Here's a 5.5K words UD for you, mga chichi! Walang edit-edit. May mga gagawin pa akong mas importante. LOLZ!

Pramis, next time mga 4k na lang.

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Natigilan ang babae at nauutal na, "Uhm...ito.... a-ano..."

Kaya gumapang agad ang matinding pagdududa sa akin.

"Nakita niya kami sa corridor papasakay sa elevator pagkagaling sa clinic ni Dra. Olayta. Sumabay pa nga."

Yung sinabi ni Elsa ang agad dumaan sa isip ko.

I controlled any anger to manifest. I don't want Laila to think of my doubt. I waited what she would say about that paper.

But was surprised, at the same time relieved when she took it out and opened the paper.

It's a braille paper like what she was using, with patterned holes on it.

"Ano, reminder ko lang sa worksheet na dapat kong tapusin. Baka, ano kasi, makalimutan ko. Uhm, wala na yung uhm... yung bigay mong phone," tila nahihiyang sabi.

I chuckled then pinched her nose, "Ikaw kasi. Masyado kang masungit."

She didn't comment but I can see in her face that she still feels bad about that argument we had.

"Uhm, sorry na," ulit kong paghingi ng paumanhin habang nillalaro sa kamay ko ang isa niyang malayang palad. "It was really rude of me insulting people's intelligence. Hindi ko dapat sinabi yun."

Malungkot siyang ngumiti, at nagkibit ng balikat, "B-baka totoo ang sinasabi mo. Yun ang nakikita mo eh."

"Tss," I hugged her again. "Huwag na nating pag-usapan. Basta sorry talaga. Bati na tayo, ha?"

She just shrugged her shoulders again.

Iniupo ko na siya sa kama tapos ay kinuha yung dala kong bagong phone para sa kanya. I squatted in front of her and looked up to her face.

"Here,"inilagay ko sa isang palad niya, "Kapalit nung isa. Lipat mo na lang diyan yung reminder mo, okay?"

Hindi alam kung bakit parang nagdadalawang-isip pa si Laila. Kasi ay salitang gumalaw ang mga daliri niya sa box ng phone sa kaliwang kamay, tapos ay yung kanan kung saan hawak naman niya yung papel. Gaya ng tingin niya na akala mo ay nakikita niya ang mga hawak.

So I said, "Let's open it."

The phone is still sealed.

Wala pa rin siyang ibang sinabi. Hinayaan lang akong buksan yun mag-isa.

Natataranta tuloy ako na hindi mawari.

I dunno how to appease her moroseness.

"Uhm, install ko na yung Seeing AI App para sa reminder mo—"

"M-mamaya na, Attor—"

"Ralph," pagtatama ko sa tawag niya sa akin.

"Uhm, mamaya na lang, R-ralph. Ano, kakain ka, di ba?"

Napangiti na ako nang matipid.

"Basta sasabayan mo ako. Kahit yung fruit pastry lang."

Tumango siya kaya bumaba agad ako. Inabutan ko pa na kumakain ang dalawang bodyguards ko. Nang tanungin ko kung nasaan yung isa pa,

"Pagkatapos namin, siya naman dito, Ralph. Kami naman sa labas."

"Ah, I see," tumango ako habang naghahanda ng kakainin ko. "No, it's okay. No need to hurry up."

Nagmadali kasi sila sa pagkain.

"We'll eat upstairs," sabi ko.

Di ko na pinansin ang pasimple nilang tinginan na may kahulugan. Hindi ko na rin tinanong kung paano ang set-up sa pagtulog nila. Hindi naman ito ang unang pagkakataon. Although, ito ang una na lumihis ako sa safety and protection protocol ni Rob.

Laila and I had small chitchat while eating.

Iniwasan naming pag-usapan si Navarro, lalo na ang pagpunta nang gagong yun dito at ang pagkikita nila sa ospital.

Wala naman siyang ibang maikwento maliban sa,

"Uhm, as usal, dito lang sa bahay. Braille... ganun."

Dapat yata ay ako na ang nagpilit sa kanyang sumama sa kasal ni Rob at Juno.

I was pissed at that time, but the more I got infuriated when Rob told me Laila begged off attending the wedding when he invited her himself.

Then it hit me. Maybe she was really waiting for me to ask her reason she called me that evening I was having a business dinner with Jeannette?

O baka may ibang sasabihin lang talaga? Pero ano?

So I asked her.

