A night with Mr.

Arrogant Prologue

(A/N: this is another story out of.. well, boredom? tell me what you think about it.. warning.. explicit content! english po yung prologue but on later chapters it will be on filipino ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prologue Their mouths met in an eager and passionate kiss that left her flesh feeling burned. Warm hands sought out bare skin as their bodies arched to be even closer to one another. her hands fisted in the sheets as she enjoyed the wonderful pleasure he sure brought to her sensation Whoever this mystery man was.. he surely had this capability of giving her such pleasure, such ooozing sensation. His skilled touch could never be matched, his way of passion can never copied by anyone else. it was as if his sole signature move.

She felt his smirk against her lips as they continued their movement and swaying in the room filled with nothing but darkness She was unable to stifle another cry when he shoved two fingers inside her. The action tore a gasp of unrestrained bliss from the woman and she grabbed onto the man's broad shoulders for support. But she wanted more, so much more than just this. She wanted to experience the feeling of him inside her core, the moment when they were so intimately connected that it was almost as if time stood still and all that was left was just the two of them forever intertwined. *"Open your eyes Nina" *a husky, masculine voice commanded her. She forced her eyes open and gazed upon the powerful form of the man /how did he know my name?/ she thought as she saw a light sheen of sweat covered his toned torso and the corded muscles of his arms gripped her body in a gesture that could only be described as possessive. Her eyes locked with his mesmerizing orbs and she couldn't help but gasp when she saw the lustful gleam in his seductive eyes *"How much do you want me Nina? Tell me how much" *he said huskily,

slowing down the movement of his fingers inside of her and almost withdrawing them completely. Nina moaned at the loss of contact and brought her hips forward in attempt to immerse his fingers once more.*"I want youwant you so much"* She could feel how wide this man smirked then plunged his fingers in more rapidly than before; a definite purpose behind his movements. "*Oh .. oh!*" Nina cried out as a mind-numbing wave of pleasure coursed through her body making her hips buck against the man's hand. Giving her no chance to calm, This dark mysterious man began assailing her breasts with heated open-mouthed kisses that sent her pulse racing and filled her veins with white-hot lust. * "Tell me Nina, tell me"* he commanded, eliciting a groan from her as he flicked his tongue over her right nipple. Grabbing onto his dark locks, she attempted to guide his mouth to her other breast. He looked up into her brown eyes and again repeated his command. "*Tell me now"* Nina gasped as he latched onto her left nipple and sucked. *"Oh please.I want you so much" *she moaned and pulled his head up for a heated kiss. His tongue pushed inside her mouth roughly and battled with hers for dominance. Breaking the kiss and breathing raggedly he locked his gaze with hers. *"Nina tell me"* Pulse racing, Nina said the phrase she knew he demanded to hear from her. * "I'm all yours .. ta-take me now."* Swiftly and with a practiced motion, The man shifted his weight and entered her with a quick thrust. Nina cried out at the mixed feelings of pleasure and pain and grabbed his shoulders for support. His length filled her so fully, so completely that it felt like her body was made to fit his. Forcing her eyes open, she gazed up at man's handsome face, marveling at how controlled he appeared, how steady and firm his body was on top of hers. *"God Nina*" The man moaned and he clutched her to him. His pace became even faster as he filled her core again and again with swift, sure strokes. *"More, please more!"* she cried and her hips joined his in the desperate rhythm of their lovemaking, meeting him thrust for thrust. Panting and gasping for more air, The man pulled out of Nina's body and laid back on the bed. Nina reached for the man and he pulled her flush against him. She felt his pulse slow and his breathing relax as he quickly went to sleep. closing his eyes. She tried to sleep as well ignoring the soaring pain between her legs. afterall, it was just her first time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1 *"Hoy Nina!"* a hand waved right in front of my face "*Anak ng Tukneneng naman oh? kanina pa ako dada ng dada eh.. 'di ka pala nakikinig plus your mind is anywhere else but here."*

The one who kept on blabbering straight for five complete hours was Meg Toledo. who's been my bestfriend and my partner in crime since college.

Mind you, I it straight could still her already

was never been an exception when she bitches out. She liked with no flowery attachments to the word. She's blunt yet you find her bluntness as one of her sexy attributes aside from pretty and God-given natural beauty

and if you'd ask me who's prettier between Anne Curtis and her? i'll go for Meg Toledo not because she's my bestfriend, but because of obvious simple reasons. If you'd mix her on the crowd of half-bred Filipinas, She'll definitely stands out the most

She has this natural volume on her hair that reaches below her shoulders, she also has this long lashes that would highlight her big expressive eyes. Skinny but has the curves on the right places. on the contrary, she isn't really that tall.

But I think, bumawi naman 'to sa attitude. cuz one thing's for sure.. Mess with this lass and you'll face the fury of hell

*"Ah, wala*" The dullest and shortest answer I gave her out of her nagging Nasa Starbucks kami ngayon when I texted her to meet me up for an

'/S.O.S/' . She need not to be told twice or thrice for she already knew what's my '/S.O.S'/ is all about

*"Definitely, It's Gerard."*

/See what I mean?/

I bit my lower lip while I was trying to find words inside my head that would definitely give justice to what I feel. "*Hah! I knew it! I didn't even sound like I was asking but Im sure, it was a bull's eyes huh?*" She added and took a sip on her Frappuccino

"*Need I say more? Sige, Ikaw na ang next Madam Auring*" I said /I dont want to admit to her pero talagang wala akong takas pag dating kay Meg. She knows every little thing there is to know about me./

"*EWWW!*" She gave me a disgust look and rolled her eyes *"Dont you dare compare me with that old hag who puts a spikey chocker on her neck! I am far far more prettier, see the exaggeration?? FAR MORE PRETTIER than who ever you compared me with"* I just sighed and darted my gazes at my Blackberry /Bakit kaya hindi pa siya nagtetext?/

Meg seem to notice what I was thinking so I flinch when she suddenly slammed her fist on the table

"*Hindi talaga mag tetext yang boyfriend mong ulol, Nina. Taas na lang ng pride nun!" * She stood up and then gestured her other hand on top from the other, slowly making a huge distance between her two palms *"Mga.. Ganto lang naman kalaki ang pride ng Gerard Enriquez na yan.

see? see?"*

Then she sat once again to where she was supposed to and then crossed her leg from the other "*Naku, Nina! matagal na kitang sinabihan na may something talaga sa goody-two-shoes mong boyfriend! akalain mong .. nakalimutan ba naman ang 4th year anniversary niyo! gosh!" *

"*Masyado lang talaga siyang busy, Meg .. but his willing to make it up for me naman tomorrow"* I reasoned out, glancing at my Blackberry from time to time

*"Nina, what's the point of you having a relationship?"* she blurted out from nowhere and suddenly her face became serious.. flat and dead serious *"To love and to be loved*" i said with confidence

"*Exactly! You're in a relationship to be happy, to smile, to laugh & to make good memories. Not to constantly be upset, to feel hurt and to cry."*

*"Look, Nina.."* She drew herself nearer to were I sat and then took a deep breathe

Its as if she was thinking of other broader terms and words to utter next and when She looked up and darted her eyes straight to me again, Those large expressive eyes of hers...

*"He did that like gazillion of times already! bumenta na yan! ano ba? kung baga sa sinehan, its like nanunuod ka ng movie na alam mo na ang ending.. you're too much of a manhid!*" she hissed

*"Eh dati naman boto ka sa kanya ah?*" I said

"*Dati yun, oo Nina. Boto ako kasi mukhang matino eh .. pero people change for the better or for worse. As for your boyfriend, I think you know the answer for that*" She spat and then crossed her arms on top of her chest

*"im sorry, Meg.. mahal ko lang tala-*" i was cut by meg with the sound of frustration

*"UGGGH!"* She slammed her palm on her forehead and grunted

*"Dont you dare mention those cheesy pathetic lines again!"* She raised both of her hands in defeat and then added*"Alright! I give up but dont tell me I didn't warn you okay?"*

"*If you come crying again.. UGGGH! whatever girl! .. "* as she took a sipped on her coffee, she had rolled her eyes on me and looked away

Silence was between us for rest of the time. she seems to be studying my expression from one time to the other

Then she suddenly grabbed my hand and held it tightly by hers

"*Kapag ipinapakita mo sa taong mahalaga sayo na hindi mo kayang mabuhay ng wala siya, lalo mo lang siyang binibigyan ng dahilan para baliwalain ka."* She squeezes both of my hands and then gazes back at my eyes with so much emotion into it.

/It was as if she already knew something and that she was trying to protect me/

And slowly, those words that came out from her lips stabbed me inside. parang bigla akong nadurog ng sobra sobra then the next thing i knew, my eyes were beginning to water from it

*"Well.. "* I trailed off .. *"What am I suppose to do?"* i asked while i tried stopping the tears as i bitten my lowe lip

*"Nina, I know you know what you should do."* she whisphered and drew herself closer to where i sat

*"Meg, I'm so weak!*" ang sabi ko habang tuluyan nang tumulo ang mga luha sa mga mata ko

"*Giving up doesn't indicate that you are weak, Nina. It means you've held on to something so long, and you couldn't keep holding on. That's Strength!"*

*"Meg, what am i going to do without you?"* i sobbed and then hugged her so tight that she couldn't breathe *"This is just so gay, Nina.. can't ... breathe"* pabulong niyang sabi

tapos when I let go of her, we looked at each other then ..

*"HAHAHAHHAHA!! YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN YOUR FACE, NINA!! THAT WAS HILARIOUS! YOU'RE CRYING LIKE A BABY"* ang sigaw niyang sabi holding her laughter as she tapped her hands on the table drawing attentions to our direction

"*Meg! ano ka ba.. nakakahiya ang daming tao oh!"* i said as i dragged her down the table to hide myself from the great embarrassment

*"oh please! I have every rights to have fun.. anyway, how will this Gerard-fucking-Enriquez gonna make up for forgetting your 4th -goddamn-anniversary?"*

*"I dont know yet but he's inviting me to his friend's wedding"* i said

*"Booo! how romantic"* she said sarcastically as she took another sip to her coffee

napapikit siya saglit at napakunot ang noo ... nung dinilat na niya ang mata niya, she sighed again

*"Well, atleast.. that's new... but plain boring!"* she glared at me but that didn't last long dahil napakagad naman siya sa labi niya and rolled her eyes

*"Nina, Im your friend okay? i'll support you. pero if this Gerard fucking Enriquez crosses the line, * *tell me right away. alright? and i'll kick his balls for you with pleasure"* she smiled at me genuinely

I returned that smile and stood from where i was sitting and hug her like we usually do

"*AWW! meg!" *

/Kahit medyo bitchy .. no, scratch that.. even she's a bitch. i still love this girl no matter what. / /We've been together through thick and thin since college days and nothing could ever change that/

I remember the day when I first saw her at Freshman Orientation, I got lost at the wide campus of Ateneo De Manila and dont know where to go.. I dont know where will the Orientation be held..

so when I saw her walking on the school ground.. I didn't hesitate to approach her

At first impression, I'd say I thought she was a snob... and Indeed, I was right. She was definitely a midget-size version of a snob. /"Miss" I tapped her shoulder but she didn't budge or even turn around. I thought talagang hindi lang niya ako narinig dahil may kahinaan din ang boses ko/

/So I tapped her shoulder once again / /"Miss!"/

/and then in a snap, she grabbed my hand, twisted it a little and glared at me. Tinanggal niya yung Beats earphone niya and said/

/"Ano ba! 'Di mo ba nakikita? nakikinig ng music ang tao, ba't ka ba storbo?" / /"So-sorry.. I was wondering If you're a freshmen too"/ /She snickered and then let go of my hand/

/"FYI, Miss... " She turned to look at me directly and eyed me up and down/ /"Miss 'Di-maka-basag-pinggan-na-mukhang-nerd, Sa itsura kong 'to?? mukha na ba akong gurang sa'yo?"/

/I studied her face for awhile, she was quite the lookish I must say but she wore far too much of make up and too dark shades of eyeshadows and lipstick/ /"You appeared to be slightly older to me cuz of your make up. Aren't the Jesuits priest gonna scold you for that?"/

/"Aba! ikaw ah, close na ba tayo? ba't ka nagcri-critisize ng make up ng iba ha? Make up guru ka ba? tsaka tigil tigilan mo ko ng kaka-english mo .. 'di ako madadala sa ganyan"/

/She immediately turned around and put back her own Beats earphone/ /But I had no one at that time so I practically grabbed her hand so she could face me once again/ /"Miss, Please. Nawawala talaga ako. Sorry kung nacritisize man kita pero, Its not what I meant. If na offend ka man don Im sorry."/

/Then she smiled flashing me her ever white straight teeth/ /"Oh! yun naman pala eh, nag tagalog .."/

/I was completely puzzled by her bipolar mood, first thing she's mad and now she seems friendly. I smiled back at her flashing her my Green-wired Braced teeth/ /"Kung hinahanap mo yung Ricardo and Dr. Rosita Leong Hall Auditorium, Tara samahan na kita. Papunta nga ko 'don actually" She said grabbing my hand/

/"Freshmen ka rin pala?" I asked wondering how such a mature-looking girl could be a freshmen as I do/ /"'Di ba halata?" / /At natawa siya bigla/ /"bakit ka nga pala parang galit kung makipag usap kanina?"/ /"Ayaw ko kasi sa mga Konyo. Panay pa ingles mo saken .. Ayaw ko talaga ng mga ganon. Nasa Pinas ka 'Te! kaya magTagalog ka" She roughly poked my head all of the sudden and then chuckled once again/

/"Sorry, Yung Lola ko kasi. Ba't pala 'yaw mo ng mga taong nag i-ingles sa'yo"? I asked once again/ /"Ikaw ah, dami mong tanong .. Eh kasi, pag may nagi-ingles saken bigla kong naaalala yung mga maaarte kong konyong half-sisters sa Pasay. and just thinking about them makes me want to punch them up right front" She said cletching her right hand and punching it with the other/

/"Grabe ka naman! nakakatakot" I said in a mock cowardness which earned me a whole new uproar of laughters from her/ /"'Di naman, sa mga ayaw ko lang. Ako nga pala si Margareth Toledo. Meg na lang" She held out her hand/ /"Nina Angela Fernandez"/

And just like that, We became close friends

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gerard came to my doorstep just in time that I was done with my make up. I was wearing the dress he gave me the night before. It was just a plain pink dress that hugs most of my womanly curves

Then I added some chuncky huge bangles to match the dangling earrings I was wearing

I opened the door with the obvious excitement painted all over my face as if I was14-year-old girl happy to see her crush.

/yes, i was THAT into this turd. this, oh-so-hot boyfriend of mine/

*"Hey "* He bent down and gave me a dull kiss on my left cheeks which kept me there wondering what was going on inside his head . /was it me? or was i missing the part were he'll gave me a sweet boquet of pink carnations/

" *Uhhmm ---- How do I look?"* I shyly said and turned around for him to

see. I hope I was not obvious that I was breaking the awkwardness between us.

/It was never like this before/

*"Perfect as always" * He replied too dry to my comfort .. not even bothering to look at me in the eyes. He then glanced at his new swatch and said

*"We're running late, Nina" * /What's wrong with him?/ I thought as I tried my best no to frown at the way he's behaving right now

"*Shall we go?*" he continued.. Pointing to the direction of his Crimson-colored Bentley parked right in front of my apartment. I just nodded at him feeling a little bit disappointed on how he's giving me the cold shoulders

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We arrived at Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal, Binangonan where the wedding reception was held. By the sight of the cars parked at the lobby of the said resort, you could already make out the outline that it was a wedding reception where rich and most of the elites attend

/Ito nga pala ang mundo ni Gerard Enriquez. malayo sa mundo ko. / I was even surprised that he asked me out during our college days..

/who thought that this guy would even date someone like me?/

I was partnered with him for a Lit 101 assignment on my First year. So it gave way to our closeness as being friends and beyond that. His name was on every girl's lips and he was known, not only for being one of the richest, but also for his Charming way to swoon a girl without even trying

So practically he was 'the hearthrob' and I was the plain-looking braced girl who happen to be 'lucky' (as what they say) to be partnered with him.

I even received stupid curse letter and such on my locker before and partly receiving flames on my email, but since I had Meg on my back, They were practically running to their yayas about it

I was contented with just being friends with Gerard at first. He wasn't one of those cocky boys at our school. He was humble, sweet, gentleman .. just like how those chick flicks lead girl describes their dream guys. He was that

But one faithful day ... *"Nina! medyo matagal tagal na din yang braces mo, 'di mo pa ba ipapatanggal?*" Meg asked while we were walking side by side to our lockers

*"Hmm... I dont know. I haven't thought about it yet but I'll try to visit my dentist soon"*

*"For sure mas gaganda ka pa don sa nalilink kay Gerard ngayon"* Meg noted and grabbed a Literature book from her locker before locking it up

"*Huh? Sino?"*

*"Yun oh!*" She pouted her lips and the gestured at my back. My brows were pulled together as I turned around only to see Gerard with Sabrina Lorenzo, Blue Babble Battalion's Captain, walking side by side

/I should've known. She's into perky cheeleaders/

The sight of them was such a sore. I bit my lower lip to stop my self from crying, bowed my head so nobody would noticed and started running away to the opposite direction,

"*Teka, Nina!*" Meg uttered following me close behind

and When we arrived at the dorm, I immediately threw my books and my bag on the floor and dive on my bed

"*Shhh! wag ka nang umiyak"* Meg uttered while running her palm at my back. *"Sige ka papanget ka" *

It even made me cry even more.. "*Oo na panget na ako"* I weep and cried my self on my pillow *"Ano ka ba! Maputi lang yung Sabrina na yun.. Halatang nag Glutha lang!*"

"*Kahit na!"* I said while I face-plant my head on my pillow I heard her sighed before she gathered herself once more and said

*"Mukha namang hindi totoo, te!"* I looked up and frown at her *"What do you mean?"*

*"Porket ba magkasabay sa hallyway, sila na agad? 'Di ba pwedeng sadyang haliparot lang yung babae at dikit ng dikit kay lalake? Haler? nakita mo na bang nag-HHWW?*

/HHWW?! /

*"'Nu ka ba! HHWW! as in Holding Hands While Walking! Anyway, Its not the point. Ganito na lang...----"*

*"Gusto ko ng make over, Meg"* I said which surprised Meg even more She was wide-eyed when she sat on my bed *"Seryoso?*" then I just nodded shyly while wiping my dried tears away

I sat up from my bed and said *"Yeah. Samahan mo na ako bukas sa dentist ko. May klase ka ba?"*

*"Bakante ako from 11 to 3. Sige, I dont mind..."* She stood up and then gave me this smile yet again, just like those time na nagmeet kami for the first time "*You came on the right time with the right person*" and then she winked

You probably already knew what gone through me next right? Yes, I had a major drastic change which, by the way, climbed me to one of the popularity list.

So there, It was not only Gerard who noticed how Ive changed but everyone else on the campus.

My hair that was always kept away from my face in a high pony tail was now let down and straighten as it passes down my back and I was even surprise it reached up to my waist.

My other manang damit was thrown out by the window and my wardrobe had the major make over as well

Hindi na katulad ng dati ang treatment saken. Kung before daan daanan at babangga banggain na lang nila ako, ngayon .. hindi lang nag gigive way, hinahangaan ka pa, tinitingnan at parang sinasamba ka pa /

All thanks to Meg /

Despite the /ultra drama mega change/ (as what Meg named that evolution) I still remained my foot to the ground.

Those friends of mine even when I was still /not socially accepted/ were still my friends and popularity didnt get into my head, I still remained my straight Unos and achievements.

So just like those Sappy chick flicks where Lead girl changed and then Prince charming finally noticed her other than as a friend, It was exact thing that happened between Me and Gerard

He finally asked me out to be his girlfriend before finals kicked in and I eventually said yes. /

I know its too good to be true, but what else can I say? It happened and now, were in our 4th-year together. /

/Perfect right?/ *No.* Just like those fairytales in disneys, every story has some nasty antagonist. Unfortunately, today, I couldnt even pinpoint who or what keeps our relationship now, dull dead and distant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Nice meeting you *

I dont know how many times Ive repeated that same 3 words 4 syllables and 14 letters. I dont even know why am I even /beso/-ing these people that I barely knew

All I know is that, I have to because I dont want to embarrass Gerard at the venue right now

He has been introducing me to a bile and waves of tux-wearing men and classy gowned women and somehow, any minute I could feel my jaw feeling numb from this faint stupid smile I was wearing for half an hour now /

It practically hurt not only my mouth but my whole muscle area in the face!/

*OH! look who we got here! Gerard! Howre man? Great to see you!* Uttered by that tall Moreno guy with such strong figure.

*Dude! *

They patted each others back in a manly hug and then had this weird flipping of their finger in their hands together /

Its like a hand gesture or something/

*How was Bahamas? Heard youve met some hot chikas right there huh?* Gerard teased which made the Moreno guy smirked with his remarks

*Well---*

*Its as if youre not actually used to this guy since high school, Ge* said by one Chinito guy with really smooth-looking pimple-free face /

Did he ever gone through puberty?/

*Right, Villanueva. Youre the one to talk* The Moreno guy uttered and swung his arm to the Chinito guys shoulder

*Oi! Patrick! Ive heard you just broke up with Carina because you turned gay?* Gerard laughed lightly while Patrick mockingly blew a hard punched on Ges right deltoid

*Thats bullshit! If I found out who ever spread that stupid rumour, Ill make sure Im gonna punch his gut til hell lose it* Patrick said while he bit her lower lip and clenched his right hand to show whos the boss

*Waitta minute, isnt this Iigo?* Gerard patted the back of the guys broad shoulder. He was facing us and was, somewhat, busy with his drink on the hand

and when he turned around .. /

OMG. I think I just dropped my jaw on the ground can you help me pick it up?/

*Hey, Man! Havent seen you for ages!* The guy named Iigo uttered and smiled at us /

Hands down, Lord. Kung ito na yung tinatawag nilang Adonis. Gosh! Any words wouldnt even give justice/

*How was New Jersey? Heard youre in to big toys right now huh? Cars?*

I just stared momentarily at this Iigo, savoring each details on his perfectly sculpted face

His spiked jet-black hair, his tall muscular figure, his strong jaw line and high cheek bones, his pointy high-bridged nose, his kissable lips, straight white teeth and his mesmerizing brown eyes /those eyes/ /

I wonder how many hearts were broken by this look/ / Wait a minute! Are you checking him out? Hello, Gerards standing right next to you duffs!/

*And what do we have here? Such a fine lady shouldnt be ignored like that, Ge* Iigo remarked smirking as sexy like some sex God /

Finally! Theyve noticed a girl was standing here. I thought I was going to go nuts and talk to myself til your convos go bye bye / / /

*Sorry, Nins* Gerard whispered to my ear and kissed my cheek. I turned to face him and then frowned / Nins? Since when did you start calling me that?

/*Id say, the prettiest girl Ive seen in my existent* Commented by the one tall Moreno guy right next to this Chinito one

*Boooo! Cant you think another unused pick up lines, Llanza? Have I heard you say that to Cate? Or was it Lea?* He taunted

*Nuff with this shits, Dude! Di pa rin kayo nababago ah?* Gerard smiled and then wrapped his arm around my frame to held me closer

*This prettiest girl you were talking about, Alex is my girlfriend. The one Ive skyped you about during college? This is her. This is my Nina*

Then He glances at me before getting back with his barkadas *Nina, These dufus are my friends from high school, Alex (Moreno guy), Patrick (Chinito guy) and Iigo*

/Ah! Xavier Boys/

*Hello* I timidly said and slightly curled my hand for them to see that I was waving. I smiled just the way they did as they flashed me their grins /

But only one didnt seem happy about it or maybe hes not in the mood at all/

I glanced at Iigo from the corner of my eyes and noticed how he looked at me. The way his brown eyes scanned and memorize every little detail

there is on my face and how he eyed me up and down, is just beyond /sensational/ /

How come he could send my body that reaction even by just looking?/

*So, Thats good to hear. Planning on settling down soon, Ge?* The question came out from Alex who sounds like he was hiding something or rather knew something going on inside Gerards head

Gerard seemed taken aback by the sudden question thrown by Alex, so he looked at me first from his side and gave me a wary sly smile and then darted his act on his friends again

*We have so many plans together for our future that I think, Marriage is not yet on our priority list.* I flinched at what I heard and was slightly hurt by how it stabbed me inside

*But-- but ofcourse, Well come to that soon when were ready* Gerard said with a little justice this time

*Just dont take your time being ready about it, youll never know when will be the time that someone out of nowhere might snatch that girl away from you* Iigo uttered and took a sip on his Vodka

*Afterall, A fine beautiful woman* His eyes landed on me with such lust and smiled*----shouldnt be kept waiting*

The boys turned to each other and started exchanging weird non-linguistic gesture before Patrick coughed faintly and patted Iigos shoulder

*"I think I just saw someone we knew back in high school, Iigo"* He uttered with a total awkward and wary face

*You better get going, Ge.. Rey (the groom) had something to talk to you about* Patrick elbowed his friend, Alex, to signal him thats its his turn to talk

*Uhh. Right and well be right there!* he pointed on a pile of drink in the corner *drinking some margarita, vodka or whatevers on the table. See you!*

Alex and Patrick dragged and pulled Iigo with them while Gerard and I just stood there watching him being hauled /

Guys are really weird/

*After all, a fine beautiful woman shouldnt be kept waiting* / What does he mean by that?? and wait--- those eyes have I seen that somewhere before? That same gorgeous intense expressive brown eyes such as that? /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 2 *"Im so disappointed with you Ms. Fernandez. You were late for 3 consecutive weeks. * *Im totally not impressed with it."*

my boss, Mr. Bernando, was yelling at me again. it has been like this for 3 whole months since i've started working in this cheap-newspaper thing.

I dont even know why i was working in here. There were lots of options but .... for the love of Gerard, i stayed in this nosy building with smelly and not-so-class bathroom.

Have i told you Gerard was in the higher position than i do?

*"Did i hire the wrong person? you graduated as the Cum Laude in one of the university* *with prestige but you seem to be acting like a dumb blonde.."* he trailed

i just sighed and look down to the floor as i was sitting in the side of his table. /what else can i say to him anyway? its not like he could understand a thing. /i thought crossing my legs from one another

"*well, considering you're not even blonde at all! you even forgot the file that i asked you* *to pass before noon. what has gotten into you, Ms Fernandez?"* He said as he was slamming the paper on his desk

"*Im sorry, Mr. Bernardo. it wont happen again. but ..things just..."* I stopped..

thinking of the other way to say.. or thinking of an excuse to tell my almost-50-year old boss *"just got in my way"* I continued i looked into his eyes and asked him to give me another chance.

*"I've heard that already, Ms Fernandez.. things?... like what. im all ears?"* he eyed me while entwining his both hand together as he places those on top of his table

"*Well ..."* i trailed off..

I forgot to pay for the apartment for this month simply because my Granny needed the money plus, Gerard has been distant lately.. ever since the fight we had 2 afternoons ago..............

It was one friday night when my supposed-date with my boyfriend was canceled and Meg suddenly, invited me to go out with her.

as we were walking along, looking for tables to sit with..

something caught Meg's eyes.. all of a sudden, she's dragging me along with her.

"*I think we should dine somewhere else, Nina*.." she said hurriedly *"But we came all the way from my place .. let's just--"*

my tongue suddenly shrink when hinabol ko ang paningin ni Meg and i saw Gerard and some unknown lady .. she was facing her slender flawless back on us. the kind of back too expose for every man's eyes and may work wonders in every man's desire

/busy?! busy pala ah? busy makipag lampungan sa iba?/ i thought walking dashly to where they were.

I saw them giggling like a stupid couple as they may seem.

/couple?! ppft! /I rolled my eyes just thinking about it./ /

*"He-hey!.. Nina.. teka lang!"* ang pigil sa akin ni Meg.

but that didn't do anything .. im on the edge.. im so over controlling the beast inside me. i was too pissed to keep my cool and stay while looking at this totally not-so-sightly view in my eyes

"*Oh.."* I said to which Gerard and his date were overly surprised with

im now finally facing the date of *MY* boyfriend. my right brow automatically raised itself as my eyes landed on this cheap slut

*"Roselyn"* Gerard's Coworker and his bestfriend /daw /

yun laging nirarason niya. bestfriend kaya laging magksama. fuck that! how could he consider that slut as one of his so called bestfriend? she was just there the same time as I was hired and the next thing I knew? bestfriend na sila? to hell to that!

she glared at me intentely but i was totally not removing my death stare at her. gusto niya ng laban sa titigan? pwes! hindi ako papatalo

She was tough on the outside but when you look at her, .. isang bagay

ang kapansin pansin..

her hands were shaking.. /in fear?/ yes.. just thinking about Roselyn Zabala .. shaking in fear would surely help me sleep tonight but, Gerard reached out for her hands and held it tightly.. / this Douche bag!!!nanadya ang gagong to/! I gritted my teeth

"*Love"* ang sabi sa akin ng magaling kong nobyo.

he slowly stood up from his seat and tried touching my hands but i yanked it away. how dare him.. pahimas himas pa siya sa akin.. with those hands na nahawakan na ng maduming babaeng to! *"so this is what you've been upto?"* i said bitterly.

how could he forget our 4th year anniversary? how could he forget that he should be calling me every late night? how could he forget to picked me up every morning? how could he forget... everything we've been through to stay in this relationship.

His mom was totally against us dating. his whole family was! but i stayed tough. binalewala ko lahat because that's how i love him / how did he just allow this filthy little whore ruined every little sacrificed we made to stay this long? /

i wanted to scream those question on top of my lungs. i wanted to shout it to everyone else in that restaurant.. i wanted to......

but instead .........

i slapped him across his face which caught enough of the entire attention and heads to turn in our direction.. to where i stood.. to where Gerard stood while Roselyn was still sitting there shocked, dumbfounded and totally frozen in her positon but i went back to my senses still holding my tears.. as I clenched my fists / i wont cry.. i will definitely not cry this time 'round/. i repeated to myself over and over again.

*"Its not what you think, Nina.. Rose and I were-"*

"*Rose?!"* I mouthed in disbelief and a little of frustration as i cut him off with his words

"*now, you gave her a pen name?! wow! that's a progress, Ge!*" i said sarcastically

"*and you!!*" I turned to the direction of Roselyn who did nothing but stare at us the whole time.

hinila ko siya pataas ng tumayo siya... sasamapalin ko na siya. makakatikim na tlga tong haliparot na ito I was going to really give this slut a lesson but ...

Gerard caught my hand ... he caught it just in time before it would hit the surgery-gone-through face

*"I can't believe you, Ge*" I mumbled and walked out... while Meg was following me from behind.

i've bitten my lower lip trying to hold my tears.. pero, it seems na ayaw sumunod saken ng mga luha ko. tumingin na lang ako sa taas in attempt pra hindi tuluyan tumulo ang luhang pinipigilan ko.

in a matter of minutes, we were back in Meg's Honda Accord... in the middle of the resto's parking lot. away from the crowd.. away from sight of everyone else.. away from Gerard

*"Its okay now, Nina.. you can cry now. its all me and you now" * Meg said while she was trying to calm me down as she patted my back. trying to hug me

and i did.... i cried aloud. and laid my head on her shoulder... and hinayaan masira ang pinagpagurang make up ko. and my mascara was ruined i dont care...i just needed this

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

kakalabas ko lang sa office ni Mr. Bernando , When i saw Gerard walking around in the opposite direction.

We made an eye-to-eye contact for awhile ..but i broke it when I tore my gazes away from him we almost walk passed each other but ..

*"Nina"* he grabbed my wrist intently and looked straight into my eyes its as if he was sorry for that incident.. and i almost fell for this... /ALMOST./

I pushed him with my other hand with all force and i took few steps backwards

*"I dont have time for bullshits, Gerard"* I told him bitterly

"*Nina, You all had the wrong perception. We were just hanging around that night."* He tried explaining to me as he was reaching out for my hands.. for my eyes so that I could looked back to his eyes and proved to me that he wasn't lying.. that he was sorry

"*I bet its Meg who's been feeding you-"*

"*Meg has nothing to do with it, Gerard! .. its you!*" I answered him back while i glared at him *"How about the time, i found her on your flat .. wearing you shirt?! just your shirt, Gerard! I dont want to think she had something underneath those" *

"*God, Nina!"* he grunted in frustration and slammed his palm on his forehead...

*"How could you be so selfish? how could you just throw everything away? everything we've gone through for this goddamn relationship?"* / how could I? no, how dare*he* threw those accusations on me/? i thought and i started holding my ... tears.

*"Nina, naman .. madami na tayong pinagdaanan. ngayon ka pa ba mag gi-give up?" * he said in a low calm voice still trying to search for my eyes.. for my forgiveness then he hugged me tightly... so tight that i could hear his pulse

"*Nina"* he whispered into my ears.. /gosh! i missed this feeling /i thought as i smelled his scent his faint scent....

*"I love--"* but i pushed him and walk few steps away from him. He looked in pain

before i could completely walk away from him i said *"Someday you'll cry for me like I cried for you, but when that day comes, I'll be the one not listening to it."*

and then i turned on my heels and strode the opposite direction. /but there's no turning back now, Nina /i thought and held up my head high looking tough and proud

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few days .. "*WHAAT?!*" muntik nang maitapon ni Meg ang coffee sa mukha ko.

We were in the Living room of Meg's Apartment. It was just 6 fucking a.m when i surprised the sleepy with messy hair, Meg nung nagpakita ako sa doorstep sa harap ng mismong apartment niya but being the bestfriend that she is .. she let me in..

at mas lalo siyang nagulat na may dala akong maleta.

"*Seriously?!"* she uttered in surprise. na tuluyan na nga siyang nagising I nodded *"dont worry, it wont be that long.. I just need a new place to stay"*

"*no, not that!"* ang sabi niya habang gine-gesture niya ang both hands niya in denial

"*the other one.. i dont mind if you stay here forever.. but the part where you said* *na magreresign ka na?! seriously?!"* she added

hindi ako sumagot. i made up my mind. im sure of this now and i've explained everything to Meg.

I think they're indeed right, people do stupid things when they fall in love. i was supposed to be working on philippine star but.. see? for the

pathetic name of love i had for Gerard, i refused that and went to work with him

Si Gerard ang dahilan why i took that job in that cheap-steak newspaper and funny how he's the very reason why i wanted to quit.

I dont want anything to do with him. i tore those photographs na nakahang sa wall ng pad ko. i burned every polaroids there is in my photo album along with those things he had given me sa 4 years na pang ga-gago niya sa akin.

I wanted to start whole over again.. back from the very start.. /without Gerard./ . just me ..and totally alone. its not too late for a 21--almost-22-year-old lady isn't it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 3 Meg grabbed me from where i was sitting and she dragged me all the way in the middle of the dance floor to where the crowd has been dancing to the beat of this club for heaven-knows how long

I tossed around my drink and totally made my way to the whole bunch of people. I met few smiling eyes there but, I was too drunk to process everything and register who were they..

as of the moment, I lost track counting how many drinks I shoved inside my throat.

/Who cares?!/

I was just too elated or rather drunk to tell...

