Backfired Jokes

We went on a trip. It's supposed to be a Business Trip to attend a Business Symposium for the company we are connected with. My Boss is the representative for our company. And since I am the newly appointed EA, I get to come with him. 

Gusto kong isiping this trip will be for business alone but with our current status, pleasure is somewhat tagged along. So for our business/pleasure trip, we get to be in our relationship a little. And we planned to stay a little bit longer muna sa Singapore after the symposium. 

The symposium is schedule for the next 2 days. We arrived at SG a day ahead. Our hotel rooms were pre-booked. And honestly, dalawa lang talaga kami ang nasa trip. At first I am so worried baka iba isipin sakin ng mga katrabaho ko. Yet, it seemed that they truly understand my role as his executive assistant. Ang hirap lang talaga ng may tinatago, nakakaparanoid. 

I am arranging our check-in rooms while he was on the phone. Actually, lately he's been so busy. Andami na niya trabaho that we get to minimize our time together. With his on going personal problems as well, medyo naglie low din kami sa patweetums and being together. And this trip seemed to be our temporary get away.

Nilingon ko siya as he was phasing back and fort  sa lobby while talking on the phone. Medyo seryoso ata yung usapan niya sa cellphone. 

"My apologies for the wait. But we are still checking your booking," the receptionist said na nakapagpapaling ulit ng tingin sa kaniya. "It seemed that the booked room under your Mr. Ryon Mendez is a one Double Suite Room."

Napaangat ang isang kilay ko in confusion. The booking was made by our HR. So hindi ko alam kung ano yung set-up. But I'm kind of expecting 2 rooms for each of us. Because that's the way it should be. 

"Double suite meaning 2 rooms, right?" It sounded stupid but I am hopeful. We are supposedly on a Business Trip. Let's keep it that way first. 

Ngumiti ang receptionist as if taking what I said as a joke. "It's actually 2 beds in 1 room. But it's a suite so it's kind of full amenities---

"Yeah, I know what a suite is. But as you can see, I am with a man and that man is my boss. I cannot stay in a room with my boss for 5days," I panicked. It's my paranoia talking. It's hard to say na hindi ito malalaman ng opisina. For once, sila nagbook nito. 

"I'm really sorry but this is the room that has been pre-booked and saved for you. And with the Business Event that is going on within the hotel we are kind of fully booked," turan ng receptionist in her most apologetic tone. 

"What's taking so long?" Hindi ko namalayang nakalapit na pala si Boss samin. Napalingon ako sa kaniya. 

"There's problem with our booking. The HR booked for a one room. We get to stay in one room with 2 beds," ani ko in a straight frustrated face. I waited for his reaction and to my surprise, ngumiti siya ng napakalawak saka humarap sa receptionist. 

"Can the beds be replaced with one big size?" Turan niya grinning from ear to ear. 

Nanlaki ang mata ko as I tried to stop him. Napatingin sakin ang receptionist with so much curiosity. As if telling me I thought he was your boss?

"Uhmm..." nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ng receptionist samin. 

"Oh, don't worry. She may be my assistant but we are actually lovers. We can sleep together." Lalong nalaglag ang panga ko sa turan niya. His face shows excitement that it is lit up with a so wide grin. Tila ako nahiya sa tinuran niya. The receptionist smiled na tila kinikilig pa sa dineklara niya. Napayuko na lang ako as I hid my face in my palms. 

"That can be arranged. We can check you in now but please give us 15mins to prepare the room for you," turan ng receptionists. Tila naging excited din ito sa nalaman. And mukhang ikukwento niya pa yun sa mga kasamahan niya when we leave. She punched in a few buttons in the computer and check us in. 

"Thank you," turan naman ni Boss saka humarap sakin. I looked at him in disbelief and sarcasm. "What?" He asked.

I smirk. "Let me just remind you, this is a work trip. Baka gusto mong umayos," aniko.

"Was it wrong? We are lovers, totoo naman yun," he said.

Hindi ako sumagot. Inirapan ko siya. He didn't hesitated as he throw in his arms around me and pulled me to him. Nanlaki ang mata ko when he gave me a smack on my lips.

"What the--- are you enjoying this?!" tabig ko.

"Why are you afraid of? Wala namang nakakakilala satin dito. Besides, this is part of the plan di ba? Ilang araw ko ng pinipicture to sa utak ko tas pipigilan mo pa ko? Atleast here we could enjoy each other freely not worrying na baka may makakita satin," he explained. Umangat angat pa ang kilay niya sa pagpapacute sakin. 

