CHAPTER 17
1394 Words
CHAPTER 17
“I was trying to call and text you last night, hindi ka sumasagot,” malumanay ang boses ni DJ habang yakap-yakap ako. We’re still stuck in bed, neither of us bothering to get up and start our morning routine. “Nag-aalala na ako kung saan kita hahanapin. I wanted to surprise you, that’s why I didn’t update you. Until Ian called and told me to meet him at that lounge,” dagdag niya.
My back was facing him, but he gently turned me to face him, his eyes filled with concern and tenderness.
I reached out, stroking his cheek softly. “I’m sorry. I should’ve answered, pero I felt overwhelmed at that moment. Hindi ko na alam kung paano i-handle ‘yung nangyari... and honestly, I didn’t expect you to be there.”
DJ’s jaw tightened briefly, his fingers trailing over my arm where the faint bruises remained. “If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have let you face that alone,” he said, his voice low but firm, almost like a vow. “Rica, I need you to promise me something.”
“What is it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Kapag may ganito ulit, or kahit ano na nagpapahirap sa’yo, tell me. Kahit nasaang sulok pa ako ng mundo, I’ll be there. You don’t have to face anything alone anymore.”
I felt a pang in my heart, emotions swelling in my chest as I nodded, the weight of the dream still pressing heavily on my mind. I wasn’t ready to share it with him—not yet. My hand pressed against his as I whispered, “Thank you, love... for everything. You don’t know how much it means to me.”
A small smile tugged at his lips, and he leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I love you, Rica,” he murmured, his words wrapping around me like a protective shield.
“I love you, too,” I replied, my voice steady, the truth of it warming me from the inside.
Later that day, DJ went back to the resort. Sabi niya sa akin na babalik siya bago ang araw ng birthday ko, but his absence already felt heavy.
Hindi naman na gaanong namamaga ang aking braso, so I dare myself to have a general cleaning but still moving carefully.
When I finally finished, I stood in the center of the living room, hands on my hips, surveying my spotless condo. Everything was in its rightful place, and the air smelled of citrusy cleaning products. A satisfied smile crept onto my lips. “I deserve a treat,” I muttered to myself.
Feeling accomplished, I grabbed my phone and ordered a box of pizza, then slipped on a hoodie to head to the nearest convenience store. The idea of pairing soju with my comfort food felt like the perfect way to end the day.
The streets were bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun as I strolled. A gentle breeze brushed against my face, and I took a moment to soak in the peaceful ambiance. For the first time in a while, I felt a sense of stillness.
Pagbalik ko ng condo ay saktong dumating na ang in-order kong pizza. Inilagay ko lahat sa maliit na mesa kaharap ng aking sofa. Nagmistulang may maliit na selebrasyon sa aking simpleng tahanan.
Binuksan ko ang bote ng soju at kumuha ng isang slice ng pizza. As I took my first sip, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, and a familiar name lit up: DJ. My heart skipped slightly, and a smile tugged at my lips. I picked up the call, already anticipating the warmth in his voice.
“Hey,” I greeted cheerfully, trying to keep the exhaustion from my voice.
“Hey?” His tone was sharp, catching me off guard. “Bakit mo nilinis ang buong unit mo? Rica, you’re supposed to be resting, not pushing yourself!”
Natigilan ako at napa kurap. “P-Paano mo nalaman—”
“I called Sammy,” he interrupted, his voice firm. “I wanted to check on you. She told me you spent the entire day moving things around and cleaning.”
I sighed, my shoulders slumping. Bakit ko ba ibinahagi sa GC ang kaganapan dito? Nakalimutan kong hiningi niya pala ang numbers nina Bea at Sammy. “It wasn’t that bad, DJ. My arm’s not as swollen anymore, and I felt restless.”
“Rica,” he said, softer this time but no less serious, “you just went through something traumatic, and your arm is still healing. Makakapaghintay naman ang paglilinis. Wala akong pakialam kung parang nadaanan ng bagyo ang condo mo. Inaalala lang kita.”
His words made my chest tighten, guilt mingling with gratitude. “Gusto ko lang naman maging productive since naka leave ako,” bulong ko habang nakatitig sa inuming nasa kamay ko.
There was a pause before DJ spoke again, his tone gentler but still laced with concern. “I get that, love, but overdoing it isn’t the answer. What if you hurt yourself more? I can’t always be there to stop you from pushing too hard, but I wish you’d let me.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, feeling the weight of his concern.
DJ let out a long sigh, and I could almost hear him running a hand through his hair. “Just promise me you’ll take it easy from now on. No more lifting, no more moving furniture, okay?”
“Okay,” I agreed softly, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. “I promise.”
“That’s my girl,” he said, the warmth returning to his voice. “Now, tell me—how’s the pizza?”
I chuckled lightly, wiping at my eyes. “It’s good, but it’s missing you.”
“Sweet talker,” DJ teased. “Save me a slice, will you? And please don’t drink too much.”
“Only if you’re nice,” I shot back playfully, earning a laugh from him.
Just as we were about to end the call, the sound of my doorbell echoed through the condo. I frowned, glancing toward the door.
“Teka, may tao ata,” I told DJ, rising from my spot and heading toward the door.
“Who could it be at this hour?” DJ asked, his tone suddenly sharp again.
“Titignan ko,” I assured him, putting the phone on speaker and unlocking the door. Standing on the other side was a familiar face—a tall, lean man with an easy smile that tugged at memories of my college days.
“Terrence?” I asked, blinking in surprise.
“Hey, Rica,” bati niya, malawak ang ngiti ngunit halata sa kanyang mga mata ang pag-aalala. “Nalaman ko ang nangyari sayo kina Bea at Sammy, kaya naparito ako. Kumusta ka na?”
Before I could process the situation, DJ’s voice rang out from the phone still in my hand. “Love, sino ‘yan?”
Terrence raised an eyebrow, glancing at the phone. “Oh, is this a bad time? I didn’t mean to intrude.”
I hesitated, my mind racing. “No, no, it’s fine. Pasok ka.”
As Terrence stepped inside, I could feel DJ’s curiosity, if not suspicion, radiating through the phone.
“Who’s this guy?” DJ’s voice was firm, the playful edge gone entirely.
“Uhm, love, this is Terrence,” I said carefully, glancing between the phone and my unexpected visitor. “He’s... also a friend from college.”
Terrence just nodded at me and showed a faint smile then talked to DJ. “Nice to meet you, DJ. Rica’s mentioned you a lot,” he said while grinning.
I inwardly winced. This is awkward.
“Rica,” DJ said slowly, his voice taking on that calm yet serious tone I knew all too well. “Mag-usap na lang tayo mamaya.”
“DJ—” But he had already hung up.
Terrence noticed my expression and chuckled nervously. “Dapat pala hindi na lang ako pumunta, I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”
I sighed, gesturing toward the couch. “It’s fine. Let’s just... sit for a bit.”
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