DEREK ARKE: In Dark, I Saw Light [Arke & Serenity]

Kabanata 8

Just like in the movies, as the tension built and the moment reached its peak, it was suddenly interrupted. Naalis kami ni Arke sa tinginan sa isa’t isa nang tawagin na kami noong floral designer na handa na raw ‘yong mga bulaklak.

Sa buong panahon na kausap ko si Miss Fleur ay panay ang panggugulo ni Arke sa akin. He kept bringing up the past, reminding me how I loved red roses, and suggesting that we should pick them as the main flower decoration for Millie’s wedding. But I chose pink carnations instead because that was his sister’s personal choice. Sa huli ay bumili na lang siya ng maraing bungkos ng red roses at iba pang mga bulaklak. What he was doing with them, I did not give a damn at all. O baka naman ibibigay niya sa girlfriend niya para suyuin, kung saan kahit buwisit na buwisit ako sa Vivienne Almendras na ‘yon ay pabor na rin ako na magkabalikan sila dahil masyado na niyang binubuwisit at ginugulo ang buhay ko... lalo na ang puso ko.

After that appointment with the floral stylist, we had met with the cake maker next, which was just in the same location. At hanggang sa pamimili ng cake ay ang gulo-gulo niya, kung saan mas gusto ko pa ‘yong tahimik lang at masungit na bersyon niya.

The bakery was quaint, with large windows, and the smell of fresh bread, vanilla, and sugar lingering in the air. There was a glass display showcasing an array of colorful cupcakes, pastries, and cakes, each more beautiful than the last. At sa gitna ng shop ay may isang pabilog na mesa na tila ba sinadya para sa mga pag-uusap.

“You’re drooling. Is it because of the delicious-looking cakes or because of me?” biglang bulong ni Arke.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. And before I could reach out to him and give him a smack, a cheerful woman appeared from the back with an apron tied around her waist.

“Welcome to Dulce Sugbo! You must be here for the cake tasting. Come on and sit. I’ve prepared some delightful flavors for you to try,” the cake maker happily invited.

Tulad ng pakilala ni Arke doon sa floral stylist, sinabi rin niya rito sa babae na kami raw ‘yong couple na ikakasal.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you. Let’s get started, shall we? I’ve prepared several different flavors for you to try. Feel free to tell me what you like and dislike,” the cake woman as she laid out the samples on the table in front of us—chocolate truffle, vanilla bean, strawberry shortcake, and red velvet to start.

I did not try to correct Arke anymore and just go with the flow, but how wrong that was! Because the asshole took advantage and kept with the relentless teasing and playing.

“Come on, love, just a small bite. This chocolate truffle cupcake is to die for,” aniya, ako na gusto niyang subuan noong nasabing cake.

Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata at kinurot nang mariin sa ilalim ng mesa, pero hindi siya nagpapigil at talagang inilapit ‘yong tinusok na cake sa bibig ko. At dahil nakatingin sa amin ‘yong cake maker at baka maguluhan pa siya sa mga nangyayari ay labag sa loob na isinubo ko na lang ‘yong isinisubo niya.