In The Arms Of An Angel (ON HOLD)

CHAPTER 56

"Y-yes...but I was hoping to also get to know you better, Dei."

And he meant that. RJ cannot deny anymore what he is feeling right now. But he knew better than to rush. He can tell that Dei is not the type who would rush to anything. Her being an NBSB at her age says a lot about her personality.

They did not have time to discuss the implications of that statement though for the door to her office suddenly opened again and in came her assistant Valerie reminding them about their dinner. So they were led out of the studio after a hurried goodbye and next thing they knew they were standing beside his car.

RJ hastily opened the passenger door for her and she said a timid thanks before sliding gracefully inside. He took a deep breath first before going around to the driver's side and got in. One can almost physically feel the tension between them that they opted to remain quiet for the duration of the short ride to the restaurant. They just exchanged shy glances and short remarks, both trying to gauge each other's thoughts. But when they got to their reserved table, RJ could no longer take the tension and decided to speak up.

"Dei, I meant what I said earlier at your office. I want to get to know you better. I look forward to us being good friends..." He started after they gave their orders to the server.

"Friends na naman tayo, ah. Di naman ako sasama basta syo if I don't consider you at least a friend. Bakit ba napunta dyan ang usapan? Psych evaluation ang reason for this dinner, di ba? How do we do that pala?" She asked obviously to divert the topic. He sighed, mentally telling himself to stick to professional talk.

"Okay. I will just ask you series of questions about how you feel lately and how often do you experience them like is it all the time, often, sometimes..." He started but he got distracted when he noticed her staring back and listening attentively to him.

"Uhm, okay...then what comes after that?" He heard her ask but it took him a few seconds to react, this time distracted by her red lips.

"A-ah...I will assess your current state of mind through your answers..." Their staring match got interrupted by the server delivering their food at the table though. They thanked him absentmindedly, still absorbed in each other.

"I think we can do the evaluation as we eat ...I will start with random topics first so you will be more at ease. O-Okay lang ba syo?" He asked her.

"I-i guess that would be okay..." She answered tentatively.

"Great! Let's start with neutral questions...can you tell me something about yourself? Maybe some personal information that you are comfortable enough to share with me?" He started as they also start eating their dinner.

"Ahm...my full name is Nicomaine Dei Mendoza but I prefer to be called Dei coz my first name is a mouthful for most people...I'm the youngest of three girls in the family and I'm 23 yrs old which you already know..." She answered slowly.

He is just staring at her face as she speak. It took him a couple of seconds before he realized that she already stopped talking. He shook himself mentally to gain some composure.

"Uhm, okay...By the way, do you mind if I jot down some notes as we go about the assessment? That way I can write down your answers and also document my observation." He explained to her carefully.

"I don't mind. That's fine with me. But can I also ask you questions in turn? You know, para mas makilala din kita?" She asked back. He is still staring at her face, fascinated with the changes in her expressions.

"Of course...para fair..." He answered distractedly.

"Ohkey...ahm...what else can I share?..I graduated with a degree in Advertising but I opted to go for a career in Photography. My interest was piqued when I was enticed to join a photography organization back in college and...well, I guess it sort of is also in my blood coz my T-tatay used to delve also in photography during his younger years..." She explained with a little obvious trepidation at the mention of her father. This did not go unnoticed with him. He wondered why but is careful not to probe too much, only waiting for what she is wiling to share.

"Can I ask my questions now?" She suddenly asked making him snap out of his musings.

"Sure, ask away..." He answered casually but inside his heart beats a bit faster than usual.

"You seemed to be into a lot of things. You know...Psychologist, businessman, med student...how do you fit all that in your schedule? Yung totoo? Natutulog ka pa ba?!" She questioned as she leaned forward, one elbow on the table as she leaned a bit forward, her chin on her palm, regarding him inquiringly. He glanced discretely at her exposed shoulder then glanced away self-consciously, chuckling to quell the thoughts running through his mind.

"Haha...grabe sya! Natutulog pa naman ako. Siguro kung gusto mo talaga ang ginagawa mo, you make time and you prioritize them. I've always wanted to be a Psychologist that's why I really stood my ground with my choice even if my dad wanted me to take another pre-med course. With regards to the business, well there are people who depend on the resort for their livelihood so I really strive to keep it going for them. Sila na ang ang pamilya ko ngayon. And with med school, well that's my parents' dream for me but lately after my accident I've come to also appreciate and want it, too. There is a certain inner peace that I experience when I'm able to help other people especially with my personal advocacy which is mental health..." He explained but he suddenly stopped when he realized he already said too much. Dei seemed to notice his changed mood.

"Okay ka lang ba, RJ?" She softly asked him. He cleared his throat before he answered.

"Y-yes...I'm alright. Napansin ko lang ang dami ko nang nasabi baka nabobored ka na sa kwento ko..." He said, feeling unusually shy and confused at the same time. He can't remember ever opening up that freely with another person, not even his grandparents, about his feelings especially after the incident five years ago. Only with Dei.

"No! Not at all. I like listening to your stories. Ramdam ko yung passion mo for your advocacy and yung loyalty and love mo for your family. You've always been like that naman kahit noong..." She casually commented but an abrupt silence permeated between them on her last statement. Dei's eyes widen while his brows knitted together in confusion.

"Kahit noong? What do you mean? I don't remember us talking about those things before..." He asked , as he try to remember their past conversations.

"Ahm, ano...kahit noong...nasa resort tayo! Tama! Ang lambing mo sa grandparents mo at sa mga staff mo sa resort. And ito...yung pag-invite mo for dinner kasi napansin mong parang may manifestations ako ng depression. Ayun...kaya ko nasabi yun." She hurriedly explained. RJ can sense something off in her demeanor but he got distracted by her cute blush as she explain. He saw it spread from her cheeks down to her shoulders...

"Okay, Faulkerson...mind off the gutter..." He mentally chastised himself. He would need to constantly remind himself to slow down so as not to scare her.

They are still staring at each other when they heard a voice:

"Dei!"