"What exactly do you want with my son?"

Tumigil sa ere ang hawak kong tasa at napatingin sa Mommy ni Ivo. She's staring at me coolly, and then she chuckled, placing back her teacup on the table.

"I'm sorry, that sounded too harsh..."

Namula lang ang pisngi ko sa hiya. I kept my mouth shut and decided to listen to what she has to say because I'm not sure how to respond... yet.

"Ivo is my only son. He had a tough childhood because of his father and I... failed to protect him." she let out a sigh. "Alam kong importante ka sa anak ko, pero hindi ko alam kung ganun din siya sa iyo. I don't want you breaking my son's heart."

I placed my hands primly on my lap as I stared back at her.

"Wala po akong intensyong saktan si Ivo."

"I hope so, hija. I'm too old to meddle in a relationship between adults."

Tumango ako. After she caught us in Ivo's office, she invited me for tea. Hindi makasabay si Ivo sa amin dahil may mga meetings pa siya kaya bahagya akong kinabahan. I saw her on screen before, and she can be intimidating if she wants to. Ivo inherited none of her toughness and fierce. He was soft as a cream, always willing to melt into one's soul as a way of showing his love.

Pagkatapos naming mag-tsa-a, inihatid ako ng Mommy ni Ivo pabalik sa office nila dahil sasakyan niya naman ang ginamit. Magalang akong nagpaalam at pumasok sa loob. Laura's eyes widened when she saw me stepping out of the car and turned away. Hindi ko na siya nangitian nang makasakay na ng elevator.

"Raya!"

Ivo stood from his desk when he saw me entering the office. A shadow of worry is etched on his face as he walked towards me.

"Hindi mo sinasagot ang mga tawag ko." He pouted like a child.

"Tumatawag ka?" kumunot ang noo ko at kinuha ang phone mula sa bulsa. I tried to bring the screen to life only to find out that my battery is drained. "Sorry, low-batt pala ako."

"Ayos lang, katatapos lang ng meeting namin." He guided me back to the couch. "Anong sinabi ni Mommy sa 'yo?"

"Huh?" I gave him an amused look.

He scratched his jaw uncomfortably. "Kilala ko kasi si Mommy, baka kung anu-ano na ang pinagsasabi sa iyo tapos—"

I chuckled. "Tapos?"

"Tapos in-offer-an ka na pala ng 30 million para layuan ako." He tsk-ed. "Kapag nangyari yun, tanggapin mo ang pera, ah? Tapos hati tayo."

I laughed at his silliness. Hindi naman tumatawa si Ivo at seryoso lang na nakatingin sa akin. I figured he must be really worried about what his mom said so I gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Wala siyang sinabing ganun, Ivo. Mabait ang Mommy mo."

"Talaga?"

I nodded and placed my bag on the couch. Napasulyap ako sa relo ko. Pasado alas sais na pala. Siguro mga alas dyez y media na akong makakarating sa Pangasinan pag bumiyahe ako.

Ivo plopped next to me, reaching for my hand.

"Can you not go home tonight?"

"Huh?" napalingon ako sa kaniya.

"Gabi na, tapos mag-isa ka lang na magda-drive. I'm too tired to drive you, and I wouldn't risk it." Ivo swallowed and turned away, the tips of his ears burning red again. "P-Pwede namang sa condo ko nalang."

Amused, I scooted closer to him. "Dun ako matutulog?"

He let out a sharp exhale, nodding slowly. "Kung gusto mo lang. Kung hindi ka komportable, tatawagan ko ang secretary ko at ipagb-book kita ng hotel. Basta huwag ka lang uuwi."

Hindi ko mapigilang matawa. Bakit ba ang cute-cute ng lalaking 'to? Akin ba talaga 'to?

"Pwede naman akong matulog sa condo mo. Wala ka namang iniwang babae dun, diba?"

Ivo's eyes widened. "Gagi! Wala 'no!" tinulak-tulak pa niya ako kaya natawa ulit ako.

I shrugged. "I'll just wait for you to finish your meetings and we can go home together."

