Sullen Rhapsody

Grey 20

20
North star

R-18. Not suitable for young readers. Read at your own risk.

"Where's the part when you tell me you'll give my gift later?"

I chuckled and reached for the pocket of my short white dress. It's been hiding for hours now. It's time to take it out! Hindi ako mahanap ng magandang timing kanina para ibigay dahil busy kaming parehas sa mga bisita. But now that he's initiated the talk about the gifts, I can give him mine.

Inabot ko sa kaniya ang maliit na box, excited pa nang kaunti. He smiled handsomely and took it. His eyes softened when he saw what was inside.

"Put it on me?"

Tumango ako at kinuha ang isang diamond earring. Tinanggal ko ang palagi niyang suot na hikaw sa kaliwang tenga. I could feel him watching me. Sunod kong sinuot ang regalo ko sa kaniya.

"I was right! It suits you." I said, smiling and marveling at the good view. "In case you're wondering where's the other piece –" tinago ko ang ilang hibla ng buhok sa likod ng aking tenga at pinakita ang kapares nito. "– it's on me! Parehas sila ng style ng isa kong hikaw kaya hindi halata na mag-kaiba. I saved up for this! Hindi ako nag-shopping nang personal wants! Hmm...I like it when I wear something that you're wearing too. I feel like I am safe anywhere because I carry a part of –"

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita pa dahil siniil na niya ako ng isang halik na mas malalim. At that moment, we didn't care about our surroundings anymore. Pareho kaming namumungay ang mga mata nang humiwalay sa halik.

"Fuck," he cursed, caressing my cheeks. "Binabaliw mo ako...let's go upstairs now, baby. Please? My gift can't wait too..."

At ganoon nga ang nangyari. Nakaalis na ang mga bisita at napagdesisyonan naming lahat na bukas na ililigpit ang ilan sa mga gamit. We made sure everything's clean first before we bid each other good nights.

Matutulog ang ilan sa mga tauhan sa hiwalay na bahay na katabi lamang ng mansion upang maagang mag-ayos bukas. Kami lang naman ni Dominic talaga ang natutulog sa mansion dahil may nakalaan na isa pang bahay sa likod para sa mga tauhan. But for tomorrow, mag-aayos lang din sila saglit at uuwi rin para sa pasko.

Dominic covered my eyes when we reached the door of our room. May pakulo pa siyang ganito!

"We'll get inside now," he said.

When we paced our way inside, I heard him close the door, which was my cue to remove his hands from my eyes!

"You did this?" I asked, still in awe.

There's an old piano on one side of the room, rose petals scattered on the floor. I feel like I'm in a romantic scene in Paris again! By the bay window, there's a small set up of champagne and glass on the other end. There are also bundles of lighted candles on the shelves and study tables. It doesn't take long for me to realize that it's my favorite scent – Patchouli and Tonka bean.

"Uh-huh," he hummed, kissing my shoulder blades from behind. "You have everything...I couldn't think of a gift."

Halos sumabog ang aking puso sa tuwa! I like surprises like this! He must have sensed it when he surprised me with dinner back at his hotel.

Hinarap ko siya. "Will you play for me?"

Ngumiti siya at hinila ako palapit sa piano. We both sat, our skins touching; hearts beating.

Sinimulan niyang pindutin ang ilang keys. My heart swelled. I've seen Dominic play countless times. Back at his university and his gigs. I've heard him sing too closely – the way he sings along with the songs on his car stereo when he's with me, the way he plays the guitar and sings some songs for me whenever we are in a video call... I've seen it all.