"Lai, remember you call me last week?"

"Huh?" napatigil siya sa pagnguya.

"Hmm, Sunday night. But you hung up on me. Why?"

"Uhm, 'why' ano?"

"Bakit ka tumawag at bakit mo ako binabaan ng tawag?"

Di siya umimik. Kaya,

"Lai..." susog ko na magsalita siya.

She bit her lip, "Uhm, ano kasi yung .. uhm... yung tungkol sana sa ano... sa check-up ko kay Dra. Olayta. Kaya lang, parang on dinner date ka. So ayun, baka nakakaabala ako. Tsaka baka magtanong yung kasama mo."

Is she jealous?

Parang kiniliti ang dibdib ko sa ideyang yun.

Tsk! Shit talaga, Raphael! This is not about protecting your turf anymore, is it?

Wala na talaga. I only needed time to digest and let it sink in more. Mapait sa panlasa but I am beginning to like the taste, though.

Just staring at this woman sitting beside me, I guess I can gamble in swallowing that bitter pill called pride.

I cleared my throat, "I already... uhm..." naalala ko na nayayabangan ito sa akin sa hindi pagsasalita ng Tagalog. "Nagkausap na kami ni Dra. Olayta. Mga dalawa hanggang tatlong linggo, mako-confirm na niya ang schedule ng corneal transplant mo."

Marahan lang siyang tumango.

I find it odd.

Why that reaction? Isn't that a good news? Why don't I sense any enthusiasm from her?

I brought our plates downstairs. Laila said so. I immediately obliged.

Pagbalik ko sa kuwarto, agad kong in-install ang Seeing AI app sa phone niya. And we both doodled using the app again just like before.

"Nasaan na yung papel mo?" I asked.

"Ha?"

"Ilagay mo na sa calendar nitong phone."

"Uhm, bukas na lang. Inipit ko na sa isa braille book page na dapat kong gawin. Saka, hindi ko na malamang makakalimutan yun."

"Well, what's the point writing that note then?"

"Marinig lang kitang magsalita, maaalala ko na yun."

Natawa ako nang mahina. I get what she meant. The circumstance of me finding her hiding it in her bra.

Hanggang antukin na kami pareho sa di ko na alam kung anong oras.

I don't care anyway kung tanghali na kami gumising. Sabado naman. At bago mag-uwian kahapon ay nagbilin na ako sa secretary ko na abisuhan ang mga senior associates na hindi ako makakarating sa golf session ngayong araw. Pati ang hosts sa isang social gathering na imbitado ako mamayang gabi.

Mas importanteng napuyat ako kasama si Laila. And I prefer asking her spend the whole weekend with me sailing again.

I was awakened by a phone call mid-morning. Too sleepy, I did not bother looking who it was.

"Hello?" I answered lazily without even moving much.

Nakatalikod man si Laila sa akin pero nakaunan naman sa braso ko. Baka magising.

"You really are a jerk, do you know that?"

It was Rob.

I rolled my eyes, "Ang aga pa, Agoncillo. Mamaya mo na ako bwisitin."

"Past nine in the morning is not early, Marquez. Unless, you got tired with something else."

"Gago, walang ganun," tanggi ko sa panunukso sat ono niya.

Well, I wish there was, though. Hindi ko lang magawang magparamdam kagabi. It just doesn't feel right. Laila may think that I just came for 'that'.

Iniiwasan ko rin since yun ang nagiging pakiramdam niya na 'bayad' sa mga naitulong ko na labas sa tulong ni Rob kay Mang Ben. She told me so indirectly when we went for a day tour in Corregidor.

"Well, I'll take that as indirect admittance of guilt. What's your excuse for breaching protocol?"

"Tss, let's talk later. I'll call you. Gusto ko pa'ng matulog. Yang honeymoon n'yo ang intindihin mo, huwag ako."

Pinatayan ko na ito ng tawag.

His tone was more of teasing than scolding me.

Bumalik ako sa pagsiksik ng mukha sa batok ni Laila. Then inhaled her scent as I enclosed her a bit tight in my arms.

Then an alert tone sounded from my phone. It was a message.

Tinatamad akong basahin pero baka importante. So kinuha ko uli asa bedside table.

It was Rob again.

Pwede kang abogado, pwede ka ring magnanakaw. Hindi umaamin sa 'krimen' eh. LOL!

