❝I realized you needed me and that I needed you just as much.❞

— ❁ —

        "GOODMORNING PO, Miss Navarro."

        Laurie's forehead crumpled as a guard approached her. Sa pagtataka, tumingin pa siya sa likuran niya para masigurong siya ang binabati nito. "Uh, goodmorning din po," she mumbled.

        Despite the confusion, she went on with her day. Binuksan niya ang café, pati na ang ilaw, aircon, at speakers sa loob. She, then, sent Malie a message. She bit her lip upon realizing she texted the wrong person.

        While filling her thermos with Americano, she glanced outside the café. Nakatayo roon ang guard. If he really was guarding Cafuné, then it must have been Lee's doing. Pikit-mata niyang tinungga ang thermos, saka niya tinawagan si Lee.

        Hindi pa man natatapos ang unang ring, sumagot ito. "Goodmorning, baby gir—"

        Laurie felt her brows furrow. "Is this you?"

        "Ang alin?" Narinig niya itong suminghot. "Literal na kakabuka lang ng mata so please, Lau, pahingi ako ng context?"

        Muli siyang sumimsim ng kape. "There's a security guard in front of the café. Sa 'yo ko lang sinabi 'yong nangyari, so please just admit that this is you."

        "A, 'yong security guard ba? Sorry, wait lang." Sunod-sunod ang kaluskos sa kabilang linya. "Sorry, medyo choppy ka. Tawagan na lang kita later, okay lang ba? Makikitawag kasi si Junnie. Baka magalit si Alice, e."

        "You said you just woke up," nakapameywang niyang sabi. "Nasaan ka ba talaga?"

        "Sa van po, he-he. On the way kami ngayon sa studio. Workshop, then gig later. Makakadaan pa rin naman ako sa 'yo so baka sa 'yo na 'ko matulog."

        "Are you telling me the truth or are you just avoiding my question?"

        "Legit nga. Gusto mo bang makausap pa si Junnie? Wait lang. Ito, o." Nalukot ang noo niya nang makarinig siya ng bulungan. "Hello, Laurie? Kuya's really here sa van. We're on the way to the studio right now, e."

        "Come on, you can do better than that." Saglit na nilamon ng ngiti ang inis niya. "That's obviously Sandro but I'm guessing Junnie's there, too?"

        In a hushed voice, Lee scolded Sandro. Sandro defended himself, saying he was just put on the spot and that he could do a better version of Junnie. "Sorry, ha-ha, pero oo, si Sandro nga 'yon. Nandito si Junnie pero busy mag-drive, saka nahihiya raw siya."

        "Hindi mo pa rin sinasagot tanong ko." Napalabi siya. "This is your doing, right?"

        "Uh, medyo?"

        "Anong 'medyo'?"

        "Okay, medyo choppy ka na talaga. Legit na." She shut her eyes. Nawawala-wala na rin kasi si Lee sa linya niya. "Tawag ako later. Bye, Lau."

        As if on cue, the door chimes twinkled. Pumasok si Malie na lukot ang noo. Nang magtagpo ang mga mata nila, tumuro ito sa labas. "Sino 'yon, Lau?"

        Nagkibitbalikat siya. "Why?"

        "Binati ako, e," natatawa nitong sabi. Bago ilapag ang bag ay umamba ito ng yakap sa kanya. Malie also scratched her chin. "Goodmorning, Lauwie~ Okay lang naman sa 'kin na kumuha ng guard. Sana lang sinabi mo para 'di ako nagugulat. It's just out of the blue."

        "I didn't hire him," she mumbled, still staring at the guard outside.

        "Hala." Malie gasped before snatching Laurie's thermos. "Sinamantala mo namang na-late ako ng dating," nakangiwi nitong sabi bago nakawin ang kalahati ng Americano niya.

        Laurie squinted when she noticed something odd with the guard. Bukod sa may dala itong baril, parang may kausap ito. Napabuga siya ng hangin nang mapagtantong isang Bluetooth earphone ang suot nito.

        "Bakit?" tanong ng kaibigan niya, sabay lapag ng bawas nang thermos. "What's wrong?"

        "Stay here. I'll talk to him."

        Before Malie could ask why, Laurie was already on her way to the door. Malakas niya iyong hinila, sinadya niyang unahan iyong guard. Something about Malie said made her ears ring.

        Out of the blue.

        Back in college, lots of things would happen "out of the blue". Isang beses ay natapunan ng kape ni Lee ang thesis niyang naka-bookbind na. Dahil ito naman ang may kasalanan, sinubukan nitong magpaliwanag at humiling ng deadline extension sa thesis adviser niya. Laurie was already thinking of reprinting when the professor approached her.

        Okay na raw. Sa sunod na araw na lang daw siya mag-submit.

        "Sir," tawag niya sa guard. "I don't want to sound rude but I didn't hire you. Sino po bang nagpadala sa inyo dito?"

        "A, hindi ko po alam, e. Basta lang po akong pinapunta dito, Ma'am Laurie."

