My Professor's Secret

Kabanata 35: Wakas

Umakyat ako ng kwarto at iniwan ko si L na kasama ang parents ko sa baba. I got myself a fresh bath and I'm already wearing my favorite night dress when I went back downstairs. It seems like they're having a fine conversation. Nang mahagip ako ng tingin ni L ay agad siyang tumayo mula sa couch at nagpaalam sa mga ito. Maayos siyang nakipagkamayan kay daddy bago lumapit sa akin.

"Let's see each other at the office, iho. And I do hope to know you more." ani daddy

"Of course." agarang sagot ni L

Ngumiti si daddy at ngayon ay napunta sa akin ang direktang tingin. "Anak, escort him to the gate."

The first thing I've noticed when we stepped out of the house is the clear sky and bright stars above us. It gives me the idea of peace and eternity. But then, life is not eternal. Kaya habang maaga pa, I want to spend all the time that was given to me with the people I love especially to the man beside me. I want to cherish them all.

Hindi ko napansin na nakalabas na pala kami ng gate.

"Mind to share your thoughts?"

I turned my gaze towards L who seems to be in a deep wonder while looking at me.

"Hmm... I'm thinking..."

"What?" though he sounds serious, the glint of worry and fear was evident in his voice.

"I can still recall the way you said that you'll wrap my father around your fingers. Is this your way, huh? You revealed your secret. Is this your way to win his favor and earn his trust? You really are witty, sir." I uttered playfully

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag, para bang muling nabuhayan ang sistema.

"You scared me, baby. Akala ko kung ano na ang sasabihin mo."

Ngumisi ako. "Bakit? Ano ba ang akala mong sasabihin ko?"

Hinapit niya ako sa bewang inilapit sa kanya. "Who knows? Baka kung ano na naman ang maisip mong dahilan para layuan o hiwalayan ako."

Bumunghalit ako ng tawa. "Hindi na mangyayari 'yon."

"Siguraduhin mo lang. I'll chain you on my bed if that happens."

"Hmm... I'd be much happy with that."

He smirked and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

"Careful on the road. Call me when you get home." sambit ko pagkatapos ng sandaling halik.

"Will do."

Ginulo niya ang aking buhok bago siya pumasok ng kanyang kotse. Kumaway ako sa kanya at nanatiling nakatayo hanggang sa makaalis siya.

Everyday, he would drive me school and fetch me later in the afternoon. During weekend naman, he would come and visit me at home. I witnessed how he easily found a way to get close to my family.

Dumating ang araw na hinihintay ko. I'm gonna meet his family today. Sa totoo lang, kinakabahan ako. What if they won't like me for him? I can almost imagine them as prim and proper and with class. I know this is another step for me to take. In this process, mas makikilala ko siya ng buo.

I chose the most elegant dress I found in my closet. I matched it with a pair of flat sandals. Napangiti ako nang makitang bumagay ito sa'kin.

Their ancestral house was located just a few kilometers off the shore. Malaki ito at ang una kong napansin ay ang malawak na hardin. Puno ito ng mga pananim na halaman at makukulay na mga bulaklak.

I remained in my seat even after he parked his car. He opened the door beside me and held out his hand. Tinanggap ko ito kahit medyo nanlalamig ang aking palad.