I've danced like nobody was actually watching. Showing everyone else what a great dancer I was. I widly swayed my hair from left to right not bothering kung gano kagulo nga ba ang outcome nito.. shaked my ass all the way down and swaying it as seductive as i could all the way up

you are probably wondering why the heck Im at the club whoring.

well .. let me just lay the details on what happen awhile ago.......................

It was 7 am when I hurriedly made my way down from Meg's place to the ground floor where the mail box was stationed I've been dying to know if i was hired in the company that i applied days ago. it was killing me inside .. by just waiting there every day. sitting alone wondering if ever i'll be accepted or i have to sulk my self and find another job

people were expecting high on me. who were to blame anyway? ikaw ba nman grumaduate as cum laude with the degree in creative writing?

but in reality, wala silang clue.. they dont actually realized how much pressure i've been carrying with those expectations. it has been a burden on me lalo na nung pagkagraduate ko

do they realize that in the real world, certificates and medals dont actually matter... and the real world is actually gruesome and harsh than the school it self.. / uuugggh!/ I grunted in frustration

"*Electric bill, phone bill, cable...... where the fuck is that letter?" * i've went through tons of bills, promo ads until ..

finally, My eyes landed on the letter that I've been craving for... that /i've been dying for!/ "*HOLY SHIT!! this !!!"* I immediately tore the envelope and read the letter of acceptance

*"Im finally, landing my dream job!! wooooohh!*" I howled in delight.. it was the same feeling when I was accepted in my dream university.. the same feeling I got when nakakakuha ako ng uno sa mga subjects ko. it was priceless!!

i felt like i was flying all the way up to Meg's pad and as soon as i closed the door...

*"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"* I shrieked habang patalon talong ako.. I ran around circling the whole living room of the pad it startled me nung nakita kong tarantang lumabas si Meg fresh from the bathroom with just her towel on, a toothbrush on her mouth habang hawak hawak ang isang malapad na tabla

*"HA? wha-what?! what's happening, Nina?! I thought may rapist or magnanakaw ang pumasok.* * what's going on?*" ang sabi niya while removing the toothbrush itself from her mouth

she stood there dumbfounded when i rushed into her arms. i gave her a huge sisterly hug and i tightly held her both hands and we jumped around together *"Teka nman Nina.. nahuhulog na yung towel ko.*" she said as she was fixing the only clothing that covers her entire being at the moment

*" i made it, Meg!! i've got the dream job i was waiting for my entire fucking life!!!!* " i shouted.. *"And... i'll start on monday!!*" i added

*"Wait- what?! The inquirer?! omg, Nina!!!"* her mouth went open and hug me automatically *"im so fucking proud of you, girl!!" * "*oh wait, i have a great idea!!*" sbay wink niya sa akin

you know.. when she does that? im having this funny and weird feeling it will go out of the hand.. oh boy.. just like when we were in college..

*"let's go out and drink to that!!!"* she said flashing me her infamous cheshire grin /oh boy/.... i thought

so that's how i ended up in this club drunk with Meg. i totally dont have the stamina for liquor but i was too happy to say no to Meg. hello? just landed on my dream job here?

"*ooooh!! look who's attention you had caught for tonight, Nina"* she whispered on my ear while sumasayaw.

napatigil ako .. sa kakasayaw at sa kaka-giggle .. automatiko namang napalingon ako sa kinatitigan ni Meg and i was caught by the familiar seductive eyes.. the kind of eyes too sexy to ignore.

i saw the built feature of a man leaning while his arms were crossed together on his chest. emphasizing how built he was.

i looked around to check if he was really staring at me.. for i dont

want to be the assuming bitch here fyi.

but.. he was ..indeed staring at me intently.. as if drowning me once again in his irresistable stare. it was as if hinuhubaran na niya ako just by gazing at me..

and this body couldn't help itself but to react to the sensational feeling im actually harboring from that guy. ewan ko ba, pero the first time i saw him at the reception? talagang.. familiar na siya before pa. but i couldn't pin point where i've met him..

and then suddenly, he smirked!! giving my body the reaction i've never felt before..

/its getting wet down there . /i thought

i looked around but Meg was totally gone out of the blue. probably screwing someone else or maybe..she went to the bathroom or maybe..

i was too drunk to even think of where the hell Meg was

having an ounce of shame, i shyly walked away and made my way from the crowd to the bartender's den

my back was now facing the crowd as i shoved a yet-another drink to my throat trying to atleast calm the beast awaiting to be release inside me

i closed my eyes sa sobrang tapang ng ininom ko. i ran my hand to my now curly hair and tug it on my ear.

suddenly, the familiar aura was there again. infact, it was even sitting beside me leaning closer and closer. then i caught him staring at me yet again. as if studying every little details on my face

"*The usual, Pina Colada .. w/ little ice on it"* he turned his attention to the bartender and ordered the same drink that i have. he automatically drank and finish the it before seconds has passed

then he slowly turn to my direction.. giving me an intimate look that he always flashes right in front of my eyes i was grace by those tempting stare of him as he smirked

i returned the smiled

"*Well if it isn't Nina"* he breathe. actually nagulat akong nagreact ang katawan ko when he said my name. i didn't actually expect him to remember my name.. i thought he was one of those kind na hindi nagbo-bother to memo an average-looking girl like me. "*My my my.. if it isn't Iigo*" i said acting naturally para hindi ma-obvious ang sobrang pagkakatense ko mismo sa harap niya "*What brings you here?"* I continued *"I should be the one asking that, Nina*" he replied while his smirked was totally solid across his alluring overly-attractive face

my mind was on the battle between guilt and pleasure.. it was battling whether to actually let loose my self or let the goody old girl go back to my senses /to hell to that /sabe ko sa sarili ko while still giggling like a drunk girl as i was at the moment and there it goes.... *"considering you have drank enough for the night*" he continued i just gave him my mega-watt grinned and pretended i didn't hear a thing.

"*what? you were saying something?*" i muttered.. leaning closer to him..

considering the whole area was flooded with the volume-up disco beat, the act was flawlessly done so he began moving closer to me.. to my ear and whispered

he was too close not to smell the faint aroma that he sprayed all over his shirt. the sweet breath i could smell from him and that warm feeling i got within his range / aaah that sensation of his skin brushing off to mine/ i thought sheepishlly

"*i said You're too-"*

i cut him of by sealing his mouth with mine and zipped it with a dangerous beggin-for-an-opening kiss. i cupped his face drawing him near as possible

his eyes was shocked and he didn't immediately respond to the movement i've been doing and didn't react to the sensual gesture i've been trying to pull

i snaked my arms to his neck completely erasing the space between us ... but in awhile, he went back to his senses and kissed me back... with pleasure and hunger in his eyes this time around / OMG i did not just do that/ ang bulong ng konsensya ko sa lasing kong sarili but ... it was too late now to turn back . we're apparently making out in the club... not caring to the glares and stares that we get from the people inside

and by then, he let me dominated his mouth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/its absolutely no turning back know. /i repeated to my self as i closed my eyes while our lips are still trying to dominate one another.. it was like that the whole time .. when we were in his car, when we were on the elevator and to the front door

I didn't even know if i wanted to stop.. no,infact didn't want to end this amazing sensation we were sharing at the moment. I wanted him right here and right now and I am so not gonna ruin everything that i know i desire for I sent him a seductive glance and exposed my flawless thighs and long legs *"How inviting, Nina"* * "Come here,"* by this time, he pulled me in my wrist and gestured me to the bed. I complied, moving closer to edge of the bed

His face moved to breathe against my ear. *"Nina .."* he murmued kissing every corner of my face *"you better be sure about this.*" he added *"I've never been this sure of something in my entire life,"* I whispered back removing the only clothing left covering me---my lingerie He didn't need to be told twice.

He pulled me into his arms and kissed me fiercely sending my body into the feeling of wanting to skip that part and shove his pride in my womanhood but it will surely ruin the mood of this all-ready-ignited heat between us

I moaned with delight into his mouth and arched my body into him. The kiss shows of how eager we were with our sexual frustration.it was needy and raw with untamed desire He lowered me down onto the bed only breaking the kiss to get rid of his shirt, which tinapon niya sa sahig carelessly.

And then his mouth found mine again briefly before landing it softly to my chest as he skillfully pulled his pants down I almost cried out in pleasure as he bent and lowered his mouth as he bit my two already-errect mountains on my chest.

He then worked his tongue around it erotically and sucked it into his mouth send me a soft sensation of approval on my part

*"Nina, you don't know how i've been dying to do this to you, "* he uttered seductively and I couldn't respond to it because he was already giving me too much pleasure to handle

naramdaman ko na lang that his hand slide down my body giving me shivers on my spine. His mouth came back up to mine and I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my body into him leaving no space between us.

I was so wrapped up in the kiss; I didn't notice he brushed me inside as if preparing me for something... he dug himself deeper into me.. slowly.

" *you're a--?*" He whispered in my ear. i just nodded not wanting to hear the V-word and i suddenly felt shy about it

yes, i've been going out with Gerard for 4 years but he didn't actually touch me

it was back in college when nagyaya siya pero, me.. being so scared and whiny.. i resisted him.. hey! i was only 17-almost-18 girl at that time who still believes that first time should ba sacred! atleast.. that was my granny told me.

ever since then, wala na siyang attempt to even bring the whole thing up and it has been awkward since that night

which had given me a doubt on my sex appeal. was i not sexy enough?

"*Shhhh!!*" he brought his index fingers into my lips *"its ok.. do you know how lucky i am just thinking about it? the first person to fuck your wet pussy"* And then bumaba siya ulit sa dibdib ko to sent the sensation to overdrive

He began thrusting his manhood into my opening.. this time,faster and harder in a imaginary beat .. as my hips were arched up into his palm while his tugging my magic spot,

I could feel myself trembling and i thought i was going to break into gazillion of pieces. it was beyond sensational sex frenzy

"*Nina, you're too fucking tight!!"* he moaned into my ear and bucked my hips into his which caused me to groan in return and begin rubbing circles around my clit.

My breath caught in my throat as the pleasure were giving the feeling of heaven on earth I probably orgasmed twice before i totally lost myself to the ecstasy and shivered in his arms.

He collapsed onto the bed and I fell back resting my head on his chest which was breathing heavy from exertion.

*"You're amazing, Nina"* he murmured on my ear and kissed my hair before finally drifting off to sleep

i know im suppose to be with Meg preparing for the job ahead. i know i shouldn't went overboard with it.. i know i should've probably said no to Meg's invitation.. but its too late now and with the feeling of soaring pain between my legs, i drifted off to sleep ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 4 /HOLY SHITTT!!! / i thought as i stood up from the bed.. humihingal at pawis na pawis.

bigla na lang akong nagising sa kalagitnaan ng dilim.. /teka, gabi pa ba? i bet it's madaling araw na/ i corrected my self

then, bigla ko na lang naramdaman ang kirot sa bandang pagitan ng legs ko ..

/UGh. my head!/! i thought as i growled and touched my head.. napakunot naman ako nang bigla kong naramdaman na.... i wasn't alone the whole time.. tapos.. sunod sunod ng flashback at mga larawan ang nagflood sa tila nabibiak kong ulo.

bigla akong nagpanic... i've never stayed over some guy's place before.. let alone have sex with him

i surveyed the place.. although, wala akong makitang matino... dahil sa sobrang dilim.. napansin ko kung gano kalaki ang silid na to.. pang lalake ang wall paper at masyadong pang bachelor ang dating

i turned my attention to the guy sleeping soundly beside me totally naked.. when i laid my eyes on him, i saw how innocent and how adorable he was. ang haba pala ng lashes niya at mas mukha siyang hot with a messy hair..

then i began to notice his pointy nose.. his jawline and .... his full lips that i.... literally raped last night and then, the scene came back to my senses

/"i said You're too-"/

/i cut him of by sealing his mouth with mine and zipped it with a dangerous/ /beggin-for-an-opening kiss. i cupped his face drawing him near as possible/

/his eyes was shocked and he didn't immediately respond to the movement i've been doing. to the sensual gesture i've been trying to pull/

/i snaked my arms to his neck erasing the space between us .../ /but in awhile, he went back to his senses and kissed me back... with pleasure and hunger in his eyes/

i tried to erase the thought of how reckless and stupid i was for my action last night.. wala pang 3 months after nung previous break up ko with.. you-know-who.. but here i am now, sleeping around with a random guy i just met

tumayo na ako mula sa kinahihigaan ko, and hinanap ang mga... panloob ko..

isa isa ko silang pinulot.. panty, bra... at mga damit kong kunot na kunot.. at parang napunit sa tagiliran .. it really shows how impatient i was removing that thing

hinanap ko rin kung saan nga ba yung closet niya. i wasn't familiar with the layout of the place, so binuksan ko isa isa ang bawat cabinet na makita ko

i was looking for something to cover my self.. a robe? i dont know.. basta hinalungkat ko lahat.. until i finally saw a hoodie na medjo malaki.. or rather, nung sinuot ko na siya.. napaka laki nga.. it even reached down to my knee

at nung na zipper ko na yung hoodie..

i've looked around once again, hinanap ko sa kadiliman ng silid ang bag ko.. kailngan kong makita yung bag ko para makuha ko yung phone.. at matawagan si Meg...

/i have to get out of here /

kinapa ko yung nightstand... biglang may nahulog ... at nagingay nang bumagsak

natigilan ako sa kaka kapa prang nagstop din ang puso ko .. nang biglang umungol si Iigo at tumagilid sa higaan.. he's back is now facing my direction

i sighed... /that was close. /

pinagpatuloy ko yung paghahanap. at sa wakas nga, nakita ko na ang bag ko.. tapos dali daling lumabas sa silid na yaon.. papuntang elevator.

"Meg? ... ewan ko.. just pick me up please. im somewhere near... yeah! sige.. " hindi ko nga alam kung saan na nga ba talaga ako.. i was so confused at that time..

did i regret it? ... am i now labeled as slut? how will i explain it to Meg? how will i tell her that i spent

a night with.......with Iigo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

it has been three solid weeks since that unforgettable moment of ecstasy. Im now officially working as a junior editor slash sports writer sa The Inquirer.

hindi ko nga alam kung matutuwa ba ako or matatawa.. akalain mong i was assigned as a Sports Writer? pero, sympre.. hindi naman talaga ako ganon ka naive when it comes to sport.. its just that, hindi naman tlga ako into sports and stuffs

"Good Morning, Beautiful" biglang may naglatag naman ng baso ng kape sa table ko. /here we go again./ i thought as i stopped my self from typing on my keyboard i looked up and was graced by those dark pools and not to forget his colgate-commercial smile he often flashes to me every single day

"Luigi, Thanks for the coffee pero uminom na ako kanina pa" i lied with my answer sa kaniya while tinatago ko ang pagka annoyed ko sa lalakeng ito

ever since i was introduced sa office na to, he's been buggin me na.. talked about the constant attention hes been intentionally giving me every 3600 seconds..

like the attempt to ask me out for dinner, offering a lift home .. treat in lunch.. a cheesy post-it with his stupid punch line on it.. you name it!

two days ago, he even asked me out to be his girlfriend.. like what the fuck was that all about? he's like my 5-day-friend pa lang.. and he's already asking me out?

syempre, being the nice and polite girl that i was raised.. i tried to be put down his offer nicely..

but i guessed he didn't catch that message at all

"Well, that's okay.I guess .." napayuko naman siya sabay sighed niya. mukha siyang upset habang papalayo sa desk ko. naguilty tuloy ako

kung tutuusin nman, wala nman tlga akong dapat idahilan para i turned down siya. may itsura naman siya eh. i've heard nga may quarter spanish blood niya. and he has been open to me..

well, he's actually too open for my comfort.. but nonetheless, still the nicest person in this department

pumikit muna ako saglit.. at napakagat ng bottom lips ko

/just this once/. i murmured "Uhm.. Lui?" sabay tayo ko mula sa upuan ko't tinawag siya. ilang ulo ang napatingin sa akin. ang awkward tuloy.. napaka chismosa talaga ng mga tao dito sa opisina. nakisilip naman tong mga tao sa direksyon namen as if waiting for the next thing i'll say

napatigil naman si Luigi sa kakalakad at dali daling napatingin sa direksyon ko habang napa smile na nman siyang abot tenga

"How about dinner later? will you--" hindi naman niya ako pinatapos sa tanong ko at automatikong sumagot siya. "Ofcourse, Nina bear" i tried myself to not roll my eyes with the pen name he gave me. it was really annoying when he utters that ... ugh! pen name!

ningitian ko na lang siya. napilitan ako eh. pano ba naman? mga kasamahan namen dito daig pa ang mga nanunuod ng drama sa tv. mas lalo tuloy lumawak ang ngiti niya.

this... would be really troublesome

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

pagkatapos ng work time namen. agad naman akong hinintay ni Luigi sa bandang ground parking lot ng building at pinag buksan ng pinto sa kanyang Volkswagen new beetle. i flashed him my ever infamous mega-watt smile and he return the favor

We arrived at a posh mexican restaurant that was filled with men and women othat belong to the highest peak of the social pyramid. yep, the rich "Table for?" the receptionist asked "two please" ang sagot ni Luigi habang his hand was on my side

ewan ko ba, pero parang nainis ako na parang.. gusto kong i-saway siya at itulak siya pero, being the Nina i was raised to be.. tiningnan ko lang muna yung kamay niya na hawak hawak pa rin yung bewang ko..

tapos i looked up to his face.. totally annoyed. napakunot ang noo ko "Opps.. sorry." sabay raised niya ng both hands away from me

I just walked passed him at nauna na akong umupo sa table nmeng dalawa. /im starting to regret this whole thing/. i thought as i sighed

an hour had passed and i was starting to get bored by these thing.. he kept on blabbering about what he felt when he first saw me smiling. how he dream about me every night.. and how often he thinks about me every single day.. and he even mentioned that we were soulmate. wtf! of all things? soulmate? give me break! i bet he still believes with the whole tooth fairy, neverland bullshits.

it was just so annoying.

"will you excuse me for a sec?" i said as i stood up from the table and placed the napkin away from my lap. i smiled at him trying to be genuine but when i turn around i literally rolled my eyes with annoyance

habang naglalakad ako,napahwak naman ako sa noo ko na para bang masakit ang ulo.

"i should have just brush him off " ang sabi ko regretting that the slightest guilt if i turn him down

agad agad akong pumasok sa cr ng mga babae at in-occupy ang isang cubicle don. i slammed the door of that cubicle sa sobrang inis. i dont care if those women might heard it... i just cussed and hissed and growled sa loob...

at ilang saglit pa, napatigil ako..wala na akong ginawa sa loob ng mga ilang minuto.. umupo lang ako don.. just thinking about things .. thinking about...

/Iigo/ ... his name came out smoothly on my mouth. it was like i was made to utter his name sweetly

and the weird part there is that, some of my parts missed him..

and the one who missed him the most is that thing between my legs. i missed the way he crushed my mouth with his.. in a eager and passionate way. i missed the way he groped my breast and the way he touches me around my body.. i missed how he made my inner thighs react whenever he utters my name..

/i missed-/-- i immediately dismiss the thought of him as i realized na masyado na akong matagal dito and Luigi might have a clue na.. i stood up and went out from the cubicle and looked at my reflection in the mirror. weird, i find myself too attractive tonight. so this is the effect of Iigo to me.. kahit iniisip ko lang siya.. iba tlga eh

masyado akong attached sa thought ko about that guy nang pagkalabas ko ng pinto, biglang may naghila ng wrist ko... and pinned me against the wall

nung binuksan ko ang mga mata ko, i was surprised... my heart had stop from that moment when i gaze into that familiar sensual brown eyes .. the familiar touch..

the familiar sound of his voice on my ear "Nina" he breathed as he began planting kisses on my neck and on my jaw "Iigo... wait" i said as i tried pushing him away but it was hopeless... he was beyond strong..

his hands began its journey to the different parts of my senstive body. groaping each part as if nagmamark na ng territory niya. bumibigay na ang legs ko dhil

sa sobrang tindi ng pleasure.. his tongue ran across my bottom lip and I arched into him, moaning my approval.

"It's been three weeks and five days, Nina." He growled. I had no idea what he was uttering about, so I didn't reply and instead started wrapping my right leg to him thus, i could feel the hump between his pants

"I miss every bits of you, Nina.. i missed you so badly" He growled before biting down on my neck, and slipping his hand inside my office uniform before I let out the loud moan

"Shh," he said suddenly, he stopped.. and i was surprise to see.. na he was intently gazing on my eyes and then to my... lips

"you look so beautiful" he said which totally made the blood rushed to my cheeks.. /im beautiful?/ i thought

i was compliment and told by different guys throughout the years, talked about the constant "Wet-wew" i get every time i go to divisoria or even market market .. pero, the way he said it? it was priceless.. gustong kong ulit ulitin sa pandingig ang sinabi niya

bigla na lang nag iba ang expression niya .. his brows were pushed together.. "who was that guy you've been with?" tanong niya

biglang akong nagulat... /oo nga pala si luigi.. i almost forgot about him.. /

"i need to go" is the only thing i said to him..

I've search for his eyes but i failed, he looked away habang nag loose ang grip niya sa both wrist ko at tuluyan na akong pinakawalan habang nag soft din ang expression sa mukha niya

tuluyan na sana akong umalis papalayo sa kaniya, nang biglang "Nina!"

tinawag niya ako, pra ba ang tunog nun eh.. prang kailangan niya ako.. na importante ako.. hay. if he only knew his effect on me lumingon ako while my brows were both pushed upward and i saw him as he pulled out his Blackberry and raised it on me i smiled at him while he was smirking really hot... as he was his body on the hard wall /exchange of pins?/ i thought "why not?" i replied.. habang humahakbang ako pabalik sa kniya

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thanks for the night, Nina" ang sabi sa akin ni Luigi habang pinagbuksan ako ng pinto.. nag smile lang ako sa kaniya at planted a soft kiss on his cheek "Thank/you/, Lui" i said as i got out from his car.. at nung nasa doorstep na ako ng apartment i waved at him / well, if it wasn't for him.. i wouldn't have seen Iigo/. the thought that caused me to giggle like a 14-year-old girl

at nung pagbukas ko ng pinto, off ang switch ng light... na para bang nasa horror yung dating..

"Meg?! Meg?!" ang tawag ko sa kawalan "Meg? are you here?" tanong ko muli

bigla namang umilaw yung lampshade at napalingon ako habang gulat na gulat.. parang pang horror tlga ang itsura ni Meg

there she was seated sa couch.. habang naka crossed ang legs

"Sino kasama mo kanina? gabi na a? bat ngayon ka lang?" ang sunod sunod na tanong niya sa akin habang ini-imitate ang tunog ng lola ko

natawa naman ako, it brings back nostalgic memories of my lola.. she was strict pero i really really love her to death. she was the only one looking after me all these years "MEG?!" i said while laughing... at in-on ang light bigla naman natawa din si Meg ng malakas na malakas na pra bang wlang bukas!

"you went out with the guy you were really annoyed with, didn't you?! that cutie?" ang sabi niya habang naglalakad siya palapit sa akin.. hands were on her waist holding her laughter

"Cutie?!" napahalakhak na nman ako ng malakas...

yeah, crush nga raw ni Meg si Luigi.. nung the first time tumapak si Luigi dito at nagyayang ihatid niya ako papuntang office. so, instead na ako ang sumalubong sa kniya.. si Meg ang nagopen ng door.. and i think that's where it all started

hindi naman yun masyadong seryosohan.. atleast, that's what i think.. kasi nga dba, Luigi isn't that bad naman when it comes to looks

yung bang pagka.. corny niya ang nakaka turn off and annoying eh! masyado siyang maka-shakespeare!

and i always find it disgusting whenever she complimented how goodlooking Luigi was. i mean, the thought of it is so funny..

the ever bitchy and straight-forward Meg and the.. let's say.. hopeless-romantic Luigi.. together? woah! must've been the end of the world then

"I've met Iigo.. " ang sabi ko bigla out of the blue while we were watching a local-sappy telenovela on our LCD 14' samsung tv

"and he kissed me..." napa gasped naman si Meg sa sinabi ko and her mouth went totally open "and we exchange bb pins" i added while Meg was totally speechless. natigilan talaga siya pag lalamon ng popcorn ..

but then her expression changed from excited one to.. i-know-what-you-did facial gesture "Well, that explains the love biteson your neck, Nina" she grinned while pointing her lips on my neck

the first thing i did was covered it with my palms and i was too shocked to utter another word.. so i rushed back to my room and humarap sa salamin.. it was indeed a love bite.. bigla akong namula at napangiti just thinking about what he did to me kanina ..

"/You looked so beautiful, Nina/" those phrase echo-ed inside my head over and over again ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 5 [Hey, Why are you standing near a post? where's your boyfriend?]/ ang BBM sa akin ng isang unknown pin with the BB code 21726A44 .. Im standing sa sidewalk with my Umbrella habang basang basa na ang pointy high pump ko at ang pin straight skirt ko Boyfriend?! sino ba to? weird lang tlga kung sino man tong nag bbm sa akin malamang, nakita o nadaanan na ako it was almost 11 in the evening.. nag overtime kasi ako dhil nga i was asked by our senior to work with something so i have no choice. and ito nmang ulan nato nakikisabay at ang lakas lakas pa! kaya nandito ako ngayon, trying to call a cab para makauwi na ako pero walang pumapansin sa akin. and i've been standing her for almost an hour na! /[Hu evr u r, i wud lyk to tell u i dnt hve a boyfriend ya'know] / approximately, it took 55 seconds for him/her/it to reply.. /[Alright. M commin' to pick u up. stay there]/ whoever this person is.. for sure he/she/it has a very huge heart for trying to be nice enough to pick me up in my most dreadful look. talked about how frizzy my hair with this wetlook thing. and how uncomfortable the coldness is while my clothes are effin' wet and i dont like to be seen by anyone with this state i tapped my shoes as i waited and glanced at my watch, it was now 11:10 p.m.. and i am so tired and i feel like mabigat na ang mga mata ko..

suddenly, in a matter of minutes, a Ferrari Black 2011 version stopped right in front of me. tumingin tuloy ang mga tao sa direksyon ko.. mas lalo naman akong nagulat nang biglang binaba ang salamin ng kotse.. revealing some lean muscular silhoutte familiar to my eyes. at nang lumapit ako sa bandang pinto while still gripping my umbrella i saw.....

Iigo with his ever famous smirked.

biglang nahulog ang puso ko at uminit ang dugo ko, matapos ang intimate encounter namin sa Mexican resto almost a month ago.. oo ganon na katgal.. ni anino niya hindi ko na nakita. khit we exchanged pins, hindi man lng siya sumagot sa bawat bbm nor nagleave man lng kahit question mark man lang sa inbox ko kaya i decided to delete him from my contacts bigla na lang siyang nawala na parang bula. oo, wala akong karapatan mag reklamo. sino ba nman ako sa kaniya? i was just a used slut in his eyes.

tinaasan ko siya ng kilay with matching glare pa. who does he think he is? magpapakita lang bigla bigla tapos mawawala na parang bula? the hell!

tapos i turned away from his car and started walking away from him.. but i was just few steps away nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng kotse at lumabas si Iigo .. ni walang payong

hinila niya ang wrist ko. and he dragged me all the way inside his car.

/hindi niya ba naisip na mababasa ang upuan dahil sa akin?/ i thought while nakatitig sa kniya. "Iigo" i called his attention, pero instead na tumingin sa akin ay.. bigla niyang pinaandar ang kotse niya

mabilis ang pagpapatakbo niya with this piece of metal -- his car. kinabahan ako, madulas ang daan.. at hindi pa ako handang mamatay. well not now!! i have a lot of plans pa! napapikit ako sa sobrang takot

biglang huminto ang kotse at muntik na akong matapon dhil nakalimutan kong mag seatbelt. pagkatingin ko sa direksyon ni Iigo, wala na siya.. dali dali siyang lumabas sa kotse niya..

at i tried my best to follow him. pagkababa ko, we were in the dim area.. i turned around to see lotsa expensive cars na nakapark. hindi ko alam kung san ako dinala ng lalakeng 'to but one thing's for sure.. its nowhere near sa apartment ni Meg.

hinabol ko na ulit si Iigo pero masyado siyang mabilis kung maglakad. ano ba naman problema non? dinadala dala niya ako kung saan tapos iiwan lang ako? aba.. "Ano ba, Iigo! don't drive like you're some kinda race car driver!" ang sigaw ko sa kniya.. bigla siyang napatigil sa kakalakad and we were a meters away from each other.. tumalikod siya at humarap sa akin na hingal na hingal "I am a race car driver, Nina" he said while grinning at me which made me roll my eyes with annoyance "Hah! yeah right" i sarcastically answered him while crossing both arms on top of my chest

i was expecting an answer from him pero he began walking again to the opposite direction.. hinabol ko siya ulit at nung i took few steps papalit sa kaniya while still catching my breath,

bumigay ang takong ng heels ko at na-twist ang ankle ko.

"Ouch!!" i cried out loud. namilipit ako sa sobrang sakit. napaupo ako sa malamig na semento ng madilim na parking lot while hinawakan ko ang paa ko / this has been a great day!! /i thought /una, i have to finish tons of paperworks to be submitted tomorrow which caused me to overtime, second naulanan pa ako at basang basa, third im now with the one na gusto kong i-avoid and fourth i twisted my ankle! how lucky!! / then, suddenly.. biglang .. may strong arms ang binuhat ako from the cold hard cement and lifted my up to his arms..

i looked up to see Iigo .. carrying me like i was a bride. i wrap my arms around his neck habang kinakarga niya ako.. his warmth brought me comfort and tuluyan ko ng sinandal ang ulo ko sa kanyang well-built chest. ang sarap sa pakiramdam at tuluyan na nga akong napapikit sa sobrang pagod

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i felt like i've been watch by someone so i opened my eyes slowly .. at i let my eyes adjust to the light of the whole area.. familiar ang layout ng room.

at nung napaupo na ako sa kama, i glanced at my left and saw Iigo... on his boxer shorts lang

i felt like i was blushing so i tore my eyes away from him "Oh! come on, Nina.. i wont get mad if you stare at me forever. i know you want it" he said habang papalapit sa malabot na kama kung saan ako nakaupo

"Aray.." naramdaman ko ang kirot sa paanan ko nang inattempt kong tumayo mula sa kinauupuan ko yeah, now i remember.. i twisted my ankle pala kanina but this time may bandage na siya unti unti na akong na out of balance pero bigla nman nagrush sa direksyon ko si Iigo and assisted me para makaupo ulit.. tapos, napansin ko din na hindi na pala basa ang damit ko, infact .. i was wearing a huge bottom down polo..

"Where's my--?" ang sabi ko while covering my enitre being with my hands "In the dryer." He replied while his grinned was still tainted on his handsome figure "and don't worry.. i've already seen those " his eyes were locked looking my being from bottom to top as if scanning every little detail of it..

lumapit siya sa akin at halos magkalapit na ang mukha namin at that time. i could even smell his vanilla shampoo freshly spooned from the bathroom

"Do you really mean it?" he asked. my brows were automatically pulled together for i dont know what was he talking about "Mean what?"

"You know.. na hindi mo nga talaga boyfriend ang kasama mong scumbag when i met you in that resto"

"He has a name, Iigo.." i rolled my eyes. its not like he knew Lui personally right? eventhough he's annoying.. he's my friend

"Luigi isn't my boyfriend. he's just an officemate who's trying to be nice to me" i said as i brushed my fingers to his jawline and .. to his lips that is so tempting. im trying to provoke him to do something stupid..

like returning the flirty act with a ... kiss

"were you jealous?" i've asked him playfully while still keeping an eye to his lips

Instead of answering me, i felt his lips crushed mine while his tongue ran across my lower lip and I arched into him, moaning my approval I smiled up at him, as his lips found their way to my neck. His tongue slid down it madly and I felt my body involuntarily

His skilled hand ran its way up my leg to my inner thigh, I arched into his touch, gyrating my hips against his hand, causing my pelvis to roll against him erotically . He groaned quietly, while bucking his hips into me.

but he pulled away from that intimate and passionate connection and kissed my forehead

"I hope it answered your question,Nina" he sweetly uttered while flashing me his smile.. his genuine intimate smile

"is that a habit of yours? mawawala lang bigla tapos lilitaw din from nowhere?where were you?" i asked him as i was trying to hide my jealousy

"I went to Brazil and you'll know soon enough why"

then, he pulled me again into his arms and continued where we left off awhile ago .. we kissed.. but this time, definitely, wala nang puputol because the night is all ours.. not even my painful twisted ankle would

Chapter 6 "Did you guys fucked each other 'til you were numb?!" ang bungad sa amin ni Meg while holding her laughter. it was 6:35 in the saturday morning and we were standing right infront of Meg's doorstep

"will you please let us in first?" i said as i rolled my eyes habang pinapasok na nga kami sa wakas ng ever manyakis kong kaibigang si Meg

Iigo and I were in an awkward position because he was carrying me all the way up like a bride and i kind felt that he's enjoying that moment for he was smirking like a hot guy he already is

/ang dumi talaga ng pagiisip ng Meg nato akala niya siguro porket may bandage yung ankle ko ibig sabihin todo todong sex night ang nangyari kagabi samen ni.... Iigo / i thought sheepishly while a familiar feeling was running through my

cheeks ---- i was blushing furiously like a high school idiot and the funny thing here was the fact i could feel Iigo's eyes looking down at my being.. i was trying my best not to look back but i just can't.. i returned his stare and i was again drown in his deep brown eyes.. i was caught offguard and he stole a peck on my lips "What was that all about?" i thought habang nilalatag na ako ni Iigo sa sofa. and i suddenly felt like missing his warmth beside me kahit na he was still sitting beside me

umalis muna saglit si Meg papuntang kusina i tried looking away from Iigo's attractive stares .. katahimikan muna ang bumalot sa pagitan namin.. walang nagsasalita pero biglang sinamantala naman ito ni Igo nang he lays his right hand on my thigh and started feeling every bits of my skin .. as if massaging it

i dont know but it felt good.. i tried to brush it off and glared at him "Iigo, not now" ang saway ko sa kniya pero, instead he just flash me his alluring smile.. i sigh/"he knows his just too irresistable when he does that"/

"Hey, Hey... Iigo.. masyado ka atang atat. can't get enough sa kaibigan ko?" Meg suddenly came up from the kitchen and places those Coffees on the center table

"I've heard a lot of things about you" she continued habang napaupo siya sa opposite side ng sofa ----sa couch "good things i hope" he uttered while he took a mug of coffee from the center table

"Ofcourse, it was beyond better! especially those seductive gestures

Nina told me that you did the last time you guys had sex on your-----" "Meg!!!" i cut her off while she was just laughing crazily..

napaka open na talaga niya sa mga bagay na to... then, i turned my attention to Iigo and saw he was smirking at me

binaling ko naman ang attention ko sa center table at kumuha din ng kape. after sipping, i said .. "well, Iigo.. meet this crazy bestfriend of mine Margareth Toledo" i gestured them to each other

"Drop the formality, Meg would do" she said

"and Meg.. meet Iigo--???" bigla naman akong natigilan at napakunot ang noo ko while my brows were both pulled together in unison

/ano nga pala ang apilyido ni Iigo? hindi ko nga pala alam.. kahit apilyido man lang niya. / i thought wala akong alam kahit kalahati man lang ng bagay tungkol sa kaniya. i suddenly felt sulking about it. We had sex but barely know each other

"Iigo Bustamante" ang sabi niya while he genuinely smiled at me before he turned his attention to Meg

Iigo Bustamante? it sound so familiar i thought biglang may fragment ng memory ang nag flash sa akin.. an image of a boy...it was quite blurry but i could tell he was a 10-year-old boy.. flashes in my mind while he was holding a cotton candy. His hazel eyes that you can drown your self with.. his cheeks that are slightly full.. and his smiles that you can stare for the whole day and

his lips ..............................

