan

ko kahit kumain pa ng plant food ang pempem ko mala Plants vs Zombies! At wag mong
sasabihin sa akin na nanay mo sya kaya kailangan ko syang pakisamahan, wala sa
kontrata ng paglalandian natin yan!"

"Hindi ko naman ipipilit sayo kung ayaw mo. But she's my mother and although she's
overbearing and bitchy most of the time, still-"

"Ikaw nga hindi mo sya natagalan kaya lumayas ka sa inyo tapos ako, pipilitin mong
sumong at dance number to the tune of Kumbaya, My Lord kasama sya? Okay ka lang?" I
questioned irately and he laughed.

"O, sige wag na muna nating pag-usapan. Ikaw talaga. Napapatawa mo talaga ako
parati."

"Okay lang, pinapaungol mo rin naman ako parati kaya patas." I replied flipping my
hair and he laughed again.
"Halika na, puntahan na natin yang Guyabano Smoothie mo para makaakyat na tayo sa
itaas. Maaga pa lang, bukas na ba sila?"

"Oo, seven in the morning ang pagbubukas nila daily except for Sundays."

"Okay." He replied before he draped and arm around my shoulders.

Ma-PDA o Public Display of Affection si Dustin. Hindi ko alam kung wala lang
naglalakas ng loob magtanong kung romantically linked kaming dalawa o sadyang
mukhang friendly lang talaga kami sa isa't isa. I even wondered kung bakit hindi pa
nakakarating kina Alexa at Lee Ann ang balitang naghaharutan kami. Naisip kong baka
takot ang mga taong pagtsismisan kami dahil alam nilang nagiging dragon sa Alexa
kapag may naririnig syang hindi maganda tungkol sa amin ni Lee Ann at ng mga
Sandoval. O baka rin dahil naisip ng mga taong walang kabuluhang pagtsismisan pa
nila kami dahil hindi kami ka-link-link. Sobra kasi kaming opposite-kung anong
kinikay ko ay yun namang pinormal ni Dustin na Valedictorian sa Nickolai Sandoval's
School For Poker Face.

"Sabay ba tayo ng lunch?" I asked as we waited for the elevator. Sobrang kilala na
ako ng nagbabantay nung smoothie stall at makita pa lang nya ang anino ko ay
ginagawa na nya yung Guyabano Smoothie kaya nag-aabot na lang ako ng bayad
kadalasan.

"Bakit? Do you have other plans?" Dustin questioned, frowning. "Bakit hindi mo pa
iniiniom yan? Akin na nga ako na ang magdadala."

"Hindi na. Gusto kong sa opisina ko iniinom para uninterrupted ang aking
enjoyment." I stated and he chuckled. "Dalawa ang meeting ko ngayong araw na ito
kaya nga pati yung meeting with my agent ay kinancel ko. Lampas lima na yata ang
kinancel kong projects. Naisip ko tuloy na mag-retire this early."

"Mag-retire ka."

"Tapos? Paano kung pumalpak ako dito sa pagiging Creative Consultant ko? Eh di,
wala akong fall back?"

"Babe, you're good at what you're doing. Pero kung ano man ang desisyon mo,
suportado ko."

"Naks, sweet naman. Hihirit ka mamaya, ano?" I winked at him and he laughed before
he whispered in my ear.

"Hanggang alas onse lang naman ang morning meetings mo kadalasan, hindi ba?"

"Depende..." I whispered back.

"Depende saan?" He bit my ear and I nearly squealed.

Mabuti at wala nang taong nag-aabang ng elevator dahil sa pakulo ng Human Resources
namin na Give and Take Thirty. Si Lee Ann ang nakaisip noon at ginawan ng programa
ni Alexa. Ako? Ako ang nag-design ng poster. Ang taray, di ba?

Ayun sa rules ng event ay aagahan ng mga empleyadong pumasok ng thirty minutes pati
ang pagtatapos ng trabaho nila ay ii-extend din nila ng thirty minutes for one
month. Dapat yung productivity ng department nila ay tumaas din ng thirty percent.
Kapag nangyari iyon, lahat ng tao ng department na yun ay makakatanggap ng thirty
thousand na cash bonus. Kaya ayun, lahat nagpakabibo.
"Babe, ayan ka na naman, eh. Alam mo namang mapagbigay ako, wag ganyan."

"Pagbigyan mo na ako, mapagbigay ka naman, di ba?"

"Babe, nagpasa na ng memo ang pempem ko. Humihingi ng day off. Bakit naman daw
ganun, masyado syang overworked? Hindi mo daw ba alam na bawal iyon ayun sa
saligang batas?" I said and he laughed. "Yung sayo ba hindi nagrereklamo?"

"Wala pa naman akong na-receive na memo." He jokingly replied.

Bumukas ang pintuan ng elevator at sumakay kaming dalawa. Hinatid nya muna ako sa
opisina ko para lapirutin bago magpaalam. Malantod kasi syang talaga. Ako naman ay
feel na feel ang pagiging malandi nya.

At a quarter to nine, I got up from my chair to head towards Alexa's office. Kaming
dalawa kasi ang magkasama sa meeting dahil sya ang nag-a-approve ng final budget.
Pagpasok ko sa opisina nya ay wala ang kapatid ko kaya tinawagan ko sya sa
telepono.

"Ate, paakyat na ako. Mga ten to fifteen minutes na lang. May chicneck lang ako sa
isang department." She said over the phone. Kahit pwede namang yung department head
ang umakyat at makipag-usap kay Alexa, ay mas gusto ng kapatid kong dumadalaw sya
sa mga departamento. Sabi nya nakaka-boost daw yun ng morale ng mga empleyado.

"O, sige hintayin na lang kita dito sa opisina mo. 9:15 AM pa naman ang meeting.
Inagahan ko lang ng punta kasi makikipagchikahan sana ako sayo."

"Sorry, Ate! Bibilisan ko."

"Hindi na, ano ka ba. Unahin mo muna yan, puro kalanturan lang naman ang pag-
uusapan natin. O sige na, bye." I said before ending the call. "Ano bang gagawin ko
dito?" I murmured to myself as I walked to sit behind Alexa's desk.

Bumungad sa akin ang family picture nila na nasa harap ng mesa nya at at picture
frame na may lamang photo naming tatlo nina Lee Ann. Meron ding frame na may
picture ni Daddy kaya naiiyak na naman ako.

"Nakakaloka, ang drama ko talaga." I murmured to myself as I blinked my tears away.

"Ano ba ito, masyadong malinis ang drawer, lahat color coded at mega organized." I
muttered as I opened her table drawers to keep my sadness at bay. I was about to
close the third drawer when something caught my eye.

I picked up one of the rectangular boxes and stared at it. It simply says Home
Pregnancy Test Kit. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong kinabahan. Luminga-linga
ako na sobrang nakakatanga kasi obviously ay ako lang ang tao sa loob ng opisina ni
Alexa. "Pero hindi ako buntis." I said aloud and frowned. "Gawin mo na yan, Lia
para matapos na yung kalokohan ni Dustin." I expelled a heavy breath before I rose
to my feet. Pumunta ako sa kabilang dulo ng opisina at kumuha ng Evian na bottled
water sa loob ng personal refrigerator ni Alexa. Binuksan ko ang bote at nilagok
ang lahat ng laman nun.

"Ang bilis naman. Naiihi na kaagad ako." I murmured as I ran to the en-suite
bathroom. Binasa ko ang instructions na nasa karton ng pregnancy test kit at di ko
maiwasang sumimangot. "Ang daming arte naman nito. Single strip, negative and
double strips, positive. Okay." I mumbled before washing my hands.

I lowered my undies before I sat on the toilet bowl and gingerly peed on the stick.
"Bwisit ka talaga, Dustin! Pinapasok mo na nga ang pempem ko ay talagang
pinapasukan mo pa ng kung anu-anong kalokohan ang utak ko!" I grumbled before I
reached for some sanitary wipes from the bathroom's counter to clean myself. I
placed the stick on top of the toilet tank lid after I threw the wipes inside the
sanitized trash bin.

I rose to my feet and pulled my undies up before washing my hands again.

"Nakakaloka. Malalaman kaya ni Alexa na kulang na ng isa yung Home Pregnancy test
Kit nya? At mas nakakaloka na meron talaga syang stash ng ganun sa loob ng drawer
nya. Sabagay, ginawa na pala niyang hobby ang pagdadala ng sanggol sa sinapupunan."
I laughed at my own joke as I glanced at my watch. "Ayan, ten minutes na. Okay,
fine gawin natin twelve minutes para sulit na sulit." I hummed to myself. "Hintayin
mo talaga Dustin at isasalaksak ko itong pregnancy test kit sa bunganga mo. Hay
naku, hindi na pwedeng walang protection, Lia. Jusme, hindi ka inay-material." I
lectured my reflection on the mirror before I walked to retrieve the plastic stick.

"Okay, let me see...hm...dalawa...so...so...oh...my...SHIT!" I stared at the double

strips, aghast. "PAKYU KA, MONTEMAYOR!"

Hindi ko kaya at hindi ko matanggap na double strips ang nakikita ko sa Home

Pregnancy Test Kit kaya ang ginawa ko ay kumuha pa ako ng isang stick at lumaklak
ng tubig nang bongga para maihi ulit. Pero langhiya! Dalawang guhit talaga ang
lumalabas.

"Jusko, Lia! Ano yan!" Gusto kong sabunutan ang sarili ko. Siguro kung hindi lang
ako takot na may mangyaring masama sa bata, kung totoo mang buntis ako, ay nag-
order na ako ng isang boteng Tequila, pampatanggal ng amats.

Pakiramdam ko lasing ako at nag-iilusyon akong dalawa ang strips na nakikita ko

kaya napilitan akong maghilamos. Pero kahit anong gawin ko dalawa talaga sya. I was
thinking about going back inside Alexa's office to take a third pregnancy test kit
from her drawer when I heard my sister call my name.

"Ate!" I heard her office door clicking closed and I immediately threw the plastic
kit inside the trash bin. "Ate?"

"Alexa, teka lang, nasa banyo ako." I replied as I patted my face dry. "Jusme, may
pahila-hilamos ka pa kasing nalalaman kaya tuloy kailangan mong mag-reapply ng
make-up!" I scolded myself quietly. "Ay, naku, Dustin! Walanghiya ka! Nag-iwan ka
pa talaga ng alaala sa sinapupunan ko! At ikaw naman Lia Agatha, di ka rin
gumagamit ng utak, eh! Sabi nang dapat may protection! Kung kelan ka tumanda ay
tsaka ka naman nagkaroon ng ganyang problema! Tumi-teenage pregnancy ka, gaga!" I
murmured as I tried my hardest to appear calm.

Observant si Alexa at minsan pakiramdam ko ay ramdam nyang may lampungang nagaganap

sa aming dalawa ni Dustin but she preferred to ignore her hunches. Siguro
hinihintay nya lang na i-confirm ko. O kaya naman ayaw nyang panghimasukan ang
buhay ko kaya hindi nya ako tinatanong o sinusumbatan. Paglabas ko ng banyo ay
nakatayo sya sa harapan ng mesa nya.

"O, anong nangyari sayo?" She asked frowning. "Umiyak ka ba? Bakit parang maputla
ka yata?"
"New look yan. Bagong-gising look kaya walang make-up." I replied and she laughed.
"At ang tindi. Talagang umiyak ako? Ano naman daw ang iiyakan ko? Hindi ko kinaya
ang laki ng sandata ni MM?" I asked and my sister laughed harder.

"Curious na curious na talaga ako kung sino yan si MM. Ipakilala mo naman yan sa
akin at parang matagal na kayo nyan. Ano bang meron sa lalaking yan at itinatago mo
ang alindog nya sa amin ni Lee Ann? Let's invite him to lunch one of these days."

Hindi na kailangan dahil halos araw-araw natin syang kasabay kumain. I wanted to
say. "Hindi sa itinatago ko pero alam mo na, ayoko ng complications. Syempre kapag
ipinakilala ko na sya sa inyo, parang ano...parang..."

"Parang?"

"Parang seryoso na kami."

"Bakit? Nagbibiruan lang ba kayo ng lalaking yan?" Alexa inquired and I laughed.

"Nag-uungulan, naglalampungan, naghaharutan, naglalandian na may halong seryosong

usapan paminsan-minsan-kapag naalala naming magsuot ng damit." I laughed loudly and
my sister burst out laughing.

"Ate, I do not believe that you have no romantic feelings towards this guy.
Kinikilig ka kaya sa kanya at ang OA nyong mag-text sa isa't isa, ha. Naisip ko
tuloy kung estudyante ba itong si MM at walang pantawag kasi kapag nasa meeting
tayo ay puro pagti-text ang inaatupag mo." May halong biro nyang sabi.

Gusto ko syang biruin na nakakahiya namang mag-usap pa kami ni Dustin sa telepono

habang nagmi-meeting samantalang magkatabi kami ng upuan at may himasang nagaganap
sa ilalim ng mesa. Pero bigla kong naalala na double strips nga pala ang nakita ko
sa pregnancy test kit kanina at nabwisit na naman ako nang todo. Feeling ko nagoyo
ako.

"Naisahan ako ng loko." I murmured to myself.

"Ano, Ate?"

"Wala." I shook my head smiling at my sister. But I couldn't get the double strips
of the test kit off my mind. Parang may dalawang pink strips na nasa harapan ng mga
mata kahit saan ako banda tumingin. "Alexa..."

"Yes, Ate?" She looked inquiringly at me. Takte paano ko ba itatanong dito kung
accurate yung pregnancy test kit nya. Nyemas talagang buhay ito! Gabi-gabing sarap,
ayan tuloy, siyam na buwan na hirap! "Ano yun, Ate?"

"Gusto ko lang itanong..."

"Ang ano, Ate?"

"Hindi ka ba nahihirapan na halos taun-taon kang nagbubuntis? Bakit parang blooming

ka at sexy ka pa rin kahit may laman nang semilya ni Sandoval yang tyan mo?" I
asked and my sister stared at me for about three seconds before she laughed hard.

"Ano ka ba naman, Ate!"

"Ayoko kasing magbuntis pero ikaw parang ginawa mong recreational activity."

"Baliw ka talaga." She laughed some more before she turned serious. "Noong una,
ayoko ring magkaanak." She confided and I arched my brow. Unang tingin ko pa lang
kasi sa kapatid ko ay alam kong bagay at hiyang sa kanya ang maging nanay. At saka
kung makikita mo si Alexa sa bahay nila, masasabi mong may mga babae talagang
ipinanganak para maging asawa at ina. It was amazing how she ran her household
smoothly, parang kapag sya ang nakikita ko, petiks lang ang pagiging maybahay at
career woman.

"Bakit?"

