Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 29
Kabanata 29
NAKAPAMAYWANG AKO HABANG nakatingin sa limang lalaki sa harapan ko.
Buti na lang, tulog na si Migs. Si Nanay ay nasa kwarto na rin kaya makakausap ang lima.
Kanina ko pa sila hinila palabas ng barangay hall. Ayaw sanang pumayag ni Intoy, pero nakiusap akong ako na ang bahala kaya hinayaan na lang niya ako.
"Bakit gabi kayo nandito?" tanong ko.
Tahimik ang lima. Si Caspian ay nakangiti pa rin, samantalang sina War, Warren, at Wave ay nananahimik.
"Susuyo lang, eh," ungol ni Miranda, nakanguso.
"Talagang dinamay mo pa ang mga pinsan mo?" taas-kilay kong sabi.
"H-Hindi..." Isang tingin ko lang ay natahimik din siya.
"May curfew dito sa amin kaya bawal tumambay sa labas ng ganitong oras." Tumingin ako sa orasan. "It's two in the morning. Sinong nakaisip na mangharana ng ala-una?"
Kaagad na nagsituruan ang magpipinsan kay Rai.
"It's not romantic to serenade when the sun is still out—"
"Ano? Bakit hindi? Hindi mo ba naisip na tulog na ako?" singhal ko.
"Sorry..." Ngumuso siya.
"At bakit nadamay pa ang mga pinsan mo sa kalokohan mo?"
"They were at fault, too!" Turo niya kay Caspian. "Birthday ni Riu no'n—"
"Hoy, huwag mong idamay anak ko," singhal ni Caspian bago tumingin sa akin. "Inosente 'ko, Sera. Si Vioxx na lang ang awayin mo, nadawit lang kami! Hostage!"
I sighed.
"Sorry na..." alo ni Rai. "Nilasing kasi nila ako. Hindi ko rin na-send ang message ko kasi nakatulog na ako sa upuan."
"War..." tawag ko, sabay na tumingin sa akin sina Warren at Warrion kaya napatigil ako.
"I'm War," ani Warrion, nakasimangot habang nakatitig kay Warren na nakangisi.
"I'm War, too," sagot ni Warren.
"I'm War!" singhal ni Warrion. "Win calls me that, kaya ako si War!"
"War din tawag sa akin ni Win." Nakangisi si Warren.
"Winter! Ako lang ang p'wedeng tumawag ng Win sa asawa ko," giit ni Warrion.
Nagtagisan sila ng tingin, habang tumatawa na sina Caspian at Wave sa bangayan ng dalawa. Si Rai naman ay nananatiling nakasimangot, nakatitig sa akin.
"Ako rin—"
"Gusto mong pasabugin kita—"
"Enough, tama na." Pinatigil ko silang dalawa. "I was actually referring to Warrion."
"See?" singhal ni Warrion, saka ngumisi. "Ako si War, tangina mo."
"Alright, my darling," biglang asar ni Warren. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang yakapin niya ang baywang ni Warrion at ipatong ang ulo sa balikat nito. "If you say so. Alam mo namang sa 'yo lang ako kakalampag..."
"What—fuck! Get off!" sigaw ni Warrion, habang tumatawa si Caspian, kinukuhanan pa ng video ang dalawa.
Pakiramdam ko daycare teacher ako sa mga batang pasaway! Nang kumalma na ang dalawa, nagsalita na 'ko.
"Ano'ng oras nag-start ang party ni Riu?"
"Eight, Sera," sagot ni Caspian.
Tumango ako, saka tumingin nang may pagdududa kay Rai na naka-pout pa rin, naka-cross arms.
"Care to explain who the hell that woman is?"
"It's just business, baby," paliwanag niya.
"Uh-huh?" Taas-kilay ko.
"Oh, Sera!" Biglang nagtaas ng kamay ni Caspian. Binalingan ko siya.
"Yes?"
"Alam mo ba, late dumating si Vioxx. Mga eight-thirty," ani Cas, nakangisi. "Share ko lang!"
"Fuck you, Alcantara!" sigaw ni Rai. "I was stuck in the fucking traffic—"
"No cursing!" singhal ko, kaya tumigil siya, lalo pang napa-nguso.
"Baby..." reklamo niya.
"Well, I commend what you all did earlier. It's great. Pero sinong pumili ng outfit n'yo? Mukha kayong ibuburol," sabi ko, at napatigil silang lahat.
"Si Caspian!" Pagtuturo ni Warren.
"Bakit? Maganda naman!" protesta ni Caspian. "Saka nanghaharana tayo, mga ulupong. Ano'ng gusto n'yo? May gitara pa tayo, oh, kaya dapat makaluma."
"Well, I did the guitar and my fingers fucking hurt." ani na Wave itinaas ang kamay at ipinakita ang namumula niyang mga daliri.
Nangiwi ako at napailing.
"Lagyan natin ng yelo mamaya," sabi ko, saka muling tumingin sa kanila. "Super bet ang performance n'yo kanina, pero next time mas gusto ko 'yong tatapak kayo sa bubog at bubuga ng apoy."
Tahimik sila hanggang magsalita si Wave.
"Yeah, well, Caspian knows that too well. He's a magician, after all." Tinuro niya si Caspian na nakabusangot na saka siya ngumisi at nagtaas ng kamay. "Share ko lang din."
Natawa ako habang nagbangayan na naman sila. Parang mga bata nga!
Si Rai, na kanina'y wala sa mood, ay nakigulo na rin nang batukan siya ni Caspian. Pinanuod ko sila, hanggang mapansin kong may kulang.