"Hello?! Nina to earth? Nina?! hello?!" ang biglang sabi ni Meg sabay kaway kaway niya sa akin "Kanina mo pa tinititigan si Iigo no!" she added

bigla naman akong bumalik sa realidad at i saw Iigo chuckling beside me. i turned to his direction and kinurit ang tagiliran niya hinawakan naman niya bigla ang mga kamay ko and pulled me closer to his arms we were so close to each other that i could even smell his perfume

"Ahem!" napatingin naman ako kay Meg "You two can't get enough of each other, can you?" ang sabi niya while taking a sip to her mug

bigla naman akong nagblush ulit at napatingin sa baba. nakakahiya. it was too embarassing. we almost forgot that nandito pala kami ngayon sa place ni Meg.. / i guess she's right.. well, Iigo's just too irresistable/ i thought

suddenly, bigla na lang tumayo si Iigo mula sa kinauupuan niya and i turned to his direction while i saw him looking at his Giordano limited edition watch

"I think i need to go." he said

tapos.. nagulat na lang ako bigla nang automatikong nagbrush ang ang kamay ko sa braso ni Iigo it was all too sudden.. i even heard Meg's gasp

pero sinakyan ko na lang and said cooly "too soon?" i pouted and trying to sound a little playful Iigo flashes me his smirked and leaned closer .. closer once again that we were an inch away from each other.. practically, his face was close

to mine i gulped../Is he going to kiss me again?/ i thought

i closed my eyes trying to prepare myself with the kiss that is about to come

but it never came, instead.. he whispered in my ears and said "I'll see you tomorrow night" and quickly gave me a kiss on my forehead before completely turning away and bid farewell to us

"Bye Meg. thanks for the coffee" and that was the last conversation we had that morning

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That afternoon on the same day, I was left alone at Meg's place because She has a date with her boyfriend. so i had the whole pad to myself and decided i should just kill the time while watching an old romantic-comedy on tv

i was sitting in the couch while savoring each piece of my buritos when i heard my Blackberry vibrated on the pillow from the far most left of the center table

i took it and the name of the most annoying guy in the century flashes on the screen

[Luigi De Jesus] it says...

nagddlwang isip pa ako kung sasagutin ko or should i just pretend that im asleep and let this thing ring for the rest of the afternoon

/this guy .. is getting on my nerves /i thought as i rolled my eyes pero, guilt suddenly came over to my senses and i feel the obligation to answer it and when i pressed the answer button, "Nina, I've heard that your knee broke and i was wondering if you're okay? i was so worried and i took the courage to finally call you.. are you feeling okay now? do you want me to come over to your place. i bake good cookies!" ang sabi niya sunod sunod na halos hindi siya humihinga

i rolled my eyes and thought /and im starting to regret i picked the phone / "why.. hello there, Lui. Nope. i didn't broke my knee .. i had a sprain and im quite okay now. i could even walk my self to the kitchen. no need to worry" i replied with the urge not to sound sarcastic with that tone

"Thank heavens!! I really shouldn't have left you. im so sorry.. my dog needs to see the vet that same night .............................."

/here we go again /i murmured the rest of call was all about him blabbering about things and in return i'll just either say .. "a-huh.. yup or okay"

this is just why i find him annoying. he just keep on blabbering things i dont even ask nor am i interested with listening.. what's with that guy anyway?

and then, after 25 minutes the call ended because he told me that he needed some errands to attend to. and thank god that was over

i took one step at a time and slowly made my way to the kitchen.. it took me time 'til i finally got myself an orange juice in the fridge. alteast, i could move around now..

when i went back to the living room...

i heard my blackberry was vibrating again against the left side of the couch / ugh! i bet its Luigi again / i sigh and grunted with frustration as i placed the glass of orange juice on the center table

i took my black berry and picked up the phone "Ugh!You know.. Luigi, im just too tired for the day will you please-----"

"Luigi?! was that the guy you've been with in that resto?" a familiar tone uttered on the other side of the line. It was as if irritated and kinda grumpy

tumigil ang tubok ng puso ko at napa-gulp... /Dont tell me.../ i murmured i took the phone away from my ear for a moment and saw [Iigo Bustamante] on the screen

"Iigo? im so so so sorry..." i said /why would i even think it was Luigi? uggh!/ i thought

he was silent for a moment and the funny thing is that i could even hear him breath from the other side. i could even feel those butterfly fluttered on my stomach.. was i being crazy again?

"I called to check if you're ok now but I guess.. i should just call you some other time and---" "No, No no no.. Im sorry,Iigo.dont hang up the phone for me" i pleaded as i bit my lower lip

i waited for his reply... and i could even feel my pulse getting slower

and slower as seconds had passed "Nina?" he said "Yes?" "I saw Meg at the mall awhile ago ..and i guess you're alone right now" my brows were automatically pulled together while i was trying to hide my smile / i think may iniisp na nman tong lalakeng to/ i thought

"I thought you needed some company .." he continued and i could even feel him smirking widely on the other side of the line "You think so?" i said giving him a flirty tone as i bit my lower lip

"Well, I am now infront of your doorstep" napa-gasped ako agad when i heard him say those word. my heart had stopped and i slightly heard him chuckle a little from the other line.. "You've got to be kidding me!" i mouthed off in disbelief "Open the door and see it for yourself then" he muttered

I still had the phone on my ear when i opened the door he was indeed there.. flashing me again his infamous smirked while... holding...

a bouquet of ..... "pink carnations?" i thought while i saw him staring at me like forever how'd he know its my favorite?

when i reach for the bouquet my ankle suddenly ached bigla na lang ako matumba.. i dont know what happen. masyadong mabilis ang pangyayari

well, almost lang naman natumba.. because he just caught me right on time

it was like in those movies i've watched awhile ago.. he carressed me like i was a gem.. a rare gem to be exact

and when i opened my eyes, i've realized na masyadong malapit ang mukha nmen sa isa't isa and he was staring intently on my lips as if waiting for a sign.. waiting for a go signal

i was about to utter a word when he finally locked my lips with his.. bringing me closer into his arms as he tossed the bouquet aside and caressed me gently into a tender touch

the kiss was passionate and full of desire...it was as if i was melting into his arms

my hands made their way up his chest, pushing him back to the leather chair. yumuko ako, straddling his lap. He pulled my head down sa isang naglalagablab na halik

my hands found the front of his shirt, slowly undoing the buttons as quickly as i could. I pushed it down his arms, pulling it off and throwing the shirt off into the corner of the room.

He,releasing my lips, I continued pulling off his undershirt. I kissed his neck as i ran my hands down his chiseled abs. His moan filled my mouth as i pulled away. I brought a leg up, ignoring the pain on my anke and pressing my self more to his chest leaving no space.

I pushed my top off and Iigo fingered the lace of my black panties. I automatically arched my back into him.

His other hand reached around, pulling the zipper down. He pulled down the black underwear of mine from my hips, skimming my breasts. I moaned low, grinding my pelvis into his leg.

He groaned, moving to unclasp my bra. "You," he started, kneeling in front of me, " you know i like it when you do that"

My fingers grasped the zipper, pulling it down and moving up to button. His fingers ran through me

I giggled as I made my way back up, kissing his chest. I snaked my arms around his shoulders, messing my fingers into his hair and bringing him closer. I felt he wrap his arms around me and cup my butt.

before I return that gesture i smiled at him and slowly i wrapped my long legs around his waist. His tongue slid across my bottom lip, begging for another entrance. Tongues clashed as he backed them on the front door of my room I giggled kissing my way back down his chest. I stopped at the elastic waistband of his boxer-briefs. I looked up at him, bitting my bottom lip seductively.

"Meg wont be home 'til 10" i uttered before we completely made our way to my room and Iigo just smiled back and then invaded my lips once again ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Nina?" he whsipered in my ear i looked up and was caught once again into his eyes "Don't you really remember anything?" he added i was leaning on top of his chest while ang mga kamay niya ay brina-brush ang left arm ko.. we were both lying on top of my bed... naked my brows were pushed together and ina-analyze ang tanong niya "what do you mean?" i asked

but his expression showed how much hurt he was with my answer. but i dont know why!! he just looked away and glanced at the nightstand then i saw him staring at the picture i have there.. it was my picture

when i was a kid i was 10-year-old girl back then in that picture .. grinning like a stupid girl i was at that time with my pigtail hair "You're really cute in that pink denim jumper.. " he said while looking down at me and smiled it was priceles.. his smile.. is beyond genuine. ang smile na yun... familiar siya.. i just... can't remember when did i see such way of smile before ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 7 "Ugggh!!!" I grunted in frustration habang napahiga ako sa magulo kong kama

"Holy shit! Nina!!!!" ang sabi ni Meg when she walked right in front of my room. it was messy, clothes were everywhere.

ang kalat talaga! my closet was open.. my dressers were too even my drawer was left there wide open. and every corner of my floor was filled with clothes, dresses, jeans and top... you name it!

"Its as if bumalik si Ondoy dito sa kwarto mo ah?" ang sabi niya when isa isa niyang kinuha ang mga damit na yun mula sa sahig

"Meg!! i dont have anything to wear for tonight!" i grunted as i sat up from the bed. magulo din ang buhok ko and napakunot ang mukha ko na parang haggard na haggard

"PPPFFT! HAHAHHAHAHAHA" ang sabi ni Meg when napatingin na siya sa akin.

"Look at you" sabay gesture niya sa akin habang nagpipigil sa katatawa

"Hindi lang kwarto ang magulo, even your hair .. pwedeng pwede na gawing pugad ng ibon!" at tuluyan na nga siyang bumigay sa katatawa habang hawak hawak ang tyan niya

"Meg!!!" sabay tapon ko ng unan ko sa mukha niya "you're not helping at all!" i added as i stood up from the bed while both hands were on my hips

"Sorry naman" she said when she picked up the pillow that i threw on her

"what's with all these?" ang sabi niya habang tinitingnan ang room kong makalat "and you .. all stressed out?" she pointed out.. arms were crossed on top of her sando

"Well........................................................................... ..................."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Nina Angela Fernandez!" ang sabi na kaibigan ko mula sa ibaba.

nag po-ponytail pa ako ng buhok ko when she called out.. kakalabas ko lang mula sa pintuan ng pad niya when i saw her impatiently tapped her espadrilles on the floor

"Its about time!" ang sabi niya and immediately walked towards the front door of the apartment and went to the parking lot while i followed her closely behind

it was almost 1in the afternoon, and Meg decided na samahan akong mamili ng damit, accessories at kung ano ano pa para sa date namin ni Iigo mamaya /

date?/ i thought as a warm feeling rush into my cheeks. i was yet-again blushing for nth time

"Bakit kasi kanina mo lang sinabing may date ka pala kay super hot mong Iigo? 'Di sana kaninang umaga na tayo nag shopping!" ang sabi niya habang nagse-seatbelt siya

"Well, how am i supposed to tell you that, Meg? tsaka malay ko bang may lakad ka today no!" i said as i got inside her Yellow Honda Accord

hindi naman sa hindi ako marunong manamit, pero alam mo ba ang feeling na when you get really nervous .. you dont even know where to start para macompromise mo lahat ng bagay?

it was my first time to be pressured dahil lang sa isang date! i've been through a lot of dates before..

few that i may count with my fingers but i've never felt so nervous that i dont even know what to wear on the said date.. just like this!

UGGHH!/ i groaned as i smash my palm on my forehead

bumaba na kami ni Meg sa kotse niya when she finally parked it sa underground parking lot ng mall na ito

so yun nga, we practically roamed everywhere pero wala akong magustuhan. kasi si Meg grabe kung makapag pili!

yung tipong ang ikli ikli o di kaya'y masyadong expose ang likod na halos abot pwet.. tapos expose masyado ang harap! ano ba naman yun with matching slits pa!

palipat lipat kami ng boutique. we'll go from one boutique to another.. pipili si Meg ng sandamakmak na dresses and i will have to try it all out sa dressing room

nakakapagod! hassle talaga .. i was starting to give up nang bigla..

madaanan namin ang isang boutique that caught my attention....

It was Pepsi Herrera's boutique and a mannequin caught my whole attention sa damit na suot nito. it was beyond gorgeous!

it literally hugged the figure of the said mannequin, it was sexy yet somehow innocent. every detail of it is exceptional..

pumasok na kami sa boutique na yun. Meg and I were in separate ways.. hinahanap ko kasi yung damit na yun.. at nung nahanap ko na.....

isang kamay din ang dumapo sa kabilang side ng hanger. i looked up to see... /

truly, expect the unexpected/ i thought as i glared at the same irritable figure and the most annoying aura a girl could even feel

"Roselyn" i dryly said still not looking away as she glare daggers me.

/mahilig talagang makipag contest sa tititigan tong malanding to/ i thought as i raised my right brow at her as if waiting for her and daring her to do the next move

"Well, Nina" she replied still not getting rid of her left hand on the hanger

i glared at her hand at hinila ko papalapit sa akin ang dress na yun pero ang tindi kung kumapit tong babaeng to parang naka mighty bond ang kamay niya

"I've got this first" She uttered as she pulled it closer to her. muntik ko nang mabitawan ang hanger na yun..

i was about to pull it again.. /

how dare she --/ i was interrupted with my thought when i saw ....

when i saw Gerard coming to our way. He didn't seem to notice me first

"Rose, have you pick---" ang sabi niya habang papalapit siya kay Roselyn pero, bigla siyang natigilan when his eyes darted my direction, finally acknowledging my presence

"Nina" he said .

hindi ko alam pero, panandaliang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. bigla akong kinabahan. sino ba namang hindi? of all places? dito pa kami magkikita ng dakila kong ex!

/ at kasama pa ang dakilang kabit! /i thought as i rollled my eyes

wala naman masyadong bago kay Gerard aside from his newly fresh clean cut hair and sa katawan niyang medyo nangangayayat. /

mukhang stress ang dakilang gago/

at napa glare naman sa direksyon ni Gerard si Roselyn while her brows were pulled together as if waiting for something to happen.. waiting for the next move Gerard would pull

Gerard on the other hand was speechless. He couldn't utter another word aside from my name he murmured a moment ago

I tore away my gaze from Gerard and darted my eyes to the ever haliparot sa harap ko.. sabay biglang bitaw ko sa Hanger

mukhang nagulat si Roselyn dahil napaatras siya bigla na halos ma-out of balance siya. kung sa tug of war pa .. tumba na siya sa biglang pagbitaw

at nung she regained her composure...

"Well, i couldn't say more to the progress.. perfect match nga talaga kayo" i said as i crossed both my arms on top of my chest

mukhang confused ang dalawa sa sinabi ko. Roselyn was even raising her right brow at me

i chuckled a little before uttering another word

"Ano pa ba ang mas pe-perfect sa katulad niyo?"

"ISANG BASURA" i gestured at Gerard who was staring at me "At ISANG BASURAHAN... " ang sabi ko kay Roselyn na halatang gulat and nainis sa sinabi ko "Perfect pa sa perfect!" i said as i slightly clap my hands in a timid way

sakto namang dumating si Meg "Nina, may nakita akong maga-- Gerard?! Roselyn?!" ang sabi ng gulat na gulat na Meg

"Let's go Meg. hindi dapat natin i-disturb ang couple of the century" ang bitter na sabi ko habang i turned my back to the two i spat words with and hinala si Meg na totally confused

and two were left there... dumbfounded

Nina- 1 Roselyn = 0

/sayang, maganda pa nman yung dress /i thought as i smiled to myself like a stupid girl ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"OOOHH MAAAIII GAHHHD!! NINA!! ikaw na talaga!!" ang sabi ni Meg habang

pigil na pigil sa katatawa. ikinuwento ko kasi sa kaniya ang nangyari kanina

we are apparently at Francis Libiran's Boutique looking for something good to wear.

"I can't believe you could be as feisty as that! I've never seen that side of you .. ever!" she said while waving her hands in action to show how exagerated she was with every word

nakaupo kami ngayon sa magarang sofa ng Visitors lounge sa Boutique ni Francis Libiran naghihintay kasi kami ng damit that Meg asked from the Francis.

take note, ngayon ko lang rin alam na She was close with someone like Francis Libiran.. a well-known designer in showbiz world. who would have thought?

"Here you go girl" ang bungad ng isang binabae ,wearing a matching torquise scarf around his neck, when he got out from a certain room to where we were

dala dala niya ang isang kulay peachy na may ruffles ruffles pa sa bandang side. it was backless na surely hugs the figure from the hips down to the thigh.

"It's ... " ang sabi ko. trying to find the right adjective to describe how pretty it was.. napatayo kaming pareho ni Meg

"Scandalous! bonnga ka talaga mare!" sabay beso at hug niya kay Francis Libiran "i told you, dba? bagay na bagay lalo na pag makita na ng Fafa mo!" ang tiling kinikilig na sabe ni Francis

"No no no no.. hindi ako ang gagamit.. Siya ang gagamit" sabay hila niya sa akin para ma face to face ko ang designer na ito

ningitian niya lang ako and winked at me "Beauty pa sa beauty ang dating mo dito,girl!" ang sabi niya

"Naku, Mare.. mamaya na ang chika, may date pa to no!" sabay kuha niya sa ngayon sa damit na ngayon ay nasa bag na "o siya.. babuuu!" sabay beso beso niya sa aming dalawa ni Meg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Voila!!" ang sabi ni Meg nang matapos niya akong lagyan ng blush on sa cheeks at nung imulat ko na ang aking mga mata ...

it was already 7:30 in the evening nang matapos akong apply-an ng make up ni Meg

"Oh myy...." ang sabi ko habang manghang manghang tinitingnan ang sarili sa salamin. hindi ko akalaing gumanda ako ng sobra sobra sa simpleng ayos lang ni Meg sa akin

i've scanned every little detail that she'd put on my face. my now smokey eyes with matching deadly red lips.. hindi masyadong makapal pero lutang na lutang pa rin

ilang saglit pa, narinig naming dalawa na may kumatok ng marahan sa Pinto "I thinks siya na yun" ang sabi ni Meg at dali daling lumabas sa kwarto ko

bigla namang bumilis ng bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko.. i could almost hear it na nga eh. hindi ko alam pero talagang iba... ganito ba talaga pag.... in love ka na sa isang tao?

kay Gerard kasi before, hindi naman ganito eh. iba talaga at ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito. at kung ano man to, ayw ko muna tong maglaho

at nung lumabas na nga ako mula sa silid ko, sinalubong ako ng nakagayak sa hotness na si Iigo.. his hair was not the usual messy covering his forehead. it was spiked up at mas lalo siya naging mukhang hot dahil sa itim niyang Ivar Aceron suit /

at kung nakakatunaw ang tingin, malamang lusaw na lusaw na tong lalakeng to sa akin/ i thought

"You look beautiful as ever!" He said as he gave me a peck on my cheeks and gave me another pink carnation bouquet "You dont look as bad." i winked

"O sige na mga lovebirds, aken na muna yung mga bulalak" ang sabi ni Meg from behind and i handled her the flowers for her to put in a vase

Iigo held my hand and quickly squeeze it then snaked his right arm on my hips. i just smiled at him and he did the same. He was about to close the door when Meg shouted from inside....

"Iigo, ingatan mo yang kaibgan ko!"

"Like a rare gem, i will.. and will always be" he replied back as he completely closed the door

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Table for two" and sabi niya while his right arm was on my hips still showing everyone that he's my man

"Mr. Bustamante, Good evening!" ang pagbati sa amin ng babaeng receptionist. todo ngiti talaga siya at pa-cute kay Iigo while he in return grinned as well flashing that woman his smile that could melt every ladies' hearts /

harap harapan ganon? /i thought as i glared at both of them

"Ahem!" ang sabi mula sa likuran namin

and when i turned around i saw a little boy... he was about 11 years of age who was grinning widely at us

"Kuya, Is she your girlfriend?" ang sabi niya

nagkatitigan muna kami sa isa't isa ni Iigo.. He genuinely smiled at me before he approached that kid

ginulo niya muna ang buhok ng batang lalake and chuckled "You know, Darren.. masyado kang maraming alam" he said while the kid was kinda irritated dhil ginulo niya ang buhok nito

tumakbo bigla sa direksyon ko yung bata and hugged me "If she's not your girlfriend, she'll be MY girlfriend then" ang sabi niya habang nakapout

I looked down and gradually,lumuhod ako para magkalevel na kami. and when i leaned closer to him.. i saw the same beautiful brown eyes Iigo has.. the same pointy nose ... and the same long lashes

/no doubt, this could would break a lot of women's heart/ i thought as i kiss his forehead

mas lalo siya naging cute when namula siya ng todo todo. napasmile naman ako and stood up

bigla naman niya akong tiningnan sa mga mata and mas lalo siyang namula.. tumakbo na lang siyang bigla.. but before he completely vanished

he turned around and said "Mommy is waiting for you guys.."

/waiting for us? what? /my brows were automatically pulled together and i turned my attention to Iigo who was smirking once again

"I thought .... tayo lang?" i said "Well, Mom wanted to meet you" ang sabi niya as he once again wrapped his right arms on my hips and planted a soft peck on my cheeks

while his left hand held mine.... biglang may spark akong naramdaman sa sensation na yun and i've looked straight into Iigo's eyes

"Shall we?" he gestured me with a smile /ooooooohhh nooooooo..../ i thought nervously

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 8 when we walked towards the far most left inside Pedlar's Inn Cafe, a restaurant who's specialty is european cuisine, i saw a sophisticated-looking woman in her late 40's. She was definitely wearing a Rajo Laurel dress that glows with elegance.. and a worth-thousands of karat jewels

and when she looked up, i saw the same brown eyes that Iigo and Darren had. The same beautiful expressive brown eyes that you could stare at for the rest of the night

"You must be Nina.. Have a seat" She said in a timid lady-like tone as she gestured me to sit across her

Iigo, being the gentleman that he is, pulled a chair for me as i genuinely smiled at him .. before i sat

sa side ko naman umupo si Iigo while Darren, on the other hand, ay umupo in between their Mom and Iigo

The woman smiled at me first ... "I've been dying to get to know you in person, Hija. ever since, I've heard my son was dating such a lovely girl like you" she uttered

tumingin naman ako kay Iigo with matching confused look. He just smirked at me before i tore away my eyes off him

"Oh.. no, Ma'am we're not actually in the dating phase"

"Yet.." ang dutong ni Iigo sa sinabi ko sa mom niya

"But, we're on the process Mom" he continued as he winked at me while i felt his huge hands landed on my right naked flawless knee

"Good. Finally, you wont be lavishing different women every single night na." ang sabi ng Mom niya while giving Iigo the look that only a mother-son could understand

natigilan ako saglit nang marinig ko ang /different women every single night /

Playboy?/ i thought "Mom. You make me sound like a douchebag here" he lightly chuckled as his hand was now moving higher and find its place on my thigh

sending me a reaction ---- i gasped and napatingin sa akin kaagad ang Mom niya

"Is there a problem, Hija?" she asked "Uhm.. i think i just felt cold as the *wind *brushed my thigh,Maam" ang sabi emphasizing the wind part and turned my direction to Iigo na ningitian lang ako

"Wind?" She asked totally confused about it but that expression became soft when she finally change the subject "ooh..Drop the formality, Hija. You can call me Tita Ingrid" ang sabi niya while she placed her hands and entwined it together on top of the table

"Shall we take our orders now, Mom? i think im starving" ang sabi ni Darren na halatang annoyed na sa mga conversation naming hindi niya masakyan. and the three of us chuckled in unison

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're probably wondering why I asked Igo to bring you here" ang sabi ni Tita Ingrid as she tapped the napkin on top of her lips

napatigil ako sa paggalaw ng pagkain ko and napatingin sa direksyon ni Tita

Igo/... i thought as i heard his nickname parang I've heard that name somewhere

"You know, Hija. When i heard your name i immediately wanted to meet you in person. But my son insisted its too soon for the whole thing.nonetheless, I bugged him to death 'til he gave in to what i wanted" she uttered as she smiled at Iigo

"You didn't bug me! you blackmailed me!" ang komento ni Iigo sa sabi ng Mom niya

nagtawanan muna silang magina before Tita Ingrid decided to pop another conversation "Anyway, Hija.. are you any chance related to Augustina Lim-Suarez?" ang tanong niya bigla sa akin /

Bakit biglang napasok si Augustina Suarez dito?/ i thought for a moment

"She's my Grandma" i lightly replied. biglang lumaki ang ngiti ni Tita

Ingrid sa akin. nagtaka naman ako

"Mrs. Suarez was one of my favorite teachers back then in high school. She's the mother that i wish i had.. Where is she by the way? haven't heard anything from her ever since She retired" Tita Ingrid uttered as she was smiling at the thought of it

/ She must've been really close to Lola before/ i thought before i blabbered the answer

"She's in Cebu with few of our relatives there.. "

"That explains why i haven't seen her around for years now.. wait, Are you Luisa's or the late Olivia's daughter?" she asked as she took a bite on her salad

"Olivia's" i said dryly.. i dont really know much about my parents.. so im kinda touchy with that subject

"No wonder, you remind me a lot of Olivia the first time you walked right infront of me, Hija" Ang sabi niya before she took a sip in the whine glass

/sino nga ba si Olivia? right.. /i thought as my brows were pulled together

Olivia Suarez-Fernandez,as what my Lola told me her name was,along side with my Father Nicollo Fernandez were my late parents who died in a smash-and-bam car accident i couldn't even fathom

Aside from their name, that i only knew from my Lola's words.. i know nothing about them. i dont even have memories that i could recall with them. nothing at all.

i could only picture them out because of the old polaroids my Lola often showed me

/ You were too young back then, when they've passed away /an old phrase that suddenly echoed in my mind. it was my Lola's phrase. a phrase too deep not to remember

but the funny thing here was, when i was young .. whenever i looked at the said polaroids, i could see another little girl with a cheshire grin beside me on our family picture

and my Lola would often tells me ../She's your twin sister , Rima/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Im sorry if my Mom's too interested with your private life. She often does that" Ang sabi niya while he took his coat off and placed it on me

"No, its okay. Your mom seems to be a happy person i supposed" i said as i smiled at him

We were now walking in the parking lot to where Iigo's car was settled in. The dinner turned out smoothly Tita Ingrid had to get Darren home dahil may pasok ito kinabukasan sa isang kilala at mamahaling private school sa may Malate, Manila.

we bid farewell and did beso beso before saying goodnight for each other. Darren was so sweet he even kissed me on the cheeks before getting inside their Black Porche Boxter

"You have no idea.. i think she likes you a lot" ang sabi niya

"I hate to admit it, but.. I think Darren likes you too" he added

He was about to open the car door nung hinawakan ko ang kamay niya

/heto na naman tong reaction na to/ i thought nang maramdaman kong may parang kuryente ang bumalot sa akin dahil lang nahawakan ko ang kamay niya. butterflies were fluttering inside my belly

"isn't it quite unfair? parang narinig mo na storya ng buhay ko but here i am,kunti lang alam ko sayo" i said as i was pouting my red lips

"Okay, where should we start?" ang sabi niya while he leaned his figure on his car..

"Hmmmm, like.. Ilan kayo magkakapatid .. what work ng parents mo and stuffs like that" i said while crossing both of my arms on top of my chest

"Well, Apat kami .. Im the third. My older brother ,Chris ..already settled his life with his Spain-based Filipina painter in Barcelona while my older sister Dianne recently got engaged with Chinese-American millionaire in states..and the only people left here are.. obviously, me and my grade 4 brother, Darren" he said cooly

tiningnan ko lang siya .. still waiting for another detail of his life that he would unravel for me

he bit his lower lip before he continued

"My dad's a multi-national businessman who could be the next Lucio Tan .. loads of cash and everything. Pretty much of it.. but He's cool and Mom was a former representative of this country for Miss World back in the days.. atleast, that's what she told us when we were young"

"Wow! no wonder she looks so breathtakingly amazing despite of her age" i mouthed nang malaman ko..

/no wonder ang gwapo ni Iigo and even Darren at the young age.. /i thought

bigla nman akong nagulat when he gave me a quick peck on the lips.. and i could even feel him slid his tongue inside of me

"kanina pa kasi nakabukas" he said as he chuckled

nung inalis niya na yung lips niya sa akin, i was discontented by it... its as if i was left there kiss-deprived

i smiled seductively as i thought of another devilish act to do

so nilapit ko ulit ang mukha ko sa kniya ang tiptoed my way up as i snaked my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.

and slowly, the kiss was asking for more.. it shows the anticipation we had for each other

"Mmhmm," he murmured as his lips slipped down to my neck. His hand came up, rubbing the pad of his thumb against my nipple. The other trailed down my side, over the curve of my rear.

I pulled back from the kiss as he looked down on me.

"I think, Hahanap hanap ko mamaya ang mga labing yan" he whispered still keeping an eye to my tempting lips.

I giggled and brought a hand up behind him and curled around his neck once again,

at hinila siya pababa sa akin to give him another torrid kiss

Coming together, he pressed a hard kiss on my mouth, hands were groping my butt. then He lifted me on top of his Ferrari 2011 version,

and pinned my back on the cold solid window of the car. He raised both of my wrist on top of my head as he kneeled in front of me

i smiled seductively. good thing the parking lot was quite a distant from the resto and it was quite dim and dark

we continued the intimate connection that we had.. passion was there igniting us he was about to slid his huge hands on my dress...

when i pushed his chest away...

We stood there against each other panting .. and gasping for air "Iigo, i think its not the right place to do that here" i whispered on his ear

He smirked.. "I think i know just the right place to do it"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 9

"Iigo" I mumbled breathily as we made our way out of the elevator He grabbed my shoulders, pulling me for another rough kiss..

unmindful of the fact that I could taste myself on him, and when we broke apart, nakarating na rin kami sa unit niya.

napatigil ako nang saglit while Ive scanned every corner of the now well-lighted room. /The last time Ive been here was when we did the one night stand /I thought

Bago pa ako maself-conscious, he was there in front of my eyes, kissing me thoroughly, and Hinila ko naman ang shirt niya pulling him closer.

My hands roamed away from his chest and went down below feeling every bits of his perfectly chiseled abs

Pero bumalik na agad si Iigo sa mga gutom kong labi before I could appreciate his abs properly. His chest and stomach were defined, hard to the touch.

Hinayaan kong magshift ang mga kamay ko to his back, running my hands up the muscles which were corded.

His hands had been gripping my hips tightly, but now he moved and I complied, lifting my hands up as he pulled down my dress over my hips.

He tossed it aside, but stopped when he turned his gaze to my heaving chest.

"Nina," he muttered softly, licking his lips.

I knew my nipples were straining and visible through my lace bra, but instead na magblush like the usual thing i'd do, right at that moment, all I wanted was his mouth on my breasts.

Iigo grabbed me by the waist, and together, Napahiga kami sa napaka lambot niyang kama. Nasa ilalim ko siya.. so basically, i was on top of him..

He grinned at me, before automatikong nagpalit kami ng posisyon and with his face so close to mine, He lowered his head then, and closed a wet mouth over my nipple.

I gasped loudly, heat shooting straight down through my core.

Nang I un-hooked ko ang clad-lace bra ko and tugged the straps down over my shoulder. Iigo all of the sudden,grabbed the offending piece of lace and lifted it away from my body .

Immediately,Bumalik siya sa direction ng dibdib ko, sucking my nipples it into his mouth, and I arched off the bed, grabbing his shoulders tightly.

He began to trail wet kisses down my flat stomach, and I looked at his dark head. Napaka gulo ng buhok niya, a result of my earlier actions.

He chuckled, but glanced up at with a triumphant, wicked smile when he finally managed to untie his navy blue tie and hurriedly remove the buttons of his button down long sleeve polo.

He stood up, unbuttoning his pants as well, pushing them down with his underwear to reveal himself to me. I literally swallowed my breath, both in admiration and in fear as i clearly saw his manhood face to face

He smirked before finally tearing the condom that he got from his nightstand

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was awoke in the middle of darkness.I opened my eyes with happiness as the night's memories rushed into me, and bit my lip, registering that a heavy arm was wrapped around my naked body, and a leg was pinning me to the bed.

I turned around as quietly and gently as I could to come face-to-face with a sleeping Iigo. His handsome face appeared almost boyish in his sleep, and I smiled softly.

It was as though multiple light bulbs had suddenly gone off in my mind. My heart started to beat wildly, as skin crawled with excitement. I pannicked. / I have to go to work/

/I needed to leave, now. I needed to get back home and go to work/

Madalian kong inalis ang sarili ko from Iigo's tight embrace and got

out of bed, Just as I was pulling an oversize tank top that i got from Iigo's drawer , Biglang umungol si Iigo and stirred as he shifted his position on his bed.

He slowly opened his eyes, and I vaguely registered surprise in them before he spoke.

"Nina" His voice was rough from sleep, husky and it seems tired

"Iigo, I'm sorry, but I have to go," ang sabi ko , pulling my pump on, patalon talon sa isang paa and unto the next

"Wha -?" Iigo propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes widening, his face twisting into a properly confused expression.

Unable to resist him, I dropped onto the bed to press a quick kiss to his lips, and then hurriedly got up, moving towards the door.

"Its monday and i have work!! have a nice day ahead, Iigo" I called out before completely shotting out the door.

i stopped few steps away from the door when i thought i heard him uttering something. I looked back but then i thought "must've been my imagination"

So, i continued my way down the hall and I rode the elevator out

Calling out a greeting to the doorman I jogged out into the street, and tumawag ng first cab that i've seen that moment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Someone's in a very good mood now huh?" Jesse, my co-worker, said when nakasaluubong ko siya along the hall

I smiled to my self when a thought of last night came back to my head /Last night was completely amazing /i thought /

The fact that I was using his own words had his lips quirking into a smile, and he gathered me into his arms, dropping a kiss on my full lips.

I clasped my arms around him, and gasped as he drove inside me completely. He stopped then, giving me time to get used to him, before starting to pull out slowly./

"Good Morning, Nina.. You got a bouquet on your table just now" The day dreaming had stopped when Carlos,another co-worker of mine, said as he completely walked passed me from the opposite direction

tumigil ako sa kalalakad when those words finally registered in my mind /What Bouquet? /i thought

I turned around completely confused

"What?! from who?" i said

"Well, who knows? might as well check it out for yourself then!" He yelled back and winked at me before he completely made his way to the elevator

binilisan ko ang paglakad ko, i could even hear the noise coming from my heels as it made a harsh squick on the tiles

at nung nakarating na ako sa table ko, indeed... may bouquet nga sa table ko. it was a bouquet of pink carnations

/ Who could have put this thing on my table?/ i thought

/ It couldn't be Luigi because he knows nothing about my favorite flower.. Iigo? no, can't be. kaiiwan ko lang sa kniya sa unit niya. hindi naman pwedeng nauna pa siya sa office ko kesa saken/

napaupo ako sa chair ko and laid my folders on the desk.. right beside the bulk of papers i have to work with that day

tiningnan ko ang card and it says ...my brows were pulled together as i began to read each letter of the card

/ I Miss You, Nina who could it be?/ i questioned myself / -- MGE/ I saw the 3 letter-initials written in a cursive way just right down below

lumaki ang mata ko and my breaths became uneven. /MGE? no.. it can't be him /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 10 I hurriedly went down the hall and didnt even mind that my pumps were now squeaking badly and had been making quite few hard sounds for the first seconds i walked down against the naked tiled floor.

