26-Angel

I was truly amaze of what I'm seeing.

There were the skin care products that I've been using for years. It mesmerized me how he remembered all of it.

"You still remember all the products I used?"

"You're my girlfriend, baby. I know everything about you." He winked at me and planted a delicate kiss on my cheek. "Do what you'd use to do to my face, Angel. Co's you - taking care of me is so damn therapeutic..."

I couldn't bring myself but tickled in pink.

"Okay, Drake. Just don't move that much."

I began what I normally do with his face before. I shaped his brows first. I washed his face on the sink. He wagged his brows at me through our reflection in the mirror while I was patting his face dry.

He used to be light-headed and this one trait of him never cease to make me laugh.

We were giggling as I put a face mask on his entire face and applied toner to his skin after fifteen minutes.

I proceeded with the other steps. I flattened a palm in the center of his chest and looked down at him.

"Drake, why am I doing this? Is this even acceptable? Hindi naman ganito ang dapat ginagawa ng isang executive secretary..."

"...Zzz..." Nagkunwari siyang natutulog.

I reluctantly held onto his bicep and tried to ignore how solid it feels. I shifted my position to his other leg. Baka nangangalay na siya.

He used my trapped hand to pull me closer. I tugged back my hand but he just pulled me even nearer.

I was almost sitting in the goodly thing between his thighs. I had to use my free hand to make distance from it. This was way too intimate.

"Uh...better. I love this position. God, you're so cuddly." He chuckled under his breath.

I teared off a sachet of lip masks and lay it on his lips to bring some moisture. He ate it without precaution.

"Bakit mo kinain? Spit it out, Drake..." I laughed.

Oh, I remembered this scene.

"It tastes sweet." He scratched his jaw in amusement and ejected it out onto a tissue paper. "But you're sweeter, baby..."

I was momentarily struck to the way his features lit up in joy. His eyes were closed while feeling my hands on his face. This was one of the things I missed.

He was interviewed by a local TV Station. Robert oriented me on what were the things I should do tomorrow.

I was grateful for him that he would be my helping guide in this job. And he was not a snoot at what I observed from other employees, he introduced to me.

Drake couldn't take off his eyes and hands to me even when we left the building after his interview.

I was pretty sure they were eyes who's looking down one's nose at me.

***

"Del Prado Condominiums." I read the name of the tallest building in Pioneer Avenue.

Drake proudly ushered me to his penthouse. I heard about this building. Mamahalin ang mga condo units nila.

I couldn't think of any words in my head other than astonished, when I wandered my eyes around his penthouse.

The high-ceilings, top–quality appliances, fixtures, hardware, and other finishes. It had the spectacular view of the City of Gensan. It somehow remained far from the crowd and noise of traffic.

"Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? Homemade or restaurant-made?"

Drake was pulling his tie.

"I can cook for you, Drake." I suggested.

He gave me a suspicious look.

"May natutunan naman ako sa mga nagdaang mga taon. Hindi lang puro mekap ang alam ko..." depensa ko.

"Okay, baby. Let me see and taste it..."

Hinagkan niya akong muli. Pumunta kami sa kusina. He took off his coat, placed it to the counter, and occupied the high chair.

"Kinakabahan ako. I know you cook very well. But don't expect too much." I washed my hands on the sink.

"Walang ginawang perpekto ang panginoon pero ikaw umiiral dito sa mundo, Angel." His eyes sparkled with sweet admiration.

"Don't excessively flatter me, Mr. Mathildo. Baka sunog ang kinalalabasan nito."

He leaned back to his seat, holding his chest while laughing out loud. He cupped my chin and kissed both of my cheeks.

I scrunched my nose. He couldn't resist himself and kiss my lips again with an adorable fleeting lip nip.

I couldn't count how many times he kissed me. Basta ay nakakarami na siya.

He walked around the counter to get a pitcher of water from the refrigerator. I grabbed my cellphone from my sling bag.

"Titignan ko muna kung anong nakalagay sa weight-gain plan..."

"What did you just say, pretty? Hindi ko narinig ng maayos.."

He was pouring water on a clear glass.

I bit my lower lip nervously. "Iyong recipe. Nag-research ako kanina..."

"Hmm...Prepared..." he crooned.

Tahimik niya akong pinanood. His elbows were propping on the counter. His face was resting on his palms while staring at me dreamily.

I focused on preparing the ingredients for those alluring eyes wouldn't lose strength to distract me.

