Chapter Eight

Its been a whole week since nung date namin ni Jana and up until now hindi pa ulit namin nakita ang isat isa. Literal na dinalaw kami ng calm before the storm after nung date namin. Naging sunod sunod ang events na kailangan namin asikasuhin and the only time lang siguro na nagawa naming mag sama is when we need to meet with foreign investors and trust me, wala din kaming nagawa kasi nagkita lang kami sa meeting then after that we proceeded na sa next schedule namin. Kahit sa office hindi man namin nagawang maramdaman ang aninu ng isat isa. We do update each other from time to time pero even with that, pahirapan na din kami. Bago pa namin mag replyan kasi yung isat isa, may bago na agad kaming call or message na kailangan sagutin.

Honestly, akala ko ma recharge nako nung weekend na mag kasama kami, pero dahil ata doon mas lalo ko lang siya namiss. Usually hindi ko naman napapansin pero lately I always have this moments na bigla ko nalang naaalala na hindi nanaman kami nag kasama or nagkita. Call me clingy but I can't help it. Ito na siguro yung sinasabi nilang mahal mo talaga yung tao kung walang araw na hindi mo siya naiisip.

At dahil ilang days ko na nga siyang hindi nakakasama, I decided to surprise her after my meeting with another investor, nainform ko na din kasi yung sekretarya niya kaya yung sa pagkakaalam ni Jana meron lang siyang imemeet na potential client so wala siyang idea na ako yung imemeet niya. I wanted to see her before she goes back to Boston, kahit na ako din naman ang maghahatid sakanya sa airport gusto ko pa din siya isurprised. Gusto ko lang din siyang pabaunan ng magandang memory. Kaya nagpareserve nako ng table for us both sa favorite place namin, and I already told Roxy to prepare a bouquet for me and binili ko na din siya ng gift, kahit hindi niya birthday gusto ko lang siya ispoil ngayon.

"Sir?" Roxy peeps in to my open door smiling "Your next schedule is on their way tapos natawagan ko na yung florist, diretso na nilang idedeliver sayo mamaya yung bouquet" Pangiting sabi ni Roxy, and halatang sa tayo niya, kinikilig nanaman siya at meron pang gustong sabihin

"What is it? Mukha ka nanaman naiihi" I dropped everything I was doing and faced her with my full undivided attention. Bumalik siya sa pintuan para tingnan if meron pang ibang tao na nakikinig bago niya to sinara. Patakbo siyang bumalik sa harapan ng table ko sabay ngumit na parang baliw. "Sir, since nagplano kayo na sweet dinner date with Maam Janette, does that mean na mag popropose na kayo? Kailangan ko na bang iarrange yung schedule niyo para ma meet niyo yung nga wedding planners niyo and other else?" Of course ganun na agad ang naisip niya after ko sabihin sakanyang iclear out yung sched ko for the night. Half ata ng empleyado sa kompanya yun na ang iniisip. Though okay lang naman din sakin pero like what I said before, ayaw ko pang ipush si Jana sa isang bagay na alam ko din na hindi pa siya handa.

"Alam mo kesa sa ganyan yung tinatanong mo sakin bakit hindi mo muna asikasuhin yung sinabi ko sayo? Sayang yung position baka iba nanaman ang mapasok" Hindi ko siya deretsong sinagot kasi for sure hahaba lang ang usapan namin. Ayaw ko lang din magsalita ng patapos kaya iniba ko na yung usapan.

Meron na kasing open na bagong position sa team ko, gusto ko sanang si Roxy yung kumuha nun since okay na din si Jenny. Ilang years na din kasing nagtatrabaho sakin si Roxy and gusto kong siya na ang mag succeed dun sa position. I need someone who I can trust but syempre, ayaw ko ng issue within the board members kaya pinapadaan ko si Roxy sa tamang process. Kailangan niya mismong mag pass ng requirements and of course ma interview para talagang makuha siya sa position. Kaso sa sobrang dedicated ni Roxy sa pagiging secretary ko, palagi niya nalang hindi nagagawa yung pagpasa ng requirements.

"Sir huwag niyo po ibahin yung usapan, halata naman pong doon na din yung punta ng relationship niyo with Miss Janette, bakit niyo po pa pinapatagal?" Pagpupumilit ni Roxy sabay upo couch ko.

