Waiting for You (COMPLETED R18 Tagalog)

Chapter 3

She was back in the kitchen preparing the wet ingredients for the egg pie na nirequest ng kuya niya. Madali namang gawin ‘yon kaya pinagbigyan niya na.

“Hija, sa kwarto ka na muna namin ni Dad mo matulog.”

“Ma?” Nagtatakang tanong niya sa Mom niya who was bringing out baking pans for her.

“Brenna and Jessica will occupy the guest room. Si Matt and Niam na lang sa kwarto ni Kuya mo. Mark and Lucas can share your room.” Paliwanang ni Em sa anak.

That when Lexie realized na kulang nga sila ng rooms.

She immediately tried to think kung ano ang kailangan niyang iligpit sa kwarto nya. Shush! She had her underwear hanging in her bathroom from her shower kanina.

“Wait ma, pa-whisk po nito.” She dropped the whisk at dali-daling tinungo ang kwarto. Napansin niyang wala ng tao sa sala when she passed. She heard voices upstairs already.

Dali-dali siyang tumungo sa kwarto niya. When she opened the door, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was still empty. She went directly to her bathroom and napatili when she found Lucas there. He was holding her strawberry shampoo bottle and he was sniffing it.

“Hi!” Lucas was grinning.

Hindi naman maintindihan ni Lexie what he found so entertaining.

“Wait! Labas ka muna. Ayusin ko muna ang mga kalat”

“Maayos naman ah. What’s there to fix?” And he roamed his eyes with that crazy grin he always sports.

Napalapit siya dito and brought her hands to cover his eyes. “Don’t look.”

Napatawa nang malakas si Lucas. He put his hand over her hand na nakatakip sa mata nito.

“That’s why you smell like strawberries.” Sabi nito at itinaas pa ang shampoo bottle niya na nasa kabilang kamay pa nito. Mabilis niya namang binawi ‘yon ng isa pang kamay niya at inilapag sa pinakamalapit na shelf.

“Labas ka muna. Please.” She placed a begging tone to her voice.

Bumuntong hininga muna si Lucas.

She felt him squeeze her hands covering her eyes. Another contact. His hands felt good on her skin. Binaba niya na ang mga kamay.

But he did not let go of her hands. She can feel his warm hands completely cover hers. Hers was dainty, soft at maputi. Lucas' was tanned and big. But their hands fit perfectly together. She felt him squeeze her hands again before he let go and left the bathroom.

Dali-dali niyang tinanggal ang nakasampay niyang panty and dumped it in the hamper na nasa isang sulok ng bathroom niya.

“Just so you know, I saw that already,” Lucas snickered.

Nilingon niya ito and she saw him seated on her bed with pale pink and white cover looking back at her.

Lalo siyang namula. She picked up the hamper at mabilis na tinungo ang pinto para lumabas. Bigla namang bumukas iyon with Mark and Matt bringing an extra bed to the room.

“Thank you, sis.” tukoy ng kuya niya to her for giving up her room.

Napalabi siya and her brother brought his hand to her head, grabbed her messy bun and pabirong niyugyog iyon.

“Kaya pala may pa Kitchenaid eh.” acting like nagtatampo sya. Natawa naman ang kuya niya at muling kinusot ang buhok niya.

Dinala niya muna ang hamper niya sa banyo ng room ng mga magulang niya. Palabas na siya ulit ng ipinasok naman ni Mark and Lucas ang extra bed sa room na yun. Nakita niyang nilapag ng mga ito ang extra bed sa isang sulok.

“Madami ka pa bang gagawin sa baba?” tanong ni Mark.

Nakatingin lang sa kanya si Lucas. He was not smiling, he was just staring.

She felt that unfamiliar feeling na parang gusto niyang ma-conscious sa titig nito.

“Isasalang ko na lang yung egg pie at mag lalagay ng filling sa Macarons” sagot niya at dali-dali na siyang lumabas. Naramdaman niya namang nakasunod ang dalawa sa kanya hanggang kusina.