Kinikindatan niya ako kapag nagtama ang paningin namin. I was suppressing myself not to explode in a belly laugh.

I started chopping the chicken for the sotanghon soup. Every time the knife slipped on the onion and tomatoes; he would exude his careful reminders.

He was drumming his fingers on the counter when the onions burned. It didn't turn well just like I assumed to be. I was lucky he continued what I have started. It was tasty except for the onions.

***

Drake led me to my room. As soon as he opened the door, my lips parted in surprise.

"Is this for real?"

My room was full of Taylor Swifts Albums! That was a dream room of mine! I bounced in the softness of the bed.

"You like it?"

He had never failed to enrapture me. I leapt onto him in delight, hugging his neck. His arms laced on my waist.

"Hindi ko nakalimutan, Anghel. I know how much you love her. Maybe we can both watch her perform some other time..." He said in a whisper.

***

"You can use my clothes for now. We can go shopping tomorrow."

Hinatid niya ang itim niyang pajamas at bumalik sa kanyang kwarto.

Kagaya ng nakapaloob sa kanyang napping room ay naroon din ang mga toiletries and skincare products na ginagamit ko. Saulo niya talaga lahat iyon. Matapos ang aking ritwal sa katawan ay tinawagan ko si Mama.

"Ma, natanggap po ako sa trabaho."

"Hindi ka ba uuwi dito? Gabi na. Saan ka ba ngayon?" pag-aalala niya.

"Mahabang kwento po. Pero nandito ako sa bahay ng kaibigan ko." Pagsisinungaling ko.

I chewed my fingernails. I wasn't adroit in lying.

Madali akong nahuhuli. Sana hindi mahalata ni Mama.

"Sino ba itong amo mo, Angel? Saan ka ba magtatrabaho? Bukas ka ba magsisimula? Saan ka matutulog ngayon? May condo ba si Jethro diyan?" sunod-sunod niyang mga tanong.

"Ma, pagod na po ako. Matutulog na ako. Bukas nalang ulit..."

I ended the call instantly. I received a message within minutes.

Jethro:

No problem, Gel. I got you. I'll make sure she won't be worried about you.

He was always to the rescue. I couldn't thank him enough.

I was stretching, splitting my legs in the bed; folding my lower left leg until my toes reached my upper back; posing a butterfly and camel pose for each twenty seconds for a good sleep.

I heard Drake's voice coated with sweetness, "Pretty..."

"Hmm?" I glanced at the door.

"Let's watch a movie?"

He lifted two bowls of popcorn and crackers.

It was one of our dates before. I agreed and forget about the stretching. We were cocooned in his living room like lovebirds on the nest.

Puro tawanan at alikik ang namayani sa loob ng penthouse. We were watching a classic Filipino comedy film.

Drake had a tactic of kissing me every time a character quips a joke. On the midst of the movie, we shared a slow beguiling kiss with plenty of attentive gazes.

"Let me handle everything, okay? This is all on me. I had contrived the steps in mind to settle all hearts I've had failed, Angel."

He soothed me that I shouldn't think deeply. Our night ended with soft kisses and whispers of I love Yous.

***

The duvet was thick and soft on my skin when I unfolded my eyes. It was six in the morning.

Bumangon ako at nagtungo sa kitchen. Laking gulat ko nang may pamilyar na naglulutong Ginang.

"Maayong buntag po..." I greeted her.

"Maayong buntag din, hija. Ipinagluluto ko kayo ng agahan. Maupo ka muna." She gestured the seat.

Umupo ako at pinanuod siya.

"Ikaw ba si Angel, hija? Nobya ni Drake? Anak ni Anne?"

"Opo." I nodded. I felt proudly loved on how Drake informed everyone I'm still his girlfriend.

Hindi niya binanggit na dati akong nobya ni Drake. He must have explained it to her.

Tinitigan ko siya ng matagal. Sinubukan kong halungkatin ang nakaraan. Alam kong nakita ko na siya noon.

"Alam mo bang panay ang kwento ni Drake kung gaano mo kapaborito ang bibingka. Talak ng talak pa nga siya noon."

Naalala ko na. Tanda ko ay naroon siya sa 21st birthday ni Drake!

We weren't formally introduced before. He said she was the one who teach him how to cook bibingka.

"Nay, diba may date kayo ni Tatay ngayon? I reserved a table for the two of you in my favorite restaurant." Drake interrupted us.

***

I only got warm fuzzes throughout the day. Drake and I went to the mall.

