DM #4: Ares Madriaga

Kabanata 26

Kabanata 26

Disorder

He went to his table, dropped some files on top of it, and then fixed his piercing eyes back on me. He looks livid, and his silence scares me. Hindi na ako halos makatingin sa kanya.

I felt like a prey that had been caught in the jaws of its predator. I felt guilty that I chose to hide this from him. I don't know how to defend myself, I'm not even sure if I have to.

Lalo na't nang nakita ko ang pagkataranta ni Tita Martha dahil sa narinig ni Ares, halos magkumahog. It was like she got caught of doing something so sinful. She totally forgets why they are here.

"It's not what you're thinking, hijo!"

Ares didn't even give her a glance, like he didn't hear anything. Narinig ko ang tahimik na pag-imbita ni Zoey sa ina na umalis na. Tita Martha looked so confused on what she should do, unsure whether they should leave or stay.

"Can you leave us for today? I'll call you once I'm available." he said without removing his eyes on me.

I was almost shocked when Tita Martha agreed immediately. They left the office quickly and quietly, as if they had never attacked me with words earlier.

The office felt so heavy, and I know why. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hawak na bag. I have an appointment. I have to go, or else I will miss it.

"Come here,"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita ko ang pag-upo niya sa swivel chair. He leaned on it and stared at me coldly. Nanlamig ako.

I don't even know why I feel so scared right now. He won't ever hurt me, but I know he's mad. I know what he's capable of doing with that Cabrera.

"Anais," he called when he noticed that I had no plans to come to him.

I bit the insides of my cheek and walked towards him. Halos maramdaman ko ang panghihina ng tuhod dahil sa dilim ng titig niya.

I stopped in front of him. He remained staring at me and didn't say anything. I suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"I have an appointment. I need to go..." mahinang sabi ko.

His jaw clenched with what I said. It was like I said it at a very wrong time. But it's true that I really have to go now. Well, if he doesn't want to go with me.

The bag I'm holding fell when he swiftly pulled me to sit on his lap. I was about to get it on the floor when he hugged me from the back. Hindi na ako nakagalaw at tinitigan na lamang ang bag na nasa sahig.

I can feel his hot breath on my nape, and his arms only tighten more as I try to move. In the end, I chose not to move.

I never thought that Tita Martha would suddenly bring up what happened between me and Franco Cabrera. She thinks I'm delusional, but it's not like it's important now.

I almost forgot about it because of everything that has happened. I felt happy for the past few days, and it never crossed my mind, but I know it left a stain inside me.

He's mad about it, and I really understand, especially with my situation now.

"When did it happen?" he asked in a restrained voice.

I can now feel his face against my cheek. If I look to the side, my lips will definitely touch his.

"I'm not yet pregnant when it happened," mahinang sabi ko kahit hindi sigurado.

"And? What's the fucking difference?" he said coldly.

Hindi ako agad nakapagsalita. It didn't matter to him if I was pregnant when it happened or not. Para sa kanya, tila walang pinagkaiba kung kailan iyon nangyari.