Kabanata 32

Naghintay ako sa pagbalik ni Greg pero ilang minuto na, hindi pa rin ito bumabalik. Hindi ko naman alam na darating siya at ang alam ko, minessage ko siya. Hindi niya ba nabasa o hindi ko nasend? Naisip ko ang cellphone ko pero hindi na mahalaga iyon lalo na't nagtampo na siya. Bumalik ba siya sa site? Hindi pa siya kumain!

"Blayr, I'm sorry. Is it because of me? Dahil nadatnan niya tayong gano'n? Pasensya na, wala akong intensyon na sumira ng relasyon," nahihiyang sabi ni Rovick pero wala siyang kasalanan doon.

I am the guilty one because I didn't wait for Greg. I know him for being a man of his words but he could have texted me to wait for him. Gusto ko naman talaga siyang hintayin at makasabay pero nagugutom na talaga kasi ako. Kumakalam na ang sikmura ko at baka manghina na lang ako.

"Pasensya na rin. Hindi mo iyon kasalanan. Ako ang may kasalanan."

Tumayo na si Rovick at tumango na lang ito sa akin na nagpapahiwatig ng paalam.

"Mauna na ako, Blayr. Sorry for the interruption of your works. Hope to see you soon."

"You too. Good luck to your studies, Dr. Rovick."

He smiled and nodded at me. I accompanied him to the door and waiting for the possibility that Greg would suddenly pop up on the door smiling on me. Pero pagsilip doon, wala akong Greg na nakita. Grabe naman magtampo 'yon, pwede niya naman akong kausapin.

Bumalik ako sa opisina para kunin ang cellphone at tawagan siya. Chineck ko rin kung nasend ba ang message at nasend nga iyon. I tried to call him, but his cellphone was off.

I was about to call kuya, but Greg opened the door and went inside directly on me. May hawak itong supot at dalawang mineral water ang laman niyon. Binalik ko ang tingin sa mga mata niya at halu halong ekspresyon iyon. Kung kanina galit siya, ngayon, malambing at tila guilty sa ginawa.

He sighed before he opened his mouth to talk to me.

"I'm sorry if I was late. Hindi ko alam na matatagalan pala kami sa pag ayos doon sa site. Hindi na rin ako nakapagtext dahil nasa sasakyan ang cellphone at lowbat din," ani Greg pero halatang may pagtatampo pa rin ang boses niya.

Pinipigilan kong ngumiti sa kanya. Masungit ang mukha nito nang niyakap ko siya at hinalikan sa labi para hindi na magtampo. Inayos ko pa ang buhok niyang magulo, hindi alam kung gawa ba iyon ng paggamit niya ng hard cap. I can see the small smile on his lips but he's holding it back to not seen by me.

"I'm sorry din kung hindi na ako nakapaghintay. Akala ko nareceive mo ang message ko. Kanina pa ako nagugutom at buti na lang may dalang pagkain si Rovick," nakapout kong sabi habang yakap yakap pa rin ito. Masamang tingin pa ang iginawad sa akin pagkasabi sa pangalan ni Rovick.

"I guess, I'll eat it on my own."

"Let's eat it. Sasabayan kita."

"Tapos ka na kumain. I can eat on my own. Baka rin maimpacho ka, kasalanan ko pa."

"Kaunti pa lang naman ang nakakakain ko. Nagkuwentuhan kasi kami kaya paunti unti ang pagkain."

He glared at me again and put aside the food given by Rovick. Binalik ko iyon dahil sayang at iyon ang kinakain ko. He gave me a wickedly look and gathered the food. Before I could react to what he'll gonna do, he already throws it on the trash bin.

"Ano ba Greg, nananayang ka ng pagkain. Kinakain ko pa iyon," iritado kong sabi.

"I bought our foods. No need to worry about it."

"Anong no need to worry about it. Binigay 'yon ni Rovick at nakakahiya naman at tinapon lang."

"Hindi niya naman nakita," maang maangan niyang sagot.

Napailing na lang ako sa sagot niya. Hindi ko na rin sinagot at inalala na baka kanina pa siya gutom kung ngayon pa lang siya kakain. Kung gayon din, hindi pa kumakain si kuya?

"Si kuya, kumain na ba? Kung hindi ka pa rin nakakain, pati siya?"

"Tapos na siya. Sumabay siya sa mga empleyado niya noong alas dose. Hindi lang namin natantya na matatagalan kami sa ginagawa."

"Ikaw, kumain ka man lang sana kahit kaunti or biscuit. Baka kanina ka pa nagugutom."