"Marami akong takot. Takot akong magkamali ako sa pagpapalaki sa mga magiging anak
ko. Takot akong may mga desisyon akong gagawin na magkakaroon ng masamang epekto sa
mga bata. Takot ako na baka kapag tumanda na sila at hindi naging maganda ang
kinahinatnan ng mga buhay nila ay sisisihin nila ako at susumbatan." She smiled at
me. "Ang weird, di ba? Takot ako noon pero tingnan mo naman ako ngayon. Nothing
gives me greater joy than holding my children in my arms."

"What made you change your mind?" I asked and she laughed softly.

"This sound cheesy pero si Alex. He was the one who made me change my attitude
towards getting pregnant and raising children."

"Potek, ang korni! Ganun? Lahat na lang ng takot mo sa katawan ay nawala noong
nasilayan mo ang mahiwagang sandata ng asawa mo?"

"Ate talaga!" Alexa protested laughing. "Mahal ko sya at yung pagmamahal na yun
kayang magpatawad, kayang magpakumbaba at kayang-kayang maging matapang para sa
kanya. Iba, Ate kapag mahal mo. Lahat gagawin mo, kahit hindi man nyan hingin."

"Jusko, ha, ang kakornihan mo ay hindi ko kaya. Makapagmake-up na nga lang muna."

"Ano nga palang nangyari sayo? Hindi mo pa ako sinasagot. Nag-away ba kayo nyang MM
mo?"

"Hindi, ah! Mag-aaway pa lang."

"Ha? Bakit?"

"Wala, biro lang. Mabait yun, malambing, mahilig lumambing, tuwang-tuwa kapag
nilalambing at makabayan yun, oras-oras nagpa-flag ceremony." I said and Alexa
doubled over in laughter.

"Ate! Tama na nga, baka mamaya kapag ipinakilala mo sa akin yan ay bababa ang
tingin ko sa ano nya dahil dyan sa mga sinasabi mo!"

"Uy, wag naman ganun. Nakakaloka. Jusme, ini-imagine ko pa lang na ganun ang
mangyayari ay di ko na kinakaya!" Nagtawanan kaming magkapatid. Ano kayang magiging
reaksyon no Alexa kapag nalaman nyang si Dustin ang tinutukoy ko. Ikaw naman kasi,
pempem, ang daldal mo! Harujusko!

"Ano ba, Ate naiba na ang usapan. Kung hindi ka umiyak ay anong nangyari sayo?" My
sister asked.

"Naghilamos ako."

"Ha? Bakit ka naman naghilamos?" She asked looking at me and I couldn't find a
practical reason to give her. Minsan itong si Alexa, nakakainis ang pagiging
Harvard Law graduate, ang daming tanong. I thought as I pulled my make-up kit from
my bag.
"Kasi feel ko lang magmaganda." I replied with a grin. "O, sya lalagyan ko lang ng
kolorete itong mukha ko at baka ma-late pa tayo sa meeting. Alam kong ayaw na ayaw
mong nali-late." I added before I made my way into the bathroom.

The meeting lasted for more than two hours at kahit sobrang interesado ako sa topic
ay pakiramdam ko antok na antok na antok ako at di ko mapigilang maghikab. Lalo
tuloy akong napraning, feeling ko talaga pregnancy blues.

"Nakakairita yang double pink strips na yan! May makita lang talaga akong naka-
pink, bibigyan ko ng uppercut!" I murmured as I made my way back to my office.
Nauna nang umakyat si Alexa kasi bumaba pa ako para bumili ng smoothie.I looked at
the Guyabano Smoothie in my hand and inwardly groaned. Buntis nga yata talaga ako.
I resignedly thought.

"Babe!" I heard Dustin call me and I turned to find him walking towards me. Yan ka,
eh! Babe ka nang Babe! Ang akala ko nilalambing mo ako, yun pala dinasalan mo nang
magkasanggol sa loob ng sinapupunan ko! "Hi!" He said as he gave me a quick kiss.
"O, bakit nakasimangot ka?"

"Walanghiya ka."

"Ha? Bakit? Anong kasalanan ko sayo, Babe?"

"Babe mo mukha mo! Hay naku, Dustin! Gabi-gabi naman kasi! Hindi ka ba marunong
magpahinga?"

"Babe, what is it?" He sounded very worried. "What did I do-"

"Dustin, Lia!" We heard Nickolai's voice and we both turned to look at him.

"Hi, Nick." I said while he and Dustin patted each other's shoulder. Itong dalawang
to, may patapik-tapik sa balikat pang nalalaman! Nakakabwisit! I irately thought.

Parang bwisit ako sa lahat ng lalaki. Kasi bakit ba sila biniyayaan ng semilya?
Okay na sana, eh, okay nang maglampungan magdamag pero may buntisan pang kaganapan
na nakakaloko kasi ang mga babae lang ang apektado. Mabuti sana kung nababawasan ng
half inch yung mga hotdog nila kapag nakabuntis silang babae para patas!

"Hi, Lia. Bakit every time nakikita kita ay may dala kang ganyan?" He asked eyeing
my smoothie. "Para kang naglilihi." He remarked and I nearly glowered at him. Aba,
tarantado itong Sandoval na ito! Kung makapagsalita, akala mo naman hindi mukhang
naghihilamos ng Botox bawat umaga kaya hirap na hirap ngumiti! "It's just a joke
Lia." He grinned. At marunong ka nang mag-joke ngayon? Aba, umaasenso! I thought as
the elevator door opened.

The three of us got inside at busy si Dustin at Nick sa usapang business

samantalang ako naman at nalulunod sa takot na buntis ako. Hindi ko tuloy ma-enjoy
ang smoothie ko sa kaba ko.

"Hey, what's wrong? You seem preoccupied. Kanina ka pa walang kibo. Ni hindi mo
napansin na ubos na yang smoothie mo at sipsip ka pa rin nang sipsip sa straw." He
commented as I typed my password on the LED panel of my office's door. "Tell me,
anong problema?" He queried following me into my office.

Inilapag ko ang bag ko sa sofa bago itinapon sa basurahan ang container ng smoothie
at tumingin ako sa kanya.

Mukhang alalang-alala sya at hindi ko alam kung bakit gusto ko syang yakapin. Pero
gusto ko rin syang bangasan sa bwisit. Oo na! Oo! Pumayag akong iputok nya sa loob,
every time. Pero hindi man lang sya nagdahan-dahan. Ano yun, bawat sargo nya, may
laman?

"Ay naku!" I groaned sitting on my sofa and he hurried over to my side.

"Ano yun, Babe? Sabihin mo na sa akin, please. You're scaring me."

"Ay matakot ka talaga, walanghiya ka! Sabi ko na kasi, eh! Hindi ba sabi ko?"

"Sabi mo ano?"

"Sabi ko mag-ingat tayo!"

"Ha? Mag-ingat saan? Wait, did Alexa accidentally find out about us? Is that the
reason why you're acting like this? I can talk to her. Galit ba sya? Anong sinabi
nya?"

"Hindi nya nalaman!" Pabulyaw na sagot ko and he looked more puzzled. Bigla na lang
akong naiiyak sa bwisit kaya binuksan ko ang bag ko at kinuha ang isang pack ng
facial tissues. "Shit na yan." I sniffed. "Bwisit talaga! Sabi ko na, eh! May
kakaiba! Akala ko wala lang yun pala ito na yun!"

"Lia, talk to me, what is it?" He sounded very serious. "Hindi ko naiintindihan ang
mga sinasabi mo. Nalilito na ako sa mga sinasabi mo. Why are you crying?"

"Anong gagawin ko?" I wailed. "Bwisit ka talaga, eh! Dahil sayo malalaman tuloy
nilang hindi na ako virgin!"

"Ha?"

"At least dati magdududa lang sila, ngayon meron nang ebidensya!" I couldn't stop
crying as I pulled more facial tissues from the pack. "Jusko! Nakakainis ka!
Nakakainis ka talaga!"

"Babe..."

"Babe ka pa dyan! Buntis ako!" I yelled and he looked genuinely surprised. "O, ano?
Eh di natulala ka! Hay, bwisit! Kung kelan naging beinte-singko dun naman
pumalpak!"

"You're pregnant?" He sounded unsure. "May baby na tayo?"

"Kung baby to! Mamaya hotdog pala tong dala-dala ko-"

"I'm so proud of you." He pulled me into his embrace before he whispered against my
hair. "I am so proud of you." He repeated holding me tighter. "Our babies are lucky
to have you as their mother."

"Anong babies?! Plural?!"

"Bakit? Hindi ba natin ito susundan?" He asked chuckling and I hit his chest with
my fist. He maneuvered me to sit astride him before he started unbuttoning my
blouse.

"Ano na naman-"

"I love you." He whispered and I started tearing up. He was looking expectantly at
me and I rolled my eyes at him. "I said I love you."
"Fine, I love you, too." I muttered and heard him softly laugh.

"Now let me show you how much..." He said before I felt his mouth on my flesh.

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Dustin was very excited about the baby. Sa sobrang excitement nya ay naka-dalawang
rounds pa kami pagdating namin sa bahay. Ganun kasi sya, sa lahat ng emosyong kaya
nyang ilabas, ay nilalabas nya rin sa akin ang damdamin nya. His excitement was so
contagious that I was actually touched. Naisip kong kahit hindi akong perpektong
ina, nandyan si Dustin para punuan yung mga pagkukulang ko sa baby. I thought that
he would be a great father.

"Kapag lalaki sya, tuturuan ko syang mag-golf. Isasama namin sya ng Ninong Alex at
Ninong Nick nya every Saturday."

"Ang taray, may mga ninong kaagad?"

"Babe, wag ka nang kumontra. Usapan na naming tatlo yan na magiging ninong kami ng
panganay na anak ng isa't isa."

"Paano kung puro panganay ang magiging anak ninyo sa iba't ibang babae? Alin dun
yung gagawin nyong inaanak? May raffle bang magaganap at may nakahanda na ba kayong
tambyolo?"

"Babe, naman. Hindi ka seryoso, eh."

"Anong hindi? Seryoso ako, ano. Paano kung ganun nga ang mangyari? Palabunutan na
lang ba ito?"

"Syempre kung sino yung unang pinanganak ay yun ang panganay-"

"Dyan. Dyan kayo magaling. Pinag-usapan nyo talaga siguro yan." I said and he
laughed.

"Nagseselos ka ba, Babe sa imaginary ibang babae ko."

"Sus. Ako? Magseselos? Itong ganda, itong sexy at itong galing kong gumiling kong
to ay talagang magseselos pa ako?" I huffed and he laughed louder.

"Babe, ayokong mag-away tayo, ha. Sabagay okay lang pala kasi dumodoble ang
lambingan kapag nag-aaway tayo."

"Ang hilig mo."

"Ako lang?"

"Oo, ako rin pala. Ang hilig natin." I said and he laughed again.

"Basta magiging mag-best friends sila nina Alexi at Alexanna at ng iba pa nyang mga
pinsan. Sigurado akong matalino sya kasi matalino tayong pareho. Sigurado rin ako
na magiging habulin sya ng chicks-"

"Wag mo ngang tawaging chicks ang mga babae, ano bang likeness ng babae at sisiw?
Dahil ba inosente ang mga sisiw at walang muwang kaya parati nyong tinatawag na
chicks kaming mga babae?"

"O, sige para wala nang away, agila na ang itatawag ko sayo." He laughingly said.
"I didn't mean anything demeaning, Babe, when I said chicks. Ako pa ba naman ang
magdi-discriminate sa mga kababaihan samantalang mahal na mahal kita?"

"Dustin, pagod na ako, ha. Hindi enough na pinakain mo ako ng signature dishes mong
Carbonara at French toasts para alipinin mo ako sa kama magdamag."

"Bakit, Babe? Ayaw mo na bang mag-ano tayo?"

"Sinabi ko bang ayaw? Pahinga ang hinihingi ko!"

"Ah, ganun ba? Mabuti na yung malinaw." He grinned.

"Pero ngayong gabing ito ay quota na ako. Ayoko na kahit gaano ka pa kagaling sa
pagpapatirik ng mga mata ko at kahit nagkakaroon na ng tono ang mga halinghingi ko
sa sobrang sarap. Nag-text na si pempem sa akin at ang sabi nya ay last day na daw
nya ngayon, mamaya ay magpa-fax na sya ng resignation letter."

"I find it funny that you talk about your womanhood as if it's a living person." He
chuckled and I scowled at him.

"Womanhood talaga? Ang polite mo naman parang hindi mo sya hinaharabas gabi-gabi."
I said and he guffawed.

"God, Lia, you are so funny." He said when he caught his breath. "That's why I love
you, you are amazing in bed and out of it."

"Ay, amazing talaga?" I asked and he nodded. "Partida wala pa akong ginagawa nyan
at nakakalong lang ako sayo pero amazing na kaagad. Paano kung gigiling ako nang
ganito?" I naughtily asked moving my hips and he moaned.

"Babe, ano ba, natu-turn on na naman tuloy ako."

"Kahit siguro nagbabawas ako Dustin ay matu-turn on ka." I replied and he chuckled
before he hugged me to his chest. "Pero, teka lang? Paano kung babae itong baby?"

"Kung babae yan, she'll still be bestfriends with her cousins. Hatid-sundo sya mula
bahay hanggang eskwela at walang lalaking pwedeng lumapit sa kanya."
"Double standards lang! Kapag babae hatid-sundo pero kapag lalaki ay okay lang na
habulin ng babae? Anong klaseng paniniwala yan? The feminist in me disagrees."

"But the father in me thinks that it's only fair that she's protected. Aba, anak ko
yan. Sa tingin mo ay papayag akong ligawan sya ng kung sinu-sino?"

"Dustin, you're starting to sound like your mother. Napaka-snob mong pakinggan.
Paano kung ang magustuhan ng anak mo ay nagtitinda ng taho? High school lang ang
tinapos at hindi galing sa marangyang pamilya? Hahadlangan mo ang nararamdaman ng
bata?"

"Babe, don't tell me, kung ikaw ang tatanungin ko ay papayag ka?" He asked and I
frowned at him.

Papayag ba ako? Kung hindi ko siguro anak, oo. Pero iisipin ko pa lang na
maghihirap ang anak ko dahil sa pinili nyang pakasalan, sumisikip na ang dibdib ko
at nakakaramdam na ako ng yamot. It was weird how my thought drifted towards Anita.
Ganito rin kaya ang naramdaman nya? Ganito rin kaya ang naisip nya noong sinabi ni
Dustin na ako ang girlfriend nya? Did she think that I wasn't good enough for her
son?

Bakit ko ba biglang naisip yung Anitang yun? Whatever her reason was, hindi
katanggap-tanggap na iimbitahan nya ako sa bahay nila para bastusin! Itong si
Dustin kasi! Kung anu-anong pinapasok sa utak ko! Bwisit talaga itong mga abogadong
ito. Ang lakas manggago.