"Anyway, guys," I asked, stopping them. "Nasaan iyong gwapong Lucian?"
Nagkatinginan sila, saka sabay-sabay na sumimangot.
"Wala!" sigaw nila kaya napatanga ako.
Ano'ng problema nila kay Lucian?
Hinatid ko ang magpipinsan sa malaking guestroom. Doon sila nagsiksikan sa dalawang king bed.
"Ako dito sa gilid!" sigaw ni Caspian, sabay takbo sa kama at kuha ng unan.
"Ako doon sa kabilang gilid!" habol ni Warren.
Si Wave ay pumasok nang dahan-dahan, samantalang si Warrion ay parang tuod na naglalakad hanggang hilahin siya ni Warren.
"Darling, tabi tayo—"
"Fuck you!" Tinakpan niya ng unan ang mukha ni Warren kaya nagdumugan na naman sila.
Wave sat beside Caspian, habang nagpapatayan ang dalawang War doon sa gilid ay parang mababait na batang nakaupo iyong dalawa.
Cas was hugging a pillow while swinging his feet, when he saw Wave swinging his feet too, binigyan niya ito ng unan kaya niyakap din ng huli.
"Wait, sabay tayo," ani Caspian. Sabay silang tumingin sa mga paa nila habang may yakap na unan.
"Okay, game," sagot ni Wave, at sabay silang nag-swing ng paa.
Napangiti ako. The other two were chaotic and these two are adorable. Nawala lang ang atensyon ko sa kanila nang biglang may yumakap sa likod ko. Rai started kissing my neck.
"Punta na tayo sa kwarto," he whispered.
"Hmm?"
"I'm sleepy." He yawned and nuzzled my neck. "Let's go to our room."
"Patola ka ba?" I hissed.
"Bakit?" he asked.
"Huh? Anong bakit?" I shot back.
"You're asking a pick-up line so—"
"No." I laughed and turned to him. "It isn't a cheesy pick-up line. Dito ka matutulog sa mga pinsan mo! Hindi sa tabi ko!"
"What?!" He moaned. "No, baby."
"No, you'll stay here," I said firmly.
"Where will I sleep? Those brutes occupied the bed!"
"Aba, eh 'di sa lapag ka, problema ba 'yon?" Mas lalo siyang sumimangot at yumakap muli.
"Sera..."
"Punishment mo 'yan! You've been a bad daddy," I teased.
"Baby, please..." He buried himself against my neck, still hugging my waist, but my decision was firm.
"No, you're a bad daddy. Stay here. Usap tayo bukas. Magpaliwanag ka."
"I can explain myself in bed—"
"At ano? Maninira na naman tayo ng gamit?" I snorted.
He pulled away and caught my chin so he could meet my gaze. His smile widened.
"Well, baby, I think the furniture here is pretty strong—"
"Susi mo strong." I rolled my eyes and flicked his forehead. "Go, sleep. I'm sleepy, too. Inistorbo n'yo ang beauty sleep ko."
"Baby..."
"No, Rai. Huwag kang makulit. Pupunta ako sa kwarto." Tumayo na ako para makaalis pero kaagad siyang nakasunod. Napairap pa ako nang akbayan niya ako at hulihin.
"Baby girl," he called.
"Bawal nga, daddy!" I hissed.
"Hatid na lang kita? Please, hindi ako manggugulo," he negotiated kaya pinayagan ko na lang.
Tahimik naman ang buhay ko. Maybe because I was so tired and consumed today, I fell asleep the moment my back touched the bed—until something brushed against my nape.
It was soft, like a gentle touch. I jolted awake, terrified it was a cockroach, kaya napatili ako sabay hampas sa likod ko.
"Ouch!" My eyes widened at the voice. I turned, shocked to see Rai clutching his cheek.
"O-Oh my god, I'm sorry!" I exclaimed.
He winced. I sat up quickly and caressed the cheek I had slapped.
"I was just shocked! Akala ko ipis kaya hinampas ko! I'm so sorry, baby," alo ko sabay sapo sa mukha niya at halik sa pisngi niya. "Sorry, sorry..."
"It's alright," he said, taking my hand and pressing it to his lips.
"Rai..."
"It's okay. Sorry to wake you up, baby," he murmured, pulling me close until we dropped on the bed.
I rested my head on his arm as he cuddled me.
"Bakit ka nandito?"
"I just wanted a kiss," he muttered. "And I can't sleep in that room. Those fuckers are a pain in the ass."
"Why?" I looked at him curiously.
"They still won't sleep. Nabuksan ang TV kaya nagmo-movie marathon sila," he explained.
"Well, they're cute." I laughed softly.
His face soured.
"Pero mas gwapo ka!" I teased, pinching his nose. "Seloso mo, engineer."
Nagkatitigan kami sa dilim. In that moment of silence, I have never felt this peaceful.
"Are you still mad?" he whispered, hugging me.
"I was... just annoyed." I sighed. "Sino bang matutuwa kung may mabalitaan akong ka-date mo?"
"Baby, it's only business," he said.
"I mean, okay, she's an heiress in a jewelry company. I know it's big. I shouldn't feel insecure kasi ako rin naman, ah! I have a firm, and I've got my plantation—"
"It doesn't matter what she had. Ikaw lang ang gusto ko at mahal ko, Serafine."
Natunaw no'n ang selos ko at na-guilty sa pagiging irrational.
"I-I know," I said softly. "I'm just being irrational. Maybe a part of me was scared. I'm scared you might find someone more... more wonderful. Someone who would love you more. Kasi 'di ba? Ako... ilang beses kitang tinanggihan." I sighed.
