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KABANATA 25

Feelings

NAKASIMANGOT NA NAKAUPO si Alleyah sa may high chair sa may dining area nila Dale habang nakapangalumbaba.

After he said it earlier to her, hinatid siya nito sa may dining area at iniwan ng walang pasabi. Ang hayop na iyon, gutom na nga siya tapos iiwan pa siya nito roon. Walang katulong or tao ang naroroon sa may dining area, probably they're in the garden to assist the Lee's visitors.

And guess what, even her family were not looking for her. She hissed then stand up. Inayos niya ang pagkakasuot ng coat ni Dale. She have no choice but to wear that. Ang lalaking iyon, hindi ba gusto ng mga ganoong damitan? She's into it kaya. Sa trabaho niyang pagmomodelo halos masuot na niya ang kung ano anong klase ng damit kaya hindi na bago iyon sakaniya.

But Dale is way different. She look sexy naman bakit kailangang itago? Pinagbabawalan siya nito na akala mo may label sila.

Maglalakad na sana si Alleyah palabas ng dining area ng may makita siyang taong pumasok roon. Nagkasalubong sila sa may pinto.

She stilled for a second before smiling respectfully to the woman she never know she can encounter right now.

"Good evening, Mrs. Lee." magalang niyang bata.

It's Dale's mom. Mayroon itong hawak na palalagyanan for something. Siguro ay ilalagay lamang sa may kusina. But it's not her work na, they have maid she saw it inthe garden roaming around to assist visitors.

The lady star struck but later on she smiled.

"Miss Loren, the famous model in and out of the country, hi." she addressed.

Alleyah flushed but she remained smiling at her. If hindi ito related kay Dale ay baka nagyabang na siya rito pero hindi.

"Hello, Mrs. Lee uh where are you going to put that? I'll insist." she suggested. Mukhang pagkain iyon dahil nakawrap pa ito sa silver wrapper.

"No it's fine I can handle it. Why are you here by the way? Are you perhaps looking for the bathroom?" she asked as she walks towards the kitchen. Malayo ang kitchen sa dining area so they need to walk for a minute to get there.

Ano nga ba ang sasabihin niya? Na dinala siya ng panganay nito roon at iniwan na lang basta basta? That could be awkward to say.

"Uh, yeah I was looking for one." she lied.

Inilapag nito sa island counter ang dala at kumuha ng dalawang platito't tinidor. She opened the food she's holding. Nanubig ang bagang ni Alleyah ng makita kung ano iyon. It penetrates her nostril. It is so familiar to her.

Carbonara pasta.

"Here try this, Diana made it." Sumalok ito ng pagkain sa platito at ibinigay sakaniya.

Wait. Diana made it? Biglang nawalan siya ng ganang tikman iyon. Kahit paborito niya pa iyon.

She fake a smile before getting the food. Sumubo siya roon kahit labag sa kalooban. Galing kay Diana, so she's close to Lee's family that much huh. No wonder why.

At hindi niya kayang lokohin ang sarili niya dahil masarap ang luto nito. She's a good cooked by the way. Noong magkasama sila ni Diana sa probinsya ay ito ang nagluluto ng makakain nila. Diana knew so many dishes than her.

Plus points namaman para rito.

"What do you think? Is it delicious?" Mrs. Lee asked waiting for her reply.

She smiled to her and nodded. "Yeah, it's so delicious po."

She chuckled. "Diana loves to cook and experiment foods to make her own. Ewan ko ba sa batang iyon at nagpulis kaysa maging chef." she complement.

Bumigat muli ang nadarama niya sa dibdib. Hindi niya maiwasang mainggit sa mga taong malalapit kay Dale. First si Diana, she's close to Lee family and second si Aika, she's close to Dale too.

Siya? Hindi niya pa matatawag na close siya kay Aya mas lalo naman kay Dale. Iba iba kasi ang trip ng lalaking iyon.

She finish her food. Masarap talaga siya. Kahit may konting inggit.