Hindi na ko nakasagot. Mabilis din namang natapos ang 15mins and mayamaya lang we are being guided na to our rooms. It was a beautiful, classy suite. As the bellhop dropped our bags, mabilis na niyang inabutan ng tip ang staff and immediately closed the door. I am about to take our bags in the closet, when he pulled me and carried me to bed. Napaigik ako.

"Our bags can wait later, I cannot," as he get on top of me and started kissing me on my neck. I can't help but to be engaged in. And we spent the whole afternoon staying in the suite like we are on our first honeymoon. 

I heard the alarm buzz early morning the next day. I reached for it and turned it off. I feel like sleeping more. Nilingon ko ang katabi ko, he was still soundlessly asleep with his bare backside in my view. Nakadapa ito and tila mas pagod pa sakin. Because he won't stop. Hindi ko na alam kung nakailang make love kami or maaga ba kaming nakatulog. The place was making it more exciting than ever. Gusto ko pa sanang matulog but we have to be in the symposium by 9am. I wriggle and stretched myself in the comfy bed. Bumangon na ko. I decided to fix myself first bago ko siya gisingin. 

Napangiti ako as I remember what we did throughout yesterday. I never imagined may ieexcite pa pala ang love making naming dalawa as we usually do it sa bahay. We did all kinds of things and we get to enjoy each other a lot. First day palang pero intense na. Baka mapagod kami at the end of the week. We even soaked together sa bathtub. We even did it there. Our dinner was also stimulating. We had it delivered to our suite. We ate together with only robes on. I never felt so hot during dinner. There were kisses all over. 

I finished taking a bath. Tulog pa rin si Boss. I put on my office suite for the symposium and decided to wake him up before I do make up. It took awhile bago siya nagising. 

"We will be late if you don't wake up," I told him. 

He seemed disoriented pa. Napansin niyang bihis na ko. "Nagbihis ka na?"

"Comm'on get up! Gusto mo bang paliguan pa kita?" 

"Bakit nagbihis ka na? Sabay tayong maligo dapat," aniya in his groggy voice. Tumayo na siya. 

Nginitian ko siya. I reached for his lips and kissed him. Saka ako tumayo. 

"You have to control yourself. We still have work to do here. Baka maubos yung lakas mo," aniko as I walked to the dresser to finish fixing myself. 

He just pouted his lips. Stood up and went to the shower. 

We went to the Symposium at quarter to 9am. The venue was just at the event hall of the same hotel. We spent naman the whole afternoon with work. We get to meet other delegates from other known companies din.

We we're seated at table number 8. 8 more people was with us on the table. We get to get to know them since they will be our seat mates the entire symposium. I am seated on his right. Katabi niya ang isang babaeng delegate from one of the well known designer brands. Her name is Stella. The girl exudes classy, bossy attitude. She doesn't talk to me for she knew I am just his EA. She seemed more interested with my Boss though. Probably she only deals with better connections. 

Eventhough I kept my professionalism with me for this whole event, I can't help but somewhat mainis sa maarteng babaeng ito. Kahit na sinabi pa niyang she's engaged and showed us her ring, I can't help but feel a little jealousy sa pag mingle nito sa Boss ko. And my Boss seemed to feel my irritation. When I'm kind of pouty and raising my eyebrow, he will talk to me with work. Minsan hindi ko na nagegets yung instruction niya since I am being clouded by sulkiness. 

"Stop pouting or I'll kiss you here," he whispered to me once. Hindi ko namamalayang I am clenching my fist so hard sa gigil. 

He was being professional all throughout the event. He composed himself like a boss did. He may announced to the receptionist kahapon that we are lovers but in this part  I am being treated like the way assistant should be treated with. 

It's fine with me though. Trabaho ko naman talaga yun. I just can't stand the girl being friendly with him. But then, pinilit ko ang sarili ko to shake off the jealousy. I acted professionaly and do my task as expected of me. Natapos ang symposium for day 1. Hindi pa kami umuwi agad after the event. We stayed behind since there was a business deal that our company and the girl's company wanted to settle with. And since we have limited time here in SG, they both decided to work on it as soon as possible. We were discussing the set up and opportunities for the said deal. The girl was with one of her colleagues as well, her co-boss. It was a very productive meeting somehow. 

All of a sudden, the girl looked at her cellphone and told us  "I'm so sorry but do you mind if someone joins us over this meeting. I mean I should  be out already since it's past work hours but I really don't want to miss this opportunity for our deal," apologetic na turan niya. 

