"Why is he driving so fast?!" 

I sped up and tried to catch him. My eyes widened when I heard a loud beep from a car behind me after my overtake. I could almost hear the driver cursing me. Muntik na 'kong mabangga! 

"I'm sorry!" I shouted, kahit alam kong hindi naman niya maririnig. 

I noticed that Sevi slowed down so I was able to catch up. Nasa likuran na 'ko ng sasakyan niya. Masyado naman siyang mabagal ngayon! Binusinahan ko tuloy kaya binilisan niya na naman. 

I felt like he was playing with me! Well, excuse me, Engineer Camero, hindi tayo naglalaro ng mga sasakyang freebie sa gasoline station! Pwede tayong maaksidente rito sa ginagawa mo! My gosh! I was getting so stressed out!

"Oh fuck, naiihi ako." I inhaled a large amount of breath to calm myself down. 

Binilisan ko ang takbo ng sasakyan ko para maabutan ko siya. I positioned my car next to his with my window open, so he could hear me. His brows furrowed when he opened his window too and slowed his car down. 

"I want to pee!" I yelled, not taking my eyes off the road. 

He closed his window, so I wasn't sure if he heard me or not. I just rolled my eyes and followed him again when he sped up. May nilikuan siyang gasoline station kaya lumiko rin ako. I parked beside his car and went down to run toward the restroom. 

Pagkatapos, I put alcohol on my hands and went back to the parking. Sevi was already outside, leaning on his car, waiting for me. His brow shot up when he saw me walking back. 

"Iniwan mong bukas kotse mo." He looked at me like he was judging me. 

"Oh, right." I gave him a shy smile. "Sorry. I didn't want to pee on my pants." 

"Ang bilis mo magpatakbo, muntik ka nang mabunggo kanina," he scolded me. 

Wow, ha! Ako pa! I was trying to catch up! He was the one driving so fast! 

"No, hinahabol kita." I crossed my arms.

"Ano?" He raised a brow. 

My eyes widened when I realized that it sounded so wrong, given our history. I panicked and put my hands in front of me to deny what he was thinking. 

"I mean, I was trying to catch up! Nawawala ako because you were driving so fast like you were in some kind of a racing movie or something. Y-you probably think that you're Lightning McQueen or-"

"Lightning McQueen," he repeated like it was funny. 

"Yeah, you know that movie? The one who says kachow?" I asked curiously, sinisiguro lang na gets niya ang reference. 

"The one who says what?" He crossed his arms over his chest and shot a brow up. 

"K-kachow?" I blinked twice. 

He bit his lower lip and nodded playfully before opening the door of his car again without saying anything. I pouted and was about to go inside my Lexus when I suddenly remembered something. 

"Hey," I called him, and he looked at me. "Do you have a power bank?" 

He stared at me for a moment before getting something inside his car. He handed me a black power bank with a built-in Apple cord. I gave him a genuine smile as a sign of gratitude. 

"Thank you," I said before getting inside my car. 

Sinundan ko ulit siya paalis at pabalik ng Manila. He was slowing down kapag nawawala ako sa likuran ng sasakyan niya. I think that was an improvement. Nabuhay na rin ulit ang phone ko so I put Waze back. Waze said we were already near Manila. 

Sevi stopped his car on the side so I stopped too. Hindi ko alam kung bababa ako o ano kaya naghintay na lang ako sa loob hanggang sa maka-receive ng notification. 

sevirous: Manila na. 

I bit my lower lip and typed my reply.

elydezma: Yup, thanks. I can use Waze now. You can go. 

Sineen niya lang ako at nakita kong nag-drive na siya paalis, leaving his powerbank with me. I shrugged and just followed Waze on my way home. Kuya Roel was waiting outside the mansion, talking to another security guard. 

"Kuya Roel." I sounded like I was crying. 

"Ano'ng nangyari, Ma'am?" He looked surprised to see my facial expression. 

"I got lost." I pouted. "In Batangas! Can you believe that?! I got lost in Batangas! Not in Manila, but in Batangas! My phone died, and I had no power bank or even a cord! Starting today, I will put two power banks in my car and two cords!" 

"Paano kayo nakauwi, Ma'am?" nagtatakang tanong niya.

