Kabanata 26
Kabanata 26
"I'm sure that Yuzon asshole would rot in jail now." Ani Tito Zeij habang nakataas ang paa sa may lamesa, sinusubuan ng barbeque si Tito Dash na nakikipagharutan kay Audette sa kanyang tabi.
"We're actually looking for any case we could file against him beside Reclusion perpetua for your case kasi may tyansang makalabas iyon, like they said, the prick is even pretending like a model prisoner and the General's on his side." Dad said while sitting beside me, sipping on his juice.
"Akala ko ba he's using drugs?" ani Tita Zid na kararating lang, mabilis na naupo sa tabi ni Tito Dash para pagkitain si Queen na buhat niya kay Dette na kaagad nagyakapan doon.
"He is," Tito Zeij answered. "Hindi lang namin mapatunayan noon atsaka no'ng kaso ni Crest dati malinis siya kaya hindi namin napilit ni Kuya Raf."
"However, you've seen his face in our last trial, right?" Dad asked kaya napatango kami. "Just by merely looking at that face, I know he's taking that again, I saw him sometimes when I go to jail and check on cases and he's just looking at me with a smug look on his face. That asshole doesn't even have the guilt, he kept on mocking me that I almost punch him on the jail."
"Kung wala ang Mommy mo, malamang nagwala na 'yan sa presinto." Tito Dash pointed out, pinalo ang kamay ni Tito Zeij na inuubos na ang barbeque na kanina'y sinusubo sa kanya. "Hoy, napakatakaw mo, akin 'yan, ah?"
"But when you came here and told me what you remembered about Ver, parang nabuhayan ako." Dad has that smile on his face while saying that, "hanggang nitong nakaraan ay naiisip ko pa rin ang kaso, I was actually thinking of reopening the case just so I could try and prove that asshole has something to do with Veronica's death pero kulang ako sa witness and you came."
It made me smile too, hinalo ko gamit ang straw ang lemon juice ko,
"It was a sudden urge, Dad. Alam niyo po ba, napansin ko na noon na pamilyar sa akin ang damit niya pero hindi ko napagtuunan. I really thought she has nothing to do with me or nag-iimagine lang ako kasi hindi ko talaga siya maalala noong umpisa."
"I was shocked when she asked me if hypnosis is possible." Tito Thorn said, "and I said yes tapos ayon, naalala na niya 'yong nakaraan. It's possible too that she forgot about her because of the trauma she experienced since the first time she hoped is also the end of it, I am just glad you somehow remembered her and helped the case."
"How amazing the coincidence is, right?" Tita Zid smiled gently. "No matter how chaotic the world is, miracles came. Who would have thought Veronica would try and give justice to Crest but failed but years later, it was Crest who gave her justice too but this time, it's a success?"
"Fate has really ways to balance things, I guess." Tita Reah went back on our large table with my Mom and Tita Alyx, may dalang mga pagkain at refill sa juice namin. "May kapalit lahat, kapag naging mabuti ka'y, masusuklian ka sa tamang panahon. You may get away with your bad deeds at first but karma would come, sisingilin ka rin, doble pa."
"Yes naman!" Tito Zeij clapped his hand.
"That's my babe, Professor Kaia, everyone..." Tito Dash said kaya nagtawanan kami, lalo na nang mamula si Tita Reah at naiiling na nakisali, inabot na si Dette na nakikipaglaro kay Queen.
"He deserves to rot in jail tho," ngiwi ni Tita Alyx na tinulak si Tito Zeij kasi nang-aasar na naman. "We're afraid after years when he got out, he might victimize someone again pero nadagdagan ang kaso niya ng mga taon pa dahil sa ginawa niya kay Veronica."
"Aside from my daughter, he's sentenced for life imprisonment, right? For Veronica's?" Mom asked after refilling our glasses at hinila siya ni Dad para paupuin sa hita nito.
"Yes," Tita Lyx answered. "Life imprisonment without a possibility of parole, dagdag pa na this time, he was found positive for abuse of drugs in jail. Hindi na talaga makakalabas 'yon sa patong-patong na kaso at sintensya. May sangkot na pulis at ayon, pinupuslitan. Mukhang alam din no'ng General, we don't actually know pero there is a possibility."
"Abuse of power," Dad sighed. "This is what I hate in the country, politicians, police or even public and government officers are shameless. They vowed to protect the citizen, to be a good example and a model for the people, to think first of Filipinos pero ito pa't sila ang nangunguna sa pag-abuso, pangungurakot at pagnanakaw."
"Oh! Prosecutor Iñigo Rafael Sandejas, numero singko sa balota, iboto sa president!" Tito Zeijan exclaimed at napatawa na ako nang bumusangot ang Daddy at binato siya ng tissue.
"Would you accept the position for being a Judge, Kuya Raf?" Tito Dash asked.
"I'm considering it but I might stay being a lower court judge." Ani Dad kaya napangiti na ako, proud na proud para sa kanya.
"Kaya hanga talaga ako sa mga taong tumutupad sa sinumpaang tungkulin," Mom said.
"Oh, like me?" biglaang lumiit ang boses ni Dad at naglambing kaya napatawa na kami.
"You're being a baby again, Iñigo Rafael but okay, like you." Mom kissed him briefly kaya mas napangiti ako. "And of course, kayo rito lahat, lalo na ang mga public officials, natutuwa rin ako na nakasama nitong si Crest sina Lt. Col. Dmitrov atsaka 'yong mga tao sa presinto."
My heart pounded upon hearing his name, napasimsim ako sa juice ko at lumunok ng marahas.
"I can see how dedicated they are at work and their responsibilities, nakakatuwa."
