Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 15
Kabanata 15
"ATE, PAGKATAPOS PO ba ng operasyon ko, magiging okay na ako?" tanong ng kapatid habang nag-aayos kami ng mga gamit niya sa school.
"Oo, Migs." I smiled. "And after you recover, you'll have extra energy, kaya hindi ka mabilis mapapagod."
"Hindi na po ba ako mahihirapang huminga?"
"Yes, Migs." Ginulo ko ang buhok niya. "At kapag tuluyan ka nang gumaling, magbabakasyon tayo."
"Yehey! Sana po gumaling na ako."
"Gagaling ka, Miggy."
Pagdating namin sa sala, natigil ang sigawan nila Nanay at Tatay.
Turns out, Nanay bought new luxurious clothes and unnecessary things. She also brought gamblers into the house and joined their bets, kaya galit na galit si Tatay.
"Hindi pa ako tapos sa inyo!" she exclaimed before storming out of the house.
Tatay sighed, massaging his temples. Nang nilingon niya kami'y nabakas ko ang pagod sa mukha niya.
"Pasensiya na, mga anak," he said with a sad smile.
"Papasok na po kami, 'Tay," paalam ko.
He just nodded.
I noticed how thin he had become, so I hugged him lightly. Yumakap siya pabalik at nangiti ako nang makisali din si Miggy.
For now, I still believe—even blindly—that my father couldn't commit a crime. He couldn't possibly kill anyone.
Pagkahatid ko kay Miggy sa eskuwelahan, nakita ko si Lando.
"Para ka talagang multo," I teased, laughing.
"Ayaw ko lang na ma-weirduhan ka sa akin, Ma'am." He smiled. "Saka sabi ni Engineer, baka hindi ka komportable."
"Nasanay na ako, kabute ka, e."
Pagpasok sa sasakyang dala ni Lando na ilang beses ko nang tinanggihan at magko-commute ako pero pareho sila ng tigas ng ulo ni Rai at ayaw pumayag!
Sumulyap ako sa phone.
To: Daddy (six inches)
Hello, Daddy! Morning! Musta ang susi natin d'yan?
I laughed when, in just a few seconds, he replied.
From: Daddy (six inches)
If I'm not in a meeting, woman, I'm telling you, kanina pa kita hinalikan d'yan.
I giggled, typing quickly.
To: Daddy (six inches)
Daming satsat, kiss na lang agad! Saka, na-try mo na ba i-measure, Rai?🤩
From: Daddy (six inches)
Your measurement is inaccurate, I am telling you.
To: Daddy (six inches)
Weh? Nasukat mo?
From: Daddy (six inches)
No.
To: Daddy (six inches)
Paano mo nasabi kung gano'n? Sabi ko naman kasi sa 'yo, i-ruler natin!
From: Daddy (six inches)
I just know it, Serafine. I'm an Engineer. No need to fucking measure it.
Wow, yabang. E, 'di nga ma-measure maayos ang jolly hotdog na pinag-aagawan nila, jolly hotdog pa kaya niya?
To: Daddy (six inches)
So... ilan?
From: Daddy (six inches)
Kumain ka na?
To: Daddy (six inches)
Answer meeeeeh!!!! :(((((( Ilan nga?
From: Daddy (six inches)
Wouldn't you wanna know?😏
To: Daddy (six inches)
Bad Daddy!!!
"Ma'am, nandito na po tayo."
I glanced at Lando and realized we had arrived at Rai's office.
My internship started a week ago. So far, my experience has been great and peaceful. My co-interns were kind. Some probably recognize me from the HR incident with Rai, but they've never mentioned it.
"Mauuna ako sa taas, Lando," I said when we reached the parking area.
"Sige po, Ma'am."
I don't want anyone here to know about Rai and me—yes, we have something, but I'm not yet sure what. I don't want them to treat me differently, because like them, I'm here to train, learn, and work.
"Sera!" I chuckled when one of my closest colleagues at the firm, Trisha, called out to me.
