Almost (Vol. 2) /SJU Series #1

2-3

2-3

CORINTHIAN

As the earth revolves around the sun, my life continued. It had been six long months since I got the position as Store Operations Manager. I accepted Kuya's offer to manage one of Abby's Souvenir/Gift shop. In a span of two months I got to know the in and outs of the business. Hindi man related sa course na inaral ko still I learned through the process. Sabi nga wala sa linya o pinag-aralan 'yan kundi nasa diskarte at abilidad sa buhay.

Alabaster has five branches running in the market. The shop provides plenty of miscellaneous goods ranging from girly accessories, gift boxes, stationery, Scandinavian home and wall decors, and minimalist portraits, too. The products were tag with inspirational, witty, and positive messages. Most importantly items were handmade by local craftspeople. Today the shop will conduct a fair somewhere in Alabang. It was a project-for-a-cause and part of the proceeds would be given to a particular orphanage.

Since Kuya left VGC, he totally gave all the authority to Dashiel to manage the family businesses. Kwento pa niya turn na daw ng huli para magpakitang gilas sa paghawak ng mga naiwan ng Don Manolo. Naging motivational speaker din siya sa mga business forum. At ang pinaka–hook siya ay ang pagbibigay ng oras sa mga charity works. Sabi niya in that way ay makabawi siya sa akin nang mga panahon na nawala ako sa kanila. At the same time to help the oppresed and less fortunates, too.

"Just promise me you'll be a good girl. Mommy will do artworks so you have to help me. Okay?" I gently told my daughter. Tinapos ko ang fishtail braid niya at kinurot ng bahagya ang kanyang baba.

She smiled and silently nod. Inayos ko din ang suot niyang pastel pink shirt and powder blue jogger pants. She doesn't like wearing girly stuff like dresses and skirts. Idol niya daw kasi si Aunt Mandy. Mahilig kasi 'yon sa simpleng t-shirt, denim pants, and her all time favorite chunky sneakers.

Tinitigan ko si Yumi bago ibinigay sa kanya ang sailormoon backpack niya. She's growing up fast and had the face like Dashiel. She got almost everything even the way she makes lambing. Kung may nakuha man sa akin ay malamang na s*x organ lang.

"Mommy, can I bring Sushi and Maki? Baka po kasi ma-bore ako doon. I want to play with them." My little girl said. She batted her long lashes and used her puppy eye look.

"Sure. Basta 'wag lang silang makakawala sa jar." Nakangiting sagot ko.

Sushi and Maki were her new pets. Uncle Lambert bought it yesterday when they had arcade after school. Those mollusks wake me up from my deep slumber. Ginapangan ako sa paa kaya naman hindi sinasadya ay nasipa ko si Sushi. Kuya spoils my baby just like how he did when I was as Yumi's age. Lahat ng trip ko noon suportado niya kaya kahit ang pakikipag–relasyon sa magaling na ama ng bata ay hindi niya kinontra.

"Yay! Thanks, mommy. You're the best!" she exclaimed happily. "I wabyuu so much po." She threw her arms around my hips and snuggled on it.

I cowered to level my body to my daughter. Her eyes mirrored mine, she smiled. Those expressive peepers reminds me of him. I wrapped my arms around her small, soft body then kissed the side of her head.

"I love you more, my baby."

She pulled out from my hug and quickly removed her bag. "Mom, madudurog ang hermit crabs ko. I don't want them to die agad." Reklamo niya.

I exaggeratedly rolled my eyes. 'Yung nagpaalam siya kung pwede dalhin ang mga alaga niya pero nasa loob na pala ng bag niya. After an hour, we arrived at the venue. The function room was located two blocks away from the entrance of an exclusive massive property. From what I heard, the owner would be celebrating his birthday later tonight. My employees were so kilig while talking about this man. Ang mga hitad "man of their dreams" daw nila ang lalaki.

After sometime, we reached our destination. Nang tuluyang makapasok ay agad kong nakita si Kylene, one of Alabaster’s trusted employee. She's busy entertaining some of the guests. Napansin kong marami-rami rin ang mga grade-schoolers at college students na busy sa paggawa ng calligraphy.

"Baby, don't go anywhere. Just stay by my side." Walang humpay na paalala ko kay Mayumi. I heard her sigh.

"Mom, you already told me that." She barked, staring at her pets crawling on the table.

Gusto kong matawa dahil parang nakita ko 'yung ako noon. Ganitong–ganito ako dati kapag nire-remind ni Mommy. I mean ni Donya Gertrudes.

"Bakit ba kailangan ulit-ulitin ni Mommy ang reminder?"

