He's My Ruined Luck

Chapter 6: The Lucky Lollipop

Sabay na napalingon sila Lianne sa pintuan dahil sa sunod-sunod na katok. Huminga nang malalim ang dalaga bago tumayo mula sa sofa. Nagtungo siya sa kaniyang office table at pinindot ang intercom na naroon.

“Come in,” Lianne said to the intercom.

Bumukas naman ang pinto ng kaniyang opisina at pumasok ang kaniyang sekretarya kasama ang isang babaeng nakauniporme. Ito na ang estudyanteng humingi ng interview mula kay sa kaniya.

Naglakad pabalik si Lianne sa may sofa sa gitna ng opisina niya at naupong muli sa tabi ni Feliciano. She smiled at the student who sat at the single sofa in front of them. The girl has a short hair, reaching her shoulders. She was wearing glasses and uniform. Mababakas ang excitement sa mukha nito dahil sa opportunity na ibinigay sa kaniya upang makilala at makausap ang isa sa pinakahinahanggaan sa larangan ng interior deisgning.

Mataman naman siyang pinapanood ni Feliciano na lalong humahanga sa dalaga dahil sa angkin nitong ganda sa suot na pencil skirt. Malaya niyang napagmamasdan ang magandang hubog ng katawan nito dahil sobrang fitted ng suot nitong palda.

Lianne extended her hand to the student for a shake. Kaagad namang tinanggap ng babae ang kamay niya. Excitement and admiration were evident with the student’s eyes as she shook Lianne’s hand.

“I’m Miranda Espinola. Fourth year architecture student from De La Salle University,” pakilala ng babae bago pakawalan ang kamay ni Lianne na talagang hinahangaan niya. “Masaya po akong makilala ka, Miss Lianne Agonia. I’m a fan.”

Tumango naman si Lianne sa magalang na pagpapakilala ni Miranda bago binalingan ang sekretarya niya na nasa tabi nito.

“What’s my next schedule after this?”

“You’ll have a meeting with Mr. Gonzales. Pag-uusapan po sa meeting na iyon ang ilang adjustments na nais baguhin ni Mr. Gonzales sa design na ipinakita mo sa kaniya,” paliwanag ng secretary ni Lianne.

Tumango siya sa sinabi nito bago umayo nang pagkakaupo. She sighed just thinking about her hectic schedule for the day.

"I'm sorry that this interview is going to be short," Lianne apologized and Miranda nodded and smiled in response. Sunod na napatingin siya sa katabing si Feliciano na nanatiling tahimik. "Okay ka lang?"

Feliciano smileed before sitting closer to her. Their shoulders touched and that simple contact was enough to make Lianne's heartbeat abnormal again.

"I'll update you about the time, Miss Lianne." Paalam ng secretary bago ito tuluyang lumabas.

Umayos nang pagkakaupo si Miranda sa solo seat sofa na katapat ng inuupuan nila Feliciano at Lianne. Inihanda kaagad ng dalaga ang recorder, ilang mga papel at ang ballpen nito.

Napalingon naman kaagad si Lianne kay Feliciano na nasa kaniyang tabi nang umakyat ang braso nito at inakbayan siya. Kinindatan lang siya ng binata bago ibinaling ang tingin sa estudyanteng mag-iinterview sa kanilang dalawa.

Nailing na lang si Lianne pero hinayaan niya ang braso ni Feliciano. Unknowingly, she could feel his tension, proving he's really not comfortable with interviews.

“Hi, Miss Agonia. Hello, Mr. Cadavedo. The interview will only last for about twenty minutes. Maraming salamat po talaga Miss Agonia sa pagpayag sa interview na ito,” panimula ni Miranda na sinuklian naman ng ngiti ni Lianne. “Well, my only question for this interview is cliche. Pero sa tingin ko ay wala pang gaanong alam ang publiko tungkol dito kaya itatanong ko pa rin.What is the story behind Lianne Agonia’s success?”

Natigilan si Lianne sa tanong ni Miranda. What is behind her success? She chuckled as memories of good old times flooded her mind.

“Well, my story is all about hardwork and determination. I worked hard and I was so determined to reach my goals in life. Pinangarap kong maging interior designer noong nasa high school pa lang ako. That’s why I pursued it in college,” panimula ni Lianne.

Napatitig naman si Feliciano sa paraan ng pagsagot ng dalaga. Nakikita niya ang magandang kislap sa mga mata ni Lianne.