"Sera..."
"N-Natatakot ako na baka matanto mong mas maraming babaeng babagay sa 'yo. I did nothing but hurt you. I am selfish and—"
"You weren't even close to being selfish, Serafine." He cut me off. "You are the most selfless person I've ever known."
"Paano kung makahanap ka ng mas better?" I whispered.
He chuckled, catching my eyes.
"Why would I find someone better if I already have the best in my arms?" His lips curved into a smile. I pouted. "Well, baby? Tell me, sa ngayon ba hindi mo pa rin natatanto kung gaano ako kabaliw sa 'yo?"
"You are?" I muttered.
He chuckled, pinching my cheeks.
"I love you, Serafine. If this love isn't true, sa tingin mo ba nandito pa rin ako, nagmamakaawa sa atensyon mo?"
Umiling ako.
"That's it, then. Wala nang mas gaganda o mas hihigit pa sa 'yo, kasi ikaw ang pinaka sa kanilang lahat."
"Rai..." I whispered.
"You're the light that lit the fire inside me, Sera. You sparked my will to find who I really am and what I want to do. Kung wala ka? I don't think I'd be who I am right now. I think I'd still be hiding in my mother's shadow, saying yes to everything just to be loved kahit hindi niya ako anak.
"If it weren't for you, I might still be wandering in the dark with no light or direction. I stood on my own because of you. Gusto kong magkaroon ng sariling akin dahil sa 'yo. I don't think I'd have my own company now kung hindi ako umalis sa puder nila."
"Anong kinalaman ko doon? You did it all, Rai. You strived hard to build what you have now."
"You're my inspiration." He smiled. "Do you think I'd have had the guts to go against my mother if it wasn't for you?"
My heart swayed.
"Ih." I pouted. "Binobola mo ata ako?"
"No, silly." He laughed, kissing the tip of my nose.
"Kahit iniwan kita noon? I...I was so pressured at that time. I didn't know what to do," I whispered.
"I understand," he said, his dark eyes mirroring mine. "I know I pressured you, so I didn't push through. I'm sorry because I was insensitive."
"Sorry, hindi rin tama ang ginawa ko. I could have explained why I wouldn't say yes, pero sa halip, iniwan kita. I'm so sorry, Rai. Natanto ko lang noong nakita kitang umalis... tapos... hindi kita naabutan." I sighed.
"I wanted to give you time," he said. "To think. Ayaw kong maapektuhan ang kinabukasan at pangarap mo kaya ako umalis. I thought I was a hindrance to your dreams—"
"N-No..." I shook my head. "You weren't a hindrance. Sobrang dami ko lang iniisip noon, Rai. Ang kapatid ko, ang kinabukasan ko, ang tiwala ko sa 'yo—lahat. Kaya siguro naguluhan ako at natakot. Nasa utak ko lang noon ang responsibilidad ko at ang mga bagay na kakaharapin ko sa negosyo. I was so pressured, so I declined."
"I understand..." He smiled faintly. "You don't have to explain yourself to me. It was my fault. I didn't think it through, I didn't think what you might feel."
"You left to give me time?" I asked.
He nodded. "I watched you from afar, though."
"W-Weh?" I blinked.
"Yeah." He smiled playfully. "I watched silently while you reached your dreams."
"Would you even chase me after that? Were you planning to?"
"Of course." He smirked. "Nah, I won't just give my baby to another man. You're mine, Sera."
"Ows?" I raised my brow. "Talaga ba? I don't think we'd have met if not for the Lost Island project."
"That was planned, anyway."
"What?!" My eyes widened.
He chuckled.
"Yes, my baby girl. Nakisama lang ang tadhana—nakilala mo si Lars, kaya siya mismo ang nagdala sa 'yo sa akin unknowingly. If not, I'd still have asked them to get you." He grinned.
"Talaga ba?!"
"Yes." He laughed again.
"Eh, bakit ang suplado mo noong una? Akala mo talaga, 'no!" I exclaimed.
"Well, pa-effect lang. Hindi naman p'wedeng una pa lang lalandiin na kita. Sobrang rupok ko naman kung gano'n," he explained.
"Sabagay, pero marupok ka rin naman, ah. Kunwari ka pa no'n na iaakyat na sa yate ang bagahe, iritado ka lang pala kay Engineer Silvano!"
Laughing, he kissed my head.
"I couldn't stop myself, I was annoyed. Hindi ko na nga pinakialaman ang manliligaw mo sa firm n'yo. You're such a playgirl, huh?"
"I never entertained anyone." I rolled my eyes. "Akala mo ba madaling maka move-on sa 'yo?"
"I know it wasn't easy." He smirked.
"Huwag lalaki ang ulo! Pero 'yong isang ulo p'wede–" I laughed when he playfully covered my lips. "Rai!"
"Shut it, baby. We're serious, alright? Don't flirt with me. Papatulan ko 'yan." He warned. "It was all planned—the construction, lalandiin kita, manliligaw. Hindi nga lang planado na masira 'yong kama—"
"Miranda!" I exclaimed.
He laughed, touching my waist and winking.
"Pero ano ngang business mo doon sa babae?"
He was left dumbfounded.
"Hmm..." I raised my brow. "Ano, Miranda? Sagot."
Nang 'di siya nakasagot kaagad ay bumalik na naman ang iritasyon ko. "Next time, baby. I can't answer—"
"Imposibleng construction iyon, eh. Ang business ay jewelry!" I spat.
He only pouted.
"Soon, baby? Okay? Right now, let's talk about that barangay captain of yours—"
"Inaano ka ni Intoy?" My brows furrowed.
