Parcel

KANINA pa nakatulala si Kira sa cellphone na nasa harap niya na nakapatong sa lamesa. Halos tatlong araw na rin ang lumipas mula nang huli silang magkita ni Aivan.

She can't accept this expensive phone! Mas malaki pa ang halaga ng cellphone na ito kaysa sa mismong suweldo niya!

She hasn't been in contact with him for three days and she didn't even use the phone. She didn't receive any kind of message or call just like what he said, and it's alright. It's better, actually.

"Anong mayroon d'yan at kanina mo pa tinititigan?"

Nabigla si Kira sa biglaang bungad ni Chaun sa kanya. Napasipol pa ito nang makita ulit ang cellphone. Nabigla si Kira nang kunin ni Chaun ang cellphone na iyon at dahil wala siyang nilagay na passcode dito ay mabilisan lang iyong nabuksan ni Chaun.

"Chaun, give that back to me! Ibabalik ko pa 'yan kay —" Hindi niya naituloy ang sasabihin niya nang maalala na hindi alam ni Chaun kung kanino galing iyon.

"Kay? Kanino ko ibabalik 'to? Isn't this your phone?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

Kaagad siyang umiling, "Hindi sa akin 'yan. I need to return it to the rightful owner." Sagot ni Kira.

Kira tried to reach the phone out, but Chaun teased her. Biglaang itinaas ni Chaun ang kamay nito kung saan hawak niya ang phone. Natatakot si Kira para sa phone dahil alam niya na dapat niyang ingatan 'yon dahil hindi niya pa alam kung paano ibabalik kay Aivan.

"Chaun, akin na 'yan!" Sigaw ni Kira at hindi pa rin iyon ibinibigay ni Chaun sa kanya.

Pinakitaan lang siya nito ng nang-aasar na mukha at mayroong kinalikot sa cellphone niya at mayroon pa itong tinype.

"Who's Amante?"

Napataas ng kilay si Kira nang marinig ang sinabi ni Chaun. "Amante?" Kaagad na kinuha ni Kira ang phone at napatingin sa kinalikot nito.

It was Aivan's number. Kira's cheek got red and she can feel her face getting hot so she kept the phone on her bag.

Amante is an italian word for 'lover'. And he is clearly not her lover nor she is not his lover.

"I think it's a foreign word." Wika ni Chaun at nilabas ang phone nito. "Let me search for it —" Bago pa iyon masearch ni Chaun, kaagad na hinila ni Kira si Chaun papunta sa may kainan.

"Don't bother searching, hindi ko naman phone 'yan." Nakangiting saad niya at kumuha ng dalawang sandwich na gawa sa canteen ng studio.

"Nilagay ko number ko sa phone na 'yon." Biglaang saad ni Chaun. "Akin na, tatanggalin ko ulit."

Ngumisi si Kira at inabot ang sandwich sa binata at natawa. "Bahala ka sa buhay mo, Chaun. You can't delete it anymore. Ayaw mo 'yun? May textmate ka na." Natatawang wika ni Kira at akmang hahabulin siya ni Chaun at kaagad tumakbo si Kira paalis sa lugar at kaagad na pumasok sa loob ng studio at napatigil sa pagtakbo nang makita niya ang boss niya na nakatayo sa kalagitnaan ng studio.

"Give me —" Napatigil sa pagsigaw si Chaun nang makita si Sir Aiden sa gitna at kapagkupawan ay tumabi nalang ito sa kanya at nagtanong, "What's up with Aiden?"

Nagkibit balikat si Kira at kumagat sa sandwich niya. "I'm not sure, but maybe he'll announce something important."

Nagsipasukan sa loob ng studio ang mga katrabaho niya at nang mapansin ng boss niya na halos kumpleto na sila ay kaagad itong nagsimula.

"We'll be having our team building for three days and two nights at my family's beach place." Anunsiyo ng boss niya na pinagmulan ng mahihinang bulungan at mga masasayang tinig ng mga katrabaho niya. "I'll be dismissing you all to an early out and make sure to prepare everything you need. Mayroong bus na darating dito bukas ng four ng umaga at gusto ko na lahat kayo ay makarating na bago pa ang bus ang dumating." Pagkasabi nito ay kaagad na umalis at pumasok sa loob ng opisina nito.

Nang makapasok siya sa loob ng opisina ay kaagad na naghiyawan ang mga katrabaho nila at mayroong nga ngiti sa labi.

"It's a great opportunity to get a great vacation at Marceau's beach!"

Napatingin si Kira kay Chaun at kaagad na nginitian ito. "Is it a private or public resort?" Kira asked. "Nakapunta ka na ba roon?" She asked again.

Tumango si Chaun at inubos ang sandwich na kinakain niya. "Uh-uh, I've been there so many times." Sagot nito sa kanya. "The beach can be both. But, I think for today's team building — it'll be public. Para may thrill."

Naexcite si Kira sa magaganao kinabukasan, at mukhang ito ang kauna-unahang alis niya kasama ang mga katrabaho. So far, it's been a half a year and her parents can't find her or maybe, they don't want to find her anymore.

