In His Kiss

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Laure Ri Daza's Point of View

Hindi ko na mabilang sa daliri ko kung ilang beses kong sinubukan magbuntong hininga.

I noticed Creed has been looking at my side from time to time. Iniwas ko na lang paningin ko sa kanya at tumingin na lang sa tao nasa unahan ko. It's been days since the last time I saw him. Kaya naman nakakapanibago na makita ko siya ngayon. When he picked me up in the office, he didn't even look excited. From that moment, I felt like there was a wall separating me from Creed. He's changing.

I stiffened from what I was thinking. What if I am the one who is changing? What if I just stopped tolerating Creed? That thought is scary.

Napahawak ako agad sa baso ng tubig na nasa harapan ko at napainom. I shouldn't think this way. I should be happy because I am with Creed, and so I conditioned my mind to think that way.

"How are you, Laure? I think it's been ages since the last time we've seen each other," Creed's mother suddenly asked me. Nagulantang pa ako dahil sa bigla niyang pagsalita. I think I am lost in my thoughts to the point I forget that I am sitting across from Creed's parents.

His parents looked as sophisticated as ever. Maybe because they are all a bunch of professionals while I'm just me.

A smile tugged on my lips and looked at Tita Kristy and Tito Javier.

"I am great Tita, just little busy with work." Nakita ko kung paano siya umiling at may pagalala sa kanyang mga mata.

"Oh, well I guess both of you are still busy with work. Pero sana naman kapag napagpasyahan niyo na magpakasal at magkaroon ng anak ay mabigyan niyo ng oras ang isa't isa. I know working is tough while having a family so please find time to what truly matters." I know what she's trying to say. Lalo na at mukhang ayaw niyang maranasan ko ang naranasan niya. Since Creed's parents has been always swamped with work, they almost forgot to take care of Creed. I guess she's a little guilty herself.

"Mom," pagsisimula ni Creed at hinawakan ang kaliwang kamay ko na nakapatong sa may lamesa. I suddenly looked flustered by the sudden touch of his warm skin to mine. There's a tingle at the base of my spine, warm and sparkly.

"Laure and I will take care of it." Seryosong pahayag ni Creed. He smiled a little, trying to convince his parents as if we all figured it out. Creed smiled at his parents but not at me. And I know I have to give my best smile too to his parents because that was low maintenance girlfriends are. They agree with whatever the boyfriend is saying.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Tita Kristy sa magkahawak naming kamay ni Creed. At sa paraan ng pagtitig niya at alam kong hindi lang siya nakatingin sa aming mga kamay kundi sa nakasuot sa daliri ko. I saw a sweet smile in her lips, a genuine one. And I pray to all the gods to open the ground for me.

"You got a nice ring on your finger, Laure. My son is really sweet, huh? Giving you another engagement ring." Kilig na sambit ng ginang. Kahit si Creed ay tumingin na rin sa singsing na tinutukoy ng kanyang magulang. Naipikit ko na lang ang mata ko dahil nakalimutan ko lang naman tanggalin ang singsing na ibinigay sa akin ni Hiro. This is supposed to be just for a show. Para lang mapaniwala namin ang pamilya ni Hiro. But right now, Creed's parents seen me wearing another ring.

"I saw that ring featured in the brochure in the Trelawney and I am telling you, my sweet, it only has one design, and purchasing that ring can be seen as an investment." The Trewlawney must be a jewelry shop. Pero hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi ni Tita Kristy. Does this mean this ring is expensive to the point it can be considered an investment?

Ramdam kong humigpit ang pagkahawak ni Creed sa aking kamay. I wonder what's expression Creed is making right now. I want to know what he's thinking.

"Oh my, am I being talkative again?" Natatawang sabi ni Tita Kristy at humawak sa braso ng kanyang asawa.