Dancing with Fire

CHAPTER 5 - Unexpected Honesty

CHAPTER 5

"Good evening."

What the hell is he doing here?

"Bakit ngayon ka lang anak?" Tanong ni Carol sa anak na kakarating lang galing eskwelahan. Sandra saw Trenton seating beside her mother at the dining table, smiling teasingly at her.

Oh please, not tonight.

"Nabusy kasi kami sa pag-oorganize ng school event Ma, hindi ko na namalayan ang oras."

At lumapit siya sa kanyang Mama para humalik. Pinigilan niya ang kanyang sarili na hindi durugin si Trenton kaya't hindi nalang niya tiningnan ito.

"Good evening Architect Armada." She greeted him matter-of-factly. He looked at her and flashed his megawatt smile. Sandra felt her cheeks warming up.

Stupid, don't blush for this shithead!

She immediately turned to look at his father for a short moment and greeted him. "Good evening Pa."

"Good evening." He replied without looking at her.

Their argument the other night is still fresh that's why Sandra has to 'lie-low' for now.

Umupo si Sandra opposite to Trenton and tried to ignore him, but his obvious provocation just made her more awkward and irritated.

"I heard you're having this Polianski project on the way." Sambit ni Leonardo kay Trenton.

Trenton nodded, his veneration almost palpable as he spoke. "Yes sir. Nagustuhan naman nila yung dalawang proposals ng firm. Ang problema nila ngayon ay kung ano ang pipiliin sa dalawa."

"Talaga nga naman Trenton, pinapabilib mo ako. My intuition about you being exceptional was right."

"Thank you sir, you flatter me so much." Smiling at his best.

"You deserve praises Trenton."

Binigyan ng makahulugang-tingin ni Carol si Sandra and the young lady contrived a smile in return.

"Sandra."

Sandra was surprised to hear her name coming from the guy across her.

What is it now Mr. Pasikat?!!

She faced him as normal as she can. "Yes?"

"Kamusta ka na?" Habang pinipigilan ang pagbungisngis nito. "I was surprised by your outburst."

Outburst?! What the fuck?!!!

Everyone on the table looked at her with confusion. Her heart raced, feeling her hands cold.

"Ha?" Acting like she didn't know what he was saying. Ang totoo ay nag-iisip siya ng paraan para lusutan ang kahibangan ng lalakeng nasa harap niya.

"Yung kinuwento mo saken." He winked, his gray eyes sparkled by the light. "The conflict you had with-"

He's freakin' attractive, but I'll crush your face later.

"Ah yes!" Almost exclaiming, "Yung naging conflict ko sa iba pang event organizers sa concert this Saturday. Okay naman, basta lang hindi makikialam ang mga hindi kasali."

"Kala ko event organizer rin siya? Edi may karapatan siyang makialam." He said, playing with her scheme all throughout.

Okay, you're barking at the wrong tree.

"Actually, acting like an event organizer." Looking at him austerely. "Alam mo yung, nakikisawsaw sa hindi naman niya trabaho? Na akala mo kung sinong kasali eh sa katunayan, wala naman siyang kaalam-alam sa mga ginagawa namin. Sumisipsip sa team leader to look good. In other words, nagpapa-feeling special siya." Saying the words sharply to his face.