"Uuwi ka na ba?" Pagtatanong Chaun sa kanya.

Kira looked at her watch and she saw that it's quite early to go home. Umiling siya at ngumiti, "Maybe, I'll just stop by at the mall to buy something I'll be needing. It's a treat myself day." Sagot niya.

"Okay," Kinuha ni Chaun ang bag nito, "I'll go first. I'm planning to sleep until tomorrow." Paalam nito sa kanya.

Tinanguan ito ni Kira at kinuha niya rin ang bag niya. "Okay, okay. See you tomorrow."

Nauna nang lumabas si Chaun at inayos ni Kira ang buhok niya bago mag-out at umalis.

Lumabas si Kira sa building at kitang-kita ang liwanag ng araw. Since they're going at a beach, she needs to atleast buy a beach clothing. Atleast a pair or only one.

PUMASOK si Kira sa loob ng isang fastfood chain at sinimulang kainin ang pagkain na in-order niya para sa tanghalian niya.

Nilabas ni Kira ang notepad niya at habang kumain kain ay nililista niya ang mga kaikailanganin niya para sa team building nila.

She won't spend too much, and she'll just budget the money for her needs today.

Nabigla si Kira nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone na nasa bag niya. Dahan-dahan niya iyong kinuha at nabigla nang makitang tumatawag sa kanya ang 'blackmailer' niya.

Sinagot 'yon ni Kira, "What?"

"Don't you know any telephone etiquette? You must answer the phone promptly after three rings."

Umirap si Kira at patagong ginagaya ang pananalita nito. "Ano? Tumawag ka lang para sabihin sa akin 'yang telephone etiquette mo?" Inis na wika ni Kira. "Kung wala kang sasabihin, ibaba ko na 'tong tawag. I'm in the middle of eating my lunch —"

"Bring me lunch here at the hospital, ASAP." He bossily demanded.

Napataas ng kilay si Kira at bumuntong hininga. "Eat at the canteen there. I'm not your Personal assistant nor your maid." Inis na wika ni Kira.

"Whatever. Just bring me my lunch."

"I can't." Wika niya, "I feel like you're allergic to fast food chain's food. Just eat there and don't bother me —"

"I don't care, just bring me lunch. I won't eat here without the food you'll bring. Bring it as soon as possible." Wika nito at ibinaba ang tawag.

Naiinis na binalik ni Kira ang phone sa bag niya at itinuloy ang pag kain. Bahala ito. Hindi niya iyon susundin dahil mayroon namang canteen doon at malamang magugutom rin 'yon.

Napaka-arte kasi, gusto pa na dalhan ito ng pagkain kahit na mayroon nang canteen mismo doon na pupuwedeng pag kainan.

After eating her lunch, she went to buy herself a swimming wear and she also bought what she needs when she arrives there. It took her almost three hours to do what she needs to do inside the mall.

She happily looked at what she bought, it's quite a lot but she got it for half the original price because it was sale.

Kira suddenly remembered, Aivan. He won't starve to death, right? He's not stupid to wait for the fastfood lunch and just eat inside the hospital's canteen, right? A doctor won't do anything that'll ruin it's health.

Napatigil sa paglalakad si Kira nang magtama ang mga mata nila ng dating kasintahan. Nawala ang ngiti na suot-suot ni Kira nang makita niya si Ricci.

Kaagad na tinalikuran iyon ni Kira at naririnig niya ang pagtawag nito sa kanya at alam ni Kira na nakasunod pa rin ito sa kanya.

"Kira, please..."

Hindi pa rin nililingon ni Kira si Ricci at doon na siya biglang nahabol ni Ricci.

"Hear me out, Kira."

"Fine." Mahinang saad niya at hinintay ang sasabihin nito nang hindi tinitignan ang nga mata ni Ricci. She's afraid to see something in his eyes.

"I just want to ask how are you... Are you happy? I'm really sorry about what happened then."

Bumuntong hininga si Kira at nagbigay ng ngiti kay Ricci. "I'm fine and I'm happy, Ricci. Stop pestering me about the things I don't need explanations with and I beg you, don't tell my parents where I am for the sake of what we had in the past." Mahinahong pagpapaliwanag at saad ni Kira.

"Do I still have a chance in your heart, Kira? Can we start iver again? I won't get threatened anymore and I will —"

"I already fell out of love, Ricci. Since the day you left me inside that church with people looking at me with eyes of pity." Paliwanag niya at nakaisip ng magandang sabihin para mas kapanipaniwala ang sasabihin niya kay Ricci, "I'm already with someone. He's the person you saw at the park. I love him and it's not you anymore. You can stop pushing yourself to the extent you'll have to put shame on yourself." Pagkasabi no'n ni Kira ay kaagad niyang nilagpasan si Ricci at kaagad na tumakbo papasok sa banyo.

Kira looked at herself in the mirror and she breathed in and out just to calm herself up.