"Why, Kuya Roel? Ayaw mo ba 'kong makauwi?" Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. 

"Hindi naman po sa ganoon, Ma'am!" He laughed at me.

"Someone I know helped me." I looked away, refusing to say the name. "Anyway, have a good night." 

I went straight to my room to take a shower and do my night care routine. I went to my bed wearing my nighties. Kinuha ko ang powerbank ko sa drawer at nilagay na sa bag, including my extra cord so I would never get lost again. I was so scared. 

I charged Sevi's powerbank so I could bring it back to him tomorrow. Surely, nasa site siya since start na ng construction nila. If wala, then fine. Kapag nakita ko na lang siya ulit.

The next morning, I woke up early to go for my morning jog around the village. Pagbalik ko, nag-shower na ulit ako at nagbihis. Dumaan muna ako sa coffee shop to buy green tea before going to work. This time, I gave a small smile to the employees who would stop walking to greet me. Maganda ang gising ko today dahil nakapag-exercise. 

"Alice, to my office," sabi ko pagkadaan ko sa desk niya. 

I took my shades off and sat on my swiveling chair to listen to my schedule for today. I opened my laptop to check the files sent to me yesterday. So far, maluwag naman ang schedule ngayon dahil walang meeting. Puro paperwork na lang. 

"Elyse..." Austin went inside my office without notice. 

"What?" I continued typing on my laptop. "Next time, you should knock first before entering. Basic manners, Austin."

"Sorry." He smiled. "Do you want to have lunch together?"

"No, I'm busy." I glanced at him for a second. 

"Hindi ka na kumakain, ah." He shook his head. "Maybe I shouldn't have convinced my dad to appoint you as the C.E.O?" 

"I can do it without you, Austin." I almost rolled my eyes. What was the meaning of that? 

"I know, Elyse. I was just saying that... you should not forget to eat," he explained. "Huwag masyadong magpaka-busy. Think about your health."

"Just go. I'm busy." 

He shook his head in disappointment before leaving my office. I went back to my work until I decided to take a break. Kinuha ko ang bag ko at naglakad paalis para pumunta sa site. Ibabalik ko na ang powerbank. 

"Okay, Batangas, I got you," I whispered to myself before starting the engine. 

I won't get lost anymore! Tinandaan ko na 'yong daan hangga't maliwanag pa. I focused on the road but I still got confused. Bahala na nga! I had Waze! Good thing I arrived safely. I parked beside Sevi's car again. Yey, nandito siya. Hindi sayang ang effort ko mag-drive. Next time, I should ask first. 

I walked around and followed the noise. I saw construction workers eating their food. Lunchtime na pala. I looked around and saw a group of engineers outside. May portable table doon at nakalapag ang blueprint. They were talking about something casually. Some were laughing. 

Lumapit ako para hanapin si Engineer Camero pero napahinto rin ako nang makitang kakalabas niya lang ng office with Bianca. He was wearing a white button-down polo shirt na short-sleeved partnered with a pair of maong pants. He was holding the strap of his hard hat with his hand, and may suot na I.D. 

"Miss Ledezma!" Architect Rosario suddenly called me. 

My lips parted, and acted like I was surprised to see her. I smiled awkwardly before walking towards them in my heels. Medyo nahirapan tuloy ako! Mabuhangin! Sevi raised a brow and watched me suffer. 

"Hi, I just came here to check on the construction. Do you guys need anything?" I asked, smiling. 

"We're good, Miss Ledezma. Lunchtime." Architect Rosario smiled at me. "Nag-lunch ka na po ba?" 

"Uh, not yet." I smiled at her. "Enjoy your lunch. If you need anything, you have my number. Thank you for your hard work!" 

"Wala po akong number n'yo, Miss Ledezma," Engineer Lavin suddenly said, laughing a little. 

"Oh, is that right?" Kinuha ko ang wallet ko para bigyan siya ng business card ko. "There. You can also e-mail me, but if it's an emergency, you can text na lang or call. Magpakilala ka muna, though." 

"Engineer Theo Lavin, Miss Ledezma." He offered his hand and smiled at me. "We already met each other." 

