KABANATA 4

THE next day went like a flash because it is Sunday. Sydney and I played the whole morning and after dinner we watched cartoons--- a yellow sponge with square pants and long nose with his pink starfish, grumpy octupos and red crab friends. She stayed with me because her grandparents is on a trip abroad.

We both laughed in unison in a funny scene then stopped because somebody interrupted us.

"Yow guys... Can we join you?" bati ni LA at umupo sa tabi ko.

Kasunod nya si Cairo na may bitbit na dalawang bucket na popcorn at isang plastic bag na punong-puno ng chips at kung anu-ano pa.

"Tito were watching SpongeBob SquarePants. What was that?" ani Sydney na agad na nakiusyoso sa dala ng mga bagong dating.

"Finger foods" sagot ni Cairo habang inaayos sa mesa ang mga dala.

Umayos ako ng upo nang maalala ko na nasa office nga lang pala nya si Zurich. 

"Asan ang daddy mong seloso baby?" tanong naman ni Denver na kapapasok lang ng sala.

"Nasa office nya po busy" sagot ni Sydney.

Pare-parehong natigilan ang tatlo ng marinig ang magalang na sagot ni Sydney. Laglag ang panga ng tatlo ng humarap sa akin.

"Woah... You transformed the brat very well" manghang baling sakin ni Denver.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako at pangisi-ngisi habang kumakain ng popcorn. 

"Anong meron dito?" taas kilay na tanong ni Zurich habang bumababa ng hagdan.

"Ah... Bumisita lang ulit sila" agap ko ng makita ang medyo masamang timpla ng mood nya.

I heard chuckles from his brothers while Sydney just giggled.

Agad akong namula kaya itinutok ko na lang ang mata ko sa 152 inch plasma TV na nasa sala.

Binigyan ni LA ng space si Zurich sa tabi ko kaya mas iniwasan ko na magpakita ng reaksyon at pinanatili ang atensyon ko sa pinapanood.

"Bakit nandito na naman kayo ano bang akala nyo sa bahay ko park?" narinig kong tanong ni Zurich.

"Hindi bro, problemado lang tong si kuya LA" si Denver yun.

"Na-fall sa yelo eh" tatawa-tawang segunda ni Cairo.

"Shut up, pwede ba?" masungit na saway dito ni LA.

I heard Zurich sigh.

"Pag-usapan natin pagtulog ni Sydney" 

"Okay, I'm going to sleep dad" deklara ni Sydney na para bang alam na importante ang  pag-uusapan ng mga ito.

Tumayo na din ako at nagpaalam na patutulugin muna si Sydney.

"Babalik ka ba dun at makikipag inuman sa kanila?" inosenteng tanong ni Sydney habang pinapalitan ko sya ng pajama.

"Ewan ko" tumayo ako at kumuha ng suklay sa dresser pagkatapos ay bumalik sa kanya "Madalas ba silang ganyan?" 

"Opo, palagi silang nagkakaisa sa problema"

Napatango-tango ako.

"Close ka ba sa kanilang lahat?"

Sinadya kong tagalan ang pagsusuklay ng buhok nya para makapag tanong pa ako.

"Yeah specially to tita Florence kasi sya po ang nag-iisang babae sa kanila"

"Oh..." nagkunwari akong na curious dahil unica iha pala si Florence.

"Siguro maraming manliligaw ang tita mo noh?"

"Ewan ko po, pero ang alam ko wala ngayon si tita kasi na aksidente sya. Some bad guys wanna hurt her"

"Ah... Kelan sya babalik?"

"I don't know" humikab sya bigla "I wanna sleep"

"Okay..."

"UYY Praia... Join us" yaya ni Denver ng bumaba ako sa sala para i-check sila.

Agad akong sumulyap kay Zurich pero nagkibit-balikat lang sya sakin kaya tinanggap ko ang inaalok na beer in can ni LA. Hinawakan ko lang yun pero hindi ko naman ininom.

Umupo ako sa isang one seater sofa at tiningnan sila.

Si Cairo pangisi-ngisi na habang tinutungga ang laman ng beer, halatang may tama na, ganon din si LA at Denver. Mukhang si Zurich na lang ang matino.

Itinuloy nila ang naudlot na usapan tungkol sa problema ni LA sa babae.

"Wag mo na kasing isipin yun tol, the more you think, the harder you will fall" ani Cairo.

"Makinig ka kay Mr. Expert kasi alaga yan ng best friend sa advice" nakangising sabat ni Denver.

"Lol wag mong idamay si Horizon dito" sabi ni Cairo at binato ng popcorn si Denver.

"Tigilan nyo nga yan. Wag nyong dagdagan ang problema ni kuya LA mga ugok" saway ni Zurich sa mga ito

"Ang tino mo ah... Palibhasa nandito si Praia" nakangusong pang-aasar ni Cairo.

Akala ko papatulan nya gaya kahapon pero nakangisi lang sya at nagkibit-balikat.

"Wag kang maniwala sa acting nyan, kasi sya ang pinaka gago pagdating sa pagbibigay ng advice" ani LA.

"Tama! Yang si kuya Zurich, siraulo. Mabuti pang hintayin na sumagot ang pader kesa makinig sa kanya" sang-ayon ni Denver.

"Tumahimik na kayo mga gago, bumalik tayo kay kuya LA" paalala ni Zurich dahil mukhang nakalimutan na ng mga ito ang problemang dapat pag-usapan.

"Oo nga pala... Ano bang status nyo?" tanong ni Cairo.

"Wala tol, ewan ko" sagot ni LA.

"Naku yan ang problema..." 