I replied with:

 🖕

Then he got back with:

 🤣🤣🤣. Galing na ako sa ganyan kaya alam kong di kita maaawat. Just convince her to stay with you in your mansion. Mas secured dun.

Di na ako nag-reply.

Napabuntung-hininga na lang akong inilapag ang phone pabalik sa bedside table.

Hindi naman rin ako nakatulog. Iniisip ko ang huling text ni Rob. Totoo na mas ligtas sa bahay namin. At hindi lang basta pagkumbinsi ang ginawa ko na doon na muna si Laila. I even imposed that matter to her father to negate his thoughts that his daughter would be in danger if I go to their house.

But it was Laila who opposed to what I wanted. And I have been dealing with great challenges where to put myself while considering her emotional and psychological temperaments.

I'm not the type to adjust to women, goddamnit!

But here I am, getting used to it.

And the funny part is, sa sulok na bahagi ng utak ko, hinahanap ko pala yung pag-a-adjust nay un sa mga araw na wala ako rito, tapos, naiinis din.

Haaay, Laila!

Pipi kong angal sa sarili.

Hindi ko namalayan na nahigpitan ko ang yakap sa babae.

Gumalaw siya saglit. Naalimpungatan, tapos ay pumikit muli.

Saka ako bumaba. I don't know but I was moving automatically prepping our breakfast in a tray the brought our food upstairs.

I did not even bother looking at my two bodyguards watching a Saturday morning show on the TV.

I woke up Laila and we had breakfast in my room.

And was pretty glad she immediately agreed when I invited her to spend the rest of the weekend in my yacht sailing the sea. This time to Subic.

May sasadyain din kasi ako sa Bataan. I had the yacht anchored a few kilometers away from the shoreline of the Dayrit's beach property.

However, my expectation about that trip did not happen exactly as I want it to be.

I was hoping that we would spend it talking. I mean, catching up sa mga araw na wala ako. Not that she has much to tell sa mga nangyari.

Yung kwentuhan about random stuff.

Our thoughts and opinions about some topics. Ideas and plans. Happy memories with friends.

Just anything.

Gaya nung mga nauna naming sailing trips.

Pero iba ang pananahimk ni Laila mula pa nang umalis kami sa Manila Yacht Club hanggang naghihintay sa dagat ng Bataan.

So I left her to her thoughts kahit kating-kati na akong magtanong kung ano ang iniisip niya habang nakatanaw sa malawak na dagat. Kung tanaw pa ang tawag sa ginagawa niya ganyang wala siyang nakikita maliban sa mga silhuweta.

Well, I guess, she is enjoying the wind on her face and the sound of the waves while contemplating. She was just sitting on my sun lounger. That's her favorite hangout area here. Hindi ko yun ginagamit kapag naririto siya.

I think I have to get another one of that.

So I kept my cool while fishing at the edge of my yacht, but still silently observing her.

I couldn't help but smile seeing her read. Naroon pa rin ang reflex niya na tingnan every now and then ang braille book na binabasa. As if she can still see with her eyes.

Nah, learning to read like blind is just going to be an additional skill for her. She won't need to study much about it though because she'll have her sight back real soon.

Yun ang dahilan kaya hinahayaan ko na ipagpagpatuloy ang private tutoring niya. And of course, studying braille can get herself busy.

If only there are no Navarro and that security threat, I would have her go strolling every day outside. So she has other things to do to fight off boredom.

"Oh shit!"

I was caught off guard when there was strong pull from my fishing rod. My mind and eyes were busy about the blind woman aboard my yacht.

I lost my balance. Mabilis akong kumapit sa railing pero humatak muli ang kagat sa fishing rod. I let it go but it was still on my rod holder belt. I snapped the quick release buckles of it but it was too late.

I already missed my footing on the edge of my boat.

I fell on the side, hanging with just one hand holding on the railings. And I am losing my grip kahit dalawang kamay na ang gamit ko. Basa yun.

"Raphael?"

Hindi ako sumagot. I was trying to reach for the swim ladder with my foot. But it's like a couple of meters away. The more I try, the more my hand slip from the round wet railing.

"Lai... get help!"

"Raphael... A-ano'ng nangyari? Nasaan ka?!"

I sensed tension in her voice. But I feel more worried. I heard her footsteps coming to my direction. Baka mahulog ang babae.

"Stay where you are! Huwag kang lumapit dito! Fuck!" napabitaw ang isa kong kamay. "Pong! Gil!"