"Hello! Morning!"
We walked toward my desk, right across Rai's office. Three interns were assigned here in the executive office, while the rest were spread across different departments of the firm.
"Sera!" I chuckled when one of my closest colleagues at the firm, Trisha, called me.
"Hello, morning!"
"Baklang 'to! Ano, 'yong order ko?" She clung to my arm.
We walked toward my desk, right across Rai's office.
"Nasabi ko na, ide-deliver daw sa susunod na araw kasama 'yong order ni Sir Roff," I said.
I placed my things on the table and glanced at Rai's office. My co-interns were assigned here too—three of us in the executive office, while the rest were spread across different units of the firm.
Nang makita si Marco ay ngumiti ako. He waved back with a smile. Napawi lang iyon nang kurutin ako ni Trisha kaya nilingon ko na.
"Hmm?"
"Ang pogi talaga ni Marco!" she exclaimed.
"Pogi talaga 'yan." I laughed as I sat down. She pulled a swivel chair and sat beside me.
"E, kayo ni Engineer, kumusta?" She grinned.
Namilog ang mata ko at umiling.
"Wala, uhm... mayro'n ba?" I denied.
She chuckled and smacked my arm.
"Patola ka! Nakita ko 'yong titigan n'yo no'ng nakaraan! Saka, nagpapadala pa 'yon ng pagkain sa 'yo tuwing lunch!" she teased.
My heart skipped a beat.
"He's just a good man—"
"Sus! Oo, mabait, pero never ko pang nakitang nagpadala 'yon ng lunch sa empleyado o intern!"
"Hoy, anong usapan 'yan? P'wede ba 'yan kung office hours?" Sir Roff suddenly appeared, sounding strict. Natawa kami.
"Morning, Sir." I grinned. He's the head internship coordinator.
He eyed me seriously. I tried to look serious too, but laughed when he subtly glanced around and kicked my foot.
"Ma'am kasi, 'di ba?" he scoffed.
"Ay, 'di ba, Sir?" I teased.
Trisha laughed, earning a scowl from Sir Roff, who kicked me again.
"Kapag tayong tatlo lang, 'di ba dapat Ma'am?" paalala niya. "Paulit-ulit na lang ba tayo dito?
Medyo napalakas tuloy ang tawa ko at pinagtinginan kaya nahiya ako at tumikhim.
"Mapapagalitan ako nito," sita ko. "Bakit ba kayong dalawa nandito?"
I was never this comfortable with friends. I used to be close to Gino, but deep down I knew I could never tell him the real me. I was afraid of being judged.
Si Kikay lang ang tunay kong naging kaibigan. And when I met Trisha and Sir Roff here at the firm, I realized it's better to have friends who'd never judge you regardless of your social status.
Ako lang naman kasing nagpipilit noon na mga mayayaman dapat.
"Magtatanong nga ako ng order," Sir Roff said, pulling an extra chair and sitting beside me. He grabbed the brochure on my table and showed it to me.
"Hoy, Sera. Na-curious ako rito sa supplement na nandito!" he exclaimed.
"Why?" I asked.
"Nakakalaki raw ito ng boobs?" he asked.
Natawa ako. Nakisilip din si Trisha na kuryoso.
"Seryoso? Gusto ko 'yan! Para lumaki ang mga dyoga!" she exclaimed.
I tried to stifle my laughter at their reactions.
Kikay had introduced me to online selling, and it helped me earn extra income since I received many orders—including supplements like these.
"Oh, 'yan? Sabi ni Kikay effective," I said.
"Gusto ko mag-order!" Sir Roff said.
"Papalaki kang boobs? P'wede ba?" asar ko.
"Oo naman!" He rolled his eyes. "Kailangan ko maging maalindog!"
Tinuro ni Trisha iyong supplement.
"Sera, ayos lang ba kung isang bote lang ang bibilhin?" she asked.