"O, bakit natahimik ka? Tell me what you think." He looked like he was trying hard
not to grin.

Naisip ko tuloy na sana nag-abogada na lang ako. Feel na feel ko pa namang

nagsasabi ng your honor. Pauso kasi ito si Dustin, sa galing nyang umindayog
napapa-your honor tuloy ako nang wala sa oras. Pero naisip ko ring nauto ni
Alexander si Alexa kahit abogada naman ang kapatid ko. Itong mga lalaking ito, ang
hilig mang-uto! I thought to myself as Dustin fed me slices of fruits from the
fruit platter. He cleared his throat and I knew that he was about to say something
serious.

"Babe?"

"Ano?"

"Let's get married." He said. At tumaas ang kilay ko. "We're already engaged and
although I tricked you into saying yes, I really want to-"

"Ayokong magpakasal." I cut him off. "Ayokong matali. Ayokong maging Mrs. Whoever.
Hindi ko pa nga alam kung magiging responsableng ina ba ako, dadagdagan mo pa ng
titulong asawa?

"Babe, magkakaanak na tayo-"

"That's a wrong reason to get married, Dustin. Bakit? Hindi ba pwede naman tayong
magkaanak ng hindi tayo kasal? Mawawala ba ang pagiging magulang natin dito sa bata
kung hindi tayo mag-asawa? Hindi ba, di naman? Getting married is a big leap and I
don't want to take that leap now. I don't think I will ever be brave enough to take
that leap."

"Ganun ba talaga ang mga Carbonel?" He expelled a heavy breath.

"What do you mean?"

"Because I remember Alexander had this same issue with Alexa. Ayaw din magpakasal
ng kapatid mo. Madaming misgivings daw si Alexa pagdating sa marriage but
eventually love won out and look at how happy they are now."

"Teka nga, nasusuka ako sa kakornihan mo. Anong love won out? Ano yan, telenobela?"
I asked. "Jusko, ha, sa ating dalawa ikaw ang baduy." I mumbled.

"Babe, I want our child to carry my name. I want our child to have the security of
a family. I want our child to know that we love him or her so much that regardless
of the fears we have regarding getting married, we did for her or his sake. Hindi
ba dapat ganoon ang magulang? Uunahin nya ang kapakanan at kaligayahan ng anak nya?
At mahal natin itong batang ito at matinong mga magulang tayo kaya dapat lang ay i-
prioritize natin kung ano ang makakabuti sa kanya."

"Jusme, Dustin, wag mo nga akong dinadaan sa ganyan!" Napatulala ako sa speech nya.
Anong isasagot mo naman sa ganun? Parang napakawalang kwenta kong ina dahil mag-
iinarte pa akong ayaw kong magpakasal eh kailangan ng anak ko ng pamilya.

"Dinadaan sa ano, Babe?"

"Dinadaan-daan dyan sa pagiging abogado mo! Ano to, brasuhan?"

"I'm hurt, Babe. Sa tingin mo ay pinipilit kita? I am asking you nicely. May halong
lambing pa nga at himas yung pagkakasabi ko."

"Yung himas ay ramdam na ramdam ko." I replied and he laughed again. "Dust, please,
I really don't want to get married. Not because I don't like you and I don't have
feelings for you. Fact is, I think you'll be a great husband and father pero wala
sayo ang problema kundi sa akin."

"So you think you are not worthy of me?"

"Bakit parang ang yabang pakinggan nung sinabi mo?" I arched my brow at him and he
smiled. "Pwede bang makuntento na lang tayong dalawa sa rason na ibinigay ko?"

"Hindi ako kuntento sa rason na binibigay mo. I understand that you're scared, Lia.
I am, too. Wala naman akong prior experience sa pagiging asawa at pagiging ama. But
I want to experience that important journey with you."

"Bakit? Dahil mahal mo ako?"

"At dahil alam kong kailangan natin ang isa't isa. Much more than the love, we give
each other balance. Kahit naman mahal nyo ang isa't isa kung hindi naman nagko-
compliment ang mga ugali ninyo ay wala rin. Please, I know you would say no pero
pag-isipan mo naman muna ulit bago ka magdesisyon. Hindi na lang ito tungkol sa
ating dalawa, may baby nang involved. Please, think about it." He said.

"Kung sasabihin kong pag-iisipan ko ay tatahimik ka na?" I asked and he nodded

sagely. "Kung sasabihin ko bang pag-iisipan ko ay hihindi na yang kamay mo sa
paglalaro sa mga dapat di nya pinaglalaruan?" I added and he laughed before he
nuzzled my neck.

"Ihinto ko ba?" He whispered against my flesh.

"Hindi. Dyan lang." I replied and he continued to fondle me.

Napag-usapan namin na sa aming dalawa lang muna yung pagbubuntis ko. Ang sabi ko sa
kanya ay ilang linggo na lang ay birthday na ni Lee Ann. I wanted my sister to get
the spotlight she deserved. I was surprised when he readily agreed. Surprised and,
oddly enough, suspicious. Pakiramdam ko ay ayaw nya ring ipaalam sa iba na buntis
ako. Na nakakaloka lang kasi ako naman ang nagpakana ng sikretuhan blues na yan.

"Para kang tanga, Lia, sa totoo lang. Dala ba yan ng pagbubuntis mo? Pero bakit
hindi man lang sya sumalungat? Talagang pumayag sya kaagad." I mumbled to myself. I
heard my office phone ringing and I stepped out of my bathroom to take the call.

"Miss Lia, si Sandra po it, Ma'am sa reception." I heard the new receptionist say
over the phone. "Someone's here to see you, Ma'am."

"Okay. Sino?" I asked and she stammered.

"Teka...teka po, Miss Lia, umupo po kasi...kasi sya habang tinatawagan ko po kayo,
teka po puntahan ko lang po sa-"

"Hindi na kailangan, I'm actually expecting someone." I said because she sounded
like she was about to cry. "Next time, do not forget office protocols, okay?"

"Opo, Ma'am pasensya na po." She said and I sighed.

"Hindi ako galit sayo, Sandra. Pakihatid sya sa Conference Room C." I ordered
before putting the receiver down. Pito ang receptionists sa baba pero alam kong
kapag alas tres na ng hapon ay nagsasalitan sila for their break kaya siguro wala
ang senior receptionist who was supervising the new recruits.

"Bakit ang aga naman yata nitong kausap ko?" I murmured to myself as I glanced at
my watch. "Ang taray, maaga sya ng mahigit isang oras."

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang folder na may lamang printed copies ng quotation ng
kumpanya nila. They were supposed to bring fabric samples with them para sa sofas,
chairs at drapes ng hotel. Dadaanan ko pa sana si Alexa pero alam kong may meeting
sya ng ganung oras. Naisip kong sabihin na lang sa supplier na hintayin namin ang
kapatid ko.

"Nasa loob na?" Tanong ko kay Sandra na nakasalubong ko habang papalabas sya ng
Conference Room. "Did you offer them snacks?"

"Opo. She declined po." She replied. "Mag-isa lang po sya, Ma'am. She told me she's
Miss Adachi."

"Miss Adachi?"

"Bakit po?"

"Mr. Perez at Mr. Reyes ang pangalan ng mga kausap ko."

"Hala...Ma'am, sorry po. Teka po, palalabasin ko po sya. Ay, tatawag po muna ako ng
security guard at ano po..."
I pushed the door open and my brow arched when I saw who was inside. "It's okay,
Sandra. I know her." I said and Sandra's face was flooded with relief.

"Pasensya na po talaga..."

"Tsaka na tayo mag-usap. Pwede ka nang bumaba." I said and she hastily left. The
woman stared haughtily at me and my brow arched higher.

"Anong masamang hangin ang nagdala sayo dito, Lauren?" I asked and she laughed
softly.

"Maldita ka talaga, ano?" She asked. "sa ilang araw nating hindi nagkita, you're
still the same."

"Oh, please, pandak, insecure at echosera ka pa rin naman tulad nung huli nating
pagkikita pero nagreklamo ba ako?" I queried taking the seat facing her and the
smile vanished from her face. "Why are you here?" I asked.

"It's because of Dustin." She replied.

"Bago tayo magsimula, gusto ko lang sabihin sayo na pinagdaanan na ng bunso kong
kapatid ang dramang nakabuntis ang boyfriend nya kaya hindi na ako maniniwala sa
gimik na yan. Masyado na akong matanda para sa buntisan issue. Pangalawa, hindi mo
rin ako matatakot kung sakaling sabihin mong ayaw sa akin ng Mommy ni Dustin kasi
wala naman akong balak pakasalan si Mrs. Anita Montemayor at wala akong pake sa
kanyang feelings. Hindi rin ako makaluma na naniniwalang dapat sang-ayon ang mga
magulang ninyo sa relasyon ninyong dalawa at kailangan ay meron kayong blessings
galing sa kanila para maging masaya ang pagsasama nyo. At pangatlo, hindi rin ako
natatakot at nai-insecure sa mga exes lalo na noong nakita kita kasi obviously at
mas mayaman, mas sexy at mas maganda ako sayo."

"How arrogant of you."

"How naive of you to think that just because you say so, I will let Dustin go."

"And how conceited of you to act as if you have nothing to hide when I have spoken
to your mother and she told me otherwise." She said and laughed when I just stared
at her. "See, you're not as invincible as you think, Ms. Carbonel. Ang totoo, may
baho kang tinatago at hindi ka kasing linis ng sinasabi mo."

"Kung anong baho man yang naamoy mo, do not forget that your mouth is closest to
your nose so you are actually smelling your own breath."

"Hindi kayo bagay ni Dustin, Lia! Dustin is too good a guy to get involved with the
likes of you. Puta ang nanay mo, sugarol, mamatay-tao, gold-digger-"

"Wait, kayo ba ng nanay mo ang dini-describe mo because the bill fits perfectly,
dear."

"You are only going to ruin him!"

"That's where you're wrong because this Lia Carbonel is going to make a greater man
out of Dustin Montemayor and there's nothing that you can do but watch!"

"That's not going to happen!" She retorted through gritted teeth and I took my
phone from my blazer's pocket and dialed Dustin's number. "What are you doing?" She
hissed and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Hello, Babe!"

"Yes, Babe?" I heard Dustin say over the phone and I smiled at Lauren. "Ano yun,
bakit ka napatawag?"

"Babe, tungkol dun sa pinag-usapan natin kagabi."

"Alin dun, Babe?"

"Yung tungkol sa kasal."

"Okay, what about it, Babe? Di ba, ang sabi ko ay hindi kita pipilitin?"

"I changed my mind, Babe. Let's get married." I said and Lauren's jaw dropped as I
smiled sweetly at her.

"WHAT?!" Lauren screamed before she sputtered indignantly and my brow arched
higher. Ang lala ng kabaliwan ng babaeng ito. Nagulat sya? Bakit? Bawal bang
magpakasal si Dustin samantalang sya ay may asawa na? Gagang to.

Nakakatanga ang pagiging OA ng reaksyon ni Lauren. Seriously, ano bang iniisip nya?
Hihiwalayan nya ang asawa nya para kay Dustin? As if she could do that. Matanda man
ang asawa ni Lauren ay alam kong maraming connections ito. Alam kong hinding-hindi
ito papayag.

"Babe, sino yun? Who's with you?" Dustin questioned and I sighed dramatically.

"Yung ex mo, Babe nandito."

"Si Lauren?" I heard Dustin ask at kamuntikan ko na syang murahin. Aba, Atty.
Montemayor, teka lang. Ilan ba ang ex mo? Kapag nagbanggit pala ako ng ex ay
kailangan ko pang itanong ang buong pangalan nya para di ka malito? Loko tong
lalaking to!

"Oo."

"Anong ginagawa nya dyan?"

"She's giving me a lecture on manners, etiquette and social and economic protocols.
Sa sobrang pag-i-internalize nya sa lecture nya ay nakalimutan nya yatang wala sya
nun-"

"You bitch!" Lauren hissed and I rolled my eyes at her.

"See? How rude," I huffed to annoy her.

"Lia, nasa basement parking ako. Aakyat ako dyan."

"Wala ka ba sa meeting?"

"Kakatapos lang. Wala na akong meeting ngayong araw na ito."

"Okay," I replied.

"Hintayin mo ako." Hanuba! Saan naman daw ako pupunta? Nakakaloka tong si
Montemayor!

"Sure,Babe. I love you!" I flirtatiously said and loved how Lauren's face turned
sour. Narinig kong tumawa nang malakas si Dustin at kung wala lang si Lauren sa
harapan ko ay baka binara at minura ko na sya. Langyang to! Minsan na nga lang ako
magpapaka-sweet, eh!

"I love you, Babe," he responded. "Dapat palang nandyan parati si Lauren para sweet
ka lagi sa akin at di ka naiilang na mag-I Love You."

Oo na! Ako na ang tangang pinagseselos ang ex mong mukhang tilapiang nadapuan ng
higad! Kombinasyon ang babaeng ito! Mala-isda ang langsa at mala-higad ang landi!
Sya na!

"Ikaw talaga, Babe. Bye!" I said before ending the call. I pocketed my phone and
smiled lazily at Lauren who seemed to be too shocked to speak. "Ano, tititig ka na
lang at maiinggit sa ganda ko?" I asked and she opened her mouth to retort but I
continued talking. "Anong kabobohan na naman ba ang sasabihin mo? I told you, you
cannot make me leave Dustin."

"Kaya papakasalan mo sya para gamitin?!"

"Ginagamit ko sya at pinapatirik ko ang mga mata nya sa paraang ayaw mong malaman.
Ginagamit nya rin ako sa pinapasaya sa paraang alam kong hindi pa nya naipaparanas
sayo," I laughed loudly.

"Alam ba nya ang tungkol sa Mommy mo-"

"Seriously, Lauren, alam mo nga samantalang hindi mo pa ako naikakama. Si Dustin pa

kaya na gabi-gabi akong pinapahalinghing? If you think I kept my mother's existence
and so-called secrets classified, aba, hindi ako ganun. Hindi ako mahilig
magkunwari. Kaya nga kahit anong gawin ko ay palagay ang loob ko na yung mga taong
nasa paligid ko ay tanggap ako at mahal ang tunay na ako. Hindi uso sa akin yang
sikre-sikreto-excuse me, natawa lang ako. Yan ba ang pasabog mo? Yung tungkol kay
Mama? Yan ang ipinunta mo dito? Jusme, ha! Kung gusto mo ay ipalathala mo sa
newspaper baka sakaling bumenta at nang hindi naman masayang yung research na
ginawa mo."

Pero saan kaya nito nakausap si Mama? Nandito kaya si Mama sa Manila? I thought
uneasily.

