Hello There, Stranger

Part 9

When Erika finished, she trailed her way heading to the dining table shocked to see the amount of food he prepared.

"Ang dami namang pagkain ang inihanda mo" she commented.

Francis smiled when he saw her. He pulled a chair and ushered her to sit down.

"Hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ang gusto mo kaya pinaghanda ko na si Manang Elena ng samot saring pagkain." He told her.

"Eh nasaan ngayon si Manang?" she asked while she looked around.

"She doesn't stay here though she just comes by in the morning and does what she needs to do and goes home afterward." He explained to her.

"I see" She then picked up her fork took some food out and tasted it. "Hmmmm delicious, mukhang all around si Manang ah" she smiled while she continued to munch her food.

"Kumain ka nang maigi para lumakas kayo pareho ni baby" Francis advised.

After a few minutes of silently enjoying their meal, Erika then breaks the quietness by saying what's on her mind. "Francis" she paused for a bit. "How do you think we can manage this back at the office?" She asked. She can probably get away with it for now since her belly isn't big yet, but she wonders how things would pan out when her bump starts to get noticeable.

"You mean the baby?" He clarified.

"That and you know the fact that you are the father and me staying here in your place?" She pressed on.

"Well, they wouldn't be noticing it for now, but you are right, things might turn complicated soon enough. Would you want to transfer to my office, we can avoid more gossip if you are within my circle of influence." He recommended it nonchalantly.

She stared at him with curious eyes. Could that be the best solution?  

Napaisip ng masinsinan si Erika. She does not want to leave her department now; she likes the people she's with, but she also knows that they would probably not understand what happened to her. If the word gets out that the CEO knocked her up the horror of what the other employees would say, and think would be terrible. She grimaced imagining a future if things would get out of hand.

She pursed her lips. "I'll cross the bridge when I get there, for now, I need to be careful, so people won't suspect." She concluded.

"Let me know what you need from me, we are on this together " he stated, and Erika wanted to believe him.

Is he doing it for me or his best interest? I wouldn't know. She thought to herself.  

"Thank you, Francis," she uttered right after, whisking the thought away.

The next morning Erika was preparing for work and was ready to step out when she saw Francis outside her door. She was momentarily stunned and gave him a questioning look.

"Are you ready?" He asked her.

Confused by his actions she nodded. "Yes, is everything okay?"

"Of course everything is good, let's go to work together. It would be efficient that way and I can make sure you are safe and comfortable" he uttered.

Her eyes widened. Didn't they just talk about being discreet with their setup last night?

"Do you think it's a good idea?" She asked.

"Yes, it's fine, I have an exclusive elevator directly from the parking lot so you can be assured that no one will be there to see you" he stated.

She nodded eventually unsure if this was the best route to do so. When they reached the basement and Francis parked in his usual spot, he readily opened the passenger door and grabbed Erika's hand to support her. She accepted the gesture with gratitude and thanked Francis.