lilies.

44

Kabanata 44

L i l y

Sinundo kami ng driver nina Rai mula sa airport. It's my first time to go their hotel. Pakiramdam ko wala pa akong napuntahan na hotel nila kahit sa Manila o baka hindi ko alam na sa kanila iyon. I should do my research or ask him.

Sa pagkakarinig ko sa usapan nila dati ni Grandma. Marami silang hotel sa Pilipinas. They also ventured out to Asian countries long ago. They have one on SEA, China, Korea, and Japan. Recently they are expanding their venture to Europe. That's why Kal, their eldest, is busy. Cool.

"I'm not joining your meeting, right?" I asked, worried that I may have unexpected socialization.

He shook his head. "No, I already got you a hotel room. You can stay there or roam around Cebu City. You just have to come with a driver and a bodyguard, and of course inform me of your whereabouts, okay? Then I'll follow you after the meeting."

I nodded. "Okay."

"Let's have early lunch first, hm?"

Maghawak kamay kaming pumasok sa hotel nila. Hindi na iniisip kung may makakakita sa amin. I am just enjoying this feeling. I am happy. We are happy. This is the first time I'm fully enjoying intimacy. It's so nice to be intimate with someone without feeling anxious and extremely nervous about it. I can fully cherish it without even wanting to run away because of discomfort, unfamiliarity, and maybe attraction. I am so happy that Rai never gave up on me.

Will I be able to feel it with other people? Will it be the same when I fell in love with someone? Or is it only with Rai?

It's still breakfast so there are so many people in their hotel restaurant.

Binati siya ng mga employees sa hotel. Giniya kami sa isang private function room. May mga nakaserve na pagkain doon. Pangdalawahan ang lamesang nakahanda.

"Maraming tao ngayon sa restaurant. I thought you might not still be up to socialize? We can go there if you want to," He explained.

Nagsimula kaming kumain. Hindi pa naman ako ganoong kagutom kaya kumuha lang ako ng cake at mainit na gatas.

"Do you plan to explore the city?"

Umiling ako. "No, I'll wait for you to finish na lang. I plan to read."

"Okay, there will be a social event later in the function hall A, it's near the entrance. You might run into someone you know."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"In case you want to avoid them, you can?" He chuckled. "In 6 months, I feel like I kinda know you already. You don't socialize much."

"Don't worry I'll stay in the hotel room, I'll read there."

"Really? You won't be bored? I would be bored staying there for hours."

"You don't know how long I can stay at home," I smiled. He kissed my forehead.

We went to the reception area to get the keycard of the hotel room. He instructed a staff to accompany me. I said there's no need to but he insists. Hindi kasi niya ako maihahatid sa taas dahil magsisimula na ang meeting niya.

It took him a few minutes to finally let go of my hand. The staff politely gesture the way up. Papasok kami sa elevator nang sinundan niya ulit kami. I looked at the staff apologetically. She just smiled at me.

"Why?" I mouthed.

He only took a step forward and hugged me. Hinahagod niya ang buhok ko. Kumunot ang noo ko at hindi ko na mapigilan na asarin siya.