I grew up being used by my mother. Noong una, in denial pa ako na ginagamit lang
ako ng nanay ko. Parang di kasi katanggap-tanggap na ang taong nagluwal sa akin ay
may ibang agenda other than taking care of me. Pero habang tumatanda ako ay unti-
unti akong namulat sa katotohanang piggy bank at bigasan lang ang tingin sa akin ni
Carrissa Valderrama. Kung anumang maternal instinct na meron sya sa katawan ay
siguro naubos na sa kakapalit-palit nya buwan-buwan ng jowa.
"Maybe Dustin knows but his family doesn't-"

"Pwede ba? Ano bang obsession mo sa pamilya ni Dustin at sa approval ng pamilya

Montemayor? Bakit, nung nagpakasal ka ba sa gurang mong asawa na hindi na
kailangang magdamit dahil sa dami ng tattoo nya sa katawan ay hiningi mo pa ang
approval certificate galing kay Anita? Ano yun hindi kayo kinasal ng pari, samurai
o ninja hangga't hindi tumango si Anita? Ano yun, nagpapirma ka ba, nagpagawa ng
tarpaulin na may picture ni Mrs. Montemayor na nakangiti at pinalawayan mo muna ang
bunbunan mo bago ka nagsabing watashi ga yaru o I do? Kung nanghihinayang ka pala
kay Dustin, tangang babae ka, bakit ka nagpakasal sa iba? Nakakaloka ka, ha!"

"Hindi mo alam kung anong nangyari!"

"Buti alam mong hindi ko alam. Chikahin mo ako at nang malaman ko. Malay mo naman
maging best of friends pa tayo?" I mocked and she immediately rose to her feet.

"I'm going."

"Go ahead, go straight to hell. Grabe naman yung nag-effort ka pa talaga at nag-
heels ka pa ng ganyan kataas pero mas matangkad pa rin ako sayo. Pak na pak di ba?
Effort kung effort. Pagkatapos yun lang pala ang sasabihin mo? What a waste of
energy-"

"Lia!" the door burst open and Dustin immediately walked to my side. "Lia, are you
okay?"

Grabe. Ang OA ng reaksyon nya. Kung wala lang dun si Lauren ay baka binayagan ko na
sya. Anong drama naman yung are you okay? na linya. Bakit naman ako hindi magiging
okay? Pero na-touched ako. Slight lang. Na-touched ako na sa liit ni Lauren ay
naisip pa talaga ni Dustin na kaya ako ng babaeng yun at nag-alala pa talaga sya.
Siguro kung ang sabunutang magaganap ay sa pubes ay kayang-kaya nya ako dahil mas
malapit sya sa pundya ko. Ang pandak nya kaya.

"I'm fine, Babe." I answered cupping his face. Jusko ang korni, ha! I thought to
myself feeling the sudden urge to laugh. Ang drama kasi, ano ba yan. Feeling ko
star ako sa isang soap opera na ang title ay Unforgettable Hotdog. Jumi-Jerry Yan
si Dustin Montemayor! Sya na!

"Good. Halika na, umuwi na tayo," Dustin added ignoring Lauren completely as he
helped me to my feet. Hindi ko naman kailangan ng assistance pero bet ko lang
inggitin si Lauren. Paano, sa tanda ng asawa nya, I was sure caregiver ang papel ng
hitad.

"Dustin..." Lauren called. "Dustin, please."

Siguro ay naisip nyang, ay teka lang, dedmabels ang ganda ko? Hindi pwede ito!
Kailangang tawagin ko si Dustin sa pangalan nya at kailangan kong umanggulo habang
nagti-twinkle-twinkle ang mata ko dahil sa mga luhang pinipigilan kong pumatak. As
if luha ang bodily fluid na kinaka-turn on ni Dustin. Ang bobo talaga nitong
babaeng ito.

"Don't ever visit Lia again. Do you hear me? Wala na tayong dapat pag-usapan at
wala ka kailangang sabihin pa sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka pa pumunta dito
para kausapin si Lia."

"But, Dustin, I'm doing this for you. She doesn't deserve you, she's not fit to
become your wife-"
"And you're someone else's wife so what are you doing here? Lia and I are adults,
we do not need your advice when it comes to our relationship," Dustin said before
he turned to me. "Halika na, Babe," he guided me towards the door.

"Dustin, listen to me!"

"Lauren, please go home to your husband," Dustin calmly replied before he opened
the door.

"Alam ko kung bakit galit ka sa akin!"

"Tara na, Babe." He murmured.

"Alam ko kung bakit kahit anong sabihin ko ay ayaw mo nang maniwala sa akin!
Dustin!"

"Do not cause a scene, Lauren. This is an office-"

"Your mother told me to abort our baby!" Lauren cried and Dustin and I both
stiffened. Sa sobrang gulat ko sa sinabi nya ay napahawak ako sa tyan ko. Abort?
She was pregnant? I thought to myself.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm telling the truth! Ang sabi nya you were still in Law School and the baby
would just be a distraction." Dustin's ex wept pitifully. "I declined at first but
she said that she will never forgive me and she will never accept me as her
daughter-in-law kung itutuloy ko yung bata kaya wala akong choice kundi pumaya-"

"You could still have said no! Paano naging wala kang choice?!" Dustin raised his
voice and I was so shocked to hear him shout. Nagkasigawan na kami dati pero
parating mas malakas ang boses ko sa kanya. Yung sigaw ni Dustin parang malamya at
malambing. He was always soft-spoken. "God, how could you bring that up now-"

"How could I not?! Dahil dun nanlamig ka sa akin! Dahil dun kahit sinabi kong
ipapakasal na ako ni Mommy sa isang nakilala nya sa isa sa mga business ventures
nya ay hindi mo ako nakuhang ipaglaban! Dahil dun ay magpapakasal ka sa iba! Dahil
dun nasira tayong dalawa!"

"At sira pa rin tayong dalawa! God!" I saw how Dustin closed his eyes as if he was
pained by Lauren's revelation. "How could you expect me to fight for you when you
couldn't even fight for my child? Itatanong mo sa akin kung bakit? Dahil sa sinabi
ni Mommy ay pumayag ka? Bakit hindi mo sinasabi sa akin yan dati? Bakit mo
pinalabas that it was you decision to terminate your pregnancy?! Bakit ngayon
lang?!"

Para akong sinampal. Bakit ngayon lang? Anong ibig sabihin nun? But I didn't have
to think about what it meant because Lauren asked Dustin my unspoken question.

"Would you have changed your mind if I told you before?"

"I guess we will never have a way of knowing." He sounded so defeated. "Goodbye,
Lauren."

"Dust, please-"

"Halika na, Babe," he draped his arms around me and we stepped out of the
conference room.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nanlamig. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nanginginig at
lalong hindi ko alam kung bakit ako naiiyak. Sari-saring emosyon ang naramdaman ko
sa oras na yun and I couldn't help the surge of protectiveness that I felt towards
my baby. Nagdesisyon ako na kahit sinong demonyo ay hindi ko hahayaang saktan ang
anak ko.

"Are you okay?" Dustin asked. His voice sounded cold and tired and I looked at him.
He tried to smile but it didn't reach his eyes. "Are you hungry?" He queried and I
shook my head.

Tahimik na naglakad kami papunta sa opisina ko at walang-imik na tinipa nya ang

password para magbukas ang pinto. Ang dami kong gustong itanong sa kanya pero sa
tingin ko ay nagulat sya dun sa sinabi ni Lauren kaya gusto ko muna syang bigyang
ng oras para mag-isip.

"Okay na ako dito. Baka may gagawin ka pa," I smiled at him before I turned to walk
to my table. "May meeting ako mamaya kasama si Alexa. Yung mga suppliers na
naikwento ko sayo kahapon?" I said as I pretended to rearrange the items on top of
my table.

For the first time in more than a month na naglandian kami ni Dustin ay wala kaming
masabi sa isa't isa. It felt awkward and I couldn't help but feel anxious. Naisip
ko kaagad na baka nagbago ang isip nya. Baka dahil dun sa sinabi ni Lauren ay
nakuha ng ex nya ang simpatiya ni nya.

Hindi ko napigilang bumalik yung insecurities ko at takot ko sa katawan. It was

like I was nine years old again, crying ang begging for my father to take me with
them as I watched him and Alexa walked away. "Okay lang ako," I murmured.

"May meeting ka nga pala mayamaya. Ako rin meron," he said.

I knew that he was lying but I did not confront him. I suddenly turned into a
coward. Ngumiti lang ako at tumango bago umupo sa silya ko.

"Sige, ingat."

"Uuwi muna ako sa bahay ko. Wala na rin kasi akong damit sa condo mo-"

"Oo nga, eh!" I interrupted him. "Sasabihin ko sana sayo kanina na umuwi ka muna
kasi hindi naman pwedeng maglakad kang hubo't hubad sa apartment ko," I laughingly
answered. Alam kong tunog pilit ang tawa ko at agad akong huminto at tumikhim.

"Lia..."

"Sige na, Dustin at ang dami-dami ko pang gagawin."

"It's not what you think-"

"How would you even know what I'm thinking?" I asked and heard him sigh.

Hindi ko na sya pinansin at binuksan ko na yung email ko para sagutin yung ibang
suppliers at miyembro ng Creative Department na nag-e-mail sa akin. He moved and I
thought that he was going to come to me to wrap his arms around me and tell me that
everything would be alright, that my fears were baseless. I thought he was going to
reassure me that I did not lose him to Lauren. But instead, I heard the sound of my
door as it clicked open before he let himself out.
I'm a very defensive person. Iniisip mo pa lang na saktan ako, naresbakan na kita.
Ganoon kataas ang level ng protectiveness ko sa sarili ko. Ayokong nasasaktan.
Sinong gago ba kasi ang gusto nang ganun? Hindi ba wala? Pero kung yung iba ay
kayang magtiis, magpakamartir, maghintay o kung anu-ano pang kabobohang pinapauso,
not me. Not Lia Agatha Carbonel. Never Lia Agatha Carbonel.

I hated myself for allowing Dustin to hurt me. I should have known my limits. I
should have stopped before I got too attached. But I was lulled into a false sense
of security and I allowed myself to feel. Now, I felt so freaking hurt. I noticed
that my hands were trembling and I fisted them. I was starting to hyperventilate.
"Shit," I murmured as I dialed Alexa's local number.

"Hi, Ate!" was my sister's enthusiastic greeting. "Oo, alam kong ikaw kahit hindi
ko pa tiningnan yung ID ng caller. Kakatapos lang ng isang meeting ko at papunta na
ako sa opisina mo. Hindi pa naman late, di ba? Nandyan na ba yung suppliers? Ate?
Hello?"

"Alexa..."

"Ate, what's wrong? Teka lang, pupuntahan kita sa office mo. Hintayin mo ako."

"Hindi na kailanganan-"

Pero naibaba na ng kapatid ko ang telepono. I wasn't crying for help. I didn't want
to disturb my sister's schedule dahil alam kong busy sya but I wanted to hear her
voice. I thought I'd be reassured to hear the voice of one of the two people in the
universe who love me.

"Anong nangyari?" my sister asked marching inside my office.

"Wala naman," I answered.

"Ate, ano ba. Maglilihim ka pa ba naman sa akin? Bakit ang putla mo? Are you
feeling ill? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

"Gusto kong umuwi pero yung supplier..."

"Don't worry about that," my sister replied. She picked up my office phone and
dialed a number. "Dustin," she said.

Gulat na napatingin ako sa kapatid ko noong narinig ko ang pangalan ni Montemayor.

Ang buong akala ko ay alam na ni Alexa ang tungkol sa amin ni Dustin at gigyerahin
nya ang best friend ng asawa nya.

"Alexa, teka lang-" I rose to my feet but she raised her hand and smiled at me to
silence me.

"Hello, Dust. Yes, I need a favor from you," she said. "I have a meeting with
Golden Thread Inc. today but I can't make it. It was already late when I
remembered that I need to see my OB kasi scheduled check-up ko pala today.
Magpapasama sana ako kay Alex but he's still in a meeting. Can you do me a favor?
Pwede bang ikaw ang humarap muna sa suppliers? Hindi rin kasi pwede si Ate kasi sa
kanya ako magpapasama sa doktor ko. Unless you prefer to go with me to my Ob-
gyne..." Alexa paused before she laughed. "Salamat, Dustin. Okay, sige. I'll call
reception and tell them to call you when the suppliers arrive. Thanks again, Dust.
Okay. Bye."

So hindi sya umalis. I thought to myself.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit kahit alam ko namang nagsinungaling sya kanina na may
meeting sya ay nasaktan pa rin ako. Ibig kasing sabihin ay ayaw nya akong makausap.
I wanted to give Dustin the benefit of the doubt-baka naman kasi nagulantang lang
ang katauhan nya sa nalaman nyang yung nanay nya ang nagpakana para ipalaglag ang
anak nya. Pero, hindi ko maiwasang magtampo, hindi ba't buntis din ako?

Jusko, Lia wag kang magdadrama dyan! Oo, buntis ka! Oo, lolobo nang todo yang tiyan
mo at manganganak matapos ang siyam na buwan pero hindi nangangahulugang magiging
clingy ka na! Ikaw lang ang iire! Tapos na ang obligasyon nyang magtanim ng binhi
dyan sa sinapupunan mo kaya utang na loob, wag mo na syang hanap-hanapin!

"Ate?"

"Yes?"

"Nakasimangot ka dyan. Parang galit na galit ka. Are you really okay?"

"Nag-iisip lang ako," I replied.

Natatangahan ako sa sarili ko. What did I expect from a mama's boy? What did I
expect from the guy who still had hang-ups with his ex? Anong kashungaan ito, Lia
Carbonel?!

"I really wish that I know what you're thinking right now. Nasasaktan na ako kasi
kahit halata namang nasasaktan ka ay hindi ka nagsasabi sa akin," may halong tampo
ang boses ng kapatid ko.

"Wala, ano! Hanuba! Noong una lang masakit pero nasanay na din si pempem sa laki
nya. Chika lang! Pero, seryosong usapan ito, I'm really fine. Just disappointed...
but I'll live.

"Disappointed? Bakit?"

"Masyado lang akong nag-expect. Ano ba yan, parang di ako batikan sa larangan ng
kalandian at may pa-expect, expect pa akong nalalaman."

"Samahan na kita sa condo mo."

"Hindi na kailangan, Alexa. Ano ba yan, I'm okay."

"You're not okay. At wag ka nang magmatigas, baka maisipan kong mag-imbestiga kung
sino at ano ang rason kung bakit ka nagkakaganyan. Pinapabayaan kita sa affairs mo,
Ate pero I won't hesitate to meddle kung nakikita kong nasasaktan ka na."

"Hindi ako nasasaktan," I replied. "Ayokong masaktan."

"Halika na. Tatawagan ko si Lee Ann para doon din sya dumirecho sa unit mo from
school."

"Anong gagawin natin sa bahay?"

