Heartstrings [Kiefer Ravena & Alyssa Valdez] - Book 2

Chapter 23

Its been days since Von's birthday party and days since Kiefer and Trinca last talked. Kiefer doesn't know why but he still regularly sees her in the office. Yet, Trinca avoids him for no apparent reason.

Curiousity filled him up, now he is inside the office and watches Trinca do her paperworks. He put down his coffee and walked near to her cubicle, Trinca did not notice until he broke the silence.

"Trinca." He called her in his softest voice while watching what she's doing.

Trinca stopped but did not turn around, "Yes?" She asked while not looking at him.

Kiefer smiled when he finally heard her speak again, "Iniiwasan mo ba ako?" He asked directly. She did not answer so he asked another question, "Have I done anything wrong?"

"Wala, kang ginawang masama. Hindi naman kita iniiwasan, busy lang ako this week. Sorry." She said and started doing her paperworks again. Truth is, she is avoiding him. The reason is obvious, ayaw lang niya magpahuli. This is one of her tactics.

Kiefer nodded and went to the storage room, he came back with a coffee in his hand and placed it on her table. "Coffee, its almost 8... I know you are getting sleepy." Trinca acted like she is refusing the offer but Kiefer can read her mind, atleast for now. Therefore, he insisted... "Pakapalan ng mukha dito, Miss Diploma. If I were you, I'll take it. Otherwise, you can do that work at home. Next week pa ang deadline."

She took the coffee, "Thank you. I can do this, I'm almost done naman eh." She said while taking a sip. She finally looked at Kiefer who is now smiling at her. He has a smile to die for, Trinca couldn't help but smile, a sweet one before turning herself back to the computer screen. "You should be home already, sanay na ako magisa."

Kiefer sat on another chair next to her and laughed slightly, "How can I leave you alone when the keys are with me? Hindi ka makakalabas kapag iniwan kita dito, unless you have the power to go Darna and fly out of here." She gave him the you-are-corny look yet she ended up laughing. "Which part are you in by the way?" He asked referring to her works.

"Last part, I still need to do some revisions but I'll do it at home." She said.

A few minutes after, she finished it. Saved it on a USB and closed the computer after, Kiefer waited for her to get her stuff and both of them walked out of the building. When they bid good bye, Kiefer got a text from Alyssa...

FROM: Alyssa <3

Ravena, asan ka na?

Kiefer suddenly got nervous as he read it while entering the car. Alyssa only calls him Ravena when she is sad or angry. Walang ibang keme na nilagay si Alyssa sa kanyang text kundi tanong lang kung nasan na siya.

TO: Alyssa <3

Hon, I'm coming home na. I'm sorry, may nag-overtime kasi dito. Si Trinca, eh alangan naman iwanan ko lang siya... Nasa akin kasi ang susi kaya nanatili muna ako hanggang makatapos siya sa kanyang trabaho.

He did not wait for her reply, he immediately drove off the compound after starting the engine.

"Daddy!"

Kervin ran from Alyssa's arms and went to hug Kiefer. He kissed his father in the cheek and then looked at Alyssa who has her arms crossed. Galit yata. "Galit ba si Mommy? Sorry late ako ngayon ah." Kiefer said and Kervin nodded.

"Sana nagsabi ka." Alyssa said in a worried tone, Kiefer went to her and they hugged each other tightly. "Hindi ako galit." She whispered while hugging him. Kiefer combed her hair using his fingers in comfort and kissed her forehead. Alyssa's face turned red and she smiled.

"I'm sorry." Kiefer said after freeing himself, he holds her hand and squeezed it.

"Ayos lang, let's go inside." She said and the three of them went inside to officially end the day.

**

"Mommy! Daddy! Wake up! Both of you are late already!"

Kervin repeatedly said while jumping and trying to wake them up. It is already past 8AM and both of them are late for work. After several tries both of them finally woke up. Alyssa realized her duty started one hour ago, she quickly got out of the bed and Kiefer woke up because of Kervin's noise.

"Dad, late na kayo. Mommy ran to the CR na, both of you are late." Kervin reminded him and Kiefer check their alarm and its already 8:30. Kiefer slapped his head and Kervin let out a laugh, "Bilisan mo na Daddy, para kang Zombie dyan!"

Alyssa reached the Hospital at 10 o' clock, everybody stared at her as she rushed herself to the office. She opened the door and Jovee, Ella, Den and Amy stared at her when she entered. "You're late!" The four said while pointing at their watches. Alyssa bows her head in shame.

"Sorry guys." She apologized and placed her stuff on the table. "Ano naman pinuntahan niyo dito?"

"Wala, ikaw." All of them said.

"Miss niyo nanaman ako."

"Feeler!"

They all laughed.

**

Kiefer accidentally bumped into Trinca while he enters the office, "S-Sorry." He said and entered without letting her say a word.

He saw a note left on his table, Kiefer picked it up and read it:

Son, come and join us in the Party later. Bring Alyssa if she's free, okay? Alam ko late ka ngayon, ingat. - Dad.

How can I forget?! May Party pala kami mamaya. He can go there but with Alyssa is not sure because she has been busy lately.

"Hon."

"Nakarating ka na?"

"Yep, as in ngayon lang. May tatanong lang sana ako."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Can you join us sa Party later? Nagyaya si Dad, nandun ang mga kasama natin dito. Are you free?"

"Uh, I can't... Overtime kami ngayon tapos hindi ako pwede mag-half day. You can go with Von and Trinca nalang, pasabi din kina Dad na hindi ako makakapunta. I'm sorry, Hon."

"Aww, it's okay. Sasabihin ko sa kanila, mamimiss kita... Ulet. Haha! Sige, bye na alam ko busy dyan."

"Parang ilang oras lang... Hahaha! Okay, ingat ka dun ah? I love you!"

"I love you, too."

Bong watched Kiefer change his facial expression from happy to sad, "She can't come?" He asked and Kiefer nodded in dismay. "It's okay, sina Von na kasama mo papunta dun."

"Overtime sila ngayon, Dad."

"Walang problema, ayos lang yan. Babantayan ka namin dun." Bong joked and both of them laughed, "Why? Masyado ka kayang gwapo para hindi pansinin ng mga babae dun." He continued.

"You did not change, same old Dad. Nandyan si Von, sa kanya ako magpapabantay." Kiefer winked.

**

Ano kaya mangyayari sa Party? *evil grin*