“I graduated college with flying colors. But the after college was the real hardships. Mahirap makipagsabayan sa mga kilala nang interior designers noon. Kaya mas nagpursige ako. I gave all my time to my work. I dedicated myself to my craft ‘til one day, I became one of the most recognized interior designer in the country. That’s my story.”

Napahanga si Feliciano sa ikinuwento ni Lianne. He felt proud for her.

“You deserved all of these, Sweetie,” komento ni Feliciano matapos ang kuwento ng dalaga. Hinalikan niya pa ito sa sentido bago mas hinigpitan ang pagkakaakbay kay Lianne.

“Feli…”

There he was again, being too endearing with her. It was confusing her.

“I am very proud of you, Lianne. You’re very admirable. Hindi ba, Miss Miranda?” Saka bumaling si Feliciano kay Miranda na may malawak na ngiti habang minamasdan ang magkasintahan sa kaniyang harapan. Kinikilig siya sa mga ito.

“Indeed, Mr. Cadavedo,” tugon ni Miranda bago bumaling ng tingin kay Lianne na namumula na naman ang mga psingi dahil sa pagiging sweet ni Feliciano sa kaniya. “After hearing Ms. Lianne’s story, I would love to hear your story, Mr. Cadavedo.”

Ikinatigil ni Feliciano ang tinuran ni Miranda. Napatingin muna siya kay Lianne na ngayon ay halatang interesado sa isasagot niya. The tension he was trying to hide since earlier suddenly immersed from the surface.

Huminga nang malalim si Feliciano upang kalmahin ang sarili. Hindi niya alam kung ano bang dapat niyang ikuwento. An awkward smile spread on his lips as his mind started wandering about those old times he didn't expect he has to tell anyone.

“Go on, Feli. Just tell us some details of your life that you’re comfortable to discuss with us,” ani ni Lianne bago hinawakan ang nakakuyom na kaliwang kamao ni Feliciano na nakapatong sa tuhod nito.

Feliciano heaved anothed deep sigh. Nanatiling nakakuyom ang mga kamao niya kasabay ng ilang matinding emosyon na bigla niyang naramdaman, just by thinking about the past.

“I am not really successful in life like Lia, so I will not tell you a story about success. Simple lang ang buhay ko mula noon hanggang ngayon.” Feliciano sighed. “I graduated college with a degree in mechanical engineering. However, I chose not to practice it because I wanted to do painting. Sa ngayon, pagpipinta ang bumubuhay sa akin.” Nagkibit balikat siya, realizing how pathetic he was.

Beside him was a woman of honor and excellence. Lianne was someone who knows what she wants in life while he— was nothing but a man who gets tired of life, and ended up as a lost cause because of it.

"Uhmn... I am living this life pathetically. I technically wasted my degree to do what calms me— painting. Everyone make fun about that decision of mine." Feliciano let a bitter chuckled escaped his mouth. "But believe me, I understand where all these mockeries are coming from."

Natulala naman si Lianne. Hindi niya inakalang mechanical engineering ang tinapos ni Feliciano sa kolehiyo at lalong hindi niya inaasahang pintor ito. Salungat sa sinabi ni Feliciano, hindi pinagtatawanan ni Lianne ang desisyon na ginawa niya. Sa halip, napahanga siya ng binata.

"Believe me when I say I admired your decision, Feli." Napangiti si Lianne nang naguguluhang tiningnan siya ng binata. "It's very rare for a person to choose and pursue what they really want to do."

Feliciano stared at her before a small smile spread on his lips. "Are you for real, Lia?"

"Is that a compliment?"

"I'm touched, Sweetie."

Nagkatitigan sila bago sabay na natawa.

Hindi naman maiwasang kiligin ni Miranda sa nasasaksihan. At this point, no one would even realize they're just pretending to be in a relationship. They're acting too real.

“Wow! Bagay talaga kayo ni Ms. Lianne. Both of you are into arts. I hope to have a kind of relationship like yours,” komento ni Miranda bago itinigil ang recorder at sinimulang iniligpit ang mga gamit. “That's all for this interview, Miss Lianne. Thank you for sparing me few minutes of your busy schedule. I hope your relationship with Mr. Cadavedo to last.”

"You really only have one question?" Lianne looked at her appalled.

Natigilan si Miranda bago napaisip. "Uhmn... There's another thing I want to ask, Miss Agonia."

"Shoot." Feliciano leaned on the sofa, his arm still around Lianne's waist.

Miranda smiled hesitantly. "It's about your older sister, Miss Lianne. How did she die?"

