Faded (Published Under TDP Publishing House)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"Can we go out, Dinner?" Justin asked genuinely.

I smiled how he put some efforts convincing me to come. Para
siyang teenager. Naalala ko ulit tuloy ang mga panahong lumalabas kami para mag-date. Sa kalaunan rin nagpatinaod na ako sa kanya. Sa isang magarbong restaurant niya pinahinto ang sasakyan kaya nakatitiyak akong dito ang sadya namin.

Umikot siya at inalalayan akong makababa ng Mustang limited-edition niyang sasakyan. The waitress greeted us and guided where to sit. I was amazed when I saw the lights from the city. It was really a nice spot, kitang-kita rito ang kagandahan ng San Carlos.

Lumapad ang ngiti ko when he handed me flowers.

"Thank you!" nanunuot sa ilong ko ang mabangong amoy ng mga ito. "But Justin-"

He interupted me. "I understand. Alam ko naman talagang wala akong pag-asa sayo. Malakas ang kamandang ng isang Asterio sayo eh,"

I smiled awkwardly. Kahit kailan talaga, he's very straightforward.

"This is just a friendly dinner, Don't worry. Pasalamat narin dahil you accepted my offer to be my business partner. After kasi ng Ribbon Cutting sa Valle hindi na ulit tayo nagkita ulit pa,"

I smiled. Matagal na iyon pero he was still reminding me that it was so big deal to accept his offer. We finished our food immediately pero nanatili pa kami doon ng ilang mga oras pa.

Nagusap-usap lang kami sa mga bagay-bagay. Like on what we did the after the days we parted ways. At first I wasn't comfortable with it but later on nasanay na ako.

"That's okay, I understand now," I stopped him when he apologize again, If I'm not mistaken that was his fifth time saying sorry at just an hour. "Ikaw? How's your love life? You look like someone inspires you now,"

Ngumiting aso ako. Sa totoo lang talaga, parang may nag-udyok sa kanya na maging mabuti, to change him from what he is on the past. But I'm pretty sure it was from a women. I saw him become prim. He gets his glass and drink on it. He gulped as if he did something bad. Geez, I got him.

He looked away when I gave him a playfully raised of brows.

"Aminin mo na," I encouraged him while pouting.

He look askance. I waved my hands to remind him that I was still waiting for his answer. Pinatawag niya kasi ang crew ng naturang restaurant at nanghingi ng bill. If he think he can got away on my question, well nagkakamali siya ng akala.

He cough slightly before looking at me.

"Actually, may hinihintay lang talaga ako," he trailed off. He was fiddling his hands under the table. "Bukod sa taong hinihintay kong bumalik. May hinihintay pa kasi akong isang tao na makitang maging masaya ulit,"

Napalunok at umayos ako ng upo. He take a deep abdominal  breath.

"Yung hindi na niya maramdaman ang sakit na idinulot ko sa kanya," I saw guilt passed on his eyes. "Nagui-guilty lang kasi ako, Magiging masaya na ako samantalang siya ay nasa kalungkutan parin."

I straightened.

"That she was me, right?" I assured. He nodded. I chuckled. "Don't worry about me, Justin. I've already moved on about what happened on us on the past. I'm happy now. Matagal ka ng malaya, Decide on your own, I won't interfere."

He gave me a force smile.

"Pero wait, You've mention earlier na you're waiting for someone, right?" I evily smile. The table was turned. Napalunok siya sa tanong ko. "Who is she? May I know who is that girl?"

He was drinking when I asked so he chocked.

Walang saysay ang pagtanong ko sa kanya ng mga gabing iyon dahil nanatiling tikom ang bibig niya. Napaka-masekreto na niyang tao. I already did the way kung paano siya mapaamin pero wala eh, walang silbi.

The past weeks I didn't experienced my morning sickness na. Kaya ngayon ay maayos akong nagising.

And my everyday routine was still normal. Pagkatapos ko sa bahay, pupunta na ako ng kompanya.

"Dette, kakatawag lang sa 'kin ng sales manager ng W's furniture. May malaki daw silang client doon at ikaw ang gusto niyang maharap," Bella articulated.

"Okay," I answered gently. I keep my things before going down.

Everyone showed their respects as I passed on the lobby.

"Good Morning Miss Wood," anang ng Manong Guard. I answered him with a wide smile.

Iginiya ako ng sales lady kung saan daw naroon ang client.

"Kanina pa ba siya rito?" I asked in hurry ng lumiko na kami.

"Hindi naman po masyado, Miss Wood!" She stated frettedly. "Nandito na po tayo,"

I stopped and turned my head. Agad na umurong ang dila ko ng makita kung sino ito. And as expected my legs trembled.

I managed to walked towards him normally.

"Welcome to W's Furniture, Mr. Asterio. How can we help you?" I said in gentle voice.