Sigaw ko sa naiwan kong bodyguards. Nasa flybridge si Gil. Si Pong, nakita kong gumawi papunta sa C.R.

Shit!

Makakabitaw na ako.

Not that I'm scared of the sea but it's almost dark. Sa pwesto ko lang maliwanag dahil nakabukas na ang spotlight dito para sa akin. And based on the catch I had earlier that made me fall, it was a big one.

Thing was, there was white shark sighting somewhere here in Bataan some years back. And Philippines has different species of sharks with some known to be aggressive feeders. These predators have good sense of eyesight reason they are most active during sunset to sunrise.

I felt relief when two hands grabbed my arm. Relief that changed to fear because before I could look up, a book fell into the water, almost hitting me on the head.

"R-raphael... Diyos ko!"

"Goddamnit, Laila! I told you not to come near me!" galit kong sabi.

Hindi niya ako pinansin. Sa halip ay, "Tulong! Tuloooong!"

She yelled for help but didn't let go. Lalo pa ngang hinigpitan ang kapit sa akin.

Although, it's impossible for her to fall over dahil nasa kabilang side siya ng railings. Nakalabas lang ang mga braso at ulo sa side ko. But I can see that she's having difficulties because I'm too heavy for her. I can see that she was hurting. Mapipilayan ito sa balikat dahil nakatukod yun sa bakal na harang.

Narinig ko na ang mga yabag at boses ng mga kasama namin.

"H-huwag! Huwag kang bibitaw... please!" she pleaded when I tried letting go of her hand to hold on to the iron bar near her. "Madulas ang railings. Siguradong mahuhulog ka."

"Lai, let go. Mapipilayan ka."

"Kaya ko. Kaya pa kita. Andyan na sina Pong," gumaralgal ang boses niya. "Please."

I had no choice but to hold on to her because a tear fell on my cheek.

It was the longest five seconds of my life.

Hindi ko makakalimutan ang takot na nakabakas sa mukha ni Laila sa loob lang limang segundong yun bago sumungaw ang mukha nina Pong at palitan ang kamay ni Laila sa paghawak sa akin.

Laila was still recovering from shock when my men got me up back on board.

Nakatayo lang siya sa gitna ng forward sundeck, nakatakip ang dalawang palad sa bibig. Nanginginig ang mga daliri. Lunod ang mata sa pinipigil na luha.

"Oh God!"

Agad kong nilapitan ang babae at niyakap.

Hindi ko na pinansin ang kirot sa tuhod ko sanhi sa gasgas mula sa hull ng yate kaninag pinilipit kong abutin ng paa ang swim ladder.

Saka siya humagulgol.

"Huwag mo na'ng uulitin yun! Huwag mo na uulitin!" paulit-ulit niyang banggit.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," I cooed her.

Hindi lang kamay niya ang nanginginig. Buong katawan. At nanlalamig.

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong nina Pong.

"I'm fine," kalmado kong sagot sabay senyas sa kanila na dumistansya muna. "Can someone get us a pitcher of cold water, please?"

Giniya ko na maupo kami sa sun lounger.

"Nasaan ba kasi ang mga bodyguards mo?" umiiyak niyang tanong. "Bakit wala sila sa paligid? Trabaho nilang bantayan ka."

"Sa itaas si Gil dahil kita doon ang paligid kung may lalapit na bangka sa atin. Nag-CR si Pong. I'm safe now. Tahan na."

"Huwag ka na uling mag-fishing kapag wala sila. Lalo na sa gabi."

"Don't over stress yourself, Lai. It was the first time. Kasalanan ko naman. Hindi ako ine-expect yung lakas ng hila nung huli. Nawala kasi ang atensyon ko sa ...ano... "

I was thinking of the right word to say.

"Yun nga kasi. Ikaw na ang may sabi, Kaya ka nga nagpi-fishing para makapag-isip. Mawawala talaga ang focus mo. At hindi imposibleng maulit ang ganyan."

Gusto kong matawa. Kung alam niya lang na siya ang totoong dahilan kaya ako nahulog.

Nahulog.

And still falling, I guess.

Napangiwi ako sa isip.

Para matapos na lang at kumalma ito, "Okay, okay. You win."

"Ipangako mo."

"Alright, I promise."

Hindi na siya nagkomento uli. Basta nakayuko lang at pinaglalaro ang mga daliri sa kandungan niya.

I sighed, "Nahulog yung braille book mo sa dagat. Paano yan? Isa lang ang dal among libro."