She doesn't love him anymore, it's just that the memories she with him still lingers in her heart and brain. She can't just throw those away because he was a part of her past and he did make her happy.

KIRA just found herself standing in front of the hospital after four hours of her shopping and stay at the mall. Why did she even came here?

Hawak ng kabila niyang kamay ang nga pinamili niya, habang sa kabila naman ay ang fast food na binili niya kani-kanina lang.

Kaagad siyang lumapit sa isang parang hospital receptionist. Nahihiyang tinawag niya ang pansin nito at ngumiti.

"What can I help you with?" The woman politely asked.

"Uhm," Kira started, "Where's Doc Marceau's office?" Kira asked.

Nabigla si Kira nang napataas ang kilay nito at ang kaninang maamong ekspresyon jiyo ay naging strikto.

"May I ask if you have an appointment?"

Napakamot ng ulo so Kira, "I don't have a appointment. But, he did tell me to bring something to him."

Ngumiti ang receptionist. "Sorry, Ma'am. You need to leave if you don't have any kind of appointment with Doc Aivan.

"Wait, wait." Tawag ni Kira sa atensyon ng babaeng receptionist. "Then if you went let me in," nilagay ni Kira sa lamesa nito ang paper bag na naglalaman ng fastfood. "atleast give this to him and I'll leave. Thank you."

Iniwan niya ang paper bag sa babae at kaagad na nagpunta palabas ng hospital. Umupo siya sa isang waiting bench malapit sa entrance ng hospital at inayos muna ang sintas ng sapatos niya.

She was about to stand up when a drop or rain suddenly came until it became very heavy and she frowned when she realized that she didn't bring her umbrella with her.

So, Kira immediately grabbed her paper bag and ran to the the nearest place with a cover.

Bumalik siya sa entrance ng hospital at kinuha ang panyo niya sa bulsa para pinunasan ang nabasa niyang buhok.

Wala nang choice si Kira kung 'di magtawag ng taxi pabalik sa apartment niya kahit na malapit lang ang apartment niya sa hospital.

Sinuwerte siya nang mayroong dumaan na taxi, kaagad niya itong pinara at kaagad siyang sumakay.

Nang makauwi si Kira ay kaagad na naligo panandalian at inayos ang gamit na kakailanganin niya para bukas.

After doing what she needs to do, she's back from staring at the stupid expensive phone as if she's expecting any message.

Is that blackmailer really that thick skinned?

After bringing him his food, even if it's late, he should be thankful that she even bought him his lunch!

Nagulat si Kira nang may marinig siyang katok mula sa pintuan niya. She looked at the time, it's already six in the evening, who could this person be?

Before opening the door she asked who was the person outside, "Who are you? How can I help you?" She half-shouted for the person to be able to hear her.

"Delivery po para kay Ma'am Kira Chiumenti galing po sa Italya."

Nang marinig niya ang sagot na 'yon, binuksan niya ang pintuan niya at nakita niya nga na isang delivery guy ito. Inabot nito sa kanya ang isang maliit na parcel at may inabot din itong papel at ballpen. "Ma'am pakipirmahan nalang po."

Kaagad na pinirmahan iyon ni Kira at ibinalik kaagad sa deliveryman. Sinara ni Kira ang pintuan niya at napaupo sa kama niya habang tinitignan ang parcel na binigay sa kanya.

Binuksan kaagad iyon ni Kira at dahan-dahang tinignan ang laman. She saw a half burnt notebook and there's also a small jewelry box.

She confusingly looked at the parcel's information at the said. It is really from Italy, but who would send here these? Anong kinalaman niya sa mga bagay na ito?

Kinuha ni Kira ang maliit na envelope na nasa taas ng mga gamit. She opened it and she was in the state if shock when these things were actually from Marta.

Binasa ni Kira ang nakasulat sa papel at halos hindi niya maintindihan ang pinagsasabi ni Marta dahil halatang minadali lang nito ang pagsusulat.

Ang tanging nababasa niya lang ng maayos ay ang nakasulat na — 'Don't contact me, okay? I'm fine here in Italy and I'll be busy so I can't answer your calls, okay? Keep safe, Kira.'

What does she mean by it?

Kaagad na napaisip ng iba't ibang tanong si Kira sa utak niya dahil sa pinadala ni Marta sa kanya. Binuksan niya ang notebook na kasama sa parcel, halos wala na siyang mabasa sa notebook na 'yon at mayroon pa siyang nakitang litrato mula doon na halos kalahati lang ng katawan ang kita dahil nasunog na ang ibang parte ng litrato miski ang notebook na nasa parcel.

Anong mayroon kay Marta at sa mga pinadala nito? Napatingin naman si Kira sa maliit na kahita. She opened the small box beside the notebook.

She was shocked to see a sunflower pendant. The color's a bit faded and Kira thought that maybe that's the design.

Kira looked at the pendant's box and she saw another paper from it.

'Wear it, Kira. Don't ever remove it.' -Marta

Kira's a bit confused on what's happening and what are these things in front of her.

