---------------BOOK DETAILS---------------- [BOOK NAME] Finding Mr Wrong [COMPLETE!!!] [TOTALPARTS] 46------------------------------------------- [ BOOK DESCRIPTION ] --------------------------------------------Book 2 of 'I love you Kuya'It's Tanya and Andrew's story...-------------------------------------------

*******************************************[1] Finding Mr Wrong*******************************************My right kind of guy? GUSTO KO SI MR. PERFECT... gusto ko gwapo, matalino, gentleman, mayaman, talented, etc. etc.... as in suppperrr hunk... AYOKO NG UTAK TALANGKA KATULAD NI ANDREW... gwapo nga napaka hambog naman!!!! FEELINGERO!!! Magpapaka old maid na lang ako kung sya na lang ang natirang lalake sa buong mundo.... Hindi naman ako masyadong nagmamadaling magkaboyfriend... slight lang...

*******************************************[2] Tanya's Profile*******************************************AN..

PARA PO SA MGA HINDI PA NAKAKABASA NG 'I LOVE YOU KUYA' paki una lang pong basahin yun... para may Idea kayo kung sino yung mga characters...

TO ALL MY READERS..

sabi ko matatagalan pa ako bago ko isulat ito.. pero hindi talaga ako mapakali kaya ayan.. sisimulan ko na.. pero peeps... bear with me... medyo matagal mga updates nito...

TANYA

Typical? that's not in my vocabulary.....

I don't know why but I love to live on the edge... I love car racing,, sky diving,, cliff diving, mountain climbing.. at kung ano ano pang delikadong sports... Adrenaline rush?? partly... pero siguro dahil na rin sa ako lang ang nag-iisang babae sa ming 3 magkakapatid, bunso pa. At lahat sila turing sa kin parang lalake lang, lagi nila akong sinasama sa mga trip nila kahit nung bata pa kami... super close talaga kaming tatlo.. pero kung makaimpluwensya, wagas! But I refuse to be just one of the guys... sa ganda kong to magiging tomboy ako??? NO WAY!!! Pilya lang at super kalog...

Cooking and baking makes me balanced... I love to cook... especially international cuisines'... That's my female side that I will never let go...

In all of my 23 years.. hindi pa talaga ako nagkakaboyfriend.. tinutukso na nga ako nga mga kapatid ko na magiging old maid daw ako... kapag daw kasi, nakagradute ng college at wala pang boyfriend,, chances are,,, taken na lahat ng mga eligible bachelors... kung hindi kasal na ay ikakasal na.... Hindi nila alam na dahil sa mga hinayupak na mga kapatid ko ay hindi pa nakikita ang Mr. right ko... lagi mo ba namang kasama ang 2 perfect guys sa araw araw na ginawa ng Diyos!!! Ang taas tuloy ng pamantayan ko...

Iyon na lang, I just love to admire handsome guys yung tipong mga super hunk a... I love to go on dates... pero after 1 or 2 dates... ewan ko ba, na-t-turn-off na ko... yes, I'm attracted to them , pero parang hanggang ganon na lang e , diba dapat after nung attraction, there should be something more? ... hay nako.... MATAAS .... SOBRA ang standards ko... Pero hindi ako playgirl a.... Mind you... I'm just looking for Mr. Right...

May advantage din pala ang pagiging only girl at close sa mga kuya.... I know how men thinks... hehehehe... and I can definitely use it to my advantage... pero mas madalas ata akong napapahamak!

I have a very dear Friend... Charlie... Hindi ko nga alam kung paano kami nag-jive.. we are total opposites... mahinhin at sobrang poise nya... ako... hmmmm wala sa vocabulary ko ang mahinhin.. poise.. hmmm siguro 50 percent.. hehehe... super talino nya... ako siguro mga 85 percent , hindi naman masyadong nagkakalayo diba? Hehehehe.... Good girl sya... me? Good girl din naman kapag tulog... Mukha syang anghel........ HINDI NAMAN AKO MUKHANG DEMONYO NO!!!!! babawiin ko na sinabi ko.. hindi kami total opposite!!!! Again again again...... mukha syang anghel... ako sophisticated type.. AYAN!

We both love photography... may studio nga kami.. part time na lang sya don simula nung

hilingin ng asawa nyang mag-full time sya sa business nila... but you can't keep her away.. may konting pagkapasaway din... HINDI KO SYA INIMPLUWENSYAHAN A!!! slight lang..

Tigilan na nga natin ang pag-d-describe sa sarili ko.... Baka kung ano pang masabi ko...

Idol ko yung bestfriend ko.. dahil at a very young age.. she already met her prince charming... ako kaya, kelan kaya mahuhulog sa kalangitan ang Prinsipe ng buhay ko?? ... teka... baka naman mali ang hinahanap ko... am I looking at the right direction... or should I be looking for Mr. Wrong instead?

*******************************************[3] Chapter 1*******************************************"Ops, ops ops.. san na naman ang date mo?" tanong sa kin ni Kuya Slate na humarang pa sa pintuan...

"Tabi!! late na kaya ako!.... at hindi date ang pupuntahan ko... "

"Ba't ang ganda mo kung hindi date ang pupuntahan mo?"

"Lagi naman akong maganda a.... "

ginulo gulo nya ang buhok ko...

"KUYA!!!" akmang sisipain ko sya pero mabilis syang nakaiwas... "Kung hindi lang ako late, lagot ka talaga sa kin!..."

Sumandal sya sa may pintuan at iniharang yung braso para hindi ako makalabas...

"San ka ba talaga pupunta?"

"Bakit? sasama ka???"

"Hmmmm.. pwede.... "

"wag na! baka pagkaguluhan ka na naman ng mga babaeng haliparot!... nakakahiya! humanap ka na kasi ng girlfriend mo para hindi ka nagmamaktol lagi dito sa bahay! idadamay mo pa ko sa pagiging loner mo... "

natawa sya... one word to describe my kuya slate? Gorgeous.... Mabait sya pero pagdating sa labas akala mo kung sinong suplado... sa dalawng kuya ko, sa kanya ako talaga close... sya kasi yung sinundan ko... he's also the one who taught me how to drive... kaya eto, para tuloy akong demonyo sa daan... nagturo ba naman sa kin race car driver... sya rin ang ka-sparring partner ko palagi... we both do taekwondo... he insisted that I learn it,, proteksyon ko daw yun... and every sunday afternoon, schedule namin .. kaya nga eto sya at humaharang sa daan ko...

"Parang dapat schedule ko sa calendaryo mo ngayon.... hindi ka man lang nagpaabiso na may ibang lakad ka.... sana nakapagschedule na rin ako ng iba.... ang lagay e, iiwan mo pala akong mag-isa sa malaking bahay na to.... "

Nasa Hong Kong kasi Si Mommy, Daddy and kuya Stanly for business transactions... kaya kami lang ni kuya dito sa bahay ngayon at iiwan ko pa sya.. kawawa nga naman... hmmmm kung isama ko na kaya... nah!!! pahamak lang yan!!!

"Sorry kuya..." I smiled sweetly..." hindi ko pala nasabi sa yo... binyag nung twins nung bestfriend ko... hindi ko pala nasabi sa yo... gusto mo tawagan ko si kate para samahan ka dito? " i said teasing.

Kate was his ex, kaya napakunot ang noo nya

"No thanks.... guimik na lang ako mamaya.."

Binaba na nya ang kamay nya sa pintuan...

"Ok sige, layas na... Just be home before 12, cinderella..."

nagmamadali akong lumabas baka harangan na naman nya ko...

tumingin ako sa kanya at nag-salute...

"Yes Boss!!!"

Sumakay na ko sa yellow Lamborghini ko... need for speed na naman ang drama ko nito!!!!! Buti na lang walang pulis ngayon, Linggo, walang huli for speeding... pwede akong humarurot ng

husto!!!!

Palabas pa lang ako sa gate ng village.... may 1 black dodge viper na tumabi sa kotse ko... hmmmm..... umiral na naman ang kalokohan ko.... tignan natin kung sinong mas mabilis sa tin hehehehe... kinut ko yung kotse na tipong naghahamon ng karera... hihihihi.... wag lang sanang may dalang baril to kung hindi patay ako... umiwas yung viper... kinut ko ulit at nagpaharutol ng todo todo.... ayun na gets na nya ang gusto kong ipahiwatig.. hihihi.. sumunod na sya....

In fairness... Mabilis din a.... hmmmm tignan ko lang ang galing mo.. humahabol sya.. pero hindi pa rin nya ako inabutan hanggang sa huminto kami sa stop light... binaba ko ang bintana ko.... at nag smile.... binaba din nya yung bintana nya... nawala ang smile ko.... nakita kong parang nanlilisik yung mata nung lalaking kinarera ko...

OMG!!!!!! KILALA KO YUN!!!!! SI ANDREW!!!! toinks!!!!!

Sa dinami-dami ng tao sa Pinas sya pa ang naka sagupa ko... hmmmm bago kotse nya a...

nung mag-green light.... dali-dali kong pinaharurot ulit yung kotse.... hindi ko na nakitang sumunod si Andrew...

in just a few minutes,, minutes ba o seconds... natanaw ko na yung hotel nila Charlie...

I screetching halt my car in front of the hotel... I looked at my watch.... hmmmm less than 5 min from wak-wak to makati... not bad... I smiled at lumabas na ko na kotse... ibinigya ko sa valet yun susi at sinabi...

"Not a scratch or I'll have your head..."

Natakot yata....

I smiled na lang...

baka mataranta yun at mas lalong madisgrasya ang kotse ko.... pinaghirapan ko pa man ding bilhin yun... out of my own income, as in hindi talaga ako humingi sa parents ko at sa mga kuya ko. kaya luv na luv ko yung sasakyan kong yun....

I have to hurry.... baka tumawag na si Charlie.... at eto na nga, nagriring na cp ko...

bago pa sya nakapagsalita.. defensive mode na ko...

'I'm already here at the lobby..... you can start na.. habol ako.."

"Ikaw talaga girl,, as always.... late! ikaw na lang ang iniintay dito no!..."

WOOOOOO.. totoo lang a, Charlie.. parang iniwan ko si Andrew sa EDSA....

"Sige na start na kayo.... "

***

I'm just in time for the Baptismal Ceremony to Start...

AYYYY grabe ang cu-cute talaga ng mga inaanak ko.. parang mga manika lang.... hihihihi

kung pwede nga lang pisilin!....

"Tanya a... bawal panggigilan!!!" Sabi ni Charlie na karga-karga ang cute girl na si Zia...

LUmapit si Zack... The hunk husband of my Bestfriend

"Hi Tanya..." Bati ni Zack na karga naman si Charles...

Ang cute talaga.. 1 boy at 1 girl....

Kailangan siguro ingud-ngod ko pagmumukha ko kahit 1 sa mga baby na to para ako ang maging kamukha .... HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

"Hi Zack!!! ang cu-cute na mga baby mo!!! pwede pa-arbor ng 1?"

Natawa si Zack...

"Bakit hindi na lang kasi gumawa ng sarili... btw nice driving,, pero nauna ako sa yo.. "

May nagsalit sa likod... pagtingin ko....

Ay! Si bestfriend Andrew!!!! teka,, nauna sya sa kin??? kumunot ang noo ko... pano nangyari

yun? Pagkaka alam ko iniwan ko sya sa EDSA.... ano yun,, nagteleport??? at kung makangisi!!!! grrrrrr....

FYI - Nakasanayan ko ng tawagin syang bestfriend,, pero hindi ko talaga sya bestfriend... hindi nga rin kaibigan ang turing nya sa kin, acquaintance lang... Si Zack ang may bestfriend sa kanya... Like me and Charlie, magtataka ka rin kung paano sila nagkakasundo, total opposite din.. pero wag ka,, sobra sobra ang pinagsamahan nyang dalawang yan...

True,, crush ko sya... pero Turn Off ako sa kanya sa sobrang babaero... sino ba naman ang babaeng may gusto ng may kaagaw.... diba wala.. ewan ko lang sa iba.. pero ang sarap lang asarin nung lalaking yun... natatawa ako sa mukha nya kapag napipikon...

Feeling nya kasi, lahat ng babae nagkakagusto sa kanya. kaya kung umasta... nakakagigil... pero in fairness, kahit hambog yun, masarap din syang kasama... parang meron laging nag-cha-challenge sa kin... rambol nga minsan kasi battle of wits ang drama naming 2... unahan kung sino makakaisa...

"Oh Andrew! do you want to do it with me? gumawa ng baby? I'm available after the party! " I gave him my sweetest smile... kunwari lumalandi.. hehehehe

Napakunot and noo...

HAHAHAHAHA!!! sabi ko na nga ba e... PIKON!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Siniko ako ni Charlie...

"What?!" Tinignan ko ng nakakaloko si Charlie...

"I'm sorry sweetheart.. I already have a date... but if you insist.. I'll accomodate both of you in bed...." sabi ni adrew na may halong mischief sa mata...

WHAT THE!!! RUMESBACK!!!!!

GRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Babanat pa sana ko ng siniko ulit ako ni Charlie at pinandilatan...

"Girl.. Behave!... "

Andrew ka... Lagot ka sa kin mamaya.... sa isip-isip ko....

"Andyan na pala si Ice... I think we can all gather and start the ceremony.." sabi ni Zack, referring to the guy who just entered the ballroom...

Me mas late pa pala sa kin.. itong si Charlie, kung maka tawag, kala mo ako na lang ang iniintay.. hmmmp pasaway...

at sino naman tong tardiness na to.. tumingin ako sa direksyon ng lalaking kakapasok lang...

Nagpa twinkle-twinkle ang mga mata ko!!! OMG!!!!! makalaglag.... kung ano mang pwedeng malaglag!!!! ANG GWAPO!!!!!! AAAAYYYIIIIIIEEEE!!!!

"Girl.. paki sara ang bibig.. nakakahiya ka!..." bulong sa kin ni charlie... pinandidilatan na naman ako...

Medyo kinikilig kilig ako.. ahihihihihi...

"girl, sino sya??? bakit ngayon ko lang sya nakita?

"Wag ka ngang tumitig!... para namang lalapain mo!... pinsan sya ni Zack.. kakauwi lang last week.. inofferan namin ng posisyon sa company, since I want to devout my time to my family... so sya ang mag-ta-take over sa mga trabaho ko.. Ginawa na rin namin syang ninong... actually magkababata sila nila Zack and Andrew,,, pero nagmigrate ang family nya sa States when he was only 9 yrs old... ngayon lang sya babalik dito sa Pinas"

"Ay bongga!.. san sya nakatira..."

Tiningnan ako ng masama ni Charlie...

"Sa bahay nya.."

"San yung bahay nya.."

"Ewan ko sa yo..."

"Pakilala mo ko mamaya a,, promise a..."

"Hindi..."

"Ayyyyy..."

"Pag-iisipan ko"

"Best friend..... girl.. bat ang ganda ganda mo.... SOBRA!!!!!" sabi ko na may halong paglalambing...

Natawa sya...

"Sige na! but If you don't behave,, hindi kita ipapakilala...."

"Yehey!!! O sige na.. behave na..."

Nagstart na ang binyag... can't wait till it's over para makilala ko na si pinsan.. hihihihi.. may bago na naman akong prospect.. malay mo,, sya na si Mr. Right...

*******************************************[4] Chapter 2*******************************************Chapter 2

Habang binibinyagan si Charles at si Zia.. I really can't help but admire their family... I can see the joy in their faces... esp Charlie and Zack.. Talagang pinaglaban nila ang isa't isa... I smiled remembering those adventures esp in Paris na dahil sa kanila nadagdagan ang laman ng curriculum vitae ko ng 'KIDNAPPER'... Akala ko ipakukulong kami ni Tito Ben nung malaman nyang kasangkot kami ni Andrew sa pagkidnap ng anak nya... well.. all's well that end's well... they are one happy family again... The Montemayors and the Fuentes' minus tita Elain and Marielle... na mabuti naman at wala dito kundi masasabunutan ko ang mga bruhildang yun.... For Zack and Charlie, you just can't take those two apart kahit ano pang obstacles ang iharang mo sa kanila..... They're really both blinded with love... Thinking about that, I think there is still hope for me... because of them I can still believe in true love... I know It'll come sooner or later... Iyun nga lang.. how would you know??? I wonder.... Kailangan ba talagang hinahanap yun o kusa na lang dadating???

Tinawag na kaming mga ninong at ninang....

Hihihi... makatabi nga kay Cousin Ice... naki cousin ... hehehehe... makapagsimula ng magpacute... hihihihi

Medyo nagpabagal muna ko ng lakad para Makita ko kung saan nya tatayo at doon ako sisiksik....

Ayun... hihihi.. doon nga makapwesto....

Tumabi ako sa kanya.... Pero.... May kumalabit sa kin...

"Area to ng mga guys... can't you see??? Lalake ka ba? O Bakla?"

At sino pa ba ang nagsalita???? Wala ng iba kundi si Bestfriend Andrew....

Pinanliitan ko sya ng mata..... Nakaka dalawa ka na a!!!! gaganti talaga ko mamaya.... Mag-intay ka lang

Pero pinagtitinginan ako... uu nga naman nasa kabilang side ang mga girls...

Pinandidilatan na naman ako ni Charlie.... Si Zack naman amused.... Pag-uuntugin ko tong mag-asawang to e...

Scene stealer tuloy ang beauty ko...

Nyikssss....

Patay malisya.... Deadma....

"Ayyy... sorry.... " Pacute... smile ng todo... gracefully... lakad.. hmmmp bwisit na Andrew to at tatawa tawa pa...

Hmmmmp chura mo lang.. sabay irap...

Nakita ko tuloy na nag smile si Cousin,, ay mas lalong gwapo!!!! .... Hihihi at least I caught his attention.... Good ba o bad impression??? Whatever.. I don't care... napa smile e... so baka good.... Buti na lang at nagpaganda ako ng bonggang bongga.... Hihihihihi.....

***

Nakakainis talaga tong Charlie na to.. naturingang bestfriend tapos

.... Tapos... tapos.,...

IUUPO LANG AKONG KATABI NI ANDREW!!!!

Hindi man lang ako tinabi kay Ice.... Huhuhuhuhu!!!!

Hmmmmp... nagdidikit ang dalawang kilay ko...

At nakakasuya ang kadate ni Andrew a.... feeling!!! Feeling na talagang sya ang pinakamaganda sa buong mundo!!!! Mukha naming paa!!!

Saan ba napulot ni Andres tong babaeng may athlete's foot sa mukha???

At kung makaakap a.. parang pugita!!!!

Suya naman talaga o....

"Tanya... " hmmmm napansin ata ako ni Bestfriend Andrew a... "I want you to meet Macey, Macey Cruz ... "

I smiled.... Hindi naman ako supladita diba.. friendly nga ako e...

"Macey .. this is Tanya... Tanya Ramirez...."

"Hi..."sabi ko.... Genuine ang smile ko a...

We shook hands...

"Tanya? Tanya Ramirez? ... as in.... The Famous Photographer???"

Hmmmmm... kilala nya ko??? Is she into fashion?... advertising.... Her name doesn't ring a bell....

"The one and only..." sabi ko smilling...

"Oh!!!! It's really nice meeting you!!!! I'm a model... and I really do admire your work.. I would like to be in one of your photo shoots!"

Ay... model pala... hindi halata.... Mas mukha pa akong model sa kanya... hehehehe

At iyon na ang simula ng daldal nya.... Para syang energizer... keeps on going and going and going and going... at nangawit na ng husto ang tenga ko...

Tango na lang ako ng tango. Kahit hindi ko na iniintindi mga sinasabi nya....

Si Andrew naman parang amuse na amuse, parang sinadya nyang ipakausap sa kin para lang ma-annoy ako.. and it's working....

Hmmmm teka nga....

Hindi pa ko nakakaganti sa mokong na to a....

Hmmmmm... let me hit two birds in one stone....

Ilabas ang kapilyahan... hihihihihi...

"Ummmmm Macey... how long have you and Andrew been dating?"

"Just last week..."

Andrew cleared his throat...

"What are you up to?" bumulong sya sa kin....

Tinignan ko sya ng masama.... Pero nakangiti.... Hihihihi

" Oh!... a ganon ba??? " Kunwaring nagulat ako...

Hinatak ko yung kamay nya para lumapit yung mukha nya sa kin... kunwari bubulungan ko sya.. pero sinigurado kong naririnig ni Andrew...

"You haven't done it yet.. have you??? "

Namula.... Hihihi.. na-concious...

"Not yet... this is just our 2nd date"

"Tanya.... That's below the belt..."

Pero hindi ko sya pinansin...

"Wag kang papayag a... don't you know???? Buti nga buhay pa yan e.... " medyo lumalaki-laki pa mata ko....

"Bakit naman!!!"

"Tanya!!!" sabi ni Andrew with a warning tone...

Parang walang Andrew na nasa gitna namin.. parang feeling close kaming dalawa....

"poor girl!!!!! You didn't know!!!!"

"What do I have to know????" panic mode na sya... HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

"He got AIDS!!!!"

Napanganga!!!! Hindi na nakapagsalita....

"At saka wag mo na rin pangarapin.... Maliit lang kasi e..."

Bahala na sya mag-isip kung ano yung maliit!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Napatingin ako kay Andrew at pulang pula!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa

Biglang tumayo si Macey at nagmamadaling lumabas...

Parang nagalit ata si Andrew... hindi talaga maipinta ang mukha...

Napangisi ako.... With a look of triumph in my face...

Tumayo sya at sinundan si Macey...

"I'll deal with you later..."

I smiled at him sweetly...

Akin na naman ang huling halakhak!!! Bwahahahahaha!!!

(AN.. sorry sa mga batang readers... pinopollute ko utak nya... promise last na green joke na to...)

Now, I can eat in peace...

"He seems to be in a hurry..." may nagsalita sa likod ko... " Is this seat taken?"

Lumingon ako....

AYYYYYY!!!! Si Papa Ice!!!! Akala ko sa table sya ng mga Montemayor naka upo.... Pero ok lang.. dito ka na lang!

"No!.. you can sit there all you want.... " referring to the seat next to me... patay malisya kuno.. pero wag ka... kabog kabog ang dibdib ko.. excited!!! Weee!!!

O ano Charlie.. kahit hindi mo sya ipakilala sa kin.. lalapit at lalapit pa rin sya.. hihihihihihi.... He can't resist me.. hihihi... feeling.. hihihihi

Umupo sya...

"I'm Ice by the way.. Ice MOntemayor...you are one of Charlene's friends?" inabot nya ang kanang kamay nya for a hand shake...

"Bestfriend actually... Tanya" pa demure look ... yes! Matya tyansingan ko na.. hihihihi.... We shook hands....

"Nice name.."

Hmmmp.. bolero pala to...

"Saan pupunta si Andrew? He seems to be in a hurry... I just want to have a chat with him.. matagal-tagal na rin kaming hindi nagkikita... "

"I think he's off to get his girl... I think he offended her.... " I smiled.... Pero ako ang dahilan... mamaya ko na lang haharapin si Andrew.. for now pa-tweetums muna ko...

As I look at him... His is so cute... delete, delete,, cute is for boys.. he is so manly to be called cute...

He is soooo Handsome!!!! As in Yummmy!!!!

Wag munang masyadong pahalata baka ma turn off...

Medyo hawig ng konti kay Zack... mukha ring matino at matalino... well,, ano pa nga ba... e kalahi ni Zack!

"Wala ka siguro sa kasal nila Zack... this is the first time I saw you..."

"I was in Canada at that time... nagsisisi nga ako kung bakit hindi ako naka-attend... biglaan naman kasi yun kasal nila... and yung conference matagal ng naka-schedule... well anyway, I'll be here for a long time... we'll catch up for the lost time... and I think It's gonna be interesting... " he smiled...

YAYKSSSSS!!!!! NATUTUNAW AKO SA NGITI MO!!!

Umiwas ako ng tingin... baka kung anong gawin ko sa lalaking to!!! Hindi naman pwedeng halikan ko to,, at kapapakilala lang namin....

Hindi muna ko nagsalita.. at nagpatuloy akong kumain..... sympre konting pakipot.. to make me look more interesting... para kunwari hard to get... HMMMP! KELAN KA PA NGAPA HARD TO GET!!!

Pagbigyan nyo na ko.. ngayon lang...

Pero teka.. bakit ba ko tinititigan nito.... Nako- conscious tuloy ako.. gusto ko ako ang tumititig not the other way around.. e kung titigan ko rin kaya ito....

Humarap ako sa kanya... gusto ata nito ng challenge e... unahang mailang....

"now I know I've seen you before!... "

What the... anong pinagsasasabi nito...

"you are in a cover of fashion magazine,, I think that was released three months back... "

"What??!!"

"I've never posed in a magazine before.. as in never.... Baka kamukha ko lang.." nagtataka ako.. ano to guimik? Para lang may mapagusapan? Pero parang seryoso sya...

Napaisip din sya...

"As far as I can remember, parang may contest yung magazine na yon... they are going to entertain entries even thru mail. And the winner will have a $100,000 prize plus the picture will appear at the cover of the magazine..."

Hmmmm... wala naman akong natatanggap na prize...

"Anong itsura ko?"

Nag-isip sya.. as if trying to remember...

"hmmmm parang naka short shorts with white mid rib tops... "

Nag-isip ako....

Nanlaki mga mata ko..... OMG!!!!!!!!

Parang may kuha nga akong ganon!!!!! Pero.. pano nangyari yon!!!!! Laro-laro lang namin ni Charlie dati na nagkuhanan kami ng portraits with different clothes.. pero ang alam ko nasa computer ko lang sa kwarto yun a....

GOSH!!! ALAM KO NA KUNG SINONG MAY KAGAGAWAN!!!!! GUMAGANTI SI KUYA SLATE!!!!

I can still remember,, 5 months back... I took some of his photos.. wala lang,, practice pictorial lang... one time, nagka trouble si mother reyna.. the fashion designer who gave us a big break... hindi sumulpot yung male model nya.. alalang alala sya... naawa naman ako, so pinakita ko sa kanya mga shots ni kuya... ayun nagustuhan.... Sa madaling salita, ibinenta ko ang kuya ko... at nagulat na lang sya ng maglabasan sa billboard ang kagwapuhan nya... ang galing din naman ni kuyang gumanti!!! $100,000!!!! Hindi man lang nya ko shineran... how could you kuya!!!!.... e ako magkano lang yung mga pictures nya... Php 200,000, pesos yon, hindi dollars!

"I can sense that you know nothing about it..."

"Let's just say that... God help me if I'm in prison tomorrow..."

Natawa sya....

"don't worry,, you look gorgeous.... But you look more beautiful in person..."

Weh!!!!!!

"pare!"

Haaaaayyyy wrong timing!!!! Kung kelan naman!!!! Talaga tong Andrew na to o!

"Hey! "

"Hmmmm.. asan na si Macey?" tanong ko... nakangisi...

"Would you believe that some witch drove her away??? "

He looks , hindi maintindihan kung maiinis o natutuwa sa ginawa ko.... "but that's ok... I have you to accompany me ..." sabay yakap....

OPS OPS OPS... anong guimik yan Andrew!!! I looked at him questioningly...

"Ok ka lang?"

Nagtataka naman si Ice...

"Are you an item?"

"NO!"

"YES!"

Sabay kaming nagsabi...

"we've been together since last year... medyo nagkatampuhan lang kaya pinagselos ko.. kaya ayun.. effective diba sweetheart!"

Napanganga ako!!!! At tinignan ko sya ng SSSSOOOBBBRRRANG SAMA... as in parang kakaiinin ko sya ng buhay....

"Don't... b---"

Bago pa ako makapagsalita, bumanat na naman...

"Shy type lang yan.. pero patay na patay sa kin to.. selosa lang talaga..."

"A ganon ba.." Sabi ni Ice...

Ngumiti si Ice....

"I'll leave you two alone... siguro may mga paguusapan pa kayo... "

Tumayo sya

"catch you later Andrew..."

"yeah later,,,,"

NOOOO!!!! Don't leave me Ice... kung kelan naman nagkakagaanan na tayo ng loob!!!!!

BWISIT NA BUBUYOG TO!!!!

"You Moron!!!!"

He smiled...

"strike 3 for today..."

*******************************************[5] Chapter 3*******************************************Chapter 3

Tanya

"ETO ANG DAPAT SA YO!!!!" sumigaw ako habang ina-amputate ko yung paa sa pamamagitan ng taga!

"YOU FREAK!!! KAILANGAN SA YO, PINUPUTULAN NG LEEG!!!!"

Tinaga ko rin ang leeg!

At pinagpira-piraso!!!!

Gusto ko syang tadtarin ng pinong pino!!!!

I'm sooooo irritated!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!

"Kainis kang Andrew ka!!!!"

Tinadtad tadtad ko ulit yung manok.... Sobrang gigil na gigil ako sa kaasaran!!!!!

"HUY GIRL!!!! Ano bang ginagawa mo dyan sa manok! Pinagdidiskitahan mo ng husto!!! Baka hindi na sumarap yan a!"

Hindi ko namalayan na nasa tabi ko na pala si Charlie... at tatawa tawa...

Every Monday and Friday , schedule kong pumunta sa bahay nila Charlie... syempre.... Bonding moments namin... bihira na makalabas ang bruha kaya ako na lang lagi ang pumupunta sa kanila. At kapag nandon ako.. tina-take advantage ko ang malaking kitchen nya... hindi naman marunong magluto yun... baka paliyabin pa nya ang buong kitchen.... Gustong-gusto naman na palagi akong andon dahil lagi ko silang pinagluluto.

"Alam mo yang Andres na yan a... akala mo nakakatuwa sya! Ha!!!! SINIRA NYA DISKARTE KO!!!!"

"E kasi naman ikaw, nakikipag head on collision ka don... alam mo naman ang ugali non.. hindi rin nagpapatalo yun.."

Mas lalo akong nanggigil at mas lalo kong pinagtatadtad yung manok... GRRRRR!!!!

"Nakakainis talaga!!!! Umpisa pa lang! turn off na tuloy sa kin si Ice! Ugali talaga nung Andrew na yon,,, hindi na ko pinagbigyang makausap pa ulit si future boyfriend ko! !!!"

"Future boyfriend ka dyan... ikaw talaga.. assuming ka talaga.. hindi nga natin alam, baka naman may naiwang girlfriend yun sa States..."

Hmmmm? Teka, napaisip ako don a....

Binitawan ko yung taga at hinarap ko si Charlie...

"Meron nga ba?"

"Ayan kasi! Magimbestiga ka nga muna!! Hindi yang balak mo na ligawan.. kababae mong tao... pahalagahan mo nga yang sarili mo,,, sayang naman yang ganda mo kung ikaw ang maghahabol sa lalake!"

Tumaas ang kilay ko...

"Hmmmmm, may point ka sister... sige.... Hindi muna ko uuwi.. dito ako mag-d-dinner.. uwi ba kagad si Zack?"

"Iyon ang sabi nya... lagi na rin naming umuuwi ng maaga yun, since nung dumating si Ice"

Napangisi ako....

"hihihihi! Sige mag-iimbistiga ako... iinterview-hin ko a ng asawa mo... hihihihihi... ano bang paboritong pagkain ni Zack?"

Tinaasan ako ng kilay.... Pero naka ngiti...

"Ano yan bribe??"

"Slight.... "

"E kasi naman,, bakit si Ice pa pinagkakainteresan mo?"

"Ayaw mo non.. kung kami magkakatuluyan.. magiging magkamag-anak na tayo.... "

"Loka ka talaga.. "

"Ano na!!!! Ano ba gusto ni Zack!"

"Mahilig sa Japanese foods yon.... "

Dali-dali akong nagbukas ng ref, feeling at home talaga ako dito, feeling ko nga akin tong kitchen na to e.. hehehehe...

Ano bay an! kulang kulang naman sa ingredients for Japanese foods...

"Halika na nga!" Sabi ko... at hinila ko ang kamay nya..."Mag grocery tayo... iwan mo muna ang mga angels mo sa mga yaya nila... "

Naka shorts lang kaming dalawa at naka flip flops lang...

"Teka, magbihis muna tayo..."

"Pwede na yan.. maganda pa rin tayo... grocery lang naman dyan sa tabi-tabi.... Let's go... and BTW, wag mo papatapon yang chicken nay an a.. ipapakain ko kay Andrew yan... hehehe"

Andrew

I can still remember the look on her face... napapangiti ako...

Akala nya kasi maiisahan nya ako...

Hindi ba nya alam na mas pilyo ako kesa sa kanya...

Asa ka pa Tanya... hindi ka mananalo sa kin...

Ang lakas kasing mang-asar.. pikon din pala...

Teka.. why am I thinking about her... Monday na Monday at ang aga aga...

Arrrggg... hindi naman ako ganito... for me, girls are just spur of the moment... companion lang.. that's it. No more no less... I still enjoy being a bachelor... I don't usually think about girls.

Yes, I fell in love once... with the wrong girl pa... kahit i-pursue ko sya,, hindi talaga pwede dahil asawa sya ng bestfriend ko... so I just drowned myself with more women para lang makalimutan ko sya... time heals at nawawala na rin ang pagkahumaling ko sa babaeng yon.

Challenge lang kasi sa kin itong si Tanya... walang ibang babae na gumagawa sa kin ng mga antics na ganon... hamon kung hamon... bira kung bira... at nag-iisip pa ko kung paano ko ulit sya aasarin kapag nagkita kami... ang bilis din kasi mag-isip ng kalokohan non.. kung minsan nauunahan ako at napapatulala na lang ... ang mga babae nga naman... kung akala ko I know them all... then there came Tanya... nakahanap ata ako ng katapat ... pero tignan lang natin...

Napangisi ako... then I shook my head...

I have to go back to work.. my papers ang piling up high..

I opened one of the folders.. binasa ko... hmmmmm... interesting... loan papers, nakasanla sa kin ang 3 companya, bahay, resthouse at iba pang mga ari-arian dito sa Pilipinas... sinarado ko ang papeles... I know I can be ruthless at times... but I can use this later, and I know it's going to be interesting... inilagay ko sya sa drawer kung saan ko inilalagay ang mga importanteng mga papeles ko...

After a few minutes ... may kumatok sa pinto at pumasok yung secretary ko...

"Sir, your mom is....."

Hindi pa sya tapos magsalita ay pumasok na ang Mommy ko...

"Do I still need a formal introduction just to have a chat with my one and only son???"

Nakangiting bati nya sa kin.

"Ma! What a pleasant surprise!!!! I thought you will never come back here in the Philippines..."

"I change my mind.. that's the privilege of being a woman... "

We hugged and I kissed her..

Naupo kami sa salas and I offered her refreshments...

"No thanks.. I just had my breakfast.."

"Did Dad came with you?"

"Of course,, hindi naman nakakatulog yon kapag wala ako... "

I smiled... even after years of marriage, they are still so close...

I'm still wondering if that kind of love will ever come to my life...

"So what brings you two here..." tanong ko...

"Many things... syempre, aside from business,, which is , I really have to complement you for a job well done... daig mo pa ang Dad mo magpatakbo ng negosyo!"

I just smiled...

"At saka sympre na-mi-miss ka na namin...."

"And???" alam ko meron pang pakay to... I can see it in her eyes...

"And to see you settle down..." she smiled sweetly...

Natawa ako...

Hinampas ako ng pamaypay... may pagka morbid din tong si mommy e...

"Andrew.. don't you think na napag-iiwanan ka na? Zack is happily married and have two wonderful kids... while you???...."

"What about me ma??" I challenge her...

"Your Dad and I are not getting any younger.. you should find yourself a suitable wife... sino ang magmamana ng empire na to??"

"I'm not yet ready to settle down and besides... I haven't found the right girl... yet..."

Tinignan nya ko ng matagal...

"Here's the deal.... I'm going to give you 6 months... kapag wala ka pang nakitang pakakasalan mo.. ako na ang maghahanap...."

"You can't do that to me..." nawala ang ngiti ko... I can also see that she's serious...

"Just watch me... " pinagtaasan ako ng kilay...

Napangisi ako...

"Suit yourself Ma.. mahihirapan ka sa kin..."

"Basta.. I'm giving you until December.... "

"And then what???"

She just smiled...

*******************************************[6] Chapter 4*******************************************Chapter 4

Charlie

Naparami ata ang luto ni Tanya a... konti na lang parang Sambokojin buffet na to... napangiti ako.. in fairness.. kami ni Zack ang nakikinabang kapag sinisipag magluto si Tanya... Inspired e...

Inaayos ko ang dinning table dahil any minute now ay dadating na si Zack... si Tanya naman ay nakikipaglaro sa mga baby... tuwang tuwa talaga sya sa dalawa... sino ba naman hindi matututwa sa kanila, kamukha ko kayang pareho.. hihihi.. jowk... those two are my precious little gifts... akala ko nga ay hindi kami magkakaanak.. because of the accident, sabi kasi ng doctor baka magkaroon ng complications. natatakot nga si Zack dati na mabuntis ako.. sabi nga nya it's better for us not to have babies than having one then loose me again.. pero kinulit ko sya, believing that a woman is not complete without a child... so with the guidance of the doctor, we decided to have a baby...mabait ang Diyos at twins pa ang ibinigay nya sa min... pero that was the first and last pregnancy that I will have... hindi na ako pwede pang magkaanak... but they are more than enough... how can I ask for more.. I have a very loving husband and two very cute angels..

Hindi ko napansin... may yumakap sa kin from behind...

"A penny for your thoughts?"

I smiled...

"hindi kita narinig a... sneaking on me again?"

"Ang ingay-ingay ko nga e... lumilipad lang ang isip mo...."

Hinayaan ko lang muna syang nakayakap sa kin... enjoying every minute..

"Miss you honey... " sabi nya kissing me at the neck...

It sent chills all over my body...

"Nasa public place tayo... may makakita sa tin..."

"Hmmm? Public? this is our house... " then he kissed me again...

Tatalikod sana ako,, pero mas lalo nyang hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa kin...

"We can do that later.... " I said smiling... "Andito pa si....."

Bago pa ko makatapos ng sentence ay...

"Hoy! Mamaya nyo na ipagpatuloy ang lambingan na yan at may virgin pa dito sa bahay nyo!"

Tinanggal nya pakakayakap sa kin at tumingin sa direction kung saan sumulpot ni Tanya.

"Andito pa si Tanya... "Bulong ko sa kanya...

Napangisi si Zack... "Pansin ko nga... " bulong nya.. tinanggal nya ang pagkakayakap sa kin at tumingin sa kinatatayuan ni Tanya

"Hi Tanya... you're joining us for dinner???"

"malamang.." she said... "Unless you two want to skip dinner at magkulong sa kwarto???" she said teasingly... makahulugan na naman ang ngiti...

Hay nako tong babaeng to..

Natawa na lang kaming dalawa..

"Ang dami nito a.. " sabi ni Zack "Parang alam mong may mga bisita ako.. sayang.. nagpa-order pa man din ako ng marami... "

"Bisita?" Tanong ko.. "May bisita tayo?"

Umupo si Zack sa table...

"Yup.. they'll be here in just a few minutes... "

May narinig kaming pumarada at maya-maya lang ay nag doorbell...

"That would be Ice... "

Nakita kong nag-twikle ang mga mata ni Tanya...

Oh no! here we go again!!!

"know what Zack... Alam kong pagod ka ... Stay put ka na lang dyan and let me do the honors..."

And with that tumalikod sya at nagmamadaling pumunta sa front door...

Tanya

Yesss!!! Ang timing nga naman!!!

Buti na lang at nagdecide akong mag-stay.. hihihihi.. pupunta pala si Papa Ice!!!!....

Bago ko buksan ang pinto.. tinignan ko muna ang sarili ko sa malaking salamin sa living room... hmmmm.. pwede na.. PERFECT!... kahit wala masyadong make-up... I'm still gorgeous... hihihi... kapal talaga ng mukha ko... e feelingera din kasi ako.. hihihihi

Bago ko buksan ang pinto.... Huminga ako ng malalim... and I wore my biggest smile...

EXCITED MUCH!!! Hihihihi....

Laking gulat ko nung nabuksan ko ang pinto!

Pareho kaming nagulat pero mas mabilis syang nakarecover..

"Did I get the address right? Parang ang ganda ng ngiti mo a.. Did you miss me already?"

SI ANDREW NA NAMAN!

Nawala ang ngiti ko at kumunot ang noo ko at binalibag ko ang pinto sa mukha nya.. ni lock ko na rin para hindi makapasok... bahala syang mabulok sa labas... hmmmmp...

Dali-dali akong nagpunta sa dining room...

"Akala ko na Si Ice.. e si Andres Bonifacio lang yun e.. "

Natawa sa kin yung mag-asawa...

"Wag mo namang sirain ang pinto namin...." Sabi ni Charlie pero natatawa din... ano bang itsura ng mukha ko bakit natatawa sila?

"A.. nauna pala si Andrew." Sabi ni Zack.. "Baka si Ice yung dumaan sa resto... e nasan na si Andrew?"

"Nasa labas.. ni-lock ko yung pinto... hayaan mo muna syang lamukin don.." I smiled...

"Nakuuu!!! ikaw talaga girl.. tigil tigilan mo na nga yang kapilyahan mo... baka patulan ka na talaga non.. " Sabi ni Charlie at sya na ang pumunta para pagbuksan ng pinto si Andrew...

Umupo na ako sa may dining table...

Si Zack tinitignan ako ng masama habang nakangisi...

"Why are you looking at me like that???" tanong ko... kaloko to a...

"May LQ ba kayo?" mas lalong lumaki ang ngisi nya

"LQ??? " ano ba tong si Zack... kung ano anong pinag-iisip... "Hello! Kelan pa kami naging lovers???"

I rolled my eyes... "Enemies... pwede... yang bestfriend mo a... pagsabihan mo.. hindi ako natutuwa sa kanya.... "

Hmmmm teka... ito na ata ang pagkakaton ko... kailangan maitanong ko na yung gusto kong malaman...

"BTW Zack..." ngumiti na ako..." may girlfriend na ba si Ice?"

Nag-isip sya...

"Not that I know of... "

UUUUYYYYYY!!!!! GOOODDD NNNEEWWWSSSS!!!! Hihihihihih... may pag-asa pa ako!!!!....

Nakita ata ni Zack ang change of mood ko and he eyed me quizzically...

"Wag mo nga akong tignan ng ganyan... obvious naman ano...." Sabi ko... natawa naman si Zack...

Yes! Walagn girlfriend si Ice!!! Weeeee!!!!

"Ako ba ang pinauusapan nyo?" Ngiting asa habang lumalapit sa min si Andrew...

"Hindi ka naman importante.. bakit ka naming pag-uusapan... feeling.. hmmmp." Sabay irap...

Tumabi sya sa kin...

"Ops ops ops... sino nagsabi sa yong tumabi ka sa kin? Nakareserve yan" ang taas ng kilay ko!!!!

"Sa 'yo ba tong bahay?" walang balak umalis...

"hindi,,, e, say o ba to? alis na! don ka umupo sa tabi ni Zack...."

8 sitter Round table , katabi ko si Charlie sa right, sa left ko naman umupo si Andrew.. pinapalipat ko lang naman sya.. anong masama don... ang laki laki ng table...

"Nakaupo na ko... sorry..." and he wink... talaga namang nang-aasar...

"Hmmmmp... suit yourself.." Tumayo ako at ako ang lumipat... at least bakante magkabilang side ko...

May nagdoorbell na naman...

Napangiti ako.... At tinignan naman ako ng masama ni Andrew...

Tinignan ko rin sya at sinabi... "Wag mong sisirain ang gabi ko a... kundi I'll make your life a living hell.."

"I love to play with fire.." banat ni Andrew...

"Gusto mong sunugin ko bahay mo?" I said sweetly...

"Sige, samahan pa kita e... "

"guys, guys.." Singit ni Zack.. " we want a peaceful night ok.. just stay cool, both of you... "

Dumating na si Charlie kasunod si Ice..

Nag high fice si Andrew at si Ice...

"Hey man, what's up!" Bati ni Ice...

"Still the same... " Sagot ni Andrew...

"Pare dito ka umupo.... " sabi ni Andrew kay Ice.. at doon pinaupo sa inalisan kong upuan.... At tumingin ng nakakaloko sa kin....

Para tuloy akong may sariling mundo dahil wala man lang akong katabi..

ABA @@@!!!!! Naghahamon talaga to a!!!!.... nanliit ang mga mata ko at tinitigan ko si Andrew.

Hindi na ko pwedeng magsungit.. at kailangan na lang ako magpa cute.... Baka naman for the second time ma-turn off sa kin si Ice... kailangan makabawi ako...

"Hi Ice..." I smiled at him sweetly.... Yung hindi naman over para naman hindi ako masyadong obvious...

"Oh HI Tanya... bakit ang layo mo? May LQ ba kayo ni Andrew.. "

Biglang napa tawa si Zack...

Pasaway yun a... naalala nya siguro na pareho sila ng line ni Ice kanina...

"Well, excuse me but he's not my boyfriend... wrong info lang ang binigay ni bestfreind Andrew sa yo. Pinag-t-tripan lang nya kasi ako... matagal na kasi syang nagkakandarapa sa kakahabol sa kin... but unfortunately,,, he's not my type..."

Smile Tanya...

"Really.." sagot ni Ice...

"True..." Sabi ko...

Himala, hindi sumasabat si Andrew... nananahimik? O bumubwelo?

AAAAA... kaya pala.. tinitignan ng warning look ni Charlie.... GOOD GIRL! I LOVE YOU NA TALAGA CHARLIE!!!!

Tinaasan ko na lang ng kilay si Andrew...

Tinuon ni Charlie ang pansin kay Zack..."Hon,, ang dami nyo palang in-order na food... para tayong mag-p-pyesta a... pinaayos ko na kay manang yung iba... I hope Ice love Japanese too... "

"One of my favorites.." sabi ni Ice... "Ikaw nag-pre-pare?" tanong ni Ice kay Charlie...

Tumawa kaming 4 at nagtaka naman si Ice...

"You don't know what you're talking about.." sabi ni Zack na natatawa at pinalo naman sya ni Charlie...

"Ang yabang nito!.."sabi ni Charlie kay Zack...

Talaga tong mag-asawa na to kahit naghahampasan ang sweet pa rin...

"Kitchen jinx ako.. kaya obviously hindi ako nag-prepare ng mga yan... Si Tanya ang master chef namin..." sabi ni Charlie...

"I'm impressed... presentation pa lang, mukhang masarap na..."

I smiled.. hihihihi.... 1 point.. hihihihi

"Grabe,, sobrang nagsasabi ka ng totoo..." sabi ko....

"Pare,, wag mo ng icomplement yan.. baka hindi makatulog yan..."

Naku!!!! Bumabanat na naman tong si Andrew!!! Kundi lang pa-demure epek ako ngayon kanina ko pa natadyakan yun!

Mabilis namang naka-sense ng word war 2 si Zack kaya inaya na kaming lahat kumain...

Naging pleasant naman ang dinner namin.. buti naman at hindi na bumabanat ng pang-aasar si Andrew,, ako behave na rin.. for the sake of peace and harmony... at syampre,, pa-impress to the max ako...

Kakatuwa talagang tignan si Ice... isa sya sa mga gwapong nakita ko.... Hihihi... actually, napapalibutan kami ni Charlie ng 3 sa pinakagwapong mga nilalang sa buong sangkatauhan.. hihihihi.. sarap lang sana mag-ego trip... gusto ko sanang magpakuha ng picture at i-broadcast sa world!!! Hehehehe... kaso ang suplado naman nung 1... buti na lang si Ice mukhang mabait.... Papable talaga...

Sa kalagitnaan ng dinner... may naalalang kunin si Ice sa kotse at nag-excuse sya...

Nung medyo nakalayo sya....

"O, tapos ka na bang magpa-cute? " eto na naman sya!!!!

"Hindi ko na kailangan.... Dahil matagal na kong cute..." I smiled at him, pero ang mata ko sarcastic....

"Oo nga naman.. mukha ka kasing Cheshire Cat..."

"Ok lang.. cute naman... "

Hindi mo masisira ang gabi ko Andrew..

"Guys... ceasefire muna ok.. o kung gusto nyo.. settle nyo na yang mga pinag-awayan nyo.. dati naman kayong close a..." sabi ni Charlie....

Napatingin kaming pareho kay Charlie at sabay pa kaming nagsalita...

"CLOSE!!!"

"Since when??" iiling iing ako...

"Ang galing nga palagi ng tandem nyo,, hindi pa kayo close ng lagay na yan?" tanong ulit ni Charlie...

"Hay nako girl.. siguro magiging close lang kami kapag end of the world na..."

Bumalik na si Ice, may dala dalang magazine...

Umupo sya at inabot sa kin yung mag...

"Iyan yung sinasabi ko sa yo dati... hinanap ko yan sa bahay after kong makauwi sa binyag ng twins,...."

NO DOUBT! AKO NGA ITO!!!!

OMG!!! ANG GANDA KO NAMAN!!!!!!

BONGGA!!!!!!

"Meron din sa centerfold..." sabi ni Ice

Binuklat ko ng mabilisan ang mag and true... ayun! Naka formal attire naman ako non!!!!

WOW!!!!

"Girl, patingin!" Sabi ni Charlie...

Inabot ko sa kanya yung mag...

"do you remember that girl?" sabi ko sa kanya... "You're the one who took that picture!"

"Wow! Look at you! Pang supermodel pala ang beauty mo!"

Medyo na-enhance yung picture from the original shot, kaya ang dating, pang mag na pang mag...

"Saan mo nakuha to??" tanong ni Charlie kay Ice...

"Sa states,, doon pa lang naiirelease yan pero I believe in a few months it's gonna be worldwide.."

"Really!!!!" sabi ko at nanlalaki mga mata ko... "O Gosh, I'm gonna be exposed!.. hmmmm..... good thing or bad thing?"

"Good!" sabi ni Charlie..

"Bad!" Sabay naman si Andrew...

Tinignan ko ng masama si Andrew... ngumiti lang sya...

"Bakit sweetheart,, selos ka baka maraming maghabol sa king guys???" I said sweetly...

"Patingin nga Charlie..." sabi ni Andrew

"Hmmmm... mukhang pang FHM lang.. hindi mukhang pang-international..."

DAMN! PIGILAN NYO KO!!!!! IHAHAGIS KO SA SWIMMNG POOL TO!!! GRRRRRR!!!

"Don't mind him,, you look beautiful..." sabi ni Ice at nginitian ako....

AYYYYYIIIIIIIII!!! KIIIILLLLIIIIIIGGGG MUCH!!!! Wooooooo!!!!!

Hindi ko ugaling mag blush pero feeling ko namumula ang mukha ko....

You're soooo sweet ICE.. unlike the mokong na katabi mo!!!!

"Oo nga don't mind me.... " Sabi ni Andrew,, aba, nagbago ba ihip ng hangin bigla.."kasi ang sagwa ng taste ni Ice pagdating sa babae... kaya beautiful na ang tingin nya sa yo."

I HAD IT WITH THIS GUY!

Tatayo na sana ako para sapakin yung mokong ng biglang magring ang CP ko...

Save by the ring ka Andrew a.. pasalamat ka sa kung sino man ang tumatawag sa kin ngayon...

Hmmm... si Kuya Stanly... nakauwi na kaya sila??

"Kuya!... napatawag ka... nakauwi na ba kayo ?"

Hindi sya kaagad nakapagsalita...

"Do you have your passport with you... as in with you right now..." tanong ni kuya..

Parang kinabahan ako sa tono ng boses ni kuya a... parang may something... nawala ang mga ngiti

sa labi ko...

"Why?" hinalungkat ko yung bag ko... as always... my passport is always with me...

"I need you to get a flight to HongKong right away..."

May masamang nangyari.. hindi ganon magsalita si Kuya Stanly...

Mas lalo pang lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko... something is really really wrong...

"Where's kuya Slate?"

Hindi agad nagsalita...

"Kuya?"

"He's already here.. kanina pa naming tanghali pinapunta dito sa Hong Kong.."

What!??

"What's going on?" I said almost a whisper...

Ang tagal nyang hindi nagsalit.. parang tinitimbang kung sasabihin nya o hindi...

"Kuya,, please tell me now! I can handle it!" napasigaw ako...

"It's Dad... "

Pause .

"Go on..." I whispered...

"He had a heart attack.. we don't think he can make it.. he's asking for you...."

Napayuko ako at napahawak ako sa noo ko...

Pause...

"Tanya.. are you there?"

Huminga ako ng malalim...

"I'll be there.. tell dad to wait for me... "

Kahit nanginginig ako... kailangan kong makapag-isip ng diretso...

Tumayo ako...

"Girl.. what happened..."Tanong ni Charlie na sobrang concern....

"Sorry guys... I have to go..."

Nagmamadali ako umalis... at hinahanap ko yung susi sa bag ko... I have to go fast... kung ano ano ang pumapasok sa isip ko....

Si daddy! This can't be happening!!! Maybe this is just a nightmare...

NOOOOOO!!!! NOT MY DAD!!!!

Hindi pa ako nakakalabas ng pinto ng may humawak sa braso ko at pinigilan ako sa paglalakad...

"I'll come with you..." and I looked at Andrew with concern in his eyes...

*******************************************[7] Chapter 5*******************************************A.N.

Pasensya na po sa lahat ng nag-aabang... SUPER BZ po ako these past few days,,, kaya ngayon lang ako nakapag-ud.... medyo matatagalan ulit ang next.. peak season kasi ngayon.. alam kong maiintindihan nya dahil suppperrr bait nyo!!! hehehehe,,,,,

Chapter 5Andrew

Hindi ako sanay sa Tanyang nakikita ko ngayon... Just a few hours back, she was such a tease... all smiles... pilya.. witty and full of prank.... But now... she just sat in front of me, walang ka imik imik... staring at nothing.... All locked up with her own bothered thoughts...

We are now on my private plane going to Hong Kong , I knew something was up the minute she answered her cellphone.. bigla biglang nagbago ang mukha nya... at nagmadaling umalis... Right then, I knew na hindi ko sya dapat pabayaan... Yes, para kaming aso't puso.. but for the past few years.. we've been friends, kahit sa tingin nyang hindi ko sya kinokonsider na kaibigan... I've never known anyone who can stand up against me and counteract my schemes... si Tanya pa lang ang nakakagawa sa kin non...

But looking at her now.. she seems sooo lost... How would you expect her to react on such a blow?... but I can't help but admire her strength.. kung iba siguro yon, baka nag-breakdown na... she can still think straight...

Ayaw pa sana nyang magpasama sa kin,, but she gave in thinking that it is more logical to use my private plane... mas madaling makarating sa Hong Kong kesa mag-chance passenger sa kung anong airline, baka bukas pa sya makarating sa kakaintay. We went straight to the airport, she's even wearing her shorts and flipflops, wala ng time para umuwi sya at magpalit.. but what can she do.. this is literally a matter of life and death situation...

I used her phone to talk to her brother Stanly and the situation seems bad... Her dad is hanging on thin line, 1st attack ni Mr. Ramirez at masyadong nadamage ang puso, the respirator is just keeping him alive, even the doctors are all in the negative, it seems that the only thing that's keeping him alive is to see Tanya for the last time... I've already arrange an escort going to the hospital and they are waiting for us at the airport... I just hope that we can get there on time...

"Just a few more minutes Tanya,, we'll be there... "

She just nodded and smiled... "Thanks Andrew..." She said sincerely...

I don't know what to say.. I don't exactly know what comforting words that can ease her mind... Hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin na everything will be alright when reality says that in the next few hours she's going to go thru hell...

I took the seat next to her....

I held her hand tight....

She looked at me....

"Just be strong.... I'll be right beside you....ok?"

She smiled.... "ok"

I can see that she's trying hard to be brave... though I can see unshed tears in her eyes... I know she's going thru a lot and I admire her for her courage.

Tanya

We arrived at last in the hospital and we went straight to the ICU... Nasa labas si ang mga kuya ko trying to comfort my mom whose crying almost hysterically.

"Thank God you're here!" sabi ni Kuya Stanly...

"We made it as fast as we could... " I said..

Niyakap ko ang mommy ko... I also want to cry.. pero hindi pwede.. we need to be strong for her... She love my Dad so much and I know that her world is breaking right now... we need to be strong for her...

"Ma... please rest... "

"I'm ok.. I want to be with your dad... He needs me... "

Andrew was beside me, and I introduced him to my family,, since this was the first time they've seen him... pero parang may sign of recognition na sila.. siguro since Andrew is well known in the business world kaya familiar na rin sya sa kanila...

"We thank you for bringing her here... sorry for the trouble..." sabi ni Kuya Stanly while shaking his hands..

"No trouble at all... she's a good friend.."

Napatingin ako kay Andrew... I never thought that he considers me a friend.. and a good one? I would have laugh it off on different occasions... but right now I'm debt to him for bringing me here... and for that I'm very grateful... so maybe he's a good friend after all...

"Are you ready?" sabi ni Kuya Stanly...

"Just give me a minute... and I want to know what happened before I go in... I just need to ready myself..."

Bumuntong hininga ako... nagsimulang magsalita si Kuya Stanly...

"Kahapon pa hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ni daddy.." he looks so tired and stressed... "Alam mo naman si Dad, hindi pinapahalata kung may nararamdaman sya... kaninang umaga sa meeting... sumakit ang dibdib nya... pero inupo lang nya at pinalipas ang sakit... we were so concerned and I offered him to go to the hospital, pero sabi wala lang daw un.. after a few minutes.. bumuti ang lagay.. when he stood up to address the executives... sumakit ulit ang dibdib nya at tuluyan na nag-collapse... dineretso na namin sya sa hospital at sabi ng mga doctor na he's already having heart attacks for a few hours.. baka nga nasa hotel pa lang ay nakakramdam na nya... malakas lang ang reisistensya kaya nakaya pa nya ang ilang mga oras na yon... pero it caused great damage to his heart, kung nadala lang namin sya nung unang sumakit ang dibdib nya... he could have survive..."

"What do you mean,, he could have survive? Tuldok na ba kagad yun?" My voice cracked.... But I refuse to let the tears fall down... "maybe we can bring him to the states where he can get the best medical attention... kuya... we can't give up like this!"

Umiling si Kuya...

"They've done their best Tanya... his doctors are the best... we even had a second and third opinion and they all said the same thing... we are just waiting for his time... He's hanging on... and whenever he opens his eyes,, he keeps on asking for you... Tanya... you have to brace yourself before you come in.. you have to be strong and you have to let him go... "

"How can you say that... " hindi ko na napigilan ang luha ko.... Parang dinudurog ang puso ko... I can't believe this is happening to me... to us... I never thought that this can actually happen... it's not fair... my Dad is a good and fair man.. why him? Marami naman dyan mga walang kwentang tao... bakit hindi na lang sila... bakit ang daddy ko pa???

"Tanya... he's having a hard time just by hanging in there... I know it's painful especially to you... but if you really love him... you have to let him go..."

Namalayan ko na lang na inakbayan ako ni Andrew.... Hindi ko na pinigilan pa ang luha ko... I just cried my heart out...kailangan kong ubusin ang luha ko bago ako pumasok sa ICU.... I have to be calm... I have to be strong... I have to accept that my Dad will be going very soon.... It's soo painful but I have to do this... I have to shim him that it's alright to leave us.. that I will be fine... that I'm a grown woman and I can take care of myself...

I took a deep breath...

Andrew squeezed my shoulder and with that he told me that everything will be alright... Nakakatawa din ang tadhana... I never even imagined that my nemesis will be my source of strength in this hour of pain...

I dried my eyes... and I looked at Andrew.. he just nod... it was worth a thousand words of encouragement that I felt renewed... I can feel that I can make it... I can feel that I can do it...

"Tanya..." sabi ni Kuya Stanly... " It's time for you to come in... he's awake..."

I Slowly opened the door of the ICU... we're just lucky that the only person inside is my Dad.. walang ibang ICU patient... I wore the hospital gown,,, mask and all that... I slowly approached his bed....

It breaks my heart to see my dad so frail... he was like superman to me... sot tall,, so strong that I can lean on to him anytime... he was my strength but right now.... I have to be strong for him.... I gathered all my courage.... And tried to look happy.... Even if I feel that my world is turning upside down...

"Dad.. Im here.. can you hear me?"

Slowly...

Very slowly...

He opened his eyes....

Get a grip Tanya! I forbid you to cry! I scolded myself...

"Dad, look at you.. you're not even wearing a shirt!.. baka naman magkagusto say o mga nurse dito....om is just outside.. baka magselos yun"

I smiled...

He also tried to smile...

He opened his mouth....

"Dad, don't push yourself.... You have to rest.... Hayaan mo kapag magaling ka na... we'll join a Triathlon... siguro naman matatalo mo na ako.... "

He tried to reach my hand.....

"Tanya... my princess..."

Halatang pinipilit lang nyang magsalita... siguro hirap na hirap na talaga sya...

"Dad.. please.. don't speak..."

"You have to be brave........" sabi nya

"Hard times will come ahead..."

"I want you to keep on smilling...."

"I'm sorry... I don't want to leave all of you... "

"Dad please.. don't talk like that.... "I said.. still trying my best to hold the tears.... I tried to smile.... Even though it's breaking my heart...

Nakita kong na sobrang hirap na hirap na sya... parang lagi nyang hinahabol ang hininga nya.. and with every breath.... Ramdam na ramdam ko ang sobrang sakit na dinadanas nya...

Ayokong Makita ang daddy ko ng ganito.. he was always so handsome, so lively.... But now... he's hanging on to his dear life kahit na anong sakit... he's trying his best... for what?? For me??? Ako pa ba ang dahilan kung bakit pa sya naghihirap ng ganito?

Realization came in... totoo ang sinabi ni Kuya Stanly... we have to let him go....

If I love my Dad....

Kahit sobrang sakit....

I have to let him go....

I don't want to do this....

But I have to....

"Dad.. it's ok... you don't have to worry about me..." sabi ko.... It's really breaking my heart.. I don't want to loose my dad.. I love him soooo much... BUT I HAVE TO DO THIS....

"Dad,, if you can see a light.. you have to go to it.... "

"I promise Dad... I'll be alright... "

"We will be alright..."

"We will move on.... "

"You don't have to worry Dad... "

"We will always love you.... "

I kissed his forehead....

"I love you princess..... "

He squeezed my hand.....

I held it tight....

I closed my eyes....

I felt him breath deeply and painfully.....

NOOOO!!!!!

My heart is breaking into pieces....

Slowly.... Very slowly... his grip came to a loose....

And I heard the dreaded flat line.....

He's gone..... I can't believe he's gone.....

I feel so empty....

That's when the tears started flowing.....

I whispered....

"Goodbye Dad... I love you..."

*******************************************[8] Chapter 6*******************************************AN

Maikli lang po ito.... bawi na lang ako next chap...

Chapter 6

Tanya

The next few days was the most dreadful and longest days of my life, it's as if I was living a nightmare,, how I wish that it was only a nightmare, na gusto ko ng magising, at paggising ko, I can just smile and say... woa,, it was just a bad dream... pero ilang beses ko ng tinapik, tapik ang sarili ko.... I'm awake,, I'm fully awake and all of this is true... my Dad is gone... forever.... Nakakalungkot ang mga pangyayari... but I have to face reality...

Gusto ko ng break down but I can't... Inaalala naming si mommy who is so heart broken, she needs us... mas mahirap ito para sa kanya... we have to be strong for her.... When we look at her,, it's as if part of her has died also... and that breaks my heart too... Kaming magkakapatid na ang nag-asikaso ng lahat... sa pagbabalik sa Pinas ng body ni Daddy,,, sa wake... at sa pagpapalibing...

Charlie was beside me all the time... araw araw nandon sya.. minsan nga pinagtabuyan ko na dahil kailangan sya ng mga anak nya.... Kapag medyo gabi na sinusundo na sya ni Zack at bumabalik din kinabukasan... what a true friend... hindi nya talaga ako iniwan... Surprisingly, Andrew was there all along... ang laki nga ng utang na loob namin sa kanya... sya yung tumulong sa min para hindi kami mahirapang mauwi yung remains ni Dad... he took care of the paperworks... iba rin talaga ang impluwensya nya, walang tanong tanong basta sya ang nakaharap... He has this air of authority, presence pa lang nya tumatango na lahat.. iba pala aura nya pagdating sa mga bagay bagay na ganon.. may command of respect sya.. hindi lang sa Pinas pati na rin sa Hong Kong... kaya hindi kami nahirapan.. thanks to him...

We are now on the grave site... My dad's final destination... They opened the casket for the last time... during the wake, I refuse to see my Dad in the casket... dahil ayokong maalala sya on that state.. I want to remember him alive, full of life... not the body inside... I even refuse to believe that that is my Dad... I don't want to look... because I know that I'll break down.... Napigilan ko ngang maiyak nung wake... at ayokong maiyak ngayon....

"Don't you want to look at Dad for the last time?" Tanong ni Kuya Slate...

Hindi ako nagsalita I just shook my head...

"don't you want to say goodbye, this will be the last time you're going to see him..." tanong ni Kuya Stanly...

I didn't say a word.. I just shook my head...

"Girl..." Sabi ni Charlie... hinawakan ang kamay ko.... Hindi nya rin siguro alam kung anong sasabihin nya.... "Be strong ok... I'll look at Tito for the last time... you want to come with me?"

"Go ahead,, I'll be fine here" sabi ko

Tinignan ko na lnag si Charlie kasama si Zack na pumunta sa casket ng Daddy...

Maraming mga taong nag-last look .. mga business associate,friends, relatives, employees... ang daming tao... pinagmamasdan ko silang lahat... some are grieving.. some are just there, nakiki usyoso... iba't ibang reaction... yung iba genuine yung iba naman feeling ko pakitang tao lang... nakita ko yung close relative and business partner ng Daddy na si Tito Roland with his wife and my cousin Jessica.... For the past few days during the wake,, iniiwasan sila ni Kuya Stanly... minsan tinatamaan din kasi ng kasupladohan yun kuya ko pero for them na pakitaan ni Kuya Stanly ng ganon was really a puzzle to me... pero I don't know why... our families are close naman,, so why the sudden reaction...

Hindi ko namalayan na may tumabi sa kin at niyakap ako....

I don't know,, pero I felt comfort sa pagkakayakap nya.. Tinignan ko kung sino...

Si Andrew....

"This is the last time.. don't you want to look at your Dad and bid farewell?"

"I already did that at the hospital... "

Silence...

"Sige na. baka multuhin ka nyan... "

Huh!!! Topak talaga to!! Nag-eemote lahat ng tao tapos multo nasa isip nito!

Sisikuhin ko sana pero when I looked at him I changed my mind, I expected to see a teasing look but he surprised me by giving me a smile and gave me a very sincere look...

Weird talaga to... may toyo sa utak...

"It's ok to cry Tanya... because when you do... you're just showing that you can move on, it's as if you're laying it all out... but if you conceal it... you will carry it for the rest of your life... what do think your Dad will feel if he can see you in the future and know that the source of your anguish is him?"

"I'm not concealing it..."

He looked at me straight in the eye...

"If you're not,, can you look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you're not lying?"

Umiwas ako ng tinging sa kanya....

I don't want to cry....

Ayoko na... masyadong masakit....

"Andrew... what are you doing???" nangingilid na ang mga luha ko....

Inakbayan nya ako....

Very slowly he led me to casket....

Isasara na nila ang casket when I said... "Wait.... Just ..... a few minutes more.... " my voice cracked.... Para akong nanlalambot....

"I'm here Tanya.... You can lean on to me... I won't let go... just let it all out... " With Andrews comforting words.... I looked at my Dad.. for the very last time...

I felt my heart crashing into pieces....

Sumisikip ang dibdib ko....

All the pain started to pour out...

All the unshed tears are all coming out at once....

"Daddy!!!!" I cried....

I just cried and cried....

Napasubsob ako sa casket ng Daddy....

If only I can hug him one last time...

If only I can hear his voice one last time ....

There are so many what if's on my mind... but truth is... it can no longer happen.... and it pains me so much...

Lumapit sa kin ang mga kapatid ko.. trying to comfort me.... Pati si Charlie and Zack ay lumapit na rin sa kin...

I felt my world tumbling down on me....

I Cried hard... wala akong pakialam kung naghihisterical na ako....

But I felt that relief is coming on me very slowly....

Unit-unting gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko....

And with my Family and my friends surrounding me...

I know now that at this point of anguish... that I have a family and I have friends who will be with me.. to comfort me and to help me stand again...

I don't know how long a cried... pero humupa din ito... and I felt the weight has been lifted off my chest....

Nung nakarecover na ako...

Inabutan ako ni Andrew ng 1 white rose....

Tinignan ko sya... he smiled and I understand...

Bago nila tuluyang takpan ang casket...

Inilagay ko ang white rose sa loob...

"I love you Daddy.. I promise that I'll be strong.... Thank you for everything..."

Then I smiled....

*******************************************[9] Chapter 7*******************************************AN

Ginaganahan akong mag-UD... nakaka Konsensya kasi.. pinapaiyak ko kayo.. kaya upload ako ng lighter moments para matanggal na mga depressions nyo... :)

Chapter 7

Tanya

"It's good to see that you are getting back to normal..." sabi ni Mother Reyna after another grueling photoshoot...

Grabe I'm sooo tired... nagstart kami ng 10 am and now it's pass midnight... pinaayos ko na lang sa staff ko yung mga gamit ko.. pinacopy ko na rin sa 3 computers yung mga shots.. ako lahat ang kumuha dahil ayokong ipagkatiwala sa ibang photographers ang photoshoot ni Mother Reyna.. masyadong maselan, baka mamaya hindi ma-satisfy... And he's one heck of a very important client...

"It's been three months Mother..." I smiled... "Masakit pa rin pero I learned to cope..." Hindi na rin naman talaga matatanggal ang sakit... It's always going to be there, it's just a matter if you're going to accept it and move on... e ayoko naman ng magmukmok ... at nagpromise ako kay Daddy that I'll be strong and move on... that's what I'm doing right now.... I'm already my old self, hmmmm siguro medyo nagmature din, I looked at life more meaningful right now... and I cherish my family and my friends more...

"Mabuti naman at madali kang naka-recover, what will I ever do without you...." sabi ni Mother Reyna na umaarte na naman...

"hmmmm... mother a.... don't patronize me..." sabi ko teasingly...

"I'm just stating the obvious... wala na kong mahagilap na kasing galing mo... "

"hmmmppp... kayo talaga.. kung hindi ko lang kayo love... iisipin ko talagang binibilog nyo lang ang ulo ko para maka-discount kayo... ilibre nyo na nga lang ako ng ice cream!"

"Ayan ka na naman.. ice cream ka na naman.. kung 1 ka sa mga models ko.. hindi kita papayagayng mag-indulge sa sweets... hmmm pero... look at you.. kahit 1 kalabaw pa ata ang kainin mo.. hindi ka tumataba... ano bang klaseng mga parasites ang meron sa katawan mo?"

True.... Kahit anong kain ang gawin ko.... Hindi talaga ako tumataba... slim na slim pa rin ako....

"Good genes, I guess.. hehehehe.... I got that from my mom.... Namana ko yung mga parasites!!! Hahahahaha!!!!"

Tinignan nya ko mula ulo hanggang paa...

"sweetie... do me a favor and turn around "

"Ano na naman yan mother!!!" super close na rin kami,, kaya nakakausap ko sya ng ganon.. pero kung sa ibang tao.. ang taray kaya ng baklang yan...

Pero sinunod ko na rin sya...

"With your gorgeous face, height and body... you can be very popular as a model!!!! Why don't you do sidelines for me,, pwede ka sa commercial at rampa! malaki kikitain natin!!! "

Here we go again!!!

"weh.... Hay nako Mother, tantanan nyo na ko... we've been over this a thousand times.... My place is at the back of the camera, not in front... at saka,,, wala nga akong ka-poise poise tapos gagawin mo kong model,, baka hindi mabenta ang mga damit mo nyan... "

Natawa sya at naupo sa couch...

"We'll you can always consider it... the pay is 5 times bigger than what you earn right now..."

Hmmmmm..... talaga tong si Mother pinag-iisip na naman ako... weh....

"If I really need the money I'll tell you.. but for now..... I wanna go home! I'm beat!!!"

Tumayo ako at nagpaalam kay Mother.... Beso beso and all that...

"I'll need the copies tomorrow..." he said teasingly...

"You know it'll take me 3 days to edit it.. kaw talaga!!! Ok sige.. kunin mo ng raw bukas.. pwede rin..."

Tumawa sya... "Just kidding, just kidding.. I know the routine... bye.. ingat sa kalsada!"

"I will... Love you mother!!! Mwah!!!! Uwi ka na rin baka pumangit ka... hahahahaha!!!"

"That will never happen sweetie... "

ANG TARAY!!!

Haaaay another tiring day,, but I enjoyed it so much.... Kung ang trabaho para sa iba ay nakaka-stress.. ang trabaho naman para sa kin, pantanggal stress.. iba rin kasi talaga kapag hilig mo ang ginagawa mo...

Since the funeral,, halos araw araw akong nag-pho-photo shoot, just to take my mind out of my misery... and it helped me to recover... saka syempre... we have to have a positive outlook...

Medyo concerned lang ako sa mommy ko.. parang hindi pa sya maka-move on... parating nakakulong sa kwarto.. nagmumukmok... pero siguro natural lang yon, her husband died, what would you expect... she's still grieving... all we have do is to support her and be there for her...

Kumulo ang tyan ko... Hala!!! Nakalimutan ko palang mag-dinner.. nung kumakain kasi yung mga staff, ni-run thru ko yung mga shots...

Haaay.... Naguguton ata talaga ako.... Pero lahat ng madaanan kong resto papasara na.... kapag naman sa bahay.. baka puro frozen na ang mga food... tinatamad na kong magluto.. hmmmmm...

Umikot ikot muna ko para makakita ng bukas sa kainan... ayoko naman sa bar.. hello!!!

Ayun!!!! Bukas ang Mcdo!!! Hihihihi... 24 hours nga pala yun.... tamang tama!!!

Nagpark ako at dali-daling bumaba.. para naman akong PG nito sa kakamadaling makakain... e sa nalipasan ako ng gutom no.. at anong petsa na ba ngayon! Ilang oras na kong hindi nakakakain... nagwawala ng mga parasites ko!...

Ang dami kong inorder parang pang 3 tao... e ano.. sa gutom na gutom ako e....

Sa bandang corner ako pumwesto at sinuot ko yung earphones ko. sound trip para deadma sa paligid... kainis kasi minsan kapag mag-isang kumakain... ang daming nagpapapansin.... Kaya deadma na lang ako sa world.... At enjoy much dito sa mga food ko....

Maya-maya ay may kumalabit sa kin... tinapik ko ang kamay nya.. sino ba sya.. wa ako sa mood makipag kaibigan ngayon.... Pagod at gutom ako! Baka makain ko pa kung sino mang nagpapapansin na yon...

Kinalabit ulit ako...

ABA!!! Sinusubukan ang patience ko nito a!!!!

Tinapilk ko ulit....

Hindi pa rin nakuntento at kinalabit ulit ako...

Nag-iinit na ko.. gusto ko ng manapak... wala bang manners kung sino mang tao yun!!! nagsasalubong ang kilay ko ng iangat ko ang tingin ko sa makulit na kung sino man ang nangiistorbo sa kin....

"Ano ba ang prob......" napatigil ako sa pagsasalita ng nakita ko ang nakangiting mukha ni ICE!!!!

NYAAAAAAKKKKKSSSSSSSS!!!!! OMG!!!!!!

Of all the places.. and of all the wrong timing in this world!!!!!

Bigla akong na- conscious..... ano bang itsura ko... nakuuuuu.... Nilipad na ng hangin ang make up ko... at ang get up ko.. hello... maong shorts at medyo gutay gutay pa and tank top lang..... and worst of all.. nag- p-pig-out ako!!! Waaaaa!!!!

Tinanggal ko ang earphones ko sa tenga ko...

"You're alone?" tanong nya...

"Yeah.... " medyo nahihiya pa kuno ang pagkasabi ko.. well,, nahihiya naman talaga ako noh.. I'm not prepared na magpa-cute!

"Can I join you?"

"Sure!"

Aba,, e kahit pala mukha akong gusgusin to the max.. gusto pa rin nyang tumabi sa kin.. hihihihi.... O sige...

Umupo sya sa tapat ko..

Well,, in fairness.... Kahit parang naka-pambahay sya... grabe sobrang gwapo pa rin nya... hihihihihi....

Smile Tanya..l daanin mo na lang sa pag-cha-charming....

"Hindi ko alam, kumakain ka rin pala sa Mcdo... " tanong ko.. karamihan kasi ng mga kakilala kong mayayaman ini-isnub ang mga fast foods... parang si Andrew. Napaka non pagdating sa pagkain.. ang arte, daig pa babae!

Sarap kaya ng fries and sundae nila dito...

"Akala ko may kasama ka.. mauubos mo ba lahat yan?" tanong nya..

Napatingin ako sa mga kinakain ko...

Uu nga para nga namang pang construction worker ang dami ng kinakain ko.. hindi mo nga naman talaga aakalain na sa isang payat na babae ang may ari ng mga pagkaing ito.. hehehehe....

"A... e... kasi.. ano e.... may nagsabi kasi sa kin na masasarap ang food nila dito kaya tinitikman ko lang lahat ng masasarap nila ... parang food tasting... hehehe.... " sana lumusot...

" A ok... " hindi ko alam kung naniwala sya sa kin.. pero parang hindi.. hehehe... well at least hindi na nya ako sinita... gentleman din pala to parang si Zack...

"E ikaw.. anong ginagawa mo dito.. madaling araw na a... saka ang lawak ng bahay mo.. hanggang dito sakop mo..." referring to his clothes na naka-pang bahay lang...

"A..." natawa sya... "kakalipat ko lang sa condo sa tapat... actually kakauwi ko lang galing sa work... nakalimutan ko mag-dinner..."

"A ok.. pareho pala tayo..." oooppss.. mali ata statement ko.. ibig sabihin sobrang gutom ako kaya eto san damakmak ang kinakain ko... nyiiikkksss...

Tinignan ko sya.. mukhang hindi naman nakahalata.. heheheh

"Sorry nga pala,, hindi kita masyadong naasikaso nung funeral ng Daddy... dami kasing tao.. pero thanks for coming..." I smiled...

he smiled too..

"It's good to see that you're ok now... "

Gravy naman!!!! Wag mo nga akong ngingitian ng ganyan!!!!!

Smile na nga rin... kainis!! Ang gwapo mo talaga!

Kahit gustong gusto ko ng lantakin yung mga pagkaing nasa harap ko.. napipigilan ako.. sympre pa-demure epek!!!

Ang pagkakataon nga naman!... eto na ang continuation ng naudlot kong pagpapa-cute... at ang pinakamaganda don... walang Andrew na KJ!!! Hahahahaha!!!!

Daddy... tinutulungan mo ba ako??? Hihihihihihi... Thank you Dad! Mwah!!!!

"Anyway, why are you still here in Makati? Do you live around the vicinity too?"

"pauwi pa lang ako... I just finished a photoshoot... malapit lang dito yung studio ko... more than 12 hours na nga e... kaya eto haggard na haggard at mukha na kong basahan..."

"Haggard na pala ang lagay na yan... you still look beautiful... "

OVER NA TO!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ang bolero!!!

"O sige, nagsasabi ka talaga ng totoo..." I said sarcastically... e kasi naman ano... alam ko namang mukha akong bilasa!

"No kidding!! Really, I meant every word... " tatawa tawa sya...

O sige na nga naniniwala na nga ako... a sus!!!!

"Actually,, I really wanted to ask you something... " He said... "I never had the chance before..."

"Kung kaya kong sagutin.. then Shoot!"

Kain ako ng kain ng fries.. at least medyo naaliw syang magsalita.. sabayan ko ng lamon,, hindi naman masyadong nakakahalata... hehehehe

"Ummm... Tanya... "

"Yes???"

May tinuro sya sa mukha ko...

"Hmmm?" tanong ko...

Tinuro nya ulit yung pisngi ko....

Anong problema nito...

"You got ketsup on your cheek..."

TRUE???? Nanlaki mata ko! Grabe nakakahiya!!!! Para kong bata!!!! Waaaaa!!!!!....

Pero kumuha sya ng tissue at sya na ang nagtanggal ng ketsup sa mukha ko...

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! OOOOOOVVVVVEEEERRRRRR!!!!! SSSSSOOOOOOOOBBBBBBRRRRAAAAA!!!!

KIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGGG MMMMMMMMMMUUUUUCCCCCCHHHHH!!!!

AAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!

Teka sandali.. OA na ko.... Baka abot hanggang tenga ang ngiti ko.. hihihihi.....

"What is it that you want to ask me???" divert divert divert...

"I'm just confused with your relationship with Andrew... hindi ko kasi alam if you two are a couple... o baka naman lagi lang kayong nag-aaway kaya sinasabi ninyong hindi kayo.... Kasi from the looks of it.. you two are so close.... "

Muntik ko ng mabuga ang iniinom kong softdrinks...

"Close??? Where did you get that idea... "

"just an observation,,, pinagmamasdan ko lang kayo sa funeral ng dad mo... "

UYYYYY!!! Pinagmamasdan nya ko... hihihihihi!!!!! Mukhang may pag-asa a... hihihihihi...

"One thing is for sure... we are definitely not a couple.... But for now, I consider him a friend... dati kasi talagang kaaway ko yun.. ang salba salbahe kasi non! pano kayo naging magkaibigan? Matino naman kayo ni Zack.."

Natawa sya...

"Ganon lang talaga yon, minsan talagang pakitang tao lang ang pagka presko nya.. pero ang totoo, mabait talaga and responsible talaga sya.."

Tumaas ang kilay ko... medyo nag-isip.. uu nga.. ang laki ng naitulong nya sa family namin... may puso nga naman sya... kung minsan lang hindi halata...

"O sige na nga agree na nga ako.. mabait na nga..."

" So you're not attach with?"

"Of course not..." I said matter of factly...

"That's good.." he smiled...

Hmmmm.... Tinignan ko sya ng masama.... Oh well...

Kwentuhan lang kami ng kwentuhan hindi naming namalayan ang oras.. masarap pala syang kasama... at unti-unti gumagaan ang loob ko sa kanya... medyo nailalabas ko na ang tunay na Tanya na wa poise... pero I think he doesn't mind...

Dire-diretso pa sana kami sa pag-ku-kwentuhan ng mag ring ang CP ko....

Hala si kuya Slate...

"Hell....."

Hindi pa ko natapos at nagtatalak ang kuya ko!

"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!!!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IS IT!!!!"

Tinignan ko ang relo ko... OMG!!!!!! It's already 4:00 am!!!

"OH NO!!!.... "

"SISIKAT NA ANG ARAW WALA KA PA RIN SA BAHAY!!! HINDI MO BA ALAM NA NAG-AALALA KAMI SA YO!!!! HINDI MO MAN LANG NAISIP NA TUMAWAG!!!.."

"Calm down kuya,, calm down... I'm on my way home...."

"DAPAT LANG!!! I'M EXPECTING YOU TO BE HERE WITHIN 5 MINUTES!!!!"

"Ano ka ba kuya.. ano ko lilipad... nasa Makati pa kaya ako..."

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT!!!! YOU KNOW VERY WILL THAT YOU CAN DRIVE LIKE A DEMON!!!!"

"Ok,, ok... I'm going.... Calm down... "

"Hindi sige 10 minutes na lang... " medyo nahismasmasan si kuya... " just be careful ok..."

"Ok... "

"Naku sorry Ice... hindi ko namalayan ang oras.. grabe.. nagagalit si kuya... sige.. mauna na ko sa yo..."

"I should be the one who should apologize... pasensya ka na, I held you up..."

Nagmamadali akong maglakad papuntang parking lot at kasunod ko si Ice...

Nung makarating kami si kotse...

"Ummm Tanya,, if it's ok with you.. can I get your number?"

AYYYYYIIIIIIII!!! SURE NA SURE NA SURE NA SURE NA SURE!!!! Hihihihihihi!!!!! Kinikilig ako!!! Waaaaaaa!!!!

"Sure..." binigay ko sa kanya ang number ko...

"Bye Ice,, nice chatting with you.. "

"The pleasure is all mine.... I'll call you..."

Pumasok na ko sa kotse...

"Be careful.." at sinara nya yung pinto...

Pinaandar ko na yung kotse, binaba ko yung bintana at kumaway bago ko pinaharurot yung kotse....

What a night... ay umaga na nga pala..... naku kawawa naman si Ice konti na lang ang itutulog nya.. alam kong toxic sya sa trabaho...

Maya-maya ay naka receive ako ng text message...

'this is Ice.. Thank you for a very pleasant time... hope we can do it again another time... save my number.."

AAAAAYYYYY GRAVYYY!!! KINIKILIG TALAGA AKO!!!!