"Oh I forgot. You're looking for the bathroom right? Pagkalabas mo rito sa dining area turn to your left side, it's near the staircase you can see it easily. I'm sorry I can't assist you there. It it okay if you go there alone? You won't get lost easily here."

Alleyah smiled. "No it's fine po, I can search it on my own." she assured her.

Niligpit ng ginang ang pinagkainan niya saka sumalok uli ito ng carbonara at inilagay sa may refrigerator.

"It's was nice to see and meet you here, Miss Loren." she warmly said.

Alleyah's smile grew bigger. "I am too, Mrs. Lee."

"If you want you can call me, Tita. Aya mentioned you to me. You know to my daughter already right?"

"Yes po, we've met last Thursday. And call me Alleyah na lang din po, Tita."

"You're really beautiful up close, hija. I hope we can have a little chitchat if you got spare time."

She nodded that fast. "Of course po, Tita. I'll make time for you po."

She smiled again before she bid her goodbye to Alleyah. After a while bumalik ang busangot niya sa mukha. Eh, kung bumalik kaya siya sa party?

Nabusog na siya sa binigay na carbonara pasta ng ginang kaya nababagot na lamang siya roon.

Hindi pa rin bumabalik si Dale. Naiinis na siya, she left her there hanging ang dumbheaded. How dare him.

Bumalik si Alleyah sa may dining area ng magulatsa presensya ni Aya at Dale.

"Ate Alleyah! Oh my God you look so gorgeous with you new look." matinis na sigaw ni Aya at lumapit sakaniya.

Napangiti naman si Alleyah ng makita ito. She's so pretty like a barbie doll wearing her yellow long gown.

"Happy Birthday, Aya. You look pretty today." she greeted her and kissed her cheeks.

Aya blushed. "Thank you, Ate Alleyah. You too, you're way prettier than me po kaya." papuri nito at tinignan ang kabuuan niya.

May kislap ng paghanga roon. She's so cute.

"Why are you here by the way? Hindi ka ba hinahanap ng bisita mo?" she asked.

Tumingala ulit si Aya sakaniya. Umiling ito. "Nah, I'm done greeting each of my visitors na. I'm too tired na po." pagsusumbong nito at bumusangot.

"You better take a rest, lil sis." Singit ni Dale at umalalay sa kapatid.

He's so soft towards Aya. Sampung taon man ang agwat ng mga ito ay sobra pa sa closeness ang meron sila ng mga magkapatid.

"But Kuya, ngayon ko nga lang makakausap si Ate Alleyah."

"But you just said you're too tired now? Go take a rest, Alleyah won't go anywhere, you can still talk to each other."

Her brows furrowed. What does he mean by that?

"Really, Kuya. You made my birthday wish already?" kita sa mga mata ni Aya ang tuwa at saya.

Dale smiled a little and nodded.

"I'll try my luck, now go take a rest." he said in sweet tone and mess Aya's crown.

Aya pouted but later on she smile and face Alleyah.

"I gotta go, Ate Alleyah. Hoping that my kuya will make my birthday wish come true." she said.

Alleyah didn't understood what she said but she smile at her and kissed her right cheeks. Aya blushed.

"Happy Birthday again, Aya." she sweetly said.

Umakyat na ito sa ikalawang palapag habang patuloy na kumakaway. Alleyah just sent her with her gaze as well as Dale but later on Dale look at her.

Napalis ang ngiti ni Alleyah ng wala na sa paningin nila si Aya at nakasimangot na humarap kay Dale.

"You left me here. I'm sure the party is over." She crossed her arms.

"That's my plan." he honestly blurted.

Napanganga naman si Alleyah sa sinabi nito. Plano pala nitong iwan siya roon hanggang sa matapos ang party. That's absorb. Ni hindi niya nga naenjoy ang pagkain roon. She's still hungry at ang sinabi ni Dale ang nakapagpatriggered sa inis niya.

"The hell, Dale. I'm starving to death and bored the hell out of here. Then you'll just say it's your freaking plan?" hindi niya maiwasang sigaw.