"Oh, don't mind us. We we're almost done, I think," my Boss agreed. 

"My fiancé is coming. He joined me in this trip and we were supposed to have dinner today. So I hope it's ok if he'll stay with us for a bit?"

"No worries. He can join us," I answered cheerfully. Wala naman palang rason para mainis ako. Kasama naman pala niya si fiancé. She just dialed something on her phone and then bumalik na sa business discussion. Medyo naging at ease naman ang pakiramdam ko towards her. Feeling ko magiging bff ko na din siya. But I shook off the idea. 

We we're engaged in a formal conversation when the girl waved on someone coming from behind our back. 

"Oh! Here he comes," excited na turan niya. I was typing something on my laptop so I didn't bother to look. The man walk past through me, reached for his girlfriend and sat in front of me. Saka lang ako napatingin sa kaniya. 

I felt my face flushed out of blood. The man had the same reaction. Tila namutla din ito nang makilala ako. Tila nag-alangan pa siyang umupo sa harap ko when he saw my face. I couldn't hide my feelings. I know the man so well that I really don't know how to hide my reactions. The man is my supposed to be boyfriend!

"This is my fiancé, Drake." the girl introduced us to him. I remained staring at him. I don't know where to start the confrontation.

My emotions was all time high. Medyo naguguluhan ako. We we're lovers! I may have broken up with him a couple of weeks ago but I believe it is not actually a closure yet. He was even calling me since the other day. Kung hindi lang ito blinock ng Boss ko sa phone ko I may have answer him. So it confuses me bakit ito naging fiancé ng babaeng kaharap namin.

"You seemed to know each other?" Turan ng Boss ko sa kaniya. He didn't know his face personally. He might have seen pictures of him on my phone which he eventually deleted. But he really didn't saw him yet personally. But I think he got the idea. 

"S-she's a friend," he stammered. I felt a stab in my chest. He couldn't even bother to admit that I am his ex. We were together for 7 years. Kahit pa long distance. I put up with him for years. Yun pala engaged na ito sa iba. Wala naman sigurong na-eengage ng weeks lang nagkakilala. Plus the ring on the girl's  finger was so exquisite to doubt na bago lang sila. So to put things thru, this man is cheating on me for a long time now. 

"Oh really? Kita mo nga naman maliit lang talaga ang mundo," my boss said sarcastically. He may have been someone pissed but I can also sense cheeriness in his tone. 

"D'you mind if we order food?" ani ng Stella. "Have you eaten, sweets?" Paling ni girl sa kaniya. I didn't stop myself from smirking. What a lovely endearment. He used to call me that!

Naramdaman kong hinawakan ni Boss ang kamay ko from under the table. Tila comforting me secretly. Or inaawat ako sa pagbabadyang pag flare up. 

Honestly, hindi ko alam kung ano ang gusto kong gawin at this time. I am so mad, so hurt and so frustrated. Andami kong gustong itanong. But I know hindi niya yun aaminin sakin lahat. Plus I don't want to make a scene. The girl will  soon to be business partner, ayokong ako pa ang maging dahilan ng break ng deal na 'to. 

I shook my head off. I need to get away for awhile to bring back my composure. Mabilis akong napatayo and excuse myself. I know the girl was beginning to get curious on why am I reacting this way. But I couldn't careless. Bahala siyang magpaliwanag sa fiancée niya kung bakit. 

I headed to the girl's lounge. Tila ako naliliyo sa kaganapan. I stared myself at the mirror and pinakaramdaman ko ang sarili ko. Was I jealous knowing that he is now engaged? Was I really hurt knowing that he cheated on me? Hurt, yes. Kahit pa I had the intention of breaking up with him nakakainsultong malaman na niloloko niya ko during our time. But I think I am not jealous. Infact, ok na ko sa ideang ikakasal na siya sa iba.

'So anong sinisintir mo?' Bulong ko sa sarili ko. I think I just need an explanation for closure. I fix myself up and headed back to our table. I forced myself to be cheerful when I get back. 

"I'm really sorry about that. I just had a moment," paumanhin ko as I sat back on our table. Nakatingin sakin ang boss ko with so much worries. Humarap ako sa kaniya. Smiled and assured him silently that I am ok. 

The girl was looking at me with so much curiosity. Hindi ko alam kung ano na ang pinag-usapan nila while I'm out. But I think I need to explain first. 

