To Love the Dawn

44

"So, you're telling us that you want us to take over? It's like we're renting out your space. Is that it?" Tumango si David kay Zelena. "That's actually a nice move. I'm sure Xzavi can handle the agency well."

"But we'd like to change its branding if we get the opportunity to handle it. I've prepared some proposals and some terms and conditions. You can check it anytime." Xhaiven slid an envelope across David's table. "I'll be the only one to handle the agency. While Zelena will work under the agency. I'll have her transferred here from C-box."

"What a bold move, attorney. You're going to start your own agency against your family's." Nakangiti si David habang nagkokomento. "Wouldn't that be a hot topic?"

"Our current agency sucks. There's no point in staying there. Zhai, ako na." Inagaw ni Xhaiven kay Zelena ang mini-knife na dala niya. Xhaiven sliced the cake. Nilagyan niya kami sa paper plates na dala rin ni Zelena. "One of Zelena's favorite cakes, you should try it."

"It's super good! I'm telling you!" Xhaiven looked at David when he smirked at Zelena. Sa tingin na iyon ni Xhaiven, parang gusto niyang manuntok!

"Hindi ka ba nakukulitan dito sa kaibigan ko, attorney?" Inabot ni Zelena si David upang hampasin ang kaniyang braso. "That's so unprofessional of you, Dr. Dominguez!"

"Ah, really ba? Why don't you ask Solana if she's not bored with you?" Nanghahamon si Zelena sa tinig niya. Napailing nalang si Xhaiven, napapangiti. Si David naman ay nang-aasar na nagtaas ng kilay. And when he looked at me, he smiled softly. "Gosh! That's so ew, David! Ganiyan ka pala ma-in love!"

"And what about it? We're married, so?" pagyayabang ni David. Imbis na mapikon si Zelena ay napangiti pa siya. All of a sudden, she hugged me! "Hey, baka nasasaktan na si Sol."

"You're exaggerating!" Umirap si Zelena kay David nang pakawalan niya ako. Nang muli siyang bumaling sa akin ay ngumiti siya. She held both of my hands. "I'm so thankful that you're loving my friend wholeheartedly. I know David won't do anything that'll make you fall. He'll only help you withstand anything in life."

David smiled at me, giving me enough assurance. He kept glancing at me while he was having drinks with his friends! May mga tumabi kasing girls sa friends niya. Only David and Phil were the ones na iwas na iwas.

I could imagine Rissa throwing fists at him if ever he cheats! Kung si David naman ang magloloko, talagang wala na siyang second chance sa akin!

But I know he wouldn't do that. Through the years, he kept his vows to me. And he continued with his responsibilities as my lifetime partner. He spent his rest times with me, he shared his laughter and breakdowns with me, and most especially, he stayed with me as he continued to love me every day from dusk 'til dawn.

"Paano nga kayo ulit nagsimula ni Phil?" Jenna asked my friend, Rissa. Napangiti agad si Rissa at maarteng hinawi ang kaniyang buhok. "We're ready to listen, Issang! I forgot the story na. Ang tagal na rin noon, eh. Tsaka bigla nalang naging kayo, kaya wala nang nagtanong. Halata rin kasing gusto niya ang isa't isa."

"So ganito kasi 'yon... Papansin kasi iyang kaibigan ninyo sa akin..."

Muli akong napalingon kay David. He was laughing at his friends. When he felt my gaze, he looked at me and winked. Napainom tuloy ako sa baso ko. Walang umiwas ng tingin sa aming dalawa.

"Tapos one day, I needed my calculator. But I left it at home 'cause I changed my bag. Kay Phil ako nakahiram... 'Di ba kasi engineering student siya. I thought of him the moment I needed a calcu! Kasi alam kong every day niyang dala ang calculator niya because he's taking up civil engineering."