Operation Seduce the Mute Billionaire (Tagalog)

Chapter 5

"ARE you sure you know what you're doing?" Jj asked me as he watched me fan my burned finger. We were inside the kitchen baking cupcakes. It has been an hour since we started, more like I started, since Jj just sat on the counter and watched me understand the difficult recipe.

"Do I look like I know what I'm doing." I snapped at him as I continued to fan my burnt finger. He held up her hands in defeat and made a zipping noise. Sighing, I glanced at the burned cupcakes. I didn't noticethe time until I realized it was overcooked so I quickly got the cupcakes off the oven using my hand. I know it was an idiot moment and I'm not gonna acknowledge it.

Staring at my cupcakes, there were a few pieces that weren't burnt however they don't look like and shape as a cupcake. They look like they were attacked by a two year old and left off to be eaten by the dogs.

Sighing again, I grabbed the few good ones and started coating them. Once I'm done inilagay ko ito sa isang cute na box at nagsulat ng I'm sorry sa taas ng box.

"There. That should do it." I grinned and took off my apron. "Baks ikaw nalang maglinis dito ah."

Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Jj. "Bakit ako? Ikaw kaya ang nagkalat."

"Because I said so." Mataray ko dito na tugon "Tiyaka wala ka naman na itinulong kaya might as well be helpful."

"Helpful your face. Hindi ako helpful na tao!" irita nito na sagot pero tumayo na ito sa kaniyang inuupuan at kumuha na ng walis.

"Hindi daw helpful." I muttered underneath my breath as I moved to the door.

"I heard that!" sigaw nito sa akin pabalik. I only chuckled and closed the door. Walking to the farm, I saw gumamela walking in my direction. Sumama agad timpla ng mukha ko. Hays, hindi pa ba sapat na makita ko siya kanina, pati ba naman ngayon makikita ko pa din siya.

Dali-dali akong naglakad at inismidan ko dito ng magkalapit kami. Hindi naman ako nito pinansin kaya nagpatuloy nalang ako sa paglalakad. I passed by a few farmers in the area but not one of them was Domenico.

Asaan kaya iyon? I walked to the barn and the garden to look for him but I wasn't able to see him. Nadaanan ko naman yung mga katrabaho niya pero hindi ko pa rin siya nakikita. I huffed in impatience. Suddenly, I saw a young girl wearing the simplest red dress and a basket of flowers on her hand. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was happily skipping towards the forest.

"Hey you!" I called out. Napahinto naman ito ng marinig ang boses ko. Tumingin ito sa paligid at nang makita ako itinuro ang sarili niya.

"Ako po?" tanong nito. I nodded and made a come here suggestion. Sumunod naman ito sa akin at ngumiti ng makaabot sa harapan ko. Huh, it's a first time that a girl smiled at my direction.

"Do you know where Domenico lives?" I asked her ng mataray. Her face scrunched up like she did not understand what I just said. Hays, oo nga hindi lahat sa kanila marunog mag-Ingles. Kaya itinagalog ko ito. "Alam mo ba kung saan nakatira si Domenico Sebastian?"

"Si Kuya Nico po?" tanong niya uli. I rolled my eyes inside. May iba pa ba na Nico sa lupain na to. Hays but I did not show her my annoyance. Ngumiti na nga sa akin ang bata tatarayan ko pa.

"Oo si Nico."

Umaliwalas ang mukha nito at ngumiti sa akin ng napakapilya "Bakit po? Manliligaw po ba kayo ni Kuya?"

Napaismid ako ng wala sa oras sa sinabi ng bata. Nakakaloka! Manliligaw kaagad? Hindi ba pwede na kaibigan muna? Pero kung tutuusin pang manliligaw naman nga ang ginagawa ko. Ay bahala na.

Tumango ako dito at mas lalong ngumiti ang bata. Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko at hinila ako papunta sa gubat.

"H-hoy bata saan mo ko dadalhin?" I panickedly asked her. We were headed to the forest and who knows what kind of creatures houses in that gloomy place.

"Kay Kuya Nico po. Diba po hinahanap mo siya."