Naupo si Mark at Lucas sa high stools sa harap ng center island. Parehong nangalumbaba.

Lucas was just focused on her. Sinusundan ng tingin saan man siya pumunta.

“Anong ginagawa nyo dito? Bakit hindi pa kayo magpahinga.” Tanong ni Em sa dalawang binata.

“Ma, 9 pm pa lang. That’s like 6 pm sa Manila. We can't sleep. Tsaka we have been tortured for hours already by that delicious smell” Tumayo pa si Mark at sinilip kung ano ang nakasalang sa oven. “Can we have some macarons already?”

“Oh no!” She can’t help but react to his request. She knew that once he started, he wouldn't stop.

Kinuha naman ni Em ang mga macaron shell that they were cooling down. Gustong pagbigyan ang panganay na anak.

“You know that it’s best eaten when you have let it cool down for at least 24 hours, right?” Nakasimangot na sabi niya sa kuya. But she started to prepare fillings for the macarons anyway.

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Mark at bumalik sa dating pwesto.

His sister’s macarons are delicious and look perfect. They were so pretty that it’s almost a sin to bite into them. They were soft and chewy inside with crunchy perfectly smooth outside.

“Ang dami mo naman atang ginawa.” Obserba naman ni Mark sa dami ng trays na nakita niya sa rack.

“Orders yan. Ihahatid ko tomorrow.” Nakangiti sagot ni Lexie. She loved it when people patronized her baked goods.She can feel Lucas’ gaze pero iniwasan niyang magtama ang mga mata nila.

Kumuha si Lexie ng mga boxes at inabot sa dalawang nakatanga lang sa counter. “I-assemble nyo na lang ito kesa wala kayong ginagawa.”

Hindi naman kumibo ang dalawa at nagsimulang mag assemble ng mga kahon.

Tinungo ni Lexie ang ref to check the strawberry shortcake that she prepared the other day. She took out 2 small plates and forks and placed a half-slice of the cake on each plate.

“Taste this. I made it last night.” She looked at her mom and added. “Nakalimutan natin i-serve kanina, Ma.” They had fruits for dessert after dinner.

“Bakit ang liit?” reklamo naman ng kuya niya.

She laughed, “Taste it first. Baka it’s too sweet or not up to your taste. Masasayang lang. Meron pa sa ref.”

Nakita ni Lexie na pababa naman si Niam and Matt.

“What are you having without us?” untag ni Niam.

“Pare, taste test. Dali kayo.” The two eagerly occupied the two other high stools. So she brought out 2 more plates and forks. Inilabas na lang din niya ang cake para ang mga ito na mag slice for themselves.

“Wow!” Niam exclaimed when he saw the cake. He looked at her and said, “That’s like the prettiest strawberry shortcake na nakita ko.”

Binatukan ni Lucas si Niam.

“Hey!” angal naman ni Niam kay Lucas.

“Look at the cake!” Natatawa naman sabi ni Matt to Niam when he saw na seryoso ang itsura ni Lucas.

“Wala pa nga eh. Nakabakod na kasi.”

Narinig ni Lexie na buska ni Niam kay Lucas na ikinapula naman ng mukha niya.

She saw Niam start to cut the cake. And passed a plate to Matt.

Nakaabang naman siya sa reaction ng mga ito.

“This is good, sis!” si Mark. He already halved his piece nakaka dalawang subo pa lang ata ito.

“I think you should put up a shop with this. I’ll invest in it.” Sabi naman ni Matt. Natuwa naman siya sa sinabi nito.

"Good?" Tanong niya dito. Fishing for more compliments.

"It is! Hindi ako nagbibiro. I taste test for the menu sa restaurants ng hotel. And this is top quality."

Niam and Lucas were silently enjoying their cake. Lucas finished his cake and was reaching to cut another slice. Mark pushed his plate to Lucas, hand signaling that he wanted another piece.

“Boys, you have to leave a slice at least for Ed, or else he will be mad.” Em reminded the boys. “Kagabi niya pa pinag iinitan yang cake na yan.”