I met few eyes along the way. Some were curious, Some were bored and some were even flashing their Cheshire grin at me for no apparent reason --- or maybe there is a reason..

I sighed while a thought came into my mind

/I miss you,Nina / /- MGE/

It took me long uneven breathing before I finally sat on my table and lied down the folders that I need to look over with on that very day.

There were bulks of them right on the side but they seem to be invisible when I caught sight with the familiar-to-my-eyes bouquet of pink carnations right next to the cup of coffee that I suspected Luigi mustve complied with

/Not again /I thought habang nakakunot ang noo ko.

Wow. May balak yatang tayuan ka ng garden dito mismo sa desk mo,Nina.. its has been almost everyday! ang sabi ng officemate kong si Jesse nang bigla siyang lumitaw from nowhere ..she stood right next to my table as she had her hand entwined from her back

wala namang akong imik ng tiningnan ko ang note sa bouquet. I was expecting another cheesy (for Jesse) but annoying (for me, ofcourse) note with it.

It has always been like that for quite some time now. It would either be/Im thinking of you,/ a /I miss having my arms around you or a My hand felt its emptiness right now/

but now it was quite different than usual. It was instead

/Ill see you tonight /

and surprisingly, he did not conceal his name with his initial this time round. He ,purposely (as what Id like to think he did), attached his complete name right down below the message

/-Marc Gerard Enriquez/

napakunot tuloy ang noo ko when i didn't catch the message

/ and what does he exactly meant by Ill see you tonight?/ i thought while i saw Jesse sneaking from my side as she attempted to peeking on the note

I immediately crumpled the note and threw it from the bin ignoring the obvious gasp coming from Jesse's exaggerating mouth

"how could you crumple that?" ang sabi niya while she lowered herself to me as if trying to whisper and to calm her down from her usual annoying-as-fourteen-year-old's high-pitched voice

"what?" ang sabi ko while i innocently smiled at her. She doesn't have a clue of what kinda douchebag you-know-who is

"don't /what/ me Nina .. that poor little guy put much of his efforts just so he could send you those die-hard notes coming from his heart. how could you be so heartless and just throw it as if it didn't matter? he's sending .." she stopped when she started counting in her finger trying her very best to remember how many were those that was sent on

top of my desk

"11 bouquets that i think must've cost him quite a ... a...sum!" She finally let out that usual voice of hers and a lot of heads in that room turned to our direction..

it was awkward silence first before she awkwardly smiled to everyone and said "sorry"

i chuckled a little just thinking about those words she uttered while she looked at me completely confused

i pulled her down once more to my level and drew my self closer to her just so no one in the near vicinity could hear and would probably cause huge gossip around the venture

"First, It's not 11 bouquets , Jesse. It's just 8, okay? second,PPPFTT!" i said as i rolled my eyes and blew off some strands of my hairs that was annoyingly cascading down my forehead

"Even if he sends me gazillions of those bouquets.. for 365 days,8766 hours and 31536000 seconds until in my very own graveyard, he would still be loaded with cash!" i fakily fanned myself with the invisible fan so exaggerations could be put on emphasis

"and lastly, I ain't heartless! you just dont know what a big jerk he is as person .. and mind you,he's far from a romeo-of-shakespeare attitude that he's been flashing me for a week now "

I crossed my legs as i laid my back on my chair and i've watched what a complete defeat Jesse was feeling at the very moment

She looked around as if looking for someone before she turned her direction at me once again. "Whatever you say, Nina but it looks like someone's not liking the whole thing of you receiving flowers on a daily basis from a complete unknown"

As i was looking at the direction where she was pertaining, i caught a sight of Luigi who's (i bet) been staring at us for a minute now. He wasn't the bubbly Luigi that i could see everyday. He was quite sullen

i slapped Jesse's deptoids and said while trying to be annoyed with the thought she's been implying

"UGH! please .. please, Jesse. don't start on me in this early godamn morning. I already made it clearer as naturespring that We could only be friends and nothing beyond that"

She, out of my surprise, stood up from where she was and looked at me straight in the eyes "I dont know with you, Nina.. but i think that guy's" she pointed out from behind

"apparently, and is still hoping" she said as she finally made her exit from my eyes

/and what was that all about her storming away from me?/

"UGGGHH!" i sigh in a complete frustration as i turned on the company's computer

i slapped my forehead unknowingly and groaned .. "Love re-eeeee-ally complicates things!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"See you tomorrow, Girl" Jesse said as she took the cab that was supposed to be mine. /Ako ang nag para pero siya ang sumakay. naku!/

ngiwing napatawa ako and then i made faces at her and before she's completely gone, i saw her made faces too.

Later on i've realized that aside from my other coworkers who were crossing the road and the other batch stroding away from the building, i was now completely ( as i would like to think because no one was noticing me) alone

Just when i saw a cab coming on my way, my blackberry vibrated inside my pocket

I right away picked up the phone and without any warning,blemishes or what so ever i unknowingly smiled to my self just by hearing the nostalgic voice of the one who held my breath everytime he kisses me

"Good Evening, Beautiful" Iigo said gleefully and i could sense that he's on his car

"Well, will you look at that? You're not supposed to call me when you're driving you know" i heard a low chuckle from the other side of the line before he replied

"Don't worry. I'm a race car driver."

i snorted when he mention his frustrated racecar driver skills as what he wanted to say almost all the time

"i know how things work and besides, im good at multi-tasking.. Remember? you thought me that two days ago when we made pancakes on my unit in 4-freaking-AM"

it was weird but i could even picture him out winking at me as he said those words and weirder part is where i smiled like an idiot right now alone

I couldn't help but blushed by the memory that he reminded me just now.

Two early mornings ago, It was almost 2 in the morning when i unknowingly can't go back to sleep . I tried different position on my bed but for some reason, it will always end up .. Me thinking about Him. Yeah.. you know, HIM.

/Iigo/ i mummbled in my breaths as i snuggled my pillow to myself

and then in just a snap my phone immediately vibrated against the nightstand. *[Iigo Bustamante] * as the screen of my phone says.

it took me awhile before i answer him. /what was i supposed to say anyway? /i thought as i pannicked then i heard him chuckle a little before saying ..

"My.. I wasn't expecting you'd pick up considering its ...."

he stopped for awhile as i guessed that he took a glance to his digital clock right next to his lampshade. (I've been there often, ofcourse i somehow mastered the outline of his bedroom!)

"uhhh....2 in the morning" he added sounding a little frustrated about it

"phone's right next to my bed you know, i could feel it vibrating against my skin.. 'course i'll pick up.. it, or rather, you just woke me up from my slumber" i reasoned out trying to make my voice even as i fakily yawned so it wouldn't be obvious that i was indeed anticipating for him to call me

"Oh, Come on, Nina! i know you can't sleep" He teased which made me blushed a little

/this guy... is he psychic?! /i thought

"And what makes you think i can't sleep?" i answered back with a complete playful tone as his

"Because you think my bed's more comfortable than yours........." he unknowingly paused for awhile .. taking every ounce of the time to finish in a flirty seductive way "................. and*enjoyable *too"

somehow the way he uttered Enjoyable made it sound more... more seductive for i know what he meant by that word in his sentence

i chuckled trying to hide the effect on his words to me "Really?! you sound so confident about it huh?" i said taunting him

"Well, I'm hundred percent sure anyway" he answered back

"OH! boohoo now you know why I'm up, but wait -- Why would you be dialing my number in this unholy hour? I wonder what keeps you from sleeping 'stead?" i teased as i slightly giggled when i heard him groaned

"Well you see..." he paused and i wished he didn't notice how i held my pulse as i waited for his answer

"My over-size kingbed is kinda......... too spacious . and im feeling lonely"

"Lonely? or do you rather mean*Horny*?" i smirked

/No-oh, playing flirty again?/ whispered by my other side

Who wouldn't be playing flirty with someone like Iigo anyway? The way he made my being shiver from his touch, the way he whispers my name in every passion we made and the way he made my body respond to his need -yes, he's a total package. a total catch to any one

"Isn't that the same?" he replied

"Hm....." i mummbled trying to sound like i was thinking eventhough, by just talking to him, my mind is completely mashed

"Is that an invitation?" i taunted once again and to my delight, he groaned "You bet It is" he said which drew my lips into a wider grin

"Pick me up here in 30minutes." i quickly put down the phone as i closed my eyes realizing of what a devilish act i have done once again

/this could be a long night/ i thought

When we arrived to his pad, it was the usual dim room that i spend with him often and when he turned the lights on,

I felt as though I had just been struck on the head. Iigo had suddenly leaned down and kissed me so fast I couldn't even think.

The only thing I could feel was his lips, how they've gotten softer than the last time it laid on me And then I was just there kissing him back as if straved to death.

We pulled away a few seconds later, that first kiss being purely instinctive. Silence reigned for a moment as We looked at each other, both trying to read each other and trying to get hold of our own feelings.

I dont know what lead us to that. We always do intimate stuffs together but it was the first time we just stood there not even carressing and not trying to go beyond the kiss we just shared moments ago

He looked at me straight from my eyes.. and i could almost see the windows to his soul

Then...

*"Groowwwl*" his tummy roared breaking the silence between us

*"PFFT! HAHAHAHHAHA!" *i laught crazily holding my tummy and tapping his shoulder. i wasn't completely prepared for the whole thing.

One moment we were staring intimately and the next had been beyond comidic. It was hilarious! priceless! and splendid! i never had imagine my self i could see this other side of him

the funny, dorky but still hot side of him then i saw him looking at the floor while scratching his back messing his hair more

"I haven't eaten dinner yet" he shyly uttered

and for some reason, i automatically clinged to him and pouted my lips eventhough our faces were inches apart, i was looking up to him for practically he was really taller than i thought he was. He was somewhere nearing 6 feet or.. maybe 6'1

"Dinner? Its already 3 in the morning" i uttered

and for a second his eyes were somehow focus to the one that he's been staring for that very moment -- my lips

"Stop doing that" he uttered to my surprise. Still clinging to him while i wrap my arms around his neck "Stop doing what?" i inquered still confused on what he said

"You're seducing me yet again .. stop pouting. I might lavishly tame and rape your lips..................... or maybe you" he whispered flawlessly while he slowly lowered his face to meet mine.

But, for some unknown reasons, i uncling my self to him and pretended to look elsewhere but his eyes... as i roamed around and spot his kitchen trying to avoid another hot kiss moment, i thought of something

brilliant..

"Why don't we make pancakes for breakfast instead?" i winked

its Iigo's fault why my home-made pancakes were such a disaster. whenever i'll pour the white eeky thingy he'll always hug me from behind and i could almost sense his erection from my back. then he plants kisses on my neck, nimble my earlobe then his hands would automatically crawl to my boobies

then i would moan and lose track of my concentration.. which is why i poured too much egg on the frying pan than it was supposed to be. when he's almost satisfied, he would grope me and will slid his big hands inside my thighs giving me another wet sensation down there.. it was beyond pleasure that made my legs wobble

and just when my legs were about to give in with too much sensation that i was feeling, he caught me just in time.. him lifting me up through wrapping his corded muscled arms on my tiny frame

"I think i'll eat something else for breakfast" he said while smirking seductively

"What?" i asked. brows were pulled together in curiosity "I think I'll eat you instead" and by that, he devoured my lips once more and lift me up to his bedroom

just thinking about the whole thing made me blush like a girly girl... that i how that two mornings ago went by

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Wait me there, I'll be on in just... 15 minutes" he said from the other line....

i slipped my Blackberry inside my back when i noticed a familiar silhoutte was coming to my way. My heart was pounding and was making my hands drenched when i saw that silhoutte was now almost visible to my eyes

"Iigo? is that you?" i called out but i heard no response.

/No definitely not him. He'll definitely run his arms around me the moment i called out and swing me around like he always does/ i thought

i was taken aback, i took few steps backwards when i saw the now clearer than ever figure in my eyes

"What do think are you doing here, Gerard?" i said fiercely while i saw him smirking and slowly taking his steps closer to me

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 11 I turned my back on Gerard trying to walk away as far as possible. Just when i was about to completely disappear in his eyes, A sudden metallic hand was gripping me and forcedly turn me to his direction so i could face him

"Why were you calling out for Iigo?" he furiously uttered as i could smell the faint aroma of liquor in his breath

"Gerard, stop. nasaksaktan ako" i said as i struggle to get away from his tight gripping

and when i thought he was about to release me, i was wrong.. he let go my wrist just so he could straddle me on my shoulder as he purposely bang on the near by cold hard cement

i let out a sly cry of pain and closed my eyes trying not be scared

I've never seen him this mad before i thought "Answer me, Nina!!" he demanded while shaking both of my shoulderblades

"Its none of your business, Gerard.It's over. We're through. it has been 3 months. Let's just move---" "Im still madly in love with you, Nina" he said na para bang bumubulong sa hangin at kawalan

I gasped not knowing what to say in return. /what am i supposed to answer him? that im in love with someone else? that i've been sleeping with the guy he introduced to me during his Friend's wedding? /

"How about Roselyn? you've been---" "Our relationship was just purely sex, Nina. nothing more than just sex." He uttered while looking at me in the eyes.

"Im sorry. I know i was wrong but Rose kept on rubbing on to me.. kept on taunting me back then. Im a man,Nina. I have urges and sexual needs. I wanted you badly, but i was afraid I'm gonna drive you away. Im sorry"

there was complete silence in the air and i noticed how he tilt his head for me to reach.

/is he gonna kiss me? /i thought and then suddenly, a pigment of our memories together flashed right before my eyes

/"Ganito pa rin kaya tayo? Will we be the same like this? for .. 10 years? 20? hundred?"/ /He leaned closer and sweetly kissed my forehead./

/Bigla akong kinilig and started giggling./ / It was 5 in the breezy afternoon on the university football field when we decided to lay on the wooden elongated chair nearby./

/It was beyond perfect in the moment. Just laying down and breathing the same air with him, just made my entire afternoon. I was lying down on his lap while he was sitting holding a book/ /"Ofcourse" he whispered in my ear. and planted small kisses on my face/ /"10 years" he kissed my nose/ /"20" he planted a kiss on my right cheek, then to my left "30" / /"40" places a kiss on my jaw/

/"and for eternity and beyond" he said as he finally brushes his lips on mine before he finally kiss me right./

/"Promise?" i asked breaking the kiss between us/ /"Promise." he said smilling down on me/

I was awoken in reality at nung minulat ko na ang mga mata ko, i quickly, with all my strength left on me, pushed Gerard away as possible

but, he was huge, that's why he immediately caught my wrist once again and pulled me closer to him "Gerard, Enough of this. Let me go" i pleaded

He was leaning his face to me .. as if attempting to lay his lips on mine *"Gerard, You heard her. Let her go" *

Natigilan bigla sa Gerard and automatically glanced at the right. i know that voice. i thought as i quickly turned my direction to where Gerard has been looking for now

"Iigo" I breathe as i struggle my self to escape from Gerard tight embrace

"Stay away from this, Cous!" he snapped right away to Iigo

i was slightly taken aback when i heard him raising his tone / Cous?Cousin?!/ i thought as my brows were automatically pulled together. wondering if i heard it right from his lips

"Dont tell me, Nina.. It's my cousin you've been banging the whole time?" Gerard angrily uttered while he glared at me intently and i could feel him tightening the grip more on my wrist

"Ow!" i cried out loud when he slammed me once again on the wall. "Let her go, Gerard! or else .." Iigo commanded sounding so annoyed and pissed

but Gerard wasn't even faze by his warning and didn't even loosen his grip on. He ,instead, force himself on me.

bigla niya akong hinalikan, but this time no more tenderness like he always does when we were together.

He kissed me like I was just his whore(that's what i felt when he's filling me up at that very moment).. as he slid his disgusting tongue that I could almost taste the alcohol on it. I tried to resist but .. he had his own way on me and almost had the access inside my mouth

natigil lang yun nang bigla hinila ni Iigo si Gerard through his collar and away from me. Agad niya tong kinaladkad at itinulak sa ground.

It was happening so fast that i couldn't make even the slightest sound of fright as i saw Iigo punching Gerard endlessly as he was tackling him on the cemented-ground of the building

naggulong gulong pa sila once more and Gerard , kahit may dugo na sa labi, ay nasa ibabaw na this time ni Iigo

"Traidor suntok si position. inuupukan

ka, Iigo!!! how could you!!" ang sigaw niya habang sinusuntok Iigo. Sinipa ni Iigo si Gerard which made them shift their hinampas niya kagad si Gerard sa malamig na semento habang siya ng todo

"dont act like i should be blame here dear cousin! you're the one who cheated!" ang sigaw ni Iigo habang sinusuntok suntok ang mukha ni Gerard

"Tama na!!!" ang sabi ko when i drew my self closer to Iigo at napayakap from behind him para lang matigilan siya sa kasusuntok kay Gerard.

Napapikit ako not knowing what to do as a drop of tear was now cascading down my cheeks Eventhough Gerard's such a jerk, he doesn't deserve to be treated this way. No one should

Tumayo bigla si Iigo and held me closer that i could almost feel his beating heart. I sobbed but then looked up to see his worried face with a blood in the side of his mouth while his right cheekbone is starting to be purple-ish

sakto namang dumating din ang hindi ko inaasahan, i could even recognize her pagkababa niya pa lang sa cab.She hurriedly made her way to us and knelt down to reach Gerard's now swollen face

"Roselyn" i whispered in surprise. It has been quite a long time since the last time i saw her

She looked up and angrily glared at us "I can't believe you, Nina! pinabugbog mo si Gerard?! wala ka ba talagang konsensya?!" halos sumigaw siya when she said those words to me

"If your boyfriend was just nice enough not to force himself on, Nina.. maybe I shouldve just spared him a little" Iigo uttered while he tighten his embrace on my shoulder. almost, as if, afraid to lose me.

"UHHHH" ang ungol ni Gerard while nakapikit siya "Ge? kaya mo pa bang tumayo?" i heard her slightly whispering to Gerard while she's slowly lifting him up from the ground that hes been lying

Hindi ko na alam anong nangyari pagkatapos noon, dahil Immediately, Iigo lead the way to his car. "Can you still drive?" i asked while i assisted him inside his car "Ofcourse, Im a racecar dri---"

"Shizz, nabubog ka na nga tapos nagagawa mo pa rin magbiro" i said while pinapahid ng panyo yung dugo sa labi ni Iigo "I'll drive" i continued at biglang natigilan si Iigo sa sinabi ko and looked at me with the slightest amusement to his face

"You know how to drive?" he asked completely surprise

I just winked at him and gave him a peck on the cheeks "'course! why wouldn't i?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ano ba talaga ang nangyari? ang sabi ni Meg as she made her way to the living room kung saan kami dalawa ni Iigo

Instead na don kami ni Iigo sa pad niya, I decided na dito na lang kami dahil nga wala daw siyang first aid kit don.

Nilatag ni Meg ang first aid kid sa center table and I immediately placed the pack of ice to Iigo's swollen , and now purple-ish, cheek

Its uuh. Napatigil ako habang iniisip kung dapat ko bang i-narrate pa kay Meg ang buong pangyayari.

Just thinking about those scenes makes my entire being scared. I thought it only happens on those surreal local series on tv, You know.. those scene where two guys fighting over one girl. I never imagine myself to be in the middle of all these.. its just too much

its.. Gerard I plainly said while the horrific image ng pangyayari kanina flashes on my mind. I sighed while Meg stiffen from her position

That bastard! I heard her hissed

I never pictured him out like that .. hes always calm and uptight with poise I said keeping an eye sa mga pasa ni Iigo Stop it, Nina.. I knew from the start na may tinatagong kulo talaga yang Gerard na yan. See? Dapat matagal mo na siyang kinalasan noon pa hindi na sana

Aheeem~ ang sabi ni Iigo na halatang annoyed na dahil parang kami lang ni Meg ang naguusap

biglang natahimik kaming tatlo sa mga oras na yun. It was awkward kasi, Meg kept on uttering about Gerard, the one who broke me, and on the other side, theres Iigo .. the person whos keeping my heart

Well, I think Ill just leave you two now on your own okay? May pasok pa ako bukas ang sabi ni Meg and stood up from the couch shes been sitting across us

Good night, Nina .. Iigo ang dugtong niya as she closed her bedroom door from behind

habang ina-apply-an ko ng bethadine yung sugat ni Iigo, bigla bigla naman niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko and gazes into my eyes

If I didnt make It on time, who knows what he couldve done to you he

worriedly said and lock me up into his warm embrace.

We stayed like that for awhile, drowning ourselves as we inhale the faint scent coming from each other

Hey!! Meg blurted out as she slammed her door open .. automatiko namang nagkahiwalay kami ni Iigo from our cuddling and focus ourselves to Megs direction

If youre planning to have sex tonight, please dont do it on the couch, Dont want mess with my century-old couch. I love that ang sabi niya while pouting her lips

bigla namang nagkatingin kami ni Iigo. Both of us were surprise sa sinasabi ni Meg and it also made me blush as I tore my gazes away from his eyes

and moans and groans and whatsoever sound of having sex is the last thing i'll need to hear tonight.I badly need some sleep so, No sex okay? Ayokong nakakarinig ng ungol mula sa kabilang room got it? Inuulit ko, no---

Tumayo ako mula sa kinauupuan ko and said Alright, Alright. We got it, Margareth.Now Go! as I was pointing to her bedroom door gesturing her to go to her bed while my face was turning red

I heard her chuckle a little before finally closing the door. / Sometimes, Meg could be such a perv./. I thought as I sigh

I was about to turn around when Iigo suddenly, hug me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. And by that, I could hear him breathe right next to my ear as if inhaling every aroma there is on me

Nina he murmured while brushing his lips on my neck hhmm? I glanced at my right where hes been resting his chin so now, our lips are literally just an inch apart

but he, to my very very surprise, broke the mood that was slowly igniting between us awhile ago.. You heard your friend, Nina. We cant do it here pakantang sabi niya while naglalakad

Naglalakad papuntang ..

Where do you think youre going? I asked as I saw him turning the knob on my room. Automatikong napunta ako sa pinto while attempting to close the door that hes been trying to get in to

Ang lakas yata talaga ng suntok ng magaling kong pinsan. And Im dead tired, Nina I dont think I could even drive my way back to my unit so, Im sleeping on your bed

What makes you think I would let you? napataas kilay ko naman sinabi while a smirk was forming across my lips Cause Im hot as hell. Now, let me sleep ang sabi niya while he finally got his way to my room

/ugh! This guy/ I thought in frutration while i also slid inside my room and closed the door from behind

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

when I got out from my shower, I saw Iigo removing his top. And the only thing hes wearing is his D&G boxers

Dont tell me youre sleeping with only that thing on? I said habang pinapatayo sa towel ang buhok kong basa

bigla namang akong hinila ni Iigo palapit sa kaniya which made my heart jumped from my ribcage Why .. do I turn you on that bad? he smirk while bringing our face closer than before

You already knew that from the start I said as I smiled him sweetly and touched his cheeks, to where it was purple-ish

He suddenly, caught my hands and eyed my wrist. It was also turning purple-ish like his cheek too

/Maybe Gerards tight grip mustve caused this /I thought as I looked at my wrist that Iigo was gazing

I saw his expression changed into something like .. pissed That bastard cousin of mine. Makes me wanna break his neck more he hissed

I brought my fingers to touch his soft lips Shh.. Its okay, Iigo. Its not that bad .. atleast, not as bad as yours I said as I quickly give him a peck on his cheek

There! I just kissed it to make the pain go away.Feeling better now? I asked playfully while I slightly giggled

And then the next thing I knew, Iigo pulled me with him on my bed and now I was lying on top of his chest

These days, lagi na lang kaming nagkakatitigan sa isat isa. Hindi ko alam but, whenever he gazes back to my eyes .. I felt like exploding from inside

I never knew that you were his cousin from the very beginning, Iigo. Well, not until moments ago..that is. Hindi man lang kita nakikita tuwing dinadala ako ni Gerard sa family gathering ninyo

I spent my college years on New Jersey, I guess thats the time you

started seeing each other He snorted and rolled his eyes acting like / was he jealous? is this a sign? a sign that he.. loves me?/ I thought while napangiti naman ako ng sobra

Besides, Im just his second cousin .. not that close enough he replied while looking up to the ceiling as his arms snaked its way to my hips drawing me closer to him

So that explains why you were at the reception that we went to the first time weve met I said but Iigo suddenly frown for I dont know why.. but his face soften and said

Yep. That was my cousins wedding.. he uttered which made me confuse well, Rey was not Gerards cousin but mine.. from my dads side that he was, coincidently, friends with I see. I said with satisfaction

Then I guess, its all clear. Shall we go to sleep now? he asked while fixing the blanket

Wait, Ill get something ang sabi ko while I walked out from the bed which made Iigo confused and was left wondering

when I went back .. Here wear this, I believe its yours ang sabi ko while I handled him his hoodie

Tinginan niya muna ako, tapos binaling ang atensyon sa Hoodie na hawak

hawak ko So thats where my favorite hoodie went he said smirking at me

It was the hoodie that I got from him the first time we had shared his bed together. It was as if kahapon lang nangyari ang lahat nang yun

/how nostalgic/ i thought sheepishly I smiled as I reminisce those memory in my mind

/tumayo na ako mula sa kinahihigaan ko, and hinanap ang mga... panloob ko../

/isa isa ko silang pinulot.. panty, bra... at mga damit kong kunot na kunot.. at parang napunit/ /sa tagiliran .. it really shows how impatient i was removing that thing/

/hinanap ko rin kung saan nga ba yung closet niya. i wasn't familiar with the layout of the place, / /so binuksan ko isa isa ang bawat cabinet na makita ko/

/i was looking for something to cover my self.. a robe? i dont know.. basta hinalungkat ko lahat.. / /until i finally saw a hoodie na medjo malaki.. or rather, nung sinuot ko na siya.. napaka laki nga.. / /it even reached down to my knee/

/at nung na zipper ko na yung hoodie.. /

my smile grew wider and Iigo, now wearing his hoodie, smiled at me too

Good night, Iigo I said and before I could turned off the lampshade next to me Iigo wrapped his arms around my frame and whispered in my ears

Hindi tayo sa reception unang nagkita, Nina. We met earlier than those times. to the days where your cheeks were naturally puffed and your smile so sweet like an angel

He whispered in my ears which sent shivers to my spine when he whispered the last word almost sounding like surreal before finally drifting off to sleep

/What was he talking about?/ I thought

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 12 I woke up and stirred my self from my bed and when I was trying to get out of the bed, someone moan from the other side

I smiled to my self when I remembered who was sleeping right next to me. I glanced at my right and saw Iigo na kahit may pasa, bugbog at dark circle he was surprisingly still good looking as I remembered he always been to my eyes

I carefully removed the hands which kept me pinned , not wanting him to wake up. He seems to be so tired and worn out so Id rather not disturb him from his slumber

Nina he whispered which made my heart stopped for awhile /is he awake?/ I thought as I turned around to see he was just talking to his sleep

he made the *hm..* sound before he finally shifted his position hugging the pillow next to him I smiled just thinking about Iigo dreaming about me from his sleep was just beyond sensational

when I made my way out of my bedroom door, I saw Meg sitting on one of the kitchen long-high chairs while sipping a warm coffee on her favorite teddybear-printed violet mug that I gave her during her birthday

I sat next to her and she finally noticed me and smiled. Her hair was still a mess which made me conclude that she just woke up from her sleep

Good morning, Nina! Had a nice sleep with Iigo oh-so-hot Bustamante? she said smirking

I know whats going on with her mind right now thats why I just pinched her both cheeks and chuckled

Hey! That hurts! What was that for? she said while frowning at me like a kid Nothing really. I just find you cute I replied while I flashed at her my megawatt smile

I went out of the chair and to the small cabinet near the sink. I got myself a mug and went to the coffee maker for some good warm coffee for a perfect morning like this

You know, Nina .. Ive never seen you this elated before she said while she rested her chin on her entwine hands Really? I said as I turned around and sat next to her once again

Theres something different about you she gestured her hands like a camera taking an angle to my face You seem .. to be.. hmm

/to be?/ I thought as I waited to her words .. too beautiful

The last words coming from her lips made my cheeks turned red as tomatoes Ohh! Someones blushing! she said playfully teasing me as she pokes my right arm next to her

The poking suddenly had abruptly stopped as she squeezed my hand. I looked up to see her with her worried eyes. She was looking at me

directly as if carefully choosing the right words to released from her queered mouth

Ang babae kapag na broken-hearted mabilis ma-fall sa lalakeng unang magcomfort sa kanya she blurted out which stiffened my poise to where I was sitting

the words suddenly sank in my heart.. which made my mind more confuse.

Im happy for you, Nina but .. I dont want to see you get hurt. I stopped stirring my coffee as my face turned blank

Nakita na kita paano ka bumagsak because of love. Masakit din sa akin.. you dont know how annoyed I was of my self because I felt like I was useless looking down the table, she said while she rested her forehead to her right hand.

Meg --- I murmured Nina, answer me directly .. mahal mo na ba siya because yun yung nararamdaman mo? O mahal mo siya dahil gusto mong makalimot?

I-i.. I I shuddered taking my time to answer her question. I was about to blurt out the answer when ............

Good morning, Ladies! Ang sabi ni Iigo while he was leaning casually on the kitchen door, still on the hoodie i gave him last night and his boxers

He made his way towards the kitchen table and leaned to kiss me on my cheeks as she whispered Good morning, Beautiful right to my ears

Just then, My heart had completely melted as his skin brushes on mine. I felt guilty about it. I dont even know where he stands in my life. What is he on my life?

I sighed completely swirled with the confusion lingering on my mind. I looked down on the table trying to avoid Iigos honest stares.

I was afraid I might break down right in front of him. Im afraid I might hurt his fragile heart. Right now, all I want to do was to get away.

Is there something wrong? he asked taking his sit right next to me I-II I shuddered once again

but thankfully Oh, shes just feeling sickly at the moment. Dont worry shell be fine Meg said as she tapped Iigos back and made her way out of the kitchen

Are you oka

I cut him off by pressing my lips against him as I jump into his lap. Sinking the sudden action I made to his mind, he wrapped his arms around me instantly, pulling me closer and kissing me back hard, with all the intensity I had imagined a kiss from him would be like.

I entangled my fingers in his hair, and pushed my chest into him, loving the friction of his hard corded body against my nipples.

His tongue probed against my bottom lip and I opened my mouth, letting a slight moan escape when our tongues brushed each other.

His mouth left mine and reattached itself against my neck, where he sucked and nibbled at the sensitive skin releasing a soft moan from me.

I ran my hand down his chest until my thumbs dipped into his waist band, causing him to grind his hips upward in between my legs as I straddled him. because of the position, and I could almost feel his erection pressing into my already wet folds.

I reveled in the groan that slipped through his mouth as I returned his previous grinding motion with one of my own.

I kissed his face, jaw, and neck, slightly nipping at the tender skin. His hot shaky breath was at my ear, as I bit the juncture between his shoulder blade and neck, and then slowly licked and kiss the spot better.

He, surprisingly, pushed me away from him and held both of my shoulders while I was still sitting on his lap

/Doesnt he want me/? I thought feeling hurt as I gaze to his eyes

Whats wrong, Nina? Youre not...usually--uhh- like .. this he said in his most tender and confused voice while staring at my eyes

I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes trying to control my already-at-range beating heart

/I did that so I know if I really do love you. I need to know. /whispered my head but those words were kept jailed for I dont want it to blurt out from my own lips

But instead, as I opened my eyes, I just seductively smiled at him pretending that Im fine while brushing those confusions away from my self

I pouted before whispering to his ears youre not in the mood?

Oh! So that was it all about? he chuckled huskily I thought theres something else he continued

Oh well.. I said jumping out of his lap and to the ground Confused, He grabbed my arm and said Where do you think your goin?

Shower. Obviously, you ruined the mood I said playfully sticking out my tongue to him

he groaned ugh! Come on! No fair! You surprised me back there!

Umalis siya sa kinauupuan niya and tailed me from behind. I just chuckled as I went back to my room and straight to my bathroom

Wearing only my garments inside (panty & my clad-laced bra), I attempted to close to door.. but when I was about to, Iigo slipped his right foot and totally made his way inside

Whatta! Iigo! I need shower! I have work today okay? I said pushing him back to the door

Hey, Im here to help you wash your back, you know! he said smirking casually.

Right .. like that would happen I said rolling my eyes still tryna push him out his back facing me

but it was no use because when he turned around, he began placing peppered kisses all over my body. I dont know how he did it, but the next thing I know.. my bra was gone and He was now focused on my chest staring at it intently, lightly tugging on my nipples into his mouth.

Then he stopped only to stare on my nudity as if taking an anatomy lesson on my body, enjoying seeing all the love marks He had left on me last night.

We didnt actually had sex but from time to time that night, he kept on nibbling and biting my neck which explains why I had all those marks the next morning I woke up

I devilishly thought of something better. Its time Ill be the one in charge

Whaah-? Iigo uttered having no time to react as I leaned down and brought my mouth and attached itself to every piece of skin it could find. I pulled his boxers down, to free him.

his eyes became wide as if he couldnt believe what was happening.

I grasped his dick in my hand and I made my way down his abs, tracing every couture with my tongue, until staring before me was his sword of glory.

I looked up at him before I swallowed his head in my mouth, swirling my tongue around it in the process.

His member jerked forward as Iigo let out a quiet groan, which I enjoyed greatly. I let my tongue travel up and down his shaft, before encompassing all of him into my mouth, eliciting another groan of pleasure.

Maan! he moaned with pleasure as he'd closed his eyes for the sensation he's been feeling right now and then ....

