Midnight Pleasure

PROLOGUE

I'm busy typing in the keyboard while looking at the monitor when I heard the door knocked three times.

"Come in," I said without taking my eyes off the monitor. From the corner of my eye, I saw Maximus poking his head into the room.

"Are you going back to your country too?" he asked quietly from the doorway.

I didn't reply or glanced his way because I was fully engrossed in my coding task. My mind was laser-focused, and I couldn't afford to lose my concentration.

As the seconds ticked by, the air in the room hung heavy with anticipation. Maximus, sensing my preoccupation, hesitated for a moment before stepping further into the room, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Si?" He called to get my attention

I finally relented, tearing my gaze away from the screen to meet his eyes. "Yes, I am," I replied

Maximus nodded solemnly, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting mine again. He let out a sigh.

"Yeah, Fel is going back too," he murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "And now you're going too?"

I nodded, a small smile touching my lips as I leaned back in my chair, taking a moment to explain. "Well, we both need to go back. Fely will open her shop and it's my grandma's eightieth birthday."

Thinking about returning to the Philippines brought back memories. It had been years since I left, and even longer since the day everything changed. That was the day I promised myself not to let anyone hurt me again. It was the day I cried the most.

But I've moved on since then. Yes, I've really moved on! That's why I left—to start fresh and forget about him. And now, I have. That's why I'm going back confidently. I know I won't let him affect me again. Never.

Maximus's expression softened, his features relaxing into a gentle understanding. "Ah, I see," he said, nodding slowly. "Family comes first."

I agreed with a nod and a grateful smile. "Exactly,"

He gave me a smile, "but when are you coming back?"

He gave me a smile, "but when are you coming back?"

"Hmm... I actually don't know. Maybe I'll stay there for three months? I can still work remotely, you know, as long as I have my laptop."

"C'mon, don't dodge the question like Fel. You two are making me nervous. You are coming back, right? You're not going to leave me with all your work, are you?" I nervously smiled back at him.

Truthfully, I didn't have a clear answer about my return.

"You're not going to leave me with all your work, right?" His tone grew more serious, and his gaze bore into me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes.

"Kirsi, come on, answer me!"

"Oh, look at the time! It's lunchtime!" I hurriedly stood up and grabbed my bag.

"Skipping meals is bad, bye!" I darted out of the room, trying to escape the uncomfortable conversation.

"What? You never eat lunch! You always skip meals! Kirsi, come back here!" I heard his frustrated voice trailing behind me as I rushed out of my office.

Dodging an angry Maximus, I quickened my pace, greeted by nods and smiles from passing employees.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am," another employee greeted me as I approached my friend's office. I returned the gesture with a nod and a smile before slipping inside.

"Hi!" I greeted my friend, a smile spreading across my face. The familiar sight of her long wavy hair tied in a half ponytail, with a few strands escaping to frame her face, greeted me as she focused on her monitor, her fingers dancing across the keyboard.

"Walang katok-katok?" Her brows narrowed, teasing me for not announcing my presence with a knock.

"C'mon! Hindi ka din naman kumakatok kapag napunta ka sa office ko," I retorted playfully, reminding her of her own habits.

Fel just smirk. She's a Filipino too. Siya ang kasabayan ko dito sa iTech nang nagsisimula pa lamang ako. Nagulat pa nga ako ng makita ko siya dito sa iTech. We're schoolmates kasi noong senior highschool pati strand ay pareho kami. If I remember nakikita ko din sya sa campus nung college pa ko.

Noong una ay hindi kami nagpapansinan at parehas na iwas sa isa't isa. The first time I saw her again I really got intimidated. Ang suplada kasi ng mukha nya kaya natakot akong kausapin siya. We got close because of Maximus he's a Spaniard. When the three of us teamed up for a project we got close. Kaya din kami na-promote dahil sa project na yon.

"Bakit ka nandito?" She fixed her prescription glasses before looking at me

"Let's go eat lunch," I said

"I don't eat lunch—"

"Maximus is asking if we're leaving our work to him," I said quickly, not letting her finish. But before I could continue, she abruptly stood up, grabbed her bag, and cut me off.

"Tara na. Let's eat lunch," she said, leading the way out of her office.

We walked quickly down the hallway, nodding and smiling at the employees who greeted us. When we reached the elevator, we heard Maximus calling our names.

"Hey you two! Kirsi! Fely!" Maximus called us running towards us

Fel pressed the buttons of the elevator repeatedly trying to close the door before Maximus caught up. I was relief when the door starts closing. We waved our hands and mouthed 'goodbye' with a smile to Maximus who's running to us.

Once the elevator doors were shut, we both let out a sigh of relief. Some other people in the elevator looked like they were trying not to laugh at the situation. I decided it might be best to go home instead of returning to the office while Maximus was still angry. I needed to get ready for my flight tomorrow anyway.