        Laurie pursed her lips as her suspicion just got confirmed. "How did you know my nickname?"

        The guard was taken aback. Napakamot ito sa batok. Tinubuan din ng pawis sa noo. Napabuntonghininga na lang si Laurie. As usual, her instincts were right. Daddy niya ang nagpadala sa guard.

—

        LEE HAD no problem letting his guard down and depending on others. Si Laurie ang may problema pagdating doon. Hindi tuloy niya mapigilang kabahan sa oras na malaman nitong humingi siya ng tulong.

        Worse, he asked her dad for help.

        "Dapat kasi, anak, tinanong mo muna si Laurie," pumapalatak na sabi ni Lola Pasing sa kabilang linya. "Alam mo naman palang hindi ayos sa kanya, e."

        "Your lola's right, Lee," sang-ayon ni Sandro na nagpupungas pa. Noong nabalitaan kasi nito ang tungkol sa writing workshop niya, nag-request itong sumabay at maki-sit in. "Hi, lola~ This is Sandro po, your other apo."

        Pinaningkitan niya ito ng mata, saka niya inilayo ang phone. "Do'n ka nga."

        Sandro stuck his tongue out before typing on his phone. After his drunken confession, their relationship didn't change much. Humingi ng pasensya si Lee pero hindi iyon tinanggap ni Sandro. Katwiran nito ay wala naman kasi siyang kasalanan.

        For minutes, they argued about whose fault it was. They eventually agreed they should apologize to Charlotte instead. Pareho lang din naman kasi silang naging sakit sa ulo ng manager.

        "E, lola, matigas nga kasi ulo no'n." He stretched his legs across the wooden floor of the soundproof booth. "Saka grabe talaga iyak niya. Alangan naman wala akong gawin, 'di ba?"

        "Hay naku, anak. Kahit na." Pakiramdam niya, umiiling ang lola niya sa kabilang linya. "Aram mo na habo niya sa iya iloy. Dili ka na dapat nangiaram."

        Of course, Lee knew that. Ayaw din naman niyang mangialam sa café. Ang kaso, pinangunahan siya ng kagustuhang protektahan si Laurie. Kagagaling lang nito sa sakit. Umiinom pa nga ito ng maintenance at vitamins. The last thing he wanted was to not be there for her again.

        Pero dahil hindi niya maipipilit sa schedule niya, sa ibang paraan na lang siya nagdesisyong tumulong.

        Naaninag niya si Charlotte sa bintana. "Sige na po, 'La. Tawag ako ulit mamaya. Nandito na si Manager, e, kakabalik lang ata galing lunch."

        Lee ended the call. His forehead furrowed as he glanced in Charlotte's direction again. Isang lalaki kasi ang kausap nito. Bagaman hindi niya marinig ang pinag-uusapan ng dalawa dahil sa soundproofing, mukhang nagkakatuwaan ang mga ito.

        He elbowed Sandro. Tumunghay ito nang mapansin ang tinititigan niya. "Kilala mo 'yan?"

        "Nuh-uh," Sandro hummed. "Should we ask or would that be considered overstepping?"

        Like little kids, they panicked when Charlotte turned the knob. Bumalik si Sandro sa kaninang pinagkakaabalahan. Si Lee naman ay muling inipit ang phone sa tainga. He pretended to be on call with his grandmother. "Opo, 'La. Promise po, kakain ako nang maayos."

        Charlotte went straight to the nearby swivel chair. He and Sandro exchanged glances. Muli silang nagsikuhan, nagturuan kung sinong magtatanong.

        "You know that I can see you in my peripheral, right?" Charlotte mumbled while scrolling through her phone. "We agreed on having boundaries but you're still allowed to ask questions. Para kayong mga bata."

        Muling nagtinginan ang dalawa.

        Sandro faked a cough, earning an amused look from Charlotte. "He seems nice."

        Lee cleared his throat. "Sino 'yon, Manager? Parang familiar siya."

        "Familiar ka d'yan, e, bagong employee 'yon," tumatawa nitong sagot. "He's our new manager. Thank God, I convinced him to get Minnie from me. Parang tumanda ako ng tatlong taon sa two weeks namin, ha-ha."

        "Uh-huh, and we're really lucky you didn't give us away just like that," Sandro muttered casually.

        Chuckling, Lee elbowed him again. "Hoy, foul 'yon."

        "Speaking of foul—" There was a glint in Charlotte's eye. "—Aila said someone's looking for you downstairs. Akala ko nga kung sino, e, si Lau lang pala. She looked mad. Magre-ready na 'ko kung ako sa 'yo. Dumaan pa naman ata 'yon ng CR."

        "Hala ka, dude." Sandro patted his shoulder. "What did you do ba? Is she still mad because of this morning?"

        Lee tried to call Laurie but to no avail. Papunta na rin kasi sa studio iyong producer ng R/C na makikinig ng demos niya. Sure enough, he caught a glimpse of Gabby. He worked with Gabby before so he wasn't that nervous.