Nina, Youre driving me insane was all I could hear from him that moment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, wheres my kiss? Iigo said when he got off the car and grabbed me

What kiss? I already gave you a lot more than that this morning.Besides, im running late now I said annoyed and I jerked my hand away from his grip

Hey- hey! Its not my fault okay? You were the one who started it! Im a normal man,Nina. so I just genuinely responded youre tempting, seductive gesture he winked and said while trying to sound so defensive as he raises his both hands

Right. Whatever I turned on my heels and was about to start walking away from him

But then he man-handled me once again WhaaIigo! I shouted on top of my lungs and caught enough heads to turn to our direction

We were Iigo to finished to get a

infront of the building of The Daily Inquirer and I forced drive me to my office because Meg, at the time Iigo and I doing *something *in my bathroom, already left so I had no one lift with

Iigo, being the one to be blame, genuinely offered me a ride. I refused at first but I right away gave in because I was running really late now

Fine fine! But sa cheek lang! I said Oh! Come on!! he groaned in frustration obviously begging for more Kiss sa cheeks. Take it or leave it. I demandingly said and frown at Iigo

/this guy sure is so selfish. /I thought /im so gonna be fired/

Right. Now, please your highness. Please do kiss me here he said in his fake british accent while pointing his finger on his cheek that I supposed I should kiss right now if I dont want to be late

but just when I was about to kiss him on the cheek, he averted his face so when I kissed him, my lips landed to his luscious lips

You!! my eyes grew wider

he just chuckled and run away inside his car to where I wouldnt have time to catch him See you around, Beautiful!

and then off he went

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I laid my folders again like the usual thing I do everytime Ill arrive at the venture. Surprisingly there were no curious heads turning to my direction, there were no whispering and what really surprises me is the fact that there were no bouquets of pink carnation anymore

just a mug of Coffee that I supposed Luigi mustve put. I sighed /Atleast Gerard wont bug me anymore /I thought in relief

I was in the middle of working hours when Jesse had popped once again from nowhere Dont you dare do that again! I think I just felt my heart had stopped I said while holding my chest Please stop the exaggeration! she said rolling her eyes

we were now walking side to side and smiling to every colleague we passed by. One thing I noticed was the fact that Jesse was quite popular in the cliques of guys right there whispering to each other and turning glances at our direction as we walked by.

why was the she guy

wouldn't she popular? eventhough her skin was darker, her stature amazing which every men with testoterone would surely be aroused. way her curls swayed just passed down her bra-line and the curves has? would definitely transform and turn any gay to a straight horny

Hey, Ive heard youve kissed someone awhile ago right in front of the building she whispered in my ear

I just smiled awkwardly and said ppft! Whered you get that gossip from?

Oh, lets just say everyones talking about it right now She said which made me abruptly stopped from walking

What?! I cried out loud

Who wouldnt be talking about it anyway? You just kissed Iigo. She said fanning herself

/Howd she know bout Iigo? /I thought as my brows were pulled together

OMG! Iigo Bustamante of all people!! Hes like.. the hottest and number 1 sought-after bachelor according to GQ Mag August Issue

Youve got to be kidding me I said in disbelief while I pressed the elevator while Jesses tailing me off

So.. was he the one sending you those bouquets with flamboyant and sweet sweet notes on it? she asked enthusiastically

I gave her a confused look and instead of answering her high-pitched question.. Ive asked How come he was in a magazine?

Ofcourse he would be in GQ! Hes known for his unbelievable speed in the race track and he even won numerous title all through out Asia, Europe and even America! plus he's flithy rich which highlighted his good looks. you know she said winking at me

Hes a what?! I mouthed in disbelief. I was about to tell her something when I heard a ding sound from the elevator indicating that were on the ground floor now

I cant believe you dont know him! well in fact someone had said he gave you a kiss and a lift in his Red ferrari F430 spider.. She said while shed put her right hand on her waist

Are you a woman or did you just lack an estrogen?!Every ladies, single, taken, in a relationship and even married would do anything to switch places with you she chuckled hysterically and I was just left there staring at her as we stepped out of the elevator door

/So, the whole time .. Iigo wasnt trying to be funny? Hes a real-life race car driver?!/ I thought while my mouth was hanged opened

and you Nina, she pointed her pointy finger on my left chest is just one lucky hella girl! she squealed and made our way out of the building to have lunch

/I cant belive this is happening!!/ I horrifically thought while I slapped my hand on my forehead

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 13 Hey.. wash zat en yer ngek? (Whats that on your neck)

Oh I quickly placed a hand on my neck to cover up the love bite I got from no other than, Iigo.

I dont know but He just loves doing that to me whenever were making out and when I asked him about it he would always say ..

/its because youre just too irresistible, you little siren /

its nothing really. I said casually taking a bite of my big mac trying to hide the redness of my cheeks

that doesnt looked like nothin to me she said while her brows wobbled up and down

So, tell me.. Whats the thing between you and Iigo? Ive heard hes a good kisser

/ it was so much beyond that you could almost be wet all over down there/ I thought sheepishly while I didnt notice that.

OHH my! Youre blushing! Dont tell me and then her smile grew wider which meant something else to my naked eyes

No no no no no! I said trying my very best not to pannick

yes yes yes and yes! I never thought I could actually come and face to face with Iigos girlfriend

Sssh!! I said as I attempted to cover up her mouth as I smiled awkwardly to the people who were looking at our direction. Obviously annoyed by the noise coming from Jesses big fat mouth

And when Ive released her..

No offense, Nina okay? But I always thought Iigo likes half-bred

mestizas. Ang sabi niya while trying to lower her voice down

Since halos lahat ng nalilink sa kaniya were either pinay half-australian, Spanish Filipina, half Italian at kung ano ano pang half pinay.

para namang sinaksak ang puso ko sa mga ikinukwento ni Jesse. It was like mas kilala pa niya si Iigo kay sa sa akin.

Sa kaniya ko nalaman kung ano anong hobby meron si Iigo, mga favorite foods niya at sa kaniya ko din nalaman ang mga tipong babae ni Iigo which, by the looks of it, were far from my persona

She drew her self closer to me and before she whispered into my ear, tumingin muna siya sa paligid. Checking out if may nakikinig sa near by vicinity

and theres this known international ramp model who was rumored to be his girlfriend

napatigil ako, at bigla kong naramdaman ang unti unting paglumo ng pakiramdam ko. But I was curious, kaya kahit na pa ayaw ko nang malaman para hindi na ako masaktan, I still insisted

who is she? I whispered almost sounding like hoarse which is the sign that my lips refuses to utter Shesuhh-- Shes Kendra Gainsborough, British-Filipina ramp model of Burberry

Bigla na lang akong nautal at katahimikan ang bumalot sa pagitan naming dalawa ni Jesse na mukhang nagui-guilty dahil sa sobrang kadaldalan niya

Pero, then again, im sure puro chismis lang naman yun nuh! I mean, hello? di ba ikaw nga yung girlfriend? she said attempting to lighten up the mood

Were were not .. you knowdating I said as I shoved the fries into my starving mouth

Really? she frowned and added I dont believe you. Come on! No need to play Showbiz couple bullshits and stuffs. I wont tell

But im serious, were not dating, were justwellhanging out i said as I flashed her my favorite grin

Jesse was about to utter something, but I cut her off when I suddenly told her that I needed to go to the powder room

it was one of the lamest excuse that Ive pulled through but I have no choice. She just kept on asking things that I know I cant answer myself.

/How long have you guys been going out? And how did you know each other? /

I dont know, I dont even know where we stand.

I dont know anything and definitely, I cant just say to her that I met him at the wedding reception through my ex-boyfriend.

I cant tell her how we kissed. I cant tell her that weconstantly made love on his own unit and most important of all?

I cant tell her that im falling truly *madly deeply in love with Iigo Bustamante* himself

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

when I got out of the cubicle the first thing that I did after washing my hand was to noticed that I was alone in the powder room

I sighed / at least theres little peace here/

Then I started to apply my Bobbi Brown Peach Corrector on my face right in front of the mirror.

/I wonder how does Kendra looks like/ I thought as I applied my Mac Lipstick Matte Russian Red on my lips

/I bet she really had longer legs than I do, or maybe a bigger bust than like this/ I shamelessly thought while I eyed my legs and my bust feeling sorry for myself

/or maybe im just insecure that shes one hella international ramp-freaking-model having the time of her life while im a just a boring columnist of a newspaper /

I sighed as I tried to brushed off those thoughts that were slowly killing me inside

I was about to shoved my lipstick inside my Miu Miu bag, When I saw someones reflection on the mirror .. someone that I rather not see, went out of the cubicle herself

She was wearing a floral-printed sleeveless top and a high-waist jeans

/ speaking of long legs, looks like someones showing it off on my face .. / i thought bitterly as I glared holes at Roselyn whos entirely oblivious about my presence

but she was taken aback right after she looked up only to see me still glaring at her

Instead of glaring back , to my surprise, she just sighed and looked at the mirror and started applying Maybeline Unstoppable eyeliner in Espresso and Majolica Majorca mascara to her self

/Looks like someones goody goody today /I thought while I smirked to my self as I grabbed my Miu Miu bag which was laid on the sink for awhile now

I was about to completely made my out of the powder room when someone grabbed me by the hand and when I looked up, I saw the least being Id expect to touch me that way

What now? i said with a shrill tone matching to my irritated mood while I gave her glare-daggered at her solemnly sad eyes

We need to talk She plainly said in a calm feature

I flashed her my most disgust-face frown I had and rolled my eyes

Whats there to talk about anyway, Rose? I said as i attempted mimicking Gerards way of uttering her pen name.

/ I could still remember how he called her that .. the first time I heard him say that /I thought when a scene in the past flashed right before my mind

/i slapped him across his face which caught enough of the entire attention and heads to/ /turn in our direction.. to where i stood.. to where Gerard stood while Roselyn was still/ /sitting there shocked, dumbfounded and totally frozen in her positon/ /but i went back to my senses still holding my tears.. as i cletched my fists / / i wont cry.. i will definitely not cry this time 'round. i repeated to myself over and over again./

/ "Its not what you think, Nina.. Rose and I were-"/

/"Rose?!" i mouthed in disbelief and a little of frustration as i cut him off with his words/

/"now, you gave her a pen name?! wow! that's a progress, Ge!" i said sarcastically /

All those memories were still crystal clear in my head. so clear that i could still almost feel the exact pain i've felt that night

Right when my mind went back to the present, I heard her say

Stay away from Gerard! with her sneaky eyes staring back at me intently as if emphasizing each word she said that burnt my aching hatred towards her more

Hah! I snickered as i placed my bag on top of the sink once more

You? as I pointed to her my index finger before uttering another words Telling me to stay away from Ge? I rolled my eyes and laid my arms across my chest

Sabihan mo yang Gerard na yan to stay away from me instead. The last time Ive checked, Im not the one doing the chasing. He is. Hes the one coming after me

Just please.. stay away from him as much as possible she pleaded sounding more desperate this time with a calm feature which irritated me more

Didnt you hear me? Si Ge-- Im pregnant

bigla akong natigilan. Bigla tumigil ang mundo. I was still left there standing across Roselyn whos obviously trying to keep herself calm from the sudden revelation she just blew on me

/ Did I just heard it right? /I thought sounding more confused than ever as my sight landed unto her bulgy tummy that i didn't notice awhile ago

What did you just say? I asked with a-less-violent-tone this time

I went to the OB today and had an ultrasound to confirm my pregnancy, and the doctor sent me home with my son's first baby picture She said while she brought out that xray-looked-a-like piece of high-quality-paper thingy

Im 8 weeks pregnant .. at 8 weeks nang tatay si Gerard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 14 Hey, Do you want to try the lobster here? Its delicious!

Uhh.. no thanks. I rather have buttered chicken with a salad and some red wine I said to the waiter standing close to our table

Ill have the same and Gerard nodded at the waiter which meant thats hes done ordering

I was trying to avoid Gerards constant stares at me so I hid my self on the menu. It was really awkward going out with your ex for the first time after your break up. I dont feel entirely comfortable about it

/what made me do so??/

It was last week when I bumped into Roselyn at Mcdonalds with her mind-blowing news about her being pregnant

Please, do me a favor. Well, atleast not for me but for this kid she said while hinahawakan ang belly niya. Gesturing into her motherly touch

Tell him, Im bringing his own child right inside my body she added

What?! Huh? Dont tell me, you didnt tell him yet your pregnant? I asked while my brows were pulled together

To my surprise, instead of answering me directly, she suddenly had the outburst and cried her self.. tears were rolling down her cheeks hysterically as she sobs

Wait, dont cry! I know you hate me and the feeling is mutual but hey! Dont cry like I had slapped you okay?.. even if i want to from the very beginning .. still hey! I said while I suddenly went panicked and I, surprisingly, found my self comforting her

why didnt you tell him? You cant keep it as a secret much longer since your bellys going to grow bigger.. you have to te

how am I suppose to tell him straight to his face? she looked up as she yanked away my hands from her

when everytime I do, pinamumukha niya sa akin na ikaw lang yung mahal niya.. na ikaw lang sa puso niya? bigla niyang pinahid ang mga luha sa pisngi niya and tried her best to control herself from more crying

Alam mo ba gaano ka sakit yung ganon, Nina? Na whenever were at the peak of having sex its always your name that he moans?! And when asleep its always your name that he calls? Its hard, Nina! Its fucking hard!

pasigaw niyang sabi sabay daloy ng mas madaming luha na tumutulo sa mata niya Which entirely ruined her mascara

instead of laughing off because of Roselyns ugly state, ruined maked up, stressed-as-hell, huge dark circles under hear eyes, I found my self asking her in my most modest and caring voice What am I supposed to do, Roselyn?

Her outburst abruptly stopped but she was still sobbing. Please, tell him about our baby.

Why me?! I automatically said

Hell listen to you, Nina. I know he will. please she said while she held out both of my hands together pleading

But, what if he wont? I asked her as I stared at her watery eyes

Hell always listen to you, Nina. Believe it or not, you still have those effect on him She said with all the honesty in her tone

Siguro nga karma tong nangyayari sa akin for stealing him away from you. But you know, you might not notice but I was crazy about him kahit nung college days pa she said as she smiled thinking about those good times

What do you mean?

I love him nung unang pagkakita ko pa lang sa kaniya, Nina. He might not remember it, but it was during ACET when we first met. he nicely lent me a pen in the middle of examination and smiled at me. i know its stupid and corny but I fell for him hard with his smiles.

Nalungkot ako nung hindi ko siya nakita sa enrollment at nung freshmen orientation day, but Faith mustve been playing when nalaman kong classmate ko pala siya sa Philosophy nung second year. At nung naging lab partner ko siya sa Biochem.. I thought It was my chance.

She said as she smiled at me genuinely just thinking about it

Pero, when I saw him as he kissed you on the cheeks sa parking lot, I felt like I was torn in to pieces. I felt my heart was smashed even more when I found out that you guys were still together even after graduation. She frowned as she slowly glared at me indicating how she hated me that time

Perfect Fairytale nga daw yun eh! The beauty and brain, who happens to be the Cum Laude-- yes, that's you Nina! and the hottest guy on campus, who happens to be the guy im crazy about ..ended up together happily she rolled her eyes and looked away. Humarap siya sa salamin while attempting to fix her hair

Kaya nung nalaman kong, hes working on the same venture as I do, I didnt hesitate to make a move, Nina. I didnt back down without putting a fight, so I flirted everyday, I tempted him she snickered and looked away from the mirror that she was facing only to stare at me intensely

and I was more than happy and elated when one night, he came knocking on my doorstep to make love to me. I was too in love to say No to him,Nina. Akala ko sa mga oras na yun nagwork ang plan ko which lead to your break up kaya I open-heartedly offered my self to him that night. I frowned at her as both of my brows were pushed together.

/this girl/ I thought as i was feeling a little bit irritated with what i've found out

pero, laking gulat ko the next morning, when I ran into the both of you while you were making out on the elevator HAH! i should've known better.." she said as she laughed bitterly.

and then the bitter laugh suddenly stopped only to see her staring at me "nonetheless, im sorry. Sorry kung nasaktan kita ng mga panahon na yun.

Her eyes began to water again as both of her hands were shaking while shes trying to hold herself from having another outburst

Say whatever you want, desperada na kung desperada, malandi na kung malandi, pero nagmamahal lang ako,Nina. At minsan, pag nagmamahal nagiging baliw. I guess I could say I didnt regret anything because alam kong ginawa ko ang lahat She said while smiling with tears finally made its way to cascade down her face

Roselyn.. I said in a soft-tone voice while I was attempting to step closer to her and lock her to my embrace but She took few steps backward as she waved her hands on me as if signaling to step back away from her

Dont!! dont you dare comfort me, Nina. Wag mo na mas lalong iparamdam sa akin kung gaano ako ka-pathetic. Just do me a favor and tell him what is there to be heard she said and lock both of my hands together on her's

I took a long sigh and a longer time to reply to her. I analyzed everything in my head which made me utter my decision

Fine fine I said while I withdraw my hand from her and turned around to exit the bathroom not wanting to looked at her dreadful state anymore

I turned around only to say Im not doing this because I pitied you or even want to make friends with you, Im doing this for the kid on your tummy

I was about to completely stepped out of the powder room and to jesses table, but before that happened I turned around once more and said Wala akong karapatan o ibang tao na humusga sa pagkkamali mo, TANDAAN, I might know your story, pero hindi ang nararamdaman mo."

and by that, I totally made my way out of the powder room which lead me to this current state of mine a week later ...where im having a date with Gerardmy ex at Galle Fort Hotel Restaurant which was almost filled with couples having date

Hey, You used to be crazy about lobsters. Hindi mo na ba favorite yun ngayon? he asked

Uhhwell,favorite pa rin naman pero mas gusto ko lang talaga ang buttered chicken now. Ive been eating seafoods with Ii I stopped in the middle when I was about to utter the name of Iigo uuha friend! Yeah with Meg!

He chuckled nervously as if trying to brush off the sudden tightening of his sense when I was half-way finishing my sentence

No need to hide it, Nina. Alam ko pa din kung nag sisinungaling ka o

hindi. He said while looking at me as he flashes at me his smile

Really? How? I amusedly said while I withdrew the menu completely away out of my face

You will always say Uhhh or Uhmm before you would utter another words out of your mouth. Its easy to know especially for someone like.. he stopped only to extend his arms on me and drew himself nearer on my sit

Ive stiffened my self as I saw him running his fingers on the side of my cheeks only to withdraw those excess hair back to my ear .. you whos not a good liar he said as he flashes me his smile that smile which will make every woman melt into those tempting lips

Youre going steady with my cousin? he said trying not to mention Iigos name

Were.. wellnot. Uhh. Were not on the dating phase yet. We go out most of the time I said

Thats good it means we still have ---

Dont! I said as I rose my hand on him signaling him to stop dont say it Ge. Kung anong meron tayo noon, tapos na yun

I said as I took a sip on the glass of water next to me just to avoid the tension building up between us at the moment

and when I looked up, He was gazing at my eyes as if memorizing every details of my face

Sana pwede na lang balikan ang mga nangyari NOON, para di NAWALA ang mga bagay na dapat sana ay meron pa tayo NGAYON." He said while he attempted to reach for my hands on the table

"I was your world before, Gerard until you found another PLANET." And then I yanked away his hands and tore my gazes away from him

we were completely filled with silence .. but I broke it off by saying..

Ge, you promised not bring up things in the past I said as chuckled a little only to lift up the ambiance of the mood between us

Right. Im sorry. What do you want to tell me that you cant even spill through phone?

Biglang tumigil ang puso ko

/how am I supposed to tell him without scaring him away?/ I thought

Roselyn badly needs you, Ge I said

Whattadid she beg you to do this? that bitch! he hissed at nagulat naman ako nang bigla niyang hanampas ang mesa with his bare fist

but I caught it right on time, I held his hands tightly and it suddenly, lumabot ang pagkaka-kumo niya sa kamay niya until nawala na tuluyan ang pag ka-stiffen ng muscle niya

Listen, Ge. She needs you at the very moment, because shes carrying your. I hesitated for a moment and held his hand tighter

Shes carrying your child for 8 weeks now, Ge..for the whole 2 months and more than half now. So, please.. listen to me

Then I narrate every little thing Roselyn told me in the powder room at Mcdonalds including the silly part of how she fell head over hills to him and how desperate she was winning him

He was lost with words at that time Ive finished and was really surprised with the news Promise me one thing,Gerard

He went back to his senses and stared at me Nina.. I-I dont know what to

Shh! Just promise me a thing Marc Gerard Enriquez, im forgiving you for being a worthless boyfriend, for breaking my heart and for taking things for granted if..

If?

you do me a favor and become the best dad a kid could ever ask for I flashed him my megawatt smile and ge genuinely smiled back at me while his eyes were..

/what? Is he gonna cry?/ I thought with a confuse expression flashing on my face

Nina!! He stood up from the table and pulled me up to his level so that he could hug me

Youre still the girl that I fell in love with. Always reasonable and forgiving. What did I ever do to deserve someone like you, I was a complete jerk and

Gerard! Stop it will you? Im just doing the things that shouldve been done. No need to thank me that way. Okay? I said as I tapped his back while hes still hugging me

he then broke the hug we shared and held me out to my shoulder to face him Im setting you free now, Nina. I know you deserve more than someone like me and if my cousins the one wholl make you happy, then go.

and then slowly, my eyes began to water too but I still managed to smile to him and said A real man doesn't just say what he's gonna do, he shows it. So go, shes on her apartment right now, before I change my mind

I was surprised that ,before he completely went his way, he bent over to kiss me on the cheeks. And before I could even react, he was completely away from me and to the door he went

I smiled and thought / I just felt so light right now. I think i've done something life-changing/

but when I turn around, I saw the familiar sensual face of..

.... Iigo who seems to be pissed and confused at the same time

Nina?!

/Omg! did he just see the whole thing? /i thought nervously Iigo? I was just

So, this is the reason why you canceled our plans together tonight? To meet up, with your exboyfriend in this fancy romantic dining place such as this ? oh! Not to forget the hug and kisses you guys just did moments ago He said sarcastically sounding pissed, annoyed and mad all at the same time

I could almost see the fumes coming out from his ears I thought as my head became all sweaty /oh noo! i could sense trouble! /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 15 Iigo wait!!! ang sabi ko sabay dampot sa mga kamay niya but he immediately yanked it away and glared at me

Kung gusto mong makipag balikan don, you shouldve told me from the very beginning. Nag mukha lang akong tanga, Nina he said as he gritted his teeth while he completely walked out of the resto

heads turned in our direction only to witness a commotion. but i didn't have time to react nor to turn around to see if their still staring curiously at us so i tailed him from behind as fast as i could

Iigo! Wait up! I called out for him to stop but he kept on walking away from me not even bothering to turn around

i speed up my sprinting and totally ran after him.. i ran as fast as i could to catch him. my breathes were becoming uneven.. but i didn't mind

so I ran after him once more in the parking lot and before he could make it to his car, I hugged him from behind tightly as I could which made him stopped

Iigo, hear me out here I said while I tighten my grip on him. pleading to him to open his mind and listen to me. my legs were wobbling as my eyes were starting to water but i bit my lower lip to stop it

Then,He turned around with such sadness in his eyes as he stared at me

Ilang ulit mo ba ako dapat saktan,Nina? Alam mo bang ngayon lang ako nagka ganito sa isang babae. I waited for you, ngayon nakita na kita.. you dont even remember even the slightest thing about me aaargh he grunted in frustration and ran his hands to his hair making it messier than usual.

/i've never seen him this mad /i thought while bumibilis ang pulse ko

naglakad siya back and forth as if thinking over things but he was at peak of his temper now and suddenly, out of nowhere bigla niyang sinuntok ang salamin sa bintana ng Ferrari F430 spider niya.

napatalon naman ako sa sudden action niya. i wasn't prepared for that

Iigo!!! I gasped in horror and dropped my bag in the ground. I saw those blood dripping from his hand while hes withdrawing it from the punched he blew out of his cars window.

Ive searched for his eyes but it was nowhere to be found for he was looking down, staring at those red liquid that dripped from his hand

I was about to draw my self nearer to him when he uttered ..

The worst feeling so far that Ive felt from a woman, that youre giving me right now, is the fact that I was forgotten by someone like you whom Ive never forget from the very beginning.

What? I said with a complete confusion in my tone I dont understand I added as both of my brows were pulled together

It's hard to tell you how I really feel about you when Im too afraid of losing what I already have. He said as hes now facing at my direction

and then he sighed and closed his eyes only to open it and say ..

I love you, Nina .. wish you would get a clue about how much you mean to me I-I love.. Iigo, listen to me please

But his expression suddenly changed and angrily stiffen his muscle as he ran his hands once more to his already-messed hair

Unfortunately, you dont feel the same way he said and turned his back on me as he started striding away to where I stood

hindi siya nag dalawang isip na pumasok sa kotse niya kahit may bubog pa ito at hindi rin siya nagdalawang isip na i-start kagad ang engine nito without even glancing at my direction

I've tapped my hands desperately on his cars door signaling him to stop but he never tried to and worst? he even ignored it as if no one's telling him to stop. it was like i was invisible in his eyes

Iigo!! Please!! I pleaded at tinapik tapik pa rin ang kotse niya while slowly, I could feel na umaandar na talaga ng tuluyan ang kotse

pero, despite that .. I tried my best to catch up and chase his car before it was speeding faster away from me

Sandali lang, Iigo! Let me explain! That kiss nor hug didnt mean anything I said while my tears were starting to cascade down my cheeks

Tila wala siyang narinig because mas binilisan niya ang takbo ng kotse niya, but I didnt give up.. hinabol ko pa din siya

Iigo!! I called out while i could hear my voiced echoed in the whole area

But mas lalo niyang binilisan ang takbo ng kotse niya for me not catch up any longer. I stood there as his cars silhouette completely vanished into my eyes

I was completely dumbfounded when my knees suddenly gave up and I sat on the cold cemented-ground of the restaurants parking lot

tinakpan ko ang mukha ko with my bare trembling hands habang tuluyang dumaloy ang mga luha sa mga mata ko

/is this over?/ Is the only thing I thought that time as rain started pouring out of the sky

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was exactly a month had passed since that incident. I tried every means to contact him. God knows I tried.

I went to his pad, went to every race track there is in metro manila to find him, went to his parents house where his mom greeted me with glee saying Iigo left for Buenos Aires exactly two days after that incident which made me conclude he doesnt really want to hear any of my explanation

but despite that, I still tried my best to call him through his phone only to be greeted by the operator saying

/subscriber can not be reach please try your call later/

It was killing me inside but I didnt stop there. I even asked Gerard for help but unfortunately, hindi niya rin macontact ang sarili niyang pinsan

I kept on going back to his place hoping I could meet him there and explain to him everything but was always greeted by the security guard saying he isnt home yet

I sighed thinking about how it ended this way

my hopes were starting to drift apart when suddenly .

Nina, Mrs. Letty Magsanocs asking for your presence immediately to her office Jesse said which buffed me off from my daily day dreaming

Huh? Why? I asked while I frown in confusion

Dont ask me. I dont know whats running through Mrs. Magsanocs head you know. She said as she rolled her eyes

Right. Why would she ask for my presence? Am I going to be fired? I submitted the article about Azkals defeating Kuwait a day before the deadline.. was it wrong?

Talagang mafa-fire ka if you wont report immediately. Now go! she said as she pulled me out of my chair

as I was walking along the way, I walked passed Luigi who was smiling at me. Flashing me his ever famous colgate-commercial smile but to my surprise, I smiled back at him and I saw him winking at me

/maybe, I should have just give him a chance/ I thought to my self as I pushed the elevator door

Ding!

When I arrived at the front door of Mrs. Magsanocs office, I knocked the door right away and her secretary let me in

Mrs, Magsanoc, nandito na po ang pinapatawag ninyong si Ms. Fernandez ang sabi ng secretary niya as she placed a cup of coffee to Mrs. Maganocs table habang busy-ing busy siya sa phone call niya

Ill call you right back, okay? Yeah. Good day! ang sabi ni Mrs. Magsanoc sa kausap niya sa phone

You may go now, Krizzia ang sabi niya sa secretarya niya as she gestured her to go out and close the door

Ah!Just in time! Have a seat she said as she pointed his hands to the seat right in infront of her table

Pinatawag niyo po raw ako, Maam? ang sabi ko with the little tone of nervousness on it

Ah! Yes, ofcourse Ms. Fernandez she said as she rested her chin on top of her entwined hands with her well-polished red finger nails

Ive read your article about Azkals ..

Was it bad? Wrong? Am I going to be kicked out? Ang sunod sunod kong tanong while I tighten my grip with my handkerchief

suddenly, the woman in her mid-40s chuckled lightly at my nervousness and said My, Dear! For someone with a pretty face like yours, masyado yatang mababa ang self-esteem mo. I called you not to fire you out but to compliment you regarding your article.

It was well-written and detailed. As I went through it, It felt like I was really watching a football match. Very organize words and you used right adjectives to describe how did the match went and Im glad youre part of the newspaper. She said taking a sipped on her coffee

napangiti ako when I heard those words coming out from her lips. It was a great honor to be compliment by our editor-in-chief.

Ive heard how strict she is to her employee and how uptight she is when it comes to work which Is why receiving such compliments is very hard to get from her

and the main reason why I called you, Ms. Fernandez is because I want you to be the one writing about this particular article I have in mind she added

Was it it,Maam? I asked with all the enthusiasm in my eyes

I want you to be the one covering for Iigo Bustamantes badgering the championship of the recently concluded Race Karting in Buenos Aires she stated while she handled me a paper kung saan nakalagay ang contact ni Iigo

biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko when I reached out for the paper that Mrs. Magsanocs giving me

/so thats the reason why he left for Buenos Aires/ I thought lightly while my eyes were darted to the picture of Iigo smiling while hes holding a trophy in his hands

Three things I want to tell you. First,I want it as perfect as you did in your previous article about Azkals. Second, I want it to be as detailed as that and lastly, I want it as soon as possible. You got it,

Ms. Fernandez? she said with all the authority in her town

Yes, Maam! I answered

Good! Now, Go! she said while she started dialing some number on her iphone 4G

/nakikipag laro na naman ang tadhana sa akin, kung kailan im losing hope saka naman dadating ang opportunity na hinintay ko from the very beginning /I thought as I made my way out of Mrs Magsanocs office

Then I started dialing the number Mrs. Magsanoc gave me

Hello? ang sabi ng kabilang linya.

mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko, para bang nagpa-palpitate siya sa loob ng rib cage ko.. bigla ding tumuyo ang lalamunan ko and my hands became all drench

Is this another prank call? Say something! Its not funny! ang sabi ng kabilang linya while annoyance was obvious in his tone

and then, I gathered up all my strength to finally speak up to this guy

I gulped, Iigo.. we need to talk I said with complete dryness as I waited for his reply

Right he said sarcastically that I could almost feel the retort-ness in his tone Im quite busy right now

It wont do anything involving us in it. I just wanted to feature you in my article regarding your championship last time in Buenos Aires. Its purely business I said trying to control my voice so that it wont be shaken and shuttered

I took him awhile before he answered Meet me tomorrow at 9 a.m here in Santa Ana Race Track

Its in Makati right? ang sabi ko trying to write down the place on my piece of paper that i've grabbed moments before Yep. He answered dryly

Whos that you're talking to, babe? narinig ko mula sa kabilang linya. It was obviously a voice coming from a woman next to him

was that---?? ang sabi ko but I stopped half-way only to bit down my lower lip. I do that most of the time to stop my self from crying. I could feel my self na naglulumo sa narinig ko mula sa kabilang linya

/was that another girl?/ I thought while napapikit ako What? he snarled

Nothing. Ill see you to---

/doot.. doot.. doot /a sound coming from my black berry indicating na binabaan niya ako ng telepono

morrow echoed by my voice while I felt like my heart was slowly crushed into pieces

/mas masakit pa ang nararamdaman ko ngayon kaysa nung nalaman kong niloko ako ni Gerard/ and by that, tuluyan nang pumatak ang luha mula sa mga mata ko

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 16 I was catching my breath when I jumped out of the cab after paying the manong driver then I literally ran as fast as I could in a Lydia-De-Vega way to finally made my way inside the Sta. Ana Race track.

Just in time when I saw Iigo as he unzip his NASCAR jacket. I sat in the nearby bench trying to brush away the stares I get from the other gentlemen on the near by area

/probably racers too just like Iigo/ I thought as I looked around and I noticed that i was the only rose among thorns in the wide-elongated race sports complex

Youre late he said sounding annoyed than usual as he passed by the bench were I sat. he didnt even bother to look me in the eyes and walked straight without looking back to anyone else

I followed him closely behind while I was scanning down my bag for papers and a pen.

as much as I want to look up to his face, I was afraid Ill be grace by those tempting brown eyes that Ive missed so much .. I tried my best to keep my eyes glued to his back instead

/Ugh! Kahit nakatalikod ang lalakeng to.. ang .. hot pa din/ I thought while I eyed his broad shoulders with his muscles that were obviously tempting as it flexes from behind him

I sighed as I shook my self /maybe its not the time for this/ I thought

Then suddenly, Bigla siyang napatigil sa kalalakad at napauntog ang mukha ko sa likuran niya

He turned around and smirked at me

Youre not going to seriously follow me all the way to the cubicle, are you? he said while he threw his jacket around revealing his self only in a white sando which emphasizes more of his pecs

I gulped as I saw the Male sign on the right side of the tiled walls. I looked around only to realize that I was indeed standing next to Iigo in a male bathroom

I could feel my face become hot as I took few steps backward so I could finally make my exit out of the embarrassing situation such as this

Uhh.. Well, Ill be----

then, he cornered me in the wall. Blocking my way as both his strong arms were trapping my small frame with his

Where do you think youre going? he said while I could almost feel his hot breath on my neck

Ill . Illuhhh--wait for you.. yeah-- .. uhmm--outside I shuttered still looking anywhere else except his beautiful brown eyes that I always been drown with by gazing

I could almost feel my legs tremble as he bent down to my level only to reach his face inches away from mine

What were you thinking wearing something like that? he asked in his most commanding tone Ive ever heard

I looked down to see my outfit. I was wearing A gray cardigan (from Bayo) that almost reached my thigh on top of my razor-back white top (from Forever 21) and long necklace with a mini Eiffel tower pendant on it

Whats wrong with this? I asked and then I negligently forgot not to stare at his mesmerizing eyes as I warned my self not to awhile ago

/Tsk! Stupid tempting eyes/ I thought as I frown at him

Youre wearing a worn out short shorts that exposes most of your deadly long legs and thighs.

He devilishly chuckled which made me slightly blush as I looked down to where he was pointing out I gulped not knowing what to do next

Are you trying to tempt everyone else with dicks right here? He asked while he leaned to whisper in my ears

Or are you trying to tempt me? he asked proudly while he wasnt removing his eyes on me as he lifted his gazes lower.. to where my lips were

Suddenly, our lips were now just inches apart and the only thing left to do was.. to close the gap between our starved lips

I--I didnt mean to" I said with all the innocence in my voice, before I was cut off by his mouth slamming down onto mine, coaxing my lips into motion. His hands gently slid under my legs

Iigo's tongue ran across my lower lip and I arched into him, moaning my approval.

"Youre such a tease" He growled before pulling out of me.

And to my dismay, I suddenly felt empty

He chuckled as he finally removed both of his arms cornering my frame

Just as I thought, youd still allow me to kiss you like that

He turned around and now I was facing his sexy back once more.

Ive brought my fingers to my lips slowly feeling its emptiness to where Iigo had left me with the needy sensation as he stopped the kiss that was bound to go deeper

Tatalikod na sana ako, paalis sa pintuan but he suddenly

Nina! he called out for my name as it echoed inside the room

/Ah! I miss how he says my name.. its like a sweet song coming from his lips/ I thought to my self

and then I turned around once more only to catch his NASCAR jacket that he threw on me

Cover your legs with that. I dont want my friends lavishing the thought of your legs wrapping around their hips he said as he smirked

*Perv! *I murmured to my breathe as I slowly watched him made his way into one of the cubicle.. probably, to take shower

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was sitting down on one of the bleachers as Iigos NASCAR jacket was wrapped around my waist to cover my legs.

