Taming His Callous Heart (Part 2 of 3)

Chapter 6

That day was the start of everything. Lagi na siyang sinasamahan ni Ayder maliban na lang kung may klase siya. After class, they'd wander around the metro trying different cafes and restaurants. Pag-uwi ng bahay, convoy na lang sila. If her car was on coding, he'd drop her off on their carshop. Sa daddy naman niya siya sumasabay pauwi like the usual.

Lumalabas din sila ng weekends. She usually goes out on a weekend even before Ayder came in the picture so her parents never ask. Alam na ng mga ito na namamasyal lang siya kasama ang mga kaibigan o mga kaklase. She enjoys that freedom since 18, but she was responsible enough o text them every now and then on her whereabouts.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" tanong ni Aira nang makitang hindi pamilyar ang tinatahak ni Ayder na daan. He grinned mischievously as he held the steering wheel and didn't say a word. It would have been creepy if only she didn't trust him. Sa mga nagdaang linggo, nakita niya kung gaano ito kaingat at ka-gentleman sa kanya. He never took advantage of her even if she allows him to kiss her. Hanggang halik lang ito. Ramdam niya ang madalas nitong pagpipigil na lubos niyang ipinagpapasalamat. Ayder earns her respect and admiration each and everyday. Gusto na nga niya itong imbitahin sa bahay nila at ipakilala sa mommy at daddy niya ng pormal bilang boyfriend.

Napakurap siya nang ipasok nito ang sasakyan sa basement parking ng Empire Hotel. Alam niyang pag-aari ng mga ito ang naturang hotel. He said his father was managing it and he was bound to replace him after college, which is a few months away.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" tanong niya nang alalayan siya nitong bumaba ng sasakyan.

"Ano'ng gagawin natin dito?" dagdag niya nang hindi ito sumagot. She looked at him.

"You know, it's about time to---" Ngumiti ito nang nakakaloko. Napalunok siya. I-che-check in ba siya nito?

Ayder put his hands on the car roof enclosing her to an embrace.

"Get yourself ready, baby!" he whispered on her ear giving her goosebumps.

"N-ngayon na ba talaga?" she stuttered. Is it okay if she didn't shave down there? Hindi naman makapal, but what if he wants it clean-shaved? She shook her head erasing that thought.

"At gusto mo rin talaga, ha!" Ayder laughed as he pinched her nose. Natatawa nitong hinawakan ang kamay niya at iginiya papunta sa elevator. Pinamulahan pa siya sa naisip kanina.

He was still smiling as the elevator ascend to the top floor. Pagbukas ng elevator door, bumulaga sa kanya ang malawak na helipad na may chopper sa gitna. She misses riding one. May helicopter sila noong high school na binili ng ama niya pero ibinenta rin matapos ang ilang taon dahil hindi na kayang i-maintain.

"Ate Aira!" Deshima came out from nowhere. Nakasunod si Dirran sa kapatid nito habang papalapit sa kinaroroonan nila.

"My beautiful ate Aira, I miss you!" Deshima said sweetly as she embrace her.

"Hi, ate!" Dirran also greeted when she looked at him.

"Nice to see you again, Dirran." Nginitian niya ito at tinanguan. Ngumiti naman ito nang tipid. He really looked like his dad.

Muli siyang napangiti nang bigla siyang hilahin ni Ayder. Alam na niyang inilayo lang siya nito sa kapatid. He led her towards the chopper.

"Akyat na rin kayo!" utos nito sa mga kapatid bago siya alalayang umakyat sa cockpit area. He guided her to sit beside the pilot's seat. She was unable to say a word.

"Marunong ka nito?" tanong niya nang okupahin nito ang pilot's seat. Ayder only smiled. Pagtingin niya sa likod, prente na ring nakapuwesto ang dalawa nitong kapatid at nakasuot na ng headphones. For them to be that calm, she presumed Ayder was a pro. Bakit naman hindi? His family also owns an aviation company.