I can't wait till we meet again...

*******************************************[10] Chapter 8*******************************************Chapter 8

AN... maikli lang ito... try ko ulit UD kapag ginanahan pa.. hehehehehe.. medyo bitin kaya walang magagalit.... :)

Andrew

"We'll go over the transition next year... for now... just go on with your plans... " tumayo ako at nakipag kamay kay Stanly...

"I never thought it's gonna pull off like this... thank you.. for all the considerations.." sabi ni Stanly

"Don't thank me yet... we're just starting... It's gonna be rough on your part... "

"I can manage..."

"I hope your family can manage as well.."

"They will... they're tough... ang besides, it's actually my mom's decision"

Napangiti na lang ako...

We shook hands... and he left...

Umupo ako sa swivel chair at huminga ng malalim... it's been such a busy month... hindi na ko nakaka gimik for the past weeks.. take note.. with s...

At least natapos na ang deal, medyo makakapag pahinga na ako at ang utak ko... the next few months is gonna be interesting...

I looked at my wrist watch.. it's already 6:00pm.. Time to go... maka-pag-unwind... I deserve it...

Tumayo ako.. maka-daan nga sa office nila Zack.. baka libre at maayang gumimik yung mag-pinsan...

***

"Sorry Pare may date kami ni Charlie.." sabi ni Zack

"Palagi naman kayong magkasama, pwede mo namang i-urong... minsan lang akong mag-aya... o kung gusto mo.. ako na lang ang isama mo... para may chaperone kayo" I teased... pero alam ko namang hindi sya papayag, napaka-dedicated husband non... masyadong nabaliw sa asawa nya ... well,, sino ba naman ang hindi mababaliw na lalaki kay Charlie... I'm a victim myself...

Natawa si Zack....

"Loko-loko!!! Ayan na lang si Ice ayain mo.. mukhang wala namang date yan" sabi ni Zack

"pass.. I want to hit the sack... wala pang 1 oras ang tulog ko... " sabi ni Ice na mukhang lutang nga...

"At ano naman ang pinagpuyatan mo? May inuwi ka sigurong babae no...?" tanong ko na may halong panloloko...

"Wag mo nga akong itulad sa yo!! But actually, I accidentally bumped into someone last night... hindi namin namalayan ang oras, at kung hindi pa tumawag yung kuya nya, baka talagang sinikatan na kami ng araw..." napangiti sya, remembering the moments...

"Wow!!!! Nagbibinata na!!" I said with a knowing look...

"Wag kang green!" sabi ni Ice "Ikaw, porket babae ang pinag-uusapan, iba na takbo ng utak mo... kumain lang kaya kami sa Mcdo ni Tanya..."

Pagkabanggit ng pangalan ni Tanya.. nawala ang ngiti ko...

Si Zack nagulat din.

Si Tanya kasama nya kagabi?

Bakit biglang parang may kumurot sa dibdib ko at napakunot ang noo ko...

"Pare, do we have a problem with Tanya?" Tanong ni Ice. " if you feel something for her, then I'll back off.."

Absurd..

"Si Tanya liligawan ko!!! that will never happen... we're like oil and water... hindi kami mix... "

"Sure ka dyan pare a... I'm just laying down my intensions, para hindi tayo magkaproblema in the future.."

"Iyong-iyo na... pero warning a.. she's crazy! Iba takbo ng utak non... baka hindi mo kayanin ang topak, saka, nangangagat yun!"

Natawa sya...

"I'm willing to take the risk..."

"Seryoso ka talaga pare?"

"She had my attention since the very first time I saw her.. parang may kakaiba sa kanya... and she's drop dead gorgeous... aside from that,, she's not the usual kind of girl."

Napaka ganda nga ni Tanya... Interesting??? Sobra... lahat ata ng kakaiba nasa kanya.... TEKA ano ba tong iniisip ko... we're talking about Tanya here, ang babaeng laging may sapi! napa-iling ako...

"Uy, mukhang seryoso ka Ice... magpaalam ka muna kay Charlie kung liligawan mong bestfriend nya!" biro ni Zack...

Natawa lang si Ice...

Pero bakit parang nainis ako sa intension ni Ice.. although napaka bait ni Ice at kung titingnan, they will be perfect for each other.. parang hindi ko rin mapigilang maging protective kay Tanya.. dahil ba sa mga pinagsamahan namin, o baka parang kapatid na rin ang turing ko sa kanya dahil sa mga business deals namin ni Stanly? Hindi ko maintindihan.. bahala na nga sya!!!

Tumayo na ako...

"If you two are not available tonight,, I might as well find myself a date... "

"Umuwi ka na lang at magpahinga!" sabi ni Zack...

"Ayoko.. sawa na kong magpahinga! Sabi sa yo, sama na lang ako sa date nyo para masaya! Hahahahaha!"

"Sira! Umalis ka na nga! Baka kung ano pang maisip mong gawin!"

"Sige.. see you around!!" Sabi ko at lumabas na ako ng office...

Para talagang naiinis ako... Hindi ko mainitindihan... maibuhos na nga lang sa babae... tutal ang tagal kong hindi nag-d-date...

I dialed a number at ng sumagot...

"Nicole,, are you available tonight?"

"Andrew? Wow! It's been a long time.... For you... I'm always available... "

Another willing companion...

"I'll pick you up in 15 mins..."

For me, napaka daling kumuha ng date.. pero bakit parang ang hirap humanap ng babaeng gusto kong makasama pang habang buhay....

Tanya

"Haaaaayyyy!!!!" kakagising ko lang.. medyo tinanghali ako ng gising... tinapos ko kasi yung editing ng Pix ni Mother Reyna. Hindi ko alam kung anong oras na ko nakatulog kaninang medaling araw...

Tumayo ako sa higaan... it's almost noon.. nagugutom na ko... kinuha ko yung IPAD ko at tinignan ko ang schedule ko for today...

Hmmmm... family meeting at 3:00...

Ano kayang pag-uusapan namin... ang tagal akong kinulit ni Kuya Stanly na i-vacant ang Saturday afternoon.. importante daw... kinakabahan naman ako don.. hindi naman nagpapa-family meeting yon.. first time ito, EVER!... siguro pag-uusapan na naming yung mga bagay bagay na iniwan ni Daddy... matagal tagal din naming hindi pinansin yon... well, siguro nga ito na ang tamang panahon para pag-usapan naming yun at pagtuonan ng pansin... kahit gusto ko pang umiwas... darating din ang panahon na dapat harapin naming ang mga bagay na yon.. alangan namang si Kuya Stanly lang ang mag-asikaso para samin.. unfair naman sa part nya...I know he's doing everything for the family, kaya nga napabayaan na ang love life nya.. kawawa naman si kuya... kailangan tulong tulong kami...

Might as well get it over with!!!

***

Hindi na kami lumabas... dito na lang kami sa library ng bahay nag-usap usap... para namang hindi kami nagkikita araw araw.. hehehehe... pero medyo formal ata ang setup ngayon a.. parang nasa board room lang... ano ba tong si kuya Stanly!... Ka-lerky naman! Kung sabagay darating daw yung Lawyer namin. Sya na nga lang ang iniintay namin.

"Bumulong ako kay Kuya Slate.. "Ang OA naman ni Kuya Stanly! Para naman tayong others sa ka-formalan! hmmmmp..."

Napangiti sya... at binatukan ako...

"Hoy!, hindi porket matanda ka sa kin may lisensya kang batukan ako a!!!"

Tinignan kami ng masama ni Kuya Stanly...

Ooooopppsss tiklop kami ni Kuya Slate.. umiiral ang pag-ka Kuya... hehehehehe... Kuya ba o Boss? Ang taray kasi non kapag nasa company... Mas lalo na kapag maraming girls... hmmmpp feeling gwapo looking gago.... Wahahahahahah!!! Pero kung sabagay.. super gwapo naman kasi talaga ni kuya Stanly but he refuse to be known as that... super dami ng qualities na meron sya and responsible kuya is at the top of the list.. kaya nga love na love ko yan e,, hindi dahil spoiled ako sa kanya kundi sobra yan kung mag-alaga.. napaka swerte ng mapapangasawa nya.. suppperrr ideal man sya.. ang problema,, masyadong natutuon ang panahon nya sa pamilya at negosyo namin.. naku... baka tumandang binata, sayang naman ang lahi namin kapag hindi sya nakapagasawa.. 31 na sya wala pa ring girlfriend... kung sabagay, kung girlfriend lang ang hahanapin nya... maraming nag-aabang....

Dumating na ang lawyer namin.. naupo sya sa head ng table at binuksan ang attaché case nya at nilabas ang mga papeles...

"Last will and testament ba to?" bulong k okay kuya slate...

"Beats me,, I have no idea... "

Nagsimula na ng monotone narration ni Atty, ang dami nyang binasa, naloka ako! Hindi ko naman masyadong naiintindihan masyado legal... INantok ako ng bonggang bongga.. kundi lang lagi akong sinisiko ni Kuya Slate baka mahimbing na ako ngayon...

"To sum it up..." Sabi ni Atty. "Mr Ramirez left everything to all of you equally.."

E iyon naman pala e,, ang dami dami pang binasa.. sana iyon na lang ang sinabi nya at hindi yung kung ano ano pa...

Tapos na siguo.. makatayo na nga...

"Tanya, we're not yet thru, please sit down... mas importante itong sasabihin ko sa inyo.." sbai ni Kuya Stanly...

Umupo ulit ako... feeling bored again...

"Iniwan nga sa ting lahat ng Dad pero may hindi sya sinabi sa inyo... "

Medyo naging tense ang paligid...

"Medyo naging kampante si Daddy sa negosyo for the past years.. since he thought that business is going smooth and strong,,, pinaubaya nya sa mga business partners nya ang mga companya... nagkamali kami and we learned it the hard way, hindi pala dapat pinagkakatiwala ang mga importanteng bagay sa ibang tao, kahit kamag-anak pa ito... nagulat na lang kami ni Daddy na baon na pala sa utang ang mga konpanya.. worst.. lahat ng mga properties natin dito sa Pilipinas naka sanla, even this house... "

Ano to??? Panibagong pagsubok na naman ba to?

"good thing though... yung properties natin sa States and Hong Kong ay hindi nagalaw.. pati yung ilang company natin doon... it's not as big as the companies that we have here, pero it's going to be a start... palalaguin natin ang mga negosyong yon... I hope to have your full cooperation Slate... It's time for you to go full time in the business... I got a big support from an investor who's willing to gamble with us, so I have a very positive outlook... but.... "

Nag pause sya....

KABITIN NAMAN!!! Maka pigil hininga!!!

Ok na sana e.. bakit may but pa??? ano ba tong si Kuya Stanly ang hilig nyang mambitin...

"I don't know how to say it guys...."

"Kuya.. we've been thru a lot worse that what we are facing right now.... " sabi ko... trying to encourage him.. I know this is also hard for him.. since inako na rin nya ang lahat ng responsibilidad ng pamilya.

Pause...

"Ok Tanya.... You're right... "

"Mom and I decided that this is for the best.... "

Pause....

"We are going to let go of all of our properties here in the Philippines... Ipapa-for-close na natin ang mga company at resthouse,, including this house... "

WHAT!!!!! Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.. hindi ako makapaniwala!!!! Bakit kailangan i-let go!!! DITO KAMI LUMAKI!!! Lahat ng ala-ala ko nandito sa bahay na to...

I froze.. not knowing what to think...

Tumingin sya kay Mommy...

"I hope you guys understand... we have to support mom... hindi sya maka-move on hanggat nakikita at naalala nya ang lahat ng bagay tungkol kay Daddy... "

Naawa naman ako kay mommy.... But for us to let go of our house... that is too much...

"The thing is guys... We decided to move in the Sates next month..."

"WHAT!!!!" napasigaw ako...

*******************************************[11] Chapter 9*******************************************AN...

Diretso sa keyboard walang second glance kaya intindihin nyo na lang kung may mga errors... :)

Chapter 9

Tanya

"Hello my pretty little Zia!!!! Kamukha ng Ninang Tanya!!!!"

Kinuha ko si Zia kay Charlie nung pinagbuksan nya ko ng pinto sa bahay nila... wow grabe..ang bigat na nya!!!...

"You big little baby girl! Ano bang pinakakain ng mommy mo sa yo!"

Natawa ni Charlie...

"Pinakain ko ng kabayo kaya bumigat ng ganyan..."

"Zia baby,, never kang kakain ng luto ni Mommy a... baka ma-food poison ka!"

"Ikaw talaga!!!!" tatawa tawa si Charlie.. "Pumasok ka na nga! Bata pa lang bine-brain wash mo na yang anak ko..."

Pumasok kami sa bahay...

"Where's baby Charles? " tanong ko...

"Nasa play room,,, kasama ng yaya... "

"Tara Charlie.. don na rin tayo magkwentuhan sa play room... Ninang Tanya wants to play with the babies!!!"

Ngumiti si Charlie.. She knows that I love her kids sooo much...

Hindi lumalampas ang 1 linggo ng hindi ko sila dinadalaw... at hindi rin kumpleto ang linggo ko kung hindi ko sila nakikita... they're part of my life.. pamilya talaga ang turing ko sa kanila.. kung maniniwala ako sa past life.. baka kapatid ko siguro si Charlie noon o baka twins pa nga kami... and her kids are like my own.... Kaya nga naiisip ko pa lang.. kung dumating ang time na aalis na kami... sobrang malulungkot ako...

"Why the sudden change of mood?? Are you alright Tanya? Is there something bothering you?" Tanong ni Charlie na concern na concern...

Ngumiti ako.... Hindi ko namalayan na nag-change pala ang mood ko... now is not the time to tell her... what I want now is a stress reliever and the answer to that is Charles and Zia.. nakakatanggal talaga sila ng stress... SOBRANG CUTE!!!

"Nothing's bothering me,, you're imagination is getting the better of you again... " I smiled..

"Hindi,, something's bothering you.... I know... " insisted Charlie...

"Hmmmm.. mamaya na tayo mag-usap... I just want to play with my kids!!!! " sabi ko

"Kids mo???"

"Wag kang madamot! I-share ang mga cuties! Hahahahaha! Diba Charles... diba Zia... you love Ninang Tanya diba!!!"

Tumingin lang sa kin ang mga kids at parang nakakaintindi.. tumawa tawa din sila.. they also love me.. hehehehehe....

"Ang gwapo, gwapo naman nitong si Charles... paglaki mo tapos may baby girl na rin ako.. ligawan mo a!"

"Ikaw a!!! wala ka pa ngang boyfriend e ina-arrange mo na yang si Charles! "

"Malay mo naman... baka malapit na kong magka boyfriend!!!"

"Ang lakas ng fighting spirit mo! E sino naman ang kawawang biktima mo!"

"Kawawa ka dyan... ang sabihin mo ang swerte nya!!!!"

Kinuwento ko yung encounter ko kay Ice sa Mcdo at kinuwento ko na rin sa kanya sa ever since that encounter,, regular caller and text mate ko na rin sya at ang sweet sweet nya!!! hihihihi.... At ano pa bang nararamdaman ng lola nyo kung hindi SUUUUPPPPEERRR KIIIILLLIIIG!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

"para ka namang binubulate nyan!!! Hindi ka mapakali!!!"

"E ano naman!!! Hindi ko mapigilan e!!! hahahahahaha!!!!! Ang gwapo ng pinsan mo ang gentleman pa !!! weeeeee!!! Kaso pano kapag kami magkatuluyan.. e di hindi natin pwedeng ipagkasundo mga anak natin! Ayyyy!!!!"

"Utak mo!!!! Masyadong advance... at anong pagkasundo pinagsasasabi mo dyan! Ayoko ng ganon..."

"E bakit... naging maganda naman ang result ng marriage nyo ni Zack.. despite of the arrange marriage diba.."

"Ibang usapan yon... I fell in love with my husband..." at nangiti si Charlie.. sobrang hibang sa asawa yan.. nakakatuwa talaga sila... super kilig nga rin ako sa kanilang dalawa... at mas lalo pa silang na-i-inlove sa isat-isa...

Haaaayyyy nako.... INGGIT AKOOOO!!! Hehehehehe

"Wag mo ngang problemahin ang love life ng mga baby ko! problemahin mo yan love life mo!" SABI NI Charlie... "E pano naman si Andrew?"

"At bakit naman napasok sa usapan yung Baboon na yun?"

Natawa si Charlie

"Napaka gwapong baboon naman non! E diba dati nakakandarapa ka pa sa pagpapa-cute sa kanya?"

"Dati yun.. hindi na ngayon..."

"owwwssss... " pang-aasar ni Charlie...

Natawa ako... uu nga ano.. dati nga nung unang kita ko sa kanya sobra, as in sobrang crush ko sya... hmmmm crush ko pa rin naman sya hanggang ngayon, supppeerr gwapo naman kasi with killer body pa!! kung ganon lang kababaw ang hinahanap ko sa lalake baka matagal ko ng pinikot yun! hahahaha!!!.. pero hindi lang naman mukha at katawan ang hanap mo sa isang tao... basta, hindi ko maintindihan... feeling ko kasi hindi kami mag-j-jive.. true, he's fun to be with, gwapo, matalino, mayaman, masarap pang kasama sa kalokohan... pero hanggang ganon na lang ba yon?

Kaso sobrang babaero.. hindi sya pang-boyfriend material... ayoko ng may kaagaw.. heartache lang ang mangyayari... lagi ngang laman ng lifestyle mag yun... spotted sa iba't ibang occasion.... At take note.. iba iba ang ka-date.. as in hindi umuulit ng ka-date.. parang damit

lang kung magpalit ng babae.. haaaayyyy! No way!!!! Kay Ice na lang ako... mukhang straight... true.. mas gwapo si Andrew.. pero mas ideal naman si Ice... Saka isa pa... Hindi naman ako gusto ni Andrew! At bakit ko ba ipagpipilitan ang sarili ko sa kanya@! Ibaba ang kilay...

I enjoyed the afternoon.. talagang nawala ang mga iniisip ko... tinulungan ko pang magpatulog si Charlie ng mga babies.... Inaasar nga ako ni Charlie... practice daw.. hahahaha!!! Well at least kapag nagka-family ako may idea na ko... heheheheh...

We were having our refreshments at the poolside...

"Spill it Tanya...." Sabi ni Charlie.. medyo naging serious...

"Ikaw talaga.. wala na ba talaga akong maitatago sa yo?"

"Magkadikit na nga mga bituka natin.. ano pa bang hindi ko alam sa yo."

Well, it's better that she knows....

Huminga ako ng malalim...

"My family decided to move to the States by the end of the month..."

Nabigla sya.. napanganga.. pero walang nasabi...

Natawa naman ako sa itsura nya..

"ANG OA MO!!!!"

"Seriously Tanya!!!"

"Well... iyon ang naging desisyon ng pamilya... "

I said hopelessly...

Ikinuwento ko sa kanya lahat ng mga pangyayari.... Sa pagkalugi ng mga company, sa mga properties naming na nakasanla.. etc etc...

Pagkatapos kong magkwento she went to my side and hugged me...

'I'm so sorry Tanya..."

"Ano ka ba, kasalanan mo ba? bakit ka nag-so-sorry.. ang OA mo talaga! " I said making things lighter...

"But how about your career? The studio and all that???"

"Andyan ka naman..." I teased knowing na hindi naman din sya makakapag-full time...

" Is there anyway that I can help?"

"you've done enough, believe me... well let's just say ... I can start over.... "

Pero iniisip ko pa lang nalulungkot na ko.... Leaving all of these behind... waaaaa!!! Nakakainis!!!!!!

But how can I start over????

This is where I belong...

I looked at Charlie....

How can I leave my sister...

I'm at the top of my game when it comes to my career... how can I leave that...

Maybe there's another way...

Baka pwede pang gumawa ng paraan...

"Can I ask you something??" Tanong ko kay Charlie... "What if someday, Both of you and Zack decided to move out of the country, let's say that the kids have grown up by that time... would you continue to do move out even if you know that your kids will be leaving good things behind?"

Nag-isip si Charlie...

"I always wanted to have our family in tack.. gusto ko palagi kaming magkakasama... if they are still minors,, they don't have a choice but to come with us... kapag bata naman, madaling mag-adjust... pero if they are no longer minors.. then I'm going to give them a choice... whether they want to stay or not..."

Nag-isip ako... I'm definitely not a minor... and I have a career.. actually hindi na rin naman ako umaasa sa kanila.. pero.... Do I have the heart to be separated from my family??? Especially si mommy,,, she needs my support...

ANO BA!!! Ang hirap namang mag-wiegh!!!

Hmmmmm... pero... hindi ko pa naman sinubukang kausapin si Kuya Stanly and si Mommy... nag-agree na lang kami bigla ni Kuya Slate... knowing it's the best for us.. tutal mawawala na rin naman ang bahay namin...

Pero...... What if.. what if.. what if....

Hmmmmm....

It's worth a try....

Tumayo ako...

"Sige Charlie... I think I have to do something.... Wish me luck!!!"

"Girl! Ano ka ba! Pabigla-bigla ka na lang talaga!!! Nagpaluto ako ng dinner... won't you stay for a while???"

"Sorry sis,, I'll skip na lang muna.... BYE!!! thanks sa insight!! mwah!"

***

Pagdating ko sa bahay hinanap ko ang mommy.. wala sya sa kwarto... she usually sulk in her room.. pero it's a good thing na lumalabas na sya ngayon...

Yun lang, hindi ko alam kung saan sya hahagilapin....

On my way home... nag-organize na ko ng thoughts...

I don't know kung papano ko sasabihin ito sa mommy ko.. pero just what Charlie said... kung minor pa lang ako.. I don't have a choice... but I'm beyond my minor years... pero medyo nagtatalo din ang isip ko.. I don't want to break my mother's heart again... pero.. it's still worth a try...

I looked around the house.... And I found her in the garden...

She still look beautiful ... Siguro sobrang ganda ni Mommy nung bata sya.. balita ko nga, kung ano anong ginawa ni Daddy para lang mapasagot si Mommy... well... wala akong masasabi,, ganda ng lahi namin e.. hehehehe....

She looks sad...

O goshh... tuloy ko pa bang sabihin????

Hmmmmm...

Pero kung hindi ko naman sasabihin baka naman magsisi ako... and just wonder what could have been....

O SIGE NA NGA!!!

Lumapit ako sa kanya...

"Hi mom!" I said cheerfully and I kissed her...

Nagulat sya.. hindi pala nya ko narinig na lumapit.... Masyado atang malalim ang iniisip nya...

She smiled...

"Tanya... you're home early.. kala ko gagabihin ka kila Charlie.."

"Sana nga.. pero....."

She looked at me curiously... maybe she sensed something...

"Let's sit..."

She guided me to the garden set na medyo malapit sa pool...

"So, what do you have in mind?"

"Ummmm.... ma"

Silence... teka pano ko ba sisimulan ito....

She smiled at me encouragingly...

"Before I say anything... please do have an open mind.... " I said pleading...

"OK..."

Silence.. ano ba naman ako... eto na nga e.. hindi ko pa masabi... waaaa!!! Asan na ang tapang mo Tanya!!!!

Na sense ata ni Mommy na hindi ko masabi... kaya inunahan nya ako...

"OK.. before you say anything.. I just want to apologize..."

What? I did not expect that...

"I'm sorry dahil hindi ko na kayang ipaglaban yung properties natin... I'm also sorry because I have become a burden to you and your brothers.... "

Nangingilid ang luha nya,, but she's trying not to cry...

"Oh.. ma.... You're not a burden.... you're not a burden at all.... And we do understand you... I know it's hard... "

Tumulo na ang luha nya...

"I'm sorry anak,, it's just so hard to let go of your dad.... I'm sorry about this house.. I know you treasured this so much... but I really can't move on... kapag nakikita ko ang mga bagay na nagpapa-alala sa kin sa daddy mo.... "

Tuluyan na syang naiyak....

O Gosh!!!.... naku naman.. pina-iayak ko pa si mommy...

I embraced her.....

"Ma. Please don't cry... please.... I do understand and I'm not blaming you..... Everything just got out of hand... that's all..."

"I'm just thankful that I have such understanding children like you... "

"Ma.... "

She tried her best to stop crying.. pero alam ko na nagdurugo pa rin ang puso nya.... It takes time, I know.. at alam ko rin naman na mas makakabuti sa kanya na umalis ng bansa...

When she recovered....

"So what is it again that you want to tell me..." she said more composed...

"ummmm.. ma... I know what you've been thru,, but please try to be open minded.."

She nodded...

"ummm... I really want to be with you in the States.. but please consider me staying here in the Philippines???"

She said nothing... walang ka-expre-expression ang mukha nya... hindi ko tuloy alam kung galit sya... nagtatampo.. naiinis... what!!!!! Hindi man lang nagwala... well,, hindi ugali ni Mommy ang magwala... why did that cross my mind???

"Ma??"

She took a deep breath...

"I was actually expecting that... "

What????

"Ayokong magkahiwa-hiwalay tayo... we were such a happy family.. " Sabi ni Mommy.. and I Agree...

My face fell.... Alam kong hindi papaya si Mommy,, after mawala ni daddy,, alam kong ayaw nyang magkawatak watak kami....

"But.... Like what I have said,, I expected this moment and I had time to think it thru... Kilala kita anak... I know you belong here... It'll be so selfish of me to take you to the States when you have your life here, parang kinuha ko na rin ang buhay mo kapag ganon.... "

She tried to smile... though I can see the sadness in her eyes...

I can't believe what I'm hearing....

She took a deep breath...

"I will miss you... I will miss having you in the house.. it will be quiet without you.. but I expect you to visit us every now and then... "

Hindi ko namalayan na tumulo na ang luha ko...

How can she be sooo understanding....

"O.. stop crying na.... "

"I'm just so happy.. hindi ko akalain na papayagan nyo ko... Thank you ma..."

She smiled lovingly at me...

"But, you have to find another house... because you can't stay here... naremata na ang bahay... binigyan na lang nila tayo ng palugit hanggang katapusan ng buwan... "

"Or " she continued " you can ask your Kuya Stanly if you can stay in his Makati condo... 4 bedrooms naman yon.. kasyang kasya kayo kapag napasyal ng Pilipinas ang mga kuya mo..."

I Hugged my mom...

"Mom! You're the best!!! Sana pumayag si Kuya Stanly.."

"At bakit hindi sya papaya... paborito ka nyang kapatid... well,, the place is not as big as what you usually have..... but at least you'll have a place to stay... "

"Thank you ma.... Thank you so much!"

Wow... I never thought it will be this easy.. but I swear.... I will do anything as in ANYTHING... para lang maibalik ko sa possession ng pamilya namin itong bahay na to.... Kahit hindi na ang mga companya.. basta kailangan lang maibalik sa min itong bahay na ito...Simply because this was my Dad's dreamhouse... and don't have the heart to see somebody else living here...

*******************************************[12] Chapter 10*******************************************AN

Again...

No proof read... No edits... No second look.. kaya hindi ko alam kung maraming errors.. pero pagtyagaan nyo lang din...

For those of you na naghahanap ng Softcopies... pasensyahan nyo na po ako... wala po akong time para gumawa.... I dont know in the future... but for now...

NO SOFT COPIES...

TNX! :)

Light lang po itong chap na to.. pang build up lang for future chaps...

BTW>>>> The Song>>>> Reflects Tanya's personality...

I'm bulletproof, nothing to losefire away, fire awayricochet, you take your aimfire away, fire awayyou shoot me down, but I won't fallI am titanium

Pakinggan nyo na lang.. ganda

Chapter 10

Tanya

"Last call Tanya..." sabi ni Kuya Stanly "Baka magbago pa isip mo..."

We are now in the airport... bidding our farewells... Sinamahan ako ni Charlie at Zack... sila na nagdala ng mga van.. since dinispose na namin yung ibang mga sasakyan namin at sila na rin maghahatid sa kin sa condo mamaya...

Oh Gosh.. I never thought this'll be hard... as in GOSH!!! Pero hindi ako pwedeng umiyak ano.. baka kaladkarin na lang nila ako sa eroplano at isama sa States... noooo waaayyy...

"Kuya Stanly... hindi na magbabago isip ko.. And besides I need to be independent... at kailangan kong malayo dyan kay kuya Slate... para naman ma-practice ko ang pagiging lady ko.... peace kuya,, luv you!!!!"

Hinawakan ni Kuya Slate ang leeg ko at ginulo gulo ang buhok ko....

"If I know.. sobrang ma-mi-miss mo ako!!" at patuloy nyan hinarass ang buhok ko!!!

Hay nako as usual para na naman kaming bata!

"KUYA!!!! Oo na! sige na ma-mi-miss na kita!!!!! Bitawan mo na nga ako!!!!"

Natawa sila sa min dalawa.. ganyan talaga kami kung magharutan... pero sa totoo lang.. parang ang bigat bigat ng dibdib ko... I'm just putting on a happy front... para hindi sila mag-alala sa kin... pero hindi nakaligtas kay Charlie ang nararamdaman ko... at kanina pa nya ako tinitignan na may halong concern... napaka-sensitive talaga ni sis! Walang nakakatakas sa

kanya...

I hugged my mom....

"Mommy,, I'll miss you!!!"

"Not as much as I do... " lumuluha na si Mommy...

"C'mon ma... It's going to be a temporary set up.. I promise.... We'll all be together again... "

"I know.... Just give me time to recover ... ok anak...."

"Tama na drama ma!!!!" sabi ko cheerfully.... "Pumapangit ka!!! Ang ganda ganda mo pa man din!!! Sige ka hindi na tayo magiging magkamukha nyan"

PInahid nya ang luha nya.... At napangiti na rin...

"Saka maganda na ang tech ngayon.. araw araw pwede nyo kong Makita... lagi tayong mag-video chat ... baka maumay pa kayo sa itsura ko.. hehehehe..."

"Just be good ok.. I'll check on you every now and then.... " sabi ni Kuya Stanly... "And Zack,,, if you can look after her, it'll be a great help for us..."

"No problem... " Sabi ni Zack...

"Ipadampot mo kung may ginawang kalokohan!" Biro ni Kuya Stanly at natawa kaming lahat...

"Pasaway ka talaga kuya! Sa bait kong to!!! Sige na! Umalis na nga kayo! Baka iwanan pa kayo ng eroplano!!! "

Niyakap ako ni Kuya Stanly... "I'll miss you kiddo... be good ok... but don't worry I have someone to look after you... "

Ang sweet naman ni Kuya Stanly...

"Sige kuya.. pagbalik mo ihahanap kita ng girlfriend para hindi mo na kami masyadong inaalala.."

"ikaw talaga.. ang pilya mo talaga... sige bye... be good!"

"Sige na kuya hindi mo kailangan sabihin.. matagal na kong mabait!"

We hugged and said goodbye....

Ang sakit sa dibdib nung unti-unti na silang nawawala sa paningin ko....

Gosh!!! It's hard to say goodbye!!!!

Well, that's life... kailangan maging matatag!!! Hay nako!!!! Tama na drama Tanya! Hindi bagay sa yo!!!

Lumapit sa kin si Charlie trying to comfort me....

"Want some Ice Cream? " She offered...

"Kaw talaga girl.. alam na alam mo comfort food ko.. sige.. bilan mo ko ng 1 gallon!"

Tumawa si Charlie at si Zack...

"Sure girl! Kahit 5 gallons pa basta uubusin mo!"

"wenks baka naman 1 week ako sa CR nyan... nwey pakainin nyo ko tapos kahit saan nyo na lang ako itapon,, mag taxi n lang ako pauwi..."

"Ano ka ba Tanya, kakasabi ko lang sa kuya mo na hindi kita papabayaan.. ihahatid ka na namin sa condo..."

"Oo nga girl para house warming na rin!!!"

"Naku! Para namang sinabugan pa ng Granada yung condo! Ang gulo gulo pa kaya!"

"Don't worry! Tutulungan ka namin maglinis ni Zack! Diba hon???" siniko ni Charlie si Zack.. at mukhang napilitang umo-o ni Zack...

Wahahahahaha!!!!! Si Zack maglilinis!!! This I got to see!!!! Ihanda ang camera!!!!

"Grocery na lang tayo tapos luto na lang ako sa condo... " Sabi ko

"Good Idea!!!! " masayang sabi ni Charlie

I know hjow much she loves my cooking...

Papunta na kami sa parking ng mag-ring ang Cellphone ko...

UUUYYY! SI ICE!!!!

Napangiti ako...

"Hi Ice! "

"Hey... I just want to check if you need some cheering up??? I'm available all day..."

"Ok lang ako... don't worry about me.... Saka maglilinis kami ng condo... I'm with Charlie and Zack right now"

"Need an extra pair of hands?"

"Marunong ka rin maglinis???"

"Anything for you..."

Weh!!!! Bolero talaga to!!!! Kainis!!!

Pero sige na nga kinilig ako!!! Hahahaha!!!!

BInigay ko address ng condo...

"Daan pa kami ng grocery so bilang ka ng 1 million bago ka pumunta don..."

Natawa sya...

"O sige,, I'll start counting now... see you!"

"Ok ..."

Hihihihihi... ang saya naman!!!!

"AHEM!!!! Bakit ngising pusa ka dyan!" Banat ni Charlie...

"AAAAYYYIIII!!!! Pupunta mamaya si Ice!!!! "

Charlie just rolled her eyes....

"Ikaw a.. ano na ba status nyong dalawa?"

"Ewan...text mate? Friend? Di ko pa alam.. getting to know each other pa lang naman kami... di pa nanliligaw no!!! di pa nga kami nag-d date e... eto kasing si Zack masyadon atang pinapagod!"

Sumakay na kami ng van pero hindi pa rin ako tinantanan ni Charlie...

"E pano si Andrew...."

"Ano ka ba girl!!!!!!! Bakit mo ba pinapasok lagi yung pangit na yon!!!!!"

"La lang... hon asan ba si Andrew? Bikit hindi ko napagkikikita? Hindi rin dumadalaw sa bahay?" Tanong ni Charlie kay Zack

"Nasa Italy ngayon... next week ata ang uwi.."

"A ok... labas tayong apat pag-uwi nya a just like before... " sabi ni Charlie.. hmmmmm may naaamoy ba kong fish in the sea ?? Hay nako si Charlie talaga....

"Sure hon.. depende sa availability ni Andrew.. napaka bz non lately.."

"Basta kasama si Ice!" Sabi ko...

"Hmmmp..." taray ni Charlie a...

"Hmmmmp ka dyan..."

***

"I'm beat!" sabi ko ng sumalampak ako sa sofa....

"Same here..." sumunod sa kin si Charlie.. pareho kaming pagod na pagod....

"Ops.. hindi pa tayo tapos..." sabi ni Zack...

Tinignan ko ng masama si Zack....

"Ako na mag-aayos nyan bukas! Hiyang hiya naman ako sa yo!"

Grabe tong si Zack napaka slave driver pala nito! Yung inaakala kong hindi marunong maglinis,, e sya pala ang pinaka OC sa min... Pati si Ice napasubo... Ibang klaseng house warming to...

At ewan ko ba naman dito kay Charlie.. hindi ako winarningan!

"ang dami pa nitong iaayos mo o.. kaya nga andito kami para tulungan ka... diba hon?" nagbibirong sabi ni Zack kay Charlie...

"Hindi Hon.. kayang kaya na ni Tanya yan... diba girl? " Pinandilatan ako ni Charlie...

"Oo naman... stay put ka na lang dyan.. at magluluto na kami ni Charlie... tara na girl!"

"Ummmm girls.. nagpaorder na ko ng dinner natin.. alam ko kasing pagod na kayo..." sabi ni Ice...

"Really??? " tanong ko...

"It will be here any minute now... "

"Wow thanks Ice!!! Tinatamad na nga akong mgaluto... " at bumalik ako sa pagkakasalampak sa sofa...

"E di pwede na ulit tayong maglinis?" nagbibirong tanong ni Zack...

"Uwi ka na Zack! Hindi ka naming kailangan dito!" sabi ko...

Natawa si Zack at naki-join na sa amin sa sofa.. tumabi kay Charlie... at niyakap sya...

"Hoy kayong dalawa a.. bawal asukal dito! Baka langgamin ako mamaya... "

Hinagisan ako ni Charlie ng throw pillow...

Hay nako.. mapipigilan mo ba naman ang mag-asawang yan.. inggit na lang ako....

Si Ice naman.. tumabi sa kin.. Since hindi naman kalakihan ang sofa.. siksikan kami to the max.... kaya eto ako ngayon nakaka chansing... hahahahahaha!!!!!

Hmmmm.. ang bango bango naman nitong taong to!!!! Kahit haggard na!!! hihihihi!!! Take advantage....

"Tired?" tanong nya...

"Not really... sanay naman ako ng matindihang trabaho... I just have to catch my breath... non stop kaya tayo simula kaning dumating tayo... "

"Yeah.. matindi kasi yung boss natin... " sabi ni Ice..

"I heard that..." sabat ni Zack...

"Naku pano pa kaya sa office nyo.... Slave driver?" medyo nilakasan ko ang pagkakasabi para marinig talaga ni Zack...

"You don't wanna know..." tatawa tawa si Ice pati na rin si Zack...

""Naku sis! Sadista pala tong napangasawa mo!!!!!! Hindi mo pa ba hihiwalayan yan!!!"

"Bruha!!!" sabi ni Charlie Sabay hagis na naman ng throw pillow... "Kung sa iba sadista yan pero spoiled ako dyan.. sya nga ang cook ko... diba hon..."

"Dapat lang! kung ayaw nyong masunog ang bahay nyo!" sabi ko sabay hagalpak ng tawa...

"Is it really that bad?" Tanong ni Ice...

"Gusto mo ng sample?" Tanong ni Charlie....

"Nako sis wag na... kawawa naman ang taong nakatira dito sa condo kung pasasabugin mo! Saka kawawa naman ako baka mawalan ako ng titirahan.."

"Ikaw talaga girl.. masyado mo kong inaapi.... "

"Di naman slight lang.... "

Parang may dumaang anghel at natahimik kaming lahat....

Hindi naman ako masyadong napagod sa paglilinis... I'm tired emotionally... buti na lang at nandito sila para samahan ako.. first time ko kayang mag-isa....

Napabuntong hininga ako....

"Penny for your thoughts... "

I just smiled.. ayokong sabihin sa kanya na nagsesenti ako... he smiled too.. at mukhang naintindihan nyang ayoko mag-share ng thoughts ko.... He just took my head and leaned it on his shoulder.....

Hala!!!! Bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko.... I shut my eyes savoring every minute.... Hmmmmm ang bango talaga.. nakaka-adik!!! Daig pa rugby!!! Hahahaha!!!!

Ikaw na ba Ice??? Are you my Mr. Right? So far everything about you seems to be good and so far, I love everything about you... Not just the outside appearance,, I know that you're a gentleman, that's one plus factor for me... and so far hindi pa ko na-tu-turn off sa yo... but I still need time to know you more... hindi pa kita kilala... we haven't even gone out together except for that Mcdo thingie,,, Time will tell.. but I really love what I'm feeling right now...

I hope you feel the same way about me...

*******************************************[13] Chapter 11*******************************************AN

Ginaganahan ako mag-UD kaya eto na!!!!

at hindi ako sure kung kelan ulit ako makakapag-ud ....

Ganon pa din.... NO SOFT COPIES!

Chapter 11

Tanya

"Kuya basta ingatan mo yan a.... alagang alaga ko yan.. wag mong papabayaan a.... "

Sabi ko sa lalaking nakabili ng Lamborghini ko... ayoko sanang mawalay sa baby ko.. huhuhuhuhuhu... pero I have no choice.. kung gustong mabili ulit ang bahay naming kailangan

kong mag-tiis... kapag na-acquire ko na ulit ang bahay namin.. saka na lang ulit ako bibili ng sports car.. pero huhuhu.... Hmmmp kaso 6m ko lang nabenta... ang swerte talaga nitong si Kuya!!! Almost brand new... hmmmmp.. hay.. let it go Tanya...

Well ganyan talaga ang life.. minsan meron ka minsan naman wala... LIVE WITH IT TANYA!!!! I know theres always sunshine after the rain... kung puro sunshine naman, diba ang boring ng life... at least ngayon, nagiging makulay ang buhay ko... Think positive... just learn from it....

"Wag kang mag-alala.. ako na bahala dito... and BTW miss... is this your number? Can I call you sometime... "

"Ay sorry,, pupunta na ko sa Antarctica bukas i-papa-cut ko na bukas.. "

"A ganon ba.. how about if we have dinner tonight..."

"Pwede rin.. " I said giving him my sweetest smile.. "Kasama asawa ko a... "

Nawala ang ngiti nyang bigla... hahahaha!!! Epic...

"Ay sorry may asawa ka na pala. Bakit wala kang singsing??? "

Oooppps di ko naisip yun a...

"A.. kasi... nahulog sa kanal ! alangan namang magswimiing pa ako don para lang kunin yon.. bibili na lang daw ng bago yung asawa ko... Sige kuya.. ingatan mo yang kotse ko a..."

Tumalikod na ko...

"Sige miss ingat...." Hmmmmp feeling pogi.. yuck!

Anong oras na ba? May dinner date kami nila Charlie.. dumating na kasi ni Bestfriend Andrew... kaya dinner kami sa favorite restaurant nila Zack...

Taxi beauty muna ako.. at bukas na ko bibili ng bagong kotse.... Pang Hyundai na lang muna ang beauty ko... saka na ulit ang mga fancy sports car... sa ngayon basta umaandar na kotse pwede na... basta makarating sa pupuntahan... ang kailangan ngayon ay maka-ipon ng malaki... naka post na rin sa net ang mga LV at Chanel bags ko... kahit papano makakatulong din ang mga yon...

Nakakainis lang kasi talaga yung global partners... yung company na may hawak ng properties namin... ilang beses na kong pabalik-balik... wala na daw sa kanila yung mga papeles.. nasa taas na daw.. asan ang taas? Nasa langit!!!! GGGGRRRRRR!!!!!

Hindi ko tinatandatanan sila ng kakatawag,.. nung hindi na sinasagot ang mga tawag ko... alam ko naman na may caller ID sila.. nagpalipat lipat ako ng payphone para iba't ibang number ang nagreregister.. e di lusot ang mga calls ko...

Ang gusto ko lang naman maki-pag-appoint don sa may hawak ng properties namin.kung sino mang taas ang sinasabi nila. makikiusap lang naman ako kung pwede kong hulog-hulugan na lang yung bahay.. kahit yung bahay lang... Out of the country ng out of the country ang dahilan... wala na ba silang originality sa mga alibi.... Hay nako.. hinding hindi ko sila tatantanan hanggat hindi nila ako binibigyan ng appointment... humanda sila sa kakulitan ko hanggat hindi nila ako pinagbibigyan...

Hay shocks.. ngayon pa lang.. I miss my car already... hmmmmmm teka.. makapag-jeep kaya, medyo maaga pa naman... at least masubukan.. first time... hihihihi... joy ride muna... adventure na naman!!! Kapag ok mag-jeep isasama ko sa susunod si Charlie... hehehehehe....

***

Andrew

I've been in Italy for almost two weeks... soo tiring... but it's worth it... maganda naging takbo ng business deals... kaya very promising ang expansion...

Sumilip yung secretary ko...

"Sir... nagreport po yung global partners... hindi daw tumitigil si Ms. Ramirez na makipag-

appoint sa inyo... medyo nangha-harass na daw po.."

Natawa ako... I can imaging Tanya's face na nangungulit sa mga empleyado ko... I know she's capable of doing unimaginable things.. hmmmm ano kayang plano nung babaeng yun...

"Just turn her down.. bahala na silang magdahilan... Anything more?"

"wala na po sir.."

"ok... You can call it a night.."

"Thanks sir.." at lumabas na sya...

Tinignan ko ang wrist watch ko... it's almost 8.. time to go to Gillians... yun fave resto namin ni Zack.. Get together naming apat... sige aaminin ko na... na-miss ko rin sila... it's a perfect way to unwind...

I'm now in a good mood coz I'm looking forward to a nice evening...

****

Apat dapat kami... pero bakit si Ice ang pang-apat?

It's already 9:00 at wala pa si Tanya... hindi naman na-la-late yun... saan na naman kaya nagsuot yung babaeng yon...

Kanina pa tawag ng tawag si Charlie at nag-aalala na...

Sira talaga yung babaeng yon.. pinag-aalala pa ang bestfriend nya...

Oo sige na, ako rin nag-aalala na...

Tumawag ulit si Charlie...

"Hello Tanya.... "

Pero inagaw ko yung telepono...

"Asan ka ba!" galit na sabi ko...

"Huh??? Sino to?? Ikaw ba si Charlie?? " sabi ni Tanya... medyo sarcastic...

"Hindi... obvious ba.."

"Ay sorry, I'm not talking to strangers...."

At binaba yung Cellphone...

Napatingin na lang ako sa telepono...

"She hang up on me!!! Damn girl!"

hindi ako makapaniwalang binabaan nya ako!

Biglang sumulpot si Tanya...

"Tawag tawag pa kasi, andito na kaya ako! Masyado kayong paranoid!"

Umiling ako...

What do you expect of Tanya... Babaeng to.....

hindi na lang ako kumibo..

"Girl! Ano bang nangyari sa yo?"

Umupo sya sa tabi ko... which is the only vacant sit.. also next to ice...

She smiled sweetly to Ice...

Lumalanid na naman! Geez!

Ewan ko ba, bakit napakunot ang noo ko.

"ayun... wala lang " sabi ni Tanya na parang excited pa..

She paused at kami naman parang tangang nag-iintay sa next statement nya...

"Ano yun!" medyo nawawala na ang patience ni Charlie...

"Girl... Chill ka lang... napadpad kasi ako sa maynila e... hehehehe"

"Pano nangyari yon? E diba kanina nasa Makati ka lang... ang lapit lapit ng mga destinasyon mo inabot ka ng ganitong oras? " tanong ni Charlie...

"e kasi ano e.... sumakay kasi ako ng jeep...."

"JEEP!" sabi ni Charlie na nanlalaki ang mata.

"Yeah jeep.. you heard me right.... Hindi ko naman alam na kung saan saan liliko yun.. may mga route pala sila.. nung hindi ko na marecognize yung paligid ko, bumaba ako.. tapos nagtanong tanong... ang weird kasi ng mga tao.. iba iba sila ng tinuturo...sakay daw dito then sakay don... kaya nagpalipat lipat ako ng jeep... pero eto!!! I found my way here again!! Galing!!! Madali lang pala mag commute using jeep! Minsan gala tayo Charlie.. isasakay kita sa jeep..."

"Sige!" sabi ni Charlie

"No way... " Sabat ni Zack..

"Ang KJ naman nito!" Sabi ni Charlie na sabay palo sa braso ni Zack...

"Oo nga itong si Zack napaka... "

"It's not safe for both of you to go out using public transportation.. mahirap na... hindi ninyo kilala ang mga kasama ninyo.. and to think na maraming naho-hold up sa jeep... mainit sa mata yang mga gadgets mo Tanya.. buti hindi ka napano..." Concern na sabi ni Ice...

Mukha namang nag-isip.. sana matauhan dahil kung hindi.. baka ibartolina ko ang babaeng yan... teka.. why am I concerned?

"Kumain na nga tayo... " sinenyasan ko yung waiter na ihain na yung inorder naming pagkain...

"btw sis... bakit ka naman nag-jeep? Ano ba ang nakain mo?" tanong ni Charlie kay Tanya...

"Wala.. feeling adventurous lang ako... binenta ko na kasi yung kotse ko... "

"What!!! You love that car!..."

Napatingin din ako kay Tanya...

"I do.. but I love our house more.."

Natahimik kaming lahat...

"Change subject!!!!" sabi ni Tanya... " I want this evening to be happy ok....

After a while

Naguusap si Tanya at si Ice.. kelan pa naging close tong dalawang to... 2 weeks lang akong nawala close na sila?

What do I care!

So irritating....

Napailing ako..

Teka, why am I irritated?

Late kasi si Tanya.. nagutom na tuloy ako.. .maybe that's why I'm so irritated by Tanya...

GINUTOM NYA KO!

Tinuon ko lang ang pansin ko kay Charlie at Zack..

"So how's the twins... "

"Getting bigger.. you should visit them... " sabi ni Zack

"I planned to.. medyo busy lang ako... "

"masyado ka naman atang nagpapayaman!"

"Hindi naman... medyo lang... "

Natawa kami ni Zack...

"Payaman ka ng payaman.. hindi mo naman inaasikaso ang magmamana ng kayamanan mo..." sabi ni Zack...

"E sa wala pa talaga e..."

"maybe you're not looking close enough... tumingin tingin ka lang dyan sa paligid mo" sabi ni Charlie...

Pati ba naman ang mga kaibigan ko pinagtutulakan na kong mag-asawa? early thirties pa lang ako a.. speaking of marriage... hindi ko napansin na I only have 2 more months to find the right girl... before my mom intervene! Hindi ko gusto yung mga type ny mommy... mga walang kwenta...

Why did it slipped my mind!.. dapat pala instead na expansion ng negosyo.. naghanap ako ng babaeng pwede kong pakasalan!!...

Napabuntong hininga ako...

Nanahimik na lang ako habang kumakain...

"Alam mo ba sis... " nagsimulnag magkwento si Tanya... "Sobrang iritado na ko dyan sa global partners na yan a..."

That got my attention....

Napangisi ako...

"Ilang beses na kong pabalik-balik at feeling ko pinagtataguan ako... nasa taas na daw ang mga papeles... tapos out of town daw lagi yung may ari!!!! Kainis talaga a!!!!"

"E baka naman talagang nasa out of town..."

"maniwala ako! Obvious naman na alibi lang yun!"

"Hmmmm malay mo naman! Ikaw ata ang paranoid e..."

"oo matagal na kong paranoid... pero ang lame ng excuse nila a.. hindi makatotohanan... kailangan pa nilang magseminar ng pambilog ng ulo... baka naman mukhang palaka ang may ari nung kompanyang yon kaya ayaw magpakita!!! Hahahahahahahaha!!!!"

Napaubo ako....

"O pare... dahan dahan lang sa pagkain.. baka may nakaka-alala say o.." Sabi ni Zack...

"Sis wag kang pintasera.. that's bad!" sabi ni Charlie...

"Hmmmp. Basta naiinis na ko... baka nga hindi mukhang palaka... baka mukhang balahura... o baka naman DOM na mukhang impakto, na kaya hindi nagpapakita sa umaga kasi lilipad lipad tuwing gabi!!! Hahahahahahahaha!!!!"

A ganon a!

"Ang bad mo Tanya!!!" sabi ni Charlie... who looks horrified but at the same time amused...

Youre' right Charlie, your best friend is so Bad... Very bad.... At ang ganyang klaseng mga

pintasera ay tinuturuan ng leksion...

Tumayo ako...

"I'll just go to the restroom..."

Paalam ko..

When I got inside the restroom.. tumawag ako sa secretary ko...

"Rick... grant Ms Ramirez the appointment that she want... 3:00 tomorrow sharp and please trace a car for me.. a yellow Lamborghini with plate number DGN465... I want it to be in my garage not later than Sunday next week... "

*******************************************[14] Chapter 12*******************************************AN

=====> Song by SparkleAko... This chap is also dedicated to her!!! :)

Chapter 12

Tanya

"Ms Ramirez? " Hindi ko kilala yung boses na tumawag sa kin... It's only 8:00 in the morning at may caller na ko... Client kaya 'to?

"Yes? Speaking... who's on the line please?"

"This is Ana from global partners..."

GLOBAL PARTNERS!!!! HIMALA NG LANGIT AT TUMAWAG!!!!

Nagising bigla ang dugo ko....

"Yes? "

"You have an appointment with our president this afternoon.. please be at the 50th floor of Fajardo Towers. At exactly 3:00 sharp..."

"Ok thank you.. I'll be there..."

"Ma'am, please be on time... the president is a very busy man, if you're a minute late, you'll loose the appointment..."

"Don't worry, I'll be there earlier than 3"

"Ok, ma'am"

"Thank you so much Ana.."

And we hanged up...

"WOOOOOOO!!!!!! YES!YES!YES!YES! FINALLY!!!!"

Nagtatatalon ako sa tuwa!!!!

"Yehey!!!! Makakaharap na rin kita Mr. Impakto!!! Hihihihihi"

Nagpunta ako sa closet ko...

Hmmmm.. ano kayang masuot... kailang dress to impress ang drama ko...

Business Suit?

Para namang mag-aaply ako...

Alangan namang cocktail dress ang isuot ko!

Hmmm.... Basta not too formal and not too casual...

Halos 1 oras ako naghanap ng isusuot ko...

At sa wakas I finally decided on a skirt just 2 inches above the knee just to show off my perfectly shapes legs but not too revealing and a simple plain blouse... perfect! Simple but elegant...

Hmmmm....

I still have time to buy myself a car!

Andrew

"Rick... Call the IT department.. I want to view the CCTV at the lobby and at the presidents lounge in my computer... "

"Right away sir... and sir... "

"Yes... "

"Nakapag-deal na po kami sa Kotse na pinahahanap nyo.. pwede ko na pong ipakuha kahit mamayang gabi."

"Very good Rick... doon mo na lang igarahe sa na-acquire na bahay sa Wakwak... yung property ng mga Ramirez.."

"OK sir... anything more sir?"

"yeah, Ok na ba yung penthouse sa Alexus Condominium?"

"Yes sir.. it's ready.."

"Paki tawagan si Manang, ipadala mo yung mga gamit ko... Doon na ko tutuloy mamayang gabi..."

Kinuha ko yung 1 sa mga key cards ng condo at binigay ko sa secretary ko...

"Give this to Manang, also tell her to fill up the Fridge.."

"Ok sir... "

"That'll be all"

Lumabas na si Rick ng kwarto ko.. actually hindi naman ako masyadong BZ ngayon... BZ lang ako sa mga evil plans ko... Evil plans on pissing off a gorgeous Lady...

Palaka pala a... Impakto pala a...

Tignan ko lang Tanya kung anong gagawin mo ngayon...

Sino kaya ang magmumukhang palaka at impakto...

Ireregalo ko sana sa yo sa Pasko yung bahay nyo.. pero.... Dahil sa pintasera ka....

Paghirapan mo muna...

Nangingiti na lang ako sa mga plano ko...

***

Tanya

"Sige kuya, ok na ko dyan. Ibalot mo na... now na.. " I smiled...

Natawa sa kin yung sales rep...

"baka sa susunod na araw nyo na po makuha... "

"Ayy.. bakit naman ganon... ang hirap kasi mag-taxi..."

"Aayusin pa po natin yung ibang mga papers at ipapakuha pa po namin sa ibang branch yung stock namin.."

"Ayyyy.. hindi ba pwedeng iyan na lang.. mukha namang matino yan e... "

"Display unit lang po naming yan.. hindi naman po maganda kung iyan ang ibibigay naming sa inyo.. marami na pong nag-test drive nyan.."

"A ok... "

Akala ko pa man din magkaka-kotse na ko... taxi beauty pa rin pala ako...

"Gusto nyo po ihatid kona lang kayo sa pupuntahan nyo..." he smiled

Nyeks! Mukha mo! Yoko nga...

"Ay hindi na.. maabala pa kita... saka madali naman talagang mag-taxi... "

Tinignan ko yung wrist watch ko...

2:00

I hour to go.. pero para hindi talaga ako ma-late makapunta na nga sa Fajardo Towers...

"Sige kuya a..."

"Just call me allan.."

"a ok kuya Allan... sige pick up sa susunod na araw a.."

Natawa sya

"Sure... Ms Ramirez.. or can I call you Tanya?"

"Ms. Ramirez will be fine.."

Makaalis na nga.. lumalandi naman tong sales rep na to..

Alam kong ang ganda ko ngayon! Pero hello,, I;m not dressed to impress you... ibang tao ang lalandiin ko mamaya.. kahit pa mukhang impakto siguro yung ka-appointment ko....

Gotta ready my charms....

***

I Arrived 30 minutes before the appointment and wow! Ano ba to? Opisina o Hotel?? Ang bongga a....

The receptionist directed me to the President's lounge... doon daw muna ako mag-intay at may kausap pa daw si Mr. President...

Ok maaga pa naman.. at least he's expecting me...

***

Andrew

Ang aga a...

I looked at the monitor...

You even bothered yourself to look beautiful today...

Napangisi ako...

Ano kaya ang magiging reaction mo kung malaman mo na ako ang may ari ng Global Partners...

Sige Tanya dyan ka muna.. at busy pa ako...

I took out my PSP...

Busy pa ko maglaro...

Tanya

It's 3:30... hmmmm.. hindi pa rin ako pinapapasok...

Lumapit ako sa isa sa mga secretary...

"Ummm.. miss... My appointment is at 3:00... ummm I'm just wondering kung nakalimutan kaya yung appointment ko.."

"Just a minute ma'am"

Tumawag sya... at binaba rin nya kagad yung phone

"Mag-intay lang daw po muna kayo.. May Ginagawa pa daw po kasi, hindi mabitawan."

"aaa... Ok."

Bumalik ako sa upuan ko... at least my appointment is still on... hay nako ang mga mayayaman talaga,, nagpapa-importante kapag alam nilang ikaw ang may kailangan sa kanila...

Hmmmp... sige.. antay lang me dito

4:00

4:30

5:00

5:30

Grabe!!!! Inuugat na ko dito!!!!!! Ano ba namang klaseng tao yun! naturingan president ng malaking companya,, hindi tumutupad sa usapan!!!! GRRRRRR!!!! BAAADDDD TTTRRRRIIIIPPPP!!!!!! Napaka unprofessional!!!! AAAARRRRGGGGGG!!!! Nasisira na beauty ko dito!!!! Mag-iintay lang ako ng ganito katagal! Pina-cancel ko pa man din lahat ng photoshoots ko ngayong araw na to!!!! AAAARRRRGGGGGG!!!!!

Dapat pala dinala ko na lang yung laptop ko.. maski papano sana naging productive ako sa pag-edit ng mga pictures.. e ano! Nakatunganga lang ako dito!!!! Nagsasawa naman na ako sa games dito sa IPAD ko!!!! AAARRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!

Nilulumot na ako dito!!!!

IMPAKTONG PALAKA TALAGA!!!! GRRRRR!!!!

Nung pumatak ang 6:00... I've decided to barge in the office.. e ano! 3:00 ang appointment ko tapos 6:00 na.. hindi pa ko hinaharap.. ng tumayo inunahan ako ng secretary...

"Ma'am you may come in now... "

Ganon! I rolled my eyes.. hindi ko na tinatago ang init ng ulo ko... pero at least haharapin na ko ng palakang yon...

I counted to 10.. para lang humupa ang pagka-inis ko.. at bumalik ang charm ko...

"Give me a minute to compose myself... "

"Ok po... "

Mabait naman tong secretary... siguro yung boss lang nya ang hindi...

"Ok I'm ready... "

Pumasok kami sa loob ng office...

Bongga Talaga... kung impressive ang labas.. mas lalo ang loob... ganda ng view.. over looking the Manila lights... magpapasko na kaya 6:00 pa lang madilim na.. mas maganda siguro dito kapag sunset... matatanaw mo kasi ang manila bay...

Nakatalikod sa kin si Mr. Palaka.. Parang may kausap sa Phone...

Pinaupo ako ng secretary at nakikita ko yung folder ng Global Partners sa may lamesa...

Hmmmm at least ready sya sa appointment...

Ilang minuto pa ko nag-intay bago pa nya ibaba ang telepono...

Nung narinig kong mag-goodbye ... inayos ko ang sarili ko... at inilabas ko ang pinaka-maganda kong ngiti...

Dahan- dahang umikot ang swivel chair... at....

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!

Nawala ang ngiti ko at napanganga na lang ako!!!!

"Hello Tanya... It's good to see you too..."

THE HELL WITH THAT EVIL SMILE!!!!

AN

Bitinin ko muna kayo a.... wait muna ko ng reactions!!! hahahahaha... AKO ATA ANG MAY EVIL SMILE E.. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

*******************************************[15] Chapter 13*******************************************AN

O sige na eto na po ang karugtong...

kahit may TOPAK ako, feeling ko maging mabait... ala Andrew...HAHAHAHAHA... bukas ko pa sana to ipo-post... pero sige na nga...

======>>> I came across the song... brown eyes by destiny's child.. la lang.. just want to share it to all of you... :)

Chapter 13

Andrew

Now that's the reaction that I want to see...

Napangisi ako...

obvious na obvious sa mukha ni Tanya na hindi nya inakalang ako ang makakaharap nya ngayon....

Pinalo-palo nya ang noo nya...

"Why Didn't it ever crossed my mind!!! Fajardo Towers!!! GOSH!!!! I should have checked first!!!!

It took me all my will power not to laugh!!!

"At ikaw naman!!!! Hindi ka man lang nagsabi!!! ARRRRGGGG!!!! Ang sama mo talaga to the millionth power!"

I shrugged...

"Why should I.. it's my prerogative... "

Silence... iniintay ko syang magsalita..

I can see that she's trying to recover and she's trying to compose herself... nawala sa ere siguro yung mga dapat nyang sabihin.. nagmental block.. hahahahaha!!! This is the first time I've seen her na walang masabi... masyado atang nagulat!

Nung hindi pa sya nagsalita... inunahan ko na sya...

"Since you're already here.. at alam ko naman na may pakay ka sa kin.... I just want to hear what you have in mind..." I said in all business tone...

"Ok sige... It's about our house in Wak-wak.."

"So what about it.." binuksan ko yung folder na nasa harap ko... "It's already acquired by my company.. nagkausap na kami ni Stanly about it... ang sabi nya ay hindi na nila hahabulin ang property since it was your mom's decision. "

"Yes, that was THEIR decision.. but since I'm part heir, I should also have some say about it..."

"Have you talked to your brother about this?"

"No.. and I don't want them to know... "

I studied her closely... mukhang seryoso si Tanya... I think she's dead set on having that property back.. that makes it easier for me...

Evil Smile!!!

"So what are you planning to do?" It's interesting to know what's going on in the pretty little head of hers...

"I intend to continue paying the loan... until I've paid it in full..."

Silence... That's what I expected...

"Tanya.." Kunwari serious but I've already played this scene over my head and it's going the way I have planned it... "Have you read the documents?"

Tumingin sya sa taas...

"No.. because we don't have a copy and Kuya Stanly forbit me to see it... "

"So wise of your brother.. you should have let it be... "

"At bakit naman!!! I'm only referring to our house in Wak-Wak, walang ng ibang... isaksak mo na sa baga mo yung mga kompanya namin!."

Uy nagalit na tuloy...

"You're so hot headed... that's makes you so cute... "

Nanlaki mga mata nya... hahahahaha!!!!

Maya maya ay nanliit naman ang mga mata...

"Are you playing games with me Andrew..."

I just smiled and handed her the documents.... Hayaan ko na lang syang basahin at malula sa laki ng dapat bayaran... interest pa lang ang lulubog na ang pagkatao nya...

I know.. hinding hindi nya kayang bayaran yan on her own income... Para sa sikat na Photographer.. malaki na rin ang income nya but not enough to pay for the property...

Hinayaan ko munang i-absorb ang mga nababasa nya.. at unti unting nawawala ang confidence nya...

After a while...

"So what can you say Tanya?"

"is there no other way??? Obvously,, hindi ko sya kayang bayaran... "

Napasandal sya.. feeling frustrated...

"That's what I thought... but..... "

Here it goes..

"Hmmmm... pero.. wag na lang... " kunwari binawi ko...

I smiled devilishly...

Hahahahaha!!!! She knows I'm playing with her....

Pero from the looks of it... I know she'll do anything... ang lakas kasi ng fighting spirit nitong babaeng to.. and that's one of the qualities I like about her...

What am I thinking....

"So. What's the deal? SPILL IT ANDREW!!!! Anong gusto mo?"

"Wala lang..."

Hahahaha! She's loosing it.. she's sooooo pissed!!! Hahahahahahaha!!!!!

"Anong gusto mo? Lumhod ako sa harap mo??? Pagsilbihan kita to the max!!! what??!!!"

"Close to that. Hindi naman ako sadista..."

"Oo nga hindi ka sadista.. SUUPPPEEERRR LANG..."

I just smiled...

"Ok. This is what I want..."

Binitin ko muna... gusto ko ulit magalit....

"ANNNNNOOOOO NNNNAAAAA!!!" sigaw nya...

HAHAHAHAHHA!!! Told you.. ang pikon talaga! Hahahahaha!!!!

"Ok.. ok... " natawa na ko...

Pulang pula na ang mukha nya.. that's so cute.. bihira ko syang nakikitang namumula, and this is one sight to see...

"O sige, I don't require you to pay me in cash.. tutal friends naman tayo diba... "

"Friends? Kelan pa.."

I ignored that statement...

"I want you to work for me.."

"Huh??? Gusto mo ng personal paparazzi? Sure! O kaya,, I'll give you free services on all photographs that you need for your products and your company... That'll be great.. payag ako!!!!" she said cheerfully.. ang bilis talagang magbago ng mood nito...

"no, I don't want that kind of work.. "

"E anong gusto mo??? "

"Hmmmmm.. payag ka muna bago sabihin..."

"Me ganon bang deal..."

"Ayaw mo... ok sige.. it's your loss.." Sinarado ko ang folder...

"Teka teka... oo na sige na.. kahit ano pa yon.. payag na ko... "

I smiled...

"Ok,, Give me your IPAD... "

"Anong problema mo bakit mo kukunin ang IPAD ko?? Anong kalokohan to!"

"Ayaw mo? Di wag! Hindi naman kita pinipilit e.."

Kinuha nya yung IPAD nya sa bag nya...

"O Ayan na!!!!" halos ibalibag ang IPAD...

Pinag-aralan ko muna yung schedule nya..

Ang dami din palang pinagkaka-abalahan nitong babaeng to.. pero since she's the boss in her studio.. I know she can deligate some of her shoots...

Inalter ko ang sched nya at binalik ko sa kanya ang IPAD nya...

Nanlaki ang mga mata nya.. hahahahaha!!!!

"Anong ginawa mo sa schedule ko!!!! Bakit mo pinagbububura!!!!! You .... You.... You MORON!!"

I smiled..

"Just read it...

After a while...

"ano to!!!! Gagawin mo kong katulong!!!!!"

"Hindi naman... you're just going to cook breakfast for me everyday and after that, you're going to drive me to work.. after that you can do your photoshoots and other activities.. but every Friday,, Sat and Monday... or sometimes Sunday... depende kung trip ko... You are going to accompany me all day.. You'll do the driving... "

"Hindi pala katulong Driver!!! At ang galing mo rin pumili ng araw na sasamahan kita maghapon ano!!!! WEEKEND!!! "

Korek Tanya.. Para hindi ka makapag-date... akin ang weekends mo.,..

"You got it! But only for a year. After that, the property is all yours... " I smiled

Tinignan nya ko ng masama

"Are you for real? Ito lang? ibibigay mo sa kin yung bahay namin? Ano to lokohan?"

"It's no joke Tanya... gusto mo pa ng kontrata.. papagawa ako... "

Nagisip sya habang nakatingin sa kin ng masama.. akala nya kasi niloloko ko sya...

"But there's a catch... you see.. I have this dilemma.... My mom is pressuring me to get married... 2 months na lang ang natitira sa binigay nyang tanning sa kin na maghanap ng babaeng pakakasalan ko... and up to now wala pa kong nakikita... "

"Your point exactly?" tinaasan nya ko ng kilay...

"Ok Tanya,, If you can help me find the right girl to marry... kahit wala pang 1 year iyong-iyo na ang bahay mo..."

"Kahit bukas makakita ako ng right girl for you.. ibibigay mo sa kin yung bahay??"

I nodded...

"For Real?"

"For Real"

"Are you Serious?"

"Dead Serious...."

Napatalon sya sa tuwa!! Ang hindi ko ine-expect ay pumunta sya sa kin at niyakap ako!!!

"I'll find the right girl. I promise!!! " sabi nya habang yakap ako...

What the!!!! Bakit bumilis ata ang tibok ng puso ko... it's as if I really like what she did... and having her this close to me feels so good...

"AYYY SORRRRYYYY!!!! Na-excite ako!!! HAHAHAHA!!! Sorry Bestfriend .. parang ang dali naman kasi ng pinapagawa mo.. hehehehehe... "

That's what you think...

Umupo na sya ulit...

Parang ang saya-saya nya... feeling confident...

"Sa dami ng kilala kong babae... I know naman isa sa mga yon magugustuhan mo... at alam ko naman ang type mo e... "

"And that would be??"

"Maganda.. sexy... etc.. etc... mga tipong beauty queen.. iyon naman lagi kong nakikitang ka-date mo"

Napasgisi ako... You don't know what you're talking about Tanya... I dated those kind of girls but that is not what I'm looking for as a wife.... well,, that's a challenge for you... Tignan ko ang galing at abilidad mo...

"Anyway... here's your key card in my condo... I usually go to work at 7.. so breakfast must be serve by 6:00, kaya mo bang gumising ng 5?"

"I can do anything if I put my mind into it... "

"Dapat lang.. dahil kahit 1 palya... the deal is off.."

"Ang lupit mo naman!!!"

"Take it or leave it... "

"oo na oo na.. sige na.. akina yang card.."

Binigay ko sa kanya yung key card at nanlaki na naman ang mga mata nya...

"Kelan ka pa tumira sa Alexus?"

*******************************************[16] Chapter 14*******************************************AN...

Sorry medyo namadali ito...

bawi na lang me next time,,, dami kasi work

Chapter 14

Tanya...

Nabigla ako ng biglang tumunog ang alarm clock...

I groaned...

Gosh! I'm really not a morning person... tinapos ko kasi yung editing ng 1 photoshoot.. hindi ko na nga alam kung anong oras ako nakatulog...

HAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!! GOTTA GET UP!!!!

Drag yourself up Tanya!

Soooo groggy... OUCH!!!! Napaupo ako sa impact..

Hindi na shoot ang katawan ko sa pinto ng CR kaya sa dingding ako tumama...

Aray naman!!! Pero at least nagising ako ng konti...

Mamaya na ko maliligo pagkatapos kong magluto, hindi pa masyadong gising ang dugo ko,,, I'll just brush my teeth...

***

Wow ang ganda pala ng penthouse!.. ang layo sa condo unit ni kuya!... sakop ata buong floor nito a... at may sarili pa syang elevator... kaya nga nag round trip pa ko...

Hindi ko alam kung kelan sya lumipat ng condo.. ang pagkakaalam ko kasi, hindi nya type tumira sa mga building.. well.. kung ganito ba naman ang unit e di pwede na rin diba... at ang maganda may sarili syang garden! Wow talaga! Garden at the top of the building ang bonnga! Kainis! Ang luho nung mokong na yon.. iba na talaga mapera...

Hinanap ko yung kusina... hmmm malaki rin a.. pero hindi kasing laki ng kitchen ni Charlie... pero kumpleto in fairness..

Binuksan ko ang fridge, jam pack! ano kayang maluto...

Hmmmmmm.... Hehehehehehe.... Gagawin ko syang vegetarian!! Hahahahaha!!!! Veggies for breakfast?? Hahahahaha!!!! Kumain ka ngayon ng gulay... hihihihihi....

.. sinuot ko yung earphones ko.... Sound trip!! Para makapag concentrate ako... at para medyo magising na rin ako...

After an hour of slicing and cooking.. I've arranged his breakfast at the dining table..

Hmmmm 6 na wala pa rin.. akala ko ba 7 ang pasok nya.... Baka naman hindi dito natulog yung mokong na yun at pinahirapan pa nya kong magluto... grrrr.... Teka mahanap nga...

Inisa-isa ko yung mga kwarto... hmmm not here... not here.... Not here... ILANG KWARTO BA MERON DITO!!

Eto na siguro ang master's bedroom kakaiba kasi ang pinto... pinihit ko ang doorknob... uyyy bukas!...

A GANON! TULOG KA PA A!!!

pinagising gising mo ko ng maaga tapos hindi ka rin pala babangon ng maaga!!!!

Anong petsa na!!! 6:10 na kaya!...

Hmmmmm..... kung buhusan ko kaya ng tubig to... ay, wag, baka sa kin pa palabhan ang mga comforter... sa lahat ng hate ko ay maglaba...

Hihihihihi... alam ko na!!!! malaki naman ang kama nya.. hihihihihi

Bumwelo ako hanggang labas ng kwarto at tumakbo..... ng malapit ako, tumalon ako sa kama!!!!

WAAAAAAA!!!!

"BOMBS AWAY!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!! YESSSS!!!! ANG LAMBOT NG KAMA NYA!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Tumalbog talbog kami sa kama hanggang sa nahulog si Andrew!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Nag-eenjoy pa kong patalbog talbog sa kama ng makita kong patayo na si Andrew at galit na galit hihihihi....

"OOOOOoooopppsssss gotta go!!! Wake up call mo lang yon!!! Hahahahaha!!!!"

Kumaripas na ako ng takbo papalabas ng kwarto nya.. alam ko naman na hindi nya ko mahahabol.. masyado pa syang disoriented sa ginawa ko! hahahahaha!!! At least maski papano nakaganti ako... HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

"Good Morning Bestfriend!!!! Kumain ka na !!!" Sigaw ko habang tumatakbo.. "Nasa dining table na breakfast mo!!! SEEE YOOOUUU LLATTTERRR!"

Andrew

Gosh! Why did I ever thought that she'll behave!

I only had a few hours of sleep!!!.. Hindi ako makatulog kagabi!... nakakahiya mang aminin pero namamahay ako!..

I think I'm going to have a headache... sakit sa ulo ng ginawa nung babaeng yon!

Akala mo palalampasin ko to Tanya... mag-intay ka lang...

What the heck.. I might as well get up...

Pumunta ako sa Dinning room...

Veggies in the morning???

Nagpapatawa ba yung babaeng yon?

Haaayyy nako.. para ata akong kumuha ng batong iuuntog sa ulo ko a....

Never the less,, I need nourishment.. wala na kong ibang choice kundi kainin to... I have a long day today...

hmmmm...

I don't usually like veggies but this is good...

I ended up enjoying the meal..

Hmmm masarap talagang magluto yon

At least nakabawi ka dito sa niluto mo Tanya... pero.... Akala mo palalampasin ko yung ginawa mo sa kin kanina.. good thing it's Friday... maghapon tayong magkasama....

***

Tanya

Inaayos ko mga gamit ko habang kausap ko sa telepono yung secretary ko...

"Just deligate all my photoshoots every Weekends plus Monday for the whole year.."

"But Ma'am, paano po iyun, iba po pwede ko pong ibigay sa mga photographers natin... pero kayo po talaga yung gusto nung ibang clients"

"Try to reschedule on different days.. kung hindi talaga pwedeng ma-move.. pakikiusapan ko si Charlie to cover for me... just ring me for updates..."

"yes Ma'am... "

"And by the way paki prepare yung mga portfolio ng mga models natin... I'll try to pick it up later.."

"Yes Ma'am.."

"Bahala ka na dyan.. "

I hanged up...

Inilagay ko yung laptop ko sa bag ko...

I will be prepared today,, just in case pag-antayin ako ng bonggang bongga ni Andrew...

magdadala ako ng trabaho... at least productive ako... although medyo mahirap mag-edit sa maliit na screen... hindi mo kasi masyadong makikita kung may mga imperfections pa... well, better this than nothing...

Nag ring ang Cellphone ko...

Si Andrew....

"Yes Master... "

"Where are you? I'm already here at the lobby..."

Hehehehe.. irritated na naman... hindi pa naman ako late a... quarter to seven pa lang naman...

"Pababa na po Master... "

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!!!"

"Yes Master... "

Hihihihihihi....

"Pwede bang bilis bilisan mo... I have a meeting at 7:30."

"Naku naman boss!!! 45 minutes pa yun! ang lapit lapit ng opisina mo"

"WITH THE RUSH HOUR AND EVERYTHING!"

"Naku naman.. parang sa pangatlong kanto lang....."

"Just get your butt down here!"

"yes Master!"

"And stop calling me that!!!!" sabay baba ng phone...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

And you think na tatagal ka sa kin ng 1 taon!!! Hahahahahaha! Matira matibay! Hahahahaha!!!!

***

Tanya

"O Tignan mo! May 5 minutes ka pa bago mag 7.. sabi sa yo e..."

Ang sarap i-drive yung viper nya.. kaya siguro naunahan nya ako dati sa EDSA dati... ang ganda ng takbo nitong kotse na to!!! Masarap din palang maging driver nitong pangit na to.. I get to drive top of the line cars.. hehehehehe.. sana sa susunod yung Alpha Romeo naman nya ang dalin namin... para ma-compare ko dito... hihihihihi....

Bumaba sya sa entrance ng building...

"hey Master!!"

"Tanya.. this is the last time I will hear you call me that... "

Naniningkit na mata nya.. heheheh... asar talo! Hehehehehe

"Yes master... oooppppssss.... Saan yung parking space mo??? O gusto mo, test drive ko muna to? Baka matagal naka-stock ito? Para medyo ganahan yung makina??"

"You wish!... doon ka sa basement parking.. itanong mo sa guard kung saan yung parking space ko.... "

"OK." Aalis na sana ako...

"Bahave as a normal driver would behave... " I saw mischief in his eye.... "doon ka sa driver's lounge tumambay buong maghapon.."

"ANO!!!! Sa lobby na lang..."

"NO! driver's lounge or else the deal is off...."

GRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Kainis talaga to a!!!! doon ako patatambayin sa mausok na lugar na yon! Baka magka lung cancer ako non a!

Hmmmmppp.... BWISIT!!!!

Pinaiyak ko yung kotse nya, na tipong kumalmot talaga yung gulong...

Bwisit ka! Uupurin ko tong gulong mo e!

Hinanap ko yung parking space nya.. nasa bandang likod pa na malapit sa entrance....

Teka bakit ako sa driver's lounge tatambay.. pwede naman dito sa kotse nya a...

Hmmm.. tama... tulog muna ko dito sa kotse nya... para medyo makabawi sa pagkaka gising ko ng maaga...

I-put on my earphones at inayos ko ang pagkakaupo ko...

Anong akala mo sa kin Andrew... Cowboy ata ito... kahit saan mo ko ilagay, makakapag-adjust ako... hindi ako katulad ng ibang mga babae dyan.. konting tapik, iyak...

CHANGE ME!!! Hahahaha!

Makatulog na nga... binuksan ko yung bintana baka hindi ako makahinga kapag nakasara at pumuwesto ng maayos para makatulog ako....

Andrew

Crazy Lady... grabe kung makasingit sa daan.. kahit pala rush hour kayang kayang humarurot!

Umiling-iling na lang ako.... Pero kahit ganon sya mag-drive... alam mong sure sya sa mga galaw nya... hmmmm magaling din talaga syang mag-drive kahit kaskasera... at least I get to be on time sa mga appointments ko... kahit medyo ma-late ako sa pag-prepare.. may silbi ka rin talaga Tanya...

Napangiti na lang ako

Pero Ibang klase talagang mang-asar yun,, naalala ko yung ginawa nya kaninang umaga.. dahil don ang bigat ng katawan ko ngayon...

Kaya ngayon, mabulok ka maghapon sa Driver's lounge...

Ng madaan ako sa Presiden'ts lounge, Sinenyasan ko ang secretary ko na pumasok sa opisina ko...

"May mga CCTV camera ba sa parking lot? Pati sa driver's lounge?"

"Yes sir meron po..."

"A ok.. paki sabi sa IT na i-up iyon sa computer ko... and have the meeting here in my office... may binabantayan lang ako ngayon..."

Tanya

"Pssssttt miss!!!"

Hmmmmm.. medyo naalimpungatan ako.. may tumatawag ba sa kin... gumalaw- galaw ako... anong oras na ba?? tinatawag na ba ko ni Andrew???

"Miss?"

Unti-unti kong dinilat yung mga mata ko...

Sino ba yung nang-iistorbo sa kin??? Ang himbing na ng tulog ko...

Tinignan ko yung wrist watch ko... 9:30... gosh.. and it's not yet break time...

"Ayan.. gising na sya.." may nagsabing isang lalake.. tinignan ko.. hindi ko sya kilala...

May dalawang lalake na nakadungaw sa bintana...

At sino naman kaya itong mga ito na ang galing galing mang-istorbo ng taong natutulog...

Napakunot ang noo ko...

"What in the world do you want!"

Syempre irritated ako at ginising ako.... Sabi nga nila,,, lokohin mo na ang lasing,, wag lang ang bagong gising!

"Um miss... we're just wondering what you're doing sleeping there..."

Hindi naman mukhang driver tong mga to... mukhang mayaman din.. pero mukhang hindi mapagkakatiwalaan... kung maka ngisi parang may plinaplanong hindi ko gusto...

"E alipin po ako.. at hindi ako pwedeng pumasok sa building ng amo ko.. kaya dito ako pinatambay..."

Napangisi yung 1 lalake... iyon talaga ang evil smile...

Hindi siguro staff ni Andrew ang mga ito.. hindi nila kilala yung kotse ni Andrew...

"Kung gusto mo miss samahan ka namin?" sabi nung 1 lalake...

"Ay, pasensya na.. loner ako.. ayoko ng mga istorbo... "

"May café dyan sa tapat, kung gusto mo sumama ka sa min.. treat ka naming... "

Duh!

"Just leave me be... I have things to do... " Sabay irap..

"Aba ang suplada nito a!"

Topak pala tong lalaking to.. at sino naman ang hindi magsusuplada sa inaasal nya!

"Suplada ako sa mga taong hindi marunong gumalang sa babae!!!"

"A ganon!" sabi nung 1 lalake...

Biglang binuksan ang pinto at pinilit akong nilabas ng kotse...

"Anong problema mo!"

"Sa ayaw at sa gusto mo sasama ka sa min!"

"e May toyo pala kayo e! "

GINAGALIT AKO NG MGA STUPIDO NA TO A!!! ANG SAKIT NG PAGKAKAHILA NYA SA KIN!!!!

HUMANDA KAYONG MGA BWISIT KAYO!!!!

Andrew

Pinagsiksik ko yung mga executives ko sa office ko...

"I know it's a little bit uncomfortable but please bear with me.. may mino-monitor lang ako... and this will be quick, I promise..."

After 2 and a half hours...

There's still so many things to tackle kaya hindi ko pa ma-adjourn yung meeting...

But wait...

Napalingat ako sa monitor...

What the!

Bigla akong kinabahan sa nakita ko...

May 2 lalaki na pinilit ilabas si Tanya....

Napatayo akong bigla...

Nagtaka naman ang mga executives ko kung ano ang nangyari

Tumawag ako sa secretary ko...

"GET SECURITY PAPUNTAHIN MO SA PARKING NOW!!! AND CALL THE POLICE!"

Dali-dali akong lumabas ng office.. halos tumakbo ako sa elevator...

"DAMN!!!! "

Kinakabahan ako.. baka kung saan nila dalhin si Tanya... mananagot sa kin kung sino man ang mga lalaking yon...

Kasunod ko na si Rick ng bumukas ang elevator...

"Nakita mo ba yung nasa monitor?!!!! Sino ang mga yon?!!!! Ang lakas ng loob nilang gumawa ng kalokohan sa loob ng building ko! and to think they did that to Tanya"

"Sir... We'll find out later... "

"Can't this elevator go any faster?"

Tahimik lang si Rick...

I called Tanya's Phone... but it just kept on ringing and ringing...

Mas lalong lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko...

What if I'm too late?

Pano kung dinala sya kung saan ng mga lalaking yon!

Kasalanan ko to e....

Ba't hindi ko naisip na maraming magkakainteres sa babaeng yon!!

Ang tanga ko!!!!

Not everybody's a gentleman!

DAMN!!! It's your fault Andrew! If anything happens to her!!!!

Pagbukas ng elevator.. tumakbo na kami ni Rick papunta kung saan nakapark ang kotse ko...

May mga security na rin don..

Pero lahat sila nakatulala...

"JUST ARREST THEM!!! " Sumigaw ako sa mga security

"Ummm sir... sino pa ba ang dapat naming arestohin??"

Now I saw what they're trying to say..

Naghihisterical si Tanya..

Galit na galit!

Pinagtatadyakan yung 2 lalaki na parehong nagkahiga sa sahig!!!

Wala na kong nagawa kung hindi bumuntong hininga at napailing...