"Ay, hindi." Umiling ako. "Dapat dalawa, kapag isang bote lang, isang dibdib lang lalaki, 'yong kabila maliit pa rin."
"Oh, sige! Dalawang bote!" she announced.
Nagpigit ako ng tawa at baka sabihin nila scam iyong supplement! Inabot ko ang maliit na notebook para sa listahan ng orders. Maniningil pa ako mamaya no'ng orders na iba.
"Hoy, pati 'yong dalawang push-up bra!" Trisha added.
"Oo, sige," I said.
"Isn't chatting during office hours prohibited?"
Nagulantang kami sa boses, sabay-sabay na napatayo nang makita si Alice sa harapan.
"Ma'am!" Sir Roff and Trisha panicked.
I took a deep breath and bowed slightly.
"Pasensiya na, Ma'am," I said softly.
She eyed me sharply, scanning me from head to toe, a smirk forming on her lips. "I still don't get why my fiancé would hire someone like you in his company," she spat.
I just stayed silent. Si Sir Roff ang nagsalita.
"Pasensiya na, Engineer Tan. Kami po 'yong lumapit kay Sera—"
"Don't be unprofessional, Miss Mendez," Alice cut in, directing her words at me.
"Sorry po," I whispered, lowering my head more.
"What's the matter, Alice?"
My heart pounded, panic rising at the sound of that voice. I hadn't seen her since I first came here again—ngayon lang ulit.
"Chairwoman!" Sir Roff and Trisha said in unison, bowing quickly.
"Tita," Alice greeted her sweetly. "I was just lecturing these people—they're chatting during office hours, which is prohibited."
Mrs. Miranda stared at us with cold eyes. My heart hammered. Nanginig ang kamay ko nang maalala ang nangyari no'ng huli ko siyang nakasalamuha.
"Pasensiya na, Engineer Tan, Chairwoman. Hindi na po mauulit," Sir Roff apologized.
"You two may go," she said coldly, referring to Sir Roff and Trisha.
They left hesitantly, glancing at me as if unsure, but I smiled and nodded, leaving them no choice.
The chairwoman and Alice remained in front of me. Bakit ba lapitin ko sa katangahan at napapagalitan pa?!
"Pasensiya na po, hindi na po mauulit—"
"I won't tolerate this kind of unprofessionalism, Miss Mendez." The chairwoman's cold voice cut me off. "Just because my son hired you to train here in our company doesn't mean you can do whatever you like."
Pain pierced my chest.
"I always question my son's choices," she continued, the disappointment unmistakable. "Sometimes, I wonder why he wastes his time on someone, only to drop her like a hot potato in the end."
Nangilid ang mga luha ko pero 'di ko hinayaan ang sariling magpadala sa emosyong 'yon.
She's lying—I know Rai would stay with me, just as he always promised.
"Don't feel entitled, woman," she said with a cold smile. "You are just his slut."
Alice's triumphant grin burned into me as they both left, leaving me dumbfounded and hurt.
The office fell silent after their departure. I noticed the curious stares, but no one dared to speak.
During lunchtime, my colleagues invited me to the pantry, so I joined them.
"Are you alright?" Marco asked, holding my arm.
I turned to him and smiled. "Oo naman. Bakit hindi?"
Tahimik siya, inaaral ang ekspresyon ko. He looked frustrated but nodded afterward.
"Sera..." he called softly. "Just tell me if you can't do this anymore, okay?"
"Do what?" I asked.
"Pretending you're fine when you're not."
It hit the right spot. I hid it with a smile. "Pero ayos naman—"
"My mom and I are always here for you," he interrupted gently. "We'll always have your back, Sera."
I smiled and nodded. "Thank you. I owe a lot to both of you."
"No, we're the ones who owe you," he said, ruffling my hair.
'Di ko naintindihan ang ibig sabihin niya, kaya ngumiti na lang ako.
Soon, the pantry turned lively. Nag-share ng mga ulam kaya parang naging fiesta.
