Moth to a Flame

Ventinove| Remarry

AVIATRICE

"You went to the Philippines to rest after the accident and got married without telling us?" Hindi makapaniwalang atugal ni Natlan sa kabilang linya.

"Dio mio! So all this time, the reason why you kept on ignoring suitors is because you actually have someone in your heart?!" Kahit si Greece ay hindi rin lubos akalain na ikinasal na nga ako.

Well, their reactions are valid. May mga ilang piloto at marshalls na sinubukan akong lapitan at landiin pero hindi ko sila pinapansin dahil una sa lahat, hindi ako interesado. Second, I dislike the idea of being in a relationship with someone in the same workplace. I believe it could affect my profession.

"What are you both talking about?" Rinig kong boses ng isa pang lalaki.

"Kato! You will never believe this!"

"Chill, Nat. What happened?"

"Our captain is a married woman now!"

"So? What if she's—she's what?!"

Napangiwi ako habang inaayos ang kwelyo ng uniform ko. "Let me tell you, I wouldn't even know she's already married if I haven't checked the Flight Boards! It says the captain of the flight is Captain Salvatore instead of Captain Coronia!" Patuloy na paghihimutok ni Natlan.

"Salvatore? Why does that surname sound familiar?" Kunot noong bulong ni Greece sa sarili.

"It doesn't matter! But I am deeply hurt! I am your first officer! Greece is your second officer! Kato is your aircraft mechanic! Aside from your family and close friends, we should be important enough to be informed!" Hindi ko maiwasang mapailing lalo na at naririnig ko ang tono ng pagdadabog sa boses niya.

"Stop yapping. I will expalain later. I'll see you all at work." Akmang aapila pa ang mga ito nang patayin ko na ang tawag.

I look at myself in front of the mirror. I was wearing my pilot uniform. An elbow-length white corporate shirt with four-bar epaulettes on the shoulder, black necktie, and black slacks.

Napatingin ako sa relo ko bago damputin ang itim na blazer sa upuan. I only have two hours before my scheduled flight going to Somalia.

Paglabas ko ng guest room ay nakasalubong ko si Clevan. And yes, I was staying in the guest room. Hanggang hindi pa na a-abolish ni Kage ang walang kwenta nilang family tradition ay hindi ako matutulog sa kwarto naming dalawa.

And a sudden flashback made me bite my lips.

"What are you doing?" I asked as I gasped. He looks up, his lips a little wet in between my legs.

"Sincerely apologizing." He hummed as he added another finger.

"Aunt Trice, are you okay?" Nabalik ako sa realidad nang tawagin ako ni Clevan.

And what did he just call me? Aunt Trice? Another nickname?

"Your face looks like it's about to explode," he added as he held my left hand. "Stop daydreaming. Keep it up, and you might just trip and take a nasty fall down the stairs. Don't say I didn't warn you."

I tilt my head. He was smiling. At this point, he only looks like a sweet and caring little kid—a very different version of what I heard about him the first time I set foot here.

"Where is your uncle?"

"In his office! He's having a meeting with the QF!" Masigla niyang sagot. I just nodded my head and went downstairs.

Nakakatatlong hakbang pa lang ako ay napalingon ako nang tawagin ako ni Clevan. "Be careful on your flight today, Aunt Trice!" Natigilan ako nang makita ko ang klase ng ngiti na binibigay niya sa akin.