"Rox, matagal ka ng nagtatrabaho sakin bukod pa doon, matagal ka na din naming kaibigan. You know na hindi pa naman talaga kami ganun ka ready and we are just starting sa kanya kanya naming career. Ayaw ko namang ipush si Jana. Tsaka ikaw na din nag sabi, doon din naman kami papunta bakit ko kailangang madaliin?" Patanong kong pagsagot sakanya

"Fine, whatever you say. Pero yung samin lang, excited na kami for the babies" patawang pang aasar ni Roxy. Nung na realize niyang wala na din siyang makuhangninformation sakin, kusa na din siyang umalis and just like before, iniwan niyang naka open yung pintuan ko. I have this habit kasi na kapag dere derecho yung trabaho, ayaw kong naririnig yung pag open and close ng pintuan sa office. Unless I'm in a provate call or meeting inside my office, doon ko palang sinasara yung door.

I'll be having a meeting with a potential foreign investor, siya din naman ang nag reach out sa amin and nung pina research ko siya sa team ko, turns out na anak siya ng CEO ng Dohla Car Company ng India. Naghahanap daw kasi siya ng new investment and may nakapagsabi daw sakanya na we are one of the safest and fast rising corporation sa Asia kaya gusto niyang makipag meeting to see the records for himself. Ako na sana yung pupunta sa India para imeet siya but then he asked that dito nalang sa Pilipinas ang first meet up namin since gusto niya din daw magbakasyon and honestly speaking isa siya sa rason kung bakit sobrang naging busy din ako this week kasi kelangan ko siya iwow sa presentation. Kahit pa hindi siya yung boss ng sarili nilang kompanya, he still has resources na magagamit ko din if ever natuloy tong usapan namin.

So far sa telepono ko palang siya nakakausap and this is going to be our first time meeting in person kaya I have to give him a good impression of myself. Nung ininform ako ni Roxy na malapit na daw sila sa office, agad na kong nag ayus at bumaba ng building para Iwelcome siya personally at para mapakita na din sakanya yung buong office.

While we were waiting, tinext ko na din si Jana na kung pwedeng bumaba siya saglit of ever nasa opisina siya para ma meet niya din mismo yung posibleng maging kasosyo sa trabaho. Pati si Lauren na almost hindi ko na din nararamdaman kung pumapasok ba or hindi, sinabihan ko na din para naman kumpleto kaming mag welcome sa foreign investor. Makalipas ang ilang minuto, dali daling naglalakad si Jana galing elevator papunta sa side ko sabay kurut sa tagiliran ko.

"Bat naman ngayon mo lang sinabi na meron ka palang foreign investor na parating, kailangan mo ba ko during meeting?" Pabulong niyang sabi habang nakalinya na kaming nag hihintay sa mga bisita namin.

"No need, pinababa lang kita para lang formal mong makilala si Mr, Rejahsh. Tsaka hindi pa naman siguradong pipirma siya saatin. May feeling kasi akong hindi lang tayo ang nireach out niya" pabulong ko ding sagot sakanya. Napatango nalang siya sinabi ko at hindi na nagsalita. Habang nakatayo kaming magkatabi, I have this urge to feel her body against mine kaya habang naghihintay kami, hinawakan ko siya sa bewang niya tsaka siya pinalapit sa side ko. Obviously nagulat siya sa actions ko kasi meron kaming ibang kasama sa lobby at eto ako nagiging clingy sakanya. Alam naman ng halos na sobrang rare kami kung magpakita ng ganitong actions sa isat isa pag nasa office kami.

"Okay kalang ba?" Tinanong ako ni Jana sabay tingin sa mga tao sa palibut namin.

"Don't worry about them, just give me a few minutes bago dumating yung investor" I whispered to which she slowly nods.

Pagkaraan ng ilang minuto, nakita na din namin yung company car na pinasundo namin sa investor. Syempre para sa pag dalaw niya sa opisina, we took the initiative to offer them a ride and para din hindi na sila ma hassle.

Inalis ko na yung kamay ko sa side ni Jana at pareho na kaming nag ayos para iwelcome yung bisita namin.

Ka park ng sasakyan agad ng lumapit sa pintuan si Roxy para pagbuksan si Mr. Rejahsh, pero kesa sa lalaki ang bumaba. Legs ng isang babae ang lumabas sa pintuan and when she stood up to face us all, parang nawala lahat ng hangin at lahat ng attention ay napunta sa babaeng nasa harapan namin at sumanod din sakanya si Mr. Rejahsh.