"Ehem! Ehem! Paano ba 'yan? Boto ka na ba ulit kay laughtrip Dmitrov?" ani Tito Zeij kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Tito!" I called.
"Tss..." Dad frowned.
"Bakit, favorite kong pamangks?" tawa niya, "responsible naman 'yon si eltea, eh. Medyo gwapo rin kaya p'wede na, tanggap ko siya sa pamilya."
"Zeijan Ruais..." Tita Alyx hissed kaya nagtawanan na sila.
"Oo nga! Pasok na siya sa taste ko, p'wede na at maganda naman itong pamangks ko kaya maganda ang lahi. Aba, hindi na bumabata itong si Kuya Raf, kulay puti na nga ang buhok—"
"Gago ka ba?" Dad asked with his straight face.
"Yari, yari...suntukan!" Tito Thorn whistled and placed his arms on Tita Zid's shoulder.
"Oo nga! Kunwari ka lang walang white hair, balita ko pumupunta kayong salon ni Tinik para magpakulay ng buhok!" humagalpak siya at napafacepalm na lang ako nang nagdumugan na ang mga loko na parang mga bagets pa.
Tinabanggan ni Dad at Tito Thorn si Tito Zeij na malakas ang sigaw, si Tito Dash naman ay nakabusangot lang sa tatlo pero nadamay ni Tito Thorn bigla kaya nasali sa rambulan.
"May arthritis na pero ang haharot pa rin, akala mo bagets." Mom commented while shaking her head at ngumisi lang si Tita Lyx at Tita Reah doon.
"May supply akong gatas pangbuto sa bahay," Tita Zidney smirked. "Gusto niyo, mga Ate? Isang cabinet 'yon." She winked kaya lumakas ang tawa ko nang matigilan 'yong apat sa narinig.
Umalis ako sa pwesto nila Mom nang makaramdam ng init at lumapit sa pool para lumangoy. I saw Chichay playing with the other dogs, siya lang ang maliit sa mga huskies na 'yon kaya natatawa pa rin talaga ako dahil hindi pa siya nadadaganan sa lagay na 'yan.
"Yieee, umalis na ro'n sa kina Tita kasi lahat may partner, siya lang wala. Wawa naman, Bok Joo." Mabilis kong natanggal ang shades ko nang umentrada na naman si Zion na nakaupo sa gilid ng pool at tinatali ang medyo mahabang buhok.
"And so? Hindi ako inggit, ah!" I exclaimed and he laughed at me, "and isa pa, I ain't Bok Joo! Look at my bangs, mahaba na! It's full, can't you see?!" I pointed my full bangs.
"Kahit na, Bok Joo ka pa rin sa paningin ko." He teased kaya umirap na ako at sinuklay ang bangs ko para i-flex sa pagmumukha niya na maganda na ako lalo. "Uy, Crest, kailan mo raw ipapakilala si laughtrip kina Tito? Tanong ni Macky-beybe."
"H-huh?" my eyes widened.
"H-huh?" he imitated me with his girly voice. "Asus, si Crest-ganda, nagkukunwari, paalala ko lang sa'yo na nakita namin ang drama moment niyo ro'n ni eltea?"
"Shhh!" I hissed, my eyes widening. I glanced at Alchiel and saw him with Deion, preparing the cooked barbeques for the girls. "H'wag ka maingay!"
"Ay, hindi pa alam ni Alchiel-taba?" aniyang mukhang nang-eeskandalo kaya suminghap na ako.
"Zion, isa! Ilulublob ko 'yang mukha mo sa pool!" I hissed quietly and he laughed more, tumayo pa sa gilid kahit na basa pa siya.
"Ganito 'yon, eh..." aniya at biglang kumaway. "Uy, Macky-beybe! Tara, bilis! Nandito si Bok Joo!" halos matapon ko na sa pagmumukha ng pinsan ko ang baso ko ng juice.
I saw Marcus approaching, seryoso pa no'ng una habang buhat ang anak na babae sa braso pero biglang napatawa nang makita ako.
"Isa ka pa, Marcus!" I hissed and he bit his lip, natatawa bago ibinaba si Sunny at binulungan kaya tumakbo ito palapit sa mga bata.
"Paano nga 'yong nakita natin? Pang Korean Drama 'yon, 'di ba?" ani Zion at si Marcus ay umayos ng tayo kahit nagpipigil ng tawa niya.
"Ay, oo, anong title no'n? Weightlifting Kim Bok Joo—"
"Isang sabi mo pa, ingungudngod din kita sa pool, Marcus!" I hissed pero humagalpak lang siya.
"Paano nga 'yon, Zy?" ani Macky kaya umayos na si Zion ng tayo.
"Sige, ako si Bok Joo tapos ikaw si laughtrip Dmitrov..." Aniya at napahawak ako sa baywang nang tuwang-tuwa si Marcus na umayos ng tayo, tumalikod pa, kunwari'y umiiyak.
"Tapos ako si Crest," aniya at nag-walk out kunwari, umiiyak. "Kaso Sandejas kaya pokmaru, pwera lang sa akin, kaya bigla akong tatakbo pabalik." He said and ran after lifting his hand like a maarte and ran towards Marcus like a duck.
"Susmiyo..." I gritted my teeth when I saw how Zion pulled Macky's arm paharap tapos madrama silang nagtinginan kaya napamura na ako sa isipan.
"H-hindi kita matiis, pakyu ka, panagutan mo ako!" he exclaimed dramatically and kissed Marcus' cheek who cursed at him.
"Gago ka, may laway, kadiri!" Marcus hissed and I screamed at them and kicked Zion's foot na tuwang-tuwa sa kagaguhan niya.