*******************************************[17] Chapter 15*******************************************AN... ayan na ang chap 15

Chapter 15

Tanya

"Ouch!!!" sabi ko habang nilalagyan ng ice pack ng company nurse yung braso ko masakit a... grrrr.... Kainis ayan tuloy nagpasa yung braso ko dahil sa pagkakahila sa kin... anong akala nya rag doll ako?? pero at least, ito lang ang inabot ko compared sa 2 pangit na yon... kung hindi pa nila ako pinigilan ng security baka kung anong nagawa ko... hayz! Ang mga lalake nga naman.. feeling kasi nila, lahat ng babae pwede nilang kaya kayanin... hmmmp!!! Ang yayabang nila mga lampa naman pala.. Hindi naman ako umuuron sa mga basag ulo! Well actually,, hindi pa nga malala ito compared sa mga rambol namin ni Kuya Slate nung High School... madalas kasing mapaaway si kuya dahil sa babae yun, ang dami kasing naghahabol sa kanyang babae kahit may mga boyfriend na,, nagkakataon naman na palagi ako ang kasama kapag sinusugod sya.... Haaayyyzzzz... Oh well.. just the same... masakit pa rin kapag tinatamaan ka.. hindi naman ako si supergirl ano...

"Dahan-dahan nga! Nasasaktan si Tanya.." Pinagalitan pa ni Andrew yung nurse...

Ang OA! Grabe!!!!

E sino kaya ang may pakana na sa Parking ako mag-stay.. sya naman ang punot dulo nito!!! GRRRRR!

Hmmmpppp.. deadma ka sa kin ngayon... asar ako sa yo! Kahit kelan hindi na kita papansinin... DEADMA!!!!

IRAP MODE AKO NGAYON!!!

Mukhang affected si Andrew, hindi mapakali.. lahat na lang ng staff nya sinisigawan...

Kanina pa nya pinagagalitan yung mga nag-t-trace kung sino yung dalawang lalaking umatake sa kin... ang kupad daw...

Hello!!! As in 5 minutes pa lang kami nakaka-akyat dito sa office nya gusto nya may resulta kagad!

Ayaw kasing magsalita yung dalawang kumag kung pano sila napadpad dito sa building ni Andrew... haist!

Sarap bugbugin ulit ng mga lalaking yon... tuloy damay buong companya sa galit ni Andrew... kawawa naman mga empleyado nito....

On the other hand.. sya naman din ang may kasalanan ng lahat ng ito!!!

Hay nako! Utak ipis talaga yun... nandamay pa ng ibang tao dahil sa kalokohan nya ... grrrr....

Andrew

Alam kong galit si Tanya.. kanina pa nya ako hindi kinikibo...

Hindi ako sanay ng ganito.. she's always so bubbly kahit na medyo nagagalit...

But now... she's too quiet...

Hindi man lang ako sinasagot kahit kausapin ko sya... She does not even look at me

AAARRRGGG!!!

"Damn Tanya Talk to me! May masakit pa ba sa yo? Gusto mo bang pumunta sa ospital?"

Wala pa ring kibo..

DAMN!

Mas ok pa sa kin yung binabangayan ako.. pero kapag silent treatment...

AAAARRRGGGGG!!! Di ako sanay ng ganito!

Hindi ko tuloy alam kung ano ang ikikilos at kung ano ang iisipin ko...

***

Anak ng Purchasing manager namin yung 1 sa mga lalaking umatake kay Tanya at kaibigan non yung 1 pang lalaki.. may kinuha lang daw sila sa daddy nila. May pagkabastos daw talaga yung dalawang lalaking yon... kahit yung mga secretary ng daddy nila ay napag-t-tripan din nila... Nagkamali sila ng pinagtripan.. bukod sa bugbog from Tanya. I'll make sure that they'll pay for what they did. Kailangan ng leksyon ng ganong klaseng mga tao at hindi ito dapat palampasin...

Naiisip ko pa lang ang mga nangyari, kumukulo na ang dugo ko.. hindi ko akalain na may ganong mga lalaki na walang paggalang sa mga babae!

Ano nga ba naman ang naisip ko at hinayaan kong tumambay si Tanya don! Gusto ko lang naman syang asarin dahil sa ginawa nya kaninang umaga... nag-backfire.... Now I'm the one who's paying for what I did...

Maghapon na.. nakasubsob lang sya sa laptop nya.. at kahit isang salita walang lumalabas sa bibig nya...

Maghapon din akong walang nagawa.... This should have been a very busy day.. pero ano... wala akong ginawa kungdi mag-isip kung paano ako papansinin ulit ni Tanya... ayoko namang kulitin sya.. baka mas lalong magalit...

Doon sya nakaupo sa sala set... alam kong medyo nahihirapan sya don kasi kanina pa sya naka-slouch. Kanina ko pa sya sinasabihan na sa table ko na sya magtrabaho.. pero i-ni-ignore lang nya ako...

"Hindi ba napapanis na laway mo nyan Tanya?.. kanina ka pa walang kibo..."

Hindi man lang tumingin!!!

ARRRRGGGG!!! Nasisisra na ulo ko sa babaeng to!

Tumayo ako at lumabas ng office...

I took out my cellphone and dialed Charlie's number

Ng Marinig ko ang boses ni Charlie...

"Charlie, this is Andrew..."

"Andrew,, what a pleasant surprise!... hmmmm.... Parang ngayon ka lang ulit tumawag a... may kailangan ka ano??"

"Not really... may itatanong lang ako"

"ok.. so what is it... "

"Ummmm... "

Pano ko ba sasabihin to...

"Lose of words? Ikaw ba talaga si Andrew? O baka sinasapian?"

"Funny Charlie... very funny... "

"So what is it?"

"Actually,,, I did something bad that really pissed off Tanya... "

"Well,,, you're always pissing her off..."

"I know,,, she's hurt because of it.. and she's giving me the silent treatment... "

"Hala Andrew! Ano bang ginawa mo? Sobrang galit non kapag hindi na nagsasalita!"

"I know... kaya nga tinawagan kita.. I don't know how to deal with it... "

"Uyyyy.... Ano yan... may naamoy ba kong kakaiba???? Bakit ka concern?"

Nanukso pa tong babaeng to,, namo-mroblema na nga e!

"Of course I'm concerned... kasalanan ko e... "

"Ano ba talagang ginawa mo??"

"Saka ko na ikukwento sa yo kapag nagkita tayo,, but for now,, how do you make her calm down??"

Nag-isip si Charlie...

"Usually Ice cream lang katapat nyan e... pero wait lang.... hmmmmm... "

Nag-isip ulit si Charlie...

"What Charlie... I'm waiting!"

"Teka nga!!!! Hindi ko pa kasi sya nagagalit ng katulad ng ginawa mo ano!"

"OK.. ok... "

"Minsan nagalit kay Kuya Slate yun... as in nag-silent treatment din sya...."

"And?.... "

"Wala lang.. "

Weird din tong babaeng to...

"Yeah,, thanks for the very helpful information... " I said sarcastically...

Natawa sya!

Pareho silang mag-bestfriend kung magtrip....

"Totoo naman.... Basta mailabas lang nya yung nasa loob nya magiging ok na sya... or better yet... try to make her scream... mas mabilis mawawala ang galit nyan.. napakababaw lang naman nya talaga... "

Try to make her scream...

Try to make her scream...

Hmmmm.. I think I know just how to make her scream....

I smiled...

"Thanks Charlie... I think I know what to do... "

"Hey... I don't know what's going on.. but... just look after Tanya ok? She may seem tough but she's really fragile deep inside... "

"Don't worry... I'll take care of her... "

Tanya

Saan ba ko dadalhin nitong kutong lupa na to...

Nasa South south superhighway na kami...

"Where are we going Andrew?" I ask.... That was the first time I spoke after 5 hours...

I just looked at me and shrugged...

ABA!!!! Sya naman ang nag-silent treatment sa kin!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!

"Hoy! Kikidnapin mo ba ko?"

Silence...

Aba!!!! Gumaganti ba to??? Naningkit ang mga mata ko....

Sige silent treatment ka rin a...

Kinuha ko yung cellphone ko... tinawagan ko si Ice...

"Tanya what's up?"

"May kumikidnap sa kin!"

"What!!!!" Parang nagimbal si Ice

Inagaw ni Andrew yung Cellphone ko.... arrrrgggg!!! Hindi ko na-anticipate na mahilig nga palang mang-agaw itong pangit na to!!!

"Pare.. nahihibang lang tong si Tanya... feeling damsel in distress... "

"Hindi rin Ice!!! Kinikidnap nya talaga ako!!!!" I screamed para marinig nya...

Natawa lang si Andrew...

"Drama queen.. you know how it is... sige pare.. see you!"

Pinatay nya ang cellphone ko at itinago sa tabi nya!!!

"Give me back my Phone!"

"No... behave... malapit na tayo... "

Edi magbehave... BWIISIT

****

Napatulala ako at napaturo sa façade....

Anong nakain ni Andrew???? Hindi ko maimagine....

Pero effective.... Unti-unting naaalis ang galit, asar at kung ano ano pang nararamdaman ko dahil....

NASA ENCHANTED KINGDOM KAMI!!!!!!!!!

"Woa! Andrew.. this is very unlike you.... "

"Then you still don't know me... "

"Akala ko corny sa yo mga theme parks?

"Where did you get that idea?"

Hmmmmm ... uu nga naman.,... I just assumed....

Pero napaka out of place nya.... Kahit tinanggal nya ang suit nya formal pa rin ang itsura. Unlike me,, naka jeans lang ako.. Oh well... since dinala nya ko dito,, I want to enjoy!!!!

"Tara na bilis!!! Space shuttle na tayo!!!!"

"Akala ko ba galit ka sa kin?" he asked teasingly...

"Ako galit sa yo? kelan pa?"

He just smiled....

Oo kanina galit ako sa yo.. pero nag-evaporate na yun... hehehehehe.....

"Ang bagal naman nito,, bilisan mo naman Andrew!!!!"

The afternoon went super well... sobrang nag-enjoy kami sa mga rides.. nakakatawa lang kasi pinagtitinginan sya.. napaka out of place kasi... parang galing lang sa GQ mag at eto para kaming mga bata...

Uyyyyy may shooting gallery!!!!

"Pustahan tayo!"

"What a very lady like term!... saan mo ba nagpagpupupulot yang mga salita mo???"

"E ano masama sa pustahan??? O gusto mo... wanna bet???"

He just smiled...

"what do you have in mind?"

"Paramihan ng mababaril... "

"You don't know what you're dealing with..."

"Oh yeah... "

"Yeah... "

"O sige... " sabi ko.. "if you loose.. you will do my laundry for a week..."

"And what if you loose?"

"I'll do your laundry... "

"Deal.."

At first tabla kami.. pareho kaming hindi nagpapatalo.. bakit ako magpapatalo.. hate ko nga maglaba!!!.. at kainis to a... pareho kaming perfect shot! Natatalo ko nga mga kapatid ko dito... GOSH! Magaling pala tong kutong lupang to!!! Mapapalaban ata ako dito a...

"Teka teka teka teka... parang walang mangyayari sa tin nito a... baguhin natin yung rules... " Sabi ko...

"Paramihan ng matutumba in 15 sec... "

He smirked..

"you're done lady.. get ready to do my laundry... " he said confidently...

"You wish!!!"

"Ate paki time kami..." Sabi ko sa attendant...

"Ladies first... " sabi nya...

"Hmmmm gentleman ka pala? I didn't know?" ahahahahahaha!!! Asarin para madistract...

"Tabi ka na dyan ang watch the expert.. " Ang yabang ko grabe! Confident ako e... hahahaha!!!!

After 15 sec.... 30 shots!!! Wooohhhoooo!

"Beat that!!!!"

"Step aside..."

After 15 sec....

GOSH!!!!!

WAAAAAAA!!! 31 Shots!!!!

Why did I ever make that bet!!!! Nadagdagan na naman ang gagawin ko!!! huhuhuhuhuhuhu!!!!!!

"Oo na sige na!!! PANALO KA NA!@!!!!!"

Aalis na sana ko ng pinigilan kami ng attendant....

"Meron po kayong stuff toys..." sabi nung attendant...

WOW!!!! 2 bunny stufftoys!!!!

"Wow!!!!... One for Charles and one for Zia!!!"

"Akin yung 1." Sabi ni Andrew...

"Aagawan ang mga babies! Mahiya ka sa balat mo!!!!"

"Bilhan na lang natin sila ng iba.. let's just keep these... Just to remind us na.. Talo kita sa shooting!!!!"

"SIRRRAAA!!! Nagpatalo lang talaga ako..."

Naupo kami sa bench..

I feel tired all of a sudden..

What a day!..

Well at least it ended up well...

"Andrew... why did you take me here.. ang alam ko ang dami mo pang trabaho...."

He just shrugged...

Silence...

"Tanya... " He looked at me straight in the eye.. "I'm sorry..."

Sincere sya?

Wow grabe sincere nga!!!

"I never intended for you to be hurt... I just didn't anticipated those events... it got way out of hand... "

Silence...

"I'm not blaming you for what happened.. nainis lang ako sa yo kasi dinamay mo buong staff mo... don't be like that.. I know you're the boss but PLEEEEZZEE, wag kang ganon...."

"Actually,, I don't know what came over me.. when I saw that bruise on your arm... I don't know... I lost my cool... "

"hmmmp ikaw talaga masyado ka!!!.. well anyway... ok naman na ang lahat... and thank you for bringing me here... I really enjoyed myself.. and I guess I needed that.. nakakawala ng tensyon ang sumigaw ng sumigaw! "

He held my hand at nagulat ako.!!

WHAT!!!!

"Tanya...." He looked at me straight in the eye... " I promise.. those things will never happen again... "

...Silence

"This time.... I will protect you..."

A.N.

NO UPDATES FOR THE WEEKEND!!!! NEXT WEEK NA PO!!!

*******************************************[18] Chapter 16*******************************************AN

I just can't stay away....

Para sa mga sumusubaybay....

eto na po ang Chap 16...

Chapter 16

Tanya

"I was worried sick about you.... "

We were just passing by the condo's lobby when Ice Approached us...

OMG! Hindi man lang sumagi sa isip ko na mag-iintay sya sa kin!!!!!

Concerned ba sya? Gosh!

"ICE! " I looked at my watch.. it's almost 11:00 "Kanina ka pa? "

"Don't ask... "

Hala naku... mukhang kanina pa nga.... Nakakakonsenysa naman!!!!

"Naku pasensya na talaga kanina a.. pinag-alala pa kita... Sorry talaga... Ito kasing si Andrew... hindi naman kasi sinasabi kung saan ako dadalihin... "

Andrew just shrugged... hay nako nanahimik na naman, at wala man lang ino-offer na explanation...

Tinignan ni Ice si Andrew ng masama at eto namang si Andrew.. deadma lang... hay nako..

"Nag joy ride lang kami sa Enchanted Kingdom..."

Alam kong para akong bata dahil obvious na tuwang tuwa at nag-enjoy ako. And to top it all may bitbit pa kong malalaking stuff toy.. binilhan pa ko ni Andrew ng malaking stuff mascot ng EK ... well at least I'm a girl hindi katulad ni Andrew na parang engot, bitbit yung 1 malaking bunny stuff toy.. very very unlike Andrew.. parang nawala ang pagka cool nya.. hehehehe.... Hindi ko talaga alam kung anong nakain nun at ayaw na lang ibigay sa twins yung stuff toy... remembrance daw???? I didn't know that he's sentimental... wala talaga sa itsura....

"You don't have any reason to be worried.. " sabi ni Andrew "Sabi say o drama queen lang yan e.."

"But why did you turned off her cellphone? Ive been calling non stop, pero puro voice mail lang ang sumasagot sa kin... " tanong ni Ice parang medyo galit ata a.. kung makatingin kay Andrew parang lalamunin... "

"AY Shocks!!!.. I forgot to get my cellphone!... "

"Don't worry it's here.. " kinuha ni Andrew yung cellhone ko sa pocket nya at inabot sa kin...

"NAku sorry talaga Ice.... I made you worry... I shouldn't have called you like that... itong kasing si Andrew.... "

"Ang gwapo!... " sabat ni Andrew!!!! And he looked at me teasingly...

Waaa ang kapal ng mukha!

"Grabe!!! Umiwas-iwas ka nga!!! Tinatamaan na ko ng ilong mo sa sobrang kapal ng mukha mo!!!"

Natawa na lang si Andrew but I can see that Ice was not amused...

Napansin ni Ice yung malaking pasa ko sa braso...

Kinuha nya ito at parang mas lalong kumunot ang noo nya...

"What's with this nasty bruise? Are you hurt? Nahulog ka ba or something sa mga rides... "

"No no no... wala namang nangyari sa min sa EK.. napa-away lang ako kanina... "

"What have you done Andrew?" galit na sabi ni Ice kay Andrew...

"No Ice.. hindi si Andrew.. promise.. may mga ma-epal lang na lalaki kanina.. akala nila kasi kaya nila ako.. kaya ayun... binugbog ko... don't worry.. ano ka ba.... " Kumapit ako sa braso nya... sympre konting lambing baka sakaling humupa ang pagkainis nya...

"Please Ice don't worry... this is nothing really... "

"Akyat na ko..." sabi ni Andrew...

O, anong nangyari don.. parang biglang nag-iba ihip ng hangin don.. kanina ang bait bait at ang saya nya.. ngayon parang biglang sumungit na naman... siguro sa listahan ng mga bipolar.. No 1 sya...

"You live here too? Since when?" tanong ni Ice na nagtataka...

"Since yesterday... " mas lalong kumunot ang noo ni Ice...

"Ummm Ice.. have you had your dinner?" Tanong ko para lang ma-break ang tension...

"I Haven't, actually... "

"You must be starving!"

He smiled...

Weeeee gravy naman ang gwapo naman nya pag naka smile!!!!

"Hey Tanya... matulog ka na.. may lakad pa tayo bukas... " paalis na sabi ni Andrew...

"Yes MASTER... "

Andrew just glared at me...

I smiled at him sweetly... after a few seconds... He returned my smile and waved...

"Pare, can I have a word with you later? Where's your unit?"

"Penthouse..."

"Later... " sabi ni Ice and he turned to me...

"and you Lady.. you owe me dinner for making me worried sick..."

"Sorry naman... pero sorry talaga... next time hindi na ko tatawag.. OA naman din kasi ako... "

Inakbayan nya ko...

WEEEE!!!! Kelan pa kami naging close!!!

Pero ang kilig ko!!!! hihihihihihi....

***

Tanya

I offered Ice to cook dinner for him but he declined.. pagod na daw ako para magluto pa at gutom na rin sya.. luckily may resto pa sa paligid na hindi pa nagsasara... we just walked our way there... hindi na ako kumain dahil nag-pig out kami sa EK ni Andrew...

Record breaking tong araw na to sa dami ng mga pangyayri.. first, the rambol incident, second,, EK and now ICE!!! It keeps on getting better and better... hihiihihihi...

We are now walking back to the condo... tahimik na rin ang paligid although hindi naman nawawalang ng tao dito sa Makati...

"Tanya...."

"Hmmmm..."

"If you don't mind.. I just want to ask you something.... "

"Shoot... "

"I just a little bit confused.. I just want to know it straight from you... "

"And that would be... "

"What's the score between you and Andrew..."

"ANDREW????"

Natawa ako...

Ay.. parang na-offend si Ice...

"Oooopppsss sorry... "

"That's ok... "

"Really Andrew? What made you think that there's something going on between us?"

"Wala ba?"

"None as in Zero..."

"I'm just confused.. kasi palagi kayong magkasama.. you're way too close.. katulad nung wake ng Dad mo.. and now.. you're in the same building with him.. or are you in the same unit as well..."

"Same unit!!!!"

Natawa ako...

"Hindi ano!!! Ok... para ma-enlighten ka ng konti.. we had an arrangement.. but only for a year"

kinuwento ko sa kanya lahat ng pangyayari.. including the incident early this morning... and I do think that he understood...

"So as you can see... there is nothing going on between me and Andrew... PERIOD!! In that clear?"

"Cristal.. "

"But why this sudden interest?" tanong ko sa kanya.. medyo malapit na rin kami sa building."

Huminto sya sa paglalakad at hinawakan nya ang braso ko...

"ok.. since I now know the stand between you and Andrew... I just want to make my intensions clear..."

He looked at me straight in the eye...

I'm melting!!! He looks so handsome!!!! Nyiiiii! Ano bang gagawin ko... natutunaw talaga ako!!!

"Tanya... "

"Yes..."

"I like you... "

Anong sabi???

"Come again?? Did I hear you right?"

Natawa sya...

" I said I like you.... "

Nanlaki mga mata ko..

I'm speechless...

" Do you like me too???"

Woa!!!!

"Ummmm I.... "

Pero sa totoo lang sobrang kumakabog ang dibdib ko!!!! waaaa!!!!

I know I like him sooo much,, kahit noon una ko pa lang syang nakita... diba nga... nilalandi ko pa nga sya...

But... I don't know... there is this part of me that is not sure... parang..... parang... hindi ko maintindihan... ano ba to!!!! Kung kelan naman nag-o-open na si Ice.. bakit para namang nagpapakipot ako... e sa parang may iba e!!

"Ummm.. Ice.. I don't know if I can answer your question right now.. yes I'm attracted to you... but I think it's way too early.. I still want to know you more... and besides.. We haven't gone out yet.. unless you count that Mcdo thing and tonight as date?"

He smiled...

"Silly me... " He said medyo natatawa... "I'm really being too fast..."

I just smiled... "Hindi naman.. slight lang... "

" OK then... since your so occupied for the weekend.. then maybe we can find some time during weekdays... "

"That would be nice..."

Nyiiii! Kilig moments na naman!!!! Hihihihihihi

We just stared at each other for some time...

"Ummm.. I guess I have to go... it's really getting late... hindi ko alam kung saan ang lakat namin nung kaibigan mo... "

"hatid na kita... "

"Kahit sa elevator na lang.. para makauwi ka na rin.."

"Ok... kakausapin ko pa nga pala si Andrew..."

***

Andrew

I took a bottle at the bar and pour myself a glass of wine...

Why am I pissed!!!!

Kanina ok naman ako!

AAARRRGGG!

I don't understand...

Hindi ako mapakali....

Was it because of Ice? Yung pagtatanong nya? Did it get to me? His prying?

Or was it because of Tanya? Lumalandi na naman? E ano ngayon kung lumalandi sya.. matagal ko na namang alam na may gusto sya kay Ice.. so why am I feeling like this!

No no no no no.... this can't be....

The bell rang...

Si Ice na siguro to...

I opened the door to let him in...

He's in a good mood right now unlike the scene in the lobby...

Leave it to Tanya to make him feel good...

And why the hell am I being pissed again!

Get a grip!!!! I know I'm in such an emotional turmoil right now... I don't even understand myself cause everything is so bazaar..

"Have a sit... "

I went to the bar and pour him some wine...

Bumalik ako sa salas and handed him the wine....

"What's on your mind... "

"Naikwento na sa kin lahat ni Tanya.. even your arrangement with her... I just don't understand why you have to deal with her like that... "

"She's a friend... alam ko naman ang mga pinagdaanan nya esp nung nakaraan... I'm just making it a bit easier for her... "

"Then why not hand the house over... "

"We're businessmen... we don't give without anything in return... and I think that's the easiest way for her to get back her house... "

"You don't need those kinds of services.... You have tons of drivers and you can get any chef that you want.. why her?"

I just shrugged...

Tinignan nya ko ng masam, parang tinitimbang nya ko...

"Ok Andrew.. for the sake of our friendship.. I just want to ask you one last time... "

Tinitigan ko rin sya.... He's dead serious this time...

"Are you in love with Tanya..."

I was taken aback... In love?

I think I have to assess myself... hindi ko masabing in love ako kay Tanya when I don't know exactly what I'm feeling right now.. all I know is... I love it when I see her smile... I love to look at her beautiful face.. I' sad when she's sad.. I get really angry when she got hurt this morning... and by the way.. I also love it when I get her pissed off...

But in Love.. that's too deep...

Of course I'm not In love with Tanya...

Am I?

"You don't have to worry about me.. about us.. It's purely friendship..." I guess.. I Added in my mind...

"Think about it again.. for I will base what I'll do from your answer... "

"Again Ice, you don't have to worry a thing about us... "

He looks at me and I looked back.. parang kaming naghahamunan...

"Then.. back off... "

"By all means " I said but this time... I'm not so sure...

Why am I feeling so sad and so empty right now?

Bakit feeling ko para akong inagawan...

Why do I feel that I've cheated myself...

THIS IS SOOO ANNOYING!

AN

Hindi ko na lang sasabihin kung kelan ako mag-u-update o kung kelan hindi... hindi ko na rin matantya ang sched ko ngayon.. basta kung may nakapost.. may konting vacant ako.. kung walang naka post ibig sabihin.. sobra akong natoxic...

ANYWAY............. HAPPY DECEMBER 1 to all of yoU!!

*******************************************[19] Chapter 17*******************************************AN

Maikli lang to... build up chapter lang to....

But I'll try to finish the next chap later...

ENJOY!

Chapter 17

Andrew

I just have a few hours of sleep.. My conversation with Ice keeps on rewinding in my mind...

I keep on searching myself for my feelings...

No it can't be..

Tanya is Tanya...

Sure.... She's gorgeous... the supermodel type look

But I like the Charlie type.. sweet, poise, angelic type...

Unlike Tanya, she's so barbaric... but that makes her more interesting... you cannot predict her...

Am I interested? For the past few years that I've known her... why now?

If you ask me then.... The answer is a fast NO!

But right now.... Idon't know.... I'm not so sure....

Why am I feeling so unsure right now?

AAAARRRGGGG!

Baka naman nadadala lang ako sa mga sitwasyon... she needed help... baka naman naaawa lang ako...

Or maybe I just felt the need to protect her because she's like a sister to me.... At binilin sya sa kin ni Stanly...

Pero.... Sister lang ba? Parang hindi e... I think it's more than that....

A good friend? Bestfriend like she always refer to me?

I refuse to believe that I'm in love with Tanya... that can't be...

It's not possible...

And about Ice..

I changed my mind...

Why do I have to back - off

Kung mahal nya talaga si Tanya...

Paghirapan nya...

If he see me as a threat.... Then a threat I will be.. he just have to prove that how much he love her.. then if he can prove that... maybe,, I'll back -off

I don't know what time is it or how long I have been staring at the ceiling.. I tried my best to go back to sleep... pero wala talaga.. hindi talaga ako makatulog.. until the time I felt someone opened the door....

Oh boy.. here she goes again....

Ano na namang kalokohan ang iniisip nitong babaeng to....

I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep....

Naramdaman kong lumapit sya sa kama.... Siguro tinitignan nya ako....

"Sleepy head.... " she whispered....

I heard her yawn... hmmmm hindi rin siguro masyadong nakatulog to... kung sabagay masydong maaksyon ang araw naming kahapon... no wonder she's still sleepy.... Maaga pa syang nagising... I know that she's not a morning person...

Still whispering... "Kainis ka talaga Drew.... Gumigising ako ng maaga dahil sa yo.... "

Drew? Since when did she call me that?

But.... Hmmmm ... it's nice to hear especially coming from her...

I like it...

"Mukha kang mabait kapag tulog... sana palagi ka na lang tulog... hihihihihi.... Gwapo ka naman e.. sobra nga... Crush nga kita e.... pero..... "

Iniintay kong tapusin nya yung statement nya....

Grrrrrr.. binitin pa!.. hindi na nagsalita.. but I can feel that she's staring at me.. ano kayang iniisip nito....

Naku baka kung anong gawin nito... maunahan na nga....

I suddenly grabed her....

Obviously she was caught unaware....

I wrestled her and pin her at the bed..

Hinigpitan ko yakap ko sa kanya....

Pumapalag....

"AAAAAIIIIIIEEEEE!!!! You're soooo bad!!!! Gising ka pala!!!"

Habang pumapalag.. mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang yakap ko sa kanya...

"GET OFF ME! YOU CREEP!!!!"

"Pumalag ka pa.. mas lalo kitang hindi pakakawalan... "

"AAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!"

Natatawa na sya...

"Ano ka ba?" sabi nya na medyo sumusuko na.... naubusan na rin siguro ng lakas...

"I'm not yet ready to get up... "

"Idadamay mo pa ko?"

"I heard you're still sleepy..."

Namula...

"You heard that? You heard all that?"

"And what did you call me? Drew?"

Mas lalong namula...

That's so cute... marunong ka palang mahiya...

"I like it... " I said....

Tinaasan nya ko ng kilay....

"Drew...." She whispered...

I smiled...

"Pakawalan mo na ko... "

"Inaantok pa ko.... wag ka na pumalag... "

Nanahimik na sya...

"Are you really having trouble sleeping? "

"Yeah... "

"Why?..."

"Just thinking..."

"What are you thinking?"

"Things.... " like you.... I added in my mind...

We were silent for a while....

"Lalamig na pagkain mo..." she said...

"Microwave na lang natin mamaya... and by the way... bat hindi mo ko sinasamahang kumain..."

"I'm not a breakfast person..."

"That's not good..."

"I know... pero hindi talaga ako sanay... "

"sanayin mo.... From now on.. you'll eat breakfast with me..."

"WEH!!!! Wag na no!"

Hinigpitan ko na naman ang yakap ko sa kanya....

"Hey Stop that!!! Naso- suffocate ako!" But she's laughing.... "Ok sige sige.. sabay na tayo mag-breakfast... tara na...."

Hindi pa rin ako kumilos....

"A few more minutes.... "

Hindi na sya kumibo....

She yawned.... And closed her eyes...

From the looks of it ... She's still tired.....

I looked at her arm..... mas lalo yatang nangitim....

Kumukulo na naman ang dugo ko sa 2 lalaking umatake sa kanya.. I'll make sure they'll rot....

Slowly.. I felt her drifting off to sleep....

I really feel so good embracing her.... Yes, I've sworn I'll protect her.... Lesson learned from the incident yesterday... but can I be able to protect her heart? Or am I the one who need protection from her...

Tanya... what are you doing to me?

***

Tanya

I had a very nice dream... It sounds so childish but I dreamed that my prince had come to claim me... pero hello.. bakit hindi man lang pinakita sa panaghinip kung sino yun... hihihihi...

Naku baka any minute now Makita ko na si Mr. Right..

Wow excited much!!!

I feel so refreshed.... Parang ang sarap ng tulog ko...

I stretched.... May mabigat sa bewang ko....

I slowly opened my eyes, para Makita ko kung ano yung mabigat nay un....

Oh no!!! naalala ko....nakatulog pala ako sa kama ni Andrew kanina...

At makayakap pa rin sya sa kin!!!!

HALA!!!!!!

Tulog pa rin sya??? O baka naman nagtutulogtulugan na naman.....

I've never been this close to Andrew....

Ang gwapo mo talaga chong!!!

Kung hindi lang talaga napaka babaero mo.. matagal na talaga kitang pinikot....

Saka alam ko naman na hindi mo ko type....

Bakit parang may kumurot sa dibdib ko ng maisip kong kahit kelan hindi mo ko kayang magustuhan....

Well,, it's better for us to be friends than have nothing at all... Masaya na ko don...

Tinapik tapik ko yung ilong nya

Tulog pa rin talaga...

I put my finger at the tip of his nose....

"Drew.... " I smiled then whispered... "thank you for everything.... Alam ko naman that you are more to it than your image.... I can somewhat understand you... though at times you really annoy me... but just the same... you're a good friend.... I hope we can stay like that forever... "

I snuggled close to him...

Hmmmmm you really smell sooo good....

Andrew

Friend na lang ba ang tingin mo sa kin Tanya???

*******************************************[20] Chapter 18*******************************************AN

Para po sa inyong laging sumusubaybay sa story na ito... pasensya na po kayo at hindi na po ako araw-araw makakapag update... Peak season is now at it's peak... I'm so over loaded right now.. but I'll try to update every now and then.. kung hindi man daily... i'll try to make it weekly...

Alam ko naman na maiintindihan nyo dahil mababait ang mga readers ko.. hehehehe...

Anyways.. sa lahat po ng nagco-comment at nag me-message sa kin... I really appreaciate all of you... you are all my inspiration.. unfortunately.. hindi ko po masasagot lahat, maliban po sa mga pm... hindi po kasi ako nakatutok sa wattpad palagi.... But I'm really sooo overwhelmed by your kind comments!!!

THANK YOU ALL!!

alam ko bitin ito... abangan nyo na lang ulit yung kasunod... :)

Chapter 18

Tanya

Talagang makakakain na ko nito.. lunch na kaya.. nagwawala na rin mga alaga ko sa tyan...

Andrew is at the kitchen counter sipping his coffee while reading some document... at ako eto nagluluto ulit.. hindi naman kasya sa min yung niluto ko kaninang umaga, sa takaw kong ito...

"Are you going to the office today?" Tanong ko...

"not sure... "

"soooo... you're just staying here?"

"Not sure.."

Ano ba to.... walang matinong sagot.... Grrrrr...

"If you're not going anywhere.... Then.... Maybe I can go somewhere else??? Hindi mo naman kailangan ng driver.... "

"No... "

Antaray naman!!!

Kumunot ang noo ko....

"Bakit kailangan mo pa ba ng audience para panoorin kang magbasa ng mga documents mo?" I said sarcastically...

Deadma... Grrrrrr...

"May pupuntahan tayo... "

"Saan?"

"We're going to visit someone and I need to buy some things... ikaw mamimili ng mga bibilhin ko... "

Hmmmm... at sino naman ang dadalawin nito??? Girlfriend nya????

GRRRRR!!!! At ako pa talaga ang pipili ng ibibigay nya!!!!! In your face Andrew!!!!!

Hmmmmm.... On second thoughts... Pwede rin... bibili ako ng bag.. tapos pupunta ako sa petshop... bibili ako ng mga bulate at ilalagay ko yon sa loob ng bag... hahahahahahaha!!!!!! What a sight!!!! Mga sosyal mga ka-date lagi nitong pangit na to.... Ano kayang reaction!!!! Hahahahaha!!!! Pwede sige.. I can't wait!!! Hahahahaha!!!!!

"What's going on in your mind?" Binaba nya yung binabasa nya at tinignan nya ko ng masama

"What???" nakangising sabi ko.... hehehehehehehe....

"You're smiling like an idiot as if you're planning something not good..."

"Porket nakangiti may binabalak ng masama??? Bawal na bang ngumiti ngayon?"

"I know that look... it takes one to know one, you know... "

Hmmmp.. ang yabang nito...

Inilagay ko na sa kitchen counter yung food namin...

Haaay salamat makakakain na....

Nag ring ang cellphone ko...

Hmmmmm... si Mother.... Bakit tumatawag to... alam ko nasa Italy sya ngayon....

"Yes.. mother... miss me already??"

"You know I always do sweetheart... but I need to ask you a huge huge huge favor... "

"kung kaya ko ba.. why not.... "

"Can we schedule a photo shoot tomorrow.... I know it's sooo sudden. But I need to submit my collections to a certain magazine... They love my work and they're featuring it internationally..."

"Woa... bongga ka na talaga!!!! Hindi ka na ma-reach!!! Pero tomorrow.... Ummmmm.... "

"Sa Subic... "

"Ang layo naman!!! "

"I need some underwater shots... kung hindi natin magawa sa dagat kahit sa pool.. maganda yung pool nung 1 resort... "

"and layo tapos bukas pa???... teka a.... ummmm... kasi.... I need to clear it first... "

"Are you occupied already??? OH NOOOOO!!!!!!! Nakasalalay sa yo ang buhay ko!!!!"

Tumingin ako kay Andrew... as usual deadma.....

"Wait lang Mother.. may kakausapin lang ako sandali... will you wait? Or do you want me to call you later...."

"No I'll wait.... "

"Drew.... " I smiled... sana umepek ang paglalambing ko... huhuhuhuhu.. yuck.. hindi ako sanay.... " diba optional naman sa usapan natin yung Sunday???"

"Ummmm... eeee.. kasi.. ano... "

Deadma pa din!!! Ano ba to.. may kausap ba ako o wala!!!! Grrrrr.. Chill ka lang Tanya.. you're asking a favor....

"Pwede bang hindi muna kita samahan bukas.. may photoshoot lang ako sa subic... PLEASSSEEEE!!! Kahit sa Tuesday Maghapon mo ulit akong alipin ko lang..."

Napangiti sya.... At napailing???

"Alipin???"

"Bakit hindi ba?"

Tinitigan nya ko ng masama....

"Ok sige... go on with your photoshoot..."

"Yehey!!!!"

"But......."

"May condisyon pa????"

"Samahan kita... " he smiled....

"Sure!!!! Tamang tama ipapakilala kita sa mga models ni Mother... grabe ang gaganda non!!! Baka makapamili ka na.... "

Yes yes yes.. two birds in one stone na ba ako bukas?? Makakapagtrabaho na.. maihahanap ko pa ng bride si Andrew...

"Sige Mother.. GAME!!!"

"AYYYYY!!!! You're my angel!!.. don't worry.. I'll pay you double... triple pa kapag nai-release na yung magazine... so.. I'll ring you the details later.. as usual... early in the morning ang calltime.. Sunrise to sunset ang setting natin.. pero promise... pack up tayo pagkatapos ng sunset... "

"No problem... "

"See you!!!! mwah!"

"Bye Mother see you tomorrow!"

Tinignan ko si Andrew....

"Are you sure you want to tag along? It can be soooo boring for you... "

"Ok lang.... "

Hmmmm sige.. tignan natin ang powers mo.....

"Kung sabagay.. if you want to girl hunt then that's the right place for you... " I smiled parang nang-aasar...

Tinitigan lang nya ako ng masama at hindi na kumibo....

***

Tanya

"OMG! I miss my babies!!!" Kunuha ko si Zia kay Charlie.... "You miss Ninang diba??? "

"Nang-angkin na naman ng anak ng iba... " sabat ni Andrew...

"Che... Get lost!..." tumingin ako kay Zia... "He's a big bad wolf!!! You don't want to mess with him.... He has horns.. but he's just hiding it...."

"Hoy Tanya.. kung ano anong sinasabi mo dyan sa anak ko.. baka matakot yan... " Sabi ni Charlie at kukunin na sana si Zia pero iniwas ko....

"Come on Zia.. let get your baby brother.... Charlie.. asan si Charles.. may pasalubong kami sa kanila.... "

"Pasalubong ko..."Sabi ni Andrew...

"Hmmmmp Ako naman namili ng mga yun... "

"O sige na kayong dalawa... pumunta na kayo sa living room.. nanadon si Zack at si Charles... " Sabi ni Charlie na papunta na sa living room...

"Ikaw magbitbit lahat nyan.. " Sabi ko Kay Andrew habang tinuturo ko ang mga toys and other stuff which consist of 6 big plastic bags... "Buhat ko si Zia... " I smiled sweetly.... Sabay alis... hehehehe.. hindi ko na inantay kung anong naging reaction... baka lamunin ako ng buhay non...

Akala ko naman kanina kung saan kami pupunta.. dadalaw pala kami sa twin... uu nga naman.. hindi ako nakadalaw dito nung Friday.... Miss ko na kagad yung 2... haaayy. Mababago schedule ko nito...

"Ano ba yang mga pinamili nyo.." Tanong ni Charlie "Ang dami naman!"

"Dapat lang.. ang daming utang ng Ninong kaya dapat bumawi... " Sabi ko...

"Para namang ilang buwan lang ako hindi nakakapunta dito... "

"E ako kaya... twice a week kaya ako pumunta dito... more pa nga e.... diba Zia??? Naku pero mababawasan ang pagpunta ko dito... mamimiss ko mga baby ko.... "

"Bakit naman... "Tanong ni Charlie... "Ask him.." Sabay turo k okay Andrew...

He just shrugged...

Aya nako eto na naman si deadma epek!...

"Ano meron?" Tanong ni Charlie..

"Wala.." Sabi ni Andrew...

"Driver / cook / alipn lang naman ang drama ko ngayon... " Sabi ko...

"Paki ulit nga? Parang nalaglag ang IQ ko... ano bang pinagsasasabi mo?"

"Hmmmm.. basta.. it's complicated.. " Sabi ko na lang... "Basta I'll make sure that I'll be here once a week... baka makalimutan ng mga babies ang pinaka maganda nilang ninang sa balat ng lupa! Tara Charlie.. iwan muna natin tong 2 pangit na to... chikahan mo muna ko... "

Binuhat ko si Zia at kumuha naman ni Charlie si Charles... pinabitbit ni Charlie sa mga maid yung mga pinamili namin...at pumunta kami sa playroom ng mga kids...

***

Andrew

"Himala... at dumalaw ka dito.. kasama mo pa si Tanya... and what's with all those things... " Sabi ni Zack

"Hindi mapigilan si Tanya, parang gustong bilhin buong children's section... masyadong spoiled yang mga anak mo sa ninang... "

"Sabihin mo pati sa ninong... I know you paid for it... " tatawa tawa si Zack

I snorted...

"Pare.. iba na yan a... Hindi ko ata ma-magine na pupunta ka sa department store,, nung nagpasama nga lang ako noon sa grocery hindi ka mapakali and children's section of all places... hindi ka na ba nahihiyang may makakita sa yo? Or is there anything you want to tell me?" Tinignan ako ni Zack na parang nakakaloko...

"Tell you what?"

"Don't play stupid with me... "

"Your imagination is getting the better of you... "

"Am I? "

"Look.... She's a friend... and I guess.... And maybe we've become closer so to speak.. with all that happened and all that... you know what I mean.."

"Talaga lang a... I caught you... "

"Huh? Ano nahuli mo sa kin?"

"You.... Looking at her.... With a very un-Andrew like expression.... Kinda weird ... don't you think so?"

"You lost me.. I don't know what you're talking about..."

"You can fool anyone... but me... I know you.. just as I knew that you we're in love with my wife once upon a time..."

He knew? LOKO TO A!!! hindi man lang sinabi sa kin! Teka bakit nga ba nya sasabihin.... Tinignan ko sya ng masama...

"Let me emphasize... I said 'were', past tense... so don't look at me like that.." Natawa si Zack...

Umiling na lang ako... wala pala akong pwedeng itago dito a...

"Now I'm seeing that look but this time.... To Tanya... "

Natawa na talaga ako...

"That's a joke!"

"Wanna bet?" Sabi ni Zack...

"What's the deal? "

"A million bucks says you're in love with Tanya... "

"Then I'll prove you wrong... get ready to wire that million bucks"

"I would say the same to you... "

***

Tanya

Maaga kaming umuwi from Charlie's house.. dahil maaga ang calltime... ang layo pa ng venue... Talaga tong si Mother sa subic pa napagtripang mag photoshoot... hindi na lang kasi sa studio at i-photoshop na lang ang background.... Kung sabagay.... Pangit ang artificial.. iba pa rin yung natural... tuloy, hakot gamit pa ang staff ko sa studio... ng pagka-aga aga... wala pa nga akong masyadong tulog... 12:00 tinatawagan ko na yung staff ko para sa mga gamit na kukunin nila sa studio...

It's 2:00am and we're on our way to subic... Mukhang sinipag si Andrew at sya ang nag-drive ng hummer... ayaw atang ipagkatiwala sa kin.. hehehehe... in fairness.. I hate driving big cars...

"Pwede bang matulog? Sabi ko sa kanya... I have a long day ahead..."

"Sure..."

"Ok ka lang mag-drive na walang kausap?"

"No problem.. sanay na ko dyan..."

"Thanks Drew... You're soooo mabait pala!"

"Nambola ka pa... Matulog ka na nga.. gisingin kita pag malapit na tayo... you need your rest... "

***

Andrew

Pagdating namin sa resort... Tulog pa rin si Tanya.. ayoko pang gisingin, I know she'll have a grueling photoshoot ahead...

I looked at her...

she looks so peaceful...

"Sana lagi kang ganyan... peaceful... masyado kang pilya at war freak... "

I don't know what Zack saw.. but it's freaking me out.. Hindi ko talaga alam kung anong nararamdaman ko.. but to someone see my innermost feelings... teka.. parang iba na yon...

I think I developed an attraction, I guess that's it.. but in-love?

I just have to prove him wrong...

Dumating na yung staff ni Tanya and I took the liberty to be in charge... since ayoko pang ma-istorbo sa pagtulog si Tanya...

2 truck pala ang mga dala nilang gamit... ganito pala kapag out of town shoot... and she organized it in less than a day.. Sanay na ang mga staff ni Tanya at malinaw naman ang mga instructions sa kanila..

So this is Tanya's world.. I feel so alien in here... but It's nice to have a glimpse and today would be a nice treat.. not to mention those gorgeous models will be running around all day...

Maybe Tanya's right.. this will be the time to look fo 'someone'... and to prove Zack wrong...

Maya-maya pa ay dumating na ang mga models... And a certain gay approached me...

"I know you.." Sabi nya sa kin...

"I am very sure that we haven't met before.." sabi ko sa bading...

He's not the usual gay... Sya yung tipo na igagalang mo... Sya na siguro yung kausap ni Tanya kahapon sa Phone...

"You're Andrew.... Andrew Fajardo"

"Most people knows me especially in the business world.."

"I know.. but I know you a lot better... your mom and I went to the same school, during our intermediate days.."

"Really? Funny.. she hasn't mentioned you in my whole existence... wala syang nakuwento tungkol sa yo... " I said that

"Baka naman ibang pangalan ang nababanggit nya... Does Reynaldo sound familiar?"

Ngumisi sya...

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko..

"You are Reynaldo?"

"The one and only!"

Natawa na ko!!!

"What's so funny?"

"Well, ginagamit ka lang naman lagi ng mommy para pagselosin ang daddy... lagi nyang sinasabi na may boyfriend daw sya dating Reynaldo na mahal na mahal sya.... I never thought!"

"That I am gay.... Loko talaga ang mommy mo kahit kailan! At ikaw naman.. bakit ka naligaw dito sa photoshoot ko?"

"Sinamahan ko si Tanya.."

"That's funny.. last time I check... wala pa syang boyfriend.."

Natawa ako...

"She's not my girlfriend.."

"And why not? Mukhang bagay kayo.." He said teasingly...

I tried to changed the subject...

"Do you want me to get Tanya?"

"Asan nga ba sya? "

"hinayaan ko munang matulog... "

Tinignan nya ko ng masama...

"And you're sure that you're not a couple.. e mukhang daig mo pa ang boyfriend!" kinikilig pa...

Haaaayyyy... bahala na nga syang mag-isip ng masama...

"Gisingin ko na... "

"Inaayos na yung tent... we'll have breakfast in a few minutes... "

Tumalikod na ako para puntahan si Tanya...

What's wrong with those people...

Ano bang nakikita nila na hindi ko nakikita?

Are my inner feelings getting the better of me?

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!

*******************************************[21] Chapter 19*******************************************AN

Dahil nakatapos ako ng madugong project....

Eto ang regalo ko sa inyo....

I really do love your comments...

Keep it coming! para ma-inspire pa ako.. hehehehehehe

Malay nyo.. madagdagan ulit ang UD ko.. hehehe... asa....

Chapter 19

Tanya

The sun is fast approaching and we are having a fast briefing after breakfast...

Ipinaliwanag ni Mother kung anong gusto nyang mangyari...

Ang drama talaga nitong bading na to!!!! nakaka-challenge lagi ang gustong mangyari!!

Haaayyy nako.. mapipiga na naman ang powers ko nito...

"Anyway Tanya.. I want you to meet Marco... your counterpart sa photoshoot... He's from Bellissima Magazine... and he came all the way from Italy for this shoot... forte nya ang underwater shoots... maybe you can learn something from him and vice versa... and Marco my very talented and beautiful photographer Tanya... "

"I heard so much about you... I'm looking forward to working with you... "

Kinuha nya ang kamay ko at hinalikan..

Nanlaki mga mata ko...

Tradisyon ba nila yun???

Well.. ok lang ang gwapo naman e.. hihihihihi....

Bongga talaga tong si Mother.. almost half ng models nya mga foreigner... Hindi na talaga ma-reach...

Pero nandito pa rin ang pinaka Bitch na model ever... ewan ko ba kung bakit always present to... napaka prima donna naman!!! Grrr...

Lumapit ako kay Mother...

"I thought you're ditching her.... " I said

"Who? Nica?"

"Sino pa ba??? "

"Pagpasensyahan mo na lang... I need her body for a certain outfit... hayaan mo mag-hu-hunting na talaga ako ng katulad nya.. promise... last na to.. ok... basta pakisamahan mo na lang... kailangan din natin ang kasikatan nya... " she said to me sweetly..

"Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko... haaayyy nako.... "

"You're soooo sweet.... "

"hmmmp... Kapag ako pumangit.. kasalanan mo to.."

"That will never happen sweetheart... "

Natawa na lang ako...

Bago ko lumabas sa tent pinuntahan ko na muna sa Andrew and low and behold!!!!

Napapalibutan ng mga nagkikiligang mga babae!!

And from the looks of it.. enjoy na enjoy ang bwisit na yon!!!!

GRRRRR.... Eto pa man din ako at nag-aalala baka naiinip!!1 GOSH!!! Why did I ever thought that he'll be bored... siguro talagang gusto nyang makarating sa shoot para mambiktima!!!

AAAARRRGGGGG!!!

SIGE MAG-ENJOY KA DYAN!!!! SEE IF I CARE! BWISSSIIIITTTT!!!!

Andrew

It's fun watching Tanya and the way that she is in command aside of course from Mother Reyna...

They're having their briefing and I looked around... too many gorgeous men and women around...

Naiinis lang ako dahil ang daming nagpapapansin kay Tanya... of course she is one of the top photographers in the country, but those looks says something else...

I saw Mother Reyna introduced a certain foreigner to Tanya... at naginit ang dugo ko ng halikan nya ang kamay ni Tanya... how dare he!

At ito naman babaeng to.. kinikilig pa! hindi ba nya nakita na kanina pa syang pinagnanasahan nung foreigner na yon?

I shook my head...

God! What am I thinking!!! Why am I sooo concerned... at bakit ako nagiging protective! Alam kong sanay sya sa ganito and she can handle herself...

Maybe I just have to distract myself...

Umupo ako sa isa sa mga chairs at may mga lumapit sa kin na mga models...

This is just what I need... distractions...

Tanya

Naka 5 sets na kami kagad!!! Wow! Ang bilis!!!1 magaling tong si Marco... I can really pick up something from him... at nakakatuwa.. hindi sya madamot sa pamimigay ng tips.. hihihi.. make the most out of it!!!...

Tapos na kami sa beach... underwater naman... not exactly my forte... mas lalo na sa salt water...

Nagpalit na ko ng bathing suit.... Ready na rin akong lumusong...

Habang nire-review ko yung mga shots... lumapit sa kin si Andrew...

"Why are you wearing only that????" parang iritado na naman tong pangit na to a

"at anong gusto mong isuot ko sa dagat? Gown?"

"Ang lakas ng loob mo.. ang pangit naman ng katawan mo...."

"HA!... ako?? Pangit ang katawan ko??? "

"Ano bang tingin mo sa sarili mo?"

Bigla naman yata akong na-concious... uu nga naman.. baka naman talagang mukha akong patpatin... nagsuot na lang ako ng topper...

"Better..." bumalik na si Andrew sa kanyang adoring fans....

Ang saya mo a!!!! grrrrrr....

I don't know what happened pero ang papangit talaga ng kuha ko.... Si Andrew kasi pampawala ng mood!!!! Kainis!!! Sana hindi na lang sumama!!! Grrrrr!!!!

Tinitignan ko yung mga shots ko... Grabe.. wala talagang makukuha....

"Frustrated much sweetheart... " sabi ni Mother...

"Naku sorry talaga mother.... Underwater is really not my thing.... "

"I know that.... Kaya ko nga dinala si Marco... " she said smiling...

"Hiya naman ako sa 'yo... "

"Don't worry because I have something in store for you.... "

"hmmmm?"

"you'll see.. tapos na tayo sa dagat... for our final set.... Doon na tayo sa may pool.. and you my darling... " tinawag nya yung wardrobe and make-up artist... "ipauubaya na kita sa mga alipores ko.... "

"What????" Teka teka teka teka.. what's the meaning of this... wala sa usapan natin to... "

"Alam ko.. kaya nga hindi ko sinabi sa yo.. dahil alam kong hindi ka papaya... but you can't refuse me... "

"Now be a good girl and do your make up... I love you sweetheart.. thank me later ... ok... "

"Wait wait wait... " Pero kinaladkad na ko ng dalawang bruha papuntang tent para bihisan...

***

"OH MY GOD!!!! Sabi ko na nga ba!!!!!" tatalon talon si Mother.. tuwang tuwa!!! "perfect!!! Don't you think so Marco... "

I look like a sea goddess.. bongga! Ang galing magtransform nung 2 bading na yun!...

Feeling ko talaga ngayon.. Dyosa ako!!!!

"I thought she looks good a while ago but now.. I'm speechless... breathtaking... Those pictures in the magazine are just a glimpse of how beautiful you really are, especially up close and personal... "

He took my hand again and kissed it...

NAKAKADALAWA KA NA KUYA!!!!!!

"What magazine?" I asked..

"AAAA.. yung Tiffany's... Yun nasa cover ka.. hindi mo sinasabi yon! May kasalanan ka! Well anyway... When I was in Italy they showed me that mag and they're really interested in you but unfortunately, they can't reach you... and... prinisinta kita.. I said that I know you personally and you are my top photographer... kaya.... Actually..... nakapackage ka dito... "

"WHAT!!!!!"

" I Expected that reaction... "

"Mother naman!!!! What made you think that I can model??? Hala!!!! Naku!!!!! "

" I know that you can do better than any of my models... you know how to look good in the camera... because you know what the camera loves.. "

"Naku Mother.. baka mapahiya ka sa kin.. this is my first time.... And look how big this is!!!"

"and I know you'll never let me down... I trust you that much.... "

I smiled...

"Ok mother.. I'll do my best... "

I closed my eyes.. and breathed deeply... Ok Tanya.. I know you can do anything you can put your mind into... This is one heck of a challenge...

When I opened my eyes... natanaw ko si Andrew sa may hindi kalayuang lugar.. nakatitig sya sa kin...

Our eyes locked... I don't know how long we were staring at each other...

It's as if we are locked in each other's fantasies...

He smiled...

I returned his smile...

Kumakabog ang Puso ko....

Hinawakan ko ang dibdib ko... natatakot ako sa nararamdaman ko... kinakabahan ba ako... pero bakit?

What's happening to me... that's just Drew...

Gusto ko ng umiwas ng tingin... dahil iba itong nararamdaman ko....

But just like a magnet... I can't turn away... and I think the feeling is mutual...

What kind of force is this...

Is it magic???

I don't understand....

Nagsimulang maglakad si Andrew papunta sa kin...

Nung malapit na sya... may biglang umakbay sa kin... at dinala ako sa pool for the photoshoot.. it was Marco...

GOSH! What happened??? para akong na- hypnotize!

Andrew

Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali... that was Tanya!

It looks like she's concentrating then slowly she opened her eyes...

It was like looking in the eyes of a Goddess...

I can't keep my eyes off her...

So beautiful...

I was mesmerized...

I smiled...

And her smile gave me goose bumps...

Is she for real?

I have to know... I have to touch her...

I slowly walked towards her ...

When I was just a meter away..

Someone snatched her and took her by the poolside...

I was stunned....

All I did was just stared at her back... she didn't even turn around...

What happened?

That wasn't meant to happen... or is it just a glimpse of what will happen in the future?? What if I pursue her and she won't return my feelings... for all I know is I'm just a friend or a brother to her... nothing more...

I have to cut this... the earlier the better... before it grows to something deeper and I can no longer control it...

Better let this feelings die this early...

"hey handsome.. "

May umagaw ng attention ko...

Another gorgeous lady.. but not as gorgeous as Tanya..

"hey.. "

"Want some company?"

Why not? This could be the distraction I'm looking for...

It's time for me to play...

"Sure... and you are? "

"Nica... "

*******************************************

[22] Chapter 20*******************************************Chapter 20

AN

Salamat sa mga nagco-comment especially sa mga nag-fa-fan!!!! love you all...

Alam ko may nagpapadedicate sa kin.. .hindi ko mahanap yun pm... paramdam ka naman para mailagay ko sa dedication... sensya na.. la me time mag-isa-isa ng mga pm...

I KNOW... UUNAHAN KO NA KAYO... BITIN ULIT ITO.. HEHEHEHE

Tanya

What a day! Tiring and yet soooo fulfilling!!!

I never thought I can really do it!!! And surprisingly ... I really enjoyed it!

Pinaka nagustuhan ko yung mga underwater shots...

I know, I really messed up behind the cam...

But I was superb in front! Gosh!! Those shots! Ang gaganda!!! Hihihihi!!! Syempre maganda subject e... hahahaha!!!! But seriously.. ang galing kumuha ni Marco.. it was sooo alive! And to think that all of it was just raw.. hindi pa na-photoshop...

Mother Reyna was sooooo ecstatic!!!! The photoshoot was such a success....

Ililibre daw nya ko.. hahahaha!!! Dapat lang!

Kakapalit ko lang ng damit at nagpa-pack up na ang staff and crew... nakaupo kami ni Mother having some chit-chats...

"The camera soooo loves you! You've seen yourself!!! You can add that to your career.. promise.. sisikat ka ng bonggang bonnga... and I'll be your manager... sympre... "

"Woa Mother.. not so fast!" Natawa ako.. ang bilis naman kasing magplano nito.. wala pa rin sa isip kong mag-model... ngayon lang.. para kay Mother lang.. kasi mahal ko tong taong to.. parang magulang ko na rin...

"I only did it for you.. pero teka.. let me rephrase that.. I was FORCED to do it for you!"

"But you enjoyed it..... C'mon.... say it... say it!!!"

Sabay kiliti sa kin sa tagiliran ko..

"HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Kaw talaga Mother.. Kung di lang kita love!!!!"

"Say it now.. tell me you enjoyed it!"

"Oo na.. Oo na... nagenjoy ako ng bonggang bongga..."

"See.... "

Tumayo na kami...

"It's time to hit the road!" Sabi ko.. "Mukhang nakahakot na sila... "

"Ok.. ingat sa daan.. Are you driving?"

"Actually. I don't know.. siguro... kung sinipag ulit si Drew baka sya na mag-drive"

Tumaas ang kilay ni Mother... at ngumisi...

"know hwat? You two look good together... "

Tumaas din ang kilay ko...

"Huh? Sino?"

"Don't play dumb... I've seen how you looked at each other... Nice catch... kung kayo man ang magkakatuluyan... I've known the Fajardo's for quite some time.. Richer than rich but never the

less.. a very good family... "

"Naku naman!!!!! Hello Mother!!!! Hindi ako mahuhulog don sa playboy na yon.. and besides, I value our friendship... girlfriends drift away but friends stays forever... so the saying goes... "

"Are you sure that you only see him as your friend? You can actually confide on me... I'm really like a mother to you.. you know... "

Napatawa ako ng mahina...

Ano ba ang dapat kong sabihin sa kanya.. kaibigan lang ang tingin ko sa kanya until this afternoon when I saw him.. then I got confused.... Para kasing iba yung naramdaman ko kanina.. pero... ewan.. hindi ko maisip.. at ayokong isipin... mababaliw lang ako...

"I'll confide when there really is something to confide... "

Nagbuntong hininga ako...

"A piece of advice... just let go of your heart.... Ang sarap ma-in-love... " sabi nya.. may halong kilig pa..

Napatitig ako sa kanya....

"well seriously... I don't know Mother... Actually... matagal ko na rin syang gusto.. pero natatakot ako... I don't want to be just one of his girls.. na kapag pinagsawaan.. itatapon na lang na parang basahan... "

"Well..... Mahirap nga rin yon... but come to think of it.. Life is full of mysteries... malay mo magbago sya para sa yo!"

"Hello!!! Para namang gusto nya ko! aliping sagigilig lang ang trato nya sa kin.."

"Hmmmm.... I beg to disagree... there's something in his eyes whenever he looks at you... "

"Nag-iisip lang lagi ng kalokohan yon... at kung paano laging makaka-isa sa kin... lagi ko kasing inaaway yun e.. "

"Whatevah..... "

"But...... " I said cheerfully... " I found someone.. mukhang matino... I'm still getting to know him... "

"Goodluck to you girl...but... I'm I'm still rooting for Andrew... "

"Haaay nako! Tigilan nyo na nga ako!!!! Sige na... baka kung saan na lumusot si Drew! "

"See!!! Don't deny that you're concerned!!!"

"Goodbye mother.... "

Nag-beso beso na ko sa kanya...

"Goodbye my supermodel.."

"hahahahahaha!!!! Talaga lang a!"

I started walking away...

"Be careful!"

"lagi naman diba!!!" Sabi ko matawa tawa...

"Kelan pa??? Just be careful.. I don't want to lose my beloved supermodel!"

"Weh! Uwi ka na nga rin.. puro bola na to!!! Bye!!!"

"Bye sweetie!!!"

I waved at tuluyan na kong naglakad palayo..

Haaaayyy.. kamusta na kaya si Drew... ano na kayang nangyari don... dalawa lang naman yun e.. it's either namumuti na ang mga mata sa kainipan O nag-eenjoy to the highest level sa mga models around...

Nasa parking lot na ako but no sign of Andrew... asan na kaya yun.. saan kaya nagsuot-suot

yun.. haaaay... MAKIKIPAG-HIDE AND SEEK PA BA YUNG LALAKING YON!

Pagod na pagod na me!!!! I want to go home....

I Took out my phone and dialed Drew's number...

Naka-ilang ring na.. hindi pa rin sinasagot... UNATTENDED!! gosh! Where the hell is that baboon!

I dialed again and this time after a few rings he answered...

"Pack-up na.. uwi na tayo... "

May tumatawang parang nakakaloka na babae... tapos narinig ko na sa Drew...

Tumatawa din!!!

"Oh Tanya.... "

"Sino ka??? Hindi ko alam babae na pala si Drew... " mataray na sabi ko.. Gosh!

Was that Nica???

Parang umiinit ang ulo ko a!!!! bakit napunta sa kanya ang cellphone ni Drew!!! pagod ako and I want to rest! At eto nakikipag-landian.. at sa lahat ng babae kay Nica pa!!! The Prima Donna!! Kanina pa sa photoshoot ako gnagalit nun dahil sa sobrang pasaway.. ayaw sumunod sa instructions.. feeling nya she's better than anybody else.. .. pati ba naman ngayon diretso pa rin sya sa pang-aasar???

Haaaayyy MAGSAMA KAYONG MGA MUKHANG KULANGOT!!!

Seryoso na ko... nagagalit na ako... and to think that I was concerned kung anon a nangyayari kay Drew??? Haaay nako... Nakikipaglandian lang pala sa favorite model ko!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!!

"Hello Tanya.." Si Andrew na...

Pero hindi ko na napigilan ang galit ko!!!

"Alam mo Drew.. kung makikipag-landian ka pa dyan, Iwanan na kita! I'll just hitch a ride... I'm, freaking tired... and I don't need to play games!" sabay baba ng phone... I turned it off para hindi na makatawag..

Kung gusto nilang mag-check in sa resort.. BAHALA SILA!!! I JUST WANT TO GO HOME!!!!

Tamang tama at may paalis na van sa parking lot... isa siguro to sa mga staff ni Mother...

"Hey!" kumaway kaway ako to get the attention of the driver...

Tumakbo ako papalapit sa van...

"Pwede bang sumabay??? " tinanong ko sa driver...

"Oo naman.. maluwag pa kami... "

Binuksan nila yung van... a ok... service ng mga foreigner... at ang vacant seat ay katabi ni Marco...

Oh well... better this than wait for that stupid guy...

Sumakay na ako at sinara na yung pinto... may narinig akong tumawag sa pangalan ko... lumingon ako.. si Drew...

OOOppps andyan na pala sya... sesenyasan ko sana yung driver na hindi na lang ako sasabay ng Makita kong may kasunod sya at yumakap pa sa kanya!!!

Si NICA NGA!!!! GRRRRRR!!! Sa lahat ba naman ng babae doon pa sa super bitch na yon!!!! GoSH! Where's your taste Drew!

Kumunot ng bonggang bongga ang noo ko.

"Makipag landian ka dyan.. bwisit ka!!!! "

"What did you say?" tanong ni Marco..

"I said... let's go!!!" I smiled at Marco...

Andrew

Nica and I were fooling around not so far from parking lot.. just in case biglang sumulpot si Tanya at mag-aya ng umuwi... nakapag dinner na rin kami.. at iniitay na lang si Tanya at Mother na may pinag-uusapan pa..

Inaaliw ko lang ang sarili ko, just to take off my mind from Tanya.. She has been occupying my mind a great deal lately.. and the more I think about it the more confused I become..

I really have to fight this if I want to stay sane... but her image keeps on coming back in my mind... kahit nga minsan na nakikipag-usap sa kin si Nica... There are times when I just spaced out and think about Tanya...

I just shook my head ... maki-ride na nga lang ako dito kay Nica, kahit napakababaw nya... pagti-tyagaan ko na lang...

We we're laughing about something when my phone rang.. but before I got the chance to answer it.. she grabbed it from me and made a face that I laughed hard... mukha sya kasing tanga... si Tanya kapag nag-ma-make face maganda pa rin.. pero ito.. parang napaka artificial ng beauty...

"Oh Tanya..." sagot ni Nica sa phone..

Nawala ang tawa ko at pilit kong inagaw yung phone..

"Alam mo Drew.. kung makikipag-landian ka pa dyan, Iwanan na kita! I'll just hitch a ride... I'm, freaking tired... and I don't need to play games!"

At binaba n gang phone...

What the!!!! She's fuming mad! Anong problema non...

I tried to call her.. pero naka-off na yung phone...

"Damn it Tanya!!!"

Namadali akong lumakad papuntang parking lot.. hindi pa naman siguro nakakalayo yon...

When I got there.. nakita kong sumakay na sya sa 1 van...

She's leaving??! I can't believe this!!!!

"Tanya!!!!"

May yumakap sa kin. Pagtingin ko.. si Nica...

"Hey... papaalis na sila.... Hahabulin mo pa??? "

Hindi man lang ako inantay... I was ready to leave...

Anong problema nung babeng yon!!!

"Pwede naman kayong magkita pa ulit sa Manila... but Andrew... you have to take me home... that was my ride, iniwan din ako... "

Napatingin ako kay Nica... I know she's flirting.. but what can I do.. alangan namang iwan ko sa dito..

AAARRRGGGG! Damn it Tanya!!!! nagpadala ka sa init ng ulo mo... alam kong pagod ka...

"Damn!!!! She should have waited for me... " I am sooo furious!

"Come on.. let go home... Chill man!!!" Ngumiti si Nica sa kin...

Napailing na lang ako...

Ano pa nga bang gagawin ko kung hindi umuwi atihatid itong babaeng to...

"You have your bags?" Tanong ko kay Nica...

"It was in the van... so.. it's just me.. "

"Ok Let's go... "

I'll just talk to Tanya tomorrow... kapag nakapagpahinga na sya at malamig na ang ulo.. alam

kong pagod sya.. kaya siguro nag-taray ng ganon...

Kapag kinausap ko sya pag-uwi baka sumabog lang kami.. dahil mainit din ang ulo ko...

***

"What do you mean you don't have your keys to your condo? " I asked Nica..

"So really sorry.. akala ko nandito sa jeans ko.. baka nasa van kasama ng mga gamit ko.. O Gosh.. where am I going to spend the night... I'm just sooo tired... "

Napa-iling ako... What have I gotten myself into... alangan namang pabayaan ko syang matulog sa bangketa... Oh well...

"Ok.. you can spend the night in my place... "

"Wow! That'll be great!!!" napayakap sya sa kin... and she kissed me at the cheeks...

I snorted but I didn't mind... sanay na ko sa ganon...

We reached the condo, sumaan muna ko sa reception para itanong kung nakauwi na si Tanya.. I tried calling her pero patay pa rin ang cellphone.. kakarating pa lang daw nya.. mga 5 mins pa lang... I felt the urge to go to her and just talked about what happened.. pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko.. baka galit pa rin at mas lalong lumala.. idagdag pa na nandito si Nica...

"C'mon Adrew... I'm dead tired... " sabi ni Nica pouting... she looks like a kitten na naghahanap ng attention.. I know I can deal with these types...

"Ok let's go... "

Umakyat na kami sa penthouse...

"Wow! What a place... You live here alone?"

"pretty much.. "

I led her to the guestroom and she looks disappointed... akala nya siguro i-ta-take advantage ko nya... But I'm not in the mood...

"There are some extra clothes in the closet.. Don't worry.. they are all new.. " bago ko lumabas ng kwarto ay pinigilan nya ko... at yumakap sa kin...

"Andrew.. don't you want to spend the night here.. or do you want me to come over your room later... "

"Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Ano pa bang sa tingin mong ginagawa ko?"

She put her hands around my neck and tried to kiss me passionately in the lips....

Sinasabi ko na nga ba at ito ang gusto nya... well guess what,, I'm not a saint... when a beautiful lady is openly offering herself to me... you can just imagine what a guy would do...

I returned her kisses and wrapped my hands around her waist... she's really a seductress...We went on like that... deeper and deeper... exploring each other... I closed my eyes and went on with the flow... in my mind I can see a beautiful sea goddess whose looks makes me want to drown in those exquisite brown eyes... those luscious lips... that makes me want kiss her forever... I want her.. I need her... I want her to be mine...

"Tanya.... " I whispered...

"What!" Napatigil si Nika at para akong nagising...

O God! What did I say??? What on earth am I thinking!

Kumawala ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya... This shouldn't have happened...

"I'm sorry Nica... "

"So you're just gonna walk out.... "

Umiling na lang ako... "You can stay here if you want..." Palabas na ko ng may sinabi sya na napahinto ako...

"You really are in-love with her..." she said sarcastically...

Tumalikod ako at sinabi sa kanya...

"You're right... Maybe I am... " at tuluyan na akong lumabas ng kwarto

*******************************************[23] Chapter 21*******************************************AN

I'm dedicating this chapter to our 'PAMBANSANG KAMAO - PACMAN'

You're still our number 1 boxer!!! para sa kin panalo ka pa rin!!!!!

Chapter 21

Tanya

Oh My... hindi nga dapat akong nagpadala sa emosyon ko kanina.. nakuuu.. baka na naman pag nagkita kami ni Drew bukas baka mag mistulang dragon yun... e kasi naman yung Nica na yon... pina-init ng husto yung ulo ko sa photoshoot.. saan ka ba nakakita ng model na kung ano ang gusto nya iyon ang dapat masunod... pati ayos ng set pinakikiaalaman.... GRRRRR!!!! Kundi lang talaga dahil mahal ko si Mother nilunod ko na sa dagat yun,, at magmistulang syokoy sya don! Kaya nung narinig ko yung boses nya sa CP ni Drew talaga namang nag-init ang ulo ko.. at ang mas lalo pang nakakainis ay obvious na nakikipag-landian si Drew sa babaeng yon!... hay nako.. Naman kasi Drew kung pipili ka man lang ng babae wish ko hindi sa mga prima donna.. o baka iyon ang gusto nyang babae.. maganda pero mababaw.. bahala sya.. buhay nya yon! Hmmmp asar na naman ako...

Akyat kaya ako? Mag-apologize???

Ikot ako ng ikot sa kwarto.. hindi ako mapakali... hmmmmm ano kaya.. tawagan ko na lang??? ayy!!! Uu nga pala hindi ko pa nga pala nabuksan ulit yn cp ko... hmmmm.. isip isip isip Tanya... On second thoughts.. kung galit sya.. palipasin ko na nga lang yung init ng ulo nya.. bukas na ko mag-a-apologize.. tapos babawi na lang ako...

Nahiga na ko sa kama.. feeling sooo drained... ang bigat ng katawan ko... sobrang pagod... at medyo parang nakasama pa yung pag-kaka dip ko sa tubig.. ang lamig kasi ng panahon... kaya parang ice cold ang tubig.. buti doon sa dagat medyo mainitpero ibang usapan sa pool parang tumayo lahat ng balahibo ko nung nag-underwater na ko! Itulog ko na nga lang to, baka bukas ok na ko....

Before I drifted off to sleep... I got my cellphone and texted Drew...

'Bestfriend... so sorry kanina.. my temper got the better of me... Sorry talaga! I shouldn't have let you drive home alone... nakokonsensya tuloy ako... '

I set the alarm and tuned off the lampshade...

Tumunog un cp ko... may nagtext...

'Forgiven. Alam kong pagod ko... sarapan mo breakfast tomorrow... '

I smiled, at least makakatulog ako ng hindi kino konsensya...

'sure thing... thanks.. mwah! '

Then I sent it...

Teka.. ano yun bakit may mwah!

Ooopppsss... cancel.. cancel.. cancel...

MESSAGE SENT

WAAAAA!!!!! Ano ba yan!!! Ano bang iniisip ko!!! bat me gnon!!!! Haaayyy! Nahiya tuloy akong bigla.... Hay nako.. sana isipin na lang nyang nagbibiro lang ako as always... makatulog na nga.. feeling ko sisipunin ako...

***

I was in a deep sleep when the alarm went off...

I groaned... O Gosh!!! Is it morning already!!! Do I need to get up??? Gosh!!! I feel worse than last night... sakit ng lalamunan ko.. feeling ko may sore throat ako... huhuhuhuhu.... But I have to push myself up... babawi nga ako kay Drew... kailangan maging perfect ang breakfast nya ngayon..

Bumangon na ako at naupo muna sa gilid ng kama... I rested my head on my palms and counted to ten... get up.. get up... get up.... .. MIND OVER MATTER!!!!... Isipin mo na lang that you're fine... isipin mo na lang na walang masakit sa yo... Utusan mo ang katawan mo to wake up and be energetic!!!! WOOOOO Tanya!!!! Kaya mo yan!!!!

I Did my morning rituals... and put my earplugs in place... I need loud music to wake me up.. I took 2 paracetamols dahil medyo masama ang pakiramdam ko... usually naman kapag nag take na ko ng gamot after a few minute gumagaan na ang pakiramdam ko....

***

I was busy cooking when I saw someone came out from the bedrooms... and almost drop the pan when I saw her!!!

Nung nakita rin nya ako, nagulat din sya...

My goodness!!! Of all the people na makikita ko sa umaga ang pinaka favorite kong nilalang pa! I recovered from my shock quickly... tumalikod ako sa kanya and kept myself busy..

So she spent the night here??? Hay nako Drew.. hindi ka pa rin pala nagbabago.... Umiling iling na lang ako.. pero hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko.. parang ang sama ng loob ko...

Dahil sa malakas ang music ko.. hindi ko namalayan na kinakausap na pala ako ni Nica... hanggang tinanggal nya yung eyeplugs sa tenga ko...

"Hey! Where's your manners! Kanina pa ko salita ng salita dito.. parang wala akong kausap?"

Sige mainis ka.. mas lalo kitang iinisin...

"Ah.. you're talking to me???"

"Bakit meron pa bang ibang tao dito kung hindi tayong dalawa???"

"Aaaa... sorry a.. kala ko kasi kinakausap mo sarili mo e... pasensya ka na.. I got the impression that you're not healthy up there... "Sabay turo sa ulo... I smiled at her sweetly.. yung tipong cheshire cat smile na nang-aasarr.... Effective.. kumunot ang ulo.. hihihihihi... sige asaran tayo.. tignan natin kung sino ang pikon.. hihihihihi... kung bitch sya... pwes.. ilabas ang pagkapilya..

"Listen here... I'm a guest here and you should not treat me the way you've been treating me on your photoshoots... wala tayo sa set mo... and by the way.. what the hell are you doing inside Andrew's condo? Maybe I should call the guards because you're trespassing.."

Pipigilan ko sanang matawa pero hindi ko kinaya!!

"Hahahahahahahaha!!! Trespassing daw!!! I know you're weird but I gess that is just an understatement! Hahahahaha!!! ipapatapon nya ko sa mga gwardya??? Hahahaha! Where's your brains!!!! Gosh.. Hindi nga ako makakapasok ng elevator ng Penthouse kung wala akong access!!! Wahahahaha... Sige try mo lang.. tawagan mo mga guards.. baka sakaling ikaw ang kaladkarin nila sa bangketa! Hahahahaha!!!"

"Are you mocking me!!!"

"Who's mocking who... isipin mo kasi yung mga sasabihin mo bago ka magsalita... "

Pang-asar smile... hehehehehe... mainis ka!!!

Natahimik ang bruha.. pero ngitnigt na ngitngit... tinitigan ako ng masama...

OOOoooo I'm soooo scarred... I thought sarcastically...

Umupo sya sa may chair sa kitchen counter... anong feeling nito amo ko? nag-aantay syang pagsilbihan ko...

"You know... Andrew and I had a blast last night... He's soooo good in bed... halos hindi nga kami nakatulog... he' sooo sweet... he even told me if I can move over... " She shrugged "Sabi ko na lang that we've only just met yesterday... so maybe we can know each other better before I move in here... I hope that won't be a problem to you... "

I smirked!!! I smiled.. but deep inside my blood is boiling... sana hindi Makita sa mukha ko kung anong tunay na nararamdaman ko... POKER FACE TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL!!!!!

"You can move in anytime you want.... Taga luto lang naman ako ng breakfast ni Andrew... Iyong iyo na sya.. hanggang pagsawaan ka... " Evil smile!!!

Mas lalong nanlisik ang mata nya.. mukhang effective ang evil smile ko a...

"Whatever!!! " Tumayo sya... "Well, see you later.. gisingin ko lang si Andrew... or maybe we can have another round... "

ANG LANDIIIIIII!!!! MADAPA KA SANA!!!!!

Sige maglampungan kayong dalawa!!! See if I care!!!

I SOOOO HATE YOU DREW!!! MAS LALO KA IKAW NICA NA MUKHANG BARACUDA!!! Grrrr!!!!

Ano ba yan... ang aga kong masisira ang araw!

I counted to 10.. para humupa ang galit ko... hmmmmm.... Ano na nga ba yung advice sa kin si kuya Slate.. Don't get mad... GET EVEN!!!

Hmmmmmmmm.....

Aha!!! ALAM KO NA!!!!

I took out some ingredients from the fridge... I'm gonna make a soup that you'll never forget..

Hehehehehehehe!!!!

***

After a few minutes dumating na sa kitchen si Andrew at syempre kasunod si cute na cute na mukhang ilong na si Nica... feeling pretty as usual...

Bakit parang uneasy so Andrew...

Tumaas ang kilay ko... pero naka poker face pa rin ako...

"Tanya... Nica just spent the night..."

"I know... no need to explain... don't worry about it... eat... I have to take you to the office early dahil marami pa kong gagawin..."

"Don't you remember.. It's Monday today... "

OOOO Gosh!!! Buong maghapon pa la akong slave.. ang saklap..

"I'll accompany you the whole day if you want... " She smiled sweetly at Andrew at yayakap yakap pa....

Lukaret talaga to.. patweetums hindi naman carry!...

Tinanggal ni Andrew ang pagkakayakap sa kanya ni Nica... at nagpatuloy na kumain... "

Susubo na sana si Nica ng food ng mapansin nya ang bowl na nasa harap ko...

"how rude..."at tinaasan pa ko ng kilay..."ang nagsisilbi pa ang naiiba ang kinakain...ang kapal ng mukha "

"Mind your language Nica.. I don't tolerate those kind of harsh words in my home.. "

"Ok lang Drew... Beauty soup ko yan.. maraming ingredients to enhance beauty..." I smiled at her sweetly.. "Nag-d-detoxify kasi yan ng mga unwanted blemishes sa mukha... "

That got her interested... sabi ko na nga ba!!! Hihihihihihi

"Really??? Where did you get the recipe?"

"Why should I tell you??"

Tinignan nya ako ng masama...

"Well simply because... I'm the model.. and you... you don't need that... you just always behind the camera... "

I Shrugged...

"True..."

"So you'll give me the recipe?"

"No... but I'll let you try it... I made it a little bit tasty... You want?"

"You bet... "

She set aside her plate and took the bowl...

In no time she finished it off...

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Now We wait for it to process in her stomach.. hihihi.. just a few more minutes... hihihi

"Aren't you eating anything? " tanong sa kin ni Drew

"Just coffee... I told you.. I'm not exactly a breakfast person... "

Nilagyan nya ng ham and toast yung plate ko...

"That would be light enough.. now eat.. " sabi ni Andrew...

"Bakit sya lang ang nilagyan mo ng food ako rin!" Sabi ni Nica na nagpapacute na naman... na pout pa! arrggg! Ang arte talaga!!!

Ibinigay ko ang plate ko sa kanya... para mas lalong magreact yung soup... hihihihihi

"You eat it... medyo hindi maganda ang lagay ng pakiramdam ko... "

"Thanks Tanya.. I don't know you're sooo sweet... "

Kung alam mo lang Nica,,, sobrang sweet ko talaga! Hehehehehe....

Pinagtimpla ko pa sya ng coffee.. hihihihi

"Eto NIca coffee o.. "

Tinignan ako ng masama ni Drew...

"What?" and I sipped my coffee again...

Sige.. kain ka pa Nica..

Maya maya pa ay eto na ang inaantay ko....

PROOOOOOOOOTTTTT!!!!

Nanlaki mga mata ni Nica!!!

"What was that!!!! Was that a fart!!!!" Sabi ko.. at grabe sobrang baho a!!! as in Kadiri!! Nakakasuka!!!!

Hindi nakapagsalita si Nica.. as in hindi nya alam ang gagawin nya sa sobrang kahihiyan...

PPPPPPRRRRRRROOOOOOOOTTTTTT!!!!

At mas malakas pa ngayon.... At mas mabaho!!!

"O Gosh!!!!" sabi nya..

"I think you have to go somewhere and fast!!"Sabi ko na pigil na pigil ang tawa ko..... "Parang

may kasama na yun a,,, don't you smell it? YUCK!!!!!" I smiled wickedly at her...

Tumayo sya... at dali daling pumunta sa CR.. at confimed ang hinala ko dahil hawak hawak nya ang shorts nya...

Hindi ko na talaga napigilan ang tawa ko....

Halos gumulong ako sa sahig sa kakatawa... grabe ang sakit ng tyan ko!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Serves you right for crossing me sooo early in the morning....

Tumayo na ko.... pero tawa pa rin ako ng tawa...

Si Drew tumatawa rin...

"You did that on purpose!"

"Me? Pinakain ko na nga lang sya.. dapat nga magpasalamat sya sa kin!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Lumakad na ko papalabas ng penthouse... "And Drew... I hope you enjoyed your night with her.. ganyan pala mga type mo... hahahahahaha!!!!! Wala kang ka-taste taste!"

*******************************************[24] Chapter 22******************************************* AN

Pasensya na po sa lahat ng nagpapadedicate.. hindi ko po kayo matandaan lahat... wala rin po akong time na mag-isa isa ng mga pm.. kaya po ganito na lang... pagka post ko po ng Chapter... kung sino na lang po ang unang magsabi.. sa kanya ko na po ide-dedicate.... tnx po!! btw... para po sa mga meron ng ddction.. give chance to others po.. :)

Chapter 22

Tanya

My head is getting heavier... nawawala ng effect ng paracetamol... I shook my head... we were on our way to Drew's office... Iniwan na ni Drew si Nica.. dahil hindi pa daw sya tapos sa CR... hehehe.. serves her right.. sa tingin ko hanggnag bukas pa kukulo kulo ang tyan non mukhang maraming toxic sa katawan... hehehehe... I hope she learns her lesson.. not to eat anything that came from your mortal enemy..

"Are you ok?" Tanong ni Andrew...

"Yeah... I'm fine... "

Silence

"About Nica..."

I cut him

"Look Drew... You don't need to explain to me... I'm not your girlfriend or your mother ... Whatever you do in your life is none of my business... I know you're a player.. but so what?? that's your nature... Kahit mag tayo ka ng harem sa penthouse mo, it's fine, IT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS... and beside,, sabi mo nga.. ang goal mo ngayon ay makahanap ng Bride... baka naman si Nica na yon... goodluck nga lang... "

Poker face... pero deep inside.. bakit parang masakit???....

I just concentrated on driving para hindi nya mabasa ang mukha ko... But I can feel that he's looking at me closely...

"Just the same.. I want you to know that nothing happened between the two of us.. she slept at the guestroom... "

Silence..

"know what... I don't want to play anymore... because... There comes a time when you realize things... and sometimes you don't know that what you've been looking for is just right under your nose... "

Anong pinagsasasabi nito? Smulyap ako sa kanya ... he was not looking at me, he was just looking ahead... kinakausap ba nya ko or he was just thinking aloud... may pagka baliw din ata ito... but I think he's serious...

"Don't talk in riddles.." I said

"You'll know.... Soon.. " Then he looked at me and smiled... and my heart skipped a beat....

WHAT THE!!!!!

Ano na naman yun????!!!!!

I concentrated on the road again.. gosh.. baka mabangga kami.. first time!!!! Eto na naman.. bakit ko na naman nararamdaman to... AAAARRRRGGGGGGG!!!! Get over it!

We reached his building..

"Go straight to the parking lot.. sabay na tayong umakyat??"

I looked at him teasingly...

"O.. akala ko ba sa driver's lounge ako tatambay???"

"Don't start... "

I giggled... and we went straight to the parking lot...

