Chapter 25 Double Date?

"Hey. Mas bagay sayo yung mga ganyang damit. Desente, mas lalo kang gumanda"

Tsk. If wearing rubber shoes, pants and turtle neck was a meaning of beautiful to him, mas gugustuhin ko pang hindi na maging maganda habang buhay. Gosh! I'm not confident wearing this stuffs. And to think na napaka-formal ni Javier ay yon ang hindi ko matanggap.

"Don't talk to me. I hate you"

"What? Ano ba yon? Sorry. Gusto mo bang wag ng tumuloy?"

I just rolled my eyes at him before turning back to get my bag at the drawer. Damn! I thought warm water was good at soreness, yet it didn't lessen the pain.

"Okay ka lang ba talaga sungit? Kaya mo na bang maglak---"

"I can! Now hold this bag dahil tinatamad akong magbitbit."

Honestly halos mahimatay ako kanina sa stain ng dugo na nakita ko sa sofa and bed. God! Anong sasabihin ko kay Nay Sabel? That we did something horrible in that sofa that's why there's a red stain on it, or should I make kwento kwento na lang na I have a period!

Javier was just silently looking at me and when I heard the door's bell ay inunahan ko na agad si Javier. I know him, alam kong kanina pa siyang nag-aabang sa pagdating ni Tim.

"Are you that excited to see him?"

He asked and hindi ko na lang siya pinansin. As I unlocked the condo's door ay nakangiting Tim ang bumungad sa akin. He's wearing a polo and pants and ngayon pa lang ay minumura ko na si Javier sa isip ko. God! I looked stupid in turtle neck!

"Ohh hi Z. For you." His perfect set of teeth showed up as he genuinely smile at me. He's holding a bouquet of flowers and I realized na matagal na simula ng makipagdate ako sa isang guy. And I guess, it's worth saying yes.

"Jose. Mauna na kami ni Z. I know na susunduin mo pa rin si adi so, shall we?"

Sa isiping hindi si Javier ang kasama ko sa byahe ay hindi ko maiwasang malungkot. This is the first time na may makakasama akong ibang guy bukod kay Javier. And honestly, I was praying na sana he will go with us.

"Ahh yah. Ihahatid ko na lang kayo sa baba."

He's busy typing and I think kausap niya si adi. My moods instantly changed and nang pumasok kami sa elevator ay hindi ko na sinuway pa ang kamay ni Tim na nakapulupot sa bewang ko. Damn Javier, matapos makuha ang gusto ay lumalandi naman sa iba!

"EHEM!"

Naiiritang napalingon ako kay Javier na mukhang sinasam-an na ng lasa sa likod.

"EHEM EHM-sorry EHEM"

"Can you please shut up your mouth. Ang ingay mo"

Imagine him coughing like an idiot, and I know naman na nagpepretend lang siya para makuha ang atensyon naming dalawa. Which I found interesting, that's why mas lalo ko pang nilapit ang katawan ko kay Tim.

And when I looked at Javier ay tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay, showing how I enjoyed teasing him tonight.

"Bad girl. Really really bad"

Javier whispered na siyang nagpataas ng balahibo sa batok ko. Damn! I never thought being a sinner was fun.

"You okay Z? Your hands were cold."

Mabilis pa sa alaskwatro kong hinigit si Tim palabas ng elevator nang bumukas ito. Javier was still at our back and I could feel his winning face dahil sa epektong naramdaman ko kanina. Fuck! I should distance myself for awhile!

"I'm okay Tim. I just feel hungry dahil I skipped lunch kanina."

"Ohh. Is that so? Dude, thanks for accommodating us here. We gotta go now, someone is impatient"

Tim laughed before he opened the door of his car. Hindi ko na nilingon pa si Javier nang magsimula ng umusad ang sasakyan but I could see him naman sa rearview mirror na nagsusuot na ng helmet. While his other hand was holding my pink helmet na mukhang ipapagamit niya pa ata kay adi. Tsk. I should bought one na lang bukas to replaced it.

"You looked beautiful tonight Z. Honestly I was nervous, you know, a famous model was my date tonight?! Damn. I felt special"

Tim said and he's so cute. Hindi ko akalaing ganon pala yung nararamdaman niya towards me. And I admit, hindi ako naiilang sa kanya. I feel like, I found a friend to him.

"Silly Tim. Estado lang yung nagbago sakin, and I'm grateful for that. How about you? Wala ka bang plano na maging model?"