"Nakakainis eh, parang walang pakealam sakin"

"Bakit mo pa pino-problema eh wala naman palang pake sayo?"

"Ewan ko"

"Masama ang tama mo kuya..." sabat ni Zurich sa usapan nina LA at Cairo.

"Anong tama? Hindi pa ko lasing" depensa ni LA.

Nagpipigil lang ako ng tawa habang nakikinig sa kanila. They were so close to each other na parang magba-barkada lang silang lahat. The way they listen to one another's problem amazed me because even they were joking, they are all really paying attention to it.

"Sinabi ko bang lasing ka? In love ka..."

The whole living room went silent then it was breaked when LA laughed so hard that he couldn't manage to sit properly. Pagulong-gulong sya na parang mop sa sahig. Hinahanap nya si Alessandriana sa ilalim ng carpet.

"May tama na nga, iuuwi na namin" iiling-iling na sabi ni Denver.

"Kuya tayo... Iuuwi ka na namin" lumapit din si Cairo at tumulong para itayo si LA.

"Uuwi? Naku wag na... Wala naman dun si Alessandriana eh. Driana? Baby asan ka?" 

Sa vase, order at lamesa nya naman sya naghahanap.

Inakbayan ako ni Zurich habang pinapanood namin ang mga kapatid nya na hindi maintindihan kung saang direksyon sila pupunta. Atras-abante sila habang palapit sa gate dahil pare-pareho na silang medyo tinamaan ng alak.

They were so cute.

KATATAPOS ko lang na gawin ang pancake na ni-request ni Sydney pagkagising na pagkagising nya ng bumungad na rin sa kusina si Zurich. Mukha syang kaliligo dahil medyo basa pa ang buhok nya at amoy na amoy ko pa ang aftershave nya.

"Anong maitutulong ko dito?" tanong nya at tumayo sa tabi ko.

"Maghiwa ka ng apple at saging, tapos ilagay mo sa blender" humarap ako kay Sydney na nakaupo sa high stool "Syd, anong gusto mo? Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?"

"I wanna try it all" sagot nya habang nakapatong ang baba sa palad.

"Okay..."

Sinunod ko ang gusto nya. Nilagyan ko ng iba't-ibang flavor ang pancake nya at chocolate syrup lang ang inilagay sakin.

"Zurich anong flavor ng syrup ang gusto mo?"

"Vanilla. Okay na ba ang pagkaka-blend nito?" tanong nya.

Sinulyapan ko ang blender.

"Oo isalin mo na sa baso"

Pinagtulong-tulungan namin ang pagse-set up ng dining table. Nagsisimula na kaming kumain ng maalala ko ang mga kapatid nya.

"Anong nangyari sa mga kapatid mo?" usisa ko.

Halos mabulunan si Sydney sa narinig.

"May nangyari po kina tito?" tanong nya habang nanlalaki ang inosente nyang mata.

"Wala anak, nalasing lang si kuya LA kahapon" bumaling sya sakin "Tumawag si mama at sa mansion pala umuwi yung tatlo dahil wala ang parents namin dun, matindi ata ang hang over"

"Beer lang ba yun? Bakit parang malakas ang tama ni LA?"

"Bago dumating dito, galing sila sa Restobar ni Cairo nag-inuman pa sila"

"Extension pala... Ikaw, wala kang hangover?" I casually asked while eating the pancake.

"Bakit ano bang gagawin mo kung meron?" he asked playfully.

I glanced at Sydney and she was grinning on her food.

"Ewan ko, never pa naman ako nag-alaga ng taong may hangover"

"May hangover ako ngayon, masakit ang ulo ko at kelangan mo akong halikan para mawala yun"

"Sira..."

"CAN we go to Tito Kiev's coffee shop? I miss the donuts they serve" 

Sydney's eyes were so hopeful when she looked at me and we both know that I can't say no.

"After our lesson, magpaalam tayo sa daddy mo" 

"Yes! Okay I'm going to finish this fast"

Excited sya at hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti sa labi habang tinatapos ang pagsasagot sa multiplication set na ibinigay ko.

She's a fast learner. One week pa lang ako dito pero halos konting pag papaliwanag na lang ang ginagawa ko sa mga nakalagay sa textbook nya.

Una dahil magaling at bihasa sya sa English, Math at Science. Pangalawa dahil nakikinig sya ng mabuti at alam nya kung paano i-handle ang mga distraction sa paligid. 

Hindi na ako magtataka kung balang araw maging kasing taas ng sa kanya ang GPA ni Einstein.

News flash, a four year old genius rule the world.

Hindi na namin kelangang pumasok sa office ni Zurich dahil sya na mismo ang dumating sa garden.

Bihis na bihis at mukhang may party na pupuntahan. 

"Dad luluwas ka?"

"Pupunta ko sa Manila, may dinner meeting ako sa mga investors anak. Baka bukas na ko makabalik kasi may isasara din akong deal early in the morning" bumaling sya sakin "Kung may problema tawagan nyo na lang ako. I'll try my best to comeback before lunch pero wag nyo na kong antayin"

I nodded.

He is the one taking over their business kaya hindi nakakapagtakang puno ang schedule nya. Hindi ko nga alam kung bat dito sya naka base sa isla gayong nasa Manila ang negosyong pinatatakbo nya.

Lumuhod sya para maging magkalevel sila ni Sydney.

"Be good okay? Don't stress your future mom too much, understand?"

"Aye aye captain" sagot ni Sydney at sumaludo pa na parang may kaharap na general.