Lianne was stunned for awhile before she sighed. Para namang napako sa kinauupuan niya si Feliciano dahil sa naging tanong ni Miranda. Napatingin siya kay Lianne kasabay ng mahabang katahimikan sa buong silid. It was a sensitive topic for Lianne and Miranda understood her reaction. But what confused her was Feliciano's reaction— she noticed his body becoming stiff and his eyes being anxious.

"Okay ka lang, Sir Cadavedo?" Sa halip na si Lianne, si Feliciano ang tinanong ni Miranda.

Napatingin naman kaagad si Lianne sa binata at doon niya napansin ang pamumutla at pagiging aligaga nito. "Feli?"

Kaagad bumalik sa ulirat si Feliciano at nilingon si Lianne. "Ikaw ba? Okay lang sa 'yong pag-usapan 'to?"

"What do you mean? Do you know what happened to my sister?" Saka napabaling ang tingin ni Lianne sa kamay ni Feliciano na hawak niya at kapansin-pansin ang panginginig.

Feliciano released his hand from her hold and gave her a shrug. "I mean it's on the question. She's asking about her death. I don't think that's a comfortable topic to talk about."

Ngumiti si Lianne bago napatango-tango. Binalingan niya ng tingin si Miranda na matamang nag-oobserba sa kanilang dalawa. "My sister's death was sudden. Hindi ko in-expect na dadating ang araw na 'yon. Am I okay now? Siguro? But then, I still can't talk about it."

Miranda gave Lianne an understanding nod. "Don't worry. I respect your privacy, Ma'am. I think I need to go."

Nang tuluyang makalabas si Miranda sa opisina ni Lianne, nabalot ng katahimikan ang buong silid. Hindi sigurado si Lianne kung anong dahilan ng tensyon ni Feliciano. Was it because he's not comfortable with the interview? Or was it about that last question?

"Feli?"

Feliciano sighed before he run his hand through his hair. "So much for fomality," he said, chuckling.

Unti-unting nawala ang tensyon dahil sa sinabing 'yon ng binata.

"Bagay naman sa 'yo ang ganoong formality," Lianne teased him.

"Are you kidding me? No way." Saka biglang nahiga si Feliciano sa sofa at ginawang unan ang kandungan ni Lianne na ikinagulat ng huli. "The last question was a bit too much," he added, looking up at Lianne who was in awe with their position.

Ilang beses na napakurap pa ang dalaga nang bigla na lang abutin ni Feliciano ang kaniyang mukha. May kakaiba sa tingin nito— kaagad bumilis ang t***k ng puso niya. "You really look like her," he murmured, but loud enough for Lianne to hear.

"Her?"

"Ha?" Kaagad ibinaba ni Feliciano ang kamay at ngumiti kay Lianne. "Don't mind me. May naalala lang ako." Saka umiwas ng tingin ang binata. May kinuha ito sa bulsa ng pantalon nito— isang lollipop.

Lianne was supposed not to make a big fuss about what he said but she couldn't help to overthink his statement. She looks like who?

“Ayos ka lang?” she asked.

Tumango naman kaagad si Feliciano bago binuksan ang lollipop at kaagad itong isinubo. "I should be the one asking you that question. Ayos ka lang, Sweetie?"

She stared at him and she couldn't help but to admire his face. All about it was proportionate. "Favorite mo talaga 'yang lollipop. Is that your stress reliever?"

"Yup. Increased carbohydrates in your body can help to uplift your mood." He winked at her, waving the candy like a child.

Natawa naman si Lianne dahil sa parang batang asta ni Feliciano habang nakahiga sa kandungan niya. Her hand made its way to his hair and started caressing his unruled hair.

“Nagulat ako na isa ka pa lang painter, Feliciano Cadavedo." Lianne smiled with that fact. "Anong madalas na subject ng mga paintings mo?”

Napansin ni Lianne na natigilan ang binata sa kaniyang tanong. Pero wala namang masama sa itinanong niya. She expectantly waited for his answer.

Feliciano heaved a deep sigh before he met Lianne’s gaze. Parang batang muli niyang inabot ang pisngi ng dalaga. His warm palm caressed her face, taking Lianne by surprise.

“I paint portraits of women,” Feliciano answered, his forefinger started gliding from Lianne’s temple down to her cheek.

Lianne's breathing suddenly stopped with the contact. “B-Bakit mga babae ang ipinipinta mo? Are you some sort of stalker?” biro ni Lianne, trying her best to breathe properly amidst of the crazy beating of her heart. She giggled only to died down when she noticed his face remained serious. His eyes intently staring at her, making her insides melt.