"I think I need to explain why I acted like that," sabi ko. I choose to put myself back to reality but I don't want to cause the tension. "Again, sorry for the rudeness. But I was honestly surprise to see you here," baling ko sa kaniya. "For everyone's knowledge, this guy here is my ex-boyfriend's best friend," I lied highlighting the ex-boyfriend's part. "I'm so sorry but our break up was somewhat messy that even his friends are banned from my life."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Sweets, I didn't know your best friend was a heartbreaker," she seemed more relax now. And tila kilala nito ang bestfriend ng fiancé niya. Which add up to my list of why I hated this ex so much. It only means he's showing her to his friends already. 

"But it's a close book now, so I don't think we need to discuss this over our dinner. Did you order already?" Pag-iiba ko sa usapan. 

"We haven't. Let's call on the waiter," turan ni girl. I took the liberty to order for my boss and I. And the girl place his and her order. It just confirms na matagal na sila for the girl knows so much about him even his favorite food and what can and cannot eat. 

My boss held my hand from under the table. As if telling me don't exert too much reaction. He was here all along. And he is somewhat jealous.

Tila nagpipigil din itong magdeclare that we are lovers. He knows it is not the right timing. He leave me alone to deal with this drama like we have discussed beforehand. He dealt with his own. I should work on mine alone. 

"So how long have you been together?" Hindi ko napigil ang sarili ko na magtanong. It's calming my nerve to atleast know the truth.

"Oh! We are childhood sweethearts actually. But we've parted ways as we grow older. We've just gotten back last year," mabilis na kwento ni girl. Super elated pa nga. Very proud sa engagement niya

'Childhood sweetheart? Last year pa?" That was the first time I decided to work away from home. Nakipagbalikan ba siya sa Childhood sweetheart niya? We're dating for 7 years. Kung nakipagbalikan pala ito sa ex niya last years why'd he stayed with me and cope up the long distance relationship? Was I his get away comfort? Ako pa ata yung lumalabas na 2nd option niya. 

"When did you decided to get married?" 

"He proposed to me 5 months ago. We've been planning it quite awhile now. It's actually scheduled on spring," excited na itong nagkwento. 

"Best wishes for both of you. That is really sweet," I can't help but be sarcastic. Sa kaniya ako nakatingin. He can't even look at me though. "By the way, forget what happened to me and your friend. I am ok now. Happy and contented. I am meeting someone din naman lately. But I am just taking time to get to know him even better. Mahirap nang maloko ulit," I said to him. It was a  coded verse and I hope he gets it. 

"Really? That's why you are not answering him lately?" He asked. Tila sasakyan niya din ang secret codes. 

"Why is he still calling her? Did he cheat on her?" Ani ni girl. "If he's cheating, what's the reason why she still wanted to talk to her? He still expect that she wants explanation?" 

"Exactly!" Somehow the girl was so witty. "If a guy cheats, it's just better to accept na tapos na. No need for explanation, di ba?" I pointed out. I looked at my boss. Napapailing na napapangiti na lang ito from the side. 

"On a guy's point of view, we atleast needed a closure," ani Boss na medyo natatawa na rin. And somewhat biglang naging engaged in this conversation. 

Napalingon ako sa kaniya and gave him a death stare as if telling him 'kakampi ba kita?' Gatol ka pa!'  He just gave me a smile and a wink. 

"That's right. Atleast you could've have explained. Or atleast hear his explanations," ani agad niya ng makakita ng kakampi. 

Hinarap ko siya. Pinigil kong irapan siya. Bagkus mariin ang matang tinitigan ko siya. "I am not liking this conversation now, but  I think you both got a point," sang ayon ko kahit papano. He wants to hear me then so be it. "So since andito ka naman na and makikisuyo na kong ipaabot mo sa kaniya. Tell him, to stop calling me now. Ok na ko dun. I don't need his explanations."

"You go, girl! It's actually his lost," sang ayon sakin ni girl.  Napangiti na lang ako. If she only knew...

After dinner, lumabas na kami ng venue hall. The two was checked in to a different hotel kaya hinatid na  rin namin sila sa labas waiting for their car. Medyo nagpahuli ako and sinabayan naman ako ng fiancé  niya as if taking the opportunity to talk to me privately. 

"I still need to talk to you. Can we atleast talk properly?"

He said when we are somewhat out of ear shot. Her fiancée went to the girl's lounge. My boss was talking again on the phone.

Ngumiwi ako. "Shut it! Sinabi ko na, ok na ko. I am broke up with you 3 weeks ago. Anong rason bakit ayaw mo pa tanggapin when you are actually engaged?"

"It's not that I really want to marry her. Magkalayo tayo for a year now. I was really missing you," he said. 