She stomped her feet because she's totally pissed. Freaking pissed.

Agad na lumambot ang tingin ni Dale kay Alleyah. Biglang parang nawala na parang bula ang inis niya dahil sa itsura nito pero pinigilan niya. Naiinis siya rito.

"You're hungry? They didn't gave you foods to eat?" he asked.

Alleyah rolled her eyes. "Obviously."

Dale sighed then walk towards her. It caught Alleyah off guard. Her heart beats in an abnormal manner. His black orbs were penetrating her insides again, making her system went wild.

He has a broad shoulder. Nakabukas ang tatlong butones ng suot nitong white sleeves at nakalihis hanggang siko. Bakas sa katawan nito ang pagiging mabatong katawan. His ripped feature were showing even without him flexing it.

Everything flashbacks on her mind. The first time they did that. Actually, after ng may nangyari sakanila lagi na niyang hinahanap hanap iyon. The way he kissed her, he touch her, and even ravishing her. It's all coming back to her so sudden. She's not a sex starve not until she taste one. A very heaven one.

She gulped and look away. Ano ba namang utak meron siya at puro kalaswaan nanaman. Alam niyang she's blushing but Dale didn't why.

Para namang napaso si Alleyah ng bigla na lamang siyang hawakan ni Dale sa kaniyang braso. Suot niya lamang sa balikat ang coat nito kaya she's bare in that part.

"Alleyah, tell me. Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?" mababa nitong tanong.

Because her mind is clouded by erotic scenes she mumbled something that surprise her and Dale.

"You." mahina niyang saad.

Natigilan si Dale sa kaniyang sinabi at napatingin sakaniya. His gaze darkened at may dumaang kislap ng pagnanasa sa mga mata nito.

His jaw clenched and look away. His adams apple bomb up and down as he gulped. Dumistansya rin ito ng ilang hakbang sakaniya.

Alleyah realized what she just said. She flushed and embarrassed. My God, why does her mouth have her own mind to blurted all she was thinking? Nakakahiya.

"I-I mean... Uh, I'm hungry. I w-want to eat..." hindi makabuo ng pangungusap dahil nataranta siya sa kung anong isasagot.

Dale's ear and neck turned red still not looking at her. Alleyah gave up and gaze down. Nakakahiya talaga.

"Alleyah..." after a minutes of deadly silent.

Kahit na namumula ay pilit siyang ngumiti at tumingin rito.

"What is it?"

He cleared his throat. He's trying to remain serious but he failed.

"Nevermind." he said and was about to walk away from her when she bravely asked her.

Nandito na. Wala ng atrasan ito.

"Don't you want to eat... me?" she asked her.

Her heart were beating so fast. She bit her lower lips, trying to ease her nervousness. Pinaghalong kaba at excitement ang nadarama niya. Isang taon rin niya mahigit na hinanap hanap ang halik nito. Sinanay siya nito kaya dapat ay panagutan nito ang mga ginawa nito sakaniya.

Dale froze from where he was standing. Later on he sighed and face her. Nagulat nanaman si Alleyah sa klase ng titig nito. This one is different and so familiar to her. The fire that gives burn all over her body. She's in heat right now.

"You really don't want to drop the topic are you?" he said in a low voice.

Huminga ng malalim si Alleyah. Making Dale to look at her bossom. Mas lalong dumilim at uminit ang tingin nito roon.

"Why not?" she still keeps going.

Alam niyang nagpipigil si Dale. But she's testing his patience. Wala namang mawawala, she's his first. Hindi naman siguro masama kung umulit sa iisang lalaki lang din.

Muling napasinghap si Alleyah ng biglang tinawid ni Dale ang distansiya nila. He catch her small waist and hook it up making his coat fell on the ground. Napakapit si Alleyah sa mga braso nito dahil sa bilis nitong hawakan ang kaniyang beywang.

Ang yakap nitong iyon ay parang wala nang balak bumitiw. Ikinulong siya nito sa mga bisig nito na tila mga kadena.