"Thank you." He planted a kiss on my forehead and went back to working.

Nasa couch lang ako habang nagt-trabaho si Ivo. I was bored so I pulled out a book and started reading. Pasado alas otso na siya natapos. Hinubad niya ang coat at ini-rolyo ang sleeves ng suot niyang black dress shirt. Ako naman, tumayo mula sa couch at kinuha ang bag.

"Kotse ko nalang, iwan mo na yung sa iyo sa basement parking."

Tumango ako dahil makakatipid din naman kami sa gas kung ganun. Isa-isa nang nagsisiuwian ang mga empleyado sa building. Ang naiwan nalang ay mga nightshift janitor na naglilinis pagkatapos nilang magtrabaho para hindi marumi kinabukasan. Ivo made sure to greet each of them whenever he passed by. He gives the same respect to the janitor and his business investors. That was always the kind of person I pictured him to be.

"Kuya Jus! Uwi na kami!" sigaw niya nang makita pa si Kuya Justin na mukhang pauwi na rin sa parking lot. Kumaway siya sa amin habang ang isang kamay ay nakahawak sa bisikleta niya.

"Nagb-bisikleta siya pauwi?" tanong ko kay Ivo habang inaayos ang seatbelt ko.

He nodded. "Sinubukan ko siyang bilhan ng motor nun kaso hindi naman niya tinanggap. Babayaran niya daw buwan-buwan kung tatanggapin niya tsaka mas maigi daw na nagb-bisikleta para may exercise kahit papaano."

Sinulyapan ko ulit siya habang pumapadyak palabas ng parking lot. Siya lang ata ang gumagamit ng bisikleta dito. Even so, Ivo made sure to install a bike locker in the parking area. While he was backing the car and I stared at the product of his generosity, I think I fell in love with him once more.

Mabagal ang pagmamaneho ni Ivo, dahil na rin siguro sa pagod. He still tried to be cheerful while making small conversations until we arrived at his condo. Nang makarating kami sa unit niya, mabilis siyang pumasok saka isa-isang pinulot ang mga damit sa couch. Nahihiya niya akong nilingon.

"Pasensiya na, medyo makalat. Hindi pa ako nakakapaglinis dito..."

I just nodded in understanding. Who would have the time to tidy their place while running multiple businesses? I was surprised he even had the time to visit our house in La Union and tidy up.

Inilapag ko ang bag sa kitchen counter niya at tinulungan nalang siya. I felt awkward just standing there. Ivo tried to resist but in the end, he just let me help him.

Pagkatapos naming malagay ang mga damit sa hamper sa laundry area, inilabas ni Ivo ang phone niya.

"Anong gusto mong kainin? Order nalang tayo..." tanong niya habang nags-scroll sa cellphone niya.

I frowned, looking at his well-stocked kitchen. Lumapit ako dun at binuksan ang mini fridge niya.

"Ba't ka mag-o-order? Marami ka namang pagkain dito."

"Sorry, pagod na ako para magluto—"

"Ako na magluluto," I said, already taking out three pieces of tomatoes and the frozen pork in the freezer.

"Huwag na, Raya, nakakahiya!" lumapit kaagad si Ivo sa akin.

"Just go and rest for a bit, Ivo. Hindi naman bago sa akin 'to..."

He stared at me in conflict, then he sighed and nodded. Hinalikan pa niya ang noo ko bago siya nagtungo sa couch. I moved in silence in the kitchen. Habang nags-slice ako ng kamatis, napalingon ako sa kaniya at napailing nang makitang tulog na tulog ito sa couch.

Ginising ko si Ivo pagkatapos kong magluto at makapaghain sa lamesa. I felt guilty to disturb his sleep but he needs to eat something.

"Napanuod ko ang documentary mo..."

Gulat akong napatingin sa kaniya habang sumusubo ng kanin.

"Ba't alam mo?"

Ivo just grinned. I had a chance to write for a documentary when I was graduating at NYU. It was just a special project for our Developmental Communication subject but our professor pitched the entire thing to a documentary show and they agreed to work on it. It was a huge thing for me back then, but I never told my friends about it. It was around the same time Cel went MIA, and I couldn't afford celebrating my success without her.

