Just like that

Chapter 6

I have been fooled by this man.

And I hated the fact because I became a slave by my love for him. I hated it. I hate it because I loved him so much. I have lived without him for 5 years and now he just appeared and make me think things again. He is pestering my mind again.

Not just my mind but to stir also the feelings that has been hidden a long time ago.

I am now living in peace but now he's back. Saying those words that I wanted to hear long ago but it's too late. Too late.

I diverted my gaze and straightly go to the center where I should be seated. I remained straight face even though I am damn nervous because he is just near. My heart makes a wild thump.

Nako nako. Yung tipo na parang gusto ng kumawala ng puso ko at tumalon nalang sa building na to. Kung naririnig niya lang tong nasa isip ko panigurado ngingisian lang ako nun.

The lights went dim as the presentation starts.

I just diverted my eyes to the person who is incharge on presenting the project while Jeremy is beside me taking down the important details and recording it. I just let him be. He is a good secretary that's why dad never fired him because he is responsible at maayos mag trabaho. At ang alam ko ito ang bread winner sa pamilya nito kaya grabe rin ang pg pupursigi ni Jeremy.

I'm spacing out. There is so many to think about. May narinig akong tumikhim.

I looked infront of me and saw that the presentor is looking at Remyr.

"Is there any problem, sir?" Tanong ng tauhan ng aking Ama.

"No. Continue, please." Ani nito at sabay na tumingin sakin. Napakunot ang nuo ko. Anong problema nito? Nakipag titigan rin ako sa kanya at tinaasan lang ako ng kilay. Ano to bakla?

Bakla ba yan, Natalie? Eh makalaglag panty ang ang mukha? Plus yung katawang nakakangisay? Yung tipong mahawakan mo lang lalabasan kana?

What the hell? Did I just think of that? Well.. yeah.. there is no doubt and it is the truth. He changed.. a lot. Kung dati hindi pa siya gaanong ma-muscle pero meron rin naman dahil sa kasali siya sa Varsity ng football nung college kami. Pero ngayon he became more bulky and all. His shoulders are now more broader, those biceps and triceps na nakahapit sa coat niya. But his looks is still the same. Still handsome. God. No wonder maraming babae ang naghahabol dito. Yung tipo na kulang nalang eh halikan ng mga babae ang dinadaan nito.

Eh diba patay na patay karin dyan dati?

She unconciously rolled her eyes. Ugh. I am going crazy.
Napadako nanaman ang mata niya sa lalaki at nakita niyang naka-ngisi na ito. Parang sinasabing alam ko ang iniisip mo. Psh. Inirapan nalang niya ito.

The meeting has ended without me listening to it carefully because my mind is wandering around. Nakipag kamay pa sakin ang mga board members bago ito lumabas.

I looked at my wrist watch and it says that it's already 12:30. That's why my stomach is crumbling. Maybe magpapa-deliver nalang ako ng food.

Tatawagin ko na sana si Jeremy ng hindi ko na ito makita at ang nakita ko ay si Remyr na nakapamulsa na para bang hinihintay talaga ako. Tumikhim ako.

"Mr. Aigara, What can I do for you?" I formally said.

His jaw tightened on what he have heard. I remained standing and looking at him. He sighed.

"Natalie." He said. My heart tightened. Usually when he says my name before it sounds music to my ears. Ang soothing sa pakiramdam but now all I can feel is pain. Yung parang ayaw kong tumitig at marinig ang boses niya.

Bitter.

Bitter na kung bitter pakinggan but this is how I feel. You can't blame me because I have been hurt.

"Let's talk, baby. Please."

Tumalim ang tingin ko. "Don't you ever call me that."

"Please." I looked at him.

"Okay. Let's talk. Here and now. Para matapos na to." Nakita kong may dumaan na sakit sa mga mata niya at umiwas ako ng tingin.

"About what happened in the past, I'm sorry. But--"

"No need saying sorry. Just like what you have said its all in the past. Yun lang ba ang sasabihin mo?" Tinatagan ko ang loob ko. Bakit masakit parin?

"And about Shaneia and I." Dugtong naman nito. Brace your self, Natalie. Dont let him see na affected ka parin. He has a big part of your life and whatever you do you cant take him out of your system.

"Stop. I already know that. I already know that I am just a substitute whenever she's not around and she's the one you truly love--"

"No! hear me out first please!" Napataas na ang boses nito.

"No! It's already clear to me that you love her more than me! And I already know that it will not be me because in the first place it was already her! You were just bored that time that's why you came into me and I was a fool to be fooled by you! I am a fool to love you that much and give my all!" Sigaw ko sakanya. Hindi na ako nakapagtimpi pa. Sa ilang taon kong sinarili ito. Dinala ko mag isa ang bigat ng nararamdaman. Ito na siguro yung panahon na kailangan kong ilabas ang naipon na sama ng loob kasama na ang sakit at lungkot.

His eyes gets cold on what I have said.

"So what are you saying, huh? That you regret the things that happened between us?" He spit out those words as if it was like a venom.

I looked at him. No. Damn, no. I treasured it. I have no regrets loving you. Until now.

"Damn, Tell me!" Napaigtad ako sa lakas ng boses niya. Di parin ako sumagot until my phone interrupt us.

I checked the caller and I answer it immediately. Tumikhim ako.

"Moooom! I miss you!" I heard my little angel's voice and that made me smile.

"Hey, baby." I said sweetly.

"Mom, I want to see you." Na-imagine niyang nakalabi ito habang nagsasalita. She chuckled.

"You want to see me, baby? Hmm?"

"Yes, mom! Dont you miss me? You didnt respond on my I miss you!" Nagtatampong sabi nito.

"Of course I miss you! I'll be there later okay?" Narinig niya ang malakas na "Yes!" ng kanyang anak sa kabilang linya kaya napatawa siya.

"Okay, mom! I love you po ng marami!" My heart swelled with joy ng marinig ko yun galing sa anak ko.

"I love you too. Wait for me there, okay?"

"Aye aye, mom!" And the line went off.

"So that's why you dont want me to call you baby." May diing sabi nito sa huli. Her mind went blank.

"Who is he?" May talim na pagkakatanong nito.

"Is he your boyfriend or what?" Sunod na tanong nito. Kinakabahan siya.

Hindi na siya nag atubiling sagutin ito at dali dali na siyang lumabas ng Conference room ng hindi na sinagot ang mga tanong nito.

Her heart is beating really fast as she storm out feeling pale and nervous.