Make Her Mine in 50 Days

Chapter 6

“Brendt!” Tiffany called me when she saw me approaching their table.

I smiled at her before I turned to look at her father. I was relieved that we’re having lunch with his father. Hindi ko kasi mawari kung paano ko pakikisamahan si Tiffany minsan lalo na kung kaming dalawa lang. I can feel that she’s expecting us to become something that we won’t become.

“Buti naman at pinaunlakan mo ang pag-aaya ng anak ko,” nagagalak na sabi ni Mr. Saavedra.

“Of course, Sir,” sabi ko na lang. “It’s not too much to ask. And, I’m not busy to say no.”

I sat beside Tiffany as I take a look at the meal served at the table. Nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag nang makita kong walang putahe na allergy ako.

“Hope you like the foods served,” sabi naman ni Tiffany sa’kin. “We already ordered while waiting for you para kakain na lang pagdating mo.”

“I like it. Thank you,” nakangiting sabi ko.

We started getting food for ourselves on our plate. I have no idea why Tiffany asked me out for lunch. Maybe it was an order from her father, but I still accepted her invitation.

“Uh… Bakit ninyo po ako gustong makausap?” tanong ko nang magsimula na kami sa pagkain.

Bahagya namang natigil si Mr. Saavedra sa pagkain at nag-angat ng tingin sa’kin. “I’m inviting you to my wedding,” sabi niya.

My lips slightly parted. His wife died a few years ago and now, he’s going to remarry.

“I hope it’s okay with if I choose you as my best man. It’s already written on the invitations which were rushed yesterday. We were able to get it earlier,” medyo nahihiyang sabi nito.

Inilabas niya ang invitation at saka inilapag sa’king harapan. Hindi ko na muna ito binuksan at inilagay na lang sa bulsa ng aking suit.

“I have no problem with that, Sir,” sabi ko na lang dahil wala na rin akong kawala. “Makakaasa po kayo na dadalo ako.”

“Thank you so much, Brendt,” he thanked me. “I know I can count on you.”

Tiffany talked about the upcoming wedding while we continue to eat our lunch. She told me that she took part with the preparations. It’s kinda surprising to know that she’s cool with her father marrying someone new.

“Dadating pala ang Mommy mo,” biglang anunsyo ni Mr. Saavedra bago siya mag-angat ng tingin kay Tiffany.

My forehead slightly creased. It nust be her soon to be stepmother who’s coming over to join us for lunch.

“Really?” nahimigan ko kaagad ang tuwa sa boses ni Tiffany.

I looked at my wrist watch and saw that it was already time to go. I still have a meeting with an investor in an hour.

“Uhm... Excuse me, but I need to go now, Sir, Tiffany,” I excused myself to the both of them. “I don’t want to leave early, but I still have a meeting.”

Tiffany’s smile faded. “I actually want you to meet my Mom...”

Buti na lang napigilan ko ang pagtaas ng aking kilay. Why she wants me to meet her Mom is beyond me.

“Maybe, next time,” sabi ko na lang at ngumiti.

“Why don’t you go too, Tiff?” sabi naman ni Mr. Saavedra.

Bahagya namang napakunot muli ang aking noo. Bakit kailangang umalis na rin siya?

Napatingin naman si Tiffany sa kanyang relos. “Oh, yes! I also need to go,” sabi niya at agad hinagilap ang kanyang bag.

“I thought your mother’s coming here,” I told her.

“Si Daddy naman ang ipupunta ni Mommy dito. She knows I’m busy with work as I’ve just started handling our company,” she explained before she went up to Mr. Saavedra and kissed him on his cheek.

“Is it okay na ihatid mo siya, Brendt?” pakiusap naman sa’kin ni Mr. Saavedra. “I came here with her. Hindi ako panatag na magcommute siya. I need to wait for her mother.”

“It’s okay, Sir,” pagpayag ko at inaya nang lumabas si Tiffany.

Hindi matanggal ang ngiti sa kanyang labi habang papalabas kami ng restaurant at hanggang sa makarating kami sa aking sasakyan.

“Pasensya ka na kay Daddy, ah?” paghingi niya ng pasensya sa’kin nang mapatakbo ko na ang sasakyan patungo sa daan. “Naabala ka pa tuloy niya.”

“It’s just normal for a father to be protective of his daughter,” I said without glancing at her. “I understand.”

Naging mabilis lang ang patungo sa kanilang kompanya. Nang maibaba ko na si Tiffany ay agad ko ring inarangkada ang sasakyan patungo sa Stewart Highfields. While preparing for my meeting with an investor, I removed my suit that made the invation Mr. Saavedra gave me earlier fell to the ground.