"Mas gusto mo bang mag-shopping tayo? Kung ganun, guy problem itong pinagdadaanan
mo? Nagdadalaga ka?"

"Nadadala na," I answered getting to my feet and my sister laughed. She immediately
enfolded me in her embrace as soon as I got up and I hugged her back. "Salamat,
Alexa."

"Salamat saan?"

"For rushing to my side even when I did not ask you," I said. "Ewan ko ba, kung
kailan naman ako tumanda tsaka naman ako naging madrama," I laughed weakly and my
sister searched my face.

"Pwede ko bang itanong kung ano ang problema? I'm sure gagaan ang loob ko kapag
naikwento mo na."

"Mahirap kasing magkwento at masyadong kumplikado. Tsaka malapit nang matapos itong
kahibangang ito, di bale kapag tapos na ay ikukwento ko sayo lahat."

"Hay, naku, Ate. Iniintindi kita kasi ang sabi ko nga, buhay mo yan. Pero, sana wag
mong isiping mag-isa kasi nandito kami ni Lee Ann. I am dying of curiosity kung
sino ba talaga itong lalaking ito na pinagkakaganyan mo. Ang extreme ng emotions na
nilalabas mo dahil sa lalaking yan-sobrang saya tapos ngayon naman sobrang lungkot.
Aba, mas matindi pa yang mood swings mo sa akin."

"Pasensya na, di bale hindi na ako uulit."

"Ate naman. Teka nga bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan, did you break up with him?"

"I'm about to."

"Can you at least tell me why?"

"Because he hasn't gotten over his ex yet. May homing device yata yung hotdog nya
para sa babaeng iyon," I said ang Alexa laughed.

"Classic."

"Korek. Pero wag kang mag-alala. Ako pa? Kaya ko ito. Sus, sya na lang ba ang
magiging dahilan ng depression ko? Aba, kahit malaki sya, wala akong pake. Halika
na nga, mamaya maabutan pa tayo ng supplier dito at malaman ng kumpare mong
nagsisinungaling ka."

"Si Dustin? Wag kang matakot dun, mabait yun at kahit malaman nyang chika lang yung
kanina, di na lang yun iimik. Ewan ko ba kung bakit sobrang bait ng taong yun.
Pero, feeling ko ang boring nya, dinaig pa nya si Nickolai."

"Alexa, ha, looks are deceiving. Si Nickolai? Boring? Mukha lang boring pero
tingnan mo naman ang bunso natin kung gaano kahibang sa kanya. Ibig sabihin ay may
tinatagong kamandag ang lalaking yun kahit na mukha syang lumalaklak ng anesthesia
araw-araw."

"Sabagay, tama ka. Baka akala natin cold itong si Dustin pero meron pala itong
itinatagong ibang katauhan at super hot lover sya."

"Hot? Mukha nya." I murmured.

"Ano yun, Ate?"

"Wala, halika na nga. Na-text mo na ba si Lee Ann?" I asked as my sister and I

stepped out of my office.

I wasn't able to convince Alexa that I would be fine on my own. Ang sabi ko ay
hindi nya ako kailangang samahan but she insisted. Pagdating namin sa bahay ay
kumunot kaagad ang noo nya. Paano magkaiba kami ng depinisyon ng malinis-yung sa
aking malinis na ay hindi pa pasado sa kapatid ko.

"Hindi pa ba nagpunta ang cleaning lady mo?" she asked as she neatly arranged my
throw pillows.

"Kakapunta lang kahapon. Nakakaloka, cleaning lady talaga? Ibig mong sabihin
kailangan ko na namang magpalinis ng bahay?"

"Hindi naman..." she trailed off. I knew that she was inwardly wincing when she saw
the pile of clothes near my hamper. Kami kasi ni Dustin sa sobrang excited naming
magpaungol sa isa't isa ay basta-basta na lang naming tinatapon sa direksyon ng
hamper yung mga damit namin habang naghuhubad. Wala kaming kiber kung pumasok man
yun sa lagayan ng maruruming damit o hindi. Ang importante lang sa amin ay mapasok
nya ang dapat pasukin at mailabas naming pareho ang mga dapat naming ilabas.

"Gusto mo ng juice, water, fruits o kung ano man ang kinakain ng mga buntis?" I
kidded as I walked to my kitchen. "Maloloka ako kung bigla kang maglilinis ng bahay
ko, Alexa, utang na loob, bawas-bawasan mo ang pagiging ulirang maybahay at ina
mo."

"Hindi naman marumi ang bahay mo, pero yung mga dapat..." she stopped talking and I
wondered what she was doing. Pero, naisip ko ring ano naman daw ang mahahanap ng
kapatid kong kakaiba dito sa bahay eh lahat ng mga gamit ni Dustin ay nasa loob ng
kwarto ko.

"May cake ako dito," I said walking out of my kitchen with the cake I bought
yesterday.

"Oh my, whose pair of silk boxers are these?" she sounded like she was about to
laugh and I nearly tripped in my haste to retrieve the legendary elephant silk
boxers that I bought for Dustin. "Talagang may nakausling trunk ng elepante?" she
laughed hysterically.

"Naku, bilhan mo ang asawa mo tapos kapag feel mo syang landiin, sabihin mong,
pwedeng pahagod ng kung ano mang nakausli dyan?" I replied laughing, too.

"Ate, you're so wild."

"Langya, tamed na nga ako sa lagay na to," I retorted just as my sister's phone
started ringing.

"Teka, Ate," she said before she answered her phone. "Yes, Yaya? Anong may bukol
ang anak ko? Anong nangyari? Ha?! Teka lang, hintayin nyo ako, pauwi na ako."

"What happened?"
"Si Alexanna inuntog yung ulo ng Kuya nya sa pader," Alexa sounded very worried.
"Kanino ba nagmana yung batang yun at nang-uuntog na lang ng ulo sa pader bigla?"

"Uy, teka lang mabait ako kaya wag mo akong tingnan nang ganyan. Tsaka kapag
nagagalit ako ibang ulo ang pinagdidiskitahan ko, alam mo naman yan," I kidded and
my sister laughed.

"Ang halay mo, Ate! Pero uuwi na ako, if you want tawagan si Lee Ann para-"

"Hindi na. Okay lang ako. Unahin mo yung pamilya mo. Kawawa naman si baby Alexi,
may bukol. Pero mabuti hindi yun gumaganti sa kapatid nya?"

"Dati, oo, pero pinagsabihan ni Alex at mabuti naman nakinig."

"Ang good boy naman ng baby ko."

"Good boy yun talaga, mabuti na lang hindi nagmana sa Daddy nya."

"It's too early to tell, Alexa. Mamaya itong batang ito pala ay mas matinik pa
pagdating sa babae kaysa Daddy nya."

"Ngayon pa lang, magno-novena na ako araw-araw para ilayo ang mga babaeng
makakasalubong ng anak ko sa kapahamakan," my sister laughingly answered.

"Korek! Gawin mo yan. O, sige na at alam kong uwing-uwi ka na. I'll text Lee Ann at
kawawa naman baka magmadaling pumunta dito. Next time na tayong tatlo magchikahan."

"Sige, bye, Ate!"

"Bye! Ingat ka sa pagda-drive." I said before hugging her and kissing her on the
cheek.

As soon as the door clicked closed, I sagged against the wall and expelled a heavy
breath. Hindi ko man sadyain ay bigla akong na-depress noong umalis na ang kapatid.
The house just felt so empty. "Lia, wag kang maarte dyan. Empty, empty ka pang
nalalaman, may laman na nga yang tyan mo, empty ka pa." I told myself harshly.

Ayokong may dala-dalang emotional baggage kasi aminin ko man o hindi, I was
concerned about my baby. Di bale na kung anong nararamdaman ni Dustin dahil may
nanay naman syang demonyo. Pero yung anak ko, ako lang ang meron sya.

I took a quick shower and changed into a pair of cotton shorts and shirt before I
changed the password on my door.

"Kung gusto mong dun ka sa ex mo ay dun ka. Di ka kawalan." I said to myself as I

settled on top my bed, my laptop on top of the laptop bed table in front of me. I
wanted to research about pregnancy. I wanted to be prepared. And it was weird how I
suddenly missed Mama. Kahit naman loka-loka sya ay parati ko syang kakampi. Yun nga
lang ay may bayad yung bawat kampi nya. Para kay Carissa Valderrama, walang libre
kahit ang pagmamahal.

Sinubukan kong tawagan yung dati nyang number pero wala nang sumasagot. Hindi ko
rin naman kinuha ang landline number pati address nya noong huli kaming magkausap
sa telepono kaya hindi ko alam kung paano sya kontakin o paano sya nakausap ni
Lauren.

Lauren. Dati bwisit na bwisit ako sa babaeng ito but hearing her story made me
realize just how pitiful she was. Anong klaseng katangahan naman kasi yung
ipapalaglag mo ang sarili mong anak para matanggap ka lang ng nanay ni boyfriend
mo? Kalokohan.

"Wag mo nang isipin yung babaeng yun, Lia! Jusko lang, ha, utang na loob. Baka
mamaya mapaglihian mo ang kapandakan nya, maawa ka naman sa anak mo!" I said aloud
as my phone started ringing. Noong nakita kong si Dustin ang tumatawag, I was
tempted to ignore the call pero naisip kong ayokong maging sobrang bitter,
nakakasayang ng ganda.

"Hi, Babe..." I heard him say over the phone. "Nasa reception ako. The guard told
me that you had my name removed from the list of visitors who can come up to your
unit without a confirmation from you."

He sounded pleasant yet accusing and I felt angry again. Ako itong iniwan nya, ako
itong pinagsinungalingan nya at ako itong nasaktan pero sya ang may karapatang
magparamdam sa akin ng pangungunsensya? Hayop sya.

"Yes, I did."

"Paano tayo mag-uusap kung hindi na ako pwedeng umakyat dyan?"

"Hindi ba pag-uusap na itong ginagawa natin?"

"Babe, please..."

"Look, Dustin, I got your message loud and clear. You still have feelings for
Lauren at utang na loob, ayokong makipagkumpetensya sa kanya, hindi kami pareho ng
height bracket. Kung gusto mo syang balikan ay doon ka. Wag mo akong idamay dyan sa
love triangle ninyo ni Anita, ha, masyado akong maganda para sa ex mo at sa nanay
mo."

"Lia, you're being immature."

"I am being myself. Hindi kita hahabulin, kung gusto mo ay gagawa pa ako ng
recommendation letter para balikan ka lang ng babaeng yun. No hard feelings, Dust.
I'm already over you the moment you stepped out of my office earlier. We're done.
Bye." I said before I ended the call.

Bwisit. Bwisit talaga yang mga lalaking may malalaking kargada although isa pa lang
naman ang kilala kong ganun. Bwisit sa buhay. Papagurin ka na nga, bubuntisin ka na
tapos sasaktan ka pa. Aba, peste sya, masyado syang pinagpala!

"Leche itong lalaking ito! Nakakainit ng ulo!" I grumbled before I turned my laptop
off. Niligpit ko ang bed table bago humiga sa kama. "Anong akala nya, matutuwa
akong dumalaw sya?! Bakit hindi sya magpakasasa dun sa pesteng Lauren na yun! Bagay
sila, kung sya jumbo yung ex nya naman mukhang cocktail hotdog! Hay nakakapanis ng
utak!"

My phone started ringing again and I frowned when I saw that it was Dustin. Again.
"Ano bang problema nitong walanghiyang ito?"

Hindi ko pinansin hoping that he'd get the hint and leave me alone pero hindi na
nya tinantanan ang telepono ko. I was about to turn it off when I received a
message from my sister.

Ate, natutulog ka ba? I called you earlier pero hindi mo sinagot. Are you okay?
Nagkausap kami ni Dustin sa phone at hinihintay ka daw nya sa baba kasi may
ipinadalang proposal yung supplier. Since your place is closer to the office, sayo
na sya dumerecho kasi meron pa daw syang pupuntahan kaya nagmamadali sya.
"Anak ng... putspa, ako na ang assuming!"

Langya, akala ko pumunta sa bahay ko ang loko para suyuin ako, yun pala business
ang kanyang pakay at hindi pleasure. Lalo tuloy akong nabwisit. Nakakabanas.

My phone sounded again and this time, I answered his call. "Hi, Lia," he said over
the phone and I felt like cursing him.

"Pakiiwan na lang sa reception, bababain ko mamaya. Thank yo-"

"Wait, you need to sign something at kailangan kong ibalik sa office kaagad kasi
kailangan nila ito ngayon."

"Ako na ang magdadala sa office nyan, iwanan mo na lang dyan." Ang daming
kabadtripang pinaggagawa nitong isang to!

"Lia, I can't do that. I gave the supplier my word. I'll come up to your unit, you
can sign whatever needs to be signed and then I'll leave."

"Hay naku!" I grumbled angrily. "Fine! Let me talk to the receptionist!" Ito talaga
ang ayoko sa mga ex-boyfriends na yan! Nakakatuyo ng katas!

Hinintay ko sya sa may pintuan. May dala-dala akong sign pen at unang katok pa lang
nya ay binuksan ko na kaagad ang pinto.

"Nasaan na ang pipirmahan ko?" I asked and he shrugged.

"Hindi mo ba ako papapasukin? I'm thirsty and tired, baka pwede namang makiinom ng
tubig?."

"I'm bitchy and ill-mannered kaya maghintay ka dyan sa labas."

"Please, Lia?"

"No."

"Mag-usap lang tayo kahit saglit."

"No. We're done. I'm done. Where's that paper that I'm supposed to sign so you can
leave?" I asked and he sighed before he slowly pushed the door to open wider. "What
the hell are you doing?" I demanded hotly. He did not reply but stepped inside
instead. "Dustin! You are making me angry!"

"Sa tingin mo ikaw lang ang galit? I am angry, too. I am angry because you are a
brat. I am angry because you won't listen to me. I am angry because you think only
your feelings matter. I am angry because you dared to tell me that it's over
between us. Hindi lang ikaw ang nasa relasyong ito, Miss Carbonel. At hindi lang
ikaw ang magtatakda kung kailan ito magtatapos."

"Aba, masaya ka!" namaywang akong humarap sa kanya. "Ano ito, hostage crisis? Hindi
ako pwedeng humindi at hindi ako pwedeng umalis hangga't hindi mo nasa-satisfy yang
ego mo?!"

"Ego ko? Who gives a shit about my ego? Matagal ko nang nilulon yun para sayo. But
there's something that you need to satisfy because no one else can."

"And what the hell is that, aber?!" I asked angrily and he wordlessly took his
clothes off.
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Nakakaputa ang galawan ni Dustin Montemayor. Peste. Kung pwede lang magmura nang
dire-direcho hanggang sa susunod na taon ay ginawa ko na. Ano ba ang tingin nya sa
akin? Pusang nireregla na tutulo na lang ang laway dahil nagtanggal sya ng salawal?
Bwisit! Ang sarap lang maglabas ng labaha para tapyasin ko na yung sandata nya at
isaksak sa bunganga nya para silang dalawa na ang mag-usap.