Lucas cut the cake and kept the biggest slice for Lexie’s dad. The rest he divided among them. Ito na din ang nag balik ng cake sa ref.

Hindi naman makapaniwala si Lexie na inubos ng apat ang isang buong cake. She was not even able to taste it. She longingly looked at a piece of cake na nasa platito pa ni Lucas as he was the only one who had some left at nagbalik pa ito ng cake sa ref. He cut the cake at tinusok ng tinidor ang pinakamalaking strawberry na natira. Nabigla siya ng inabot nito sa kanya ang tinidor. Telling her silently to taste it.

She did not know how to react.

“You did not get to taste your cake. Right?”

Napa-iling naman sya.

“Here!” abot nito ulit sa tinidor.

She was panicking inside. He was using that fork! Aabutin niya ba? She looked at Mark and to her mom and the other two guys in the room and they did not seem to be paying attention. They were talking about cake box designs.

Inabot niya ang tinidor. Hindi naman siya magpapasubo no! Nagtama pa ang mga kamay nila and she felt electricity from that touch. Mabilis niya sinubo ang cake. Hindi niya halos nalasahan sa kaba. Wala na sana siyang balak ibalik ang tinidor but she saw Lucas’ hand waiting for it. It would look really awkward pag hindi niya binalik. So she did!

Lucas scooped the rest of his cake with the same fork and ate the rest. Bigla naman itong nabatukan ni Mark na ikinatawa lang ng binata.

Wala naman nakapag pigil kay Niam. “Ooooooo, indirect kiss stage na tayo ah”

All along she thought they were not observing. Nakakahiya!

“Stop it, boys. Tama na.” Her mom sternly reprimanded. Tumahimik naman ang mga binata but they were still smiling.

She moved to prepare some tea para makalayo sa apat, to occupy her hands and para may iba siyang magawa. She brought out a dainty tea set.

“I cannot believe I'll be having tea.” Sabi ni Matt.

She half smiled. “It’s too late for coffee. Di kayo makakatulog. And French Macarons are best paired with tea. Try it.”

She started brewing tea and also prepared Macarons for them. She served it and saw Mark and Niam take pictures of the set.

The boys went from strawberry shortcakes, macarons, and even different types of cookies na sobra from orders the other day.

Natapos niya naman ang ilang orders ng Macarons habang ang mga kuya were non-stop eating.

She finished at 11:30PM. Kanina pa niya pina-akyat ang mom niya at ayaw niya ding magsyadong magpuyat ito.

When she was done cleaning up. Tumayo na rin ang mga ito like they were just waiting for her.

Sabay sabay na silang umakyat sa kani-kanilang kwarto.

Sa kabilang wing ng bahay ang kina Mark and Niam. Naghiwalay na sila sa taas ng hagdan.

Nasa pinaka sulok ang kwarto ng parents niya. They will pass by her room so nauna na ding pumasok si Mark. Nagtaka siyang hindi sumunod si Lucas. When she got to her parent’s room. Nilingon niya ito.

“Good night, Baby Girl” Lucas said a few steps behind her. He was looking at her so intently.

Nakakakaba. “Good night, L-Lucas.” mahinang sagot niya dito. It was her second time to call him by his name.

Napangiti ito. Mabilis na siyang pumasok. Napasandal pa siya sa ipininid na pinto. She waited a few minutes. She heard the door of the next room open and close.

MAAGA SIYANG NAGISING KINABUKASAN kahit na wala ng pasok. She was awake at 6 am. She needed to deliver the macarons to Julie’s para doon na lang mag pick up ang umorder noon.

Gising na din ang parents niya. She was alone in the room and for sure nasa baba na sila.

She liked starting her day with a shower but realized na lahat naman ng damit niya were in the other room.

Bumangon na siya at lumabas, nasa labas na siya ng pinto ng kwarto niya and was contemplating if she should knock, baka kasi tulog pa ang kuya niya at si Lucas.