After realizing who the person was at kung hindi pako siniko ni Jana, hindi ko pa magagawang magising sa katotohanan at harapin ang pangyayari. Nung napansin ni Jana na hindi ako makapag salita, siya na ang naunang bumati kay Mr. Rejahsh.

"Welcome to MA Corp. Mr Rejahsh. I'm Janette Sanchez and i'm one of the current associate and negotiator for both Ma Corp and SCC Inc" Janette introduces herself, offering her hand for Mr. Rejahsh and to the lady beside him.

Wala naman akong choice kundi maging civil sakanila kahit pa lumalakas yung pagkabog ng dibdib ko. Nung winarningan ako ni Will hindi ko naman inexpect na agad agad mangyayari pero kahit ganun, I have to keep my cool and act professionally, kahit pa yung babaeng nasa harap ko, yung same na babaeng hindi ko inexpect na makikita ko pa.

"Mr. Rejahsh, I'm Darren Laquesta, we spoke through the phone, welcome to MA Corp" I offered my hand na agad niya din naman kinamayan na may kasamang pagngiti.

"Its so nice to finally meet you, I am happy that we are able to meet like this" he smiles "By the way, this is the lovely friend whole told me about your company, I believe you already know each other" he comments and that made Jana face me with wonder. Syempre hindi niya alam anong ibig sabihin ni Mr. Rejahsh and I'm pretty sure sobrang curious na siya kagaya din ng ibang empleyado na nakarinig ng comment ni Mr. Rejahsh.

"Ms. De Cruz, its been awhile" I stated offering my hand in civil manner. Kahit ano pang past ang meron ako kay Allyza, nandito siya for business and kasama ng potential investor sa kompanya kaya I will have treat her as civil and professional as I can be. Halatang nagulat siya nung inoffer ko sakanya yung kamay ko, after all this years, this is the first time na magkaka contact kami ulit sa isat isa. I'm not ecstatic about it, especially when my girlfriend is clearly watching and knows right at this moment kung sino tong babaeng to na bigla nalang sumulpot. Hindi ko naiwasang mag isip na baka anong isipin ni Jana after neto, I'm just hoping na hindi siya mag overthink dahil dito at hayaan akong mag explain kapag nagusap na kami mamaya.

"Years actually. Its so nice to see you again" she speaks up making me remember tons of useless memories of how I used to love her voice. Now its all crashing back to me and I have to shake this clouding feeling away from my mind or else, mawawalan lang ng kwenta yung meeting na to. I release my hand from her almost immediately then faced Mr. Rajehsh.

"Since you are here, Roxy here" Lumapit si Roxy after kong imention yung pangalan niya "Will escort you to the conference room first so you and Ms. De Cruz can rest before we start with our meeting" I informed them, hoping na before ko sila kausapin ay makausap ko muna si Jana. I don't want her to think na tinago ko sakanya to or kung ano man. Buti nalang din pumayag silang pareho at inentertain na din sila ni Roxy pero hindi ko maiwasang mapansin ang pag aalangan ni Allyza na umalis kasama ni Roxy, she took another glance saming pareho ni Jana bago siya sumama at sumunod na din kay Roxy at Mr. Rejahsh.

"Siya ba ang rason kung bakit hindi mo agad sinabi saakin na may darating na foreign investor?" Eto ang bungad sakin ni Jana, kapasok na kapasok namin sa opisina niya. I know na meron lamang akong kunting minuto bago ko kailangang balikan sila Mr. Rajehsh pero if needed priority ko ang ipaintindi kay Jana yung sitwasyon. "Just tell me the truth because I'm not stupid and I know that thats her. Otherwise you wouldn't be so speechless when they arrived awhile ago. We both agrred that no matter how deep our relationship is with each other hindi pwedeng ma compromise yung trabaho."

"Trust me, Hindi ko alam na kasama siya. Hindi ko rin alam na magkakilala sila, si Mr. Rejahsh yung nag reach out sa team, tapos nung nakausap ko na siya, he never mentioned na kilala niya si Allyza or that they have any relationship. Will told me na at some point makikita ko siya ulit because she somehow became LaKsa Corporations representative. Hindi ko sinabi sayo agad na may darating na investor today kasi may sarili kang client na inaasikaso, plus like what I said awhile ago, si Mr. Rejahsh yung unang nag reach out sa team." Syempre kailangan kong iexplain sakanya to ng mahinahon at klaro or else baka eto pa maging dahilan ng malaki naming away. I don't want her to doubt my actions nor my intentions.