Huminga naman ako ng malalim at saka ito pinulot. Umupo ako sa aking swivel chair bago tinignan ang invitation.

Co & Saavedra

‘Yan ang nakasulat sa harapan ng ng invitation.

Maid of Honor: Tiffany Adelle Co

Best Man: Brendt Stewart

Napakunot naman ang aking noo nang mabasa ang apelyido ni Tiffany bago binalikan ang apelyido ng matatali sa pangalan ni Mr. Saavedra.

So, Tiffany is just going to be Mr. Saavedra’s step daughter. He is gonna marry Tiffany’s mother. She is not his real and biological daughter.

But why is Tiffany the one who’s handling Mr. Saavedra’s company? Why not let his real daughter handle it, instead?

“Sir.” My secretary suddenly went inside my office after two quick knocks. “Here is a letter from Ms. Xylia Saavedra, filing a leave.”

Tinitignan ko naman ang envelope kung saan naroroon ang letter ni Xylia.

Even though I tried my best to avoid her, I also couldn’t help but be involved in everything about her. So I asked her Head to inform me if there was something going on with her in the office.

“Call her to my office,” sabi ko naman nang mailapag na niya ang letter sa aking table.

“Uh... Yes, Sir,” medyo nag-alangan pa ang aking sekretarya ngunit agad din siyang lumabas ng aking opisina para sundin ang aking iniuutos.

As I waited for her arrival, I cleaned my table and arranged the files neatly, but I left one document in front of me to pretend like I’m doing something. Afterwards, I fixed my tie that was already loose.

It didn’t take that long. She entered the office after five minutes.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya na seryosong nakatingin sa’kin. Hindi ako sanay na makita siyang nagseseryoso. She used to wear a big smile on her face whenever she’s around me but I wiped it all away.

It’s like there’s something wrong with her. Parang hindi siya ang Xylia’ng kilala ko.

Does pain really change people? Nasaktan ko ba talaga siya?

“Good afternoon, Sir Stewart,” she greeted me.

“You’re here...” Itinuro ko ang visitor’s chair sa tapat ng aking lamesa. “Please sit.”

My heart beat slightly pumped harder when she smiled and shook her head.

“I’m more comfortable standing here, Sir,” she said.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako upang kalmahin ang sarili lalo na ang bumibilis na naman na pagtibok ng aking puso. Ang inayos kong necktie ay akin ding niluwagan upang makahinga ng mas maayos. Tumungo ako sa harap ng aking lamesa upang mas mapalapit sa kanya at saka sumandal dito bago humalukipkip.

“Where are you going?” I asked her about her leave.

“Huh? May mapupuntahan pa ba ako rito sa loob ng opisina mo?” mala-sarkastiko niyang tanong sa’kin.

My lips twitched at her sarcastically dumb question before clenching my jaw. “You filed a leave,” I said. “I just want to ask you where.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Why are you asking me? Ano namang pakialam mo?” mataray niyang tanong sa’kin.

Kahit gusto ko nang bumuga ng apoy sa kanyang pinapakitang attitude sa’kin ay nakuha ko pang ngumisi.

“Because I’m the CEO of the company you’re working for and the leave that you filed is still pending.” I had no choice but to use the upper hand since she was being difficult. “I can easily tell your head to reject your request if I want to.”

When it comes to work, Xylia, I’m more powerful than you. But when it comes to... Whatever.

“Do you really interview your normal employees who just wanted to file a leave?” she asked me.

Nawala naman ang ngisi sa aking mga labi. Alam na alam niya talaga kung paano ako hulihin.

“Just answer me, Xylia,” mariin kong sabi.

“It was stated there that it’s a family event. It’s my Dad’s wedding with his girl,”  she answered, and I pursed my lips. “Is that enough? Can I go back to work now?”

Her Dad’s going to marry someone else than her Mom... It made me feel pity for her and for her Mom. Gusto kong kapain kung ano ang nararamdaman niya ngunit sa tingin ko’y hindi niya ‘yon ipaparamdam sa’kin.

I sighed and nodded my head, finally letting her go. “Okay... You may leave now.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She smiled once again before she left.

Even though I know her smile was fake, it still made my heart beat fast. There’s really something wrong with me now...

“Congratulations po!”

After Tiffany’s long sweet congratulatory message for her Mom who married Mr. Saavedra, she went up to kiss them on their cheeks before she went back to our table.

She still has tears in her eyes because of happiness. I tried to comfort her even if it was only tears of joy. Every girl needs comfort.

“And, of course, Ms. Xylia Coleen Saavedra...”

Halos manigas ako sa aking kinauupuan nang banggitin ng host ang buong pangalan ni Xylia.

She’s here! And she is... the only daughter of Mr. Saavedra.