"Uy, anong ginagawa niyo kay Bok Joo?" sabay kaming napatinging tatlo sa likod at naabutan ko si Alchiel at Dei na nakatingin.
"Isa, Alchiel!" I hissed. "Full bangs na ako! See?!"
But he only grinned, siniko si Deion at napasinghap ako sa sunod nilang ginawa.
"Sweeeggg!" they both exclaimed while lifting the barbeque kaya napapikit na lang ako.
P'wede bang magpaampon muna sa ibang pamilya?
Being with these bunch of crazy people, it's tiring but of course, it's fun. we enjoyed our monthly get together in Mama Lena and Papa Jer's ancestral house that Sunday morning and of course, after the relaxation ay back to work na naman ang magandang Crest Veronica na 'yan.
I checked on my face first on the mirror, inayos ko ang full bangs ko at inilagay sa balikat ang mahaba at may kulay na buhok. Last Friday, I went to a salon to change my hair color for a new look para sa nalalapit na fashion week.
It was color gray, just...it's in ombre. Ang taas ay kulay itim at ang dulo ay dark gray, I suddenly remembered Locket's eyes kaya napangisi ako.
I fixed my black coat when I got out of the car, sa loob ng damit ko ay ang nude turtleneck long sleeves and a high-waisted slacks and three inches heels and my hand bag.
"Ma'am, magandang umaga!" bati sa akin.
"Good morning, have a good day po! Pasuyo na lang sa sasakyan." I said before handling him the keys and nodded.
When I entered the office, my employees greeted me, binati ko sila kaagad at sinalubong ako ni Dani na nakangiti.
"Good morning, Ma'am! Medyo tight po ang schedule today, tutulong po ba kayo sa pagtatahi?" she asked while we're walking towards the elevator.
"Yes, Dani. I want to check the qualities of the clothes we'll use for the fashion week, nasukatan na ang lahat ng models, ano?"
"Yes po," she smiled at me. "May papapirmahan lang ako sa inyo, Ma'am tapos p'wede na tayong dumiretso sa patahian. Nandoon kanina si Sir Von kaso umalis din kasi may kliyente."
"Alright, thanks, Dani. Kumusta ang dinner niyo ni Brent?" I asked and I saw her froze.
"P-po?" I noticed her cheeks flushed kaya natawa na ako at kumapit sa kanyang braso.
"Sus, it's okay, Brent is a good man." I smiled at her, "so...ano?"
"Hala, Ma'am, nakakahiya naman..." she muttered shyly, making me laugh.
"Asus, Dani! Sa akin ka pa mahihiya? It's okay."
"Uh, ano...okay naman po, masaya. Mabait siya kaso nakakahiya." She smiled a little. "Nasampal ko, 'di ba? Sabi niya, ayos lang naman pero naaalala ko pa rin. Isa pa, pangit kasi 'yong naging huling relationship ko, naisip ko baka ako ang may problema."
"Oh, don't say that, okay? That Gerald is an asshole, hindi mo kasalanan na cheater siya. That's his choice, hmm?" I tapped her arm. "Don't stress yourself, enjoy lang. If ayaw mo kay Brent talaga, or 'di ka pa ready, well, that'll be sad but it's okay. Just tell Brent para malinaw kayo."
"Hindi naman po sa ayaw ko siya," aniya sa akin. "It's just that, medyo hindi lang maayos 'yong dinner kasi biglang dumating si Gerald tapos nakikipagbalikan. Sinabi kong ayaw ko kaso, Ma'am, bigla akong hinalikan, eh."
My eyes widened, mabilis kong ibinaba ang shades at nilingon siya.
"R-really?!"
"Opo," she sighed. "Akala niya ata binalikan ko, h-hindi kasi nag-text na."
"Oh my...you should tell him about it! Clear it! Do you want me to talk to him?" I gasped and she nodded and smiled shyly.
"Ayos na po, Ma'am. Ako na pong bahala. I'll see what I can do." Malungkot niyang sabi.
Malungkot man ay nakangiti pa siyang iniabot sa akin ang bulaklak na padala raw sa akin kaya kinuha ko iyon.
My smile widened upon seeing the familiar daffodils, kaagad akong kinilig kaya pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko pa lang sa opisina ay sumalampak na ako sa swivel at binasa ang nasa maliit na card.
Hope you like it, C.V.S.D. I love you.
-Papa Pingu
Nakagat ko ang labi ko at niyakap ang bouquet.
"Locket, napakaharot! Akala mo naman kinikilig ako." I muttered and when my phone rang and saw his name, kaagad ko iyong sinagot.
"Shelemet..." I started off and I heard his deep chuckle on the other line.
"You like it, baby?" he asked, tumango-tango naman ako at sumandal sa swivel, hinahaplos ang petals ng bulaklak.
"Hmm, thank you! I loved it very much!" I said and then remembered something kaya napabuntonghininga ako. "Hoy, ha, h'wag ka pahalata sa mga babies ko! Lowkey lang tayo."
"Okay, okay..." he chuckled. "I don't get it why but of course, lowkey it is."
"Kasi nga, baka sabihin nilang sobrang pokmaru ako!" I exclaimed and he laughed at me.
"Why, Pinga? Hindi ba? Marupok din naman ako sa'yo, ah?" he even teased kaya umirap ako sa hangin at nag-iba ng topic.
"Nga pala, Locket, sorry hindi ako makaka-attend sa dinner, ah? Marami kasi akong schedule today since next week na ang fashion week. We're busy finalizing the final details, eh."
"It's okay," he said, tunog energetic kaya ngumuso ako.
"Bakit tunog masaya ka? Ayaw mo ako makita?" maldita kong tanong at narinig ko ang tawa niya roon bago ako sinagot.
