Fate and Star *FSA Book II* [KiefLy]

Chapter 5

"You see anak, she's not chinese. Plus she works as a call center agent. No family business at isa pa she's a breadwinner. I.. I mean ayaw ko lang dumating ang point na maging issue ninyo... ang.... finances and other monetary stuff. You know what I mean, Kief." His mom stated while taking glances, observing Alyssa who was happily conversing with Kiefer's siblings and cousins.

"Woah!" Kiefer said as he held both his arms in surrender. "Masyado yatang advance yang mga iniisip niyo Ma. It's only our first date pero bakit ang dami niyo na pong worries?"

"You are my son, Kief. I know you too well, and you look at her differently. Too different that you seem so interested and drawn to her. Now tell me that I'm wrong." His mom said matter of factly.

Kiefer kept his silence. Trying to weigh his thoughts and feelings towards Alyssa.

"Pigilan mo Kief, habang maaga pa. Habang hindi ka pa hulog completely." His mom said and tapped his back.

Mozzy was about to walk away from him when he caught his mom's left elbow.  "Ma, what if I'll really fall for her? I don't see anything wrong with that."

"Don't get into a complicated situation, Kief." Mozzy told him.

"Why Ma, have you forgotten how you've sacrificed for Papa before? How you fought for him? Dahil sa hindi kayo pantay ng estado noon? Are you telling me that those were not worth it kaya dapat hindi ako malagay sa ganoong sitwasyon?" He asked while looking straight at his mom.

Mozzy smiled at him. "Guess you really found your match son."

Kiefer pondered on those words. Could he be really falling for her? That fast?

Alyssa walked to the corner where he was. He was in deep thoughts that Alyssa's presence went unnoticed. She snapped her fingers in his face that made him look at her.

"Lutang lang?" She asked. "Sorry ha, maling mali talaga na pumayag ako sa gusto ni Luigi, naipit lang din ako. Mauna na siguro ako, Kief."

Kiefer was quick to stop her then held her shoulders, "Hey hey, hindi ganon Ly. May inisip lang ako. My family actually likes you and I'm thankful na ikaw yung nandito." He said assuringly. She smiled in response.

"Ang swerte mo sa family mo, Kief. As much as gusto ko pa sana mag stay, kailangan ko na pumasok ng work eh." Alyssa informed him.

"Oo nga pala." He uttered as he checked his wristwatch. "Tara paalam lang tayo."

They approached the group and bade their goodbyes. Grandmother was quick to catch up with them and walked them to the door.
"Iha, balik ka dito sa susunod ha." To which Alyssa smiled shyly.

The old woman turned to Kiefer. "Apo?" Kiefer just nodded. "We'll see Ammah. We'll go na po." He said and kissed her.

Alyssa also paid respect by hugging her and giving her a peck in the cheek.

Mozzy on the other hand was keenly observing them from afar.

+++++

"Kief if gusto mo pwede naman ako pumunta bukas sa condo mo." Alyssa offered as they were on their way to Technohub.

"Hindi na Ly. Okay lang. Let's stick with Friday and Saturday. Tomorrow is family day naman."

"Sige ikaw bahala." She answered. Silence filled the atmosphere until they reached their destination.

"Thank you sa paghatid Kief at sa dinner kanina." Alyssa said as she hopped out of the car.

"I should be the one thanking you. Sa uulitin Ly." He said, shocked on his own words.

"Gegu. Bayad na ako kay Luigi. Quits na yun." She said laughing.

"Bye Kief." She smiled and waved at him.

Kiefer smiled back and was left on his thoughts again.

+++++

"Are we done yet? Haven't we forgot anything to be discussed?" Kiefer asked the group as he presided the board meeting.

"Uyy mukhang Sir Kiefer is eager to go home ah." Kantiyaw ni John, one of his companions.

Kiefer just chuckled. He reviewed some important details and other concerns before he adjourned the meeting.

Hindi niya malaman sa kung anong kadahilanan, but he was just so excited to go home to his condo.

As soon as he opened the door, the aroma of adobo welcomed his nostrils. He went straight to the kitchen, Alyssa was busy in the sink while singing and grooving along to an upbeat song. He smiled. Happy to see her.

"Hi!" Bati niya na ikinagulat ni Alyssa.

"Oopps, kanina ka pa ba? Sorry ingay ko ba." She said apologetically.

"Medyo kakarating ko lang. Okay lang, singer ka pala ah." Tukso niya habang tumatawa.

"Ay, ang yabang din. Parinig nga." Hamon nito.

"Huwag na. Mainlove ka pa sa boses ko eh." Balik biro ni Kiefer.

"Ay, biglang lumamig. Lakas ng hangin eh. Diyan ka na nga, tapusin ko lang to." She said and returned to the kitchen.

She finished cooking and has set the table for one. She decided to sort out the laundry just as Kiefer stepped in to the dining area and blocked her way.

"Luto na ba? Tara kain na tayo." He invited her and instantly saw hesitation in Alyssa's face.

"Oo, ready na. Kain ka na. Isasalang ko na 'to sa washing machine." She said and pointed her lips to the pile of clothes she was carrying.

Kiefer held her in both shoulders and made her turn to the direction of the table. "No, kakain tayo, kakain tayo ng sabay. And I won't take no for answer." He got the clothes from her and made her sit.

"Ang kulit din talaga eh." Alyssa snapped to which Kiefer smiled.

They shared a hearty dinner. And true to her words Alyssa could really cook well. He acknowledged it and Alyssa was happy to know that he liked what she cooked.

Soon as they were done, Alyssa started to tidy up but Kiefer stopped her.

"Ako na maghuhugas Ly, " He offered. But Alyssa also insisted that she'll do the dishes. They were pushing and pulling on the leftover tray, too fast and hard when suddenly everything was poured on Alyssa's shirt.

"Oh my! Ayan na kasi ang kulit eh." Alyssa mused but Kiefer just laughed.

Alyssa took the leftover juice on the table and poured it all to Kiefer. Endless teasing and laughing dominated the house.

When she realized the mess, she eyed Kiefer seriously, "Kiefer naman may work ako after dito eh. Ano na susuotin ko?"

"Ikaw eh, ang kulit mo. Ihahatid na lang muna kita pauwi para makapagbihis ka." He suggested.

"9 pasok ko Kief, at malapit na lang dito ang Technohub di ba?"

"Then, you can take a shower na lang tapos i dryer mo na lang yang suot mo. I'll lend you a towel."

"Okay, wala na akong choice niyan eh." She went into Kiefer's room and took a quick shower. She went out after with only a towel wrapped in her body as she tiptoed to the laundry area.

Alyssa was patiently waiting for her clothes to get done when she heard a continuous knock on the door. Followed by a series of buzz.

She was waiting for Kiefer to get out of his room since he gave her a rule that she's not allowed to entertain anyone.

She waited but the person behind the door was impatiently knocking and pressing the doorbell non-stop.

She finally stood up and went to open the door.

The man was sweetly smiling at Alyssa and looked at her head to toe.

Ooops, it was a wrong move to break the rule, Alyssa.

xxxxx