Inilagay niya muna sa loob ng jar ang mga hermit crabs. Then, she sat on the high chair and crossed her arms over her chest. She looked at me innocently.

"Kasi makulit si Mom. Gusto niya paulit-ulit. Parang unli load." She answered.

Nagulat ako sa sagot niya. Naku! Tutuktukan ko talaga si Mandy kapag nagkita kami ulit. Ganyan ganyan sumagot ang babaitang 'yon e. Ginagaya tuloy ng bulilit na 'to.

"Mayumi Gertrude," I said using my motherly tone. Kapag buo ko nang binabanggit ang pangalan niya ay alam niyang naiinis ako.

She pouted then tugged her lips downward. "Sorry, mom. I promise, I won't go anywhere cause bad guys might take me away."

"Good girl. Now, let's get there and sit beside me." Aya ko sa kanya at dumiretso na kami sa working area.

The event started three in the afternoon and ended at six. Three hours lang kasi ang reservation namin for the day. Nagliligpit na ako ng mga gamit nang mahulog ang keychain mula sa wallet ko. I remember inilabas ko nga pala ang purse ko kanina to get one of my ids. Pupulutin ko na sana pero naunahan ako ng madaldal kong anak. She gave it to me and I noticed her face frowned.

"Thank you." Sabi ko. "What's with the face, baby? Gutom ka na ba kaya ka nakasimangot?"

She shook her head frantically.

"Why do you still have that? You should throw that away." She said and hunched her shoulders.

Kunot–noo akong napabaling ulit sa kanya. "Why is that?"

My little girl shrugged and sighed. Why do I have this feeling na may hugot siya sa half heart memento na ito? Natawa ako ng bahagya sa reaksiyon niya. She just turned five last month pero akala mo naman twenty five na kung makaarte.

"I hate that memento. It's so panget kasi kalahati lang. A heart should be whole like my fist." Ikinuyom niya ang palad saka itinaas. "Napag-aralan po namin 'yon sa Science." She lectured, unsmiling.

"I see. 'Wag ka na mainis, itatapon ko na rin naman 'to." Sabi ko naman at niyakap siya ng buong higpit tapos ay pinagmasdan siya. "Where do you wanna eat?"

"I want ice cream!" She giggled.

"Alright. Ice cream for my little princess." Sabi ko bago nagpaalam na kay Kylene.

After Yumi's ice cream sesh, she requested we should go to Play Action. Pinagbigyan ko na lang bilang pambawi sa lahat ng panahon na hindi ko siya naabutan na gising tuwing umuuwi ako.

"Careful, baby." I reminded as she ran inside to play.

She turned to me and send some flying kiss. I did the same. I busied myself checking the daily sales of the store through my phone. Nagulat na lang ako nang may biglang may tumabi sa akin. At first, hindi ko pinansin at umusog na lang ako ng bahagya. Pero sa gulat ko ay umusog din siya nang mas malapit sa akin.

Iritable kong binalingan ang aking katabi. My jaw literally dropped as my breath locked into my throat. I couldn't even say a word. Matagal ko nang pinutol ang anumang koneksiyon sa mga taong posibleng makapagsabi kung nasaan kami ng anak ko. I swallowed hard the lump forming in my throat and grasped on my phone. Of all people bakit ang isa sa mga kaibigan pa ni Dashiel? No! Hindi pwede! Kinakabahan ako at baka makita niya si Yumi. Kahit ang mga dati kong kaibigan sa Rosario ay hindi alam na may anak kami ni Dashiel.

“Sabi ko na ikaw ‘yan, eh.” Malawak ang ngiti nito. “Kumusta?”

"D-Dean,” I stammered.

"You remembered me. You're still gorgeous just like the first time I met you." He said. Napaka-casual ng pakikipag-usap nito samantalang ngayon lang uli kami nagkita.

"Oh, yeah. At ikaw mambobola pa rin." I controlled my eyes not to roll. It would be rude.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi siya tingnan. By the way he dress and move, he looked different now. He’d matured, but it does not change the fact that he was still good–looking. He let out a crispy laugh.

"Hindi kita binobola. Teka, ano'ng ginagawa mo dito?" He asked again.

I bit my inner cheek, trying hard not to answer. I silently wished Yumi was still busy playing inside the area and wouldn't show up until he’d leave.

"I... I uhm," I stuttered. Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano ang isasagot sa kanya.

He arched one thick brow and squared his shoulders. Lumapot ang pawis sa aking katawan. I am nervous!

"Oh... I remember Wi-Fi spot nga pala dito kaya natural lang maraming tao sa area na 'to."