"What?" Naguluhan ako pero hinawakan ko pa rin ang kamay niya. 

"Taga-UST ako, Ma'am." He laughed again and looked back at Sevi, who had his arms crossed over his chest, watching us. "Blockmate ko si Master Sevi." 

My mouth formed an 'o'. Damn! So he knew about us! 

"Share mo lang 'yan?" supladong pambabara ni Sevi sa kaniya. 

"Pati nga pala si Engineer Castillo." He pointed at the other guy wearing a hard hat while eating. "Tatlo kami sa team na ano... Taga-USTe, Miss Ledezma." 

"That's nice. You guys are so successful now." I smiled at him. 

"Bakit ka nandito?" Sevi asked suddenly. 

"Oh, I-" I stopped talking when he suddenly went inside the office again. What the hell! Ang bastos kausap?! "He's so grumpy!" reklamo ko kay Engineer Lavin. 

"Sumunod ka raw sa loob, Ma'am. 'Yon lang meaning no'n." He laughed again. 

"Just call me Elyse," I said before going inside the office. 

He was leaning on an office table, reading a folder but stopped when he saw me inside. May tables and chairs sa loob at nakalagay ang ibang pagkain doon, mga gamit nila, and computers. Naka-aircon pa. Buti naman. It must be nice working beside a beach, huh? Nakakainggit.

It wasn't the only office. Marami pa dahil marami silang nagtatrabaho rito. Maybe this was for him and his team? 

"Bakit ka nga nandito?" he asked again, holding onto the edge of the table. His veins were showing. 

"Oh." Kinuha ko ang power bank sa loob ng bag ko at inabot sa kaniya. "Here. Thank you." 

"Nag-drive ka papuntang Batangas para... rito?" He showed me his power bank. 

Right. That was dumb! Sayang sa gas! "No, I checked the site. I am very hands-on, you know?" maarteng sabi ko. 

"If you want updates about the construction, just send me a message. I will take care of the workers, don't worry," he assured me. "If they need anything, I will inform you." 

"Send you a message?" I almost laughed. "Where? Instagram?" 

He licked his lower lip a little and raised a brow, wondering why I was laughing. Tinigil ko tuloy ang pagtawa ko at sineryoso ang mukha. The side of his lips rose before giving me his calling card. 

I looked at it. May logo ng Valeria Group sa harapan. Sa likod 'yong information sa kaniya. 

Engr. Sebastian Vincent Camero

Civil Engineer 

Civil Engineering Department Head 

And there was the company address, his phone number, the company website, and his business e-mail. Wow, what a profrssional.

"Thank you for this." I gave him a small smile before putting his card in my wallet. Kumuha rin ako ng calling card at binigay sa kaniya. "Here's mine." 

He didn't bother looking at it. Nilapag niya lang sa table niya, malapit sa laptop. "Is that your food?" I pointed at the lunch box on his table. 

"Hindi, binigay lang ni Engineer Ramos." He looked at it for a second. 

"You haven't eaten yet?" I curiously asked. 

Kumunot ang noo niya saglit, nagtataka kung bakit kailangan ko pang itanong 'yon. I suddenly had the urge to defend myself but I was scared that I would bluff again! Hindi na lang ako nagsalita at hinintay ang sagot niya. 

"Hindi pa," he answered in his deep voice. 

"Okay..." I nodded and gave him a small smile. "You guys should eat. Uhm... I should go now." 

He didn't talk so naglakad na 'ko palabas ng office. My eyes widened when I saw Engineer Lavin and Engineer Castillo at the door. They panicked and pretended that they were looking at the blueprint. 

"Ang ganda ng panahon ngayon, ano, Engineer?!" Engineer Lavin exaggerated. 

"Bobo mo, p're," Engineer Castillo replied. 

I laughed before walking away. Sumakay ako sa kotse ko at nag-drive na pabalik ng Manila. I ate my late lunch at the office and then umuwi na 'ko. I felt lonely again upon entering the large mansion. It was full of expensive pieces of furniture, but it still felt empty. Nakabukas nga ang lahat ng ilaw pero pakiramdam ko, ang dilim. 

"Should I get a new dog?" I asked myself while taking my shoes off. 