He's very manly, the way he speaks, laughed, and moved. Makikita talaga yung pagiging athlete niya. And kahit sa loob ng car. There are so many stuff related to basketball. No wonder, napakadedicated niya naman talaga everytime they have a practice game.

"I have plans. But for now, kailangan pa ko ng buong team. Anyways, my mom knows your mom, Mrs. Herrera. I also had the chance to see her sa isang event. But incident happened that's why hindi na ako nakapagpakilala sa kanya. I hope she's okay now"

Kunot ang nuong napatingin ako kay Tim na mukhang walang ideya na hindi ko alam kung anong kinukwento niya. Last time I checked they were both busy with business. And what incident ba yung nangyari? Is it about their rivals?!

"What incident?"

God! I feel like I'm stupid knowing na mas may alam pa siya kesa sakin. But what about media? Wala bang lumabas na statement about it?

"Hindi mo alam?"

He asked so I immediately shake my head in response. And halos magkanda liko-liko pa ang sasakyan dahil sa gulat ni Tim. What happened ba? Is it that serious?!

"You got to be kidding me! You should visit your house and ask your mom by yourself. As much as I want to say it, I don't want to ruin this night either. Don't worry, it is not that serious."

Tim squeeze my hand softly, assuring me that everything will be fine, pero hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang exclusive na resto ay hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko kung ano ba talagang nangyari kayna mom and dad.

Part of me wants to call mom, to ask her. But I also considered Tim's advice.

Nilibang ko na lang ang aking sarili sa paglilibot sa magarbo at mamahaling restaurant na sa palagay ko ay mga kilalang tao rin ang pumupunta dito. There's a private room for every couples and nakikita ko pa lang ang nag-gagandahang mga dress nang mga babae ay naiinggit na ako.

Oh god! I should applied concealer na lang to covered the kiss marks! But on the other hand magmumukha naman akong dalmatian na according kay Javier ay hindi magiging pantay yung kulay ng skin tone ko and the concealer. Anyways, he has a point naman.

"Don't mind them. Your beauty was effortless!"

Tim smiled na siyang nagpagaan ng loob ko. Everyone was looking at me, and when they realized na I'm the famous model ay agad silang nag-iwas ng tingin. Oww. I thought hindi nila ako kilala. I forgot, wala nga pala akong suot na mask ngayon.

"Good evening Mr. Dixon and Ms. Herrera this way sir/ma'am"

A polite waitress guided us to the vacant room and I was surprised sa candlelit set up na nakalagay sa loob. So he really prepared for this?!

"Enjoy ma'am/sir."

"Thank you" we both said. And mabilis na inalalayan ako ni Tim paupo. The ambiance of the place was so nice. It has a lots of fresh flowers and amoy na amoy siya sa loob ng room.

"Do you like the set up?"

Tim was now sitting in front of me and I feel like I was in a fairytale movies. He's so sweet!

"Ahm. Yah. I love it. Thank you, honestly I didn't imagine na ganito yung magiging set up."

"I'm glad you love it. Alam mo, I realized sa university na palaging nasa garden ka. That's why I concluded na you love flowers so much. And yeah, you really does "

He laughed and I was amazed how he observed that simple actions I made. I mean, it was flattering knowing na he really did this for me.

Nakangiting pinagmamasdan ko lang ang mga artificial na butterflies na lumilipad nang marinig ko ang isang tugtog mula sa labas ng room. And when we opened the door ay nagkakasiyahan na din ang mga tao sa labas. The sounds of violins gives this awesome vibes na gugustuhin mo na lang mainlove araw-araw.

"Let's eat first. I picked your favorite foods."

With that ay mabilis na lumapit sa amin ang isang waiter dala-dala ang mga pagkaing hindi ko alam kung saan niya nalamang favorite ko?! Oh my god! These are not my favorite foods! Actually, ito yung mga food na I hated the most! Really? Ampalaya for salad? And a chicken liver! Who the hell manipulated him?!

I was asking myself kung sino ang gagong nagsabi nito kay Tim nang hindi sinasadyang nagsalubong ang mga mata namin ni Javier. He's with adi sa tabing room lang namin and kahit dito ay kitang kita ko pa rin kung paano lumawak ang mga ngiti niya. Damn! Gago nga!

I rolled my eyes at him, habang nag-aacting namang nalulungkot si javier. Tsk! Now I don't know how to deal with these foods!

"You okay Z? Alam mo, I'm thankful to Jose dahil tinulungan niya ko sa pagpeprepared nito. So I helped him also to get that room near us. You see, they're perfect to each other. Just like you and me."