"No, baby. It's nothing, it's okay. Work well, see you." He said.
"Huh?"
"Nothing," he said, chuckling again. "I love you, wala ba akong I love you too?" my heart pounded at that but I remained calm.
"Hindi ako mabilis ma-fall, eh. Hindi pa kita love. Crush pa lang." I said, mahinhin pa kaya natawa siya.
"Okay, okay...I'll wait for your I love you too, then." He said, "basta, mahal kita, Crest."
I screamed silently, tumayo pa ako habang buhat ang bouquet at tumalon-talon to release my hidden and inner kilig.
"Hello? Pinga?"
I covered my mouth and sat on my swivel again to calm myself.
"Okay." I answered shortly and before he could even speak, pinatay ko na ang tawag at pinaypayan ang sarili.
Cause of death: Lorcan Keith's pasimpleng harot.
Nang tumawag ang production sa ibaba na nandoon na ang mga tutulong ngayon ay bumaba na kami ni Dani. I'll check the finish designs dahil final touches na lang ang nira-rush namin ngayon. May kinuha rin ang production na tutulong sa trimming ng dresses para mas mapadali ang work namin.
Malaki pa ang ngiti ko habang naglalakad papasok pero kaagad na nawala at napanganga nang makita ko kung sino ang mga 'yon.
"Mama!" Earn exclaimed, kumaway si Adam at Brent kaya kumurap-kurap ako.
"How..."
"Surprise! Off namin kaya tutulong kami!" he exclaimed happily and it made me grin, kaagad akong tumili at sinalubong silang tatlo para yakapin.
"Talaga ba?!" I exclaimed, chuckling. "Paano kayo nakapunta rito?"
"Si Padlock kasi napaka-OA, hindi pa rin ba kayo bati? Mamamatay ata kapag 'di ka nakita!" tawa ni Brent na biglang natigilan nang mapatingin sa may likuran ko.
"Ewan ko ba ro'n, dami atang connection kaya ito pero okay lang. Trim lang naman 'no? Tulong din kami sa mga p'wedeng buhatin na mabibigat." Adam answered kaya mas nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Si Locket talaga parang ano..." I stomped my feet. "Patay na patay ba 'yon? Hindi pa kami bati, eh, pero napakaano...saan na ba 'yan, huh? Nang ma-kiss ko!"
Nagtawanan sila kaya mas ngumisi ako at inilagay pa ang kaunting buhok sa likod ng tainga.
"Parang crazy, sabihin niyo nasaan ang Lorcan Keith na 'yan! Napaka-OA, kiss ko 'yan, eh!" I hissed, pouting. I was just joking when I saw them stood straight and saluted.
"Lt. Col.!" they exclaimed, stopping me. Nawala ang ngisi ko at natulos sa kinatatayuan.
"I'm here now," I heard a whisper from behind and I gulped, remembering how familiar this scene is.
Mabilis akong lumingon at kaagad na napasinghap nang matanto ang lapit namin, my nose almost touched his at lalayo pa sana ako pero kaagad niyang naabot ang baywang ko at hinapit ako palapit.
I heaved a deep breath when my body touched his, nagsalubong ang mata namin at kaagad kong nakita ang aliw sa mga mata niya.
"Where's my kiss then?" he asked me in a low voice kaya umawang na ang labi ko.
Narinig ko ang hiyawan, natulala lang ako nang marinig ang igik ni Earn at ang iilang asaran mula sa production team ko.
"Kiss na 'yan! Kiss!" Adam exclaimed kaya tumikhim ako.
"'D-di pa tayo bati, ah?" I asked in a soft voice, halos panlakihan na ng mata si Lorcan Keith na mukhang nag-e-enjoy sa atensyon.
"Hindi pa ba?" he asked me, "alright then, but I'm still getting my kiss." He said, dumukwang para nakawan ako ng halik sa pisngi.
I was stunned, marahang binitawan niya ako at halos mawalan ako ng balanse kung hindi lang ako sinalo no'ng tatlo sa likod.
"Okay, let's work. What can I do to help?" ani Locket na parang bestfriend ang mga nasa production team.
"Ito, Sir! Salamat, kaunti lang 'yan, bagay na bagay kayo ni Ma'am Crest!" ani nila kaya napasinghap na ako.
"Really?" I saw how Locket glanced at me playfully kaya pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata para kumalma pero mukhang walang pakialam.
"Opo, Sir! Bagay na bagay! Kasal na lang ang kulang!" hirit pa nila kaya ngumisi si Locket at tumango.
"Ito lang ba ang gagawin? Wala bang mas marami? Dagdagan niyo pa." Aniyang ganado bago kunin ang gunting kaya napapikit na ako ng mariin at huminga ng malalim.
Akala ko ba lowkey lang muna, Locket?! Bakit halatang-halata ka?! Ni hindi pa nga alam ng baby Penguins namin na naglaplapan na kaming dalawa! When they came back to us that trial, formal lang kami tapos ngayon...santisima, Lorcan?
I did my best to stay calm and pretend na hindi ako kinikilig sa kaharutan ni Locket at all. Nang-aasar ang mga kasama ko roon pero umiiling lang ako at tumawa.
"Friends lang kami," I explained pero ayaw ata maniwala.
Hindi ba kapani-paniwala?!
Sumulyap ako kay Locket pagkatapos kong sabihin 'yon at tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay. I saw the amusement on his gray eyes while sitting on the sofa, he licked his lower lip and tilted his head while staring kaya tumikhim ako at bumaling sa tinatahi ko.
