CHAPTER 16:THE GUEST ROOM PROTOCOL
467 Words
The night settled into the quiet stillness only the province could give.
After dinner, Papa and Reuben spent an hour on the porch talking agriculture and board exam simulations.
I watched from the kitchen window, amazed at how easily Reuben earned Papa’s approval.
By 10:00 PM, Mama called it a night.
“Malia, ihatid mo na si Reuben sa guest room sa tabi ng kusina,” she said softly, handing me fresh blankets and pillows.
“Iho, pasensya ka na sa maliit naming kwarto, ha? Kung may kailangan ka pa, sabihin mo lang kay Malia.”
“Naku, sobra-sobra na po ito, Tita. Salamat po talaga,” Reuben replied politely, following me down the hall with his backpack.
I pushed the door open.
Clean. Smelled of mothballs and dried lavender.
Single iron bed. Small electric fan in the corner.
“Welcome to the grand suite, Mr. Accountant,” I teased softly, spreading the sheets.
“Pasensya ka na, hindi ito kasing-luwag ng mga boarding house o ng bahay niyo.”
Reuben closed the door halfway, respectful. He set his bag down and looked around, smiling genuine.
“Are you kidding, Malia? This is perfect. Mas kumportable nga ito kaysa sa dorm ko kapag hell week.”
He helped me spread the blanket.
Our hands brushed.
That familiar electric current shot through me.
I looked up. His dark eyes were already on me under the yellow bulb.
“Salamat nga pala, Reuben,” I whispered, voice thick.
“Para sa lahat. Para sa pagpunta rito, sa pagharap kay Auntie Tita,
tsaka sa pagsisinungaling mo kay Papa na tuturuan mo ako sa math part ng accounting.”
Reuben chuckled low, dimple flashing.
“Who said I was lying? I am more than willing to teach you everything I know, Ms. Engineer.
At tungkol naman sa pagharap sa tiya mo…”
He stepped closer, voice soft, protective.
“…sabi ko naman sa’yo, hindi kita pababayaan. I kept my promise, didn’t I?”
I looked down, smiling small.
“Oo. Tinupad mo nga.”
“Then you should stop worrying now,” he said gently, patting my head—brief, innocent, but my knees went weak.
“Matulog ka na nang mahimbing, Malia. Safe ka na. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Good night, Reuben,” I replied, heart lighter than it had been in ten years.
“Good night, my Queen,” he murmured, voice low and steady.
I walked out and leaned against the hallway wall for a second, catching my breath.
My heart was pounding.
Not from fear.
From the terrifying, beautiful realization:
I was falling for my library partner.
I walked to my room, blissfully unaware.
A few blocks away, Auntie Tita was already dialing.
Frantic. Angry.
Determined to bring Mark straight into our peaceful town.
- Writer