She followed what Marta said on the paper, Kira wore the pendant and it's quite actually in fashion. Maybe this is Marta's gift for her upcoming birthday?

HILA-HILA na ni Kira ang maliit niyang maleta habang papasok sa beach resort na pinuntahan nila. Kasama niya si Chaun na tila patay malisya sa nakikita at dere-deretso lang papunta sa naka-assign na cabin nito.

Ganoon talaga kapag parati nang nakakabisita sa ganitong lugar. Parang mall nalang ito na binibisita nito araw-araw.

Kira's also happy that each of them got their own cabin inside the resort. Maraming mga foreigner at lokal sa loob ng resort at halatang galante ang lugar.

Kira had no choice but to bring the phone that Aivan gave her and she took several photos of the place.

"Akala ko ba hindi sa'yo 'yan?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

Ngumiti si Kira at prenteng tumawa. "I'll just borrow this for the mean time." Pabiro niyang wika at inunahang umalis si Chaun at kaagad na pumasok si Kira sa loob ng cabin niya at napangiti nang makita kung gaano iyon kaganda.

It's just a small cabin, but it's spacious. A great place to rest. She took a short bath and changed her clothing into a simple shorts and halterneck top. Tinanggal din niya ang pendant na binigay ni Marta sa kanya. She's afraid that she might lose it here.

Lumabas siya nang cabin niya at naabutang nagkukumpulan na ang nga katrabaho niya sa buhanginan at mukhang tuwang-tuwa ang mga ito at excited na sila sa paglangoy.

Lahat sila ay nakabihis na at handa nang lumangoy. Kinuha ni Kira sa bulsa niya ang schedule if activities na mayroon sila at ang pinakahihintay niya ay ang camp fire mamaya pagkatapos ng hapunan nila sa isang restaurant dito.

Kaagad na nagpunta si Kira patungo sa puwesto ng mga katrabaho niya at para malaman kung bakit nagkukumpulan ang nga ito sa kalagitnaan ng lugar.

"Anong mayroon dito, Anna —" Natigilan si Kira nang makitang magkasama si Chaun, Sir Aiden at ang taong hindi niya iisipin na kasama dito.

Anong ginagawa ng walang utang na loob na lalaki na 'to dito? Hindi naman siya nagtratrabaho sa kapatid niya para sumama sa team building nila.

Before she could even finish her sentence, she immediately backed out and she decided to just go back to her cabin.

"Kira!" Pagtawag ni Chaun sa kanya.

Umaktong hindi naririnig ni Kira ang pagtawag sa kanya ng kaibigan at mas binilisan pa ang paglalakad pabalik sa cabin.

Akala ni Kira ay nakatakas na siya nang makaakyat na siya sa hagdan ng cabin niya, nabigla nalang si Kira nang buhat-buhat na pala siya ni Aivan na parang sako at dinala pabalik sa puwesto nila Chaun at ng mga katrabaho niya.

"I'll talk to you later." Wika nito bago siya ibaba, "You should join the activity. Don't be a killjoy." Pagkasabi no'n ni Aivan ay nahihiyang humarap si Kira sa mga katrabaho niya na mayroong ngiti na tila ba kinikilig o natutuwa sa nakikita.

Mahinang natawa si Kira at umaktong parang walang nangyari at lumapit nalang kaagad kay Chaun na mayroong mapang-asar na ngiti. Sumama si Sir Aiden sa kapatid niya at naiwan nalang silang magkakatrabaho sa puwesto.

"Gulat ka 'no?" Chaun whispered at her.

Binigyan ni Kira ng masamang tingin si Chaun at tinulak niya ito. "Anong nagulat? Which part of my expression earlier was shocked?" Kira asked in denial. "Why is he here? This is our team building, bakit siya kasama?" Tinadtad ng tanong ni Kira si Chaun at nakita niya na napailing-iling ito.

"You're harsh to your boyfriend, Kira." Anito.

Hindi nalang nagsalita pa muli si Kira at napabuntong hininga nalang siya at umupo sa isang beach seat na mayroong malaking payong at lamesa sa gitna.

Nagtatakang tinignan siya ni Chaun, "You're not going to swim? Nandoon na silang lahat." Pagtatanong ni Chaun.

Kira doesn't want to swim. She can't swim and she doesn't know how to swim.

Tumango si Kira, "Kayo nalang. I'll just stay here."

Bumuntong hininga si Chaun at nagkibit balikat. "Well, then. Suit yourself."

Hindi mapigilan ni Kira na matawa dahil nakita niya kung paano hinila ni Chaun ang iba pa nilang katrabaho sa dagat. Well, she can say that the beach is almost jam-packed, but it's not crowded.

Nilabas ni Kira ang schedule na nasa bulsa at niya at tinignan kung anong oras na. An hour from now on will be their lunch, and after their lunch will be their tour around the attractions inside the resort.

Kira was amazed on how cool the resort is. It has a mini zoo and what she really wants to visit is the underwater aquarium dome.

Kira opened the phone's camera and she took several pictures of the place and she smiled when she really felt relaxed.