"I just saw. Nagulat nalang ako nang makita ang pangalan mo sa credits... kaya pala ang ganda."

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. It was about malnutrition in this time and age. It was as sorrowful as I could remember, but eye-opening to the viewers.

Pagkatapos naming kumain, nag-presenta pa si Ivo na siya na daw maghuhugas ng mga plato. I had to fight with him for a bit and won in the end. Hindi naman ako sobrang pagod kaya ayos lang sa akin na maghugas. Siya naman, parang matutumba na anumang oras. I told him to just shower and go to bed. Susunod nalang ako sa kaniya.

Labag sa loob na umalis si Ivo at pumasok sa kwarto niya. I washed the dishes and dried my hands. Narinig ko kanina ang lagaslas ng tubig kaya malamang nakapag-shower na ito. I knocked before entering his room. Nakita ko siyang nagpapatuyo ng buhok gamit ang tuwalya at may kung anong binabasa sa iPad niya.

"Uh... wala akong dinalang damit."

"Pwede mo namang hiramin ang damit ko, teka..." tumayo si Ivo at binuksan ang closet niya. He pulled out the smallest shirt he had and gave me a pair of shorts, too.

"May towel sa loob..."

I nodded and went inside. It smelled strongly of him even though the bathroom looks like it was taken straight out of an interior magazine. I took my time in the shower and changed into his clothes. Itinali ko nalang ang shorts niya dahil masyadong malaki para sa akin.

Ivo was already sleeping by the time I was done. Hawak pa niya sa isang kamay ang iPad at may suot pang reading glasses. I chuckled softly and pulled out my phone, snapping a few pictures of him in that position before I gently removed the glasses from his face. Kinuha ko din ang iPad niya at inilagay sa side table.

Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa bakanteng space sa tabi niya at sa couch sa labas. Wala naman siyang sinabi kung saan ako matutulog. One-bedroom condo unit 'to kaya walang ibang kwarto kundi ito lang. Tatabi ba ako?

I stood over him for a few minutes, conflicted and embarrassed. In the end, I found myself slipping next to him. Hinila ko ang kumot at bumuntong-hininga. Ivo is snoring softly next to me, and I couldn't help but chuckle again. He's really tired.

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata dahil sa sariling pagod. My body started to relax. Before dozing off to sleep, I felt his hand snaking to my waist and pulling me closer to him.

Maaga akong nagising kinabukasan pero wala na si Ivo sa tabi ko. I could hear noises from the kitchen, and even if the door is closed, the entire place smelled strongly of coffee.

Mabilis akong bumangon at niligpit ang pinaghigaan. May kausap si Ivo sa cellphone niya habang nagp-prito ng itlog. Nakaligo na siya at nakabihis na rin. Kinusot-kusot ko ang mga mata habang dahan-dahang naglalakad patungo sa kusina.

"Good morning..." he mouthed when he saw me. Ngumiti ako sa kaniya at naupo. I helped myself to a cup of coffee while Ivo continued with his conversation. "Yes, I understand. Please make sure that it's in my desk by 12 noon. Thanks." He ended the call and turned to me.

"Nakatulog ka ba nang maayos?"

Tumango ako at sinimsiman ang iniinom kong kape. "Oo naman."

"Nalabhan ko na ang mga damit mo, tuyo na din..."

Muntik ko nang mabuga ang iniinom kong kape sa sinabi niya. I decided to remove my undergarments last night thinking I could wake up early and wash it so I have something clean to wear on my way home. I completely forgot all about it!

Gusto kong iuntog ang sarili ko. Nilabhan niya... yun?

"Uh... salamat."

Ivo just nodded casually, as if it was normal for him. I forced myself to calm down. Nabilhan na niya ako ng napkin at disposable panty noon, at hindi pa kami. Walang pinagkaiba yun sa ginawa niya ngayon. Still, I couldn't help myself. Alam kong pulang-pula na ang mga pisngi ko ngayon.

