"Raphael! Napapagod na akong mag hintay!" Tila kulog na dumagundong sa apat na pasilyo ng opisina ko nag boses ni Dad.
"I'm working on it Dad. Give me three months, I'll give you that lot. I promise." Nauubusan na ako ng oras nang dahil sa kapirasong lote na iyan.
"Investors are waiting Raphael! Can't you see? We cannot lose them. Gawin mo ang lahat!"
"I'm doing everything I can Dad. Give me three months. At kapag hindi ko nakuha iyon within three months, I'll step down." Nakatitig ako sa mga papeles na nakalapag sa aking mesa.
"Deal." Tsaka siya lumabas ng opisina.
That was last month. May ilang buwan pa ako bago makuha ang kapirasong lote na iyon.
All I have to do is to wait at hanapan ng butas ang property na nakatayo sa loteng iyon since the owner don't want to sell that fucking lot.
Isa isa kong tinignan ang mga papeles na naka lapag sa aking mesa.
'Oh, so you are struggling now huh.' Habang binabasa ko ang isa sa mga papel. Perfect! This is the right time to strike.
I'll do everything to keep my position in this company.
I always get what I want.
Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko tsaka siya tinawagan.
Mga ilang ring pa'y sinagot na niya ang phone.
[Hey. You busy?] I asked as long as I heard her soft voice.
[I missed you.] Of course I want to sound sincere.
[I'll pick you up at 4pm and it's a date.]
[I can't wait to see you.] And I can't wait to succeed on my plans.
I can't believe I am willing to do these things for the sake of that fucking lot.
Tinapos ko lahat ng trabaho ko sa opisina. And iba nama'y pinauwi ko na lamang sa bahay at doon ko na tatapusin.
2pm pa lamang ay nag punta na ako sa Condo niya para daanan siya dahil alam ko naman ang lagay ng kalsada sa mga ganitong oras.
I knew it! It's traffic.
Mga ilang minuto pang halos usad pagong ang mga sasakyan. Maya-maya'y nagluwag na ang trapiko at narating ko na din ang kanyang Condo.
Nakita ko siyang halos kalalabas lang din ng building.
Naglakad siya papunta sa aking sasakyan.
Mukhang memoryado na niya ang plaka ko ah.
"Hi." Bati niya sakin nang makasakay siya.
"You look beautiful babe." I saw her blush. She is always like this whenever I compliment her.
You are not as though I thought.
I leaned until our faces are just inches away.
Now she's as red as tomatoes.
"Seat belt babe. You always forget." Pumirmi ako ng upo at nagsimula nang mag drive.
Play it well Raphael.
I remember it's been a week since I started 'courting' her.
And until now, wala pa siyang response and I need to do something about it. I need to hurry.
"Were here." Sabi ko nang maipark ko na ang sasakyan.
I removed my seat belt, went out the car and open the door for her.
Just to add some sweetness; and she'll fall in no time.
"Thanks." Hindi na siya nabubulol tulad nang dati.
"You know, red complements you so much. You look beautiful in your red dress." And now she's blushing. Again.
"Thank you." she said with a smile on that soft lips of hers.
"Let's go inside." I held her hands and walk through the restaurant.
The receptionist led our way. I asked Mia to make a reservation to any restaurants and she did a good job choosing this one.
Didn't expect it to be this cozy though.
I looked at her and she's unconsciously biting her lower lip.
"Stop doing that, or I'll bite it for you." of course I need to tease her.
"S—top that." And for the third time, she's blushing again.
Nag order na kaming dalawa and while waiting for our foods. Napansin kong hindi siya mapakali. She's kinda nervous and she keeps on fidgeting her fingers.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Okay lang ako." but she don't look okay. Well, she is far from being okay.
"No you are not. What's bothering you?" then I held her hand. Her hands were cold but it is so soft as if I am holding a cotton.
"Wala, ayos lang ako." she keep on insisting that she is ok.
She seems so sweet but fragile. Fragile in a sense that she can just break down anytime.
After naming kumain sa restaurant, ipinasyal ko muna siya sa Park.
Naupo kami sa may bench malapit sa fountain.
Dahan dahan kong hinawakan ang kamay niya. It's not that cold anymore.
"You know you can tell me anything babe." She just gave me a faint smile.
"Okay lang ako." she said.
"Okay, I'll go straight to the point now." lumuhod ako sa harap niya. My time is running and every moment counts.
"Hindi naman sa nagmamadali ako but..."
"Please, be mine Roya?" I don't have enough time and I need do this right now.
Gulat niya akong tinignan. Tila ba na estatwa siya sa kanyang nadinig.
Ngunit unti-unti siyang ngumiti kasunod ang tatlong tango.
"Yes." Bumalik ako sa pagkakaupo and wrapped my hands around her.
She has this very sweet scent that reminds me of tropical fruits during summertime. Feeling her soft body right now is like hugging a giant cotton candy.
"Thank you." while I burry my face on her neck.
But I need to stay focused on my goals.
We talked about things tsaka ko siya hinatid sa kanyang condo.
But before that, I kissed her lips and bid my goodnight.
"Good night my sweet Roya." I said and tried to sound as sweet as I can.
"Good night Rain." She waved her hand and go inside.
............ I got you and there's no turning back now Roya.
BINABASA MO ANG
Galleria
RomanceFor Roya painting is an expression. Each of her paintings has different techniques and strokes but they always have the same color. A color that only depicts sadness, loneliness, and sorrow. How can a simple encounter on a bright sunny morning chang...