What, perfect?! Si Javier at adi?. Tsk. Ehh kung balatan ko kaya yang si adi nang malaman ng lahat ang kaplastikan niyan!

Hindi ko mapigilang umingos habang nakatingin kami ni Tim sa room nina Javier. They were both laughing, and ang sakit nila sa mata kaya't I suggested na lang na i-close ang window at door ng room namin.

"So, what's your real name Tim? You know, matagal na tayong magkakilala pero Tim lang yung alam ko sa name mo"

Kanina nang papasok kami, the waitress called him Mr. Dixon. And it sounds familiar. I think sa business events ko narinig ang surname na yon.

"Sorry, I forgot to properly introduce my self. I'm Tim. Timothy Dixon."

Sinimulan na naming kumain and buti na lang may ibang foods na sinerved ang waiter na for me is kaya ko pang itake. Infairness, he seems unbothered naman sa food na kinakain niya.

"Wow. Ang gwapo naman ng name mo. Hindi katulad ng kay Javier, mabantot"

We both laughed and mas lalo kong naramdaman ngayon yung pagiging best friend material ni Tim.

"Hindi kaba naiilang kay Jose? I mean, nakatira kayo sa iisang bahay. No one's gonna resist your charm, lalo na't he's a guy also."

Nabubulunang agad kong kinuha ang wine at mabilis na inubos ito. The hell! Biglang pumasok ulit sa alaala ko ang nangyari samin ni Javier kani-kanina lang. At ngayon ay naramdaman ko na naman ang isang patunay na binigay ko na nga sa kanya. That guy, pinagod na nga ako kanina, binigyan pa ko ng pagkaing hindi kaenjoy-enjoy!

I was about to change the topic when the door to our room open at iniluwa nito si Javier na nakangising tumingin sa aming dalawa. Wait. Anong ginagawa niya dito?!

"Sorry, busy kayo? Makikitable sana kami ni adi. You know, the more the merrier"

What?!

He's smirking like an idiot habang nasa likod niya lang si adi na halatang hindi din sang-ayon sa gusto ni Javier. It's our privacy and theirs also, that's why walang rason para lumipat pa sila sa table namin.

"Lito, I don't think it was a good idea. Makakaabala lang tayo sa kanila. We should give them some time alone---"

"Let's ask them then. Pre, wala naman sigurong kaso kung lumipat kami dito diba?"

Damn Javier! I know na hindi makakatanggi si Tim because of the thought na tinulungan siya ni Javier with the food kuno, na hindi naman helpful! Gosh! What a cunning and manipulative guy!

"No, adi was rig---"

"Z. It's okay. I don't mind them being around as long as we can still get along."

Tim's hand was now slightly caressing my left hand assuring me na everything will be fine. Although I know Javier na walang mangyayaring maganda kapag nandyan siya.

Just by giving Tim's approval ay mabilis pa sa alaskwatrong pinalipat ni javier yung table, chairs and food nila sa room namin. Luckily ay nagkasya naman siya kahit na mas naminimize yung space. God! Ngayon mas ramdam ko na ang presensya ni Javier and it was not good, for me, for the both of us.

"Hi Z. Did Tim forbid you to wear sexy dress? I mean, don't get me wrong you still looked beautiful, but as a model we should be always presentable, especially when you're attending dates. Hm. Just saying"

Tsk. Kung ang makapal na takong at walang kaclassy classy na dress niya lang ang pagbabatayan, di hamak na mas maganda at sexy pa akong tingnan kesa sa kanya. It's funny. She's damn clueless and hopeful to Javier. Poor girl ni walang nagkakainterest sa kanya.

She acted like an angel, na talagang may pakialam siya sa kung ano man ang isusuot ko. Yet I can feel na iniinsulto na niya ko sa mga salitang binitawan niya kanina. And the way she look at me headed to foot, no wonder, madami talagang naiinggit sa kagandahan ko.

"Ahm no. Date's wasn't all about showing skin, it's all about how we're going to entertain our man. And you see, before you both came in we're in a funny and interesting topic. Right Tim?"

I proudly said habang seryoso lang na nakatingin sa akin si Javier. Tsk. He should practice taming this bitch before i could lay my hand on her dirty face.

"Ahh yah. We're now in the stage of getting to know each other and my love gets deeper and deeper just by knowing her strong personality"

Damn! Hindi ko alam kung paano magrereact ngayong nasa love na yung nararamdaman ni Tim at hindi na like! Shit! I feel like someone was glaring at me and when I looked at Javier ay hindi na maipinta ang mukha nito. What is his problem? At bakit ba tingin siya ng tingin! Adi might noticed him!