"Yes. Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin nun na dadalhin mo nalang ako sa gubat!" I patted myself in the back for fluently saying Tagalog. I know you should snap me for my colonial mentality. Napahinto naman kami at kunot noon a tiningnan ako ng bata.

"Eh nasa may gubat po talaga kasi ngayon si Kuya Nico."

"Ah ganoon ba. Osige dalhin mo na ko sa kaniya."

Tumango naman ito at ngumiti ulit. Hawak-hawak nito ang kamay ko habang tumatalon-talon ito na naglalakad sa harap ko. She was humming to a nursery rhyme and I can't help but be amzed at the innocence of the child. Holding her hand, and her smiling at me made me remember those days I was a child. It was a distant memory, and I can't imagine how I've changed over the years. I was stopped from my musings ng magsalita ang bata.

"Alam niyo po, ikaw lang ang maganda na manliligaw ni Kuya Nico."

Natawa naman ako sa sinambit nito. "Bakit? Mapangit ba ang karamihan?At manliligaw talaga ha. Hindi ba nanliligaw Kuya mo?"

Tumango ito. "Hindi naman po kasi nakikipag kaibigan sa mga babae si Kuya Nico eh. Palagi lang po siya nagtatrabaho at pagkatapos nun uuwi na sa bahay."

Napatango nalang ako. So Domenico was an introvert. "Pero mabait po yun si Kuya Nico. Palagi po ako nun dinadalhan ng mga pagkain galling sa malaking bahay."

"Sandali. Kaano-ano mo ba si Domenico?" tanong ko dito. Hindi ko na namalayan na huminto na pala kami.

Staring infornt of me, I saw a small wooden house with a tree house beside it. Puno ng Christmas lights ang mga puno. Hindi ko maiwasan na mapangha sa ganda nito. Sa kabilang gilid naman ay isang maliit na hardin na puno ng mga bulaklak.

"Diyan po sa taas nakatira si Kuya Nico. Akyat nalang po kayo." Sambit nito sa akin. Napakurap naman ako sa sinabi niya.

"Huh? He lives in a tree house?" bigla ko na sabi "Ay este, diyan siya sa puno nakatira."

Ngumiti nalang sa akin ang bata at tumango. "Sige po taas nalang po kayo kasi pupuntuhan ko pa si nanay."

Bago pa ko makapagsalita tumakbo na ang bata. Leaving me staring up at the tree. The tree house was a sturdy one with a few windows and a balcony. It was big and homey to look at us. Walking to it, I placed the cupcakes on the strap of my bag and started to climb up the tree.

Nang makarating ako sa itaas, I slowly opened the door and saw a small bed, a small cabinet and table beside it and a shelf full of books. There was a box at the foot of the bed and a shaggy rug at the floor. There was a small china table and from the corner was a screen housing the lavatory.

Looking around, my gaze went to his shelf full of books. Running my hands over the covers, I small smile tugged on my lips as I read the titles. Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter and Barbara Cartland. I chuckled pass my lips at the covers. Apparently, we have the same genre for books.

Turning back, I saw the chest at the foot of his bed. Slowly walking towards it, I opened it but stopped when I heard footsteps climbing up the tree. Quickly, I closed it and ran my gaze over the room.

Panic sets in and my heart was thumping in my ears. Should I meet him here or should I hide? Ano ba make a decision. I was still having an internal battle with myself when the door started to open. Running my gaze over the cabinet beside his bed, I quickly dove for the small hidden space underneath it.

The cabinet was styled in which the top contains the folded clothes while the bottom was for the hanging rack. Since wala naman naka-hang na mga damit, doon na ko nagtago. The room was a bit dark too kaya hindi naman ako makikita.

Finally, the door opened and I heard his footsteps come into the room. Isinara nito ang pintuan and I closed the curtains. The room was in total darkness except for the small lamp on his hand. He placed the lamp on the table and his hat. Naglakad ito papunta sa cabinet so I squirmed and positioned myself farther into the corner para hindi ako makita. I was about to grin in triumph when I saw his top fell off the floor.

Is he gonna do what I'm thinking? Then suddenly, he unbuckled his belt and pushed it down.

