30-Drake

"Baka pwede mo pang pag-isipan, Angel. I'll be alone here, baby..." I coaxed her early in the morning after we ate our breakfast.

"Magkikita parin naman tayo sa trabaho, Drake. Kahit doon mismo sa boarding house na tutuluyan ko. We will still talk and exchange messages to each other."

She zipped up her pink luggage.

"What if may multo?" He pouted like a kid. "You know I can't sleep without hugging you or–"

She kissed my lips fleetingly. Ngumisi ako.

"One more please..." I requested sweetly.

Nakahanap na siya ng vacant room sa Balimbing Street. Dumaan ako doon para e-tsek ang kwartong rerentahan niya.

The whole place was well-guarded. High gated full of padlocks with a fussy landlady who would complain about stubborn boarders who couldn't follow her given curfew.

Kahit naman hindi kalakihan ay sigurado akong ligtas siya. Hinatid ko siya roon at tinulungan sa pag-aayos ng mga gamit niya.

Sabay din kaming pumasok sa trabaho. Nasa entrada palang kami ng building ay bumitaw agad siya sa hawak ko.

I hated that one rule she created. Nauna siyang naglakad at iniwan ako. Deretso lang ang lakad niya. She did not even glance back at me.

My head heated up when I saw Ayden prowling at the visitor's lounge. What in the world he was doing here?

He grabbed his bouquet of flowers when Angel walked pass him.

"You really are hard-headed than me, little boy. Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I advanced at him, blocking his way.

"Visiting." he answered tersely.

"This is not a jail, Ayden. There are no visiting hours, unless you want to talk about business."

"Is this how you thank me for saving your girl?" He pressed on his hero thing again.

My eyebrows shot up. "Is this how you respond when a woman is already committed to someone? Not cool, Ayden."

Binunot niya ang sunglasses niya sa kanyang bulsa. Sinuot niya ito nang marami ng empleyadong nakatingin sa amin.

"I just want to be friends with her, Drake."

He faked a cough to loosen up himself from the stares we accumulated.

"What kind of friend? A friend she can rely on when problems rush, or a friend who will grab the chance of luring her when she's having issues with her current boyfriend?"

Hindi pa ba sapat ang mga sinabi ni Anghel kagabi?

He was a pertinacious, pig-headed jackass.

"She's not that type of girl who will be just carried away with a mere enticement..."

He adjusted his sunglasses.

"Of course, I trust my woman. But not you." I pointed out.

"If you trust her, then don't bother hinder me." he challenged.

I cracked my knuckles.

My lips were in a flat thin line of control. But my teeth inside my mouth were silently honing for a war. My eyes could slice him into pieces.

Suminghot ako. Ayokong magpalabas ng galit sa harapan ng mga empleyado ko.

I didn't want to stoop that low for a moron like him.

"Do you even have a brain? I'm going to meddle with everything that bothers her. Take a step back, she's dealing with something. I don't want her to feel suffocated. Angel isn't the woman you want to be. I'm her boyfriend. She already said she didn't want you. Why is it hard for you to understand that? And why can you just fly off to Manila?"

That zipped up his mouth.

He buggered off with his bouquet of flowers. My employees returned to their work.

Ayden must have been eating cockroaches since I don't know when that's why he's acting like a crack brained insect.

I instructed the guards if Ayden would visit again, they better send him away.

***

I bustled around Angel's desk, filling a cup with coffee for her. I stole a kiss on her cheeks before anyone could catch us.

Her eyes widened. I pouted my lips.

Bumalik muli si Ayden alas singko ng hapon.

He got a lot of sneaky ways!

Angel was carrying three rims of bond paper. No sweat or complain.

She was literally not phased with the heaviness of what she's carrying. Her eyes began to dart at him as though we shared the same aggravation.

"I can carry that for you, Angel." The pace of his voice was gentle like he's taking his time to appreciate her beauty.

"Just watch and learn, Ayden, my Queen can carry that..."

She fought against the blush filling her cheeks.

We had a silent communication through our eyes. She nodded at me and I winked at her as a response.