Sinuot ko ang pretty glasses ko, I started the machine to finish one of the main dresses to be featured on our fashion show. Ako ang magsusuot nito kaya sinigurado kong pulido dahil paniguradong isa ito sa pagtitinginan.
I was in the back part of the production room, sa sarili kong opisina, this is where I am creating critical or important designs, medyo secluded sa kanila pero kita ko sila at gano'n din sila sa akin dahil salamin ang pader.
Magana ako habang nagtatrabaho, smile was plastered on my face while finishing my designs. Up until now, it still makes me wonder how did I turn to this from what I am before?
I used to spend my money without thinking twice, kahit saan lang. I used to not care about my future. I used to bury this passion and dream of mine because of my traumas and yet...after tough and hard years, here I am, in front of my sewing machine, finishing my personally designed clothes, watching my production team do their best for the fashion show coming, presenting our own shop, our own brand.
Hard work pays off great, I believe. That's what my Clyte-Clyte used to tell me. Na it's better to earn your keep since it could give you a high sense of pride.
Crescent Shines Luxury Clothing with Crest Veronica Sandejas as the fashion designer and CEO.
Who would have thought I'll be able to pull this off?
A knock on my door made me look at it, kumunot ang noo ko nang makita si Locket na naroon sa labas.
Nagtataka man, tumango ako kaya pumasok siya sa loob, bitbit ang iilang mga damit na pinapa-trim ko.
I watched him walk towards me, wearing his white v-neck long sleeves shirt, may tatlong butones iyon sa itaas kaya kitang-kita ko ang chain ng kwintas niya na nakatago roon, giving me a rugged look. He's wearing a dark blue pants, his body looked fit and athletic. His long legs glided confidently while walking towards me at kaagad na umawang ang labi ko nang makita 'yon.
"Hello, bakat ni Padlock!" I greeted at biglang napatawa nang pitikin niya ang noo ko pagkalapit.
"Perv," he muttered kaya ngumuso ako at nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya at nakita ang abo niyang mga matang nakatingin sa akin.
My breath almost hitched the moment I saw his face when the sunlight escaping my office's window touched it. His gray eyes at first glance turned light blue and gold before it returned to its original color, lalo na no'ng natitigan ko.
"How can I stay lowkey when you're looking at me like you wanted to eat me, huh?" he raised his thick brow kaya suminghap ako at pinalo siya.
"Yabang! Akala mo kagwapuhan!" I exclaimed and he laughed, pulling a chair before settling beside me.
"Look at me," he said after sitting kaya binalingan ko siya, nakabusangot pa.
"Oh?" I asked him boredly and he licked his lower lip, I saw the five o'clock shadow on his chin kaya ngumuso ako at lumunok. His gray eyes caught mine and smirked.
"Oh? Pangit ba?" he asked kaya tumikhim ako at hinawi ang mukha niya.
"Anong pinunta mo rito?" I asked him instead bago bumaling sa ginagawa ko at inangat niya ang isang damit.
"I'm sorry, baby, medyo nagupit ko 'yong damit." Nag-aalangan niyang sabi kaya nilingon ko ang pinapakita niya at napansing napasobra ang trim niya kaya may maliit na hole. "Sorry, this is my first time doing this."
"Ayan tapos ang lakas pa ng loob mong humingi ng marami?" I asked and chuckled, kinuha sa kanya ang damit.
"Sorry, Mama Pinga." He muttered and I smirked, ipinaraan ko sa makina ang maliit na butas para maayos. I can smell his perfume, naramdaman ko pang hinawakan niya ang salamin ko kaya nilingon ko siya.
"Hmm?"
"Walang grado?" he asked kaya tumango ako.
"This is my professional office girl look, Locket." I said confidently kaya natawa siya at inabot ang bangs ko.
"Your hair color suits you, you're not Bok Joo now, huh?" he commented, sinuklay pa ng bahagya ang bangs ko kaya natawa ako at inabot pabalik sa kanya ang damit.
"Humaba na, sorry ka. I looked cute na, 'di ba?" I winked and he reached for my cheek and brushed my bangs again with his fingers.
"You looked like..." napaisip pa siya habang nakatitig sa mukha ko.
"Look like?" I asked and raised my brow.
"Like my baby." He answered me seriously kaya umawang na ang labi ko at nag-init ang pisngi.
"Ikaw..." I bit my lip, "a-ang landi mo, pinalaki ka bang ganyan?!"
He chuckled huskily, he touched my cheek and stole a kiss on it kaya suminghap na ako na pinalo siya.
"Hoy, makita tayo!" I hissed, glancing sa labas at tinignan ang busy kong team.
"They won't see," he said kaya hinarap ko na siya at niliitan ng mata.
"Lowkey lang, 'di ba, Lorcan? Friends pa lang tayo, okay?" I explained at natawa lang siya sa akin at inabot ang kamay ko.
"Friends, huh? Are we still just friends sa lagay na 'to?" he raised his brow and stared at me. "We're getting older, baby."
"And so?" I smirked. "Ikaw lang naman ang tandang na, ah? Ako nga, thirty-one pa lang! Ikaw, ugod-ugod ka na—"
"Ah-huh? I can still carry you like a sack, tho. Gusto mo subukan ko pa sa'yo, saan mo gustong ibagsak—"
"Shhh! Quiet!" I placed my finger on his lips to stop him from saying something lewd but instead of shutting up, he opened his mouth and bit my finger.
My stomach churned with his sudden move, I felt like heat filled the veins of my body that my cheeks felt like blushing.
"B-bastos nito!" I hissed and he laughed, he lifted his hand and pinched my cheek.
"My baby bratty Pinga is blushing, I see..." he muttered. "What an adorable baby."