Nabigla nalang si Kira nang may umupo sa katabi ng inuupuan niya at nang lingunin niya iyon ay automatic na napairap si Kira sa nakita niya.

Hindi niya pinansin si Aivan at nagpatuloy lang siya sa panonood sa mga katrabaho niyang nagkukulitan sa dagat.

"Kira!" Pagtawag sa kanya ng katrabaho niya, "Join us for a swim!" Sigaw muli nito.

Kira really hates to swim but in order to stay away from this blackmailer, she needs to join them.

Iniwan niya sa lamesa ang phone at schedule na nasa bulsa niya at kaagad na lumapit papunta sa kanila malapit sa dagat.

Before her deet could even touch the sea, she suddenly felt unsafe and her head started to throb. It hurts.

She closed her eyes and she almost shouted in shock when she suddenly saw herself drowning in her mind.

Umatras si Kira at umupo nalang malapit sa dagat. "I'll just stay here, I can't swim."

Lumapit si Chaun sa kanya na tila ba mayroong nakitabg kakaiba sa kanya. "Ayos ka lang ba, Kira? You suddenly looked pale."

Napahawak si Kira sa pisngi niya at pinilit na tumawa. "I'm fine, it's just a little —"

"Bro!" Biglaang sigaw ni Chaun at alam ni Kira kung sino ang tinatawag nito. "Your little girlfriend's not feeling well —"

Kaagad na kinurot ni Kira ang pisngi ni Chaun para tumigil ito sa pagsasalita at napatigil niya nga ito ngunit huli na ang lahat nang lapitan siya ni Aivan.

"Let me check you."

Kaagad na tumayo si Kira at binelatan si Aivan. "I'm not sick." Wika niya at akmang lalagpasan niya si Aivan nang bigla siya nitong buhatin na parang sako. "Aivan, put me down!" sigaw ni Kira at panay ang pagpupumiglas pero nabigla nalang siya nang dalhin siya nito sa dagat at nanlaki ang nga mata ni Kira sa takot at mas lalong napakapit sa leeg ni Aivan.

She kept her eyes closed and she kept hearing Chaun chuckle beside them.

"Jerk, you're a jerk." bulong ni Kira at mas lalong napakapit kay Aivan dahil hindi niya alam kung paano aalis sa dagat.

"This is your punishment for starving me to death yesterday." Wika nito, "Aren't you afraid that I'll get sick because of extreme hunger?"

Naiinis na tinignan ni Kira si Aivan at tinaasan ng kilay. "Excuse me, Mr. Marceau!" sigaw ni Kira, "I should be the one punishing you for not being thankful that I brought you your lunch! Ang arte-arte mo kasi, may canteen na doon sa hospital bakit hindi ka do'n kumain?"

"How can I be thankful if you didn't even gave me lunch?"

"Duh?" Kira said, "Nagdala ako ng lunch, it's just four hours late but I did bring you your fastfood lunch. I gave it to the receptionist."

"Liar..." Bulong nito sa kanya at nabigla si Kira nang halikan siya nito at hindi niya alam kubg paano aakto dahil sa ginawa nitong paghalik sa kanya. The kiss only lasted for a few second, she looked at Aivan's eyes due to shock. "That's for lying and being a contumacious girlfriend."

KIRA was bugged by her colleagues because of what just happened earlier at the sea. She was questioned several times and others were sad because she kept on denying her relationship with Aivan several times.

"Bahala na kayo kung ano gusto niyong isipin." Buntong hiningang wika ni Kira at kumuha ng plato, "I'm hungry, so don't ask me questions again." dagdag niya at kaagad na pumuntang buffet section.

Nang makakuha na siya ng tamang dami ng pagkain na kakailanganin niya, kaagad siyang umupo sa lamesang pinupuwestuhan ni Chaun.

"That's what you get for getting too public earlier." Pagpaparinig ni Chaun at umakto na para bang wala itong kausap. "Ayaw daw lumangoy, huh? What a joke."

"Pinaparinggan mo ba ako, Chaun?" Inis na wika ni Kira kay Chaun.

Kaagad na nilingon siya ni Chaun at itinaggi ang sinabi. "Huh? Why would I do that, Kira? Bakit tinatamaan ka ba?"

Inirapan nalang ni Kira si Chaun at kumain. Rinig niya ang halos malakas na tawa ni Chaun dahil sa ginawa nitong pang-aasar sa kanya.

"You're teasing her again, Chaun." Wika ni Aivan at umupo sa upuang bakante sa tabi niya. Inabot ni Aivan ang cellphone na naiwan niya sa lamesa sa may beach seat, "You left your phone."

"That's not mine." Masungit na sagot ni Kira at hindi iyon pinansin ni Aivan dahil nilagay nito sa bag niya ang phone.

Nakita niya ang pag ngisi ni Chaun at bumulong, "Hindi pala sa kanya, huh? So, it's a couple phone."

Naiinis na uminom nalang si Kira nang tubig at hinayaan niya nalang na mag-usap ang dalawa habang tahimik lang siya sa pag kain.