"Kumain ako ng biscuit. Don't worry about me. Kaya ko naman at natural na lang sa akin ang malipasan ng gutom kapag madaming ginagawa sa office. Ikaw dapat ang hindi, kaya sorry if I didn't make it in time."

"It's fine. Pero huwag mo na iyon uulitin at bawal na rin ang nagpapalipas ng gutom. Ayaw kong magkasakit ka, alright?"

He smiled and kissed me on my forehead. "Yes ma'am."

Kinain namin ang lahat ng pagkaing dala niya. Hindi ko alam kung kaunti lang ba talaga ang kinain ko kanina o sobrang gutom ako dahil simut na simot ang mga pagkain. Walang bahid na tira.

"Akala ko umalis ka na at pumuntang site. Maiinis na sana ako sa pagtatampo mo kung hindi ka lang bumalik," saad ko at sumandal sa sofa para magpahinga at bumaba ang kinain ko.

"Bumili lang ng mineral water."

"Alam mong meron tayong water dispenser dito," sarkastikong ani ko.

"Tsk! Oo na... nabigla ako sa nakita ko. I thought you forgot our lunch date and the way you ate that not-so-good food... I got jealous. You even touched his shoulder!" naiinis na sabi ni Greg at iniiwas ang tingin sa akin.

Natatawa ako sa akto niya pero kung ako rin naman 'yon, magseselos ako. Baka masugod ko pa ang babae kung ganoong posisyon ang makita ko. Pero hindi ko rin naman sadya dahil sa nakakatawang kwento ni Rovick.

"Do you want to go to our favorite place?"

My eyes widened hearing about our favorite place. Yes, OUR favourite place. He's property, my property now. I know I am too excited, but it's been a while since we went there. It's been three weeks and it was like all the stress, pain, and the weariness I've been feeling gathered up to vanish once we're in our haven.

I can't keep my feelings but to resonate agitation and all I can see is amusement in Greg's face.

"You are excited when we are talking about our place, huh?"

"It's peaceful... there's something about our place that makes me happy. Or... I think the person I am with is the one who makes me feel this way. The contentment, the pleasure and the enjoyment that causing me in awe when I am with you in our favorite place and in our favorite time, is something that I would always treasure even we are old and not strong enough to go there."

He didn't reply on what I've said. I waited for his reaction or he could just tell me some words but he didn't. All I just heard, was his breathing and swallowing.

"W-why you always make my heart beat faster? You're always making me crazy for you," he said in a serious tone.

I smiled and I can't help it too but to chuckled to what he said.

"Did I? Or you're just making me fall harder for you?" I teased him.

"Both," he said and hugged me.

After ten minutes of hugging each other, we decided to go to our place before the dusk come. Masyado kaming naaliw sa yakap ng isa't isa. Hindi na tuloy namin naisip na pupunta pa kami roon. And I think, I like our place because it makes it more valuable when I am with Greg. He makes it more special when I am with him in that place.

He called kuya first to send him the other details and paperwork so he could work it when we go home. He doesn't want kuya to work on his own. That was their project and he's also guilty that he didn't check the materials used and he also trusted kuya's friend.

"Alright, sa condo ko siya matutulog," pairap na sabi ni Greg.

We're still on a parking lot. He doesn't want kuya to irritate him when we are there, so he called him.

"Wala naman akong gagawin na masama sa kanya, Chevin. Huwag mo akong itulad sa'yo. And besides, she's my girlfriend and we can do anything we want."

I can see that Greg is now impatient. I know that kuya is just protecting me but he's making me laugh because he's doing it for nothing. I don't know now who is my real father, him or Papa.

"What do you want? Informing you what we are doing? Come on Chevin, meron ka ng Keila. Stop it, we're not kid anymore... tsk! Fine!" iritang sabi nito saka nilahad ang telepono.

Inabot ko ito saka nilagay sa tainga.

"I just want to make sure. She's still our baby. Don't impregnate her until Keila and I married," saad ni kuya na nagpatawa sa akin.

This is no competition of who gets married first but how kuya think of it make my headache and funny at the same time. Who would think of it? He's so unbelievable! Sinisira niya ang moment namin knowing na he could purposely reserve it for making Keila fall for him harder first. Siraulo!

"Joke. Just wanna check my baby."

"Kuya, ako na 'to," natatawa ko pa ring sabi.

"Did you hear that?"

"Tsk! Yes, you fool. Sasabihin ko 'yon kay Keila."

"Don't call me that. And I'm just joking. I just want to irritate Greg." He laughed.

"Kuya, stop it na. You're ruining our moment."

"Fine! I just wanna check you but he's not answering me honestly like he wants me to guess what you are doing."

"Sa akin ka na kasi magtanong minsan."

"No. I want Greg to frustrate about me."