"Okay... I love you"

"I love you too. Bye dad" Sydney kissed him goodbye 

Tumayo sya at humarap sakin na parang hinihintay na magpaalam din ako.

What I am suppose to say? Nasa harap kami ng anak nya na gustong gusto na maging mommy ako...

"Uh... Ingat ka" I nervously said.

He chuckled at binalingan si Sydney.

"Baby, close your eyes"

Sydney do as he said. She closed her eyes and cover it with her tiny hands.

Takang tiningnan ko sya pero agad nya kong kinabig ng halik kaya nawalan na ako ng pagkakataon na makapagtanong.

He kissed me in the most gentle way possible that's why I was obliged to answer his kissed willingly. It was enough to make me forget where we are.

My moans were trapped inside his mouth while we are having an intense tounge fight. I snaked my arms into his nape, pushing myself more closer to him.

"Are you two finished? I wanna open my eyes" Sydney yelled.

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig ng marinig ko yun kaya itinulak ko agad si Zurich at inayos ang sarili ko.

I glanced at Sydney and thankfully her hand still covers her eyes. That saved her from the mind pollution she might get if she watched us kissing like hungry predators.

"You can open your eyes now baby" I heard Zurich softly said.

Agad namang nag mulat ng mata si Sydney at tumingin sakin.

"Why are you red? Did dad's goodbye made you sick?" she innocently asked.

"No Syd, mainit lang siguro dito sa garden" agad kong sagot.

I glanced at Zurich at kitang-kita ko ang sinusupil nyang ngiti sa labi.

This man...

LIKE what I promised pumunta sa coffee shop na ipinagmamalaki nya ang donut and I almost laughed when I saw the place' name 'The Coffee Shop'.

"Hi Sydney..." magiliw na bati ng isang maganda at matangkad na blonde pagkapasok namin doon.

"Hello ate Erza, this is Praia my future mom" 

Erza and I both laughed the way Sydney confidently introduced me to her.

"Hi Erza, I'm her personal nanny and tutor" I smiled and we shaked hands.

"Nice to finally meet you, maraming naikwento si Israel tungkol sayo"

She smiled genuinely at kung hindi sya nakasuot ng beige waitress uniform, baka inisip ko na guest sya dito dahil sobrang ganda nya.

"Likewise" 

"Maraming vacant ngayon kasi may fire dance sa beach side, pili na kayo ng seat"

Si Sydney ang pumili ng seat na malapit sa glass wall at counter.

Gaya ng C&M--- na pag-aari pala ni Cairo, glass din ang dingding ng coffee shop. Relaxing ambience, perfect view at the pool side, malaki ang buong lugar at modern ang architecture. 

"Dating gawi ate Erza, donut at strawberry milkshake po ang sakin" ani Sydney.

Everything in the menu sounds delicious but I ordered raspberry cheesecake and pineapple juice.

Mabilis ang service kaya hindi kami naghintay ng matagal. Lahat ng crew, all smiles. I don't know if it just me pero kung dadamitan sila ng formal, magmumukha silang mga elite. I can't believe they were all working at this coffee shop.

"Here's your orders..." inilapag ni Erza ang mga order namin "Charge na lang namin kay sir Zurich para cashless transaction tayo"

"No Erza, I'll pay for this... Don't bother---"

"No. No. No. My future mother, hayaan natin na si daddy ang magbayad total magiging family member ka na rin namin soon"

Napailing-iling na lang ako at hindi na nagsalita pa. It's like she was so sure about me, being the future wife of his dad.

"Wanna watch something exciting?" pabulong na tanong sakin ni Sydney.

"May performer ba dito?" takang tanong ko dahil wala naman akong nakitang tv o stage.

The place was occupied with so many chairs and tables I even think they can cater about one hundred people.

"Look at that direction and brace yourself"

I don't know if it is just me or talagang nakita ko na pinipigilan nya ang sarili na tumawa.

I looked at the counter coz that's where she pointed her hand.

May isang babae doon na katulad ni Erza ay nakasuot din ng beige uniform. I think sya ang cashier dahil hindi sya umaalis doon.

Pinagmamasdan ko syang mabuti kaya kitang kita ko kung paano nanlisik ang mga mata nya habang tinitingnan ang isang lalaki na nakikipag-usap sa isang guest na kumakain malapit lang sa table namin.

Pasulyap-sulyap sa kanya yung lalaki na parang hindi komportable sa ginagawa nyang pagtitig ng masama. I don't know pero parang nagpaalam yung lalaki sa kausap nya at nilapitan yung babae sa counter.

"May problema ba Penny?" tanong ng lalaki sa isang sarkastikong tono.

The girl's eyebrow raised and flashed a sarcastic smile.

"May dapat ba akong problemahin manager?" she asked back in an equally sarcastic tone while emphasizing the word 'manager'.

"Wala naman, napansin ko kasing kanina ka pa nakatingin sakin" nakangising sagot ng lalaki.

Other guest like us, are enjoying the scene. Maybe it's the 'something exciting' Sydney is talking about. They look cute even when they fight.

"Nakatingin? Sayo? Kapal mo, cheater" apela babae.

She's red. And totally denial.

"Selosa"

"Maniac"

"Brat"

"Stupid"

"Flat chested"

Natigilan ang babae at nanginginig ang labi nya sa galit.

"How dare you call me flat chested? You moron dickhead" she shouted in his face like she wanna wring his neck.

"What? Is it big? I don't think so" the man stays calm.

"Argh... I hate you, two timer bastard" tumayo sya at nanlisik ang mata na parang maiiyak na "Mag re-resign na ko" she declared.