Wala nang ginawa si Aivan at Chaun kung 'di pag-usapan siya at kubg 'di man siya ay ang business related na usapan.

Bagot na bagot na si Kira dahil naririndi na siya sa pinag-uusapan ng mga ito.

"There you are, Aivan! Chaun!"

Napataas ng tingin si Kira at nakita si Iris kasama ang boss niya. Napaka sopistikadang tignan ni Iris sa suot niyang summer dress at hindi maiwasan ni Kira na magandahan sa kanya.

Tumayo si Aivan at Chaun para salubungin si Iris. They are childhood friends after all.

Umupo sila Iris at ang boss niya sa lamesang inuukupa nila. "Hi, Kira. It's great to see you here." Nakangiting bati ni Iris sa kanya.

"You too, it's nice to see you here." Nakangiting bati ni Kira pabalik kay Iris.

"I really miss hanging out like this. We're complete!" Maligayang wika ni Iris at alam ni Kira na hindi siya kasama doon dahil sila ang magkakaibigan at hindi siya kasama doon.

"Buti nalang at sinundo ako ni Aiden sa restaurant." Nakangiting saad ni Iris, "I'm glad we're complete again." Dagdag ni Kira.

A waiter was about to pour Iris' glass with juice when he accidentally knocked the glass down and it almost spilled on Iris but Aivan immediately took the glass up and it prevented the juice to get spilled.

"Be careful with that." Malamig na saad ni Aivan at kinuha naman ni Aiden ang pitcher na hawak ng waiter.

"Give me that and leave. I'll pour just pour it by myself." saad ni Aiden at nilagyan ng juice ang baso ni Iris.

"Are you fine, Iris?" Chaun asked out of concern.

Tumango si Iris at ngumiti. "Don't worry, I'm fine. You guys are overreacting!" Saad ni Iris at mahinang natawa.

Kira felt a bit left out, which is actually fine, but for her it's kinda akward to stay at their gathering. So, as soon as she finished eating, she excused herself. "I'll be leaving first." Paalam ni Kira.

"Where are you going?" Pagtatanong ni Aivan sa kanya at akmang tatayo ito at sasama sa kanya.

"Stay there and don't follow me. I'll be going with my colleagues for the tour." Aniya at kaagad na umalis dala ang bag niya.

Ayaw ni Kira na ma-out of place at mapunta sa posisyon na nakikisali lamang siya sa bonding ng magkakaibigan. Nakakahiyang sumali sa kanila lalo na at wala naman siyang alam sa pinag-uusapan ng nga ito at nagmumukha lang siyang nakikisali.

Hindi rin alam ni Kira na ang team building na ito ay reunion din nilang apat. They do treat Iris very well. She's like their princess and they're her knight in shining armor.

Nang makita niya ang mga katrabaho niya ay kaagad niyang nginitian ang mga ito. "You guys are already leaving for the tour?" Kira asked.

Tumango si Anna at kumapit sa braso niya at ngumiti. "Yep, you're just in time!" Sabay silang lumabas sa restaurant at nang makalabas sila ay kaagad siyang tinanong ni Anna. "Who's the girl in the table with Sir Aiden and your boyfriend, Kira?"

"Oh, she's their childhood friend." Sagot ni Kira at nakita ang mga kasama nila na sumakay ng shuttle.

Sumakay na rin silang dalawa at napuno ng tawanan ang loob ng shuttle dahil sa mga katrabaho niya na nagpapatawa sa loob.

Nang makarating na sila sa unang destinasyon, nagpuntahan ang mga katrabaho niya sa mini zoo habang siya naman ay humiwalay at nauna nang pumunta sa underwater aquarium dome.

Napangiti siya nang makita ang lugar. The last time she visited a place like this was once she went out with Ricci.

Gustong-gusto niya ang mga lugar na ganito, and it really attracts her. Hindi siya pumunta dito para alalahanin ang mga panahon na kasama niya si Ricci noon.

Napakaganda ng lugar kaya hindi na siya nagtataka kung bakit maraming bumibisita sa lugar at namamangha siya sa galing ng mga Marceau.

She kept on taking photos of the place and she did got herself entertained even though she's alone.

She stopped by at the shark's aquarium, she smiled upon seeing little sharks swimming inside the big aquarium.

"Why are you having fun by yourself? I thought you're with your colleagues?"

Nawala ang ngiti ni Kira nang marinig niya ang boses ni Aivan. Hindi niya ito nilingon, "I want to have fun by myself, it doesn't concern you anymore." Sagot ni Kira at nilingon ito. "How did you find me?" Pagtatanong niya dito.

Itinaas ni Aivan ang cellphone niya at nakita ni Kira na may tracker pala ito. "I have a tracker on your phone."

Tinignan ni Kira ang hawak niyang cellphone at bumuntong hininga. Kira looked around and she thought that he's with Iris. "Why are you here anyway? Just accompany Iris. It's your reunion, right?" Kira asked.