"Kakain ka pa ba?" Tanong ng kaibigan ko

"Ewan ko. I'm planning to get ready for tonight,"

"Okay, let's just meet at the airport."

"7pm sharp." I added she just nodded

Tumunog ang elevator hudyat na nasa tamang floor na kami. We landed on the buildings basement because this is where the parking lot located. Naunang lumabas si Fely ng elevator bago ako.

I took my car key from my bag and pressed it to make a sound. Fely did the same. Our cars were parked in different areas of the parking lot, so we parted ways for the moment.

"See yah, babe!" I waved her goodbye

"See you at the airport, hon. " we both laugh before parting ways

NANG maka-uwi ako ng apartment ko inayos ko kaagad ang dapat na ayusin. I checked the luggages that I will bring. I've got three luggages and one hand carry. Two luggages for pasalubong and one luggages and hand carry for my clothes and essentials.

I laughed at the situation I'm at. Parang uuwi lang ata ako para ideliver ang mga pinabili ng pamilya ko. But I'm happy though, this just means I can give what my family wants because I'm financially stable.

8pm na ng makarating ako ng airport at ang bumungad agad sakin ay ang iritadong mukha ni Fely. Our flight is in 9pm kaya nag check in agad kami. At the plane magkatabi kami ni Fely but she got the window. It sucks. Dahil sya makakapag emote habang ako papanoodin lang siyang mag emote but that didn't happened because the entire flight I was asleep.

I STEPPED out of the airplane, the rush of warm, humid air enveloped me, instantly reminding me that I was back. The familiar sights and sounds of the airport greeted me, from the chatter of passengers to the bustling activity of airport personnel.

"Hoy, lakad. Wag kang mag-emote dyan hindi bagay sayo," natatawang paninira ni Fely sa likod ko

"Sus! Hindi kita pinakeelaman kanina sa eroplano ha!" Tumawa lang siya at nauna naman siya saaking maglakad.

We've got our luggages. Halos parehas lang kami ng dala ni Fely. Three luggages and One hand carry. Kaming dalawa lang ni Fely dahil naiwan si Lori at Rai sa U.S. As we made our way out of the airport, a rush of nerves washed over me. s**t! Hindi nga pala alam ng pamilya ko na uuwi ako!

Tumingin ako sa katabi kong naglalakad habang tulak ang trolley. "Fel,"

"Bakit?" Tuminigin sya saakin bago tumigil ng makalabas na kami ng airport

"Hindi alam ng pamilya ko na uuwi ako," I looked at her with nervous look.

"Ah, gago. Oo nga pala.." She looked shocked "yung akin din..."

"Ha?"

"Hindi ko nasabi na uuwi ako.." she's stunned

"Ako nakalimutan ko.." I murmured

We are both hopeless.

Nabuhayan kami ng biglang may pumaradang SUV sa harap namin. Bumaba ang salamin nito at bumungan ang isang lalaking naka shades.

"Elio!" Fely shouted like a baby that's about to cry

"Lio baby!" My eyes watered.

Bumaba siya ng kanyang sasakyan kaya agad namin syang niyakap ni Fely.

"Heh! Sakay na! Ang aarte!" Pinagbuksan nya kami ng pinto at sya na ang naglagay ng mga bagahe namin sa sasakyan nya.

We catch up habang nasa byahe. I'm sitting in the back sit while Fely is in the passenger seat. We ordered food in a fast food. Of course, Jollibee!

Sa foodtrip naubos ang oras namin dahil lahat ng makita naming masarap na pagkain ay hinihintuan namin. Kaya naman ng gabi na ng maka-uwi kami. Ako ang unang hinatid ni Elio dahil mas mauunang madaanan ang bahay ko.

Tinulungan ako ni Elio at Fely na ibaba ang mga bagahe ko. I gave them hugs before they leave.

It's 10pm. Hindi ko alam kung may gising pa ba sa pamilya ko. Well, probably my sister. Pero hindi ko alam kung gising pa ba sila Mama at Papa.

Sinubukan kong buksan ang gate namin dahil alam kong hindi naman nila nilo-lock iyon. And I was correct kaya naman isa isa kong ipinasok ang mga bagahe ko. I'm strong and independent kaya ko 'to.

I looked at our glass window and saw my sister doing her homework at the sala. With mischievous intent, I activated the flashlight on my phone and made a creepy smile.

"Ahhh!" She shouted when she caught sight of the eerie glow at the window, she almost fell on the sofa

Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o kakabahan dahil sa reaksyon nya. Matatawa dahil ang panget nya matakot at kakabahan dahil pagalitan pa ko sa ginawa ko. Lalo't tulog na ang mga tao sa bahay. Pero mas pinili ko parin ang tumawa.

"Ateeee! Siraulo ka!" Sigaw nya bago pumuntang pinto at buksan ito. Halos hindi na ko makahinga sa kakatawa habang sya ay gusto na akong hampasin ngunit ng makita ang mga bagahe ko ay tumigil din.

