Written in the Stars

Chapter 20

She closed her laptop and moved her head in a circular motion to try to ease the tension on her neck.

After unpacking her things, Lianne busied herself with a bunch of emails and reports sent to her. Sigurado siya na tambak na rin ang trabaho niya sa office.

Her week-long vacation with Alden is over. Kahit ayaw pa nila ay wala silang choice dahil isang linggo lang ang paalam niya sa opisina. Alden was on leave for two weeks but he decided to also go back to work tomorrow.

Early this morning, they drove back to Manila from La Union and headed straight to Cheska and Drew’s house to drop their pasalubong.

The married couple invited them for lunch and they willingly obliged. After the long chitchats and endless updates, hapon na sila nakauwi sa kani-kanilang condo units.

Lianne checked her phone and felt a bit disappointed not seeing a single text from Alden. Well, she couldn’t blame him. Sinabihan niya kasi ito na huwag muna siyang istorbohin because she will be preoccupied with work.

Pasado alas-otso na pala ng gabi at hindi pa siya nakakapagluto. She opted for a fastfood delivery for her dinner.

Just when she was about to dial the delivery service digits, her phone rang. She brightened up upon seeing his name.

“Hello babe” she answered.

“Hey babe. Tapos ka na?”

“Hindi pa nga eh, I just took a little break pero tatapusin ko rin mamaya. Di ko namalayan ang oras”

“You don’t have to stress yourself babe, just take it easy” there was concern in his voice. “Can you meet me at the balcony now?

She smiled, “Missed me already?”

“Yes, you have no idea. Kanina pa kita gustong tawagan at puntahan but you said you’re busy” he said on the other line.

“Aww” her heart swelled with joy. “Sorry, ang dami kasing trabahong naghihintay sa akin”

“Come here at the balcony”

“As in now?”

“Yes, now” he demanded but then said in a soft, pleading tone, “Please?”

She grinned, thinking how adorably cute he sounded. “Opo, papunta na”

Lianne cut the call at inilagay ang cellphone sa tabi ng laptop. Tumayo na siya at lumabas ng kwarto, crossing the living room to the balcony.

When she reached it, she opened the door and searched for him. His unit’s light was on, nakabukas din ang pinto sa balkonahe nito ngunit wala si Alden doon.

“Babe?” she called out, thinking he might have returned inside his unit.

Someone grabbed and hugged her from behind which almost made her scream. If not for his sexy laugh, his tight embrace and the familiar scent of his aftershave, malamang ay nagsisigaw na siya sa pag-aakalang magnanakaw or rapist ito.

“Oh God!” she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Papatayin mo ba ko sa gulat at takot?” she said while turning around to face him.

He stole a swift kiss on her lips, “Sorry if I frightened you, I just wanted to surprise you” his fingers brushed a few strands of her hair away from her face.

“Teka, how did you get here?” she paused, her brows furrowed in disapproval. “Dito ka na naman dumaan?” she asked, pointing the railings.

“Magkalapit lang naman ang balconies natin, it was easy” Alden reasoned out as he sat on a chair.