10: Date for sale

SAM'S POV

Sinundan ko nalang ng tingin ang galit na babae.

Geez.

I didn't know lapitin pala ang gagong 'to ng mga walang kwentang babae..

Shaking my head, my eyes took a quick scan of the building, studying its details and how ECC look like mula sa loob.

Malaki ang building na'to, with thirty floors and almost made up with glasses. At sa bisita meron sila rito tonight, I think maraming malilikom ang fundraising na'to dahil may mga celebrities din na dumalo.

My eyes narrowed at a distance when I spotted the main reason why I'm here tonight.

Frederico Asuncion. He was in his gray suit and was talking with the other men right now with drinks in their hands. Probably mga katrabaho nito.

My perfect chance to start my plan.

"Mr. del Fuero. Liam. Aalis na muna ako. I just have something important na gagawin. Please don't find me." Paalam ko na sa mga ito without taking off my eyes at the target.

"Okay, Sam! No problem. Jist go and take your time."

I heard Liam exclaimed cheerfully. I mentally smiled at that. Although this was just our second encounter after Alvaro case, I quickly warmed up with him with his funny and bright attitude.

Very far from his annoying and so full of himself friend. Nakasuot ito ngayon ng white suit whereas his friend was wearing his usual navy blue suit.

When Mr. del Fuero nodded, I nodded back at him saka umalis na.

This case should be closed tonight by hook or by crook.

Dali-dali na'kong naglakad patungong exit. Good thing I have wore my shoes kaya hindi issue sa'kin na maglakad ng ganito or kahit pa tumambling pa'ko palabas dito.

Good thing Mr. Del Fuero had sent me this floor length gown. It was able to hide my sneakers underneath.

Seeing that there were not that so many people at the exit, I quickly lifted up my dress with my clutch bag in hand saka patakbo ng lumabas sa lugar na'yon. Ignoring those shocked eyes na nakatingin sa'kin. Probably they were wondering why I'm running like a maniac cinderella just wearing her white sneakers.

Well, I have more important business to do than mind those fools!

Pagdating ko sa may parking lot, agad ko ng tiningnan ang mga nakaparadang sasakyan.

AHA 8208

I have to find a bloody car with this plate number.

Medyo madilim sa bandang 'to so it was safe to sneak around. Good thing, I'm clad with this black gowntonight.

May silbi rin pala ang damit na'to.

Taking the fingersized flashlight from my bag, I started checking each car then to the next..

Not this one. No. no. no. Not this!

Shit! Saang impyerno ba naman kasi nakapark ang kotse ng gagong 'yon?

I let out a deep breath then continued my search.

Ba't ba kasi ang laki-laki ng parking lot dito!

This is ECC, Sam. So of course, expected na malaki ang parking lot dito.

Yeah, right.

So kung ganito ka laki ang ECC... How much more with DFCS?

I quickly shook that thoughts off, wanted to focus back on my task.

To hell with those men and their issues.!

With determination, I continued my search. Mula rito, rinig ko ng nagsisimula na ang event sa loob since may nagsalita na sa mic.

Probably the emcee.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, would anybody here tonight like to spend a romantic date with someone special? Meron ba?....'

That made my brows arched up.

A date? They're auctioning a date?

Geez. Don't they have any other item to auction but that?

Shaking my head, I continued.

I was just about to move to the next row when I heard footsteps na palapit sa direksiyon ko. I quickly hide behind the car na nasa tabi ko.

Mahirap na. Malay natin, natunugan na pala ang plano ko.

but how?? wala naman akong napansing nakasunod sa'kin kanina.

Peeking through it, I tried to see their face.

And two men in suit came into view. Medyo madilim sa lugar na'yon kaya mahirap kilalanin. But given na nakasuit ang dalawa, no doubt na isa sila sa mga bisita.

Palingon-lingon ang mga ito, halatang may hinahanap.