"Tsk! Sige na, may pupuntahan pa kami."

"Alright! Take care, pakisabi na rin sa asungot na 'yan."

"Ok."

Binaba niya ang tawag at binigay ko na ang cellphone ni Greg sa kanya.

"Sabi ni Kuya, ingat daw asungot," natatawa kong sabi.

"That engot. Walang magawa sa buhay."

Natawa ako sa tawag nila sa isa't isa. May endearment pala!

Habang nagdadrive, kinuha ni Greg ang isang kamay ko at nilapit nito sa labi niya para halikan. Napangiti ako sa ginawa niya. Hindi niya rin ito binibitawan hanggang sa makarating kami sa lugar. Isang oras ang biyahe at sakto rin na magsisimula na ang takip-silim!

Bumaba ako kaagad nang masilayan na iyon. Sumunod rin naman kaagad si Greg at niyakap ako sa likod. I felt something pain in my chest but it was because of happiness. Hindi ako magsasawa na gawin ito araw-araw. Basta siya ang kasama ko.

The color of the sunset today was so special and it has a meaning to me too. The color violet sunset means to me my future and my dream. Or is He trying to say now that my dream to be with Greg is my future? I will never oppose it. If it's His way of saying it then I probably happy accepting it.

"Do you know that I hated sunset before?" he suddenly stated while still hugging me and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"Bakit naman? Ang ganda kaya."

"When I was a kid, my lolo and Dad always bought me a pet. I always loved them. Naglalaro kami parati sa garden and they always make me feel so happy. But my dog, my cat, my parrot and even my horse died while the sun was beautifully setting down. Na akala ko ayaw niya ako noon na may kalaro and I thought the sky just want my attention. So basically, I didn't give the treatment and ignoring it as if it doesn't exist. Not until you came and introduce me to it. I learned to love it, not because you said so, but because of the meaning of it... Muntik ko na nga ulit ignorahin but I am still hoping that day that you will come back to me." He explained to me.

"I understand you but why you blame the sunset? It didn't even make a move."

"Because I was young and I thought of it. Saka ko lang narealize, ngayong naaappreciate ko na."

I shook my head on disbelief. He was immature. If I were still a kid, I will never think of it that way.

Now, the colorful sky is slowly changing its color onto dark. Making the stars substituting it to make the sky bright. The night is moonless but still, it is beautiful.

"Nagugutom na ako," saad ko nang marinig ko ang pagkalam ng sikmura ko. Alam kong nagulat siya sa sinabi ko at hindi makapaniwala, pero nagugutom na talaga ako.

"Ikaw ang kasama kong kumain, hindi ba? Naubos natin ang MARAMING pagkain at walang tayong tira. Gutom ka kaagad?" pahisteryang tanong ni Greg na hindi ko alam kung matatawa o maiinis ako.

"Kasalanan ko bang gutom ako agad? Mabilis lang talaga ang metabolism ko."

"Hays, biscuit lang meron ako sa kotse. Iyon na lang muna ang pagtiisan mo."

"Padeliver na lang kaya tayo? Gutom na talaga ako."

"Hindi alam ng delivery boy itong lugar. Mahihirapan siyang maghanap."

"Bili kaya muna tayo saglit at saka tayo balik dito."

"Hindi na. Ipagluluto na lang kita."

"E gutom na nga ako," iritado kong sabi.

He sighed and went to his car. May kinuha ito sa kotse niya at alam kong biscuit iyon.

"Ito muna," sabi niya na lalong nagpairita sa akin. He even hugged me again but I just removed his arms on me.

"Huwag na nga. Dadiet na ako. Gabi na. Uwi na lang tayo," iritado kong sabi at inalis ang kamay niya.

Nagpatiuna ako sa kotse niya at inayos ko na rin ang seatbelt. Sumunod rin naman siya kaagad sa akin. Ramdam ko ang tingin niya at tahimik lang ito na tila ineeksamin ang reaksyon ko. He even had the guts to touch my tummy when all I want from him was food. At sino'ng tanga ang hahawak doon? Hinila ko ang kamay niya at binalik iyon sa pwesto niya.

"Huwag mong hawakan ang tiyan ko. Hindi mo mararamdaman ang pagkalam nito kung hahawak-hawakin mo lang."

Tuwang tuwa ito kaya inirapan ko na lang at humalukipkip sa tabi ng bintana. At may lakas-loob pa siyang gumaniyan. Pagkain lang naman ang hinihingi ko. Bahala siya sa buhay niya. Magluto siya mag isa. Didiretso na ako sa kwarto mamaya. Hindi na ako kakain!