Before we went out of car... I took 2 paracetamols from my bag... nagbaon na ko ng 1 banig kasi feeling ko talagang aatakihin ako ng virus.... And I don't need to be sick right now.. kailangan ni Mother ng edited pictures by sundown today.. kaya kailangan kong tapusin lahat ng pictures... buti na lang.. Marco took half of it... kaya medyo nabawasan ang task ko...

Iinumin ko n asana yung gamot ng pigilan ako ni Andrew...

"coffee lang laman ng tyan mo... tapos dalawa pa yang titirahin mo? Adik ka ba??"

"Anong Adik! May naaadik bas a paracetamol??? Hmmmp... "

"So you're really sick..."

"Do I look like I'm sick to you?"

"Eat your breakfast first before you take those... " Kinuha nya sa kin yung gamot... at lumabas ng kotse..

Gosh! That man!!!

"I have to take that now! Sumasakit ang ulo ko! and beside... who are you?? my Mother??? Tagal ko ng ginagawa yan ano!"

Sabi ko habang habol habol ko si Drew...

"E di inamin mo ring may sakit ka..."

"A ewan! Wala pa kong sakit,, pero magkakaroon dahil sa yo...."

Pumasok na kami sa elevator at tumawag sa cp si Drew...

"Rick, order mo ko ng clubhouse and potato salad... I want it to be in my office in 5 minutes.. "

Slave driver... and aga aga mag-oorder ng ganon tapos 5 mins prep lang...

Ayokong ng ganitong boss!!! Grabe!

"Why are you looking at me like that?" tanong nya sa kin...

"ang lupit mo gravy!"

He snorted...

Gosh! wala talaga akong ganang kumain... ang gusto kong gawin ngayon ay magtulog maghapon.. pero that's not possible... sa dami ng pix na dapat kong tapusin before the day ends... malabong mangyari ang gusto ko...

Pagpasok naming sa office ni Drew... dumiretso ko sa may sala set.

"Dito ka na lang..." Sabi ni Drew.. "Maluwag naman tong table ko.. saka maganda tama ng ilaw sa computer.. hindi ka maduduling... saka para hindi ka naka-slouch.."

Tumaas na namna ang kilay ko... hello Drew.. is that you??? Kelan ka pa naging thoughtful???

Tumawag sya sa phone...

"Hello Ana... get me another Swivel Chair.." at binaba na ang phone.... "Why are you looking at me like that??"

"Ikaw yata may kailangan ng paracetamol.. ikaw ata ang nilaglagnat... "

Anong nakain nito.. ang bait ata ngayon a.. hmmmmm... baka may ginawang masama... o kaya may pinaplanong masama...

Tinignan ko sya ng masama...

"What??"

"Wala kang pinaplanong masama???"

Natawa sya...

"Takot ka sa karma?.. And by the way.. the stunt you did with Nica was really mean.. "

"Hmmmmpp... kahapon pa nya ako ginagalit... she deserves it..."

Lumapit sya sa kin...

"bakit ka nagagalit sa kanya.. are you jealous?" ngumisi sya...

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo!!!! Ako magseselos??? That's a laugh!!!! Hindi ako magkakagusto sa cassanovang katulad mo! NEVER!!!!"

Mas lalo syang lumapit sa kin...

"Ops.. ops.. ops... hanggang dyan ka lang.... " pero mas lalo pa syang lumapit at yumuko sa kinauupuan ko!

Hindi tumutigil sa lakas ng kabog ang puso ko! OMG!!! Inaatake ata ako a!!!

"Hoy Andrew Fajardo!!!! Hindi porket nandito tayo sa opisina mo pwede mo ng gawin kahit anong gusto mo!!!"

Mas lalong ngumisi...

"Ano ba sa akala mo ang gagawin ko a.... " bigla syang tumuwid ng tayo "Kukunin ko lang tong throw pillow o... " pinakita nya sa kin yung throw pillow na kinuha nya sa tabi ko

I sighed heavily...

Sya naman tatawa-tawa...

"Kung ano ano kasing iniisip... "

Tumalikod na sya at pumunta sa lamesa nya...

Ano ba yan! Paranoid na ata ako a!!! nakakahiya!!!

Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok yung Ana na dala yung swivel chair,... andon na rin yung inorder na food ni Drew.. hmmmm.. ang bilis a...

"Dito nyo na ilagay yan... " Utos ni Andrew... at inilagay yung upuan sa tabi nya.. doon nya nilagay yung throw pillow na kinuha nya...

"Kumain ka muna bago ka magtrabaho... "

Hmmmm.. mukha namang walang gagawing masama to.. O sige na nga...

Pinilit kong lunukin yung pagkain.. pero hindi pa ko nangangalahati.. suko na ko... baka iluwa ko pa lahat... itinabi ko na yung food at kumuha na lang ulit ako ng paracetamol sa bag ko.. hindi ko na alam kung saan inilagay ni Drew yung gamot kanina... at bago ko makuha ulit yun gamot.. ininom ko na bigla... I know after a few minute.. mawawal ana ulit ang bigat ng ulo at katawan ko...

OK Time to work...

Andrew

I feel so good that Tanya is right here beside me... Actually I was up till the wee hours in the morning.. trying to figure out my feelings... I've assessed myself... Why do I always feel the urge to protect her.. why do I love to see her smile even if I accomplish it by bullying her... why do I always want to be with her... and mostly,,, why do I get mad when a guy gets to be close to her! Mas lalo si Ice... whose actually one of my best friends.. at mas lalo akong naiinis kapag nagpapa-cute pa si Tanya sa kanya, when I've known that she was sooo attracted to him even from the first time they've met!

They've seen thru me.. Zack.. Mother Reyna.. and even Nica of all people... and I was the last one who discovered my true feelings... pathetic me.. and I prided myself for being smart... napaka-bobo ko naman pala...

I admit.. kinain ko na mga sinabi ko... talo pa ko ng 1M...

Napa-iling ako... Now what? I should have admitted it earlier.... Nung hindi pa na-tu-turn off sa kin si Tanya... when she was still very much attracted to me ... when she still schemes just to have a kiss from me! Natawa na lang ako nung naalala ko yung mga guimik nya... It could have been sooo easy.. but now... I don't know... How can I prove to her that I can change?? Will she believe me when I tell her?

Hindi ko namalayan na kanina pa ko nakatitig sa kanya.... She's so hardworking.. alam kong masama ang pakiramdam nya kanina pa.. but she's still fighting it... she's too strong and too independent for her own good... will she realize that she needs someone to take care of her? Will she allow me to do that for her?

Kahit kelan hindi pa ako nanligaw... Girls just keeps swarming over me... now I don't know where to start??? And worst of all.. how can I make her fall for me? She is also as stubborn as a mule... that's the problem...

I can't believe that I'm capable of thinking this way...

For now.. I'll just enjoy being with her.. I never thought that I can be happy just sitting beside her... just to be near her is enough... I thought girls are only beneficial in bed.. And I could just kick myself for realizing it only now...

I just hope that I'm not too late...

***

Katatapos lang ng meeting sa boardroom with my top executives, iniwan ko sandali si Tanya whose still engrossed with her work... and I was wondering kung kamusta na kaya sya... I'm a bit worried about her... walang ganang kumain.. nung hinawakan ko braso nya kanina... medyo mainit.. or was it only my imagination? Sabi nya wala yon... kung makainom ng paracetamol parang mani lang... she really doesn't know what's good for her...

When I entered the room... she's still at the same spot but she fell asleep... resting her head

at the table... I quickly went to her side and felt her forehead... Hindi naman sya mainit... maybe she's just too exhausted.. or maybe those paracetamols are doing their jobs...

I carried her and laid her down at the sofa...

Umupo ako sa tabi nya...

I just stared at her... I don't know how long.. This is the first time I've seen her sleeping... no mischief... no wise cracks and very defenseless...

Nagulat ako ng may biglang nagbukas ng pinto... ang protocol ko sa mga tao ko.. they should knock or call first before entering my office!!! But it's definitely not one of my employees...

"Mom! " Napatayo ako.. too late.. she already see her...

Nagulat sya at napatitig kay Tanya...

Lumapit ako sa kanya at inakbayang palabas ng pinto...

Ng nasa labas na kami saka sya nkapagsalita...

"Who is she??" nanlalaki ang mga mata nya... trying to figure out who's the girl in my office...

"A friend.."

"Why is she there? Is she one of your flings??? Last time I check you never allow any girl inside your office... is this serious already... is she your girlfriend already?"

"No Ma... ang dami nyong tanong... SHE IS JUST A FRIEND.... " madding sabi ko...

Tinaasan ako ng kilay...

"Her name? "

"Tanya.. Tanya Ramirez.. she's the bestfriend of Charlene Montemayor... if you can recall... we four have escapades together... my partner in crime in bringing Zachary and Charlene together??? "

"Ohh Yeah.. I remember... sooo... is there anything going on between the two of you... "

"You and your speculations... no.. there's nothing going on between the two of us... "

Silence...

"You are running out of time.."

"yeah right... well ma, I don't care... "

"Well.. I may just have the perfect girl for you... I know you will love her! She is such a dear " she said happily... "and if you don't present to me a fiancé by the end of the month.. she will automatically be your bride... and that is final... you know me... so don't cross me son... I love you but there are times that you should know your place... "

And with that.. she turned around and walked away

Marissa (Andrew's Mom)

I was shocked! I never expected to see a girl in Andrew's office... and the way he looks at her??? Hmmmm ... He may deny it but I know that look very well...

It's time for me to do some tricks...

I took out my cellphone and dialed my assistants number...

"Jelly,, I want you to investigate someone for me... It's Tanya Ramirez... and would you please contact Clarisse,, get her a flight here as soon as she's free... I want her to meet my son... "

*******************************************[25] Chapter 23*******************************************AN

eto na po ang chap 23... bz bzhan na talaga ang lola nyo kaya mas madalang na po ako makakapag-update.. pero maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusubaybay.. love you all!!! MWAH!

Chapter 23

Tanya

Oh Gosh my head hurts.... Ano oras na ba? Tumingin ako sa wrist watch ko... 9:30 pm... I put my hand in my throbbing head.. Pumipintig ata lahat ng ugat ng ulo ko... so painful... AAAARRRGGG!

Maaga kaming umuwi, wala pa ngang 5 umalis na kami sa office... Idinaan ako kanina ni Andrew dito sa condo... may dinner meeting daw sya but he said that he's going to check on me when he get home.. I'm sooo not feeling well... akala ko hindi na didiretso yung sakit ko.. haaayyy.. I need to take some more vitamins para hindi ako inaatake ng virus...

When I got up to get myself some medicine... I felt the whole world shake... woa!!! At napaupo ulit ako sa kami... ano ba yan hindi ako makatayo... nahihilo ako.. I closed my eyes and let the dizziness pass.... Pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagkahilo ko.... humiga na lang ulit ako... at itulog ko na lang muna... aaarrrgggg but I am sooo thirsty... ang hirap din pala ng wala kang kasama sa bahay.... Hay buhay parang life.. I miss my family...

I was drifting off to sleep when the cellphone rang.... Aaaarrrrggg!!! Mas lalong sumakit ang ulo ko sa tunog ng cp.... Kinapa-kapa ko sa side table yung cp ko....

"Who the hell are you!!! you're killing me!!!" I said with a faint but sarcastic voice...

"Tanya? Are you all right??? "

Boses ni Ice?? Hindi ko mabuksan kasi ang mga mata ko dahil nga umiikot ang paningin ko...

"Ice?? Sorry for the outburst.... I just want to sleep... can we talk tomorrow?? "

"Obviously you're not feeling well.. I'll come over..."

Gosh I'm not in my entertaining self right now kahit pa si Ice... all I want is to rest...

"I'll be fine... I just want to go back to sleep... "

"Just ring the lobby for the extra key card.. I'll be there in less than a minute... " and he hung up...

Oh great... just what I need... makikita pa nya ko in my most aweful state... hmmmmp bahala na nga... tinawagan ko yung lobby para pahiramin ng extra key card si Ice.. I feel soooo cold, nagtalukbong ako ng kumot then I drifted off to sleep...

ICE

I opened Tanya's door, and dilim .. parang walang tao...

"Tanya?"

No reply...

I switched on the light and knocked on her bedroom door...

Still no reply... nandito kaya sya? O baka naman tulog na tulog na... Bukas naman yung pinto kaya pumasok na ako.... She's here alright.. nakatalukbong... Umupo ako sa kama at tinggal yung kumot sa mukha nya...

Mukhang malalim na ang tulog... I felt her forehead...

She's burning with fever!

Nataranta ako... ang taas ng lagnat.. no wonder she's so cranky in the phone... Maybe I have to bring her to the hospital...

Tinapik tapik ko sya para magising...

"Tanya.. wake up please... I have to bring you to the hospital.. "

Medyo nagising...

"Oh Ice, you're here... I just want to sleep... I don't want to go to any hospital... ang OA naman Lagnat lang to.. I'll be better in the morning..." she said faintly... "can you please bring me a glass of water? Hindi ako makatayo, nahihilo ako... and I also have some meds in the CR.. can you get it for me? Please? "

"you're burning with fever... buti nga hindi ka pa delirious... I'm taking you to the hospital"

"It's just a fever.... "

Tinanggal ko yung kumot at binuhat ko sya...

She tried to protest but she's too weak and gave in eventually...

Good thing I called kung hindi baka kung ano na ang nangyari sa kanya... It's really hard to be alone... there'e no one to take care of her.. but now I'm here.. I'll do my best to look after her..

Andrew

It's almost midnight, ngayon lang natapos ang meeting... I've been calling Tanya over and over again... hindi sumasagot...

I went over to her unit... Stanly gave me a spare key card... I just want to check if she's ok then I'll go up.

Hmmmm.. bakit bukas ang mga ilaw.. I went over to her bedroom and surprisingly, she's not there...

Where is she??

Gulo-gulo ang kama.. it's very unlike her personality to leave her bed like that... kinakabahan ako... san ba nagpunta yon? Alam kong may sakit sya.. I should have cancelled that stupid meeting and looked after her...

Tumawag ako sa lobby... tinanong ko kung napansin nilang lumabas ng building si Tanya..

"kanina pong bandang mag a-alas dyes... may lalaki pong buhat buhat si Ms Ramirez.. dadalhin daw pos a Hospital.."

"What!!! Sino yung nagdala sa kanya?"

"Sandali lang po sir.. titignan lang naming sa logbook... "

Why didn't she call me??

"Sir.. Ice Montemayor po.."

"Sinabi ba kung saang ospital dinala?"

"Hindi na po naming naitanong."

"Ok Thank you.."

Ice... napakunot ang noo ko... hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon... greatful for him dahil nadala nya sa Hospital si Tanya.. Jealous at the same time... and I am mad at myself.. maghapong alam kong masama ang pakiramdam nya and yet hindi ko man lang pinostpone ang meeting para maa-alagaan si Tanya... I could have kicked myself!!!

You're really an idiot Andrew!!

I called Ice's cellphone... naka ilang ring pero hindi sinasagot

DAMN!!!!

Lumabas na ko ng unit ni Tanya and I called my secretary..

"Rick... I know it's late but can you call every hospital in the vicinity and check if they have a patient named Tanya Ramirez.."

Ice

Alam kong naiinis sa kin si Tanya dahil naistorbo ng husto ang tulog nya... but this is for her own good... nakasimangot sya when they got blood samples... binigyan na rin naman kami kagad ng room para doon na sya mag-rest at hindi na tumagal sa emergency room...

"I hate you Ice... "

I just smiled...

"I know you don't mean that... "

She smiled weakly...

"I hate hospitals.. sa halip na makapag-pahinga ka pupuyatin ka pa ng husto." She yawned... "I told you this is just a fever.."

"Hindi na binabale-wala ang lagnat sa panahon ngayon... hindi natin alam kung ano na yan... mabuti ng sigurado... you can stay here for a day or 2 or until your fever is totally gone... "

"You're kidding right?"

"Dead serious..."

"Oh c'mon.. I'm gonna die of boredome here! Wala naman talaga akong sakit... "

"Talaga lang a... hanggang ngayon nasa 40 pa rin ang lagnat mo.. hindi pa rin bumababa... "

"lagnat lang.. ang OA naman talaga..."

"Don't say that... you know,, I don't want anything to happen to you... " I took her hand.. grabe ang init talaga parang plantsa.. ang lakas din ng resistensya nya... nakukuha pang makipag-argue kahit inaapoy na ng lagnat...

"What time is it.." she said and she yawned

"It's 2 in the morning.."

"Can I just sleep... paki lock na lang yung pinto para hindi makapasok ang mga nurse... mga

istorbo... "

Natawa ako... she doesn't fail to amuse me.. kahit pala may sakit nakakaisip pa rin ng kalokohan...

"Just rest... hayaan mo ng istorbohin ka nila... it's for your own good... "

"how about you? naistorbo ka rin ng bonggang bongga... may pasok ka pa bukas... Uwi ka na"

"No.. I'm staying here... I'll keep you company.. Nag-text na ko kay Zack..."

"Nakakahiya naman sa yo... ok lang talaga ako promise... "

"Stubborn... " I smiled... "Just rest... "

She yawned again...

"Wag mo kong pasasaksakan ng IV ha... "

"Ok.. but you have to wake up every time to take your meds..."

She nodded...

"Ice..."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks... "

I smiled.... And I watched her slowly drifting off to sleep...

She is so beautiful... how much she had attracted me from the very first day I saw her... and I know the feeling is mutual.. I never met a girl like her, everyone just fades compared to her... so silly and unpredictable.. so smart and carefree... Childish in a way ... and very kind and loving... those are just a few of the things that I like about her..

"I know you also like me Tanya, but I can feel that you still don't trust me.. I know you need more time to know me.. I hope you can fully open your heart someday...but for now... I can't say that I already love... truth is ... we just met... but I can feel that you're really special .. and I really really want to know you more... I hope we can have a chance to do that despite of our busy schedules... "

I was stroking her long straight hair... funny thing about her... when she's asleep she looks so fragile but sooo naughty when awake...

"I'm soo falling for you Tanya.." slowly I kissed her forehead... just in time when the door flew open...

Andrew

I'm worried sick about Tanya.. anong nangyari sa kanya? Mabuti na lang at mabilis na-locate ni Rick ang hospital kung saan sya naka-confine ... she was alright when I left her... masigla pa nga but now she's confined in the hospital? What happened?

I reached her room and opened the door and I stopped on my tracks on what I saw... Ice just leaned on Tanya and kissed her!

Para akong natulala... hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko... unti until umaakyat ang dugo sa ulo ko...

ICE!

"What the hell are you doing?" I said silently but with all fury....

Napatingin si Ice sa kin... kumunot ang ulo...

"And what the hell are you doing here.." He said looking at his wrist watch... "It's 3am and you're still up?"

Lumapit sya sa kin..

"Can we just go outside and talk? She's fast asleep and she needs to rest..."

I ignored him and went to Tanya's side...

I took her hand and I was shocked dahil napakainit!!!

"Yes.. she's burning with fever... " sabi ni Ice "I wonder who's fault is it?..." He said accusingly...

Tinamaan ako sa sinabi ni Ice kaya hindi na ako nakapagsalita... It's my fault... Why can I be so insensitive.. and to think at I've sworn to protect her? I closed my eyes.. nagagalit ako sa sarili ko...

"You were with her all day.. ano bang mga pinagawa mo sa kanya?? Bakit sya nagkasakit ng ganyan... you should leave her alone... "

Napatingin ako sa kanya...

"Why should I Ice? Are you saying that you can take care of her better than me?"

"The question is.. are you taking care of her? Hindi kaya puro sakit lang ang binibigay mo sa kanya? May mga naikwento pa sa kin si Zack na napaaway si Tanya with two guys because you let her stay in the parking lot and now.... She's burning with fever... what can you say about that? Iyan ba ang sinasabi mong inaalagaan mo sya?"

Medyo napataas ng konti ang boses ni Ice kaya medyo naalimpungatan si Tanya... pero hindi naman tuluyang nagising...

"Let's talk outside... " sabi ko at lumabas kami pareho ng pinto...

Ng nasa labas na kami.. nagkatitigan lang kami pero wala kaming masabi sa isa-isa...

"I'm confused Andrew... I asked you then not just once but twice but you told me that Tanya is just your friend but your actions says otherwise... I told you to back off and you agreed... now what???"

Silence...

I tried to find the right words.. what the heck... sabihin ko na lang kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko.. aminin ko na...

"I was confused then... but now.. I'm certain of what I feel for her... I'm in love with her..."

Umiling sya...

"God Andrew... If you just had the guts to admit it earlier then I could have been the one who gave way... but I'm sorry man... I'm falling for her too... and I just decided that I won't give up unless she'll tell me that she don't love me... but from the looks of it.. I have the upper hand... " he said challenging me...

I smirked...

"Ang lakas din ng fighting spirit mo... "

"I'm just stating the obvious..."

"In the past few days that I'm with her.. I've seen how she looks at me differently... at mas maraming oras na kami ang magkasama... "

"We'll see about that... kahit na kayo ang laging magkasama.. It is still obvious that I'm the one she likes... "

Nakatitigan na naman kami ng masama...

Hindi namin namalayan na may dumating na doctor...

"Excuse me... "Sabi ng doctor at pareho kaming napatingin sa kanya...

"I need to speek to one of her family? "

"Wala yung family nya nasa ibang bansa.." Sagot ni Ice... "But I'm her boyfriend..."

Tinignan ko sya ng masama...

"Well in that case.... "

Hindi ko pinatapos ang doctor sa sinasabi nya at sumabat ako..

"I'm her husband..."

Nanlaki ang mata ni Ice sa kin...

Takang taka naman ang doctor... tinignan nya ako pagkatapos ay tinignan nya si Ice... hindi nya malaman kung sino talaga ang kakausapin.. napailing na lang sya...

"Ok.. both of you.. I don't know exactly what's going on here but my main concern is the patient... so I'll just talk to both of you... "

Napatahimik na lang kaming 2 at nakinig sa sasabihin ng doctor...

"Ok naman ang tests ng patiente.. It's not dengue or anything serious... Is she stressed lately?"

at sabay pa kaming nagsalita...

"No.." sabi ko

"Yes.." sabi ni Ice...

Pagkasabi ay nagkatitigan na naman kami ng masama...

Napailing na naman ang doctor... ngumisi ang doctor... obvious na na-co-confuse sya..

"Ok... she just needs a lot of rest.. I think she's hasn't been sleeping or eating much... I think her body is over worked... sometimes we have fever as a way of telling our body to slow down and rest... I think that's what happened to her... pagpahingahin nyo lang sya... she just needs to regain her strength... give her lots of fluids... ang healthy foods... That's it... AND NO STRESS FROM BOTH OF YOU.... you can actually let her stay if she want... pero pwede na rin sya sa bahay magpahinga.. but I recommend... no work for at least a week... so then.. I'll leave you both... I'll also leave a discharge note at the nurse's station, in case you've decided to go home... "

Tumalikod na ang doctor at umalis...

Naiwan kami ni Ice na parehong iniisip ang sasabihin sa isa't - isa.

"You heard the doctor. No stress coming from you.." sabi ni Ice...

"As if I'm the source.."

"Hindi ba?"

Well.. partly.. I thought pero hindi ko na sinabi sa kanya...

Nagbuntong hininga si Ice...

"Walang mangyayari sa tin kung magbabangayan lang tayo... " he said looking at me straight in the eye... "at the very first.. you already know my intentions.. and I'm not planning to back down... "

"Ok then Ice... may the best man win... "

"And I know that it'll be me..." sabi ni Ice with confidence...

Ngumiti na lang ako...

Tignan na lang natin...

*******************************************[26] Chapter 24*******************************************AN

Thanks for waiting...

BZ BZ BZ...

wag muna po kayong mangulit ng kasunod dahil hindi ko pa alam kung kelan ang next Update

Chapter 24

Tanya

"O my God! Girl what happened to you!!!!"

Naalimpungatan ako sa boses ni Charlie... para akong biglang hinugot sa wonderland...

"Gosh girl.... "

"ooooppppssss... sorry.. akala ko gising ka na... "

Talaga tong si Charlie....

"Well ngayon.. gising na... "

I feel much better... parang wala na akong lagnat... ilang oras kaya ako nakatulog.. buti hindi nang-istorbo ang mga nurse... I yawned... wow... ang sarap ng tulog ko... I stretched...

"Can you feel me?" Sabi ko kay Charlie... "May fever pa ba ako..."

Hinawakan nya ang noo ko.

"A bit, sinat na lang siguro... ito ang magpapawal ang lagnat mo.... I bought you something!!! "

"Basta hindi mo luto... kakainin ko... " I teased...

"Hmmmp.. anong klaseng bestfriend ka!"

Natawa kaming dalawa...

Pinakita nya yung 1 box ng pizza...

"Tada!!!! Your favorite pizza!!!"

"Wow.. I've been craving for this!!!... thanks.. the best ka talaga!!!"

Nag Indian sit ako sa kama at binuksan yung box...

"Ikaw na girl! Ikaw na talaga magtataboy sa mga virus ko!"

Natawa si Charlie...

"Hmmmm.... Girl... hindi mo ba aayain yung dalawang yun?"

Tinuro nya yung salas kung saan may natutulog na dalawang lalaki...

Medyo nakaside kasi sila kaya hindi ko namukhaan kagad.... Ang alam ko yung 1 si Ice... dahil sya yung nagdala sa kin dito kagabi...

"Si Drew ba yun?"

"Drew??? As in Andrew??? Bago na pala ang tawag mo sa kanya?" She said teasingly... " Uy ikaw a.. term of endearment na ba yan?"

"Wenks!!! Endearment daw o!!! hindi nga si Andrew nga ba yan?? Hindi ko matandaan na pumunta sya dito... "

"Oo kaya..."

"Anong oras na ba girl?"

"It's 2pm already.. kaya nga ang ingay kong pumasok dito... pero puro tulog pala kayo... "

"a talaga... kaya pala gutom na gutom na mga anaconda ko.. kaso kung gigisingin ko sila.. e di inubos lang nila tong pasalubong mo sa kin... " feeling selfish ako ngayon... gutom e...

"Ang damot mo! Ang dami dami nyan... "

Lumapit kami sa kanila... dala-dala ko yung box ng pizza... at nilagay sa center table...

Nilapitan ko si Ice at pinitik pitik yung ilong nya...

"Huy gising... " I whispered...

Ayaw... hindi man lang kumibo..

"Ang lalim ng tulog girl! Kainin na natin to!"

"Wag kang madamot... "

"may sakit naman ako a... hmmmp sige na nga. Kawawa naman sila.. "

Talunan ko kaya sila.. hihihihihi.... Para magising...

Tumalon talon ako sa salas...

"Wake up.. wake up wake up!!"

"Gisingin mo nga ng maayos! Para kang bata dyan!"

At pinagalitan pa ko nitong nanay ko! Nambabasag na naman ng trip... KJ talaga kahit kelan...

Binuksan ko yung mata ni Drew.... Hihihihihihi.... Tulog na tulog.. hindi namamalayan.... hahahahahaha!!!!

"Andrew gumising ka na baka kung anong gawin ng babaeng yan sa yo!" sabi ni Charlie na niyugyog na si Drew... nagising na...

"Ang KJ Mo! Hindi ko pa nakukuhanan ng picture!!!"

Bigla akong niyakap ni Andrew...

"Bakit anong gagawin mo???"

Wow pare ang lapit ng mukha mo!!! Layo... layo.. layo.... Pero ang higpit ng pagkakayakap... hindi ako makapalag!

Iyon naman ang gising si Ice....

"Get your hands off her... " pagbabanta ni Ice....

Tinignan lang sya ni Andrew...

"What if I don't?"

'Woa guys!!! Parang kagigising nyo lang a!!" Sabi ni Charlie... kinuha nya yung kamay ko at inilayo sa 2...

"Anong problema nyong dalawa?? Kakagising lang.. may LQ kayo?? " Tanong ko... "Ewan ko sa inyo.. aayain ko pa man din kayong kumain... tara Charlie.. tayo na lang kumain nito... "

Umupo kami ni Charlie sa may hospital bed... kumuha ako ng 1 slice ng pizza... lumapit sa min si Ice at hinawakan ang noo ko...

"Wala na akong lagnat... thanks nga pala kagabi... " I smiled sweetly at him...

"May konti pa... "

"After this.. uwi na ko.. kung ayaw mo.. itatakas ako ni Charlie... diba girl... "

"You wish.." sabi ni Charlie..

"Huh!!! Kanino ka ba kampi?? I feel good na promise"

Tumingin ako kay Drew...

"Bestfriend!!! Takas na tayo a!!!"

"Sure... gusto mo ngayon na e... " Then he smiled wickedly at Ice...

Ano ba talagang problema nitong 2 to...

Umupo sa tabi ko si Ice at kumuha ng 1 slice..

"Hindi ka pa ba umuuwi Drew,, parang iyan pa rin ang suot mo kahapon... "

"Hindi pa nga.. and I can't wait to go home... isasama na kita pauwi... "

"No she's going with me... ako nagdala sa kanya dito.. ako na mag-uuwi sa kanya.. "

"Whatever.. basta makauwi... I need to go to the studio later... titignan ko yung mga sched namin... alam ko may photoshoot ako bukas ng hapon..."

"Tinawagan ko yung secretary mo... pina cancel ko na mga shoots mo... yung mga importante pinadeligate ko sa ibang photographers mo..." sabi ni Drew

"You did what!?"

"the doctors said, no work for a week.. unless you want to remain here in the hospital." Dagdag pa ni Drew...

Napakunot ang noo ko.

"E anong gagawin ko ng 1 linggo magpaka bored to death?"

"Sumunod ka na lang girl.... Kung hindi ako magbabartolina sa yo..."

Napatahimik na lang ako... hindi ako sanay ng walang ginagawa baka mas lalo lang akong magkasakit... good girl epek muna ko for now... para matahimik na tong tatlong to...

"Hey Drew.. kain ka na rin tapos uwi na tayo... wala akong kagamit gamit dito... and I need my toothbrush... "

"Ice.. Paki ayos na yung discharge papers ni Tanya, baka magwala yan kapag hindi pa nakauwi.. " sabi ni Charlie...

"Ok.."

"Thanks Ice.. " Sabi ko...

He smiled... nyiiikkksss ang cute talaga nun kapag ngumingiti... ayan tuloy.. kinikilig na naman ako...

Lumabas na si Ice ng kwarto...

Inabutan ko ng pizza si Drew... "Kain na... "

"I don't usually eat pizza for breakfast.. mas gusto ko luto mo... "

"Nyeks!!!! Pagluluto pa kita??? "

He laughed... umupo siya sa tabi ko at kinuha na rin yung pizza...

Nag ring yung phone ni Charlie...

"Ooopss it's Zack.. iwan ko muna kayo dyan... I'll take this outside..."

"Hmmm.. ayaw mo lang marinig naming ang ka-cheezy - han nyong dalawa... "

"Whatever... " Sabi ni Charlie at lumabas na ng pinto...

HInawakan ni Drew ang noo ko.

"May konti ka pang fever... But I'm glad na hindi na kasing init kagabi... " He said seriously...

Hindi ata ako sanay na serious sya a...

"Hindi kita namalayan na dumating... Concerned ka???" Nginitian ko sya ng nakakaloka... I was expecting na papalag pero bakit parang serious nito ngayon... Usually naman makikipagbiruan na ng husto ito... hmmmm iyan ba effect ng pizza sa kanya?

"Of course I am... don't scare me again like that" Sabi nya looking at me directly in the eye...

Woa... what's this???? My heart is skipping a beat again....

Umiwas ako ng tingin... hindi ko gusto itong nararamdaman kong ito.... Gosh!

He took my hand...

"Tanya...."

Hindi pa rin ako tumitingin sa kanya... kunwari engrossed ako sa pizza na kinakain ko....

"I'm sorry... "

Nagtaka ako....

"Whatever for???" nagtatakang tanong ko.... this time I looked at him and I saw the sincerity of his eyes...

This time I'm confused...

Anong nangyayari kay Drew??? Hindi ako sanay... Why is he serious??? Usually mambabatok pa yan... but now???? Hmmmmmm????

"For not being sensitive... I was with you all day... I know you're not feeling well.. pero wala man lang akong ginawa... I should have cancelled my meeting and stayed with you"

Umiling-iling ako...

"Drew..... I'm not your responsibility... please, don't concern yourself about me. And besides... I'm well now... see... I can eat this whole box of pizza by myself..." I smiled but he stayed serious... "Wag ka namang masyadong serious! Hindi ako sanay! Kinakabahan ako sa 'yo nyan e... "

"I just don't want anything to happen to you.. yes.. you're not my responsibility but I want you to be one... "

OMG! Is that you Drew!!! I'm lost of words... Gosh.. I don't know what to say and to top it all.. I'm blushing!!!...

Umiwas ako ng tingin... ano ba to...

"Drew.. bat ka ba nagkakaganyan... hindi ako sanay... "

My heart is beating so fast... Hindi ata lagnat lang ang sakit ko... inaate na ata ako sa puso... what's this... I'm getting more confused... I should not feel this way about Drew... As much as I like him, I don't want to be involve! Sasaktan nya lang ako... No! He's wrong for me!!! We should remain friends... I should not let myself be romatically involve with him...

I put down my pizza at hinawakan ko ng dalawang kamay ang mukha nya....

"Hey! You're a good friend" In-emphasize ko ng husto yung friend... "But I can take care of myself ok? Wag kang ganyan... hindi bagay sa yo... baka ma-in love ako sa yo nyan.. selosa

ako... masira reputation mo ng pagiging playboy... " I laugh trying to make light the situation...

But he remained serious...

"What if I want you that way?.... "

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko...

Speechless... nagkatitigan lang kami

Medyo nakarecover ako...

"Drew.. don't do this... your friendship means a lot to me... I don't want it to be ruined... please.. stop this... "

He smiled.... O Gosh! Natutunaw ako... bakit ba bumabalik ang pagkahumaling ko sa lalaking ito!! This cannot be!!!!

"I won't pressure you.. I just want you to know that from now on, I will be here for you... "

Mas lalo akong namula..

"You're so cute when you're blushing... " he said teasingly...

Kumuha ako ng unan at hinampas sa kanya...

Natawa naman sya...

Haaay.. medyo nakahinga ako... na-break ang pagkaserious nya and he's at his teasing mode again...

What's wrong with him? Dala ba yan ng puyat? I just have to ignore him... pretend na lang na hindi nya sinabi ang mga yon... ayokong mailang sa kanya... pero hindi ko mapigilang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko... ayoko ng ganito... I don't what to fall for him.. it's not right... I don't want to be part of his long lists of girls... at mas lalong ayokong maging kabilang sa mga pinaiyak nyang mga babae... sayang naman ang mga pinagsamahan namin... I won't let this happen...

Halos sabay pumasok ng kwarto so Ice at Charlie...

"All set?" Tanong ni Ice...

"yeah.. I wanna go home... "

"ako na maghahatid sa yo.." Sabi ni Drew...

"Hayaan mo na si Ice ang maghatid kay Tanya.. Samahan mo muna ko.. may bibilhin lang ako... " Sabi ni Charlie

"But... " sabi ni Drew...

"Sige na drew.. Si Ice na maghahatid sa kin... "

"OK... I'll drop by Later... "

Oh boy... that look on Drew's face... Parang matutunaw ako... at eto naman ang traidor kong puso... bumibilis na naman ang tibik... gosh!!! I have to train my heart not to act like that ... kung hindi.... Ayoko nga munang isipin .... Focus na lang ako kay Ice...

Andrew

Wala naman palang bibilhin itong si Charlie.. anong nakain nito at nagpasama sa kin.. I should have been the one to take Tanya home...

Nagpunta kami sa 1 coffee shop... at ngayon tinitignan nya ko ng masama...

"Bakit ganyan ka makatingin?" tanong k okay Charlie...

"You've been acting strange... hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa yo."

"I've been getting a lot of that lately... "

"So it's been that obvious... "

I Sighed.

"Well.. I'm not gonna hide it anymore... so, whatever you're thinking... I admit it... It's true... "

Napatitig lang muna sa kin si Charlie... at maya maya pa.. ngumiti!

"Oh Gosh! I'm sooo happy!!!!"

Nangiti na rin ako...

"Bagay talaga kayo promise... "

"You should convince your bestfriend..."

Silence...

"You know.. it's obvious that she likes you too.... "

"Obvious?? Parang hindi... "

"The way she looks at you... you can tell.."

"She's more into Ice..."

"Hmmmm.. about Ice... yes.. she likes him... pero parang iba ang tingin nya sa 'yo.."

"Are you just saying that.."

"No I'm serious... the thing is... she's scared of you..."

"What? That's new.. Ang pagkaka-alam ko,, walang kinatatakutan yon... hindi nga minsan umuubra mga antiques ko sa kanya.."

"Not that kind of scared.. what I mean is.. she's scared of having a relationship with you.. you know... about your reputation and all that..."

"Oh....that..."

"yes.. That... as you can see.. we've been friends for quite some time and she has seen you... as in.. dated so many women... but why only now?"

"I don't know... maybe it was always there.. but I didn't recognize it or let's just say.. I don't want to admit it... "

"What about now... "

"I think it's time for me to have a serious relationship... and I think Tanya is the one for me... "

She eyed me quizzically...

"Are you sure? What exactly are you feeling for her?? Baka naman spare of the moment lang yan... "

"I thought about it over and over again.. I tried denying it for nth time... but my heart always points at her... It's as if I've always wanted her... but I also value our friendship.. maybe that's the reason why it took me so long to admit it... "

Silence...

"My God... it's true.. I think you've fallen for her... "

I just smiled...

"The question is.. how am I going to make her fall for me... "

She smiled...

"Well.. I have a few ideas... "

*******************************************[27] Chapter 25*******************************************AN

Things are getting complicated!!!

ENJOY!

Anyway... BAWAL MANG-HARASS!!!! =)

Chapter 25

Tanya

After reading the text message I just received.. nagtatatalon ako sa tuwa!!!! Yeeeppppeeeee!!!!! I Have a date tonight!!! Excited much!!!! Hihihihi! Sa wakas mag-d-date na rin kami ni Ice! Hihihihihi..... at sa wakas naman makakalabas din ako ng condo.. 2 days din akong nakabartolina dito sa kwarto ko at hindi na ako mapakali.. halos magdugo na ang mata ko sa kakapanood ng DVD... kainis naman kasi tong si Bestfriend Drew.. dito ba naman mag-opisina sa unit ko!! ang kapal ng mukha grabe.. ang luwag luwag ng penthouse nya at dito nakisiksik sa hamak na unit ko... (hehehehe... inangkin na ang unit ni kuya... ) para daw hindi ako makatakas... kakahiya sa secretary na pinapapunta nya dito.. naku.. baka kung anong Isipin non...FYI... hindi ko sya dito pinatutulog...pag nag 10pm sinisipa ko na sila palabas... Pahamak talaga yung pangit na yun... grrrrr..... Kainis naman kasi e.. nagsumbong kasi si Charlie kay Kuya Stanly... na naospital daw ako.. overworked DAW etc etc etc, hello.. kelan pa ko na-overowrk.. tinamaan lang naman ako ng virus... kaya tuloy... pinakiusapan ni kuya si Drew na bantayan ako... Haaaayyyy... ang hirap palang maging preso... On the other hand... a part of me appreciates what he's doing... CEO ng Fajardo Group of companies tapos nagtitiis na magtrabaho dito para lang mabantayan ako... well... hmmm ... ang sarap lang minsan mag-ego trip.... Hehehehe.... ang daming nagkakandarapang maka-date un pero eto sya, parang gwardya sibil ko lang hehehehe... kaso... naiilang ako parati kapag tinititigan nya ko... gravy... hindi ko alam kung kikiligin ako o ano.... Ano ba tong nararamdaman ko... hindi ako dapat magpadala kaya habang maaga pa kailangan ng patahimikin ang traidor na puso ko... that's why I'm planning to enjoy my date later para ma-overwrite kung ano man ang nararamdaman ko kay Drew. Because this has got to stop.. kailangan maibalik ko sa dati ang tingin ko sa kanya.. mahirap na...

Hmmmmm ano kayang maisuot... kailang impress to the max ako.... Demure epek??? Not my style...

Naglabas ako ng naglabas ng damit sa closet ko pero wala akong Makitang maganda...

AAAARRRRGGGGG! I don't have anything to wear!

Tinignan ko wristwatch ko... 2:00 pm... hmmmmmm.. may oras pa ko para mag shopping at magpaparlor... 7:30pm naman kami magkikita ni Ice...

Nag shower ako at nagbihis ... simple tank top and shorts with matching flip flips lang ang suot ko.. pero naglagay ako sa bag ng mga make-up etc etc na gagamitin ko mamaya sa date... sumilip ako sa labas ng kwarto....

Nag uusap pa rin si Drew at Rick... talagang ginawa nilang opisina yung living room, kalat kalat pa mga papeles nila... well... ano bang magagawa ko.... with kuya's consent e... hmmmm nakatalikod naman sila sa kin at mukhang seryoso silang nag-uusap... bumalik ako sa loob at binuksan ko yung TV.. nilakasan ko yung sounds... hehehehe.. surround naman yun kaya ang lakas... kung gagapang ako palabas... hindi siguro nila ako mapapansin.... Aakalain nilang nag-mo-movie marathon na naman ako.. hihihihihi....

Dahan-dahan akong lumabas ng kwarto at gumapang palabas ng unit.... Ng makalabas ako.. dahan dahan kong sinara ang pinto.... At saka ako nagtatakbo!!! Alright!!!! I'm Free!!!!

Ng nasa elevator na ako.. nag text ako kay Ice.. alam ko kasing may meeting sya ngayon

'Wag mo na akong sunduin mamaya.. kita na lang tayo... text mo na lang sa kin kung saang resto tayo magkikita... See you! '

***

I went to my favorite boutique... nakailang sukat na ako.. hindi pa rin ako satisfied... hala ma-le-late na ko nito.. huhuhuhuhuhu....

Si Drew naman kanina pa tawag ng tawag sa kin.. na-discover na nyang wala ako sa kwarto.. hehehehe... in other words... naisahan ko sya... hihihi.. ano kayang itsura non ngayon... malo-low bat ako nito kakatawag ni Drew.. ano bay an! Hindi ako tinatantanan.. nanandya bang i-drain ang CP ko??? hindi ko naman pwedeng patayin ito... baka biglang tumawag si Ice.. huhuhuhu.. lagot malapit na kong ma-low-bat...

"Ma'am, may bagong dating po na dress.. gusto po ba ninyong tignan... "

"Sure.."

Nung nilabas nya yung dress...

It's a black dress with 2 inches above the knee and skirt... Yes.. this is it and it's my style... parang pinatahi ito para sa kin...

"Wow!!Perfect!!!"

"Miss,, paki ternohan ng shoes... thanks... "

Sinukat ko yung damit and wow!!! Make up na lang.. hihihihi... sisiguraduhin kong luluwa ang mata ni Ice...

***

This is my second Ice Tea... Tinignan ko ulit ang wristwatch ko... Damn! It's 8:30 already! Ice where the hell are you!!! gravy a.. never akong naghintay sa date!!!!... First time ito... EVERRRRR!

Did I get the address right??? Kahit na-lowbat ako,, mine-morize ko naman yung lugar... pahamak kasi yung Drew nay un.. kung hindi sya tumawag ng tumawag hindi sana ako ma-lo-lowbat... hindi tuloy ako maka-contact kay Ice kung cancel ba ang date o male-late sya or what???? Huhuhuhu... sayang naman ang beauty ko....

Ang dami na ngang lumalapit sa kin.. nahihirapan na akong magtaboy... at eto na naman... masama na naman ang tingin sa kin nung 2 lalaki na nasa tapat ng table ko... ashaaarrrr.... Ice asan ka na ba??

Andrew

"Thanks Charlie... "

"Don't mention it.. wala pa nga yan sa dami ng utang ko sa yo... I'm just returning the favor... " sabi ni Charlie

Natawa ako....

I was just a few tables away from Tanya.. at kitang kita ko kung gaano sya ka-frustrated

ngayon... nakapangalum-baba na nga sa sobrang inip... parang naiinis na rin... pero konti pa... kapag mag-wa-walk out na.. saka ako lalapit...

I called Charlie the minute I found out that she was not in her room... grabe ang galing tumakas nun.. hindi ko man lang namalayan... hindi ko man lang narinig.. masydo ba akong naging engrossed sa mga pinag-usapan naming ng secretary ko...

Charlie confirmed thru Zack that Ice will leave early because he has a date... Malamang si Tanya ang ka-date nya dahil biglang nawala din un... so I deviced a plan to make Ice stay in the office and do overtime works as in yung tipong emergency na hindi na pwedeng ipagpabukas... Iba na ang kasabwat ang first lady ng boss... about the meeting place... madali lang namang hanapin kung saan dadalhing resto ni Ice si Tanya.. knowing Ice... Always nagpapareserve kay pinatawagan ko sa sec ang mga fine dining restaurant within the vicinity.. kung manggagaling sya sa office malamang bandang Makati at manila lang yon... pina-inquire ko kung may nakareserve na Ice Montemayor and BINGO!!! There you are Tanya.. looking so stunning... I almost dropped my jaw when I saw her . Halos lahat ng tao sa Resto hindi maiwasang tumitig sa kanya... My dear dear goddess, nakasimangot na pero attention getter pa rin sya... and I'm here enjoying myself staring at her... nakakatawa lang... dahil kung naisahan nya ako kanina... then it's my turn... It's almost 9pm and I know that her patience is running thin... 5 more minutes... I smiled naughtily...

Tanya

Sobra na to! My first date with Ice and I was stood up! Gosh! Pahamak na cellphone talaga to... kung buhay ka lang, sana natawagan at nabulyawan ko na yung lalaking yon!!!! grrrrr!!!!! Sayanag naman ang effort ko! huhuhuhuhuhu!!!! I was soooo looking forward for this night.. pero ano??? Huhuhuhuhuhuhu...

I was about to walk out when I heard a very familiar voice....

"Need company?"

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita at nanlaki ang mga mata ko....

Umiling ako.... At napangiti.. yung tipong ngiti na parang caught in the act... hihihihihi

"Ummmmmm... hello Drew.... You're here.... Ummmmm.... How did.... "

"How did I know where you are??"

Umupo sya sa tabi ko...

"You underestimate me sweetheart... " He smirked...

Tinignan ko sya ng masama...

"Are you stalking me??"

"And why would I do that? "

I just stared at him...

"Actually, I had a date... " sabi nya "but unfortunately,,, hindi sumipot... "

"that's makes the two of us..." sabi ko feeling frustrated... "Nakakatawa ka naman... Na-i-indian ka rin pala???"

"Sometimes... " Ngumiti sya...

"Order ka na... " Sabi ko kay Drew... " Order mo ko ng banana split para maalis ang pagka-asar ko sa kaibigan mo"

"Bakit sino ba ka-date mo?"

"As if you don't know!!!"

Natawa sya...

***

Nakakatawa naman talaga... I ended up dating Drew... but surprisingly... I'm having a good time... non-stop kami sa kwentuhan... minsan asaran... kinuwentuhan nya ko tungkol sa childhood

nya.. sa mga kalokohn nila ni Zack... at hindi ko akalain na saksakan din pala ng sutil yung si Zack.. alam kaya ni Charlie yun??? kasi ngayon kung titignan mo parang sobrang dignified... hmmmm.. may mga pangblackmail na ako kay Zack just in case I will need it in the future... hehehehe.... BAD BAD BAD TANYA!!!

I'm seeing a different Drew right now... A guy who is open and sincere.. walang halong kapreskohan, kayabangan at kung ano ano pa... and I'm really liking it... but hold it!!! This is getting really scary... Gosh! Ano ba to!!! This is not suppose to happen! Hindi pwede! This is Andrew Fajardo... the number 1 playboy and most eligible bachelor in town... I can't fall for him... NO WAY!!!! I have to remind myself over and over again that he is wrong for me.... HE IS MR. WRONG FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! He's not what I'm looking for.... NO NO NO TANYA!!! Get a grip girl!!!

"Tanya... are you alright???"

Napatingin ako sa kanya...

"Yes.... Why?"

"You're furiously shaking your head... may masakit ba ulit sa yo?"

Waaaa... ano bang klaseng titig yan.... Natutunaw na talaga ako... gosh!!! He's so gwapo!!!

"Wala.... May naalala lang ako...." I smiled sweetly but I refuse to look at him in the eye...

"Tara na.. uwi na tayo.. may pasok ka pa bukas diba... "

He smirked...

"Remember that I turned your unit to my office..."

Sumimangot ako...

"Doon ka pa rin ba magta-trabaho??? Ano ka ba Drew.. inivade mo na ng bonggang bongga ang privacy ko!!!"

Natawa sya...

"Your one week is not yet up... I promised your brother to look after you.... "

"Dinibdib mo namang masyado! Hello!!! Wala ka na sa katinuan promise!"

He just smiled....

"That's because your making me crazy..." tumitig na naman sa kin...

I was caught unaware.. at napatitig na lang din ako sa.. here I go again!!! I'm blushing!!!! What's happening to me! Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya...

"Let's go... "Sabi nya... at hinawakan ang kamay ko at inalalayan akong tumayo...

"Wow... gentleman ka pala.. hindi ko alam... "

"There's still so many things you don't know about me..."

True... akala ko kilala ko na sya.. but why am I seeing a whole new Drew right now???

Nasa labas na kami ng Resto...

"Let's take a walk for a while... "Sabi nya at tinanggal nya ang suit nya at isinuot sa aking.. malapit na ang pasko malamig ang panahon at naka off shoulders lang ako...

"Sure... I heard that the lighting displays at the park is spectacular... malapit lang naman dito yun diba?"

"OK... "

We walked in silence... I'm just enjoying the cool night... I love to feel the cool breeze in my face.... And Drew's presence is enough to make this a great night...

I smiled...

Drew took my hand and place it in his arms... nakakatuwa naman... This night started with a disaster... and now.. it's turning to be the most perfect date ever... unplanned pa ang lagay na yan... come to think of it.. this is also my first date with Drew.. If you consider it as a date? Date nga ba?? O sige na nga.. I'm CONSIDERING IT A DATE...

Gravy ma-i-inlove nga talaga sa kanya ang mga babae na nilalabas nya.. gentleman at attentive pala ito.. hindi ko akalain, parang feeling mo na ikaw lang ang babae sa mundo... loko-loko lang kasi ang tingin ko sa kanya... kaya pala ang daming naghahabol dito.. now I understand why.. He's more than good looks.. not to mention suppperrr rich and intelligent... what more can a girl ask? Pero masyadong makamandag.. nakakatakot...

Nasa park na kami at umupo kami sa 1 bench.. the trees are surrounded with Christmas lights and it's soooo beautiful.. it's as if you are surrounded by fireflies...

"Wow... I never thought that this park could be so beautiful... parang ordinary park lang to sa umaga" I said amazed...

He said nothing.. he just stared at me...

Nailang naman ako....

Tinabig ko ang mukha nya...

"Stop staring at me like that... Kahit hindi ako ice cream, matutunaw ako nyan!"

He laughed...

"You never fail to amaze me you know..."

"Talaga lang a... "

"And that's what I like most about you..."

Ano ba ito... serious ba sya? Umaandar na naman!!! Waaaaa!!! Ano bang gagawin ko!!!

"Seriously Drew... stop making me feel awkward... can we just go back to the way we use to be? In that way... things won't be complicated... " I said without looking at him...

"But that's exactly what I want Tanya... I want you to complicate me.... "

Huh?

Silence...

I looked at him... Gosh he's serious... HE'S DEAD SERIOUS!!!

"Ang galing mo mambola grabe!!! Bilib na talaga ako sa yo! Iyan na ba ang mga killer lines mo! Hay nako wag mo na nga akong pag-practisan... I know that girls will certainly fall for you, you don't need any practice.. masyado ka ng expert" sabi ko pero deep inside sobra akong affected...

Silence...

"I just want a particular girl to fall for me... "

Silence...

"I just hope that she'll give me the chance to see me change... You know I would do anything for her... I never thought that I could be serious in one girl.. I never really thought that I had it in me... I thought that I will forever be the Casanova but believe it or not.. people can change... "

Silence...

I shook my head...

"Why are you saying this things to me... Why are you opening up to me? Well,, whoever she is... I know she'll be lucky to have you... let's go home... " hindi ko kaya tong pinagsasasabi nya... I'm not prepared to listen to him.. this is definitely not happening.. not now.. not ever... I tried to stand up pero pinigilan nya ako...

Panic mode...

"Look at me Tanya..." Hinawakan nya ang mukha ko at tinitigan nya ang mga mata ko... "Why are you scarred of me???"

"I'm not... "

"really... "

He held both of my hands...

"Tanya.... "

Silence... It's as if he's trying to find the right words...

"Please... give me a chance.... "

"what are you saying Andrew..."

Umiling-iling ako.... This is getting to be more complicated by the minute.... And I can't contain myself also... My heart is beating sooo fast... I can't control it... what's happening to me.... I can feel goosebumps all over... and the way he talks so gently and sincerely is not helping... It makes me more drawn to him... OMG!! What in the world is going on here!!!

"I don't want to pressure you or anything.. all I want is for you to give me a chance.. "

I looked at him....

"Drew... I want to believe you.. but... there's so many questions in my mind... I don't know if I can trust you.. "

" I understand... I'm not expecting any answers... but please believe me when I tell you... "

Silence...

"That I love you.... "

Ansaveh????

*******************************************[28] Chapter 26...*******************************************MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Bitin po ulit ito.. pinilit ko lang mag-UD kasi Christmas.. hehehehe.... I'll try to update SOOOOONNN.... I don't know when kaya andtayin nyo na lang

i'getting more compicated

Chapter 26

Tanya

"I'll pretend that I didn't hear that..."

ARRRRGGGGG!!!!

Iyan lang ang nasabi ko kagabi nung sinabi nya yung 3 magic words.... E ano ba??? I'm so confused... Sinasabi ng Puso ko Oo.. pero ang isip ko MALAKING HINDI!!!!! With exclamation points... Tanga ba ko?? Hindi naman siguro.. I'm just being cautious... baka naman pinagti-tripan lang nya ko.. tapos kapag nagkita kami sabihin lang nya....' Joke lang.. naniwala ka naman' ... AAARRRGGGG.... Maalis mo ba sa kin na hindi mag-doubt? E palagi naming pinag-ti-trippan ang isa't isa... Kahit ganito ako... I have a fragile heart at ayokong matulad kay kuya Slate na almost 1 year na dinamdam ng husto ang girlfriend nyang nakipaglaro sa iba...

Pero last night.... Gosh!!! Ano ba yon??? Andrew was different... ang feeling ko nga perfect boyfriend sya kagabi... Hindi ko lang alam kung ganon sya lahat ng babae nya... waaaa!!! I'm soo confused... part of me wants to believe him and part of me says not to fall for that.... Well... If he really means what he said... He just have to prove it... I'm not going to believe him unless I will see it with my own two eyes... then... we'll talk serious when that time comes... IF THAT TIME WILL COME... We'll just have to wait and see...

Andrew

"So you finally came out in the open..."

It's 7:00 and I'm already in the office talking to Zack... May mga kailangan akong i-review na mga paperworks na hindi nadala ni Rick sa Condo... Hindi ko na inistorbo muna si Tanya. Past 12 na kami nakauwi kaninang madaling araw... It's really good to be honest with myself and let her know how I feel about her... Though I don't blame her for not believing in me... I had a reputation and a very bad one. But I will change all that...

In my entire life.. that was the first time I've confessed to a girl... It was usually the other way around... and when a girl confessed to me.. I dropped her like a hot potato... for I don't fall in love... not until I've realized my feelings for Tanya... Confessing my feeling was the easy part.. The hard part is proving to her that I'm sincere... Is this payback time?

"I Guess..."

Tumawa si Zack.

"I told you.. so when are you going to wire it???"

I smirked...

"Wire what?" I joked...

"Ok.. so you wanna play dumb with me??? Ummmm... ICE? I have something to tell you..."

"JERK! Alright.. alright.. I'm wiring it now... "

Natawa ulit si Zack...

"Gawa, gawa kasi ng kalokohan... You hit it hard man! Kinasabwat mo pa asawa ko"

Trinansfer ko ang 1M sa bank account ni Zack...

"Correction.. she offered to help me.. and don't act innocent... you lied to Ice also... kaya magkakasama na tayo dito... and remember.. You owe me.. BIGTIME!"

"Yeah.. Yeah... I know... kaya nga kahit labag sa work ethics ko at kahit kadugo ko sya compared sa yo...nagawa kong magsinungaling... This should be worth it, man... Once na pinaiyak mo si Tanya, ako unang magkakasapak sa yo."

"That line sounds familiar... anyway.. you don't have to worry for that won't happen..."

"Better be sure about it..."

Tanya

My cellphone is ringing again.. I looked at the caller id... it's ice again... I just let it ring... bahala syang magsawa.. kainis...

3 days had passed at hindi ko pa rin kinakausap si Ice... He keeps on calling but I ignored it all... masama pa rin ang loob ko sa kanya.. dahil kung sumipot sya.. hindi sana nagtapat si Drew... at hindi sana ako naloloka kakaisip sa sinabi nya! Kasalanan ni Ice ito e... sa halip na sa kanya ako nahuhumaling ngayon... eto at na-co-confuse ako ng bonggang bongga!

For my sanity's sake... I pretended that nothing happened... I'm good at pretending... na lift na rin naman ang bartolina ko.. kaya back to normal na ako.. if you would call my life as a slave as normal... well... I quite enjoyed my new routine... maaga na rin akong natutulog.. hindi na ko minamadaling araw para naman magising ako ng maaga at magprepare ng breakfast... I'm also quite fond of preparing breakfast for Andrew and I like it that he appreciates it... and everytime we see eachother... I pretended that I'm not affected... I would still play pranks... Nakakatuwa lang syang tignan kapag napipikon... medyo naiilang na lang ako kapag nahuhuli ko syang nakatitig sa kin... In fairness din naman sa kanya... sensitive din naman sya at na-fe-feel din nyang hindi ko gustong pag-usapan ang mga nangyari a few days ago... But I noticed a few changes in him... mas gentleman sya ngayon.. mas attentive and most of all... mas sweet!!! Huhuhuhuhuhu!!!!! Kung minsan talagang napa-pa-blush na lang ako.... I just don't know when this torture will end!!! Kailangan ko na talagang maihanap ng girlfriend yung pangit na yon... kung hindi baka sa mental na ako pulutin nito!!!!

My phone rang again....

Shutdown ko na sana pero nakita ko yung caller ID.. It's Mother Reyna

"Hello Mother!!!! Miss you na!!! so how was it?! Did they Like it?!"

"I miss you too honey.... "

I can sense a grim expression on his voice...

"Why? What's the matter... "

"I'm so sorry.. they didn't liked it..."

My heart sank... nakaka-depress naman... and to think sa sobra naming pinaghirapan yun...

"Don't worry mother... there'll be other project and much much bigger... "

"No.... there won't be a bigger project than this... because... THIS IS IT!!!! THEY DON'T LIKE IT BUT THEY LOVE IT SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!" at tumawa ng malakas si Mother....

"WHATTTT!!!! "

Nagtatatalon ako sa tuwa!!!

"O MY GOSH! OMY GOSH!!!!"

"To top it all... they were so ecstatic about you.. they can't get enough of you!!!"

"Wow naman!!!! BILOG NA TALAGA ANG ULO KO PROMISE!!!!"

"No kidding.... They really do love you honey... and they want you on their major projects... not just the magazine but on different endorsements... I TOLD YOU!!! so when are you going to fly here?"

Napatigil ako....

"Teka.. teka... this is way too fast... "

"I know.. cause we're on the fast lane.... But you have until after the holidays to decide... We're goig to be in full swing by January ... "

"ummmm.... I still need time to think it over... this is new to me... and what will happen to my studio..."

"You can manage... magaling na rin naman yung ibang staff mo... pwede ka rin naman magpa-uwi-uwi dyan... after maybe three months you can go back for a while then fly again... ganon lang naman trabaho natin diba... and by the way.. you need to learn how to be poise and walk properly..."

"AAARRRGGG... I'm not trained to be a model.... "

"But I know you'll learn it... think about it... This is YOUR BIG BREAK! And besided.. don't you want to work with the best photographers around the world? They love your shots in the beach... you can join the team if you want and you can learn from them..."

"That sounds really tempting... " ano ba to ang hirap naman mag-isip... "But I have commitments..."

"Then you have to choose... you still have a few more weeks... "

"Ok I'll think about it.. I'll consult my family... "

"And your boyfriend.." He said teasingly..

"HELLO MOTHER!!! WALA PA PO AKONG BOYFRIEND!!!"

"Ang bagal naman pala ni Andrew..." Tumawa sya ng malakas... at naramdaman kong namula ang buong mukha ko....

"We're just friends.. PERIOD..."

"Ok.. ok... sabi mo e... I'll call you after the holidays.... Ta! Ta! Bye and see you soon!!!"

"Bye and Merry Christmas!!! "

I was still in awe after a few minutes of digesting the information....

Still on mix emotions... The offer is soooo tempting... Pero paano yun... wala pang 1 year .. pano yung bahay naming... I made some calculations... If I accepted the offer then I can earn big time... pwede ko na rin bayaran si Andrew... pero.... Pero..... pero...

Teka! Ano bang pumipigil sa kin!!! Mas malaking pera naman ang pupuntahan ko... Pero what about Drew???

Teka ulit!!!! Bakit ako concerned sa kanya!!!

I shook my head! Damn! What's happening to me! E ano ngayon kung Iiwanan ko si Drew... at ano itong feeling na parang nalulungkot ako ng hindi ko makikita tuwing umaga si Drew... What's this!!! Ang gulo ko!!!!

Am I having THAT kind of feeling towards Drew???

OMG!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I have to suppress this... I have to.. I have to.. I have to.. I have to....

MIND OVER MATTER!!!

Kaya mo yan Tanya!!!

***

I was waiting for Andrew at the lobby the next day...

Tumawag sa cellphone si Andrew...

"I'll be down in a few minutes... May importanteng client lang akong kausap sa linya... "

"Ok.. no problem... basta libre mo ko ng ice cream dahil pag-iintayin mo ko..."

Natawa sya...

"Adik ka talaga sa Ice cream..."

"Hindi naman... Hindi naman halata...hahahaha!!! Sige take your time.. basta banana split ko a... "

"Sige para tumaba ka..."

"Di rin.. dati nga 1 gallon ang tintira ko.. payat pa rin ako..."

"Ok sige...I'll make this fast.."

"Take your time...... "

Pagbaba ko ng Cp ko... naupo ako sa may couch ... I put on my earphones, at inaliw ko ang sarili ko sa music...

After a while... wala pa so Drew... hmmm... mukhang dibdibang usapan yun a.... well,,, he's an important person running a multi-billion company.. what do you expect... nakakpagtaka nga minsan at may oras pang makipagkulitan yun.... hmmmm.. pagbigyan... mabait naman sya for the past few days... at pansin ko.. no dates for the past few days... hmmm... totoo na kaya ang mga sinabi nya.... Hmmmmm....

Just then, may naupo sa couch opposite mine.. may dala-dalang maleta...

Wow... she's beautiful... at super poise.. kahit makikita mo sa mukha nyang pagod at puyat sya... she still looks refreshing.. She reminds me so much of my bestfriend Charlie... Pareho silang angelic looking at mukhang mabait... Tumunog ang cellphone nya at kinuha nya ito sa purse... at napansin kong may nahulog sa dito ng hindi nya namamalayan...

"Yes Tita.. I'm here already... Yes.... I'm at the lobby... No... it's ok... the traffic is sooo bad....... I'm fine.... I know .... Ok ... ok .. I'll just be here... " after that.. binalik na nya ang cellphone nya sa purse pero hindi pa rin nya namalayang may nahulog dito....

"Ummmm miss... "

She smiled "yes?"

"I think you dropped something.... "

Tinignan nya yung floor....

"Ay.. thank you... " Pinulot nya yung nahulog nya at binalik sa purse...

I smiled too... mukha namang mabait...

"You live here?" Tanong nya...

"For the meantime... I hope... "

"Hmmm... visiting?"

"Not really... It's complicated..."

"Oh.. I'm really sorry.. I'm prying..."

"No it's ok... and you? are you going to live here?"

"I'm just visiting our old family friend... I was suppose to go to their house but Tita said that the renovation was not yet finished. That's why she arranged for me to crash her son's condo... that is... for the meantime"

"well, I hope he don't bite... "

Natawa sya... "I can't remember him being a vampire or a warewolf..."

"Well you don't know these days.. weird things happen..." Tinakot ba!!! Hahahaha!!! Ang bad mo talaga Tanya.. pero natawa na kaming dalawa.... Hmmmm.. bakit ang gaan ng loob ko sa kanya... para kasi syang si Charlie... hindi kaya nya distant cousin to?

"I'm Tanya, by the way..." I offered my hand and she shook it...

"Clarisse...It's nice to know somebody here... "

"I can see that you're also a Filipino.. marunong ka bang magtagalog..."

"yes... a little bit rusty.. Pero marunong ako..."

Natawa kaming dalawa sa accent nya...

Nagkwentuhan kami ... hmmmm tumatagal ata si Andrew..... well.. at least I have someone to talk to... mabait si Clarisse... I know that Charlie will also like her...

Maya - maya pa ay may dumating na babae.. she looks elegant in her 50's at maganda...

"I'm so sorry Clarisse for having you wait like this... "

"It's Ok Tita... " Sabi ni Clarisse...

" I called my son and told him the situation... he's coming down right now.... Oh there he is.... "

Lumaki ang mga mata ko ng Makita ko si Drew....

SYA!!! SYA YUNG FAMILY FRIEND NI CLARISSE!!!

WHAT THE!!!!

Lumapit si Andrew sa Mommy nya at humalik... hindi ata ako napansin para na lang akong spectator at invisible sa paningin nila...

Bumibilis ang tibok na puso ko.... OMG TALAGA!!! Why am I reacting like this....

"This is so unexpected ma... "

"I know and I'm sorry... nagkaproblema sa renovation... akala ko matatapos on time... that's the problem with contractors... "

"And by the way... You remember Clarisse..."

I saw him look at her and his face brightened...

"Hello Clarisse... You've grown..."

It was obvious that there's admiration in his face...

PAANONG HINDI NYA MA-A-ADMIRE... E KA -AURA NI CHARLIE!!!! Ding Dong!!! Sobrang na-in-love kaya sya dati don... AT ETO NGAYONG... MAY CHARLIE LOOK A LIKE DITO!!!!! And to top it all... THEY WILL BE STAYING IN THE SAME UNIT!!!!

Ano ba ito!!! Why am I feeling like this!!!! GOSH!!!

I'M NOT JEALOUS!! I'M NOT JEALOUS!! I'M NOT JEALOUS!!

E bakit ba ako magseselos... porket nagtapat sya sa kin may karapatan na kong magselos!!!!

HINDI RIN!!!!!

Pero unti unting umaakyat ang dugo ko sa ulo ko.....

I shook the feeling... I don't have the right to feel like this.... NO WAY!!!

At eto namang si Andrew bakit hindi man lang ako napapansin!!!.. Na-glue na ba ang mata nya kay Clarisse!!!

"It's been a long time... " sabi ni Clarisse.. obvious din na nag twinkle twinkle ang mga mata nya...

GRRRRR....

"Get her bags Andrew and let's settle her to your unit.. alam ko naman na maraming guest room sa unit mo kaya dito ko na sya dinala... and so you'll get to know each other better... "

Napailing ako.... GANON!!!

Napatingin bigla sa kin si Drew... hindi nya namalayan na na-witness ko ang mga exchange nila...

Napataas na lang ang kilay ko...

"Tanya. Andyan ka pala..."

"Kanina pa..." sounding sweet pero alam ko na na-feel nya ang pagkainis ko...

"Ma... I want you to meet Tanya... Tanya Ramires...Tanya, my mom.."

Tumayo ako so I can greet her properly...

She looks genuinely happy to meet me... hmmmm.... Mukha naman palang mabait ang mommy ni Andrew... kala ko terror... very intimidating kasi...

Nagbeso-beso kami...

"I'm glad to meet you Iha... "

"Same here po..."

"Oh, have you met Clarisse? " She said...

"Yes po... we met a while ago while waiting... "

"I'm so glad... para naman may maging kaibigan dito ang future fiancé ni Andrew..."

WHAT!!!!!!

*******************************************[29] Chapter 27*******************************************AN

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Bitin po ulit ito as usual.. hehehehe.. anyway... kahit na bitin... I hope you'll enjoy it... =)

IT'S GETTING MUCH MORE COMPLICATED!!

Chapter 27

Tanya

Fiancé ? Fiancé ? FIANCÉ!!!!

Ikakasal ka na pala! Pa- I love, I love you ka pa dyan!

"Binibilog mo ba talaga ang ulo ko!!! ha!!! Andrew!!!!"

Dinuro duro ko yung bunny stuff toy na napanalunan namin dati sa Enchanted Kingdom.

Mabuti na lang at hindi ako bumigay sa nararamdaman ko.. kailangan talaga sa lahat ng oras ginagamit ang utak. GRRRRR...

Iniwan ko na sila kanina sa lobby at hindi na daw magpapahatid si Andrew sa office dahil i-se-"settle" daw nya si Clarisse sa penthouse... E di i-settle nya.. anong paki ko!!! mabuti nga yon at solo ko na ang buong maghapon kahit Friday ngayon... hmmmmp kainis! Pero kahit ganon... masakit.... Ibig sabihin ba non, talaga bang may nararamdaman ako sa kanya? Hindi lang ba talagang kaibigan ang tingin ko sa kanya? Aray naman. Ano ba naman tong napasukan ko... One thing I know for now... I have to overcome this... mabuti nga at maaga pa lang nalaman ko ng magpapakasal na sya... kesa naman kung nasagot ko sya, tapos ganito ang mangyayari!!

Napabuntong hininga ako...

I have to get over this... I have to get over that guy!

I turned off my cellphone and took my keys... kahit anong photoshoot ngayon.. kahit hindi naka schedule sa kin.. aakuin ko na... I know my 1 week of rest is not yet over but so what! I have to get my mind off Drew and Clarisse...

***

Napahiga ako sa couch sa office ko... Yes! It's 5 pm and I was so accomplished... Halos lahat ng client ngayong araw na to ay natuwa nung malaman nilang ako ang mag-ha-handle ng photoshoot nila... Kahit medyo napagod ako.. effective naman dahil nakalimutan ko mga iniisip ko kanina... hindi ko na nakausap buong maghapon si Andrew dahil kabilin bilinan ko sa staff na walang pwedeng kumausap sa kin ngayong araw na to...

May kumatok sa pinto at sumilip ang secretary ko..

"Ma'am may bisita po kayo... " Sabi nya

Napakunot ang ulo ko... hmmmmp...

"Sabihin mo umuwi na ko... "

Bumukas ng husto ang pinto at pumasok ang sinasabing bisita ko...

OOOOPPPPSSSSS!!!!

Tumayo ako... at inayos ko sarili ko... dahil alam kong mukha na akong bilasa... wala man lang kaayos-ayos ang mukha at buhok ko...

"Ice! What are you doing here?"

Ngumiti sya...

"I decided to surprise you... you never returned any of my calls... I never got to explain why I did not make it to our date... "

Inabot nya sa kin yung dala-dala nyang bouquet of flowers...

WOW!!! Ang sweet naman....

Effective! Napangiti ako!!!... and he look so cute right now...

"Upo ka muna.. naku.. pasensya ka na.. kakatapos lang ng last photoshoot ko... hmmmm.. it's only 5pm.. how come your already out in the office... "

"nag-under time ako.. I was just taking my chance that I'll find you here.. and maybe, you will still give me a chance to make it up to you and go out with me tonight? "

"Tonight???"

I looked at myself.. I look so trashy....

Napangisi ako... "ummmm.. I don't look like I'm fit for a date right now..."

"You still look beautiful... I promise... no fancy restaurant.. maybe we can just go to someplace where we can just talk... Please... just say yes..."

Tinignan ko itsura nya... obvious na kakagaling lang nya sa office at naka business suit pa sya,,, while I'm in my jeans and t-shirt..

"Please??"

Napabuntong hininga ako....he's right, I didn't give him the chance to explain himself... and besides... kailangan kong matanggal sa isip ko si Drew...

"OK... sige... just give me a minute to freshen up a bit... " I smiled

His face lightened... napangiti sya... He sure looks cute when he's smiling... but why am I longing for another person's smile... TANYA!!!! This is not the time to think about THAT person...

"Wait for me nalang at the lobby..."

"Ok..." palabas na sya ng pintuan "And Tanya... "

"Yes?"

"Thanks..."

***

I've never been in this restaurant before... It's a floating restaurant in a manmade lake... it's just a few minutes ride.. siguro nasa may bandang Cavite na kami... the place looks beautiful... parang ang peaceful... from the looks of it.. parang popular.. sa dami ng tao na dumadating... may because it's Friday? Buti na lang at medyo secluded ang area naming ni Ice...

"Where did you find this place... it's gorgeous..."

"I'm glad you like it... my family owns this... "

"Wow! Man made talaga yung lake?"

"Yup... if you want, we can ride a gondola later..."

"Meron??? Ang bongga naman!! How come I never heard of this place..."

"Kaka-open pa lang a month a ago... kaya hindi pa masyadong kilala..."

Tinignan ko ang paligid... parang ang dami ng tao...

"hindi pa popular ang lagay na yan... "

he smiled...

We were waiting for our orders while I'm enjoying the place... and I hope I was not out of place... buti na lang may mga naiwan akong mga blouse and skirts sa office at dinaan ko na lang make up ang beauty ko...

"Ummm Tanya... I'm really sorry about last time.."

Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay... pero nakangiti na rin ako.... I don't usually hold any grudges..

"You should be.. for that was the first time I was stood up... "

"I really tried to reach you... pero nakapatay na ang cellphone mo... I rushed to one of the warehouses of the company... may mga discrepancies daw kasi yung mga reports, yung client kasi kailangang kailangan na yung mga papeles nung gabi rin yon... "

"Bakit ikaw? Hindi ba kaya ng mga tauhan nyo yon? " nagtataka ako.. kasi executives sila... why should he be the one to handle those things...

"Important kasi yung client kaya hindi pwedeng ibang tao ang mag-handle... just like you... kapag importante yung client mo.. hindi mo pinakakatiwala sa iba... at kilala mo naman si Zack, masyadong maselan yon... at walang ibang masyadon pinagkakatiwalaan."

I shrugged...

"Oo nga naman... masyado talaga yung pinsan mo na yon.. kaya nga siguro napalaki nya ng ganon ang companya nila... OK, I accept your alibi... you're forgiven... "

Para syang na-relieve...

"Thanks Tanya...

"hmmmmm... pero you have to make it up to me... "

"Anything.... "

Nagisip ako... parang wala naman akong maisip...

"Sige.. ire-reserve ko na lang yon... sisingilin na lang kita in the future..."

"So that would mean that you'll still go out with me and this is not our first and last date?"

"That depends..." I smiled...

Dumating na yung order naming... and we chatted while eating... napaka gentleman nya... he really reminds me of Zack... maybe those traits ran along the family... at napaka bait din nya... He asked about my Family, my work and so on... and I ended up telling him all about myself and my work...

"Why photography?"

"It's my passion... more of the artistic side ako... I love it when I capture beautiful things... "

"You are beautiful yourself... you can actually become a model..."

Napa ngisi naman ako...

"Actually, I did a stint recently... nag model ako sa 1 sa mga top clients ko... and she brought it in Italy... and now.. she's offering me to go Big time, but not as a photographer but as a model..."

"Wow! That's really good! So have you accepted it already?"

"Hmmmm... actually.. hindi pa... I don't know... I'm not trained to be a model... "

"I really do think that you're a natural... you won't have any problem"

Pambobola ba yon o totoo... hehehehe... Bolero!

"Hmmmmm... I don't kow... "

"I know you'll do great... so what's keeping you?"

Ano nga ba? Bakit ba hindi ko pa ina-accept... totoo naman yung sinabi ni Mother.. This could

be a solution to my financial problem... para ma-bili ko na ulit yung bahay namin ng hindi na nagiging slave ni Andrew... mas lalo na ngayon... hindi ko alam kung magiging ok pa rin ang set-up naming... now that Clarisse is already at the picture...

"I don't know... I still have commitments... and I still have to consult my family about it... "

"Well whatever you decide...I know that you'll do great...."

I smiled... he's so sweet...

"Well.. I have until the turn of the year to decide.... "

We continued chatting and I learned a few things about him... and I conclude that he's a good man... madali rin syang makagaanan ng loob... I think that he's the kind of person that you can trust... well I like him... pero bakit may hinahanap pa rin ako... he's actually perfect... Mr. nice guy... If I'm not confused right now baka sagutin ko na to kahit hindi pa nagtatapat... pero.... ARRRGGG!!!! Basta ang gulo ko! I think I still need time to sort things out...

Nakatapos na kami ng dinner and he led me outside at the dock...

"Wow! May gondola nga!!! Ang ganda naman.... "

Inalalayan nya ko sa pagsakay sa gondola...

Sakto talaga.. full moon at malamig ang simoy ng hangin...

We rode in silence... I closed my eyes savoring every minute...

I shivered and I hugged myself...

"Are you cold?"

I smiled at him and He smiled back...

"Yes.. but I like it... "

"Can I embrace you?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya.... Hmmmm.... Oo nga naman, iniwan nya yung coat nya sa kotse...

"Sure... " at least nagpaalam... hehehe.. gentleman nga.... Kahit nag-t-take advantage, hindi naman masyadong halata... "

"Thank you Tanya... "

"Parang ako dapat ang magpasalamat sa yo... Thank you for taking me here... I'm really enjoying myself right now.."

"I'm glad... "

I closed my eyes and leaned on his shoulders.... Ang bango nya... but I'm looking for a certain scent... at bakit mukha ni Andrew ang nakikita ko... this is just so frustrating... ang ganda ganda ng lugar at ang gwapo at ang bait bait ng kasama ko ngayon... but my mind is elsewhere... I was longing for another companion... this is bad... this is really bad...

Napabuntong hininga ako...

"is something the matter..." tanong ni Ice..

"Nothing really... "

Silence...

"Tanya... you know you're special to me... and I really like you... "

O Gosh.... Pati ba naman ikaw magtatapat???

I looked at him...

"Ice... honestly speaking... I like you too... "

He smiled..

"But..." sabi ko at parang medyo nawala ang ngiti nya...

Silence...

"But what Tanya? Meron na bang iba" tanong nya...

I shook my head... medyo natawa ako ng konti...

"Wala... but I think I still need time to know you more... I'm not really so sure about myself right now... hindi masyadong stable ang emotions ko.. with all the things that happened the past few months... I don't think that a relationship is a good idea right now... It's unfair to you..."

Silence...

"I understand... but I'm willing to wait.."

"Hindi ka ba natatakot mag-take ng chance? I may end up deciding for the negative... I'm telling you this as early as now... I'm a fickle minded person... you're a good man... I don't want to hurt you..."

Silence... nagbuntong hininga sya...

"And that chance I will take, just to show you how serious I am with you..."

Grabe naman.. tinamaan ako don... How I wished that the other guy told me that... I looked down... Am I being unfair? Pinapaasa ko sya ng ganito? AYYYY hindi ko alam, ang gulo.... May feelings din kasi ako sa kanya... may feelings din ako kay Drew,, but Drew is already out of the question.... Since he already have a fiance at hindi talaga kami bagay.. pero bakit sobra akong nainis noong nalaman kong may Clarisse na sya... sobra akong nasaktan? And why am I longing for him... I REALLY NEED TIME...

"I don't know what to say..."

He lifted my chin so that I can see him in the eye...

"You don't have to say anything,,, I'm willing to wait... and I'm willing to take the chance, whether it'll be positive or negative.. as long as I did my best to win you.. whatever you decide.. you will have a very special place in my heart..."

AAAWWWWW.. ang sweet naman!!!! Sana ikaw na lang... parang ang sarap mong mahalin....

***

Andrew

It's 11:00 and I just entered the condo's lobby. Masyadong maraming trabaho kaya ginabi ako ngayon... I never had the chance to talk to Tanya today... I kept on calling her... pero maghapong nakapatay ang cellphone nya... hindi ko naman sya mapuntahan, because I was held up by important meetings... I need to talk to her and explain... Clarisse is just a friend.. a family friend and I won't allow my mom to take over my life like that... I just have to make it plain to them that I'm not marrying Clarisse no matter what... but for now, I don't have a choice but to accommodate her at the penthouse... that is until after the renovations at the house is finished... I already talked to the contractor... after the holidays pa daw matatapos since tatamaan ng bakasyon ang mga tao... Clarisse is nice... If I'm not in love with Tanya right now,, I may fall for her... pero mahal ko na talaga si Tanya... at this rate.. hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pa syang pakawalan... at ngayon, hindi ako mapakali dahil sa nakita kong reaction nya kanina sa sinabi ng mommy ko... parang hindi ko gusto ang laman ng isip nya... Hindi na rin ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataong bawiin ito sa kanya.. dahil nung pinuntahan ko sya sa unit nya, nakaalis na sya.. at hindi naman sinasagot ang cellphone...

I looked at my watch... gising pa kaya sya... maybe I can go to her unit and explain myself...

I was about to enter the elevator when I spotted them... ICE AND TANYA

May sinabi si Ice na natawa si Tanya at pinalo nya ang braso ni Ice... pareho na silang nagtatawanan...

Napatulala na lang ako.. hindi ko alam ang nararamdaman ko,,, parang hinugot ang hininga ko... parang ang sakit ng dibdib ko, na parang tinutusok ng maraming patalim... this is definitely new to me... I've never felt this way before... Am I jealous? Parang nanlilisik ang mga mata ko...

Now is not the time to face them... galit ako... I won't give Ice the privilege of seeing me like this...

I'll let it pass tonight... There'll be other chances... Kailangan kong magpalamig ng ulo so I can think straight... and I have to plan my moves... I can't let the situation go out of

hand... not if I can help it...

Tanya.. Paninindigan ko ang mga sinabi ko sa 'yo kagabi... because that's how much I love you...

*******************************************[30] Chapter 28*******************************************AN..

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!

YUNG NEXT CHAPTER I-T-TRY KO IHABOL BEFORE THE YEAR END...

sobra lang talagang bz kaya hindi ako makapag sulat ng diretso... christmas special pa rin kasi ang chapter 29... I hope I can finish it.. kung hindi.. pretend na lang kayo na christmas pa rin.. hehehehe

anyway...

I really appreciate all your messages and comments.. maraming maraming salamat... para sa nakapuna ng wrong grammar and spelling ko... pasensya na po... I have no time to edit and correct the chapters... kay pagpasensyahan nyo na lang ang kabzhan ko.. hehehehe.. kung may magvolunteer na magedit mas maganda... hehehehe

anyway...

ENJOY THIS CHAPTER... ITS NOT PROOFED READ... KAYA HINDI KO ALAM KUNG MAY MGA ERRORS... HEHEHE...

sa lahat din ng nanghihingi ng softcopies.. pasensya na rin po at hindi ko pa rin kayo mapagbibigyan... wala pa rin akong time mag-compile..

AGAIN....

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Chapter 28

Tanya

Since dumating si Charisse sa penthouse ni Andrew, mas inagahan kong magprepare ng breakfast, at hindi na ako sumasabay kumain sa kanila.. mahirap na, baka kung ano pang masabi ng FIANCÉ ni Andrew... pero in fairness, mabait sya talaga a... for the past couple of days, sumasama kasi sya sa office ni Drew dahil doon nakikipagkita ang mommy ni Drew sa kanya... I can really say that she can really be a good friend... minsan nga kami na lang ang nagku-kwentuhan sa kotse at etchepwera namin si Drew, syempre.. girl talk....

Kung tutuusin nga.. I can't find another perfect girl for Andrew... bagay silang dalawa.. nagbe-blend ang itsura nila... pati personality... pero gosh!... ang sakit!... ganito nab a kalalim ang nararamdaman k okay Drew... to the point na nasasaktan na ko kapag nakikita kong magkasama sila? But what can I do? Magtapat sa kanya? Hello.. ayoko nga!! Kapag ginawa ko yun.. mag-sho-shoot up ang ego nya to the highest level.. at baka pagtawanan lang nya ako,, saying that Tanya Ramirez is another conquest... mukha nya...

It's 7:00 and I was waiting for Drew at the lobby. Gravy naman.. December 22 na hindi pa rin nagbabakasyon ang mga taong to, and to think, Saturday pa ngayon... ganyan nab a kalala ang Christmas rush?? Hehehehe ... kung sabagay may photoshoot nga ako bukas... hello.. hindi ba uso pasko sa mga taong yun....