"I'm happy for the both of you. Kanina, while we're talking napag-usapan namin ni Lito yung chemistry nyo. And he agreed na you guy's has the potential. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang maalala yung dating stage namin ni Lito before."

As if we cared about their cheesy love story. Hindi na muli akong nag-open pa ng topic as well as adi na mukhang nakaramdam na din na ayaw ko siyang kausap. We were all busy eating foods na sinerved kanina ng waiter and kahit labag sa loob ay pinilit ko na lang na ubusin yung nasa table namin.

Javier was still staring at me, how I ate those foods na he knows na I hated but I managed to finish nang hindi nag-iinarte o ngumingiwi man lang. I'm glad napaniwala ko si Tim na gusto ko lahat ng inorder niya.

"So, how's food? Thanks to Jose he recommended me your favorites."

Plastic na ngumiti at nakipagtapikan ng braso si Javier, habang nakataas pa rin ang kilay ko sa kanya. Hayy. He owes me a good food tonight. I feel like anytime soon ay mapapatakbo ako sa Cr dahil sa mga pagkaing nakain ko.

"Ahh, thanks Javier. You're so sweet sinabi mo pa talaga kay Tim yung mga GUSTO ko! Maybe, I should help adi also about your FAVORITES this time"

I sarcastically said na siyang ikinatuwa naman ni adi at ikinasibangot ni Javier. That's a good idea, I should set a dinner for them, lintek lang ang walang ganti!

The night go on and on, and when we realized na unti-unti na ring umaalis yung mga nagdidinner din sa resto ay nagpasya na kaming umuwi.

Javier suggested na magsabay na kami pauwi sa condo tutal iisa lang naman kami ng uuwian habang clueless pa rin si adi na magkasama kaming dalawa sa iisang condo.

Tim just explained to adi na kailangan akong ihatid ni Javier because same location lang kami, which is half right naman. And thankful din ako kay Tim na hindi niya sinabi na magkasama kaming nakatira. And it touches me dahil ramdam ko yung care niya sakin na slightly nakakaguilty.

"Take care Z. As much as I want to drop you off to your condo, mas mapapalayo pa si Jose. Anyways, I enjoyed being with you, I hope hindi pa ito yung huli"

He sweetly said and the whole time ay nakangiti lang ako dahil sa kabaitan ni Tim. I immediately bid good bye sa car ni Tim na paalis, sakay si adi na nakatingin lang kay javier na nasa tabi ko. And nang hindi ko na sila matanawan pa ay nagugulat na napahiyaw na lang ako nang bigla akong buhatin ni Javier.

What the fuck! I can walk!

"PUT ME DOWN YOU JERK!"

What's wrong with him hindi naman ako imbalido!!

"Tsk. Tumahimik ka nga"

Hanggang sa makarating kami sa pinag-parkingan ng motor ni Javier ay saka niya pa lang ako ibinaba. God! Ano bang sapak sa ulo ang meron siya!!

"You ruined my date!"

Iritableng saad ko habang inilalagay na nito sa ulo ko ang helmet na mukhang ginamit din kanina ni adi. Tsk! Kailangan ko pa atang maligo mamaya dahil sa virus!

"Wag ka ngang maarte, kung si adi ang iniisip mo hindi niya ginamit yan. Nagpahatid siya sa driver niya papunta dito"

"Bakit tinatanong ko ba?!"

Kung naiinis siya, mas naiinis ako! I hated him!

"Wag kang magulo sungit! Nagdadrive ako!"

Habang nagmamaneho ay hindi pa rin ako tumitigil sa pangungulit sa kanya like kailan sila nag-usap ni Tim about the food! At bakit niya sinabi na favorites ko lahat yon!

Tumigil lang ako sa pagsasalita ng magtext si Tim na mag-iingat kami and hindi na ako nagtext pabalik dahil baka ibunggo pa ni Javier ang motor sa daan.

Nang makarating sa condo ay bagsak ang katawang napaupo na lang ako sa sofa ganon din si Javier na hindi kakikitaan ng pagkapagod sa mukha. He looks okay while I was having a hard time catching my own breath.

"You still ate those foods knowing na hindi mo gusto. Tss. You really like Tim huh"

What? At saan naman galing yon! I chose to ate those foods dahil mapapahiya yung tao. In the first place, he shouldn't done that to him, he's a good guy!

