Renegade

Chapter 45

HECTOR'S

***

“It's not yet weekend, Clarisse,” I pointed out, staring at the four eleven woman sitting across me with her head bow down. “But you're here again.”

Muli siyang nagbuntong hininga. I could sense the tension in her shoulders and by how stiff she was sitting, with her straightened back.

I tapped my forefinger on my office table, waiting for Clarisse to look at me. The banging music from the first floor of Blast could still be heard up here in my office at second floor. I guess my business kept booming.

“This week is the last week of our contract. Kung hindi naman importante iyan, let's talk about that in weekends,” I said after she remained quiet. “At saka, may klase ka bukas. I don't think you should stay here with me. Medyo marami rin akong ginagawang paper works sa isa ko pang trabaho. I don't have much time tonight, Clarisse.”

I was actually shocked when she called me and told me she's in Blast. I had to rush and get her. And since may gumagamit ng room kung saan madalas kaming nananatili, dinala ko na lang siya sa office ko.

My forehead frowned when she didn't respond. Nanatiling nakayuko siya pero sa pagkakataong ‘to, hindi na nakaligtas sa akin ang panginginig ng katawan niya.

“May nangyari ba sa date niyo ng boyfriend mo?” Tumayo na ako sa swivel chair ko. Concern washed over me as I went towards her. “Clarisse Drake, talk to me.”

Natigilan ako nang hawakan niya ang laylayan ng suot kong long sleeves. She tugged at it a bit tighter, letting me see how her hands were actually shaking.

Kaagad kong hinawakan ang tuktok ng ulo niya bago dahan-dahang bumaba ang kamay ko sa pisngi niya. I cupped her face with my right hand while my free hand caressed her shoulder. “Drake, talk to me. What exactly is happening?”

Our gazes met and my jaw clenched when I saw how she was trying her hardest to hold her tears.

“Hector... Something changed,” she whispered, her free hand holding my hand cupping her cheek. Her eyes were glistened with overwhelming emotions I chose not to identify. “Something about what I feel changed.”

Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan ko kasabay ng pagkalunod sa umaapaw na emosyon sa mga mata ni Clarisse. I know that look. I certainly know why she is looking at me like this.

Something changed... About what she is feeling... Towards me.

I sighed, giving her a small smile, before letting go of her face. “Hindi ba naging maayos ang date niyo ni Mr. Lao. I thought you're going to seduce him today. Hindi ba gumana iyong mga itinuro ko?” I was quick to change the topic, taking a few steps away from her. “That’s impossible. Iisa lang ang utak ng mga lalaki lalo na sa aspeto ng libido.” I chuckled, taking my steps back to my swivel chair.

“Hector.”

Her voice sounded begging... I don't like that. This is when she will cling to her feelings that I could never reciprocate.

I should not reciprocate.

Umupo akong muli sa swivel chair ko at kinuha ang ilang papeles na buong araw ko nang inaasikaso ngayong araw. I took a load of paper works today to distract myself from the idea that Clarisse is with Alex today.