She easily put the rim of papers on the table.

"See?"

Pinigilan ko ang pag-alpas ng ngiti sa aking mukha nang makitang suot niya ang sing-sing na binigay ko noon.

My heart was wild as if I'm racing drunk in the late abyss of night.

"Sabay na tayo, Ms. Soledad." Ayden offered.

If he continued doing this, that left me no choice but to use my connection. I would disrupt his contract with a famous car brand. Or I would make sure he won't be able to race.

"Ihahatid kita, Angel..." I said gently to her even my mind was thinking something violent.

Angel beamed at me.

"Salamat sa mga offer gentlemen. Pero kaya ko namang iuwi ang sarili ko." she declined politely.

"Yes, my Princess." patutsada si Ayden.

Angel didn't even give him the regard.

I could imagine her face last night. She was so adorable making a cringed face.

It was another side of her that make me fall for her even harder.

"Yes, my Queen."

Her mouth curved. Her eyes crinkled with happiness.

"What time will you probably arrive at your boarding house?" I stepped closer to her and enveloped my arms around her.

Niyapos niya ako pabalik.

"I'll text you what time I'll arrive, Drake." she replied as though Ayden didn't exist in front of us.

"Careful. Text me as soon as you arrive, okay?" I kissed her hair while Ayden was staring at us.

We swayed and stared to each other's eyes like the lovey-dovey couple that we were. We could stay like that and pretend that no one was watching.

We acted unbothered as if a dastard couldn't unhinge the love and affection that we have for each other.

That was the best way to shoo him away. To make him realize he was nothing to Angel compared to me and against our deep love.

"Drake, mauna na ako." paalam ni Anghel at bumitaw na sa yakapan namin.

She got her things and winked at me to annoy Ayden. As if showing a cloying scene was her form of shenanigan.

She marched out, waving at me and only offered a petty half smile to Ayden as a sign of respect that somehow, he exists in front of us.

God. My love for her overflows.

"Lalaban ako ng patas." Ayden declared.

"No one ask you for a challenge, moron."

That wasn't about him being stubborn. He was problematic already.

He couldn't stay away from us. We shooed him away in the most obvious way.

"Your relationship with her is going downhill, Drake. Just admit that."

He was determined to break us apart when in fact he couldn't hold a candle to me.

"It's not right to meddle with someone's relationship. Just go home, Ayden. Hindi ka dapat nakikialam sa relasyon ng iba. I hope you know the words privacy and respect."

"Why I have this feeling you barely know her?"

He narrowed his eyes.

"Why I have this feeling I want to punch you right at this moment? May malalim kaming pinagsamahan ni Anghel." I rolled up my sleeves.

"That's not the problem. It takes a beat of a clock to know her."

I badly wanted to whack him in the head. Dammit!

I couldn't even do that now. I've had changed. I made a promise to myself.

There were situations and most likely, people who would test your patience. It was kind of demonic thing to lure you and burst out your inner devil.

Namulsa ako at seryoso siyang tinignan sa mga mata. Nagpalabas ako ng malalim na hininga.

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that the winner isn't the one with the fastest car. It's the one who refuses to lose. Why are you rushing to get a woman especially to a taken one? Why are you always paranoid of someone else win? And why don't you try to repair your behavior, Ayden?"

"It takes maneuvering and agile tactic to win a woman's heart. I'm sure about her."

"You sounded like you're under control. Women are not like steering wheel you can just control, Ayden. Women aren't born to be controlled. They should be taken care of, flourish them with love, and make them feel safe in your company."

"If you accept this challenge, babalik ako sa Maynila ng walang pag-alinlangan."

He didn't listen to me. One day, he would regret meddling with our relationship.

If he found the woman he loves, I hope all the things I said would sink in to his mind.

"If murder isn't sinful, I'll be trailing your dead body and paraded it around the city. Don't push me to my limit, Ayden, or you wouldn't like what I'm going to do with you."

Pwersahan ko na siyang pinalabas ng building.

Talking to him was like talking to a demented guy. I drove to Balimbing Street and parked my car in front of the gate of the boarding house she was temporarily staying.

