The Girl He Never Wanted [Completed]

32-STANDOFF

STANDOFF

I had a day like any other, Mang Cardo was waiting outside the door when I came out for my 6 o'clock morning run. I have read that personal routines can be kept even during pregnancy, but I need to hold back a little bit until I could get an official approval from my OB-GYN.

After almost an hour of staring and examining every part of my body in front of the mirror, I put on my usual running gear. A black Nike racerback sports bra and dri-fit leggings with Ultra Boost runners.

"Good morning, Josie! Ang aga mo naman ngayon?" Salubong ko sa kanya.

I twisted my hair into a bun on top of my head as I was going down the stairs. Josie handed me a glass of milk. I drank all of it before giving the empty glass back. She gave me my towel, and I wrapped it around neck. She gave my bottle of water to Mang Cardo as I opened the main door to start my run.

"Huwag kayo masyadong lumayo, Mang Cardo!" Paalala ni Josie sa amin.

We thanked and waved her goodbye. The guard greeted us on our way out of the gate. We jogged lightly going down the hill from the house to the side of the restaurant and to the shore.

Some guests were out early to avoid the blazing tropical sun. I greeted some of them with familiarity. Some have been here for a few days and I have met them during my runs or at the restaurant. Others were new guests I also greeted with casual good morning.

We ran faster when we reached the paved road to the main reception area. It was almost empty aside from a few guests who had to check-out early to catch their early flights leaving the peninsula.

I was short of breath when we turned toward the hill up the mountain to the direction of the zipline. I asked for a quick rest. Mang Cardo handed me my water bottle. I took a sip before resting both hands on my knees.

"Gusto niyo na po bang bumalik na, Miss?" Tanong niya ng mahalatang pagod na agad ako.

I would usually run up this hill very easily.

"No. We will walk instead of running. I just need to catch my breath for a minute." Umiiling kong tanggi.

"Okay lang ba 'yon sa kundisyon n'yo po?" Dagdag usisa niya.

"What do you mean condition?" Nagtataka kong tanong sa kanya.

He looked at me before awkwardly looking at my tummy.

"What the fuck?! Why the fuck?! How the fuck did you find out?!" I covered my tummy protectively.

Even though it is basically flat as of the moment, I know my little lovely human is growing inside.

I guess when he said he knows things, he really does know things. I am also his business because my father trusted him with my safety.

I was not sure how to assess his skills because I got pregnant on his watch. I guess he failed successfully?

"Sinabi din kasi ni Sir Mark na extrang ingat daw po ako sa inyo," he shared.

"That does not explain how you figured it out."

"Sobrang nag-aalala po kasi si Sir. Mag-ingat daw lalo na sa mga pisikal na ginagawa n'yo." He explained.

"Maingat naman talaga ako palagi."

"Pero nahihirapan po kayong umakyat dito ngayon." Sagot niya sabay turo sa direksyon ng aming aakyating bundok.

"Kaya ko pa rin 'yan!" I waved him off and started walking up the hill.

He silently followed behind.

Mountains have that alluring quality that mimics life. The climb humbles you down as you realize that the process is not gonna be easy.