"Bakit n'yo ako inubusan no'ng kay Sera?" Marco pouted beside me.
"Masarap kasi," Trisha said.
"Ang daya. Gusto ko rin 'yon kainin," Marco grumbled.
"Ako na lang kainin mo," Trisha joked.
Natawa ako nang mamula si Marco kaya mas umingay ang pantry sa pang-aasar sa kanila.
"'Yong ulam kasi," Marco muttered, umiiwas sa asaran.
Natatawa ako at pulang-pula na siya.
"Huwag ka mag-alala, lulutuan kita ng ulam bukas," I said.
Marco's eyes lit up instantly.
"Oh, hi, Engineer!"
The title was enough to make me stop. When I turned, I caughtRai's irritated expression as he entered the pantry. Marco was still holding my hand as he took the empty Tupperware from me.
Napansin ko pa ang pagtagal ng tingin ni Rai sa kamay ni Marco na nakapatong pa sa kamay ko.
"Good afternoon, Engineer!" Trisha greeted.
"Good afternoon," Rai replied coldly.
"Engineer, masarap 'yong ulam na luto ni Sera," Sir Roff said.
Shit...
"I see." Rai nodded, glancing at me and then at Marco beside me, his jaw tightening slightly. Ayan na naman si jealousy!
"Kain po!" anyaya ng isa ko pang katrabaho, but Rai shook his head.
"I just dropped by to get a mug," he said.
Oh, but doesn't he already have mugs in his office?
The room grew quiet. I curiously watched Rai's back as he reached up to open the cabinet with ease, na-distract lang nang sikuhin ako ni Trisha para bumulong.
"Ang guwapo-guwapo ni Engineer! Masarap ba 'yan, Sera?" she whispered.
My eyes widened, and I elbowed her. "Trisha," I warned.
"What?" She chuckled. "Guwapo, eh."
"Akin 'yan!" I snorted possessively. "Akin, akin."
I froze when I noticed the stares. My eyes widened when it dawned on me that my voice was too loud.
nang bumaling ako kay Rai, nakataas na ang kilay niya.
I cleared my throat nervously. "I-I mean... 'yong mug, Engineer," I pointed at the one he was holding. "A-Akin 'yan."
He smirked. "This one?" he asked, raising the mug a little higher.
"O-Opo." I nodded, blushing.
"Alright," he said, nodding.
I thought he would put it back, but instead he shook his head. "Go get it in my office later, then," he said before leaving.
After lunch, I was arranging papers when the intercom suddenly rang. Kaagad ko itong sinagot.
"Miss Mendez?" Rai's secretary said. "Pinapatawag po kayo ni Engineer."
My heart leaped.
"P-Po? Bakit?"
"Mug daw po."
Ang lalaking 'yon...
"Oh, okay." Nahilot ko ang sentido.
Tumayo ako para ayusin ang suot na blouse at pencil skirt. Habang papunta sa office niya, nakita ko pa ang tingin ni Sir Roff at Trisha na nang-aasar. He even raised his hand, mimicking kisses with it. Naeeskandalo akong umiling.
When I stepped inside Rai's office, I found him leaning back in his swivel chair, staring at me. The blinds were closed.
Ngumiti ako habang papalapit pero umirap lang siya at pumikit nang malapit na ako.
"Arte," I muttered.
He groaned, arms crossed, eyes still closed.
I touched his cheek. "Daddy..." I called.
His brows furrowed, but he didn't open his eyes.
Natawa na ako lalo, pinisil ang ilong niya at ayaw magmulat. Nang wala pa rin ay tinakpan ko pa ang bibig.
He didn't move for a few seconds, but when his face reddened from lack of air, he pulled away and snatched my waist.
I burst out laughing, letting go of his nose and mouth, and fell onto his lap.
"Rai!" I exclaimed.
"You brat," he groaned.
"Saan na mug ko?" I teased.
"Walang may-ari ng mug, Serafine," he said, irritated.
I grinned.