My phone beeped.

pretty💄:

I'm here. It's 5:25pm. Nakauwi ka na?

I texted back.

Me:

Same. I'm here too.

pretty💄:

Are you joking, Drake? Baka mapagalitan ako.

Me:

Yes.

I didn't want her to worry. I couldn't just go straight to our penthouse.

Me:

Don't wear earpods if you want to go to a store or something. Make sure you're aware of your surroundings.

I reminded her instead to prolong our conversation.

Me:

Better yet don't go out. Not until its morning.

pretty💄:

Noted, Drake. I love youuu

I couldn't help but smile like I'm back to high school.

Me:

I love you deep and true. Can I visit? Our penthouse feels empty without you.

Kahit wala ako sa penthouse, I melted like a fucking ice-cream.

She just texted me, 'I love You,' and how could I sleep without feeling her presence?

pretty💄:

Baka pagalitan ako ng landlady namin.

Me:

I'll talk to her, Angel.

pretty💄:

Medyo aburido pa naman siya, Drake.

Me:

Great! Aburido din ako. I know I can make her agree with me.

pretty💄:

Gabi na masyado. Matulog ka na.

She wasn't good at reasoning or even lying.

Me:

It's just 5:30 pm, pretty. I'll bring a box of bibingkas.

pretty💄:

Okey dokey!

Me:

Uuwi din ako bago mag-alas dyes.

The deal was sealed.

Bibingka have been her weakness. I ordered our dinner and something sweet for the landlady.

"Hello, ma'am." bati ko sa kanya.

"Hello, dong." She greeted back.

Angel was right. Her landlady had that presence that would frighten someone at first glance. Para siyang Lola na terror sa kanyang mga apo.

"I want to give you these flowers and chocolates."

Inabot ko sa kanya ang mga iyon at malugod niya iyong tinanggap.

Her face lightened up. "Naku naman. Matanda na ako. Gusto mo ba sa mga gurang, hijo?"

Tumawa pa siya ng mahina.

I shook my head. "I'm Angel's boyfriend, Ma'am. Is it okay to visit her? I promised I will leave before the curfew..."

"Ay...sige, dhong." Medyo nadismaya siya.

She let me visit her without any further questions. I knew how to use my Drakey charms. She wasn't that intimidating nor very strict.

Angel was blowing her wet hair when I get inside her room. I initiated on continuing it. I honestly felt a great sense of satisfaction when I'm taking good care of my Angel.

"Hindi ka talaga umuwi sa penthouse. Suot mo parin ang suit and tie mo."

I pursed my lips. A grin crept in my face. It wasn't rare news. She sighed as if that thing wouldn't change about me.

We both ate like tired college students from school.

Kung hindi nangyari ang kinakatakutan ko noon siguro palagi kaming sabay kumakain pagkatapos ng klase.

Kahit hindi kami pareho ng school ay pupuntahan ko siya.

We watched a movie on Netflix in my phone after that, while she's sitting on my lap munching a bibingka.

She kept shifting her butt to my other leg. I was eager to make her feel more comfortable. Thus, we cuddled up in her small bed because it was way relaxed for the both of us. I realized this was one of the best moments of being alone with Angel.

I would rather not drive my car just to feel that mere thrill when she effortlessly does nothing to make my heart pump up with so much adrenaline.

I hugged her close to my chest. She nestled to me. I stroked her back.

The movie I could not name was forgotten.

The heaviness of her eyes was like soft caresses trailing into my skin.

I couldn't withstand the sweet hunger driving my heart. I cupped her face and kissed her so slow and finite. It turned into a passionate kiss with light caress to her soft skin on her waist.

I was so engrossed in kissing her. My hands were unconsciously moving to her legs.

I stood up when I sensed that I might take things further if I not stop.

"I should probably go, pretty. It's getting late." I said with a good night kiss on her forehead.

"May palaka!" she squealed and jumped in fear.

I caught her in my arms right off the bat.

Nakapulupot na siya sa leeg ko at tinago niya ang kanyang magandang mukha sa aking dibdib.