Holy mother of all holy! His gonna strip! I mean his gonna change his clothes yet fudge hindi prepared mata at girly parts ko.

Ibinaba na nito ang suot nito na pantalon and placed his hands on the waistband of his boxers. I gulped and gripped the sides of the cupcake box with my hand. Oh gosh please gosh don't do it. I swear don't do it! Oh who am I kidding! Ibaba mon a! Ibaba mo na---AAAAAH

Haloss atakihin ako sa puso ng ibinaba nito ang boxers nito kasama ang brief. And I guess I died seeing the enormous piece of male perfection infront of me. It was huge. Like really huge! I was gaping like a fish as I open and close my mouth. My hands were cold and sweat started to form on my brows. I was breathing a million miles per minute.

It only worsened when he turned his back and I get a view of his ass.

His beautiful and cute ass. Damn.

I was red as a tomato by now as he started walking to the screen door. Kaya naman ng makita ko ito na pumasok na sa gilid na iyon, mabilis pa sa alas-dose na kumarampas ako paalis sa gilid.

I quickly wanted to get out of the place, nang hindi ko namalayan na tinamaan ko yung baul sa paanan ng higaan. A yelp came from my mouth and I saw his reflection stiffen from my scream. My eyes grew big at dali-dali ako na tumayo at binuksan ang pintuan. I saw from the corner of my eyes, him getting out of the screen door but I was too adamant in getting out of the place.

Dali-dali ako na bumaba sa hagdanan only to slip my right foot dahilan para tuloy-tuloy ako na mahulog sa puno. It was just a few feet from the ground but the impact of falling on my right knee was enough to make me cry in agony.

"Ate Ganda!" sigaw ng isang bata sa gilid ko.

Opening my eyes, I saw the young girl running towards my direction and a woman behind her who looks like her mother. I pulled myself on my knees using my hands and I felt a warm presence behind my back. Turning my head, my face turned red at a half naked Domenico glaring at me.

His face was a blank canvass of emotion yet his eyes showed fury and concern beneath it.

"Kuya Nico! Nagkakilala na ba kayo ni Ate Ganda? Manliligaw mo daw." The kid happily grinned at us looking oblivious of my pain and my embarrassment.

My head bowed in shame and I quickly looked up to the imposing man. Giving him a small smile I offered him my ruined cupcake.

"Hi. I brought you cupcakes." Tugon ko dito at tipid na ngumiti. I pulled myself up but suddenly the world began to tilt, and before I can see his reaction, I passed out. With his arms catching me again.

***

I was dreaming. And it's the same dream I've been having for the past 8 years. I was in the car again and we were jamming to a song when a truck hit the side of our car, sending us whirling around the road until we fell in the water.

I tried to scream but only ended up waking up with a gasp. Bolting up from the bed, my eyes quickly saw the little girl staring at me from the side of the bed. She was wearing a cute pink nightie on and she was grinning like she just found a friend.

"Yey! Gising ka na din!" sigaw nito at masaya na niyakap ako. I was frozen at the contact and awkwardly sat there with her body pressed with mine. Questions started to form on my head. Why am I doing here? And where am I?

Sweeping my gaze over the room, my breath quickly hitched at the man who came inside the room. It was Domenico and he was wearing the same blank expression he had on. Our eyes met with each other, and a wave of heat covered my face. I quickly looked away and only brought my eha dback up when another person came in.

It was the woman from earlier. She had a gentle smile to her face. Staring at her, she made me remember of my dad. And by the looks of it she must only be in her 40s.

"Dianne upo ka muna at hayaan mo muna ang Ate ganda mo na magpahinga." Tugon nito dahilan para kumalas sa yakap si Dianne at umupo sa upuan katabi ng kama.

"Ahh hindi po Ate Ganda ang pangalan ko. Cassandra po hehe."

Ngumiti naman ito at tumango.

"Ako naman pala si Dinah, nanay ako nina Domenico at Dianne." Tugon nito sa akin at ngumiti ng matamis. Napakurap ako ng malaman na ang magandang babae na ito ay anak sina Domenico at Dianne. Ang ganda at young looking niya naman para maging nanay! Makinis at namumula ang mukha at kutis nito. Walang bakas ng pagtanda din ang mukha nito.