She walked out. Dire-diretso syang nagmartsa palabas ng coffee shop.

Kumamot ng ulo yung lalaki habang tinitingnan nyang umalis yung babae. Maya-maya ay lumapit sya samin.

"Hi Sydney" nakangiti nya ng bati na parang walang nangyari.

"Hi kuya Douglas, this is my nanny slash tutor slash future mom"

"Hi I'm Douglas, manager ng TCS" nakangiti syang naglahad ng kamay at tinanggap ko yun.

"Praia, nice to meet you"

"Sorry sa eksena kanina. Penny is just acting a little bratty today" nagkibit-balikat ito "Oh well ganon sya pag naisipan na awayin ako"

They were a jealous brat and insensitive playboy tandem. I see...

"Is she your girlfriend? She's pretty" I said.

"She's my ex. Kakausapin ko nga muna para hindi mag resign. Maiwan ko na kayo"

Now I am more curious about him and that Penny girl. They are like bitter couple who are still into each other after all those years.

"Good luck kuya, you two are so cute when you fight. Ate Penny is getting red everytime she gets mad at you" Sydney grinned.

Mukhang alam nya ang history ng dalawa dahil alam nya kung kelan mag-aaway ang mga yun.

"Thanks Sydney, pray for me. Anyway, enjoy eating and have a nice day"

He walked toward the direction where Penny walked out and lost in our eyesight.

"Syd, can I ask a question?" I started a conversation with her.

"Yeah. Anything"

I hesitated at first but I decided to asked her the question that keeps on bugging me this whole day.

"After your mom, nagkaroon ba ng girlfriend ang dad mo?"

"I don't know. I don't care to those bitches who just wanted my dad's fame, money and surname"

"Woah... Easy, watch your language" I calmed her down dahil kitang-kita ko ang inis sa mga mata nya.

"Sorry I get carried away. But honestly, after my mom I don't know if dad had a serious relationship. I think he has flings, I'm not sure" she answered in a low tone.

I get the answer I needed so I don't respond.

"You know what? I really want to be your daughter" untag nya sakin bigla.

"But you don't like me the first time I saw you" I playfully said.

"In my dad's office?" kunot-noo nyang tanong.

"Yeah and the chopper, I thought you're a brat"

I grinned.

"I was just scared. But I like your legs, they're long and white. You think I can have that when I grow up too?"

"You're pretty enough to make me say yes"

"That's why I like you, you're honest"

No I'm not. Sadly.

NASA bahay ng grandparents nya si Sydney dahil kadarating lang ng mga ito, kaya mag-isa ako sa bahay. Zurich called yesterday na kelangan nyang mag extend ng three days sa Manila dahil sa isang business convention. Which means, hindi sya makakauwi until Monday.

I missed him. I may sound pathetic but a day without his presence was like a year without December. I miss him so bad kahit dalawang araw pa lang syang wala.

I wasn't like this. Yeah, I'm a bit idealistic when it comes to love and romance but I know my limitations too. I got two boyfriends back in high school and one during college but nobody makes me feel this way. 

I was about to pick a nighties when my phone rang.

Unknown number.

Gaya ng dati sinagot ko na naman dahil baka importante.

"Hi Praia!" the woman in line cheerfully greeted.

"Ugh... May I know who's this?" alanganin kong tanong.

She knows me so I better know her too.

"Si Erza to, free ka ba tonight?"

Natampal ko ang noo ko. Right. Kinuha nya nga pala ang number ko kanina ng pumunta ulit ako sa TCS dahil sa boredom.

"Off ko ngayon, why?"

I heard claps and excited giggles on her background that made me think that she's with someone.

"Good. Let's go bar hopping tonight" 

"Ugh..."

"Oops... Bawal tumanggi kasi welcome party mo yun at isa pa, papunta na kami sa villa ni Zurich. Bye Praia, see you"

Just like that, she hung up.

Iiling-iling na lang ako habang namimili ng isusuot. I don't usually go to bars and places like that. I hate crowded places but I guess I can make this one an exemption.

I picked a bloody red body hugging mini dress and paired it with a white pumps. I am happy that I could finally wear my normal clothes before I went to this island. I tied my hair into a high pony tail. I also put a pearl earrings and a pierced makeup on to match it with my outfit.

Nang makalabas ako ng bahay bitbit ang puting purse ko ay nasa labas na sila. Nakadungaw ang ulo ni Erza sa bintana ng kotse, nakasandal naman si Israel sa kotse at si Penny ang nakaupo sa hood.

Tumalon sya pababa doon ng makita akong palabas ng gate.

"Sorry, kanina pa ba kayo?" tanong ko

"Hindi kadarating lang namin. Ayos lang" si Penny ang sumagot.

"Sakay ka na, may driver tayo tonight kaya kahit magpakalasing tayo" ani Erza at itinuro si Israel na pinagbuksan kami ni Penny ng pinto sa backseat.

MAINGAY na music ang sumalubong samin ng makababa kami ng sasakyan. It wasn't that crowded like some bars in Manila that I have been kaya nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

Inakbayan ako ni Penny habang nakasunod kami kina Erza at Israel papasok sa loob.

"This is a nice place to get laid tonight Praia" Penny laughed wholeheartedly

I smiled.

"No... I'll pass that one"

The place still looks cozy and for sure this is exclusive for high class people only. Walang masyadong usok ng sigarilyo sa hangin, the music was moderately loud na sapat lang para wag mag sigawan ang mga tao sa loob, people were drinking and dancing pero hindi ganon ka-wild.

"I was just joking, clean fun toh. But it can get dirty if you want to" she grinned.