"That Intoy. Ano iyon, manliligaw mo rin?"
"Huwag mong ibahin ang usapan. We were talking about that heiress of yours. Ano iyong business, huh?"
"Wala, Serafine. I'll tell you, but not now. Let's talk first about your boy—"
"Wala nga akong lalaki!" I exclaimed, already irritated. "Bakit mo nililipat sa akin?"
"Gwen is nothing—"
"Huh! Gwen? First name basis kayo?" I sat up in annoyance.
"Kumusta naman 'yang Intoy mo? Anong tawag sa 'yo? Darling? Ang corny, ang puta—"
"Bakit mo ako sinisigawan?!" I exclaimed, medyo nananakit na ang mata at naluluha.
Nagulat siya at napaupo rin.
"What? I am not shouting, Serafine—"
"Oh, look! Galit ka naman!" My eyes swelled. "W-Wala naman akong ginagawa! Bakit mo 'ko inaaway?!"
He sighed. "Serafine—"
"Sabing wala nga akong lalaki! Pinagbibintangan mo 'ko! Bakit mo ko inaaway?!" My tears fell effortlessly.
"What...the hell..."
"Minumura mo ko?!" I wiped my tears.
"No!" His eyes widened. "Fuck...shit, baby, why are you crying?"
"Baby na! Kanina kung makatawag ka sa aking Serafine!" I exclaimed.
"Baby..." He reached for me, but I slapped his hand away, sobbing as I pulled the blanket over me.
"Baby," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm not shouting. Stop crying."
He touched the blanket.
"Huwag mo ko hawakan! Umalis ka na rito!" I sobbed.
"Sera..." he whispered. "I'm sorry, hindi na..."
"Ayaw! No!"
"Gwen is nothing," he explained.
"Okay!" I exclaimed.
"Baby..."
"Hmp!" I sulked.
"Okay, I personally asked her to meet me," he said, and I immediately pulled the blanket off to glare at him.
"Kita mo na!" I exclaimed.
"Let me finish, okay? Hmm?" I stayed silent, sniffing.
Heck, I don't even know why the heck I was crying like this!
Tinakpan ko ulit ang sarili ng kumot.
"She has good eyes and hands in terms of jewelry, so I asked her."
Huh, talagang napansin pa niya ang mata at kamay ng babae!
"I asked her to make the ring I personally designed for you," he said.
Natigilan na ako. I quickly lowered the blanket from my face, tears still on my cheeks.
"T-Talaga?" Sumilip ako.
He stared at me, nodding. "Yes."
Dinaga na naman ng kung anong guilt ang puso ko, nilalamon ng kahihiyan sa pagiging irasyonal.
"H-Hala, 'di ba dapat surprise? B-Bakit mo sinabi sa akin?" I whispered.
"Well, do I have a choice?" He smiled gently.
Shit. I am so petty!
I rose from the bed, dinamba ko siya ng yakap at sumubsob sa leeg niya.
"S-Sorry."
"It's fine." He chuckled. "Hindi na nga lang surprise kasi sinabi ko na."
Lumayo ako at tinitigan siya.
"K-Kailan mo ako tatanungin? Dapat maayos ako niyan, naka-dress, gano'n..."
He chuckled, pinched my nose, and caressed my cheek.
"I love you, baby, but that's too many surprises already. I won't tell you when."
I pouted, natulala pa ako sa harapan niya kaya mabilis niya akong nabuhat paupo sa hita niya.
"Don't cry," lambing niya, pinaraan ang ilong sa pisngi ko.
"I feel bad..." I whispered. "I-I don't want to be a nagger but bigla akong naiinis. Napilit tuloy kitang sabihin. I'm sorry I ruined the surprise."
He chuckled against my ear, kissing my cheek.
"We're moody now, aren't we?" he teased, then his hand slowly crawled on my stomach. "Hindi kaya may laman?"
I froze, tumitig ako sa kamay niya sa tiyan ko, napakurap bago siya sinulyapan bago napabughalit ng tawa.
"Hotdog mo, may laman," I spat.
His face fell, natawa naman ako at hinuli ang labi niya para sa halik.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
APRIL FIRST. I glanced again at the invitation from the Miranda Firm for their anniversary party. It would've been fine if it were Rai's, but this came from the main. His mother was hosting the party.
"I won't force you to come with me," Rai said again for the nth time.
"I can do it, Rai. Isa pa, I'm invited, too," I said nervously.
"We can still go home, baby. If you're not comfortable going, then..."
"I'm nervous, but I can do this, Rai." I took his hand and slowly caressed it. "Maybe it's time now to face your mother? You haven't seen her for years, too, right?"
"I missed her, too, but it's you I've been worrying about. I don't think I can stop myself from arguing with her if she says something I won't like." He shut his eyes tightly.
I reached for his face and gently caressed his jaw.
"No need to protect me. I can handle myself." I reassured.
Nagtitigan kami. Ang kamay ko sa kanyang pisngi ay hinuli niya at dinala sa kanyang labi.
"Alright, I love you."
"I love you, too." I grinned. "Pero manliligaw ka ng one year pa rin."
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
THE MOMENT WE stepped onto the red carpet, the camera flashes almost blinded me.
I wasn't used to things like this, but Rai looked like he was. He held my waist, and I was startled when reporters suddenly rushed forward, microphones moving toward us it was almost shoving our faces.
"Who are you, Miss? Are you dating Engineer Miranda?"
"What can you say about Engineer Miranda's dating rumor with the Mielldo heiress?"
"Engineer Miranda! Who is your date?"