Isang lingon ko lang ay agad ko siyang nahanap sa gitna ng mga tao dahil siya lamang ang nakatayo. Pumasada sa’kin ang kanyang tingin at nagtagal ng iilang segundo bago diniretso ang tingin sa harapan. Taas noo siyang naglakad patungo sa harapan at saka kinuha sa host ang mikropono.

“Hello,” she greeted everyone with her sweet voice. “To be honest, I don’t know how to say, ‘Congratulations! I’m so happy for the both of you,’ because I’m not happy and I don’t want to congratulate them.”

Napaawang ang aking labi sa kanyang panimula.

“D-Dad, I just don’t know what to feel right now. Even if I wanted to be happy because you’re happy, I just can’t...” I almost got up from my seat when her tears started to fall. “Mahal na mahal ko kayong dalawa ni mommy. We were so happy before. Masaya tayo na tayong tatlo lang ang magkakasama. Pero no’ng nawala si mommy, instead of staying strong for me and making our bond stronger because we both only have each other left, hindi ganoon ang nangyari. It was like I also lost my father.”

Is it too much if I say that I can hear her heart breaking from here? Hearing her agonizing voice made my heart break, too.

“Alam ninyo po ba ang naisip ko noong malaman kong may bago kayo at lalo na nung nalaman kong mayroon siyang anak?” Bahagya naman akong napayuko bago muling inangat ang tingin sa kanya. “Sobrang takot at inggit ang naramdaman ko, ‘ddy. You don’t know how much I hated that feeling.”

I saw a girl come up to her and hug her tight. Thank you for giving Xylia the comfort she needs right now.

“Shh... Tama na, Xy…” she whispered but it was slightly blasted by the microphone.

“Mas tinuring ninyo pa nga pong anak si Tiffany kaysa sa akin, e. You left your real daughter for the daughter of your new lover,” nanghihina niyang sabi. “Sana parehas na lang kami ni mommy na namatay. Sana hindi na lang ako naiwan sa inyo at nasaksihan ‘tong mga bagay na ayaw kong mangyari. Ganoon kasakit ang nararamdaman ko ngayon na gusto ko na lang makasama si mommy kung nasaan man siya.”

With those last words she spat from her mouth, it was like a trigger that fired into my soul. Her words scare me. Suicidal cases are very common nowadays, especially if it is about family issues. I don’t want Xylia to have that kind of mindset but she already is having one.

Napalingon naman ako kay Mr. Saavedra na napatayo na sa kanyang kinauupuan ngunit niyakap siya ng Mommy ni Tiffany upang pigilan. Umiling-iling si Mr. Saavedra at may sinabing hindi ko narinig sa kanyang layo sa’kin.

“I’m sorry for ruining your wedding,” sabi niya at nagpumilit na makakawala sa pagkakayakap ng babaeng yumakap sa kanya. “Congrats.”

Dire-diretso siyang umalis palabas ng venue. Dala ng takot at kaba sa aking dibdib na nararamdaman para sa kanya ay agad akong tumayo sa aking kinauupuan upang sundan siya sa patutunguhan. I want to be sure that she’s safe and will not do anything reckless.

“Brendt—”

Tiffany tried to stop me but I didn’t let her. No one can stop me from following Xylia, right now.

Hindi pa siya nakakalayo nang maabutan ko siya ngunit patungo na siya sa parking lot. Binilisan ko ang aking pagtakbo, when I saw her approaching her car.

Nang maabutan ko siya ay hindi ko na napigilan ang balutin siya ng yakap na alam kong kailangan na kailangan niya ngayon.

“Shh...” I hushed her from crying. “Don’t cry...”

I wanted her to cry out every pain she was feeling, but I also didn’t want to see her crying. I was torn between those two. Pero mas gugustuhin ko na huwag siyang makitang umiyak.

“Let go of me,” she tried to make her voice tough by holding back her sobs.

“No,” I said and tightened my embrace.

I’m scared that if I let go of her, she’ll do something bad to herself.

“Please, Brendt, I want to be alone,” she begged me and I can feel that she really wanted to be alone for a while. “I really want to be alone, so please...”

Napabuntong hininga naman ako at niluwagan ang aking pagkakayakap sa kanya na dahilan kung bakit siya nakakawala sa akin.

But I won’t let go of her that easily. I immediately went to my car and followed her. Halos atakihin ako tuwing nakikita kong bumibilis ang pagtakbo ng kanyang sasakyan. Ngunit nang makarating kami sa Resorts World ay nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag.

I wanted to stop her from drinking any liquor, but I know that that’s what she wants to do right now. She wants to drink and forget, and so I let her be. Nandito naman ako para bantayan siya. But I saw that she’s not already herself, that the alcohol’s already about to take over her system, when she finished her sixth shot.