"You know what, kulang ka lang sa parusa. You keep on teasing and messing with me earlier. Now turn around and give me that hands of yours"

I don't know kung magagalit o maeexcite ako sa ipinapakitang atensyon ni Javier sa akin ngayon. But one thing is for sure, hindi ako magpapatalo sa kanya. Fuck this tiredness and soreness, I still want him!

####Chapter 26 Incident

"Mom what happened?! Bakit hindi niyo sinabi sakin yung about sa incident?"

We were here at the company's office and she's busy signing the paper na parang wala ako sa harapan niya. God! I was like talking to the air!

"There's no need to worry about iha. I'm well. Ang business ay business, we can't skip having a rivals"

Yah. She looks well, but how about the next day, weeks, months, years. Hindi malabong mangyari ulit iyon! And the fact na we're clueless about this rivals ay hindi ako mapakali.

Wala man lang kakikitaang kaba o pag-aalala sa mukha ni mom. It was as if no one threatens her life, dad's life! She's very calm and collected na parang wala lang sa kanya kung barilin man siya ngayon sa harapan ko. God! Now I know how it feels to met someone na walang kinakatakutan, it's stressing me out.

"After your graduation, this company will be yours. You should know by now how to handle your emotions. I'll teach you one of these days"

Mom said smiling na siyang nag-iwan sa akin sa pagkatuliro. I didn't know na part of the business na pala ang aralin ang bawat emosyong ipapakita. And earlier, parang hindi si mom ang kausap ko. It was as if I was talking to the other side of her.

I sighed heavily and wala na akong nagawa pa kundi ang pagmasdan ang opisina niya. Her office was huge. Actually andito na lahat ng needs ni mom. A tv set, sofa, bathroom and a little space for her clothings. This was the third time na tumapak ako sa kompanya nila. The first one is nang magkaroon ng promotion ang mga staff and unluckily ay kailangan ako para suportahan sila. And then ang second ay nong pumunta ako dito para magpapirma kay mom about the guidance letter, and well hindi naman yon nabasa ni mom so hindi ako napagalitan noon.

And now here I am, breathing the same air with my parents, walking and feeling the vibes of a corporate building. But just like before ay hindi pa rin nagbabago ang desisyon ko, I'll stay doing my own spotlight.

"Miss Kelzy! Tumawag si pudrakels mo umakyat ka daw sa taas"

Taas ang kilay na napalingon ako kay Jane na malimit na ring nagsasalita ng mga gay words. She's now adapting ate Roxy and ate Jodie's wordings and it was a good sign lalo na't I see to her na nagfi-fit na siya sa team.

Javier suggested earlier na isama ko si Jane para may mapagtanungan siya kung nasan ako or whatever. And one of his reason na rin ay dahil sa naging reaction ko kanina sa biglaang pagtayo ko sa bed. Until now ay ramdam ko pa rin kung gano kasakit at kabigat ang katawan ko, I feel like someone beaten me up nonstop and I know na nag-aalala si Javier kaya wala na rin akong nagawa kundi ang isama si Jane, dahil sa pangungulit niya.

"And also, Jose asked kung anong oras ka daw uuwi sa condo? He wants you to rest that's why,.... on the way na siya dito"

What?

We talked about it earlier na I want to hang out with the girls! And I thought he's busy with his work. God! He's overreacting, I'm okay!

Tikom ang bibig na nakasunod lang sa akin si Jane hanggang sa makarating kami sa floor ni dad. Everyone was greeting me, and one of the guard's called Jane na madami ng media sa baba. They probably sense na pupunta ako dito, and again, walang katapusang business related na naman ang ibabato nila sakin.

"Dad"

He's sitting on his swivel chair while holding a glass of champagne, and I can sense na he and mom was facing a serious problem.

"Iha. How are you? Magtatampo na sana ako dahil hindi ka dumaan sa office ko, but now you're here, I'm happy to see you"

My dad already mastered the art of pretending, kahit kailan hindi ko naramdaman na may problema sila. And up until now, ganon pa rin sila ni mom sakin. Sugarcoating everything just to make things light for me.

"News really could fly. You know what iha, me and your mom decided na mas mabuting hindi ka muna bumisita sa bahay. Or even have a simple conversation with us, in person. For your safety, but I promised after the investigation kami na ang bibisita sayo."

I sighed heavily with the thought of them being in this situation. Before, I really really wanted to leave, to be free, but now things changed as I learned how to value family.

Hindi ko matanggap na wala akong magawa para kina dad, that's why walang direksyon akong tumakbo palabas sa office niya. It hurts, I never felt useless until now.