Nakita ko si Drew pero hindi nya kasama si Clarisse...

"hmmm... you're alone... where's your fiancé? " I said teasingly...

Tinignan lang ako ng masama ni Drew... at dirediretsong naglakad. I looked at him nang sumakay na kami sa kotse nya.

"Drew. Sa airport kita ihahatid diba?"

"Yup... I have a meeting in Singapore.. If you want you can come with me... " he said

Pinaandar ko na yung kotse...

"Yoko nga... mamuti pa ang mata ko sa kakaintay sa yo... no thanks..."

"Sabagay,, baka matagalan yung meeting..."

"Si Clarisse? Baka mainip yun... sana sya na lang ang sinama mo..."

Silence...

"What are you pointing at Tanya..."

"What?? Nothing... nag-aalala lang naman din ako sa kanya.. wala kasi syang masyadon kilala dito.. and don't you think that it's your obligation to look after her?"

"I don't have any obligation to her..."

Parang may halong inis ang tono nya...

"Sabi mo e... "

Silence...

"Tanya... don't push me away... " he said tenderly...

Gusto ko sanang tignan si Drew... nabigla ako sa tono ng boses nya... ano yun? parang ngayon ko lang syang narinig ng ganon... parang kinurot ang puso ko... napakunot na lang ako ng noo... I don't have to entertain what I'm feeling right now... I'm trying my best to overcome my feelings for him...

Kunwari natawa na lang ako... para medyo ma-break ang tension...

"Wala akong ginagawa sa yo a!"

"You know what I'm talking about... hindi ka na sumasabay sa breakfast... masyado kang aloof for the past few days... and we haven't have a decent conversation... If I wanted to talk to you, binabaling mo ang pansin mo kay Clarisse... "

Ano bang dapat kong sabihin?

"Look Drew... It's better like this... Let's just cut this crap habang maaga... as I look at it... Clarisse is perfect for you... Hindi mo pa siguro na-re-realize... What we have is nothing... let's just face it... we're better off as friends... and besides you're going to marry her in a few months? Mabuti nga yun... iyon naman talaga ang goal mo diba?"

ARAY KO!!!!!! my heart is contradicting to what I'm saying... parang gustong pagalitan ng puso ko ang utak ko....

Tinitigan nya ako ng masama... but he's not saying anything...

After a while nagsalita na rin sya...

"I'm sorry about the situation... Hindi ko kontrolado ang mommy ko... but what I said in the park is true... I know you're the one for me... not Clarisse.. not any girl in this world... "

"Ang serious mo naman! Hindi ako sanay... " I tried to make it light... kung hindi baka tumulo ang luha ko... I don't want him to see me sooo affected... which is hindi ko inaasahan na ganito ang maramdaman ko...

"Stop doing that!"

"Ang paranoid mo naman!"

"Pull over... "

"Malapit na tayo... "

"I said... Pull over!"

"Meron ka ba! Ang sungit mo naman!"

Itinabi ko ang sasakyan.

"Ano bang problema mo ha! "

"My problem??? you... you're my problem"

"Hoy lalake... hindi mo ako kailangan problemahin.. dahil cool lang ako... "

"That's just it... you don't believe a word I'm saying.. "

"Huh? Hello.. anong pinagsasasabi mo?"

Silence... I have to stand my ground.. hindi ako pwedeng magpadala...

"Tanya.." medyo mababa na ang tono nya.. "Please believe me.. I'm not gonna marry Clarisse... I love you Tanya... and I'm not going to hurt you... "

GOSH!!!! Aray ko!!!! ano ba to... napapikit na lang ako...

"But you're hurting me already..." I said silently...

Hindi sya nakakibo.. Hindi ko rin alam kung narinig nya yung sinabi ko...

OH! Why did I have to be honest!! ARAARRRGGGG!!! Bakit ko ba nasabi yon! Naiinis ako sa sarili ko!

COMPOSE YOURSELF TANYA!!!!

Huminga ako ng malalim...

When I looked at him... I saw tenderness in his eyes...

"Tanya.. I'm sorry.. I'm sorry about Clarisse... Let me just fix this... "

I smiled...

"Drew... I just don't know... let's just remain friends... it's better that way "

Pinaandar ko na ulit yung kotse

"Not if I can help it... " sabi nya ng mahina... napatingin na lang ako sa kanya... at itinuon ko na ulit ang sarili ko sa pagmamaneho...

Nag ring yung cellphone ko...

Kahit bawal magkipagusap sa CP habang nag-d-drive, sinagot ko yung phone...

"Hello Ice..." I smiled... para lang maasar si Andrew at para na rin tigilan na nya ako...

"Hi Tanya.. It's nice to hear your voice... "

"Hmmmm.. bolero ka talaga kahit kelan... "

Feeling ko nakatitig na masama sa kin si Andrew... asarin ko pa nga lalo ito...

"Did you sleep well last night?... " Tanong ko... pa sweet effect

"Not really... I'm going to the States this afternoon, I have to spend the holidays with my family... I'm really gonna miss you... "

"A ganon... I'll miss you too... " hmmmmp... makinig ka Drew!

Tumingin sa bintana si Drew,,, feeling ko nagtitimpi ng galit... hehehehe... buti nga, para tigilan na nya kakabilog ng ulo ko!

"Say what... have lunch with me before I leave... " sabi ni Ice

"hmmmm... Sure..."

"I'll pick you up at 11? Condo or studio..."

"Condo.. "

"Ok... see you!"

Inilapag ko na yung cellphone ko.. and I smirked...

Hindi na ako pinansin ni Drew hanggang makarating kami sa airport.. puro tawag na lang sa cp ang ginawa nya at wala naman akong paki sa mga kinakausap nya...

Ipinasok ko yung kotse nya at tumigil katabi ng private plane nya...

"Tanya... can you help me bring one of my bags inside the plane? I'll just talk to the pilot... "

Tinignan ko sya ng masama....

"YES MASTER!!!!"

Alila ba talaga ang tingin nya sa kin!!!! Driver na, cook pa... tapos ngayon kargador pa!!!!

He smiled at me...

Kung hindi ka lang gwapo... ibabalibag ko tong dala mo sa mukha mo!!!!

" just put it at the rear of the plane..."

I saluted him... "OPO!!!!".. BWISIT!!!!

Pumasok na ko sa plane, kasunod ko lang si Drew at pumasok sya sa cockpit... pumunta naman ako sa likod ng plane...

May topak talaga yung lalaking yun... bakit hindi na lang sa stewardess pinabitbit tong bag nya.. ang gaan lang naman... para ngang walang laman... ang laki nitong plane ni Drew.. isa ito sa pinakamalaking private plane na nasakyan ko... at ang ganda ng interior.. parang hotel lang...

"Miss paki ayos na lang tong bag ni Andrew..." sabi ko sa stewardess at inabot ko yung bag sa kanya...

"Ma'am, upo na po kayo.."

"Ay,, hindi ako kasama... "

Papalabas na ako ng naramdaman kong umandar yung plane...

"Ma'am, upo na po talaga kayo.. mag-t-take off na po tayo...."

"What!!! No no no no.... Andrew!!!! I'm still here!!!"

Tumakbo ako papuntang pinto ng plane...

"You better sit down Tanya... " sabi ni Andrew na nakangiti ng nakakaloko....

Then realization hits me.....

OMG!!!!! He planned this!!!! I thought looking at him wideeyed....

"YOU!!! YOU!!!! I HAVE A DATE!!!!"

"I know you have... but not with ICE.... "

Wala na akong magagawa.. umaandar na talaga yung plane... naupo na lang ako malayo kay Andrew...

***

"I'm really sorry Ice... Itong kaibigan mo kinidnap ako... I'm really really sorry... "

"It's not your fault... he'll really get a piece of my mind when I get back..." obvious na nagpipigil ng galit...

Silence

"Merry Christmas... " Sabi ko breaking the silence... "I'll make it up to you pag uwi mo... pagluluto kita ng maraming marami.. promise!" medyo nilakasan ko yung boses ko para marinig ni Drew...

Pero nung tinignan ko sya masyado syang seryoso sa kausap nya sa phone.... Simula nung nasa alapaap na kami, hindi na napatid ang mga tawag nya...

Hmmmp.. bakit pa ba ako mag-e-effort na magparinig... hindi rin naman napapansin...

"Don't worry about it... sayang, may ibibigay pa man din ako sa yo.. well,, I guess it can wait until next year... "

"Ang tagal naman...."

"ilang araw na lang next year na... "

"Hehehehe.. Oo nga naman... "

"Sige Ice... Ingat ka na lang... and Merry Christmas! Happy new year na rin..."

"Same to you... I'll miss you... "

I just smiled...

"I'll miss you too... Bye..."

I put down my phone at tinignan ko si Drew... engrossed pa rin sa kausap...

Hay nako!!!!! Sinira nya schedule ko!!!! ASAAAARRRR!!!! At eto hindi naman ako pinapansin!.. My Goodness.. hindi ko talaga alam ang purpose nya kung bakit pa nya ako sinama dito!!!! Masyado naman syang bz!!!!.. ang mga lalake talaga... especially THAT GUY!!! Ang hirap ispellingin!!!!

Humikab ako... makatulog na nga lang...

After a while.. I drifted off to sleep...

***

"Tanya... we're here... "

Tumagilid ako....

He whispered again...

"Tanya..."

Medyo naalimpungatan ako... binukas ko ng konti ang mata ko...

Andrew's face is so close to mine... I admired his face... ang gwapo talaga sobra... haaaayyyy.... Nawawala na ang pagkainis ko sa kanya... nakakatunaw naman kasi ang titig nya... my guards are all down and I can't help but touch his face...

"Good Morning..." Sabi nya... smiling...

"Good Morning..." I said returning his smile

"We're here... "

"Nasa Singapore na ba tayo?" I said...

"No..."

Napadilat ako ng husto.... Tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana... this airport is familiar...

"Kanina pa ba tayo nakalapag?"

"About 15 mins... ang himbing kasi ng tulog mo... "

I stretched...

"Where are we?"

"In Hong Kong... "

"Huh? I thought your meeting was in Singapore?"

"I moved it here... pupuntahan ko na lang yung mga company namin dito at mag-v-video conference kami sa Singapore... "

"Hmmmm??? Ganon??? Why?"

"Because I have a present for you..."

Ganon?

"Hi Tanya.. Merry Christmas!"

That voice!!! That very Familiar voice!!!

Napatalon ako!!!

OMG!!!!!! I can't believe it!!!

"KUYA STANLY!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Napayakap ako sa kanya ng mahigpit.. at sya naman ay tawa ng tawa....

"I miss you too kiddo!!!" sabi nya at yumakap din sa kin ng mahigpit...

Parang may nabubuong luha sa mata ko.. pero pinigilan ko itong lumabas... baka tuksuhin ako ni kuya...

Kumawala ako sa pagkakayakap... at pinalo sya sa dibdib

"I thought you're in the States?"

"I just arrived yesterday... mom and Slate are doing really fine in the States... may kailangan akong asikasuhin sa mga company natin kaya .. eto... dito ako magpapasko... I'm gald you're here... tinawagan ako ni Andrew na pupunta daw kayo dito kaya ni-resched ko lahat ng appointments ko... I'm spending the whole day with you.. let's pretend it's Christmas day!"

I Smiled... I don't trust my voice right now... baka kapag nagsalita ko, maiyak ako...

Napatingin ako kay Andrew... with a look of triumph on his face...

Kuya Stanly looked at me and at Andrew...

"I'll leave you two for a minute... intayin na lang kita sa baba..."

Bumaba na ng plane si Kuya and now I'm feeling awkward...

"Drew...." Sabi ko ng medyo nahihiya... sino ba naman ang hindi mahihiya... todo asar ako sa kanya tapos ngayon.... Huhuhuhu... ano ba dapat kong sabihin???

"Tanya??"

Namula ako..

"Gosh! I really don't know what to say...."

"You don't have to say anything... I'm happy that you're happy... that's enough for me... "

"Being happy is an understatement.... Thank you... "

He just smiled...

"Go ahead... you only have a day.. alam kong kailangan mong bumalik sa Pinas mamaya... but.. we can stay if you want... "

"As much as I wanted to but tomorrow's shoot is important... kaya kailangan ko talagang makabalik... "

"Ok then... enjoy your day... I'll see you later... ihahatid ka na lang dito mamaya ni Stanly... "

Papababa na ako ng plane... but I turned back and I threw myself at Andrew... I hugged him tight...

"Thank you talaga!!!! I'll never forget this... best Christmas gift ever... "

He hugged me back... not saying anything...

Ooooppppssss... hehehe.. nadala na naman ako ng emotion ko.... I let go at tumakbo na ako palabas...

"Thanks again Andrew!!!" I blew him a kiss before I went down the plane...

***

We went to the shops to buy some clothes... hindi naman kasi ako prepared... and it's cold!!!

Kinukulit ko si kuya na dalhin nya ko sa Disney Land... pero sabi nya sa Ocean Park na lang dahil ako lang daw ang mag-eenjoy sa Disney Land, pagbalik ko na lang daw at kapag kasama ko si kuya Slate, saka kami papasyal don... Pumayag na rin ako...

We ended up riding all freaking rides, and it was sooo much fun! I really miss these moments...

para kaming nagbalik sa pagkabata... simula kasi ng nagtrabaho na si Kuya Stanly, naging masyado na syang busy.. dagdag pa ng mga problema sa pamilya at negosyo.. masyado syang na-burden... but I'm glad that he's enjoying himself right now...

Wala akong dalang camera.. kaya nagtyaga na lang kami sa camera ng mga cellphones naming... pangit ng kuha! Pero ok na rin as long na may souvenir...

After naming sa Ocean Park, nag shopping kami ng mga pang Christmas gifts... I bought gifts for my friends especially for Charlie, Zak and the twins... I tried to find something special for Andrew as a way of giving thanks.. kaso kanina pa kami naglilibot wala akong makita...

"Ang hirap namang bilhan ng regalo ng pangit na yun!" sabi ko almost frustrated dahil mag-gagabi na at napapagod na kong maglibot...

"Why not give him something that you made?"

"Like what? Wala naman akong kayang gawin na ma-a-appreciate nya..."

Just look around...

Ilang shops pa ang pinuntahan naming... when I'm ready to give up.. may nakita akong wrist watch at do it yourself ang strap.... Hmmm interesting...

"Kuya, tignan mo to... do you think Andrew will like this? It's not expensive but I think I can make it... "

Tinignan ni Kuya...

"I think Andrew will not be interested if it is costly or not... "

"Then I'll take 10 pcs... just in case na masira ko yung iba... " I said feeling happy about it...

After namin mag-shopping ni kuya pinadala na nya sa airport lahat ng purchases namin... natatawa nga sya dahil naghakot na naman ako ng hello kitty items.. hehehehe... walang basagan na lang ng trip... ano ngayon kung hindi ko pa na-a-out grow ang hello kitty items... paki nit kuya!

We were happily eating our dinner in one of the Chinese restaurant... I really love Chinese foods.. We called Andrew to join us for dinner but unfortunately, hindi pa sya tapos sa meeting nya... hmmm mukhang dibdiban a... take out ko na lang sya mamaya... ang sarap kaya ng mga foods dito... syempre authentic e... hindi katulad ng mga Chinese foods sa pinas medyo filipinize na...

We were drinking tea after our meal... chatting while waiting for Andrew's call... tatawag na lang daw sya kasi kung paalis na kami.. he's now wrapping up the meeting...

"So... sis... what's with you and Mr. Andrew Fajardo?" he ask teasingly...

"Chismis?"

Natawa sya...

"just curious... "

"We're friends... just friends..."

Tinignan nya ko ng masama...

"I don't believe you..."

"Weh! Friends lang talaga... Promise! "

Talaga tong si Kuya!!!!

"You can tell me... "

Hmmmm... at least si kuya maiintindihan nya ko... hindi rin naman sya kunsintidor and level headed...

"He's engaged... " malungkot na sinabi ko... at least with kuya I can show my real feelings...

"Since when?"

"Last week.. her name's Clarisse and she's like an angel... ang bait... parang si Charlie... not long ago, in love na in love si Andrew kay Charlie.. and Clarisse is like a clone!"

Natawa ang kuya ko...

"ANONG NAKAKATAWA!!!"

"Ikaw!"

"at anon namang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko? Kainis ka!"

Pinilit nyang tumigil sa pagtawa...

"I've never seen you sooo insecure... ganyan ka pala magselos! Hahahaha!"

"I'm not jealous!!!!"

"Believe me sis, you are... "

Natahimik ako... nagseselos nga ba ako...

"It's obvious that you like him... you don't have to hide it from me... "

"Oo na nga... sige na... pero hindi talaga pwede... "

"mahal ba ni Andrew yung pakakasalan nya?"

"I don't know... and I don't care... "

"Don't care daw... be true to yourself... "

"May magagawa ba ako kung umamin ako?"

"Meron... it's also obvious that he likes you..."

"He likes a lot of girls... kilala mo naman sya diba? Ang daming na-li-link na babae sa kanya.. malay ko ba kung ganon din ang treatment nya sa kin katulad ng mga babae nya... "

"I don't think so... I don't think na pinaglalaruan ka nya o binibilog nya ang ulo mo... I think he's serious with you... "

"How can you tell... you never fell in love before... "

"That's what you think sis.."

Hmmm medyo nakainteres ako don a...

"hmmmm?? Really? What are you not telling me?"

Nag-isip sya kung sasabihin nya sa kin... kinulit kulit ko.. kaya bumigay din...

"I had a girlfriend..."

Nanlaki mga mata ko...

"Bakit hindi mo pinakilala sa min!!!! bakit past tense? Wala na ba kayo? Anong nangyari?"

"I've regretted a few things in my life and taking her serious is one of them... "

Silence...

"I really do love her... pero hindi sya ang naging priority ko... as you know.. my main priority is our family... we got together during the time we had our crisis in our company... ayun... hindi ko sya naasikaso hanggang nagsawa... lumayo na lang... I tried to get her back pero... unfortunately she found abother guy who's dedicated to her,,, and now... she's happily married... "

Aaaawwwww.. that's soooo sad!

"Kuya..... "

"Don't worry about it sis... I'm over it... the thing is... From the very first time I saw you together... I knew that he had feelings for you.. the way he look at you and the way he always goes out of his way to help you... It's genuine... and now.. I think he's head over heel in love with you... "

Napailing ako... I can't believe what he's saying... really???

"I don't know.... " I said.. Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko.. kung anong gagawin ko... he's engaged!

"Hinawakan ni kuya ang kamay ko... I can also see that you love him but you're holding it back..."

"I have to kuya... "

"No you don't. if you love him.. go for him... kung ipapakasal sya sa iba... fight for him... wag mo akong gayahin... I had the chance and I blew it... you'll regret it for the rest of your life..."

Silence...

"I still need time to think..."

"Then think fast... It's once in a lifetime that you'll meet your soul mate.. what you do about it.... It's up to you... "

Soul mate??? Soul mate ko nga ba sya... Pero pano si Ice? Pano si Clarisse? Magiging selfish na lang ba ako at angkinin ko na si Andrew????

What my kuya says is true... if I blew this chance.. is it game over for me??? Waaaaa!!! Ang hirap naman mag-decide!!!! Ano ba? Ano ba? ANO BA!!!!

"Kuya naman e!!! ginulo mo na utak ko!!!"

"For the fact na nagugulo ang utak mo means, that you really love him so...."

"Ganon?"

"Ganon!"

Nagring ang phone ni Kuya...

Sinagot nya... "Yes Andrew... ok... we'll be there in a few minutes.."

"Ok Tanya let's go... "

Tumayo na kami...

"Remember what I told you... don't waste it... " sabi ni Kuya habang papalabas na kami ng resto...

E anong gagawin ko??? magtatapat sa kanya!! NO WAY!!!!!

*******************************************[31] Chapter 29*******************************************AN

Yes!!! I made it! despite sa sobrang ka bzhan ng buhay ko ngayon naihabol ko to before the year end...

WARNING! HINDI KOPA ULIT BINASA ITO... saka ko na edit... hehehe.. kung may mog vovolunteer na mag-proof and edit just ring me...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Chapter 29

Tanya

"Good grief girl!!! Hinakot mo ba ang buong Hong Kong?"

"Hindi naman... slight lang.... hehehehe... anyway, Merry Christmas!!! So where are my cuties?"

It's the morning of Christmas Eve... pumasyal na ako kila Charlie para ibigay ang mga regalo ko sa kanila... Pinuntahan ko ang twins sa playroom at yumakap sa kin yung dalawa nung nakita ako...

"You two are growing faster than I expected!!"

Tuwang tuwa ako dahil marunong na rin maglambing... hehehehe... baka alam nilang Christmas.. heheheh...

"I have tons of gifts for both of you..."

"Oo nga napakarami nga... parang pupunuin mo naman ang playroom nila... parang wala ng room para sa mga gifts ng iba!"

"Ok lang yan... para alam nila na sa akin sila spoiled! Ahahahha! Diba babies?!!!!"

I played with the babies for a while, nung nakikita kong medyo inaantok na sila,, hinayaan ko ng patulugin ng mga yaya.. at nakipagkwentuhan ako kay Charlie at Zack...

"Dito ka na mag noche Buena.." Sabi ni Charlie

Yoko nga.. alam kong dadating ang family nila both sides... OP naman ako...

"I have other plans... and I'm also here to pick up your goodies... "

Every year nag-g-gift giving kami sa orphanage tuwing Christmas... pero I decided to do it on Christmas Eve... para naman may makasama ako ng Noche Buena... magkakasama kaming mga walang pamilya.. huhuhuhuhuhu....

Pumayag na dati si Charlie pero pilit pa rin nya akong kino-convince na sa kanila na ako mag Noche Buena... well... I'll push thru with my plans dahil hindi ko rin naman puputulin yung tradisyon naming magkakapatid na mangaroling sa mga indigents, pero kami ang mamimigay ng mga goodies... magsasama na lang ako ng mga orphans pagkatapos ng gift giving... I know it will be fun and I'm looking forward to it...

"Nakaayos na... kaso 1 truck yung dadalhin mo..."

"Ha! Ano yun... truck driver naman ang peg ko ngayon???"

Natawa si Zack at Charlie...

"Hindi... pinadala na ni Zack sa orphanage yung truck... magakakasama na yung mga gifts and grocery items para sa pangangaroling nyo mamaya... kinausap na namin si manong para ipagdrive ka na lang tapos may sasama na 2 tagahakot mo...."

"WOW!!! The best ka talaga girl!!! You thought of everything!!!"

"Bakit hindi na lang kasi ipagpabukas e! para naman makasama kami ni Zack.."

"Ok lang yun... sa birthday mo na lang kayo mag-appearing act.. tutal... karamihan naman ng ipamimigay galing sa inyong dalawa... Pagbigyan mo na ko. para naman hindi ako mag-mukmok..."

She smiled at me thoughtfully...

"Are you sure you'll be fine?"

"Of course... I know I'll enjoy myself... "

"BTW, nagpacater na ako... so wala ka na rin iintindihin... pupunta ka na lang don mamaya"

"A ganon ba? Balak ko pa man din magluto ng gabundok na spaghetti!"

"Dito ka na lang muna magluto.. gustong gusto ni Tita Camille yung mga dishes mo... para kunwari ako nagluto!"

"Hahahahaha!!! Walang maniniwala sa yo!"

"Hmmmmp! Some bestfriend you are!!!"

"Just telling the truth... "

Maghapon ako kila Charlie, tinulungan ko sya sa mga preparations for their Noche Buena... until the afternoon came that I have to go to the orphanage... Iniwan ko na yung kotse ko kila Charlie dahil yung van na nila ang dadalhin ko...

The kids are all excited when we arrived... feeling ko artista ako dahil nakapalibot ang mga bata sa kin.. hahahaha!!! Feeling lang... sinalubong ako ni sister...

"Hello po.." at nagmano ako... "Thank you po at pinagbigyan nyo po akong gawin itong gift giving ng Christmas eve... "

"Dapat nga kami ng mga bata ang mag-thank you... dahil napaka generous ninyo... aba... taon taon ay parami ng parami ang mga pinapamahagi ninyo!"

"Mga Montemayor po ang malaking supporta sa inyo... since lumalaki ang company nila,, lumalaki rin ang pinamimigay nila taon taon..."

"Pagpalain nawa ang mga pamilya ninyo at mga negosyo ninyo... mga hulog kayo ng langit sa mga batang ito..."

Nakita kong inaayos pa ng catering ang hall na pagdadausan ng Christmas Party... Ipinaayos ko na rin sa mga tao yung mga regalo at sinamantala ko na yung pag-aayos din ng mga groceries para sa caroling... ipinakilala sa kin ni Sister yung mga batang makakasama ko mamaya. Habang nag-aantay kami ay kinuha ko yung guitar ko at nagpractice na muna kami ng mga Christmas songs ng mga bata... tamang tama din at pwede na rin kaming mag-special number sa program mamaya...

Naging Masaya ang Christmas party ng mga bata... nagpadala pa nga si Charlie ng mga mascot at emcee para sa mga games... she really thought of everything... ang galing talagang mag-organize ng bestfriend ko.. pwede na syang coordinator... hahahaha! I really enjoyed myself... at nawala sa isip ko ang lungkot ng malayo sa pamilya...

"Thank you Tanya.." Sabi ni sister ng papaalis na kami ng mga bata para sa caroling... "Ito na yata ang pinakamagandang Christmas Party ng bata... alam kong masayang Masaya sila ngayong pasko..." maluha-luha pa si sister nung sinasabi nya...

"We love those kids at patuloy pa namin silang susuportahan... I hope next year mas bongga!"

Natawa si sister...

"Ingat kayo..."

"Don't worry sister... ako bahala sa mga bagets..."

"Sige... ginabi na kayo ng husto... "

Tinignan ko yung relo ko... 11:00 na pala... ok lang yun.. alam ko namang magpupuyat lahat ng mga tao...

"Sige po sister... ihahatid na lang namin yung mga bata mamaya..."

Nang papasakay na ako sa van ay may dumating na kotse... hmmmm may bisita ba ulit sila sister? Ang bonnga ng sports car... mukhang bagong bago... Oh well... we have to go...

Bumaba yung may ari ng kotse at napatitig na lang ako...

"Andrew?? What are you doing here?"

Andrew

Saan na naman kaya lumusot yung babaeng yon...

Gabi na.. wala pa rin sya dito sa unit nya... kanina ko pa sya inaantay... hindi naman matawagan... low bat na naman siguro... walang silbi ang cellphone hindi ma-contact palagi!

I called Charlie's CP, I hope she still can accommodate my call, knowing that she's busy preparing for their family gathering. Baka sakaling nandoon si Tanya...

After a few rings, sinagot ni Charlie... mabuti pa ito, madaling ma-contact.

"Yes Andrew? Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you too... "

"You wanna talk to Zack?"

"Later... is Tanya there?"

"Kanina pa nakaalis..."

Napailing ako... bakit ba hindi ko naisip na tumawag ng mas maaga...

"But I think you can still catch her at the orphanage... pero kapag nakaalis na yon don baka mahirap mo na syang mahanap.." sabi ni Charlie

"Orphanage? Anong ginagawa nya don?"

"Annual Christmas gift giving ng mga orphans.. dapat kaming dalawa ang gagawa non bukas pero pinagbigyan ko na sya na gawin nya ngayon Christmas Eve... para daw matanggal ang isip nya sa pamilya nya..."

I should have called earlier... hindi na naman ako naging sensitive sa kanya...

"Give me directions to the orphanage... "

If I'll hurry maybe I can still catch her...

Tanya

Siksikan kami sa Van, punong puno ng mga goods na ipapamigay, plus 5 orphan kids, me at ang hindi imbitadong nagpumilit sumama...

"Sumama sama pa kasi! Wala na ngang lugar! Ang sikip a!.." Kalong kalong na nga rin yung mga kids..

"Alika nga!" sabi ni Drew. Binuhat ako at pinaupo sa lap nya...

"What!"

"Reklamo kasi ng reklamo... dyan ka lang..." sabay hawak sa bewang ko para hindi ako makawala...

"UUUUYYYYYYY!!!!!!" tukso ng mga bata...

Aba mga intregero at intregerang mga bata!!!

"Ate Tanya, boyfriend mo sya?"

"Ha?"

"Oo girlfriend ko sya..." mabilis na sagot ni Drew... na nakangiti sa batang nagtanong

"HINDI! Hindi ko sya boyfriend ano!"

Pati yung driver at 2 pang kasama nya nakikiusyoso na rin...

Hay nako mga tao nga naman!!!!

"E bakit ang sweet nyo?"

"Hindi kaya kami sweet...." Pinalo palo ko si Drew... "Iyan o.. iyan ba ang sweet.."

"Bad influence ka Tanya..."

Oo nga ano... baka unconsciously maturuan ko silang maging brutal...

"Sorry..." hehehehe

"Kids, do you want me to be your ate Tanya's boyfriend?"

May nag-oo may nag-hindi...

Napatawa na lang kaming dalawa ni Drew...

"Ayaw nila sa yo!" sabi ko na natatawa...

"E ikaw,, gusto mo? " Tanong sa kin ni Drew..

LOKO TO A!!!! on the spot! Namula tuloy ako ng husto!!!!

"Manong malapit nap o tayo... dyan na lang po sa kabilang kanto..."

Change subject... palusot...

Bumaba kami sa may squatters area. Nagsimula kaming magkakapatid na mangaroling ng mga indigents 5 years ago... priceless kasi yung mga reaction ng mga tao... madalas puro patawad ang naririnig namin.. pero kinukulit namin na pagbuksan nila kami ng pintokapag nakaharap na namin sila,, minsan naiinis, minsan naman nagagalit dahil nga istorbo pero kapag nakita nilang may iaabot kami.. bigla na lang napapangiti.. o kung minsan naman ay napapaluha sa tuwa... ever since, taon taon na namin ginagawa... sayang nga lang at wala ang mga kuya ko ngayon...

"Are you sure you want to come? " tanong ko kay Drew... "hindi maayos ang lugar na to..napakamaselan mo pa man din... "

"Kung hindi maayos ang lugar na to, the more na kailangan kong sumama. I don't want anything to happen to you... "

"Hmmmppp as if helpless ako... saka may bodyguards naman kami... you can still change your mind bago maputikan yang designer jeans mo.." I said teasingly..

" tignan na lang natin kung sino ang maselan... "

"Ok let's go... "

Almost 2 hrs kaming nangangaroling... and I really think that everyone is having the time of their life... sobrang fulfilling yung mga reation ng mga tao... nakaktaba ng puso ang mga gratitude nila... ma-fe-feel mo talaga yung spirit of Christmas... kahit yung mga bata nag-e-enjoy...

Nung pabalik na kami sa van.. napansin kong inaantok na yung ilan sa mga bata... plano ko pa sana na pumunta sa may luneta park.. maraming mga pulubi doon na gusto kong bigyan ng pang-noche Buena.. nag-pack din kasi ako ng mga cooked foods...

"Drew, do you still want to go with me to Luneta? Magpapamigay lang tayo ng foods... mukha kasing napagod na tong mga bata... ipahatid na lang natin sa orphanage tapos pasundo na lang tayo? Ok lang?"

"No problem, papasundo din naman talaga ako sa driver ko..."

Bumaba kami ni Drew sa may Luneta.. at nakita ko yung mga bata na laging nag-aabang sa min

tuwing pasko...

"why are they here? Why aren't they in the orphanage..." tanong ni Drew na medyo bothered sa kalagayan ng mga bata.

"That's because they're not orphans.. " I said.. smiling at the little kid... binigyan ko ng styro na may laman na mga pagkain...

"What!"

"Ano ka ba? Huminahon ka nga.. baka sabihin ng mga bata na galit ka sa kanila.. paskong pasko... "

Nanahimik na lang... bibigyan sana nya ng pera yung mga bata pero pinigilan ko...

"Don't... they need food more than money.. may mga bata kasi na sobrang irresponsable ng mga magulang,, na kinukuha yung mga napaglimusan nila at ginagamit lang sa mga bisyo.. they will end up with an empty stomach.. kaya mas maganda kung pagkain o goods na lang ang ibigay sa kanila"

"How can there be such irresponsible parents!"

Napailing na lang ako...

"Minsan nga mas maganda na lang na wala na silang magulang at least mapapadala natin sa orphanage.. pero wala tayong magagawa hanggat may magulang sila... all we can do for now is give them food..."

Halatang naapektohan si Andrew...

"I'll try to do something about this... baka sakaling may maitulong ako sa mga batang ito.. I'll talk to my lawyer..."

I smiled at him... may pusong mammon din pala ito...

Ng maubos na ang mga pagkain na pinamimigay namin... naglakad lakad kami sa paligid...

"Drew,, punta tayo sa dancing fountain.. maganda don pag gabi!"

"Saan naman yon? Dyan lang sa may Rizal park.."

Doon ka na lang magpasundo sa malapit don... alam naman siguro ng driver mo kung saan yon...

"Ay! Oo nga pala! Baka hinihintay ka na ng family mo!" tumingin ako sa wrist watch ko.. it's almost 1:00am

"Naku! Lagot ka... I think you missed your Noche Buena!" sabi ko... "Dapat hindi ka na kasi sumama e.."

Diretso pa rin kami sa paglalakad...

"This is where I want to be... with you and no one else..." he smiled at me and took my hand...

Nyiiiii!!!!! Parang gusto kong mamilipit sa pagkakilig... hihihihi.... The sweet Drew is at it again!

Babawiin ko sana yung kamay ko pero hinigpitan nya ang pagkakahawak sa kin...

O sige na nga... paubaya na nga tayo.. Pasko naman... let's be happy...

We walked in silence until we reached the fountain at doon naupo ako sa gilid...

"Hindi ka ba hinahanap sa inyo?" tanong k okay Andrew...

"Hinahanap. Kaya nga pinatay ko cellphone ko.." ngumisi sya sa kin..

"Pasaway ka! Pinag-alala ba naman ang magulang! ikaw talaga, umuwi ka na nga!"

Natawa sya...

"It's just this year that they'll miss me.. and besides... This is where I want to be right now... "

"You mean favorite place mo pala tong rizal park? Hahahaha!"

He just smiled...

Lumapit sya sa kin...

"my favorite plce is anywhere beside you..."

Weh!!!!

"hmmmmp.. wag mo na paganahin yang killer charm mo... save that to Clarissed..."

I felt him tensed...

"There you go again.. about that Clarisse thing! Now I'm convinced that you're jealous... "

Lumayo ako ng konti sa kanya...

"Jealous mo mukha mo! At bakit naman ako magseselos! Hmmmmp!!!! Umuwi ka na nga! Paskong pasko panira ka!"

Patayo na ako ng hinila nya akong papalapit sa kanya... napasubsob tuloy ako sa dibdib nya... that's when he wrapped his arms aroung me...

"You don't have to be jealous... I'm not interested in her... "

"Sabi ng hindi ako nagseselos!!! Pakawalan mo nga ako.... There's no reason for me to be jealous... "

"Yes there is... "

"ABA!! E ano naman...."

"Because you like me too... "

Nanlaki mga mata ko....

"pakawalan mo nga ako!"

Mas lalong hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa kin...

"Not until you tell me that you like me too..."

"ano to pilitan!"

"Ayaw mo pa kasing aminin e... "

"why should I!"

"hmmmm.. ibig sabihin non may aaminin ka talaga... ayaw mo lang sabihin..."

Ano ba to! Hinuhuli ako...

Kunwaring zinipper ko yung bibig ko....

'C'mon Tanya... say it... "

I shook my head...

Kinulit pa nya ako ng kinulit pero hindi pa rin ako nagsasalita... I just shook my head... after a while nagsawa na rin kakatanong.. and we're just like that... both of us are now silent pero hindi pa rin nya tinatanggal ang pagkakayakap sa kin... frankly speaking.. I'm enjoying myself right now... it feels so good that his arms are wrapped around me... I can his heart beating... and just like mine.. it is beating faster than usual...

After a while... tinanggal nya ang pagkakayakap sa kin.. may kinuha sya 1 box sa bulsa nya... when he opened it... it was a simple diamond necklace...

Wow... simple and yet so elegant...

Kinuha nya ito and unsnapped it...

"Merry Christmas Tanya... "

Kinabit nya yung necklace sa leeg ko at napahawak ako sa napakagandang diamond...

"Thank you Andrew... It's beautiful... " I smiled at him...

"Please wear this at all times... in that way... you can always feel me close to your heart...

"

Aaaaawwww.... Ang sweet naman!!! Natutunaw ako!!!!!.... ano ba ito!!! Waaaa!!!! Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko!!! O gosh! Mag hy-hyper ventilate na ata ako!!!!!

Hay nako Drew!!! You're making me crazy!!!!

Naalala ko na nailagay ko pala sa bag ko yung regalo ko sa kanya... hindi ko pa nga lang nababalot... well... hndi rin naman nakabalot yung sa kanya... sige na nga ibigay ko na nga...

I took it out of my bag ...

"I made this for you... " at binuksan ko yung box... "it's nothing much but at least I did my best... kinabit ko sa kanya yung relo...

Buti na lang at marami akong nabiling ganon,, naka tatlong attempt ako ng paggawa bago ako naging satisfied sa gawa ko... at mukha namang maganda.. .I just hope he likes it too...

"What can I say.... You really made this?"

"Bakit hindi ba obvious?"

"Hindi..."

"Hmmmmp akin na nga yan!"

Inilayo nya yung kamay nya...

"Hindi nga obvious kasi parang expert ang gumawa.. I really like it... thank you.. I will always treasure this... "

He said smilling..

"Uwi na tayo.... Baka sikatan na tayo ng araw dito... "

"OK... " tumawag sya sa driver nya para sa location namin... and we walked to the parking lot hand in hand....

sana palaging ganito... Sana wala ka na lang dapat isipin... walang cino-consider... walang inaalala.. at walang kinakatakot... Kuya Stanly's words are still ringing in my ears...

'He is madly in love with you'...

'it's once in a lifetime that you meet your soul mate.."

Are you my soulmate Andrew? I looked at him without saying a word... I want to trust you.. I really really do.. pero natatakot ako... baka masaktan lang ako... o baka naman masaktan lang natin ang isa't isa... I'm also not perfect.. I don't know if I'm good enough for you...

"What's on your mind Tanya?"

He caught me looking at him and I turned away...

"Wala lang... there's just so many what if's on my mind."

"Don't entertain those questions... it will only confuse you more... "

Huminto kami at tinitigan nya ako sa mata...

"Tanya.. just concentrate on what you feel... "

"But I don't know what I'm feeling right now... I really have to think... "

"Don't think just feel... listen to your heart... "

"But you'll only hurt me... or we'll end up hurting each other... "

"No I won't, that's how much I love you Tanya... I don't care about Clarisse.. or any other girl in the world... I know you're the one for me... and I will do anything for you... please take a risk with me... "

I stared at him .. looking straight in his eyes... he's telling the truth... tama nga siguro ang mga sinabi ni Kuya Stanly... I want to believe him... I want to believe him with all my heart...

Tanya... ano bang pumipigil sa yo??? I scolded myself...

"I'm not good enough for you Andrew... Look at me, my family... I'm just at the mercy of your company... anong sasabihin ng magulang mo sa kin? I'm not your match... "

"don't make that as an excuse... sa lahat ng kakilala ko.. you're the one who's not bothered about social status..."

Oo nga naman... pero iba na rin pala kasi kapag ikaw na ang nasa baba...

Hinawakan nya ng dalawang kamay ang mukha ko,,, at inilapit nya ang mukha nya sa mukha ko...

"Tell me the truth... I just want to know... I won't hold anything against you.. no obligations whatsoever.. just the truth... "

I nodded my head...

"Do you like me Tanya?"

Like?? Like lang naman e.. matagal na...

I smiled and nodded my head...

He smiled too ...

"One more question... Do you love me Tanya???"

Nanlaki mga mata ko... OH NO!!!! TEKA IBA NA TO!!!! ANONG SASABIHIN KO!!!!! HALA! KAILANGAN NA BA TALAGANG UMAMIN AKO!!!

I know I'm in love with him but I need time to think!!!!

"No obligations Tanya... I'll still give you time to think... I'm not gonna force you to be a couple after this... I just want to know your feelings... "

Silence...

Nararamdaman kong namumula ang mukha ko... what am I suppose to do... sabi naman nya no obligations... so kapag umamin ako... ok lang ba??

Stop thinking Tanya! I scolded... remember what Kuya Stanly said... AAARRRRGGGGG!!!!!

LET GO OF YOUR FEELINGS!!!!

"Tanya..... I love you... do you feel the same way for me?"

This is it...

I looked him in the eye and with all sincerity I said...

"Yes Andrew... I love you too... "

AN

BOOM!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

*******************************************[32] Chapter 30*******************************************AN

Sorry alam kong..

this is not one of my best chapters..

pero pagtyagaan nyo na lang... we're getting there.... kailangan ko lang maitawid ulit ito.. hehehehe... thanks for understanding.... :).. malapit na rin ang part 2...kung may part 2.. nagwawalawang isip pa ko...

Thanks for reading ... for fanning... for your very nice comments.... :) kahit na maraming typo at grammatical errors ay binabasa nyo pa rin tong story ko.. hehehehe

Luv u all!!!

Chapter 30

Tanya

"I DID IT GIRL!!!!! I REALLY DID IT!!!!" nagtatatalon ako sa kama ko... cause I really can't contain myself...

Kakauwi lang namin ni Andrew, pagkahatid na pagkahatid nya sa kin sa Unit ko tinawagan ko kagad si Charlie...

"Gosh Tanya... It's 4 in the morning!.... WHAT IN THE WORLD DID YOU DO!!!!"

Oooopppsss galit.. hehehehe... sino nga ba naman ang hindi magagagalit kapag may nang-istorbo ng ganitong oras. Mabait pa nga siya,, baka kapag ako binalibag ko yung telepono...

"Sorry girl... excited much lang talaga ako... "

She sighed at medyo mahinahon na ang boses nya nung sumagot ulit... bait talaga ng bessy ko... super considerate kaya luv na luck o yun...

"O sige.. ano yon? Alam ko namang hindi mo ako tatantanan hanggat hindi mo nasasabi sa kin.... Spill it.. hanggat gumagana pa ang utak ko"

"Guess what... I said it already!!!! Nyiiii!!! Waaaa!!! Kinikilig talaga ako!!! Grabe!!! WAAAAAA!!!"

"You're talking in riddles... I- die down mo muna yang pagkakilig mo at magsalita ka ng diretso.. HINDI KITA MAINTINDIHAN!"

'honey.. put down the phone... ' Narikinig ko si Zack na nag-side comment.... Obvious na naistorbo din ang tulog... Hala!!!.... nakaka-consensya naman... parang nahiya tuloy akong

bigla a....

"Ay girl... baka magalit si Zack... nagising ata... sige tulog na ulit kayo... "

"You're driving me crazy!.. matapos mo kong gisingin! Spill it!"

"Alright... alright... I said it!!! I told him that I love him too... AAAAIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!" gravy hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang sarili kong hindi kiligin!!!!

"Who's him?!" now she's fully awake and very curious....

"SI AAAAANNNNNNDDDRRRREEEWWWWW!!!! AAAAAAIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!"

"AAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!! OH MY GOSH! O MY GOSH!!!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!" Nagtititili na rin si Charlie!!!!

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT TOO!!!!! " Mas lalo akong nagtatatalon..... "AAAAAAIIIIIIII"

Biglang nawala si Charlie at boses ni Zack na ang narinig ko....

"Goodnight Tanya.. I know you're excited about something... just drop by here tomorrow so you two can have a nice chat... " he said groggily...

OOOOOOOPPPPPPSSSSSSS!!!!

"NYIIII... Sorry Zack... sige.. goodnight... pasensya na... hehehehehe" binaba ko ng yung phone...

Buti na lang sobrang gentleman non... at hindi ako binulyawan....

Napahiga na lang ako sa kama... Being true to myself and saying those words to Andrew feels like a heavy burden has been lifted off my chest... hindi ko talaga maintindahan.. bakit ang saya saya ko... for the mere fact na naiisip ko pa lang ang nangyari kanina.. hindi ko mapigilan na hindi kiligin!!!!! Waaaa!!!! Ganito ba talaga to??? OMG!!! This is really the first time I felt like this... so ibig sabihin na first time ko pa lang talaga mainlove!!!!

Waaaaa!!!! Andrew! Ano bang ginawa mo sa kin!!!! Ang lakas ng gayuma mo!!!!

***

Andrew

I only had a few hours of sleep... Thanks to Tanya...

Just thinking about her puts a smile on my face making me look like a sick puppy.... umiling na lang ako... is this how she affects me so much? It's as if my whole world turned upside down... I was so focused before but now... all I ever think of is her smile... her graceful body and her Aphrodite like face... I feel like a school boy again and I don't know if I hate it or not... I never felt like this way before... of all the hundreds of women I've dated... I was never addicted to a woman like I am so addicted to her and right now I'm so desperate of having Tanya with me every minute of every day... that's the way she has bewitched me...

The phone rang...

I looked at my watch.. it's 10 in the morning....

Better get up... mukhang hindi na rin naman ako makakatulog...

"Yeah?" I answered the phone...

"Where have you been last night! And where are you right now?"

"Merry Christmas ma... "

"Anong Merry sa Christmas... You didn't even bother showing your face!"

"I was busy..."

Silence... nagagalit si Mommy... pero pinipigilang mambulyaw, Thank God it's Christmas day or I'll never hear the end of it... I smiled... well, no ones gonna ruin my mood today... not even my mom.

After a few minutes of silence...

"Ok... I forgive you.... but you have to make it up... "

"Sure .. where do you want to go?"

"we're spending the rest of the holiday in the States... we're leaving in the afternoon... so better get yourself ready... Clarisse is eager to visit her parents... sasamahan natin sya... "

"WHAT!"

"You heard me right... and you said you're going to make up for your absence last night... "

Damn! I did said that... akala ko naman.. gusto lang mamasyal! She really knows how to manipulate people...

"Did you hear me?"

"Alright.. alright... just meet me at the airport by 5..."

Hindi ko na inantay pang makapagsalita ulit si mommy at binaba ko na ang phone...

Ok... It seems that I should spend some quality time with my little goddess before I go.. whether she likes it or not...

***

Tanya

This is bad... this is very bad...

Kahit tulog.. kahit gising... bakit puro si Drew and nakikita ko.... haaayyyy....

Napanaghinipan ko na binuhat nya ako at sinakay sa kotse nya.... And I don't know kung saan kami pupunta....

Haaaayyy Drew... why are you hunting me like this? Umamin na ako diba? You're really driving me crazy!!! AS IN CRAZY!!! Ayokong mabaliw! Ayokong mapunta sa mental!!! Huhuhuhuhuhu!!!!

"Tanya...."

It's Drew's voice again... Hmmmm it feels so good to hear that voice... I smiled....

"Tanya... wake up... "

Ganito na ba talaga pag-in-love? Feeling ko totoo yung boses nya... Feeling ko totoong nandito sya sa tabi ko... at hinahalikan ang noo ko.

Hinahalikan ang noo ko? HINAHALIKAN AKO!!!!

HUWAT!!!!! TEKA!

Biglang bumukas ang mga mata ko at totoo! Andrew is here!!! Or.. I'm here in his car?

AT TEKA! ASAN KAMI!!!

Napaupo akong bigla....

"What da!!! Asan tayo?" pagtingin ko sa paligid ko... overlooking kami sa Taal Volcano... Hello! When did that happen?

Andrew is just smiling like a freak... nag-eenjoy sya sa confusion ko...

"Last time I remember, I was sleeping in my room... gosh! Akala ko panaghinip!" pinalo ko sa braso si Drew... "Ano ka ba! Profession mo na ba talaga ang mangid-nap?"

Looking at myself.. bigla akong nag-blush... gosh I'm still in my Hello Kitty PJ's... at ang dinala nyang slippers ko ay ang hello kitty bedroom slippers!

OMG!!!! Ano bang klaseng kahihiyan ito!

I glared at him... and he's enjoying it! AAARRRRGGGGG!!!!

Oo na sige na... I'm at my worst right now... Shoot me now! I want to die!

"let's go... " sabi nya...

I looked at him in disbelief...

"You expect me to go out looking like this? Wala ka man lang bang dinalang casual clothes?"

"Sorry nagmamadali ako e... kakain lang naman tayo... hindi naman siguro maraming tao ngayon... it's still a holiday... "

Waaaa! Talagang pabababaain nya ako ng nakaganito!!!!!

"NO WAY!!!"

"You look beautiful in your nightware... Really... now come on... bago pa tayo lubugan ng araw dito... I only have a few hours left..."

Few Hours left?

"hmmmm? What do you mean?"

"As a punishment for not showing my face last night.. I have to spend the rest of the holidays in the States..."

He sighed...

Ayyyy... My face fell...

Ano ba naman yan... pagkatapos ko lang umamin sa kanya.. hiwalayan na kagad... ang saklap! Ano ba yan.. ang drama ko naman... ilang araw lang namang mawawala... Ilang araw nga ba?

"I can see that you're already missing me... " he said smirking...

"HINDI A!!!! bakit kita ma-mimiss??? Sino ka ba?"

"I'm just your unofficial boyfriend..."

Nanlaki mga mata ko...Me ganon?

"Huh? Ano yun? teka.. nahulog ata ang IQ ko... "

"let me refresh your memory.... " Lumapit sya sa kin... like his face is only 2 inches ayaw from mine... "I told you 'I love you' and you said the same thing... but I said I'm still going to give you time till you're ready... so... basically... you're already my girlfriend.. but it is yet to be broadcasted till you're ready..."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita don a... ganon ba yon? Boyfriend ko na ba talaga sya???

"Teka sandal.... "

Lumabas na sya ng kotse... grinning... "Let's go Tanya.. lumalamig na pagkain natin... "

AAARRRGGG talaga tong Andrew na to!!!! Pinasasakit palaga ang ulo ko! well anyway... wala namang masama kung talagang maging kami na rin....

Napangiti ako... hihihi... kinikilig na naman ako... hahahah!!! Ano ba yan!

Haaayyyy.... Nagugutom na nga rin ako... e ano ngayon kung pagtawanan nila ako sa suot ko... inggit na lang sila! I looked for a comb at sinuklay ko na lang ang buhok ko para naman medyo maging presentable ako... at lumabas na ako ng kotse...

We spent our time chatting more than eating... sulitin na.. ilang araw din mawawala tong pangit na to...

"When will you be back?"

"Right after New Year I guess... "

"Ok... "

My heart fell... nalulungkot naman ako,..... huwaaa....

He lifted my chin " Don't worry... I'll call as often as I can.. You'll be irritated with me..."

"Ganon.... "

He smiled.... He's so handsome when he smiled... talagang natutunaw ang puso ko!!!!! get a

grip! Wag kang kikiligin!!!!! Nakakahiya ka Tanya!!!!

"I'lll go straight to you.. as soon as I've landed... "

"Ok... "

"Can I have a final request before I take you back to the condo??"

"Sure... basta ba kaya ko...."

He smiled...

I smiled too...

"A kiss?"

Nanalaki mga mata....

"Ayoko nga!!!!"

"Please?"

"O sige.... I'll grant you your kiss... pero... PAG-UWI MO!"

Sabay tayo at takbo ko papuntang kotse... alam ko namang gusto ko na rin syang halikan.. matagal na... pero... mabuti ng hindi pa... so he will wonder how it feels like.... para mapabilis ang uwi nya... hehehehehehe....

O Gosh I'm really going to miss him.... NAGPAPAKATO TOO LANG AKO!

***

Days have passed... and Drew was true to his words... he called.... And called and called and called... and called... hehehehe... Not that I don't like it.. but he was checking on me every minute .... HALA! Ganito na ba talaga ang magkaroon ng UNOFFICIAL BOYFRIEND? Pano kung maging OFFICIAL na?

Hmmmm....

Nag ring na naman yung phone... halos kabababa ko lang ng phone a....

"What is it this time?" I said pero malambing ang tono ng boses ko...

"Ummm Tanya? Merry Chirstmas and a Happy new year! I miss you"

Parang nag-drain ang dugo ko sa mukha... OMG! Si Ice!

"Ice! Ummmmm.... Merry Christmas too... so how are you?"

"I'm fine... but it's not complete without you.... "

Owwwww... hala!!! Pano ba to? Sasabihin ko na ba sa kanya na may UNOFFICIAL BOYFRIEND na ako... hmmm pero ang sabi ni Drew... kaya nga Unofficial kasi hindi pa namin ibo-broadcast...

"Ummmmm..."

Silence...

"Is there something wrong Tanya?"

"Nn-no! Nothing.. really... So when are you coming back... "

"Maybe a week after the holidays... I still have to visit some of my realatives in Canada... "

"Ummm Ok... ummm... Ice?"

"Yes?"

"Can we Talk when you come back?"

"There's nothing else I want to do when I get back... "

Aray ko naman!!!! Kailangan bang maging mahirap ito? I know Ice don't deserve this... but he doesn't derserve to be lead on esp now that Andrew and I are almost a couple... I have to settle things with Ice... no matter how hard it is...

"Ok.. see you then!" sabi ko...

"I'll be looking forward to it...."

WAAAAAAA!!!! Ano ba yan!!! Parang gusto ko na lang lamunin ng lupa kesa harapin ko si Ice and say the dreaded words... huhuhuhuhuhu... WHY ME!!!

***

After a few hours... tumunog na naman ang cellphone ko!!! I keep on getting a lot of calls lately! And it's driving me nuts!!!

"What is it this time Andrew!!!!"

Natawa sya....

"Sabi ko na nga ba.. maiirita ka sa kin! Hahahahaha!!!!"

"Ang OA naman kasi ano! Literally... as in literally... every minute of everyday!!! Gosh! Have a life... akala ko ba visiting relatives ka dyan... makipagusap ka nga sa mga relatives mo!"

"I'd rather talk to my goddess than anyone else... "

Napa-smile ako don a... hihihihihi... ang sweet naman! Lalanggamin na talaga ako nyan!

" I love to hear your voice too ... but don't you..... "

Bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko... bigla na lang nagbago ang boses ng kausap ko...

"Excuse me... It's a Holiday... " si Clarisse?? " So if you have any other business transaction with my FIANCÉ... better do it after the holidays... for he is about to meet my parents... is that understood?"

And the line went blank.... Napatulala na lang ako sa hawak kong cellphone... I can't believe my ears... ano yon!!!! Tama ba narinig ko!!!!

Uminit ang ulo ko!!! walang sinabi si Andrew na magkasama sila ni Clarisse and to top it all makikipag meet sya sa parents nito! Sabi nya relatives ang dinadalaw!!!! Ano yon.... Mamamanhikan na!!!!

Anong gusto nyang palabasin? Unofficial girlfriend ako tapos si Clarisse ang official? At sya ang pakakasalan nya... tapos ano ako!!!! Aaarrrrggg!!!! Ayokong isipin na magiging GANON ako!!! Sa ganda kong ito!!! Nakapa degrading naman!!! NOT IF I CAN HELP IT!!!

Nag ring ulit ang Cellphone ko.... pero pinatay ko na ito ng tuluyan... ayoko ng marinig ang boses nya!

I have to change my number... and I'm going to do it right now! Manigas ka Andrew.. binilog mo lang pala talaga ang ulo ko! magkasama pala kayo ni Clarisse!

Well I have news for you Mr. Fajardo!!! I DON'T CARE!!!!

Pero bakit parang sobrang sakit ng nararamdaman ko.... para unti-unting pinapatay ang damdamin ko.... Gusto kong umiyak pero kailangan pigilan ko ito... He doesn't deserve my tears!

THE HELL WITH YOU ANDREW!! I HATE YOU!

*******************************************[33] Chapter 31*******************************************AN

Ito na ang gift ko para sa mga papasok bukas...

hindi pa po tapos and story dahil marami pang mangyayari...

for now... enjoy!!!!

NO SOFTCOPIES PO SA MGA NAGTATANONG...

I LIKE TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR READING FOR FANNING AND FOR APPRECIATING MY WORKS!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Chapter 31

Tanya

"Girl.. wag mo ngang tuldukan yan nararamdaman mo... give him the benefit of the doubt... hintayin mo sya and let him explain himself... " sabi ni Charlie at sinesermonan ako... Ako! Ako pa ang sinermonan nya! Ang kitid daw ng utak ko! etc... etc... etc... Ano bang pinakain ni Andrew sa babeng to... hello! I'm the bestfriend here not him!!!!

SUYA NAMAN!!!! Simangot to the max ang peg ko...

"He didn't mention that he's with Clarisse and He's meeting her PARENTS!!!!"

"Maybe he didn't mention it so you will not get paranoid like what you're doing right now... "

"Sinong paranoid? HINDI AKO PARANOID!"

Natawa si Charlie...

"Talaga lang a... "

As usual andito na naman ako sa bahay nila Charlie at kahit malamig nag-trip kaming magswimming para lang matanggal ang init ng ulo ko... as if naman remedy yon.... Just the same... It's a good diversion until sinermonan ako ng nanay ko... feeling mother talaga tong si Charlie... kainis! Pero come to think of it.. true... I never gave Andrew the chance to explain himself... binago ko na kagad ang number ko so that he can no longer reach me... ilang beses din daw nagtatatawag kay Charlie at Zack.. at sabi ni Zack, he has never seen his bestfriend acting so desperate like that.. natatawa nga sya, sinapian na daw si Andrew...

"O sige..." Sabi ni Charlie.. "just to take your mind off that guy... samahan mo na lang ako sa wedding mamaya... "

"I don't feel like socializing right now..."

"C'mon... samahan mo na ako... batchmate ni Zack and Andrew yung ikakasal at isa sya sa mga groom's men, dapat nga si Andrew abay din e kaso biglang nagpunta sa States... Sige na girl,, Wala akong kakilala don... para naman may kausap ako... "

"hmmmmmm"

Pwede rin....

"Ok... sure... I might as well enjoy myself... malay mo makakita na ko ng kapalit ni Andrew... "

Tinitigan ako ng masama ni Charlie... at umiling

"That's bad... very bad... " sabi nya...

Tinawanan ko na lang sya... ang OA naman kasi e...

"Alika na nga... sige na... behave na lang ako... "

"Let's go!" Sabi ni Charlie na hinilang bigla ang kamay ko....

"anong oras ba ang wedding na yan? Ang aga pa a... "

"Syempre we have to buy our clothes and go to the salon..."

"I think we're gonna be late if we're going to do all that... "

"Di rin.. sa bilis mo mag drive... let's bring my Ferrari.."

***

Power duo na naman kami ni Charlie... And Zack just don't know if he's going to be proud or embarrassed because of the attention we are getting...

"I don't know if you over did it or what... but you two are getting more attention than the bride... Ganyan ba talaga kapag magkasama kayo? "

Nasa kotse kami ni Zack, katatapos lang ng Wedding Ceremony and we're on our way to the reception...

"we haven't noticed anything unusual... " sabi ni Charlie... "saka.. we just dressed for the occasion, nothing so fancy or extra ordinary, hindi nga nag-backless si Tanya, as much as she wanted to... ordinary cocktail dress lang naman mga suot namin a" she said defensively.

"In case you two haven't noticed... men are drooling all over you two... I should have bought a bodyguard..." sabi ni Zack na tatawa tawa... pero parang may na-detect akong selos??? Hmmmm interesting... hehehehe...

"There you go again with that body guard thing... you know how I hate someone tagging along... "

Sumimangot si Charlie... may phobia sa body guard yan e...

"Hey... I'm sorry... I was out of line... I didn't mean to get you mad... "

Uyyyy... LQ... hihihihihihi

Pero nangiti na rin si Charlie

"I'm sorry but we really can't help it if we look like this... "

"Ok.. ok... I know... tatabihan ko na lang kayong dalawa sa reception... I can't have both of you unprotected with my batchmates... mga pervs ang mga yon... if you only knew the things I've heard about them talking about you two... "

"You don't have to worry about us... in case you've forgotten... amazona si Tanya... walang umuubra dyan... tignan mo si Andrew!"

"Ops ops ops!!! Change subject please!" sabi kong bigla...

Natawa yung dalawa...

"Patawarin mo na si Andrew... sumasakit na ang ulo ko sa kakatawag non. He's really getting out of his mind! " sabi ni Zack...

Hmmmmp... buti nga sa kanya...

"Pag-iisipan ko... "

***

Just like what Zack said.. sa table na namin sya umupo.. nakipagpalit sa isang ka-batchmate nya... itong si Zack kung makapanita akala mo walang nag-do-drool sa kanya... at ang iba mga babae napaka forward... may pahawak-hawak epek ... hindi kasi business event ito kaya siguro ganon na lang maka-porma mga tao dito... hehehehe.... Deadma lang si Charlie, mabait kasi e, hindi na lang nya pinapansi... pero ako, hindi uubra sa kin yan... tinatarayan ko mga lumalapit na babae kay Zack... hahahahaha!!!

"Ikaw ata ang kailangan ng protection Zack... hindi kami ni Charlie.. hahahahaha!!!! Ano ba yan.. may asawa't anak ka na nga... ang lakas pa rin ng magnet mo! Sabihin mo lang Charlie, i-

fu-flush ko sa inidoro ang manlaladi pa sa asawa mo.. "

Pinalo ako sa braso ni Charlie...

"Bahave ka nga girl! ganyan lang yan... hindi naman papatol si Zack... "

"Owwwssss... sigurado ka ba dyan?" I teased her... smiling like crazy... hehehehehe... asarin ba si Charlie...

"Subukan lang nya... malaki mawawala sa kanya... " sabi ni Charlie...

Natawa si Zack at niyakap si Charlie...

"You know that you're the only one for me... " Sabi ni Zack at hinalikan sa cheek si Charlie

"Hoy kayong dalawa... bawal PDA dito!" sabi ko... tatawa tawa...

"Alam mo girl.. kung malakas ang magnet ni Zack, doblehin mo si Andrew..."

I rolled my eyes...

"Ayan na naman!!!!! Why do you keep on inserting that man! Wa me paki sa kanya... period!"

"owwwssss... sabi mo lang yan... hahahaha!"

Aba itong si Charlie... gumaganti!

"Hay nako.. I'll go get myself some punch... " Tumayo ako at pumunta sa bar...

Hindi pa ako nakakarating ay may humila sa akin na isa sa mga coordinator, at dinala ako sa gitna ng dancefloor kasama ang ibang mga babae,, yung iba mga bridesmaids... ano ba to? Wala naman akong kakilala dito a, sabit nga lang ako dito...

"Ok single ladies... it's time for us to choose whose going to be the lucky 'IT' girl... " sabi nung emcee

HUWAT!!!! Nanalaki mga mata ko.... Is this the part...... OH NO!!!!! what have I gotten myself into... napaka wrong timing naman ng pagpunta ko sa bar! tatakas sana ko kaso pinigilan naman ako nung 1 coordinator... hmmmp.. sige na nga... dami naman ng babae na nandito.... chances are... bakit ko ba sasaluhin un bouquet... wala pa naman akong balak magpakasal... pa-cute na nga lang... I know I look glamorous tonight just like what Zack pointed out earlier... ahem... hahaha... ego trip lang... hahahaha!!! walang basagan ng trip!

Isa isa kaming pinakuha ng white rose na dala dala ng coordinator... hmmm ... ang bongga.. lahat naman pala kami may rose...

"Ok ladies... there's a ribbon with note tied around your rose... please open it up and let us see if you are the luck girl... "

A ok.. hindi na pala saluhan ng bouquet ang uso ngayon... well anyway.. let's find out...

I untied the reibbon and unrolled the note...

'Congratulations. You are the lucky one!

Weh! This can't be happening... out of all the girls!!!!... WHY ME!!!

Kinalabit ko yung babaeng nasa tabi ko...

"miss... gusto mong makipagpalit?"

Hindi ako pinansin... nang-isnub pa... hmmmmp chura mo lang... kala mo kung sinong maganda mukha namang impakta! kinalabit ko yung nasa kabila ko... mukhang mas mabait naman to kesa sa swangit na nangisnub sa kin...

"miss... gusto mong makipagpalit?"

"ummmm ok... " she said smiling. Bakit ganon kung sino yung pangit sya ang masungit kung sino ang maganda iyon ang mabait...

Makikipagpalit na sana ko ng mapansin kami ng emcee...

"Please stick to your rose... and I believe we have our lady for the night!"

Dahil sa pagiging pasaway ko... Una tuloy akong nilapitan ng emcee at tinignan un note sa rose...

"I knew it... you are the 'IT GIRL' let's all give her a warm of applause... "

Nyeeeekkksss!

"And the gorgeous lady is?"

Gorgeous daw o.. hehehehe... dyan ka hindi nagkamali! Hahahaha!

"Tanya... " smile na nga lang... andito na to e... magpacute na nga lang sa mga camera... hehehehe

Nakita kong nag-ch-cheer si Charlie! And kulit!... I just rolled my eyes.. sabay taas ng kilay...

"Miss Tanya, Can you stand here for a second... and we'll go seek your partner and find out the lucky bachelor for the night..." sabi ng emcee... pinaupo naman ako ng coordinator sa chair next sa bride...

Naku.. pareho kong hindi kilala to, baka sabihin gate crusher ako...

Habang nagtatawag yun emcee ng mga bachelors... which is hindi na pala kailangan tawagin dahil nagdumugan ng lahat sa harap... nakipag chika na muna ko sa bagong kasal para naman hindi nila akalain na gate crusher ako.

"You're Zack's friend, right?" sabi ng groom...

"yes... I'm Tanya.. " nakipagkamay ako sa mag-asawa.. " Congratulations... "

"You sure made a buzz out of the bachelors here tonight... " sabi ng bride good naturedly... natawa yung bagong kasal... "at least hindi na kailangang piliting lumapit... mas maarte pa sa mga babae ang mga yan e... and thanks for coming... "

"Thank you also for having me here, kahit hindi ako invited... "

We smiled at each other.. mabait naman pala sila... hehehehe.. at least alam nilang kaibigan ako nila Zack at hindi gate crasher...

Wish ko lang gwapo maging kapartner ko... hehehehehe....

Ibang game naman ang nilalaro nila... parang trip 2 Jerusalem.. nakakatuwa lang kasi ang sasaya nila... tanggal ng tanggal hanggang maging 1 na lang ang natira... well... ok.. gwapo din naman.. hehehehe...

Pinatayo na ko ng coordinator sa gitna ng dance floor, kasama ng kapartner ko...

Mag-d-dance daw kami... kasama ng newlyweds...

"Hi I'm Brian... " he said smiling

"Tanya..." I smiled at him too...

We were about to have our dance when suddenly...

We were approached by, no other than.....

ANDREW!!!

Para namang bula ito! Bigla biglang sumusulpot!

***

Andrew

"Hindi mo ba alam kung sino ang kausap ko?" I said to Clarisse... who now looks terrified because I'm mad as hell...

"I'm really sorry Andrew, I thought it was just another one of your business transactions...it's a holiday so I thought that I can help you enjoy this season and not think about business for just a little while... I'm really sorry... " she said close to tears...

Sya ba ang gustong ipakasal sa kin ni Mommy? She can't even stand her ground in front of me unlike a certain goddess I know...

She looks sincere and I closed my eyes and hope that my anger subsides...

"It's ok... I know you mean well.." sabi ko na lang kay Clarisse and she was relieved... she has never seen me this mad before..

I tried to call Tanya again... pero hindi na sinagot ang cellphone...

As expected!!!! DAMN!!!!

Knowing Tanya... hindi na talaga nya sasagutin ang cellphone nya... that's how stubborn she is! Kaya nga ingat na ingat akong wag syang masaktan! What am I going to do now... I'm a million miles away from her!

"What's going on around here?" Lumapit sa min si Mommy,, looking worried..

"Nothing ma,, I'm just going home to the Philippines and no one, even you can stop me... "

Then I went out of the house...

***

Dumiretso ako sa reception ng batchmate namin ni Zack... for he told me that Tanya's with them... and there she is, there's some kind of a game and she was 'it' ... she was talking to the newlyweds ... and my heart melts when she smiled... I miss that smile... I miss her so badly... napatitig na lang muna ako sa kanya, admiring her from afar... how can anyone be so gorgeous... but unfortunately, I'm not the only one whose admiring her...

"wow pare grabe... I'm in love!!!" narinig kong sabi nung 1 malapit sa kin...

"She's with Zachary Montemayor... maybe we can introduce ourselves and grab her phone number..."

"She's so hot! I want to take her home!"

I can't believe that all the pervs in the world are gathered at this hall! And the object of their fantasy is my GIRLFIREND! And the most perv of all is right in front of her... and they're about to dance! Not if I can help it...

Ang daming bumabati sa kin as I make my way at the middle of the dancefloor... but I was so focused on Tanya that I didn't bother greeting back...

Nagulat sila ng lumapit ako sa kanila...

"Hands off Brian... she's mine..." I gave him my killer stare...

Si Tanya sobrang gulat hindi nakapagsalita...

"Sorry dude... I won fair and square... wait for your turn..."

"I don't share my girlfriend with anybody..."

"Girlfriend? When did that happen? " he said mockingly

" O sige ganito na lang, if you don't back off right now I will shred your company apart and break it to small pieces that you don't not know what hit you... say goodbye to your good life... DUDE!" I said in a low but menacing voice...

Nag-isip sya sandali.. then he backed off

"Alright.... She's all yours..."

At least he knows that I meant what I said... Well, I have a reputation... I'm a ruthless businessman... and I crush anyone who stands in my way... I may be jovial in person but I'm mean when it comes to business... and Brian's company don't stand a chance against me...

"May I have this dance? " I said to Tanya...

She crossed her arms and she raised her eyebrows...

"Who said that I'm in speaking terms with you..." nagtataray na naman.. I don't blame her...

"Fine, I'll do all the talking... "

I took her hands and placed it in my neck and I wrapped my hands in her waist...

Alam ko naman na hindi sya papalag... people are watching... I know she loves attention but not in a scandalous way...

We danced for a while, God, I miss her... I missed her so much... and the few hours that she hadn't talked to me is just plain torture... I really don't know what's happening to me... I was just away for a few days that I haven't seen her... but it feels like a year!

Inilapit ko ang bibig ko sa tenga nya para maintindihan nya ang mga sasabihin ko...

"I'm really sorry Tanya... I'm sorry I didn't tell you that we went to the states with Clarisse... I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I was there when we visited her parents... I should have been honest with you from the start... "

Papalag sana sya.. pero hinigpitan ko pagkakakapit ko sa kanya...

" I was afraid you'll react that way, I know how much you resented the idea that I was engaged with her... but now... I'm being truthful... My mom is the only one who planned those things.. I have nothing to do with it... I shouldn't have let them manipulate me like that... but I'm going to put an end to it... "

I felt her heart beating faster...

"I know it's hard for you to believe me because of my reputation... but you changed me... I never loved anybody in my life as much as I love you... and I can't stand the thought that you're mad at me... please Tanya.. please forgive me... I'll do anything for you... If you want.. I will kneel before you... just to show you that how much I really mean it... "

Talagang tototohanin kong lumuhod sa kanya... patawarin lang nya ko... hindi ko kayang mawala sya sa kin... Tha't's why I'm going to do anything for her, even swallowing my pride... tinanggal ko ang kamay ko sa bewang nya at luluhod na ako ng pigilan nya...

"don't you dare do that and cause a scene!!! Kung hindi, hindi na talaga kita kakausapin!"

I smiled... I know from the tone of her voice that she forgave me already...

"Just dance with me and we'll talk later... " sabi nya. Obvious na nahihiya... dahil halos lahat ng mata, sa amin nakatingin...

"Not until you said that I'm forgiven."

Pinalo nya ko sa dibdib...

"makakatinggi ba naman ako nyan!!!! E mag-eeskandalo ka na! ok.. ok... I forgive you... " and she smiled... "now dance with me... "

I signed... at last, I can see her smile at me again... I was sooo relieved..

We danced until the song ended... and Andrew greeted the newlyweds...

"I'm glad you made it... akala ko ba nasa States ka"

"A certain someone made me come back earlier..."

Siniko ako ni Tanya and she gave me a warning look... I just smiled at her...

"Girlfriend mo pala si Tanya... lucky you... " sabi ni Zaldy.. the groom...

"Yes, I'm the luckiest guy in the world... " he said... looking at Tanya.. Siniko na naman nya ako...

"wag mong pakakawalan yan... ang daming nag-aabang... "

"They have to kill me first before they can have her... "

"Alika na nga.. kung ano anong pinagsasasabi mo.. scene stealer na ang peg natin dito!..."

Natawa ang bagong kasal...

"Imbitado kami sa kasal nyo a!" sabi ni Zaldy...

"Sure, I'll send you the invitations..."

She pulled my hand....

"Sige... nice meeting you two and congratulations... " sabi ni Tanya sa newlyweds at hinila na ako papunta sa table...

***

Tanya

Grabe nahiya ako don a, kung makagawa ng eksena tong si Andrew! pero in fairness.... Kinilig ako don a!!! weeeeee..... It took all my will power na hindi ipakita na kiniglig ako to the highest level!!!! Hihihihihi!

Sino ba ang hindi tatamaan at hindi magpapatawad sa lahat ng sinabi nya... his voice was full of emotion that he really mean what he said... and gullible me... I believe him.... Siguro naman totoo ang mga sinabi nya... bigla ba namang napauwi...

We greeted a few friends of Andrew as we made our way to our table... he's really quite popular with his batchmates... and evertime na may kausap kami he puts a protective arms around me... parang minamarkahan nya ako at sinasabing 'BACK OFF!'... possessive much! Takot siguro sa sariling multo... hehehehehe....

Nang nakaupo na kami... binulungan ako ni Charlie...

"So you've forgiven him?" she said teasingly... nakakaloka ang tingin nya sa kin a...

"Ano pa bang magagawa ko... mag-eeskandalo yun kapag hindi ko sya pinatawad.."

"Aiiiiii... grabe girl! ang haba ng hair mo! Iba ka! Si Andrew nagawa yon sa yo!"

"hmmmmp... ewan!"

"Important thing is.. bati na kayo..."

I smiled..

"I can't stay mad at him... "

She looked at me closely...

"You hit it hard also Tanya... you love him so much..."

I brushed her off... and smiled...

"Maybe... "

***

Kakatapos lang ng reception and we made our farewells...

Andrew is still holding my hands... parang walang balak pakawalan! Para naman akong batang mawawala nito...

"Guys, una na kami" sabi ni Zack.. "Bahala ka na kay Tanya?"

"Of course..." sabi ni Andrew...

"Bye Girl! behave ka a!!! " Sabi sa kin ni Charlie at nagbeso beso kami...

"As if naman bad ako!" sabi ko

"Well.... "

"Hmmmmp! Pasaway!" sabi ko...

Nagtawanan sila... at umalis na si Zack at Charlie...

"Can we talk for a few minutes? Let's go to the garden... I think we still need to clear up some things" Sabi ni Andrew...

I nodded...

Pumunta kami sa garden at naupo kami sa bench...

Nagpapakiramdaman pa kami nung una pero nagsalita na rin sya...

"I know that you still don't trust me and I don't blame you... "

"Well... sort of... look Andrew... I'm trying my best to trust you... I'm also sorry for not to letting you explain before I reacted that way... pero kasi parang ibang usapan na yun e... while I'm being your UNOFFICIAL GIRLFRIEND... she is going to be your official wife? I NEVER

imagined myself to be a MISTRESS!"

Natawa sya and I looked offended... tinaasan ko sya ng kilay... sira tuktok nito a!

"Like what I said... I'm not going to marry her..." sabi ni Andrew sounding firm.

"But you didn't correct them on the fiancé thing?? What can you say about that? "

"I was about to... my mom has this infatuation on marrying me within the next few months... "

"And Clarisse will be your bride..."

"I didn't agree to that... my mom can be so stubborn at times... and she still believes that we can be married"

Napailing ako...

This is pointless... hindi pa pala nya dini-disregard si Charisse on being his fiancé... tumayo na ako...

"I'm sorry Andrew,,, I don't share my boyfriend, unofficial or not, with anybody else, that's just not going to happen... so.. let's just end this... wala akong balak maging mistress! " I feel so tired all of the sudden, dahil ang sakit sakit na ng dibdib ko... gusto ko ng maiyak... pero ayokong makita nya ito...

"NO!" pinigilan nya ako at niyakap... "I can't let you go... you're so precious to me... I'm going to make it right as soon as I've spoken to my mom... please Tanya.. just trust me... "

Ano bang gagawin ko... I love him too...

" I was planning to give you time... but it seems that things are getting out of hand... I just had you and I don't want to loose you... please Tanya.. just trust me... I'm going to make it right... I'm begging you... " mas lalong humigpit ang pagkakayakap nya sa kin... and a tear came falling down in my eyes... I can feel his feelings... I can feel his emotions.. he really doesn't want to loose me... O gosh!.. mahal ko rin naman sya... yumakap na rin ako sa kanya...

We just held each other,,, afraid of letting go...

I realize something...

I love him sooo much...

So If I love him so much...

I should trust him...

What is love without trust?

"Ok Andrew... " I let go of his embrace and looked at him... "I have a fragile heart... but.... I'm entrusting it fully to you.... just please... don't break it.... "

I smiled.... And he embraced me once again...

"Thank you... thank you Tanya... "

Another tear escaped my eyes and I brushed it off quikly...

"Ano ba yan! Ang drama natin!!! Hindi ako sanay!!!!"

Natawa na sya...

"Ikaw kasi.... " sabi ko at pinalo ko sya sa braso....

"Ummm Tanya.... "

"yeah?"

"This time...... can we make it official?"

I smiled...

"Can you be my girlfriend?"

I nodded...

"Yes! I'm the happiest man alive!" napasigaw sya...

Natawa naman ako

"Ano ka ba! Scandaloso ka talaga!!!"

"Can you blame me??? "

***

We are walking hand in hand going to the hotel lobby... pinakuha na ni Andrew yung kotse...

"BTW,,, I have another present for you... " He said smiling...

"Parang ang dami mo ng binigay a... "

Inabot nya yung maliit na box...

"Open it... hindi ko muna binigay sa yo yan.. baka sabihin mong bina-bride kitang maging girlfriend ko...."

"Bakit hindi ba? Hahahahahaha!!!" I said habang binubuksan ko ang box...

"Just open it... and I hope you'll like it.... " parang ngising Cheshire cat sya a... ano kaya ito....

Ng masira ko na yung gift wrapper. I slowly opened the box...

Car keys?

Lamborghini car keys?

Nanlaki mga mata ko.... just in time na may pumarada sa lobby na yellow Lamborghini...

WHAT!!!!

"Is that???? Is that....."

"your car.... "

"Andrew..... "

Lumapit ako sa kotse.... Napupuno na ng luha ang mga mata ko...

It is!!!! It is my car!!!!

Hindi ko na napigilan.... Tumulo na ang luha ko... and I threw myself at Andrew....

"O MY GOD!!!! I don't believe it! How??"

"I had that a few days after you told us you sold it.. I know that car meant so much to you, so I did a manhunt... and fortunately the guy sold it to me..."

"O MY GOD! What can I say... "

"I'm happy that you are happy... and I want you to stay that way.... That's all I want"

"Thank you.... " I said...

"Now... run away with me for a while.... "

I smiled... "Where do you want to go?"

"Somewhere... anywhere... I don't care.... As long as we're together... "

Binuksan ko yung pinto ng kotse... I miss my car....

Umupo na rin si Andrew sa passenger's side...

"Ok.... Get ready for a test drive!!! " Sabi ko " kahit saan?"

"Shoot!"

"Let's go to Baguio!!!!!"

At pinaharurot ko na ang kotse.... Hmmm.. ilang minutes kaya papuntang Baguio? hihihihi....

*******************************************[34] Chapter 32*******************************************AN

medyo slow na po ang updates... super bz sa work... but just the same... i'll try to find some

time...

Hope you enjoy this chapter...

One more chapter.. then it's part 2...

Pasebsya na po sa mga humihingi ng dedication... hindi ko po kayo matandaan lahat.... hehehehe..

Thanks for reading!

LUV U ALL!

Chapter 32

Tanya

Haaayyyy ang sarap lang talaga ng natural na lamig at hindi aircon!! I was still cuddled up in my room under the comforters.. Pinatay ko yung heater kagabi... gusto ko kasing maramdaman ang lamig ng nature... weird na kung weird... ang sarap lang talaga dito sa Baguio... hindi mainit at hindi over ang lamig compared sa ibang bansa...

Madaling araw na rin kami nakarating,, despite the fact na I drove in full speed... heheheheh... except of course sa expressway na kabi kabila ang monitors sa speeding... well maintained ang kotse ko... walang kapalya palya...

But remind me not to be impulsive in going to Baguio next time... since madaling araw kami nakarating... nahirapan kaming maghanap ng 24 hours na clothes store... and I was only wearing a cocktail dress!!! Ngisay to the max ako! Eto namang si Andrew nakalimutan din yung jacket nya sa private plane nya. So we went to a hotel for we know na may 24 hours na boutique doon... so, kahit na may rest house si Andrew dito, nagdecide na lang kami na mag-check-in.

I don't know what time is it right now, pero wala pa akong balak bumangon... Hindi na rin naman ako inaatok... pero tinatamad pa talaga akong bumangon...until my phone rang....

"Wake up sleepy head... " si Andrew...

"go away.. I'm still asleep... " I said groggily...

"Sleep talking?"

"Yeah.." I giggled... " What time is it?.."

"it's 1pm already.."

Huh! Overslept is an understatement... O Gosh!!! How lazy....

"Where are you? " tanong ko habang bumabangon na...

"at your door... "

I smiled... I gathered the comforter and wrapped it around me and made my way to open the door...

"Is that the new fashion statement? Mukha kang suman... " sabi nya nung binuksan ko yung pinto at tatawa tawa...

"Laugh all you want,, as long as I'm comfortable... " and I made my way back and threw myself to bed...

"What happen to your room? Sira ba ang heater dito?" sabi nya habang pumapasok

"Nope.. I shut it off... "

"Huh... It's ice cold around here... "

"I like it that way... "

"You're weird.. you know that..." he said amused...

"Not as much as you are... "

Umupo sya sa tabi ko...

"para ka talagang suman.." natawa na sya ng husto... "C'mon.. get up... let's get out of here... "

"hmmmm... wala pa ko sa mood... "

"Hindi ka pa ba nagugutom?"

"hmmmm... gutom na... "

"So what are you waiting for... "

"Wala... tinatamad pa ko... "

He chuckled... "for a very hard working girl like you... tinatamad??? Hmmmm... very contradicting... "

"Why? Don't I have the pleasure of lazing around sometimes?"

He smiled mischievously... "Kung hindi ka babangon.. hahalikan kita.... "

"Ok... I'm waiting.... " I teased while giggling like a stupid school girl...

Nilapit nya ng nilapit yung mukha nya sa kin...

When his lips was only an inch apart from mine... OOOOPPPPPSSSSSS.....

I forgot... I haven't brushed my teeth yet... nakakahiya... hehehehe.... Bigla akong nagtalukbong...

Napatawa sya...

"You're all contradicting today don't you know that?"

"I know... " I said under the covers...

"But just the same.... I love you... " NIyakap nya ko with the over stuffed comforter.... I felt warmth all over... wow.. mas effective pa sa heater si Drew... hehehehe...

Ano ba yan! Kakagising ko lang!!!! pinakikilig na nya ako!!!! Nyay!!!!

"I love you too...."

He released me after a while...

"Let's go.. baka makatulog ka na naman... we're checking out... "

"Uwi na tayo?" I said pouting... Hindi pa nga ako nag-eenjoy... gusto ko pang mamasyal...

Ngumisi sya...

"Pwede rin... pero baka abutan tayo ng fireworks... masabugan pa kotse mo... "

"Is it that time of the year?" I said in disbelief...

He nodded...

"O gosh! I'm really out of my calendar right now... ginugulo mo kasi mundo ko e!"

"Don't you just love it?"

"Weh!..." Tumayo na ako... "Alika na nga!"

"Just prepare... I'll wait for you in the lobby... We're staying in my resthouse... "

"OK.."

***

Wala na kaming ibang mapuntahan kung di sa mall... at gravy... jam pack to the highest level.. Buong Baguio ata nag-sho-shopping!.. pati parking ang hirap maghanap! But we have no choice... wala kaming dalang mga gamit..... anyway... makipagsiksikan na lang, no choice e... ewan ko lang sa katabi kong napakaselan... hindi na nga maipinta ang mukha.. hehehehehe... at least sa mga boutique wala masyadong tao...

"Let's split up... " sabi ko at napakunot ang noo nya...

"I'm not going to leave you wondering around in this huge of crowd.. "

"And I'm not gonna let you see some of the things I have to buy.." I said giving him a knowing look ...

He smirked and I think he understand...