"Yes, that's it." I agreed to the best alibi of the moment. "Ikaw ano'ng ginagawa mo dito?"

For the nth time, I swallowed hard again. In my peripheral vision, I saw my daughter jumping up and down on the foamy platform. Dumoble ang kaba ko dahil baka maisipan niyang biglang lumapit sa akin. My hands were sweating profusely but I tried to composed myself.

Act normal, b***h! I cussed to myself.

"I have a party to attend later. Me and my nephew just dropped by here." Mabilis na sagot niya. Nakangiti siya kaya pinilit kong ngumiti din pabalik.

"Nephew or son?" I jested.

Mabawasan man lang ang nerbiyos na nararamdaman ko. Pasimple kong nilingon ang pwesto kung saan ko huling nakita si Yumi pero wala na siya doon. I was totally disoriented now. I heard Dean chortled. He leaned his back on our seat and spread his arms, almost wrapping on my shoulders. I winced a little 'cause of too much intimidation.

"I'm not married. If that's what you want to know." He confirmed and let out a delicious chuckle again.

I slowly nod then turned my gaze to him. "I see. Bakit wala pa ba'ng bumibili sa'yo?" Biro ko sa kanya.

Noon lagi ko siyang binibiro na hahanap ako ng buyer para maibenta siya. Pasaway kasi ang isang ito nung mag-on pa kami. He leaned closer to me. I could smell the combination of his expensive EDT and manly scent. His hot breath was fanning in my face too. He was grinning. I smiled back. I was about to say something when I heard my daughter's voice.

"Mommy, I'm pagod and sleepy na po."

I quickly turned to her. She's standing beside me, scratching both of her eyes. My breath locked into my lungs and I felt suffocated. My little girl sat on my lap then clung her arms on my neck. Hindi ako makatingin kay Dean dahil sa sobrang kaba, pagkataranta.

"May anak ka?" Dean asked.

I glanced at him and nodded wordlessly. Binuhat ko si Yumi at mabilis na lumakad palayo sa kanya. Nakakailang hakbang na ako nang tawagin niya ako. Buti na lang nakatulog na ang bata. Mabuti at hindi niya maririnig ang pag-uusap namin ni Dean.

"Corinthian. You can trust me."

And just like in the movies, I slowly turned around to face him again. I took a deep breath and exhaled afterwards.

"He's the father?" He questioned.

"Yes." Mabilis na sagot ko. He smirked and simply nod. "By any chance your paths will cross again... please don't tell him about us.Tahimik na ang buhay namin ng anak ko at hindi namin siya kailangan." I croaked.

Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang isang kamay ko. I sucked in my breath and tried to remain calm. Minsan talaga nananadya ang pagkakataon. Kung kailan hindi ka nakahanda ay saka ka naman nito ilalagay sa alanganing sitwasyon.

"Don't you think that's unfair? I don't know what happened between you two, but your child deserves a complete family." He urged the moment we sat again.

I could feel the mist in the corner of my eyes. Akala ko gano'n na ako katatag para hindi makaramdam ng lungkot para sa ganitong sitwasyon, pero mali ako. Gaano ko man kagusto na kalimutan siya ay hindi ko magawa dahil habang–buhay na kaming konektado. Hindi nga lang sa puso kundi dahil sa anak namin.

"Ayoko na siyang pag-usapan.” Umiling ako.

"Naiintindihan ko, Ian." He answered and held my hand.

"Thank you, Dean. Ngayon ko lang na-discover na mabait ka naman pala." Sabi ko at tipid na ngumiti.

He wiped one corner of my eye and lifted my chin up. "Your secret is safe with me.”

“I’m counting on that.”

“Anyway can we talk some other time? Like over a cup of espresso or milk tea?” He asked again.

Nag-aalangan man ay kailangan kong pagbigyan ang simpleng alok niya. I have to return the favor.

"S-sure."

________

DASHIEL

"Happy birthday, honey. I love you,” said Emilia beside me.

“Thank you, Lia.” I drawled lazily, apathetically.

I smiled drily as I averted my gaze through the whole function room. Everything was perfect from the decorations down to the very small detail. Emilia invited these exclusive guests who were all gathered tonight and celebrating with me. But here I am sulking in a secluded area. I may have money and power. Say everything in this life, yet all I feel was loneliness and emptiness.

"You're acting strange. Problem?" She asked and narrowed her eyes into slits.

"Nothing. I'm just tired. Baka nga hindi ko matapos ang sarili kong party."

"Still not comfortable in this elite party?” nanantiyang tanong niya.

My arms went around her shoulders and I kissed her temples. "Yes. Alam mo naman na kahit nasa tuktok na ako ng tagumpay ay minsan pa rin akong naging anak ng mamimitas."