"H-hoy! Hindi ako kinikilig sa'yo, ah?" I gasped and caught his palm, kaagad kong nakita ang red spots doon kaya kumunot na ang noo ko.
"You should really stop giving me flowers, Pingu." I said seriously while staring at his palm but he only caught mine and spoke.
"Why would I? You loved the daffodils, I'll give you flowers, always. I'm also taking my meds—"
"You have an allergy, Lorcan Keith." Irita kong sabi at kinuhang muli ang kamay niya at pinagmasdan. "Makati ba?"
He then stared at my eyes and slowly nodded, "yeah, sobra."
"Then why are you still giving me flowers, hmm? Sabi ko naman na sa'yong ayos lang kung wala."
"Those flowers made you happy, I want to make you happy, Crest." Aniyang seryoso pa kaya suminghap na ako at mas hinaplos ang palad niya.
"You alone is enough to make me happy," I said seriously, stopping him. Seryoso ko pang sinabi iyon sa kanya, nag-aantay ng sagot pero kumurap-kurap lang siya sa akin.
"Locket?"
"I-I should go out—" aniya at nagpa-panic na tumayo kaya hinatak ko siya pabalik, paupo sa upuan at hinuli ang kanyang tingin.
"Oh, you're blushing, Lorcan Keith." I muttered and he blushed more.
"N-no!" he defended, "lalabas lang ako para mag-trim—"
"You brought a lot here, Pingu." I said at mas lumaki ang mata niya sa akin.
"You...called me...am I your Pingu again?" Aniyang parang maamong bata kaya napatawa na ako at sinuklay ang kanyang buhok.
"Why? Ngayon lang ba kita kita tinawag na ganyan ulit?" I asked and he nodded abruptly.
"As far as I remember, you don't call me that, ngayon lang ulit." He said. "Call me again."
"Pingu." I said and I saw him stopped his smile.
"One more."
"Pingu, baby Locket kong Papa Pingu." I said and when he looked away to laugh a bit ay natawa na akong malakas at hinuli ang kanyang mukha.
"Why are you looking away, huh? Papa Pingu?" I smirked and he licked his lower lip.
"Fuck, nakakakilig pala talaga 'to?" he asked kaya napatawa na akong malakas at hinalikan ang noo niya.
"Arte mo, Locket. Para kang teenager." I commented before letting him go and spoke. "Pero friends pa lang tayo, 'di ba?" I asked.
"I guess?" he answered me back kaya napaisip ako at sumandal sa upuan ko.
"So kailan natin 'to ile-level up?" I asked kaya hinarap niya rin ako na mukhang nagtataka sa akin.
"How so?"
"Mga kailan mo ako liligawan?" I asked seriously at mukhang nagulat siya roon pero natawa.
"You always surprise me with your questions, huh, Pinga?" aniya at biglaang inayos niya ang damit bago tumayo sa harapan ko, "stand up."
Confused, tinanggap ko ang kamay niya patayo. Nagtapat ang mukha namin at nakita ko ang paglunok niya habang inaayos ang sarili bago ilahad sa akin ang kamay sa akin.
"Hi, Ma'am, I find you really amazing, talented and beautiful, can I know your name?" he asked me formally and offered his hand and my heart jumped.
I felt like it's my first time seeing him, making my heart thumped wildly.
"H-huh?"
"Can I know your name?" he asked, staring intently at my eyes.
"Crest..." I answered before accepting his hand. "Crest Veronica Sandejas, y-you are?"
"Lt. Col. Lorcan Keith Dmitrov, Ma'am. I'm in love with you, can I court you?" diretso niyang sabi habang nakatitig sa mata ko kaya nahulog lang ang panga ko, gulat na gulat sa kanya.
"Ma'am?" he tilted his head while staring at me kaya tumikhim ako at humigpit ang hawak sa kanyang kamay.
"B-baka gusto mong pakasal na agad?" I asked and he chuckled and smirked.
"Gusto mo ba?" he raised his brow. "I know a priest—"
"Joke, advance ka, ah!" I hissed but then bit my lip to calm myself first before smiling at him. "Edi shege..."
"Shege?" he smiled playfully.
"Shege...nililigawan mo na ako." I said and he smiled, napasinghap ako sa gulat nang basta na lang niya akong yakapin ng mahigpit at hagkan ang buhok ko.
"Thank you, Pinga. I'll make you happy, I promise I'll be worth it." He whispered kaya mabilis ko siyang niyakap pabalik at bumulong.
"You're always worth it, Pingu." I said in a soft voice. "You're amazing too, brave and handsome...tapos may bakat pa."
Pinisil niya ang tagiliran ko kaya napatawa na ako ng malakas at mas hinigpitan ang yakap sa kanya.
We heard claps, sabay kaming napalingon at halos lumuwa na ang mata ko sa gulat at natulak si Locket nang makita ang tatlo na nakadikit ang mukha sa may salamin sa labas, nakangisi sa amin.
"Yay! Happy family na ulit!" Brent exclaimed.
"Yes naman! Gawan na kami ng kapatid pati sina Chichay at Ping-ping!" Adam whistled.
"P'wede na kayong maglandian officially with consent." Ani Earn kaya suminghap na ako at napatakip sa mukha.
"Nanliligaw pa lang! O-OA kayo! I'm shy na!" I exclaimed, making them laugh.
Locket brought Ping-ping in my office the next day while helping, natatawa ako sa kanila dahil binigyan pala sila ng three-day vacation pero sa halip na magliwaliw o pumunta sa ibang lugar ay nandito sila sa akin at tumutulong sa rush ko.
Sometimes, they're trimming, minsan nama'y tumutulong sa pagbubuhat ng mga gamit dahil sine-set up na ng team ang venue namin.