"I trust you. I always do" she sighs "Akala ko lang siya yung reason kung bakit bigla hindi ako aware na may bago tayong potential foreign investor" she speaks up explaining her side "look i'm not going to lie kasi ayaw ko din namang nagtatago sayo. I don't like the idea of you working with your ex pero i'm not just your girlfriend so I'm not going to make you stop, do what you have to do. I wont ask questions but if you need me and if you feel any discomfort, you can tell me." Linapitan niya ko sabay hawak sa kamay ko "Promise me sasabihan mo ako agad if things go south?"

"Hindi mo naman kailangan tanungin sakin yan because I'll always run to you pag di ko na kaya. Your my direction remember?" she smiles after kong sabihin yun.

I know that in her own ways, shes trying to understand the situation though she doesn't have anything to worry about. Kahit pa marami pa akong tanong para kay Allyza, my heart belongs to Jana now.

"Sige na, wag mo na sila pahintayin. May mga clients din akong kailangan I meet" she kissed my cheeks before pushing me out of the room and making me remember na hindi niya parin alam na ako yung last client na imemeet niya mamaya.

"I love you" niyakap ko siya saglit katapos kong sabihin yun. We broke apart tsaka ako pinush ni Jana palabas na ng opisina niya at inutusang bumalik na ng conference room.

After my conversation with Jana, I went straight to the conference room pero bago pa ko makapasok may tumawag sakin at nung lumingon ako, it was Allyza. It looks like she was waiting for me to come. She walks slowly towards me.

"Hi?" she greets.

"Do you need anything from me?" Diretso kong tanong sakanya.

"Kamusta kana?" Tanong neto

"I'm fine. Is that all?" I was being cold, I know but yung conversation namin hindi naman about sa trabaho kaya wag siyang mag expect na okay lang akong kausapin siya na parang okay lahat.

"Cold, I guess I deserve that" she smirks but she kept going "Could you atleast let me explain bago moko tuluyang kamuhian. I know sobrang late na ng explanation ko, but you deserve to know the truth." She pushes and yes, I do have things I need to know from her but nows not the right time for that. Wala din namang mababago kapag pinagusapan na namin yung nakaraan right at this very moment. Can't she wait until matapos muna yung mga prior commitments namin. Hindi pa nga ako sigurado bakit din siya nandirito tapos inaatake niya ko ng drama niya.

Alam ko din naman na kailangan talaga namin mag-usap na dalawa at para ma settle na din yung mga katanungan ko sakanya pero now is not the right time and honestly speaking, parang wala na din akong pakialam if kung ano pa man yung kailangan niyang sabihin sakin. I just need answers para tuluyan ko na din siyang kalimutan.

"Now is not the good time for you to act like that. Pareho na tayong professional and siguro naman kaya mong maghintay ng tamang pagkakataon. Kung ano man yung nangyari sa nakalipas, its no longer relevant. Right now, we have a job to do and I hope that you act accordingly. If you want to talk, I can give you some time but that can't be now" Siguro naman sa mga sinabi ko klaro na sa kanyang wala akong oras para ientertain yung kwento niya ngayon. If she really wants to talk about the past, pwede niya naman gawin yun sa oras na bakante at hindi hassle.

"Ren.." she tries to hold my arm pero umiwas ako. Tsaka ako natawa sa tinawag niya sakin.

"Nasa loob tayo ng kompanya ko, if you are going to address me, call me Mr. Laquesta. Yung mga taong malapit lang sakin ang pwedeng tumawag sakin using my first name. You are not onw of those people, so please address me appropriately" I sternly told her because she needs to realize that she no longer has any hold on me. Hindi naman pwede yung basta basta nalang siyang magpapakita tapos aarte siyang okay lang ang lahat.

"Darren please, hindi ko kayang harapin ka sa loob knowing na hindi tayo okay" She tries to beg which is absurd kasi we are in an office where people could definitely pass by and see what shes doing. Baka ano pang isipin ng ibang tao pag nakita siyang nagmamakaawa sakin dito, kulang nalang kasi lumuhod siya eh kahit ano namang gawin niya ngayon hindi naman maaalis na napaka unprofessional niya. Meron akong client na naghihintay sakin sa kabilang side lang ng pintuan kung asan kami. Tapos ito siya nag iinarte.