A puzzling moment of silence drifted in the atmosphere. I realized what she was trying to convey.

"You just want me to stay here, don't you?" I murmured when she remained snuggled in my chest.

"May palaka talaga, Drake. Hindi mo kasi nakitang dumaan." Her voice muffled.

I dropped a tender kiss on her hair. "Whatever you say, baby."

I placed her back to the bed to continue what we started. I kissed her with the strength and pace that made her fingers curled in the fabric of my long sleeve.

"I don't want this to end, Drake..." she breathed heavily.

"Likewise, baby...Likewise."

Our kisses went extra miles. As if we were driving a speedy car. Our sweet and fast kissing session resulted in a messy haired Angel.

She looked so lovable. My hand rose up to her face and pinched her right cheek. Her nose scrunched comely —which fluttered my heart as if it happened for the very first time.

***

"Uuwi ulit ako bukas ng hapon sa bahay, Drake. Baka maghina sila Mama." paalam niya sa akin huwebes ng gabi.

Bumisita ulit ako sa boarding house na tinutuluyan niya.

"You still didn't tell them you're working with me?"

Not that I expected her to do that. I should be the one to do that.

"Hindi muna." Fret spread in her face.

"Tell them, Angel. Give them peace of mind." I told her seriously.

She studied my face as if trying to find the real sense of what I said.

"For sure they will react badly. Hindi mo pa sila kinakausap. Sasabihin ko lang sa kanila kapag gusto mo ng makipag-ayos, Drake. Natatakot rin kasi ako sa magiging reaksyon ni Kuya Soren..."

"Bukas sabay na tayo. Haharapin ko na sila..."

Bravery was sipping in me.

Her eyes swam with relief. She scooted closer to me.

"Wala si Kuya sa bahay."

"Si Mama Anne muna. Pagkatapos kuya at ate mo."

"Thank you, Drake."

"No, ako dapat ang nagpapasalamat sayo. Hindi mo ito obligasyon, Anghel." I calmed down her worries.

"I love you, Drake." bulong niya.

"I love you more."

She nodded and looked up to me. "They will understand us."

"We will make them understand that we're still in love and inseparable."

It was marked by my dogged devotion to her.

I didn't want to make my fears come to reality again. God knows what I did to her was a nightmare.

Tumunog ang phone ko kinabukasan.

pretty💄:

Nasa byahe na ako, Drake. Nauna na ako.

Kumunot ang noo ko. I texted her back.

Me:

That's fine. Susunod ako. Kumain ka ba ng maayos?

pretty💄:

Oo. Kailangan kasi para madagdagan ang timbang ko.

Oh. I would take note of that. Her goal was to gain more pounds.

Me:

Good baby. We will go grocery next time. Just list down all the food you want to buy.

pretty💄:

Okey! Dokey!

I was in the middle of raring my car to life when a message popped in my phone. The message was in full caps lock. I thought it was a death threat. Binasa ko ang laman.

GOOD MORNING, MR. DRAKE WAYNE MATHILDO. THIS IS MR. SOREN BHALTAIR SOLEDAD. I'M WRITING THIS LETTER TO REQUEST SOMETHING PERSONAL. I KNOW YOU'RE NOT IN GOOD TERMS WITH ME BECAUSE OF THE PAST. I DON'T WANT TO CONTROL MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER EITHER. SHE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW. I COULDN'T HOLD HER BACK. I KNEW SHE HAVE MET YOU IN JAPAN, SHE'S WORKING IN YOUR COMPANY, OR PROBABLY STAYING IN ONE OF YOUR PROPERTIES. MY REQUEST IS THAT YOU SHOULD TALK TO US. AS HER OLDER BROTHER, I ONLY THINK OF HER WELFARE. KEEPING THIS ALL A SECRET FROM US WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING GOOD TO HER HEALTH. HER MIND AND BODY.

The last sentence hit me like a brick wall.

Angel hid something from me.

I doubted if she told me everything. I would eventually know the truth and understand her no matter what because that's how much I love her.