"Tigilan mo si Praia, Penelope. Wag mo yang demonyohin... Zurich will kill us all" sabat ni Erza na nasa tabi ko na.

Si Israel ay biglang nawala.

Kung sino-sino ang ipinakilala nila sakin habang naglalakad kami sa hanay ng mga couch but they were so many to remember them all. Ngumingiti lang ako at nakikipagkamay sa kanila.

At last nakarating kami sa dulo ng mga couch at umakyat sa hagdan patungo sa second floor. We went up to a room Penny called VIP.

Nagtayuan ang mga tao sa loob ng dumating kami. They all greeted us.

"Hi Praia I'm Horizon" the girl beside Cairo smiled at me "This is Maria" kumaway sakin yung babae na itinuro nya "That was Zeus her boyfriend" nginisian ako ng lalaking nakaakbay kay Maria "At ang tatlong ugok, anyway kilala mo na sila" tukoy nya kina LA, Cairo at Denver.

I gave them a genuine smile.

"Zup guys... Nandito na kami, let's get the party started" Erza screamed and opened the bottle of tequila.

There are three long couches inside and a medium sized glass table that was filled with different alcoholic beverages.

I seat beside Penny and Erza. Then Penny gave me a shot glass full of tequila and a sliced lemon.

"Thanks" I said and get the shot glass.

That fast, lahat sila ay may hawak na ring mga baso at itinaas ang mga yun.

"Cheers" we said in chorus and made a 'cling' sound using our glasses.

Napasipsip agad ako sa lemon matapos kong i-bottoms up ang laman ng baso ko. It taste awful but bearable. I'm just not that alcoholic.

"Woohoo... Isa pa, pampalakas ng loob kasi mamaya sasamahan mo kong magsayaw sa baba" Penny said then gave me another shot of tequila.

"You rock Praia" Denver commented after I drinked that shot.

"Wag kang masyadong iniinom ha, hindi alam ni kuya na nandito ka" babala ni Cairo sa natatawang tono.

I laughed.

"Before he came back, tapos na ang hang over ko"

"Forget about that guy, let's enjoy Praia's party" LA said and raised his glass.

"May tama na naman kapatid mo" narinig kong sabi ni Horizon kay Cairo.

Cairo just laughed.

"Inubos nyan ang isang bote ng Jack Daniels sa bahay ko bago kami pumunta dito"

"Grabe ang tama nyan dun sa writter" komento naman ni Denver.

"Don't talk about shit brother... Hindi ako in love dun sa yelo na yun" LA defended in a sing song tone.

"Hinahanap mo nga si Alessandriana sa carpet nung isang araw eh" natatawa kong sabat.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni LA na pilit nya na lang idinidilat.

"Bakit mo alam? Stalker ba kita? Sabi na eh... Ano maganda si Alessandriana ko di ba?" sunod-sunod nyang tanong.

"Sira, matulog ka na dyan. Susunduin ka ng Alessandriana mo mamaya" si Denver.

"Sana mag bilang anghel ka brother..."

Then LA was knocked out on the couch.

We continue drinking and talking until Penny stiffened beside me.

I looked at the direction where she's looking at and I almost laughed when I saw Douglas entered the VIP room. And take note she's with a brunette girl.

"Yooo guys, this is Frida" pakilala nya sa kasama nya.

"Hi..." Frida greeted with a seductive smile on her lips.

"Anong ginagawa nyan dito?" inis na tanong ni Penny, walang pakialam kung naririnig yun ni Douglas.

"Ugh... Sorry Penelope, I invited him" Zues answered with a grin on his lips.

"May problema ba na nandito ako?" tanong ni Douglas kay Penny.

"Wala dahil wala akong pakialam sayo" Penny answered then roll her eyes at Frida.

"Okay then..." bumaling ito sa kasama "Frida, honey let's sit here"

Kauupo pa lang nilang dalawa sa couch na katapat ng samin ng marahas na tumayo si Penny.

"Sayaw tayo sa baba Praia..." halatang halata ang inis sa boses nya.

I checked my self. Medyo tipsy na ko dahil sa tequila pero kaya ko pa naman. Tumayo ako at napapikit ng bahagyang umalon ang paningin ko.

"Kayo?" tanong pa ni Penny sa iba

Tumayo agad si Erza pagkamulat ko ng mga mata ko. Medyo stable na ang paligid.

"Syempre sasayaw din ako" she declared cheerfully.

"Can I dance with them hubby? Please... Payag ka di ba?" narinig kong paalam ni Maria kay Zeus.

"Yeah, but I'm coming with you wifey" malambing na sagot ni Zeus.

"That's better hubby" Maria clapped her hands and stand up with Zeus "We're in"

Tatayo na rin sana si Horizon ng higitin ito ni Cairo paupo.

"What? I'm going with them" inis nyang baling kay Cairo.

"Nope. Tipsy ka na" 

"So what? Manlalalaki lang naman ako" she pouted.

Cairo's face darkened pero tinaasan lang sya ni Horizon ng kilay.

"Fine. I'll watch you" he surrendered.

"Let's dance!" Horizon screamed while we are going out of the room.

MAY isinenyas si Penny sa DJ kaya sumaludo ito sa gawi namin at ginawang loud rock music ang background ng makarating kami sa dance floor.

"Comeon guys let's dance our shits out" kinailangan pang sumigaw ni Erza para madinig namin sya.

Biglang lumitaw sa tabi ko si Israel at inabutan ako ng vodka na agad kong tinanggap. Before I could thank him, hinila na ako ni Penny patungo sa gitna ng dance floor.