"Matagal ng walang tayo Ms. De Cruz. i suggest you stop this now or ititigil ko na tong meeting na to para tumigil kana at bumalik na tayo sa katahimikan ng kanya kanya nating buhay. If you can't control yourself I might as well stop all of this, kung hindi ko kaya maging professional the theres no room for you in MA Corp" Binalaan ko siya because I'm almost at my limit. I don't want to mix my emotions with business, because its the right thing to do and most of the time mas magaan ang trabaho kapag ganun. Of she keeps doing this then I just can't work with her. Shes too emotional and impatient.

"My...My....My. When Will told me you were actually alive, I didn't want to believe him" Lauren comes into view looks like ngayon niya lang nabasa yung message ko sakanya about Mr. Rejahsh. "Sorry na late ako sa drama, kakasabi lang sakin ni Bea na nag message ka. Akala ko nag start na kayo but it looks like i'm just right on time para I welcome back from the dead yung long lost first lady" Lauren walks to my side, now she faced Allyza and its too obvious na ayaw niya yung nakikita niya.

"Lauren..."

"Wow, so I guess hindi rin amnesia yung reason nang bigla mong pagkawala" Lauren laughs "Judging by the way you look, hindi ka naman mukhang nagka chronis disease nor did you get married to some mafia kaya di ka na namin nakita" Lauren points out. "Anyways, its nice to see that you are actually alive and well, makes it easy to hate you for leaving Darren like a trash.

"I didn't leave him, I didn't have a choice" Allyza defend which made me and Lauren look at her with disdain.

"Bullshit Allyza, you always have a choice" Lauren says without filter "Hindi porket sinabi ni Darren na okay lang siya at okay lang na nandito ka eh okay ang lahat. You need to face this facts because thats what happened. Act like your age and own up to your own actions. If you can't do that then theres nothing for you or MA corp to talk about" kagaya ko ganun na din yung sinabi ni Lauren kay Allyza.

The thing is, Allyza and Lauren used to be so close. Everytime na nakakapag bakasyon si Lauren, they always hang out. Mas madami pa nga ata yung alam ni Lauren tungkol kay Ally kesa sakin nung kami pa. Kaya nung bigla din nawala si Allyza, at wala kaming idea kung napano siya or kung nasan man siya, sobrang nalungkot si Lauren. Day by day, tinatanong niya ko if somehow bumalik na si Allyza but eventually, with the help of time. Lauren learned to let go and move on from their friendship. Kaya din nung dumating naman si Jana sa buhay ko, hindi na masyado nakipag close si Lauren kasi she also had this fear na baka bigla din ako iwan ni Jana. I know this because nung nag sastart palang kami ni Jana, kulang nalang ipahiya ni Lauren si Jana sa lahat para lang ipaalam yung nararamdaman niya sa pagdating ni Jana sa buhay namin. Eventually din naman naging okay si Lauren kay Jana, especially nung after makita ng kapatid ko kung gaano ka iba si Jana kay Allyza, naging okay din sila.

Allyza looks at me one last time then back to Lauren, halatang na dismaya din siya sa naging resulta ng unang pagkikita namin. Sadness was written in her eyes and there was longing. Somehow, nakaramdam din ako ng lungkot. Lungkot kasi this has to happen. We could have avpided this kond of conversation kung naging patients lang siya at naghintay na makapag usap kami ng maayos.

"Look, we can do this later, for now. Theres another person waiting for us behind this door and masyado na tayong matagal. Lets not keep him waiting" i stated and left the two to settle their selves first. Agad kong binuksan yung pinto bago pa sila mag reklamo at para matapos na din tong usapan na to. Whatever it is na kailangan pa namin pag usapan, there is always another time para sa mga bagay na hindi related sa kompanya. "Mr. Rafehsh" I greeted with a smile, pretending na okay lang lahat kahit pa yung dalawang sumunod sakin eh mukhang may mga sariling digmaan. "I apologive for making you wait, we needed to clear some things outside. Anyways, now that we are here, we can start with the discussions" I kept my cool while the gentlemen seated in front of me smiles in understanding as Allyza goes to his side and sits with him. Lauren approaches my side, clearly adjusting her attitude and going on business mode. She slowly extended her hands to Mr. Rajehsh and introduced herself.

