Beneath the Clouds (Beneath Series 1) - COMPLETED

Kabanata 31

Kabanata 31

Court

"Ma'am, ipinapabigay po ni Engr. Escalante," bungad ni Adele pagkapasok sa office ko.

I looked at her, confused. Ano nanaman 'tong pakulo ni Nova? People knew that we're ex-girlfriend and boyfriend, but not the fact that we're somewhat in good terms and he's now courting me. I told him to hide whatever we have now. And I wanted it to be as low key as possible. Ayokong makaattract ng atensiyon at ayoko ring magcreate ng issue na ikasisira naming dalawa.

Even though Ma'am Miranda and the rest of the good employees here in Casa Miranda like and approve of me, I'm certain that there are still people who's talking behind my back. Kahit pa wala akong naririnig, alam ko na pinag-uusapan ako.

"Thank you, Adele," I said still focused on the expensive paper bag.

When she hand it over to me, she excused herself to go back to Miranda Cove.

"Ano nanaman 'to?" Dahil sa kuryusidad, agad kong binuksan ang paperbag. There's a small box and a note on top.

I'm sorry if I wasn't the one who give you this simple present. Hope you like it though. See you later.

"Birthday ko ba?" takang tanong ko, hindi na maalis ang ngiti.

Smile crept on my lips when I opened the box. It was a simple bracelet. Ito 'yong sinasabi nilang simple but elegant. It looks expensive, but the design is so simple. It really suits my taste.

Dahan dahan ko 'yong kinuha saka pinakatitigang maigi.

"You really knew what I liked, huh. Nagpapa-impress ka ba sa'kin, Escalante?"

Natawa na lang ako dahil kanina ko pa kinakausap ang sarili. I wore it on my wrist. I didn't had a hard time dahil madali lang 'yong isuot.

"And here you are, smiling on your own. Hmm. Galing sa manliligaw?"

Napaayos ako ng upo nang bumungad sa akin si Ma'am Sonia na nakasandig sa gilid ng pintuan.

Naibaba ko agad ang paper bag saka asiwang ngumiti sa kanya. Her smile widened because of that.

"You don't have to hide it. Nakita ko na." Dahan dahan siyang naglakad patungo sa akin. "I didn't know na manliligaw ka. And it looks like you like the guy."

"Uh, Ma'am Sonia, ano po. Uh, galing lang po sa ano... may nagpabigay. Opo! May nagpabigay lang!" taranta kong saad.

Naningkit ang mata niya parang nang-uusisa. I smiled awkwardly and cleared my throat.

"Uh, ano po palang ipinunta niyo rito?" I said, hoping she'll never asks about the gift.

"Oh! Muntik ko nang nakalimutan. My mother wants to meet you today. Mayroon daw siyang mga taong ipapakilala."

"Si Ma'am Miranda po?"

"Yep. You knew how much she likes you."

"Ngayon na po ba?"

"Yes, Railey. And I'm sorry dahil biglaan. Naroon sila sa private table malapit sa sun loungers." Napatingin siya sa desk ko. "Perhaps... you're busy?"

"Uh, no, Ma'am! Available po ako. I was just signing some papers." Agad akong tumayo saka kinuha ang bag ko. Medyo naasiwa pa ako nang hindi pa umalis si Ma'am Sonia, may balak pa ata akong hintayin. I bit my lips saka mabilisang nag-ayos.

I combed my hair saka inayos ang pagkakahair pin sa aking buhok. I applied some powder and a light pink lipstick on my lips. I slightly looked on my side, then I saw a ghost of smile on Ma'am Sonia's lips.