DATE THY ENEMY | ES:1

23

It's been a really really long time... and despite that, you are still here. I want to thank you for that! For your patience, understanding, and unending support. My heart is always full. For the new and old readers, this is all for you!

Happy reading, enjoy!

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Chapter 23
''Possessive''

''Good afternoon.'' I politely greeted the middle-aged woman with a warm smile. She was busy fanning herself but when she saw me, she returned the warm smile I gave.

''Good afternoon...'' tiningnan niya ang pangalan ko sa envelope na aking inabot. ''...Ms. Sarmiento. I'm Gina Perez. Pasensya na at sira ang aircon namin dito kaya medyo may kainitan.''

''No worries po.''

''Upo ka, upo ka!''

I nodded my head and went straight to the chair in front of her table. I sat there comfortably while waiting for her to speak. She got out the papers inside the envelope. She scanned them one by one. When she was still busy, I took the chance to turn my head to look back at the door.

Javier's waiting for me outside. Nang malaman na sa katabing opisina ang interview ay agad din kaming umalis doon sa una naming pinuntahan. Medyo nauuna ako sa paglalakad pero ramdam ko naman ang pagsunod niya sa akin.

I only glanced at him once when I entered the room. And I can still clearly remember how he looked when I did that.

Anyway, he knew this interview will only take 15 minutes or so. If he's bored he can roam around the school. May mga nakita naman kaming tao kanina na mukhang kakilala niya.

''So, Ms. Sarmiento...''

I turned back to Mrs. Perez and smiled.

Hindi ko na napansin na mahigit tatlumpung minuto na pala ang lumipas nang matapos kami. At first, she asked me the usual and basic questions. Pero nang halos matapos na siyang punan ang papel na sinusulatan, at nalaman niyang apo ako ni Sergio Vicente Sarmiento, medyo nagtagal pa ang usapan namin.

Mrs. Perez knew my grandfather. It got me entertained too, while talking about my family, kaya hindi ko na rin namalayan ang oras.

''Send my regards to your grandfather, Ms. Sarmiento.''

''I will, ma'am.'' Tumayo ako at tinanggap ang kamay na nakalahad. ''Thank you so much, Mrs. Perez.''

When I got out of the room, I instantly spotted Javier de Leon. Nakaupo sa isa sa mga outdoor bench sa gilid ng hallway, katabi lamang ng office door. Nakadantay ang ulo sa dingding at nakapikit. His arms are crossed under his chest, while his legs are a bit stretched forward.

My lips pursed seeing his state. He looked tired and sleepy, yet he's looking so magnificently handsome as ever. He's too much for my eyes.

I walked closer to where he was. When he felt the presence of someone in front of him, his eyes slowly opened.

''Done?'' he asked in a hoarse voice.

I nodded. ''Did you wait long?''

''It's fine.''

Pinigilan ko ang pagngiti lalo na nang umangat ang ulo niya para matingala ako. Pumungay lalo ang kanyang mga mata. At inaabot ang aking kamay para hawakan. I can feel his thumb caressing the back of my hand.

''Come here.'' aniya at marahan akong hinila para makaupo sa kanyang tabi.

I obediently followed like a child. His hand's still holding mine. And our knees are already touching. There's no space between us because we're too close. Pero imbes na umusod ng konti para magkaroon kami ng distansya ay hindi ko ginawa. I want us like this too anyway.