She decided to peek and true enough tulog pa nga ang mga ito. Naaninag niya ang Kuya niya on the extra bed. Natawa naman siya to see Lucas in a pink and white bed. She did not expect na hindi ito nag palit ng bed covers. She saw the new set neatly folded at nakapatong sa study table niya. He looks like he slept without a shirt. She can see that his shoulders were bare. His head was burrowed in her pillow.

She silently crept inside and went to her walk-in closet. She picked underwear, a shirt, and shorts to change into today. Kumuha na din siya ng extra big shirt and cotton shorts. She did not have a change of clothes kagabi and had to sleep without changing to her favorite sleepwear. Nahiya kasi siyang mang istorbo pa ulit kagabi.

After picking her clothes, kumuha na din siya ng bagong set of shampoo and body wash from her stock to bring sa banyo ng parents niya.

When Lexie got out. She was surprised to find Lucas awake. He was leaning on the headboard, Lexie’s pillow near his chest and he was checking his phone.

“Good Morning.” Mahina niyang bati kay Lucas. Making sure na hindi niya magising si Mark.

Lucas was just looking at Lexie’s picture na panakaw nitong kinuha last night. She was flushed in the picture after getting teased. And here she was, innocently beautiful this early like she was conjured from his wet dream. He immediately felt his morning wood even harden more which surprised him as it was so hard already.

He groaned. “Morning, Baby Girl.”

“Sorry, nagising ba kita?” mahina pa ring tanong ni Lexie which made his boner twitch, reacting to the husky voice. Napapikit tuloy si Lucas.

“No. I wake up early.” Sagot ni Lucas

“Okay. There is breakfast downstairs.” She said and left him with a smile.

Shit! Lucas mentally cursed himself when Lexie closed the door. She turns him on. Just watching her do innocent things was making him hard like he was still in his teens and can’t control his s****l urges. When she smiled, he can imagine how those lips will be moaning instead while he drives into her. And she was not even legal yet.

Napahilamos niya ang kamay sa kanyang mukha. He brought his hand to his crotch and he didn't have to do it to know that he was hard -- hard hard. And damn, his hand even felt good. That girl will cause him blue balls.

He went to the bathroom for some release, naligo na rin siya to try to alleviate some of the heat.

He went out after showering and went downstairs. He found Lexie’s dad having coffee with his share of the strawberry shortcake.

“Good morning, Tito.” and he took one of the chairs available.

“Good morning, Hijo. Ang aga mo namang nagising.”

“I usually wake up early as I always run in the mornings.”

“You will love running in the farm. Pasasamahan kita sa isa sa farmhand ko.”

“I’ll try it tomorrow po.”

“Try that.” Turo nito to a pot of brewed coffee.

He served himself a cup of brewed coffee. He took a sip and was impressed with the taste.

“That’s Lexie’s baby. She worked on roasting that. Do you like it?”

“I love coffee po. I may not be an expert but this is good. A faint fruity aftertaste. I like it,” He was impressed even more when he learned a little something about Lexie. He can imagine her brewing his coffee in the morning, wearing only his shirt. Napapailing na lang siya when he can't help sexualize all things about Lexie. He groaned inside.

“Morning, Dad” Lexie approached and kissed his dad on the cheeks. “How’s the cake?” Nakangiti naghintay ng verdict ng daddy niya. She always briefly glanced at Lucas and gave him a polite smile.

“It’s superb as always, princess.”

Lexie occupied the chair on the other side of Ed. She served herself coffee too. And picked up a Macaron. She bit into it and closed her eyes. “Mmmmmm. Sometimes, I really love myself for making these.” Then she lightly laughed.

“How are the Macarons?” She looked at her dad again then she looked at Lucas.

“It’s perfect.” sagot ni Lucas.

Lexie shyly smiled. She had pink-colored macarons between her lips and he couldn't help imagine something else to be pushed between her lips. God! He was so turned on just looking at her and enjoying her coffee.