Jewel already died last year because of her old age. I cried and cried while she was being buried. It was so sudden that I couldn't go home and see her for myself. My brother and Kuya Roel were there for the burial. He comforted me too. He also loved the dog kahit maikling panahon niya lang nakasama. 

"Ida," I called her after taking a shower. 

[Hey! What's wrong?] bungad niya kaagad. 

"Nothing. I just feel lonely." I smiled by myself, looking at the ceiling. "I feel so alone, you know? I got no one else but myself." 

[Hey, don't say that! You have me! Medyo long-distance relationship pero goods lang! Just wait. I'll finish my work here and then dyan na 'ko sa Philippine branch namin magwo-work!] 

"Should I find a smaller house? Should I move out?" I asked her. "Maybe it's because of this... large space, and also the memories here. I should move out." 

[Saan ka naman titira, huh? Super hassle mag-design ng bagong unit, you know!]

"Right..." I laughed. "I'm too busy now I can't even eat properly." 

[What?! No! You should eat, okay?! Don't do that to yourself! 'Yan ka na naman, Eli, ha! We already talked about this.] She sounded like my mom scolding me. 

"Yes, Ma'am." I laughed. "I will try to eat properly. Anyway, I'm serious about... moving out. I can't live here anymore. The space is large but I still feel suffocated. Hahanap na lang ako ng condo near our company." 

[You already have one, actually.] She started laughing like a crazy woman.

"What?" My brows furrowed, confused. 

[Your condo!] she repeated. [Technically, you paid for that so it should be yours!] 

"What-" My eyes widened when I realized what she was talking about. "Are you fucking kidding me?! Why would I live there?! We... we did so many things there!" 

[Less hassle. Renovate it or something! For sure, hindi na siya roon nakatira! He's an engineer. He probably has his own house now if afford niya bumili ng mamahaling car or what. Sayang ang pera kung walang nakatira roon! Maintenance fee, hello? Binabayaran pa rin!] 

"Maybe he already sold it?" I tried again.

[He wouldn't. He would ask for your permission first kung balak niyang ibenta, just out of respect, you know. I mean, mas marami binayaran mo ro'n so it could be yours now.] 

"You're right. Maganda pa location." I bit my lower lip. "Okay. I'll... think about it." I had so many plans for that condo unit but still didn't act on them. 

The next day was a Sunday, so nag-yoga ako outside the house, just to calm my brain and heart. After that, I went to the mall to go shopping. 

I was wearing a white turtle neck sweater, black pants, and a Gucci belt since naka-tuck in ako. I also paired it with a pair of white heels, a floral black bag, and shades. My hair was in a high ponytail, and my lips were velvet red. 

"Hi, can I get a stock of this one?" I pointed at a Givenchy bag. 

"Elyse?" 

My eyes widened when I saw Samantha Vera. She smiled wider and gave me a soft hug. Inalis ko tuloy ang shades ko para makita ko siya nang maayos. Wow, she looked taller. Walang masyadong nagbago sa mukha niya. She still looked like a model. 

"How are you? You were out of the country for years," she said. 

"Yeah, I wanted to travel." I gave her a smile. "Ikaw? How are you? I heard your club was successful. That's good!" 

"Yes, you should actually stop by! Just message me on Instagram if you want to visit. I'll reserve you a table, and I can also give you free drinks. Bring your friends!" She sounded excited.

Oh, I don't have any friends. That sounded lonely so hindi ko na lang sinabi. 

"Tita-Ninang!" I heard a little girl. 

My lips parted when I saw a beautiful kid with long dark brown hair, almond-shaped eyes, long lashes, perfect nose and lips, and a gorgeous smile. Her hair was braided, and she was wearing a cute dress. 

"Timezone, please?" The girl pouted. 

"Oh my gosh..." I covered my mouth a little. "Avrielle." I felt old looking at her now! Ang laki na niya! She was still a small baby when I last saw her.

"Huh?" Avi looked at me, confused. "Hello po!"

"Avi, this is Tita Eli. You already met her noong baby ka but you probably don't remember now. You have pictures with her," pagpapakilala ni Sam. 