"Ok... just call me when you're finished... "

"OK.." Out of the blue... I gave him a very quick kiss at the cheek at tumakbo na ko... nagulat sya... he wasn't expecting it... hahahahaha!!! When I looked back he has a huge smile on his face while looking at me... I waved... and gwapo talaga ng lalaking yun and he's MINE! Hihihihihi!

I went to the department store... para 1 stop na lang... knowing Drew,, you will never catch him buying things at the dept store... masyadong maarte yon... kaya nga mabuti pang maghiwalay kaming mamili... 1st stop luggage section.. hindi ko alam kung kelan kami uuwi... pero siguro 2 days? Basta something that will fit my trunk... hindi ko naman bibilhin ang buong mall.. hehehehe... Ok.. time to shop!

After an hour... I guess I bought everything I need, nag change costume na rin ako, hindi ko masyadong feel yung suot ko kanina... kung ano na lang na available ang binili namin kaninang madaling araw, kaya feeling confident na ulit ako bec I know I look good, base from the stares of the madlang people... hehehe... ego trip lang... ooops... I forgot. I have to buy a DSLR... ang pangit naman kung camera phone lang ang gagamitin ko, sayang naman yung ganda ng place...

I went to the Camera shop while dragging my pink and black polka dots lauggage... I know,, ang kikay...

Tumawag na si Drew habang pina-package yung purchase ko,,, naiinip na siguro...

"Have you bought the whole mall already?"

"Hindi pa.. malapit na.. hehehehe... ano ka ba! It's only been an hour... super bilis na nga non..."

Natawa sya...

"Where are you?"

"Ummmm.... Photoline?... GPS mo na lang.."

"OK I'll be there in a minute... "

Then we hung up...

I was still undecided if I'm going to buy a separate lense or just settle for the kit lense... when a group of guys entered the shop... Inispect ko yung camera ng nagsalita yung 1 sa mga lalaki...

"Hobbyist?"

Is he talking to me? How insulting... hehehehe...

"No..." as simple as that and I dismissed him...

Then I heard one of them whispered...

'mataray pare..'

'hindi uubra sa kin yan... '

Ang yayabang naman ng mga to... hay nako wala akong panahon sa mga taong hambog...

"Miss paki wrap na itong cam.. paki sama na rin yung flash and lense, paki dagdagan na rin ng 1 pa yung memory card... Thanks" I smiled at the sales lady... and waited...

"Miss mas maganda yung 1 cam... if you want, I can show you how to use it... " gwapo sana kung hindi lang mayabang... kilos pa lang parang binabagyo na ko!

"Thanks... but I know my stuff... " at tumingin ako sa kabilang direction...

"I guess from the looks of this, you've been traveling.. so I'm guessing you're alone?"

Deadma...

Pumunta sa harap ko yung guy tapos sa kabila naman yung 1..

"I'm Paul by the way... " he said extending his hands...

I don't like him... he thinks that he's God's gift to all women...

I just looked at his hands...

"I don't talk to strangers... "

'woa!!!' side comment nung 1 at nagtawanan yung ibang kasama nya.. at parang medyo napikon yung Paul... serves him right... ang feeling kasi!!!!

Ignore, Ignore, Ignore... with matching chin up at taas ng kilay... ang taray ko grabe! Hehehehe...

"Look miss... I only want to know your name... that's all.. or maybe your phone number... "

Ignore...

Mukhang mas lalong napipikon... mukhang ako pa lang ang nakakapag-snub sa kanya a.. hahahahaha!

Hay nako... men and their egos...

"Miss... nobody ignores me... "

Kunwari nagstep ako but I aimed that my pointed heels will be stepped on his toe at lahat ng weight ko nilagay ko sa paa kong yun...

And he squirmed in pain... napayuko ng konti

Acting time...

I opened my mouth, para kunwaring nagulat talaga ako...

"OHHH!!! I'm sooo Sorry! "

Kunwari super clumsy ko... kunwari napahawak ako sa maleta ko natabig ko papunta sa kanya, kaya tumama ng malakas sa noo nya yung handle ng maleta...

AWWWW! Magbubukol yun! hahahahahaha!!!!

"Ayyyy! Sorry talaga!!!!... naku.. you better get away from me... accidents really do happen when I'm around... that's how jinx I am... I'M CURSED YOU KNOW! That's why I don't really talk to strangers... " I smiled sweetly...

Mukhang naniwala sa 'Cursed thing' at nagmamadali silang lumabas ng shop...

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" tawa ako ng tawa.. pati mga sales lady natatawa... hay nako.. the problem with guys... kala nila kayang kaya nila lahat ng mga babae...

"You did it again.... " sa sobrang tawa ko hindi ko napansin katabi ko na pala si Drew...

"Nakita mo?" sabi ko at namumula na ko....

"I was suppose to rescue you,,, but I guess you did a better job... That's my girl... " he puts his arms around me and kiss me at the cheek...

Nyiikkkss.. .mas lalo tuloy akong namula... siniko ko sya...

"Bawal PDA dito... "

Natawa sya...

"Btw... we need to go to the grocery... I want to cook something special tonight... "

Napakunot sya ng noo...

"Just list down the things that you need.. utusan ko na lang yung katiwala ng rest house... "

"nandito na tayo e... and besides... I want to pick it up myself..."

"I hate groceries... Last time Zack and I went there we were mobbed by the attendants... "

Tumaas ang kilay ko...

"nag grocery kayo ni Zack! That I can't believe!!! "

"Naglilihi ng goya yung bestfriend mo... kaya napasugod kami ni Zack sa grocery... "

Natawa ako... uu nga... adik sa goya yung babaeng yun... I just can't imagine... Zack and Andrew, two of the most powerful businessmen pushing a grocery cart!!! Now, that's a sight to see... hahahahahaha!!!!

"You see!!!! Kahit ikaw natatawa!"

"Ok..ok... you win... "

Inabot na sa kin ng sales lady yung package...

And Andrew is eyeing my luggage... I think he's debating whether or not he will bring it...

"Don't worry... I won't let you carry that... " I said smiling...

"Oh what the hell.... " and he dragged the luggage out of the shop...

"Hey!!!!" sabi ko at tatawa tawang humabol sa kanya... since nakapackage pa yung camera... I took out my phone and took a picture...

Hahahahahaha!!!!

The Mighty Andrew Fajardo dragging a pink and black luggage! THIS WILL BE THE PHOTO OF THE CENTURY...

Instagram????

Hmmmm

Nah!!!! I'll keep this for myself...

I smiled...

***

It's almost midnight and I guess everything is prepared...

I smiled with satisfaction as I left the dining room... na-maximize ko lahat na ng cooking skills ko... and now I need a bath...

Earlier, while I was busy cooking... nagkulong lang si Andrew sa office nya... adik talaga sa trabaho yun... kawawa naman mga empleyado nya... holiday.. pinahihirapan... haaayyy...

Before I entered my room which is just across Adrew's room, sinilip ko muna kung nasa kwarto na sya... it's still empty...

Well... might as well get ready for the big bang...

I went to the bathroom and filled up the tub.. I just want to relax and have a bubble bath first...

I took off my clothes and went in... after a while.. I didn't notice that I drifted off to sleep...

Naalimpungatan ako ng may malakas na kumakatok sa pinto...

"Tanya! Tanya! Open the door!"

"What???? "

Oh gosh... what time is it... I fell asleep! I shook my head... para medyo magising ako...

Andrew... pounded at the door again... ano ba yan! Ang paranoid!!!!

I got up and wrapped a towel around me...

"Coming.... " I said.. pero parang hindi nya narinig at katok pa rin ng katok...

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng kwarto... at nanlaki ang mata ni Andrew...

"What!!!! Can't you wait???"

Nakatitig lang sya sa kin as if he'd seen a ghost...

I looked at myself... shocks... masyadong maikli pala yung towel. And it only covered my private parts...

OOOOPPPPSSSSS!!!!

I slammed the door at his face....

"PERV!!!!"

And I heard him laugh...

***

"You didn't see a thing!" sinabi ko kay Andrew as soon as I entered the living room...

"I was so blind... " pero nakangisi sya...

"Good... " sabi ko at naupo ako sa sofa...

Puno ng pastries, fruits and nuts ang center table... I took a handful of grapes...

"So... aren't we going to eat?.. I'm starving!"

"Sandali na lang... I just want to show you something... "

Umupo sya sa tabi ako at binuksan nya yung malaking plasma tv...

And there... right before my eyes.... MY FAMILY!!!!

"HAPPY NEW YEAR TANYA!!!!" they all shouted....

" WHAT!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! "

"Iyan na lang ba ang sasabihin mo?" Sabi ni kuya Slate...

"I was shocked! Ikaw talaga kuya... HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO GUYS!! Hi ma! How are you?"

"We're doing great... "

"And we can see that you're doing great too...." Pang-aasar ni kuya Slate...

Namula ako... at tumingin kay Andrew na nakangiti rin...

"Never been better... " Sabi ko...

"Do I smell something fishy?" bumabanat na naman si kuya Slate...

"What?! Ikaw talaga kuya Slate.... Kahit kelan ka talaga... don't embarrass me!!! "

"Kuya Stanly paki batukan nga!"

Binatukan nga ni Kuya Stanly...

Nagtawanan kami...

Tumingin ako kay Drew... "wag kang ma-cu-cluture shock sa min... mild pa yan... "

"I figured... no wonder amazona ka..."

Siniko ko sya at tatawa tawa sya...

"So... do you have anything to say to mom?" tanong ni Kuya Stanly...

Namula ako...and I looked at Andrew and he gave me an encouraging smile...

"ummmmm ma.... " nyiiikkkssss... mahirap pala ito!!! Naco-concious ako!!! Waaaaa!!!

"ummmmm..... Si Andrew po.... Boyfriend ko po..." sabi ko ng mahina...

"What? I can barely hear your voice... paki lakasan ng konti..." sabi ni mommy pero alam kong alam naman nya yung sinabi ko... kasi nakakaloka ang ngiti nya!

I rolled my eye... arrrggg!

"Ma.... Si Andrew po... BOYFRIEND KO PO!" naghiyawan yung 2 kuya ko... may matching party poppers pa.. si mommy naman.. tawa ng tawa...

Tawa kami ng tawa ni Andrew... ang kulit kasi nung 2...

Nung nag-die down nay un mga kuya ko...

"Hey brother-in-law... take care of my lil sis... ok?" sabi ni kuya Slate...

"Brother-in-law mo mukha mo!" sabi ko...

"Doon din naman pupunta yan... wag nyo ng patagalin!" sabi ni Kuya Slate...

"We're happy for you sis... take care of him... wag mong paiiyakin yan.." aba bumanat din si Kuya Stanly...

"Hello kuya... you should say that to him!"

Niyakap ako ni Andrew at binulungan...

"Wag mo daw akong paiiyakin ha... "

Hinawi ko mukha nya...

"At wag mong bubugbugin!" sabi ni kuya Slate...

"Ang sasama nyo! Pamilya ko ba kayo?"

Nagtawanan ulit...

"Seriously.." sabi ni kuya Stanly "We're happy for both of you... matagal na naming nakikita that you two have sparks... It took both of you some time before you realized it... so, when's the wedding bells?"

"asikasuhin nyo nga muna yang mga kasal nyo, bago nyo ako ipakasal.... Mga pasaway kayo a!!! parang gusto nyo na akong ipamigay!!! "

"Hindi naman... " Sabi ni mommy... " iba aura mo kasi ngayon e... you look so happy and content.. that's really good.. Andrew has a good effect in you... "

I smiled...

"Andrew... take care of my princess... ok?"

"Yes.. ma'am.. "

"Ok.. Happy new year!! " sabi ni mommy... "Happy New year sis!!!" sabi ng mga kapatid ko.. " We miss you"

"Happy new year din! I miss you all..."

Nangingilid na luha ko... I tried hard to swallow the lump in my throat...

"Sige na sige na... maiiyak na talaga ako.... ! Bye na! I love you all!! I'll visit you one of these days... " sabi ko..

"We'll wait for you sis! And be happy.. ok?" sabi ni Kuya Stanly... " Love you.."

Pinatay na ni Drew yung Tv at yung connection...

Haaaayyy... I miss them so much... I leaned my head on the sofa...

I looked at drew...

"Thanks... "

He just smiled...

"Bakit hindi ka nagmana sa mommy mo? Mahinhin?"

Kumuha ako ng throw pillow at pinalo ko sa mukha nya...

"Mahinhin naman ako a! sobra nga e! hahahahaha!"

Nagtawanan kami...

"Oo nga naman... why do I have to argue... mahinhin ka pa sa mahinhin... "

Pinalo ko sya ulit ng throw pillow...

"hmmmp ikaw talaga... "

Ng matapos kaming magtawanan....

"Come here... " Sabi nya... lumapit ako sa kanya and he embraced me... I rested my head on his chest and I can hear the sound of his heartbeat...

Boy,,, this really feels so good... I can't describe how happy I am right now... This is just so right...

"Ummm Tanya... "

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a huge favor?"

"Sure... anything"

after all the things he has done for me... I will definitely do anything for him...

"Well, It wil sure give great pleasure if you will also meet my parents... "

Meet the parents na ba ang peg ko ngayon??? Waaaaahhhhhh!!!! Bigla akong kinabahan!!!!...

Though I already met his mom before, mabait naman sya... pero hindi ko alam kung magiging mabait pa rin sya sa kin... dahil boyfriend ko na ang anak nya... at hindi si Clarisse..

"Sure... " I sounded funny when I said that...

He chuckled...

"Is that you Tanya? Parang nawala yung confidence mo a... "

"ummmm.... I'm a little bit nervous... "

Hinigpitan nya ang pagkakayakap sa kin...

"No that's not true.." dagdag ko... " I'm terrified!!!! Pano kung galit sa kin yung mommy mo? "

"And why would she get mad at you... "

"Wala lang... kasi... kasi... kasi... "

E kasi ako na ang girlfriend mo ngayon at hindi si Clarisse... I thought.

Ibinangon nya ako at hinarap sa kanya... he took my hands and he kissed it... then he looks at me..

"Tanya.... You are the most amazing girl I've ever met... any other girl will fade in comparison to you... and I can't seem to count the many positive adjectives to describe you......well.... a little bit crazy and unpredictabl though... not to mention.... violent sometimes... "

"Wow! Thanks for boosting up my confidence... " I said sarcastically...

Natawa sya...

"The thing is... you are unique... and all those things make you even more interesting... that's why I can't get enough of you..."

I Smiled...

"And not to mention... Drop dead gorgeous... hmmm on second thought... I take that as a negative... "

"Nyek!"

"I just hate it when men drool over you everywhere you go... parang feeling ko, lagi akong mapapaaway... "

"Hmmmmp... ano ka ba... as if naman... parang ako nga ang laging napapaaway!"

"Oo nga... basagulera ka kasi..."

"AAAARRRGGGGG!!!! Ang yabang mo!!!!!!"

Papaluin ko sana sya ulit ng unan pero niyakap nya ako....

Natawa na lang sya....

"The thing is Tanya... I'm the lucky one here.... And my mom should be glad that you came into my life... for you made me a better person... "

Ayyyyyy! Ang sweet naman!!!! Hala!!! Kinikilig na naman ako! Nyiiiii!!!!! Ano ba tong si Andrew... napaka-Cheesy naman!!!!

"are you just saying that??? "

"Do you doubt me?"

"No.... I believe you... " I smiled...

"Then believe me also when I tell you that it's going to give much pleasure if I see your face everytime I wake up in the morning... to be with you by my side everymoment.. not just for pleasure but also in pain... I want to take care of you, because sometimes you're dangerous and you need to be tamed down..." we both smiled at that... magre-react sana ko pero nagsalita na sya ulit... " you may think that you can take care of yourself, but I think that I can do a better job taking care of you... "

He released me...

"We've known each other for years... And I was up all night thinking... bakit kailangan pa nating patagalin ito?"

Bumilis and tibok ng puso ko...

"I know what I want... "

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko...

He got something out of his pockets...

"I know we just got together... but I'm sure, like I've never been so sure in my entire life... "

Is this leading to what I'm thinking? Parang hindi ako makahinga!

He kneeled before me...

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you..."

Super speechless..

"I want to grow old with you... "

He opened the box...

"I love you Tanya..."

Tears are starting to form around my eyes.... And I'm still soooo speechless

"Will you marry me?"

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDD!!!!!

I was so amazed.... Is this really happening? Nagwawala ang puso ko!!!! I'm hyperventilating... I CAN'T CONTAIN MYSLELF ANY LONGER! I threw my hands around his neck... I was laughing... I was

crying... feeling ko baliw na talaga ako...

Oh my God!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!

I looked at him... held his face and with all my heart... I kissed him in the lips....

Just in time the fireworks lit up the sky....

*******************************************[35] Chapter 33*******************************************AN

FYI... hindi pa po ito ang last na chapter may mga mangyayari pa po.. pero I decided na hindi ko na lalagyan ng part 2.. kapag iniisip ko kasi parang hindi na rin naman masyadong maraming chapters ang isusunod ko... para hindi maging boring...

anyway...

BAWAL PO ANG MAGALIT!!! hehehehehehehe..... LUV U ALL MWAH!

Chapter 33

Andrew

Life can be so ironic...

There I was, just barely a year ago... I was the guy who will never be caught in a serious relationship... but now... I'm the guy who can't wait to tie the knot! I never imagined myself being addicted to a girl...

Tanya means the world to me now... bakit pa kailangan patagalin... All I ever want is for her to be my wife... what is there to wait? we don't need a long engagement for we've known each other for quite some time now... she'd seen me at my best and at my worst... and besides I'll be hitting two birds in one stone... first, I'll be complying to my mom's wishes and that is to settle down, I can still beat the deadline... second, I will marry the one I love and be with her forever... I can't imagine my life right now without her... kung pwede ko nga lang syang pakasalan, ngayon na mismo, at this very minute, gagawin ko... but I don 't want to scare her... pag-uwi na lang namin sa Manila.. hahahaha! Kidding aside... A month from now is enough preparation... I don't want to wait that long... and besides, her family already gave their blessings... I have been talking to them before I let them talk to Tanya on New Year's eve, her mom was teary eyed but she was happy for us... and now... I have to prepare Tanya to meet my mom,,,, she's terrified but I know she'll do just great and I know that my parents will also adore her... ganon lang naman si mommy, she's a brat sometimes... but I know that all she wants is for me to be happy... well, now I am... I hope it will continue this way and everything goes the way I planned... I hope...

We spent another 2 days in Baguio... and I never seen Tanya so carefree... we've been to places and done things that I never imagined that I would do.. like go to Burnham park and ride a boat! Muntik na ngang tumaob yung boat! Kung nagkataon baka nagswimming kami sa pond full of frogs!!!! May pinakain pa sya sa kin na corn with milk etc, masarp and hindi ko nagustuhan yung grilled intestines... isaw ang tawag nya don... it was really gross... Natatawa na lang ako kung maisip kong may makakita sa kin... But over all I enjoyed every part of it... despite of all the streetfoods that she want me to eat...

I'm just a little bit sad right now because Holidays are over and we have to go back to reality....

"Uwi na ba talaga tayo???" she asked while I put her luggage inside the trunk... My heart keeps flipping over everytime she uses that tone on me... she's really cute kapag naglalambing sya, I really didn't thought that she had it in her... strong kasi ang personality nya... That's why I can't help but smile when she uses her tone like that because it's very rare...

Yung ibang mga pinamili nya sa van ko na lang ipinalagay, she loves buying things for the twins, kaya nga spoiled na spoiled yung 2 yon sa kanya... yung driver ko na nag mag-uuwi sa Manila...

"We'll have another vacation.. a longer one... I promise.." I said, at dinagdag ko... "after our wedding... " I smiled teasingly...

Her face turned beet red and she looked away... how I would give a million bucks just to read her mind right now... for an outgoing girl like her... I never expected that she's conservative... she never even allowed me to enter in her room! her reason .... So that we can have something to look forward to when we're married... well she's right and I agreed to that...

"I'll drive... " I said..

"Ayyy... I was looking forward for that... mas masarap mag-drive pababa... "

"It's time for you to relax.."

"Driving makes me relax.."

"No... I'll drive... " I insist...

"Hmmmmp... o sige na nga... "

She gave me the keys but before she went to the passenger's seat... pumunta muna sya sa garden at medyo nag-stretch ... and I followed her...

"I had a good time... " she said... " and I'll never forget this place... I know... I'm being sentimental... but I can't help it!" she smiled... while looking at the diamond ring I gave her....

I wrapped my hands around her waist...

"Thank you Tanya... for saying yes.... "

"What can I say??? You're too persuasive... " she said smiling... "hmmm... handa ka na ba talagang iwan ang pagka-bachelor mo? Or do you think you still need a year?"

"Hmmmmm?" kunwari nag-isip ako... "nah... baka maagaw ka pa sa kin... "

"Possesive much???" she said teasingly...

"only because of you... "

Silence...

"Hindi pa rin talaga ako makapaniwala... all those years that we've known each other... who would know that we'll end up together... " she said...

"Well... I know all along that you have a crush on me..." I said.. tatawa tawa...

Siniko nya ko... pero natawa na rin kaming dalawa...

"Ang yabang mo talaga kahit kelan!"

"C'mon, admit it... "

"Di rin!"

"Liar..."

"Ok.. The first time I saw you.. I had a huge crush on you... "

"Sabi ko na nga ba e... "

Siniko nya ulit ako pero mahina na...

"Well, dahil sa kayabangan mo at pagiging player mo... super turn off ako sa yo! Kaya kapag pina-iyak mo ako... hihiwalayan kita!"

Hinigpitan ko pagkakayakap ko sa kanya.... I turned serious...

"Hindi kita lolokohin... o paiiyakin... and I will never let you go... but Tanya... please don't say that... would it be easy for you to let me go? Won't you even fight for me?" I don't know what I'm asking right now... but I really want to know.. kasi kung akong tatanungin..I will do anything, defy anyone and I will give up everything just to be with her...

"All I know right now is I love you... and I just want you to be happy... "

I slowly kissed the tip of her nose

"I know I can do anything as long as it's the best for you... " she continued...

"Being with you is the best for me.." I said firmly.

"Then I will be with you as long as you'll have me..."

"And that will be forever... "

She smiled... I really love it when she smiles like that... a smile that lit up her eyes and make me want to stare at her all day..

I looked at her lips... and slowly... I bend my head and closed the gap between our lips... I kissed her slowly but passionately... she tastes like strawberries, so sweet that makes me want to taste her more... I can feel her submission, that makes me want to dig in deeper... I want it to last longer but I have to stop... I slowly pulled away... I have to.. dahil kailangan naming makauwi...

Niyakap ko sya ng mahigpit...

"I want to marry you right now and shut the world out.... " I said...

She giggled...

"Dadating tayo dyan... " She said...

"Let's go home baka hindi na tayo makauwi kung tumagal pa tayo dito... kinukulit ako ni Rick na kailangan maabutan kong bukas yung bank.. I need to inspect some things in my deposite box..."

I looked at my watch... aabot pa naman kami... if I drive fast enough... I should have let the chopper pick us up pero I doubt if Tanya would like to let anyone drive her car.. she'll be pissed and she'll end up driving home alone, that, I can never permit...

***

It's 10 minutes to 4 and we made it to the bank before it closed...

"It'll just be a few minutes... " I said getting out of the car... pero lumabas din sya...

"I'll go with you... I need to go to the Ladies room and it can't wait... "

I looked at her... she was only wearing short shorts and tank top... her favorite attire by the way... and she's terribly eye catching.

"What? Did I passed the inspection?" she said raising her eyebrow and crossing her arms on her chest...

"Just stay close to me,, I don't want any of the men drooling all over you... you should wrap yourself a bit..."

"Ganito naman lagi akong magdamit a! nagiging conservative ka na ba?" tatawa tawa sya...

"Yes... I'm getting conservative because of you... "

"Wow... Drastic change of attitude!"

"Let's go.. baka magsara pa yan banko." And we walked inside the bank... as expected all eyes are at her and I held her hand and glared at the men who obviously didn't hide their admiration... talagang mapapaaway ako lagi sa babaeng ito! And she is fully unaware of it...

We approached one of the employees... and asked for their manager...

When the manager arrived... Tanya excused herself and asked for the Ladies room... The manager led me to his office...

"I believe my secretary told you about my transaction for today?"

"yes sir... Pinakuha ko na po yung safety deposit box... "

This is very irritating... may i-che-check lang ako kung ok yung papers na nandito sa box, kung pareho compared sa copy namin sa office... the thing is.. walang ibang pwedeng tumingin dito kung hindi ako lang... kailangan kong ilagay na ang pangalan ni Rick na pwedeng mag-access nito, if I don't want to be disturbed like this...

The Box came and I took out my IPAD... where I have a scanned copy of the documents...

Inisa-isa ko yung mga documents..

My phone rang... si Tanya..

"Hindi na kita iistorbohin... antayin na lang kita dito sa main lobby..."

"OK.. a few more minutes... don't get into trouble..."

"Ano ko bata!"

Natawa ako... and we hung up...

Binalik ko ang tuon ko sa sa mga documents... at the last part ng ini-inspect ko... Kumunot ang noo ko... Rick is right, There's something fishy going on here... I have to get to the bottom of this... someone's not doing their job well...

I was about to close the box when we heard a commotion outside the room...

Something is not right... nabigla din yung manager at sumilip sa labas ng pinto... at biglang sinara at ni-lock ito ulit...

"What the hell is going on!" I demanded...

"Sir... may hold-up po..."

"What!"

Nagmamadaling pumunta sa telepono yung manager... at tumawag ng pulis...

I dialed a secret code on my phone... it will go directly to the authorities and know that something is not right...

Tanya's out there... I have to go to her ...

Nung nakita ako ng manager na pumunta sa sa pinto, hinarangan nya ako...

"Sir, I can't let you get out there... nobody knows that we're in here... It's safer that way... "

Tinignan ko sya ng masama...

"My Girlfriend is out there. She's in danger... "

"But sir... you are an important person... kung malaman nila kung sino ka.. baka mauwi pa sa kidnapping!"

"I don't care... Her life is more important than mine."

"With all due respect sir... I will not let you go out there." He said firmly at naginit ang ulo ko...

"If you don't get out of the way... I might do something that I will regret..."

Matigas din ang ulo... hindi natitinag sa mga sinasabi ko... I do understand that he's doing a fine job, I might get to hire him someday, if we get out of here safely...

"Step aside... "

Then we heard gun shots and more commotion...

"I'm sorry sir... that is more reason why I can't let you out..."

"Well, in that case..."

I punched him in the face and he stumbled on the ground...

"I'm really sorry about that..." Binuksan ko ang pinto at nagmadali akong pumunta sa main lobby...

When I got there I kept my head low... wala pang nakapansin sa kin, I scanned the place... lahat ng tao nakadapa... 1 sa mga security guards at 1 sa mga civilian duguan... hindi ko alam kung buhay pa... yung ibang mga holdaper nakabantay sa mga tao yung iba naman nasa loob ng counter...

"Kung hindi ba naman sira ang ulo mo! Hindi mangyayari sa yo yan! Tigilan mo na yan... tama na ang dalawang napatay natin!" Galit na galit na sabi ng 1 holdaper sa kasama nya...

"Pinikon ako nitong babaeng ito e!!!!"

"Kung hindi mo ba naman tinangkang hinalikan, hindi nya gagawin sa yo yan!"

"Mapapatay ko talaga tong babaeng to!"

Tumingin ako sa direksyon ng mga nagtatalo... at bigla akong nakaramdam ng takot!

I never felt fear in my entire life until now... I felt all the blood had drained in my head... I felt my heart stopped beating...

I saw the kidnapper point a gun in Tanya's head, while holding his bleeding nose.. and Tanya is just looking at it, all rage is in her eyes, I'm guessing that The man did something to her... and she assaulted him... I don't need her bravery right now... All I want is for her to be alive...

"Sige hindi ko sya papatayin... pero isasama natin sya..."

No!!!! That's enough reason for me to react.

"Get your filthy hands off her...."

Tumingin silang lahat sa direction ko...

"At sino ka naman! Gusto mo bang mamatay?" tanong nung lalaking nakatutok pa rin ang baril sa ulo ni Tanya...

"If you want to kidnap somebody,, then take me... "

Natawa yung lalake...

"Hindi kita kailangan... sya ang kailangan ko! "

"Just in case you don't know... I'm Andrew Fajardo, one of the richest businessman not only in Asia but around the globe... Barya barya lang sa kin ang perang nandito sa bangko... My family will do anything to get me back no matter what the cost... just let her go... she's insignificant to you"

Mukhang nag-isip sila sa mga sinabi ko... alam kong may mga sniper na sa paligid... all they need is a diversion... and all I want is for Tanya to be safe...

I held up my hands and walked towards them...

"Just put down your gun and let her go... I will talk to my lawyer and they will give anything you want... but if anything happens to her then I'll make sure you'll rot in hell... "

Mukhang nakumbinsi ko yung mga holdaper at binaba yung baril sa ulo ni Tanya... I can see that she's not shaken with the things that's happening... wala man lang takot akong nakita sa mukha nya...

"Dalhin nyo na yan!" Sabi nung pinaka leader nila at tinuro ako... papalapit na sa kin yung mga holdaper ng may narinig kaming putok ng baril...

Yung 1 security guard na duguan ang nagpaputok at tinamaan yung pina-ka leader ng grupo... Then the gunmen went wild... nag-trigger happy na sila at ilan sa mga civilians tinamaan, I saw Tanya kicking one of the holdapers and knocking him out and took cover, Good girl ... lucky also for me, yung pinakamalapit na holdaper mukhang natakot, I grabbed the opportunity and punched him in the face... and I grabbed the gun... I took cover and aimed at the gunmen... The police are right on time... They knocked out the door at pumasok na sila... may ilang mga pulis na tinamaan... naglalaban pa rin ang mga holdapers kaya maraming nasusugatan... whenever I see an opportunity I aimed and fired... luckily I'm a sharp shooter... kaya lahat ng pinapaputukan ko tinatamaan... after a few minutes... the police got everything under control... sumuko na ang mga natirang holdaper.. at agad kong hinanap si Tanya...

"Tanya! Tanya!"

When she heard her name... she went out of her hiding place... and I felt relieved ... thank God she's safe...

Nagmadali akong pumunta sa kanya at niyakap ko sya...

"Thank God!!!"

"They can't kill me that easily..."

I let go of her...

"STUPID GIRL!" sabi ko sa kanya....

"Aba! Muntik na nga akong mamatay STUPID pa tawag mo sa kin!"

"Well... what the hell did you do to that guy to make him aim a gun at your head!"

"He tried to kiss me! Hahayaan ko na lang bang halikan nya ko! so I kicked him in the face!"

She crossed her arms on her chest and glared at me...

I tried to let my temper die down... Ok... be glad that she's safe.. that's what matters...

Hindi nila napansin na gumalaw yung holdaper na sinaktan ni Tanya, akala ng iba na patay na sya kaya hindi pa sya dinadampot, mali ang akala naming lahat... nakita kong kinuha nya ang baril at itinutok ito kay Tanya... sobrang galit siguro nito sa kanya kaya gusto sya talagang patayin!!!!

Wala na akong ibang inisip kundi kailangan kong protektahan si Tanya...

Pinaputok nya ito.. I don't have any other option but to cover her body with mine... then a sudden pain hit me... And suddenly I felt nauseous... the room started to spin... at hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong matumba sa kinatatayuan ko... Then we heard another shot, the holdaper shot himself and took his own life..

"ANDREW!!!! NO!!!! NO!!!!!"

Tanya held me in her arms... this time I saw fear in her eyes...

"Andrew!!!! Please hold on... don't leave me please... The paramedics are here already... you'll be alright" Tears are coming down her face...

I wanted to speak to assure her that I'm fine but no words came out of my mouth.... I know I have to fight.. I don't want to leave her... not now... but the darkness that's coming over me is so strong... And I felt so weak...

"ANDREW!!!! LUMABAN KA!!!" she said hysterically...

I felt so exhausted... Kahit anong pilit kong panatiliing gising, unti-unting ng bumabagsak ang mga mata ko... I tried to reach out to her face... she held my hands... I can see blood on her shirt,, and I guess those blood is mine...

"Andrew... please... don't leave me... "

"I..... Love... you... "

That's the last thing I said before everything went went black....

"ANDDDRRREEWWWW!!!!!"

*******************************************[36] Chapter 34*******************************************AN...

Haaaay guys... sorry for the long wait... pasensya na.. talagang isiningit ko lang talaga ang pagsusulat ko sa tight schedule ko... hindi ko pa talaga binasa ito ulit... straight from my mind ito.. ewan kung may typo and gramtical errors,, bahala na lang kayong intindihin... hehehehe....

I don't know if this is good... pagpasensyahan nyo na lang...

Request lang...

I know I can't please everybody but please restrain form leaving harsh comments... this is just my hobby and my outlet... It is still my prerogative to continue this story or not... I don't have any obligations to anybody.. I'm just enjoyiong myself here...

But rest assured that I will finish this story... hindi ko lang talaga alam kung hanggang kelan o kung gaano kadalas ang pag-update ko... due to my very bz schedule...

Ok Guys...

Tama na ang drama ko... hindi bagay sa kin ... hehehehehe

Pagpasensyahan nyo na lang for now ang mga nasulat ko...

LUV U ALL!!!! MWAH!!!!

Chapter 34

Tanya

I was outside the operating room crying my heart out and praying to God that Andrew will be alright... It's been 3 hours already and I'm getting really worried...

'Oh please God, let him survive this.. please... I'll do anything.. just let him live... Pease...' I said in a little prayer...

I closed my eyes and held my head... This is so nerve wracking... I don't know how much I can take this... I hate waiting like this! It's driving me nuts!

Hindi ko napansin na may lumapit sa kin at hinawakan ang balikat ko...

When I looked up, it was Charlie and it looks like she's been crying too...

"Charlie....."

Niyakap ko sya... and my tears just kept running down my eyes... I was sobbing this time...

She didn't say anything... she just let me cry...

Why? I kept asking myself....

Bakit si Andrew pa? We're getting married... sana hindi ko na lang inaway yung holdaper... hindi sana nya akong tinangkang patayin... hindi sana nabaril si Andrew... I should have been the one lying there... I should have been the one not him... and it really breaks my heart... he took the bullet for me...

I feel so guilty... And it's really crushing me... hindi ko ma-describe ang tindi ng sakit sa dibdib na nararamdaman ko... do I really have bad Karma around me? Nadadamay pa sa kamalasan ko ang mga taong mahal ko? Barely a year ago my Dad died... financially, we went down the drain, and my family suffered greatly... now, when I thought that the wheels are finally turning around.. then all this happened! Am I not meant to be happy?

"This is all my fault..." I said...

"Shhhh... don't say that... "

"Ako dapat yun e... ako dapat ang nabaril... hindi sya... I shouldn't have pissed off that good for nothing son of a bitch!! Hindi sana nag-aagaw buhay si Andrew ngayon... "

My heart is really tearing into pieces... It' really crushing me... Iba ito sa naramdaman ko noong nag-aagaw buhay ang Daddy ko sa hospital... bakit parang mas masakit ito? Is it because I was looking forward to have a happy life with Andrew? Or is it because I feel so guilty? There are so many things that's running around my mind.... Sumasakit na ang ulo ko... the more I think, the more I can see that maybe I'm really not meant to be happy... I'm really not meant to be with Andrew and he deserve someone better, someone who's not fickle minded, someone who thinks first before acting... someone whose not aggressive and hot headed, someone whose not going to put him into trouble... someone like Clarisse??? OH Gosh!!!! I'm so confused right now... I don't exactly know what I'm thinking!!!! Iniisip ko pa lang para naakong pinapatay.. ang sakit sakit sa dibdib...

"He's right.. maybe I really am stupid..." sabi ko

"Don't say that!! You're anything but that..."

"But that's one of the last things he said to me... before... before.. he got shot!!" and I let out another sob...

"I know he didn't mean that... ganon lang naman magsalita si Andrew... He's just harsh sometimes... "

I know I'm not a cry baby... but I really can't help it... Andrew's there because of me... this is all my fault...

After a few minutes... dumating si Zack...

"I came as soon as I can... how's Andrew?" Tanong ni Zack kay Charlie...

"We still don't know... " sagot ni Charlie... "Wala pang balita sa mga doctor..."

He sat beside me... and he took my hands...

"Tanya... I'm sure he's going to make it... Andrew is strong and he's a fighter... he will get thru with this..."

I tried to smile...

" I already phoned his parents and they're immediately flying back here.. "

I nodded... now that's another thing that I'm not looking forward to... paano ko i-e-explain sa kanila ang mga nangyari... alam ko bad-shot na ako sa mommy ni Andrew mas lalo na siguro ngayon... Oh God.. help me please!!!!

The hours pass, hindi ko na nga alam kung ilang oras na kami nag-iintay... and the long wait is just killing me! I kept pacing around... Hinaharang ko kung sino man ang lumabas sa pinto ng OR, pero hindi sila nagsasalita tungkol sa situasyon ni Andrew...

Zack offered me something to eat,, but I can't get myself to eat anything...

Finally after almost 8 hours, the door opened and the doctor came out...

"Are you the family of the patient?"

Kahit hindi.. I just nodded... Basta ang alam ko.. gusto kong malaman kung ano na ang kalagayan ni Andrew... and I can't wait anymore.. the suspense is killing me right now...

"He's out of danger... "

"Thank God!!!!" I said soooooo relieved... parang may natanggal sa dibdib kong malaking tinik...

"But.... "

Ano na naman!!!! Ok na sana e,, bakit may 'but' pa...

"He's in a coma right now... Hindi namin alam kung kelan sya magigising... pwedeng bukas... next week... next month... we don't know... Let's just hope and pray that it'll be sooner. But one thing I'll assure you... he is a fighter... we almost lost him one time but he keeps on fighting for his life... "

OH God... Andrew... He almost died! I covered my mouth and tears just fell down my eyes... But thank God! He's still here...

"Ummm doc... pwede ko pa bas yang Makita?"

"Just a few more minute... I-t-transfer na lang muna namin sya sa ICU,"

"Ok po doc.. thank you po... "

Niyakap ako ni Charlie...

"He's ok... stop worrying... and stop crying... " sabi nya sa kin...

I tried to smile... pero hindi pa rin tumitigail ang mga luha sa mata ko and I wiped it away... and tried my best to overcome it...

"Chin up sis... He's going to be alright.." she said cheering me up...

"I know... "

I'm glad he made it but I just don't know how to face him... when he wakes up...

***

After nilang mailipat sa ICU si Andrew, umuwi muna si Charlie at si Zack... They have the twins to attend to and it's already late...

"Are you sure you'll be alright? Or do you want to go home first? " Tanong ni Charlie...

"I don't want to go anywhere else... baka magising na si Andrew..."

"Ok.. We'll drop by your condo... i-text mo na lang kung anong mga ipakukuha mo. We'll be here first thing in the morning... "

"Thanks girl... "

"He'll be alright... don't be so worried... sabi naman ng doctor ok na sya... baka ikaw ang magkasakit nyan... you need to be strong..." Sabi ni Zack.

I just smiled...

And they left...

Huminga ako ng Malalim para lang mawala ang tension na nararamdaman ko... hindi pa rin ako mapakali, despite the assurances that they are giving me...

Andrew was lying perfectly still in his bed... may mga naka-attached na mga aparato sa kanya... Tinanong ko yung mga nurse kung bakit may mga nakakabit pa sa kanyang ganon... Is he still in danger? But the nurses assures me that he's alright... tinutulungan lang daw sya ng mga machines para hindi sya masyadong mahirapan...

It's so weird to see him like that... it's as it's he's so vulnerable... at nagkaganyan sya dahil sa kin... Oh God,, what have I done???

Hinawakan ko ang kamay nya...

"I'm so sorry Andrew... hindi ka dapat nagkaganyan kung hindi dahil sa kin... "

I was hoping that he'll squeeze my hand and tell me that it's alright... pero wala... walang reaction... he's hands are cold and not moving...

"Mock me please... kahit asarin mo na ako.. kahit magalit ka pa sa kin... kahit ano gawin mo... gumising ka lang... please Andrew... I want to know if you're really alright... I want to hear it from you... I want to hear it from your voice... "

Hindi ko alam kung naririnig nya ko... Is he also aware of his surroundings? Alam kaya nyang nandito ako sa tabi nya?

"I'll be a good girl... just wake up please.. hindi na kita aasarin.. promise... I won't make you mad anymore... and I won't get you into trouble again... I promise talaga... just wake up.. please... "

Ayan na naman... naiiyak na naman ako.... Huminga ako ng malalim... para mawala yung sakit sa dibdib ko...

I rested my head on his bed... while constantly talking to him... Para na nga akong sira... salita ako ng salita kahit hindi ko alam na naririnig nya ako... All I know is, I have to keep him company...

***

Someone touched my shoulder and I slowly opened my eyes... hindi ko namalayan nakatulog pala ako... umaga na pala...

The nurse was smiling down at me... alam kong may visiting hours sa ICU pero siguro hinayaan na lang nila ako dito kagabi, feeling ko naaawa sila sa kin... huhuhuhuhu... pero ngayon baka pinapaalis na ako... nag-overstay na ako...

"Are you kicking me out already?"

She smiled...

"Hindi naman po sa ganon. Pero may rules po kasi kami dito."

"Miss... baka naman pwedeng payagan mo na ako dito.. wala naman syang ibang kasama... naka cubicle naman... please.... "

"Naku pasensya na po.. yung papalit na supervisor po namin medyo mataray at strikto... kung pwede nga lang po talaga... pero kami po ang mapapagalitan.."

"A ok, what time mag-ra-rounds yung doctor?"

"Midday po siguro..."

"Ummm... o sige ... 10 minutes na lang, pwede?"

"Sige po... " at lumabas na yung nurse...

I looked at Andrew... I traced my hands on his face...

"I hate seeing you like this... nakakmiss din pala ang pang-aasar mo at pang-iinis mo... at lahat ng mga kalokohan mo... "

Nagagalit na naman ako sa sarili ko... because I know it's my fault... I hate myself so much right now... I feel like I don't deserve him...

Napabuntong hininga ako then I closed my eyes....

"I love you Andrew... please be ok... "

I opened my eyes and kissed him at the cheek...

"I'll be back later... sana gising ka na pagbalik ko ... "

My eyes are getting cloudy again... I can't contain the pain that I'm feeling right now... as much as I don't want to cry, but I can't help it...

"I'm so sorry Andrew... "

Then I walked out the door...

***

Hindi rin ako nakapagpahinga... I tossed and turned pero hindi ako dinalawan ng antok... then I give up... Tumayo na ako... I took a shower... a longer one to help me calm my nerves...

It's been one hell of a day yesterday... we we're so happy when we left Baguio... then all of a sudden... parang biglang nagbago ang lahat... ang bilis magbago ng sitwasyon... this is so unfair.... A sudden twist of Fate?? ARRRRGGG... I really have a bad feeling... a verrrrryyyy bad one... what else can go wrong??? Hindi pa ba tapos ito?

I really don't want to find out...but I have to face it... I have to ... I don't have a choice... I just pray to God that Andrew will wake up soon and he'll be alright...

I said in a silent prayer..... Lord Please give me strength to go thru with this.... I really don't know what to do... please please please Lord, I beg you to wake up Andrew...

***

Charlie called... Susunduin na lang daw nya ako dahil papunta na rin sila ni Zack sa hospital... Pumayag na rin ako dahil hindi ko feel mag-drive ngayon... parang sobrang lutang ng utak ko... baka makabangga pa ako.

Pagpunta namin sa ICU.. may mga police kaming nadatnan... Buti na lang at kasama namin si Zack... mas alam nya mag-handle ng ganitong sitwasyon, at sya ang humarap sa kanila...

"Can we help you?" sabi ni Zack

"Gusto lang po namin makausap sandali yung kasama si Mr. Andrew Fajardo kahaponm nung nangyari yng hold-up and shoot out sa bangko."

"What about? "

Haaaay buti na lang kasama namin si Zack, at least he was trying to protect me... Alergic ako talaga sa police, well, dahil na rin siguro na ilang beses na akong nahuhuli sa daan for speeding...

"For report purposes lang po. Para po magkaroon ng linaw yung mga nangyari po kahapon."

Tinignan ako ni Zack...

"Are you up for this Tanya.. can you handle it?"

Hmmmmm.... Napabuntong hininga ako.... Actually ayoko pang makipag-usap sa kanila pero....

"I guess.. " sabi ko... " I have to face it sooner or later... might as well get it over and done with... "

Tinuon ko ang pansin ko sa mga pulis...

"So where do you want to talk? Kailangan pa ba akong pumunta sa police station?" I said

"Hindi na po. Kahit dito na lang tayo... "

Umupo kami sa may mga benches at tinanong nila ako sa mga napansin ko noong araw na yon...

I told them my part of the story,, no matter how painful it is by recalling every detail... I recalled, maraming tao noon, but I know it's not unusual since katatapos lang ng holiday and usually punong puno talaga ang mga bangko.. I recalled also that the holdapers doesn't look like they are about to rob the banke... maayos ang mga itsura nila, yung iba nga mukha pang

mayaman.. But they are really ruthless.. walang pakialam yung iba sa buhay ng tao...

Nakakalungkot lang talaga. They've resort to that kind of monkey business... they've thrown away their lives.. ang nakakainis talaga,,, nandamay pa ng ibang tao... I've learned na 5 ang namatay at maraming sugatan.. dahil nga nag-trigger happy na sila nung nabaril yung pinaka leader nila... shocks! Nagbuntong hininga ako...

"Sorry po talaga ma'am, kung naalala nyo ang mga nangyari, pero kailangan talaga namin makuha ang statement ninyo..."

"That's ok... " I smiled at them...

"Rest assured po... lahat po ng mga nakaligtas na holdaper ay nasa kulungan na... "

"I'm really glad to hear that... dapat wag nyo na silang pakawalan... ibitay nyo na lang ng patiwarik!!! Tapos padaanin nyo sila sa slide na punong puno ng blade at babagsak sa isang pool ng kalamansi!!!!" I said fuming mad!

Pero natawa ang mga pulis... I glared at them...

"I'm serious! "

Kainis tong mga pulis na to... hmmmmp... may mga tinatanong pa sila sa kin ng mapansin kong may dumating at kinausap si Zack... 1 lalaki at 1 babae... yung babae umiiyak... when I looked at her closely... Oh God... nandito na sila... Parents ni Andrew!!!!

Now it's time to push the panic button...

***

Nag-antay na lang muna kami sa labas ng ICU habang nasa loob yung parents ni Andrew... O Gosh... visiting hours is almost thru... pero ang alam ko kahit hindi visiting hours pwedeng pumasok kahit pa-isa-isa... yun lang... privilege ng pamilya... huhuhuhuhu.... Baka hindi na nila ako papasukin... ang alam ko, hindi pa nila alam na girlfriend na ako ng anak nila.... Nakuu.... Magpapakilala ba ko??? Hala!! What to do?

Lumabas ang daddy ni Andrew at lumapit kay Zack...

"I'll arrange for Andrew's room can you accompany me? I want to know what happened..." he said...

Gwapo pa rin ang daddy ni Andrew. Mas kahawig ni Andrew ang daddy nya... pareho silang matangkad... siguro heartthrob din sya nung bata sya...

Napansin nya kami,, pero si Charlie ang kilala nya...

"Charlene, thank you for being here..."

"Andrew's a dear friend..." sabi ni Charlie. " And this is Tanya, Andrew's...."

"Friend... Good friend sir... " Inunahan ko na si Charlie... Tinignan ako ng masama ni Charlie...

He extended his hands to us... and we shook hands...

"it's nice of you to be here... we really appreciate it... " he smiled at us.... mabait ang daddy di Andrew... pero ang worry ko.. magiging mabait pa rin kaya sya sa kin kung malaman nya ang mga nangyari... huhuhuhuhu.... Hala!

"If you'll excuse us, Charlene, isasama ko muna si Zackary... "

Ng makalayo na sila pinandilatan ako ng husto ni Charlie...

"FRIEND? GOOD FRIEND LANG?!"

"Keep your voice down girl! Ano ka ba!"

"I just can't believe you...."

"E anong gusto mong gawin ko... sabihin ko na... 'hello... I'm your son's girlfriend... and I'm the reason why he got shot...'"

"Stop being so paranoid and stop being so guilty... ilang beses ko bang dapat sabihin sa yo na hindi mo kasalanan ang mga nangyari... "

Silence...

I sigh...

"No Charlie... it's my fault... and I guess I have to come clean to his parents..." I said silently... malalaman na rin naman nila talaga ang mga nangyari...

Napatitig na lang sa kin si Charlie.. hindi nya alam kung anong sasabihin sa kin....

"No girl... don't do that... it is NOT YOUR FAULT...."

I shrugged...

"He was already safe inside the room.. alam ko naman na lumabas lang sya don dahil nag-aalala sya sa kin... you know what.... He even offered himself as a hostage in exchange for me! Grabe girl.... Sinabi nya kung sino sya para lang pakawalan ako... so... what can you say about that? IT IS MY FAULT..."

Silence....

Nag-isip si Charlie then she said...

"Tanya,,, do you think that he'll forgive himself if he didn't do anything knowing that you're in danger? What if the situation got reversed.. what WILL YOU DO?"

Natahimik ako...

"See...." Sabi ni Charlie... " You will do exactly the same thing Andrew did... it was instinct... He loves you so much that he don't want anything to happen to you.."

"But that also doesn't erase the fact that He was hurt because of me... "

"Stop it Tanya.... Hindi yan makakatulong kay Andrew..."

Alam ko naman yon e.. pero hindi ko talaga maalis na sisihin ko ang sarili ko.... I'm just so depressed right now...

We just sat there.... Lost in our own thoughts....

Dumating na sila Zack...

"We talked to Andrew's doctor... pwede na syang ilipat sa private room... inaayos lang yung paglilipatan." Sabi ni Zack.

"If you'll excuse me... I have to talk to my wife..." sabi ng daddy ni Andrew.

Bago sya pumasok sa pinto tinapik nya ang balikat ko, he nodded and gave me a strained smile... nakita ko sa mata nya ang lungkot, I can also see his strength... Hindi sya nagsalita... at pumasok na sya sa loob...

He knows... and soon Tita Marissa will know...

Be strong Tanya.. it's time to face the consequence...

***

Inilipat na sa private room si Andrew... Zack, Charlie and I are sitting at the couch...

How I want to be by Andrew's side... pero I have to give way for his parents.... Alam kong masyadong strainful ang mga nagyari... hindi tumigil ng kakaiyak si Tita Marissa... Andrew is their only child, and they almost lost him...

All the while hindi rin kami kinakausap ng mommy ni Andrew...

"Do you want to eat?" Tanong ni Zack sa min ni Charlie...

"Kayo na lang... I'm not hungry..." Sabi ko... "Ok lang ba kung dito na lang muna ako?"

"When was the last time you ate?" Tanong ni Charlie..."

Napaisip ko....

"ummmmm.... Yesterday?" Oo nga... kelan nga ba ako huling kumain? Nakalimutan ko na...

Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Charlie...

"Come on girl, you're coming with us... "

Hinila ako ni Charlie...

"I'm not hungry talaga, promise... "

"Just leave them for a while, I think they need time alone with their son..." sabi sa kin ni Zack...

"We can come back later... it's as if Andrew will go anywhere... we'll come back as soon as we've eaten our lunch" sabi ni Charlie...

As much as I don't want to leave... I can see that They are right...

***

Instead of going to a restaurant, Zack decided to go home to check on the twins... That seems to be a good idea, since I miss those two a lot... On the way to their house... hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako...

When I opened my eyes... I was so disoriented... hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako... this room is so unfamiliar... bumangon ako at tinignan ang paligid... definitely not my room or anywhere familiar... the last time I remember is, we were on our way to Charlie's house... hmmmm.. maybe I'm in one of Charlie's guest rooms.... nakatulog ako sa kotse? Nyiiii.... Sino nagbuhat sa kin? Malamang si Zack... gravy,,, nakakahiya... nyiiii....

Lumabas ako ng kwarto... walang tao sa paligid... it's almost dark... ganon ba katagal ako nakatulog? Awwww.... My stomach hurts.. and I remembered that I haven't eaten since yesterday... Kinuha ko yung phone ko at nagtext kay Charlie...

'Hindi na kita iistorbohin... I'll make myself at home and invade your kitchen... =), luv you sis...'

While I was in the kitchen preparing a sandwich, dumating si Charlie...

"Kamusta ka na girl? "

"Starving..."

"That's good... at least makakakain ka na... ilang meal na ba ang na-skip mo..."

"Hindi ko matandaan... basta ang alam ko gutom na ko... "

I gave her a sandwich and we ate in silence...

"Si Zack?"

"Pumunta muna ng office... girl... baka bukas na kami makabalik ng hospital... sabi kasi ni Zack may emergency meeting daw sa office... at medyo gabi na rin.. ok lang ba? Papahatid na lang kita sa driver..."

"No problem... ummmm... girl... parang galit ata sa kin yung mommy ni Andrew... "

"You and your wild imagination..."

I shrugged...

"Feel ko lang... kasi hndi nya ako kinikibo... ikaw nga ang laging kinakausap kanina... hindi man lang nya ko matignan... at least yung daddy ni Andrew alam kong hindi galit sa kin... "

"Hindi naman siguro girl.. wala ka namang ginawang masama... basta.... Don'tyou ever think that it's your fault... "

"Bahala na girl... "

After eating pinahatid na ko ni Charlie pabalik ng hospital...

Instead of taking the elevator, I took the stairs, nasa 4th floor lang naman yung room ni Andrew,,, just to give me time to relax,,, Sobrang kumakabog ang dibdib ko... Kinakabahan ako... huhuhuhuhu.... How can I face Andrew's mom? Parang naglaho ang pagiging amazona ko... huhuhuhuhuhu.... Pero kahit na kinakabahan ko.. I have to see Andrew... baka naman nagising na sya...

When I reached the room... huminga muna ako ng malalim.... Grrrrr... ang duwag mo Tanya... duwag.. duwag... Sige na! duwag na kung duwag! Bukas na lang kaya kapag kasama ko na ulit si

Charlie.. huhuhuhu... ano ba!!!! E gusto ko rin Makita si Andrew!

Ok sige.. Tanya... go go go!

Huminga ako ng malalim at kumatok ng mahina... binuksan ko na dahan dahan yung pinto at sumilip muna ako... tumingin ako sa paligid, no signs of Andrew's parents... kumain siguro... Andrew is still lying there... Nalungkot ako... hindi pa rin sya gumigising...

Pumasok na ako ng tuluyan at lumapit kay Andrew...

"Hey... still asleep?" I said trying to be cheerful.

Umupo ako sa chair na katabi ng bed...

"Miss me?" I smiled and traced his face... he looks so calm... mas may kulay na ang mukha nya ngayon, hindi katulad kahapon na parang kulay bond paper na ang mukha nya... at inalis na yung ibang machine.

"I guess you're getting better.... That's good... kulang na lang gumising ka... kapag nagising ka... ipapasyal kita... doon sa mga lugar na hindi mo pa napupuntahan... tapos pakakainin ulit kita ng balot. Alam ko favorite mo yon... " I said remembering the time na natalo kami nila Charlie sa beach volleyball at ang consequence ay kumain ng balot... I can still remember his face, na sobrang diring diri sa ballot at hindi maipinta ang mukha, halos sumuka na nga sya non! natawa ako ng mahina...

"And you still have the nerve to laugh!" Hindi ko napansin na may kasama na pala ako sa kwarto... I know that voice.... Napapikit ako... at huminga ng malalim bago ako tumayo at humarap sa mommy ni Andrew...

"Tita..... good evening po... pasensya na po... may naalala lang po ako kanina kaya po ako napatawa.... "

Hindi sya nagsalita pero ang talim ng tingin nya sa kin... dumiretso sya sa tabi ni Andrew... sa kabilang side ng bed at naupo sya...

Ang tagal naming ganon... hindi nagsasalita... parang tinitimbang ang isa't isa... parang nakakabingi ang katahimikan...

After a while... Hindi na ako nakatiis...

"Tita... I'm so sorry po... I know it was my fault..." I said silently almost a whisper... pero alam kong narinig nya ako dahil sa sobrang katahimikan sa kwarto.

Silence... nakatitig lang sya kay Andrew.... Parang pinipigilang umiyak...

Nangingilid na rin ang luha ko... pero hindi ko makuhang umiyak sa harap nya....

"I had high hopes for both of you... don't you know that?" sabi nya at naramdaman ko ang lungkot at may halong galit sa tono nya... hindi pa rin sya tumitingin sa kin... nakatingin lang sya kay Andrew kahit ako ang kinakausap nya...

Nagtaka ako...

"I first saw you at Andrew's office, and I found it unusual for him to have a girl in his office... Alam ko na off limits ang mga babae ng anak ko sa opisina nya.. but when I saw you sleeping there and Andrew was just staring at you... I knew something is going on... but he's still in denial at that time... At that time... All I wanted was for him to settle down, he's not getting any younger and he keeps on playing around..."

Kelan yon? Parang hindi ko matandaan kahit kalian na pumunta ang mommy ni Andrew sa office...

"I haven't got a good look at you then.. but I had you investigated... and when I saw your picture..." Umiling sya... "Sino ba ang lalaking hindi mahuhulog sa yo. Kaya siguro ganon na lang ang pagkahumaling sa yo ng anak ko... I told myself... If he wants you.. then I will do my best to make you his... because that was the first time I ever saw him look at a woman like that" Natawa sya... pero ang tawa nya ay hindi dahil Masaya sya... isa itong tawa na may galit... "And to think that I even arranged Clarisse to play cupid with me... "

"What??? I don't understand.."

This time she looked at me... pero natakot ako na pagkakatingin nya sa kin... punong puno ito ng hinanakit...

"I never meant for Andrew and Clarisse wed, ... I only did it for both of you to realize what you mean for each other... and I guess it works.... Yes... it definitely worked... " she said sarcastically...

Hindi ako makapagsalita....

"I never thought that what I have been doing is delivering my son to his doom!"

This time she broke down...

"My son.... My only son... " she said at niyakap nya si Andrew...

"Sorry po... sorry po talaga... " Hindi ko na rin napigilan ang mga luha ko... it's as if a dam has been broken and all the tears were falling down my eyes...

She cried and cried... and it really broke my heart... alam ko ang pakiramdam ng mawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Nakaligtas man si Andrew ay hindi mawawala sa isip na muntik na syang lumisan... I sympathize with her and I understand how she feels...

I didn't say a word for a while. Hinintay kong mag-subside ang pag-iyak nya...

"You know... I got into thinking... I never should have set you up... I should have realized this before.... "

Huminga sya ng malalim.... At tumingin sa kin ng matalim...

"You are no good for my son! With the likes of you.... He will only end up into trouble! "

Ang sakit... ang sakit ng mga sinasabi ni Tita Marissa.... Pero hindi ako makalaban.. dahil alam kong may katotohanan sa lahat ng sinasabi nya...

"Mabuti at nakaligtas sya ngayon.... But what if it happens again? Tell me Tanya? Will he survive????.... wil he???? ANSWER ME!!!!"

Dire-diretso ang tulo ng luha ko... I am sobbing now... aminado ako sa lahat ng sinabi nya... pero mas masakit pala kapag ipinamukha nya ito sa yo. At lahat ng mga salita nya ay parang patalim na tumutusok sa puso ko... ang sakit...

"Hindi ko po alam... sorry po talaga.... Hindi ko po talaga sinasadya... Hindi ko po gusto ang lahat ng nangyari... ayoko ko po syang mapahamak... hindi ko po gusto ang lahat ng nangyari... sorry po talaga... "

Silence...

"Alam ko na hindi mo gusto ang mga nangyari.... " Sabi ni Tita Marissa "Pero, pwede natin itong maiwasan sa mga susunod na pagkakataon... "

I looked at her questioningly...

"Matalino ka Tanya... alam mo kung ano ang sinasabi ko... whether you stay by him or not is still your choice... And I'm giving you that... alam kong mahal mo ang anak ko... at kung mahal mo sya... alam mo ang dapat mong gawin...."

I understand.. I understand completely...

Maliwanag ang nais iparating sa kin ni Tita Marissa.... Naiintindihan ko sya.... Isa syang Ina... at alam kong mabuti lang ang nasa isip nya para kay Andrew... masakit mang isipin pero Nauunawaan ko sya...

Do I have a choice? Wala naman diba... tama ang sinabi nya... kung mahal ko si Andrew,,, I have to choose what's best for him... kahit masakit... I have to do it for him...

Dahil don ay napasubson ako sa kama ni Andrew at napaiyak na lang ako ng husto.... Hindi ko na kayang magsalita... masyado ng masakit ang dibdib ko... I can't bear to be away with Andrew... ngayon pang nalaman ko ng mahal na mahal ko na sya... pero tama ang sinabi ni Tita... kung mahal ko sya,, dapat kong gawin ang nararapat....

At iyon ay lumayo sa kanya....

*******************************************[37] Chapter 35*******************************************AN... Konti lang tong chap na to... dapat Part 2 ito pero dineretso ko na lang ang chapters..

hindi ko makwenta kasi kung ilang chapters pa.. baka konti na lang...

Anyways... thanks for all the votes and commets!

Chapter 35

Tanya

1 Year later

Milan, Italy

"Ok girls!!! Final walk!!! Happy faces now... and ..... clapping!!!!!" sigaw ng stage manager sa backstage.

Another very successful Fashion show... the models are now starting to move down the catwalk ... as usual, I was at the end of the line waiting for my turn... Mother Reyna was always behind me to give his final bow...

I turned to look at him...

"Another feather to your cap? Dumadami na Mother a... baka hindi ka na Makita nyan!!!! Di ka na ma-reach!!! "

He laughed...

"Kung hindi ako ma-reach mas lalo ka na!!! I'm very grateful that despite your overwhelming popularity and hectic schedule, may panahon ka pa rin sa isang hamak na designer na katulad ko..."

"Ayan ka na naman mother.... You're teasing me again. hay nako... masisira na naman ang poise ko sa 'yo. How can I turn you down... you're my manager! I don't have a choice! Hahaha! And besides... you made me... thanks... thanks for everything you've done for me" I hugged him..

"Maiiyak na ko... ayoko ng drama.. rarampa pa tayo... masisira ang beauty ko" he said teary eyed...

I smiled... I'm so proud of him... he's now one of the top designers around the globe and his works are in demand everywhere... top priority na ang mga designs nya ng mga celebrities and royalties.

It's now my turn to walk the ramp... chin up.. poise.. just a simple smile... and don't clap, kahit sinabi ng stage manager, kabilin bilinan ni Mother... taray!

"Let's walk together... " sabi ni Mother, pinigilan nya ko bago pa ako makalakad...

"No way... I don't want to take the lime light from you... this is your night... you have to make your final bow... this is all about you!"

Natawa sya...

"You already took the limelight out of me honey! The way you took their breath away the moment you stepped out of the catwalk..."

"That is because I'm wearing your creation."

He took my hand and cling it in his arms...

"I insist... let's go... they're waiting for us"

Wala na akong nagawa kundi umiling at sabay na kaming naglakad ng catwalk...

Everybody cheered as we walk, nakakabingi ang sigawan! standing ovation ang drama...

Si Mother maiyak iyak because this fashion show is actually a milestone... hindi lang from Italy ang mga guests and press but from different fashion capitals around the globe.. It was well attended and from the looks of it... it was definitely a success...

We made our final bow. Hind matapos tapos ang cheers and claps... this is too overwhelming... and I smiled at Mother... he is definitely crying now...

Matagal pa bago nag-die down ang audience and we made our way at the back stage... I went straight to my dressing room where Angelie, my PA is waiting for me...

"Wow! What a night! Ginimbal mo na naman ang fashion show!" sabi nya... obviously she is a Filipina ... ayoko kasing ng foreigner... at first, ayoko talagang magkaroon ng PA... sabi ko kay mother na kaya ko ang sarili ko... pero he insisted, iba ang sitwasyon ng model sa photographer. Kailangan ng model ng mag-aasikaso sa mga gamit etc... etc... and I guess he's right... now I can't live without her... hindi lang sya basta PA, she's also my make-up artist... at sya rin ang namimili ng mga damit ko, minsan nga sya pa gumagawa at nagtatahi ng damit ko! She really has an eye for fashion, e alam nyo naman ako, basta may maisuot lang ok na, pero she taught me how to dress up, kailangan e, kahit ayaw ko I'm already a celebrity... actually, apprentice talaga sya ni Mother... para ma-expose sya sa global fashion, pumayag syang maging PA ko... she's really good at her work, ang dami ngang naiingit sa kin at gusto syang ipirata, but she stayed loyal to me... she's very nice... maganda rin sya... tinatanong ko nga sya kung bakit ayaw nyang mag model... shy type daw sya, she just like to work in the background... hehehe... anyway, we became friends instantly and that's good ... cause I can't afford to have enemies near me in this crazy world of fashion.

"Can we just skip the reception?" I asked... while taking off my accessories...

"Gusto mong kalbohin ka ni Mother? Alam mo naman yon... gusto ka ka laging i-parade sa mga tao... "

"I'm beat... masyado kong na-strain sa photoshoot kahapon... " btw, I was a photographer at that shoot... dual personality na ako ngayon... I'm making waves not only as a model but also as a photographer... I learned a lot from the top photographers, nangahoy talaga ako ng mga nalalaman nila, at nakikilala na ako ngayon. I even have my own photoshoot and was published in one of the top mags in the US, Italy and France... not bad and I know it'll get better for they are fascinated with my works... I have to squeeze my schedule dahil sa dami ng commitments. Kung saan saan na nga ako nakarating within the span of 1 year... my world is getting crazy and it's getting crazier because they found out that I'm also an ace photographer... well... I guess that's good... it'll take away my mind from other things...

"Pwede ka namang mag-appear sandali tapos mag-sneak out ka na lang.... ang importante lang nman don yung red carpet... "

Pumasok si Mother sa room and he is soooo happy... he hugged me tight....

"Thank you Tanya!!!!! You made the event a success... ang daming magagandang comments! I can't wait to see the write ups and reviews tomorrow!!!"

"That was you making the event a success... I'm just your model... " I pointed out...

"Whatever... btw... you're flying back to the Philippines, 2 days from now... and this time, I'll accompany you... "

"What?!!!!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at tinitigan ko si Mother...

"Bakit hindi ko alam? I don't think that I'm ready to go back..." not yet... I can't... hindi ko pa sya kayang harapin... Masyadong maliit ang mundo sa Pinas.. malaki ang chance na magkaharap kami esp we have the same group of friends...

Lumambot ang boses nya...

"I'm so sorry honey.. but you don't have a choice... isa sa mga company na ine-endorse mo ay ni-require kang pumunta doon at mag-promote... don't worry... I'll take care of everything.... Kailngan ka rin namang mag-appearing act sa lupang sinilangan mo... they are sooooo anxious for you to come back... "

Bigla akong kinabahan....

"Don't panic!" natawa sya at umupo sa tabi ko. " I'll take good care of you... ano pang nagging manager mo ako.... Kabi kabila na nga ang mga invitations sa yo... I can't believe you're so popular!!! I'm so proud of you honey... "

"Mother..... hindi ba pwedeng next week ? Next month? Next year? O kaya wag na lang??? "

"Get it over and done with.... " Nagbuntong hininga sya.... "You'll be fine... buti nga yon.. harapin mo mga multo mo... para magkaroon ka ng peace of mind.... "

Well... he's right... mabuti na ngang harapin ko lahat ng gusot na iniwan ko... mabuti na rin yon para magkaroon ng closure.... Aray... bakit masakit pa rin... kahit 1 taon na ang nakalipas...

"Ok.. ok.. may magagawa pa ba ako...just promise me... no Press Conference paglapag ng eroplano.. give me at least 3 days to visit my friends... ok."

"Deal.. O sige iwanan na kita..." tumingin sya kay Angelie... " Bahala ka na dyan sa alaga natin a... pagandahin mo ng bonggang bongga, para magkandarapa ang mga papables!!!! Hahahahahaha!!!! Sige, magpapa-beauty na rin ako... para naman hindi ako magmukhang katulong sa tabi ni Tanya! "

Ng nawala na si Mother....

"Mas lalo akong nawalan ng mood to party! Haaaay!!! 2 days! That soon..." Hindi man lang ba ako magkakaroon ng time to prepare?

"Ano bang kinatatakutan mo? Buti nga at makakauwi tayo.... Kung saan saang parte ng mundo tayo nakakapunta, hindi mo ban a-mi-miss ang Pinas?"

"You don't know the whole story.... "

She sighed...

"Well we're going home whether you like it or not, dead set na si mother,,, you might as well face your demons... "

Yeah I might as well...

I might as well face Andrew..... it will happen sooner or later.

Hindi ko na sya nakausap simula noong aksidente... I cut all communications from him... pati si Charlie hindi ko na rin masyadong tinatawagan.. kung tawagan ko man sya... random numbers... dahil alam ni Andrew na sya ang laging link ko. It's just so sad that I have to sacrifice even my best friend.

I made the decision to stay away from him but I begged his mom to let me see him until he wakes up... gusto ko lang malaman if he's going to be alright, hindi naman makakaya ng konsensya ko na umalis ng nasa coma pa sya... pumayag naman si Tita Marissa... araw-araw ko syang dinadalaw noon... I was grateful enough that they had given me a few minutes a day to be with him,, those few minutes means a lot to me and I treasured it so much...

Just a week after the accident, Andrew woke up... wala ako noon nung gumising sya... As much as I really wanted to see him, to look him in the eyes... I can't... naiyak na lang ako.... Because I really wanted to see him... pero hindi na pwede.. iyon ang deal namin ni Tita Marissa... I can't allow him to see me when he wakes up. Bahala na lang silang mag-alibi dahil alam nilang hahanapin ako ni Andrew. I really can't bear it... I can't bare the ache.. the longing. That's the time I remembered Mother Reyna's offer... I need to get out.. to find a way to forget Andrew. I have to get him out of my system. When I called Mother , he was ecstatic and he immediately arranged all necessary documents and in the span of 1 week. I was ready to go..

Sad thing is.. hindi na ako nagpaalam kila Charlie... dahil alam kong pipigilan nya ako... I really hate myself for doing that... I love her and I miss her sooo much... pati yung twins, my little babies, I can't be with them when they grow up... I will also miss Zack na para ko na ring kuya.

Before I left... I went up to Andrew's penthouse... I have to dump all my memories here... I lingered a while,, cherishing all the things that we share in the unit... then I went to his room. I sat in his bed then I took out the ring box and opened it... Pinagmasdon ko muna ito hanggang naramdaman kong tumulo ang mga luha ko... It was never meant to be... we were never meant to be a couple... I was wrong for him... and I have to go thru with my plans dahil ito ang nararapat... I don't want to put him into trouble anymore... I love him so much that I have to do this.... I took out the note I've prepared and I put it in the side table along with the ring and the key card of his unit...

I went first to the hospital before going to the airport.. It was already midnight... I know he's already asleep... hindi ko kayang umalis ng hindi man lang sya nakikita. I just want to have a glimpse... kahit iyon lang.. ok na ako... I went to his room and I opened the door... I saw him fast asleep... tulog din ang parents ni Andrew kaya sinamantala ko ng lumapit sa kanya.. I don't know if he's still in tranquilizers... pero he looks so peaceful... way better than the last time I saw him... I smiled... he's going to be fine... with or without me... he's going to be alright... alam ko naman sa umpisa lang mahirap... pero time will heal us both... mawawala rin ang feeling namin sa isa't-isa... in due time... pero bakit iniisip ko pa lang tumutulo na ang luha ko. Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko, but I have to be strong.

For the last time,,, I leaned on his face.... And very slowly I kissed him very lightly in the lips...

"I love you sooo much Andrew... " I whispered....

I felt him move and slowly, he opened his eyes... pero bago pa nya malaman na nandoon ako sa kwarto ay nagmadali na akong lumabas ... hindi ko pa masyadong nasasara ang pinto ay narinig ko ang boses nya...

"Tanya?"

Parang tinusok ang puso ko sa pagkakarinig ng boses nyang tinatawag ako.... Gusto ko sanang bumalik, mayakap ko man lang sya, pero hindi pwede, alam kong pipigilan nya ako, at baka hindi ko na rin makayang umalis. Napuno ng luha ang mga mata ko... I have to leave now.... Bago pa ako maduwag at hindi ituloy ang pag-alis ko... tumakbo akong palabas ng hospital...

That was the last time I saw and heard his voice....

*

After a month... Andrew tried to see me or contact me... pero ipinaliwanag ko ng husto kay Mother Reyna, he being my manager, na hindi ako pwedeng makita ni Andrew... I hid behind the limelight, so to speak... the more na maraming photoshoots and commercials and ramps and other projects, the better.. mas maraming nakapaligid na tao.. mas mabuti.. in that way hindi ako pwedeng malapitan kung nasa paligid man si Andrew.... It was hard at first because He was very persistent...he was everywhere! Na feeling ko talaga may stalker ako. Pero after a few months... tumigil na rin sya... nagsawa na rin siguro , he just gave up. Masakit mang isipin na he gave up on me, pero kailangan kong tanggapin, I just have to brace myself to accept that sooner or later ay papalitan na nya ako, with just this thought, my heart is broken to pieces, but I have to be strong, even if I'm broken. Desisyon ko to e, kailangan panindigan ko, I have to move on. I have to go on... Umiwas na rin akong magbasa ng mga business mags.. alam ko naming laman sya palagi don... pati mga lifestyle mag hindi ako humahawak, baka may Makita ako don na ikasama ng araw ko. Knowing Andrew's lifestyle before, hindi ko alam kung bumalik sya sa pagka-play boy... HAAAAAYYYYYY BUHAY!!! PARA TALAGANG LIFE!!! Ang hirap! It's like... Damn if you do and Damn if you don't!...

Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin sya kayang harapin. ARRRRGGGG! Naiinis ako sa sarili ko! Akala ko malakas ako! Bakit hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin sya kayang harapin!

Akala ko kasi makakalimutan ko sya pag nagdaan ang panahon... akala ko mawawala ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya...

Mali ang akala ko.....

Andrew

I walked out of the mausoleum and looked at my watch...

Nakita ko si Stanly na nakasandal sa kotse nya at lumapit ako sa kanya.

Always the punctual one... That's one of the things I like about him.

"You always pick the nicest place for a meeting, a cemetery this time?" He said laughing while shaking my hands.

"I just paid my respects and besides, I need some peace and quiet. Masyadong naging madugo ang mga transactions natin nung nakaraang linggo. Your Uncle is one greedy bastard..." I smirked at the thought "But so far so good. Everything is going according to plan. We can relax sooner than expected"

For the past year, Stanly and I have been working hand in hand. To regain all the lost properties of the Ramirez Industries. Ang may kasalanan ng lahat kung bakit bumagsak ang company ay ang Uncle nila na pinagkatiwalaan ng husto ng Daddy nila Stanly. I've invested a lot on their company that's why I'm already a part owner.. and Stanly being the CEO. It's an investment that is reaI worth it, I has great effect to the Fajardo group, dahil mas lalo pang itong lumaki at naging successful ang. I high hopes . Stanly is really a miracle worker, what can I say, the guy's got talent. I can foresee him as one of my board of directors in the near future.

"One last blow and we can have a vacation." I said while we were walking around the place.

"At last. And Thanks man... Our family owe you a lot."

"It's nothing. I also gained from all of this you know"

"Well we both benefit from it pero mas malaki ang na-benefit namin ng pamilya ko. We lost everything, but thanks for believing in us. We not only gained all our companies but we became part of your group, which I can see is more beneficial to us."

"We'll both benefit from it.."

Silence.

"Thanks also that despite all the things that happen between you and my sister... well, hindi mo dinamay ang negosyo."

"I keep my personal life separate from work." I can still hear the bitterness in my voice. I know I haven't gotten over it.

Awkward Silence.

"So, pwede na rin siguro tayong mag-relax ng konti." Sabi ko...

"Pwede.. pero hindi rin naman ako mapakali ng hindi nag-ta-trabaho."

I Smiled, remembering Tanya. May pinagmanahan sya. Pareho silang hard working. Kaya successful sa career.

"Well, I also have other obligations to fulfill. May utang pa kong kasal sa Mommy ko."

I sighed.

"So you're really going thru with it. "

"I have no choice. I have to do it."

"Good luck on that, you will need it."

Natawa ako... yeah.. I really need it.

"We'll talk again next week, I have to go to the airport. I have to pick her up in just a few hours... "

And speaking of that... my phone rang.

"Hey, you're early..."

"I know. Pick me up already."

"Ok. I'm on my way.." And we hang up.

I shook Stanly's hand..

"Gotta go. We'll talk later. Clarisse is early.."

*******************************************[38] Chapter 36*******************************************AN. Sorry peeps for the long wait... Masyado kasi akong BZ... I have to work work work.

So sa mga nanghaharas sa kin na mag-UD ako, pagpasensyahan nyo na ang lola nyo at nagpapayaman ako ng husto... hehehehehe... Baka sakaling kasing yaman ko na si Andrew, baka makapag-UD na ako araw araw (kelan pa kaya yun... hehehehe)

Sige guys. alam kong marami ulit errors ito,, pero alam kong mapag-pasensya kayo sa taong maraming trabaho... hehehehe..

Luv you guys! thanks sa lahat ng votes and comments.. kahit sa mga harassments.. thank you din dahil alam kong binabasa nyo pa rin nito... hehehehe :) MWAH!

Chapter 36

Tanya

"Oh my God! We're alive!" Sigaw ni mother reyna the moment na nagtouch down kami sa lupa

"Hay thank God!" I said. Overjoyed at napayakap ako kay Mother. Now I can breathe normally again.

It has been one hell of a plane ride! Halos lahat kami nakakapit sa mga upuan namin holding our breath. Matinding turbulence ang nadaanan namin, nayugyog ng husto ang airplane kaya nagkaroon ng engine trouble. Nag-shutdown ang right engine which result to an emergency landing. Wala kaming ibang nagawa kundi manalangin ng manalangin and hope for the best. Thank God, the pilot was sooooo good! He was even calm when assuring us our safety in the intercom.

Sumilip ako sa bintana ng mag-land kami.. maraming naka-abang na ambulance at fire truck... Thank God at hindi kinailangan ang mga yon.. we are all safe. Hindi na nga lang kami nakarating sa dock

Napabuntong hininga ako.

"I'm going to the cockpit." Tumayo si Mother. " The pilot needs to be commended. We're all alive because of him!"

"Sige mother, Ikamusta mo na rin kami ni Angelie, sabihin mo ililibre naming sya ng ice cream!"

Natawa sila. At umalis na si Mother papuntang cockpit.

"Haaaay! Akala ko talaga katapusan na nating lahat!" Sabi ni Angeline.

Inaayos na namin yung mga hand carry naming.

"marami pa tayong dapat gawin kaya hindi pa tayo kinukuha ni Lord." Sabi ko, making the situation light.

"Korek ka dyan, hindi pa ako full grown designer. Hindi pa talaga ako pwedeng kunin ni Lord! At least ikaw sikat na sikat ka na, Though I'm 2 years older than you. Pwede ka na ring kunin ni Lord!"

"Pasaway!" Sabi ko at tatawa tawa kami.

"Btw, saan ka tutuloy? Hindi ko pala naitanong sa yo. Diba na-give up mo na yung apartment mo? May mga kamag-anak ka ba ditto?" Tanong ko kay Angelie.

"Hmmmm... saan nga ba? Biglaan naman kasi pag-uwi natin dito kaya hindi ko naplano. Hindi rin naman malinaw kung magtatagal tayo dito. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung kukuha ako ng apartment."

"Well, If you ask me, ayokong magtagal dito. I just want our obligations to be over and done with the soonest possible time. I wanna go back to Milan."

"Wow.... Ang allergic mo naman sa sarili mong bayan!"

"hindi naman. Ayoko lang maging complicated ulit ang buhay ko... hay nako. Enough of me... I have an idea... "

"Ano yon?"

"Since hindi naman tayo magtatagal dito... let's just crash my brother's condo. I know he won't mind. May mga guestrooms pa naman don. "

"nako nakakahiya naman sa kapatid mo."

"Wag kang mag-alala, ako bahala don. Mabait naman yon. Saka baka mas gusto nyang nandon tayo kesa naman kung saan lang tayo mapadpad. Medyo suplado nga lang yon sa mga hindi nya kilala. But if you get to know him.. he's super sweet. Promise!"

Nagisip sya.

"Ok sige, pero kung tatagal tayo dito sa Pinas, I might as well rent an apartment."

"Sige... basta don ka muna pansamantala. Malay mo sa susunod na araw lipad na ulit tayo."

"Ayoko muna! Medyo may trauma pa ko."

"Ok lang yon. Para ka lang sumakay sa roller coaster. Hahahaha!"

"Roller Coaster na nakakamatay... anyway, andyan na pala si Mother."

Dumating na si Mother at ready na rin kaming bumaba.

"Girls, I think we have a situation."

"Huh? Bakit? " tanong ko na sinenyasan kami ni Mother na maupo na ulit.

"Tanya, I know you said that you don't want to have a press conference..."

"Uh-huh.."

"Unfortunately, what happened to our flight is NEWS, Nagpaabiso ang tower sa pilot, which is by the way a Filipino too and very handsome I might add. " sabay ngiti ni Mother. "Well anyway press people are now crowding the airport, and I don't think that we can be able to escape the Press' watchful eyes."

What da!!!!

"Oh BOTHER!!!!" sabi ko " And I thought I'm going to have a peaceful landing. ARRRRGGGG! Darn Plane! Kainis naman yang turbulence na yan! Pahamak to the highest degree!"

"Well, let's just hope that they haven't got a copy of the passenger's list." Sabi ni Mother, parang hindi naman sya masyadong nag-aalala.

"As if the airlines will release it."

"Don't underestimate those crows. Masyadong tuso ang mga press."

Gosh! Asharrrrrrr! And to think wala pa man din kaming body guards.. kahit na 1 year na akong celebrity, hindi pa rin ako masanay sanay sa mga press. Yung iba masyadong brutal pa nga magtanong. At kahit offending ang mga questions nila, kailangang pa-charming ka pa rin, dahil nakasalalay sa kanila ang image mo. But right now, I'm in no mood to charm anyone. At alam kong na-se-sense ni Mother yon. Dahil kung hindi, kanina pa nya ko kinaladkad pababa ng plane.

Naka sumbakol ang mukha ko ng may dumating na stewardess, hindi ko alam kung anong nationality nya... parang Italian yung accent nya...She asked if we need some assistance...

I inspected her... Hmmmm.. matangkad sya... slim... looks like my size... hmmmm....

"Miss.." sabi ko sa kanya...

"yes ma'am... "

I narrowed my eyes..... Evil smile...

"From the looks of it.. I think you like clothes... " I tested her.

Napangiti sya...

AHA! Bingo!

"Are you interested in some GUCCI Designer Dress?"

"I can't affort it."

"I have one in my handcarry... you want it?"

"You're going to give that to me?" She said incredulously.

"Of course not!"

Biglang bumagsak yung mukha nya... ang salbahe ko naman talaga! Mukha naman syang mabait e...

"Tell you what.. I'll give it to you, if you'll give me your uniform."

Nagtaka sya... nakita ko si Mother at si Angelie na napangiti...

"Are you sure? This is just a crampy uniform, are you sure you want to exchange?"

"Angelie, can you get the whole attire."

Kinuha ni Angelie yung damit at inilatag sa upuan...

Her eyes pop out... From the looks of her face, she really really like it.

"Do we have a deal?"

Hindi na sya nakapagsalita at tumango na lang sya.

"OK! Let's get you undress!" Sabi ko at hinila ko sya sa restroom..

Paglabas ko sa restroom, tinignan ako ni Mother at ni Angelie mula ulo hanggang paa.

"So?" tanong ko.. " Can we go down now? I want to go home"

Pareho silang nakangiti.

"I think this will work." Sabi ni Mother.

Patayo na kami ng dumating yung Pilot and co-pilot.

Tinignan nila ako, nagtataka siguro sila dahil naka stewardess attire ako.

"I can't remember you being in my staff?" tanong sa kin nung pilot. UY! Gwapo nga.. pero mas gwapo pa din si Andrew... hala! Here I go again! Kaya hindi ako maka-get-over sa kanya, palagi ko na lang kono-compare ang mga guys... unfortunately, wala pa kasing nakakalampas sa qualities ni Andrew... haaaayyy nako....

"Actually I'm not... I'm just admiring their uniforms... so I tried one out" I said smirking...

"Don't mind her,,, she can be a pest sometimes... " sabi ni Mother na tatawa tawa... " we just have to disguise her so that she won't get mobbed... I overheard earlier from your radio that press people are swarming all around the airport."

