Umalis din naman agad si Callum. Ako naman ay nag-focus na lang din sa trabaho kahit pa nga okupado ni Callum ang isipan ko. Hindi ako makapag-focus, sa totoo lang.

Tumunog ang cellphone ko para sa isang mensahe. Napahinga ako ng malalim at tiningnan ‘yon. Then I saw Callum’s name on the screen. I read his message.

From: Callum
I’m going to have my things delivered in your mansion.

Hindi pa ako nakakapagtipa ng sagot ay may text ulit siya.

From: Callum
Susunduin kita 30 minutes before 6pm.

Napairap ako. Wala naman akong choice kung ‘di ang magpasundo talaga sa kaniya. Hindi na lang din ako nag-reply at pinilit na mag-focus sa ginagawa. Though I can’t help but think about him living with us . . . in one roof. I don’t know what to do now because I am freaking preoccupied! By Callum!

Kaya ang ending, hindi ko natapos lahat ng pipirmahan at dapat basahin na proposals. Natutunganga ako at hindi alam kung magpapatuloy pa ba o hindi na.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at sumuko na. Napatingin ako sa relo at nakitang 5:20pm na. Maya-maya lang ay nariyan na siya.

Why am I fucking excited at the thought of him fetching me here?! I’m doomed!

Sa nalalabing oras ay nag-retouch na lang ako para sa pag-uwi. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangan ko pang mag-make up?! I usually don’t do retouching before going home. Ugh!

And true to his words, he came in my office 30 minutes before 6pm. He’s already just in his white longsleeve folded until his elbow. He looks still dashingly handsome just wearing that. I was gawking at his body when he stopped in front of me. I arched a brow and pretend I wasn’t gawking too much at his body.

“You done?” he asked.

Tumango ako at tumayo. Kinuha ko ang bag ko at naglakad na palapit sa pintuan. Then he put his hand on my waist. I shivered. Pero hindi ko ipinahalata sa kaniya ‘yon at nagkunwaring normal lang ‘yon kahit na hindi pa rin naman talaga ako sanay sa ganito niya.

Habang nasa elevator ay napatingin siya sa akin. Ako naman ay hindi makatingin sa kaniya dahil naaalala kong . . . kami na nga pala. And this is for real!

“Sa bahay na ba tayo kakain o gusto mong sa restaurant na lang?”

Wow. Kung makapagsalita siya ng “bahay” akala mo normal lang sa kaniya ‘yon at sanay siyang sabihin ‘yon sa harap ko.

“Maaga pa naman. Sa bahay na lang,” sagot ko at bahagya siyang binalingan. “Wala ring kasabay kumain si Hestia.”

Kita ko kung paano namungay ang kaniyang mga mata habang nakatingin sa akin nang matiim. I immediately tore my eyes off him. Hindi ko talaga matagalan ang mga titig niya.

Hanggang sa makarating kami sa basement ay tahimik ako. My heart is beating so fast that I feel like I ran in a marathon. I hate how my heart reacts every time he’s around. Kahit noon pa, ganito na talaga ang epekto niya sa akin. Wala pa ring nagbago.

“What time are we going tomorrow?” he asked after the silence I am giving.

Napalingon ako sa kaniya. Hindi na natuloy sa pagtatangkang buksan ang pinto ng sasakyan niya.

“Tomorrow?” I asked, confused.

Kumunot ang noo niya, “the amusement park.”

Then I realized, yeah we have that plan for tomorrow. I forgot.

“I’m sorry, I forgot.” It’s because of you, dimwit.

And I didn’t know that it‘s already Saturday tomorrow! Parang kahapon lang kami nagplank tungkol do’n.

“It’s fine. I understand because you have a lot in your plate.” I smiled a bit. Shocked that he still understands me.

Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kaniya nang bigla niyang hawakan ang baba ko at iangat iyon para magtamang muli ang mga paningin namin. I almost got lost in his eyes.

“I know you’re busy, with your stressful work and taking care of our daughter, that’s why I’m here now beside you. Tutulungan kita sa lahat. Just don’t stress yourself too much. I will take care of you too.” Then he softly kissed my lips.

I don’t know why I sighed out of comfort and somehow . . . contentment. When he pulled ouf of the kiss, he look at me warily.

“You’re not going to be alone anymore,”

Tahimik ako habang nasa biyahe, gano’n din naman siya at parang hinahayaan lang talaga akong mag-isip nang maigi. I smiled inwardly that thought.

“I’ll . . . cook our dinner later, what do you want me to cook?” Napabaling ako sa kaniya nang bigla siyang magsalita.

“Can you make . . . puchero? I crave for it now.” nakangusong sambit ko.

Hindi ko naman siya gustong pahirapan. Kung hindi niya kayang lutuin ‘yon, p’wede naman kahit na ano lang.

“Thank God, I know how to cook that one.” he murmured.