"I know, Tita! Wait, let me... Uh..." She held her chin and looked up, thinking. Parang may light bulb na nag-appear bigla sa ulo niya nang ngumiti siya sa 'kin. "Tito Sevi! 'Di ba?! Sa pictures! She was- hmmm!" 

"Oh god..." Sam looked stressed while covering Avi's mouth. "I'm sorry, Eli! She's a kid! She doesn't know-" 

"Okay lang, Sam." I laughed. "She's so bright... and talkative." 

"Sobra." Sam gave me an apologetic smile. "I'll take this kid to Timezone first. It was nice seeing you again." 

"Where are her parents?" I asked curiously. 

"Great question because I also don't know the answer to that. Nawala na lang bigla after our lunch. You know those two... Araw-araw honeymoon, gosh..." Napasapo siya sa noo niya.

"No, Mommy went out to look for a dress. Sinamahan siya ni Daddy," singit ulit ni Avi. 

"Bye, Eli!" Sam said, pulling Avi away. 

Binili ko na 'yong bag at lumabas na ulit ng store. I bought more clothes before I decided to go home. I was sitting alone in the living room, watching a movie. It was so boring and lonely, I had to consider Sam's invitation sa club niya.

"I can't go there alone," I talked to myself. "I would look like a damn loner. Should I invite my employees?" 

Why the hell would I ask my employees to party with me? They would probably just feel awkward kapag nandoon ako. Oh gosh, at that moment, I realized how lonely I was. I went back to my bedroom to pack my things. Good for one week lang ang dinala ko. I wanted to see if I could really move out. 

I also took a shower and changed my clothes. I wanted to party tonight. I texted Alice if she was available, and she said yes. Alice was the closest to my age. Not to be judgmental or anything pero may pakiramdam din ako na party girl siya because of her energy and looks. 

"Kuya Roel, sa condo ko... noon. Ilalapag ko lang gamit ko," I told him. 

Nagpahatid ako kay Kuya Roel dahil baka malasing ako mamaya. Nakakatakot na. I can't even drive without Waze, mag-drive pa kaya nang nakainom?! 

I was so nervous when I opened the door of our unit, pulling my small luggage with me. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makitang madilim at walang tao. I opened the lights and looked around.

I was surprised to see that there were changes in the interior design of the unit. Wala pa ring tao. I placed my luggage in the living room and went out again because Alice called. 

[Madam! I'm here na!] tuwang-tuwang sabi niya. 

"Yes, I'm on my way!" nagmamadaling sabi ko. "Kuya Roel, sa club na. Here's the address." I showed him my phone. 

I was so nervous. My last party was in the U.S.A with Ida. It was so wild there, parang na-culture shock ako. Hindi ko lang alam kung ganoon din dito. Ida enjoyed it so much because I got so drunk that I couldn't stand up anymore. At that moment, I knew how low my alcohol tolerance was. 

I was wearing a black fitted dress and black heels. I let my soft-curled grey hair down and just put a silver pin so it wouldn't go over my face. I messaged Sam earlier and sabi niya susunduin, niya raw ako.

"Madam!" Alice waved her hand when she saw me. 

Oh god, it was weird to see her in her party clothes. She was wearing a black bralette and a white skirt. Mas sanay siya sa 'kin sa ganito! She looked so ready for it.

"Just call me Elyse outside the office. Madam is awkward," I whispered. 

"Mas sanay ako sa Madam, Madam." She laughed. "I can't call my boss with her first name!" 

"Okay, whatever you want..." I shrugged. 

"Elyse!" I heard Sam's voice. Napalingon ako at nakita siyang naglalakad palapit. She gave me a kiss on the cheek, pati si Alice. Naguluhan tuloy ang secretary ko. "Hello! I'm Samantha Vera!"

"S-samantha Vera," Alice stuttered. She looked so surprised to see a supermodel in front of her. "Oh my god." 

"Hello? Hi?" Alice didn't answer. She was just staring at Sam. "Uhm, Eli, I think she's... uh... broken." Sam gave me a nervous smile. My secretary suddenly stopped functioning. 

"Alice," I whispered and pinched her a little so she would go back to her senses. 

