One Last Song (R18)

CHAPTER 5

To my surprise, Harper is waiting for me at the end of the corridor. I don't know if I'm going to greet him or just walk passed through him.

"Where are you going to take your lunch?" Napalingon ako kay Harvey, pati si Rhett na nasa harapan ko ay tumigil sa paglalakad.

"I'll take her for lunch, problem with that kid?"

Rhett abruptly said. Harper is now gritting her teeth and walked away.

We arrived to the restaurant and true enough, may reservation nga sya doon. We entered the VIP section, he let me wear his jacket since this restaurant is kind of formal. I look like a model sporting a men coverall. But this would pass, I think.

We're just waiting for his orders and I'm trying to check from time to time the VIP rooom.

"You and that boy?" The air inside this room is heavy.

"hmmm?" sound a bit confused.

"The kid earlier. Is he your boyfriend?"

"Oh, Harper. No, he's my classmate."

"He's not good for you tho."

"Ah, he's not my friend. I mean, he doesn't court me. Ahm I mean, uh we were just classmates." Oh my God, kainin na ako ng lupa ngayon na. Nakakahiya.

"It's okay tho, you're pretty. Boys would do that to pretty girls, but you should know better. They're not good enough for you."

"Who's good enough for me then?"

"You'll know. Someday"

"Why are you doing this?" There. I said it.

"Just protecting some..business."

"Yeah right..." Yes, this is his investment. Oh crap. I thought.. I thought. Never mind. Ang tanga ko lang. alam mo yung bakit di ka crush ng crush mo? Eto yun.

NAKAKAHIYA. He's just doing me a favor ako naman ng fefeeling. #Amfee

"Wala ka bang secretary para gawin tong mga ginagawa mo? I mean masyado ka atang hands on sa business mo."

"Mahirap na baka maagaw."

"Huh?" I sipped on my water. Muntik na akong atakihin sa puso.

"Yeah, people do that. Sa business dapat binabantayan mo, lalo na at valuable. You have to play by the rules but be ferocious."  He said meaningfully.

Our food arrived and we casually talked things. Medyo gumaan ang loob ko sa kanya, though I still find him intimidating, siguro kasi sobrang successful nya.

"What does it feel like to be successful at a young age?"

"Feels normal. Getting curious now aren't we?" He chuckled sexily.

Hala lahat na lang ba ng gagawi ng lalaking to sexy?

Siguro kasing pula ng iniinom nyang red wine ang pisngi ko.

"Ah hindi, ang kuya ko kasi he's working abroad for a month long project, hindi naman sya ngkwekwento stuffs and such. I miss having a kuya you know."

His face became sour immediately.

"I'm not here for brotherly intentions, please know that."

"Ah sorry, it's not what I meant. I'm just saying namimiss ko si Kuya. That's all." How many times do I have to embarass myself today?

"I can see that you are really passionate in performing and I can really tell boys will flock into you in an instant. But let me tell you this, only few will see you for who you are, most of them will only love you because of fame, money, your beauty and all those shits that will be easily gone."

"That's deep. But really, thank you, I don't think I am looking for someone for now. I'm still 16 and I really want to my family to be proud of me, especially Kuya, I look up to him, I can't fail him."

"It's good to know that then. Where's your brother again?"

"He's in Dubai as of the moment, he's working on a project. He's one of the engineers."

"Is he Dubai based?"

"No. He's working in a firm I forgot the name of the firm."

"I see. How about you, what would you want to take after senior high?"

"Im really good in performing, I'm not so sure. My mom's into business, my Kuya is an engineer. I would probably take mascom? That's close to my passion."

"Suits you well."

"You're excused for today, where do you want to go? I can take you there."

Savor this day. I admit I have a huge crush in Seth. He's aura screams authority, he made me tremble. So Im going to enjoy his company until it last.

Puppy love nga ata to. Nakakasabik naman.

"You know Samal Island, it's 30 minutes away from here. Can we go there?"

"Beach. I like that. Yes I'll just make some calls."

Next thing I know we are riding a helicopter going to Samal island. The perks of being a businessman.

I no longer wear his coat. We are walking by the beach, barefoot. He looks so carefree, relaxed but intimidating. We are alone in this island. I didn't know this gem. Akala ko mapapadpad kami sa  mga usual tourist destination, crowded, pero this island is secluded.

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam ng buhangin, sobrang pino. Nakakarelax talaga. Kpag sikat na ako,magpapatayo ako ng beach house. I smiled at the thought.

"What are you thinking?"

"hmmm future?" I smiled widely while looking at him.

"I hope that future includes me" He looked away.

"Depends if you want to be there." He stopped walking.

"I know I already told you that my intentions weren't brotherly. But it is still too early. Margareth, I will say this now so you'll have an idea why I'm doing this."

Parang tumigil ang pagtibok ng puso ko. Ganito ba ang sinasabi nilang love? Kasi ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito.

"I liked you when I first laid my eyes on you. When you sang that night, I know I want to know you more. The only thing that's holding me back right now is your age. But when the right time comes, I hope you will be ready for me too."

I want to tell him, I'll be everything to be ready at this age. I can compromise, but if it is his decision to wait for me, then I'll freaking wait then. Aarte ka pa te?

Gwapo, succcessful, understanding at higit sa lahat nalike back ka ng crush mo. Sinong aayaw.

"I'll wait for you then."

"I think I can deal with that." He said smiling.

"if it's not too much to ask, can I ask for a favor?"

"s-sure."

"No boys until me."

"Rhett, I'll wait for you." I felt so ready at sixteen, but Mom always said, don't make decisions in a spur of emotions.

From this day I dedicate myself for him, only him.

We had a great time in Samal island. On my ride home, I want to introduce him to my mom pero nagka emergency call sya, kaya pa-manila na din sya ngayon.

I'll do my best para someday I'll deserve him. I know I fall too short to a woman he deserves. But someday. I can't wait when that day comes.