Tinignan nila ako ng mabuti nung co-pilot. Trying to figure out who I am.. then suddenly realization hit him.

" I know you!" sabi nung co-pilot.

I just smiled. Pero yung pilot hindi nya siguro ako kilala... well,, that's so sad... hehehehe

"Wow! I didn't know that Tanya in on board!" dagdag pa ng co-pilot. He took my hands and shook it.. " I'm Henry by the way." Aba masyado naming excited tong taong to! "This is our captain Anthony"

He smiled and we shook hands.

"Tanya.. " I said " and this is my friend Angelie, of course you already know Mother Reyna."

Angelie shook their hands and Mother Reyna just nodded.

"Ok. So what now? Can we go down now, parang tayo na lang natira dito sa plane. Lahat ata ng passengers naka baba na. iniwan na ata tayo ng service bus" sabi ko.

"That's ok" sabi ni Anthony. "you can ride with us."

"That will be splendid! " Sabi ni Mother. "let's go!"

Katabi ko si Anthony pagbaba ng plane,, at ang gentleman ha,, inalalayan pa ko... wenks.. as if I'm so helpless...

"So, you're a celebrity or something?"

"Or something... " Pilosopo mode? " Stewardess ako ngayon... and I think I like it." I said teasingly.

Natawa sya.. "Serously.... actress? Heiress? Bakit ka kailangan magtago sa press? O baka naman run away convict?"

Natawa ako... Loko to a.. sa ganda kong to? Preso ang drama ko?

I nudge him.. feeling close?

"None of the above... tingin tingin ka na lang sa mga billboards para magkaroon ka ng idea."

"Model?"

"Bingo!"

He smiled... he's cute,, but Andrew is gorgeous.... Waaaaa!!! Snap out of it Tanya!!!!! Mas lalo mo lang na-mi-miss si Andrew,, ngayon pang nasa Pinas ka na... I shook my head...

"Something wrong?"Tanong ni Anthony...

"Nothing..." I smiled...

We rode the service in silence.

Pagpasok naming sa terminal... biglang may mga nagtakbuhan!!!

"Oh Gosh! Press people!" I said alarmed... " Wala tayong security!"

Anthony and Henry tried to protect me... pero sila pala ang gustong ma-interview ng press... kaya sila ang pinalibutan. Oo nga naman.. sila ang men of the hour.. the hero of the plane.

Haaaaayyyy.... To my relief, hindi nila siguro ako namukhaan... I tried to slip away bago pa nila ako makilala.

"hey!" sigaw ni Anthony "Can I have your number!"

Sinigaw ko yung CP num ko.. bahala na sya kung mamemorize nya yun... wa na ko paki. Tumalikod na ako at nagmadaling umalis. That's the time I felt someone looking at me... tumingin ako sa paligid... and at the corner of my eye... I think I saw him! I haven't fully looked, what is he doing here? Alam ba nya na dadating ako? Natatakot ako kung ano ang makikita ko... I don't want to see his expression... galit ba sya? Masaya? does he still love me? Does he still care for me? O gosh! But I miss him so much! I Closed my eyes... This is unbearable... sige na, sige na... kahit Glimpse lang... tapos iiwas na ako... I can't bear not to see him.. kahit konti lang... I miss him soooo mmuch

"Andrew?" I whispered...

But when I focused on the place where I thought I saw him... wala na sya... o wala naman talaga sya? Am I just hallucinating? Ito na ba ang effect ng pag-uwi ko? Naku naman! Nababaliw na talaga ako! O Gosh! I want to board a plane again and leave this country for good... But I can't! ano ba namang klaseng predicament ang meron sa kin ngayon!

Face it Tanya.. you have to get over it! I scolded myself...

Yeah.. I might as well face it... kahit na magkanda loko-loko ako... I have to get over him for good! Sooner or later, I have to meet him face to face.. I just hope it will be later.

Then I felt my heart ripping apart....

***

"Ano ba naman tong lungga ni kuya! Wala man lang kapag-ka-pagkain! I'm starving!" naghahalungkat ako ng pagkain sa ref ni kuya Stanly... alam kong nandito sya sa Pinas at dito rin sya ngayon tumutuloy, pero bakit parang wala man lang kalaman laman ang ref,,, kahit tubig wala. Anong purpose at nakabukas pa tong reg na to!

Natatawa na lang sa kin si Angelie.

"Ganyan ka ba talaga magutom!"

"Nangangain ako ng tao! Parang 2 meals ang na-skip ko kaya... anong oras na ba? Kain na nga lang tayo sa labas.. alam ko may malapit na resto dyan..."

Before kami makalabas ng pinto, biglang bumukas ito at pumasok si Kuya Stanly.

Nanlaki mga mata nya... I don't blame him, hindi naman kasi ako nagpasabi na uuwi ako.

"Kuya Stanly!!!!!" Tumakbo ako sa kanya at niyakap ko sya..

"Hey!!!! Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Hmmmp! Nice to see you too kuya! Kainis ka, parang ayaw mo akong nandito a!"

"Hmmmm.. ikaw talaga! Alam mo naman na kung pwede lang talaga, gusto ko na magkakasama na ulit tayo. Well anyway, now that you're here, have you eaten already."

"hindi pa nga! Ano ba naman kasi tong condo mo, kahit chips wala! You need a wife!"

Natawa sya. At napatingin sya kay Angelie.

"Ay kuya.. This is my friend. Angelie. Dito muna kami sa unit mo, kasi hindi naman alam baka naman sa susunod na araw balik Italy na kami, kaya hindi na kami kukuha ng apartment. I know you don't mind diba?!" pinandilatan ko sya ng mata.

Alam ko na ayaw nya ma-invade ang privacy nya... pero wala syang magagawa.

"And you've decided without consulting me first." Sabi ni Kuya na halos pabulong lang, obvious na irritated... hay nako tong kuya kong suplado, umiral na naman...

"I know,, but you can't resist me, you love me so much. Diba kuya? " I said sweetly... ganyan lang naman yan,, konting lambing, bibigay din hehehehe... " luv you kuya...." Dagdag ko pa...

"Alright alright,,, wala naman talaga akong magagawa. Spoiled brat!" sabi nya at ginulo gulo ang buhok ko.

"Arrrrgggg! Stop messing my hair....You!!!!! "

"I just miss you... ganda mo ngayon a!. ano bang mga pinakain sa yo bakit ka mas lalog gumanda?"

"It's the natural me, wag ka ng magtaka!. Hahahaha!" hinila ko na ang kamay ni kuya palabas. "Tamang tama, ilibre mo kami ni Angelie.. sobrang gutom na kami!"

"O sige, san mo gustong kumain?"

"Sa Mcdo!, miss ko na French fries.. Let's go Angelie.. baka magbago pa isip ni kuya.."

Lumabas na kami ng pinto habang sinusuot ko yung basball cap. SOP ko na palagi na magsulot ng something just to cover my face whenever I go out.

"By the way, how's my car? Inaalagaan mo ba?"

"Hindi."

"GANON!"

"Hindi ako, yung mechanic. " he said teasingly.

Hinampas ko sya sa braso at tatawa tawa sya.

"Ummmm kuya.. can we talk later after we have dinner... there's just some things that I want to know.. "

"Ok. Ihatid na lang natin si Angelie dito then we'll go to your favorite coffee shop."

"Ok.. Angelie ok lang ba sa yon a ihatid ka na lang muna naming dito after dinner? May pupuntahan lang kami ni kuya Stanly mamaya."

"Sure no problem... Kahit hindi nyo na ako ihatid.. I know I can find my way back.. I have a good sense of direction."

"Ay hindi pwede.. basta hated ka naming mamaya.. diba kuya? "

"Sure... " he said with his suplado tone... ang yabang talaga nitong gurang na to! Grrrrrrr! Sasapakin ko to, sinusupladuhan yung kaibigan ko.. ang bait bait ni Angelie! Grrrrrr.... Buti na lang at parang wala lang kay Angelie... deadma... Ang hirap ispelengin talaga ng ugali ni kuya.. hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nya tinatago ang tunay na kulay nya... ang ganda naman sobra ng kaibigan ko. Kung tutuusin nga, model type sya... hindi papahuli ang beauty nya sa mga top models... hay nako ewan ko ba sa kanya... hmmmp. Basta ako, gusto ko ng fries and sundae!

***

"So what do you want to talk about?" Tanong ni kuya Stanly ng nasa coffee shop na kami.

Hmmmm pano ko ba itatanong to sa kanya... pinaglalaruan ko yung coffee using the stirrer.

"Ummmm... ano kasi... hmmmmm..."

NGumiti si kuya...

"What happened to the ever confident sister of mine? you should be more confident now that you're this bigshot supermodel!"

Natawa ako!

"Ano ka ba kuya.. anong big shot, big shot ang pinagsasasabi mo dyan.."

"Just stating the obvious.. you're everywhere. Nasusuya na nga ako sa mukha mo!"

"Hmmmp! If I know. You miss me so much!"

"True.. and I'm so proud of you."

Aaaaaaa.... Hehehehehe... kuya's girl kaya ako... and I love my kuya sooo much... feeling senti?

I just smiled and I know that he understood...

"So kuya... ummm ano kasi .. " hay eto na naman ako...

"What?" natatawa sya sa kin... "you want to ask me about someone in particular?"

"Ummmm.. sort of.. well.. "

"Look Tanya, I don't quite understand what happened between the two of you, and I know it's none of my business but I'm your brother, and I'm really concerned about you. Bigla kang umalis ng bansa, and I haven't seen you for the past year. And we only get a few phone calls from you. It's hard to penetrate your barrier, iniwasan mo lahat ng mga taong concerned sa 'yo... and you didn't give up a very good explanation."

I pouted... hala nagsermon na si kuya... huhuhuhuhuhu... pero mukhang hindi naman sya galit, mukhang nag-aalala lang.

He sighed..

"I'm sorry" sabi nya "ngayon na nga lang ulit tayo nagkita, sinesermonan pa kita.. but I really think you really deserve it, and some spanking.." he said teasingly.. at least medyo nawala ang tension.

"I'm sorry kuya..." I said not looking at him.

Silence..

"I think somebody else deserves to hear those words from you.."

"I know, but I can't... As much as I wanted to.. "

Silence..

"Kuya... kamusta na sya? I know you've been working with him for the past few months?"

He looks at me seriously , parang tinitimbang nya ako.

"He's good. He recovered. And We're already part of the Fajardo group, since napaka laki ng investment nya sa company natin, but good thing is, We still have it on full control"

"And...?"

"What do you want to know Tanya?"

Ano ba yan? Kailangan bang question and answer.. hindi na lang sya mag kwento ng mag kwento. Shy naman akong mag tanong ng diretso...

"Ummm.. how about our house? Katulad ng tinanong ko sa 'yo a few months back.. can we still buy it back? Kahit double na yung interest?"

He sighed.

"Well, about the house... I really tried to talk and have a deal with him about that, unfortunately, nakapangalan na daw sa ibang tao yung bahay, we have to find the new owner and try to buy it from him. Problem is, he is not revealing the name."

"Ohh.. ganon ba?" nalungkot naman ako don. I was hoping that we can buy it back. That house means so much to me, there are so many fond memories during my growing up stage.

"Don't worry, I have it investigated, let's just keep out fingers cross and hope that the new owner will consider selling it."

I smiled. At least there's still hope.

"Anything else that you want to know" He asked knowingly.

I know that he can read my mind... ewan ko ba dito, inaantay pa talagang ako ang magtanong... grrrrrrrr... sinasadista na naman ako!

"Kuya naman e, alam mo naman yung gusto kong malaman!"

He laughed.

"Hindi ka pa rin talaga nagbabago, akala ko nag-mature ka na, you look so sophisticated on your photos" umiling -iling sya.."Kung alam lang nilang napaka-isip bata mo pa rin, mawawalan ka ng endorsements."

"Weh! Di rin! Hahahahaha! Spill na kasi..."

"You want to know kung may girlfriend na syang iba?"

Huminga ako ng malalim and unconsciously, hinahawakan ko na pala yung necklace na regalo sa kin ni Andrew.. I never took it off, kapag nirerequire lang saka ko lang ito inaalis, Para maski papano, I can keep Andrew close to my heart...

Kuya Stanly looked at me with pity..

Gosh.. what does that mean?

"Before I answer your question... Do YOU still love him?"

"Ano bang klaseng tanong yan kuya! Bakit ba kailangan mo pang tanungin?"

He just looked at me and he smirked...

Wala akong balak sagutin yun.... I corssed my arms in my chest and pouted.

He smiled..

"Ok I know you won't answer my question, It's a touchy subject for you... But it's really obvious... " umiling iling sya... "so I want you to look at me and listen to me carefully."

I nodded. I don't like the tone of his voice.

"Remember the time we had a chat in Hong Kong?"

I nodded..

"Remember I told you that, it's once in a lifetime that you can meet your soul mate and I told you not to waste it? Remember"

I nodded again...

"No matter how valid your reason is for leaving, you should have fought for him the way he fought for you with his life. If you really love that person you should have stayed with him no matter what, he could have fought for you, you know... but you didn't stay, iniwasan mo pa sya.... Masakit man itong sasabihin ko sa yo, but you really have to hear it. You became weak, you should have trusted him more. He doesn't have a choice but to let you go. Because. As your actions says, you don't love him that much."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"I do! I do love him! That's why I have to leave... His mom was right,, I just spell trouble for him... and I can't bear to see him hurt or in trouble just because of me."

"Then you underestimated him. He would have done anything for you, if you just have stayed. "

Aray naman! Tumatama lahat ng sinasabi sa kin ni kuya. Have I really made the wrong decision?

" I know you are strong and you are a fighter. But you have to learn to fight for things that truly matters." He sigh and took my hands "Well, past is past, you just have to face it.. always remember that you win or loose by the way you choose. So whatever will happen in the future, I hope you will think twice before you act. There will be things that will hurt you in the near future. Be strong Tanya and do what you think is best and remember the things that I told you tonight. FIGHT FOR THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTERS. Your happiness will depend on it."

I nodded, not really understanding what the message behind his words. Pero kinakabahan ako. I have a feeling that something will happen in the not so distant future...

*******************************************[39] Chapter 37*******************************************AN

Haaay salamat nakapag-UD rin.. pero guys.. I'm still suppperrrr ovvveerrr to the max... BZ to the highest level.. kaya antay antay na lang kayo sa next UD.. for I really don't know when will that be...

Thanks for reading!

BTW, I really don't like rude comments.. kapag nakakabasa ako ng ganon,, tinatamad tuloy akong magsulat... so kung gusto nyong tamarin ako magsulat then,, punuin nyo ito ng rude comments... hehehehehe.... kung gusto nyong ganahan akong magsulat.. then write nice comments... hehehehe... well anyway... enjoy na lang tayong lahat... basta promise ko naman sa inyo na tatapusin ko ito... hang on! just a few more chaps... running to climax and conclusion na tayo.... YEHEY!... tip ko lang sa inyo... KILALANIN NYO SI ANDREW!

Chapter 37

Tanya

"Oh my God!!!! Girl!!!!!"" Nagtatatalon si Charlie habang yakap yakap ako sa leeg!!! AND SHE'S CHOKING ME!!!!!!

"Teka! Teka! Teka!!! AHEM!! AHEM! AHEM! Papatayin mo na ko! Mag hunos-dili ka!!!"

"Ayyy sorry!!"

Natawa si Angelie...

"Ang sweet nyo naman!" Sabi nya.

"Sweet ba yan? Pinapatay na nga ako!" I said laughing.. " Akala ko ako ang brutal!"

Mas lalong tumawa yung dalawa.

Kaka doorbell pa lang namin kanina nung sinalubong na kami ni Charlie.. nagkataon daw na napa silip sya sa CCTV at nakita nya yung kotse ko na nagpark. Nagtatakbo na daw sya palabas.

"Papasukin mo na kami... baka may mag-daan na pulis at sabihin na sinasadista mo ako!" Sabi ko...

"Loka! Anong sinasadista pinagsasasabi mo dyan!!"

"Ay girl, this is my friend, Angelie... Angelie, my sister Charlie."

"Sister?, I thought you're the only girl?"

"Actually, we're more than sisters, hindi nga lang kami magkadugo.."

"Malabo ata ang statement na yun a."

"Best friends for life..." Sabi ni Charlie. "Pero ewan ko ba dito, bestfriends nga tapos biglang nangiwan sa ere.." sinimangutan ako ni Charlie... niyakap ko naman sya..

"Pasensya na sis, wag ka na magtampo.."

She smiled.

" I know what happened.. pero you awe me an explanation for cutting me off... Don't do it again. Sobrang tampo ko talaga sa 'yo!"

"Oo na.. sorry talaga... so where's my babies? Hmmm siguro malaki na sila!!"

"Yup! Very handful, they're driving me nuts sometimes, and they're talking too!"

"Wow! Let me see them!.."

"Later girl... they're fast asleep.."

"Ah. Ok.."

Dumiretso kami sa pool area... at sabi ko na nga ba, magkakasundo silang dalawa ni Angelie. Pareho kami ng mga wavelength.. though si Angelie mas mature compare sa ming dalawa,,, mas lalo na sa kin na lagi nilang tinutuksong isip bata.. isip bata na kung isip bata, maganda naman.. bwahahahahaha! Ang kapal sobra!!!!

"By The way, pinadala ko dito mamaya yung mga pasalubong ko mamayang hapon pa daw kasi available yung truck ni kuya.., kasama na don mga birthday gifts nila, diba nung Monday birthday nila, so how's the party? I bet bonggang bongga yun... "

"We haven't celebrated it yet... " I saw her eyes sparkle... hmmmm " and you are right on time... "

Tumaas ang kilay ko... and I gave her a questioning look.

"Gusto kasi ni Zack na weekend ang celebration para maka-attend yung mga relatives, so we're making the party tomorrow!!!!"

"OOOOHHH! Goody!" on second thoughts.. napaka prominent ng family nilang mag-asawa, halos lahat ng mga occasion nila ay pinagkakaguluhan ng mga press.

"What girl? Ano na naman ang iniisip mo?" Tanong ni Charlie...

"I'm not worrying, I'm just wondering..."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Charlie.. She knows me too much..

"Ano ba girl! Wala na talaga akong mitago sa yo!"

"Ano bang problema?"

"Press... " I said knowingly..

"Well, Zack and I agreed that since this is a family affair, we see to it that no press is invited. And don't worry, they don't even know the twin's birthday..."

"Good!" I said hopefully.. hmmm mukhang makaka-attend talaga ako a... tutal wala pa naman akong trabaho, sa Monday pa mag-s-start ang kalbaryo ko.. hehehehe... pero..... Imposibleng hindi

dadating si Andrew...

"O Ano na naman yang mukhang yan!" tanong ni Charlie...

"E si ano.... Invited ba? "

Medyo naging curious si Angelie... hindi ko pa kasi kinukwento sa kanya ang full details tungkol kay Andrew. And she's too polite to ask.

"It'll be impossible for us not to invite him you know... "

Nagbuntong hininga ako...

"Don't tell me you won't attend because of him..."

Silence...

"hindi ako papayag na hindi ka pumunta. Ang laki ng kasalanan mo sa kin,, kaya sa birthday naman ng mga inaanak mo bumawi ka... and BTW, just to make it a little lighter for you,,, The theme is COSPLAY... we are all going to have costumes and stuff, if you want you can have your disguise..."

Hmmmmm... that sounds soooo interesting....

Napa ngiti ako...

"That'll be fun!!!"

"Angelie, I also won't accept no for an answer.. you're coming to the party too.." She said matter of factly.

Napangiti din sya.. "Nakakahiya naman sa family mo... kakakilala pa lang naming."

"Any friend of Tanya is also a friend of mine... " and shweet naman ni bestfriend!!!!!

She smiled.

"I really think that I'll enjoy myself tomorrow... "

"Great!" sabi ni Charlie.. " Now let's go!" at tumayo.. hatak hatak kaming dalawa ni Angelie

"O bigla-bigla ka namang let's go dyan! At saan naman tayo pupunta????"

"Syempre, mag-co-costume hunting!!!"

***

Kung saa-saan kami nagpuntang shops at wala kaming nakitang costume na satisfied kami... well,, Charlie already had a costume.. if you call that a costume.. Barbie and Ken ang drama nilang mag-sasawa... granted they look beautiful,, pero parang casual clothes lang ang suot nun! Walang kahirap hirap!... dadaanin lang ni Charlie sa wig at make-up... hmmmm... ako naman ayoko naman ng Disney stuff eke k... pambata.. hahahaha! As if naman, children's party ang occasion! Hahahahaha!!!! Pero kahit na.. ayokong magmukhang clown baka may mga paparazzi.. hehehehehe.... Anyway,, ng napagod na kaming lahat, nag-voulnteer na lang si Angelie na sya na ang gagawa ng costume naming dalawa.. bibili na lang kami ng materials... she decided to go as Lara Croft... no need to make her costume,,, we just bought stuff at the mall and props... at ako naman,,, dahil medyo maarte ng konti pero I decided na hindi ko masyadong pahihirapan si Angelie... konti lang... I will go as Erza Scarlet.. dahil gusto ko ng red hair... at para medyo dramatic,, I bought a red contacts,, para kapag may makulit na bata pandidilatan ko na lang... hahahahahaha!!!!! Nag-volunteer din si Charlie to paint the flames in the pants... e di bongga na ang costume namin! Hehehehehe!!!! Nakaka-excite naman ito! I can't wait to wear may costume! Esp my red hair and eyes... hihihihihihi!

We were back at Charlie's place and Angelie is bz making my pants in the family room, pants ba o pajama? Hehehehe,, whatever... She's using her portable sewing machine na dinaanan muna namin sa condo bago kami bumalik kila Charlie... we brought also some overnight thingies because Charlie wants us to spend the night at their place... what can I say, she missed me so much.. hehehehe... or if I know... she just want to have a chat with me and scold me to death... hehehehe. Nanay nga e,, haaaayyy.... Kaya nga ayaw ko umuwi puro sermon talaga ang aabutin ko... huhuhuhuhuhu... WHATEVER!!!! DEADMA NA NGA LANG!!!!

"Remember Tanya, this is a children's party,,, not too revealing... " sabi ni Charlie ng inaayos ko ang tops ko...

"Oo naman ano... " I said .. I'm sooo excited on wearing my red wig.. hihihihihi.... Gusto ko nga sanang pakulayan talaga ang buhok ko, kaso pinigilang ako ng lola ko... si Angelie...

hahahahaha!!! May nanay na may lola pa! ano ba naman yan! Ang daming kontrabida sa buhay ko! Hmmmmp!!!!

"Tanya is that you?!"

Napalingon ako, hindi ko napansin na dumating na pala si Zack, masyado akong engross sa costume ko..

"Zack!! Kamusta na! gwapo mo pa rin a.."

Napatawa sya.. Lumapit sya sa kin and he gave me a hug...

"Hey, it's been a while. You look gorgeous, Milan suits you real well... "

"Thanks! By the way.. my friend, Angelie.. Angelie, this is Charlie's Husband, Zack.. "

They shook hands.. Angelie is obviously impressed by Zack... who would not? Super hunk talaga yung taong yun

Lumapit si Zack kay Charlie and he kissed her on the lips...

"Sensored na ba ito? Kailangan nab a naming umalis ni Angelie?" I said teasingly.

Natawa yung mag-asawa. "Oo! Alis na kayo,,, malaking hadlang kayong dalawa!" sabi ni Charlie na tatawa-tawa...

"Bribe us!" Sabi ko...

Umupo si Zack Katabi ni Charlie, looking at what she's doing.

"What's that? Another costume? Masyado mong dinidibdib ang party ng mga kids."

"It's Tanya's costume. She's not gonna wear this if I mess up."

"You bet I won't kaya gandahan mo yan!"

"Slave driver!" sabi ni Charlie

I gave her a very teasing smile...

Zack looked at me.. "Does Andrew know that you're already here?"

Muntik na kong mahulog sa kinauupuan ko...

"I guess that's a no.. " Sabi ni Zack...

Ano bang sasabihin ko?

"Ummmm... eeeeee.... " I hate it when I do that!... e sa hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko e...

"You don't have to explain." He said giving me a reassuring smile..

"Is he coming tomorrow?"

"yes.." He said looking at me if he's trying to assess me... what's with that look? Is there something that I have to know? Or is there something going on? Arrrgggg!!!! Kainis tong si Zack! I shrugged... well, he's Andrew's bestfriend after all... oh gosh.. buti nga at hindi sya galit sa kin for leaving his wounded bestfriend..

"Oh ok..." Iyon lang sinagot ko...

Angelie is looking at me curiously... gosh I have to be honest with her later.. I guess it's time for her to know the details.. hindi naman nya ako kinukulit,,, she respects my privacy. Well, she's already part of my 'in' group... so I might as well tell her.

"Stop torturing her Zack! Baka bigla na naming umalis yan!" then she turned to me " Don't worry girl, I got your back,, and to make you ease your mind... there's hundreds of guests tomorrow. At alam mo naman kung gaano kalaki ang backyard ng mga Montemayor, and you're in disguise... so please don't worry. If you're still not ready to face him. Then you'll be excused once you've spotted him. Sabi naman nya ma-la-late sya ng dating... Basta,, I want you there!"

I shrugged...

"And do it for the kids.. I know you love them so much.."

"Ano pa nga ba... e kung kayo lang ang may birthday.. paki kong pumunta... "

They laugh..

"You never changed Tanya.." Sabi ni Zack na tatawa-tawa.

***

Lumuwa ang mata ko ng Makita ko ang backyard ng mga Montemayor...

"You overdid it this time girl! I mean, THIS IS AMAZING!!!! TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!"

I said looking around. It looks like a mini amusement park!!!!

There are carousels, booths... bumper cars etc etc .. may ferris wheel pa, maliit nga lang, pambata.. hindi tuloy ako makakasakay... Pero over!!!! This is really great!!!! Grabe talagang party organizer tong si Charlie!!! THE BEST!!!!

"I think I'm gonna enjoy myself... " I said matter of factly...

Humarap ako kay Charlie, buhat buhat nya si Zia..

"Kidnappin ko muna si Zia... libot muna kami. In that way you can greet your guests... Zack, bigay mo muna kay Angelie si Charles... gala mode muna kami..."

"Angie bilis, kunin mo muna si Charles,, kapag dumating na mga visitors hindi na natin sila malalaro!"

"Excited much Tanya!"

"Of couse.. And I'm gonna have the time of my life!!! Enjoy while it last! Next week, work mode na tayo!"

Buti na lang at mahilig din sa bata si Angelie...

We tried all the safe rides... And I think both of the kids enjoyed it. We were about to have another carousel ride when we heard Charlie paging us to go to the stage... It's party time for the kids...

Pumunta kami sa stage at binigay na naming yung mga kids kay Charlie and Zack, ng mapansin naming na nakatingin sa min lahat ng mga kids at halos lahat nakanganga...

"It's Erza Scarlet and Lara Croft!!!!" one of kids shouted...

I waved... at nag-pose pose... hahahahaha!!! Feeling nila talaga anime ako!!! Hahahahaha!!!! Now where the heck did I put my samurai para kumpleto na a effect ng costume ko...I'm loving the attention.. hahahaha! Pero si Angelie parang naiilang... ayaw nya kasi ng limelight... hehehehehehe.. but she's gorgeous...

Nakakatawa naman.. manghang mangha silang lahat.. hahahahahaha!!

"Makaalis na nga... I should NOT take the lime light from the kids... " Bulong ko kay Charlie.

"Hey! But the kids love you!" she said teasingly...

"We're not clowns... ayan o ang dami mong clowns! Seriously,, these kids watch too much anime and computer games... bad.. very bad... tell that to their parents! " I said kunwari disappointed.. hehehehe... "Ummm... can we ride the bump cars? While you guys have your parlor games... "

"No!"

I pouted...

Natawa yung mag-asawa...

"Just kidding.. go ahead and enjoy yourselves.. kaya nga naglagay ako ng adult rides para maaliw din ang mga batang isip!"

We laughed... "Hmmm.. if I know,,, Inggit ka sa min, because we're having a good time!"

"Sige na, inggit na kung inggit! see you later!"

I waved at the kids... "Bye kids!!!"

"Bye Erza!"

Hahahahahaha! I like that!

Good thing nobody recognized me, even the adults... ... I'm ERZA SCARLET the anime right now, not Tanya Ramirez the supermodel... this is good.. this is really good...

We rode a few rounds on the bumper cars and we headed for the shooting gallery...

May mga teenagers boys doon na naglalaro... ng dumating kami ni Angelie napatunganga sila...

Angelie nudge me... "Iyang charm mo to the highest level talaga!... lumuluwa na mata ng mga yan sa yo!"

"hindi lang ako no! ikaw din kaya.."

"Di rin.." hinatak nya ako papalayo..."mamaya ka na nga sumingit dayn! Upo muna nga tayo.. napapagod na ko! Masyado kang hyper, hindi ako maka-cope up sa yo.."

"hahahahahaha!!! Ano ba yan Angie.. matanda ka lang ng 2 years sa kin, mahina na kagad ang tuhod mo? Hahahahahaha!"

"Pasaway! Hay nako ang hirap talaga ng may alagang bata!"

"Hmmmmp! Yabang! O sige umupo ka na nga muna dyan... ikukuha na lang kita ng ice cream.. " pinaupo ko sya sa mga kiddie chairs.. hehehehehe... "Dyan ka lang lola... baka mawala ka.. kuha lang ako doon sa ice cream booth.." I said teasingly...

I went to the Ice cream booth... buti na lang lahat ng mga kids nasa stage at nag-pa-parlor games... walang pila... I got 2 cones and I made my way back to where Angelie is sitting... as I was walking pass the stage,, I can't help but admire Charlie and her family... may konti akong naramdamang kirot sa puso ko.. they are so happy... so why am I feeling this way...

nagbuntong hininga ako...

maybe because, I also want to be happy like them, to have a family... I was soooo close to having that... But I guess it was not meant to be... successful nga sa career.. failure naman sa love life.. puro heartaches pa ang naramramdaman ko.... Hay nako!!

Then suddenly I bumped into someone's chest... Ano ba yan! Para akong tumama sa pader! I got off balance at muntik na akong tumumba kung hindi lang ako inalalayan ng lalaking nakabunggo ko...

Napala ng hindi tumitingin sa dinadaanan... huhuhuhuhuhu... I'm sooo clumsy...

Hala lagot Yung Ice cream tuloy kumalat sa damit ng lalaki... waaaaaa!!!! Naku... mukhang designer clothes pa to... well what do you expect from Charlie and Zack's guests! Syempre puro mayayaman ang mga yan! Hindi naman siguro nagsusuot ng mga imitation na galling sa Divisoria ang mga peeps dito!

"Naku!!! Sorry.. sorry talaga... pesensya na, bulag ako e... " Hehehehehe.... I tried wiping the ice cream off his chest... Buti na lang marami akong tissue na kinuha...

"It's ok... no damage done... don't worry about it..." No damage? Kalat kalat na nga ice cream sa damit nya.. huhuhuhuhu...

"Sorry.. a... "

"It's ok... really..."

Hmmm teka parang kilala ko boses na yun a...

Tumingin ako sa mukha nya... nanlaki mga mata ko..OMG!!!!

"ICE!"

Nagulat sya... hindi nya siguro ine-expect na kilala ko sya... tinignan nya ako nga mabuti... Gosh! Effective talaga ata ang costume ko.. hindi nya ako namukhaan...

"Tanya.. Is that you? "

"A... heheheheh.... Yess?"

"Oh my God.. It's really you! It's been a while!" Niyakap nya ako...

OMG!!! Yung ice cream napunta na naman sa dibdib nya!!! NADAMAY PA TULOY AKO!!!! Waaaaaa!

"ICE! ICE! Let go please... puro ice cream na tayo!!!!"

"Oooopppsss sorry!" He let me go...

EEEEEWWWWWW! I got Ice cream all over me too!!!! AARRRGGG! Ang lagkit! YUUUUCCCKKK!

He took the Ice cream away from my hands and threw it in the nearest trash bin.

Lumapit sa kin si Ice at inabot sa kin yng panyo nya...

"Naku... kukuha na lang ako ng tissue... madudumihan naman yang panyo mo... "

"No you take it... That's the main purpose of a hankie, it will just serve its purpose... "

I smiled and took the hankie and I tried to wiped the ice cream from my clothes... Yuckie talaga!

"Sorry..." sabi ni Ice.

"It's ok... It's actually my fault... well anyway.. It's nice seeing you again..."

"yeah.. I didn't recognize you..."

"Who would? That's the purpose of the costume... at ang daya mo! Bakit nga ba hindi ka naka-costume?"

"Not everybody does..."

I looked around... oo nga naman... karamihan sa mga adults hindi naka-costume... mga party spoilers.. well anyway... they're missing out all the fun...

I went back to the Ice cream and Ice tagged along...

"Ummm Tanya... Last time we talked you said that you have something to say to me.. then you disappeared in thin air... I tried to contact you but I guess that has been impossible for you became a celebrity.. Well,, don't get me wrong... but I'm really proud of you... and hey,, you really look absolutely gorgeous... "

"Thanks Ice.. " I smiled. He took the Ice cream and we went back to where Angelie is sitting...

May kausap na lalake si Angelie... hmmm.... Hindi ko sya kilala, he's one of the guests.. malamang!!! Hahahaha, ang talino mo talaga Tanya,, sympre,, wala dito yan kung hindi sya guest... hay nako ang utak ko talaga .. hmmmm... from the looks of the guy.. mukha naman syang mabait at hindi mukhang lalapain si Angelie..

"Hey girl,, nawala lang ako sandal pinagpalit mo na ako??? " I teased.. "here's your ice cream baby!"

Natawa si Angelie... and she gave me that 'What the hell' look...

I smiled like a cat... "And who's your friend sweetheart?" I asked...

But JC was looking at me and Ice...

"Hey Ice,, buddy... " Sabi nung lalake kay Ice.. and they shook hands...

Hmmm.. magkakilala pala sila... ahem... baka 1 sa mga barkada nila ni Zack? O Kamag-anak? Hmmm ... I wonder,, I've never seen him before...

"Tanya this is JC, He's part of the Montemayor clan,,, I just don't know where the hell he came from... " We laughed... singaw pala to e... hahahahaha!!! "Kidding aside... Pinsan din namin sya ni Zack.. he's just visiting...actually we're neighbors in the States... "

Hmmmm... dumadami ata ang lahi ni Zack dito sa Pinas... well.. maganda yun!!! Dumadami ang mga gwapo sa paligid! Hahahahaha!!!!

"JC, this is Tanya... Charlie's bestfriend.. "

"So you are the famous Tanya Ramnirez... it's very nice to meet you! " Famous daw o! CHOZ! Ano ba yan baka may makarinig!

"Shhhh.... Hey... be discreet about it... I'm Erza right now... don't blow my cover.. "

"Ummmm ... Ok..sorry.." He said smiling...

"Ice.. this is my friend.. Angelie... and JC, You already met her so no need for me to do the

introductions... " I Smiled...

"Since we have rudely interrupted your conversation.." Sabi ni Ice kila JC.. " I will Entertain Tanya first so you can continue with your chat... "

Before I can protest, hinila na ako ni Ice...

"Hey!!!!! Baka kung anong gawin non sa lola ko!"

"Lola? Is that what you call her?" Natatawa si Ice...

"Well, she's older than me... at kung makabantay at maka-asta para ko talagang lola... but she's sweet.. super! May pagka mysterious nga lang.. but overall, I really like her... "

Naglakad-lakad lang kami.. stopping at some booth that looks interesting... na-miss ko na rin si Ice. Ang gwapo nya ngayon! May girlfriend na kaya ito? Just wondering...

"Ummm.. Ice... I'm really sorry last year... we never got to talk... ummm.. you know... "

He sighed... He looked at me and he smiled... I can see some traces of pain in his eyes... O gosh!!! I'm such a witch! Mukhang hindi lang si Andrew ang nasaktan ko... waaa! Pati rin si Ice... What a pathetic looser I am... haaaayyy!

"I'm guessing that you already know what happened." I said...

Tumango lang sya...

"There are just some things that I don't quite understand... but, yeah... I already know what happened..."

Silence...

"I'm sorry Ice... "

He looked at me and he smiled...

"you don't need to apologize.. "

He led me to a more private place where no one can hear us and we sat on a bench.

"I was really planning to have a long chat with you last year... Ice... " I looked at him . "I really like you... really I do... It's just that... I fell in love with Andrew... " Then I looked away...

Silence...

He sighed... Gosh I know I hurt him... Ayoko syang tignan.. I don't want to see the pain n his eyes... but I just can't lead him on.

"Do you still love him?"

Hindi ako nakapagsalita... I don't know what to say...

After a while I said... " I still need time to sort out my feelings right now, being together with Andrew is a big question right now, there are lots of things to consider and I don't think that he still feels the same way about me, for all I know, he's fuming mad at me right now" I sighed and this time I looked at him in the eye ... " But I don't want to lead you on.. It's unfair on your part... there's so many gorgeous ladies out there who will be battling for your affection, and damn! You're hotter right now than the last time I saw you!"

Natawa sya...

"You never fail to make me laugh... that makes you so special.. "

I Smiled... I could have fallen for him... he's so sweet and handsome... Pero iba pa rin ang nararamdaman ko kay Andrew... This just proves that I'm still head over heels in-love with Andrew... I'm soooo screwed right now!

"We can still be friends?" He asked

I smiled...

"Yes we can... "

"And friends can have their numbers you know.."

I laugh... talga tong si Ice.. hindi na lang tanungin ng diretso ang number ko...

"where's your phone?"

He took it out and gave it to me... I punched in my number..

"Just call me... I left mine in my bag... speaking of bag... I must have left it in Zack's car... well anyway... we should head back... baka kailanganin na naman nila ng clown..."

Tumayo kami...

"If you're a clown, then you're the best looking clown I've ever met! Iyan na ba ang usong clown costume ngayon?" He said while we walk side by side and made our way in the party area...

Natawa naman ako sa statement nya! Ano ba tong taong to!!!

"Don't tell me you don't watch anime? Fairy tale?? "

He shook his head...

"Whatever...." haaaayyyy... ang mga gurang nga naman... wala ng alam sa mga bagay bagay... hahahahahaha!!!!!

"And why aren't you in costume?"

"I should have worn a superman costume,,, but I can't wear briefs on top of my tights!"

Inimagine kong naka superman costume si Ice!... grbe major turn off at natawa ako..

"See! Hindi mo pa nga ako nakikitang naka costume natatawa ka na!"

"Sayang! You'll be a total clown! Hahahahahahaha!!!!!"

I was laughing my heart out when suddenly I stopped at my tracks... nanlaki ang mga mata ko... I never expected him to be here this early... My heart skipped a beat... he is sooo handsome... OH MY GOSH!!!!!

He was talking to someone... They are sooo close... she said something that made him laugh... then I saw him kissed her in her forehead... then he took her hands and walked away... then I remembered the girl... Si Charisse...

Hindi ako nakakibo... hindi ako nakapagsalita... natulala na lang ako sa kinatayuan nila... I felt my heart slowly breaking into thousands of pieces..... naramdaman kong nangingilid ang luha ko... hindi ko inasahan na ganito ang magiging reaction ko... Ang sakit! I thought I can handle it... I know I expected it... alam ko naman na hindi sya magpapakamartir na magintay sa kin... now that I know... IT HURTS LIKE HELL!

"Tanya.. are you alright?" Alam kong nakita din nya si Andrew at si Clarisse...

"I don't know... I think I want to go home... ummm... can you take me? And can you ask JC to take Angelie home.. we're staying at kuya Stanly's condo... I don't think that I can proceed to the party area... Can I just wait for you at the front gate?"

He nodded... I know he understood... " will you be alright while I talked to JC?

"I'll be fine... "

He walked away and I made my way thru the front gate...

I won't be fine... ... knowing Andrew has a girlfriend already .... I don't know if I'll ever be fine again...

*******************************************[40] Chapter 38*******************************************AN...

no proof read... kaya alam kong maraming mali... anyway... nung sinusulat ko to... bigla na lang naging ganyan ang turn out... I may or may not edit this.. basta bahala na...

Chapter 38

Tanya

I drowned myself at work for the next couple of days... Pero kahit na anong gawin ko.. hindi maalis sa isip ang mga nakita ko... I can fake happiness in front of the camera.. pero hindi ako nakatakas kay Angelie...

Pack-up na kami and it's almost 2 in the morning... so late.. but it's worth it... everybody's satisfied with the shoot... At himala si Mother Reyna nag-stay hanggang matapos..

"So Mother... hindi ba tutubuan ka ng gabundok na eyebugs nyan... bakit hindi ka na lang kasi umuwi kanina.. I know you hate late shoots... sira na beauty sleep mo!" I said teasingly...

"And let them ruin my beautiful clothes! No way!" He said but smiled.

"You know, Angelie can handle them."

"I know.. but I don't trust those other designers.." He said looking one designer in particular. I know that one is so jealous of Mother Reyna's success. He's sooo creepy...

"Well anyway... you have an interview tomorrow,, it'll be in the afternoon so you can doze off the whole morning... binigay ko na kay Angelie yung isusuot mo bukas.. no show muna ako ha... alam mo naman na kailangan kong magpaganda.. hahahahaha!!!"

Natawa na lang kami sa change of mood ni Mother...

"Ummm Mother... when are we going back to Milan?"

"Have you seen your schedule lately my darling?"

I shook my head...

"well,, due to your overwhelming popularity... dumami ng dumami ang commitments mo!!! I'm so proud of you my darling!... baka matagalan pa tayo bumalik.. actually pinapunta ko na lang dito yung crew ng 1 photoshoot mo from Milan.. dahil sala-salabit na ang schedule mo... "

"What???!!! I thought we're only going to stay for a week or two? How about my other shoots abroad?"

"That's what's good about the situation... they are willing to come to the Philippines to have your photoshoots! Ganyan ka ka-in-demand a... "

My face fell... waaa! Akala ko sandali lang kami... at yung chances na makaharap ko si Andrew ay napakalaki... waaaaa!! What if Makita ko na naman silang magkasama ni Clarisse... madudurog na naman ang puso ko... haaaaayyyy...

"What's wrong honey? Are you tired? You want to have a vacation?"

"NO WAY!"

He laughed at my sudden outburst...

"Just fill up my schedule... mas maraming trabaho mas maganda.."

He looks at me sadly.. I think he understands what's going on inside my head.

"Tanya, Tanya, Tanya, Tanya... you can't run away forever... why don't you talk to him.. kung kayo talagang dalawa, walang makakapigil sa inyo...Pero kung hindi.. you need a closure, so you can move on peacefully with your life... "

Silence...

"I don't know mother.. I don't know what to think anymore.. part of me wants to get him back and fight for him.. but part of me also wants to let him go, knowing that I'm not good for him... hindi ko alam kung anong mas matimbang... "

Silence...

"You'll know the answer in due time.. pero wag mong patatagalin... baka naman magsisi ka kung tuluyan na syang mawala sa yo."

GOSH! He's making it more complicated!!!!!!

"What am I suppose to do?"

"Listen to your heart... then you'll know... "

We reached our cars

"Good luck on your interview tomorrow! Knock 'em dead!"

"Sige Mother,, susuntukin ko na lang sila! Hahahahhaa!

Natawa silang 2...

Sumakay na kami sa van namin and bade farewell to Mother...

"Tanya.. mukhang matatagalan pa talaga tayo dito. I think it's time for me to get my own place... nakakahiya na talaga sa kuya mo..."

"Wag mong alalahanin yun... super bait non... saka palagi naman tayong wala, sayang naman un rent mo sa apartment... "

"well,,, ayoko namang antayin ko pang palayasin ako ng kuya mo... haaaayyy,,, talaga bang magkapatid kayo? Napaka bait mo tapos sya SAKSAKAN NG SUNGIT!!! "

Natawa ako don a!

"Hindi naman talagang ganon yon! Mabait talaga yon promise! Ako bahala sa yo!"

Napabuntong hininga na lang sya...

"here's the deal... tatanungin ko si Mother kung hanggang kelan talaga tayo dito sa Pinas. Kung lalampas ng 1 month.. talagang maghahanap ako ng apartment. Whether you like it or not. "

"Hindi! Basta! Ako bahala kay kuya!"

Hindi na sya kumibo.. pero nakita ko sa mata nya na desidido sya.

Oh well... I just have to talk to kuya na wag nyang tarayan si Angelie...

"I met Andrew at the kid's party... he's one heck of a gorgeous guy... Akala ko gwapo na ang mga Montemayor na nakilala ko, may mas ga-gwapo pa pala sa kanila! Super hunk! Halos lahat ata ng single ladies tulala sa kanya sa party... ay correction, kahit hindi pala single... "

Oh gosh... here we go!!!! I know her long enough that she's trying to make me talk.

"Yeah... I know... "

"Iyon lang sagot mo.. I know..."

Silence...

"Sya yung iniiwasan mo ano... kasi nung dumating sya,,, para ka namang naglahong parang bula... buti na lang mabait si Charlie at naintindihan ka nya... I know your past with him is complicated, well what can I say, hindi ka naman siguro iiwas ng ganyan kung hindi komplicado."

I sighed. Better be honest right now...

"Complicated is an understatement... "

Silence..

"You still love him.. I know... "

"That's what makes it complicated... I love him but I can't."

"yeah that's complicated... so contradicting... "

I laugh...

"I know... "

"I also met someone that you don't want to meet.."

"Clarisse? Yeah I saw her..."

"Kaya siguro nawala ka... Now I know... "

Ayoko ng magsalita... masakit na...

"Waaaaa! I wanna go back to Milan!!!!!"

***

I over slept! I was suppose to wake up at noon!.. hindi kasi ako kagad nakatulog sumisikat na ang araw ng nakatulog ako! GOSH!!!!

Nasa loob na kami ng van papuntang TV station ng kinapa ko yung bag ko at wala don yung cellphone ko! ARRRRGGGG! Of all the time na makakalimutan ko yung CP ko, ngayon pa!.. mag d-dinner kami ni Charlie mamaya pero to follow yung venue! Kapag hindi ko dala ang cp ko,,, there's no way she can contact me! ARRRRGGGG!

Bago pa naka-andar yung van ay pinigilan ko na yung driver at dali-daling lumabas ng pinto.

Lumabas ako ng van at nagtatakbo papasok ng Building... HInalungkat ko yung bag ko para makuha ko yung key card ng unit...

Ano ba tong key Card na to!!!!! Ngayon pa nakipag-hide and seek sa kin!!! GRRRRR!!!!!!! This is one of the disadvantage of having a big bag!!!!!

Then suddenly I bump into something... or someone... para na naman akong tumama sa pader!!! ARRRGGG!!!! This is turning to be a habit! Napala na naman ng hindi tumitingin sa dinadaanan, buti na lang at hindi Ice Cream ang bitbit ko ngayon! Dahil sa impact ng pagkakabunggo ko,, I lost my balance I closed my eyes and waited for the painful impact of the floor.. Good thing, mabilis kumilos ang nakabangga ko at nasalo ako kagad bago ako tumama sa sahig... kung hindi bukol ang abot ko non! TV interview pa man din ang appointment ko,, that won't look good on TV... The guy help me stand on my feet but instead of letting me go he held me close in his chest for a while. Alam nya sigurong nagulat ako at hinintay nyang makarecover ako...

"Naku sorry talaga a... pasensya ka na.. I'm such a clutz sometimes... " Although it feels so awkward for me to be this close to him,,, but it feels so comfortable to be like this... ano ba to! Umiiral na naman ba ang pagka-flirt ko! Hahahahaha!!!! Hindi naman siguro.... Slight lang... feeling ko kasi ang ganda ng katawan nitong lalaking to, nakaktakot nga lang tingnan baka ang ganda ng katawan pero mukhang bakulaw naman... hihihihihi... hay Tanya! Umiral na naan ang pagka pintasera mo!!!! Bad yan!

"Nasaktan ka ba?"

I caught my breath.... Napahawak ako sa necklace na nakasabit sa leeg ko... I felt m heart beating unusually fast...

OH!!! NOOO!!!!!!

PANIC MODE!!!!

I KNOW THAT VOICE!!!!!! HOW CAN I FORGET THAT VOICE!!!

Kaya pala!!!! Kaya pala I feel so at home in his embrace.... SHOCKS!!! How can this happen to me! Not now!!!! I'm not ready to face him!

"Tanya?"

I slowly looked up to his face... Oh Gosh!!!! I miss him so much!!!

"Drew?"

Grabe na to!!! Naptulala na ako!!!

How I really want to touch him, to run my hands thru his face... he has this look of concern in his eyes ...

"Ummmm..."

Gosh! What am I suppose to say!

He smiled... and my heart skipped a beat.... ARRRRGGGGGG!!!!!! I think that missing him is now an understatement!!

Pinakawalan na nya ako...

"You look good... This supermodel thing has done great to you... " Sabi nya

"Ummmm.. thanks... "

Iyon lang... hindi ba nya ako papagalitan? Hindi na nya ako susupladuhan? Won't he talk bad to me for leaving him behind? This is sooo confusing! Hindi ko ma-get! He's just standing there looking so gorgeous without a hint of anger in his eyes... naka tingin lang sya sa kin...

SAY SOMETHING TANYA!!!! APOLOGIZE OR SOMETHING!!! ANYTHING!!!!

E anong sasabihin ko... napapatulala lang talaga ako!

"Ummmm Andrew.... "

Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay may tumawag sa kanya...

"Andrew!"

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita... sino pa nga ba? Si Clarisse... she's beautiful as always... angelic and poise just like my best friend Charlie... na sobrang na-inlove si Andrew dati... ano pa bang laban ko ngayon... ideal girl nya si Charlie, and Clarisse is just like her...

OUCH!!!! Ang sakit!

Lumapit si Clarisse sa min at sinukbit ang kamay ny sa braso ni Andrew... from the looks of it... who can deny that they have a relationship...

"Tanya! It's you! Can you still remember me? " she seems so genuinely excited to see me...

Gusto ko sanang tarayan, supladahan, at palabasin sa lungga si Tanya Bitch ... pero.... She seems to be nice. At wala naman syang kinalaman sa min ni Andrew... I think she don't deserve to be snubbed...

"Yeah.. of course I remember you Clarisse... "

"Wow! You're still down to earth even though you're already this super celebrity!!!"

I smiled... kahit na medyo mabigat ang puso ko...

"It's just a job... "

I have to go... I can't bear to look at them like that... and the way she held Andrew... O gosh... I think it's killing me... at hindi man lang pumapalag si Andrew... Hindi naman ako stupid para hindi mabasa ang mga kinikilos nila... It's just that... I don't know... hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong maramdaman ngayon... basta ang alam ko masakit!

I'm just wondering kung meron pa kayang nararamdaman sa kin si Andrew??? In less than a year, nakalimutan na ba nya ako? Hindi ko mabasa ang mukha nya... Hindi ko mabasa kung may pagtingin pa ba sya sa kin... On second thoughts,,, I can't blame him kung kinalimutan na nya ako...

I sighed... I have to go... I can't bear this...

" I... I have to go... it's nice seeing you again Clarisse... " patakbo na ako ng naramdaman kong hinawakan ako sa braso ni Andrew...

Napatigil ako at napatingin sa kamay nyang nakahawak sa kin...

"Tanya..."

I looked in his eyes.... A pleading look? Why??? O gosh! I'm getting more confused by the minute...

"What?" I held my breath...

All I want is to hear him say that everything will be alright... All I want is for him to assure me that he still loves me and that he forgives me for leaving him behind... that we can go back to where we've left before all the craziness took place in our lives...

Hindi ko alam kung ilang minute kaming nagkatitigan... then he let go of my arm...

"Nothing... " then prang naging blangko ang mata nya... as if he's no longer feeling anything... as if he's blocking all the emotions that he's feeling... I don't understand!!!

I'm sooo confused!!!!

I just shook my head and took off...

***

"Earth to Tanya! Earth to Tanya!!!!!! Hey!!!!! You only have 2 minutes to compose yourself before the interview!!!! Snap out of it!!!"

"ooops sorry!" Hala! Ano ba to! Natutulala ako! Nawawala ako sa sarili ko!!!

FOCUS TANYA!!!

I closed my eyes... and counted to Ten...

YOU CAN DO THIS TANYA... just don't think anything.... Wala yon! Pretend that you didn't see him... na mukha syang bakulaw or something!

Instead I pictures his beautiful eyes looking intently at me!!!

I Quickly opened my eyes!!!!

ARRRGGGG!!! This is getting harder and harder!

"Hey.... " Angelie touched my shoulders....

"I can do this.. don't worry..."

She looked at me and gave me her sweetest smile, she held my hand.

"I know you can do this... I believe in you.. just like what you did on your very first catwalk... you were so nervous then... but you pulled it thru... I know Andrew is bothering your mind right now... but you have to do your best to overcome it... you can deal with him later... but right now,,, you have to kick butts!!! And show them who Tanya is!!!"

I Smiled... What will I do without Angelie... She's really the Ate that I never had... well,, Charlie is my twin... pero Angelie is like my ate... Hmmm... wish ko nga talagang ate ko sya... hehehehe.

"Ok sige totoo na to.... I CAN DO THIS!!!!!"

After a few minutes... hinatid na ako ng staff sa set.. this is not my first interview... I had interviews here and there on different countries... but this is my first interview in the Philippines... Hindi ko alam kung bakit mas lalo akong intimidated sa kapwa ko pinoy... bakit nga ba... I should be more at home diba? Minsan kasi mas sadista magtanong mga ito... mas lalo sa love life and I'm not into it right now... I just hope that they will keep their end of the bargain.. dahil sabi ko kay Mother na papayag lang akong magpa-interview kung purely modeling at hindi kasama ang personal life ko...

Turns out that I enjoyed the first part of the interview, the host, which is by the way.. gay, is really good... we talked about my career, how I ended up being at the top of my game... about modeling,, about photography,,, about the different places I went.. and so on and so forth...

By the end of the interview... he took out some flashcards.. may picture day yon at the back... he is going to show me the picture and I'm going to say the first word to describe that person as fast as I can.

1st Picture : P-Noy

Me : Astounding

2nd Picture : Angelina Jolie

Me: Alluring

3rd Picture : Ian Somelhalder

Me: Sexy!

"Someone's got a crush on Ian!" Sabi nung Interviewer...

"Got that right! I met him once at New York ,, but I didn't get a chance to speak to him.."

"Woa, lucky you.."

"I hope I get luckier the next time me meet... "

"Good luck on that... next picture... local naman tayo"

4th Picture : Katreen Bernardo

Me: Cute

5th Picture: Coco Martin

Me: Very Talented

6th Picture : Sen Chez Escodero

I almost caught my tongue... muntik ko ng sabihing.. cradle snatcher.. but I'm on national TV... HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Me: good politician?

Hahahahahaha! Buti na lang mabilis akong mag-isip.. hahahahaha!!!!

"I thought you're going to say something else... "

"Of course not!" tatawa tawa ako...

"Ok, for our final Picture... Andrew Fajardo"

Napatigil ako... bakit naman naligaw dito sa mga picture na to si Andrew!!!! May alam ba sila... Nanlaki mga mata ko...

"Tanya?"

"EX!" oooopppssss! did I said that aloud???"

"Come again.. sorry I didn't get that... "

"W...wwhat I mean is.... Extra Ordinary Intelligent... "

"Oooo.... You got that right... and not to mention rich and handsome as well... "

well,,I think someone's got a crush on Andrew...

"yeah right... "

Namula ako ng husto... I just hope na makapal ang make-up ko para hindi na-obvious ang pamumula ko.

Pinapawisan ako... wala bang aircon dito o masyadong malakas lang talaga ang mga ilaw dito!!!

Wooo.... Hindi na ko papayag magpa-interview kahit kelan!

At last.. natapos din ang interview... haaaayyy...

Tinukso naman ako ng tinukso ni Angelie sa dressing room...

"EX? Anong klasing sagot yon? Hahahahahahaha"

"Sagot ng nagde-deliryong tao!!!! At malay ko ba!!! Bigla namang nasingit yon don... ganon na rin ba kasikat si Andrew!!!! "

"Siguro nga.. siba matagal na rin syang celebrity status.. most eligible bachelor in town? What do you expect?"

" haaaay!!!! Manahimik ka na nga dyan!!!! At bilisan natin... nag-t-text na tong si Charlie nasa venue na daw sila... alam mo naman yun... masyadong paranoid.. tignan mo mag-te-text yon mamaya sasabihing tayo na lang ang wala don.. pero wag ka... sya pa lang talaga ang nandon!.."

Natawa si Angelie...

"Ok.. ok... let's go!"

***

It turns out na masyadong traffic sa buong Pilipinas... jowk lang... sa Metro Manila lang naman... haaay nako after kong masanay sa walang traffic na mga bansa... haaaay WELCOME BACK TO REALITY TANYA!!!

How I miss driving my car... I could have snake myself out of this traffic... ang hina ng driver!!!!

"Kuya, kuya... matagal pa ba tayo? Grabe papatayin na ko ng bestfriend ko!"

"Nako ma'am... sobrang traffic po kasi talaga.. baka may banggaan.."

"O gosh! We're dead... D-E-D dead... "

Right on cue... tumawag si Charlie

"We've been waiting for the hundredth hour and your still not here!"

"Wow salamat sa pag-aalala.. andito pa rin kami sa ESDA possible dawn a may nagbanggaan dahil parang malaking parking lot na tong daan! Kanina pa kami hindi umaandar!"

Napabuntong hininga si Charlie...

I really don't want to disappoint her.. this is actually our first dinner since I arrived... she should have been excited... when suddenly the Train caught my eye...

UYYYY!!!! Mukhang hindi na-ta-traffic ang MRT!

"Kuya! Kuya! Pano sumakay don?" tinuro ko yung train...

"Ma'am,, ayon po. Station po iyon... sakay na lang po kayo don.. kung sa Guillans po kayo pupunta... pwede po kayong bumaba sa Ayala station... "

"What are you planning Tanya?"

Ay! Nasa phone pa pala si Charlie... hehehehehe

"We're on our way there... " I smiled... "Kuya.. paki tabi na lang yung van tapos sunduin nyo na lang kami mamaya... "

"Are you crazy!!!!" sabi ni Charlie... "You'll get mobbed!"

"Di rin... sige na girl! See you later! Andito na kami sa MRT.."

"MRT!!!! NO!!!!! wag na... bukas na lang natin ituloy yung dinner... "

"Hindi,, ngayon... I'm actually excited to board it... it's my first time!!! Yehey!"

"No NO NONO!!!!"

"Bye Chalie... see yah!" binaba ko na yung phone...

"C'mon.. Angelie... "

"Are you sure about this? You'll be crushed there.. rush hour pa naman... " She said giving me my cap.. good thing naka simple jeans lang ako...

"You'll still attract attention..."

"I don't care.. I just want to ride that... "

She smirked...

"Ok... you're the boss...."

At bumaba na kami ng kotse...

Wow GRAVY!!! As in GRAVY talaga!!!! Overly crushed talaga ako sa MRT na yon... as in nasa side kami ng mga girls.. at walang pakialam kung makapang balya ang mga tao.... Kababaeng mga tao!!!!.. muntik na nga kaming hindi makababa sa Ayala Station.. sa sobrang sardinas ng mga tao sa loob... muntik na ngang magkapalitan mukha naming doon... buti na lang matangkad ako, kung hindi baka iba na mukha ko ngayon...

"Haaaayyyy! That's the worst ride I've ever had in my entire life!!!" sabi ko ng makalabas kami ng train...

"So you won't do it again... " tanong ni Angelie...

I shrugged...

"Maybe... maybe not... pero in fairness... ang bilis a!!"

Noong balabas na kami ng station.. may biglang humablot sa kamay ko at kinaladkad ako palabas...

OMG!!! Kidnap Ba to!!!!

Ng papalag na ako.. biglang humarap sa kin yung lalake at binulyawan ako!!!

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO AGAIN!!!!"

Napanganga ako.... Anong ginagawa nya dito???

"ANDREW!!!!"

*******************************************[41] Chapter 39*******************************************AN... Oh well... 2 more chaps na lang siguro ito...

as usual...

NO PROOFREAD...

NO SOFTCOPIES... kaya please wag na po kayong manghingi.. dahil wala po talaga ako ma-po-produce... hindi ko pa nga mabalikan yung ibang mga chaps for editing... kapag maluwag na lang ako (hmmmmm kelan pa kaya yon? after 20 years???) hahahahaha!!!! I just love my work as much as I love writing.... kung merong magmamagandang loob na mag-edit? pm nyo lang ako... sino na naman ang ayaw ng tulong diba???

Anyway.... enjoy guys!

Chapter 39

TANYA

I sat with my arms crossed fuming mad... malapit na ngang magdikit ang mga kilay ko sa sobrang pagka-inis!!!

Nakarating din kami si Guillians at eto ako ngayon na pinagtutulungang pagalitan ni Charlie, Zack at Andrew... Mabuti na lang at ang lola kong si Angelie nananahimik... kundi!!! GRRRRR@@@!!!!!

Ng makarating kami sa resto, nalaman ko na hindi lang pala si Charlie and Zack ang ka-date namin... kasama rin si Clarisse, Ice and Andrew... kaya pala biglang sumulpot si Andrew sa MRT dahil magkakasama sila sa Resto nung kausap ako sa CP ni Charlie... At hindi ko rin naman maintindihan itong si Andrew kung bakit kailangan pa nyang sumugod sa station ng train! At doon pa nya ako pinagalitan ng bonnggang bongga! At dahil sa taas ng boses nya.. ayan tuloy may nakakilala sa min.. at first 1 lang ang nakamukha sa min, ang masama he took pictures... at dahil sa pagiging usisero at usisera ng mga tao... dumami ng dumami ang mga nakapaligid sa min hanggang sa nagkagulo... Everybody wants to have a piece of me!!! GOSH!!!! Grabe kapag overly excited pala ang mga tao they tend to push and drag!!! Waaaaa!!!! Andrew took off his coat and place it at the top of my head and wrestled our way thru the mob... good thing ay may dumating na mga guards dahil nga nagkakagulo na at dinala muna kami sa office and they tried to disperse the crowd... after what seems to be an hour... the guards escorted us to Andrew's car... at eto kami ngayon sa Resto at nakuha pa akong pagalitan!!!! Ewan ko nga ba! Sa tindi ng inabot ko nakuha pa nila akong sermonan ng bonggang bongga!!! Gosh! Where's the justice in that!!!!

"It's not my fault that we were mobbed!" I shouted... sumasakit sakit pa yung braso ko dahil sa pasa na inabot ko kanina...

"We we're running free! Wala namang nakakapansin sa min ni Angelie.. kahit sa dami ng tao sa MRT hindi naman kami pinapansin... It's Andrew's fault!" sabi ko " Zack... Paki sabi mo nga dyan sa BESTFRIEND MO... kung hindi sya nag hysterical wala namang makakapansin sa min! ang kaso,, he can't seem to hold his temper!!! Hindi ko nga rin lubos na maisip kung bakit nagagalit yan BESTFRIEND MO SA KIN!"

"Charlie... tell your BESTFIEND, that if she had a tiny bit of sense at all,,, she shouldn't have gone to VERY crowded places! " sabi ni Andrew...

"Zack,, paki sabi nga dyan sa BESTFRIEND MO, na I only did it to get here as fast as I can,, dahil sobrang traffic! And I can't think of anything else to do, mabuti nga at gumawa pa ako ng paraan para makarating dito!"

"Charlie... Tell your dumb BESTFRIEND that she should have gone home instead! If she knows what's good for her!"

NAKAKARAMI NA TONG UGOK NA TO A!!!! kailangan bang ipangalandakan na TANGA ako!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

"Zack... Paki sabi nga dyan sa BESTFRIEND MO na hindi ako TANGA! " grabe sobrang taas na ng boses ko at feeling ko lahat na ata ng mata nasa min.. nag eeskandalo na kami! "E ano ngayon kung sumakay ako sa train! Inggit lang sya dahil hindi man lang sya nakakaranas ng ordinary things in life! At paki sabi na rin dyan sa NAPAKATALINO MONG BESTFRIEND , Na wala syang paki-alam SA KIN! Kung anong gawin ko sa buhay ko, WALA SYANG PAKIALAM!!! Mind his own business! Ang pakialaman nya ang GIRLFRIEND NYA!!!! WAG AKO!!!! He has NOTHING to do with ME!!" I snapped!

Everybody was quiet with my outburst... after a minute of silence ay napansin kong wala ng nagsasalita... my temper died down a bit and I felt guilty the moment I said that... oooopppsss... I can't take that back.... ME AND MY BIG MOUTH!!! Oh gosh! I feel sooo Bitchy

right now... lumabas ang katarayan ko! I looked around the table and even Charlie and Angelie was shocked! To top it all,,, Clarisse looks like she's going to cry... AAARRRGGGG!!!

I looked at Andrew.. kung galit sya kanina siguro triple ngayon! hindi maipinta ang mukha nya...

I sighed... I'm really not my best when I'm tired, hungry and fuming mad... AAARRRGGGG!!! I hate being a bitch!... But I can't take back the things I said...

After a few minutes of silence... Tumayo na ako... at this time medyo mababa na ang boses ko.

"I'm really sorry... This was suppose to be a nice and quiet dinner for all of us... I'm sorry I ruined it... Charlie pasensya ka na... But I have to go... Angelie, you can stay if you want... I'm just not in the mood to deal with this right now... I'm so sorry... "

Kinuha ko ang bag ko at tumayo na... Kahit na sobrang gutom na ako dahil hindi pa kami kumakain ay kailangan ko ng umalis... hindi ko na kaya ang tension sa table na to... Asar na kasi ako... nadagdagan pa ng nalaman kong magkasama si Andrew at Clarisse... Aaminin ko.... SOBRANG NAGSESELOS AKO!!!! Kaya lumabas sa lungga si 'TANYA THE BITCH'

Ng lumabas na ako ng pinto somebody grabbed my arm...

"hey...wait up!"

"Look I'm sorry,,, I'm a total bitch right there, and I don't want to go back... "

"It's ok... I'm not dragging you back... I volunteered to take you home... " sabi ni Ice... smiling at me...

"You don't have to do this... andyan naman si Manong... "

"I really want to... para may maghahatid na kay Angelie at hindi na magpabalik balik si Manong. "

Yeah.. that makes sense...

Suddenly my stomach growled.. ano ba yan! Scandaloso!!!!

But in fareness, dahil sa nagwawala kong tyan, nabreak ang tension at natawa na lang kaming dalawa...

"Someone's hungry... "

"I won't deny it... anong oras na ba? Kanina pa ko gutom na gutom... "

"Wanna go back inside? I think Charlie is really concerned... "

"No way!!! After all that drama! I don't want to... akala ko ba, hindi mo ako pababalikin sa loob... well, as much as I wanted to assure Charlie that I'm fine... well,, right now I can't face them... "

"You mean Andrew... and Clarrise... "

GUILTY AS CHARGE! Pero hindi na lang ako kumibo.

He just smiled... and he sighed... He understands...

"C'mon... let's just feed that monster before you do anything more stupid...."

"I'M NOT STUPID!"

Natawa sya...

"I know... I know... you're the smartest girl in the planet... you're just stupid in love.."

"No I'm not... " I said silently...

"You don't have to convince me otherwise... I know... " he said... " Now let's feed that growling monster of yours... "

Sumakay na kami sa kotse nya at nagpunta kami sa ibang resto... and there I ate my heart out...

Pagkatapos kong kumain, nakatitig lang sa kin si Ice...

"I never thought someone as skinny as you can eat like a construction worker..."

Natawa ako don a!!!! Ikumpara ba ako sa construction worker...

"Can you blame me? I think I work like a construction worker... I'm just sooo hungry... "

"Do you always eat like that?"

Nag-isip ako... hmmmm....

"Basically... yes.... Especially if I had a hard day... but not to worry... sobrang bilis ng metabolism ko.. kapag hindi nga ako kumain ng marami papayat pa ako ng husto,, and that's scary... para na kong skeleton kapag ganon!" I shrugged...

Silence...

"Tanya... can I ask you something... please don't be offended or anything..."

Hmmm... parang alam ko na ang itatanong nito a... well,, what the heck...

"Shoot.... "

He hesitated for a minute.. parang magbabago pa nga ang isip... but he shrugged and asked me anyway...

"Why him? Why Andrew?"

Natahimik ako don a.... It's not the kind of question that I was expecting... akala ko sisitahin lang din nya ko sa pagsakay sa MRT.

Nagisip ako.... Bakit nga ba? E kaaway ko nga si Andrew dati... Hindi nga kami magkasundo then nahulog na lang ako sa kanya.

Bakit nga ba? Why Andrew?

Why did I fell madly in love with him,,, and to think that I still love him after a year of separation...

Why?

"I don't know Ice.. I think it just happened... Do I need to have a reason?"

Silence...

"No you don't have to have a reason... " Sabi nya na umiiling...

Silence... This is beginning to be awkward...

"Tanya..."

"Hmmmm???"

"Why not me?"

Nanlaki mga mata ko... hndi ako nakapagsalita...

"I can make your life less complicated... I know and I can see that you are really having a hard time right now... the ways things that turned out with Andrew... "

I Sighed...

"Yeah it's really complicated right now... but Ice... "

Ano nga bang magandang sabihin ko kay Ice? Mabait naman talaga sya... kung tutuusin napaka-ideal man nya... anybody would be a fool not to see that... he's perfect actually... pero... pero....

He's not Andrew...

"Ice... I can't lead you on.... Katulad ng sinabi ko sa 'yo dati... It will be so unfair if I accept you, knowing that I still have this huge feelings for Andrew... It'll be so unfair... "

"I'm willing to wait... "

"No.. please Ice.. Don't do that to yourself... you are actually one of the most gorgeous guys I've ever met... you can actually have any girl around..."

"But not the girl that I want..."

Silence...

"Ice... I don't know what to say... If I can just teach my heart whom to love... It just might be you, you are actually my Mr. Right... pero ewan ko ba.. bakit ang tanga tanga ng puso ko... I've chosen Mr. Wrong... and I think that I'll be doomed for the rest of my life, loving someone whom I not suppose to... "

We just sat there,, not knowing what else to say to each other... I'm also sensing that he does not want to force me...

"No matter what you say Tanya.. I'll always be here for you... If one day you'll wake up and you feel that you no longer love Andrew... just give me a call and I'll be there to swift you off your feet..."

OMG!!!! That is so sweet.... My heart is melting...

BAKIT BA HINDI NA LANG IKAW!!!! ANG TANGA TANGA NAMAN ATA TALAGA NG PUSO KO!!!!

"Don't do this.... "

"Shhhhh.... Don't say anymore... I'm also stubborn and I'll do whatever I want..."

Hayyyy.. maloloka ako!!!!! Shoot me now please!!!!! Ice doesn't deserve this...

"Alika na nga... ihahatid na kita... you look beat... "

I smiled...

"yeah.. It's better for me to go home and rest... "

Pagod na ang katawan ko,,, pagod na rin ang utak ko... pati puso ko pagod na rin! Haaaaayyyy!!!! I just want to have a hot bath and a good night's rest... Buti na lang wala akong schedule bukas... I can slump all day long and try not to think of anything else...

"Ihatid mo na lang ako sa entrance ng condo, wag mo na akong ihatid sa loob. You're tired as well... at hindi na rin naman kita ma-e-entertain... I just want to go straight to bed... "

"Ihatid na kita..."

"Wag na Ice.. please... "

Tinignan nya ako...

"Ok... but next time... Ihahatid kita hanggang pinto ng unit mo..."

"Ok.. fine... "

Mabilis na rin kaming nakarating sa condo dahil wala ng traffic sa Makati... I yawned for the nth time... I just want to hit the sack...

"Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you upstairs? Baka makatulog ka sa elevator..."

"No... you go home... I can get up by myself..." yawn... lumabas na ko ng sasakyan... " Bye Ice.. Thanks for the dinner... see you soon... "

"Yeah.. can I call you later so that I'll know that you didn't stumble into your neighbors unit... "

Natawa ako... " Gising pa naman ako no!... well, barely... don't worry about me, I'm a big girl... "

"I'll just call later ok..."

"after 3 rings If I didn't pick it up.. It means I'm fast asleep... "

"OK.. Bye Tanya! "

"Bye Ice... thanks again!"

"No problem.."

Pumasok na ako sa loob ng condo... Oh gosh... I'm sooooo sleepy.. gravy... ngayon ko lang nararamdaman ang pagod ko sa buong maghapon... at sumasakit pa ang ibang mga part ng katawan ko.. dahil siguro sa eksena kanani sa MRT... hay.. hindi na ulit ako sasakay ng MRT... hmmmm delete... delete... delete... again.. again... Hindi na ako sasakay ng MRT kapag rush hour... baka naman walang tao kapag hindi rush hour.. well... we'll see... you'll never know when you need to ride it again...

Pagdating ko sa Unit... hinanap ko yung keycard sa bag ko... hmmmm... andito na kaya si Angelie... katok na lang kaya ako... naduduling na ko sa antok.. hindi ko na mahanap yun keycard.. haaayyy.... Yaaawnnn....

Ng kakatok na ko sa kwarto... may biglang nagsalita...

"Tanya we have to talk... "

I jumped!!! What da!!!! Gosh!!! lumukso ng husto ang puso ko sa pagkakagulat!... nawala ng bonggang bongga ang antok ko!

"You're really trying to kill me?! Gosh! Have a life Andrew! And quit stalking me!"

"Not until you talk to me... "

Humarap ako sa kanya...

"Look Andrew... If you want me to apologize... Ok... sige... I'm SOOOOO SORRY.... Now.. satisfied? get out of here and leave me alone! I'm dead tired and I want to sleep!"

"No Tanya.. you're coming with me and we'll talk..."

"What is there to talk about? "

"Everything... Cause you haven't explain to me anything..."

"I already gave you a letter a year ago... you moved on... you already have a girlfriend and for all I know you're already engaged... what's there to talk about? Just leave me alone Andrew.."

"No you're coming with me... "

"You can't force me... "

"Really..."

Hindi ko inaasahan na bigla na lang nya akong binuhat at isinampa sa balikat nya, caveman style... I got a little dizzy coz everything is up-side-down..

"What da!!!! ANDREW!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!!"

"not until we have a serious talk..."

"No!!! Put me down right this instant!!!!"

"You really want me to put you down?"

"NOW!"

"Ok... "

Tinanggal nya ang pakakahawak sa kin... and I felt myself falling face first!!!

"AAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!"

Pero bago pa talaga ako tuluyang mahulog ay hinawakan na nya ulit ako....

"Gosh ANDREW! YOU ARE TOTALLY CRAZY!!!!"

"You still want me to put you down?"

"AAAARRRGGGGG!!!!! Bahala ka na nga!!!!! YOU ARE SUCH A JERK!!!"

We went down the elevator still carrying me...

"Aren't you tired? Hindi ka ba nangangawit sa pagbuhat sa kin... I know I'm heavy..."

"I'm stronger than you think... you're light as a feather"

"Talaga lang a... Ibaba ma na kaya ako... hindi na ko aalis.. promise... "

"Not until we've reached my penthouse... so that I'll be sure that you won't disappear... "

Kumunot ang noo ko....

"C'mon... my stomach is hurting already... "

"Magtiis ka..."

Lumabas na kami ng elevator at pumunta sa private elevator ng penthouse nya... buti na lang wala ng masyadong tao sa lobby,, mga receptionists na lang.. kundi grabe.. sobrang eskandalo ang aabutin namin... yung ibang mga nakakita nga... hindi siguro malaman kung matatawa, matatakot o magugulat... I just tried to hide my face, just in case someone recognize me and took a picture... haaaayyy.... Ano ba kasi tong si Andrew... but on the other side... I miss being close to him like this... It brings back good memories...

TANYA!!!! Get a grip!!!!... You can't have that kind of feelings for him! You two don't match... and what more... you've made a promise to his mom that you will stay away!

Just to think of it... I AM STAYING AWAY!!! I'm keeping my end of the bargain... Sya itong lapit ng lapit sa kin!

Napabuntong hininga ako... What am I suppose to do? My feelings wants him back but logic tells me not to.... Ano ba ang mas matimbang??? HINDI KO ALAM!!!! Pwede bang ipasok nyo na ko sa mental? As in now na!

Finally we've reached his penthouse and he gently put me down on the couch....

"Hay salamat! Makakahinga din! ANG SAKIT NON A!!!! DON'T YOU DARE DO THAT AGAIN!!!!"

"And what will you do if I do?"

"I'll kick your ass!"

"No you won't.. you should have done that earlier... "

Oo nga ano... nyeks.. pahiya na naman ako... bakit ba ko hindi manalo-nalo sa taong ito! Gosh!

"So... what am I doing here? Hindi ba magagalit si Clarisse?"I asked raising my eyebrows and crossing my arms on my chest... ayan na naman.... The bitchy side of me is trying to get out of the shell!

"She's at my parent's house right now... "

Huh... ganon???!!! so ibig sabihin, talagang dito na sya nakatira... napailing na lang ako... ano to... bumalik na naman ba ang pagiging playboy nya... he already has a girlfriend and now he's bringing a girl to his place? Anong gusto nya? Makipaglaro ako sa kanya? Kahit mahal na mahal ko sya... hindi ko pinangarap na maging mistress!

"Look Andrew... just let me go... You're better off without me... "

"I'll decide that for myself... "

Umupo sya sa harap ko... gosh this is too awkward... I can't even look at him straight in the eye...

I sighed... well.. might as well,, get this over and done with... Katulad nga ng mga sinasabi nila... I can't run away forever. Might as well face it and have closure...

"So.. what do you want to talk about?"

He took out a piece of paper... Oh my,, I recognize that... I can't believe that he still have it...

"Kindly explain to me the meaning of this?"

"You mean after a year? I thought you've gotten over that?"

"How can I Tanya? you broke up with me without a valid reason."

Paano ko sasabihin na naki-pag break ako sa kanya dahil sinabi sa kin ng Mommy nya na I'm not

good enough for his son,,, and to make things worst... kahit masakit,,, I kind of agree with her...

But I don't want to say that to him aloud... ayokong magkaroon sila ng hidwaan ng Mommy nya... I know that his mom is good, and she's only doing those things because she wants what's best for his son... but I guess she's just being overprotective, who would not... He's the only son and the sole heir of the Fajardo empire! He deservers someone much much better than I am... yes... I still love him... sooooo much that it hurts..

"Do I need to have a reason for breaking up?"

"Yes.."

"No I don't... I just felt like breaking up... end of story... PERIOD!"

Silence

I sighed...

"You don't need me Andrew! I'm a fickle minded, good for nothing bitch, nakita mo naman ang nangyari kanina sa resto.. and you don't want to have anything to do with me! "

Silence...

Lumapit sya sa kin...

He kneeled in front.. So that his face is only inches from mine...

He is sooo close that I don't know how I'm still breathing right now...

Oh Gosh!!!! Why do I love him sooo much that I can't seem to get over him.. kahit na 1 taon ko na syang hindi nakikita... I still feel the same for him...

Sa dami ng mga nakilala kong mga lalake, and I mean super hot guys who are also into me,, But still, hindi pa rin nagbago ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya... I'm sooo much in love with him that I think I'm already crazy!!! I'm soooo doomed! And at the rate that I'm going,,, I think I'll die an old maid!

"Why are you still wearing this,, if you claim that you no longer have feelings for me... and why do you look nervous right now? And why can't you look at me straight in the eye?" He said while holding the pendant of my necklace that he has given me...

ANDREW!!!! ANO KA BA!!!! WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TRAP ME LIKE THIS!!!!

I can't think of any rational answer to say to him.

I need to divert this!!!! I don't want to answer any of his questions... I might cry and I don't want to do that in front of him.

"Like I said earlier... I don't need to have reasons for my actions... and by the way... you don't have the right to interrogate me... saan pupunta ang mga tanong mo? What good will it do to us if you learned what's on my mind? It's as if that you are still free! You should at least be loyal to your girlfriend,,, or is it fiancé already? If I am your girlfriend, I could have died knowing that my boyfriend is playing around with his ex!"

Why did I have to say that... those words stings.. a lot!!! Ganito ba ang pakiramdam ng pinapatay ang sarili? I can see the hurt in his eyes... but it hurts me even more... Gusto kong ibalik lahat ng sinabi ko... gusto kong yakapin sya at sabihing sya pa rin ang laman ng puso ko... sabihing wala akong ibang inisip kung hindi sya...

Pero ano??? Hindi ko alam... Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko... because I know he deserves someone better than me... someone who is level minded and can take care of him... someone like Clarisse...

He took my hands and he closed his eyes and he leaned his forehead on mine...

He is soooo close this time that I have to close my eyes and only feel him...

"I am destined to marry her...."

OUCH!!!!! I can feel the tears in my eyes and I really tried my best not to let it flow... pero ang sakit sakit ng dibdib ko... I thought I can bear it... I started this... alam ito ng utak ko.. pero bakit sa tinagal tagal ng panahon,, hindi pa rin kayang tanggapin ng puso ko...

I tried to let go but he pinned me in the couch...

"Just say the words Tanya... tell me that you still love me... and I am willing to let her go in an instant. I will exchange whatever I have for you... That's how much I love you... Just say it Tanya... please... "

Then without warning... he kissed me...

Oh my!!! That caught me off guard.. but I can't deny that I missed his kiss so much... I missed his soft lips against mine... then I found myself kissing him back... it's as if I was transported back in the good days... I remembered he proposed to me... I remembered going to Baguio where we had the greatest time of our lives... when he proposed to me that new years day... I was the happiest girl alive back then... Kissing him feels like it's the most natural thing in the world... this is feels sooo good but I don't think that this is right!1

But then again.. I know all good things have to end... then I remembered him being shot, because of me... I can still remember that awful moment when I held him in my arms full of blood!!!!! I can't bear to look at it!

"NO! NO! NO!" Kumawala ako sa kanya... at tumayo... " I can't... I'm sorry Andrew... you deserve someone better than I am.. I can't bear to see you die because of me.. hindi ko kaya yon! Mas gusto ko ng magkalayo tayo kesa magsama tayo at masaktan ka ng dahil sa kin!"

"No Tanya! It was an accident! It wasn't your fault... and you know that! Kalimutan mo na yon!"

Hindi ko na talaga kayang pigilan ang mga luha ko.... I shook my head furiously... I have to get out of here... I turned to leave... Oo duwag na ako, dahil hindi ko kayang harapin ito! pero bago pa ako maka-alis... niyakap ako ni Andrew...

"Don't you love me enough to forget the past? Are you still not going to fight for us to be together? Would you rather see me get married to someone else.. when you know that we still love each other?"

What is he saying!!! I don't understand!!

"I don't know what you're talking about!!! I don't know what to think anymore!!!!! I'm sooo confused!!!! PLEASE! JUST LET ME GO!!!! You can have any girl that you want in this world... son't stick with me.. I'm not good for you!"

Silence...

"Yes, you're right.. I can get any girl in this world... but unfortunately, not the girl that I want... " He said silently..

Kumawala ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at tumakbo sa pinto... pero bago ko pa mabuksan ito ay nagsalita si Andrew... I can feel the pain in his voice as he speak...

"I will no longer chase after you Tanya, I will let you decide for yourself if you still want me or not... But I want you to know... That I've never loved any girl as much as I love you!"

Napatigil ako sa narinig ko, napahawak ako sa dibdib ko, nagsisikip ito, parang hindi ako makahinga... But I still turned the knob and went out...

Tama si Andrew... I'M SOOOOO STUPID!

*******************************************[42] Chapter 40 part 1*******************************************

Chapter 40

AN.. Subject for editing....

Tanya

After the incident with Andrew, nagpahanap na ako ng unit sa ibang condo. I don't want to risk another confrontation with him... ang hindi ko maintindihan ay kung bakit hindi ko maalis sa isip ko ang nangyari. I felt Andrew's ache, the pain in his voice that tells how much he had suffered that I really feel guilty for what I've done... thought at that moment it seems like it was the most rational thing to do,, but after that confrontation, I felt otherwise. And I can't help but feel guilty about it. And what about that last statement? Does it mean goodbye? Though I bade goodbye a long time ago... but it hurts so much kung ikaw pala ang sinasabihan ng ganon... Ganito ba ang naramdaman ni Andrew noong umalis ako? Baka mas masakit pa dahil hindi man lang ako nagpaalam ng harapan. Hindi ko man lang sya pinagbigyan para pagusapan namin ng maayos ang sitwasyon. But what am I to do back then? Sinunod ko lang din naman ang gusto ng mommy nya... AAAYYYYY EEWWWAAANNNN!!!! Sumasakit na ang ulo ko! Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko!

"You're spacing out again... " Angelie interrupted my thoughts.. " You have to concentrate.."