        Ang nakapagpakaba sa kanya ay ang nakabuntot ditong si Laurie.

        "'Wag kayong mag-aaway dito, a?" diretsong paalala ni Charlotte. "You can do it outside. Kaya naman naming mag-lipread."

        Sandro and Charlotte laughed. Nag-high five pa nga ang dalawa.

        As soon as the door opened, Lee stood up. Sinalubong at nginitian niya ang producer. "CR lang po ako saglit, Sir Gabby."

        "Sure, go ahead," nakangiti nitong sabi.

        When it looked like Laurie was about to say something, he sprinted toward her. He put an arm around her and gently pulled her away from the room. Naka-soundproof kasi ang kuwarto pero napakalaki ng salamin niyon sa labas.

        Huminto sila sa gilid ng CR.

        "I'm guessing you know why I'm here." Laurie's brows were knitted. Lalo ring sumingkit ang mga mata nito sa inis. "I knew something was up."

        "Lau, gets mo naman siguro kung bakit ko 'yon ginawa, 'di ba?" Hinawakan niya ang magkabila nitong balikat. Lumabi ito. Lee immediately let her go. "I'm sorry, okay?"

        "So, inaamin mo nga?"

        Napabuntonghininga siya. "Yes, sorry pero 'yon lang talaga naisip kong paraan. 'Di kita mababantayan, e."

        "So, kay Dad mo 'ko pinabantayan?" Inis itong nagbuga ng hangin. "Of all people, ikaw pinakanakakaalam na ayokong humihingi ng tulong sa kanya. I don't understand why you would do something like this."

        He looked at her softly. "Lau." This time, she didn't struggle when he held her shoulders. "Concerned lang ako. Ikaw mismo nagsabi na tinatrato mo nang pangalawang bahay 'yong café, 'di ba? Gusto ko lang na maramdaman mong ligtas ka sa pangalawang bahay mo. 'Yon lang."

        Isang malalim na buntonghininga ang pinakawalan nito. "So, you're not trying to change me or anything?"

        "Nope," nangingiti niyang sagot. "Nasa sa 'yo na 'yan kung gusto mong magpasalamat sa Dad mo o kung tatanggalan mo ng trabaho 'yong guard."

        Laurie shut her eyes. Napangiti naman si Lee.

        "You just said you're sorry."

        He nodded, smiling. "Oo nga. Sorry kung 'di kita tinanong. Alam ko na kasing sasabihin mong okay lang kahit hindi."

        Humalukipkip ito. "You don't know that."

        Napamaang siya. "Kilala kita, Lau. Kilala mo rin naman ako. Alam mo na dapat na 'di ako mapapanatag na wala ako do'n araw-araw. Sorry talaga pero ito lang naisip kong solusyon. Gano'n din naman gagawin mo, 'di ba?"

        She bit the inside of her cheek before punching his chest weakly. Ilang ulit pa siya nitong sinuntok. "Fuck you for knowing me so well."

        Tumatawa niyang hinila palapit si Laurie. He, then, kissed the top of her head. "Sige pero mamaya na. Daming tao dito, e."

        Bahagya itong lumayo, maipakita lang ang pagngiwi. "Hanggang mamaya ka pa dito, 'di ba?"

        "Mm-hmm." Gamit ang hinlalaki, tumuro siya sa recording studio. "'Yong nakasabay mo kanina, si Sir Gabby 'yon. Siya muna makikinig ta's pipili siya ng mga p'wede na, saka mga kailangan i-revise."

        "I heard your demos," she said, frowning. "They're all good. Bakit kailangan pang pilian?"

        "Hala." Nangingiti niyang sinapo ang dibdib. "Babalik ka pa sa café, 'di ba? 'Wag kang guman'yan, baka 'di na kita paalisin."

        Inayos ni Laurie ang pagkakasabit ng bag sa balikat. "You're right, I should go. Hinihintay ako ni Mal."

        "Nagbibiro lang ako, e," ungot niya. He pulled her close again and hugged her. "Pa-kiss na lang bago ka umalis."

        "You realize that Charlotte and Sandro are watching us, right?" bulong nito.

        "Ano naman? E, 'di mainggit sila."

        Chuckling, she pulled away. "I should really go. Sabi ko kay Mal, saglit lang ako, e. Dadaan din si Theo do'n, pati si Steffie. Magmi-merienda raw. Wait a second. Kay Theo mo ba nakuha 'yong number ni Dad o kay Steffie?"

        "Hmm? Sabi mo, 'di ba, kailangan mo nang umalis?"

        "Oh, my God."

        Pinigilan niya ang tawa. Inabot niya ang kamay nito. Hand in hand, he swayed her to the elevators. "By the way, anong plano mo do'n sa guard?"

        "Hang on. How did you convince Dad? That should be the question."