Pagkatapos naming kumain, si Ivo na naghugas ng mga plato. I stood and went to the couch, picking up my clothes and my undergarments. My cheeks burned again in embarrassment. Dali-dali akong pumasok sa kwarto niya at nag-shower.

May binabasa ulit si Ivo sa iPad niya pagkatapos kong maligo at magbihis sa loob. I slowly approached him, clutching my bag. I should tell him about the photoshoot. Iyon naman talaga ang pinunta ko dito kahapon.

"Ivo, may sasabihin sana ako sa iyo..."

Binaba niya ang iPad niya at tiningnan ako. He chuckled nervously.

"Ba't ang seryoso ng mukha mo? Kinakabahan ako..."

I chuckled nervously, too. Mas lumapit ako sa kaniya.

"Nakita mo na ba ang interview video mo?"

"Hindi pa, pero alam kong ako yung pinagt-tsismisan ng mga receptionist kahapon." He chuckled. "Nakita ko ang thumbnail, eh."

"Well, our EIC decided that you should be on the cover of our October issue."

"Really?"

"Yes. We have to photoshoot for this."

"Kailan daw?"

"At your most convenient time, of course. Just give us a date and we will prepare in advance."

"Nandun ka?"

"Of course."

Ivo shrugged. "Okay, sure."

I smiled widely and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Parang teenager na nanigas si Ivo sa ginawa ko. I chuckled and realized it must be the first time that I initiated a kiss between the two of us.

"Dito din." Itinuro ni Ivo ang mga labi niya at inilapit ang mukha sa akin.

Tumawa ako at itinulak ang mukha niya palayo.

"Namimihasa ka na. Pagkatapos ng photoshoot, may kiss ka sa akin."

"Kiss lang?"

Pinandilatan ko ng mga mata si Ivo. He laughed and grabbed my waist. Nagbangayan pa kami bago tumunog ang phone niya.

"Tara, nasa baba na ang bodyguard ko." Ani Ivo.

He doesn't have anything, just his iPad and his phone. Malamang lahat ng gamit niya iniiwan niya sa opisina. He offered to carry my bag. Nagdadalawang-isip pa ako dahil naka-all black siya tapos ang bag ko, yellow! Ivo didn't seem to mind and carried it as if he's been doing it all his life.

Pagkarating namin sa office, nagpaalam na ako sa kaniya. I need to get back to my own office, too. Ivo wanted to drive me but his schedule restricted him from going anywhere today.

"Ayos lang, magkikita pa naman tayo sa photoshoot ngayong Wednesday."

He pouted like a kid.

"Nakapag-drive naman na ako, Ivo. I'll be okay."

"Sige, text mo ko pag dumating ka na."

I nodded and went on. When I arrived at the office, I immediately informed our EIC that I secured an appointment with Ivo to do the photoshoot. Tuwang-tuwa naman siya sa narinig.

"Tama talaga ang desisyon naming gawin kang head sa October issue," she said, laughing. "Baka hindi ka na namin ibalik sa Manhattan!"

The smile on my face wilted. I've been trying to ignore it for the longest time, especially when Ivo and I became a couple. I've been trying to ignore the inevitable—that I have to leave him soon.

I went back to my office and mindlessly checked the articles submitted. Hindi ko maalis sa isipan ko kung paano ko sasabihin kay Ivo kapag dumating na ang panahon na yun. I know he knows. But even Ivo had been careful not to mention it. It's like we mutually decided, without words, to stuck ourselves in this little bubble of a new-found relationship.

I'm too happy that I'm afraid something's going to go wrong soon.

Naging abala na ako sa sumunod na mga araw para sa preparation ng photoshoot namin. We hired professional photographers for the project, and secured a reservation in one of the resorts. I made sure it wasn't a property of his so he can have a change of scenery.

"Mr. Escarra, it's so good to see you again!" binati kaagad ng EIC namin si Ivo nang makita niyang kabababa lang nito sa kotse.