I don't care if everyone might see me crying. I just needed to be out of here. They say, kahit ang pinakamatatag na tao ay kayang umiyak. Lugmok na napakapit na lang ako sa exit door ng company, nang may malamyos na kamay ang umalalay sa akin.

And the moment I looked at him ay parang batang agad akong yumakap sa kanya. He's here.

"Shh. Let's go, kailan mo munang magpahinga"

Javier immediately carried me in a bridal position and when I smell his favorite perfume ay saka lang nawala ang tensyon sa katawan ko. Now I'm home.

He's with Mang Tonyo and bakas sa mukha nito ang pag-aalala dahil nuon pa man ay hindi naman ako nagpapakita ng kahinaan sa kanila. Only to Javier, and now pati si Mang Tonyo ay nakita na ang fragile side ko.

Nang magsimula ng umandar palayo ang sasakyan ay hindi ko na namalayang nakatulugan ko na ang pag-iyak. I don't know what time is it na but I could heard different voices outside my room here in our condo. Kaya't kahit nanghihina pa ay agad akong naglakad palabas.

They were setting the condo in a party mode, si Bea dala-dala ang dancing light habang ikinakabit ito sa kisame. At si cliff naman ang nagsilbing taga tingin kung naging pantay na ito sa iba pang lights.

"Hoy, duling ka ba? Nakakangawit na dito!"

"Tsk. Wag kang magalaw. Palibhasa hindi mo alam yung left and right kaya nagtatagal tayo dito"

Seriously? Wala talagang kagentle gentleman sa katawan ni bangin!

Napako naman ang atensyon ko kay Hannah, Sy, and Mori na busy sa pagdedecorate ng buong living room. Of course, Hannah as a best organizer ay siya ang nagmamando sa lahat. Habang sina Tim at Enzo naman ang nagseset-up ng foods sa table.

Hindi pa nila namamalayang nakatayo na ako sa labas ng room ko, that's why I decided na mag-ayos muna bago lumabas. I still don't get it why biglang nagdemand si dad na lumayo ako sa kanila. I mean, this issues wasn't new, people could harm us anytime, and na kina dad na yon kung magpapasindak sila or not.

I was busy combing my hair when I heard someone slowly opening my room's door. It was Sy girl and I felt relieved dahil kung si Bea yan ay baka pagtripan lang ako ng babaita.

"I thought tulog ka pa, how is your feeling?"

She immediately close the door assuring na walang makakarinig sa pag-uusapan naming dalawa. She knows me very well. Noon pa man sa batangas ay palagi na niya kong dinadamayan. She knows how fragile and vulnerable I am despite of my strong personality. She witnessed how I suffered from trust issues before because of my past relationships, romantically or in friendship. That's why I'm really really afraid to be left behind. And knowing na pinapalayo ako ni dad ay yon ang isa sa nagtriggered ng pagkabalisa at pag-ooverthink ko.

Having this issues thought me how to leave someone before they do so. Kapag alam kong iiwan na ako ng tao, uunahan ko siya. And yes, nabuhay ako sa ganong proseso.

"Jose called, it's about your parents. What happened?"

Isa rin sa natutunan ko noon ay kung paano magpanggap na okay lang ang lahat. That I could and will replaced anyone na pipiliing iwan ako.

"Business problem Sy. But don't worry I'm okay now."

Ayoko munang pag-usapan ang nangyaring pag-uusap namin ni dad. I just want to keep the privacy para hindi na rin madamay pa sina Sy sa gulong nangyayari sa business world.

Hindi na rin kami nagtagal pa sa room ko dahil nagkakatuwaan na sila sa labas. Everyone was greeting me, except of course kay Javier na tinaasan lang ako ng kilay. Cliff immediately handed me a red cup full of beer na siyang mabilis namang kinuha sa akin ni Javier.

"No alcohol for tonight. Jane reminded me about your advertisement shoot tomorrow"

Yah okay. I get it. So ako pala ang taga linis ng kalat nila! Great!

"Whoa! Dude. Hindi ko naman alam na under mo na pala si couz. Sabi na ehh may something sa inyo"

"Tsk. Shut up bangin. Kung ayaw mong tawagan ko si Tita dahil hindi ka pumasok kanina sa school!"

His eyes widen and I know kung gaano siya katakot kay Tita dahil sa consequence na maaaring ibigay nito sa kanya. Tsk. Weak!

"H-how did you know?"

"Duh! I have my ways. Be a good boy bangin. Zip your mouth"

I laughed removing the heavy feeling in the living room. The girls were all eyeing me, as if anytime soon ay magfefreak out ako. God! That's why ayokong ipaalam sa kanila ang ilan sa problema ko, it feels like nawawala yung tapang ko.