"Leave, Dustin," I said clenching my jaw. "Umalis ka na bago ko maisipang hindi ako
natuwa sa pagkakatuli sayo at tuliin kita ulit!"

"Babe, come on, hindi ba natin pwedeng pag-usapan to?"

"Ang kapal mo rin, ano? Usap ang tawag mo sa gagawin natin? Punyeta ka! What did
you expect me to do?! Drool as soon as you take your clothes off?! Anong akala mo
sa akin, asong ulol na lalong mauulol just because the great Dustin Montemayor
thought that it was flattering for me to hear that I am nothing but his bedmate?!"
I screamed.

"Babe, that wasn't my intention."

"I don't care what your intention is! Peste ka! Umuwi ka na sa inyong hayop ka!
Mukha ba akong hayok na hayok dyan sa katawan mo at kailangan mo pang maghubad para
lang makausap ako?! Demonyo ka! Manang-mana ka sa nanay mo at bagay na bagay kayo
ng ex mo!"

"Lia, stop bringing up my mother and other people in our arguments. Tayong dalawa
lang ang may hindi pagkakaintindihan dito. Hindi mo kailangang idamay si Mommy."

"Uy, sorry, ha! Sorry kasi hindi pwedeng hindi natin isama sa usapan ang nanay mo
at ang ex mo dahil sila naman ang parating dahilan kung bakit tayo nag-aaway! Sorry
kasi nag-iilusyon kang maayos kami ng nanay mo, hindi sya nabubwisit sa akin at
hindi ako naiirita sa pagmumukha nya. At sorry din kasi mukhang hanggang ngayon ay
di mo pa rin alam na suportado ng nanay mo ang paghahabol sayo ng ex mo!"

"Babe, calm down. Walang magagawa yang init ng ulo mo."

"Don't tell me to calm down and don't assume that I'd feel okay just because you
took your clothes off, Montemayor!"

"I don't know how to get your attention, Babe. Sorry, kung yun lang ang paraang
alam ko. I really want to talk to you. I came here to talk to you. I was really
hurt when the guard told me that you took my name off the list of people who can
come up to your unit without verbal consent from you. Nagpunta ako dito kasi alam
kong nagtampo ka at gusto kong ayusin natin yung gusto na yun. Pero, sa entrance pa
lang ng building mo ay ipinagtatabuyan mo na ako."

"You made a choice and you left. What is there to talk about?!"

"Yun lang nagtampo ka na kaagad?"

Aba, tarantado pala itong gagong ito! Yun lang?! Yun lang ang tawag nya dun?!
Nagsinungaling syang may meeting sya, umalis sya at iniwan nya ako para humagulhol
sa naunsyaming pagmamahalan nila ng ex nya tapos yun lang?!

"Ang kapal mo, grabe. Ano ba yang palitadang ginamit ninyo ng nanay mo, ex mo at
nanay ng ex mo sa mukha at parang matindi yata ang pangangailangan nyo ng
industrial-grade na sandpaper para mabawasan yan?"

"Lia, that's too much. Nakakasakit na yung mga sinasabi mo."

"And I'm done giving a shit about your feelings! I will say what I want to say!
Wala akong kiber kung nasasaktan ka man! I want you to get out of my house!"

"Babe..."

"Get out!"

"Magagalit ka sa akin kasi nagulat ako sa nalaman ko kaya naging ganun ang reaksyon
ko?"

"Punyeta, di ako dun galit. Galit ako because it only took one sentence from Lauren
for you to forget that I am your girlfriend who's pregnant with your child!"

"Babe..."

"Umalis ka na kundi tatawag ako ng security guard para palayasin ka dito!"

"Bakit ba kailangang humantong sa ganun kung pwede naman nating ayusin?"

"Ayoko nang makipag-ayos! Just leave! God! Just go back to your mother, Dustin!"

"Hanggang ngayon ba naman, Lia ay issue pa rin sayo na mabuti akong anak?" he asked
and I arched a brow at him before I laughed.

"Gago ka ba? Anyare sa utak mo at ang pulpol mo yata ngayon? Sa tingin mo ikakasama
ng loob ko na mabuti kang anak? Hindi isyu ang pagiging mabuting anak mo kuno. Do
not confuse being a good son with being a bastard without balls-"

"You always call me that!"

"Do not raise your voice at me!"

"You've been raising your voice at me for the past twenty minutes! Pero hinahayaan
kita kasi iniintindi ko yang nararamdaman mo!"
"Leche, eh di, sige! Magsigawan tayo!"

"Nakakasama ka ng loob! Alam mo kung bakit?"

"Hindi ako interesado!"

"Kanina mo pa ako ini-insulto! Kanina mo pa hindi sinasabihan ng maganda ang Mommy

ko pero nagalit ba ako sayo?! Now, it is high time that you listen to what I have
to say!"

"Iyo na yang reasoning mo kasi wala naman akong balak balikan ka!"

"Putang-ina, Lia! Mahal kita, eh! Mahal kita!" he yelled before he massaged his
temple using his left hand. "Mahal kita. Sumugal ako sayo kasi mahal kita pero
nakakasama ng loob kasi kahit anong gawin ko ay hanggang dun lang ang tingin mo sa
akin-a Mama's boy, a spineless jerk, a two-timing bastard, isang lalaking may hang-
up sa ex nya at higit sa lahat ay isang taong puro sex lang ang alam. Ang dami mong
preconceived notions about who and what I am. Pinipilit kong intindihin ang mga yun
but you are being unfair to me."

"Ako? Ako ang unfair sayo? Ilang tao na ba ang sumugod sa akin, Dustin, para
ipaalam lang na gawa ka sa ginto at hindi tayo bagay? Ilang insulto na ba ang
narinig ko just because you are so great and you do not deserve someone like me.
Iniwan ba kita? Ni minsan ba nag-inarte ako at umalis kahit ilang minuto lang sa
tabi mo kahit ang sakit ng mga naririnig ko? Hindi! I held on!"

"And you should just keep on holding on!"

"I am not stupid to do that! Umalis ka na, di ba?! Mas pinili mo na yung imaginary
meeting mo with your imaginary friends kaya umalis ka sa opisina ko kanina! Aba,
panindigan mo na kasi pagod na akong maging imaginary girlfriend mo!"

"Umalis ako kanina but here I am now! Begging you to make this relationship work!
Here I am humiliating myself just to get you to talk to me! Here I am trying to
explain to you why I acted the way I acted but you don't even care!"

"I would have listened if you didn't leave! But the moment you did, whatever
patience this Lia Carbonel has for you disappeared as soon as you closed that door
behind you!"

"Tapos na yun! Oo, mali na ako! Nangyari na! Ano bang gusto mong gawin ko?!"

"Peste ka, hindi mo alam?!"

"Hindi! Dahil hindi tayo parehong mag-isip! So, for Pete's sake, Lia! Sabihin mo sa
akin kung anong kailangan mo!"

"I want you to respect me, you idiot!" I shouted. "I want you to see me as someone
who's more than a pound of flesh! I want you to effing stop thinking about bedding
me just because you can! I want you to see me as a person and not someone who
satisfies your carnal needs! Tang-ina ka! Ginagawa mo akong puta!"

"That's not true!"

"Siguro hindi nga kasi kung bibilangin ko ang lahat ng serbisyo ko sayo ay magsi-
singkwenta ka na lang hindi ka pa bayad! Now, get out of my house because I no
longer want to talk to you!"

"Ayaw mo akong kausapin! Tapos aakusahan mo akong iniwan ka! Ang gulo mong tao! Ano
ba talaga ang gusto mong gawin ko? Mas gusto mo bang habulin at kausapin ko si
Lauren?"

"Eh di gawin mo!"

"Sa tingin mo hindi ko yun kayang gawin? Sa tingin mo hindi ko kayang balikan si
Lauren kung gugustuhin ko? Sa tingin mo-"

"Eh, peste ka bakit ka pa nandito! Are you confusing me for you ex?! Cup size pa
lang ng bra namin ng malanding babaeng yun ay magkaiba na! Dapat yun palang ay alam
mo nang i-differentiate kung sino si Lia Carbonel at kung sino yung hayop na bansot
na yun!"

"Paano ba tayo magkakaintindihan kung sigaw ka nang sigaw?!"

"Parang hindi ka nagtataas ng boses, hayop ka!"

"Ikaw ang nauna! Mahirap bang intindihang nagulat ako sa narinig ko and I had to
get my bearings back?! Mahirap ba sa parte mo ang magbigay naman kahit minsan?!
Mahirap ba sa isang Lia Agatha Valderama Carbonel ang isipin naman muna ang
nararamdaman ng karelasyon nya kahit minsan at hindi lang puro sarili nya?!"

"Oo, mahirap sa isang Lia Carbonel ang maintindihan yang putang-inang bearings
bearings na yan dahil sa pagkakaalam nya ay tapos na yung isyu nila ng boyfriend
nya at ng ex nya at ako na ang pinili nya! Oo, punyemas ka! Mahirap sa parte ko ang
magbigay dahil hindi mo dapat hinihingi yun kasi ang sabi mo sa akin ay wala akong
kahati sayo at akin ka na! Oo, mahirap sa isang Lia Carbonel ang intindihin kung
bakit nasasaktan mo ako at paano mo ako magawang saktan dahil peste ka may
nararamdaman ka pa pala sa ex mo pero ginoyo mo akong hayop ka at nagpagoyo ako
sayo!"

"Lia, please... wag na tayong mag-away," he sighed. "Sorry na. Kasalanan ko at

humihingi ako nang tawad."

"I want to end whatever set-up we have, Dustin."

"Lia, come on. Babe, you just misunderstood-"

"No, I may not be a lawyer like you but I understood just fine. Magbihis ka na at
umalis ka na dito sa bahay ko kasi gusto kong mapag-isa. I appreciate your effort
to get me to talk to you but I am tired of you and your excessive bullshits, Dust.
I do not want to compete with your mother, with your ex and with your past. I am
fine without you and I will continue to be."

"Hindi ako aalis dito hangga't hindi natin ito naaayos."

"Hindi mo ako makukuha sa ganyan. Maganda ako at artistahin pero hindi mo ako
kailangang dramahan. You can stay here for as long as you want. I'm leaving." I
pulled the door open.

"Lia! Lia, wait!" he said and I paused. "Please, Babe-"

"Mamili ka, hindi ka aalis dito at matutulog ako sa labas dahil hindi ko
masikmurang makasama ka sa iisang bahay o aalis ka dito, uuwi sa nanay mo, iiyak ka
sa kanlungan nya dahil peste ka ang tanda mo na pero kung umasta ka ay parang hindi
ka pa tuli. Your choice, Atty. Montemayor."

"Lia, come on..." he muttered and I made a move to leave. "Okay, okay! Sige, you
won. Aalis ako. Dito ka lang, wag ka nang lumabas. Ako na ang aalis," he said and I
heard the rustling sound of clothes being put on.

Hindi ko sya tinitignan at hindi ako umiimik. He was done dressing in less than ten
minutes and I stepped away from the door as soon as he did.

"I'll see you at the office tomorrow?" he sounded unsure but I didn't reply and he
expelled a heavy breath. "Look, it's not what you think. I'm over her, Lia."

"I didn't ask if you are, Dustin. Goodbye."

"Babe, please..." he said and I went to the door and pushed it open. "Lia..."

"Ano bang gusto mo? Red carpet? Nasa hiraman kaya magkasya ka na lang sa imported
tiles ng sahig ko."

"Gusto kong ayusin natin to, Babe. Please."

"Umalis ka na, Dust. Gusto ko nang magpahinga."

"Lia..."

"The answer is no."

"You know what?" he asked and I just stared at him. "You are so difficult to love.
Sobrang hirap mong mahalin, Miss Carbonel pero tatanga-tanga lang talaga siguro ako
kasi mahal kita. Sana maging masaya ka sa desisyon mo." He said before he left.

Plugging:

♥ Cupid's Fools Book Launch and Book-signing Event. February 28, Saturday, 2PM,
Precious Pages - SM City Davao (Ecoland)

See you!
What made me so angry was Dustin proved that my fears were not baseless all along.
Nakakagago. Alam nyang takot akong magmahal. Alam nyang takot akong magtiwala at
alam nyang hindi ako naniniwala sa kabaduyang forever na yan. Pero, ang leche,
matapos akong habol-habulin, paasahin at buntisin ay sasabihan nya akong
nakakapagod akong mahalin. Nakakapagod yung pagsakay-sakay nya sa akin gabi-gabi at
araw-araw pero nagreklamo ba ako? Tangna nya.

"Bwisit ka, Lia, wag na wag kang iiyak kundi ako mismo sasampal sayo." I whispered
to myself as my eyes started to fill with tears.

Sanay akong ginagamit. Bata pa lang ako ay ginagamit na ako ng nanay ko para
makakuha ng pera kay Daddy. At hanggang sa nagdalaga ako ay yun pa rin ang papel ko
sa buhay. Nakakapagod. Nakakababa ng tingin sa sarili at higit sa lahat
nakakawalang-kumpyansa sa pagkatao.

"That's enough, Lia! Hindi Thursday ngayon, wag kang thrumowback dyan!" I harshly
admonished myself.

Kung ang akala ni Dustin ay maghahabol ako at magmakaawa dahil nasa sinapupunan ko
ang ebidensya ng harutan namin ay nagkakamali sya. Kaya kong buhayin itong batang
ito nang mag-isa. Kaya ko syang palakihin mag-isa at kaya ko syang mahaling mag-
isa.

I decided to take another bath and had thin crust pizza and Buffalo wings delivered
to my unit. Kung di lang ako buntis sana nag-beer na ako. Pero, ayokong idamay ang
anak ko sa katangahan ko.

"Baby, kumapit ka dyan kahit upset si Mommy. Hindi ako galit sayo, okay? Galit ako
sa tatay mo. Di bale, hindi natin sya kailangan. Sigurado akong pasasalamatan mo
rin ako dahil for sure ay hindi mo kering maging step mother yung bansot na yun!
Tayo ang magkasama, tayo ng mga Tita mo at ng mga pinsan mo ang magkakampi kasi
tayo ang magaganda!" sabi ko sa sarili ko bago sumubo ng pagkain.

I didn't want to cry. Dustin's words and actions were not worth my tears. Pero,
aaminin kong nasaktan ako. Kahit ba anong tapang mo kapag yung taong
pinagkatiwalaan mo ay gumawa ng alibi para mapag-isa sya sa kung anumang
kadahilanan ay masakit pa rin. I was never a sensitive person. I loved giving
leeway and excuses for people. Ganun ako ka-loser. Lalo na't kapag mahal ko. Pero
may hangganan lahat.