Then after some time of just looking around, they looked at each other then shook their heads before they left.

Obviously, wala rito ang hinahanap nila.

Ano naman kaya ang hinahanap nila? Ako ba?

I furrowed my brows, trying to weigh the possibilities.

Ako man o hindi, I should still be careful. Just in case my suspicion was right. At minsan lang ako nagkakamali sa mga hinala ko.

Pumunta agad ako sa sumunod na row with my crouched back, trying to conceal myself from the shadow of every car na nadadaanan ko.

I was starting to get annoyed now. But luckily, my eyes slowly widened when I finally spotted it.

AHA 8208

FUCKING YES!

Without wasting a second, agad na'kong lumapit dito. Checking the inside and avoiding to even touch it, afraid that its alarm would suddenly blare off.

In all fairness, bongga din ang sasakyan ng gagong 'to just looking at the interior of his car.

Expensive leather seat and----

My attention was caught with a red blinking dot closed to the rearview mirror.

Agad kong inilawan 'yon with my flashlight then a small triumphant smile came to my mouth.

Kung siniswerte ka nga naman...

A dash cam.

Kung may gagawin mang kalokohan ang gagong 'yon mamaya, may possibilities na magagamit ko 'to as one of those evidence na pwede kong isubmit.

Good. Then my task ended here.

Straightening up my body, I quickly off the flashlight then slid it back to my bag.

Time to follow the subject's every move tonight.

Agad na'kong lumayo doon and hastily walked to the entrance.

From here, rinig ko pa rin ang boses ng emcee.

'...going once, going twice...'

Hmm. Anong item pa kaya ang nasa auction list maliban sa date?

By the time I reached the entrance, inayos ko muna ang sarili ko before I get in and back to the party.

Mahirap ng magmukha akong galing sa sabong dahil sa magulong buhok ko.

Pero pagkapasok ko pa lang sa loob, I stopped on my tracks when I spotted two men in suit again from a few meters away. Probably those same men at the parking lot earlier.

And it seems that they still hadn't find yet whoever were they looking for dahil palingon-lingon parin ang nga ito sa paligid.

This isn't good.

I quickly looked around me and search for a spot to hide.

All tables in front the stage were already occupied by many people with numbered bidding paddles in their hands.

I noticed that Mr. del Fuero and my subject were one of those people.

I wonder kung nasaan na si Liam.

I quickly shrugged those thoughts and focused back to my situation at hand.

I scanned the place again.

The emcee on the stage with a beautiful lady in blue evening gown beside him. Probably the candidate.

'Now, let's move on to our next candidate....' aniya pa ng emcee.

Napansin kong may maliit na passage way sa gilid ng stage at may mga ilang babae rin sa may dulo nito. I think patungo 'to sa backstage---

Alright. That's it.

Tumingin uli ako sa direksyon ng dalawang lalaki at mula rito, mga ilang metros nalang ang layo nila sa'kin and before they could even spot me here, I quickly walked to that passage with stiff and hasty long strides habang nakayuko. Not wanted to be seen.

Nang makarating na'ko malapit sa backstage, agad na'kong lumapit sa mga babaeng nandoon. Trying to blend in myself.

Shit! I think mahihirapan na'kong kumilos nito.

Ba't ba kasi nandun pa ang mga lalaking 'yon? Imposible namang natunugan nila ang plano ko!

'Sadly, may emergency ang next candidate na'tin so we have called a substitute for her....' sabi pa ng emcee.

"Hey! Turn mo na ba para mauna ka sa linya?"

Agad na kumunot ang noo ko nang sitahin ako ng isa sa mga babae sa likod.

Turn? Ba't naman magiging turn ko'to? Eh nagtatago lang naman ako rito..

tsk,tsk..

Kailangan kong magfocus at humanap ng paraan kung pa'no ko ma----

"Hey! Tinatanong kita."

I just rolled my eyes nang marinig ko uli 'yon.