I was scribbling down various notes that I should use as details when I

saw a hand extend it self to me while holding a coke

I looked up only to see a man in his late 20s as he smiled at me

He had this strong jaw line just like Iigos and definitely over towering me with his height. He nodded at me to take his coke so I smiled in return and took it while he sat next to me

Kaifer De La Merced He said with such friendliness in his tone while tossing his drink up on me Nina Fernandez I said in return as I opened the can of coke in my hands and tossed it up as well

I dont see you often here he said as he looked at the wide field of the track Well, I dont usually hang out here I replied as I sipped on my can of coke

What brings you here then, Nina? he asked with much of enthusiasm in his eyes as he stared at me

Oooh! Nothing personal really I said

Nothing personal involving Iigo? he asked but I remained silent in my seat as I continued gazing in the wide field of the track

You know.. lagi siyang nagdadala ng ibat ibang babae dito but since, Ive come face-to-face with such angelic feature such as you he added while looking directly at me as if keeping a record out of every detail on my face

you dont look like the type whoring around with him. He smiled genuinely as he took another sip in his coke

I was about to utter a word when we both heard a sly clap from behind and when we turned around, I saw Iigo lightly reclining himself on a near by wall not so far away to where we were

Look whos talkin he said as he took few step closer to our direction

For someone whos married and having quite a number of affairs from time to time, You do sound like a newly-recruited priest with all those bath mouthing you just did to me Ang sabi ni Iigo while standing next to the bench-like rectangular chair we were sitting at

Man! I was just kidding, no need to be personal right here Ang sabi ni Kaifer as he stood up to Iigos level.. habang ngiwing nakangiti kay Iigo.

He was holding both of his hand up as a sign he doesnt wanna fight back to Iigo

Iigo chuckled devilishly then abruptly pulled the the collar of Kaifers Giordano Green Polo

Just because tinambakan kita sa race track last week at nanlumo ka sa pagkatalo mo sa akin, it doesnt give you any right to fuck with everything else I do. He said while glaring intently at Kaifer

Oh! Now youre pissed just because I offered your little girlfriend right here a coke? Come on man. You know youre better than that Kaifer said while chuckling lightly to subside the mood that was about to explode

Tapos, biglang hinila ni Iigo once more si Kaifer through his collar para mag face-to-face na sila habang mas lalong nanlilisik ang mga mata niya kay Kaifer whos now totally speechless.

Kaifer stole a glance at my direction, to where i sat and i gave him an apologetic look

/please just dont hit Iigo. wag mo na siyang patulan/ i thought wishing Kaifer could hear it

Get the fuck out of my sight! ang sigaw ni Iigo kay Kaifer sabay tulak sa kaniya. Kaifer did nothing but glared at Iigo before leaving

Hah! Brat! ang bulong ni Kaifer kay Iigo and totally walked away from him

then, suddenly .. Iigo grabbed me by the hand and pulled me up from where I was sitting

You probably enjoyed that scene huh? he said while he tighten his grip on my wrist What?! Is the only thing I could utter from my mouth Hah!! You really do enjoy it when two guys are fighting over you, dont you? You always enjoy that! he said as he glared holes to me

Hindi ko alam anong pinagsasabi mo,Iigo.. because I know for a fact that Kaifer was just playing nice and offered me a coke. Youre the one whos acting like a dick here! I answered as I attempted to free my self away from his metal grip

Playing nice?! Youve got to be kidding me! He said as he laughed sarcastically to what Ive just said

Hes a known bad-ass cheater in the century and I know for a fact that he was hitting on you.. Hes married!! Dont you get it? he said while still glaring at me

for a moment, i was lost with words and was now really losing my patience. i looked back to his eyes and bit my lower lip before uttering a loud cry that could almost draw attention to the people around the vicinity

Atleast hes not like you who jumps into conclusions, not bothering to listen to what I have to say!.. I snarled at him and free my self out of his tight grip

atleast, he takes his time to nicely looked at the other side and not just ignore my every attempt of communication. I said as I point my index finger to his chest while holding my tears .

and most important of all, he does not vanish in a thin air like you did! and then, tears completely strode down my cheeks but I harshly wiped it away with my bare hands.

He just stood there dumbfounded as he gazes in to my sudden outburst. his expression suddenly went softer than awhile ago as he tried to search for my eyes

Nina he said sounding so comforting this time.. as he extend his arms on my shoulder in attempt to calm me down through his hug

but instead, I yanked it away as I glared at him and immediately, without a snap, took my bag from the bench

You know what, Iigo? Maybe I should interview you some other time around. I said as hurriedly walked away from him and faster than the

wind, i took the stairs down from the bleacher

but before I could completely vanish from his eyes, I turned around once more as I unwrapped his NASCAR jacket around my waist and threw it to his face

You can keep that! and by that, I was completely gone with tears still cascading down my cheeks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 17 Hoiiiiink!!! the sound that I emitted while I blew my nose off on the bundle of Kleenex .. It was Sunday afternoon as I literally cried out my self the whole morning retelling Meg how did the other day went

We were currently lazing around at the couch on Megs flat

He did that?! she said sounding so surprise as she sat next to me on the couch. I was telling her the whole complications im facing now with Iigo. /Who else would listen to me aside from my BFF anyway? /

To my surprise, yes. I said throwing away the tissue on the nearby bin

then I took the remote from the center table and turned on the Samsung 14 LCD Flat Screen TV.

He didnt even bother to run after me when I walked out i said feeling hurt as I reminisce that dramatic moment a day ago in Sta. Ana Race Track

Tapos bigla na lang akong tinapunan ni Meg ng unan right on my face while she chuckled lightly

Whats so funny? I asked while my brows were pulled together in unison Ikaw naman kasi, nauutal ka lagi pag mga ganyan drama na! she said as she shoved a chip of buritos on her mouth

Then she glanced on my direction while she thought of something in her mind I mean, remember nung college? You were like that nung ina-accuse kang nakabasag ng Erlenmeyer-bullshit-flask sa lab.. eventhough its not entirely your fault

Thats different,Meg! I said as I threw her back the pillow that hit my face awhile ago

Walang pinagkaiba yun! Kung sinabi mo agad na hindi ikaw nakabasag noon.. cause obviously, I was at fault, edi tapos! she said while she rolled her eyes

Same goes with this, Kung sinabi mo agad kay Iigo yung about sa circumstances between you and Gerard in that fancy Galle Fort hotel restaurant.. things wouldve been less complicated

suddenly, natahimik ako as I stared at Meg who, obviously, hit the bulls eye right through my mind. /What if / I thought thinking about what couldve happen if it went the other way around

Ang hirap kasi sayo, Nina. Masyado kang mabait! ang sabi niya while she tapped her both hands on her thighs to clear the tiny pieces of chips coming from the boritos she just ate

Look at you! Sa sobrang bait mo, you even helped that slutty bitch Roselyn win over your Ex.. whom youd been sticking around for 4-goddamn-years!

I was to utter another word when suddenly..

*Ding Dong! *

I think Ill get that ang sabi ni Meg as she stood up from the couch and to the door she went

Oh! Look! Speaking of royal slutty bitch.. Ive heard Meg said as she opened the door.

agad naman akong napatayo sa couch and went to the door only to be greeted by the imaginary lightning spark between Meg and Roselyns eyes

Roselyn hated Megs guts and Meg hated Roselyns trying-hard-feeling-pretty gesture

not to forget the not-so-charming prince she said as she saw Gerard beside Roselyn.. so she crosses both of her arms on top of her chest

Meg!!! I said while I tapped Megs shoulder and finally open the door for the two

Hindi pwedeng pumasok ang mga salawahan dito, Nina. Umaalingasaw eh! ang sabi niya sabay simangot at lagay ng hintuturo niya sa ilong niya

Meg naman! I said in a warning tone

She just rolled her eyes and gritted her teeth fine! Ill go get the Lysol just in case umalingasaw sa paligid she said as she walked straight to the kitchen

Sorry sa inasal ni Meg, sometimes talagang psycho lang siya.. tuloy kayo

HEY! I heard that, Nina!! Meg shouted from the kitchen. We, Gerard, Roselyn and I, chuckled with the childish acts Meg has been pulling with

Upo kayo! I said as I gestured them to the couch

Umupo naman silang dalawa, and one thing Ive noticed is that Roselyns belly is starting to grow bigger than the last time I saw her.

She was wearing a slightly bigger puffy dress but it wasnt a maternal dress. Just a simple Red dress that reaches down her knee

What brings you here? I said as I sat to the recliner facing them slightly Well.. were here to ang sabi ni Roselyn while looking at Gerard smiling

While I was staring at the two, I saw Gerard lovingly smiled back and just gazing at these two, nararamdaman kong mas compassionate na silang dalawa other than before na puro lust lang ang visible sa kanila

Why dont you tell it, honey? ang sabi ni Roselyn while niyakap niya ang braso ni Gerard drawing her self nearer to him

Oh, okay Gerard said and turned to my direction and smiled as well

Well? I said as I waited for them Here! He said as he handled me a white envelope with ribbon and a.dove?

/Wedding invitation?/ I thought as I looked at the two with so much surprise in my eyes You guys are getting married?! I said with so much amusement and happiness in my tone

Gerard nodded and I stood from the recliner to hug the both of them

Congratulations for the both of you! then I sat once more to the recliner

This invitation is lovely! I said as I took notice how the invitation was field with such creativity. there was a dove which was biting down a piece of lace and was filled with flowery decorations and a bow to highlight everything But Hey! why so sudden? I mean..

You know my Mom, Nina.. at first she was so devastated with the news.. but in awhile, she asked for a wedding as soon as possible. She doesnt want our family to be on the spotlight so, she called for the wedding before this month would end. He stole a glance on Roselyn before he glanced back at me

Hindi daw kasi maganda pag nanganak na si Rose saka pa magpapakasal he added while he played with ring on his finger

Tapos, bigla na lang pumasok si Meg and laid a meryenda in the center table. It was a chocolate mousse cake from Goldilocks accompanied by a

glass jug of orange juice

Talagang hindi maganda yun sa mata ng Dyos. Ang sabi niya while she sat in the other recliner close to the tv

Oh! Nice diamond ring, Roselyn! she said while she took notice of Roselyns Tiffany & Cos diamond ring that mustve cost a fortune

Thanks! Ang sabi ni Roselyn smiling at Meg. It was really awkward with the dead silence so bigla na lang nagslice si Meg ng Goldilocks cake sa harap ng center table and handled Roselyn one

Dont worry, have a bite with the cake. Safe yan, hindi kita lalasunin ang sabi ni Meg

Even if I want to I heard her murmured in her breathe

Meg! i warned her as I gave her the look

Fine! Fine! Joke lang yun.. ano ba! she said habang napahalakhak siya nagslice siya uli ng cake and laid it sa isang platito

Alam ko bitter ako, oo! Pero, invited ba ako? she asked as she sat once again to the recliner

nagtinginan muna sina Roselyn and Gerard and then Roselyn handled down another invitation to her hand and gave it to Meg Ang aga! two days from now?! ang sabi ni Meg with all the surprise

visible to her eyes nang mapansin niya ang date ng kasal

We personally wanted to invite you kasi gusto ko kayo maging ......" /... maging?/

"brides maid ang sabi ni Roselyn habang nakangiti sa amin.

nag tinginan muna kami ni Meg with all the surprise expression visible to our faces before we turned our head to Roselyn and Gerard seriously?! we both said in unison

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wedding finally arrived and I was not even surprise to see Iigo as he had the grand entrance with his 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago, drawing more attention from the ladies in the Manila Cathedral.

He was undeniably good looking in a Randy Ortiz Suit which probably the main reason why ladies would still want to approach him just so they could get his attention. The way he smiled to everyone else made my heart skip a beat

/Even though im mad at him, he never fails to give me that effect /I thought while watching him from a far wishing he would not notice how

infatuated I am with him

He was hand shaking few of the well-known and respected guests when he finally noticed that I was staring at him

all-blushed and embarrassed, I shyly looked away from him and went inside the church.

and when I was inside, I noticed how beautiful Manila Cathedral was. This church's facade is in breathtaking Romanesque-Byzantine architecture featuring baroque elements, a perfect blend of contrasting styles. A perfect place to say I dos

The aisle was decorated with Beautiful lilac flowers which adorned the venue courtesy of Scarlet Begonia Flowers.

People were all dressed in the shades of purple including those cute little midget carrying basket all aroundthe flower girls

I was so into my stare siesta when suddenly, someone approached me and hugged my legs from behind. i turned around only to be greeted by those charming brown eyes which reminds me a lot of Iigo.. it was Darren, Iigos little brother, in his cute little Nat Manilag tux

I bent down to his level only to see his grin grew wider.

Just as I thought, you look really pretty! he said

I was about to utter another word when suddenly, Darren! You little brat, I told you not to lurk around.. you--!!

a woman in her mid-20s ,wearing a fancy Rajo Laurel Red dress with slits which exposes her aphrodisiac killer thighs, said while she was carrying around her a cute little baby girl with humongous pink bow on her puny head

I was still at awe, when this lady even approached nearer and saw how beautiful she was.. no, its an understatement to say that. /She's beyond gorgeous!/ I thought

She was about to scold Darren but was stopped when she noticed my presence Oh! sorry! Did my annoying bratty little brother bother you that much? she said with a sly smile imprinted in her MAC Dubonnet Red Lips

/brother?/ I thought as I stood up from my kneeling and smiled at her Not really. He was just saying hi to me I said as I glanced down to Darren and smiled

Im Dianne. I guess youre on the brides side? she said Nina.Uhhyou could say that Im a friend

we were interrupted with the little chit chats when .. The bride has arrived!! shouted by one of the ladies as she made her way outside. We both looked at the outside and saw much of the commotion going on there..

I guess, that signals it. I better go. See you, Nina! she said as we went beso-beso with each other and then pulled Darren with her

I smiled to my self thinking how these Bustamante siblings could be equally good looking and tall all at the same time

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the brides maid were instructed to line on the west part of the churchs entrance. Everyones busy preparing and the ceremony was about to start ..

everyone were starting to march along the aisle when suddenly, my Black Berry vibrated against my purse and when I picked it up, it was a sms coming from

/From : Meg Toledo (+639*********)/ /My car brke dwn & m stil stuck @ paco. Ill be late sorry :-(/

/Stuck at Paco?! /I thought worriedly to where Meg was. Malayo layo pa yun and it would be hassle to call a cab in the middle of the road when youre wearing a purple gown such as this

/To : Meg Toledo (+639*********)/ /Will you make it?/

I looked up and saw that itll take three more heads and Ill go down my own marching the aisle as well.. just imagining those stares i could get it suddenly made my heart throb crazily---I was nervous.

/sino ba naman hindi? A-attend ka ng wedding ng ex mo and his family already knew who you were for 4 years/

and I was even surprise to see wholl be my partner from the opposite side of the church. Guess who? The least I could expect.No other than, Iigo himself

We were staring at each other for awhile when I shoved my Black berry inside my purse. At least, I could say that he was still staring back at me even when I looked away

/Nobody told me hell also be part of this whole marching thing /I thought

It was now our turn to march along the aisle and when I entangle my right arm to his left, it gave my spirit an unusual reaction and my heart was drumming crazily as he implants his gazes on me

/You were suppose to be angry at him. Damn it!/ Ang bulong sa akin ng konsensya ko while I was slowly melting to his illuminating stares

/but I guess I cant help it /I thought back

I saw various faces which im familiar with. Although, Gerards parents were against our relationship back then..

I was still polite enough to smile at Tito Gilbert, Gerards Father, a physician and Cabinet member, who was surprised to see my presence and so is Tita Marilou.

/maybe they thought I wont attend /I said to my self while Iigo and I were still marching as I awkwardly smiled to the other Enriquez-es that im familiar with

/Finally! This awkward match is finally over /I thought as I sigh in relief

when we were about to separate in our own way, I was about to untangle my self to him when I suddenly heard him whispered

*Im sorry *

I looked back at his direction and I saw him giving me his sly smile from a far and surprisingly, I found my self smiling at the thought of it

/Forgiven?/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The reception was held on the fancy 5-star Hotel in Edsa, it was held inside the grandeur Shangri-la hotel. The lobby area of the hotel is very spacious and gorgeous.

There were lots of staff members looking fantastic in their turqoise-coloured uniforms always ready and willing to assist with anything.

Guests were welcomed with wine and champagne courtesy of Rene Barbier and a truly flavorful and endless assortment of hors doeuvres and pasta by H Cuisine.

The repast was rounded off with an overflowing open bar courtesy of Baileys, Artic Vodka and Belgian brews from Global Beer Exchange, while those with a sweet tooth indulged in confections from Martas Cakes.

It was perfect, especially the part where Roselyn arrived in a fancy Pepsi Herrera wedding dress with flounce and ruffles which gives a sense of volume and motion.

Like surf breaking over the ocean with broderie anglaise as it creates wavelike layers that ripple as a bride progresses in the middle of the hall with Gerard in a suit made by the same designer.

Everyone stood up from their seat and clapped as they saw the newly-weds approached in front of the hall . they smiled at every guests theyve passed by and Gerard genuinely smiled and waved at me as he finally spotted me over the crowd

i smiled back and thinking how beautiful Roselyn was with the jewerly shone upon her neck and ears from Karat World

/Ah! Perfect fairytale/ I thought to my self as I was sitting alone in the far most left of the reception

and then suddenly, someone tapped me on my shoulder and when I looked around and turned my direction, it was ..

Meg?! I said in horrid while I saw her heavily breathe Yeah!/*breathe*/ its /*breathe*/ me /*breathe* /surprise!

I took my handkerchief from my purse and smear it on the sweaty forehead of Meg

Buti nakarating ka pa? I asked Someone offered me a ride she replied as we both took a seat this time

tumingin siya sa paligid as if looking for someone in the sea of crowd.

Ill be in the powder room muna, Nina she whispered in my ear Samahan na kita I offered her as I stood up No, no.. you stay here. I could do it myself she said as she made her way to the corner of the area

I watch her disappear from the thin air then I sat my self once again alone in the round table

I turned my attention to another speaker in the stage. It was Tito Peter, Gerards Ninong.. talking about how a great/inaanak /Gerard was and how polite and responsible he was which made him so proud of Gerard

Everyone was at awe when they saw Gerards baby pic on the white screen

I was laughing hysterically at the toothless baby grinning on the screen with his diaper on when suddenly Ive felt someone sat next to me. I thought it was Meg so I turned around thinking she was indeed sitting next to me

Meg, Tingnan mo yung I saw cut off when instead of a black pools, i was graced by those sexy brown eyes familiar to my senses. it was.... Iigo? I asked surprised with his appearance

Nina, Can we go outside and talk? he asked in his most caring voice as he whispered in my ears

I was hesitant at first but I allowed him to lead the way as he took my hand

We stopped in the middle of the garden area where it was isolated by the people but us. I looked around the huge majestic luxurious garden of this 5-star hotel as the moon light shone upon us

and when I looked back at Iigo, I was graced by those mesmerizing brown eyes of his

He swallowed hard, and cupped my face in his hands. His gorgeous, soulful eyes roamed over my face as if memorizing every annoying moles and non-existent dimple there is

"Damn," he growled, and then pressed his mouth to mine.

One of my hands slid over his shoulder and down his back, and my other cupped the back of his neck.

He nibbled at my lips, tasting first the bottom and then the top, and then his tongue emerged once again, tracing insistently at the straight seam of my mouth.

I immediately surrendered, granting him entry without a second thought. His tongue slid in, and I tasted the sharp flavor of mint and lime, but it seemed like something vital was missing, something

/Fuck it, I couldn't think. /

One of his hands left my jaw and trailed down to my shoulder, tugging at my gown. His other hand fell to my waist

Iigo broke away from me, settling his chin on top of my head

Then he looked at me straight in the eyes and leaned closer to my face Im sorry for being a jerk and letting you cry. He whispered into my ears as he kissed my neck

Im sorry for jumping into conclusions. Trailed kisses on my jaw line

Im sorry for ignoring every attempt of your communication. He kissed my cheeks

Im sorry for disappearing in a thin air placed his endearing kiss on my nose and then he sighed

Im sorry for everything he said as he brought his lips on my forehead and kissed it

He locked me once again in his embrace but tightly this time Gerard told me everything. Im sorry. I shouldve listen to you he said

I was eaten by my jealousy and--- Shh!! I hushed him as I brought my fingers to his soft lips Its okay, Iigo. Ive forgiven you I said in a low calm voice

We stared at each other for awhile as we remained silent enjoying every bits of the moment

and then, at that time. Its felt so right .. so I kissed him lightly on the lips and said while gazing into his eyes

*I love you*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 18 *Ding!* for anyone, it mustve been the elevator sound but for us, it was a go signal

as the Elevator door opened itself, Iigo immediately slammed his lips into mine. Crushing it with such roughness as he trailed soft tingling feeling to my stomach

the kiss was temporarily interrupted when he swiped a metallic card to his door only to swing it open so we could finally made our way inside

I smiled at him as my eyes assessing him slowly in ways that would make him hot. His mouth caressed mine gently at first, His lips probed mine and i felt the gentle pressure of his tongue.

So I relaxed my mouth and felt his tongue tasting the inside of mine, which sent shivers through my being.

His mouth moved over to my nipple, alternating between suckling and touching the sensitive point with the tip of his tongue.

My hand clenched in his hair harder, and his other hand went to my other breast, pinching and twisting the second nipple until it was as hard as the first.

My panties were drenched now, and the friction of rubbing my legs together was unbearable.

Seized by sudden anticipation of him inside me, I trailed my free hand over his bare chest and abdomen before dipping down into the waistband of his black slacks to cup him through his boxers. Iigo hissed against my skin.

"You're so hard," I breathed, exploring the size and texture of him. It felt like iron in its firmness, yet soft and warm, and so alive.

"As a fucking rock" he agreed against my breast, nipping it.

He groaned, as I caressed him, wrapping my fingers around the shaft.

"You got a condom?"

He nodded quickly and fumbled in his night stand. When he dug one out, he tore it open and sheathed himself.

I watched him carefully as he caressed my skin around my panties with his fingers before gently hooking them to slide them delicately down my bare legs.

I miss you, Nina he whispered unto my ear before He moved from his fondling to that action so quickly that I barely knew it.

My folds stretched, the sting of his penetration turning into the shards of pleasure as he moved against my core, creating delightful friction.

I felt him shift his position which caused his cock to rub against my clit with each thrust inside of me.

Every single night,Nina. I always dream about you underneath me .. naked he said in between heavy breathings and pant as I moaned to the sensation his been giving me

He lay in between my parted thighs and his hips bucked relentlessly as he thrust inside of me, my hands gripping him as my knees holding onto his ass.

He then began to increase his tempo until I cried out against him

I couldnt think straight

A moment later, he arched his back and I knew from how he felt inside my womanhood that he had climaxed even before he sighed harshly.

And when I looked into his face at how he looked at that moment, I had never seen anything more beautiful

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Iigo? I whispered as I laid my chin on top of his corded pecs while I slowly lingered my touch to his perfect and hard to touch 6-packs-abs, wishing he wasnt into his slumber yet

hmm? a non-comical answer Ive got as I saw him move his lashes staring at the ceiling quietly

Are we you knowuhm.. girlfriend-boyfriend thingy now? I said as I blushed, thankful that the room was filled with nothing but darkness

He shifted his position only to face me and kiss me on my forehead Well, its upto you.Do you want to? he asked as I could almost feel him smirked

/of course! Who wouldnt want to anyway?/ I thought but a sudden flash back went through my sense

/Its in /Makati/right? ang sabi ko trying to write down the place on my piece of paper that i've grabbed moments before/ /Yep. He answered dryly/

/ Whos that you're talking to, babe? narinig ko mula sa kabilang linya. It was obviously a voice coming from a woman next to him/

/ was that---?? ang sabi ko but I stopped half-way only to bit down my lower lip. I do that most of the time to stop my self from crying. I could feel my self na naglulumo sa narinig ko mula sa kabilang linya/

/was that another girl? I thought while napapikit ako/ /What? he snarled/

/Nothing. Ill see you to---/

/doot.. doot.. doot a sound coming from my black berry indicating na binabaan niya ako ng telepono/

Who was that girl who called you babe on the phone last time? I asked trying to calm down my voice so itll not be obvious that jealousy was heating on my ego

What are you talking about, Nina? he said as he chuckled lightly which made me more furious

I grunted as I sat up from his king-size bed not bothering to fix my already messed hair

He-hey! Calm down will you? he said as he placed both of his large warm hands on both of my bare shoulders

Maybe if you kiss me, Ill remember he teased which made me frown even more

I rolled my eyes as I attempted to stand up but was only pressed even more unto the bed as Iigo tackled me down, his naked body on top of mine

Get off me! I said in a commanding tone

Wow! Someones really jealous huh? he said as the light from the outside dimmed unto his shadow while our faces were just an inch apart from one another

I wanted to kiss him, feel the stubble of his jaw line against my skin, slid my fingers inside to explore his wonderland once more

I sighed and said to myself /but he was playing the teaser this time/ /and damn im impatient! /

I moved my hands at the back of his neck so hed leaned into me and pressed his mouth against mine, and our lips moved sensually across each other's.

I moved to the top his lip, kissing it gently, and then his bottom one, sucking it and pulling it into his mouth a little.

He let out a little moan, but when my tongue emerged to slide against my bottom lip, He didn't open his mouth.

"Fuck! That was hot!" He groaned, lifting his head. "Are you trying to kill me with pleasure?"

"Not at all," I replied innocently as I giggled lightly to his ear. And while I had him off guard, I easily rolled us over so that I was on top of him.

I sat low on his stomach and felt his cock poking my behind. It was quite an interesting feeling.

a feeling which signals me to stood up from the bed and free my self from Iigos embrace. then i began picking up my undergarment that were strewn on the floor and started yanking them on

All the playfulness was gone when he rolled out of the bed. He went to my direction as his lips began breathing air on my ear and his hands started traveling down my body once again as he hugged me from behind

Alright. Alright. You dont have to be all so stress out with that. It was just my sister. I believe youve met her at the wedding. She just came all the way from New Jersey he whispered

I turned around as my brows were pulled together registering every words he just said Dont make a fool out me, Iigo. So your sisters calling you babe now?! i never knew such thing! I snarled at him with much of fury I had inside me

you know youre cute when I see fumes coming out of your nose he said chuckling which made me furious more

I pushed his chest and said I needed to go to work

/it was an excuse but a lame one/

Nina he said lovingly, his warm breathes give me shivers on my spine as he wrapped his strong arms around my frame

Ive been bugged by various annoying squealing women from time to time on my phone so Ive changed my number, which you thought that I mustve been hiding away from you the whole time. I wasnt! you see, I just have enough pride on me that I didnt tell you right away

I was at my parents house when you called. Honestly, I thought it was another prank call but when I heard your sweet sweet voice on my ear.. he stopped only to kissed me on the side of my lips savoring each scent as he inhaled my aroma

I knew it was you I looked up to see all the honesty in his eyes. i smiled softly while placed my hand behind his neck

but my sister was the one who mock a girly high-pitched voice and said whos that youre talking to,babe? .. he said as he made faces which made me giggle a little

I refuse to babysit her baby Scarloe .. she thinks im a man whore so she drives away a lot of ladies who called me through my phone just so I could make my time to babysit my niece. He snorted as he rolled his eyes

Yeah I know, Diannes really childish.. shes been spoiled rotten by Dad just because shes the only girl in the family. Tsk!

but anyway, where were we? he said as he slowly titled his head for me to kiss Iigo's eyes roved appreciatively over my nakedness, and before he would groped my breast with his large warm hands like he usually do

He darted his gaze towards those mountains.. it as if sculpting it in his mind. He was staring for longer than what I had thought was necessary

I squirmed. "What is it with guys and boobs?" I asked.

Iigo looked up an arched a brow. "You really want me to answer that?"

I grinned as I wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could, leaving no space between us. "Probably not."

"Thought so," he nodded, and claimed my mouth for a deep, drugging kiss.

Iigo slipped his tongue out of my mouth and kissed me gently once more on the lips before pulling back to look at me, his brown orbs filled with so much desire.

Slowly, he slid the straps of my bra down my arms, watching me all the while. His fingers sliding against my skin caused an eruption of goose flesh, and I trembled.

My future is unclear, but all I want is you to be in it .I love you, Nina he said before devouring my lips once more I love you more, Iigo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meg?! I called out in the darkness of the flat. Nobody was there to answer. Were now at Megs apartment and Iigo insisted na i-hatid niya ako mismo pati sa loob

Meg?! I called out once again but to my dismay, nobody shouted back.. usually when i call for Meg, She'll either scream back saying she's in the kitchen or elsewhere.

I think shes not home Iigo said before he finally switch on the light in the flat

suddenly, someone made a sound and groaned. My heart beat sped up when I heard a sudden motion coming from the living room.. someone was definitely upto something there

Stay here! Iigo said protectively as I hid my self from behind him. He drew him self nearer to the living room as I tailed him behind not wanting to be left behind

It was still 5 in the morning and definitely it would be hassle if we call for police so we gotta get our hands dirty this time

The /thing/, yeah I dont know what you call it, but it moved in the couch.. /the thing/ was covered with blanket so when Iigo bravely pulled the blanket off..

What the heck! ang sabi ni Iigo as he saw Meg, all naked in our couch

Meg?! I said as I tip toed my way up just so I could cover Iigos eyes from the sight of Megs naked body

but one thing I noticed was that, Meg wasnt entirely alone .. she had a company it was..

Patrick?! I said so surprised to see the same man with chinito eyes.., Patrick is Gerards high school friend that he introduced to me on Reys wedding the other time around.. the wedding where I met Iigo

He was naked as hell when he stretched out his arms which was previously wrapped around Megs bare body

Oh! hey there, Nina! Meg said casually as she rubbed her eyes Whos Patrick? Iigo uttered as he yanked away my hands to see whats going on

Omg!! Meg went back to her senses as she saw Iigo beside me. She immediately took the blanket all for herself while kicking Patrick off the couch so she could run to her room

He fell off the carpet while his butt exposes itself to my naked eyes

I shrieked Cover your self!! I said as I turned around to hug Iigo so I wont see anything from Patricks bare body

You heard her. Cover your self before I cut your balls, Villanueva! Iigo said with all the warning in his tone as he tugged me tightly to his arms

Patrick just chuckled as if nothing really happened and I could feel him stood up from his knees Alright. Alright

/ What the heck was going on?!/ the last thing thought in that very moment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 19 Well, Margareth? Arent you going to explain anything to me? I asked as I tapped my fingers impatiently to the kitchens table

Pfft! Youve seen everything back there, ano pa ang dapat i-explain? she asked as she took a sipped to her brewed warm coffee

But Patrick?! Of all people? Meg? Are you out of your mind? Pano na si Andr?! Dont tell me---

Im not cheating on anyone okay? she said as she laid her mug on the sink then She turned around to face me once again

Andr and I broke up a week ago she added with confidence as she hurriedly went out of the kitchen.

Shocked, Dumfounded and confused I followed her behind

What?! Youre kidding right? I asked her horrified of what Ive heard from her

Andr , that sweet smile of his and his tender dark pool in his eyes. Yeah thats the Andr I knew. We met him at Bargos, a bar in Ortigas Located along Julio Vargas Street..

Andr was sweet guy, not to mention hes honest too. Eventhough he wasnt Megs first boyfriend cause he was actually the 12th or waitwas it 13th boyfriend? I dont know anymore.

No! she laughed out loud as it echoed along the room

Andr. oh no scratch that! Its Andr-ya (Andrea) now she laughed hysterically once more as she tapped the wall nearest to her, trying to hold the laughter even more

/im starting to think shes a total fucked nut now/ I thought

Huh? What? I asked

PFFT! Ang slow naman! she rolled her eyes and blew the strands of hair dangling down her forehead

He broke up with me because finally he told me hes gay. That all this time .. he didnt want to have sex with me because he preferred guys touching him she said confidently as if it didnt really matter she even giggled slightly with my reaction

Stop making that face,Nina! Its funny! then she cracked up once more laughing as hard as she could as sound of her joy echoed in the living room

No wonder hes yeah that! Masyadong organize sa lahat ng bagay?

she asked, as she took a bite at the apple she got from the kitchen, cutting the words that i was about to utter.. I just nodded my head to her

/no wonder he loves wearing pink/ I thought

why didnt you spill it sooner? I asked

Hey! You were having a drama of your own and besides.its not a big deal. I would eventually figure it out my self even if he hasnt have plans to tell me about his.. uhh-- sexuality then she cracked herself once more

and howd you met Patrick? I asked which made her smile devilishly at me before uttering another word

I met him in an art exhibit that I was supposed to feature in our newspaper. I thought he was some kinda lurker whod like to waste his money on a piece of art then

then? I asked with so much interest lingering in my eyes like a baby asking for milk and a kid asking for a candy

she smirked before continuing where she left off

He asked for my opinion in this particular piece of art and I /this thing is so abstract, I bet he was watching Phineas and whole time he was painting this /then .. he was laughing like case and said /Howd you know that I was watching Phineas and time?/

was like Ferb the a nut Ferb that

Omg!! You did not just say that! I gasped as I pictured out Meg being so Nave that the one hes talking to was the artist himself

I know right? It was just so-oo-o embarrassing Id wish earth would swallow me up.. but he told me he found my bluntness sexy so.

So?

So.. So! What else do you want to hear anyway? Youve seen us naked while lying on the couch.. I think thats obvious she said as her cheeks were becoming red

/what? Her cheeks becoming red? ! /I thought as my eyes went wide

Margareth Toledo never blushed!

Youre blushing! I teased as I pinched her nose Hey! Im so not blushing! she said as she smacked my hand out of her nose

So he was the one who give you a lift yesterday? A-huh! It was a coincidence when he passed by at Paco in his Ducati big bike and man! That was hella sexy! Imagine me riding on a red Ducati while im wearing a purple gown

/Purple gown in a Ducati big bike /I thought and immediately it made me cracked up to death imagining Meg riding on it with Patrick

/oh! not to forget her hair blowing like in a nestea commercial/

See? It was one crazy night! Who thought that he was one of the best man too?! My! Kung makapag laro ang tadhana sa buhay ko, wagas!!

Teka! I thought you dont want to mess your couch --pero don niyo ginawa? I asked in a most playful tone which made Meg smirked even more

Well don kame tinawag ng tukso eh.. ano magagawa ko?

tapos nagkatitigan lang muna kameng dalawa ni Meg before

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA! we both laughed na para bang walang bukas

/Best friends nga naman /I thought

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You did a very good job, Ms. Fernandez .. said by the editor-in-chief, Letty Magsanoc as she went through my work

enough details to give us enough information. Not to mention you even added the things Mr. Iigo Bustamante does to achieve such great heights in his career. It felt like you just narrated his life into it she said as she laid her back on her Boss Heavy-duty Big and Tall Desk Chair

A lot of press wanted him on a one-on-one interview but hes really hard to catch. and you? she said with so much amusement in her tone

You did it in less than a week! are you any chance related to him? It seems you know a lot of things about him. she asked while her right brow was raised in curiosity

/I just happen to be his girlfriend/, /Maam /a thought that I wish I could just utter so her curiosity will end there

instead, I just I smiled at her and said Oh! nothing really .. uhh-- actually,Maam.. he wasnt really hard to interview .. talagang open lang siya sa lahat ng bagay

/oh no, you dont know how many consequences Ive got just so those questions will be answered by my own boyfriend /I thought as a scene last night flashed through my head

Iigo.. I murmured while I attempted to shake him off from his slumber.locking him on my embrace while his back was facing me

we were both lying down on his bed naked after a heated passion an hour before.