He smiled and put on his shades. Naka-simpleng black shorts at white tennis shirt lang siya. We were going to provide everything he's going to wear on the photoshoot, and even rented a surf board for him.

"Salamat, san si Raya?" tanong niya kaagad at nilibot ang paningin. Nanigas ako dahil sa kaswal niyang pagkakatanong sa EIC namin. Even Kaye shot me a look when she heard what he said.

Our EIC cleared her throat, but she's trying to fight off a smile. "Ms. Montanez will join us soon. I'll take you to the lobby."

Ipinagpatuloy ko ang ginagawa habang naglaho naman ang EIC namin at si Ivo sa lobby. Nang mawala sila, siniko-siko ako ni Kaye.

"Ma'am, napaghahalataan na kayong dalawa, ah?"

I rolled my eyes. She's teasing me again.

Pagkatapos ko sa ginagawa, sumunod ako sa kanila dun sa lobby. Ivo is just sitting, scrolling on his phone while our EIC made her rounds before the photoshoot. Wala akong pasabi na tumabi sa kaniya.

"Hi."

"Raya!" tuwang-tuwa niyang wika. Yayakapin niya sana ako kaso pinanlakihan ko siya ng mga mata. He pouted like a kid and dropped his arms.

"Nasa trabaho tayo, Ivo." I reminded him.

He just scoffed as a response. Natawa ako sa naging reaksyon niya. I talked to him casually while we were waiting for our EIC. Nang makabalik siya, sinabihan niya si Ivo na magpunta na sa dressing room. They're going to start the make-up process.

Nagtagal si Ivo sa loob. Lunch time na nang matapos sila. Our EIC led us to the resort's restaurant and ordered seafood. Nakaupo na ako nang dumating sina Ivo. Mabilis siyang naglakad patungo sa akin kaso naunahan siya ng EIC namin sa upuan. She raised a teasing brow at him.

"Sit across, Mr. Escarra. There's your chair." Turo niya sa upuan sa tapat namin.

Ivo must've glared at her or it could be my imagination but he followed and sat silently. Nakasimangot na siya ngayon habang nagsi-serve ng alimango, lobster, at kung ano pang seafood cuisine sa lamesa.

Pinag-usapan nila ang tungkol sa trending na interview video ni Ivo habang kumakain. He seemed uninterested about it, and haven't even watched it yet. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata dahil hindi man lang siya nagpanggap na nakita niya ito.

"Some are very curious about your love life, Mr. Escarra. I just know there are tons of ladies out there who are hoping to get a chance with you."

"Not interested." Ivo said briefly, sipping on his mango juice.

"Oh? Why not?" our EIC folder her hands on her chin and smiled at him like a Chesire cat. "I thought you were single?"

"Was."

"You found her, then?"

"She's been here all along, I don't need to find her." he flicked his gaze over me for a second before looking away. Nanigas ako sa kinauupuan ko. "I'm just glad she finally gave us a chance."

"Is this because of the interview?"

"Hmm, partly. Yes." Tumango-tango si Ivo.

"We should celebrate, then. Rest assured that your relationship will remain confidential and you remain in the list of our top eligible bachelors."

"Heh. Thanks?"

Napailing nalang ako. Pagkatapos naming kumain, nagsimula na ang photoshoot. They were trying to shoot Ivo while surfing but they couldn't catch a good wave. Wala halos alon ngayon sa dagat at init na init na ang mga staff. Sumama ako sa kanila na nagpapasilong sa cottage habang si Ivo naman ay nagpalutang-lutang sa laot.

"Bakit ganun? Wala naman siyang ginagawa pero ang gwapo niya pa rin. Siya na talaga favorite ni Lord!" narinig kong bulalas ng isa kong workmate.

Kaye laughed. "Gwapo ni Mr. Escarra, diba, Ma'am?"

"Huh?" muntik ko na silang irapan dahil sinasali na naman nila ako sa ganitong mga usapan!

"Curious talaga ako kung sino yung babaeng tinutukoy niya. Siguro ang ganda-ganda niya."

