Unforgotten Love Affair

Chapter 19 Comeback

I am facing the mirror.  Masked with an emotion I wanted to display.  Napaghandaan ko na ang pangyayaring katulad nito.  Iced walls have been sorrounding me.  Pagkatapos ng isang buwan, tinawagan ko Ang mga magulang ko.  That very instant, dad showed me how disappointed he is.  Buti nalang naintindihan ni mom ang kagustuhan kong mapag-isa.  She considered me giving off vacation.  Gusto na nila akong pauwiin and managed the Oregon Hotel at gumawa na lang ng extension office ng kumpanya.  I asked for a week extension.  I still have to prepare for this.

And her I am, naka titig sa reflection ko sa salamin.  I just wore white chiffon camisole with tailored black blazer and a pencil cut knee length skirt.  Minimal make up lang nilagay ko sa aking mukha habang naka high ponytail ang aking buhok.  Very business like.  I heaved a sigh of relief after being satisfied of my looks. This is really it!

Deritsong lakad Ang ginawa ko at pumasok sa conference hall.  Just in time I told myself.  Lahat Ng tingin nila sa loob ay nakatuon sa akin.  Parang dejavu Ang nangyari.  Ramdam ko ang titig Ng isang taong pinakahuli kong nais makita.  I lean on my sit at pinagsiklop ang mga kamay na humarap sa unahan habang umpisa ng magsalita si dad. 

"... Sophia to take full responsibility on the control of hotel operations.  I want you Raphael to assist her.  I know she wanted to do this long time ago pero hindi ko na naisipang mgbukas Ng isang hotel.  Good thing that Oregon Hotel here accepted our partnership for this."  Bigla akong napatingin Kay dad.  I didn't expect that he will announce it here.  I can see mom smiling sweetly at me habang nakakunot ang noo ko.

"Go on iha. The floor is yours."  I reluctantly went near dad.  He hugged me with congratulations so with mom.  Oh God! How I missed them. 
I closed my eyes and binasa ang mga labi.  "Thank you dad for entrusting this to me. It's been my dream and surprise just came in" nahihiyang akong nakangiti sa mga magulang ko.  I tried harder to avoid looking at Raphael's direction.  It pissed me off seeing the parrot girl again sitting beside him as if talking to him senseless.  Kitang kita ko ang sobrang titig ni Raphael sa akin.  It sent chills over my entire body.  Why did he stares at me like that?
"I am looking forward working with you guys.  Let's work hard together, with dedication in achieving our goals and standard.  Thank you very much."  I was welcomed with warm applause from them.  I quickly bowed in reply.

"So, your finally back." Isang baritonong tinig na nagpaigtad sa akin.  He came closer that I can feel his warm body behind me.  I gripped on the folder I am currently holding.  Di ko na kailangan pang lumingon.  I know it's Raphael.  Naglakad na ako palayo.  Ayokong makita kahit anino nya.  Ngunit mabilis niya akong nahapit sa bewang.  Sya naman pagdating nila mom at dad, Tito Fred at tita Sylvia.  Goodness! I'm doomed.
His nearness disturbs me,  I can fell weakness on my legs na para bang bibigay ang mga Ito at any moment now.  He is holding me tight to steady.  Ramdam ata niya Ang panghihina ko. 
"Get off me"
"I missed you damn much baby" he barely whispered at me and kissed my hair just above my ears.  Napapikit ako sa matinding sensasyon na dulot na simpleng ginawa nya. 

"Sophie iha, we're glad that you're finally back.  Yeah it's good thing that you take break at once before emerging into other business.  I am pretty sure that my son will take care of you. Right Rapha?" Tita Sylvia embraced me at tamang tama ang pagbitaw ni Raphael sa akin.
"It's the right thing to do, mom." Matalinghagang sagot nito. Napangiwi ako dun.  Right thing to do your face.
"Thank you tita.  I'll do my best on this." Sabi ko sa kanya.
"I know Sophie." Sabay halik nya sa pisngi ko.  Tita Sylvia is really fond of me ever since I was a baby. 

"Paano we'll go ahead na.  Ok nga pala, Raphael, next week Sophie will resume office at Oregon Hotels.  Ipa finalize ko Lang muna yung construction firm for the extension office there."
"Yeah Tito,  it's fine with me.  I can wait."  They exchanged meaningful glances na hindi ko maintindihan kung ano.
Dad has been guiding me in running the business even until now.  He taught how to do things perfectly.

"Dad, mom I'll go ahead. Michael and Margie are waiting for me at the coffee shop nearby.  Sabay sabay na rin kaming tutungo sa firm.  Kakatapos lng din nila meeting with a client."  I kissed my parents goodbye.
"Tito, tita mauna na po ako." Magalang Kong paalam sa kanila.  Hindi ko na pinansin si Raphael. Bahala sya sa buhay nya. MIA na naman yung babaeng parrot nya.

I didn't realize hinatid na pala ako ni Raphael hanggang elevator.  "You don't have to do this Raphael."  Nilingon ko sya.  Tahimik Lang sya.
Pagkasok namin sa elevator, Sumandal sya at pikit matang tumingala habang nakapaloob sa bulsa ng pantalon ang kanyang mga kamay.
"Fuck!  What have I done Soph? Why are you this cold to me? Baby, please tell me what's wrong?"  His pleading eyes seeks some answers but I stayed silent.
Napatingin ako sa kanya "Nothing."
"No! Baby, please... I beg you.  Not this way.  Not this time that I'll ever let you go". Sabay hila Nya sa akin papunta sa sasakyan Nya.  I act normally to walk with him in his pace.  Ayaw ko makaagaw ng eksena lalo na nasa ground floor na kami and in spite of his dark aura now.  But some of them are starting to glance at us.  I just smiled at them in recognition kasi karamihan sa kanila ay employees sa company ni dad.