Bweset!

Quite irritated with her now, I turned around to face her and I was greeted with a woman in a silver gown with a long slit on the side. Too revealing for my taste.

Jusko! Dapat hindi nalang ito nagsuot ng gown ang babaeng 'to kung ganito lang naman pala ang isusuot nito.

I shook my head at that thought before I opened my mouth.

"I am not---" I was cut off when suddenly, someone grabbed my arm and dragged me.

What the---

I stopped nang paglingon ko, isang bakla ang may hawak sa'kin.

"Miss? Ikaw ba 'yong substitute ni Ms. Diane? Turn mo na so come on now, kailangan mo ng umakyat dali..." Saka hinila na niya 'ko paakyat sa stage while my mind still processing his words.

Substitute? Turn ko na? And why would I get to that stage----

When realization finally slapped me right on my face, I quickly took my hands off from his grasp, causing him to stop saka lumingon sa'kin with an annoyed look.

"I think you got the wrong person. I am not---"

"Oh, it's okay girl. I know kabado ka lang. Come now. We don't want to make everyone wait for long, do we?" saka hinila na nya uli ako.

Kabado? Eh kung upakan kaya kita diyan? Hindi ako kabado gago!

"What I mean sir, hindi ako 'yong substitute rito. I was just----"

"Oh bother. You'll be fine, darling. Come now and smile!" He encouraged and I was about to lash at him but before I could even do that, the curtain suddenly opened.

"Gentlemen, our next candidate.."

Then a blinding spotlight greeted me. Causing my heart to almost jumped out in panic.

Blinking my eyes out, I tried to adjust my eyes from the light. And when it did, I almost swallowed my own tongue when everyone from down there were looking at me.

Ow no..

Now I'm dead. Totally dead with no head.....

Nakatayo lang ako doon, without even moving an inch. Still shock with the sudden turn of event.

Then someone had pushed me at my back causing me to step forward at papunta sa gitna. And when I looked over my shoulder, I found out it was that same darn gay who had put me in this situation.

"You can do it, miss!"

I groaned when he cheered that for me.

Eh kung upakan kaya kita diyan ngayon??! Mas magagawa ko pa yata 'yon kaysa rito!

"Anong pangalan mo miss?.."

Narinig kong tanong ng emcee sa tabi ko but who cares!

Oh God! Pwede mo na'kong kunin ngayon din..please, I beg you..

My eyes alarmingly scanned the people below, the other were smiling at ang iba naman ay nagbubulungan. I think alam ko na kung sino ang pinag-uusapan ng mga 'to.

Of course, ako.

I groaned. Now annoyed with my situation.

I have to get out of here and save my ass ASAP. I'm pretty sure na makikita ako ng mga lalaking 'yon mula rito.

Yes. Kailan---

Bigla akong napatigil nang mahagip ng tingin ko ang shock na mukha ni Mr. del Fuero sa table #11 with a drink in his hand.

'Di ko maaasahan ang del Fuero na yan but I'm sure Liam can help me.

Yes! Tama.

Agad ko ng hinanap si Liam pero 'di ko naman ito mahagilap ngayon.

Shit! nasan na ba ang taong 'yon??

"Miss?"

That made my gaze snapped to the emcee.

"What?!" tanong ko sa kanya with an annoyed look.

He just smiled saka sumagot.

"I'm asking kung anong pangalan mo."

What to do? Talaga bang sasakyan ko nalang 'to or----

I stopped with my thoughts when again, I spotted the same suspicious men earlier na ngayo'y kausap si Gloria.

I furrowed my brows at that, trying to analyze the situation.

They're talking to her like they were talking to their boss habang patango-patango naman ang mga ito sa bawat sinasabi ni Gloria.

Wait? Don't tell me...

I muttered a curse when realization finally dawn on me.

I thought they were Frederico's men! Shit!

I felt somehow relieved with that, relieved that they're not Frederico's men.