"Engineer Miranda! Are you going back to Miranda Firm?"
"Miss? Who are you wearing?"
"What can you say about the rumors that you're a gold-digger?" a female reporter asked.
Nagulat ako, natahimik ang iba sa tanong at napasulyap sa akin. Rai shifted his gaze to the woman, his cold eyes sharp.
Mas dumami ang kumuha ng litrato. Napapikit ako bigla nang marahang iniharang ni Rai ang kamay sa mukha ko para hindi matamaan ng flash.
"Don't you dare talk to my girlfriend like that," he said firmly.
Mas nagkagulo ang press sa narinig.
Mas umulan ng tanong pero inakay na ako ni Rai papasol.
"Flores siya!" I heard someone exclaim.
"Flores? Serafine Flores?"
"Engineer Flores!" They immediately called out, but I didn't look back.
Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag noong nakapasok na. I noticed Rai's annoyed face.
"Sorry, baby, I didn't know they'd be like that."
"I understand," I assured, taking his hand. "Pero liar ka, hindi pa kita sinasagot, ah?"
"Well..." He grinned, and I laughed when he pulled me closer by the waist and kissed my cheek.
Hinayaan ko siya hanggang sa narinig ko ang buntonghininga niya.
"But I have to check those nasty rumors..."
"Hayaan mo na," I said. "Waste of time. Probably from gossip sites that wanted to make some issues, alam mo namang matunog at ngayon ka lang ulit nagpakita sa events ng firm."
"Still a no, baby. I won't let these people disrespect my woman."
Kinilig naman ako kaya hinalikan ko siya sa pisngi.
Huli ko na lang nang mapansing pinagtitinginan na kami, kaya napaayos ako ng tayo. Rai's smile faded, but he didn't let me go. Instead, we walked straight to our seats.
An usher assisted us immediately. I noticed the stares and glances of the people around.
I saw familiar faces—clients and board members I have met in our firm. They waved, and I smiled and nodded back.
Rai offered me a chair. Their attention was clearly on us, maybe because Rai hadn't attended his mother's parties in years, or maybe because he finally brought a woman with him.
"Focus your attention on me," he whispered.
I chuckled, glancing at him with a smile.
"What? I'm focusing on you."
"Uh-huh." He placed his hand on my back, resting it on my chair, then slowly caressed my exposed arm.
"You look stunning," he whispered.
"Everyday naman."
"Yeah, I know."
I was wearing a bias-cut, black sparkling evening gown. It fit perfectly on my body. My hair was ironed straight, and I remembered how I looked so maldita when I glanced at myself in the mirror.
The event began. Chairwoman Miranda was seated in front with her husband.
She kept glancing at us, lalo na sa anak niyang katabi ko.
"You should greet your mom," I whispered.
"Later," he said, taking my hand and playing with it.
After the emcee's introduction, Mr. and Mrs. Miranda went in front to greet everyone. The two looked at us while Rai remained silent beside me. Nasulyapan ko siya. Rai looked cold, his brows furrowed, and his lips pressed tight as he listened.
During dinner, other guests began approaching the hosts for greetings.
"We should go," I said, and Rai looked at me before glancing ahead.
"You should eat first. I know you're hungry."
I nodded, and magkasabay kaming pumunta sa buffet table. I was holding a plate while Rai stood beside me. Ako na sana ang maglalagay ng pagkain, pero nagpresinta siyang siya na ang maglalagay.
"Thanks." I smiled at him, but my smile faded when I saw familiar faces in the crowd.
I spotted Gino, Jenny, and Jesusa sitting in the middle.
Gino was staring at me intently, his forehead creased as he glanced at the man beside me.
Jesusa looked annoyed. Nakita kong gusto niyang tumayo nang nagkatinginan kami, pero hinila siya ni Jenny paupo at pinagsabihan.
They might be engineers by now, too.
"Is this alright, baby?" Rai asked. I looked down at the plate, lips parting.
"T-This is too much!" I exclaimed.
"Nah, it isn't."
"I can't finish all this, Rai."
"Then I'll eat your excess." He smirked.
Sa muling pagsulyap ko sa mga dating kaibigan, nakita kong sinundan nila ako ng tingin.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit ang arte ko sa pagkain. Marami akong inayawan kaya walang nagawa si Rai kundi kainin ang mga tira ko.
"Sorry, baby. I just feel so bloated." I pouted, staring at him as he ate my food.
"It's alright. Busog ka na ba?"
"Yeah," I whispered, grabbing a tissue to wipe the mess at the corner of his lips.
Pagkatapos, napilit ko na si Rai na pumunta kami sa mga magulang niya.
Kinakabahan man, I composed myself. I was afraid he'd suggest we go back to our seats if he realized how nervous I was about talking to his mother.
I could still remember what happened in the past, and I knew it wasn't right—but we had to be civil, at least, for Rai.
I also want to close this part of our lives. I want to chase my peace.
"Engineer Miranda..." Habang papunta kami roon, tinawag siya ng iba para makipagkamay.
He greeted them back, a cold smile plastered on his face.
"It's good seeing you here," bati ng matanda. Then he glanced at me and cocked his head. "You're with someone, I see."
"I'm with my girlfriend, Sera Mendez," Rai said.
The old man nodded, smiling. "You look familiar, hija. Are you, perhaps, related to the Flores clan? Kamukha mo kasi si Asunta."
"She's my auntie. I'm a Flores, Sir." I smiled.
"Oh!" His eyes widened. "Sera? Serafine Flores? Am I right?"
"Yes po." I smiled.
