Loving Him Even In Sadness

Loving: Nine

Birthday Gift

It is quite awkward inside the car especially no one dared to speak.

We’re in the backseat while the driver in front keeps looking on us through the rearview mirror. Minutes later, we reached home and I can see that he’s eyeing the area thoroughly. He is serious as he is watching the pathway.

As the car stopped in front of our main door, agad namang lumabas si Zack. In a blink of an eye, he’s already outside the car’s door – opening the door for me. I am stunned with his action.

“Thanks,” shyly I spoke.

Naglakad ang aming driver papunta sa pinto. Respectfully, he opened the door for us which I am thankful for. I cannot say anything while Zack seems to examine the place through his naked eyes.

“Welcome to our simple and humble abode,” I told Zack but he chuckled at me.

“This isn’t simple Zen.”

Yeah I know our house isn’t the simple type because we are living in a damn big mansion! But I don't wanna brag about that.

“What do you expect me to say? Welcome to our extravagant and luxurious mansion?” Umiling-uling ako, nakokornihan sa sinabi. “Like that?”

“Well. I expect you’d do that,” he murmured but I still heard him!

“I may have everything I want Zack, but trust me. I don’t brag.”

I remember we’re still standing so I offered him a seat and he obliged. We are quiet. I don’t have the nerve to talk to him. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. He seems comfortable though. Or ako lang nakakaramdam na komportable siya? I can sense that he is not holding back his emotions when he’s talking to me. He can laugh, he can wink at me, he can show me his emotionless face, and he showed me his serious mood earlier.

“Aren’t you going upstairs and change?”

“No. I won't leave you here.” I said.

“Silly, wala akong gagawin dito, you can trust me.”

I pursed my lips thinking that I won't say a thing to him. Does he mean that I didn’t trust him here?

“Hindi ganyan ang ibig kong sabihin. What I mean was, I won’t leave you here uncomfortably sitting without someone to talk to.”

“So, shall we have a proper talk now?” He asked.

“We’re already talking.” Sagot ko.

“No, I mean a serious talk.” His expression changed.

“I’m serious.” Note the sarcasm.

“Zen.” Tanging sagot niya.

His expression is very serious now. His eyes are never leaving mine. Like he knew he could read me in just one look. Mabilis namang nag-iba ang ekspresyon ko. Gone the sarcastic Zelea Neera.

Alright, he wants a serious talk? I will give him that. Kasi ako, ang dami kong tanong. It was never fine for me to see him here after the quiet days without response from him.

“When did you got here in Cebu?”
I started throwing him simple questions.

“I got here yesterday morning,” he slightly bit his lower lip. “Anything else you wanna ask, my Z?”

My eyes closed immediately as I inhaled a huge amount of breathe because of his last question! Damn.

“Why were you able to send me dinner? Nandoon ka ba?”