"Ma'am, bibili akong kape sa may coffee shop diyan, ano pong gusto ni Sir Locket?" ani Dani.
"Kaya mo ba bitbitin lahat?" I asked, "patulong ka."
"Ah, si Benji na lang po isasama ko—"
"Ako na," ani Brent na biglang tumayo at ibinaba ang hawak na tela bago tumabi kay Dani na nagulat sa kanya.
"O-okay," she nodded and stared at me, blushing a bit kaya nangingisi na ako pero pinigilan ko. "Ma'am, ano pong gusto ni Sir?" baling niya kay Locket na abala sa paglilipat ng mga tumpok na gamit doon para ilipat sa truck papuntang venue.
"Ah, dark lang ang gusto niyan. Teka..." I glanced at Locket na papunta na rito sa amin habang may buhat na mga damit sa balikat niya.
I saw how his muscle flexed when he did that, may kaunting pawis ang noo at magulo ang buhok. He licked his lower lip when he caught my eye kaya tumikhim na ako.
"A-ah...dark lang ang gusto mong coffee, right? Dani would go to the coffee shop nearby and she's asking anong gusto mo? You want it dark or sweet?"
"May asukal," aniya habang papalapit kaya tumango ako.
"Okay, gaano katamis?" I asked.
"Kasing tamis ng matamis mong oo." Aniyang seryoso kaya umawang lang ang labi.
"Ayown, smooth naman, Padlock!" hagalpak ni Adam at hindi ako nakapag-react sa gulat nang lahat sila'y nag-umpisa ng mang-asar.
"I want it dark, Miss." Ani Locket kay Dani bago bumaling sa akin. "The only sweet thing I want to experience is Crest's yes." He said, walang sabing ninakawan ako ng halik sa pisngi pagkadaan sa akin at nakangising lumabas papunta sa truck.
The next days, habang mas papalapit na ang araw ng fashion show ay mas naging abala kami. Locket and the boys returned to work while I spend my time in the production or hindi sa pag-double check ng mga damit. I even went to watch the rehearsal of my models and to make sure everything will be flawless.
I made an outfit for Chichay too, identical to mine kaya na-busy ako.
When Friday came, two days before the start of the fashion week, I was so busy that I forgot my promised dinner to Locket kaya nagmamadali akong umuwi kahit eleven na ng gabi.
I unfortunately left my phone in my house that morning tapos nawala sa utak ko ang dinner namin ni Locket. Kung hindi lang ako nilapitan ni Dani habang magkasama kami at nag-uusap ni Von at sinabing nagtatanong si Locket kung kasama ako ay hindi ko pa maaalala.
I drove home late at night with a pizza take out on my hand, I was actually expecting Locket to go home and I'll understand that it's late pero sa gulat ko ay nakita ko ang kanyang sasakyan sa labas ng bahay ko.
I gasped, I saw him sleeping inside his car, I knocked on the slightly opened window and sighed when he opened his sleepy gray eyes and met mine.
"Pingu..."
"H-hey," his husky voice called, napaatras ako nang buksan niya ang pintuan ng sasakyan at lumabas, my eyes immediately caught the bouquet on his hand with that slightly visible red spots.
"I'm sorry!" I gasped, "I totally forgot about it, baby. I was busy finalizing everything and—"
"Kumain ka na?" he asked, reaching for my hair kaya mabilis akong tumango.
"Yes, Von gave me foods for dinner and—" nakita ko ang pagdilim ng mata niya roon pero tumango siya at umayos ng tayo at inilagay ang kamay sa bulsa.
"I see, you looked tired. You should go inside, inabangan lang kita pauwi. I will get going—"
"No! I-I bought pizza for us!" I exclaimed and he glanced at my hand, tumagal ang kanyang tingin doon kaya suminghap ako nang matantong hawak ko ng apala ang bigay na bulaklak ni Von. "That's—"
"You should go inside," he said instead, I noticed something on his eyes pero wala siyang sinabi, marahang itinatago ang bulaklak na hawak sa kanyang likod. "It's late, pahinga ka na—"
"Kakainin natin 'to," seryoso kong sabi at pumunta sa may gilid niya para abutin ang daffodils.
"May bulaklak ka na," aniya at bumaling doon pero umiling ako at niyakap ang bouquet niya.
"Flowers from my Locket is more special," I said and he didn't say anything, napahawak lang siya sa batok at sumulyap sa bahay ko.
"You should go inside." He said inside but his voice sounded cold and I know...I know why is he like that.
"We. We will go inside." I said in finality and he stared at me briefly, halatang ayaw pa sumama pero nauna na ako kaya wala na siyang nagawa.
Chichay was so bubbly when we got inside, nasa may sofa si Ping-ping kaya napangiti ako. I saw Locket played with our baby first kaya nagpaalam akong saglit na magsa-shower at pumayag naman siya.
When I went down, he told me Chichay is resting. Nang silipin ko ang mini room ni Chay ay tulog na nga ang brat doon habang nasa may tabi ng bed niya si Ping-ping kaya hinayaan ko na.
I fixed our pizza while we're watching television, I brought canned beers from my fridge so we could drink something while we eat.
I have to apologize, he's been patient to me pero ako naman itong puro trabaho ang nasa utak.
"Sorry, Locket. I totally forgot about our dinner, did you wait there sa resto?"
He slowly nodded, walang-imik, kinuha niya ang beer na nasa can at binuksan, tahimik na uminom mula roon. My heart pounded painfully, kinagat ko ang labi bago uminom at kumuha ng pizza.
"Seven ang kitaan natin, right? What time did you go to the resto?" I asked.