Napangiti ako at ipinikit na lang ang mga mata habang nasa  biyahe. He’s silent again, too. Making me think and rest thoroughly. Nagising na lamang ako sa mababaw na tulog nang tumigil ang sasakyan niya. Nagmulat ako ng tingin at nakitang nasa mansyon na kami.

Agad siyang bumaba at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. Kunot-noo naman akong lumabas ng sasakyan at bahagya siyang tiningnan.

Nang makapasok sa loob ay naabutan ko ang anak naming naglalaro ng kaniyang dollhouse sa sala. Napapikit ako sa kalat. I sighed and look at who’s walking towards us.

Agad akong napangiti nang makita ang kapatid — pinsan kong papalapit sa amin. She’s smiling from ear to ear too then it faded when her eyes settled at who’s behind me. I felt awkward at the sudden.

“Ate,” I called her so that she’ll look at me again. And she did.

Tuluyan na siyang lumapit at nakipag-beso sa akin. She smiled and narrowed her eyes at me.

“May . . . bisita ka pala,” I bit my lower lip when she said that.

More than that, Ate Kiana.

Nakipagkamay si Callum kay Kuya Zild habang si Ate Kiana ay nakatingin lamang dito ng matiim. Tila nanghuhusga, nagagalit, pero pinipigilan lang niya ang sarili niya.

When I look at Callum, his expression is dark and unfathomable. I almost shiver at his darkness. It is . . . annihilating my thoughts that I almost lost in it. Kung hindi lang ako tinawag ni Ate para kausapin.

“I’ll cook our dinner,” tumango ako sa sinabi ni Callum. Hindi na ako nagsalita at sumunod kay Ate Kiana sa study room ko.

I don’t know why, though. But her seriousness told me something is up. Like . . . danger.

When we’re both inside the room, she faced me with serious expression.

“What was that?” she asked when I closed the door.

“Uh,” I can’t even find a right word to say!

“Why that guy, who’ve hurt you and kept you in the dark four years ago, is here, Hailey?” she said darkly.

I bit my lower lip and couldn’t even utter a single word to defend anything I want to fucking defend!

“Ate Kiana . . . we’re in a relationship now . . .” I said, biting my lips like it’s my defence mechanism.

She exhailed loudly, “what the fuck you are saying, Hailey?!” she burst out. “Hindi ba kaya ka nga lumayo dahil . . . dahil sa ginawa niya noon sa ‘yo . . . sa pamilya natin tapos ngayon ganito? Ano ‘to? Care to enlighten me? Because the last time I check, you’re hiding everything from him. That you don’t want him in your life again because you’re scared to risk again. To be fucking hurt again. What now? Change of mind?”

I know where this is coming from. She saw me hurting. She saw me struggle to move on. She saw how down I am during my pregnancy without a partner beside me. She saw me cry in pain. Ang ang karupukang ito ay hindi niya matanggap.

“If you’re thinking about Hestia’s sake, you better find a good way. Hindi ‘yong—” nakita niya siguro ang emosyon sa mga mata ko kaya natigilan siya. “I’m sorry. Hindi naman sa . . . nakikialam ako sa desisyon mo, Hailey. But I don’t want you hurt again. I don’t think I can bear again seeing you in pain without fighting for you to that bastard. You know how precious you are to me, that’s why I don’t want you to be hurt by him for the second time. Tayo na lang dalawa ang magkasangga rito.” madamdamin niyang dugtong na dahilan ng pagtutubig ng gilid ng mga mata ko.

“I know, Ate. But I just realized that after all those years . . . I’m — I’m still into him. I still love him. If I made a mistake for giving him this chance, then I should be the one to blame this time. It’s because of my reckless decision. If I am wrong of loving him in time . . . you should be mad at me for this. I’m sorry, Ate.” I said and look at her with tears in my eyes.

She sighed heavily. “I’m praying you won’t regret about this. And hoping that this time, Callum is not doing any schemes that would hurt you and my niece.” she calmly said afterwards.

Pinakalma namin ang isa’t-isa roon. Nang makita niyang ayos na ako ay niyakap niya ako nang mahigpit.

“I’m your cousin, your sister, your best friend, that’s why I am afraid to get you hurt again. I’m not too vocal, but I love you so much. Tayong dalawa na lang magtutulungan. I should protect you. Not because I am older than you, but because I have to and you’re one of my responsibilities in life. Hindi porke’t may anak ka na, mawawalan na ako ng pakialam sa ‘yo. Kaya sana, hindi na sayangin ni Callum ang pagkakataong ito.” Parang may humaplos na mainit na kamay sa puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya. “Kung noong una pa lang ay may pagdududa na ako sa lalaking ‘yon, ngayon mas malala na ‘yon. Because he proved to me that he’s not trustworthy.”

“I will not be a coward this time, Ate. I won’t let him ruin me again if he’s planning something bad at us.” I smiled at her. Assuring that I am fine and ready for anything.