"Mahal mo ba yung gunggong na hayop na yun at nagkakaganyan ka?!" naiinis na tanong

ko sa sarili ko. "Malamang," ako lang din ang sumagot. "You let him come inside
you, that's a first," I said before laughing drily. It did not escape my attention
that Dustin said nothing when I pointed out that I was his girlfriend who was
pregnant with his child.

Peste syang talaga! I thought to myself just as my phone started ringing. Alam ko
na kung sino kahit hindi ko pa man tinitingnan ang screen ng telepono ko.

"Hi, Alexa!" I tried to sound cheerful. Alam ko kasing napaka-worrywart ng kapatid

ko. Kahit tumambling ako sa harap nya ay hindi pa rin yung kumbinsido na okay lang
ako hangga't hindi nya marinig ang buong kwento at makita akong nakangiti nang
wagas. At gusto ko nang magkwento. Gusto ko na ring ngumiti. Hindi bagay sa ganda
ko ang nakasimangot.

"Ate! What happened? Bakit hindi mo sinagot yung tawag ko kanina? Babalik sana ako
dyan, eh, kaya lang nag-text si Dustin at sabi nya okay na daw. Nakausap ka daw
nya."

"Pasensya na. Nagbanyo kasi ako kaya hindi ko na nasagot."

"Okay ka lang ba?"

"Oo naman."
"Tungkol saan ba yung documents na sinasabi ni Dustin? Nakalimutan ko kasing
itanong kanina because I was so worried about you."

"Proposal ng supplier," I replied before I sighed.

"Ano yun, Ate?"

"Alexa, gusto ko nang magkwento sayo pero gusto kong harapan. Ayoko sa telepono.
Bukas, may meetings ka ba?"

"I'll make time for you. Anong oras ka pwede?"

"Kahit after lunch na. Dapat di na lang ako umuwi nang maaga kasi wala na akong
ginawa kundi ang kumain nang kumain."

"Ano ba yan, Ate? Stress eating?"

"Hindi, eating lang ito at walang kasamang stress," sagot ko at tumawa ang kapatid
ko.

"Ganito na lang, wag na nating ipagpabukas. Pumunta ka sa bahay ngayon at tatawagan

ko si Lee Ann para dito kayong dalawa matulog. Dalhin mo na yung damit mong isusuot
bukas para naman sabay tayong pumuntang opisina."

"Bakit, wala bang pasok si Lee Ann bukas?"

"Meron pero hindi maaga kaya ang sabi sa akin kanina ay pwede daw sya."

"Sige, pupunta ako. Miss ko na din ang mga babies kong si Alexi at Alexanna."

"Dito ka na mag-dinner. Dito ka matutulog, ha. Magagalit talaga ako kapag uuwi ka
pa dyan."

"Oo nga. O sige na, bye at nang maayos ko na ang mga dadalhin ko."

"See you later, Ate! Ingat sa pagda-drive! I love you!"

"I love you, too, Alexa!" sagot ko. Pagkababa ko ng telepono ay may tawag na naman
at nangiti ako noong nakita kong si Lee Ann ang tumatawag. "Hi, baby Lee!"

"Ate!"

"Kita tayo kina Alexa? If you want daanan kita sa mansyon."

"Sige, Ate! Pero hindi po ba masyadong out of the way?"

"Hindi, ano ka ba, ang lapit lang, eh."

"Okay, see you!" Lee Ann cheerfully replied before we ended the conversation.

Mabuti na lang at meron akong mga kapatid. Kasi kung mag-isa lang ako ay baka
naloka na ako. Inaayos ko kaagad ang mga gamit na dadalhin ko at nilagay sa hanging
clothes bag yung susuotin ko pagpasok ng opisina kinabukasan. Medyo ma-traffic na
noong nakarating ako sa mansyon pero hindi ko napansin sa kadaldalan ng kapatid
kong bunso.

"Ang saya, di ba, Ate? Bonding tayo nina Ate Alexa? Tapos nandun pa sina Baby Lexi
at Xanna."
"Bakit mo ba pinapaigsi yung pangalan ng mga pamangkin natin?" pabiro kong tanong
at tumawa si Lee Ann.

"Mas cute, eh. Pero, Ate alam mo, si Nicko-"

"Yung fresh?" I asked and she laughed again.

"Oo, yun."

"Bakit, anong meron?"

"Hindi ko alam kung gagawin sa kanya, Ate. Ang sabi naman nya ay hindi sya umasa
pero nakaka-guilty pa rin. I tried ignoring him pero mas na-guilty ako. Kaya
pinapansin ko pa rin sya."

Hay, jusko. Mabuti pa itong mga bagets na ito, yun lang ang problema at walang
mudrang kalahi ng stepmother ni Cinderella at ex jowa na sobrang pakialamera. How
nice it is to be young.

"Uy, teka lang, grabe naman yang haba ng hair mo."

"Ate naman, eh!"

"Pero, ito ha, walang halong churva. Nicko will continue hoping, Lee. Hindi mo yun
maalis sa kanya at kahit sabihin nyang hindi sya maghihintay nang kapalit ay
masasaktan pa rin sya."

"Kaya nga, anong gagawin ko?"

"Sabihin mo sa kanya nang paulit-ulit na wala kang gusto sa kanya and that he
should stop hoping. Sabihin mong ayaw mo syang masaktan and as a friend, you'd
rather stop seeing him if that's what it's going to take for him to stop his
feelings for you."

"Sige, Ate. Bukas kakausapin ko sya nang masinsinan."

"Buti hindi nagseselos ni Nick?"

"Nagseselos nga, eh. Pero, at least hindi namin pinag-aawayan," she answered. "Ang
understanding nya, Ate, ano?" she asked and I just smiled.

Pagdating namin sa bahay ni Alexa ay naghihintay na sa may pintuan ang kapatid ko

na karga-karga ang bunso nya. Si Alexi naman ay nakapulupot ang mga braso sa binti
ng mommy nya.

"Tara sa loob," sabi ng kapatid ko pagkatapos kong halikan si Alexi at kargahin si

Alexanna. "Let's have dinner first and then let's join Alex and Dustin," she added.

"Nandito si Kuya Dustin?" natutuwang tanong ni Lee Ann. Leche, kapag minalas ka nga
naman! Isip-isip ko. Gusto kong bumalik sa condo ko pero para namang masyadong
obvious kung umalis akong bigla.

"Oo, kanina pa. Nag-iinuman sila ni Alex dun sa malapit sa pool. Problemado yata."

"Talaga? Bakit?"

"Tinanong ko si Alex kanina at ang sabi hindi nya daw alam. Hindi daw nagsasalita
si Dustin, eh, inom lang daw nang inom."
"Aw, kawawa naman si Kuya Dustin. May girlfriend ba sya, Ate? Di ba wala?"

"Isa lang daw ang naging girlfriend nyan, eh. Yung kababata nyang Lauren ang name
kaso nag-asawa ng iba. According to Alex baka di pa daw naka-get over si Dustin
doon kay Lauren kasi mahal na mahal nya daw talaga yun. They were together for
eleven years before they split up."

"Eleven years?! Wow! Antagal! Kaya pala!"

Wala akong pakialam kahit buong buhay man silang magkasama at lalong hindi ako
interesado! Bwisit talaga yang Montemayor na yan! Bwisit!

"Ate? Gutom ka na ba? Bakit parang biglang nag-iba ang timpla ng mukha mo?"

"Oo, eh, gutom na gutom na ako. Hay, naku wag na nating pakialaman yung asawa mo at
yung best friend nya at wala ako sa mood makinig ng drama. Pwede bang hindi tayo
sumali sa kanila?"

"Oo naman. Hindi naman tayo magba-bonding para makiusyuso sa buhay ni Dustin. Tara
na, kain na. Teka lang tawagin ko lang yung mga Yaya ng mga bata para iakyat na
sila sa taas."

Dinner with my sisters was fun. Kaming tatlo kasi kapag nagsama-sama ay walang
boring moments. Ibinaon ko muna ang bwisit ko kay Dustin sa kaibuturan ng aking
pempem tutal yun lang naman ang habol nyang hayop sya.

"Doon tayo sa bagong bar ni Alex sa basement. Mas gusto ko sanang sa may pool tayo
para presko kaso nauna na sina Alex doon."

"Keri sa akin kahit saan," I answered and Lee Ann nodded.

"Ako rin, Ate."

The three of us pushed to our feet just as Alexander walked in. "Love, ihahatid ko
na muna si Dustin-hi, Lia and Lee Ann! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Hi, Kuya Alex!" my baby sister greeted. "Kuya Dust!" Lee Ann shrieked before she
ran up to Dustin.

"Hi, baby Angel."

"Uuwi ka na? Kakarating ko lang, eh. Dito ka muna! Share mo sa amin yang problema
mo, malay mo naman makatulong kami, di ba? At least mabigyan ka namin ng woman's
perspective."

"Pauwiin mo na sya, Lee. Baka may meeting pa sya bukas," I was not able to stop
myself. Wala akong balak makipag-usap o makipag-inuman kay Dustin Montemayor, the
man who wrecked my heart, my womanhood and soon, my womb!

Minsan, itong si Lee Ann nakakairita ang pagiging friendly!

"Ay, oo nga pala." Lee Ann pouted before she smiled again. "Di bale, Kuya, may next
time pa naman."

"Come to think of it, I changed my mind," Dustin said. I felt the pull of his gaze
but I was bent on ignoring him.

Ang kapal ng mukha! Changed my mind, changed my mind pang nalalaman itong pesteng
ito! Siguro wag ka munang umalis at nang ma-change ko yang face mong, demonyo ka!

"That's great. Ang tagal na rin nating hindi nakakapag-usap!" Alexander enthused.
"Tawagan ko si Nick para sumunod na din sya dito."

"Sige, Kuya Alex!"

Ang landi nitong batang ito! Nagmana sa akin! Jusko, Lia, ha! Gumawa ka ng paraan
at baka bigla pang magka-open forum! Wala ka man ding balak i-share ang experiences
mo sa kamay ng Montemayor na yan!

"Sige, Love. Ate, Lee, Dust, punta muna ako sa kitchen to ask our cook to prepare
finger food for everyone."

"Sige, Alexa."

"Okay, Ate! Ay, sama ako. Gusto ko ng tacos. Di ba masarap gumawa ng salsa si
Manang Hilda?"

"Oo. Halika, sumama ka na sa akin."

"Okay!" Lee Ann replied and they left me alone with the man whose face I would love
to bust. Hindi ko sya kinausap at tumalikod ako para umalis.

"Tatakas ka, Lia?" Dustin asked and his voice grated on my nerves. "Parati ka na
lang tumatakas. Hindi mo ako maharap? Ganun ka naman, di ba? Gusto mong magtago?"

"Do not flatter yourself Montemayor, hindi ikaw at yung buong lahi mo ang
katatakutan ko." I answered and he laughed.

"Wow! That's fierce."

Aba! Ang gago!

"Bahala ka sa buhay mo!"

"Kung ayaw mo ako, okay lang. Hindi ko ipagpipilitan ang sarili ko sayo. Ginawa ko
ang lahat pero hindi ako makakapayag na itago mo yang anak ko sa akin."

"May magagawa ka ba kung sakaling yun ang desisyon ko? God, Dustin, you're
impossible. Stop acting like a jealous lover! It's annoying! No one even knows that
we're together!"

"Kasi ikinahihiya mo ako-"

"What?!" I asked. "You're obviously drunk!"

"Lia, babe...please-"

"I have no time for your bullshits, Dust. Why do you always ram your bullshits down
my throat? Wala akong pakialam sayo and I don't want anything to do with you!" I
said before I turned on my heel and headed towards the bathroom.

I didn't want to confront him but it seemed like I didn't have a choice. Kung gusto
nya akong epalan ay bwisit sya, hindi ko sya uurungan! I thought as I splashed
water on my face.

Paglabas ko ng banyo ay dumerecho ako sa poolside. Nadatnan kong nagkukwentuhan

silang apat at umupo ako sa bakanteng upuan katabi ni Lee Ann. Gusto ko nang umuwi
at naghahanap ako ng timing para makapagpaalam.

"So, Kuya Dust, hindi ka pa rin over dun sa first love mo?" my younger sister
asked.

"Tapos na yun," Dustin answered.

"Hindi pa tapos yan kung naglalasing ka pa rin hanggang ngayon dahil dyan,"
Alexander said. "Pero, pare, kailangan mo nang putulin yan. May asawa na sya.
Masyado ka namang gwapo para maging kabit."

"Gago ka talaga, Alex-"

"Everyone," I cut him off. " I need to go. I got a phone call. May kailangan akong
i-meet. Pasensya na."

"Sino, Ate?"

"Bukas ko na ikukwento."

"Okay, sayang naman-"

"Stay, Lia. You can leave after my announcement." Dustin said and I nearly glowered
at him.

"Aba, ano yan? Celebration pala itong paglalasing mo at hindi pagluluksa dahil sa
nasaktan ulit ang puso mo?" Alexander joked and my sisters laughed. "What are we
celebrating exactly?" he queried and they all transferred their attention to
Dustin.

"I will be a father soon," Dustin replied and everyone grew silent. Raising his
glass towards me, he said: "To the woman who's carrying my child. Cheers!"

Author's Note:

Guys, madaliang edit. Pakibasa ulit. Made changes as of 12:04 AM, March 9. Thanks!

I was never torn. I used to believe that I was the type of girl who knew exactly
what she wanted. Torn? Torn?! Sus, gawain lang yan ng mga taong hindi kilala ang
sarili. Yang kalokohang torn between two lovers na yan ay excuse lang yan ng mga
taong malalandi. You should know what you want or who you want. Hindi pwedeng
dalawa ang gustuhin mo. Ganun ako. Hindi pwede sa akin yang kaartehang malito at
hindi alam ang gagawin. Until Dustin's announcement.

I was suddenly confused. I was confused if I should kill him in one blow or make
him suffer. Tangnang gago! Gago sya! Hindi man lang nya ako binigyan ng kahihiyan!
Hindi man lang nya inisip kung anong mararamdaman ko at ng mga kapatid ko dahil sa
announcement nyang gumagana ang hotdog nya at hindi lang ito puro laki kundi meron
ding semilyang binubuga. King ina nya!

"What?" it was Lee Ann who broke the silence. "What do you mean by cheers to the
woman who's carrying my child, Kuya Dust?" she queried.

Siyempre, tongue-tied ang lola nyo. I-intro pa lang ako, eh. Ikukwento ko pa sana
sa mga kapatid ko na hindi naman talaga puro patungan lang ang ginagawa namin ni
Dustin at may mga wholesome moments naman kami. Pero, ang tarantado, dumerecho
kaagad sa buntisan issue. Ang lakas mameste ng hayop.