Lumabas ako ng fitting room at humarap sa kanya. He was sitting on the couch.

"Drake, what do you think?" I struck a pose.

He looked up. His eyes sparkled. "Pretty as always."

I tried the second dress. The light pink flowing dress wrapped around my body perfectly. I loved it the way it flows when I move.

He stood up. "Stunning. That dress is perfect on you." He stared at me like it was the first time he ever saw me. "How in the world you look good in every outfit, baby?" he slowly snaked his one arm on my waist and pulled me to him.

"I don't know, Drake..." I placed my hands on his chest to create some space between us.

Drake had never been afraid of showing his affection to me in Public. He could kiss me right now and right in this spot. He wouldn't care other people.

"Because you were born to wear all these clothes."

He showed a red box with a three-layered necklace inside. It was pearl, diamond, and gold necklace.

Heat scattered on my face. Sinuot niya sa akin sa harapan ng full length mirror.

"Drake...this is so beautiful..."

He hugged me from the back while I traced the necklace with my hands.

"You deserve all the finest things in life, baby." He hummed in my ears.

All the saleslady inside the store were smiling at us. I felt shy under their lovely scrutiny. Drake didn't even flinch.

We moved from store to store. He carried all the heavy paper bags for me. He would buy everything wherever my eyes landed whether it's a dress, shoes, or makeup stuff.

"This will look good in you," Hinawakan niya naman ang isang heart-shaped bracelet.

"Pero ang dami na nating pinamili, Drake." I objected already.

Hindi na makatarungan ang pinamili niya sa akin.

"That's not enough." He shook his head. "Let's buy the entire store."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Uuwi na tayo! You can't just spend all your money for me."

"It just cost a dime for me, baby. Buy everything you want. I work hard for you." He tried to convince me again and shop more.

"Shopping too much is not good, Drake. Let's go home, okay? I appreciate everything you buy for me but these are way enough, baby."

That was my technique when his being stubborn. It worked every time. Therefore, we stopped shopping.

***

For the next couple of days, I felt somehow comfortably accustomed to my new job. On the other hand. I felt like I wasn't adequately accepted.

Drake gathered everyone in the meeting room to make a serious announcement the next day.

I was vividly flushing the whole time when he told them openly, I'm his girlfriend. And that they should stop their secret enmity to me.

Knowing he had observed their negative actions to me flabbergasted me.

He did not want the working place to be toxic for all of his new and old employees.

His unwise decisions meliorated Drake into a refined leader. I felt gloriously proud of my boyfriend!

***

I read articles and watched interviews about him late at night. I couldn't miss all of it.

"Daghan kaayo nag post sa Facebook and twitter about the girl you're hugging with. And they were mixed reactions from your fans. However, most of the reactions were asking you who is the girl in your recent IG post?" The interviewer asked him, from a local TV station.

"Angel of my life..." Kumurba ang labi niya sa isang nakakahalinang ngiti.

I logged in to my Instagram and search for his username. His recent post bombarded with hearts and comments flared both of my cheeks.

merciy her back view looked so pretty while I looked like a potato whatever positions I'm doing! The world is so unfair!

lovit46 They are so adorable!

jeanieki Wala na huhuhu.. Highschool sweethearts pala ang mga'to eh! Wala akong laban!

One commentor mentioned me.

pekekyu OMG! the back view of the girl he was embracing lovingly, looks the same to the girl he recently followed. There's 100% possibility that Drake's girlfriend is her!

My desire to search for him in the internet grew until midnight.

"Is it true that you will have your own brandy business?"

Drake didn't confirm that. Pinaikot-ikot niya ang kanyang sagot. Halatang hindi niya gusto ang pangunahan siya.

"What do you feel about being link to a certain celebrity?"

"Annoyance. It's an annoying question just like being asked about it." he answered with a quick pulse on his jaw.

Drake's face was red furious. He obviously didn't like the question.

Bakit puro walang katwiran ang mga tanong nila? Dapat ang mga tanong nila ay tungkol sa motorsport. At kung ano-ano ang naging impact nito sa kanyang buhay.

Nagpatuloy muli ako sa isang clip.

"Is there any possibility that you will get married this year?"

"I wish I can confirm that with a blink of an eye. But it still depends on her. Kahit noon paman ay handa akong pakasalan siya. Madaling araw man 'yan o mismo sa gitna ng traffic..."

Labis na dinaga ang puso ko.

Nostalgia caressed my memory. I'd witnessed how he wanted to marry me even when he had nothing to offer but his love.