He was immediately assaulted by that subtle strawberry smell from her when she approached. He was aware of her presence. He was lying in her sheets last night and had his head in her pillows. Kulang na lang na magkatabi silang natulog. He blamed her for his overactive imagination.

Lucas heard Lexie tell her dad na may lakad ito that morning.

Mabilis na inubos ni Lexie ang kape sa tasa. She kissed her dad before leaving for the kitchen.

Lucas also finished his coffee and excused himself. Sinundan niya sa kusina si Lexie.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Tanong ni Lucas.

“God! you scared me?” hand in her heart. “Hindi kita napansin. Maghahatid ako ng Macarons sa bayan.”

“I’ll drive you.” Yes, He did not ask her. He just said he will go. He doesn’t want her to say No.

“Nandyan naman si Mang Jimmy. Baka maabala ka pa.”

“I’ll just get my keys.” Parang walang narinig. He left to take his keys and picked his baseball cap.

When he got back in the kitchen, Lexie was placing cute, dainty Macarons in the boxes that they made last night.

“How many boxes are you going to make?”

“10 boxes.” Tuloy lang ito sa pagpasok ng mga Macarons sa box. She carefully placed each one in the box. “I need to make sure it fits perfectly. Not too loose and not too tight. Or else it will break” Paliwanag pa nito.

He was imagining breaking something else with what he heard. Lexie had no idea. I will make sure we just fit perfectly too. And will make sure she accommodates his every inch no matter how tight. He thought. His thoughts were really torturing him today. He inwardly groaned. His hard-on just wouldn’t go down today.

After placing them in the box, Lexie pushed them to him. “Close it and place the sticker.” Utos nito sa kanya.

He just dragged the box closer to him, he did not want to lift it at baka masira niya pa; and picked up the sticker.

The box was pale pink and her sticker was white with dark pink lips with her brand name, Sinful Indulgence.

“What do you think?” She asked when she saw Lucas looking at her sticker.

He started laughing.

“Why?” tanong naman ni Lexie.

He was still laughing as he can’t help think that it sounds like a s*x shop name. He tried to compose himself when he saw na sumimangot ang dalaga.

“Sorry.” Sabi ni Lucas trying to catch her eyes. When their eyes met, “Sorry. Okay? Do you want the truth?”

“Of course. I want to improve with any feedback.”

“Let’s change your brand name.”

“Bakit?”

“Basta. Let’s not use this.” at itinabi ni Lucas ang mga stickers. “May iba ka pa bang sticker?”

Umalis naman saglit si Lexie and went into the Pantry. Looks like that was where she placed her supplies. She came back with dark pink stickers with “Thank You” in white cursive font.

“Let’s use this for the time being.”

“But tell me why.” Pangungulit nito. He loved how she said that. Like she was begging and insisting at the same time.

“Later, okay. I’ll tell you.” Then he tapped her nose with his fingers at nag simula na naman itong sumimangot. He still found it cute. She was obviously sheltered by her family and a little spoiled.

They finished the 10 boxes and while Lexie was placing the boxes inside a pink paper bag, he already went out at kinuha ang Land Rover niya. He parked in front and went down to wait for Lexie.

Lexie saw Lucas leaning on his SUV waiting for her. He was wearing a white baseball cap. Hindi niya napigilan pero kinilig sya. He was good looking and he was standing there like a model she could smell. He looks very mabango. Napangiti ulit siya sa naisip.

Sinilip niya muna ang reflection niya sa salaming madadaanan sa sala. She was wearing a white V-neck shirt, maong shorts na sing-haba at maluwang like tennis shorts. She can't wear short shorts. She never tried it and she doesn’t think she will be comfortable. She had white sneakers on.

She opened the door and went out.

Lucas opened the door for her and closed it once she was settled.

Though mahaba ang shorts niya. Huli na ng marealize niyang iikli y'on once she was seated.

She saw Lucas glance at her legs nung sumakay ito ng sasakyan.

Nabapabuntung-hininga ito. Nagstart ng sasakyan pero hindi pa sila umalis.