        "Sinabi ko lang na kailangan niyo ng dagdag security sa café." Before pressing the elevator button, Lee raised his hand. "Promise, 'di ko kinuwento 'yong nangyari no'ng event."

        "Let me guess. Nagtaka siya kung bakit wala kaming guard in the first place." She sighed when he didn't answer. "Honestly, I don't know what to do. I don't want to owe him anything. Sinabi kong last na 'yong sa café noon. He must have a motive if he agreed."

        Nalukot ang noo niya. "Hindi ba p'wedeng gusto lang niyang tumulong? Sa phone lang kami nakapag-usap pero 'di ko pa nasasabi kung bakit kailangan ng guard, umoo na siya."

        Laurie narrowed her eyes at him. "You said you're not trying to change me."

        "Hindi nga," he mumbled, chuckling. "Ang akin lang, baka kailangan mong i-consider lahat ng posibilidad bago ka mag-isip ng kung ano-ano?"

        In response, she scrunched her nose. "Fine, I'll think about it."

        The elevator doors opened. Humakbang si Laurie papasok pero muli itong hinila ni Lee. "Bye." He kissed her cheek tenderly. "Ingat sa pag-drive, 'ha? See you later."

—

        JULIA, HER father's secretary, just confirmed that her dad was, in fact, expecting her. A tiny part of Laurie felt oddly happy about that. Nakaramdam din siya ng inis. Napilitan lang naman siyang pumunta pero mukhang 'di pa rin niya napapatay nang tuluyan ang kagustuhan niyang makuha ang ni katiting na atensyon ng tatay niya.

        Kaagad namang humupa ang inis niya nang mapasulyap siya kay Lee.

        Lee was just sitting there on the gray couch – doing nothing – but that was more than enough. "Umupo ka muna kaya, Lau?" Inabot nito ang kamay niya. Iginiya siya nito paupo pagkatapos. "Kagabi pa 'ko kinakabahan pero ngayon na nakikita kong mas kinakabahan ka, lalo akong nahihirapan huminga."

        "I've been avoiding him so—" She squeezed his hand. "—sorry. Nahahawa ka pa sa kaba ko."

        "Wala kang dapat na ihingi ng sorry." Pababa nitong hinila ang manggas ng suot na blazer at saka, ngumiti. "Prepared naman tayo, e."

        Laurie squinted. Inayos niya ang pagkakatupi ng kuwelyo ng blazer nito. Her hands rested on his chest afterward. "Look, I appreciate you dressing up nicely but you didn't have to."

        "Gusto ko lang naman na maganda first impression niya sa 'kin."

        "I know but I think I should talk to him first," she admitted. "Privately."

        His brows furrowed. "Sure ka ba, Lau?"

        Kaagad siyang tumango. "I want to check the situation first. Ayoko namang maipit ka sa issues namin."

        Napalabi ito. "Okay lang naman sa 'king maghintay dito basta sure kang comfortable kang mag-isa?"

        "I can manage."

        Lee clicked his tongue. "Alam kong kaya mo. 'Di ko naman pinagdududahan 'yon." Tinusok-tusok nito ang palad niya. "Gusto ko lang masiguro na papasok kang kumportable ka, 'yong kalmado. S'yempre, ayaw nating maulit 'yong nangyari dati na may mga nasabi kang 'di dapat."

        "Even if he deserved to hear them?" she asked quietly.

        He shrugged. "Siguro, oo, pero minsan, kailangan mo ring isipin kung ano nararamdaman mo pagkatapos mong sabihin 'yong mga bagay na 'yon."

        Bahagya siyang lumayo para matingnan nang maayos si Lee. "Did you take a class?"

        "Nope?" he answered, hesitating. "Klase saan?"

        "I just don't understand how you got so good at this." Laurie squeezed his hand. "With feelings. I just don't get how you find it easy to help me feel. Sorry, I didn't mean to invalidate your efforts in understanding me. I just. . ."

        "Hmm?" he encouraged her.

        "Ang effortless kasing tingnan," she continued. "Sorry, I'm trying to thank you for taking the time to go with me here and for everything else, especially the ones I don't know about."

        "Lau naman, e. Gusto kong ang vocal mo ngayon pero pinapaiyak mo 'ko."

        Napamaang siya nang biglang sumubsob si Lee sa balikat niya. Desidido yata itong pigilan ang pag-iyak. "Lee—" She awkwardly patted his back. "—palapit na sa 'tin si Julia."

        Pinutol ng sunod-sunod na pagkatok ng heels sa tiles ang usapan nila.

        "Miss Laurine, your father says you can come in now," nakangiting sabi ni Julia. Inilahad pa nito ang kanang braso roon sa mga babasaging pinto.

        Huminga nang malalim si Laurie. Sumulyap siya sa katabi. "I'll be fine, okay?"

        Lee nodded. "Dito lang ako kung kailangan mo ako."

        "I know."