Isiniksik niya ang mukha sa leeg ko. I tilted my head and let him snuggle, running his lips all over my skin. I sighed happily, feeling his warmth. Humaplos ang palad niya sa tiyan ko.
"Kumain ka na ba?" I asked when he pulled away.
"No." He raised a brow.
"Bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?" I asked, holding his jaw.
"Ayaw," he said, hugging me tighter and burying his face in my neck.
"Bakit?" I asked, distracted when he planted tiny kisses on my shoulder.
"I want the food you cooked."
Natawa ako. "Ubos na."
"Yeah. And you'll cook something for that boy, yet you hadn't even offered your boyfriend lunch."
I froze. The butterflies fluttered. I couldn't process anything at a brief moment.
"B-Boyfriend?"
My mouth parted. I blinked rapidly, my heart pounding as I swallowed hard.
"T-Tayo na ba, Rai?" I asked, still in shock.
"Ayaw mo ba?" He paused.
"Seriously?"
"Why the heck would I kiss you and make love to you if I'm not serious?" Tumaas ang isang kilay niya.
Nakaawang ang labi ko hanggang sa natawa ako nang namamangha—I couldn't believe it!
I cupped his cheek. "Pero, ano, hindi mo pa ako tinatanong kung gusto kong maging jowa mo. Desisyon ka lang!"
"Ayaw mo ba sa akin?" he asked, his voice softening.
"No—shit! I mean, ask me," I said.
"Will I hear a rejection?" Nag-overthink pa nga! "Don't be too harsh—"
"Just ask me, Miranda!" I groaned.
He sighed, bit his lip, and stared into my eyes.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" he murmured, lifting my hand and kissing the back of it. "Please say yes. I want to be your boyfriend."
Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Nangingilid ang luha ko sa mangha at saya.
"Seryoso?" I rasped.
"Damn yes," he said. "Kahit wala akong lunch."
I chuckled, my heart almost bursting with joy. I nodded at him repeatedly, cupping his cheek before kissing his lips.
He kissed me back, only pulling away to press his forehead against mine.
"Say it, please," he grinned. "I want to hear it."
"Yes." I smiled. "I want to be your girl."
His grin widened. I laughed when he hugged me tightly, showering my head with kisses.
"Thank you! Thank you!" he whispered.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
A WEEK WITHOUT my boyfriend felt miserable.
Wow, boyfriend!
Rai had to leave for a big project abroad—the opening of a new international branch of Casa Amara—and we couldn't talk much over the phone because of the time difference between the Philippines and the States.
After work, Lando picked me up. Nang maupo ako sa backseat ay ibinigay niya sa 'kin ang envelope.
"Ano 'to?" I asked.
"Pinapabigay po ni Engineer," he said.
I nodded, opened the envelope, and gasped when I saw a black card inside. I glanced at Lando, who stayed silent, then read Rai's letter.
Baby, this card has no limit. Use this if you need to buy anything.
My eyes widened. I stared at the card, shocked to see my name printed in gold letters on it.
Serafine Veronica Mendez
What the heck? Hindi ko matatanggap 'to! Okay na ako sa lahat ng naitulong niya! This is too much!
"Lando, kailan ang uwi ni Rai?" I asked.
"Hindi ko po sigurado, Ma'am. Ano po ba'ng sinabi niya sa inyo?"
"Sa susunod na linggo pa raw, pero wala siyang binigay na date."
"Busy po siguro sa proyekto."
Papaandarin na sana ni Lando ang sasakyan, pero pinigilan ko siya. "Teka, Lando. Banyo ako sa loob. Saglit lang," paalam ko.
He just nodded at me.
I stepped out of the car and returned to the office building. It was already late, and the restrooms in the lobby were already closed, so I went upstairs. Wala nang masyadong tao dahil late na nga. Mostly guards lang.
I did what I had to, freshened up, and tried to message Rai, but he wasn't online. Kahapon pa 'to, ah.