"Enjoy this night Praia" she said and started dancing wildly.

The lights made me dizzy so I closed my eyes shut and danced with the wild rhythm. Hinayaan kong kusang gumalaw ang katawan ko habang iniinom ko ang vodka.

I felt someone is touching my waist so I opened my eyes. I saw a tall and good looking  man behind me. He looks like a Korean or Japanese.

"Hi, enjoying this night?" pasigaw nyang tanong.

Hinarap ko sya at medyo dumistansya habang patuloy pa rin sa pagsasayaw.

"Yes, definitely" pasigaw ko ring sagot.

He wouldn't hear me if I don't.

He mentioned his name that I don't heard clearly pero hindi ko yun ipinahalata.

"I'm Praia"

Hinanap ko ang mga kasama ko pero ibang pares ng mga mata ang nakita ko.

Lumayo ako sa lalaking kasayaw ko at tinungo ang direksyon ng VIP room, opposite kung nasaan sya.

Agad naman akong nakarating doon kahit medyo nahihilo na ko.

"Anong nangyari? Bat bumalik ka agad?" tanong ni Denver.

Sya, si LA--- na tulog, si Frida at Douglas na lang ang tao sa loob.

"Nandito si Zurich" sagot ko at ibinagsak ang sarili ko sa tabi nya.

"Nasa Manila pa dapat sya hanggang sa isang araw diba?"

"Baka nag i-imagine lang ako..." I consoled myself "Lasing lang siguro ko. May dala ka bang kotse? I can't find Penny and Erza---"

"No need, iuuwi na kita" that voice thundered the whole room na kahit sina Douglas at Frida ay natigil sa paghaharutan.

I frozed.

I'm not dreaming. This is bad.

"Kuya I thought---"

"Don't you kuya me Denver. Anong naisipan nyo at dinala nyo si Praia dito?" he asked in a low and dangerous tone.

I know it. He was mad. No. Very mad actually. Seeing him with that dark aura sends shivers to my spines. 

"It's just a welcome party, chill..." sagot ni Denver na parang hindi apektado sa nangyayari.

He even managed to drink his tequila calmly while I can't even speak to defend him.

"Fuck this welcome party. My point is, why the freaking hell did you bring her to this shitty place without telling me?"

"Off nya ngayon kaya wag kang magpaka-boss dito kuya. Gusto lang naming pasayahin sya dahil iniwan mo syang mag-isa sa villa mo" giit ni Denver

Mukhang natauhan naman si Zurich at medyo kumalma.

Pagkatapos ay bumaling sakin.

"Let's go home. I wanna talk to you"

"Dito mo na lang yan kausapin" natatawang sabat ni LA na mukhang medyo nahimasmasan na.

"Shut up kuya"

I tried to stand up straight pero napapikit ako ng biglang umikot ang paningin ko. Parang lumilindol pero may something sa utak ko na parang ang saya saya at gustong tumawa.

"What are you grinning at honey? Let's go home" narinig kong sabi nya.

Nag mulat ako pero parang gusto nang mag shut down ng mata ko.

"Who's honey? I'm not honey, I'm Praia" I said in a soft hoarse voice.

I heard chuckles pero hindi ko na tiningnan o inalam kung sino yun dahil hilong-hilo na ko. Isinara ko ulit ang mata ko at akmang ibabagsak ko na ulit ang sarili ko sa couch ng may isang kamay na humila sa bewang ko.

Napasubsob ako sa matigas nyang dibdib at hindi ko na kelangang mag-isip kung sino yun dahil nanunuot sa ilong ko ang amoy ng pabango nya.

"Hmm... Zurich?" pabulong kong tanong habang nakapikit pa rin.

"You need anything?" 

I sensed worry in his voice.

"I can't walk. The earthquake is freaking me out"

Wala na akong narinig na sagot nya. Pakiramdam ko umangat ako sa kinatatayuan ko pero nawalan na ko ng pakialam.

Zurich is here, I don't think he will let anything bad happen to me.

MY head was throbbing so bad when I wake up. Medyo nahilo ako dahil biglaang pagbangon kaya nahilot ko bigla ang aking sentido. After I recovered, saka ko lang napansin na wala ako sa kwarto ko. 

The interior and dominant color is gray, black and white. 

My eyes widened as a realization hit me.

This is owned by a man. Where the hell am I?

I checked myself and I was still wearing my undies but it was covered with a big white t-shirt--- or let's say, just over sized for me.

The room's door opened and I let out a sigh of relief when I saw Zurich entered.

"Hi. Anong pakiramdam mo?" tanong nya at nanatili lang malapit sa pinto.

Umiling-iling ako.

"I felt terrible" I answered honestly.

The corner of his lips rose as if he is preventing himself from smiling.

Maybe it is because of my hair and ugly, morning face.

"Mag-ayos ka na muna, hihintayin ko lang sa baba yung pina-deliver kong pagkain" 

Tumayo ako sa kama at bahagyang inayos ang nakatuping dulo ng t-shirt para umabot ang haba nun sa gitna ng hita ko. Pinipigilan ko lang mahiya pero pulang-pula na ang mukha ko.

He stepped aside to gave me they door way.

"By the way... My shirt looks good on you, specially when you're blushing"

That made me blush. More.

AFTER I changed my clothes and take a bath, bumaba na ako para kumain dahil gutom na ko.

"Kain na tayo" yaya sakin ni Zurich.

Without further thinking, umupo ako sa upuan ko at umusal ng isang maikling panalangin.

Iniabot nya sakin ang isang tasa.

"What's this?" takang tanong ko.