Hmm? he said altering his position to face me as he wrapped me around his warm embrace once more

What? Gusto mo ba ng third round? but Im warning you,youll be sore the next day he added as his smirked grew wider on his perfectly handsome face

I just rolled my eyes and said Err! Ikaw talaga yan lang lagi sa isip mo

He just chuckled lightly not taking my words seriously as I felt him wrap his arms around me while he cup my arse.

In return, I entwine my long legs around his making him groan with anticipation

His tongue slid across my bottom lip, begging for entrance that immediately gave in as our tongues clashed together

But suddenly, His lips found their way down my flat stomach, kissing both of my pinkish mountains over my chest. He massaged as he kissed the other.

My head fell back with the sensation that hes giving me, running my fingers through his hair.

I looked up at him through my lashes. Im serious, Iigo I said in a commanding tone as I pushed him away from my frame

His playfulness had stop when he got off me and sat up in his king-size bed not even removing his eyes on me

Okay, What is it my angel? he asked as he stroked my cheeks only to give my body another reaction between my legs

I sat up from the bed, still naked and not bothering to cover up while I held his hand on my cheek

Remember the interview Ive told you last time? I said while I draw my self nearer to him

He nodded yeah.. what about it?

I really need to pass it before this week would end.. and uhmcan we do it now? I said as i was pouting my lips while I saw him looking at it intently

pretty please? I added with all the desperation needed as I pouted even more

He sighed momentarily but I saw him lighten up his mood as he smirked wider this time

/Uh-oh I could see something behind that wide smirked of his/. I thought /hes definitely up to something/

Alright! In one condition he said while his playfulness were so back to the track

What? I asked

In every question youll throw at me you have to ... he trailed off enjoying my dying anticipation of me waiting in vain

I have to what? I asked impatiently

kiss a part of my ever *luscious* body he said emphasizing the word luscious as he flexed his biceps attempting to be all matcho about it

my eyes grew wider as my mind was trying to register a word he just said / whatta--? Kiss? A part? /I thought

Youve got to be kidding me! I cant do that! I said

Come on! Its just a kiss.. okay? Its now or never he said with all the light chuckling he did as his brows were wobbling up and down

Being defeated and desperate, I sighed and said alright

Okay he rolled out of bed and sipped into his boxer only to switch on the light and said

Ill be back.. kukuha lang ako ng pen and a paper he said but before he was completely gone, he even winked at me

I rolled out of bed taking my time surveying how his pad never undergone a change since the last time I was here..

still, the bachelor ambiance is still there.. the wallpaper was still as

masculine as ever just like his persona

I took the opportunity to slipped into my undergarments and just I was about to tucked an over-size shirt I got from his drawer

I felt him wrapping his strong arms around me from behind me while his erection was still poking my behind

Nina he whispered in my ears while he kept breathing on my neck

Hmm? a non-commical answer as I turned on my right to see his face close to mine.

we stayed like that for awhile,our nose were resting on each other as we closed our eyes together ..

Suddenly. YAAAAAA!!! I shrieked as I kicked my feet in the nothingness of the air ..when I felt him tightening his grip around my waist just so he could carry me all the way to his bed once more

I laughed as hard as I could while I was laying my back on his soft warm bed.

Sounds of my laughter echoed in the whole room while I felt like Iigo was staring at me for awhile nowlonger than he always does

I looked up only to give him a soft peck on the lips You know, youre more beautiful when you go in hysterics laughter such as that

I felt like my heart had stopped from the moment he said that as i gazes into his brown eyes and saw the windows to his soul

Okay! Lets go down to business, shall we? He said as I sat up from the bed and handled me down a pen and a paper

/He sure is excited/ I thought while I rolled my eyes. As I was religiously taking down his answers to every question I asked, he would always be sneaky enough and asked me to kiss him everywhere ---

to his nose, side of his lips, his neck, the juncture between his neck and shoulder, his pecs, deltoids, his abs, biceps.. you name it!

And honestly, I could feel my cheeks turned red as his muscle would tensed up when my lips would brush to his bare skin

He even asked me to kiss his -------

I see she said making me go back to the present where Im sitting on Mrs. Magsanocs office.

she entwined her fingers so her chin would rest on top of it as she looked at me in the eyes as if examining every details on my face then

she smiled

Well..I dont doubt it, with a pretty face such as yours.. even the known Casanova,such as him,would definitely be wrapped around your fingers she added which made my grin grew wider

/ang feeling na binigyan ka ng compliment ng terror boss niyo priceless!/ I thought feeling the happiness lingering in my soul at that very moment

Then she stood up while she took my hands and shook it with delight Im glad you didnt disappoint me of what Id expect you to come up with

Thank you, Maam! I said still grinning widely to the woman in her mid 40s standing right in front of me

*Knock Knock Knock*

Come in! said by Mrs. Magsanoc as I saw her secretary , Krizzia as was what I remembered Mrs. Magsanoc addressing her secretary that way..

Maam, the meeting will start in 15 minutes she said

very well then she said then turned to my direction

Again, it was nice having you on the team, Ms. Fernandez. You may go now

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/could it be more perfect than this?/ I thought as I made my way out of Mrs. Magsanocs door

/Perfect Job, Perfect Friend and Ive got the perfect boyfriend. What more can I asked for?/

Wow! Someones really in a goody good good effin mood today huh? Jesse said as she tapped my shoulder

I smiled at her as we walked side by side along the hall Are you bipolar? she asked as she her brows were pulled together while she frowned

No, why? I answered with all the confusion in my tone

The whole month you were like.. having the worst time of your life every single day you walked in the office. Dark circles, messy bun hair.. but now, looked at you! she said as she pointed at my state with her hands

All pumped up beautifully its as if you had . Then her smile grew wider almost reaching on her ears

/Oh no! not again /I thought in horrid as she pulled me closer to her to whisper

I get it! Youre not bipolar but you were sexually starved the whole month and now Iigo .

She didnt even finish what she had to say because I covered her mouth with my palm while I looked around trying to see if someones eavesdropping in the near by vicinity

Will you drop it?.. someone might hear it! I said in a lowest volume of my tone

then suddenly, my black berry vibrated against my pocket. I immediately picked it up knowing who would the caller be

Having a great afternoon, Beautiful?

and by that warm husky voice sweet tone to my ear I could tell, it was Iigo

Well, it was even great when you called I said as I glanced at Jesses direction only to see her clueless as the lake in taal

I miss you already

Really? How much do you missed me? I asked with such playfulness in my tone while I bit my lower lip

Too much, that it kept me up even in the time like this

and how did I manage to do that? he chuckled lightly before he asked do you seriously want to know how?

my cheeks suddenly turned red when he said that so I tried my best to shift the topic off to something else

Uhhso why would you call me in the time like this? I glanced at my watch only to see.. ..Its just 5:55 in the afternoon Cool! Then Lets have dinner together

/he said what?!/ I thought as I began to panic thinking it would be cause a huge commotion in the venture

like right now? I asked trying to tame my voice Yeah.. im actually on my way to pick you up right now

Whaaat?! Is all that I could say from the very moment /

/ /Eyes.People.Chismis.. OMG!!/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 20 as I went outside of the venture, I right away saw Iigo leaning so

casually on his 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago looking hot as ever in his casual navy blue button down polo which he folded the sleeves of it so people with eyes, particularly women, could peak at his huge strong muscular biceps

You! You didnt even give me ample time to prepare! I said as I smack his arm but he just chuckled at me as he enveloped me around his broad warm arms

hinalikan niya muna ako sa ulo until he rested his hands unto my waist

I could smell that faint aroma he just sprayed all over his shirt no need to do that, youre still beautiful he said with a sly smile painted all across his perfectly cult face

AWWWW!! That is just so sweet of you guys!

We both turned our direction to the one who said that in an ever fancy high-pitched girly girl voiceit was Jesse as she was clasping her hands together while her eyes were twinkling in delight

then, Iigo turned his direction to me to give me a/who-the-heck-is-this/look

ngiwi akong napangiti sa kaniya and said

Babe, this is-----

I was immediately cut off by my words when Jesse rushed like a road runner to where Iigo stood up and took his hand for her to shake endlessly

Im Jessica Sustiguer 22 and a half, vital statistics 32-25-34.. yiie! And Ive been dying to meet you since the first time I saw you on a GQ and Metro magazine! ang sabi niya with all the excitement she didnt even dare to conceal

Uhhhyeah is the only thing Iigo could say as his lips turned into an awkward smile

Lets go? ang sabi bigla ni Iigo as he tried to escape the ,what it seems to be, never ending hand shake of Jesse

He wrapped his right arm around my shoulder, drawing me closer to his heart Its was nice meeting you, Jessica he said as he opened his door for me to slid inside

Jesse wave at us but Iigo never bothered himself to look back and to smile at her

Man! That woman is weird and annoying! Who would be human enough to blurt out their vital stats to a complete stranger?! he said as he frown

Hey! Be nice, shes still one of your fans.. you know I said while trying to hold my laughter just looking at how annoyed Iigo was

from the moment there, I thought shes going to rape me he added I just rolled my eyes and said If I know, you just love the attention

The only thing I crave for, want for and die for is he leaned casually at me as our faces were almost inseparable

.the attention I get from you.. he added with all the sweetness in his tone as he kissed my forehead

My heart began to rise as it throbs crazily inside my ribcage

/this reaction/ I thought as I closed my eyes

Where do you plan on taking me? I asked trying to divert the conversation while Iigos eyes were now focusing on the road

Youll know it soon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We arrived at this restaurant, which is far from the crowd and was tucked away in Yakal street in Makati.

The sign of the restaurant was not hard to see for it was planted right in front of the entrance.

*Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano *it read

The exterior design of it is modern yet classic and it actually felt like youre in Italy. The maroon bricks on the wall and humongous fountain right in front of the restaurant which highlighted the whole area as it gives a perfect ambiance of a modern-day date for couples

Beautiful! I said while I was still lingering my eyes to the frontal view of the restaurant

Ofcourse He said while his eyes were still glued in front

I was awed the whole time I didnt notice that we were now inside

looking for a parking space.

Finally! Iigo uttered in relief as he spotted a free space just between the black Volvo and the Maroon Toyota avanza

Youre going to love their food especially Risotto Stile Liguria He said with all enthusiast visible to his eyes

He was about to turn the wheel and take that space when some Silver Porshe Carrera overtook and stole the supposed-parking space for us

Whatta-- He said as he slammed his hands on the wheels. Sa sobrang inis, he impatiently went off the car and slammed the door of it

I followed him closely behind just in case, hell throw a trouble

/Oh no, his temper sure is off this time /I thought while I hurriedly stood beside him ready to stop in case it gets dirty

But instead of a man like what Ive expect to come out from this Silver Porshe Carrera, it was a woman.. in her early 20s wearing a leopard print v-neck blouse exposing a part of her cleavage..

she stood 58-almost-59 feet tall. A little petite but definitely has every curves that every man would surely work wonders in their manly desire. I looked at her intently and was intidmated by her very smooth-looking porcelain skin and her long slender shape-y legs

She turned around and laid her hands on her hips only to remove her Rayban aviator out of her eyes

She was gazing at us as her brows were pulled together in unison. Then she suddenly, smiled and to my surprise..

Iigo?! she said with all the amusement in her tone as she ran to Iigo, give him a kiss on a cheek and hug him as tight as I could see

Ken? He replied back, pulling his self away from the embrace this woman was giving him

Wow! of all places I could run into you she smiled once more flashing her perfectly straight white teeth

and then her lips turned from a smile to O as she laid her eyes on me

New girl? she said as she turned her attention to Iigo

Ah.. Ken, this is my girlfriend Nina he said as he wrapped his right arm around my tiny frame

Nina.. this is Ken, a college batchmate, we attended Princeton together in New Jersey. Shes a friend

......with benefits! and then she slightly giggled but she stopped when she noticed nobody was laughing at her sick joke but her

Hey! That was funny!.. she winked at Iigo then darted her almost-gray orbs on me as she smirked wider .and*true*

Ken.. Iigo uttered as if warning this woman right in front of us not to spill something that shouldnt be said

Alright, Alright. Zipped she said while she gestured herself in a imaginary zipper

then she turned her attention to me and smiled a kind of smile that didnt reach her eyes at all

I awkwardly smiled back as she took my hands and shook it Nice meeting you,Nina.. Im Ken, Kendra Gainsborough

and then a familiar phrase came back to me

/Jesse drew her self closer to me and before she whispered into my ear,

tumingin muna siya sa paligid. Checking out if may nakikinig sa near by vicinity/ /and theres this known international ramp model who was rumored to be his girlfriend/

/napatigil ako, at bigla kong naramdaman ang unti unting paglumo ng pakiramdam ko. But I was curious, kaya kahit na pa ayaw ko nang malaman para hindi na ako masaktan, I still insisted/

/who is she? I whispered almost sounding like hoarse which is the sign that my lips refuses to utter/ /Shesuhh-- Shes Kendra Gainsborough, British-Filipina ramp model of Burberry /

/*Kendra Gainsborough.. British-Filipina.. ramp model*/ * Kendra Gainsborough..British-filipina * *Kendra Gainsborough* *Kendra Gainsbo.* *Kendra.* /* Ken*/

Her name just kept on echoing inside my head while my heart began to palpitate inside. Then, a worried-troubled look was flashed from my face to Iigo as I tighten my grip to his arm

Whats wrong,Love? he asked as he looked at me /Lets just dine elsewhere please/

I thought but instead, of telling him that, I just shook my head and said nothing

Good! Now.. mind if I join you, guys? she asked. Iigo stiffened his muscle and was about to utter Well actually----

Come on now, Im starving!

Then she turned on her wheels as walked like she was in runway on her nude pumps.

I slowly watched her from behind as she made her way to the front door, all heads and eyes turned to her direction.

Even those men who had a date right in front of them turned 360 degree, almost breaking their neck just so they could get a glimpse of the gorgeous lady coming to the door

She would never take No for an answer, Honey. Im sorry Iigo whispered to my ear as he kissed my forehead and held unto my hands.

He squeezed it lightly and I looked up to see him smiling at me my heart melted in the sight of his eyes darting into my soul

but that daydreaming, or rather night dreaming, had stopped when that woman turned around while she smiled at us, or maybe to Iigo, and then she sweetly said arent you coming?

/UGH! I think im going to lose my appetite /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

dont you think Sow-pa-de-Fun-hee looks delicious? shall we try it, Iigo?

Its Zo-pa-di-fung-gi (Zoppa di Funghi) and Oh no no no! Kendra uttered while she laid the menu out of her face. She was sitting across us on the table

Iigo is allergic to mushrooms She said while looking at me directly

and then turn her direction to my boyfriend and said Right, Iigo?

To my disappointment, I felt like I was a useless clueless girlfriend at that very moment when I saw Iigo slightly nodded while scanning down the menu

How about Risotto Stile Liguria? Isnt prawns and salmons your favorite, Igo?

I felt my jaw tighten when I heard her uttering Iigos nickname /Only his mom calls him that/ I thought trying to brush of the sudden jealousy I felt

How about you, Nina? She asked while smiling at me I think Ill have the same I uttered as I sighed

Cool!

then she turn her direction to the waiter who was standing beside her, obviously at awed with her beauty

tre Risotto Stile Liguria, uno Lasagna al Forno e un Chardonnay La Fuga, Donnafugata.. she spoke in a fluent Italian accent to the waiter

volont che sia tutto? (will that be all?) asked by the waiter She darted her eyes on our direction before glancing at the waiter s (Yes) she said while the waiter nodded

Wow! Your Italian has improved Iigo enthusiastically said while he slightly clapped his hands

Why.. ofcourse! she said proudly and slightly tilting her head gesturing herself to a sly curtsy

Ive been working under Giorgio Armani for almost a year now she added

then she glanced at my direction only to notice me staring at the both of them for quite some time now

Oh, dont be surprise with our closeness, Angel He said while casually giving me a peck on my forehead

We went long way back to Princeton .. and she was almost in every class I had Iigo said while tightly holding my right hand below the table trying to lighten me up

Yeah.. we also got the same bachelors course --- Operations Research and Financial Engineering.. oh! not forget the same dorm block back then Kendra uttered while smiling at me

Slightly relieved, I timidly replied I see and smiled back at her..

Turning to Iigo, So, what have you been upto these days, Igo? Kendra said as she played with her hair, twisting it with her fingers

Kendra crossed her right leg to the other revealing her killer long legs and porcelain thighs that men nearby will sure die-for

Same thing, still focused and determined in every race track

competition Iigo said while his huge right hand laid on my thigh

Ive heard you bagged the trophy in the recent Senior Rotax Max World Finals held in Argentina She said as she sipped her Chardonnay La Fuga, Donnafugata

A wine, that Ive heard from Iigo, was a notable depth on nose and palate with lush scents of fruit pineapple, apple and banana soledid from the island of Sicily

Well, you just heard it right He said proudly as he took a sipped on his own Chardonnay La Fuga, Donnafugata

Lets drink to that she said while she held her drink up as she glanced at my direction Right, Nina?

I was startled from that moment and didnt react right away, Iigo just wrapped his right arm around me as he kissed my hair

She isnt really much of a drinker, Ken

Disappointed of a sudden protective act Iigo pulled, Kendra just retorted her eyes and drank the wine herself

I see she spoke with a very calm timid tone this time as she laid the Bordeaux glass, tall with a broad bowl designed for full bodied red wines, on the table

I never knew you were into goody-two-shoes woman, Igo and then she chuckled lightly

Well, I dont mind.. Besides, she usually transforms herself into a really wild cat when were in bed

/what?!/ I thought when the words sank into my mind I looked up to see Iigo smiling down at me

Say, what made you drop down to Philippines? He asked as he turned his direction to Kendra who was obviously amused by Iigos answer to her non-commical question

Ill have a photoshoot for Blush magazine a week from now and I thought I should drop by earlier than usual she said with a sly smile painted across her pretty face

Earlier for what?

Earlier so I could meet you chuckling lightly, she said as she covered her lips with her wide-palm

then she shifted her position only to glance at me who was obviously not happy about her answer

she waved her both hands up and smiled at me I was just kidding, Nina ..

My mom insisted me to go here and learn Tea-gah-log (tagalog)

Wow, really? Iigo said with all the amusement in his tone

Yeah really.. she even ranted about.. whats the use of me being a half Filipina if I barely knew how to speak tea-gah-log. Ugh! she said as she rolled her hands while crossing her arms on top of her chest

Your mom has a point, you know.. Ken Well, im trying.. its not my fault if I grew up in Europe all my life you know.. she said as she sipped unto her wine

Oh, like this table.. its Mae-suh (mesa) right?

Iigo chuckled huskily at Kendras accent of trying to say Mesa instead of Mae-suh

Hey, whats so funny? she glared at Iigo as her brows were pulled together in confusion

Nothing really.. its just your accent and then he broke down to more laughter

Har-har she said in a sarcastic pretentious laugh Wait, til you see I master Tea-gah-log in no time, you wouldnt dare to laugh at me anymore

I just chuckled lightly seeing how Kendra was so worked up with her Tagalog lesson

/maybe she isnt as bad as Ive heard/ I thought while I took a bite of this Risotto Stile Liguria, /but theres still something I could feel that isnt right at all../

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were now walking straight to the parking lot, Iigos hand laid rest on my waist while Kendra was walking beside us when suddenly

kinapa ni Iigo yung bulsa niya and started panicking .. Shoot! I left the key inside.. Ill be back he said an gave me a quick kiss on the head and run his way inside back to the restaurant

So. How long have you been guys going out? Kendra said while casually flipping her long ebony-brown hair

/I cant just tell her kahapon lang kami naging official/ I thought while I stared at Kendra who was obviously impatient to her the answer

For awhile now I said with slight nervousness lingering in my tone

I see.. I must say, Iigos hotter than the last time I saw him She said taking few steps closer to me

Im sure youve seen him without his torso huh? Hot isnt he? Especially when hes all drench in his own sweat while sucking your---

Stop! I said while held out my hand to gesture her to stop She chuckled loudly this time not caring if it echoed in the whole lot.

It abruptly stopped when I looked up and saw her leaning to my ear

Do you want to know a secret? she said as she whispered in my ear I just looked at her confused /what is she planning to do? /I thought

*I was the first one.. *

*.................to fuck* * ..him* *.senseless* Then she chuckled devilishly as she moved her face away from mine

just when I was about to utter a word.

I got it! Iigo shouted as he walked straight at our direction while his keys were twirling around his finger

Did I miss anything? he asked

Oh! nothing really .. we were just discussing few*/interesting/* things, right Nina? She said as she smiled fake-ly on my behalf

Instead, of looking up to smile back,I bit my lower lip and looked anywhere else but her slightly freckled-face

I better get going. See you around,Igo she said as she approached Iigo to kiss him.. on the cheeks--- no scratch that---she kissed him in the side of his lips .. almost touching his lips

while in the corner of her eyes, I could see her grayish pools glued to me as if waiting for a violent reaction coming from me

But Iigo yanked her away as he held both of Kendras shoulder and said

Right. See you when I see you She just smiled at him and turned her direction to me

It was nice meeting you, Nina she said as she beso-ed on my cheeks while she leaned, touching both of my shoulders..

And then whispered Careful, I might steal him away from you

then immediately,she walked straight to her car and slid inside her Silver Porshe Carrera

Her car passed by at us and she rolled her window down only to smirked at us, or rather at meme, and waved

Ciao!! She cued while curling her hands to say good bye

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The whole ride back to Megs apartment was horrible. I just kept staring at the cars window while Iigo would stay still looking in front of the

road

no one was speaking and the silence was slowly chopping my heart out.

Just before I step inside the apartment, Iigo slowly and softly grabbed me by the hand and then laid his expressive brown eyes into me

Is there something bothering you? he asked with so much tenderness in his tone.. that tone that almost made my leg wobble with his sweetness

Im fine. Im just /jealous/ tired

He leaned casually to give a kiss, not the kind of kiss that we usually do when were alone in his unit.. it was a soft warm kiss as he cupped my face

Sleep well, alright? he said as he locked me into his arms

I just nodded at him before he finally slid inside his 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago

He rolled his cars window just so he could see me and smile at me.I waved at him and force my self to smile before he was completely gone

I sighed thinking how these day went. One moment it was almost perfect and then the next it was as if shattered into pieces

I passed by the lady land lord who owned the aparment. She was about 50 something years old wearing orange rollers on her hair and a glasses.

She smiled at me and so did I before I completely made my way up to Megs apartment and Ive seen that the lights were off.

/Megs probably out/ I thought as I switched on the light

then Images from the previous conversation I had flashed through my mind like a slideshow of videos coming one by one

*No offense, Nina but I always thought Iigo likes Half-bred mestizas - *Jesse * Nina.. this is Ken, a college batchmate, we attended Princeton together in New Jersey. Shes a friend* -Iigo *with benefits! *- Kendra *Hey! That was funny! and true*! -Kendra

*I never knew you were into goody-two-shoes woman, Iigo* - Kendra

*do you want to know a secret?* -Kendra /* I was the first one to fuck him senseless */ Kendra

/I was the first one to fuck him/ / I was the first one to fuck / /I was the first one../ /* First ONE..*/ */"Careful, I might steal him away from you" /*

Slowly, tears were dripping down my face.. slowly rolling down by drop as I felt the anguishes taking over my already nave and weak body.

I was trembling as I breathe unevenly crying out loud in the dark empty living room of Megs pad

I rested my head on the door as I slid down my whole body to the ground.. /

you know what sucks? Its when you felt like your not good enough for someone you love/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 21 Nina? Youre still awake? Meg said while she was removing her Jimmy Choo 'Seattle' Sandal from her feet and dangled it on her hand

Walking barefooted on the carpet, she slowly unhooked her earrings one by one from her ear

So sorry.. I was out the whole night.. Patrick---- Meg stopped from blabbering when she finally noticed me lying on the couch while I change the channels randomly

Were you crying? she asked as she dropped the sandals on the carpet and sat beside me Why are you crying?

I ignored her and still held unto the remote while I stared on the tv completely lost

/Kendra, do you plan on settling down in your mothers homeland?/

And then, by that I was completely awake sitting up on the couch as my eyes were wide open

/That woman!!!/ I thought nang makita ko si Kendra na habang naglalakad ay dinudumog ng mga press

Kendra suddenly stopped and smiled at the guy and shook her head

I dont know yet then flashed her perfectly white teeth to the camera Are you going to be @$#%#%#&&*@@#^%? asked by a woman reporter Come again? she said as she tucked her now curly brown hair to her ear while leaning to the reporter

Are you going to be the cover for November issue of Blush Magazine?

She winked and said Just watch out for it

and then continued her striding only to be stop when she was blocked by another male reporter Is it true that you went down to Philippines for a certain man?

Suddenly, my heart had stopped and my pulse went completely AWOL as I waited for her answer

She bit her lower lip then smiled at the reporter I dont think I should answer that but----

Out of nowhere, the Tv went blank, I frowned as I saw Meg beside the tv and approached me slowly on the couch

She sat beside me and said What the heck was that all about?!

Meg, what do you think about that model on tv? I blurted out from my mouth which made Meg more confuse as she crossed her arms on top of her chest

Why would you ask something such unimportant question as that? she asked while her brow were raised in curiosity Because, its not unimportant its a matter of life and death! Pfft! Stop the exaggeration! Its

Meg! Please! I pleaded while I held both of her shoulder so she could

face me

Well.. I didnt really pay attention to her. I was looking at you who was o-ooo-obviously not happy to see that bitch on tv

I sighed and looked down on the floor while I saw Meg in a concern look Spill, girlfriend. I know theres something

and by that, I hugged her tightly as I could while I cried my self telling her what happen awhile ago

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey? Whats with the puffy eyes? Jesse said as she looked at me through my reflection in the humongous mirror

I just smiled at her and said Nothing really

Those nothing of yours sure is something to my naked eyes She said as she rolled her eyes and applied a Nyx Soft Matte Lip cream on her lips, pouting it a little just so she could take a better look of it on the mirror

It was coffee break and I went to the powder room to fix my self before going down the block and get my self a coffee, then I stumbled upon Jesse who was freshly out of the cubicle

And oh! What happened to your date a day ago? Was it romantic? Omg! Did you guys kiss? How was it?! Im dying to know!!! She said with excitement as shoved the Nyx Soft Matte Lip cream inside her Michaela bag

it took me a long sighed before I uttered We went to Carpaccio

OHH EMM! Carpaccio?! That highly expensive Italian restaurant? My!! Ive heard its like Italy in Philippines.. so how was it?! For sure the foods were scrumptious right? I mean, its Carpaccio.. hello?

Yeah, their delicacies were good, I guess. Although, I dont understand why would they name their foods in Italian if in the first place, sa Pilipinas nila tinayo yun

Good point right there. But who cares?! Now, tell me!! Spill it!! Spill! It was good until, we happen to see some old friend of Iigo there I said as I felt my hands clench on my side

Friend?! Was he hot? Omg! Please, pakilala mo naman ako! she said as she tugged her hair on her ear in a flirty way

Shes not a HE, Jesse. It was,I guess, one of Iigos old flame.. the one you told me who goes by the name of Kendra

HOLY!! SERIOUSLY?! Youve met Kendra? As in Kendra Gainsborough?! Filipino-Brit model?! That Kendra? She said as her eyes grew wider

Yeah. Who else? I said as I rolled my eyes and took a long sighed

Shes like.. the hottest girl that ever walked on to earth.. well, probably second to Christine Reyes and all but--- She was taken above when she took notice on my faces stiffen expression

AWW, Nina. It mustve been hard on you then She said as she tapped my back trying to console me

You have no idea..

You know, Nina. As much as I want to tell you my advice about this, for sure.. you dont want to hear anything from the less Cum-Laude material brain such as mine.. so see you at lunch She said as she took her bag and was ready to go

I dont know what have gotten into me but I grabbed her by the arm and said

Try me, Jesse .. Im no genius when it comes to love She just smiled at me and laid her bag on the sink once again

You sure you want to hear nothing but the truth? She said while she slightly tilted her head, looking at me intently as if taking a good look on my puff-eyed face

I nodded only to make her step closer to me and held my chin up high

Nina, Just because shes pretty, doesnt make you ugly. Okay?

/Wait, where have I heard that before? /I thought while looking at Jesses face who was still smiling at me

/Right, it was Meg/

and then Megs smiling face flashed right before my eyes

/You just have to trust him, Nina. He loves you /those phrase kept on echoing inside my head as my mind started to remember the conversation I had last night with my best friend

We were still sitting on the couch at that time when the whole area was filled with silence before she finally let out her words from her lips

Really?! so what naman kung ang first time ng Boyfriend mo eh sa kaniya na punta? ang sabi ni Meg while her right brow was pulled up

Meg naman eh!! You shouldve seen her! Shes so sophisticated, she could speak Italian, She has sexy british accent, shes filthy rich! You shouldve seen her Silver Porsche Carrera!! And Shes Shes---

What?! Shes pretty? Pfft! then Meg rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms on top of her chest

Just because shes pretty, doesnt make you ugly! she shouted at me as she held both of my shoulders so I could look straight into her eyes

So what if shes sophisticated? So what if she could speak Italian or has a sexy british accent? So what if shes filthy rich? So what if she has a freaking Porsche? So what,Nina?! So What?!

Meg

Nina, Sayo nag commit si Iigo for a reason, not because of the things you have but he chose you for a reason and you know it for yourself. You just have to trust him, Nina He loves you!

then Meg clasped both of my hands and said He could walk away from anyone he ever knew, but he surely can't walk away from someone like you. Ano pa ba hahanapin niya? Maganda ka, mabait na, matalino pa!

before my lips slightly crooked itself for a smile, I sniffed like a 14-year-old wiping enough tears out of my puffy eyes. Suddenly, Meg slightly giggled to it and abruptly pinched my nose

Cry baby nga lang! Tumawa pa siya ng malakas before I locked her up on my embrace and said

Meg!! What am I going to do without you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, He hasnt called you for almost a whole day now?

I just sighed and played with my chair, turning 360 all the way through as I held on my phone next to my ear.

It was 3 in the afternoon in the office and I seriously need someone to talk to so I pressed 3(on a speed dial) and called for the perfect person to understand the complications of my self Meg

Yeah, no text, no call not even.. close to any of those I said getting annoyed and impatient just thinking about Iigos sudden distance for almost the whole day now

Oh! Come on, Nina! Dont tell nagdududa ka na naman? Hello? Race track racer ang boyfriend mo? Not the typical boyfriend here? Hes probably out there practicing Meg said almost in retort while I could almost sense that she was rolling her eyes on me

Masyado ka kasing mahilig sa mga habulin, tuloy yan! she added

Meg

Shut up, Nina! Listen, Im still in the middle of something. She said lowering down her volume almost whispering words through the phone.

I could even hear the crazy sounds of keyboards while shes obviously in front of the computer prolly doing something ----Yeah! Im on it, Aranillo! Wait----- Right, where were we? Oh! yeah!! its working hours,Nina!! Since when did you learn to slack off on your duties. work ethics please?

Meg do you think Ill call you back later okay? Bye I attempted to open my mouth only to close it again when I heard my phone making the sound

/Doot..doot.doot/

/She just hung up on me/ I thought feeling hopeless of no one to talk to

/Maybe I should just go to the powder room/ I thought as I stood up from my seat

Nina,Nina!! Thank goodness youre here! I turned around only to see Tina, my co-worker, approached me while shes trying to catch her breath

Can you do me a favor? she asked Oh sure! What is it?

I needed to be inside the meeting right now urgently and I have to photocopy this paper work.. can you do it for me instead? she said as she handled me the papers

Sure thing! I said as I took the papers from her hands Thanks! Ill get back at you right after the meeting She said as she walked or rather run as fast as she could

The Xerox machine wasnt that far from my table so I immediately made my way to it and just as I was about to open the machine..

Hey, Nina a familiar husky voice told from my behind I turned around to see..

Luigi I said while I saw him smiling at me as he took his step closer to my direction

You owe me a lot, Nina. He chuckled lightly I havent seen you in awhile now and it kinda hurt me to know that you were avoiding me he added

About that

Ive heard youve gotten yourself a boyfriend. I know you,Nina.. you were trying your best not to hurt my feelings by avoiding me.. but its alright. Tanggap ko na, I guess, hanggang friends na nga lang talaga tayo He then flashed his ever famous colgate-commercial smile and then finally he took notice of the papers that I was holding

Do you need a hand with that? he asked offering his genuine kindness to me.

I smiled back at him and said I guess so Then I handled him down the papers and He started pressing down a button in that said machine

The moment it was done, he took his time to read it for himself, titling his head just so he could get the better view of it then he turned to my direction with a confused look

All out war in Mindanao? I thought youre a sports writer? he asked as he handled the paper to me

Its not really mine, its Tinas. I just did her a favor Alrighty then, How are you and that racecar dude? he said while we were now walking side by side were okay, I guess I said plainly

Sorry, it might be eavesdropping awhile ago but I just happen to hear the conversation you had with Jesse He said

hearing those words made me stop from walking and looked at him in the eyes How much did you hear? I asked

Nothing much really.. just the part where an old flame was trying to get back at your boyfriend

I immediately pulled him with me in the corner of the room. i looked around making sure nobody's around to listen to us and said in a low volume That much huh?

I sighed as I closed my eyes Im pathetic I murmured

to my surprise, Luigi held my chin so I could look up to his endearing eyes once more Relationships are like a book, it takes a few seconds to burn - but it takes years to write it. So, write it carefully, never let go and dont let former flings ruin it.

/Dont let former flings ruin it/ I thought while savoring each word he just uttered to me

and then he smiled, a kind of smiled too genuine not to appreciate Oppsy! Gotta go.. he said as glanced at his wristwatch and tapped my back, starting his way to his table

I smiled to my self while looking at his back Thanks, Luigi! I said while he just waved from behind and held his thumb up signaling its alright

I took a deep breath and said to my self You heard him,Nina. Dont let former flings ruin it

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was 7 in the evening and I waited for a cab right in front of the venture. Iigo hasnt called me the whole day so I thought maybe he was busy.

I sighed./Its been almost an hour waiting for a cab./

Just as I was about to call a cab and wave my arms for him to notice, my eyes had caught a man, about 40-ish something, obviously in pain with his chest as he kneeled to the ground while holding his chest

I hurriedly made my way to his direction and kneeled to his level just so I could help him stand up

Kuya, Ayos lang po ba kayo? I asked as I helped him stood up from the ground

and when he finally stood up on his own knees he suddenly

covered my nose and mouth with a handkerchief that smell.. it was too sudden I didnt have time to react right away.. I struggled but I notice../the smell was/

/uuhh.. I think its something./. I thought as my mind went completely blank

I couldnt think. The smell was too strong it made me want to doze off..

Sorry, Miss. Napagutusan lang I heard him say before I shut my eyes closed and felt the cold-cemented ground on my skin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 22 I dont know how long I was asleep or how long was my body leaning on the car but when I woke up, I felt like my body was all out of juice, so

drained and worn out.

My lips were even dry as sahara dessert and the seat was too comfortable as well

I was completely awoke when I heard a husky voice from in front of what It seems to be a car.. saying Ano kaya plano ni Boss dito? Ang ganda naman ng pinakidnap niya Ah?