Knowing na hindi pa pala bulilyaso ang plano ko, I couldn't help but smirk.

Hmm..Okay.. since nandito na naman ako rito. Ba't di ko nalang kaya sakyan 'to? Wala naman sigurong magbibid sa'kin given na hindi naman ako kagandahan gaya ng iba diyan.

"I'm Brenda Garcia." I answered with chin held high.

I'm sorry Ms. Garcia pero kailangan ko lang hiramin sandali ang apelyido mo.

"Oh, Brenda. Can you tell us about your profession and hobbies and maybe your status in life?"

"Kailangan ko pa bang sabihin 'yon rito?"

When I asked that, everyone laughed.

At my expense!

That made me throw a glare at them.

"What was so funny about it everyone? Nagtatanong lang naman ako and I need an answer, not your darn laughs."

Unfortunately, everyone just chuckled at that while shaking off their heads in amusement. Especially the emcee. Causing me to feel the want to jump at them now and give them a good beatings.

And when I looked at Mr. del fuero's way, halos umabot na hanggang bunbunan ko ang kilay ko when I saw his amused look.

So enjoy na enjoy talaga ang taong 'to na pinagtatawanan ako?

Seeing his reaction, I clencher my teeth so hard in annoyance.

"Actually, miss. Kailangan mo talagang sabihin lahat 'yon para makilala ka naman namin ng konti. Everyone wanted to atleast know you and why they should bid on you tonight."Sagot ng emcee nang mahimasmasan ito.. but amusement still visible in his eyes.

Alright. They want my answer for that? Then fine!

Out of annoyance, I snatched the mic from his hand and then began making an epic history.

"Since everyone wanted to know me. I guess I have to tell you then. By the way, I am a taekwondo instructor at sa profession meron ako, obviously....."I trailed off and studied the audience's faces na ngayo'y biglang natahimik.

"I love beating up someone into pulp. As in beating them up until they'd bleed to death. And fortunately, I'm single since birth because no man would ever wanted to be even a meter near me and be beaten up by me. At kung sinumang magbibid sa'kin ngayong gabi at makakadate ko after this, I'll make sure to take him to a fitness gym and challenge him to have a spar with me inside the boxing ring! So now, who would still want to bid on me here? Anyone?"

I studied their faces and when no one answered and just gaped at me in shock, I just shrugged at that then continued.

"I guess no one then. Okay, yan lang. THANK YOU!"

Then with a triumphant smirk, I returned the mic to the gaping emcee beside me. His mouth was literally flapping right now, like a fish being deprived with water.

While the audience became silent with their dropped jaw.

As in a total pin-drop silence..

It was my turn now to be amused by their reactions.

Now, serves them right.

When my gaze shifted at Mr. del Fuero's way, he just shook his head but an amused look on his face was obvious.

Hmm, buti naman at na-entertain ko ang taong 'to..

I just smiled at them.

I didn't know na may hidden talent din pala ako that could shut their mouth this instant. Kung alam ko lang sana 'to, matagal ko na sana 'tong gi---

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when someone had clapped.

My gaze quickly zoomed in to where that clap had came from and I groaned when I found Liam near the restroom, grinning like a stupid while clapping his hands at me.

"Wooh! I like that gorgeous woman! Wooooh! That's the spirit, Sam!"

All gaping eyes quickly shifted to his way as he had drawn their attentions.

"Woooh! Clap naman kayo diyan... Saan pa ba tayo makakahanap ng ganyang klaseng babae ngayon huh?? She's a unique woman! A rare treasure precisely! Woooh!"

Oh God! Can I kill this man now? Akala ko pa naman makakatulong sa'kin ang kumag na'to!

Pagkarinig sa kanya, the stupid audience foolishly complied and started clapping their goddamn hands.

Bloody stupid Liam!

"Y-Yes... she's unique. Yes. Unique. That's it."