"I am serious here, Alleyah. I'm giving you a chance to back out." he said.

Sobrang lapit lamang ng kanilang mukha at mas lalong nakadagdag ng init sakaniyang katawan ang pinaghalong alak at mabango nitong hininga.

Matapang siyang umiling at nakipaglaban ng tingin sa madidilim nitong mga mata.

"I'm not going to do that." mahina niyang saad.

"I promise to myself that if I'll kiss you again, I will be sure that you're already my girlfriend. Now do you still want me to kiss you?" he asked.

Nagulat naman si Alleyah sa isiniwalat nito. He's going to do that?!

Natulala naman si Alleyah sa sinabi nito. Maya maya ay bumuntong hininga nitong binitawan ang kaniyang mga beywang.

"I'm inlove with you, Alleyah and I want you to be my girlfriend. But I'm going to court you first. Now, be a good girl and don't test my patience. I'm trying to do traditional courtship with you." he said.

Puno ng determinasyon nitong binibigkas ang mga katagang binitawan nito. Habang tulala naman si Alleyah na nakatingin rito. She still can't process everything that he said. He likes her. He'll court her.

Damn.

"I-"

"No, don't say anything. I'm not forcing you to reply back. I'm still going to court you." he's determined.

Pinulot nito ang coat na nahulog sa sahig at isinuot sakaniya. Seryoso itong nakatingin sa ginagawa. Si Alleyah naman ay hindi maawat ang nagwawalang puso habang nakamasid rito.

"Come on, I'll take you home." he said in a soft voice.

Why does the table has turn? Inaasar niya lang ito kanina pero bakit siya ang natulala ngayon? He cheated!

Muli nanaman siyang napasinghap ng hawakan ni Dale ang kanang kamay niya. They're holding hands, intertwined fingers. Marahan siyang hinila ni Dale palabas ng bahay ng mga ito.

She still can't believe what was just happened. He's always making her lost her words. He loves surprising her.

Namalayan na lang niya na nasa loob na siya ng mamahalin nitong kotse. His car smell like a lavender scent.

"Hey, you're making me worry. Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

Napatingin siya rito. Namumulang tumango siya.

He sighed. "Hindi ba dapat ako umamin sa'yo para hindi ka sobrang tahimik ng ganito?" problemado nitong tanong.

He didn't start the engine and his upper half body were facing her.

"No, It's just that... I was just surprised." totoo naman.

Sa katunayan, sobrang tuwa niya nga dahil sa wakas may pagtingin na si Dale sakaniya more than likes. He's upgrading his feelings for her.

Lolokohin lang ni Alleyah ang sarili kapag sinabing niyang hindi na niya ito mahal. The love she have for him stayed even after a long time not seeing him.

"I hope you still have your feelings with me." he mumbled.

Hindi narinig ni Alleyah ang sinabi nito. Kaya nagtatakang napatingin siya rito.

He sighed and smile. "Let's go, magagalit na si Mr. Loren saakin." he started the engine.

Lumingon na lang sa may bintana si Alleyah at napakagat labi upang pigilan ang pagsilay ng pagkalawak lawak na ngiti sakaniyang mga labi.

Dale is inlove with her.

That's a good start right? She mean, her love life will have a colorful colors again.

Nang makarating sila sa tapat ng kanilang gate ay binuksan ng gwardiyang nagbabantay sa may harapan ang gate. Bumusina si Dale sa mga ito bilang pagbati. Sumaludo naman ang gwardiyang bantay kahit na hindi nito kita ang loob.

Nang makarating sila sa harap ng main door ay bumaba si Dale upang pagbuksan siya ng pinto.

Ayan nanaman ang puso niya, sobrang kilig at react ng react basta si Dale.

"Thank you for sending me home. Uh, if you won't mind pasok ka muna. I'll serve you coffee." Mukhang malalim na ang gabi.

Dale was hesitant.

Alleyah sighed. "Okay lang ba?" kinakabahan niyang wika.