Wow! Ang ganda naman niya para maging magsasaka. Natawa naman ito. Naglakad naman palapit sa akin ang babae dala-dala ang isang baso ng tubig. "Heto uminom ka muna. Baka paha ka na. "

Tumango naman ako at inabot ang tubig. Nagpasalamat ako dito ng maubos ko ang tubig.

"Halika at sumama ka na samin sa hapagkainan." Tugon nito.

"Ay hindi na po, uuwi na po ako. Nakakahiya naman po sa inyo."

I insist. Sabi ni Domenico in sign language dahilan para mapatingin ako dito at mapataas ang kilay ko.

"Ang sabi niya-" magpapatuloy pa sana si Dinah pero huminto ito ng magsalita ako.

"That he insists." I finished.

Lahat sila napatunganga sa akin sa bigla.

"Ate ganda marunong ka po mag sign language?" mangha na tanong ni Dianne sa akin. Glancing at Domenico, he took was rendered speechless because his eyes were gaping in shock. Natawa nalang ako dito.

"My Dad, hindi rin siya makapagsalita kaya bata palang ako tinuruan na niya ako mag sign language."

"Eh di kung ganoon magkakaroon ka na din ng kaibigan Kuya!" masayang tugon ni Dianne. Tumango naman ng pagsasang-ayon si Dinah.

"Kaya nararapat lamang na saluhan mo kami ngayong gabi."

"Ah osige po." Tugon ko dito. Tatayo na sana ako kaso nung inilapag ko ang kanan ko na binti napangiwi ako sa sakit.

Agad naman na nagsitayuan silang lahat papunta sa akin. Hawak-hawak kaagad ako ni Domenico dahilan para mapatitig na naman ako dito.

"Ate anong nangyari? Saan po masakit?" sunod-sunod na tanong nila sa akin. Inuupo naman ang sa gilid ng kama at ininspeksyon ito ni Domenico. He looked at me in the eyes to ask for my permission kaya tumango naman ako.

Slowly, he cupped my right ankle and a whimper formed at the back of my throat at the pain.

You have a sprain. He signed

Is it bad? I signed back and looked back at my sprained my ankle. He shook his head para mapabuntong hininga naman ako.

"Thank god. Wala pa naman wheelchair dito."

I'll carry you around. He signed dahilan para manlaki ang mata ko.

"Ha? Wag na hindi na kailangan pa." I shrieked. But he had this defiant look on his face.

No. It's the least I can do. Tiyaka nahulog ka dahil sa akin.

I blushed remembering what happened earlier. I can still remember his junjun. Hays. Aish get yourself out of the gutter girl. Shaking my head to clear these thoughts, I stared back at him.

It was my fault for sneaking in to your place. So, you shouldn't take responsibility for my stupid actions. I signed to him.

I still insist.

I pursed my lips. Stubborn man.

"Mas mainam na sundin mo nalang siya iha." Dinah said in a gentle voice "Nasaktan ka dito sa pamamahay naming kaya paraan na din naming ito sa pagpapaumanhin."

"Hindi niyo naman po kasalanan---"

"Kahit na." she smiled at me."Kahit ito lang para mapanatag ang kalooban naming."

I sighed and eventually nodded "Sige po. Basta sa isang kondisyon. Hindi niyo na sisishin pa sarili niyo sa nangyari sa akin."

Tumango ito at pinasadahan ko naman ng tingin si Domenico. "Ikaw din. Hindi mo din ito kasalanan."

Tumango nalang din ito.

"Osiya halika na at baka lumamig na ang pagkain." Pag-aanyaya ni Dinah. Masaya naman na lumabas ng kwarto si Dianne at naiwan kaming dalawa ni Domenico.

I couldn't look at him in the eyes because up until now I'm still embarrassed at his presence. Lumapit ito sa akin para kargahin ako but he stopped on top of me.

Tumingin ako dito and he signed, Anong ginagawa mo kanina sa bahay ko?

I blushed and looked away. I wanted to give you cupcakes as a piece offering for kissing you today.