I groaned when the emcee agreed that, sounding like he was convincing himself while nodding his head.

Unique my foot!

"Now, let's start the bid. The minimum opening bid starts at---umm.." I raised my brow saka tumingin sa emcee na para bang naguguluhan kung magkano ang price ko.

"100---"

"10,000!"

That voice made my glare snapped to that way. To table #10 with an old man grinning at me while raising his bidding paddle. Gloria was beside him habang nang-aasar na nakangiti sa'kin. Obviously trying to get back on me.

That bitch!

"Yes! P10,000!..P10,000 once, .....P10,000 twice...any more?" The emcee negotiated.

Bweset!

"15,000!"

Another old man offered.

Damn! Wala bang mas bata diyan? Good God. Now I have to find a way para hindi man lang ako mapunta sa matatandang 'to!

"15,000, going once..going twice...wala na ba??"

Shit.

Agad na'kong tumingin sa direksyon ni Liam but unfortunately, the idiot was gone again.

Saan na naman ba pumunta ang taong yon??!!!..

Mr. del Fuero.

I quickly looked at his way. Nakatingin lang ito sa'kin with a bloody smirk in his mouth.

Oh God. I am almost ready to explode now in frustrations! Pero sa sitwasyon ko ngayon, I have no choice kundi kainin ang pride ko at humingi ng tulong rito.

To hell with my pride!

Agad ko na itong tinitigan, trying to talk to him with my eyes.

And I think he had get my message.

'Help me here!' I tried to sent a message.

Tumingin ito sa'kin with questioning looks on his eyes.

'what?'

Tiningnan ko uli ito with red warning in my eyes.

'Offer a higher price! Dalian mo!'

The bastard just shrugged at me. Telling me that he won't do it.

I could really kill him for this!

"100, 000!"

My eyes widened nang marinig ko 'yon mula mismo sa manyak na Frederico.

Making me more desperate to get out from this situation. Again, I looked at Mr. del Fuero for a rescue.

'help me, now!'

The man just rolled his damn eyes.

This shit! I would really pull that eyes out of his blasted sockets later!

"100,000! Going once, going twice...any offer?"

After a few second na wala ng ibang offer, mas lalo pa'kong nataranta.

'Mr del Fuero!' tarantang tawag uli ng isipan ko sabay tingin rito.

He just raised his brow then smirked.

'What?'

Huminga muna ako ng malalim, trying to control my raging nerves saka tumingin uli sa kanya.

'You have to help me or di ko pipirmahan ang contract mo!'

'Don't you dare!'

'Well, try me..' I challenged him and gave him my famous sarcastic smile.

Sa mukha pa lang nito ngayon, I think he was already threatened by it.

Yes, try me. Dahil kayang-kaya ko yong gawin given na nasa sa'kin na ang recorded video ng gagong judge na yon.

"Again, P100,000 once, P100,000 twice and..."

I saw him took a deep breath saka tumingin sa'kin na para bang may iniindang sakit.

I know so well kung anong masakit sa kanya ngayon. His earth-sized ego.

"Alright, Ms. Brenda was bidded with---"

"P150, 000!"

Napangiti agad ako nang marinig ko sa wakas ang offer na 'yon. I looked at him then nodded in satisfaction while grinning at his way.

Good job, Mr. del Fuero!

He just rolled his eyes while raising his bidding paddle.

"Okay! P150,000 for Mr. del Fuero! Any more---"

"250!"

I frowned when I heard Frederico's voice again.

I quickly looked at Mr. del Fuero again for a rescue. At him who were now throwing a murderous glare at Frederico's way.

"251!"

Halos mapatanga na'ko when he suddenly offered that. Only a thousand higher than Frederico's.

Oh hell. Now I've finally witnessed how stingy he was.

"300!"

When that offer came off, I noticed Gloria's face suddenly turned sour. Though I'd like to give her a mocking grin right now, I don't think I should.