She only shrugged.

"Bili na lang tayo ng kapalit pagbalik natin. Sasamahan kita."

"Okay."

Since wala na siyang pagkakaabalahan ngayong babasahin, I guess the incident earlier opened an opportunity I was waiting for. Yung time na magkausap kami about random stuff... important things actually.

I cleared my throat.

"Lai..."

"Hmm?"

"Your father's next hearing... uhm, is about in two weeks' time. Pupuwedeng mauna yun or yung operation mo. Pero in case na mauna yung sa iyo—"

"Pwedeng paki-schedule kay Dra. Olayta na after na lang sa hearing ni Tatay?"

Inaasahan ko na yun. Of course, she wanted to be there for Mang Ben.

Then I saw Pong signaled to me then pointed out. I excused myself from Laila.

She understood and asked to be guided to the cabin.

Alam niyang kaya kami huminto ditto nang ilang oras ay para hintayin ang pagbalik ng motorized rubber boat sakay ang isang bodyguard at crew ko. Susunduin nila ang isang agent ni Rob at dalawang contacts naming kababayan ni Kennie. There are additional information they have related to the illegal fish pen.

"Sundin kita uli kapag tapos na kaming mag-usap. Then we'll have our dinner, okay?"

She only nodded then closed the door.

That evening, I ended up massaging her shoulder. Because I noticed that while we were having dinner with the crew, hindi maiangat masyado ni Laila ang kamay para sumubo.

I feel guilty while I gently run my palm on her shoulder blades. Lalo pa at maririnig ko ang mahing niyang daing kapag medyo nadidiinan ko.

That made me decide,

"Saan ka pupunta?" she asked.

I was just done massaging her and was getting one pillow from the bed.

"Uhm, dito muna ako sa couch matutulog."

"Bakit? Kasya naman tayo dito sa kama mo."

"It's not a big as we have at home, Lai. Baka maipit o masandalan ko ang balikat mo."

"Uhm... Medyo ano naman na. Maginhawa na ako. Umepekto na yung painkiller na bigay mo tsaka yung hilot mo."

"Are you sure?"

"O-oo. Hindi ka sanay matulog sa ganyan. Halika na. Gabi na, oh. Maaga pa tayong bababa para mamasyal."

Napangiti ako.

At least, I learned she was still looking forward to strolling with me.

Akala ko, dahil sa pananahimik niya, mas gugustuhin nitong magpaiwan sa yate.

"Alright."

Ilang minuto na kaming nakahiga pero alam kong gaya ko, hindi pa siya tulog. Pareho lang kaming nakatihaya.

Nag-aalanagan kasi akong yumakap. Dahil nga sa balikat niya.

"Lai...?"

"Hhmm?"

"Bakit ayaw mong mag-hotel na lang tayo?"

We were currently anchored at the Subic Yacht Club port.

"Kaya ka nga nag-yate nang ganito para dito matulog at ma-relax. Yung feeling na malayo ka sa lupa kasi ramdam mo yung ugoy ng alon kapag tulog ka, di ba?"

I let out a soft chuckled.

I didn't expect that she knew.

That is the reason I never stay in a hotel kapag dala ko ang yate kahit pa nakadaong kami sa port. May pagkakataon pa nga na matutulog lang ako dito na hindi umaalis sa Manila Yacht Club port. Yung wala akong mahabang oras para pumunta sa laot, or tinatamad ako, pero gusto ko ang pakiramdam ng pag-ugoy ng hinihigaan ko.

"Raphael...?"

"Hmm?"

"Huwag ka mao-ooffend ha?"

"Saan?"

"Basta."

"Sige, ano ba yun?"

Ilang segundo siyang tila nag-isip bago, "Palagay ko, subconsciously, hinahanap mo rin ang alaga ng nanay mo."

Napasimangot ako, "No. I hate her."

"Uhm, mali yata yung term ko. Siguro, not necessarily ang nanay mo."

"Meaning...?"

"Hmmm...yung alaga ng nanay in general."

"Paano mo nasabi?"

"Parang kulang ka sa paghehele nung baby ka pa. Ganun. Kaya gusto mong mas matulog sa yate mo kung may pagkakataon ka. Kasi parang ganun ang pakiramdam ko kapag natutulog dito."

"Really?"

"Uhuh. Si Nanay kasi, grade one na ako, ipinapaghele pa rin ako."

"You missed her?"