I waited for him to say something pero tahimik lamang ito. Tumingin ako dito and he has this unreadable expression on his face.

I pursed my lips. I'm sorry. I didn't mean what happened earlier, I just acted on impulse. I guess I tend to that a lot. I laughed to myself. Hindi pa din ito kumikibo. I really am sorry Domenico. I know I've been doing a lot of stupid stuffs lately. I just... I just wanted to be your friend. Will we be friends?

Inilahad ko ang kamay ko dito. Tinitigan niya lang ito. It was a while na nakalahad lang ang kamay ko dito. Medyo nangangalay na ako actually. I was about to pull my hand away ng bigla nito hinawakan ang kamay ko and intense heat filled my hand. I felt a vibration from the contact passed through my arms dahilan para mapasinghap ako.

I was too haywire to register what happened until Domenico began to shake my hand. It wasn't his hand holding mine that made me smile.

But it was his other hand, signing

Friends

***

DINNER with Domenico's family was fun. The little Dianne would always place her food on my plate urging me to take a bite of the pieces her mother sliced. It was funny actually since I told her that I can cut my own meal yet she pushed. It was in these moments that I saw the stubborn streak in her that is all too familiar with her brother.

Speaking of Domenico, he was silent all throughout the meal yet his eyes would crinkle in laughter at Dianne's antics. From the way he showed his attention and care for his family, one can really tell that he loves them dearly. As for Dinah, she was a bubbly and carefree mother.

After we finished dinner, I wanted to volunteer to help the dishes yet they stopped me. Telling me I have to go back to the mansion before they started to head out a search party. I can only nod considering I really need to go back. Before I left, I kissed Dianne goodbye on the cheek and thanked Dinah for the meal.

Waving at them goodbye, I held unto Domenico's arms yet he stopped.

"What's wrong?" I asked him in English considering nakakaintindi naman ito ng Ingles. The next thing I know, I was being carried in his arms. I shrieked and started to wiggle out of his grasp. "Domenico I can walk."

He shook his head and continued to walk straight ahead. I glared at him but he wouldn't budge. So, I just let out a frustrated sigh and held the light on my hand. This man is a really stubborn man.

As he carried me back to the mansion, I openly stare at his gorgeous face. His hair was tied back revealing his bearded face. From this angle, you can see his aristocratic nose and his long lashes fanning his cheekbones. His eyes were dead straight on the path and his lips on a tight line. Locking my gaze on his lips, I bit my lip remembering the kiss we shared earlier.

It was truly impulsive of me yet I don't regret it. I can still feel his lips pressed on mine and his tongue stroking the fires on my body. Glancing away, I focused on the light and tried to not think about the kiss.

"Domenico?" I asked him and he stared at me "Why do you ignore me?"

Umiwas ako ng tingin. Piningot ko ito sa tagiliran nito para mapangiwi ito. "Hayan ka na naman sa pag-iwas mo." Nguso ko dito "Nagagandahan ka sa akin noh. Aminin gandang-gandaka sa beauty ko!"

Tinitigan lang ako nito. Kaya naalangan naman ako sa pagtitig nito at umiwas. "Huwag ka nga makatitig ng ganiyan."

Bakit naman. Tanong nito

Heh! Hindi mo nga sinagot tanong ko tapos ngayon magtatanon ka. Petiks lang tayo dito.

Naramdaman ko ito bumugo ng hininga. Tinitigan ko ito at muamaya pa ay nagsign language na ito.

Nahiya lang naman ako.

"Huh? Bakit ka naman mahihiya? Kasi maganda ako?"dire-diretso ko na tanong.

It's your turn to answer me now.

Nginusuan ko ito. Ang daya naman. Hmm to answer your uquestion, nakakalusaw kasi titig mo. Alam mo yun yung tipong hinhubaran mo buong pagkatao ko!

Tinitigan naman ako nito mula ulo hanggang paa. He lingered on my lips and my top. "Yieee gusto mo ko hubaran noh."

Tinapik ako nito sa noo dahilan para mapangiwi ako.

Maghunos dili ka nga!