"Hey girls. How's life? I bet y'all had the good night"

I said double meaning and ako lang ata ang natawa sa kanila. Tsk! Seriously? Ano bang sinabi ni Javier sa kanila?!

Dali-daling hinanap ng mga mata ko si Javier na busy na sa pakikipag-usap sa boys at nang lumingon ito sa akin ay walang pasabing agad ko itong inirapan. Damn that man!

"Okay ka lang ba Z? We saw you earlier. Bago pa kayo dumating sa condo ay nandidito na kami. And what we saw earlier was far different from Z we know years ago."

I thought puro hangin at kabulastugan lang ang alam ni Bea. But now looking at her intense stare makes me wants to cry. That's why I immediately get one shot of tequila to ease the sadness I was feeling now.

"I'm afraid for you Z. Kung kina Tito ganon kana magreact, what more kung maghiwalay kayo ni Jose? Hindi ko sinasabing maghihiwalay kayo, but we're not 100% sure na magkasama pa rin kayo until your last breath. And we all know na hindi ka nagtatagal sa isang friendship with a guy. So ano ba si Jose sayo?"

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako sa kaprangkahan ni Bea o ano! But she's right, and we all also know na once na iniwan ako ng isang tao ay hindi na ako bumabalik pa sa kanila. And if Javier chooses to leave me, I'll accept it in a heartbeat.

"Ahh ehh, excuse us girls. Sasamahan daw ako ni Bea sa bathroom eh. Let's go"

"What? Yan lang yung Cr ohh, Sy!"

Wala ng nagawa pa si Bea nang mabilis siyang hinigit ni Sy palayo. Hindi ko ipinakitang naapektuhan ako sa sinabi ni Bea but deep inside me ay natatakot din ako na baka tama siya. Yes, people come and go, pero hindi ata ako magiging handa sa panahong iiwan ako ni Javier.

"I heard the news about the incident. Firing?" Mori asked observing kung hanggang doon lang ba ang nalalaman ko. I know her, takot siyang may malaman akong iba. And I'm not dense para hindi maramdaman na may nangyayaring hindi tama kina dad.

"Is it just firing Mori? May alam ka ba na hindi ko nalalaman?" Diretsahang saad ko na ikinaiwas nito ng tingin sa akin. Ano bang dapat ilihim sa akin ni dad?

Isang mahabang katahimikan ang bumalot sa amin ni Mori habang nagsasaya pa rin ang iba. Hindi na ko nag-eexpect pa na magsasabi sa akin si Mori pero laking gulat ko ng higitin nito ako papunta sa veranda.

She sighed heavily, as she gulped the last amount of tequila on her glass. Mataas ang tolerance ng katawan ni Mori sa alcohol that's why kahit anong gawin naming pagpaparty ay parang wala lang sa kanya.

"I'm not yet sure about it Z. But my own investigation was now on process. At isa lang ang sigurado ako, hindi ito tungkol sa rival sa negosyo. And Tito was right, kailangan mong lumayo. Because it also has something to do with you"

Kunot noong napatingin ako kay Mori na hindi mababakasan ng kahit anong emosyon. I'm not afraid kung anong pwedeng mangyari sakin. I just wonder bakit sina mom, does it means they were targeting people around me?!

With that thought ay agad akong lumabas para sana sabihan sina Sy, Hannah, Bea, Enzo, Cliff, Tim and Javier nang pigilan ako ni Mori. She was tightly holding my hands as if telling me na it was a wrong move.

"Someone might watching us. Fix yourself Z. Act like nothing happened. We can't risk our friend's life"

She whispered before getting the cup near me. Hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko sa sinabi ni Mori. Halos magtindigan ang mga balahibo ko sa isiping maaaring may nakatingin na sa bawat galaw ko/namin. And just by thinking of losing one of my friends, it makes me want to kill that person before he/she could do it.

"Z! Mori! Come here nagsosolo kayo dyan! Cheers girls, to more drinks and rakets to come!" Bea said making us laughed, at hindi na muling nagtagpo pa ang mga mata namin ni Mori. We are now busy dancing and doing crazy steps na siyang tinatawanan lang ng mga boys. Nakatingin at nakaalalay lang sa likuran ko si Javier, and thank god dahil hindi na niya ako sinuway pa.

"Sungit anong pinag-usapan nyo ni Mori. Mukhang seryoso kayo kanina. May sinabi ba siya sayo?" I feel like my world were spinning as I turn around to look at Javier. Damn! Tequila was really harsh!