"Ate?" Alexa asked looking at me. "May gusto ka bang sabihin sa akin-"

"Ganito yan, Alexa," Dustin started to say. "Ganito kasi yan. Ang totoo-"

"Pare, lasing ka na yata," Alexander interrupted Dustin's speech. "Nakarami ka na.

Ihatid na ba kita sa inyo?"

"Hindi, Pare. Kaya ko to," Dustin rose to his feet. "Gusto ko lang sabihin na..."
he turned to look at me. "Gusto ko lang sabihin na...sobra mo akong sinaktan," he
sobbed and I was horrified. And a little touched. Ang haba ng hair ko, grabe na
ito! I thought with a small smile.But what he said next made me wish that he'd
disappear from the face of the earth. "Lauren, minahal kita, eh."

"Tangna mo, gago!" I blurted out and before I could stop myself, he was writhing on
the ground cupping his crotch. Sinipa ko sya sa bayag. Gusto ko kasing maramdaman
kung meron ba talaga sya nun.

"Ate!"

"Kuya Dust!"

"Pasensya na, Alexa, Alex, Lee, mainit kasi ang ulo ko. Dustin here reminded me so
much that men are such morons," I said before I left.

Alexa ran after me at kung hindi lang ako nag-alala na buntis ang kapatid ko at
baka mapaano ang pamangkin kong nasa sinapupunan nya ay hindi na siguro ako huminto
sa paglalakad.

"Ate, what happened back there?" she asked as soon as she caught her breath.

"Wala, nabwisit lang ako."

"But were pissed enough to do that to Dustin?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed. "Kulang pa nga yun, eh! Peste yang mga lalaking yan! Bwisit
silang lahat! Kailangang tayo ang umintindi?! Kailangang-" I stopped talking
because my sister looked very anxious.

"Ate, what is it? Pwede bang magkwento ka na? Kasi ayokong magkasala sayo. Kung
anu-ano nang tumatakbo sa isip ko. Naisip ko nga na baka kayo ni Dustin-"
"Pwede ba, Alexa? Sa tingin mo papatulan ko yung gunggong na yun?" I laughed out
loud. "Kita mo naman, he's such a pussy. Jusko, ha, meron na ako nun, hindi ko
kailangang makipagrelasyon sa isa pa."

"Ate..."

"Sorry, I'm just so upset. Uuwi na lang ako."

"Hindi. Dito ka na matulog," she insisted taking my hand in hers. "Nararamdaman

kong mabigat yang dinadala mo. Lee Ann and I are here for you."

"Ate?" I heard my younger sister's voice and I turned to look at her. "Ate, are you
okay?" she asked walking toward me and wrapping her arms around my waist. "Ano yun,
Ate?"

"Wala," I replied, my eyes getting teary. "Nainis lang ako sa katarantaduhan ng mga
lalaki. Malas lang ni Dustin at sa kanya ko nilabas ang sama ko ng loob. Pakisabi
na lang sa kanya na sorry."

"Ate, I'm sure Dustin wouldn't even remember what happened. Sobrang lasing nya at
hindi na nga sya bumangon at natulog na sahig."

"Gusto kong umuwi, Alexa."

"Ate, mag-aalala ako kung uuwi ka ngayon sa condo mo. Dito ka na lang magpalipas ng
gabi. Kayong dalawa ni Lee Ann. Hindi ka namin kukulitin. Baka kaya ka lang uuwi ay
dahil ayaw mong magkwento at hindi ka pa komportableng i-share sa amin kung ano
man yang problema mo. Naiintindihan namin yun, Ate."

"Oo nga, Ate. Okay lang naman na hindi ka magkwento, eh. Dito na tayo matulog. Na-
miss na kaya kitang katabi. Dati kasi noong di ka pa busy ay parati kang
nakikitulog sa mansyon," Lee Ann seconded and I expelled a heavy breath.

Gusto ko sanang mapag-isa. I wanted to wallow in anger and self-pity. I wanted to

purge Dustin out of my system. Pusang-gala sya, si Lauren pa rin pala. Pero, naisip
kong hindi naman patas sa mga kapatid ko kung mag-aalala sila nang todo.

"Sige, dito ako matutulog," I finally agreed and my sisters both gave me a hug.

Hindi na kami nakapag-inuman. Hindi na rin kami nagkakwentuhan. Gago kasi si

Montemayor at ang lakas nyang manira ng atmosphere. Natulog na sina Alex at Alexa
at kahit si Lee Ann na katabi ko sa kama ay tulog na tulog na rin. Pero, ako? Sa
tindi ng inis ko kay Dustin ay naasar ako sa sarili ko na hindi ko dinala ang
labaha ko para gilitan sana ang leeg nya. Nasa isa sa mga guest rooms si Montemayor
at inis na inis ako na nasa iisang bahay kami.

"Lee, baba lang ako. Mangungulimbat ako ng gatas sa kitchen nina Alexa baka
sakaling makatulog ako kung iinom ako ng gatas," I whispered to my younger sister
and she sleepily opened her eyes to look at me before she nodded.

I picked my dressing robe from the foot of the bed and put it on before I left the
bedroom. Dahan-dahan akong bumaba ng hagdan kasi alam kong tulog na tulog na ang
mga tao sa bahay nina Alexa. I was glad for the Sandoval's indoor motion sensor
lights dahil hindi ko naman kabisado ang bahay nila.

"Ang taray talaga ng mga ito. Magpapa-install nga ako ng ganito ka-churvang mga
ilaw sa condo ko." I murmured to myself. "Ang tarush, iilawan ka kahit saan ka
magpunta!"
Tatlo ang refrigerator nina Alexa at meron pa silang dalawang chest freezers at
naloka ako kasi masyadong maayos ang loob ng mga refrigerators at freezers nila-
pati containers ay color-coordinated. Sa pangalawang ref ko natagpuan ang
pinakamamahal kong gatas kasama ang iba't ibang klase ng fruit juices. Bilib talaga
ako sa organizational skills nitong kapatid ko. I thought smiling to myself. Kung
siguro sarili kong bahay yun ay tinungga ko na ang karton ng fresh milk pero, dahil
hindi, ay gumamit ako ng malaking baso. I was already gulping down my second glass
of milk when I heard someone clear his throat behind me. Sa sobrang gulat ko ay
muntik ko nang mabitiwan ang basong hawak-hawak ko.

"Si Alex to, Lia," my sister's husband said and I frowned at him.

"Jusko, ha, muntik nang malaglag ang matres ko sa gulat. Nauhaw ka ba kaya ka
bumaba?"

"May personal ref sa kwarto namin," he replied taking the seat in front of me.

"O, bakit ka nandito?"

"Inabangan ko talagang bumaba ka," he said and I arched a brow.

"Dahil?" I asked tightening my robe around me. He saw what I did and he laughed
softly.

"Wala akong masamang balak sayo, ano ka ba. Alam mo naman siguro patay na patay ako
sa kapatid mo, di ba? Kahit yung mga nanalo siguro ng Miss Universe ang maghubad sa
harap ko ay di ako tatayuan."

"Ugok, hindi ko inisip na may masama kang balak sa akin. Nilalamig lang talaga ako.
Balahura ka talaga."

"Ganun ba? Pero, uulitin ko, mahal ko ang asawa ko-"

"Oo na. Susmarya. Kumbinsido na ako. Ano bang kailangan mo?"

"Gusto ko lang magkwento tungkol sa isang taong malapit sa akin," he told me,
smiling.

"Bakit hindi mo sa asawa mo ikwento yan?"

"Hindi ako sigurado kung gusto mong ikwento ko sa asawa ko ito."

"Anong ibig mong sabihin? Nagpapakamatalinghaga ka dyan, naloloka ako."

"Lia, Dustin and I have been friends for nearly two decades," he started to say and
I arched my brow.

"O, tapos? Pake ko ba? Ano ba yan, may bromance bang namumuno sa inyo?" I asked and
he laughed.

"Hindi nga ako tinatayuan sa ibang babae, sa lalaki pa?" he kidded and I rolled my
eyes at him.

"Wala akong interest sa friendship ninyo ni Dustin-"

"Hindi ko naman sinasabing may interest ka. Sabihin na lang nating gusto ko lang
magkwento."

"That's so gay, Alex."

"Call it whatever you want but I want you to listen," he said before he sighed.
"You have to understand that it isn't easy being Anita Montemayor's son."

"Jusko, Alex, ha. Wala akong pake sa demonyang yun,"I said and he smiled at me.

"So you've met his mother?" he asked and I blinked.

Peste talaga itong mga abogadong ito! Sapakin ko kaya itong asawa ni Alexa, di
naman siguro sya magagalit sa akin, di ba?

"As I was saying, Lia, mahirap maging nanay si Anita Montemayor. She was so
controlling. Lahat ng activities at galaw ni Dustin ay gusto nyang alam nya. Ayaw
nga nun sa akin, eh. She blamed me that Dustin opted to become a lawyer instead of
following hers and her husband's footsteps. I am explaining this to you so you'd
understand where Dustin is coming from-"

"Bakit ko kailangang malaman? It's not as if close kami nyang Dustin na yan."

"O, sige, sabihin na nating hindi kayo close at ayaw mo sa kanya. Pwede bang
magkukwento lang ako kasi mukhang naasar ka sa kanya kanina and I feel the need to
defend my friend?"

"Keri na yun. Sus, makakalimutan ko rin itong asar ko."

"Lia-"

"No, Alex. I don't want to listen. I do not care what kind of mother he has. I do
not give a freak how he's unable to get over his ex and I do not give a donkey's
ass what made him into wimp. Do you get it? I do not care!"

"Paano mo sya maiintindihan kung hindi mo malalaman na ngayon ko lang sya ulit
nakitang maglasing? Paano mo sya mapapatawad for offending you with his little
speech kung hindi mo malalamang kahit tarantado man yan si Dustin, totoo yang
magmahal? Paano kayo magkakaayos kung hindi ko sasabihin sayo na kahit abogado yung
tarantadong iyon ay hindi nya kayang magpaliwanag ng emosyon at totoong
nararamdaman nya because he's so used to hiding his feelings from his mother? Lia,
Lauren and Dustin grew up together-"

"Tulad ng sinabi ko ay wala akong pake-"

"Meron. Alam nating dalawa na meron kaya makinig ka kasi minsan ko lang ito
sasabihin at ngayon lang ako makikialam. Oo, minahal nya si Lauren. Magkaugali kasi
ang mga nanay nila-parehong mahilig makialam sa buhay ng mga anak. And that brought
them together. Did it start off as love? Siguro, hindi, gusto lang nila ng karamay
pero eventually it turned into love. But, unlike Dustin, Lauren was easy to
manipulate. Gusto nya kasi sigurong makuha ang approval ng Mommy ni Dustin kaya't
naging sunud-sunuran sya dito. Lalo na noong nalaman ng mga magulang nila na silang
dalawa. Ginamit ng Mommy ni Dustin si Lauren para mapasunod ang anak sa gusto nito.
Dustin was hurt, of course, kasi yung babaeng pinagkatiwalaan nya at minahal ay
kumakampi na sa nanay nya. Not that he wanted the two of them to quarrel but he
told me that he somehow felt betrayed. But, he couldn't leave her because he knew
that he was all she had. Kaya tiniis nya yun. Hanggang sa dumating ang panahong
nabuntis si Lauren-"

"Okay, stop. Ayoko nang marinig yang mga ganyang kaartehan nila sa buhay. Hindi ako
interesado."

"I saw how he looked at you, Lia. I saw how pained he was and I pity the guy. Not
because he's my friend but because, really, Dustin's life is so tragic I'm not even
sure how he can manage to smile. Alam ko namang may mga pinagdaanan ka.
Naiintindihan kita. At yun ang masaklap dun, pareho kayong may pinagdaanan but
you're both stubborn to admit that you need each other to heal."

"Wag mong ikumpara ang buhay ni Dustin sa buhay ko! Magkaiba kami!"

"Iyon ang problema dito. Why can't you see the pain that Dustin is hiding? Iniwan
ka ng Mama mo, may pamilya sa iba ang Daddy mo at marami kang hinanakit sa buhay. I
get it, Lia. Believe me, I understand you. Pero, sana ilagay mo rin yung sarili mo
sa posisyon ni Dustin."

"This conversation is over, Alex. I'm not even sure why we're talking about your
friend-"

"Lia, please, give him a chance. Akala ko rin si Lauren ang dahilan kung bakit sya
naglasing kanina but even when Lauren got married, I never saw him cry. But he
cried in front of you and that should tell you a lot. He might not be the most
romantic person in the whole universe but his sincerity is real. Maybe he's
intimidated by you and he doesn't know how to tell you about his feelings. Maybe he
was trying to protect himself from further hurt but the guy put his heart out
there, hindi ka man lang ba naaawa?" he asked and I glowered at him until my vision
blurred with tears. "I will let you tell your side of the story to your sisters.
Wala akong sasabihin. You and Dustin are dear to me, parehong pamilya ang tingin ko
sa inyo. Please, work this out."

"I can't, Alex," I said before wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "Ayokong
nasasaktan. Ayokong iniiwan at ayokong pinagmumukhang tanga. Gusto kitang
paniwalaan. Gusto kong maniwala sayo na mahal nga ako ng kaibigan mo. Pero, hindi
naman ako gaga. Sige, sabihin na nating hindi ganoon kagaling si Dustin na
magpahayag ng nararamdaman nya kahit abogado sya pero may mga ginawa sya na hindi
ko kayang palampasin."

"Lia, come on, you both deserve a second chance."

"No. I'm done hoping. I am through giving chances and I am so over crying over
someone who can't seem to make-up his mind. Ayoko na, Alex. At sana irespeto mo
yun. Let this be our last conversation regarding this matter. Sana rin pabayaan
mong ako mismo ang magkwento kay Alexa at Lee Ann. Ikukwento ko sa kanila ang lahat
bukas."

"Okay," he replied sighing. "I respect your decision. Kung meron akong maitutulong,
kahit ano, sabihin mo sa akin," he added.

I stared at my hands, which were resting on my lap and saw the engagement ring that
Dustin gave me. I knew I was hard-headed. I knew that I should give Dustin a chance
to explain. But, I also knew that I would rather have my heart broken from walking
away than have it shattered into pieces because I didn't. I took the ring off my
finger and placed it on the table.

"Pakisabi sa kanya na salamat," I said before I rose to my feet and left.

Author's Note:

I am very busy - I have family, I have work, I have friends, I have CoC and other
activities other than Wattpad. Stop demanding for updates. When I see UD please or
update na, bitin, I lose the urge to write because I feel, as if, I am being
obliged to do something that's supposedly just a pastime. And this is an on-going
story, if you want to read something that's already finished, I'm sure Wattpad has
a lot of completed ones. Thanks.

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