"Mama! Papa! Lola! Tito! Umuwi na si Ate!" Sigaw nya sa buong bahay para tawagin ang buong pamilya ko

"Ano?" Rinig kong sigaw ni Tito Qing

"Si Ate nandito na!" Sigaw muli ng kapatid ko umalis ang kapatid ko para puntahan sila Mama sa kwarto nila "Mama si Ate umuwi na!"

"Hi! Welcome back to me!" Sigaw ko pagkapasok ko sa bahay na naging dahilan ng sunod sunod na yabag.

"Aba! Andito na ang apo ko!" Kita sa mukha ng aking Lola ang saya. With her teary eyes she hugged me tightly.

"Kamusta na 'La?" I hugged her back

"Ayos naman ako. Ang ganda ganda mo na. Salamat nandito na ang apo ko!" ani Lola habang nasinghot pa

"Mama! Papa!" I hugged my parents nakita ko pang maluha luha pa si Mama

"Bakit hindi ka nagpasundo sa airport?" My Papa asked while hugging me and kissing my head

"Sinundo kami ni Elio," I looked at my two uncles "Tito yung bagahe ko nasa labas pa, tatlo yon. Tig-iisa kayo nila papa, ipasok nyo baka may kumuha nung Playstation don."

"Weh? Binili mo ko?" Tito Qill looked excited

"Oo, yung box." We all laugh

"Bwiset! Pero ayos na din galing U.S," lalo kaming natawa

The night was full of talking and laughter. It was a wonderful reunion, and I knew that I would always treasure the time I spent with my family.

"KIRSI!" Agad na lumapit saakin ang masaya at napakaganda kong kaibigan. She looks stunning wearing a beautiful white long sleeve paring with blue flowy floral skirt.

"Thank you for coming," she hugged me tightly. I felt her hands are cold when it touched my back. I'm wearing yellow halter backless dress.

"Congratulation, Fely babe! You did it! Ang ganda ng shop mo," I squeezed her hand "akala ko late na ko,"

"Thank you! You just came at the right time. My gosh! Kung alam mo lang kung ano ang nangyari kanina!" Ani Fely sabay hampas saaking balikat

"Sabi mo I just came at the right time? Eh sa sinasabi mo parang late na late na ko,"

"Ah basta! I'll tell you later!" Hinila nya ako papapunta kung nasaan sila Elio at Lori they are with other guys but bago pa man kami tuluyang makalapit ay binulungan ako ni Fely "andito yung ex ni Elio, start to act!"

I immediately stand up straight and fixed my posture.

"Baby!" I said trying to call Elio pero ang bakla hindi tumingin saakin at nakikipag usap lang sa lalaking katabi kaya naman niyakap ko sya patalikod.

Ramdam ko ang gulat at paninigas ng katawan nya. "Huy!" Bigla syang lumingon saakin

"Hi baby! Miss me?" I blinked my eyes whil I got an irap from him

"What are you doing?" He whispered

"Like what we've talked about," I whispered back "aw! Baby stop! Wag tayong PDA nakakahiya!"

"Tangina.." I heard him murmured before he put his hands on my waist

"Who is she?" A baritone voice coming from a very handsome guy

"Oh! Hi! I'm Kirsi, Elio's girlfriend!" I handed my hand waiting for him to accept it

"Hey, Amory your hand." I hear Fely ordered

The man sigh "Draco," he simply said before accepting my hand.

I can sense the dislike from him but I didn't pay attention to it. The other guys also introduces their selves. Mga bigatin pala ang mga kaibigan ni Fely.

I'm busy talking with Lori when I hear Elio called someone that caught my attention. I froze while standing. Kahit na nakatalikod ako ay ramdam ko na may kakaiba.

"Engineer! Dito tayo, the owner is here." Elio

"Sersh, this is Engineer Salvatore. He's the head engineer of your shop." I hear Elio said

Salvatore.... Salvatore...no..

Madami naman ang may apelyidong katulad ng sakanya. Baka coincidence lang. Yes. Right. It's just a coincidence.

Tsaka ano naman ngayon kung sya nga yon? Kirsi you've already moved on! Tanga ka ba? Don't get too affected! No! Never be affected by him again! Never!

"....and this is Lori my best friend.. and.." nagulat ako ng maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Elio sa balikat ko "hoy, ayos ka lang?" He whispered I just nodded

"Engineer, this is my girlfriend.." Elio's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to face them. Our eyes locked in an instant.

And I found myself lost in those familiar brown eyes, deep and comforting. They were the same eyes I had gazed into countless times during m

idnights. They had seen me fall for him, witnessed my joy, but also the pain and heartbreak I endured because of him.

"Hmm l-love?.. this is Engineer Yzkael Leone Salvatore."

I looked straight at his eyes.

"Hi. I'm Kirsi, Elio's girlfriend." I smiled