"I know, I know.. sorry... "

We are now at the dressing room preparing for another set.

She just smiled at me and sat beside me with the look of concern in her eyes.

"I know you have problems before but I've never seen you so downcast. I know you can fake it in front of the camera but it really breaks my heart to see you like that..."

I sighed...

"Angie, what am I suppose to do?" I said feeling gloomy.

" you know very well what you have to do but you are holding back... look I'm sorry for being blunt like this... but you know, your stubbornness is making you depressed... you have to figure things out and fast. You don't have much time you know."

How much time do I have left? Dalawang linggo na ang nakalipas nung nakausap ko si Andrew... and since then wala na akong balita sa kanya, kahit si Charlie parang hindi na rin ako kinukulit tungkol sa kanya... so I guess, it's my move then? Kung hahayaan ko na lang syang mapakasal sa iba, dadating ba ang oras na makakalimutan namin ang bawat isa? Or will it leave us both being lonely and heartbroken for the rest of our lives, always thinking, what could have been?

Bakit ba ang mundo ay punong puno ng pagsubok? Bakit ba walang madaling sagot sa mga katanungan? Haaaay!

"I need a vacation.."

"And what? Para matakasan mo naman ang mga problema mo?"

Silence...

"Ang dami ng nagsasabi sa yo na harapin mo ang problema mo... pero hindi mo pa rin magawa kaya ayan, you're all desperate and all that... "

"O sige na.... "

I have to divert her... ayoko ng pagusapan to...

"by the way.. So how's the condo hunting ?"

"Wala pa rin. Yung mga natatanong ko ang lalayo sa Makati, yung iba naman, hindi papasa sa standards mo."

"hindi naman ako meselan."

"Oo nga pero yung mga available na units e mas malaki pa ang cr nila Charlie... baka mga damit mo lang ang magkasya don."

"Hahahaha! Ano ka ba.. hindi naman super dami ng mga damit ko! "

"Akala mo lang yun dahil hindi ikaw ang nag-aayos."

Well at least the tension is somewhat lifter...

We continued to prepare for the next set when my phone rang...

Si Charlie.

"Hey girl, wazzup?" sabi ko

"Ummmm girl.... Remember you owe me... as in you owe me BIGTIME!"

"Hindi mo naman kailangan ipangalandakan ano! "

"basta sabihin mo na payag ka na..."

"Grabe bilib na ako sa yo! Hindi ko pa man din alam ang ipapagawa mo,,, payag na kagad ako???"

"Dapat,, that's how big you owe me!"

"O sige na sige na... payag na ako!"

"Yes!!!! Ok... sige... I'll pick you up at there... mga ilang oras ka pa ba?"

"Last set na ito, pack up na kami... teka san ba tayo pupunta?"

"Birthday kasi ng business associate namin, e wala kasi si Zack kaya ako ang representative. Hindi naman kami pwedeng hindi umattend... he's one of our major stock holder, and you know, I'm really not much of a party girl.. wala akong masyadong kakilala don... so, para hindi ako mainip ng bonggang bongga.... Samahan mo ko para naman may ka-chikahan ako..."

"Sure no problem... "

"So, I'll see you in 2 hours para makadaan pa tayo sa parlon... papaayos ko na rin mga isusuot natin..."

"Ok see yah..."

That's what I need right now... a party... it's a good diversion...

***

"Ano ba to! Bigla na lang umulan!" sabi ko trying hard to maneuver the car thru the traffic... ito talaga ang weakness ko... magdrive ng umuulan at gabi, hindi tuloy ako makaharurot... pasalamat na lang ni Charlie,, dahil alam kong ayaw nyang nangangarera ako kapag rush hour... oo nga naman... baka magasgasan pa tong Ferrari nya...

"It's ok makakarating din tayo..." Sabi ni Charlie habang may ka-text sa cp nya... "Hindi naman tayo nagmamadali,,, slight lang... "

"Malapit na rin naman tayo." I said concentrating on my driving. "Alam mo girl, kahit naman pala hindi ka umattend dito sa party na to, hindi ka rin mapapansin, masquerade ball naman pala to... malay nila kung sino ka don sa mga guests... "

"Ethics my dear... "

"Oo nga naman,, sabi ko nga! Sino ba yang ka-text mo... kanina ka pa dyan... hindi mo na lang tawagan! Mapupudpod na yang daliri mo dyan... "

"Wag mo nga akong pansinin... mag-concentrate ka sa dinadaanan mo!"

"Yes boss!hehehehe"

In fairness... ang bonggan ng damit na binigay sa kin ni Charlie... as in ang ganda ko a! hahahaha! Saying nga lang at matatakpan ang kagandahan ko sa party... well anyway... mabuti na rin yon at walang makakakilala sa kin don... I just hope na hindi boring,, karamihan kasi ng mga party ng mga negosyante, walang ka-thrill-thrill!"

Well nakarating din kami sa venue... malapit lang naman pala to sa condo namin... at least hindi na mahihirapan si Charlie na ihatid ako mamaya... ang tamad kasing magdrive nito kaibigan kong to! At kapag naman nag-drive, super bagal!!! Well on second thoughts, buti na rin at nag-d-drive na sya ngayon, sobrang syang na-trauma nung naaksidente sya dati...

Ang bongga ng setup, para kang na-trasport sa renaissance period at lahat talaga ng tao nakamaskara! Since ang laki ng venue, parang divided ang mga activities.. yung mga guests na gustonng mag-ballroom, doon sila sa isang function,, yung iba na man na gustong makipag chikahan lang, doon sila sa isa na namang function, yung medyo modern at gusting mag-disco, may portion din sila... at kung gusto lang na makinig ng music.. may grand piano sa isang function na parang ginawang garden at at may nag-e-entertain sa mga bisita. Ang cozy tignan na parang gusto kong tumambay doon... at may mini fountain pa! this place seems to be relaxing.

"Dito na lang tayo girl... tanggal stress dito at mukhang ang galling ng performer." I said making my way to one of the cute couches...

"Balik na lang tayo mamaya, we still need to mingle."

"Ahem, ahem.. correction... YOU still need to mingle not me..."

"Hmmmp... kaya nga kita sinama dito e! makisama ka naman!"

Nangiti ako... ang sarap talaga asarin nitong babaeng ito... pero on second thoughts, sa ibang panahon ko na aasarin, I'm somewhat tired. Sobrang toxic ang maghapon ko ayoko ng dagdagan pa ng katoxikan kapag nagalit to sa kin...

"O sige na... ano bang naman kasing klaseng mingle ang gagawin natin? May i-ko-close ka bang business deal? Baka naman makatulog ako nyan?"

"Hindi... courtesy call lang... "

"O sige na nga.." inayos ko ang mascara ko... para sure na walang makakakilala sa kin... "paano mo naman makikilala ang mga pagbibigyan mo ng pugay? Wala akong makitang hindi naka-mask!"

"Madali lang yan...."

"O sige na nga... drag me anywhere you want, pero kapag na-bore na ako, samahan mo naman ako dito. And by the way.. asan ba ang may birthday? Baka sabihing gate crusher ako dito..."

"Basta... alika na nga" at kinaladkad na ako papuntang 1 function room...

I think we spent an hour or two mingling around, ang dami naman kasing mga business associates nila Charlie, at wala akong ginawa kung hindi tumango, ngumiti.. makipaglandian kung gwapo ang kausap... hahahaha! Jowk lang!... sa madaling salita... I GOT BORED! At inaya ko na si Charlie doon sa may fountain.

"Sige girl mauna ka na, I still have to talk to someone... sunod na lang ako don."

"By the way.. sino ba may birthday? Kanina pa tayo paikot ikot dito, hindi pa ba natin nakasalubong yung celebrant?"

"Hindi pa e... sige girl mauna ka na... " biglang alis.. pasaway! Hmmmp... well anyway, I'm better off by myself at dumudugo na ang mga tenga ko sa usapang negosyo ng mga tao dito...

Pumunta ako sa function room kung saan nandoon yung grand piano at naupo ako sa salas katabi ng fountain,, listening to the guy singing while playing the piano... ang ganda ng boses nya nakakatanggal ng stress sa katawan... that is what I need right now. A stress reliver.. I've been thru hell this past few weeks.. hindi na nga ako masyadong makatulog... I need to straighten out my mind... I need time to think... palaging nagre-replay sa isip ko ang mga sinabi ni Andrew... Is it really up to me? Am I really ready to give him up? Or should I defy his mom and run after him? I have to weigh the circumstances... Then I remembered kuya Stanly's advice, fight for the things that really matters?

Ano ba talaga ang mas matimbang sa yo Tanya? Mahal mo ba talaga si Andrew?

Kung mahal lang ang tanong... maliwanag na mahal ko talaga sya... I gave up my feelings for him a year ago thinking that is what's good for him.. but now, all of my friends are telling me that I shouldn't have left him! ARRRGGGG! Ang gulo gulo talaga... just thinking of it gives me a headache!

But Andrew still loves me... That is a fact.. the way he looked at me that night, clearly tells me that I still holding his heart... pero hanggang kelan? Clarrise is a lovable person, it's just a matter of time till Andrew falls in love with her. Matatanggap ko ba yon?

Then the performer interrupted my thoughts...

"Ladies and Gentlemen there is someone here who wants to greet the Celebrator and she is also going to sing for us... please give a warm of applause to Ms. Clarrise Vedeña!"

WHHHAAAATTTT!!!!! She's here! Why? Bakit sya nandito? PANIC MODE!

Stay calm Tanya... she doesn't recognize you... nobody recognize you!...

kalahati ng mukha ko nakatakip... sino ba ang makakakilala sa kin...

Nanatili akong nakaupo at pinanood ko si Clarisse... tinanggal nya ang mascara nya at nagsalita...

"I know that this is sudden but I can't say no to my fiancé. Andrew, happy birthday! This one is for you..."

WHATTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BIRTHDAY NI ANDREW!!!!!

Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at tinignan ang date....

OOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGG!!!!! Its March 3!!!! Birthday nga ni Andrew!!!!!!

AAAARRRGGGGG!!!! What have I gotten myself into!

Damn you Charlie! Lagot ka sa kin pag-uwi!!!!!

I looked at the audience... sino ba si Andrew dito.. lahat kasi nakamask! Well, kung hindi ko sya makilala, chances are.. hindi rin nya ako makikilala... stay put na lang ako dito, para hindi makahalata.

Then she started singing and I was mesmerized by her angelic voice! She is singing Les Miserables' 'On my Own' and it was very beautiful..

Looking at her... I felt a pang of insecurity... ano ba ang panama ko sa babaeng ito? Maganda, mabait at ngayon talented pa!

Teka! Maganda rin naman ang boses ko a! at kung musical talent lang ang pag-uusapan hindi naman ako papahuli! ilang beses kaya akong nanalo sa talent show dati nung high school. Ayun nga lang, wala akong alam na classics... pero..... hmmmmm....

Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao ng matapos si Clarisse. Tumayo ang isang lalake at lumapit sa kanya at hinalikan nya ito sa pisngi.. I recognized him even with his mask on... si Andrew, at mukhang natuwa sya sa kinan ta ni Clarisse...

Ouch! Parang may tumusok sa puso ko... they look like the perfect couple... pero ang alam ko... ako ang mahal ni Andrew!

Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko...

"Ummm... can I greet the celebrant too?"

E ano ngayon kung natahimik at nagtinginan sa kin ang lahat ng tao... paki ko! Hindi naman nila ako kilala!

Lumapit ako kay Andrew... hindi ko alam kung nakilala nya ako...

I looked at him straight in the eye and said "Happy birthday Andrew... this song is for you... "

Our eyes locked for a minute and then I went to the piano.

"Kuya, ako na tutugtog... " sabi ko sa performer at tumayo sya...

Nakita ko si Clarisse na hinila si Andrew paupo sa may sofa.. at least makikinig sila...

Nung nakaupo na ako sa piano .... TEKA! Bigla bigla ako sa ginawa ko! Hindi kop ala plinano kung anong tutugtugin ko! Haaaay nako napaka impulsive ko talaga.... Hmmmmm ano ba? Para naman akong loka loka kung happy birthday 2 you lang ang kakantahin ko!!!! HAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Hay Tanya! magpakaseryoso ka nga! Papatalo ka ba kay Clarisse? Hindi ano!!!! Hmmmm yung favorite song na lang ng favorite writer ko sa wattpad na si Ms walangmagawa1210... yung overjoyed cover by Jrabbit... yes perfect...

I looked at Andrew who is looking intensely at me right now...

I closed my eyes and started to play. It's been a while since I played the piano while singing... medyo kulang sa practice but I still have it...

Over timeI've been building my castle of loveJust for twoThough you never knew you were my reason

I've gone much too farFor you now to sayThat I've got to throwMy castle away

Over dreamsI have picked out a perfect come trueThough you never knew it was of you I've been dreaming

The sandman has comeFrom too far awayFor you to say Come back some other day

I poured my heart out on the song.. hoping that Andrew will feel the emotions that I'm trying to say to him...

And though you don't believe that they doThey do come trueFor did my dreamsCome true when I looked at youAnd maybe too if you would believeYou too might beOverjoyedOver lovedOver me

Ako yata ang tinatamaan sa kantang ito a... my dreams came true when I met Andrew.... As I proceed with the song... Mas lalo akong tinatamaan... bakit ba ito ang napili kong kanta!

And though the odds say improbable What do they know For in romance All true love needs is a chance And maybe with a chance you will find You too like I Overjoyed Over loved Over you

Over you...

Pagkatapos kong kumanta.. napatulala ako... hindi ko napansin ang malakas na palakpakan ng mga tao...

Ako talaga ang tinamaan ng kanta.... 'And though the odds say improbable, What do they know, For in romance, All true love needs is a chance'

Realization strikes again... This is true love.... I'm the one who have to give it a chance!

I looked at Andrew and he is still looking at me... waiting for my next move...

Alam kong nakilala nya ako... hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto kami nagkatitigan... parang kami lang ang tao sa mundo...

If I love Andrew so much... I need to give US a chance...

My thoughts was interrupted by someone speaking...

Nasa harap na pala ang mommy ni Andrew...

I got up from the piano... All I want to do now is go to Andrew and tell him that I still love him.. pero hindi ako makapunta sa kanya dahil magiging scene stealer ako... galit na nga sa kin ang mommy niya baka kapag inagawan ko sya ng attention mas lalong magalit sa kin yun...

"It is indeed a very special night for all of us... and we are so pleased that you can celebrate with us... " sabi ng mommy nya

I can't wait... I said smilling... it's his birthday, as if he will go anywhere... I can't wait till her speech is over and I can talk to Andrew and pour my heart out...

"We are not only celebrating Andrew's birthday but we are glad to present to you to soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Fajardo... Andrew Clarrise, please join me here... "

Ano daw! Is this an Engagement party too?!

Lumapit si Andrew at si Clarrise na magkahawak kamay... hindi ko namalayan na pinipigil ko na pala ang hininga ko...

"I know that not all of you can come to their wedding, medyo malayo ang venue, that's why we made this occasion as a means a pre-wedding reception for their wedding tomorrow."

TOMORROW! AS IN BUKAS!!!!! It was already prepared!!!!

I felt like my world has crumbled right in front of me...

Naglapitan ang mga tao at binati sila Andrew at Clarisse...

How can this be? I'm already too late!

Hindi ko na mapigilan ang mga emosyon ko... sumasabog na ang dibdib ko... hindi ko magawang humakbang.. nakatitig lang ako sa kanila... then suddenly... Andrew looked at me, parang nakikiusap ang mga mata nya then I saw sadness in his eyes...

Parang biglang kumawala ang mga luha sa mga mata ko,.. Hindi ko na kayang pigilan ito...

Tumakbo na ako papalabas ng venue... wala akong pakialam kung pinagtitinginan nila ako.. at kahit na umuulan.. sinugod ka na rin ito... tumakbo lang ako ng tumakbo at ng hindi ko na kaya ay napaupo na lang ako...

Tumingin ako sa langit... parang nakikiramay ang panahon sa nararamdaman ko ngayon... parang dinudurog ang puso ko, sa sobrang sakit ng nararamdaman ko...

I'm too late!

I buried my face in my hands and cried my heart out...

***

"Andrew!!!!! Mahal na mahal kita!!!! Kakausapin na naman kita pero bakit ganon???? Mahal mo ba ako??? Bakit ganon??? " Hiks!!!!

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakauwi kagabi, nalakad ko siguro hanggang condo...

"Waaaaa!!!! Naman kasi Andrew e!!!!! bakit ka magpapakasal sa mukhang paa na yon! Mas maganda naman ako kesa sa kanya a!!!!! waaaaaa!!!!"

Ininom ko yung baso na may laman na wine...

Hindi ko alam kung nakakailan na akong bote... kapag binibilang ko parang nagdodoble ang paningin ko... pero wala akong pakialam kung nakakailan na ko! Wala na rin akong pakialam sa mundo! Wala na akong pakialam!!!!!!!!

"Tanga tanga ka Tanya... ngayon iyak iyak ka!@!!!! Waaaaa!!!!! Andrew!!!!! Bakit????!!!!!!! MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!!!!!" Maglalagay ulit sana ako ng wine pero ubos na naman yung bote... buti na lang at isang tambak ang mga wine ni kuya na nakatago dito... hindi kasi sya umiinom, kaya nakatambak lang lahat ng mga nireregalo sa kanya... buti nga at napapakinabangan ko ngayon. Kumuha ulit ako sa collection nya at naglagay ako sa baso.

Angeline

"OMG! What the hell are you doing Tanya!!!" sabi ko ng pumasok ako sa condo ng kuya ni Tanya. Nadatnan kong nakasalampak sa Dinning table si Tanya at lasing na lasing... ilang bote ang tinungga nya..

Nagovernight kasi ako kagabi kila Mother dahil nag meeting kami tungkol sa major fashion show nya na gagawin sa Paris at isasama na nya ang ilan sa mga creations ko.

At ngayon naman ganito ang nadatnan ko! Obvious na wala pa si Stanly dahil hindi naman makakainom yan kung nandito ang kuya nya... sinundo kasi sa airport yung 1 pang kapatid nila at hindi ko alam kung saan sila nag-stay ... ano na naman kaya ang nangyari???

Lumapit ako kay Tanya at medyo niyugyog ko sya...

"Tanya,, Tanya,, gising.. lasing na lasing ka!"

Naalimpungatan at tinitigan nya ako... at biglang umiyak...

"Angelie!!!!!! Wala na sya!!!! "

"Sinong wala?"

"Wala na sya! Hindi nya ako inantay!!! Waaaaaa!!!!"

Kumapit sa kin si Tanya at dahil mas ma tangkad sya at mas mabigat sa kin ay natumba kaming pareho.

ARAY!!! Tinignan ko si Tanya.. hindi na naman kumikibo... nakatulog na naman!

Haaay... paano ko ba dadalhin to sa kwarto...

Naalimpungatan na naman sya...

"Adrew!!!!! Andrew!!!! Mahal na mahal kita!!!!! "

OMG!!!! Si Andrew nga ang dahilan ng paglalasing nito!

Sinubukan kong buhatin si Tanya.. pero sadyang hindi talaga ako malakas kaya bumale-balentong na lang kami sa sahig...

I can't do this on my own...

Siguro naman concern sa kanya ang mga kuya nya... Kailangan kong matawagan si Stanly.

Kinuha ko ang cp ni Tanya at tinawagan ko si Stanly...

"TANYA!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IS IT?" Bulyaw sa kin ni Stanly...

"I know It's only 5am but..."

"Who's this?? And why do you have Tanya's phone?"

"Si Angelie to... and please don't shout.. I know you're a grouch but we're both tired here!"

Natahimik si Stanly... "I'm sorry.."

"You should be... But I didn't call to argue with you... si Tanya kasi.. lasing na lasing at hindi ko sya mabuhat.. I need your help."

"What? My God! We'll be there ... " bigla na lang na-cut ang line... wala man lang goodbye... ang mga lalake nga naman... hindi mo maintindihan kung may breeding o wala...

Lumipas lang siguro ang 5 minuto ay biglang mumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Stanly kasumod ang 1 pang lalake... siguro sya si Slate yung isa pang kuya ni Tanya. Mas gwapo sya kesa kay Stanly. Iba talaga ang lahi nila Tanya...

"What happened?"

"I can't get anything from her.. she's still unconscious... "

Binuhat ni Stanly at dinala sa kwarto...

Tinapik tapik nya sa pisngi si Tanya...

"We have to wake her up.." Sabi ni Stanly...

"Bakit? Isn't it better for her to sleep it off? " nagtatakang sabi ko...

"She's not suppose to sleep right now,, of all the time the she picked to be drunk!"

I looked at him... he knows something...

I crossed my arms in my chest... " You definitely know what happened... so what is it?"

"Andrew's getting married today..."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko!

"What!!!!"

*******************************************[43] Chapter 40 part 2*******************************************

Chapter 41 part 2

Angelie

"Andrew!!!! Andrew!!!!" medyo histerical si Tanya.

Nasa Banyo kami ngayon. I'm trying to get her out of her gown... hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa kanya kagabi bakit basang basa ang damit nya! Hindi naman ako makahingi ng tulong sa mga kuya nya.. syempre kahit kapatid nila itong babaeng ito,, lalake pa rin sila...

Ng matanggal ko ang gown nya ay pinaupo so sya sa tiles...

"Sorry Tanya... I have to do this.. but you really have to wake up..."

Binuhusan ko sya ng malamig na tubig at biglang dumilat ang mga mata nya!

"OMG!!! OMG!!!! What the heck!!!!"

"Good you're awake.. we need to hurry!!!!"

She sulk again... ano ba to may epekto pa rin ba ang ininom nya! Lasing pa rin ba to? Naka sampung bote ata kasi ng wine ito! Di ko alam lasengera pala tong babaeng to!

HALA UMIIYAK NA NAMAN!

"Andrew!!!!! Bakit mo ko iniwan!!!! Waaaa!"

"Anong iniwan! Buhay pa si Andrew ano!"

"Waaaaaa!!!!! "

"Get a hold of yourself! You still have a chance!"

Niyugyog -yugyog ko sya...

"Listen to me! Hindi pa sya kasal! IKAKASAL PA LANG!"

She focused on me... parang medyo natauhan...

"You mean...."

"Yes! Pwede mo pang baguhin ang tadhana mo... kung gagawin mo! Nasa yo yan! Do you love him?"

"Of course..." sabi nya ng mahina pero walang conviction...

"TANYA! DO YOU LOVE HIM!"

"MAGMUMUKHA BA KONG DESPERADA KUNG HINDI???? ANG LABO MO!"

"Ikaw ang Malabo! Pinaabot mo pa ng ganito!!!!"

Bumagsak na naman ang ulo nya... "I'mmm doomed for life!"

"No you're not! If you really love him... you have to stop the wedding! "

"How can I? Hindi ko nga alam kung saan?? Sabi kagabi malayo daw yung venue, and even it we know where it is, do you think I can drive... 5 nga ang tingin ko sa yo!!!WAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"

Naghisterical na naman! Haaaayyy hindi dapat pinaiinom itong babaeng ito!!!!

Umupo ako sa tabi nya, I held her head with my hands and forced her to look at me...

" We know where it is... and your brother is here... "

"Si kuya Stanly?"

"And your other brother... "

Nanlaki mga mata nya...

"Kuya Slate is here??? " kahit bangag sya I can now see hope in her eyes...

"We are here to help you... but before that.. you have to help yourself... now I'm asking you... do you want to do this? Do you love Andrew that you are willing to stop his wedding?"

"YES!!! I'LL DO ANYTHING!"

"Now let's fix you! You don't want to look a mess out there sayang pagiging supermodel mo!"

Tinulungan ko syang tumayo at mag-ayos. Though she keeps on stumbling, but she have this conviction.. kahit na gegewang gewang ang kinakaya nyang tumayo at maglakad...

I have to give it to her.. kahit na bangag... she looks totally awesome...

I handed her to her Stanly... she's fighting hard to keep awake but she keeps on drifting off to sleep. Kung hindi lang ganito ka tense ang sitwasyon,,, kanina ko pa sya tinawanan!

"We're off to Baguio... " then he looks at his watch... "wedding is at 10, its already 8am, mga 3 hours lang natin dapat makuha ang Baguio... kaya ba Slate?"

"You're asking me?" sabi ni Slate

Angas, kapatid ba talaga ni Tanya ang 2 to?! Well sabagay,,, he was the one who taught Tanya how to drive...

"Let's go... and Angie... Thanks... " for the first time he smiled at me and I smiled back

"No problem... take care of her ... "

Hindi na nila ako isasama dahil 2 sitter lang ang lambo ni Tanya... kakalungin na lang ni Stanly si Tanya for they need a very fast car...

Gegewang gewang si Tanya at muntik pang banggain yung taong kasalubong nila... buti na lang at todo alalay ang mga kuya... Maswerte si Tanya ang may mga kuya syang nag-aalaga sa kanya... I just hope that luck will follow her in Baguio, and hopefully she'll find her guts to stop the wedding...

***

Stanly

"OMG! My head is killing me! Stop! Stop the Car... I think I'm gonna throw up!!!" Sabi ni Tanya na nakakalong sa kin... nasa zig zag na kami... malapit na kami... kaya siguro masyado ng nahihilo si Tanya...

"No you can't! we're running out of time... "

"ARRRRGGGGG!!!!! Kuya! What if we're too late!"

Binatukan ko sya!

"ARAY!!!! MASAKIT NA NGA ANG ULO KO MAS LALO MO PANG PINASASAKIT!!!!!"

"Serves you right! Sa dami ng advice na binigay ko sa yo.... PINAABOT MO PA SA GANITO!"

"Sorry naman! And stop screaming! It's very unlike you! Ang sakit sa tenga! Hindi mo ba alam na sasabog na ang utak ko!"

Biglang lumiko si Slate at naumpog kami si Tanya sa salamin.

"Aray!!!! Dinagdagan mo pa ng untog! ARAY!"

Natawa na lang ako... I can't believe we're really doing this... I know that this could have been prevented, if only she stood up ages ago and fought for their relationship... I tried to warn her, but she didn't read between the line,, she was so entangled by her emotions.. kaya ayan,,, dumating pa kami sa ganitong punto...

"Just hang on.. we're almost there... "

"Andrew... please wait for me... " She said silently...

Tumunog ang cellphone ko.. I took it out and read the text message... I message back...

"Tanya... please sleep for a while... we're almost there.. you need to be sober.. para alam m ang mga gagawin mo."

"Kuya.. what will I do if we're too late?"

I sighed... "We won't be late... "

She smiled and leaned her head on my shoulder trying not to cry anymore...

How I love my sister, it took her a while to realize her mistakes and do away all her stubbornness... but I know she's gonna make it right this time...

I smiled, knowing that she'll do just fine...

***

Tanya

I opened my eyes.. We've reached the place... and I looked around...

It's Andrew's resthouse in Baguio...

So this is where they're going to get married... this is OUR special place.. bakit pumayag si Andrew na dito magpapakasal?

Pero kahit na! I'm here! Hindi ako papayag na matuloy ang kasal!!!!

OMG! My aching head.... Parang bukong binibiyak!!!! I'm not gonna drink anymore !!!

"Woa!!! Watch your step! Muntik ka ng mahulog!" sabi ni kuya Slate na hawak hawak ang buwang ko.. tumingin ako sa sinasabi nya... yaiyks!!! Muntik na nga akong mahulog sa stairs!!! Hala!

Hindi ko naman mapigilang hindi gumewang kahit na anong concentrate ko sa paglalakad.. nahihilo pa rin ako.. pero kaya ko to.. hindi pwedeng hindi! Kailangan kong pigilan ang kasal!

"Where the heck is the ceremony area?"

"I think it's at the back.."

Nagmamadali kaming pumunta sa likod ng bahay at ayung nga.. doon kinakasal sa semi amphi theater... at naglalakad na sa isle si Clarisse....

"Oh no! it's starting!!!!" sabi ko...

"Hurry! Hurry!" sabi ni kuya Slate...

Tinapon ko na ang 5 inches hills ko and I tried my best to run... unfortunately... nabunggo ako sa pine tree at napaupo!

"Ano ba to!!!!! bakit ba haharang-harang tong punong ito!"

"Are you alright!" Sabi ni Kuya slate na tinulungan akong bumangon...

"I'll be fine when I get there... " I said struggling to get up... bakit ba pinag-iinitan ang ulo ko ngayon... sobrang sakit na nga mas lalo pang sumasakit!

"C'mon.. let's run together... "

"Asan si Kuya Stanly?"

"May biglang tumawag.. sinagot muna nya..."

"Mas importante pa ang tawag kesa sa pagpigil sa kasal!!! Ang weird ni Kuya!!!"

We've reached to top of the stairs... and we are now in full view of the ceremony...

Nagdadalawa na naman ang tingin ko and my head feels like it's splitting in two... I'm getting dizzier by the minute but this is not the time for me to faint... I have to do this.. this is my last chance!!!

"WAIT!!!! PLEASE WAIT!!!" sumigaw ako ng malakas... ginamit ko na ang natitirang lakas ko para pigilan ang seremonya

Lahat ng tao napatingin sa kin...

"HINDI PWEDENG MATULOY ANG KASAL!!!!"

Napahawak ako sa ulo ko.... Unti unti akong bumaba sa ceremony area... O GOSH I'm getting more dizzier.... BUT I HAVE TO DO THIS!!!! I HAVE TO STAY CONCIOUS KUNG HINDI... HINDI KO NA ALAM KUNG ANONG MANGYAYARI!

"ANDREW!!!" I said desperately...

"ANDREW!!! MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!" I said while the tears are falling down my face..

" I'm sooo sorry pero hindi kita pwedeng pakawalan... kahit anong sabihin mo... " dire-diretso ang tulo ng mga luha ko at hindi ko na rin kinayang pigilan...

"Diba sabi mo, sabihin ko lang na mahal kita, kaya mong iwanan ang lahat para sa kin? Sabi mo ipaglaban lang kita.... Nandito na ko ngayon! I'm willing to fight for us! I'm so sorry I'm soo late in realizing what should be done... I'm really sorry for not fighting for you... FOR US!"

Napansin ko si Tita Marissa na nakatitig sa kin... pero nagtataka ako... bakit parang hindi sya galit sa mga pinag-gagagawa ko?

"Tita Marissa.... I'm so sorry... But I can't stay away anymore... Kahit na magalit na kayo sa kin.. kahit na ipakulong nyo pa ko o ipadampot sa mga abusayaff... hindi ko na po kayang mawalay pa sa akin ang anak nyo... God knows I tried... I stayed away. But I can't anymore... I LOVE YOUR SON SOOOOO MUCH!!! MAGALIT NA KAYO SA KIN.. BUT I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!"

I can't barely stand.... Masyado ng masakit ang ulo ko...

Tumingin ulit ako kay Andrew....

"Andrew? Do you still love me? That's the only thing I want to ask... "

Sinubukan kong humakbang at lumapit sa kanya...

"If you still love me? Andrew.............. WILL YOU MARRY ME?????"

There I said it!!!!

I don't know what to expect right now...

I closed my eyes.... Waiting....

Ouch my splitting heahache... I can hear whispers around me, I know I'm doomed, sobrang kahihiyan ang pinaggagagawa ko, but I don't care.. I WANT ANDREW!.... Napaupo na ako... hindi ko na kaya pang tumayo... My legs feels like jell-O

Narinig kong unti unting nagpapalakpakan ang mga tao...

What da! Am I hallucinating? Dala ba ito ng sobrang hang-over? Hindi na talaga ako iinom sa tanang buhay ko!

I opened my eyes slightly.. ang weird, they're all smilling down at me... ANO BA TO? PANAGHINIP???

I tried to stand up... But I'm barely conscious... I don't know what the heck is happening... I'm slipping form consciousness... I closed my eyes again and I felt myself falling but before I hit the ground I felt someone arms around me...

I tried so hard to open my eyes...

"I love you too Tanya.. and yes... I'm going to marry you... "

I smiled and everything went black...

AN

Yehey! konti na lang... Next chapter ...ang pinaka-aabangan ng lang... ANDREW'S POV ON DIFFERENT OCCATIONS! alam kong maraming nag-aabang nito pero talagang tinago ko muna ito until the end para hindi mawala ang suspense...

*******************************************[44] Chapter 41 (Andrew's POV)*******************************************AN..

Yehey! nkapag-UD na rin ako sa wakas! haaaaayyyy... sorry for the long wait... I have to overcome some obstacles... and I've been in soooo much pressure lately... pero at least malapit na tayong maka home run!!!! I chap to go! iniisip ko kung maglalagay ako ng epilogue.. hmmmm malamang... well anyway... this is Andrew's POV .. maraming nagrerequest nito kaya ETO NA PO SYA!!!

Sinimulan ko to nung nasa cemetery si Andrew... If you want you can look back at the previous chapters so you can review what happened then...

Chapter 42

Andrew

I poured a glass of wine to my unseen companion... I know I kind of look silly. Here I am, alone inside the Ramirez mausoleum, talking to a ghost. Kahit nga ako natatawa sa pinag-gagagawa ko. The sensible part of me would laugh at the things that I've been doing for the past couple of months. Who would ever think that the biggest player in town would run around the world, desperately trying to win back the girl he loves?! Napapailing na lang ako sa mga kalokohan na pinaggagagawa ko. I was so desperate for the past couple of months. Desperate to make Tanya come back to me that I haven't been thinking. So all of my efforts has been flushed down the drain. Walang nangyari sa kakahabol ko sa kanya. Hindi man lang ako makalapit. She always made sure that she's surrounded my people, by press. She took refuge in the limelight that I don't have a choice but to look at her from a distance.

Yes, I'm so proud of her. Proud of her achievements. She's one heck of a super model. Ang walang ka-poise-poise na babae noon ay rumarampa na ngayon, with all the grace in the world! Her popularity had sky rocketed in just a matter of weeks after her launching, and she's already in-demand with the top brands in the world. That's why she's all over the place. One day she's in New York, after a couple of days she's already in Madrid, and another couple of days she's in Milan. Hindi ko nga alam kung papaano nya pinagkakasya ang oras nya, parang hindi sya napapagod. At ayon naman ako na parang asong susunod sunod at humahanap ng pagkakataon na makausap man lang sya. But that has got to stop.

Actually I don't blame her for leaving me, but at first I was crushed believing that she just left me, after that incident. But before I found out the truth, I was so bitter. Dahil nasaktan ako. Nagalit ako. Nabalitaan ko na lang na nasa Milan sya. She didn't even had the decency to say goodbye to my face! I thought that she just left me for dead and just followed her dreams. Hindi ko lubos maisip na kaya pala nyang gawin iyon. I thought she was so heartless! I tried to forget her. I tried to bring back my old life.. the player Andrew.. I tried to go out on dates, but whenever I was with someone, si Tanya pa rin ang laging nasa isip ko. I tried to push her at the back of my mind. But it didn't work, at hindi rin nakatulong ang mga naglalakihang mga billboards nya sa paligid.. Until I gave up. Na-realize ko na si Tanya talaga ang mahal ko, at hindi ko sya kayang alisin sa isip ko.. That's when I tried to dig in deeper... I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I tried to figure out what happened. Why she acted that way and why she left in the first place... that was not the Tanya I know.

When I thought about it, about Tanya's personality, hindi nya ugaling mang-iwan sa ere ng tao, especially when that person is in need. So why did she left? That's when I thought that she will never leave me unless someone provoked her! That got me thinking...

And I have a pretty good idea kung sino ang salarin. But I need to be sure.

I went to talked to Charlie about it. If she knows if something happened when I was in a coma.

"Come to think of it... she was acting so depressed, a few days after your accident. Pero ang alam ko natural lang naman yun kasi syempre she was feeling guilty because you took the shot that was meant for her. Pero, you're right, it just seems fishy. Kasi she never left your side when you're in a coma, tapos bigla bigla na lang lumipad nung magising ka. Kung balak ka nyang iwan, umpisa pa lang dapat umalis na sya... " sabi ni Charlie.

"My parents was there.. did they had a confrontation? "

"Not that I know of.. pero.... Hmmmmm ... " Napaisip si Charlie ng ilang minuto.. "napansin ko nga noon na hindi pinapansin ng mommy mo si Tanya.. at parang galit sya sa kanya. Minsan dumalaw kami ni Zack, and Tanya was there, before we entered the room I over heard your mom telling her to make the most out of her visit for it'll be over soon!!! " nanlaki ang mga mata nya "OMG!!!! Do you think....???"

Napakunot ako ng noo... That's what I thought... my mom drove her away! Tanya is tough on the outside but simple things like that can drive her away... Ang hindi ko lang alam kung ano ang mga pinagsasasabi ng mommy ko sa kanya.

That's when I confronted my mom... I went to the States unannounced. At first, she was so glad to see me but when she looked at me, all color from her face had faded away... her actions gave her away.. sinasabi ko na nga ba... Alam ko na ngayon na sya talaga ang may kagagawan ng lahat.

"What have you done Ma!"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm not stupid! Did you not think that I can't put two and two together?"

Tumalikod sya sa kin, trying to find the words to say...

"Why Ma? I thought you want me to settle down? Now that I found the right girl.. you broke us apart? I can't believe you!"

Humarap sya sa kin... nanginglid ang mga luha nya, but she's trying hard not to let it flow.

"I did it for you! Because I love you!"

I can't believe this! I shook my head and laugh without humor...

"What? Can you hear yourself ma? You love me enough to break me! Don't you know that she's the reason why I'm no longer the Andrew whose playing around?!" I paced around the room feeling all the frustration coming out of me.

" Because of her I've become a better man. My life has become more meaningful that I can look forward to the future knowing that someone will always be by my side... Hindi na ako yung dating Andrew na ang tingin lang sa babae ay laruan!! but you threw all that away!!! "

I sighed... I brushed my hair with my hands.. hoping I calm down just a little bit... But I'm so mad right now...

"You know what ma... She's tough in the outside but she's so fragile inside.. that's why I was very careful not to hurt her.. because I know that she'll break down... Look what you did! she ran away because you broke her heart! I tried hard to protect her, I'd give my life just to make her safe! That's how much I love her! BUT LOOK WHAT YOU DID MA! All my efforts had gone to waste! You threw away all my happiness!"

This time she cried...

I hate doing this to her!! I've always treated her with my utmost respect. Mataas ang pagtingin ko sa kanya... But I was so mad and I know I stabbed her at the heart!!!

I know she loves me, but sometimes her ways are not helping me at all.

I tried to calm myself down. Buti na lang at wala ang daddy, kung hindi baka nasapak nya ako! My mom is now crying hysterically now...

After a while... nag-subside na ang galit ko, at medyo kumalma na rin si mommy... and my guilt is slowly creeping down thru me on the way I treated my mom. I love her that's why kahit na anong sakit ng ginawa nya, I can't stay mad at her.

I frowned.

I sat beside her and I hugged her...

"I'm sorry ma,, I didn't mean to make you cry."

She wiped her tears...

" I deserve that... really I do " She tried to smile... "I'm sorry too.. I sometimes act on instinct rather than thinking first."

Silence..

"What do you have against her? " I asked..

Silence...

After a while when she's already in full control, she spoke.

"I don't have anything against her.. In fact I really like her... "

What? I looked at her puzzled.

"Now that's a surprise."

"When I saw both of you together for the first time, that was in your office, I saw something... I can't explain it! But I saw the way you look at her intensely, I knew that what you feel for her is strong... but when you denied it, I thought that I have to do something to make you realize your feelings for her.. and vice versa. So I set you up with Clarisse... "

"You did what!" napapailing na lang ako... my mom, the match maker... This time I smiled.. so she went out of her way to set us up...

"frankly speaking, you're not exactly Clarisse's type, and she's the perfect girl to fit my plan and because our families are close, she's willing to help me out. That's how kind hearted she is.. so Don't you dare think bad things about her!"

Natawa ako... "Yeah right."

Tinignan nya ako ng masama...

"Ok ma.. don't look at me like that... continue.. continue.. " I said.

"But as you can see, I made a success out of those plans... alam ko mga nangyayari sa inyo. " tinignan ko sya ulit ng masama.

"You mean to say, that your spies are all over me... I really can't believe you ma! " I said but this time I'm not mad, natatawa na lang ako sa mga pinag-gagagawa ni Mommy, No wonder, sa kanya talaga ako nagmana.

" But you can't deny that you still love me." She said smiling mischievously.

"Well, to continue my confession after I was rudely interrupted.." she said. "I was actually so happy when I found out that you and Tanya are already together because finally, you're gonna settle down.. at magkaka-apo na ako!"

"Iyon lang ba ang gusto nyo? Magka-apo!"

She pinched my nose. " Hindi mo ba lam na iyan ang pangarap ng bawat magulang na lumaki na ang mga anak? And I want a dozen... hindi maganda ang 1 lang.. tignan mo nangyari sa yo! You're so spoiled!"

"I beg to disagree... So what happened? If you're so eager to have your grandchildren, why did you drive her away?"

She suddenly looked sad...

"I admit, that's the greatest mistake I've ever made. When I saw you lying in that hospital bed and when I learned that you almost died.. I don't have anyone to blame but Tanya. I thought to myself na kahit na hindi ka na lang mag-asawa, ok na rin.. kahit hindi na ako magkaroon ng maraming apo, ok na rin.. basta buhay ka lang... When I saw how beautiful she is, I can't help but wonder... will you be safe protecting her all your life? Sa ganda nyang yon, alam kong maraming magnanais na makuha sya in all expense... at that time,, I can't take that... I can't have you dying for the sake of her safety.. You're my only child and I can't loose you... I thought that it's better for you to live without her that's why I drove her away... All I want is for you to be safe. " She sighed, I can see the regret in her eyes.

"And looking back... Na-realize ko na dahil na pagprotekta ko say o, pinapatay na rin pala kita.. hindi ko akalain na ganon mo sya kamahal.. kaya tumakas ako... pinilit ko na umuwi na lang dito sa Amerika dahil hindi ko kayang Makita kang ganyan, na parang nawala ang buhay mo ng mawala si Tanya. And I really can't take it, that the source of your unhappiness was because of me... " Then she cried again...

I was silent for a while.. I tried to digest all the things that she said to me...

"Ma... please... don't cry anymore... I understand.."

She tried her best to stop the tears from falling and regain her dignity.

We were silent for a while... Tumayo ako at tumingin sa bintana.. I tried to gather up my thoughts.. I know my mother loves me so much that I understand why she did all that.

After a few minutes of silence I looked at her.

"We can't undo what has been done. So let's just forgive and forget." I said and she smiled at me.. " But this time.. you are going to do your best to make her come back to me... we just have to put both of our scheming minds together."

"If I can't go near her... we are going to make her come to us" I said with all conviction.

With that she smiled.

Now I'm here talking to a ghost...

"Sir, I haven't Introduced myself properly. I'm Andrew Fajardo and I'm in love with your daughter." Sabi ko kausap ang puntod ng daddy ni Tanya.. I really feel so silly... But I know I have to do this.

"I intend to make her my bride. But before I do that, I'm afraid that I will cause her so much pain before I can achieve that." I sipped from my goblet before I continued speaking.

"Ayoko sanang gawin ang ibang mga pinaplano ko, but I don't have a choice... She has to learn to fight for her love.. so she will not run at the first sign of trouble. As you can see sir, If she learns to fight then she'll learn to treasure for her loved ones more... para na rin, hindi nya ako pakakawalan ng ganon ganon na lang katulad ng nangyari nung nakaraan. I've gone thru the plane with Stanly and he gave a go for it, but he will do his best to talk to her, para na rin hindi umabot sa sukdulan ang mga plano, at para hindi na rin sya masaktan ng husto. I really don't want to do this, you got to believe me, but this needs to be done for her sake too... I'm sorry in advance because I know that you love your daughter so much, but I promise to be a good husband when the time comes." I smiled at that thought. I can't wait till the time that I can call her my wife.

Stanly is waiting for me outside the mausoleum. He was all out with the plan and he understands that Tanya needs to be toughen up and she needs to undergo the situation, para hindi nya tatakbo takbo kapag nagkataon. She needs to learn how to fight her demons and to face her problems head on. I know he'll be there for Tanya just in case she breaks down.

Medyo nahirapan lang akong i-convince si Clarisse para pumayag sa mga plano namin. She's a good girl and she really does not want to be the source anguish for Tanya. at alam din nyang medyo may katarayan si Tanya at ayaw nyang maging biktima ng kapilyahan nito. Medyo malambot din kasi ang puso non. But I bribed her and I guess she can't resist it... I found out that she had a terrible crush on Ice... Kaya iyon ang ginamit ko iyon para mapapayag syang magpanggap na fiancé ko. I promised that I'll do my best to set her up with Ice. It'll be hitting two birds in one stone... I got to get the girl and we get rid of Ice and set him up with her. Easier said than done, I know... but it's worth a try.

Hinayaan ko na si Mommy na kumausap kay Mother Reyna, dahil alam ko na sya ang susi para mapauwi ng Pinas si Tanya. Inayos ni Mother Reyna lahat ng mga contrata at schedules ni Tanya. Majority na ng mga endorsements ni Tanya ay under na ng Fajardo Group so wala ng problema ang pag-uwi ni Tanya. she will be working under me without her knowing. So everything is according to plan.

***

All was well, everything is according to plan. After she saw us at the twins birthday party, she was beginning to realize how she missed me... And from the looks of it, I can see that she still loves me and that made me so happy, but I can't give in right now. As much as I really want to hold her and touch her and tell her that everything will be alright, but I can't do that right now, I need to push thru my plans... I need to be patient, I've waited long enough... another few weeks or months will not hurt... That is, until she made another stupid move...

Sumakay ba naman ng MRT! I was fuming mad! What will happen if people recognize her! AAAARRRGGGG! That stupid girl! Bigla bigla na lang kasi nag-de-desisyon! Nasa Resto kami nung

kausap ni Charlie si Tanya, we were ready to put on a show. Pero, dahil nalaman namin ang ginawa ni Tanya, I suddenly rushed to the MRT Station, dragging her out. That was unplanned, at dahil don nagkasagutan kami sa resto at nagtaray si Tanya ng husto that made Clarisse cry.

Pagkatapos mag-walk out ni Tanya sa resto kasunod ni ice, nag-usap usap kami kung anong magandang gawin.

"I'm really sorry about that Clarisse. Alam mo naman si Tanya medyo war freak." I said

"That's ok, I understand."

"It's my fault." Sabi ni Charlie. "I shouldn't have pressured her."

"It's nobody's fault.. Hindi naman lahat ng plano full proof... so kailangan, damage control tayo ngayon."Sabi ko.

"So what are you planning to do?" Tanong ni Charlie.

I sighed

"I'll talk to her tonight. I'll try to persuade her... Para hindi na rin tumagal to. I think she's hurting enough." And I'm also hurting to see her like that, I thought silently.

"Pero paano kung hindi pa rin bumigay?" Tanong ulit ni Charlie. Alam kong nahihirapan din syang Makita ang kaibigan nya na ganon.

"We'll proceed with the engagement."

***

Akala ko bibigay na sya nung gabing yon. I can feel her love when I kissed her, she still loves me but she's so stubborn to see it, mas gusto pa nyang mag-suffer kesa makasama ako at pareho kaming lumigaya... Oh God, how I miss her... How I miss having her close to me.. How I wish this is over. How I wish that she will open her eyes and realize how much our relationship is worth fighting for. But the accident still lingers in her mind. Masyado syang na-trauma.. Then she ran away again...

I was so close! Ayun na e... pwede na sanang matapos ang mga pagkukunwaring ito.. pero tumakbo na naman sya!

Unfortunately, we still need to go thru with the rest of the plan. Masakit na rin para sa kin na nakikita ko syang nasasaktan. Gusto ko na rin itigil ito pero si Stanly na rin mismo ang nagpursige para ituloy ang plano.

"it's for her own good.. let's just give her time to strengthen up, medyo mabigat ang mga pagdadaanan nya." Sabi ni Stanly

"Are you sure about this?" I asked.

"I know my sister.. minsan kailangan lang syang i-provoke..."

***

Then again, she ran away at the engagement party. Pero may kakaiba noon. She got to the point when she had the guts to stand up and sing for me, that's a good sign, lumalakas na ang loob nyang ipakita na mahal nya ako. I can't imaging she did that... I was so proud of her.. at maganda pala ang boses nya... I can't take my eyes off her when she sang,, it's as if bawat lyrics ng kanta ay tumatama sa puso ko. It's as if she was telling me the lyrics face to face... kung pwede nga lang na lapitan ko sya at halikan, right then and there... but we have a show to do...

When my mom announced the engagement, I thought she will have to guts to protest.. but unfortunately, she haven't mastered it yet... and again... we have to push thru the last stage...

Nobody's home with her right now, and that got me worried... Sinundo ni Stanly si Slate at ang mommy nya who will be coming home from the States... Pinauwi sila ni Stanly, because if all goes well, then Tanya needs them to be present.

My fears were confirmed when Stanly called me, so early in the morning. We were already in Baguio, preparing for the fake wedding.

"What the hell happened!" I asked

"Well, naka 10 bote lang naman ng wine ang tinungga nya."

"What!!!!"

Napahawak ako sa noo ko... this is turning to be a circus...

"God! What are we suppose to do? Just wait for me there,, I'll get the chopper..."

"No..." Sumabat si Stanly. "Sayang ang efforts natin. I got this ok. Nandito naman si Angelie. She'll do miracles with her, I just know it. At nandito rin si Slate, he's a demon driver remember. Just trust me, I got this, we'll work this out."

***

A few hours later, Tinext ko si Stanly kung ano na ang location nila. Malapit na sila.. We need to get ready... I filled up the place looking like there's a real wedding going on... Tanya's mom is also here and I explained everything to her. She's very supportive and I have a feeling that this is it... Finally...

***

She's finally in my arms... I was so proud of her... the way she poured her heart out, all of our efforts are worth it... I can't get my goofy smile out of my face... the way she said how much she loves me, tagos na tagos sa puso ko yon... AND SHE EVEN PROPOSED TO ME! That was unexpected! My heart is overjoyed! The result is way beyond expectation. I can see Charlie shedding some tears of joy... cause finally... we are together and finally, I can say that she is mine.

Well.. she passed out, but that's ok.. she needs her rest, after all the emotional rollercoaster that she went thru. At sa dami ng nainom nyang wine according to Stanly... she needs all the rest she can get... alam kong masakit na masakit ang ulo nya, she needs to sleep her hang over. And I will be here beside her and I intend to be the first person she sees when she wakes up.

I carried her to my room and lay her at my bed. She's sleeping so peacefully. I traced her face with my fingers... how I miss her so much... I just can't take my eyes off her... The past year has been torture.. Ayoko ng pagdaanan pa muli ang mga araw na hindi ko sya kasama... Never again... I will never let her go... Hindi ko na rin hahayaan pang may humadlang sa min... we are meant for each other and I intend for it to stay that way! MAGKAMATAYAN NA! PERO HINDI KO NA HAHAYAAN PANG MAWALA SA KIN SI TANYA!

*******************************************[45] Chapter 42 Finale*******************************************AN.

Medyo sinipag akong magsulat dahil sa magagandang comments ninyo... :) kaya ginawa ko na ang final chapter...

YEHEY!!!! i feel sooo proud for finishing this story!!!! I hope you'll enjoy it...

..still I haven't proof read this... this is straight form my mind... sinet-aside ko lang yung mga trabaho ko... tatapusin ko muna yung work ko bago ko basahin ulit...

Chapter 42

Tanya

I opened my eyes slowly. Slightly disoriented, I waited will my eyes adjust to the dimly lit room.

Where am I?

I don't recognize the room. Base from the darkness and eerieness of my surrounding, I'm

guessing that it's very late at night, or it's already morning? I closed my eyes again, trying to remember what the heck happened and where the heck am I? My head is aching as I put my hands in my forehead...

AAARRRGGG!!!! What have I done to make this skull of mine to break itself into half!!!

Tumagilid ako ng higa, trying to find a comfortable position, when my body touched something, I'm guessing that It's not a pillow...

Very slowly I opened my eyes... OMG!!!! Have I trespassed into someone's home? Pero paano ako nakarating dito sa kwartong ito? Nyiiiii!!!!! Sino ba tong katabi ko.... GOSH!!!!!

Then I realize that he's fast asleep... HE??? Lalake??? OMG!!!!! Nag trespass ako sa bahay ng may bahay, tapos nakitulog pa ako sa kwarto ng lalake??? Have I gone really mad?

Hindi... hindi... hindi.... Wala sa personality ko ang mag-ober-d-bakod!!!! Sa ganda kong to mag-o-ober-d-bakod ako???

Baka kinidnap ako!!!!! Waaaa!!! Ano to karma!!!!!

OMG!!!!!! I think I've been kidnapped!!!

Napaupo akong bigla at napatili!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaa!" ... at biglang nagising at gulat na gulat yung lalakeng katabi ko...

He sat up and covered my mouth.

"WHAT THE HECK TANYA! are you trying to wake up the whole town!"

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

SI ANDREW!!!!!

I stopped squealing and he removed his hands in my mouth. Dahil hindi pa rin ako nakakarecover sa pagka-shock ko, nanatiling nakabukas ang bibig ko...

So definitely I wasn't kidnapped... o baka naman si Andrew ang kidnapper ko??? Ano ba to? Kung ano-ano na talaga ang pumapasok sa isip ko!!!! GRRRRR!!!!

He looks really amused...

"You look really cute when you're in shock..."

GANON!

"W-why... H-how... W-where the heck am I?"

He grinned...

"You don't remember?" kahit na medyo madilim, I can see that he is smiling widely now.

Yumuko ako and I buried my head in my palms....

What happened... what happened.. what happened....

I tried my best to remember...

After a while of thinking, unti-unting luminaw ang pag-iisip ko...

I remembered that I have been drinking... why?

OMG!!!!!! Ikakasal si Andrew!!!!!

Dumilat ako at tumingin kay Andrew....

But he's here!!!!

I remembered that I tried to stop his wedding but I fainted!

Oh Gosh... anong nangyari? Have I successfully stopped his wedding? he's suppose to be in his honeymoon right now diba? But he's here?! he's beside me... smirking at me like some kind of idiot!!!! Or am I the idiot around here????

I suddenly took his right hand and I turned it over and over again...

"Wala?"

He looked confused...

"What are you looking for?" tanong nya...

"Your ring! Damn it! Your wedding ring!" I said desperately...

"Tanya...." He said gently...and he wrapped his arms around me... I rested my head on his chest... It calms me down upon hearing his heartbeat..

He's here with me... and I guess nothing else matters...

"I didn't get married... "

"Really? "Kumawala ako sa pagkakayakap nya para Makita ko ang mukha nya. "Did I stopped it?" I said smiling to myself... so my mad dash to Baguio was actually a success!!!

YES!!!

I hugged him back...

"Drew... you don't know how happy I am right now.... " I said almost close to tears... "Oh gosh! What will I do if you got married!!!"

"You'll probably go out of your mind... and you'll end up in the mental hospital. But don't worry, if that'll ever happen, I'll visit you every other year... " He said teasingly...

Loko loko talaga to! Nagse-senti ako dito tapos kalokohan na naman ang nasa isip!

Kinurot ko nga sya sa tagiliran!!! BWISEEET! HMMMP!!!!

"Ouch!"He said laughing...

"Ikaw talaga!!! Kainis ka... ANG YABANG MO TALAGA KAHIT KELAN! HINDI AKO MALOLOKA NG DAHIL SA YO NOH!"

"Hmmmmm.... If I can recall what you did earlier... you're really really close to being insane..."

Namula ako ng husto! Uu nga... para nga akong baliw na kung ano ano ang mga pinagsasasabi ko... Not to mention that I was soooo drunk!

OMG!!!! Wala na akong mukhang maihaharap sa madlang people!!! Hindi ko nakita kung may press paligid!!! OH Shocks!!! Mawawalan ako ng endorsements!!!! Sasampahan nila ako ng kaso!!!! AAAARRRRGGGGG!!!!!

I covered my face with both of my hands while shaking my head vigorously.

"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! "

"Tanya.. " Sabi ni Andrew... his Voice is so gentle that my heart skipped a beat... "Look at me.."

Kinuha nya ang mga kamay ko and he gently raised my head so that we are locked with each others gazes...

Hindi muna sya nagsalita. We are just enjoying this silent conversation that tells us how much we love each other...

"Did you regret what you did?" He asked looking at me intently...

Regret? Nag-isip ako... I did it... kahit na alam kong reputasyon ko ang nakasalalay.. I did it.. kahit na walang kasiguraduhan kung anong magiging resulta... I just did it because I don't want to loose the man I love!

"I will do it over and over again.. even if the world judge me for being insane... I will do it again... if it means loosing my job and all that... I will do it again.... even if I loose my credibility.. even if people judge me..." I sighed... "I guess I realize now that you are more important than anything in this world and I just can't forgive myself if I loose you completely..."

Silence...

"I love you drew... with all my heart... " I smiled at him, my eyes are glistering with tears

that's threatening to come down...

He held my head with both hands and his face went terribly close to mine...

"And I love you.. more than you'll ever know... "

Unti unting lumapit an gang mukha nya sa kin... just when our lips are just an inch apart...

My stomach growled sooo loudly!!

ANO BA YAN!!!! PANIRA NG MOMENT!!!!!!

Biglang natawa si Andrew....

AAAAAARRRGGG!!! Nahiya ako ng bonggang bongga GRAVY!!!!!

Siguro mapula pa sa kamatis ang mukha ko.. buti na lang madilim sa kwarto....

Oh gosh! Talagang sukdulan na ang kahihiyan ko!!! GRRRR! Pasaway naman tong tyan na to!

"I guess we have to feed the monster..." Sabi ni Andrew, getting me off the bed... 'Baka ako pa ang kainin nyan!"

I punched him in the arm...

I noticed that I'm wearing PJs... hmmmm anong nangyari sa damit ko kanina?

Nanlaki mga mata ko!

"What?" tanong ni Andrew...

"Did you??? Did you???"

"What if I tell you... yes? What will you do?"

My jaw dropped!

"YYYYou.... Youu've... seen me...."

Ngumiti sya ng parang nakakaloko...

"Of course................ Not!" then he laughed... "You should have seen yourself... that's epic.."

AAAARRRGGG!!!! Loko loko talaga to!

"Sira talaga ang tuktok mo! E sino nagpalit ng damit ko?!"

"Your mom... "

Nanalaki mga mata...

"My mom is here? Really? " I said joyfully... how I miss my mom and I really want to see her again... "Where.."

"you see her in a few hours.. let her sleep it's only 2 in the morning?"

"Really? I slept the whole day?"

He nodded... " kaya nga siguro nagwawala na yang mga anaconda mo... "

Pumunta sya sa walk in closet nya at pagbalik nya may dala syang 2 jacket at isinuot nya sa kin yung 1.

"Let go down and stuff you up... at puro alchohol pa ang laman ng tyan mo... "

"hehehehe.... "

Before we went out of the room... tumingin sya sa kin...

He wrapped his arms around my waist...

"I love you Tanya... and..... I have a confession to make..."

****

"WHAT!!!!" For the I shouted For the nth time...

We are now at the garden, sitting at the gazebo with me eating some of the left over foods that's laid on the table...

At first sa kitchen kami kumakain but because I've shouted every now and then with Andrew's confession, he decided to go out in the garden. Baka daw maalimpungatan mga tao sa lakas ng boses ko.. full house pa man din dahil sa mga bisita.

"Wala ka na bang ibang alam na sabihin kundi ... WHAT!" sabi ni Andrew... he said smirking..

Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay...

"Well, I'm just sooo shocked! Hindi ko akalain na plinano mo pala ang lahat ng to! And to think na muntik ko ng ipakulam si Clarisse!"

"You and your weird ideas... "

"And to think that Tita Marissa was also involved! Wow! That is too much.... And to think that I'm scared out of my wits just looking at her!"

"She likes you.. trust me... "

Andrew's confession hit me blow by blow... grabe... hindi ko akalain... it was a consiparacy...

But I'm glad... they did it... kung hindi... baka hindi pa ako naumpog at baka by this time, nawala na sa kin si Andrew...

"Will you wait for me for a while... I just have to get something inside the house." Sabi ni Andrew at umalis na papuntang bahay.

I just starred at his retreating back...

To say that I'm lucky is an understatement... Maybe I've done something great in the past for me to deserve someone as perfect as Andrew...

I smiled at the thought... He's just so sweet,, kahit hindi nya aminin... well, at first I just thought that he was like an egotistic maniac,, the biggest player and jerk in town, whose only mission is to pester me... natatawa na lang ako kapag naalala ko mga adventures and misadventures naming.. kung paano kami magbangan na parang aso't pusa... ang yabang kasi minsan nakakainis!haay,,, may maipagmamayabang naman kasi...

I took another sip from my coffee. Which is really getting cold now, parang ice coffee na nga ito... even the food is now getting cold... ang lamig dito sa labas... pero nagtitiis kami dahil ang ingay ko... hehehehe... ok lang... I love it like this... I really love feeling the cold in my cheeks...

Wow! It's really a year that was... ang daming nangyari! Hindi ko akalain! I never thought that Mr. Wrong could be Mr. Perfect! And now, I feel like the luckiest girl in the universe... Ms. Universe ang peg ko ngayon! Hahahahaha!

Bumalik na si Andrew carrying a blanket... He sat beside me and wrapped himself with the blanket then he encircled his arms around me, with him acting like my human blanket... I rested my head on his chest. For the first time, after a year, I feel peaceful...

"Tanya?"

"Hmmmm?"

"will you make me the happiest man if you'll marry me tomorrow?"

I was about to pull away so I can see his face but he hugged me tighter...

"Bukas? As in tomorrow? "

He nodded his head...

I chuckled...

"Hindi ka na makapag intay?"

"I've been waiting for quite a long time,,, and If you can remember it correctly,, I proposed to you a year ago."

"And I proposed to you a few hours ago.. " namula na naman ako ng maalala ko ang mga kahihiyan ko..

"Yeah, right... " he said laughing... "well, since I know that you don't have a ring to put in my finger.... Will you wear this one instead? " he took out a ring box and opened it...

OMG! My engagement ring!!! I never thought that I will see this again... akala ko itinapon na nya yon, but he held on to it...

He took my hand and he kissed it.. then he slips the ring on my finger...

Gosh! Naiiyak na naman ako!!!

"You haven't answered my question yet... "

"Is it possible? We haven't obtain the papers yet?"

Instead of answering me.. he took out a folder and handed it to me...

Binuksan ko at nanlaki ang mga mata ko!

Our names are already there... on the marriage lisence!

"When did you get this?" I said in disbelief..

"It doesn't matter... "

"What can I say??? " I said smiling...

"A yes will be nice... " he said smiling...

I wrapped arms around his neck... "yes Drew... I can't wait for tomorrow... "

Our eyes locked... and before our lips met... nagsalita sya...

"Before I kiss you senseless... there's one last surprise... " at kumawala sya sa yakap ko.

Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay...

" hindi na ba matatapos ang mga surprise na to? I think I have too many for the past couple of hours that will last me a century! " I said laughing.

"This is the last.. I promise... "

He took out another folder and gave it to me.

"I was suppose to give this to you last year the moment we touch down in Manila.. But all hell broke loose that day... so... this present is a year late... open it"

Ano na naman kaya ito...

When I opened it... titolo ng bahay... OMG! Wakwak??? This can't be??? Is it? I looked at the address... BAHAY NAMIN ITO!!!!

A lump is starting to form in my throat... I can barely breath... tears are again threatening to fall down from my eyes...

"but Kuya Stanly said that it already has a new owner? Did he lie.. or did he not know? I'm confuse..."

"He did not lie and he really did not know the new owner... read it..."

I looked closely at the papers... at nanlaki na naman ang mga mata ko!

It says that the owner is TANYA RAMIREZ!

"Me? Why..... How did....? " This time the tears fell... I was so shocked at the same time thrilled!!!!

" I can't let that house be owned by another person...it means so much to you and to me as well... "

I wiped my tears away and tried to calm myself from all the emotions that I'm feeling right now. I took a deep breath.

"How can I thank you??? Gosh Drew.. I really don't know how to thank you!"

"No thanks required for I owe that house big time."

Nagtaka ako... " what do you mean?"

"Do you think that we're going to be this close if it weren't for that house? Do you think we will discover how much we meant and love each other it weren't for that house? Kung hindi dahil dyan, I will still be the same Andrew Fajardo, who doesn't believe in love... "

"Ang corny mo!!! " natawa ako!!!! Hindi ko akalain na masasabi nya yon! ANG CORNY ANG BADUY!

"correction.... Cheezy.. " he said feeling presko kahit baduy!

"Yuck! Where did you learn all that?"

"Ka-cornihan? Sa yo. Kanino pa ba?"

Natawa na lang kaming dalawa...

"I already have it renovated and we'll live there after the wedding, and that is pagkababa natin dito sa Baguio... Since your mom, doesn't' want to live there anymore because of the memory of your dad, your kuya Slate will also be living in the states... and your kuya Stanly has already bought his own mansion... "

"Really?"

"Hindi mo ba alam?"

I shook my head... malihim din si Kuya a...

"Well, he's also not getting any younger, maybe he's preparing to get married too?"

Hmmmm kanino? Hmmmp saka ko na nga pro-problemahin si kuya... Moment ko to! Saka na lang sya magkamoment!

I yawned... kahit na kakagising ko lang, I feel tired, after all that revelations!

I leaned on his chest... and I hugged the folder containing the title deed of our house... yes... he's right.. kung hindi dahil sa bahay na to, hindi kami ganito ngayon... I would never have found out that Mr. Worng is Actually Mr. Right and that is Mr. Andrew Fajardo...

***

"Ready?" Sabi sa kin ni Kuya Stanly as I cling to his arms...

"O Gosh! I think I'm going to cry... I miss dad... "

"Don't be sad..." He said patting my hand. " Alam ko na ang gusto mong maghatid sa yo sa altar ay si Daddy, but don't you think that Dad is smiling at you right now? Knowing that his favorite child is marrying the perfect man? And knowing that his daughter is very happy right now."

I smiled fighting back the tear.. he's right... I can feel that daddy is smiling down at me right now...

I love you dad!

"You really know how to make a girl smile... somebody will be very happy to have you as her husband... "

He just smiled...

We entered the Ceremony ground.. sympre, sa backyard pa rin nila Andrew... the sun is setting and I can feel the cool breeze in my skin... wish ko lang makapag-backless ako sa wedding day ko,, but on this climate, that is not possible... hahahahaha! But Mother Reyna, dsigned a super sexy wedding gown without me showing some flesh... hindi ko rin akalain na nandito rin sa Baguio si Mother at may bitbit na wedding gown created solely for me... he was also part of the conspiracy... I should have known... well, at least hindi ako ma-mo-mroblema sa mga endorsements ko esp abroad... naayos na pala nya lahat yon. He already placed at my contracts that I will soon have a change of status... but just the same... I will continue with my

endorsements even after the marriage and Andrew is all for it, supporting me all the way... I love my husband... ay.. future pa rin pala.. hehehehe... hindi pa pala kami ng-I-I do.. hehehe.. excited much!

Kumakabog ang dibdib ko! This is it!

Wow the place looks magical! Parang nasa fairy tale land lang kami.. with all the firefly lights... bongatious flower arrangements and the spectacular sunset! This is perfect...

Hindi masyadong marami ang guests.. Limited lang for family and close friends... I can see my mom wiping away her tears with my second mom beside her , Mother Reyna , looking so proud while trying his best to hide the tears.. I smiled at them and Mother blew me a kiss... I looked at my bestfriend, my sister, Charlie, whose looking so beautiful and angelic beside her super hunk husband Zack. I owe everything to them for introducing Andrew to me... Kung hindi dahil sa mga pinagdaanan nilang mag-asawa noon, hindi kami magiging magkaibigan ni Andrew...

I smiled at Clarisse... I hope she can forgive me on how I treated and thought of her badly, iyon pala, she did everything for us, even played the bad girl, para lang magkatuluyan kami ni Andrew... Babawi ako sa kanya, promise... Now that I know that she's got the hots for Ice... come to think of it.. bagay na bagay sila... sayang nga lang wala si Ice dito... I really should speak to him... napakabait nyang tao... he deserves to have an exquisite girl beside him... like Clarisse? HMMMM... well, we'll see what we can do for her, after all that she has done for us...

My gorgeous brother Slate... I just hope one day he'll find the right girl for him... wag na yung katulad ng ex nyang si Kate! He doesn't deserved to be crushed like that...

Angelie, not just my PA, but a good friend as well, she has a good heart pero may pagka misteryosa, parang may mga things na tinatago, I just wonder... I smiled at her... hmmmm bakit tumitig si Kuya Stanly sa kanya? Are they in good terms already? Last time I checked, sinusupladuhan pa ni Kuya si Angelie,,, hindi ko maitindihan talaga minsan tong gwapo kong kuya... haaaiiizzz... well,, saka ko na lang sila pagtutuunan ng pansin, FOR I AM GETTING MARRIED TODAY AND WE WILL CERTAINLY BE THE HAPPIEST COUPLE ALIVE!

And at the end of the Aisle... the perfect man awaits me...

I caught my breath... Handsome is an understatement.... Dagdagan ng dashing, gorgeous, suave at kung ano ano pang adjective!

O gosh! And I'm marrying that man!!!! I looked at him dreamily... and he looks at me... If this is not love then I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling right now...

Stanly handed me to Andrew...

"Take care of her... " Sabi ni Stanly kay Andrew...

"I will..."

I hugged my Kuya...

"be good for him... you know he loves you so much... and I love you.... "

Nangilid ang mga luha ko... "Don't cry... you'll ruin your make-up... "

"It's waterproof... "

He chuckled... then he place my hands on Andrew's arms... we looked at each other... OMG! HE IS SOOO HANDSOME!!! kinikilig ako GRAVY!!!!

The usual ceremony took place.. we said our vows and we exchanged rings... kulang na lang.. yung declaration ng minister and I can't wait for that!!!!

Come to think of it, we haven't kissed each other since we've been back together... hmmmmm.... Bakit nga ba??? Kasi naman ang daming istorbo! PURO HUG LANG! kagabi naman sa Gazebo bigla akong inantok at hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na ko... hindi ko na nga namalayan na binuhat pala nya ako papuntang kwarto.. nagising na lang ako bz bzhan na sya para sa wedding!

KAYA NGA EXCITED AKO!!!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! KINIKILIG NA AKO HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

"Why do you have that goofy smile on your face?" He whispered...

"Wag mong sirain ang moment! Nag-e-emo ako!" I whispered back...

"What are you thinking?"

"Secret... It's none of your business... maikinig ka nga sa sinsasabi ni Minister.. importante yata yun... "

"Hmmmmm... would that thought lingers to things that will happen after the wedding????"

Namula ako!!!

"IN YOUR FACE!" hindi ko namalayan na napalakas pala ang sabi ko... at napatahimik ang lahat....

Tumingin ako sa paligid at lahat sila ay gulat na gulat na nakatitig sa kin...

OOOOOOPPPPPSSSSSS.....

Tatawa tawa si Andrew... at pinalo ko sya sa dibdib...

Umiling iling yung minister.... And he cleared his throat...

"ok .. to cut the ceremony short... I now pronounce you MAN AND WIFE!!!! YOU MAY NOW KISS THE BRIDE!"

Nagtawanan yung mga tao dahil pinutol na lang ng minister yung ceremony... and they all clapped their hands...

"Is this what you've been waiting for?" tanong ni Andrew, nakangisi na hindi maintindihan!

"JUST SHUT UP AND KISS ME!!!!"

I threw myself at him and crushed my lips to him and gave him the most passionate kiss in the world!!!!

This is it.. THIS IS FINALLY IT!

****

AN

Drum roll please!!!!!

Yeah! This is it... THIS IS FINALLY IT!!! The final chapter!!!!

Thanks guys for bearing with me... kahit minsan super tagal ng UD... but I finally made it!!! YEHEY!!!!

Grabe.. you just can't imagine how happy I am to finish this story... actually ANDREW is my dream guy.. kaya I'm with you girls wishing that there really is a true to life Andrew Fajardo... hehehehehe

THANKS FOR READING GUYS AND MAKING THIS BOOK A SUCCESS!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!! MWAH!

-Walangmagawa1210

HEY PEEPS!!! may kasunod na po ang story na ito... it's Stanly and Angelie's story... - written by BINBAN!

http://www.wattpad.com/13772032-my-mysterious-soulmate-on-going-stanly%27s-profile

*******************************************[46] Epilogue*******************************************

AN..

Hindi na sana ako maglalagay ng epilogue.. pero ... what the heck!

eto ng nga!!! hehehehe

Epilogue

9 years later

Tanya

"OH MY GOSH CHARLIE!!!!! NO!NO! NO!NO! NO!NO!"

May inilagay sa kawali na naglalaman ng mainit na mainit na mantika at biglang sumilab ang stove and the kitchen is filled with smoke!!!!

"FIRE EXTINGUISHER!!!!" sigaw ko...

Biglang nagkagulo ang mga katulong. Lahat dalidaling kumuha ng timba timbang tubig at dahil sa kalituhan.. kung saan saan na lang ipinagtatatapon ang tubig...

After a few minutes when the kitchen was smoke free, I looked around the kitchen with an obvious dismay in my face... THE KITCHEN IS A TOTAL FREAKING MESS!!!!

THERE GOES OUR DINNER!!!!

Namewang ako at hinarap ko si Charlie, pinagtaasan ko sya ng kilay...

"Oooooppppssss.... Sorry na..... " sabi ni Charlie na hindi malaman kung mahihiya o matatakot.... Well... I really look scary right now...

"AAARRRRGGGGG! I told you to stay away from my kitchen!!! But NOOOOOOOO!!!!! You still can't take yourself away from here!!! So, now what???!!!! Everything is soaking wet! And they are arriving in 30 minutes!!!!"

"Ummmm aaaaa eeeeee.... Hmmmmmm.... "

GRRRRR!!!!!....

Niyakap ako ni Charlie and she gave me her super sweet smile... "Sorry na girl... smile ka na please???"

Pumikit ako... I counted to 10... trying to calm myself down....

I Sighed...

Hay nako... who can stay mad at my BFF... o sige na, granted, she doesn't know what she's doing in here... kahit na ilang beses na nyang nagawa ito, hindi pa rin nadala, at ako rin,, ilang beses ko na rin syang pinapatawad. Ayaw pa kasing tanggapin na talagang kitchen jinx sya at hindi na mababago yon. Wala na talagang pag-asang matutong magluto yon.

Tumingin na lang ako sa kanya, ano pa bang magagawa ng galit ko, wala rin naman mangyayri...

Pagkakita ko, natawa sa itsura nya...

Her face is covered with grease at kung ano - anong smudges na galing sa ibang ibang sauce at pagkain...

"You're a mess!!!!"

Tinignan nya ang sarili nya... at tinignan nya ako at bigla ring nagtatatawa...

"Well, I think I'm not the only one... "

Tinignan ko ang sarili ko... yung damit ko, punong puno rin ng kung ano anong pagkain!

Nagtawanan na lang kami sa mga itsura namin...

After our laughter died down... naupo kami sa kitchen counter...

"Now what?" Tanong ko...

Nag-isip sya...

"Well, since this celebration are for the kids... then... "

Hmmmm mukhang pareho na kami ng iniisip a...

"LET ORDER PIZZA!" Sabay kaming nagsabi...

Yes.. that's the perfect solution because that's the kid's fave food.. kahit 1 buan na iwanan mo at puro pizza ang laman ng kitchen, hinding hindi pa rin sila magsasawa.

We went out of the kitchen and took the phone in the living room to order 5 20 inche pizza. Tumawag na rin ako sa mga fave fastfoods ng mga kids to order all of their other fave foods, as usual, chicken, pasta, fries etc... alam kong pagagalitan ako ni Andrew sa mga mga pagkain na ihahanda ko, that's how much he hates fastfoods.. well, what can I do? We need food right now and fast!...

I looked at my watch... I'm estimating that they will arrive in less than an hour... pinatapos lang naming ni Charlie ang Commencement Exercise at umuwi na kami to prepare for our own celebration. Nagpakita lang sila sa reception sponsored by the school. Charles and Zia are now graduating from elementary school and both are loaded with honors... aside from special awards, Charles is the valedictorian and Zia is the salutatorian... only points away from each other. Alex's moving up ceremony was held this morning and she is again at the top of her class, what is more... she is accelerated to another level! She really did exemplary well kahit may mga modeling stints paminsan-minsan on the side. Sometimes I worry about her studying soooo much... because she has this goal in her head na hahabulin nya ang level nila Zia. She was the one who actually submitted a proposal letter to their head master that she's be given a chance to skip grades! Gosh at the age of 8, she's submitting absurd proposals behind our backs! And the greatest surprise is... pinagbigyan sya ng school! With a reason that she's actually way beyond her years.

I just can't thank God enough for all the blessings that He is giving to both of our families, charlie's and mine. God has gifted us with amazing kids and terrific and devoted husbands. What more can we ask for?

9 years has passed since Andrew and I got married, and our marriage is really going strong... of course there are rough times, lahat naman ng mag-asawa, kung minsan ay nagkakaproblema din, especially during the adjustment phase. There's no perfect couple. But we see to it that we settle all our differences and we make it a point that we never let the sun down without forgiving each other...

I thought that I can never be more in love with my husband but he keeps on proving me wrong. He just makes it more interesting as each years passed by.

Andrew is really one of a kind, I can never ask for a better man in my life.

Charlie and I took a quick shower and when we went down... we got the surprise of our lives!

"MOMMMMMYYYYYYY!!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!" iyan ang salubong sa kin ni Alex... umiiyak. Ng Makita nya ako.. tumakbo sya at niyakap ako...

Punit-punit ang damit nya and she has a bruise in her cheek!

"What happened!" I asked Andrew... whose sitting down in the sofa...

Pumasok si Zack with the twins, they are not looking good also. Zia has stains in her dress and Charles... O gosh si Charles... there are traces that his nose bled,, and there are bruises in his arms at may black eye pa!!!!

Si Charlie alalang alala...

"Oh my God!!!! What happened!!!!" sabi ni Charlie almost hysterical...

"Calm down and let's all sit down first... we still need to talk to the kids... " Sabi ni Zack whose I guess is in control of the situation...

Tinignan ko si Andrew... at ewan ko kung magagalit ako o ano sa itsura nya!!!! He looks somewhat amused! Is he enjoying this??? TWISTED MIND AS USUAL! But he's trying his best to hide the amusement in his face and he putting on an intimidating look. But I know better... may iniisip to... hmmmm...

Umupo kaming lahat sa salas... I tried my best to calm Alex... and in a few minutes she stopped crying...

"So, would anyone tell us what happened?" I asked...

"Well, it seems that the kids was involved with a fight... it's really quite obvious from the looks of them." Sabi ni Zack...

"But why? All is well when we left? And I know that you kids will never be involved with something like that!" Sabi ni Charlie who looks dismayed.

"If it wasn't for her we will never get involved!" Sabi ni Charles pointing his fingers to Alex.

"ME! Why are you blaming me!!!! It is you! If you just act like a big brother, I would never have pulled that pig face's hair! You knew all along that she is pestering ate Zia and you didn't do anything!"

"What is there to do? We all know that we should never be involve in a fight and we should always talk things thru! Didn't you learn that in any of your classes! But you took it upon yourself to deal with it! You should have let Zia handle it, she is older than you and more sensible than you! You little brat!" Sabi ni Charles..

Nagalit si Alex at tipong susugurin si Charles... "I AM NOT A BRAT YOU MORON!!!!!"

"Woa!! woa!! Alessandra Nicole Ramirez Fajardo!!! SIT DOWN!" Sabi ni Andrew.

"But it's really his fault dad!"

"I said, sit down." He said in a low menacing voice..

She sat down knowing that she's in a lot of trouble... kahit na spoiled si Alex kay Andrew, hindi pinapalampas ni Andrew ang mga mis behavior ni Alex.

"ok, so what really happened?" I asked...

"Base from the stories of the kids..." Sabi ni Zack " This girl, Abigail is constantly bullying Zia. Pinapabayaan na lang ito ng anak mo." Sabi nya kay Charlie.. and Charlie looked shocked... hindi nya akalain na may nambubully sa anak nya...

"And when Alex saw first hand that Abigail is bullying Zia she tried to defend her but when the girl did not backed down and pushed both Alex and Zia away, Alex pulled her hair and gave a a kick in the stomach that made Abigail cried hard. " Sabi ni Andrew.. "Then Abigail's brother saw them, and by the way, is a lot bigger than them for he is already a sophomore. He yanked alex away and slap her hard... that's where she get the bruise!" Galit na sabi ni Andrew.

"That's when Charles came in to the rescue ... well,, as you can see, it was really a bad fight. Zia Came looking for us. But when we get to the scene, the boy was out cold... did you punch him that hard Charles"

"well, alex help me... but... I'm really sorry about that. It won't happen again, I promise. Unless a little trouble making brat here gets us in trouble again." Tinignan nya ng masa si Alex.

"Hmmmp!" Sabay snub sa kanya ni Alex.

"We found out that those two siblings are really trouble makers. So they didn't took away the kid's awards. Well, actually the administration is glad because they finally have a reason not to accept them anymore in the next school year."

Napahinga ako ng malalim. Haaay, the reality hits me that you will not be there with your kids at all times... mabuti na lang at walang malalang nangyari sa kanila!

I looked at alex, she has a very bad bruise.. But I know it will heal.. I mirrored what Andrew is feeling right now. Proud that our daughter knows how to protect not only herself but her best friend as well! Ayoko nga sanang paturuan ng martial arts si Alex but I guess it will really come handy when the time comes. But I don't want to give her the idea that fighting is good that's why I'm giving her a stern face...

I can really see myself in Alex. Sooo feisty!

"Just behave you three. And don't get yourselves involve again in another fight or else.... " Sabi ni Charlie...

"If you misbehave... you might as well forget about FALCON UNIVERSITY!" Sabi ni Andrew with a smirk in his face.

"But dad, believe me it's not my fault!" sabi ni Alex...

"Just behave Alex, that's all I ask from you... " sabi ni Andrew trying to hide his amusement.

"And that goes for you two as well." Sabi ni Zack sa twins.

The twins nodded...

Natanggal na ang tension ng dumating ang mga pizza...

"Pizza and other junk foods Tanya? Is that the best you can come up to?" he said teasingly...

"You don't know what happened.. and by the way, we will be forced to eat out for a couple of days and stay away from the kitchen ... "

"I'm guessing..... Charlie?"

"Sino pa nga ba ang may kagagawan???"

natawa kaming dalawa... talaga nga naman si Charlie.. kahit kailan talaga!

"By the way, why are you soooo amused with the whole situation?" tanong ko.

"I'm not.. "

"I know you..."

Tumawa sya...

"I just can't hide anything from you... well, I can really see her in you."

I smiled

"She just looks like me but other than that... she's all you... schemer!"

Natawa kami...

"Well she's really a handful... but I'm really proud of her... Sino ang magulang hindi matutuwa sa kanya... I just hope that she'll tame down eventually baka walang manligaw dyan..."

"hmmmm.. if I remember it correctly, war freak pa rin ako non nung nagkagusto ka sa kin a!"

Natawa si Andrew...

"Iba ako, I like you even if..... "

"Even if what?"

"Iyon na yon.... "

Siniko ko sya...

"Ikaw talaga!"

Niyakap nya ako...

"Let's just say... I love you for who you are... kahit ano pamg ugali, kahit gaano ka ka war freak... kahit na.... I love you and I will always love you forever... "

I smiled...

I'm thankful dahil hindi nawala ang pagiging sweet ni Andrew, after all these years..

I just feel sooo lucky to have him.

"What are you thinking... "

"Nothing much... I just wish that someday, Alex will find a guy like you..."

"you mean an arrogant mischievous jerk like me? "

Natawa ako... that was how a refer to Andrew before...

Tinanaw ko si Alex sa loob ng bahay.. just in time to see Charles coming to her side... she snubs him but Charles is persistent. He keeps on talking to her. Hindi ko sila naririnig, but I'm guessing that Charles is trying to ask forgiveness. After a few more poutting and snubbing, bumigay din si Alex at nginitian na rin si Charles...

I smiled... and faced Andrew

"well, I'm positive that she will not only find someone like you but better... "

He smiled and I know that we are definitely thinking the same thing...

AN.

Thank you for all of your support...

Guys.. I've decided to write about the twins... since I've decided to give the story of Stanly and Angeli to Binban...

Watch out for my next series...

THE FALCON UNIVERSITY!

http://www.wattpad.com/13712222-falcon-university

i will start writng after the holy week,, kung sipagin, baka mas maaga pa... depende sa mood at dami ng work load..

again thanks guys for reading my stories! and thanks for all the very nhice comments.. it really inspires me to write more!

************************************************STORY END**************************************************************************************