"Siyempre. Nanay ko yun. Alagang-alaga niya ako lalo at nagbabarko si Tatay dati."

"Lucky you," I said.

"Lucky ba yung namatay si Nanay tapos hindi nahuli yung kriminal? Hindi nga alam kung sino."

"Not that, of course. I mean, yung inalagaan ka ng nanay mo."

Her head turned to me, "Ayaw mo pang aminin."

"Ang alin?"

"Na hinahanap mo ang alaga ng nanay. Obvious sa mga salita mo."

"Nah, I am not. Grandma took care of me. I couldn't ask for more."

"Iba ang alagang ng nanay sa lola. Pero at least masuwerte ka sa grandparents mo."

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako. I don't need to ask about her grandparents on both mother and father sides. Rob did a background check on the Centenos, and forwarded a copy of the information to me. Laila's relatives on both sides are not in good terms. And each side has issues pertaining to land division for inheritance among siblings of her deceased grandparents.

Naalala ko na naman tuloy si Jeannette. Tatawagan ko nga pala bukas for update about the properties in Siargao.

Nang maghikab siya, hindi na ako nag-open nang bagong topic.

She needed rest.

I felt relieved the next morning that her shoulders were not that painful anymore. I asked if she wanted to go to the Ocean Adventure but she declined.

I could understand.

I still remember when I was sort of stalking her Facebook account. She had been here before with Navarro.

So, okay lang sa akin.

"You want to try parasailing?" I suggested.

"Yung may parachute tapos nakatali sa speedboat?"

"Uhuh."

"Hindi ako marunong sumakay sa ganun. Bulag pa ako," she answered.

But I can sense she likes the idea. So I gave it a little push

"The ride can be for two people. Siyempre, di rin ako papaya mag-isa ka lang."

"Sige."

Nanlalamig ang kamay ni Laila pagsakay pa lang sa speedboat. She kept on checking her lifejacket and the harness in which the chute would be attached to. Napansin na rin ng staff ng kasama namin kaya,

"Maa'm, huwag po kayong mag-alala. Maayos po ang pagkakakabit ko diyan."

"A-ah... hindi... ano lang..."

"Relax lang po kayo."

"Relax lang ako," malumanay niyang sagot.

I winked at the staff then said,"Are you sure you want to do this, Lai? Pwede namang ako na lang."

"Sama ako!"

Tumawa kami nang walang nung dalawang staff at nagda-drive ng speedboat.

"Raphael..." tawag niya sa atensyon ko nung papaupo na kami sa platform sa likod ng speedboat.

Nakabuka na ang chute sa hangin.

"Yes?"

"Kinakabahan ako."

"Tuloy tayo?"

Tumango siya. And I think my heart stopped when she snaked her hand into mine then said,

"Huwag mo ako bibitawan."

"I won't," I said.

"Promise mo ha?" she asked with tension building up in her voice.

I am just not sure if I just meant that literally at that moment. It felt like I meant something else when I said that.

"... unless when I see you ready, and enjoying the flight" dugtong ko.

And I won't forget how she shrieked with mixed excitement, fear and thrill when the speedboat started moving and up we both flew in the air.

"Oh my... oh my God! Raphaeeeel!"

A naughty thought passed by.

Wouldn't I love it if she screams like that when we... Oh darn!

Not now, Raphael!

Saway ko sa sarili.

Thinking sexually does not primarily give me much delight at this moment. I enjoy more what I am seeing now.

I looked at Laila's level of exhilaration again then to her hand holding tightly mine.

Yeah, that's what I want to savour at this instant.

Like how I couldn't not stop thinking since last night about her determination not to let me fall into the water kahit nasasaktan na siya.

I held up my other hand taking our photo and video. Yung staff na naiwan sa speedboat, ibini-video rin kami but I want a closer record of our parasailing together.

I want to show it to Laila once she get her vision back which is to happen soon.

"Lai, smile," I said.

"Saan?"

"Here. I'm taking our pic and video."

And she did with much enthusiasm.

At di ko mapigilang matawa nang maikli dahil hindi sakto sa anggulo ng phone cam ko ang kaway niya at ngiti.

Ako na ang nag-adjust.

"Ang ganda dito," she said but I guess only to herself.

"You can see something?" I asked casually letting go of her hand.

Mukhang relaxed na naman siya.

"Uhm... maliwanag lang na medyo blue. May malilit na itim sa ibaba at dito sa itaas na gumagalaw."