"We notice that you're always wearing those gloves. Is there anything special about that?"

Palagi niyang suot ang gloves na ginawa ko. Kahit nasa loob kami ng penthouse at office ay suot-suot niya parin ito.

"Yes!" He chortled and scraped his jaw when his excitement stunned the reporter. "This is my most prized possession..."

"From whom, Mr. Mathildo?"

"From my Angel." He answered at the drop of a hat.

Masarap ang tulog ko dahil siguro sa mga napanood at nabasa ko kagabi. My smile was contagious that even Drake's frown expression disappeared in the air with one peeped at me when he's working.

My phone beeped three times and I checked it.

Kuya Soren:

Angel, sabihin mo sa akin kung saan ang tinutuluyan mo.

Mama:

Anak, paki send ng address ng tinutuluyan mo para makabisita ako. Wala kang dalang mga gamit. Saan ka ba talaga tumutuloy ngayon?

Drake had no yet plans of confronting them within these days. He said I should wait.

I couldn't somehow tell them straight off that I'm working in his company. They wouldn't even let me get in touch with him again.

Jethro was ready again to save my day.

Jetty:

Don't panic. Ako na ang bahala.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Iniignora ko muna ang mga tanong nila kung saan ako nagtatrabaho.

I texted them instead that I am safe and sound. Wala akong natanggap na mensahe kay Ate Sonya. Siguro ay busy siya sa Cebu.

I found the weight-gain plan a bothersome sometimes. In spite of that laggardness, I had to maintain with my goal in achieving more pounds.

Tumingin ako sa full-length mirror ng bathroom. Mabagal ang nakikita kong pagbabago sa aking katawan subalit improvement parin iyon.

"Para siyang kalansay..."

"Maganda siya pero masyado siyang payat..."

My bottom lip finding its way to my teeth once again as tension latched onto my nerves.

There were the usual comments I heard inside the company. I opted wearing wide leg pants and coat to hide any inch of my skin. I verily didn't want to hear more of their castigation on a regular basis.

I straightened my back, held my chin high, and ambled like I didn't hear them. People would always quick to find a blotch even if you're immaculate or flawed as if it was a normal thing to do in the society.

Kahit noon naman ay nakakarinig ako ng mga disgusto tungkol sa manipis kong katawan. Wala ng bago doon.

***

"Let's go? Let's go home..." Drake reached for my hand with a contented curl on his lips.

Tinitingnan na naman kami ng mga katrabaho ko. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

Drake was oblivious of what's happening when we prance in and out of the building of his company. The focus of his eyes was on me only.

"Do I look normal to you Drake? Do my body look normal?" I asked him randomly when we hopped in his car.

"Yes, you are."

Siniyasat niya ang aking mga mata at hindi ang kabuuan ng aking katawan.

"I feel like I don't look like one."

I was tapping my shoes, picking at my cuticles, and skin around my fingernails.

"Or somebody made you feel you don't. There's a difference, Angel. Tell me names, and I'll fire them." A muscle worked in his jaw.

"It's just me and my mind, Drake..."

I couldn't let those negativities beat me mentally. I could master the art of deadpan whenever I walked in the building or heard them.

Drake was serious to kick those people and my conscience couldn't bear that. Alam ko na ang trabaho nila sa kompanya ay bumubuhay sa mga pamilya nila.

"I love your body, Angel. Because it's yours, and I love you," He squeezed my hand in a consoling manner and kissed the back of it.

My stomach was tumbling crazily at the raw emotion in his voice. Aside from the repugnant censoring of people about me there's someone who knew and accepted me wholeheartedly.

Kinagabihan ay sinabihan niya akong magbihis ng casual na damit dahil may pupuntahan kami.

"You will love where we going."

We got into his multi-million car and drove off. I thought we would spend the night on the bed, talking, or cuddling. But we found ourselves facing a Filipino Kakanin restaurant named Rosalinda Sweets near The Plaza Heneral.

It was cozy inside. There were green plants on the entrance. A big artificial banana trunk and leaves on both sides of the counter.

There were bibingka on the shelves with different toppings like cheese, raisin, and coconut flakes.

"Bibingka..." bulong ko sa pagkamangha. "How did you find this store?" I shot him a disbelieving look.

"Drexter mentioned this place and I think of you immediately..."

I smiled at him. He was a sight after a tiring day in the office.

He intertwined his hand with my own with a gratified smile. "I would do anything to make you smile."