        He gave her a thumbs up despite the worry etched on his forehead. There wasn't much to worry about, really. For Laurie, the hardest part was over. Nagawa na niyang tumapak sa opisina ng daddy niya. Nagawa na niyang lunukin ang kapiraso ng pride niya.

        She followed Julia into a series of glass doors and glass walls. Huminto sila sa tapat ng isang frosted glass door. Just above the metal handle, her father's name and position were engraved.

Federico Navarro, Jr.
CEO, Navarro Corporation

        Binuksan ni Julia ang babasaging pinto. Dumungaw ito roon. "Good afternoon, sir. Miss Laurine is here to see you."

        "Send her in."

        Sapat na ang boses na iyon para dumagundong ang kaba sa dibdib niya.

        Julia turned to her and smiled warmly. "It's nice to see you again, Miss Laurie."

        Laurie did her best to smile back. Pagkatapos niyon, buong lakas niyang tinulak ang pinto. Kaagad na nilibot ng mga mata niya ang loob. The china cabinet was still there. Pati iyong coffee table na kapareho ng nasa unit niya, nasa gitna pa rin ng silid.

        But to her surprise, her father was sitting by the coffee table, looking relaxed. Inakala niyang sa mismong desk siya nito tatanggapin.

        May porcelain teapot set sa ibabaw ng mesa. Lumalangoy na koi fishes ang palamuting nakapaikot sa mga tasa at sa mismong teapot.

        Napalunok si Laurie. She remembered her father being angry when she played with that tea set. She was seven. Katatapos lang niyang mag-aral kaya nagdesisyon siyang maglaro muna. Pinaikot niya ang stuffed toys.

        One by one, she happily pretended to serve them coffee.

        "Sit down, Laurine," her father muttered while pouring her coffee.

        Laurie bit the inside of her cheek. Hindi na siya nagulat na isa na namang 3-piece suit ang suot nito. She never really saw him in casual clothes. Nang mapagtantong para sa kanya pala iyong isang tasa, umupo siya sa kaharap nitong armchair.

        "I'm only here to thank you for sending that guard," she said with conviction. "But you can take him off your payroll. Kami na lang ni Mal magpapasahod sa kanya."

        Laurie focused on the smoke coming out of the teapot. Instead of tea, it smelled like coffee, the one which she derived her signature blend from. The aroma brought her back to when she would spend the holidays alone in her room.

        "You can drink it." Itinulak ng Daddy niya iyong tasa. "Si Julia nagtimpla niyan."

        "No, thank you. I'm not staying long."

        "Oh, okay." He looked surprised. "Anyway, I met with Arthur last month and he told me about his plan to import coffee beans. His son has started his own café services and I happened to mention yours."

        "What does that have to do with me?"

        "Arthur asked for my help to spread the word about his coffee beans. He wants to supply a locally owned café. Naalala kong may café ka, so naturally, I told him to meet with you."

        "What?" Umayos siya ng upo. "Anong 'naturally'?"

        Sumimsim ito ng kape. "Businessman ako, Laurine. I heard about your café's recent projects and PR stunts so, of course, I immediately tried to link our name with Arthur's even if it's just a few bags of coffee beans. Nakalimutan mo na ba 'yong tinuro ko sa 'yo? In business, people and connections are the most essential."

        "You know that's not what I mean, Dad." Nakaramdam siya ng bikig sa lalamunan matapos banggitin ang huling salita. "Nag-usap na tayo, 'di ba? Why are you interfering with the café again?"

        "I never really understood you. Kapag hindi kita pinapakialaman, nagagalit ka. Kapag naman tinutulungan kita, nagagalit ka pa rin." Sighing, Federico Jr. set down his cup. "I left you alone like you wanted and now, you're indifferent. It's like I can never win with you."

        "And that's precisely why I'm like this with you." She exhaled shakily. Sa pamamagitan ng gilid ng tasa, pinainit niya ang mga palad na kanina pa pinagpapawisan nang malamig. "Gusto mo laging manalo."

        "I never said that," he said, almost sounding apologetic.

        "Well, you made me feel that way."

        "How about you? Ni minsan ba, hindi mo sinubukang manalo sa 'kin?"

        Both of them knew that the answer was "yes."

        The clicking sound of metal balls alternately hitting each other filled the room. Bukod sa mga papel, folder, at laptop, may pendulum kasing nakapatong sa desk ng tatay niya.

        Laurie sipped from the cup. Matamis ang pagkatimpla kahit na mocha ang blend. Nalukot ang noo niya. It was infused with star anise.

        Her father couldn't have remembered that. Malamang, si Julia ang nakaalala at kusangloob nitong idinagdag iyong star anise. Still, she felt nice for a bit. Umabot iyong init ng kape sa kalamnan niya. Saglit niyang nakumbinsi ang sarili na may alam pa rin ang daddy niya tungkol sa kanya.

        "Do you happen to remember the first thing I said that night?" he asked before loosening his gray pinstriped tie.

        Laurie shook her head.

        "I asked you why and you scoffed as if you were expecting me to know the answer."