"God, ikaw pala iyon!" I was startled when he suddenly offered his hand. "It's nice meeting you! Finally!"
"Nice meeting you too, Sir." I accepted his hand.
"I actually didn't know what you looked like. Kamukha mo talaga ang auntie mo! Well, I tried setting a meeting with your firm but you have a lot of projects!" he exclaimed happily, then stared at Rai and laughed. "No offense, Engineer Miranda, but your girlfriend's firm is pretty popular! Lalo na overseas!"
"It's alright." Rai smiled, his hand brushing my waist. A proud smile was plastered on his face.
"Anyway, I'll grab this opportunity to set a meeting with you." He pulled out a calling card and handed it to me. "If you're free?"
"I'll gladly send an invite for a meeting, Sir." I smiled.
"Thank you, Engineer Flores!" He laughed and tapped Rai's shoulder. "You got a pretty good catch right here, Engineer Miranda!"
"Indeed..." Rai agreed.
Pagkaalis ng matanda, nagkatinginan kami ni Rai. Sabay kaming natawa, at tinapik ko ng pabiro ang kanyang balikat.
"Well, you're lucky, Engineer Miranda?" I raised my brow.
"I'm pretty lucky, I guess." He winked playfully.
My heart raced the moment we came face-to-face with the Mirandas. I kept a straight face, but I was close to vomiting from the nervousness. Tila may humahalukay sa sikmura kong 'di ko maintindihan.
"Son," Mr. Miranda called Rai.
"Dad," Rai answered, embracing him briefly.
I glanced at Mrs. Miranda and saw her strict yet worried face. She looked at Rai and sighed, offering her hand.
"You're here, son," she whispered.
My heart softened when I saw Rai accept her hand. Mrs. Miranda pulled him into a tight hug, biting her lip.
"I'm so sorry, son," she said.
Nanatili akong nakatayo sa likuran nila. I noticed Mr. Miranda smiling at me, and I smiled back.
"Sir," I greeted.
"You must be Serafine Flores?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir, Serafine Flores Mendez," I said.
He nodded. Nang ilahad niya ang kamay, ngumiti ako at kaagad na inabot iyon.
"Congrats, Sir," I said.
"Thank you and..." He glanced at his wife, then at Rai, who was speaking to her in a low voice. "I know my son wouldn't want to be here. Thank you for letting him come."
"No po, he actually wanted to come. He wanted to personally congratulate you," I said.
"I bet not, hija." He chuckled. "Sagad sa buto ang galit niya. Guess he got it from me that bad."
I didn't comment. I just smiled politely.
Nang bumalik si Rai sa tabi ko, kaagad na nagsalubong ang mga mata namin ng chairwoman. Her eyes, for once doesn't look cold with unshed tears.
"Good evening, Ma'am. Thank you for the invite, congratulations po."
"Thank you, Miss Mendez, I uhm... can I speak with you? P'wede ba, anak?" She glanced at her son.
Natigilan ako. "Ako po?"
"Oo sana, kung ayos lang sa 'yo."
"Uh, sure." I nodded.
I looked at Rai staring intently at me. I was about to follow his mother, but because of his grip on my hand, I couldn't move.
"You don't have to do that," he whispered, worry in his voice.
"No worries, I got this," I reassured.
He sighed, mas humigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko.
"Kung gano'n, sasama na lang ako—"
"Sshh, no." I stopped him and smiled. "Don't you have trust in me?"
"I trust you. It's her I don't trust," he said softly.
"She's your mother, Rai, but I understand. Just trust me, okay?"
"I just..." He shook his head.
"No words could ever make me leave you, okay, Daddy?" I touched his jaw.
Tumitig siya sa akin, puno pa rin ng pag-aalinlangan ang mukha.
"Rai? Please?"
"Let her, son. Angelita won't say something like that, not again. I assure you." His father tapped his back, and Rai nodded, finally letting me go.
Sumunod ako kay chairwoman. Some greeted her, and she simply nodded and smiled.
I saw my old friends watching me as I made my way towards her. Jesusa still looked annoyed. Gino flashed me a smile, but I couldn't return it—I looked away instead.
We settled ourselves on the patio outside the hall. It was empty, may fountain lang sa gitna, at walang media.
Binalingan niya ako.
"How are you?" she suddenly asked.
"I'm good, Ma'am," I said. "I'm living in Sta. Monica for now."
"What do you do for a living? I heard you're an engineer now. Is it true you're a Flores?" aniya, kuryoso ang mga mata.
"My mother is, Ma'am," I answered. "Yes po, I'm an engineer."
Her black eyes roamed over me. It was intimidating but I composed myself.
"Is it true that my son is giving you money?"
"In the past, Ma'am, yes," I confessed. "I was a witness for Akisha's case, and yes, I demanded compensation for it."
"So, it's true then." She nodded again, still with a straight face. "What about when you spend his money for your own good?"
"I never asked him for anything, Ma'am. He gave it to me on his own, and the truth is, I accepted it. Nakakahiya man po, pero siguro tama kayong wala na talaga akong inasam noon kundi pera," I said quietly.
"I was poor, Ma'am. My brother and father were sick, my mother had debts, and I couldn't afford to study back then. Ambisyosa po ako noon, and I know you thought I was after your son's money—but I want you to know, I love him.
"He helped me a lot, Ma'am, in building myself. He protected me and showed me I could be better. I fooled a lot of people because I was ambitious, wanting something I couldn't have—but Rai was different."
"Y-You call him Rai?" she asked, shocked.
"I call him by many names, but that was what he first introduced himself as. He said he was Ephraim," I explained, and she nodded, still surprised.
