Crumbled

Thirteen.

A/N:

Chapter update inspired by Alden's biceps. Hihihi. 😅

*****

"Maine, gising na!"

Her dreams and heavy slumber ended abruptly as the knock on her door shaken her back into reality.

She covered her face with her slovenly sheets as the morning light trickled down through her window blinds.

But she couldn't go back to sleep. Slowly and reluctantly, she opened her eyes and uncover her face.

As the sunlight hissed at her, she got up, dragged her feet off the bed and rubbed her knuckles onto her eyes.

She checked the time.

7:30 AM.

Basically, it is still way too early for someone who's there for a vacation. Unfortunately, she's also there for work and since she has less than a week left in Marilog with only half of the required number of paintings she needs to get done, she better start working her ass off.

As she watched her legs dangle above the off-white polyester carpet, she glanced through her entire room. It is filled with messy assortment of sketch pads, freshly-sharpened colored pencils, and old photos she found when she had the chance to ransack over old bunks yesterday.

She heard her stomach slightly rumbled.

Ugh, gutom na ko. Skip ng dinner tapos puyat pa more. Galing! Okay, time for a heavy breakfast. Sana masarap niluto ni Tita.

She got up from her bed and headed to her bathroom to wash up.

For the last 2 days, she had a basic routine. During the day, she spent her time in finishing the paintings she needs for her exhibit - for work. But at night, where she spent longer hours than she spent for her nature paintings, she's been doing something else.

Then she remembered him.

It was also two days ago since she last saw RJ. Sick, vulnerable, yet dashing-even-at-sleep RJ.

It was two days ago when she sneakily stole a kiss from him.

It was barely a kiss.

A kiss is a kiss, Nicomaine. Wag magpalusot.

Tsk. Gutom lang to.

She only changed her top into a more decent one but she decided to keep her pajamas on as she walked her way into the kitchen.

Pero kamusta na kaya sy---

"Good morning!"

"Ay palaka!"

"Mukha ba talaga akong palaka?"

"RJ!!"

She held her breath while practically balling her eyes out. He's right there. Once again, while she insanely talks to her self about him, he just appear out of nowhere.

"Huy, mahipan ka naman ng masamang hangin!"

"Ha?"

He let out a hearty laugh because she probably look stupid but she couldn't care less. Because that laugh suddenly make her want to dance along its beautiful sound.

"Natulala ka na. Lika, upo ka na dito. Here's your coffee and breakfast is almost ready. Matatapos na to."

He handed her a hot cup of coffee, but even it's aroma can't seem to bring her back to her senses.