Biglang nawala ng parang bula ang kaniyang gutom kanina sa isiniwalat nito. She still can't process everything.
Dale sighed and smile before he nodded. "If you won't mind."

"No, I insist."

Nauna na siyang maglakad at tinulak ang pinto. Agaran namang umalalay si Dale at tinulak na parang wala lang ang pinto. Ngumiti siya rito at pumasok sumunod naman ito.

Alleyah stop in front of the living room. Itinuro niya naman ang sofa roon. Mukhang tulog na ang mga tao sa bahay dahil na rin sa sobrang lalim na ng gabi kaya walang nagkalat na mga kasambahay sa ganoong oras.

"Sit there for a while, uh, I'll make you a coffee." saad niya.

Nakatutok lang ang tingin ni Dale sakaniya at seryoso ang anyo ng mukha. Alleyah was conscious of what she looks right now because of his intense stare.

Later on, naglakad na si Dale sa may sofa at nilibot ang tingin sa mga gamit roon. All her awards and pictures were displayed on the corner. Halos picture niya lahat simula ng magmodelo siya hanggang ngayon.

Tutok roon ang tingin ni Dale. Alleyah blushed and try to move her feet towards the kitchen to made his coffee.

Nagsalang siya sa may electric kettle ng dalawang tasa ng tubig at naghintay na kumulo iyon.

Nilapag niya sa may upuan ang coat ni Dale dahil naiinitan na siya masyado.

Kagat labi siya habang sinasariwa ang kaganapan kanina. So its official. Dale was now courting her.

Nag-init ang magkabila niyang pisngi. Never expect Dale to say his feeling for her. Dale is always talking short. He's too determine to court her now, huh? We'll see how that. Hanggang kailan kaya tatagal sa panliligaw si Dale sakaniya?

The electric kettle made a sound so she turn it off and make a coffee for the both of them. Gusto ni Dale iyon medyo matapang haban siya naman ay mild lang.

After that she place it on a tray and with a slice of cake she saw on the refrigerator.

Bumalik siya sa may living room only to see Dale standing ang looking on her pictures closely. He look so serious while looking on her pictures. Mas lalong namula si Alleyah ng magtagal ang tingin nito sa isang specific picture frame.

That picture was taken on New York spring fashion week and she's wearing a sexy black lace two piece while walking on the catwalk.

Doon na ito tumigil sa picture na iyon at waring may sinusuring mabuti sa litratong iyon.

She place the tray on the newly buyed glass table. She cleared her throat. Nagawi ang tingin ni Dale sakaniya.

Dale smile at her but that just for a second when he saw her getup again.

"Uh, here's your coffee. Drink it habang maiinit pa." aniya.

Naglakad na uli ito palapit sa may sofa. Her heart is beating like crazy. She don't know why can't she take her eyes off him. It's like her eyes were glued to him. 

Umupo siya sa sofa dahil feeling niya nanlambot ang kaniyang mga tuhod sa klase ng titig nito. Naninibago pa rin siya lalo na ngayon. Umupo din si Dale ng may distansya sakaniya.

Alleyah took his coffee and gave it to him. Kinuha ni Dale iyon at uminom. She's waiting for his reaction on how was the taste of the coffee she made. It's been a year the last time she serve him foods or drinks.

"How was it?" hindi na niya mapigilang tanong.

Tumingin si Dale sakaniya at tumango. "Fine." tipid nitong saad at muling sumimsim ng kape.

Napasibangot naman si Alleyah. He's back again from talking too short. Nasaan na 'yong Dale na umamin sakaniya kanina? Para namang walang pagbabagong nangyayari.

Alletah took her coffee to and the cake. She eat it while drinking her coffee. Bumalik na ulit at gutom niya ng hindi niya namamalayang naubos na niya ang cake na para sana kay Dale.

Nahihiyang nag-angat siya ng tingin rito. Nakamasid si Dale sakaniya na may panghangang kislap sa mata.

"You're really hungry. I'm sorry." he sincerely said.

Nataranta naman si Alleyah sa sinabi nito kaya napaayos siya ng upo. She forgot the she's holding her coffee that's why it spilled on her.