She is referring to other boats down on the sea, and other parasailers like us. Maybe some sea birds.

After having a light afternoon snack in a nearby local but popular resto there, nagyaya na akong bumalik na kami sa yate.

"R-raphael...?" tagtag niya sa manggas ng suot kong shirt.

Nakakapit siya sa braso ko.

As usual, I told her to leave her walking stick at home.

"Oh, bakit?"

"Uhm, pwedeng sa ... sa... ano ba'ng tawag dun?"

"Alin?"

"Dun sa deck na may lounger. Yung area na nagpi-fishing ka?"

"Sa sundeck?"

"Oo. Ano, pwede bang doon matulog?"

"Malamig sa gabi, Lai."

"May kumot naman."

"Bakit gusto mo dun?"

She shrugged her shoulders, then pouted, "Maaliwalas kasi ang panahon. Siguradong klaro ang langit. Maganda rin daw ang stargazing sa dagat."

How can I say no?

That's a clear sign she is looking forward to see again.

"Okay, pero hindi muna tayo babalik kay North Star."

"Akala ko—"

"Let's buy something first."

I just disposed off the previous yacht furnitures. Pinasabay ko sa last maintenance ni North Star. And I have not completed purchasing the replacements. Other than I didn't have much time to shop, wala ng pumapasok na idea sa utak ko kung ano ang ilalagay na bago.

Until today.

"Para saan ito?"

Laila asked touching the round rattan sunbed with retractable canopy.

"Gusto mong mag-stargazing mamaya di ba?"

"Eh pwede naman dun sa sun lounger."

"Hindi tayo kasya dalawa dun. Ayokong matulog mag-isa sa cabin. Natatakot ako," I said jokingly.

She rolled her eyes but smiling.

It has free pillows and water-proof cover in case it rains. I bought a new comforter dahil malamig talaga sa madaling-araw sa labas lalo at -ber months na.

I paid extra to get it delivered right there and then.

And yeah, after dinner, she spent stargazing while I fish.

At ilang beses ko siyang nalingunan na nakabaling sa gawi ko.

Hindi ako nakatiis, inilagay ko ang fishing rod sa holder na nakakabit sa railing

"Akala ko ba, mag-i-stargazing ka?"

"Yun naman ginagawa ko."

"Mas maganda kung hihiga ka. Kaya nga ito ang binili ko para makapuwesto ka nang maayos. Pinapatay ko na nga ang mga ilaw dito sa deck. Yung sa akin lang ang pinaiwan gaya ng gusto mo. "

"Ayos lang naman ako."

I pointed at the sky directly above us, "Mas maganda kung doon ka titingin kesa sa akin."

"Hindi ah!"

"Ilan beses na kitang nilingon, Lai. I know what I saw."

She pouted again. "Eh baka bigla ka na namang mawala diyan sa gilid."

I couldn't help but smile as this unexplainable warmth crawled to my chest to what she said.

"Kasama natin sina Pong at Gil ngayon dito sa sundeck. So, chill ka lang, okay?"

Umirap siya, "Yun din ang akala ko kagabi eh tapos nasa kung saang panig pala sila nito ni North."

Napakamot na lang ako sa ulo.

Tumayo ako at nilapitan si Pong.

"Ikaw na munang bahala dun sa fishing rod ko."

"Bakit?"

"Di mapakali," turo ko sa babae. "... na andun ako sa gilid eh."

Natawa ito nang waalng tunog, "Sorry. Kasalanan din namin."

Tinapik ko lang ito sa balikat at bumalik sa puwesto ni Laila.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo?" she asked.

Ibinaba ko ang retractable canopy ng rattan sunbed dahil para yung malaking takip ng baby stroller.

"Higa ka para makapag-stargaze ka nang maayos."

"Ayos nga lang ako na nakauspo," pilit niya pa.

"Sige na. Dito na lang ako sa tabi mo."

Saka lang siya nahiga kaya inayos ko yung comforter sa aming dalawa.

Tahimik lang kami nag mahabang sandali. Then she pointed up.

"Bulalakaw...?"

I smiled, "Yup.That was the fourth, actually, mula kanina."

"Bakit di mo itinuro sa akin yung iba?" medyo may maktol niyang sabi.

"Di masyadong malinaw. Di mo rin makikita."

Hindi ni alam kung anong oras ako nilamon ng antok basta ang alam ko lang, naunang makatulog si Laila.