He started the engine and he followed the path in the driveway. Tahimik ang biyahe at wala talagang nagsalita. Nang nilingon ko siya, nakasandal ang kaliwang braso nito sa bintana na tila naboboring sa pagdadrive kasama ako. Mas lalo akong nairita!

Nang palapit na sa condo niya, sinulyapan ko ulit ito. Oo na! Ako na ang bababa ng pride para kausapin siya. Gutom na kasi talaga ako! Malapit lang naman ang drivethru sa condo niya kaya kaunting oras lang iyon.

"Greg, bili kaya tayo sa Jollibee. Sa drive-thru na lang, nagugutom na kasi talaga ako."

"Huwag na. Ako na lang ang magluluto, madali lang 'yon."

I glared at him but he remained serious. Ano bang problema nitong lalaking ito? Papatayin niya ba ako sa gutom? Kung magpapakitang gilas siya sa pagluluto niya, pwede namang next time na lang, e!

Nasa parking lot na kami pero tahimik pa rin ito. Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt ko at hinarap ko muna siya.

"Gusto ko lang naman ng pagkain, bakit ayaw mong ibigay?" iritado kong tanong pero bago pa ito sumagot, bumaba na ako sa kotse niya.

Sumakay na ako kaagad ng elevator. Malapit nang magsarado ito pero hinayaan ko lang iyon. Bahala siya sa buhay niya!

The door was about to close but he managed to put his foot on it. Nagbukas muli ito at pumasok siya roon na nangingiti. Inirapan ko naman at tumayo sa isang tabi.

"Ikaw na ang magpindot ng button." Inis kong sabi.

I looked my reflection in the glass and all I could see was a girl who looked like her candy got stolen by someone. And it was Greg!

Saka lang ako natauhan na nandito na pala kami kung hindi lang tumunog ang elevator. At nasa mali yata kaming palapag? Nasa rooftop kami!

"Good evening, sir, ma'am," bati ng isang nakaunipormeng pangchef na lalaki.

"Good evening," Greg greeted back and pulled me to him.

Nalilito ako sa nangyayari pero ngumingiti doon sa lalaki kung tumitingin ito sa akin.

"This way, sir, ma'am," ani nito.

The man lead us to I don't know where we are going and Greg still even follows him and is serious. If he knew about this, I will kick him on his ass. So much for making me hungry along the way!

Nearing the place he was talking about, I see what they have prepared. Hindi ko alam kung sa amin ba ito o hindi, pero they made this place so good and romantic.

The lit candle, the wine, the romantic table and the petals on it, the food and the speaker? It was on the perfect set and I can't help but be thrilled. I felt like I have a butterfly on my stomach. And seeing these things, a realization dawned on me... a date?! A romantic date?!

I looked at him but he just smiled and avert his gaze on the man beside us.

"We prepared all the things you need, sir. Thank you for the purchase and enjoy your date with ma'am." The man said and bid his goodbye with his company.

Greg gently escorted me to the place where candles and petals of roses are straightly formed and leading our way.

"Do you like it?" he asked, smiling.

He pulled me near the table and gently hold my elbow while sitting on my seat. He gave me a flower and kissed me on my forehead before he sit to his chair.

"Y-yes. How did you prepare this?" para akong tangang nagtatanong.

"I texted them," he answered but I didn't know if he's sarcastic on it. Hindi na ako nakipagtalo pa dahil masaya naman sa effort niya.

I looked around to see how they managed to make it beautiful. They made a small tent and a Christmas light surrounds on it. May malaking heart pa na design nito and flowers.

"I'm sorry ginutom kita. I was about to give you a Jollibee when you made the cute face but thank God, I didn't give in," he said.

"Sana binigyan mo ako ng hint."

"Hindi na iyon surprise." Natatawang niyang sabi at umiling na lang ako.

"Let's eat first," Greg announced and opened our plates. Nakahanda na ang mga pagkain.

Kumain muna kami at nagsusubuan pa na parang bagong kasal. At dahil sa kagutuman, ubos na naman namin ang mga pagkain.

Nagpahinga kami saglit dahil baka hindi bumaba ang kinain namin. Baka tumaba na ako!

"Can I have a dance with you, Blayrie?" he asked after resting.

"Of course," I answered.

Before he stood up, he took his phone on his purse and manipulated it and the song Night Changes played. So that was the purpose of the speaker?

He took my hand and put it on his shoulder. But I purposely put it on his neck to hug him. I wanna thank him for making me so happy. We never dated into a romantic place and I never thought about it but experiencing it tonight, it is all pure bliss.

"I had never brought you in any formal places but I want you to hear that wherever we go, I still love you. I know you for being a simple woman and you don't need something like this, but still, I want you to experience any romantic activities in this world."