We watched the people walk across the street while eating bibingka and some of their sweet delicacies. The City of Gensan was more alive at night.

Drake was hectic for the upcoming days to his birthday.

A big responsibility was on his shoulder. I could only assist him when things get tough for him.

My boyfriend has a transportation service company, competing international races, endorsing a famous car brand, and sports gears. There were rumors that he would be launching his own brandy. Although, there wasn't any firm admission from him.

That suspicion enlightened me when I heard he was having a secret meeting with all the heads of each department.

There were samples of brandy with its various shapes of bottles being conveyed to the meeting room.

Ang nakakapagtaka ay hindi ako kasali sa kanilang mga meeting. I should be part of it to prepare their presentations.

Drake was keeping late at night to work too. Few lights were turned off and his desk lamp was the only thing that gives him light.

"Drake?" I called his attention.

"Hmm?" he hummed. "Do you need anything, Gel?" His fingers busily typing on the keyboard of his laptop.

"You need to take a rest..." I reminded him. I walked to his desk.

He tilted his head at me. "You go first."

I stooped down to see what he's been working on. He was staring on a blank screen. Kumunot ang noo ko.

He reached for my face. "Tatapusin ko lang 'to."

Naisipan kong gawan siya ng Mango Juice. The sound of the blender shook the silence of the penthouse.

Pagkatapos ay bumalik ako sa kanyang desk.

Nilagay ko ang highball glass na may nakalubog na paper wrapped straw sa harapan niya. Nanatiling nakatitig ang mga mata niya sa screen ng kanyang laptop.

"Mango juice? This is your favorite."

I didn't read any articles and blogs on the internet that mango juice wasn't good to consume at night. Drake loved it and I made him one.

He closed his laptop in an instant. "You know me too well..." His mouth formed into a smile.

He swallowed the juice eagerly. His gloved hands linked the glass with vigor as his Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

He was still wearing the gloves I made for him years ago even when his working inside his penthouse. That was certainly intriguing but heart-fluttering.

"Can you continue that tomorrow, Drake? Kailangan mong matulog. Alas dose na.."

He put down the glass with a sigh. "I have to finish this, pretty. Matutulog ako kapag natapos na ito."

Kinuha ko ang tissue sa gilid ng baso at sadyang pinabagal ang pagdampi sa mga labi niya.

"I love you so much, baby..."

Natigilan siya. This was the only sweet tactic I had in mind. The grin on his face widened.

"Is this your way of luring me to sleep, Angel?" he asked.

I made a puppy eyes.

"This is pretty tricky..." He leaned back in his seat.

A soft laugh pushed from his lips. He let the anticipation linger for a while.

Pinakandong niya ako sa kanyang mga hita.

"Let's sleep while you're hugging me from the back, or I'm going to lay in your chest? I love you deep and true, baby."

I framed his face on my small hands while stroking his cheeks with the pad of my fingers.

"Did you just say I Love You? Or you said you want a kiss from me? Be clear, Angel. Which one."

He squinted with mischief in his eyes.

"I didn't even mention I want a kiss from you. But I like all the choices you've mention."

"I want to hear it again. Hindi ko narinig ng maayos. Masyadong mahina ang boses mo. And let me think if I can grant your wish with a kiss..."

He did not break the eye contact with me.

I was clearly struggling with the expectant look on his face and the heat between our stares that seemed to spring up every tick of seconds.

He pursed his lips in a silly concentration. I could read him like the back of my hand that he was enjoying my secret misery.

Inayos ko ang shawl collar ng kanyang cardigan.

I moved my hands smoothly on the fabric while muttering the words, "I love you, Drake..."

His expression melted like ice-cream.

"I can move mountains for you, Anghel."

His gaze told me his world solely revolved around me.

"Can we sleep now?" I pouted my lips, batting my eyelashes.

His hanging eyelids and swollen eyes fretted me a lot.

He needed to recharge his body by sleeping adequately.

He buried his face on my chest, listening to the beat of my heart.

"Yes, let's sleep. Kahit huwag na tayo pumasok bukas..." he decided.

He carried me in a bride style and brought me to his room. He sprawled me on his fluffy bed and sealed me with a good evening kiss. Since that, Drake didn't stay like a giant clock all night.

Kapag alas nuwebe na ay hinihinto na niya ang kanyang ginagawa at bukas na lamang ito ipinagpapatuloy.

We didn't sleep together on the same room every night. He said he didn't want to cross a line so soon that he would regret afterwards.

PERIEDOT