"I don't do office romance."
Napailing na lang siya ng maalala nag sinabi ng binata pero ramdam naman niya ang kirot sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya dahil sa mga kiss marks nito. But at least they didn't do it there, baka may biglang pumasok na lang doon.
"Oh my gosh, seven years! I miss you so muchie!" Ckim giggled and hugged her tightly. Kasama nito si Klaz na nakabuntot sa likuran nito.
"Seven years, Claudia, pero balot na balot ka pa ring manamit!" Pang-aasar nito sa kanya.
"Seven years, Ckim, pero wala ka pa ring Benjamin na nabingwit." Nakangiting saad niya dito.
Napairap naman ito sa kanya pero kumapit ito sa kanyang braso at hinila siya papasok sa bahay nila. May salo-salo kasing dinaraos dahil sa pagbalik niya.
"Di mo sure, gurl. I'm married to Heixon Benjamin!" Ckim giggled.
Napailing na lang siya. Even if it was secret, she knows that Heixon and Cleo tied a knot just recently. She was invited by Dr. Spade but unfortunately, hindi siya nakaabot sa schedule niya dahil late na siyang nakauwi ng Pilipinas.
"You're still delusional as ever, Ckim."
Sumimangot lang ito.
"Hi, Claudia. Congratulations and welcome back." Bati ni Klaz Smith sa kanya.
"I told you to speak talagalog, Klaz!" Sita nito kay Klaz.
"Sorry---ah, paumanhin. Maliyagang--magilayang..maliganggang--ah, what is it again?" Klaz scratched his nape in much confusion.
Natawa na lang siya ng mahina at napailing.
"It's maligayang pagbabalik." Aniya.
"Oh, malunggayang pagbalik-balik."
Ckim groaned and left the both of them, nauna na itong pumasok sa bahay nila.
Natawa silang dalawa ni Klaz. Alam niyang pinagtitripan lang nito ang pinsan na si Ckim.
Nang pumasok na sila ay naroon ang mga relatives at family friend nila. Wala siyang inimbitang kaibigan maliban kay Von dahil ito lang naman ang matuturing niyang kaibigan but unfortunately, Von is busy on his company pero babawi naman daw ito.
"Hi, Miss Scientist," tukso na bati ni Dr. Spade na may hawak ng dalawang wine glass na ibinigay sa kanya ang isa, tinanggap naman biya 'yun.
"Dr. Spade, it has been a long time. But I won't forget your guidance and your lessons that makes me grow as a scientist. Thank you so much." She said sincerely to him.
Dr. Spade dismissed his hand dismissively.
"Don't mention it, you're smart and that makes you grow, Claudia."
Umiling siya. Alam niyang napakalaking tulong talaga nito. His instruments help her intelligence to broad, kung hindi dahil sa laboratory nito ay hindi siya makakapag-experiment.
"Still, I wanna thank you and I owe you alot. Gusto kong suklian 'yun. If you would allow me to work on your laboratory as your assistant." She negotiate.
Dr. Spade just smirked and shake his head.
"Claudia, mas gugustuhin ko pang magtrabaho ka sa London. The biggest laboratory offered you a high position there, right?"
Tumango siya.
"But I decline it. I'm staying here in the Philippines for good." Sabi niya.