I saw Mr. del Fuero tightly closed his eyes habang mahigpit na nakahawak sa auction paddle nito. And with how tight he was holding it now, I think masisira na yon anytime.

"300 for Mr. Asuncion! Going once, going twice..."

Mr. del Fuero opened his eyes saka tumingin uli sa'kin with an irritated look. But after a moment, he let out a sigh and slightly shook his head.

I just shrugged at his way and waited for his offer.

"Wala na ba? Okay.."

"301!" Unfortunately, Mr. Del Fuero shouted that!

Alright. It was no doubt that he was saving some cents right now. Kaya naman ganito ka kuripot ang gagong 'to.

The bidding continued like that for awhile. With Mr. del Fuero just adding a thousand in every bid Frederico would make.

"500!"

"501!"

"550!"

"551!"

"600!"

"601, 000!!" He countered in a growl, almost ready to chew his opponent's head now.

"Alright. 601,000! Going once, going twice... may offer pa ba?" tanong ng emcee.

I closed my eyes, hoping na sana wala ng ibang offer.

And when no one had ever bid again, I almost jumped out in happiness.

"Alright! Miss Brenda was bidded with P501,000 to Mr. del Fuero!"

Yes!

Nakahinga agad ako ng maluwag nang sa wakas narinig ko 'yon.

I noticed Frederico sat back on his seat with a disappointed look on his face.

Siguro dahil kahit ano pang gawin nito, he was no match with the great del Fuero.

I mentally shook my head at the thought of that. I ignored him saka tumingin sa direksyon ni Mr. del Fuero.

I smirked when I saw the frustrated look on his face.

"Okay, Ms. Brenda. Pwede ka nang lumapit kay Mr. del Fuero."

I nodded at the emcee saka lumapit sa table #11 while grinning and joined him in his table.

"I think a thank you is in order dahil sa ginawa mo, Mr. del Fuero.

I heard him groaned whwn ai whispered that at his way, halatang di nasisiyahan sa mga nangyari.

Hindi ito sumagot at nanatili lang na walang imik.

Probably murdering me in his mind now.

How lovely...

But after a few moment of just being silent, he let out a deep breath saka nagsalita uli.

"Be ready..."

"Be ready?? For what?" I asked in confusion.

"May kailangan ba 'kong gawin ngayon that's why I should be ready?"

Groaning, he turned to look at my way with an arched brow.

"Baka nakakalimutan mo, Ms. Javier. I've lost my 601,000 pesos tonight nang dahil lang sa'yo.. At higit kalahating milyon din yon! So be ready dahil hindi naman ako papayag na walang magiging kapalit 'yon." Irita nitong saad then looked away, leaving me dumbfounded.

Oh hell. I didn't know that money was that too big deal for him.

"Hindi ka malulugi sa halagang yon, Mr. Del fuero. And besides, it was for charity kaya makakatulong 'yon sa iba. Makakatulong ka sa kanila."

Agad na umasim ang mukha nito when I pointed that out saka galit na tumingin uli sa'kin.

"I don't need to give that much para makatulong, Ms. Javier. I am maybe rich pero hindi ako nagbibigay ng ganun-ganun na lang lalo na sa mga kaaway ko!" Galit na saad nito, causing me to frowned at him in confusion..

Kaaway? At pa'no naman nito naging kaaway ang mga tao? Nababaliw na ba ang taong 'to to even treat those helpless people as his enemy?

He's definitely out of his mind.

Shaking my head at that, I cleared my throat.

"By the way, what do you mean na maging handa ako? Sasabak ba tayo sa gyera ngayon?"

My brow quirked up when a smirked appeared on his mouth and his eyes glinting in mischief.

And I don't like that kind of look one bit!

"Baka nakakalimutan mo, Ms. Javier. We still have a date after this. My money to your service tonight, remember?"

My eyes almost rolled down on his head just hearing him saying that.

A what????!

A date??!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~