Nagtataka naman siyang tiningnan ito ng ilang minuto na ay di pa sila umaalis.

“Put on your seatbelt.” He said. Nakadiretso ang tingin.

Nuon niya lang napansing nakalimutan niya ngang mag seat belt. Agad niya naman itong sinuot.

When she was ready. Umalis na rin sila agad. Hindi niya maintindihan pero hindi na siya kinikibo ni Lucas. Hinayaan niya na lang ito and gave directions.

Pag karating nila sa Julie’s ay niyaya niya itong bumaba.

“Halika, baba tayo. I’ll introduce you to Miss Julie.”

Bumaba sila pareho and Lucas took the paper bag from her.

It was already 8:00 am and open na din ang Julie’s.

Pag bukas nila sa shop door. Bumungad agad ang pink themed na bakery. May two tables sa isang sulok for those who wanted to have snacks inside the shop.

Lumabas naman from the back room si Miss Julie.

“Hi Lexie. Buti nandito ka na. Nandito na rin si John.” tukoy ni Miss Julie sa umorder ng Macarons. Pamangkin ito ni Miss Julie.

“Hi Lex” Nahihiyang bati ng binata.

“Hiiiii” Masayang bati niya dito. School mate niya ito. He graduated last year and sa Manila din nag college.

“Nabigla ako when Miss Julie said kailangan mo daw ng Macarons.” Nakangiti pa ring sabi niya dito.

He felt Lucas come close and felt his hand on her hips. Nabigla man ay hindi siya nagpahalata.

Napasulyap naman si John sa kamay ni Lucas na naka dantay sa balakang ng dalaga.

“Dumating kasi mga kapatid ni papa. Naalala pa ni Tita yung macarons mo from last year. Papadala namin sa kanila. Today ang uwi nila eh.” halatang medyo nabawasan ang sigla nito nang sinagot si Lexie.

“John, thank you ha. Dinagdagan ko yan. Please send my regards to Tita and Tito.”

“Sure.” Nabalik ang konting ngiti to his lips.

Naramdaman niya na man ang marahang pagpisil ng kamay ni Lucas sa bandang balakang niya. Naalala niyang ipakilala ito.

“Sorry, where are my manners? Miss Julie, John, si Lucas po pala, kai --”

“Hi po, nice meeting you. Lucas Montenegro po.” Sabay abot nito ng kamay to shake hands with Miss Julie and John.

Hindi niya na tuloy naituloy sabihing kaibigan ito ng kuya niya. Naka hinga naman siya ng maluwag that he had to remove his hand from her hips for that handshake.

“Nice meeting you din, Hijo. I hope you enjoy our province.”

“I am po. I love it here.” Sabi nito while looking at her.

Hindi niya naman napigil at nakurot niya ito ng pino sa bewang.

Agad namang hinuli nito ang kamay niya and gave a light laugh.

Shocks! Wrong move pa ata siya at hindi niya na iyon binitawan.

“Are you going to take yung order ni Mrs. Mercado na birthday cake?” Tanong ni Miss Julie

“Ang late niya naman na po nag request. Bukas na po ‘yon ano po?” Natigil siya sa pagsasalita at nag-isip muna. “Pero sige po. Baka mag tampo na yun. Natataon kasi lagi sa final exams yung birthday ng apo niya. Ngayon lang ata natapos ng maaga ang school year eh.”

Inabot niya na din kay John ang order nito. She showed him the pictures para hindi na nito buksan ang mga box. Tuwang tuwa naman si John.

Nagpaalam na din si John.

“Text-text” sabi niya kay John at kumaway dito.

Lucas frowned.

Umorder na rin si Lexie ng mga kakailanganin niya for the new cake. Naupo sila ni Lucas at the table habang hinihintay ang mga inorder niyang ingredients.

“Sorry ha. Hindi tayo nakabalik agad. Imbes na mag enjoy sa bakasyon, sinama pa kita dito.” pag so-sorry niya kay Lucas.

Tiningnan naman siya ni Lucas. “It’s okay. I like being with you.” Namula tuloy ang mukha niya.