"Tea. Sabi ni mama effective daw yan pang-alis ng hangover" kaswal nyang sagot.

"Thank you"

We are in the middle of a silent breakfast Zurich interrupted me.

"You wanna know what happened last night?" itinaas baba nya ang kilay na para bang binibiro ako.

"Yes please. I can't remember anything" I honestly answered.

"You were so drunk..." 

Ibinitin nya ang sasabihin kaya tumaas ang kilay ko.

"And..."

"You can't walk so I carried you"

My eyes widened.

"Oh my gosh... Stop. Stop. I don't wanna hear it"

Humalakhak sya.

"You have to" ngumisi sya "Everytime I'm calling you honey, you're insisting that you're Praia"

My face was so red. Mahina ang alcohol tolerance ko kaya kahit ayokong maniwala, may isang parte ng utak ko na nagsasabing kaya ko ngang gawin yun dahil lasing na lasing ako.

"Tama na" I begged.

"Then dinala kita sa kwarto mo..."

Ipinagpatuloy nya ang kwento kaya napukaw nun ang curiosity ko.

"How did I end up to your room?"

"Wait... The story hasn't ended yet. You kissed me"

"No I won't do that" depensa ko.

"You were so wild" nakangisi nyang saad.

"I'm drunk. It is just because I'm drunk" giit ko.

Hindi ko alam pero pakiramdam ko lahat ng dugo sa katawan ko ay napunta sa mukha ko.

"Then when I'm going to remove your dress, you puked at the bed"

Natampal ko ang noo ko.

"Oh... Thanks God"

"Don't thank God yet, coz I had to remove your dress not because I'm horny--- well I'm still horny"

I gave him a death glare. Sa harap pa talaga ng pagkain, right infront of me.

"We're in front of the food for Pete's sake Zurich, don't include your feelings on the story"

"Yeah. Still, I remove your dress and because you are half awake, half asleep. I carry you to my room at doon kita binihisan ng nighties mo"

"Then why... Oh holy cow"

"Lumabas ako sa kwarto at tumawag sa resort para maipalinis yung kwarto mo pero pagbalik ko, tinatanggal mo yung nighties mo"

"At hinayaan mo ko?" inis kong tanong.

Sa aming dalawa, sya ang nasa katinuan kaya dapat pinigilan nya ko.

"Pinigilan kita pero tinanggal mo pa rin kasi nagrereklamo ka na mainit sa kwarto ko" depensa nya na parang nabasa ang pagkainis na nasa utak ko.

"And then what? Did I seduce you?" nakanguso kong tanong.

Please say no. Please say no....

"You definitely seduced me. You kissed me again and before I kissed you back, you passed out"

I breath out.

"That was a relief"

"Nung makatulog ka, sinuot ko sayo yung t-shirt ko para hindi ako matukso at matulog sa sofa para bantayan ka magdamag" he let out a playful grin "But now your not drunk, we can continue what happened last night"

"Tigilan mo ko..." sabi ko at inirapan sya.

ZURICH said na susunduin namin si Sydney sa bahay ng parents nya kaya umalis na kami after lunch.

We used his car dahil medyo malayo daw ang mansion.

May nadaanan pa kaming dalawang villa na sabi nya ay pag mamay-ari nina Cairo at Denver. Tapos isang mapunong parte, saka pa lang namin narating ang gate ng mansion.

I was so shocked dahil inabot kami ng halos fifteen minutes mula sa gate papasok lang sa loob. Matagal bago ko matanaw ang malaki, simple at elegante nilang mansion.

"Nandito na tayo" deklara nya.

Bumaba na ako agad at hindi na hinintay na pagbuksan nya ng pinto kaya nakasimangot nya kong nilapitan.

"Bakit hindi mo hinintay na pagbuksan kita?" parang bata nyang tanong pagkalapit nya sa tabi ko.

"Bakit tayo ba? Boss kita di ba?" taas kilay kong tanong.

Humalukipkip sya bigla sa harap ko.

"Bakit may mood swings ka? Buntis ka ba?" kunot-noo nyang tanong.

Uminit ang ulo ko sa tanong nya kaya pinaningkitan ko sya ng mata.

"Paano naman ako mabubuntis kung wala akong sex life? Ano ko Virgin Mary?" inis kong tanong.

Nagkibit-balikat sya at umakbay sakin.

"Meron ka ba?" nakangisi nyang tanong.

Tinanggal ko ang kamay nya sa balikat ko at dumistansya.

"Wag mong pakealaman ang regla ko. Nandito tayo sa bahay ng parents mo, anong iisipin nila sakin pag nakita nila tayong ganito?"

Dumilim ang mukha nya. His brows made one thick nearly straight line and his forehead knot.

"I will never bring you to this house again. Nagsusungit ka lang sakin kaya babalik na tayo agad sa bahay"

Nagmartsa sya papasok sa double doors na binuksan ng dalawang unipormadong lalaki. Tahimik lang akong sumunod sa kanya dahil ang totoo, kinakabahan ako na makita ang mga magulang nya.

I think coming here with him wasn't a good idea.

My thoughts was interrupted by a woman's sweet voice.

I think she's in the mid sixties but she looks so elegant with her white dress with a black neckline. 

"Zurich, darling kanina ka pa hinihintay ni Sydney. What took you so..." 

Nabitin sa ere ang sasabihin nya ng malipat sakin ang tingin nya. She gave me a head to toe look before switching her sweet smile into a formal one.

Now I really regretted that I wear a mustard yellow beach dress. I must have wear something formal if I found out early that his mother is like my mom.