"Sus. If I know gusto mo naman nito. Don't you worry I can go down and dirty with you."

Nanlaki ang mga mata nito at nag-iwas ng tingin. He was blushing at hindi ko maiwasan na mapahakhak.

"Sige na nga hindi na kita aasarin pa." I watch as the scenery became more familiar. A few minutes and I'll be back to that worker's house.

Biting my lip I ask him again "When you said yes to be my friend, do you really mean it?"

He stopped in his tracks and stared at me. Slowly, he nodded. Grinning from ear to ear, I wrapped my arms on his back and whispered at him.

"Good. Because I plan to be your friend for a very long time." I said winking at him.

***

Pakarating naming kwarto, dali-dali naman kami na sinundo ni Jj. He was gaping at us together ng makita ako na bitbit ni Domenico.

"Y-you?" hindi maipinta na mukha nito na sambit. He was sputtering and I can only roll my eyes at him.

"Don't just stand there bakla. Lead us to my room." Mataray ko na sambi dito. Immediately, Jj clammed his mouth shut and vigorously nodded. But not before glaring at him, in which I gave a peace sign.

He hates being sassed by me but hey they were friends naman. Kaya he'll forgive me easily.

With Jj leading the way, pinagmasdan ko si Domenico. His face was emotionless again. The same face I saw back earlier. Yet it only added to his masculinity. I wonder what he looks like without his beard and long hair? He looks like Tarzan actually. Will he look like Prince Charming without his beard and long hair on?

I giggled thinking about it kaya naman dumapo ang mata nito sa akin. He c****d his head in question. I only shook my head.

Jj opened the door to my room, fanning himself ng tumango dito si Domenico. Inirapan ko naman ito ng patuloy nito paypayan ang sarili niya. Inilatag naman ako sa kama ko ni Domenico. Once I was settled in, he stood tall and signed good night.

But before he can turn his back, I grabbed his arm. Stopping him from leaving the room. Glancing back, I signed Thank you for today. I'll see you tomorrow?

Tumango nalang ito at umalis na. But not before I saw his upturned lips smiling at me. Nang masara ang pintuan, dali-dali na umupo sa tabi ko si Jj at pinaghahampas ako ng unan.

"Aray! Bakla masakit!" sigaw ko dito habang umiilag sa mga sapak nito.

"And ganda mo talaga teh!" tili nito sa akin at kinikilig na humiga sa kama. "Ang gwapo niya grabe! Paano mo yun nasungkit kaagad?"

I scoffed and twirled my hair "Ako pa ba?"

Nginusuan ako nito at inirapan. "Ang hangin mo din noh."

Ngumiti na lamang ako dito at tumango "Thank you." Matamis ko dito na tugon

Napairap na lang ito at tumayo na sa kama "Heh! Maiwan ka na nga. Wala ka naman kinikwento."

Nagpapadyak ito na lumabas ng kwarto ngunit bago pa ito makalabas ibinaling uli nito ang tingin sa akin. His face was scrunhed up at kulang nalang ay mabiyak ang noo nito sa tindi ng lukot. Ngumuso ito na para ba na nakikiusap.

"Wala ka ba talaga na ikikwento? Hindi mo man lang ba ikikwento sa matalik mon a kaibigan kung paano ka napatid?" nagpapaaawa na tanong nito sa akin.

Napailing nalang ako ng maalala ko ang malaking saging ni Domenico. It was one fine and long banana. I wonder how big it can be when it becomes fully erect. Napangisi nalang ako sa sarili dahilan para batukan ako ng unan uli ni Jj.

"Ano ngingisi ka nalang diyan mag-isa?"

Nginusuan ko ito at hinalay ang kamay papunta sa kama "Sige na nga bakla kikwentuhan na nga kita." PAtuloy pa din ako nito iniirapan hangga't makaupo sa kama "Ganito kasi iyon. Nakita ko yung saging niya."

Namilog ang mga mata ni Jj. Nasapo nito ang kaniyang bibig at bigla nalang nagsisigaw ang bakla. His scream was enough to wake the full village kaya naman dali-dali ko na tinakpan ang bibig nito.