He heard him chuckled, he wrapped his arms on her shoulder. "Why? You jealous?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kira sa gulat dahil sa tinanong nito. "Huh? Jealous? Who's jealous?"

"Want me to tour you around the beach?" Aivan asked.

Binigyan ni Kira ng masamang tingin si Aivan at tinaggal ang kamay nito sa pagkakaakbay.

"No, thank you, I'd rather tour myself around —"

"Okay, then let's go." Bigla siyang hinila nito at hinawakan ang kamay niya.

"Hey! I didn't even agree!" Piglas ni Kira at hindi siya pinakikinggan ng binata at biglaan lang siya nito hinila at dinala kung saan.

Tumigil sila sa harap ng isang hagdan at may nakalagay na 'closed' standee rito.

Iginilid iyon ni Aivan na ikinagulat ni Kira. "Hey, it's closed! This is trespassing!" Bulong ni Kira.

Hinarap siya ni Aivan at ngumisi, "Then can my parents sue me for trespassing? They can't, right? So, just zip your mouth and follow me." Pagkasabi no'n ni Aivan ay kaagad siyang nanahimik at dinala paakyat sa hagdan.

Sobrang taas ng inakyat nila kaya halos hingalin si Kira sa pag-akyat sa hagdan.

"Malayo pa ba? Gaano pa kataas 'to? I'm tired!" Hinihingal na reklamo ni Kira kay Aivan.

"We're here."

Napatingin si Kira sa paligid. At halos manlaki ang mga mata niya sa tuwa, she's actually at the very top of the aquariums!

Napahawak si Kira ng maigi sa harang at napangiti sa nakita. She can clearly see the fishes inside the aquarium from where she's standing.

Para mas makita ni Kira ng maayos ang aquarium ay yumuko siya at mas lalong mapangiti nang makita ang mga isda.

Bumalik siya sa pagkakatayo at nilingon si Aivan. "Just how rich are you? If you tell me sooner, I won't be surprised anymore."

Aivan leaned in, "I should be the one asking you that. You're from a wealthy family, Kira." Saad nito.

Bumuntong hininga siya at napapikit ng mariin, "I'm not wealthy, Aivan." Sagot ni Kira sa binata, "My parents are the one who's wealthy, and I'm just their daughter who works as a photographer."

"Then that makes you an heiress."

"Don't call me that. I already left them. Tinalikuran ko na sila, kaya nga ayaw ko bumalik diba? I'll be living here as an ordinary person, Aivan. I'm not an heiress, not a daughter of a wealthy man nor a person who grew up with a golden spoon." Nakangiting wika niya at tinignan niya si Aivan. "How about you? You're an heir, right?" Kira asked.

"I was once an heir." Wika nito, "But, since I chose to be a doctor — then I'm not anymore."

"Atleast you're a successful doctor," Wika ni Kira. "But, sometimes a doubt your profession." dagdag na sabi ni Kira na ikinatigil ni Aivan.

"Why'd you say so?"

Seryoso ba talaga ito? Wala talaga itong ideya sa ibig sabihin niya? Tinaasan ni Kira ng kilay si Aivan at pinag-krus pa niya ang kamay sa dibdib, "Your lunch issue with me. Remember?" Kira asked him and she sighed, "A doctor won't do anything that'll harm his own health, but there's this doctor I actually know," Kira looked at Aivan, "who did something stupid yesterday and he did not even eat his lunch even though he knows the consequences of his own action as a doctor."

"What? Kasalanan ko pala na magutom kahapon?" Pagtatanong ni Aivan, "I told you to bring me lunch and you starved me to death! You even lied to me that you did bring me lunch four hours late."

Wow! Just wow! He really thinks that she's lying.

"You really think I'm lying? Try asking your hospital's receptionist and try asking her if someone delivered food for you yesterday." Hamon ni Kira kay Aivan.

Ngumisi ito at kinuha sa bulsa ang cellphone at kaagad na mayroon itong tinawagan sa cellphone.

Hinihintay nalang ni Kira kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ng binata 'pag nalaman nitong dinalhan niya talaga ito ng pagkain kahit na late niya ito dinala.

"What?!" Sigaw nito at pumirmi. "I want you out of that hospital before I go back. I don't need people like you inside the hospital!" Galit na wika nito at naiinis na ibinaba ang cellphone at ibinalik sa bulsa.

"See?" Kira proudly said, "Now you think I'm lying, huh?"

He was about to say something when he suddenly stared at her neck. Kira got conscious on the reason why he's looking at her like that.

Kira held her chest and she felt that the necklace she had was displayed. Nagtatakang tinignan niya si Aivan. "Why? Is there something wrong with my necklace?" Kira asked at him.

"Where did you get that?" Aivan asked.

"My bestfriend gave it as a gift. Why? Is there anythung wrong with it?" Pagtatanong ni Kira sa binata. Umiling-iling lamang ito at tinignan ni Kira ang mga mata nito at nakita niya ang ekspresyong ang tagal niyang hindi nakita at ayaw niya na muling makita.