"Its nice to finally see you mr. Rajehsh. I'm Lauren Laquesta, the current acting COO of MA Corp. I deeply apologize for not being able to welcome you awhile ago nevertheless I am here" she smiles like an angel, like she always does kapag tungkol sa trabaho yung hinaharap niya

"Thats fine, Im in no rush so everything is fine." He smiles to my sister shaking her hand then he releases her hand then he faces me "By the way, I know I told you I'll be coming alone but I brought with me Ms. De Cruz because my fathers company and LaKsa and in good business recently that she is now working with us most of the time and when I was looking for something to invest on, she suggested that I come here because LaKsa and MA are going to be in negotiations for a merger soon." He randomly proclaims. I watch Allyza fidget besides mr. Rafehsh. This is a very classified information, hindi pa naman naguusap ang dalawang side para masabing meron ngang merger na mangyayari. Since direcrly connecte din si Allyza sa LaKsa pwede siyang mawalan ng trabaho for releasing something so conidential to another party without confirmation.

Hindi ko na muna finocus yung conversation doon since the goal is to have Mr. Rajehsh on board because of what we could offer, not just because meron siyang nakuhang valuable information about sa kompanya. We always put present our company by what it can give, we don't need unnecessary stories para lang mapabilib yung mga clients namin. Right after this meeting, I have this thought na kailangan kong paintindi kay Allyza na hindi tama ang ginawa niya. The kind of information she shared to someone who is not directly connected to both companies, is very dangerous and unprofessional. Kung nagawa niyang magbahagi ng impormasyon na wala pang matatag na pundasyon, pano pa yung mga impormasyon na kritical at personal, mahirap pagkatiwalaan ang mga taong hindi kayang kagatin ang dila kapag nagkukwento. If she keeps doing this, I can't let her work with me nor with my company.

-JANETTE-

After nung biglaang pagbabalik ng ex ni Darren, I didn't have a choice but to leave the company and gp meet up with our other client. This past few days sobrang naging hectic yung schedule ko at pati na rin tung schedule ni Darren na hindi na namin nagagawang magkita minsan. Dati-rati, okay lang naman sakin yung ganitong set up. Yung kahit hindi kami magkita, I know na okay lang kami kaso after nung nangyari kanina, after ko makita si Allyza at makita yung reaction ni Darren. Theres this nudging feeling sa puso ko and I honestly feel scared, but I also know na pwede kong pagkatiwalaan si Darren.

He once told me na wala na siyang nararamdaman kay Allyza but he needed to see her first before confirming anything, at kanina nakita niya na nga and when he went with me to explain everything he also told me na ako pa rin naman ang mahal niya. I trust Darren more than anything kasi hindi niya pa ako finefail. I'm sure he won't start now. I hope that he wont start now.

Walking inside the JigSaw brings back so many memories, dito kasi kami dati madalas nagdedate ni Darren. Kaya kahit for business purposes yung pagpunta ko dito, i feel happy. This is the place that always reminds me na totoo yung love story namin ni Darren. Since kasi nung naging professional na kaming dalwa ni Darren, naging once in a blue moon nalang din yung pagpunta namin sa lugar na to. Nagulat nga ako bigla dito gusto makipag meet nila Mr. Reyes, the last time I was here was months ago pa kaya medyo natuwa din akong dito kami.

I was looking for Mr. Reyes because Romell texted me na nandito na daw siya kanina pa. Nakita ako ng isa sa mga waitress at kanya din akong nilapitan tsaka tinanong kung may maitutulong ba siya sakin. I immediately told her na I am to meet someone who is supposed to be here pero hindi ko makita kung nasan. Then the waitress smiled and told me to follow her. Sa tinagal tagal ng hindi ko pagpunta dito, ngayon ko lang nalaman na meron na pala silang rooftop area.

Kalabas namin ng rooftop area, wala naman masyadong tao sa taas pero meron isang table na merong bouquet of flower at yung mga board games nila na dati ay nilalaro din namin ni Darren. Seeing that table made me remember the number of time na nag celebrate at tumambay kami ni Darren dito. Now i'm just starting to miss him. Maybe I should take a picture of the place tsaka ko isend sakanya para naman ma bisita ulit namin tong lugar nato na magkasama kami. For now kailangan ko muna hanapin yung client ko at na distract nanaman ako ng kung anu ano.