"I am sorry, Ma'am, sa mga nagawa ko noon. I was so ambitious, I fooled other people para may ipangtustos sa pamilya ko. Hindi iyon sapat na dahilan at ayaw ko rin pong isipin n'yo na free pass iyon sa mga maling nagawa ko dahil mali ang paraan, kahit ano pa ang dahilan." I shook my head. "Pero para po sa 'kin noon, 'yon lang naisip ko. Kung kailangan kong masunog sa apoy, gagawin ko, para lang mabuhay."
Tumitig siya nang matagal, tila binabasa ako. I didn't take my eyes off her.
"You worked as a waitress, too, right?"
"Opo." I nodded. "I needed to work for my family, but I also wanted to finish my studies to help them more."
"So, you were interning with us, studying, and working at the same time?" she asked. I nodded.
"Malaki po ang naitulong sa akin ng anak n'yo, Ma'am. Pasensya na po kung nagamit din iyon ng nanay ko noon as an opportunity to get money. I apologize for all the bad things I did. I will pay him back the money he spent on me.
"Alam kong may mas better pang babae para sa anak n'yo. Alam kong hindi ko deserve ang pagmamahal niya. Pero, Ma'am, I think he deserves to choose who to love, too. Kung ayaw n'yo po ako para sa anak n'yo, naiintindihan ko dahil kayo ang magulang niya. Pero hindi ko po iiwan ang anak n'yo dahil lang doon.
"I made bad and wrong decisions in my life, but meeting your son—loving and knowing him—is the best decision I ever made."
She remained staring at me, her face still stern, but I noticed something different in her eyes.
"If you're still worried I might be after his money, then I am willing to write a pre-nuptial—"
"No!" Her eyes widened, and I froze. "No, don't do it. He won't like it. No!" She sounded horrified.
I fell silent.
"Well..." She sighed. "I realized what he said about you is true. My son is willing to do anything for you, Miss Mendez. He's too in love with you. He even had the guts to tell us he was willing to strip himself of all his riches."
"That..." I sighed. "I didn't know he'd do that."
"Nagalit ako sa anak ko dahil akala ko'y nagpapabulag siya sa 'yo. I thought you were manipulating him, but I proved you weren't. Ayaw kong humiwalay ang anak ko sa akin, but seeing the company he built? I was sad, but I am more proud now that he soared high on his own. I can't believe he did it without our help. I didn't know he had the ability to do that—and I guess his inspiration is his devotion to you."
I smiled then shook my head.
"No, Ma'am. He did it all himself. He proved he can build and manage on his own. Sarili po niya ang sandigan niya, wala po akong kinalaman doon."
"If you say so." For the first time, I saw her soft smile. For me. "I don't want to sound fake, Miss Mendez, but I guess my son would do better if I let him be with you."
May nawalang bigat sa puso ko.
"I am sorry, Miss Mendez. I deeply apologize for being biased before, for all the words I said, and for being judgmental. I just didn't expect that the people I trusted most would be the first to betray me, and the ones I didn't trust turned out to be the ones deserving of it."
I smiled and nodded.
"I understand, Ma'am. And I'm sorry, too," I whispered.
"Well, it's too late now... but maybe you can call me Tita?" she asked shyly.
I chuckled, nodding happily.
"O-Of course po!" I grinned. "Of course, T-Tita!"
She smiled kindly, her eyes smiling too.
"Well? Can I ask for a hug from my future daughter-in-law?" Shocked at that, I smiled and immediately hugged her.
Pagkapasok pa lang naming dalawa sa loob ay agad nang sinalubong ng mga bisita ang Mommy ni Rai.
From afar, I caught Rai's eyes, as if he had been waiting for me.
"You okay?" he mouthed. I nodded. He looked relieved, but before I could reach him, some people approached me.
I became preoccupied while Rai spoke with business partners. Clients came to talk to me, and I kindly entertained them.
I excused myself after a while, but someone blocked my path.
"Gino?" My eyes widened with surprise.
"Sera..." he muttered, a small smile on his lips.
"Well, the bitch is here!" Umalingawngaw ang boses ni Jesusa kaya napabaling ako sa kanya. I saw Jenny tugging her back.
"No, Jes! Not now!" Jenny whispered.
Guess I had to talk to them now.
"Sa labas tayo mag-usap," I said.
I glanced at Rai again, but he was busy with someone else and didn't notice me, so I walked straight out. They followed me until we reached the patio. I faced them, but was stunned when Jesusa slapped me hard.
I gasped.
"Jesusa!" Gino exclaimed, pulling her away from me.
"You bitch! You gold-digger! Ano, hindi mo talaga pinakawalan si Engineer Miranda?!" she shouted.
I was on the verge of attacking back, but I stopped myself.
"Jes!" Jenny exclaimed. "Ano ba!"
"That bitch! Hanggang ngayon feelingera ka pa rin?! Ano? Nagpokpok ka ng sarili mo kay—"
I immediately raised my hand and slapped her, too. The three of them froze at what I did.
"Y-You—" She tried to attack again.
"Jesusa! Stop it!" Gino exclaimed.
"Bakit ako titigil?! Niloko tayo ng babaeng 'yan—"
"Ano ba, Jes! That was years ago!" Jenny exclaimed.
"So? Ang babaeng iyan—" Jenny quickly covered her mouth.
"I'm so... I'm so sorry, Sera," Gino suddenly said. "Sorry, I didn't know she'd be this violent—"
"I'm sorry," I said, and they all stopped. "I'm sorry that I forced myself into your circle."
"Y-You don't have to—" Gino tried to hold me, but I stepped away.