"You missed me and you decided to fill that up with another girl?" Ako ba ang nagkulang?

"It's not like that!" 

"Can you just stop?" putol ko na. "Consider this as our official break up. Move on with it."

He stared at me straight. There was sadness in his eyes somehow. "Is it true? You're dating somebody else?" Tila gusto pa nitong baliktarin ang sitwasyon. Kahit anong gawin niya, siya ang nauna. Besides, I broke up with him beforehand bago ako nag-accept ng panibagong lovelife.

Napabuntong hininga ako. It's not about getting back at him but if the truth will make him stop, I would be happy to obliged. 

"He was into me lately. I was rejecting him at first but he was persistent. Somehow, I was gaining feelings for him. But I hesitated kasi ayokong lokohin ka. And when I am actually falling for him that is the time I decided to break up with you. Was it cheating? Hindi ko naman kayo pinagsabay? Like what you did to me?" Aniko with all honesty. 

"Who is he then?"

"Why asked? Does it matter now? Tinanggap ko na ikakasal ka sa iba, why can't you accept it for me?"

"You're too special for me, I need to know if he can replace my place. Ayokong gawin niya sayo ang ginawa ko," he said. Somehow I felt touch. Kung tutuusin, this man showed me real love before he turned into a jerk. And for that, I am thankful. 

"Leave it be. I'll deal with my troubles myself. Let's just move on," deklara ko. 

Natanawan kong palapit na samin ang fiancée niya.

"And lastly, don't even bother trying to get me back if you heard something about me. Considered this as burnt bridge towards us. You know, I don't actually cross bridges," aniko.

"Ready to go?" Ani ko kay Stella smiling widely nang makalapit ito. Mabilis itong lumingkis kay Drake. Nilingon ko si Ryon, he was still on the phone. Sumenyas na lang ako sa kaniya na ako na ang maghahatid sa labas sa dalawa. He just waved at the two as we walked out of the hotel. 

Nang makaalis, bumalik na ko sa loob. Ryon was no longer there. Tila bumalik na ito sa suite namin. Tumuloy na rin ako doon. He was seating on the sofa when I get in. He seemed really exhausted. 

"You ok?" He asked. "Nauna na ko, I thought you still needed time to part ways with your ex."

"He still wants me back though," ani ko. I sat beside him.

"Jerk!" aniya. Iniakbay niya ang braso sa balikat ko. "You're mine now, he can't take you back." He kissed me on my forehead. "I won't be giving you back to him."

"He wanted to meet you though something like he wanted to confirm if he can trust you. Baka daw gawin mo sakin yung ginawa niya sakin," kwento ko. 

"Did you tell him about me?" he seemed like the idea.

"Not really you. But I told him, I am dating someone else. But I didn't cheat on him. I've been trying to broke up with him before I really commit myself to you," dagdag ko pa. 

"Whatever. Atleast you admitted na mas gwapo talaga ako sa kaniya. It's really comforting to meet him though. Atleast nakita kong wala pala siyang panama sakin. Sobrang lamang ng paligo ko sa kaniya."

"Conceited!" hampas ko sa dibdib niya. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko and locked my fingers with his. "But I had to say, nainsecure ako sa fiancée niya. She was well off more than I am. I am just your humble servant," aniko. 

"You're prettier than her if you're that worried. She's actually flirting with me at first. But I know she sensed that we're together. Honestly, sinabi ko sa kaniya," aniya. 

Nanlaki ang mata ko and napaangat. He was smiling wide. 

"Hindi nga?!"

"You we're pouting and sulking all morning. Akala mo hindi ko napapansin. She was actually hitting on me.  May fiancé pala siya. So I told her we we're actually lovers. Kaya medyo naglie low naman siya. Infact, I think he invited his fiancé to show me off that she only wanted a one night stand. But it got backfired on her."

"That bitch!" Tama lang palang iritable ako sa babaeng yun. "You could've have told me para inamin ko na lang na ex ko yung boyfriend niya."

"I don't think that's necessary. For sure she will tell him about us. And I just wonder anong gagawin ng ex mo."

He pulled me back again as I cuddle onto him. 

"What if he insist on getting me back?" 

"I'll do this in front of him," he reached for my lips and kissed me passionately. It took awhile before he released it. "See, you're respond tells it all."

Napangiti na lang ako. 

"Ok now, let's proceed. I have a few energy left. But kaya ko pa ang isang round. No, three."

Napahalakhak na lang ako as he climbed on top of me on the sofa.