        "You knew full well that I was looking for Mom. Ilang beses kong tinanong sa 'yo kung alam mo current address niya, 'di ba? But you kept lying to me. You can't hold that against me. It's only natural tha—"

        "I'm not holding it against you," putol nito sa paliwanag niya. "Tama ka naman. Natural na ikaw mismo ang gumawa ng paraan para alamin 'yong totoo. My only issue with that, however, was how it seemed like you had no trouble deciding to leave me without saying goodbye."

        Laurie's forehead crumpled. Tuluyan niyang inubos ang laman ng baso. "Wala ka namang sinabing gan'yan noon."

        He sighed exasperatedly. "Well, I'm saying it now."

        That left Laurie dumbfounded. Her brother often scolded her for not being considerate of their father's feelings but she never paid attention to that. Akala niya kasi, sumisipsip lang ito. Of course, a part of her believed that she hurt her father.

        But an even bigger part didn't.

        Mataas kasi ang pride nito. She just assumed she wasn't that important to dent his emotions, let alone, his ego. Gayunpaman, nanatiling malinaw sa isip niya ang mukha nito noong nakita siya nito sa airport. He looked disappointed, hurt, and betrayed.

        "Do you know why I didn't talk to you for months after the incident at the airport?" She didn't answer. "I was afraid of you, Laurine. I still am, actually."

        "What now?" He was definitely bluffing. He has friends in the government. Malawak ang sakop ng korporasyon nito. "Bago pa nangyari 'yon, matagal na tayong hindi nag-uusap. You can't use that as an excuse to justify why you didn't spend time with me."

        Instead of getting mad, Federico Jr. sipped his coffee.

        "You just remind me so much of your mom," he confessed as he set the cup down. "You have the same look on your face when you get angry. You're both stubborn. I admired that about her at first but over time, I found it tiring. We fought over the little things. Eventually, she concluded that maybe, we weren't supposed to be with each other."

        Her father smiled, much to her confusion. Mayamaya ay inangat nito iyong teapot. Ito mismo ang nagsalin sa baso niya. Lalo siyang naguluhan dahil doon. They never really spent that much time dining together to know whether he usually did that; to know whether that was normal.

        "I was on the brink of believing her until that night at the airport." Tinulak nito papunta sa kanya iyong baso. "I realized you needed me and that I needed you just as much. After that night, I gave you what you want: space. I gave you the independence you wanted while making sure you don't give up the lifestyle you were accustomed to. Hence, the café and your unit."

        "My unit?" She held onto the porcelain cup tightly.

        "I talked to your building manager. He's been charging you less than he should have."

        "What?"

        "Would you have accepted my help if you felt like you didn't need to work for it?"

        Laurie bit her lip. "No."

        Chuckling, Federico Jr. filled his cup again, seemingly satisfied with her answer.

        "Were you expecting me to go here if you send that guard? Kaya ba pumayag ka kay Lee nang gano'n gano'n lang?"

        "No," he answered nonchalantly. Saglit itong tumayo. When he returned to his seat, he had a black folder in tow. "I just wanted to right some wrongs."

        Napaismid na lang si Laurie. She never knew her father had such a love for the dramatics. But then again, she wouldn't have known that because they never really spent time together. Nang mapansing hinihintay nitong buklatin niya ang folder, dinampot niya iyon.

        Napabuga siya ng hangin.

        Inside were their family pictures. Kasama roon ang mommy niya. Laurie rummaged through the pockets and found recent ones – pictures of their mother smiling with the new family.

        "There's a piece of paper in there," she heard her father say. "That's her current address in Sicily."

        Her fingers trembled as she browsed through the photos. "She's in Italy?"

        "When she left me, I made it my mission not to go after her. I only found out about her address last month."

        Laurie raised the folder, tears in her eyes. "Why are you showing me this?"

        "Because I'm no longer denying you the right to know her," diretsong saad ng dad niya. "The only thing I ask of you is that you let me know once you arrive at a decision."

       "Do you want me to see her?"

        Her father laughed at the question. "What I want doesn't matter, Laurine. It shouldn't anymore." He finished his coffee. "Consider that and your meeting with the Santelmos next year as my parting gifts."

        "Parting gifts?"

        "Yes, I'll be in Dumaguete for the next four months."

        Laurie's lips began trembling. She wasn't expecting this. Hindi rin naman siya nag-expect ng closure o kahit anong pampalubag-loob pero parang nilalamukos na naman ang sikmura niya.

        This time, however, it didn't stem from anger. It was from guilt.

        "Dad, I—" She heaved a sigh. "—I don't know what to say."

        "You don't have to say anything. You don't owe me anything." He poured himself another cup of coffee. "Although, you should finish your coffee. Julia prepared it."

        All Laurie could do was nod. There wasn't really anything left to say.

        "By the way, that man who accompanied you?" The question almost made her spit out her coffee. "I didn't know you reconnected."

        "Steffie didn't tell you?"

