Versailles Series Book 8: The Designer [COMPLETED]

PART I: CHAPTER 10

~ philip ~

After Grazie's birthday, we had more make-out sessions which made our relationship more exciting than it already is. I love the fact that Grazie is including me as she explores her sexuality. Although I just do the fondling and sucking whenever she encourages me to do it. But she is still reserved most times and that's fine.

I was preparing to fetch her that afternoon when Lolo caught up on me. "I wanted to talk to you about something." Sabi nito habang umuupo sa katabi kong sofa.

"What is it?" I said while getting my car keys.

"I'll be leaving for the States this weekend."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Why? You still have two months here."

Nagkibit-balikat ito. "Your Aunt Pilar is asking me to come early for some reason. They deemed it urgent. I don't know why they can't tell me over the phone."

Nag-alala naman ako. Kahit hindi ako malapit sa mga kamag-anak ko ay nakaramdam pa rin ako ng pagkabahala. "Do you need me to come?"

Umiling ito. "No. Stay here as planned. You'll be leaving in a few months. You should spend it with Ella as much as you can. Even if you can go home in between school breaks, it's still different being with her almost every day."

I nodded. "Okay. Just ring me up if you need something."

"I will. And Philip?"

"Yeah?"

"Use condoms."

Bago pa ako makasagot ay pumanhik na ito. Napailing na lang ako. I know Lolo is very progressive in relationships but it is still awkward when he talks about it. But with the current progress we're making, I might use that sooner than never.

"You look stressed," I said to Grazie when I saw her walking towards me. I tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

Ngumiti ito pero halata ang pagod sa mga mata nito. "Puyat lang sa pagre-review."

"I can help you review if you want."

Umiling ito. "Naka-bakasyon ka pa. Ayokong abalahin ka pa." Grazie will always think of other people before her needs. I love that about her but it bothers me too.

"You'll never be a bother to me, love."

Nagkasya na lang kami na magkahawak kamay habang naka-biyahe. I cherish these moments because I won't be able to do it for a long time. Damn, just the thought of not seeing her for months is torture enough.

Nang makarating sa bahay ng mga ito ay naroon na si Lola Lu. May kasama itong isa pang matanda at mukhang seryoso ang pinag-uusapan.

"O, narito na pala kayo."

Nagmano kami sa dalawang matanda.

"Ah, si Philip pala. Boyfriend nitong si Ella."

"Ay, napaka-gwapo naman pala ano?"

"Bakit po kayo nandito Lola Esme? May problema po ba?" Tanong ni Grazie.

Umiling ito. "Wala naman apo. Pero hihiramin ko sana ang Lola Lucilla mo kasi may nakuha akong puwesto sa bayan doon sa amin. Alam ko naman kung paano manahi pero kailangan ko ng tulong sa pagpapalakad ng negosyo. Alam mo naman ang mga anak ko, wala ng pasensya sa akin."

"Dalawang linggo lang naman daw, Ella. Tamang-tama at magre-review ka para sa exam mo di ba? Makakapag-concentrate ka."

"Sigurado ka ba Lola?"