Tumayo na ako sa aking kinauupuan at agad na lumapit sa kanya upang pigilan sa pag-inom ng kanyang pang pitong shot.

I couldn’t believe that the bartender still gave her another shot. It’s pretty obvious that she already had enough.

Xylia slowly looked at me while frowning, right after I stole the shot glass from her hands. Unti-unti namang sumilay ang matamis sa kanyang labi. It almost made me melt, but I managed to remain stoic.

“Pabalik po ng inumin ko please...” Ngumuso siya at saka inilahad ang kanyang kamay. “Akin ‘yan, eh!”

Napalunok naman ako habang tinitingnan niya. She’s too cute when she’s drunk.

Nilingon ko na lamang ang bartender upang maibaling sa kanya ang aking atensyon. Padarag kong binaba ang shot glass habang mariing tinitingnan ang lalaki.

“Don’t you know that she could get in trouble if she drinks a lot?” mariin kong tanong.

Inilipat ko ang tingin ko sa kanyang name plate. I have connections with the owner of this bar. I can do something about him.

“You can kiss your last paycheck goodbye,” pananakot ko at saka nilingon pabalik si Xylia.

Mabuti na lang at hindi na siya umalma nang hinila ko siya paalis. Tahimik lamang siyang nakasunod sa akin. Umalma lamang siya nang makitang hindi kami patungo sa kanyang sasakyan.

“Hindi ‘yan ang sasakyan ko,” sabi niya nang binuksan ko ang passenger seat para sa kanya.

“You’re freaking drunk. You’ll ride with me.” I tried to sound authoritative as much as I could for her to obey me.

Mabuti na lang at hindi na siya nakipagtalo pa. Tahimik lang siyang pumasok sa loob ng aking sasakyan at agad naman akong sumunod bago pa siya makawala.

“I didn’t know that he is your father…” mahina kong sabi nang makapasok ko sa loob ng sasakyan.

She grinned and lowered the passenger seat before leaning back on it. Maybe she’s having a headache.

“He was,” she said before closing her eyes. “He was my father before, but not anymore.”

“He is still your father, Xylia,” I told her. “He just remarried, but he’s still your father. He is a good man.”

Her father might have hurt her feelings but he is still her father, no matter what.

“He. Is. Not,” she sternly said. “You don’t know him that much kaya mo lang ‘yan nasasabi. Ako ngang anak niya, hindi ko pa siya masyadong kilala. Ikaw pa kaya?!”

“You’re just angry, hurt, and drunk, Xylia. We can talk about this when you’re sober,” sabi ko at hindi na nakipagtalo sa kanya.

I was about to put the key at the ignition and start the car when she started to talk again.

“I feel so betrayed and hurt,” mahina niyang sabi. “Not just for me, but also for my mom...”

Nilingon ko naman siya at nakita ang mumunting luha na muling tumutulo galing sa kanyang mga mata.

“How did he manage to move on and forget my mom that fast when for me... I can still hear her last words, feel her last touch, see her last smile…” Dinig na dinig ko ang sakit sa kanyang boses. “Paano niya nagawa ‘yon?” 

“Maybe because your father doesn’t want to agonize and grieve for your mother every day and decided to move on,” I told her. “There’s nothing wrong with being happy again, Xylia. I understand where you’re coming from, but I also understand your father. It’s not easy to be left alone by the one you love, but it’s even harder when you choose to stop time and just remember every pain. We choose to move on because we want to escape the pain and be happy again.”

I understand how it feels to lose someone you loved dearly. Sobrang sakit. Pero kaysa magmukmok ay mas gugustuhin ko na lang na sumaya at kalimutan ang lahat. I want to be happy again. Iyon nga lang ay ang hirap kaya humahanga ako sa kanyang ama na nagawang malagpasan ang sakit na ‘yon at maging masaya ulit.

“He can be happy with me―with his daughter,” she said, and I realized how much longing she has for the affection of her father. “But he chose to let his daughter go. Now, I’m all alone―”

Hindi ko na siya pinatapos at agad kong hinigit papalapit sa akin upang yakapin.

She thought that there’s no one left for her. Na wala na siyang ibang makakapitan pa kundi ang sarili niya. Hindi ko naman siya masisisi dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang nararamdaman niya. Ang alam ko lang ay kailangan kong iparamdam sa kanya na may tao pang nandiyan para sa kanya.

“B-Brendt...” she stuttered.

I may not be sure about my feelings for her, but I’m sure that I want to stay with her and comfort her in any way that I can.

“You wouldn’t be alone,” I whispered. “I will be here for you, and I’m sure you have your friends, too. Nandito lang kami para sa ‘yo kung kailangan mo kami.”