Hindi na mainit ang kape pero nagulat pa rin siya.

"Shit!"

Napatayo kaagad siya maging si Dale. Dahil sa pagkataranta nila pareho ay mas lalong nabuhos ang natirang kape sakaniya.

Alleyah flushed and can't look him in the eyes.

"Are you okay? Does it hurt?" tanong kaagad ni Dale at agad siyang hinawakan. Tinignan nito ang parte na natapunan niya which is her chest down to her stomach. Basa pa rin siya at amoy kape na rin.

Namumulang umiwas siya ng tingin rito. "No, I'm fine. Hindi naman siya mainit na." Naglakad siya sa may kusina sumunod naman sakaniya si Dale.

She's looking for a tissue to wipe the coffee on her body. Nakahanap siya sa may kabinet sa may itaas ng lutuan. She's reaching it but is far from the door cabinet.

Naramdaman na lang niya sakaniyang likuran si Dale at inabot ang roll of tissue. Humarap siya rito to mutter her thanks but instead she gasped. Ilang inches lang ang pagitan ng katawan nila pareho.

Her knees weakening even more when Dale look down and met her gaze. Staring at his black orbs makes my heart beats like crazy. Familiar electricity gushed through her veins.

He is still holding the tissue paper inside the cabinet making her cage in him.

She cleared her throat. "Uh, thank you." she stutteringly said.

Tahimik na binigay ni Dale ang tissue paper sakaniya saka lumayo. Nakahinga naman ng maluwag si Alleyah dahil doon.

She got a roll of tissue and wipe her cleavage. She forgot that Dale was also there watching her move.

He cleared his throat and look away. Alleyah stilled and look at him. Both of his hand are place on his waist as he's looking away. Namumulang mabilis na tinapos ni Alleyah ang pagpupunas.

"I'm done, I'll just change na lang after you leave." she said.

Tumango ito at naglakad na palabasng dining area ng hindi na siya muling tinapunan ng tingin. Namumulang sumunod siya rito at iniwan ang tissue sa may mesa.

Nakita niya roon ang coat ni Dale pero hindi niya kinuha. Saka na niya ibabalik iyon kapag nalabhan na niya. Nakakahiya naman kung hindi niya malinis na ibabalik rito.

Dale finished his drink and get his car key. Walang imik sila pareho na naglakad palabas ng bahay. He waited for her to walk first when he hold the door saka ito sumunod.

He pressed the car key that makes his car beep.

"Uh, thank you again for sending me home." she said.

Dale was seriously looking at her before he nodded. They just stare to each other and no one dared to look away.

Alleyah sighed and the first one to averted her gaze.

"It's not wrong to broke a promise sometimes, right?" he huskily said.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin rito at nagtataka.

"Huh?"

Bago pa siya muling magsalita ay hinigit na nito ang kaniyang beywang at saka siya mabilisang hinalikan sa mga labi.

Ilang segundo lamang iyon pero nayanig ang buong sistema ni Alleyah at muling nagwala ang kaniyang puso dahil sa halik na iyon.

He smirk. "Still the sweetest." He compliment and let go of her waist. He walks towards the driver's seat then started the engine.

Alleyah was still at daze because of that kiss. Eyes widening and her heart is still beating faster than the usual. That kiss lasted for a second but still gave her a big impact. Huli niyang naramdaman ang halik nito ay noong isang taon pa. 

Halos mapatalon sa gulat si Alleyah ng bumusina si Dale at minaobra ang sasakyan nito palabas ng gate. Nakamasid lamang si Alleyah sa papalayong sasakyan nito.

Maya maya ay napahawak siya sakaniyang labi. Nagulat na lamang siya na may nakapaskil na ngiti roon ng kaniyang damahin.

Hay, Dale you're few words man but always likes to gave me big surprises.

She's indeed inlove. No doubt with that.

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103021

wyrd (weird) saying: Sorry been busy doing schoolworks plus preparing for my upcoming debut next month. So excited.