OFFSTAGE (Suspire Series #2)

Kabanata 9

My time spent with Mason has been the happiest of my life. I know it's too soon to say it, but I'm head over heels in love with him. Minsan ay iniisip ko kung kaya ko ba sinasabi ito sa sarili ko dahil siya ang unang kasintahan ko. I'm not used to anyone's attachment or affection. But I am aware of my feelings. Nakaka-overwhelmed.

Ni minsan sa buhay ko, I never let anyone in. Some have dared to ask, but I've turned them all down since I don't feel comfortable discussing anything with someone I considered to be a stranger. Yet, I was unaware to what happened when Mason came in my life. I should be grateful to Aubry for setting us up. But, I'm more glad that Mason didn't give up on me or expect anything of me. He never forced me under any pressure. Akala ko kasi may mga dapat na rules kapag girlfriend ka like always texting, calling, seeing each other and be an obedient girlfriend. Pero hindi ko 'yon naramdaman kay Mason. Actually, he never forced me to do anything I didn't want to. Nirerespeto niya ako. He was sweet and caring.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Cheryl walked into my office. She was holding a folder and placed it in front of me beneath my desk.

"Designs ko para sa gown and suits ni Mr. and Ms. Gregorio," she informed me. She looks better now. She had been sad for the past few days since her breakup with Juno. "Club kami mamaya. Sama ka?" pag-aaya niya sa akin. Hindi ako nakapunta noong last time na nag-aya sila dahil may sakit si Mason. Pero mukhang kailangan ko ulit tumanggi ngayon. Sabi ko pa naman babawi ako.

I replied with a sour tone. I reasoned, "I have dinner to attend to." Her lips gasped, revealing a glimpse of his teeth, as though she was taken aback by what I had just spoken. Hindi ko inaasahan ang reaksyon niya. Akala ko nga igu-guilt trip niya ako.

"Sino ba kasi 'yang bebe mo?"

"Secret." She gave me an eye rolled of what I said.

Even Aubry isn't aware that Mason is my boyfriend yet. Parang hindi maganda na sabihin ko sakaniya pagkatapos ng nangyari. It does not seem to be the right moment. But I'll tell her shortly.

Sinabihin ko ang mga empleyedo ko na huwag akong istorbuhin sa office dahil ayaw kong ma-distract habang nagde-design ako ng mga gowns. Natambakan ako ng mga gawain kaya kailangan kong tapusin lahat ng maaga.

Mason returned to work as soon as he recovered. Naging busy kami this passed days dahil pareho kaming nawala sa trabaho namin ng ilang araw. Sa sobrang busy namin ay hindi namin nakita ang isa't isa nang halos one week. To become attached, we simply call or text each other.

Nag-play ako ng song para ma-relax ang katawan ko habang nagtratrabaho. Sa sobrang focus ko hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Natigil ako sa pagkakabit ng diamond sequins sa chest part ng gown nang kumatok si Zoe at nagpaalam na mauuna na. Umuwi na rin lahat ng mga empleyado ko.

"Si Cheryl?" tanong ko. I fixed my things at sinarado ang pintuan ng office.

"Nauna na sa club. Sure ka, di ka sasama? Kailangan mong bumawi. You ditch us twice," taas kilay na saad niya. "Nagkajowa lang eh," panunumbat pa niya.

Tumawa ako. "Nagpaalam naman ako sainyo. Don't worry babawi ako. But not tonight. May dinner ako," dahilan ko. Sabay kaming lumabas ng boutique at sinarado ang front door.

"With bf?" she hinted.

"Yep, and parents," I added.

Her reaction was silly, but she said nothing. Nagpaalam siya at sumakay sa kotse niya paalis. Sumakay na rin ako sa sasakyan ko at dumiretso sa condo ni Mason. Doon kami mag-aayos bago pumunta sa bahay ng parents niya.

Pagkarating ko sa unit ay nadatnan ko siyang natutulog sa sofa. His glasses were still on, and his thick script folders, as well as his ballpens, were strewn across the coffee table. Nakangiti kong pinagmasdan ang mukha niya. Ang tagal ko siyang hindi nakita. His arms were crossed across his chest, and his knees were slightly bent to the left.