"Shhhh wag ka nga maingay!" pagtatakip ko sa bibig nito. Gabing-gabi na sisigaw-sigaw. Baka kung ano isipin ng mga tao sa bahay.

"nammmmm anmmm"Jj said in a muffled voice habang takip-takip ko pa din ang bibig nito.

"Ano?" pinandilatan ako nito ng mata at marahas na iginilid ang mga kamay ko "Ang sabi ko NAKITA MO JUNJUN NIYA?! MALAKI? AHHH!"

Sumigaw na naman ang bakla sa sobrang kilig dahilan para batukan ko na talaga ito ng unan. "Sinabi na nga na wag kang maingay!"

"Sorry na. Sorry." Pa-peace sign pa nito. "Pero seryoso na to. Paano? Kwentuhan mo ko!"

Wala na akong nagawa pa kundi ikwento ang lahat ng nangyari kay Jj. Yakap-yakap nito ang unan ko upang tumili dito sapagkat sa bawat kwento ko nagtitili ito. AMs lalo pa na lumapad at lumakas ang boses nito ng maikwento ko nga na magkaibigan na kami ni Domenico. Kaya naman hindi na ako mabibigla pa ng matapos ako sa pagkikwento at pinapaypayan na nito ang sarili niya.

"Grabe! Sandli lang. I need to compose myself." Pagpapaypay pa din nito sa sarili nito. Napangiti nalang ako sa reaksyon niya "Grabe ang galling mo talaga gurl! I'm so proud!"

"I'm so proud of myself too." Masaya ko na sambit dito "I just have to warm him up a bit at maipakita kay Jake na close na kami."

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Jj "Pero bes paano kapag na-fall ka?"

Nabigla naman ako sa tanong niya "Huh? Imposible yun noh."

"Malay mo. Paano kung oo nga, ano na gagawin mo?"

Umiling ako dito. Hindi ko naman naisip na iyon pero paano nga kung oo. I just shrugged my shoulders "Bahala na. Basta doon muna tayo sa plano natin. Saka nalang ang ibang bagay."

Hindi ko alam if sinasabi ko iyon para kay Jj o para sa akin. I was convincing myself that it wouldn't happen. But what if it did? I never experienced love before, and if I did, my mother would not approve of it. Hell, my people wouldn't approve of it. They all believe that ang mayaman ay para sa mayaman, at ang mahirap ay para sa mahirap.

If it happens, I will be a laughingstock. And I can't have that. Money and prestige is everything to me. People fear me because of my name. I get everything I want in a snap of my fingers because of the power that I have. If ever I did fall in love with him, my mother will disown me, leaving me with nothing.

Napansin siguro ni Jj ang pag-iba ng mood kaya siniko ako nito sa tagiliran at ngumiti. "Chill ka lang gurl. Wag mo na yun isipin pa. Ang mahalaga matulog ka na dahil bukas pupunta pa kayo ni fafa Domenico sa Buhi."

Nasapo ko ang noo ko. Oo nga pala pupunta pala kami ng Buhi bukas para magdala ng mga inani sa iba't ibang tindahan. It will be an hour and a half drive using the pick-up truck. Looking at the wall clock, it was already 2 am at ang alam ko aalis dapat kami ng alas cinco. Hindi pa namana ko morning person. I'm a cranky b***h if you wake me up early. Kaya pahirapan talaga nito mamaya.

Nawala nalang ang pagpoproblema ko ng maalala ko na kasama ko ng apala si Domenico bukas. Tama! Hindi ako magsusungit bukas dahil kasama ko naman si Domenico.

Pinatayo ko na si Jj sa kama ko. "Sige na bakla matutulog na ako. Maaga pa ko bukas." Pagpapalabas ko dito sa kwarto ko.

"Ay excited?" pangungutya nito "O siya. Magiingat bukas at lagyan mo nga yan ng yelo nap aa mo. Mukha kang palaka maglakad."

Binungisngisan ako na halakhak ni Jj. Kaya inirapan ko naman ito. Pagkasara ng pinto, dali-dali ako na nag-alarm clock.

Closing my eyes, I prayed for a better and successful day tomorrow. Fingers crossed.