I stepped out of the restroom and froze when I saw Rai walking from afar. I smiled, ready to approach him, until I saw Alice trailing behind, clearly arguing with him.
Confused, I followed them quietly and discreetly to his office, making sure they wouldn't see me. Hindi ko 'to dapat ginagawa, but something... something urged me to keep going.
I couldn't even explain why and what I was doing.
My heart pounded as I approached his office with a lot of questions in my head.
Umuwi na siya, pero 'di niya sinabi sa 'kin? Bakit?
I heard their voices but couldn't make out the words, so I moved closer—thankful they had left the door slightly open.
"Why are you so stupid, Vioxx?! Didn't I tell you—walang kuwenta ang pagsunod mo sa babaeng 'yon?!" Alice spat.
"Stop meddling in my business, Alice," Rai said coldly.
"Hindi ako nakikialam! Pinapaalalahanan lang kita dahil nalilibang ka na sa babaeng 'yon!"
"Huwag mong isasali si Serafine dito!" he exclaimed.
Ano? Bakit ako ang usapan nila?
"Bakit hindi?! Sa kanya naman nagsimula, 'di ba?! Nauuto ka ng babaeng iyon! She's just fooling you to hide her criminal father!"
My back stiffened. I clutched my chest, struggling to breathe. They know?
"She can't fool me, Alice," Rai said coldly. "I am just using her!"
His words stopped me cold. I felt my stomach drop.
Alice laughed. "For what? Your lust? You already have me for that! Why do you still have to waste your time using the bitch—"
"I'm fucking using her to watch her father!" Rai shouted.
I froze, watching his jaw tighten in anger, the glint in his eyes unrecognizable.
As if he were a different person. Far from the man I knew and loved and he probably was. He's different.
"You really think I'd stick to her because I like her?" He let out a bitter laugh.
"But I saw how you—"
"That's disgusting, Engineer Tan," mariing sabi niya. "I would never stick with her just because I like her. Hindi ako gano'n kababaw. And she's far from the girls I liked."
Those words stung. I felt like I was hit. Tears swelled in my eyes as my chest tightened.
"So, she's just a slut?" she asked.
Hindi nakaimik kaagad si Rai pero pansin ko ang tensyon sa katawan niya.
"Let's stop this nonsense—"
"Why can't you say she's a slut? I don't believe you—"
"Yes, she is a slut!" he roared angrily.
I bit my lip to suppress my sobs.
"I knew it—you're just fooling her!" Alice chuckled. "Sino nga naman ang babaeng 'yon para mabaliw ka, 'di ba?"
Rai's jaw clenched. He gritted his teeth, looked away and tightened the clench of his fists.
"I really thought you liked her," she said with a hint of amusement and wonder. "Damn, Vioxx, I salute you—"
"Don't meddle in my damn business with that woman, Engineer Tan," Rai said harshly, his voice full of rage. "She's nothing—just a toy to play with because I'm bored. I'm only using her for the case."
"Okay." Alice smirked. "You never liked her, right? You'll marry me, won't you?"
"Who'd ever like a gold-digger like her, anyway?" he said seriously, his eyes hard, his tone firm and full of anger, almost trembling.
Alice chuckled, stepping closer to Rai and hugging him. He remained stiff, like a post— unmoving, staring coldly into the distance.
"You'll marry me, won't you?" Alice cooed.
I stepped back, letting my tears fall freely, before rushing out of the office. I ran to the restroom and hid inside a cubicle, covering my mouth to stifle my sobs but they burst out without my control.
Napailing ako sa disappointment at katangahan. I can't believe I fell into that trap. I can't believe it.
I was catching my breath, trying to stop myself from wailing but I couldn't breathe. I tapped my chest in an attempt to console myself.
"Stupid," I whispered, the echoes of my slap on my chest could be heard with my sobs. "Y-You're so stupid, Serafine."
I sniffled and cried harder, realizing that in this world, no one could ever love me... because I am just me.
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