His forefinger went lower to her jawline. He let his finger traced Lianne’s defined jaw. “I paint woman’s portrait because it’s the complete image of romance,” Feliciano said, his gaze darted to Lianne’s lips. He already memorized every details on her heart-shaped lips because of the many times he was staring at it when she's not aware. “Woman's curves and lines are the most perfect stroke you can do on canvas. Woman's hair is the exact representation of human's life. The sensitivity and exquisite beauty are the reason why I am drawn to pain women's portraits."

Napalunok si Lianne kasabay nang mabagal na paghinga niya. She could feel some heat burning her body, sending unexplainable feeling in her core— her legs pressed with each other.

"Very poetic explanation." She gasped.

"No. That's a romantic explanation." Feliciano licked the lollipop he's eating before his gaze avert to Liannes delectable neck. "And I am a very romantic guy, Lianne.” Then, his finger went sideways to touch her lower lip.

Lianne took a sharp intake of breath with his action. Napaawang ang labi niya dahil sa kiliti na hatid ng daliri ng binata.

Napalunok si Feliciano sa nakaawang na labi ng dalaga. Huminga siya nang malalim upang kalmahin ang kakaibang nararamdaman para kay Lianne. It's heat and burning need.

“Feliciano…”

“f**k, Lia. Nababaliw talaga ako kapag tinatawag mo ang pangalan ko.” Mabilis na iniwas ni Feliciano ang tingin sa dalaga, naging malalim ang bawat paghinga niya.

Nakakaramdam siya ng matinding init sa katawan na dapat niya kaagad tupukin kung hindi baka kung ano ang magawa niya kay Lianne. "You're too innocent for me, Lianne," aniya bago bumangon mula sa pagkakahiga sa kandungan ni Lianne. Naglaan siya ng sapat na distansya para sa kanilang dalawa ng dalaga.

“Ayos ka lang, Feli?” tanong ni Lianne habang minamasdan ang kakaibang expression sa mukha ni Feliciano na ngayon ay nakasandal na sa sofa at abala sa pagkain ng lollipop nito. He was not looking and that bothers Lianne.

Kanina lang ay hinahaplos nito ang mukha niya 'tapos bigla na lang itong iiwas. He was really confusing her.

Akmang magsasalita muli si Lianne dahil hindi siya sinagot ng binata ngunit natigilan siya nang tumingin na ulit sa kaniya si Feliciano matapos ang malalim na buntong hininga. “Gusto mo?” Inumang ni Feliciano ang lollipop kay Lianne. Natigilan ang dalaga at pinakatitigan lang ang lollipop na nakaumang sa kaniyang bibig. “Masarap iyong flavor niyan. ‘Di ba strawberry flavor ang gusto mo?”

Umiling naman si Lianne. Parang hindi kasi maganda kung kakainin niya iyong lollipop na kanina pa kinakain ni Feliciano.

“Don’t worry, Lia. Wala akong nakakahawang sakit.” Nanatiling nakaumang ang lollipop sa bibig niya. He was looking at her intently, like an expecting child.

Lianne heaved a deep sigh before she licked the lollipop in front of her. The sweet taste of the lollipop invaded her mouth, shooting an unexplainable heat and desire to her body. The thought of indirect kissing again made Lianne to feel hot.

Binalingan niya si Feliciano. Tumango lang ang binata sa kaniya na tila sinasabing ayos lang ang ginagawa niya. While looking straight to his eyes, Lianne started sucking the lollipop.

Feliciano swallowed, watching how she licked and sucked the lollipop he was holding. “Your mouth and tongue are sexy, Sweetie. What lucky lollipop,” sabi ni Feliciano sa mahinang boses habang matamang pinapanood si Lianne.

Kaagad namang natigilan si Lianne at na-realize ang ginagawa niya. She immediately stopped eating the lollipop and looked at him, accusingly. “Feli nga!” Kaagad na hinampas ng dalaga ang braso ni Feliciano na natawa lang kalaunan bago isinubong muli ang lollipop.

Nag-init ang mga pisngi ni Lianne habang nakatingin sa lollipop na kanina lang ay sinisipsip niya at ngayon ay nasa loob na ng bibig ni Feliciano.

"You're crazy," she murmured, looking at the lollipop.

"Gusto mo pa?" He teased, licking the candy while grinning at her.

"Feli!"