She kissed my lips tenderly and smiled seductively.

"That's why I love you so. You're a very humble man. Hindi ka nakakalimot sa pinanggalingan mo." Lia foretold.

Her hand was busy gliding on the side of my neck down to my jaw. Alam ko ang ibig ipahiwatig ng bawat dampi ng daliri niya. Iba talaga siya dahil hindi siya nangingimi na iparamdam sa akin kung gaano niya ako kamahal.

"Stop it, Lia. Baka iba ang magawa natin dito." Saway ko pero humagikgik lamang ito.

The party went on and everyone had the time of their life. Iniwan ko sandali si Emilia at inabala ang sarili sa pakikipag-usap sa iba pang bisita. Isang tapik sa balikat ang kumuha ng atensiyon ko. Hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko siya dito.

"Reedus." Dean greeted me with an annoying smirk.

"Sandoval." I said, nodded curtly. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Hindi ko maalalang inimbitahan ko ito. Dumaan ang isang server at mabilis na huminto sa tapat ni Dean. Kinuha niya mula sa serving tray ang baso bago mabilis na nilagok ang laman niyon.

"Wala ba’ng mas hard dito?" Nakangising tanong niya. Inubos niya ang natitirang laman ng kopita at tumingin sa akin.

Hindi ko napigilan ang pagsilay ng ngiti sa labi ko. Ang totoo matagal ko nang ibinaon sa limot ang naging hidwaan namin noon. Para saan pa ang galit kung wala naman ang babaeng parehong bumihag sa puso namin? Masarap mabuhay sa mundo na wala kang kagalit na tao. You could sleep soundly at night.

"Syempre meron. What do you think of this event, a children's party?" I defended, still smiling.

The bastard grin then shook his head slowly. Tumingin siya sa likuran at doon nakita ko sina Blaster, Vayne at Zandro. It had been ages the last time we got drunk. One to another we hit our fists. Hindi ko akalain na mabubuo muli kami at sa ganitong pagkakataon pa. Sa haba ba naman ng panahon ay naging busy ang bawat isa at nag-focus sa kanya-kanyang career.

"You looked surprise, bro. Nababakla ba sa gandang lalaki ko?” Biro ng siraulong si Blaster.

"f**k you." I silently roared. “Tangina, na-miss ko kagaguhan mo.” Naiiling at ntatawang dagdag ko.

“Gago hindi na bagay sa’yo magmura. Alta ka na, e.” Pang–asar na sabi ni Zandro. Pinasadahan niya ng palad ang suit ko na animo inuunat-unat ito.

Tumawa ako ng malakas. “Tangina ‘pag alta hindi na pala pwedeng magmura?”

“Oo gago, kinginamoka malibog!” Mabilis pa sa kabayo na banat naman ni Dean.

“Tangina neto, parang hindi ka naglibog sa buong buhay mo, ah.”

Biglang pasok ni Vayne.“E, mga gunggong pala kayo, pare–pareho lang naman tayong malibog. s*x pa nga!”

Nagtawanan ang mga ulupong. Nahawa ako.

“Just so you know, Emilia invited us. Baka isipin mo party crasher kami.” Dean informed me.

Hindi na ako nagulat sa sinabi niya. Knowing Lia, ‘pag may ginusto gagawan talaga ng paraan. May sasabihin pa sana ako pero si Zandro ang tumapos ng bagsakan.

"Congrats, man.” Tinapik niya ang balikat ko. “I heard you just closed a deal with a major company. So much for a birthday gift, eh?"

"Yes. Thank you." Tipid na sagot ko.

“Bilib na talaga ako sa’yo,” agaw ni Blaster. “Pa-canton ka naman, paps!”

We laughed in unison again. Gago ‘to si Blaster sa kanya pa rin pala ang huling banat. Tapos ayun parang mga college guy ang mga gago na nakipagsabayan sa pagsayaw sa dance floor. Sa aming lima si Dean lang ang walang kasamang partner. He said that his special someone was busy. Ang dami niyang kwento tungkol sa babaeng ipinagmamalaki nito. I admit, I was intrigued. Dean wasn't the serious type when it comes to women. He loves flings and hook ups.

"You really got eyes for this babe?" Biro ko sa kanya.

He grinned and bring the goblet of wine to his mouth. As he put it down, he looked at me. I couldn’t explain the bizarre feeling started to coil up in my stomach. His gestures was stating something.

"Yes. I know this time she would be mine." His voice was firm.

I could hear conviction in his words. Nagtataka lang ako kung bakit ako apektado. Damn!