“You really grew up so much. You matured. You did everything well . . . independently. I really am so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Ate Kiana.”

“Basta, kung ano man ang mangyari, sabihin mo lang sa akin, okay?” Tumango ako at nginitian siya.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay bumaba na kami. Naglalaro sina Kaezy at Hestia sa salas at tuwang-tuwa naman ang anak ko dahil may kalaro na naman siya. Pero wala sigurong balak mag-overnight sina Ate Kiana rito dahil wala naman silang dalang gamit at wala ring sinasabing gano’n. Hestia always want them to sleep here overnight, para raw makatabi niya ang pinsan sa pagtulog. Though, Kaezy is a bit of silent at times, Hestia always have the energy to play with her.

“Kaezy, hold this!” But Kaezy just look at her, confused. “Mommy! Kaezy don’t want to play with me!” Iyak niya ng anak ko habang hawak-hawak ang dalawang barbie doll.

I don’t know where kuya Zild is right now. Because I know where Callum.

“Nasaan na si Kuya Zild? Bakit wala siya rito?” tanong ko dahil mukha namang walang tao sa veranda.

“Hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan ang mokong na ‘yon.” iritadong sagot ni Ate Kiana.

Napabaling ako sa dumaang kasambahay at tinanong kung nasaan si Kuya Zild.

“Nasa kusina ho, kasama po si Sir Callum. Sabi nila ay sila raw po ang magluluto ngayon ng hapunan.”

Nagkatinginan kami ni Ate Kiana nang sabihin ‘yon ng kasambahay. Nagpasalamat kami at sabay na pumunta sa kusina para silipin ang ginagawa ng dalawa. At tama nga ang sinabi nito, nagluluto sila roon. Mabuti na lang at apat ang p’wedeng paglutuan na stove. Hindi nila kailangang maghintay.

Natinginan ulit kami ni Ate Kiana. Malayo kami sa dalawa pero rinig namin na nag-uusap sila tungkol sa mga niluluto. Hindi ako sanay na makita silang dalawa na magkasama at . . . nagluluto na parang ito ang bonding nilang dalawa.

“What the hell are they doing?” si Ate Kiana habang nakakunot ang noong nakatingin sa dalawa.

“Uhm? I guess, we should just let them do that. Mukhang nag-eenjoy naman sila, e.” I said and pull her out of the kitchen.

“Why are they cooking together?” she asked again, confused.

I shrugged, “I don’t know, either. Callum said he wants to cook, and I guess kuya Zild offered a hand, so.” sambit ko sabay ngiti sa kaniya.

Binalikan namin ang mga bata nakitang nag-eenjoy rin ang mga ‘yon. Kaya naman binantayan na lang namin sila dahil baka rin bigla silang mag-away, iba pa naman itong si Hestia. Baka patulan pa si Kaezy kahit bata sa kaniya ng isang taon ito.

“Hestia seems so carefree now,” napatingin ako kay Ate Kiana na nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa at nakatingin sa mga bata.

Bumalik naman ang tingin ko roon.

“Because her father is here now, I think.” she added. “When she was with you, she’s more sassy na parang nagpapansin na lang din. Becauae we know that you’re too busy abroad handling your companies. And now that she met father already, she’s carefree to be childish. To enjoy her childhood. Hindi ko alam kung paano nalaman ni Callum ang tungkol sa kaniya sa isang buwan niyo pa lang na pagbabalik, but I think I’m fine seeing my niece happy and enjoying. And you, too.” She smiled at me.

Napayuko ako at napayuko na lamang. Yes, I am happy and enjoying this too.

“Hey, everything is ready. Let’s eat?” si Callum nang makapunta sa sala.

Tumayo si Ate Kiana at inaya na si Hestia at Kaezy papunta sa dining area. Tumayo na rin ako pero bago pa man ako makahakbang ay humarang na agad si Callum sa daraanan ko. He’s looking at me intently. Gently. As if weighing my expression or reading what’s on my mind right now even when I am not talking.

“What’s the matter?” he asked silently as he watched me intently.

Umiling ako at hindi makapagsalita.

“You cried?” Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya. Paano niya nalaman na umiyak ako? Is it still visible in my eyes? Is my eyes still bloodshot? Or my nose still red? “Why did you cry? Ano’ng pinag-usapan ninyo ng kapatid mo? Is it . . . about me? Is she doubting me? That . . . I’d leave and hurt you someday?”

I don’t know how can he say these speculations. But I can see pain and fear crossed his eyes as he wait to my answer.

I heave a sigh, “yes . . .” I answered breathily. “But, I am still hoping you will not prove that to her.”

Tumango siya, “I promise. I will do better now.” He kissed my lips softly. “I know better now.”

And with that, the doubts in my heart and mind left. That his words, somehow, comforted me.