Lucas smiled. Halatang-halata when Lexie blushes and he liked that he was clearly affecting her. He pinched her nose.

“Ang hilig mo sa ganyan!” pagsasaway ni Lexie kay Lucas. Tinuon na muna ang pansin to her phone at nag tanong kay Mrs. Mercado ng details ng order nitong cake. Tuwang-tuwa naman ang matanda. Teacher ito ni Lexie ng elementary sya.

“Babe, pahiram ng phone mo.” Sabay abot ni Lucas ng phone niya. Nabigla naman siya kaya agad nitong nakuha ang phone niya.

Babe? Sinong Babe? Is she Babe?

He just saw him type on her phone, ilang saglit lang ay hinugot nito ang phone nito na nagvi-vibrate. Nag type pa ito pangiti-ngiti. He returned her phone after awhile. Na curious naman siyang tingnan. She was sure that he used it to call his phone to get her number pero hindi niya makita sa call record niya ang number nito. He deleted it for sure.

“Ang weird mo! So where is your number?”

“Are you asking for my number?” nakangising tumingin ito sa kanya.

“Ewan ko nga sa iyo.” Nahiya naman siyang umamin.

Miss Julie came out from the back room. Agad tumayo si Lucas para kunin dito ang bags na bitbit nito.

Nagpaalam na rin sila pagkatapos.

They were on their way back nang naisip niyang ipatikim dito ang Tupig. May paborito siyang bilihan ng Tupig na madadaanan nila. “Do you want to try Tupig?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” Tiningnan siya nito saglit, she saw he had a wide grin and kumindat pa nga sa kanya at binalik din ang mata sa daan.

“Hindi ah.” todo tanggi niya dito.

“Okay, let’s date” parang walang narinig nitong sinabi.

They went to her favorite Tupig store. Sa tabing daan lang iyon. Bumaba sila pareho. Umorder siya ng Tupig. Binalatan niya pa nga at ibinigay didto. Sa halip na kunin, kumagat ito sa hawak niya.

“Mmm. Masarap, babe”

There he goes again! Nailing na lang si Lexie.

Lucas grabbed her hand again at isinubo ang Tupig na hawak niya. He guided her hand so she can bite sa kinagatan nito. Ayaw nitong bitawan ang kamay niya kaya napilitan siyang kumagat na din.

She felt her heart skip a few beats. She was not too sure about what she was doing. He was too fast for her. Or was she painting too much malice sa ginagawa ni Lucas?

Nangingiti naman si nanay na bantay ng tindahan. Nahiya naman sya. Parang naman kasi ano tung si Lucas eh.

Umorder naman si Lucas ng buko sa katabing tindahan.

“Babe, buko?” at inilapit niya ang buko kay Lexie. Uminom naman ito at sinubuan siya ng Tupig.

He grinned as he used her straw.

“Lucas naman eh.” reklamo ni Lexie when she realized they were now drinking from the same buko and the same STRAW.

Tuwang-tuwa naman ang dalawang matanda sa kanilang dalawa.

“Babe, I am sure. Hindi mo naman mauubos ang isang buko eh. Magsasayang ka lang ng pagkain.”

Wala naman siyang maisagot dito. Nag share pa sila ng isa pang Tupig at halos sinusubuan niya na lang si Lucas after. Ang lakas nitong kumain. May sunog na dahon na dumikit sa gilid ng labi nito.

“Babe," at binaling sa kanya ang isang pisngi para linisin nya.

Hindi niya naman naisip na maasiwa pa at pinahid niya ang gilid ng labi nito. Pero nag marka sa pisngi nito ang parang abo.

“ay, sorry sorry” pinahid ulit niya ng hinlalaki ang gilid ng labi nito para linisin ito ulit.

Lucas was staring at her while she was busy sa pagpapahid sa gilid ng bibig nito.

Nakangiti naman siya ng tiningnan niya ito. Napabuntung-hininga na lang ulit si Lucas while looking at her. Too innocent.