"No, let me finish," mahinahon kong sabi.
My cheek hurt, but I chose to stand my ground. I would apologize for everything—ako naman ang nagsimula ng lahat ng ito. Kasalanan ko.
"I deeply apologize for fooling you all, for trying to fit in. I admit, noong una, I just wanted to be sosyal. But while pretending to be rich, I truly thought of you all as my friends. Sa kabila ng distansya natin sa buhay—dahil kayo ay mayaman at ako ay hindi—nagsinungaling man ako, pero lahat ng ipinakita ko sa inyo ay totoo."
"Sera..." Gino muttered.
Jesusa and Jenny remained quiet. Jenny lowered her head, while Jesusa glared at me, her eyes wet with unshed tears.
"I am so sorry, guys. I am so sorry. For the betrayal. For the lies. For pretending to be someone I am not. For the money you spent on me." I sighed. "Have you received it already? I instructed my secretary to deposit it into your accounts years ago—"
"Y-You're Engineer Flores?" Jenny suddenly asked, her eyes wide.
I slowly nodded.
"Yes." Nabakas ko ang gulat sa mga mukha nila. Nagpatuloy ako." I hope you can forgive me. Hindi man ngayon, pero sana sa future. I'm sorry again, Gino, Jen, Jesusa..."
Jesusa looked away, wiping her tears. I sighed, about to turn when I saw Rai approaching.
My eyes widened. He looked angry kaya dagli ko siyang hinatak bago pa may masapak na naman.
"Rai!"
"What? Let go of me–"
"I'm alright! Come on!" Nilingon kong muli ang gulantang na mga kaibigan. "I'm sorry," I said, then pulled him out of the place.
Rai looked so annoyed.
"Rai—"
"They were hurting you, Serafine!" he exclaimed.
"No..." I said softly. "Ayos lang ako."
"No, you are not!" His forehead creased. "What is this, huh?" He touched my cheek, and I flinched when it stung. "Why the hell do you have a fucking scratch, huh?" He gritted his teeth.
"Wala..."
"I can see clearly, woman." He cursed again.
"Vioxx Ephraim!" I exclaimed, pulling him back by his suit when he tried to go again.
"Nagkainitan lang. Sa galit, nasampal ako. Nakaganti naman ako—"
"Is it the woman then? Sino doon sa dalawa?" His brows furrowed. "I'll sue them–"
"Nothing, Rai, okay?"
"This is not okay, Sera." He looked frustrated. "No one hurts you and gets away with it."
"I'm okay." I smiled.
"That smile won't sway me, Serafine." He scratched his nose and rolled his eyes.
"Baby..." I coaxed, slowly pushing his back against the car as we switched positions.
"No. I did my best to take care of you, tapos sasaktan ka nila? Fucking no." His jaw clenched.
"I'm okay, Rai." I caressed his jaw.
"Sa 'yo okay, pero hindi sa akin, Sera. They hurt you! What am I supposed to feel? Kung ayos lang sa 'yo, sa akin ay hindi!" he defended.
My lips protruded when I saw the tears forming at the corners of his eyes. My heart melted.
"Baby ko..." He looked away. "I love you, Rai," I muttered, but he didn't answer.
"Come on, baby." I hugged his waist slowly, kissing his chin.
His jaw clenched tighter.
"What can I do to calm you?" I touched his waist, coaxing him pero ayaw pa rin matunaw. "How about we go to your unit and, you know... break some things?" I teased.
He quickly looked at me, then cleared his throat and looked away.
"Hindi ako madadala sa karupukang ganyan, Serafine. I'm not an easy boy."
Natawa ako.
"Hmm?" I thought for a moment. "How about... sige, sagutin na kita?"
"You're already my girlfriend, Serafine. No," he said firmly.
"Huh? Eh 'di ba one year ka manliligaw?" I pouted.
"Manliligaw ako habang buhay, basta girlfriend kita," he said.
"Oh, okay? So, bati na tayo?"
He looked down at me, shook his head, and pinched my nose.
"Still a no, baby girl."
"Daddy!" I whined.
"Whatever." He smirked.
"Hmm..." I thought of things again, then looked at him and took a deep breath.
"Rai, I'm pregnant," I said.
He froze, quickly turning to me with wide eyes.
"W-What? Really?" He gasped, then suddenly laughed. "Fuck, really?!"
Bigla akong sinuntok bigla ng katangahan at sa lahat ba naman iyon pa ang nasabi!
"Uh... kasi..."
"How many weeks? Shit, really?" He stepped back and touched my stomach. "Anak, you hear daddy?"
"Uhm... Rai." I cleared my throat.
Damn it!
"Ano raw? Malalaman na ba agad? Babae o lalaki? Fuck, if this is a girl, I'll fucking punch her suitors!" he exclaimed excitedly, holding my stomach. He was about to kneel and press his ear against it, but I pulled him up.
"Rai!"
"What?" He smiled sheepishly. "Told you, I'm a sharpshooter—"
"Wait! D-Don't be mad, okay?" I said nervously.
Ang tanga naman ng paraan mo, Sera! Boba!
"Huh? Why would I be mad? I always dreamt of seeing you pregnant with my child, Serafine. And now you're carrying our child so—"
"The truth is... I still haven't checked with the OB." I smiled awkwardly.
He stopped, his forehead creasing.
"Then why did you say..." He glared at me.
Patay kang bruha ka...
"I love you, Rai, so much but..." I smiled awkwardly, slowly raising my hand to my face with a peace sign.
"H-Happy April Fools' Day." I chuckled nervously, bracing myself for the consequence.
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