I felt uncomfortable on where this conversation is headed so I excused myself and joined our EIC. Tinawag niya pabalik si Ivo dahil baka raw pagod na ito.

"We'll just wait for the sunset. If we couldn't find good waves until then, we'll just shoot you in the waters and edit the rest."

Tumango si Ivo at tinanggap ang water bottle na ibinigay ko sa kaniya. I just gave him a discreet smile and went away. Magpapahinga daw muna kami dahil sobrang init at nakakawalang-gana magtrabaho.

Nakita kong lumapit si Ivo sa cottage kung saan nagpapahinga ang mga staff. Pinagkaguluhan kaagad siya dun kaya umalis ako at naghanap ng tahimik na lugar para makapagpahinga.

The sand is warm beneath my toes. I found a lone palm tree offering shade. The waves crashed violently on the shoreline, but not strong enough to surf. Naupo ako roon at pinagmasdan ang alon.

I got lost in my own thoughts while staring at the ocean. Inaamin ko na hanggang ngayon, hindi ko maiwang sisihin ang sarili ko sa nangyari kay Papa. Sa sobrang guilt na nararamdaman ko, ni hindi ko magawang bumisita sa kaniya kahit alam kong narito lang siya nakahimlay sa La Union. Gusto ko siyang bisitahin, pero hindi ko pa makuha ang lakas ng loob para gawin yun. Nagpapabayad lang ako kay Tita Belinda para siguruhing malinis ang puntod niya at walang damong tumutubo roon.

"Found you."

Napapitlag ako sa gulat nang makarinig ng boses. My eyes widened when I saw Ivo marching in the sand towards me.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" lumingon-lingon kaagad ako dahil baka may makakita sa amin.

He shrugged and sat next to me. "Hinahanap kita."

"Baka may makakita sa atin."

"Eh ano naman? Wala naman tayong ginagawang masama."

I pouted. "Ayoko ng issue, Ivo. Lalo na sa trabaho."

"Oh, they won't. Your EIC knows, right? She's a smart woman, and smart enough to respect my privacy, too. Hindi niya pinapaalam sa iba ang nalalaman niya."

I just sighed and nodded. Kahit naman anong gawin ko, hindi aalis ang lalaking 'to dito. Sinundan niya ng tingin ang mga mata ko. He stretched his legs in the sand and stared at the waves.

"Calming, isn't it? The waves."

Tumango ako. Totoo naman. Sa ilang taon kong nanirahan dito sa Elyu, talaga namang isa 'to sa magagandang tanawin na hindi ko malilimutan. The town is postcard-pretty and was nothing like the bustling city in Manhattan.

La Union always had the magic to touch someone's soul.

Despite being in a resort, there was a sense of space and aloneness between us. I realized we were in a bubble again, and once someone struts into the picture, it will burst and we are back into reality.

"Akin na kamay mo."

"Bakit? Ayoko!" inilayo ni Ivo ang kamay niya sa akin kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Pawisin ang kamay ko, Raya."

"Eh ano naman?" I glared at him and reached for his hand. He tried to fight with me for a bit, but then he settled. I got the warm feeling that his hand had always belonged with me.

"San mo gustong tumira pagkatapos nito?"

"Huh?"

"Babalik ka sa Manhattan...?"

I went silent. He's finally opening it up for the first time. Ivo is braver than I thought.

"May dalawang buwan pa naman."

He nodded. "Any other plans?"

"What plans?"

"Like marrying me and settling down in a beach town." A grin snuck up on his face as his face lit with hope, staring at me.

"Iyon ang plano mo?"

"Hindi pa naman sigurado. Mag-a-adjust ako para sa iyo, syempre. Baka may ibang lugar ka pang gustong tirahan bukod sa Elyu. Alam kong..." he trailed off.

I nodded. "Pag-iisipan ko."

"Pero may isang bagay na sigurado ako."

I turned to him. The sun slanted on the honey-tone of his skin and made it gleam. He seemed unreal at this very moment while he stared at the ocean.

"Sa dagat kita unang nakita, kaya sa dagat din kita pakakasalan..."

-

#HanmariamDWTWChap38