I replied to Angel's big brother. I indicated the possible place and date we would be talking. He agreed to me. He decided quickly that he would come home next Sunday.

I asked a favor if he and Mama Anne could keep it a secret. I knew I'm acting audacious. But I seized the chance. All for her.

Me:

Baby, let's postponed our plan today. Something came up.

pretty💄:

Okay.

***

Behind that okay was a downcast face of Angel. I was right. She acted normal, but she was being digressive and elusive when Monday comes.

"I miss you too..." bulong niya habang nagtitipa sa kanyang cellphone.

What the fudge?

I peeked at her phone and she was texting with a man named Daryl.

Kinuka ko ang aking phone at hinanap ang taong iyon sa kanyang Instagram. Laking pasalamat ko at babae pala ang nasa following niya.

Tumawag ang kausap niya. She answered the incoming videocall swiftly.

"I miss you too. Working hours ko pa ngayon." She blew a kiss on the phone.

"Who's that?" I tried modulating my voice, but it came cold as ice.

"Si Daryl. One-minute extension please..."

I waited until she ended the videocall. "I didn't tell you to hung up the call..."

Hindi siya makatingin sa akin. "But you look like one..."

"Okay."

I wanted to kick myself for acting passive.

"Do we have a problem, Drake?"

I gritted my teeth. "No."

Why couldn't be Sunday already?

"Bakit hindi ka sumunod?" tanong niya.

Her slumped shoulders and low spirit face made my heart crumble piece by piece.

"I told you something came up, baby."

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise."

I gathered a secret meeting, telling them my employees to prepare everything for the launching day next week. It was the brighter thing to keep this act. I couldn't forbear myself but grin like a Cheshire cat — thinking of her possible reaction.

"You're confusing me, Drake. Why are you looking at me like that?" her face became chipper, noticing the sudden change of my facial expression.

"I just realized how much you love me and how vast I love you."

Hindi ko mapigilan.

That brought a blush to her cheeks. "Stop it, Drake..." she covered her face with her hands.

The whole weekdays, I worked normally when she was around. Whereas I checked everything from the manufacturing plant when the production started and visited the factory to inspect its packaging from time to time without her.

I registered this business few months. Our brandy name was set. The big day was fast approaching. I needed to keep my shoulder to the wheel.

Kaya minsan hindi kami sabay kumakain. Hindi rin ako nakakadalaw sa tinutuluyan niya. I portrayed everything chill not until naiwan niya ang kanyang phone sa desk niya. Pareho parin ng password. Some things —still never changed about her.

I didn't mean to pry, but curiosity was killing me. I opened her gallery only to find out all our pictures were deleted. Our memories were long gone in her phone...

I refused to confront her with that. Instead, I wade through my work. I understood her. Maybe her older brother deleted our pictures before when he was livid to kill me. Maybe she was the one who deleted our pictures.

I spent the next day brooding and chugging the brandy that would soon be launching.

Hindi muna ako pumasok sa trabaho. Kahit isang araw lang. I had no idea why I felt brokenhearted like a past version of me.

Kung ano man ang dahilan ng pagkawala ng mga litrato namin, maiintindihan ko siya.

There were miscalls and texts from her. I turned off my phone and took a mouthful of brandy.

"Nandito ka lang pala, Drake. I'm worried about you..."

I felt sober up a little when Angel plastered in front of me. She came to see me in our penthouse. God, I wanted to kiss her and cuddle her...

"Drake, tama na. I thought you drink moderately?"

Kinuha niya ang bote ng sample brandy na walang label na nakalagay.

Umupo siya sa sahig kung saan ako nakahandusay. "Sabihin mo naman sa akin anong problema mo?"

I didn't want her to see me like this. But I wanted to show her the real me when I felt heartbroken.

"Angel...it feels like you're here but your heart – is starting to draw away from me. I can sense that you're hiding something from me."

She framed my face in her slender hands. "I'm not, Drake. I'm not starting to draw away from you..."

"I love you, Anghel. Don't forget that..."

Then alcohol and the sight of her angelic face lulled me to sleep.

PERIEDOT