"Samantha Vera!" Parang natauhan si Alice at nakipagkamay. "What a pleasure to meet you! I am your fan! I follow you on Instagram! I like your pictures! I also bought the perfume you endorsed!"

"Oh, wow, flattering." Sam giggled. "Thank you! Let's go?" 

"Madam, friend mo siya?!" Alice whispered to me habang nakasunod kami kay Sam. 

"Uhm, she's literally friends with everyone." I scratched my head a little. 

"So, friend ko na siya?" She looked thrilled. "Oh my gosh." 

I heard the loud noise and the smell of liquor. Napadaan din kami sa smoking area so I covered my nose a little. Sam gestured us to sit on a small couch, since dalawa lang naman kami ni Alice. She talked to a waiter and then suddenly, may apat na bottles na kami sa table. 

"Enjoy, girls! I'll talk to my friends lang!" paalam ni Sam. 

"Alice," tawag ko pagkakuha ko ng bottle. "What the hell is this?" 

"Ako bahala sa 'yo, Madam!" She stood up and asked for soft drinks and energy drunks. 

Alice started mixing the liquor with the energy drink. Nagsalin na rin siya ng tequila at binigyan ako ng lemon so I could take a shot. Hindi naman talaga ako umiinom! I felt nervous. I might go crazy here. 

"Sige, Madam! Ubusin natin 'to!" Alice was so excited. 

I was already on my tenth shot when a group of guys went to us to introduce themselves. Alice welcomed them with open arms! Pinaupo pa niya sa couch namin. I was so confused! Bakit sila nakikiupo?! What was happening?! 

"Oh, si Madam? Yes, she's single." I heard Alice's voice. "But she's not interested." 

I took a shot again. I could feel my head spinning. I was confident dahil nakatayo si Kuya Roel sa may gilid, watching over me.

"I should dance!" I yelled at Alice.

"Dance?! Tara, Madam! Dance tayo!" Excited na tumayo si Alice at hinatak ako papuntang dance floor. 

I started dancing. Hindi ko na alam kung anong pinaggagagawa ko. Some men would flock to me and dance with me. I couldn't care less. Alice would shoo them away immediately. I didn't want to dance with those men! Why can't they just leave us alone?

"You look drunk." The man gave me a glass of liquor. 

"Did you put anything here?" Sumingkit ang mata ko at tiningnan ang alak.

"What? Of course not!" He shook his head. "It's just whiskey." 

"Hey, I have my bodyguard here with me, okay?! If you're planning to do anything, forget it! Also, my brother is a prosecutor! I'm warning you!" I pointed at his face, drunk. 

"Madam, tara na!" Alice was laughing while pulling me away. "Sa inyo na 'yan." Binalik niya ang basong hawak ko. 

Kinuha ni Alice ang bag ko at hinatak ako palabas. Kuya Roel followed us from behind and they both helped me get inside the car. Humiga ako sa backseat buong byahe. 

"Kuya Roel, I don't want to go home..." I almost cried. "Go to my condo. My things are there. Please? I can walk! I promise you!" 

That was what he did. Hinatid niya 'ko sa lobby and I showed him that I can walk. He gave me a small smile and watched over me until makasakay ako sa elevator. I sighed heavily and put my forehead against the wall while waiting for it to go up. 

"Oh gosh," I whispered when I felt my stomach turning. I thought of other things para hindi ako masuka. 

Nilabas ko ang susi ko nang makalabas ng elevator. I started walking like a drunk woman along the hallway. I would stop to hold my head. My vision was spinning. It was also a little blurry. 

I opened the door of my unit and went inside. As soon as I closed the door, I put my back against it, breathing heavily. 

"Oh god, I will never do this ag-" 

My eyes widened when the bathroom door opened and it revealed Sevi putting a towel on his waist. He was so shocked to see me that he suddenly let go of the towel and it fell on the floor. 

My jaw dropped. 

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" I screamed. 

Sevi immediately got the towel again from the floor to cover his body. I panicked and turned my back against him before covering my eyes. 

"OH MY GOD, BASTOS! FUCK YOU! MANYAK! OH MY GOD, MOMMY!" I started yelling at the door, tearing up a little because of alcohol. 

"Putangina," Sevi muttered a curse. 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)