"Six-thirty." He answered shortly kaya suminghap na ako.
"A-ang aga naman!" I commented. "Anong oras ka umalis?"
"Nine," aniya, ang mata'y nanatili sa T.V. "They're closing so I have to leave."
I felt guiltier, to think na eleven ako dumating at nag-antay pa siya ng dalawang oras sa akin.
"I'm sorry," I said gently, inilapit ko sa bibig niya ang pizza pero umiling lang siya.
"Thank you, I'm okay." Aniya kaya tumango ako at kinain na lang ang pizza na 'yon. We were silent the whole time and it bothers me, we were never this silent before.
I moved closer to him and touched his arm, napasulyap siya sa akin pero hindi umimik at hinayaan lang akong sumandal sa braso niya, ang tanging ilaw lang sa amin ay ang T.V. na nakabukas.
"I was just busy, Pingu. I am so sorry, hindi ko rin naisip na maki-text sa sobrang abala. I left my phone here tapos no'ng uwian na nagkaproblema sa set-up ng stage for the production kaya ayon, may revision kaming ginawa ni Von. Kumain na rin ako kasi nga may dalang dinner tapos nalibang sa usapan kaya medyo na-late—"
"Do you like him?" he asked me coldly.
"Of course, he's a friend—"
"More than that, do you like him as a man?" he asked kaya mabilis akong umiling sa kanya, medyo nahihilo na rin sa nainom ko.
"No!" I gasped, "he's just a good friend to me, mabait tapos medyo maloko. H'wag kang maniwala kapag nang-aasar 'yon, madalas manloko na girlfriend niya ako—"
"It's getting late," he suddenly said after finishing that can of beer. Napakurap ako nang marahang kinuha niya ang braso niya mula sa akin.
"Are you jealous?" I asked straightforwardly and I saw him froze and glanced at me.
"About other man claiming you as his girlfriend?" he eyed me coldly. "No, I'm not jealous."
"Locket—"
"Lock the door when I leave," aniya na inayos ang kwelyo ng uniporme, akmang maglalakad pero nagsalita ako.
"You're jealous!" I concluded and he stopped midway but then continued walking. "You're jealous, Locket! Admit it!"
Muli siyang naglakad kaya suminghap na ako, "why can't you tell me your mad and jealous?! I can see your eyes everytime pero ngingiti ka lang tapos kunwari'y walang pakialam! Tell me, Lorcan Keith! Tell me you're jealous! Bakit hindi ka nagsasalita—"
"Yes, I am fucking jealous, Crest Veronica!" he exclaimed loudly, looking back at me with his frustrated gray eyes. "I am fucking jealous because the two of you are so close! I am jealous because he's with you when you're reaching your dreams and success pero wala ako! I am jealous because he can claim you as his girl when I can't even call you mine!
"I am jealous because you're here, you're beside me but I can't reach you now! Nagseselos ako! Nagseselos ako sa inyo!" He heaved a sigh, "there, happy?" kumalma ang boses niya pero bakas ko pa rin ang frustration.
"You're jealous! Bakit ayaw mong magsalita? You act as if it's okay—"
"Because I want you to be comfortable with me!" he exclaimed, stopping me. "Because I don't want to stop you from hanging with boys around because they're your friends! Ayokong nasasakal kita! Ayaw kong pigilan ka! I don't want to act like a possessive highschool boy in this relationship because I want to keep you! I don't want to chain you like that, Crest! Gusto ko nagagawa mo ang gusto mo dahil ayaw kong masakal ka at iwan ako!"
"Locket...y-you could have just told me—"
"I don't like chaining you like that to me, Crest." Aniya at napahawak sa buhok. "I just want to love you while you're free...kasi natatakot ako, natatakot akong kapag sumobra ako ay talagang aayaw ka na sa'kin...kahit mababaliw na ako sa selos. I-I don't want to speak because I'm afraid I'd say rude things I'd regret saying in the end. Natatakot akong makapagsalita ng hindi maganda at masaktan ka na naman."
Silence filled us, nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya, tulala at siya ang naunang nag-iwas ng tingin at suminghap.
"I'm sorry for shouting, I don't want to pressure you. You should rest. I will go home." He said, turned his back at me, walking towards the door pero mabilis akong naglakad at pinaharap siya sa akin.
I saw how shock he is when I pushed him on the back of the door, narinig ko ang kalabog no'n sa sobrang rahas ng pagtulak ko sa kanya.
"Crest?" he asked, "what are you doing?" aniya nang idikit ko ang katawan ko sa kanya.
"You don't have to be jealous, okay?" I said gently and he sighed, looking down on me.
"I know, I'm sorry." He sighed, "let's just talk tomorrow when we're both okay—"
"S-stay here," I said gently while staring at his eyes, stopping him.
"I don't want to disturb you, uuwi na lang ako—" I pressed my lips against his and I felt him froze but then kissed me slowly back pero kaagad ding lumayo.
"Crest Veronica, you should sleep. You look drunk." Aniya at lumalim ang paghinga nang hagkan ko ang panga niya at ang leeg niya.
"I'm not," I whispered sensually and touched his chest, licking a bit of his skin.
"Crest." Mariin niyang sabi, halatang kinokontrol ang sarili na hawakan ako. "It's late, baby, you should rest—" I caught his lips again before staring at his eyes with the softest gaze I could ever give him.
"Sleep with me, Locket." I said with my lips inches away from his. "Please, I want you, baby. Please sleep with me."
His gray eyes almost turned black when he stared at my eyes while I'm looking at him sultrily.
"Damn, baby...panagutan mo ako." He said, almost breathlessly and without any warnings, lifted my ass up so he could carry me.
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