Katalikod ko para tanungin yung waitress, kesa sa waitress yung humarap sakin, Nakangiting Darren ang bumungad at nagpagulat sakin.

"Surprise" he greeted with his happiest smile making me speechless. "I'm your last meeting for today, Ms. Sanchez" pabirong sabi neto sabay poke sa noo ko.

"You planned this? I was just thinking about you" I told him honestly kasi nagulat talaga ako na bigla nalang siyang lumitaw after kong isipin na we used to enjoy the things na nasa table and now he was really here, in front of me like a magical creature na bigla nalang susulpot after ng isang hiling.

"We were too busy this past few days and we hardly have enough time para isat isa so i decided to make some time, to make it possible for the both of us. Plus, you are going to Boston next week and hindi pa natin pareho alam if hanggang kailan ka kailangan ng daddy mo doon kaya I wanted to make most of the time na nandito ka" He explains making my heart melt sa pagka sweet niya.

"But if thats the case then meaning ba non kinancel mo yung meeting ko mismo with Mr. Reyes?" As far as I know kasi, last week pang nasa schedule ko si Mr. Reyes and isa siya sa mga kailangan kong makuhang client para mas mapadali yung production naman ng SCC Inc. dito sa Pilipinas. Kaya kahit late na yung naka schedule, pinuntahan ko pa din kasi kailangan.

"Mr. Reyes already agreed with your terms, by next month, they'll start putting SCC's products on their stalls" He holds my hand to pull me sa table kung saan naka handa na halos lahat. He made me sit on one of the chairs bago siya pumunta sa opposite side at umupo na din. Ngayon ko lang napansin na naka polo shirt nalang siya at hindi na niya suot yung suit jacket niya.

"But how did you meet him? I mean, kahit okay na yung background ko sa business industry, nahirapan pa din akong mag pa schedule sakanya kasi sobrang busy din siya" Actually, it took me weeks para lang maka secure ng meeting kay Mr. Reyes.

"Well, with a little help from dad of course. Plus hindi rin siya ganun ka hirap pasagutin, he only needed to see what he can get if he puts your companies product sa stalls niya after that, he just signed the contract. Sinend ko na sa kuya mo yung files kahapon. So all is well na para ma enjoy natin itong gabi na to" He smiles from ear to ear.

"You've been so busy this past few days and still you made time para lang gawin yung trabaho ko para lang matuloy tong date" I stated na tinanguan niya din naman "What did I ever do to deserve a man like you?" I continued admiring the man in front of me. All my doubts and worry earlier, gone and replaced with content and so much love for this guy. He is too perfect for someone like me. Kung kaya lang sumabog ng puso sa sobrang pagmamahal baka matagal ng sumabog yung akin.

"Love, kulang pa to sa lahat ng ginawa mo para sakin. Why don't we just enjoy the night like how we used to do when we were just starting?" He suggested and it was my turn to smile happily, events from earlier didn't matter to us anymore. We are both sure na masaya kami and the fact that we still make time just for each other is enough reason na the love is still there and that we are both okay and happy.

I have to trust this moment that we have, he will never give me a reason para idoubt yung love niya sakin kasi he will have a way to show me just how much he cares. I need to instill this in my mind, every detail, every smile, every word. Nothing and no one can take this away from me, from the both of us. Darren is my everything now and I truly trust in the love that we have.

-ALLYZA-

I can't believe he could treat me that way. I came back hoping things could go back to the way they are supposed to be. Lalo na ngayon.

Alam ko namang hindi madali at alam ko din namang nasaktan ko siya ng sobra sobra, but I needed to go. I thought are love was safe, akala ko kayang tumayo ng pagmamahal namin sa isat isa kahit pa sobrang grabi yung mga nangyari saming dalawa. Ilang beses ko ginustong bumalik but eveytime na gagawin ko, napupuno ako ng takot. Pero ngayon mas takot akong tuluyang mawala si Darren. Ngayon ko siya mas kailangan and I will do everything para lang mabalik ang dati. I dont have the time to waste anymore.

I came back to get him back, I won't stop at nothing. Kahit pa maging balakid ang lahat, at kahit pa may masaktan ako. I will do everything I can. I'm sure hindi pa ako totally nakalimutan ni Darren, he still loves me and I know that I can still get him back. I just need to be a little patient. Sana lang makisama din sakin ang panahon. Thats all i'm asking.