        "Stefan never tells me anything. I just found out when he called. Ah, I remember when you used to sneak out past your curfew."

        That comment made her brows knit. "You knew?"

        Federico Jr. chuckled before gesturing at her cup. "Finish your coffee. By the way, I'm not firing your guard. He needs the job but if you insist, you can fire him yourself."

        With a sigh, Laurie brought the cup to her lips.

—

        LEE BIT his lower lip. While waiting, he messaged Theo. Mabilisan niya ritong ikinuwento kung paanong nasa labas siya ng opisina ng tatay ni Laurie. Being the good friend that he always was, Theo comforted him. Nagawa siya nitong pakalmahin kahit may product shoot ito sa Mandaluyong.

        Lee just finished checking his Twitter notifications when the huge glass door opened. He readied his best comforting smile for Laurie. However, to his surprise, it seemed like she didn't need comfort.

        Agad niyang ibinulsa ang phone bago ito salubungin. "Kumusta?"

        "It was okay, I guess?" Laurie fiddled with her purse's strap.

        He casually reached for her hand. "Anong pinag-usapan niyo?"

        "He just gave me something," she answered with a meek smile, showing him a folder.

        "Pero okay ka lang ba?"

        "I think so. Umiyak ako nang kaunti pero okay naman. He apologized for that text I told you about. Apparently, he surprised me on my birthday to apologize for that. Ugh, I really hate being wrong."

        "Wala namang tama palagi, Lau." Buong pag-iingat niyang hinawakan ang palapulsuhan ni Laurie. Pagkatapos niyon, hinila niya ito palapit at niyakap. "Proud ako sa 'yo," bulong niya habang hinahaplos ang buhok nito.

        She just hummed in response before returning his hug. "Thank you."

        Nang maramdaman ang pagpatak at pagtagos ng mga luha nito sa tela ng blazer niya, lalong hinigpitan ni Lee ang pagyakap kay Laurie. He let her muffle her soft sobs against his chest.

        "Tear trigger ko yata 'yon. Please don't say that again without a warning."

        He chuckled before breaking the hug. "Sorry po." Nang mapansing tuloy pa rin ang pag-iyak nito, nagmamadali niyang sinalo ang mga luha nito gamit ang mga manggas niya. "Sasabihin ko ulit, 'ha?"

        Laurie scrunched her nose, almost pouting while nodding.

        "'Di ko alam kung anong nangyari pero proud na proud—" Lee stroked her hair gently as he planted a kiss on the side of her lips. "—na proud ako sa 'yo."

        "Thank you for being here," she said, sighing. "I'm not sure what happened but it was fine. It felt like he was a different person. He wasn't cold. Ang hirap pa rin niyang basahin pero may nag-iba sa kanya."

        Akmang sasagot siya nang mapansing nakatingin si Laurie kay Julia.

        Laurie cleared her throat, catching Julia's attention. "Please don't take this the wrong way but by any chance, did you put something in my father's cup?"

        Nalukot ang noo ni Lee. He was about to pull Laurie away but Julia didn't mind. Mahina pa nga itong natawa.

        "No, Miss Laurine," Julia answered, smiling. Upon noticing Laurie's puzzled reaction, she sighed. "I know it's not my place to say this but I think you have the right to know."

        Concern flashed in Laurie's eyes. "To know what?"

        "Your dad has been seeing a therapist for months."

        "What?"

        Maliit na ngumiti ang babae. "Your brother has known for quite some time so I assumed you did, too. I don't know why they didn't tell you but—" The phone on her desk rang. "—sorry, please excuse me."

        Naiwan silang dalawa ni Laurie, parehong naguguluhan.

        Naramdaman niyang nag-vibrate ang phone sa bulsa. Instead of checking it, he turned to Laurie and reached for her hand again. "Uwi na ba tayo? Kung gusto mong pumasok ulit sa office ng Dad mo, okay lang din. 'Dito lang ako."

        Marahang umiling si Laurie. "Let's just go. We talked enough for today, saka may gig ka pa, 'di ba?" Niyakap nito iyong black folder. "I'll drive you to the agency. Binilin ka sa 'kin ni Charlotte. I don't want to break that trust."

        "Sus." Pinagsalikop niya ang mga daliri nila. "Ayaw mo lang akong pakawalan, e."

        Natawa ito nang mahina. "Okay, then, that, too."

        Nilingon ito ni Lee. Nang mapagtantong wala itong balak na bawiin ang sinabi, napabuntonghininga siya. But it wasn't an exasperated sigh. If anything, he was relieved.

        Ding. The elevator doors opened. Sabay silang sumakay. Lee kept staring at her.

        From the way she was acting, he could tell that a heavy weight was lifted off of Laurie's shoulders. Her eyes would sometimes shift with worry but he didn't pay that much attention. Alam naman kasi niyang imposibleng maresolba ang issues sa tatay nito sa isang usapan lang.

        Rebuilding relationships requires effort on both sides.

        "What is it?" she asked.

