Between Hate and Love

Chapter 28

Para ako’ng nakalutang habang naglalakad kami patungo sa parking lot. River’s word left me stunned. I was about to defend myself to him, but then I realized I would be charged guilty by doing so. That was when the complicated overanalyzation of everything I did happened.

Like the usual, I left River and made my exit. I walked out from him again, not wanting to admit or deny anything to him.

Honestly, I asked the question to myself a lot back then. And it was one of the reasons why I left. I had to make sure. I didn’t want to hurt anyone further, so until I was a hundred and one percent sure, I would not risk it.

Nanatili ako sa kwarto hanggang hapon. I enjoyed the view from the balcony. Wala rin kasi si Sarah, kaya’t tahimik ‘yung silid. No one disturbed me. Hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan sina Sarah and Khal, I just wanted my peace of mind.

When it was time to leave, lumabas ako ng silid at tinagpo sina Khal at Sarah sa main entrance ng hotel.

I apologized for not being with them all the time.

Sarah rolled her eyes.

Khal only walked towards the parking lot.

Ngayon ko lang napansin na mahilig lumakad si Khal mag-isa. If he could get the job done on his own, he would do it. The whole business trip, wala kaming driver, instead, siya lagi ang nagdadrive. Also, there were tasks that I should be doing, pero lagi niyang sinasabi na siya na lamang ang gagawa.

We reached the parking lot and there were Mr. and Mrs. Asuncsion. We followed their car until we reached the lands they own.

Khal was inspecting the whole place, asking questions I couldn’t comprehend what for, and he was smiling.

I was still spacing out.

Khal probably noticed that I was not myself so he tapped my shoulders and whispered in my ear, “I need my assistant. I don’t care if you met your first love and you were struck by his presence, I need your mind here.”

Kinilabutan ako sa bulong ni Khal. And it got me wondering what made himsay those words. Mapait ang pagkakasabi niya na parang may halong pangungutya.

He walked towards Mr. and Mrs. Asuncion, holding a folder and then citing something in there.

I bit my lower lip.

Sarah was bored as hell and when she saw what Khal had done, she walked towards me.

“I can’t really say for sure that you are just his assistant,” Sarah muttered near me. “Tell me, what really is your relationship with my Khal, huh?”

I pursed my lips. “What made you say that?”

Sarah shrugged. “His eyes… I always find his eyes on you. I watched him watch you as you walk to the exit door earlier,” she answered bitterly.

Hindi ko alam ang nararamdaman ko sa sinabi ni Sarah. I watched Khal from a distance as he conversed with the Asuncions. He looked a lot better, he seemed to be a different and the same person at the same time, and I just couldn’t help looking at him with adoration.

“I don’t think you just met. I wonder what happened between you two. Now, if Khal would tell me directly that he wants you, I wouldn’t mind. But I will not give up without a fight,” Sarah said, making sure I understood every words that she said.

There wasn’t even so much going on yet, and she noticed a lot of things already. I was amused by how she was handling things, considering that I only looked at her as a spoiled brattinella child.

I did not answer.

We went to four more different land areas. I found out that the sites were visited already by the the company’s engineers and analysts, and Khal was just confirming everything before the contract would be signed.

By dinner, we went to a local famous restaurant just nearby the sea.

The picturesque sunset painted the sky, providing a stunning backdrop for the quaint two-storey building known as Kabsat restaurant. Its open first floor, adorned with wooden furnishings, welcomed guests into a warm and inviting atmosphere. The entire space was bustling with activity as tourists gathered to soak in the serene ambiance. Conversations filled the air, mingling with the soothing sounds of the nearby sea, creating a symphony of relaxation and enjoyment for all who were fortunate enough to be present.

We settled at a table conveniently located near the entrance, affording us an unparalleled view of the sea. The scene before us was nothing short of breathtaking, with the sun casting its golden glow across the horizon. Captivated by the moment, I couldn't resist capturing it with a quick snapshot before simply immersing myself in the beauty that surrounded us.

As the evening progressed, our attention turned to the menu, which proved to be as impressive as the scenery. It featured a tantalizing array of options, ranging from local delicacies to exotic dishes, promising a culinary adventure that matched the enchantment of our surroundings.

Masyado ako’ng nag-enjoy sa pagkain. I could say the same thing with Khal and Sarah.

I had been stealing glances towards them. Sarah kept having a conversation with Khal, to which Khal politely gave back. They were conversing along with the Asuncions. I was wondering how they were able to talk for that long. Kung paanong hindi sila nauubusan ng sasabihin at ng mga ekspresyon, habang ako naman ay pagod na.

But the view was relaxing, so it was helping me to carry on.

It was past seven in the evening and the Asuncions asked Khal if we could walk for a bit as they wanted to show one more lot nearby Kabsat.

Khal agreed and then we walked outside. There were night swimmers and people that were enjoying the bonfire.

La Union was starting to crawl into my system and it didn’t want to leave. It was growing onto me, like the big waves that kisses the shore. I actually had the urge to just stay in La Union even though I had only been in the place for a day.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

We reached the land that Asuncions were saying. It was a lot in front of the beach and just nearby the main road. It was not one of the lands that they intended to sell since it could really be sought after and the price would just keep on increasing, after all it was a perfect spot for another hotel or a restaurant.

“Can I ask, why aren’t you selling this?” I asked curiously.

Mrs. Asuncion smiled at me, “Balak kasi namin ‘to tayuan ng bahay namin; para kapag retired na kami, dito na kami mag-stay.”

I nodded.

It was a perfect lot. I kind of envy that they have it and if I had a money to buy it, I would really love to buy it from them.

“Is there any chance that you would sell this land, Mr. and Mrs. Asuncion?” I asked politely. I caught Khal looking at me, but my focus was on Mr. and Mrs. Asuncion. Wala akong ipon sa kasalukuyan dahil naubos ‘yon sa bahay nina mama at sa bahay ko sa Maynila, I just wanted to know if the Asuncions would sell it.

“Oh. We are not quite sure, my wife loves this land. Actually, sisimulan na namin ang pagpapatayo ng bahay namin dito next year.”

I smiled at the two of them and nodded.

They are so sweet and I was really envious of them. They look very much in love despite their ages. Mukha pa rin silang teenager kung kumilos. It was magical.

My eyes landed on Khal and my mind immediately wondered, ‘What if we’re still together. May bahay at lupa na rin kaya kaming sarili ngayon?’