Monasterio Series #5: Risks and Chances

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18

Malisya

Alas:

I'm here at the basement.

Pagkabasa ng text na 'yon ni Alas ay tumayo na ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa swivel chair at lumabas na ng opisina ko. Kagaya ng napagusapan, ihahatid niya ang kotse sa akin.

He's supposed to bring it yesterday but he had to do something important. Kaya naman si Daddy ang naghatid sa akin papasok sa trabaho kaninang umaga. Maybe I should consider buying an extra car like Dad suggested. 

Pagkarating ko ng basement ay agad kong namataan ang pulang Audi na siyang pagmamay-ari ko. Inaasahan kong nasa labas na si Alas at naghihintay sa akin pero mukhang nasa loob pa siya ng driver's seat.

Binuksan ko ang pintuan sa kabilang side at walang pasabing sumakay roon. Nilingon ko siya pagkaupo. He smiled a bit, only a bit gloomy than the usual. Something's off I must say. Baka stress sa trabaho? Alas may look happy go lucky but I know he's also having a hard time managing such huge businesses. Wala siya pagkakaiba sa kapatid at pinsan ko.

"Sorry I brought this late," he referred to the car.

"It's fine. I know you're a busy person, too. Sabi ko naman sa'yo na ako na ang bahala. Kulit mo kasi."

He chuckled and leaned his head on the chair. Tamad niyang ipinatong ang isang kamay sa steering wheel at tiningnan ako.

I hate to say this but he looks good on my car. Just what the hell are you thinking, Ania?

"Have you had your breakfast?" he asked.

Tumango ako. "Before I went here. Mommy will freak out if we won't eat whatever she prepares in the table."

"You should really eat before going to work. Haven't eaten anything yet. Coffee with me?"

"Don't you have work today?"

"I have. Not sure though if I can go."

Kumunot ang noo ko.  "Bakit?"

Since when did you become nosy, Ania? Ano naman sa'yo kung hindi siya pumasok sa trabaho niya?

I groaned inwardly. I really need to stop from talking to myself. Nagiging hobby ko na simula nang makilala ko itong si Alas.

"Not feeling well. But I'll still try," he smiled at me. "Coffee?"

Iginala ko ang mata sa buong mukha niya. Those his skin is still glowing, his eyes are a bit bloodshot and dreamy.

Tumango ako hindi kalaunan dahil nasa tapat lang naman ng building na ito ang coffee shop.

"Alright. I still have an hour before my meeting starts."

A triumph smile blossomed in his pinkish lips. "Don't worry, my treat this time."

"Of course. It's you who ask for it. Alangang ikaw na nagyaya ako pa magbabayad."

Bumaba na ako at isinarado ang pintuan. Narinig ko ang bahaw na halakhak ni Alas pagkatapos sabay na kumalabog ang mga pinto namin.

"Puwede rin. Mas mayaman ka sa akin."

Tiningnan ko siya saka nginiwian. "Tss. Humble. Parang hindi nagkalat ang mga hotel niyo sa buong mundo."

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya saka kami sabay na naglakad palabas ng basement. He all of a sudden placed his hand above my shoulder and chuckled.

"We're both rich then. Bagay tayo."

I rolled my eyes. "The deal Alas. Don't forget it."

"No plans of forgetting it, hun."

Until now. I'm still wondering why he thought of that deal. Ang dating kasi sa akin ay may posibilidad na mahulog siya sa akin pero kailangan niyang limitahan ang sarili niya. O, hindi naman kaya ay iniisip niyang maaari talaga akong mahulog sa kaniya pero hindi niya ako magagawang saluhin dahil mahal niya pa rin si Trish.