        Lee grinned childishly. "Wala po."

        Just like what they had been doing since that one night.

—

        ONE MINUTE passed since they arrived at the agency but Laurie didn't have the heart to wake Lee up. Ang payapa kasi nitong tingnan. The golden sunlight cascaded on his chin, slightly bouncing on his nose and cheeks.

        Sumiksik ito sa bintana. Tuloy ay tumama ang araw sa mga mata nito. Sighing, Laurie adjusted the sun visor.

        Fifteen minutes na lang at kailangan na niyang gisingin si Lee.

        The fact that he accompanied her was huge. Sinaluhan siya nito sa kaba niya, e. Hindi tuloy mapigilang umisip ni Laurie ng paraan para makabawi. Abala siya sa panunuod sa mabagal na paghinga ni Lee nang mag-vibrate ang phone niya. She quickly fished it out of her purse.

        "What now?" she asked in a hushed voice.

       "Julia told me you went to see him," bungad sa kanya ni Stefan. "Okay na kayo?"

        Laurie scoffed. "No, hindi naman gano'n kadali 'yon."

        "Ha? E, bakit sabi ni Julia, parang masaya naman si Dad pag-alis mo?"

        "Hey," untag niya rito. "Ako dapat ang nag-i-interrogate sa 'yo. Why didn't you tell me that he began therapy?"

        "If I did, would you believe me? 'Di naman, 'di ba?" He snorted. "You had to see it for yourself, the effects of the therapy, I mean. Anyway, nabanggit din sa 'kin ni Jules na alam mo nang nasa Italy si Mom?"

        Laurie bit the inside of her cheek. That question just confirmed her hunch. Siya ang huling nakaalam ng current address ng Mommy nila. She decided not to make it into a big deal, though. Stefan and her father must have had reasons why they didn't tell her until today.

        "Dad gave me a folder with her recent info. He also told me to 'arrive to a decision but I don't know. Hindi ko pa alam kung anong gagawin ko sa nalaman ko."

        "Hey, Lau?" she heard her brother say. "Alam mo namang p'wede kitang samahan, 'di ba?"

        Nalukot ang noo niya. "Nakapunta ka na ba do'n?"

        "Hmm." Saglit na tumahimik ang kabilang linya. "Sa Italy, oo. Kay Mom? Of course, I haven't. You know I'm busy with the publishing house."

        "You literally just offered to go with me."

        Suminghap ang kapatid niya sa kabilang linya. "Which is proof that I can make time for you."

        Laurie smiled to herself. Bihira kasi silang magpakita ng concern ni Stefan. The phone calls once or twice a month didn't really give them enough space to show how they care for each other. "Don't use me as an excuse to go to Italy. You're your own boss. Just approve your own leave."

        Bumulanghit ito ng tawa. "Seryosong tanong kasi. Do you want to see her and our half-siblings?"

        Laurie found herself staring at Lee again. Muli itong umayos ng upo. Lalo rin itong sumiksik sa espasyong nakapagitan sa bintana at upuan. Napako ang tingin niya sa hibla ng buhok na nakausli sa bandang noo nito.

       "No, I don't think so," she finally answered her twin. "I might change my mind but for now, hindi na muna siguro."

        "Are you sure? Kung pamasahe inaalala mo, ilibre na raw kita sabi ni Dad. I don't have a choice on that matter so if I were you, sasamantalahin ko na."

        She unlocked her seat belt. The little click made Lee flinch but it wasn't enough to wake him. Gamit ang kanang balikat, inipit niya ang phone sa tainga. She carefully moved toward Lee and unlocked his seat belt.

        "Laurie?" she heard Stefan say. "Nand'yan ka pa ba?"

        "Yes, I'm very much here," sagot niya habang nakatitig sa katabi. "I really appreciate your offer but I think—" Sighing in contentment, she finally gave in to the urge to tousle Lee's natural wavy curls. "—I think I'm happy right now."

        Back then, Laurie never really figured why she chose Lee over everyone else who fancied her. Wala siyang mahagilap na logical explanation noon. Naiinis pa nga siya tuwing maiisip kung paanong walang habas nitong binulabog ang buhay niya; kung paanong pilit itong nanatili sa kanya.

        Pero panahon na yata para aminin niyang tinamaan siya nang malala kay Simeon Lee Aguirre. It was probably time to admit she ended things because she began seeing a future with him; one she thought she didn't belong in.

        Kasama naman pala talaga siya sa future ni Lee. Them meeting again was the cosmos granting its blessing.

        "Lee?"

        Maingat na tinusok ni Laurie ang tungki ng ilong nito. Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago tuminag si Lee. He blinked repeatedly but upon recognizing her, his lips curved into lazy smile.

        It, then, turned into a soft one. It was probably the softest one so far. "Bakit?"

        Laurie inhaled sharply at the sight of his messy but beautiful state. "Mahal kita," deklara niya sa kabila ng panginginig. "Mahal pa rin kita."#