"Hello there" pormal na pormal sya habang naglalakad papunta sakin at nilagpasan si Zurich "Are you Praia?"

Tumikhim ako bago sinuklian ng pormalidad ang tanong nya.

"Yes ma'am"

"Im Zurich' mother anyway, Syria Monteclaro" naglahad sya ng kamay na agad ko namang tinanggap.

"Nice to meet you ma'am" 

She nodded her head and glanced at Zurich then gave him some weird look that made me panick. 

Didn't she like me? Oh well... Why do I care? I can't please everyone and force them to like me anyway.

"Nasa pool side sila, sumunod kayo sakin" sabi nya at naunang tumalikod samin.

Titig na titig ako sa kanya habang naglalakad sya palayo. Kung hindi pa ko nilapitan ni Zurich, hindi pa ko matatauhan.

"Wag kang matakot, ganyan lang talaga si mama. Pero gusto ka nya" natatawa nyang sabi ng makalapit sa gilid ko.

I rolled my eyes.

"Gusto? Nakita mo ba ang tingin nya sakin? Para syang nangangain ng tao"

"Silly. Tara na sa pool side bago pa nga maging halimaw si mama" 

Sinundan nya yun ng tawa na para bang inaasar ako.

Magkapanabay kaming naglakad and I can't help but to adore the beautiful interior design of their mansion. It was like transporting myself into an Irish castle with crystal chandeliers, antique vases, one of a kind paintings and many many things to feast my eyes on. I grow up in a mansion too, but this is like a palace.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang mga pinto ang pinasukan at nilabasan namin bago kami napadpad sa tabi ng infinity pool.

Tumigil sya sa paglalakad kaya ganon din ang ginawa ko.

"This pool was placed at the right side of the mansion kung titingnan mula sa labas" he glaced at me na parang gusto nya kong i-orient "Gusto kasi ni mama na ang harap ng bahay ay driveway at parking lang, we often held a party in this mansion"

Tumango-tango lang ako.

"Mabait ang parents ko, just be yourself" he said bago ako inalalayan patungo sa gazebo.

Nagulat pa ako ng batiin ako ng matandang lalaki na malaki ang pag kakahawig kay Zurich--- must be his dad. He knows my name coz he called me Praia.

"Hi sir..." magalang at pormal kong bati dahil nasa tabi nya ang nanay ni Zurich.

"Just tito Zero iha, I am Zurich' dad" 

He politely smiled at me, different from his wife whom I think will eat me alive if I did something wrong.

"If that's what you want tito Zero" I smiled but it was with a bit of formality.

"Praia. Daddy. I missed you both" Sydney yelled.

"Hey, I missed you too..." I greeted her and tapped her head.

Inihaba nya ang dalawang braso. Yeah. She wants me to carry her.

I was about to kneel when Zurich did it for me. He carried Sydney.

"You're heavy baby, she can't carry you coz she's still recovering from hangover" Zurich said softly.

I glanced at his mother only to find out that she was staring at me.

Halos sabunutan ko na si Zurich dahil sa inis. Anong iisipin ng nanay nya sakin? Na lasengga ako, na porket wala ang anak nya nag party na ko kagabi... Well totoo naman pero kelangan pa ba yung sabihin? 

"Maupo na kayo, it's almost lunch pinapakuha ko na ang pagkain" anang mama ni Zurich habang pinapanood ang bawat galaw ko.

Kahit nasa kanya si Sydney, nagawa pa rin ni Zurich na ipaghila ako ng upuan. At the whole time pasimple akong nakatingin sa mama nya. I saw something in her eyes, I don't know if it is amusement or what.

"How's the deal with the investors Zurich?" his dad started a conversation as we all settled at the table.

"It's fine dad, nakuha ko ang deal" tipid na sagot ni Zurich.

Ng sulyapan ko sya ay bigla syang kumindat sakin. I was about to smile when I remembered that his mother is looking at me. Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa mesa habang nakikinig sa usapan nila.

"At bakit nandito ka? Supposedly, ngayon ka pa lang matatapos sa business convention mo" his mom asked.

Hindi ko na kailangang magtaas ng tingin para malaman na nakatingin sya sakin. I am familiar to that kind of intimidating stare because my mom used to have that one.

I heard Zurich faked a cough.

"Personal reasons mama"

"Too personal to hide it from your mother?"

"No ma, I don't mean it that way"

"Ipapaalala ko lang ulit sayo, you shouldn't mix your personal life with business"

Nagtaas ako ng tingin and I was right. Talagang sakin sya nakatingin habang kausap nya ang anak nya.

"I know" simpleng sagot ni Zurich.

Naramdaman kong may mainit na palad na humawak sa nanlalamig na kamay ko. It was Zurich trying to calm me down. Nahahalata nyang nate-tense ako.

Sino bang hindi? Parang member ng firing squad ang mama nya kung makatitig sakin.

"Bakit hindi mo tinapos ang convention? Is it because of her?" her mother raised her eyebrow on me

"Ma..." Zurich growled.

"You're getting too attached on her" giit ng mama nya.

Mukhang may alam sya sa nangyayari samin. Damn.

"Honey stop. Please..." mahinahong saway ng daddy nya.

"Okay sorry I get carried away. Just fix your life son and make sure not to mess this one up this time" she said in a serious tone

Hinigpitan ni Zurich ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ko bago sumagot.

"I will not ma, I will not suck this time"

"Good to hear that. Anyway Praia" 

I'm sure she'll throw me out of this house. Oh my gosh.

I was so nervous. My heart was over palpitating, my blood pressure was raising in anticipation.

"Feel at home"