Napayuko ang binata at nagsalita. "Let's head back." Saad nito at naunang bumaba.

Nagtatakang sinundan lang ni Kira si Aivan at napahawak sa necklace na suot-suot niya at itinago niya muli ito sa loob ng damit niya.

Ang layo ng distansya sa kanya ni Aivan at alam ni Kira na mayroong mali. Sinundan lang ni Kira si Aivan hanggang sa makalabas sila sa lugar. Malapit na ang hapunan kaya nang lumabas sila sa dome ay nakita na ni Kira ang kulay kahel na kalangitan at bilugang araw na malapit nang dumikit sa dagat.

Nakita niya sila Chaun kasama si Iris at ang boss niya, akmang lalapitan ni Iris si Aivan ngunit hindi napansin ni Aivan na lalapitan siya ni Iris at neg-dire-deretso lang ito papasok sa inuukupang cabin.

Nagkatinginan ang boss niya at si Iris dahil sa nakita. Hindi na nagdalawang isip si Iris na sundan si Aivan at naramdaman niya naman ang pagsiko ni Chaun sa kanya.

"What happened?" Chaun asked.

Nagkibit balikat si Kira, "I don't know what happened. He suddenly changed his mood like that and I don't even know the reason why." Sagot ni Kira.

There's something wring with him and Kira wants to find out what is it and she wants to help him remove those expression in his eyes. Kira's bothered by how he showed his expression.

"Let's just give him space." Wika ni Chaun.

"Okay," Pagtawanmg ng boss niya sa kanilang lahat. "Let's eat our dinner."

PAGKATAPOS nilang kumain ng hapunan ay nagsi-balikan ang mga katrabaho niya sa kani-kanilang kuwarto para magpahinga.

It's been an hour ever since Kira finished eating her dinner. She showered and all, but she can't feel the tiredness in her body.

She went out for a walk and the see breeze calmed her up. Umupo si Kira sa buhangin at napatitig sa mga bituin sa langit at natulala siya sa liwanag ng buwan.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone niya at nakitang walang ni-isang reply si Aivan sa message niya. It was really a bad idea to ask him if he had eaten. Hindi niya na pala dapat pinakialaman ito at hindi niya nalabg dapat sinundan ang sinabi ni Chaun.

"Hi, Kira!"

Napalingon siya sa likod niya nang tawagin siya ni Iris. Nginitian ni Kira si Iris, "Oh, hi." Tipid na wika niya.

Umupo si Iris sa tabi niya, "Why are you still up, Kira? Are you worried about Aivan?" Iris asked.

"Is he fine? Did he already eat his dinner? You're with him, right?" Kira asked Iris.

Tumango si Iris at ngumiti. "Yes, he ate it with me." Sagot ni Iris sa kanya. "I hope you understand his attitude, he's been like that ever since his girlfriend died."

"Died?" Kira said out of the blue and she was shocked to hear about it.

Iris sighed, "Ever since he was with her girlfriend back then, he was too distant from me. I was sad about it as his friend. Then, when her girlfriend passed away, I was with him and I took care of him. So, I know him for as long as you can imagine." Dagdag na saad ni Iris.

Kira doesn't want to misunderstand the situation, but Iris' being rude. Kira doesn't like the attitude she's showing.

"That's good to hear." She said as she tried to obscure the irritation she has. She never knew that Iris would be that kind of person. "It's good to hear that you took care of my boyfriend very well."

"We used to hang-out every weekend, and he always visit me in my restaurant. There I thought we had something, but then I heard that he already have a girlfriend and I was shoked that it was you." Saad nito.

Kira can't hold it anymore so she had to say something to her to make her stop talking like that. What if she's the 'real' girlfriend of Aivan?

She might've misunderstood already misunderstood what Iris was saying. Even though she shouldn't get angry on what she's sayibg, but she finds it very rude. And with the fact that she knows that she's her friend's girlfriend.

"I'm sorry, Iris." Panimula ni Kira. "But, it think it's rude to say those things in front of me. I understand that you are his friend and good thing that I'm not that stupid to misunderstand it."

Bumuntobg hininga si Iris at biglabg nagbago ang ekspresyon na ipinakita. "I thought you're easy, but I guest I judged you too much." Saad nito, "Well, can I say what I want to say?" Pagkatapos sabihin ni Iris iyon ay tumayo ito at siya rin ay tumayo.

"Then say it." Matapang na wika ni Kira. "Don't beat around the bushes, Iris."

"I like Aivan... a lot! But, you ruined the chance that I have." Nakangising wika ni Iris, "Now that you know my intentions, look out for him or I'll get him away from you." pagkasabi ni Iris no'n ay kaagad itong umalis sa harap niya at hindi mapigilan ni Kira na matawa.

She really did judge Iris to early. She's not the sophisticated nice girl she knew, she's a wicked and rotten one. Now, Kira hates her.

Kira won't back down and she will do everything to keep her away from Aivan. She's completely sick to the core! She's a complete fake! Let's just see how far Iris can handle her, now that she already warned her.