"What? Nothing. Pinag-usapan lang namin yung rivals ni dad. And we both clueless about it so yeah. Can we just forget about what happened earlier?! Let's have fun"

I shouted while laughing na ikinailing nito. What? I'm not drunk, I'm just tipsy!

Mabilis na lumalim ang gabi, at isa isa na ring nagsisiuwian ang iba. Si Tim ang unang nagpaalam dahil may practice game pa daw sila tomorrow and hindi ko na alam kung anong naging sagot ko sa sinabi niya nang hilahin ako ng antok.

Kinabukasan ay agad akong naalimpungatan dahil sa kamay na nakaharang sa mukha ko. The person's hand were squeezing my face and feeling ko ay mapupugot ang paghinga ko dahil sa ginagawa nito. And when I open my eyes ay tumambad sa akin ang mukha ni Bea habang ang kamay nito ay nasa mukha ko na. Si Sy naman ay nasa paanan namin and I don't know kung matatawa ba ko dahil sa paa ni Bea na nasa mukha naman nito.

Pababa na sana ako sa kama ng makita ko naman si Mori and Hannah na nakahiga sa baba and I think kinuha nila yung comforter ko para gawing bed. Oh god! My room was a messed!

I was curious kung andito rin ba ang ibang boys kaya dahan-dahan akong lumabas para puntahan ang room ni Javier. His room was close kaya walang ingay ko pang binuksan ito, and buti na lang napigilan kong hindi sumigaw dahil sa kamay na biglang lumabas sa nakasiwang na pinto. What the hell! Kaninong hand to!

"Hoy!"

"AY KABAYO!"

My breathing hitched glaring at Javier na mamamatay na ata sa kakatawa. Tsk! What is his problem?!

"STOP LAUGHING!" I irritatedly said walking out para kumuha ng water sa ref. God! Kung may sakit lang ako sa puso ay baka matagal na akong nailibing ngayon.

"Bakit kaba nasa labas ng kwarto ko? Tulog pa sina Enzo, at dito na silang lahat natulog"

Duh! Obviously, kung nasaan si Sy, I know na hindi din aalis si Enzo. And si cliff lang ang pinagtataka ko dahil nandidito pa siya. My head were still in pain because of hangover, and I was surprised nang may naglapag ng Advil sa harapan ko.

"Naghanda ako ng breakfast. Sigurado ako mamaya pa magigising yung iba kaya pinaghanda muna kita. Tinawagan ko na din si Mang Tonyo maya maya rin ay nandidito na siya para ihatid ka sa studio." Javier said getting all the foods he prepared. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi maalala ang naging tanong ni Bea kagabi. Sino nga ba talaga si Javier para sa akin?! I don't know, I'm still confused. But one thing is for sure, I was there, I was now in the process of falling inlove.

"Javier"

"Hmm?" Hindi ko alam kung ito na ba ang tamang panahon para tanungin siya kung ano ba kami. Kung posible bang maging kami. Paano kung ako lang yung nakakaramdam nito. What if what happened between us was nothing to him. Do I need to risk our friendship?!........... Kaya ko ba siyang mawala??

"N-nothing." Mori was right, people can use him against me. At sana kapag dumating yung araw na pwede ko na siyang mahalin, sana, sana nandito pa rin siya.

"What is it Z? I know something is bothering you. Pwede mong sabihin sakin"

No. Ayokong madamay pa sila sa problema ng pamilya ko. We can face it, as a family, and babalitaan din ako ni Mori about sa investigation, after that process saka ko sasabihin sa kanya but for now, mas mabuting wala siyang alam.

I just smiled at him diverting the tension between us, and nagsimula na rin akong kumain habang hindi pa rin naaalis ang malalim na tingin ni Javier.

I feel bad for him, yet still I was doing it for the sake of his safety. And kung ang pag-iwas ang tanging solusyon para maprotektahan ko siya, then, be it. As long as he's safe.

"Sungit" agad akong napahinto sa paglalakad palabas sa kitchen ng hawakan ni Javier ang kamay ko. God! Don't do this to me. I was tempted, gustong gusto kong sabihin sa kanya yung problema ko. I wanted to cry, to scream, to beg for help. But I know it was impossible, mas lalo lang siyang mawawala sa akin kapag dinamay ko pa siya.

"Pinagkakatiwalaan mo pa ba ako?"

Hearing those words was like a dagger ready to kill the strong Z. And just like that my heart soften.