Nagising ako na nakasiksik sa akin.

Tikhim ni Gil ang tuluyang nagpadilat sa akin. Madilim pa.

Di ko pinansin ang makahulugan nilang tatlong bodyguards ko.

"Saan na tayo?" tanong ko.

"Papa-Corregidor na. Inihaw na yung mga isdang huli. Yung iba ipinesa nung crew mo."

I looked at my wrist.

It's almost three in the morning.

"Pakisabi sa crew, stay muna tayo dito. Then let's all have an early breakfast."

Ginising ko na si Laila para makapaghilamos muna habang inihahanda ang pagkain namin.

Before five, nakauwi na kami.

"Sleep more," bilin ko sa kanya.

"Wala pang six. Aalis ka na?"

"I need to go early. Pupuntahan ko pa si Mang Ben. Next week na ang sunod niyang hearing."

"Sama 'ko. Nami-miss ko na si Tatay."

"No, Lai."

Nangulimlim ang mukha niya.

Hinawakan ko siya sa baba at inangat ang mukha niya sa akin, "Promise, ipapa-move ko ang operation mo after ng hearing para andun ka."

She pouted.

"Mas importante sa tatay mo... sa akin ang safety mo, Lai. Common, cheer up. We just spent a great weekend together."

Tumango man, alam kong nagtatampo pa rin ito.

Napabuga ako nang hangin bago sumakay sa kotse.

I got to finish  the legal papers for the Dayrit property leasing, and Kennie was able to sign them. Pati ang travel documents nung magtiya dahil plano silang pagbakasyunin muna ni Mike sa San Francisco. So I thought I could give more time to focus more on the Barcelon-Centeno case. But that Friday, Dr. William Garcia sued Mike and Kennie for kidnapping Gelo.

Between two important cases, whichever is urgent gets more weight at the moment.

I had to cancel my team's case review of Laila's father that day.

Getting Mike and Kennie not not spending a night in the jail that day consumed most of my time that morning. Pinauna ko na nga ang dalawang lawyers namin sa presinto while we try work magic in the back end.

Good that Tita Dolly's family has connections too. They helped in immediately contacting a judge to quash the warrant against her son and the lady Dayrit .

Then we learned that Dr. Garcia had Kennie and Gelo on the DFA watch list to prevent them from going out of the country.

Nagiging seryoso at mabigat na rin ang itinatakbo ng laban ng mga Garcia sa mga Dayrit at Montecillo.

Kaya sa sobrang frustration ni Mike, nag-iisip na ito nang marahas which all of us contradicted.

"Mike, it is a known fact now na magkalaban kayo ni Garcia. At parehong maimpluwensya. If he is killed, ikaw ang unang suspect," I said.

"MIKE!"si Kennie. "Ano'ng... ayoko!"

"N-no, sweet," inakbayan niya ang babae. "I won't."

With her reaction, there was doubt in it.

"I promise. A pinky promise. It was just an idea. But I won't. Don't think about it. We still have Rob. I'll take care of it."

And again, she immediately believed him.

These two... really. I will not be surprised.

Sa kotse paalis sa condo ni Mike, pilit kong inaalis ang inggit sa kaibigan ni Andie.

What a lucky bastard to get someone as soft and trusting like Roqueña Dayrit.

"Saan tayo?" tanong ni Pong na ipinagmamaneho ako ngayon.

"Kay Laila."

Buong linggo akong hindi nagpunta doon. Either sa mansion or sa condo ako nag-stay. Kahit papaano, sinusunod ko ang bilin ni Rob na huwag gawing routinary ang mga destinasyon ko.

Sa phone lang kami nakakapag-usap.

Plano ko ay Friday evening to Sunday morning ako sa mga Centeno. Nakapangako na ako sa mga senior associates ng Marquez ana dadating ako sa golf session on Sunday.

Saktong kakasara pa lang ni Elsa sa gate nang may tumawag sa phone ko. Hindi registered sa phonebook ko ang number. And it is an international number.

Kumunot ang noo ko.

Hindi muna ako bumaba ng kotse para sagutin yun.

"Hello?"

Tumikhim ang tumawag.

"Is this Atty. Raphael Marquez?"

Babae. Mukhang may edad.

"Who's asking?"

"It's Mrs. Santiago."

I couldn't believe what I heard. So,

"I'm sorry. Who's this again?"

"Rosemary Santiago. Bran and Rebecca's mother."

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