When I tried to open my eyes, all I could see was darkness all over. Just then I realized that I was blindfolded with this silk-like clothe around my eyes.

I tried to struggle but unfortunately, my hands were also tied up and my feet were tightly buckled by a think rope

Not to mention my mouth was also kept lock and close through the thick packing tape on it

Then I heard another old-ish voice saying Tumahimik ka na lang at mag drive

Nasa loob pala ako ngayon ng kotse. Or by the looks of how big the passenger seat was parang more like Van.

/Pero, where would they take me?/ I thought when I began to panic as my pulse became beyond normal and my breathings was at the state of unevenness from all the thought

/Will these goons rape me?/ /Anong gagawin nila saken?/ / / Then I felt the Van had abruptly stopped which made my head fly forward and stumble as it hit the back of the drivers seat

Boss, nandito na kame ang sabi ng isang lalake whos probably on a phone call right at that very moment

Kalagan mo na another man said as he opened the cars door for me. I laid rest pretending that I was asleep while I listened to the comical conversation these two kidnapers were exchanging

Teka, bat ako? Eh, bat hindi ikaw? Sige na!

/ano ba to? Kidnaper ba talaga to?/ I thought feeling annoyed with all their pushing and hissing as if they were afraid to touch me

Ouch!! I said when I felt like my skin was torn when the packing tape was removed from my mouth

OH! mukhang nagising mo, Manong Doms! Lagot ka na, sabi ni Boss wag daw gisingin eh

Sira ulo kang bata ka, eh kung kinalagan mo na ang paa, edi sana hindi ko na tinanggalan ng packing tape, tunggak! Kalagan mo na!

Tapos naramdaman kong dumadus-os ang mukha ng lalaki, by the looks of it mukhang binatilyo dahil wala pang bigote or kahit anong buhok sa mukha

Hoy! Sira!! Sabing kalagan.. hindi amuy amuyin ang bintit hita ng dalagang yan. Gusto mo masapak ka ng Boss natin? said by one older-voiced man from a distant

Heto na nga oh!

And then I felt him untangling the rope slowly from my feet. I was still blindfolded at the time when he assisted me from the Van to the grassy ground that was tingling my toes

/Finally!/ I thought when I felt the fresh cool wind was brushing off my bare skin and swaying my hair just like in those beaches Ive went to

/Wait beach?! /I thought when I immediately removed the blindfold out of my eyes

My eyes adjusted itself from the dimness of the area before I was finally graced by the oozing view of the beach as I saw a lot of coconuts over towering each other.

Then when I glanced from the far most left, there, I saw the seashore which has a glittery-like water as the moon shone upon it beautifully

but before I would entirely be drunk with how beautiful the scenery was, I immediately glanced to the 18-year-old guy untangling the rope that was wrapped around my wrist

He was really into what he was doing that he didnt even notice that my blindfold was off while two other men were busy checking around the corner.

I frown when I recognized the other one, he was the 40-ish old guy that tricked me and covered my mouth.

He didnt notice that I was glaring at him for he was busy puffing on his cigars and having his own life with the phone call he was having as of the moment

so I immediately thought of something /I must escape!/

and when my wrists were finally rope-free The 18-year-old guy uttered to the rest glancing at his back to check out his other company

Ayan, Manong Doms! Kinalagan ko na---- without further ado I didnt let him finish for I kicked him hard to the place where the sun never shone upon it and immediately run as fast as I could

Nakakatakas na siya!! shouted by one of the guys with beard who threw his cigars

I glanced behind only to see him trying to run after me.I was slowly running out of air to breathe and my forehead was all sweaty and drenched but I didnt stop. I shouldnt stop

when I glanced behind me once more I saw the guy with beard wasnt running after me anymore because he was tripped and landed his face flat on the grass

I chuckled as I made my way almost in front of the Truly remarkable, European-inspired villa which boasts over 7000 square feet of living space.

The exterior immediately commands respect and was completely breath-taking from the site of its beauty.

It appears the character of a traditional house, with walls of brick detail and has a beautiful overhang.

thinking that I lost the two, I walked in front of naturally paved patio while marveling the French arched wooden doors and windows to match with

/Wait?! There were three goons right? Wheres the--/

Huli ka!!! shouted by beard man who obviously had recovered from the kicking I did in between his legs

Kung hindi ka lang maganda eh. He said tightening his grip on my left wrist

Let me go! I shouted back while trying to release myself from his grip.. but instead of yanking it away, my right hand instantly blew a strong, fast, powerful and accurate punch to the beard mans nose which made him loosen his tight metallic grip and stumbled backwards landing on the pots on the patio

ARAY ARAY!! I said while I felt I just broke my knuckles too from the punch I blew

but I didnt have time to lay rest and comfort my sore hands so I made my way to the other side of the patio as fast as I could that I didnt even notice the tiny stairs below it.

And by that, I slipped at the tip of the patio waiting for a clash and bam of my head and the paved patios ground

I closed my eyes tightly while I was expecting Ill fall backwards and hit the floor hard

/Oh noo /I thought while I tried to reach out for something to grab on

but instead of the cold cemented ground to smash my head, a strong warm arms wrapped around my waist and supported my weight

I felt really comfortable as my face was pressed on a firm chest and I couldnt help my self but to love the smell of it

I never knew you could punch like that a manly husky voice uttered almost whispering to my ear which sent shivers to my spine

a kind of voice that I was sure to myself im familiar with

Boss?! said by the 18-year-old guy as he made his way on the pave patio

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took me long uneven breathings as I smelled his faint scent tempting my nose while Sniffing it silently thinking..

/I miss this smell/ I thought before I finally looked up from my lashes

only to see

Iigo I murmured as I finally held my own knees and stood up on my own while his hands slid down to my waist.

His eyes laid rest on me while his soul was gazing on me intently before He smirked, turning his attention to the goons who had me awhile ago

Youre dismiss now, Ill call you up when I needed something else he said calmly to the three men

Just then I bolted up when all these things sank unto my head and pushed his chest away from mine and took few steps away from him

You did all these?! I said almost gritting my teeth when I thought of the sudden realization that ..

/he didnt even showed up almost the whole day and then kidnapping me for god knows why!/

Babe.. he said while trying to reach for my hands

I took few steps backward but was only be trapped in the corner of the patio

He pulled me closer to himself, gently by my waist. He moved away a strand of my hair and planted a soft kiss on my forehead and then whispered to my ears .. I love you

I looked up only to be graced by those brown eyes that captured my heart, that pointy nose often brushing my bare skin when we whisper in the night and that soft luscious lips often nibbling mine

It took us a long silence before he spoke once again I say, "I love you," not because I want you to have sex with you. It has nothing to do with that.

He sighed and took both of my shoulder and caressed it I say it because I love what you are and what you do to me without even trying. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And youre a hell of a woman. You shouldnt doubt of what I feel for you. I love you, Nina and I always been and will always be in love with you

I felt him wrap his arms around me and cup my butt. In return, I lock my thin long arms around his neck. We stood there for awhile before he finally leaned down and kiss me

His tongue slid across my bottom lip, begging for entrance. I genuinely complied and opened, letting his tongue explore my mouth.

Tongues clashed as he caressed my face to draw my self closer to him while I played with his hair. He straddled me, pulling away from my mouth. And saying ..

I know Ken mustve said something to you back then, but believe me, kung ano mang meron kami noon.. it was just a mistake. Dala lang ng pagkapusok at kalasingan. Hindi mo na kailangan magduda

Pero---

Shh! he said bringing his index finger to my lips were you jealous? he asked while his lips were twitching into a smirk

I felt my hand clenched on its own when a sudden feeling rushed through my head

/I was the first one.. to fuck him.. senseless! /That thing she whispered to me made my blood boiled inside

Ofcourse I was jealous! I said while trying to hold my emotion

Im jealous because I feel like nothing next to her.. she's so much better than me, shes perfect! and I know she could take you away so easily

I sighed taking a deep breath before I added It scares me.. it really scares the hell out of me, Iigo.

Iigo hugged me tightly this time and kissed my forehead, letting his other hand trail down to my hip. He pulled me closer as possible before he reached down to kiss my lips lightly.

Never think you are nothing. Never cry over not being pretty enough because you are. Never tell yourself you will never be good enough, because to me you are everything

I sniffed like a 14-year-old girl when a tear fell from my eye. Hearing that from someone you love surely made my heart melt to its sweetness

He brushed my tears away, kissing each tear soaked cheek. And then smiling down at me as he held my hands and led me to the French arched wooden door of the Villa that I was completely at awed with awhile ago

/Im guessing it theirs /I thought when I glanced at him only to asked him a question

Why do you love me, Iigo? Of all girls you could have.. why me?

but instead of answering me, he slammed me against the nearest wall of their villa, his mouth trailing down to my neck and sucking on it harshly, while his hands were busy with my clothes, and I gaped as his skilled hands ripped off my top, exposing my clad-lace bra to him.

His mouth left my neck immediately and looked up Do you want to do it upstairs? he asked but he didnt wait for a nod as he immediately carried me effortlessly.

My long legs were wrapped around him feeling his erection brushing on my folds

He kept kissing and nibbling my neck, making sure that I moan as he groped my butt

We made our way to the wooden stair case, as he was slowly taking his time removing each clothing left on me one by one. Tossing it around, I also tore his clothing which made him chuckled a little saying..

A little too impatient, arent we?

I pulled him through his neck and crushed my lips unto his while I completely tasted his self on mine.

Iigo's lips were soft and I continued to bite and suck on his bottom lip, which caused him to moan a little and He smiled as he pressed himself into me.

He slipped his tongue inside my mouth and we battled for complete dominance for a few minutes. I heard him groan and it was my turn to smile against his lips.

and when we made it to the door, we were temporarily interrupted with the heated hungry kisses as His hand eagerly searched for the doorknob, while he attempted to drown me once again with his passionate kiss.

I kissed him back hard and lustfully, his tongue darting into my mouth and exploring my hot cavern.

I moaned in his mouth again, too amazed by his kissing skills, while his hand still desperately searched for the doorknob.

I gasped as i felt his hand slide under my office uniform skirt, making his way up my thigh while his other hand finally found the doorknob and he pulled it open, making them stumble down into the room.

His brown eyes lit up when we finally slid inside the door and he moved in slower, his hand lightly cupping my chin and pulling me closer to him.

His hands rested on the small of my back, pulling me closer towards him. Since he's so much taller than me, I felt myself rising up on my toes, wanting to deepen the kiss.

My eyes closed as he closed in and I took a breath before his mouth was on mine. It started out slow as he took his time massaging my lips with his.

It was soft, but not too soft, since it had just the right amount of pressure to make me want to deepen it.

His weight fell upon mine and I groaned softly, soon replaced by a muffled moan as I felt him caress the inside of her thigh.

I had no idea what was happening to me or what the warm feeling in the pit of my stomach was, but I found myself liking the kiss.

My hand fisted a handful of Iigo's blue shirt and I pulled him closer to me while his held his both hand up high so I could finally removed his shirt covering his abs.

I yanked at his hair, my eyes half lidded, and my mind buzzing in ecstatic. I was too engrossed with the kiss that I didnt even notice that my bra was now gone

One of my hands snaked around Iigo's neck to pull him down closer to me and he gently sucked on my bottom lip, which sent shivers down my spine.

"Iigo" I breathed, gripping his hair tighter as he sucked on my breast harshly arching my back with the sensation tingling inside my stomach

"Uhh..Nina" He moaned as I felt one of his hands grab my unoccupied breast while the other grabbed my buttocks

Sweat dripped down from my forehead, and I was dazed by the heat building between us with each passing second

I moaned at the feeling of his tongue still roughly exploring my wet cavern, and I smirked, flipping him over so I was on top.

My eyes watched amusingly at how his face twisted itself with refrained pleasure as I worked on him grinding my self on his hard-as-rock cock. Then a taunting smile was painted all over my face.

I was caught off guard as I was suddenly flipped over and on the bed. My mind could not figure out a thing when Iigo started planting kisses all over my body.

My mind seemed to not have noticed I was only in underwear, before I felt his fingers traced my curves at my waist. Iigo was so fast and talented, it was so amazing to feel him work onto my core.

I moaned as I felt his weight come down on me, his arousal poking through the fabric of his boxers, and wrapped my legs around his waist one more, earning a low growl from him as he aimed to suck on my neck again.

Soft moans escaped my lips as he kissed and sucked on my neck, and I knew I would have hickeys in the morning from such harsh force.

then gasped at the feeling of his member poking at my entrance. My hand grabbed a fistful of his hair, and in a matter of seconds, he had slammed into me deeply, making a sheer moan of pleasure escaped my lips.

Dang! Youre too irresistible, Nina he whispered to my ears

I shuddered at the feeling of his hot breath on my skin, but answered nothing as he slid out and slammed back deeper inside me.

My mouth was parted as he repeated the same motion, trying to get deeper each time, breathless gasps slipping out at the pleasure building up.

His sweaty chest brushed against my upper body, his lips brushing contact with my bare naked skin as he thrust in and out of me at a rough and deep pace, over and over again. His shallow and unstable breathing resounded in my ear,

My mind was blurred, and I was lost at his love making. I arched my back, letting out a sheer and loud moan of pleasure as he quickened his pace.

My hand grabbed his face and searched for his lips while he complied and kissed me with hunger, desire and passion as he quickened his pace and continued ramming into my core roughly.

I arched my back forward grinding my nipple to his corded pecs and my mouth gaped, eyes shut tightly as he slammed into my soft spot continuously.

And as he came, I did too, and He collapsed on top of my naked body.

His hot breath fanned my now sweaty self and his breathing ragged as he lay beside me, his face close to mine before his lips finally broke with a smile before he kissed my forehead

I love you, Nina

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 23 When I stirred myself from my slumber, the first thing that Ive noticed was that the other side of the bed was empty

so I shift my position and glanced at the other side, only to be grace by nothing, not even Iigos Shadow

/ Why would I think of his shadow anyway? Its already morning /I thought when I was about to roll out of bed

I glanced at the nightstand to see what time it was but then something caught my eyes.. I was frozen from the spot when I glanced at the nightstand and saw a tiny vase with a rose

The rose stood up all mighty casting a shadow next to a yellow-cropped paper with scribbles on it

/ It mustve been Iigos handwriting/ I thought as I grabbed the letter and darting my eyes to those letters, reading it carefully

*What is love? Those who don't like it call it responsibility. Those who play with it call it a game. Those who don't have it call it a dream. Those who understand it call it destiny. As for me, I call it You, Nina. The one holding my heart from the very beginning* *I know youre probably wondering why the heck am I not lying beside you, snuggling you tight on your waist while I pinned you down the bed. * * Last night when youve asked me why do I love you, I didnt answer. Its not that I dont know why I love you its just that I realized there are no words that give justice on how much I love you* *so I thought of something else to show you rather than tell you and if youre wondering where am I right now. Come down stairs and youll know* *The one who loves you dearly, * * Franco Iigo Bustamante*

/I never knew Iigo had a romantic bone on his spine/ I thought as I chuckled to my self thinking how much effort he had put for that letter

smiling to my self while my cheeks were growing red as tomatoes, I rolled out of bed.

Then I started checking out the entire outline and layout of the room. It was foreign to my eyes, just gazing on how the interior was plan, it mustve cost a fortune.

The room has huge windows for the entire south wall, giving you the breath-taking view of the ocean meeting the shore and the sun shone brightly that could almost warm the entire room.

It also has a wide veranda with glassy-wide chairs on it perfect for any afternoon talk with the one special to you, perfect spot when you wait for the sunrise or sunset

I glanced on the ground and noticed the whole flooring of the room has particular smooth, hard, composite flooring that dampened underneath

Then my eyes lying on the feature cozy gives accent

took notice and landed on the distinctive lamp, which was side of the huge mirror in the corner. The lamps design luminosity and cool scatter light to enhancing the mood and to the whole villa.

The contemporary lamp made of chrome steel frame with fine crafted and combined with the glass crystal lampshade to create the elegant luxury effect

Then I took few steps near the far most left corner and started opening the oak cabinets to look for something for me to wear before I go down stairs

/Sure, Iigo wont mind if I walked down naked/. I thought when Iigos lustful eyes flashed on my mind. It made me giggled thinking he would love it if I do so

/ but what if someone passed by?/ I frown thinking those weird-looking goons might see something that shouldnt be seen

But to my dismay I found the huge oak cabinet empty as hell so I went over to the drawers but I found nothing. Then I went to the dressers and finally saw a lot of old clothes right there

/He mustve left It there in case hell go here for vacation /I thought

I grabbed into on of his polo and I immediately slipped into one of Iigos over sized white button down polo that almost touching my knees and folded the sleeves until it reached my elbow

When I grabbed un to the doorknob and twisted it to open, the first thing that I noticed was there was a single red rose lying on the floor with a note accompanying it.

I leaned down to pick up the rose and I tucked my hair on the back of my ear

Then, I started reading the note, it says .

*I love you cuz youre beautiful without even trying*

I smiled thinking Iigo mustve been struck by lightning or something.. Hes so sweet and very passionate last night just like his kisses. Very addictive, soft and---

/Omg! Im getting all horny early this morning/ I thought when I walked towards the 1st step of the Villas stair case

then, there was another rose with a note just right down on the first step of the stair

*I love you cuz your kisses are my drug *it read

then there was another one and another just right down below it, I bent down and picked up the third and fourth roses and read the notes

*I love you cuz whenever you gaze into my eyes, I could see my everything* *I love you cuz you never fail to give my heart a reaction since the first time I laid my eyes on you*

My smile grew wider as I spot another rose with yet-another note accompanying it. I picked it up and began reading the note. It says..

*I love you cuz whenever you laughed, it echoes in my heart *

After reading that, I felt a funny feeling on my tummy /those butterflies/ I thought and again, spotted and picked up two roses lying on the stairs and started reading the notes with it

*I love you cuz you make the best pan cakes in the world* *I love you cuz youre one of the reasons why I wake up smiling*

Then it went on and onThe whole time taking my steps down the stairs, there would always be a rose and a note

*I love you cuz you make it sound so different every time you whisper my name * * I love you cuz youre understanding, reasonable and forgiving* *

I love you cuz whenever we kissed, all I could see is you* *

I love you cuz whenever I hold you, its like im holding on to my world too* *

I love you cuz you make me want to kiss you over and over again* *

I love you cuz youre irresistible when you pout your lips * *

I love you cuz you never fail to make my heart jump whenever you lay your eyes on me* *

I love you cuz when I met you at bargos, I thought Ive seen the best dancer in the world* *

I love you cuz youre all sexy on your wet hair when I met you to pick you up in that rainy evening* *

I love you cuz when I lie awake beside you, its more than enough* *

I love you cuz waking up next to you, I know I found heaven by your side* *

I love you cuz every moment I spend with you, I know Ill remember it for the rest of my life* *

I love you cuz your kiss, your smile, your mind are the sunlight in my eyes* *

I love you cuz you make me want you more than any other women in the world* *

I love you cuz I need you like the ocean needs the tied* *

I love you cuz Im not that strong without you* *

I love you cuz when I gaze on your eyes, I see all I need* *

I love you cuz you are the missing piece Ive been looking for* *

I love you cuz youre my survival, youre my living proof*

The whole time Ive picked up the rose and read the notes he wrote, I felt my eyes began to water.. every words, every letter dug in my heart.. knowing how these whispered softly in my soul

I bit my lower lip holding the tears from streaming down my eyes. The tears of happiness that kept my heart crazily drumming from my ribcage

It was then I picked up last rose when I saw Iigo all neat clean and freshly shaved.

Looking hot as ever on his white V-neck shirt from Klein Epstein tucking inside his wide-open brown hoodie from Hugo Boss and his tight-black pants from Active as his navy blue worn out Chuck Taylor to high light the whole appearance

His brown eyes stared back softly at me, serenely and contently digging deep into my soul, making me feel warm inside.

I smiled at him softly, my fingers subtly reaching for his, which he grabbed just as subtly, intertwining their fingers.

He then kissed my knuckles and brought me closer to his arms and whispered to my ears I love you cuz.. youre Nina Angela Fernandez, The one who holds my heart

my lips broke into a smile once more, my eyes sparkling with pure joy and contentment, my emotions almost too much to handle

He squeezed my hands and said You probably dont remember anything, but this is where I met you

My brows had ceased itself and pulled together when I wonder what he meant by the words he just uttered to me. I looked up, confused lingering in my eyes

He smiled reassuringly in return, kissing me softly while I let him decide to take me or not. But slowly, as he understood that I did actually want this, I kissed him back, pushing me harder against , the what it seems to be, a wall while one of his hands ran up my thigh.

I gasped lightly, moaning softly against his lips as he pulled me closer, kissing me all the more fervently as If theres no tomorrow

One of his arms wrapped itself tightly around my waist, pulling me closer. After finally needing some air to breathe, we both broke the

kiss and look at each other, pools of passion burning deep within his eyes. His forehead against me while his brown orbs gazing on my lips as if taking note of every detail on it .

OHHH!! DEAR LORD!!! a voiced exclaimed from behind us We both were startled of a sudden intruder coming inside and immediately, our heads simultaneously turning to look at the intruder.

Diane?! What are you doing here? Iigo hissed while his grip around my waist tighten protectively.

I saw him frown at the familiar figure emerging on the Villas doorstep The woman, about almost 6 feet tall and in her mid 20s, took more step closer to us

First, dont call me Diane, Iigo.. its ATE Diane Im 5 years older than you are, I hope you didnt forget that, Little Igo She said pointing her index finger on Iigos chest

And second.. ooh! Love those roses! she trailed off while her eyes finally landed on me Nina right? Remember me? she asked as her lips broke into a really alluring smile.. flashing me her perfectly straight white teeth

I nodded and smiled back at her Of course I said

Then she smirked, looking back at us. Her eyes projecting a devilish thought in her head I hope I wasnt interrupting anything here awhile ago

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I came down stairs wearing Dianes Charlotte Russe shrug and Faded folded shorts from American Eagle with Zigi Soho sandals

remembering how she forced me to wear it, I sighed

You dont actually want to roam around tagaytay wearing only my little brothers button down polo, do you? she said eyeing me up and down I looked at Iigo confused and nervous at the same time /What about work?!/ i thought

Then I mouthed to him were in tagaytay?

You mean you didnt know? Diane said with all the amusement in her tone and started laughing

dont tell me, my dufus of brother kidnap you here without bringing you enough clothes?

She smirked once more and she brought down her Louis Vuitton traveling bags on the tiled-floor

Good thing I have brought some extra on my bag. Come on! she said and took my hands and led me to the stairs as she carried her Louis Vuitton traveling bags on her shoulders

while on the stairs, I looked down on Iigo who has this worried irritated look while gazing back at us. I looked back at him and smiled while being pulled Dianes hands

LOVELY!! Diane said as she darted her eyes on me, looking at me intently while she turned me from side to side just to get a better view

Isnt the shorts kinda .. too short for a shorts? I said while I attempted to pull it down just to cover a little more on my thigh

Diane giggled and amuse of my sudden consciousness None sense! Its great! And my brother wont mind!

We have the same waist line pala, 25 She added and sat on the soft bed on the room

Arent you married? how do you manage to maintain your waist line? I said with the obvious amazement on my tone. /Considering na may anak na siya, talagang nakakagulat /I thought

Oh believe me, its hard and im not married yet, that is.. i dont think i'll ever be she said as she took a long sigh before uttering once again

nonetheless, I guess it really requires determination and every will power to stay fit. Especially when there are a lot of sluts willing to spread their legs in front of my Fianc.. I have to be equipped you know

Somehow when I listened to those words that she said, I knew there were a lot of things behind those. Especially the last part

I looked at how beautiful she was.. just sitting and staring at the nothingness of the floor.

Her long lashes and those pointy nose, even though she doesnt have those alluring brown eyes like Darren and Iigo, it was her full lips that would definitely captivate any man wholl lay their eyes on her

Then she smiled and stood up from the bed Ill be down stairs when youre ready she said and walked straight out of the door

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What exactly are you here for, ATE Diane? Iigo said sound so irritated as ever and emphasizing the word ATE as he spat it out of his mouth

Oh! come on! I happen to be a Bustamante too you know, why cant I visit our own villa? she said while chuckling which made Iigo more irritated

And wheres Scarloe? Dont tell me you left her with Mom! She already has so many things to attend to

But instead of answering Iigo, She averted her eyes and started a new topic instead

So, the Nina that mom was talking about and the Nina that Ive met on Ges wedding is one and the same. She added as she sat on the sexy wooden-carved couch on the living room

You know, I kinda like her to be my sister in law she took a sip on her glass of lemon juice, and crossed her legs from the other until she finally glances up and noticed me

She smiled while Iigo, whos facing his back on me awhile ago, turn around just to see me

I smiled back at Iigo who was obviously eye-ing me from head to toe then as I made my way down the stairs,

I literally turned 360 gazing how elegant and classy the interior of the house. It was a two-storey house with modern style and dark exterior which made this villa looked luxurious.

in addition to that, this house also got my attention with those additional highlights inside from nature, used as floor slabs and slabs arranged horizontally to cover the walls in the room.

But I was interrupted with my gaze siesta when I felt Iigo gave me a quick but affectionate kiss not even bothered by her sisters loud surprise gasp

Then from the corner of my eye, out of nowhere, I saw a quick flash of a.. /Camera?!/ I thought

Nagkatitigan muna kami ni Iigo before we both glanced at the right to see

My.. isnt that sweet? Diane sweetly uttered while holding her Nikon D90 on her hands

/when did she got that?/ I thought still looking at her while she flashed me her amusing alluring smile that may blind anyone with it

Hey, now that youre neat. Why dont we roam around tagaytay? She said as she grabbed me on the wrist and pulled me away from Iigo

And Igo? she said as she turned around and threw the key to Iigo who caught it right away

She chuckled lightly and said Drive us around will you? Well need a driver as she started walking on her pump while tagging me along with her

Iigo grunted and ran his hands on his hair making it a little messy and followed us from behind

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You know Nina, I never thought my brother could have a sweet romantic bone on his spine. I mean, he never does that to any girl back in states

Diane said as she crossed her leg from the other while obviously not minding the fact that Iigo was just right there in the drivers seat on her Beige Cadillac CTS Sedan

He probably heard that I thought when I saw Iigo rolled his eyes from the rear-view mirror

I chuckled lightly and when I was about to gazed back to the rear-view mirror, His eyes stared back at me through it and his brown eyes were never been this beautiful that you cant even take your eyes off it

My lips broke into smiles as I tried to hide my blushing cheeks from his stares. I suddenly felt conscious and hot by those endearing brown eyes of his

Hey, Igo.. lets stop at Robinsons and grab some groceries. I feel like cooking for tonight Diane said so casually but to my surprise, Iigo cracked up and burst into a loud laughter

Wow, that sure is something, Ate! Nagluluto ka na ngayon?! As far as I could remember, you never like cooking. You wont even dare touching a pan and fry an egg..but now? He said breaking into more laughter than awhile ago

Biglang hinampas ni Diane ang drivers seat and piningot ang tenga ni Iigo

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ate naman! That was before you know! Yeah, I dont cook but I bake! And besides, iba na talaga pag may anak na.. and mom would always say a way to a mans heart is through his stomach She smiled before resting her back again on the passengers seat

and then, out of nowhere, that smile suddenly twitched into a low curve frown followed by a long deep sigh

There mustve been something I thought when I saw her gazing outside the cars window while her mind was obviously anywhere else but here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took us awhile to find a parking space but it was worth it. We arrived just in time and the Robinsons supermarket wasnt that full of people yet.

I tried to open up and ask Diane about her sudden shift of mood but I thought it would definitely not be good to push such topic

Iigo mustve sense about Dianes behavior and suddenly whispered in my ear while I grabbed a kart I think we should leave her be. Shes bipolar

Iigo pulled me in the fruits and vegetables section while Dianes over the meat and poultry section,

The whole time, Iigo almost always standing behind me, his hands resting on my waist or hips most of the times, while I tried hard to concentrate on picking out the right fruits instead of the man behind me.

and He would take every opportunity to kiss me, it being either when I would turn my head to ask him a question, or simply when Id turn around and try to go to another fruity stand.

/Something was surely different about Iigo today /I thought while glancing at him whos trying to pick a good apple out of the stand

He seemed to be so much sweeter and slower, like kisses new lovers shared, when the flame of our love was still burning in its brightest intensity and now Im completely comfortable in his presence than before

Then in the sudden affectionate move, I titled my head back on Iigo's chest, smiling as he wrapped his arms tightly around me, bending down to steal a quick kiss only to be cut off by a tomato suddenly being in the way of our lips, I being the one who'd suddenly put it there.

Iigo growled before his lips broke into a sexy smile as he enclosed his hand around mine, bringing the tomato out of the way, smirking lightly before he dipped down to close the final gap between our lips.

He let his mouth linger lightly on the juncture between my neck and shoulder, and then he moved them upwards, closing his eyes as I whimpered in pleasure.

I could almost feel him breathed in my scent, running his hands up and down my sides and then brought his lips once again to crush mine.

I giggled while one of my arms snaking around his neck while he held me

closer.

Suddenly, to our surprise, another flash of a camera fling on our eyes followed by girly chuckle.. We separated right away from our lovingly embrace for a while.

I cant wait til mom sees this she said

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Morning, Sir! The cashier exclaimed giddily as she laid her eyes on Iigo

I just rolled my eyes as Iigo smiled back for publicitys sake while Diane coughed lightly, light enough to gain the cashiers attention

Relationship is meant exclusively for two people, but I guess some bitches dont know how to count She uttered while glaring at the cashier who was obviously scared and stung by Dianes words

on the other hand, Diane just rolled her eyes and glanced at my direction only to wink at me

Igo, ikaw na magdala niyan sa kotse. May bibilhin lang ako sa department store She said

and Ill tag Nina along with me She added and grabbed me by the wrist

WhattaAte!

wait us at the parking lot, well be there in less than an hour She winked before we completely made our way out of the grocery

leaving Iigo completely speechless or probably not.. "I'll pay all these?!" i heard Iigo shouted back but Diane only chuckled and never tried to look back at his little brother, Iigo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UhmAte Diane I said while smiling awkwardly to Diane whos busy grabbing various blouses, dresses, trousers, shorts and a whole lot more

She glanced on my direction only to chuckle. Obviously amused by my expression Nina, Relax.. Ill be the one paying that

Isnt it---uhhtoo many for you to wear? I said None sense! Its never enough and besides, im not the one wholl wear all that. Im buying these for you She said while smiling genuinely at me

then she pushed me from behind so I could fit into one of those clothes she bought.

Black studded leopard-printed vest from People are people,Worn out boy-leg shorts from Mango,Leopard-printed boots from Virtual Mae,Denim Cropped Jacket from Mango,Black Leather pencil skirt from Herbench,Black Platform cage hills from Aldo,Orange Ayla bag and a whole lot more

and if youll sum it all up it would probably cost not less than 40 thousand

I gulped just looking at those shopping bags that im carrying while I worried about the receipt and pricey tags along it

Ate and now, my favorite part!! she said excitedly while she grabbed me on one of the

Bikini/fashion stall?! /I thought while my eyes became wide open and shocked

Then she suddenly scanned the whole corner of the store in search for a perfect two-pieced bikini .she went from the left entrance down to the farthes right corner of the store which earn her gazes from various sales lady she passed by.

/Who wouldn't be bothered? a beautiful woman standing almost 6 feet tall ravishing on every hung two-pieced bikini/ "No, not this" she said pulling back a bikini on its hanger

"definitely, not this one" she sighed and move from the left most corner

Ah-ha! This!! she said while she grabbed unto Bamboo Bling Double Strap Colombian Top with Adjustable triangles. It has ties at neck and back has removable padding, fully lined in Gold Shimmer Bamboo Lycra fabric.

/and too much of a swim suit /I thought when Diane told me to go inside on one of the fitting room and try it on and when I came out wearing it

Splendid! I cant wait to see Igos reaction when you wear this! I bet hell be all horny just looking at you! Ooh-lala!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

its about time, Diane! Ang sabi mo an hour! Its almost 2 hours and a half kayo don! Iigo hissed while slammed the door of the car after Diane and I slid inside the passengers seat

Kayo talagang mga lalaki, you dont understand the thing with girls and shopping! Balibhasa kasi mostly sa inyo hindi fashion conscious Diane answered back as she laid the shopping bags next to her

and besides, we bought something that youll surely be glad to see she added in a tone that would make you want to know more about it

She giggled while Iigo just retorted and started the engine

Since we were all caught up with sudden call of our starving belly, we decided to stay in Manos Greek Tavern located in Calamba Road, Olivarez, San Jose

Although the place was a bit old and there were only limited menu, the service is quick and courteous .

Iigo and I ordered Greek Salad, Saganaki and Grilled Lamb Shoulder

The food's good and the humidity of the place is just right. plus i I think Diane really loves the Mousaka more for she ordered an additional two of it along the meal

Iigo and I just looked at each other and chuckled

/ how could this slim woman eat like theres no tomorrow?/ I thought just smiling at Diane's starved phase

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 24 Nina, what are you waiting for? hop on your horse now! Diane said enthusiastically while grinning down at me as she rode the tall ebony-colored horse

We were now at Picnic Grove, one of the newest attraction in Tagaytay which offers a panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and other greenish pro-mother earth ecstasy.

I gulped as I felt the horse glared daggers at my wary anxious self, my knees tremble by just gazing back at the maroon-colored horse, which I think was named Samantha.

I was even afraid to touch it with my bare hands so I titled my head back and tightly close my eyes

My hands were still trembling when,to my surprise, I felt someone hop on to Samantha right away and grabbing my hands in a most affectionate touch

I looked up and saw Iigo who was smiling down at me, his brown eyes shone as the sun lighted it up.. his complexion still at the brightest sexiest tan

Lets go? He said with such beam in his eyes

then from the corner of my eyes, there was another flash of the camera from Dianes direction

I was right, it was Diane who was still holding tight her Nikon D90 AWW! Prince charming sweeping off Cinderellas feet she said, slightly pouting her lips before she released a long sweet chuckle

with a little Humph and pull, I was already on top of the horse with Iigo's protective embrace around my frame.

My back was leaning on his Hard-to-touch well-defined chest and shoulders which made me slightly blush as he drew those warm tempting

breathe on my neck

our faces were just inches apart, his head rested on my shoulder while he was gripping the rope thingy of the horse

Sir, bawal po ang dalawa said by a 56 old guy with his hat on. Diane just rolled her eyes while she eyed the guy from head to toe

Manong, dont worry. The girl isnt that heavy you know, besides.. Ill pay double, triple.. how much do you want? ang sunod sunod na sabi ni Diane, whos obviously trying to lure the man with her undeniable charm as she smiled at him

Hindi po talaga pwe- Manong, naman! Sige na!

After a minute of long gushing and waiting, I heard the man took a very long sigh before he finally said Ok which made Diane squealed in delight and started kicking her horse for it to start moving

This was one horseback riding experience that I actually completely enjoyed. Not because Iigo was there stealing glances and kisses from me but because I did actually had a good time riding with it.

At first, I was a little worried, but after a while, I got the hang of it. Plus the horse was just wonderful! She followed my, or rather Iigos cues and didnt stray off the path.

on the other hand, Diane just did what she wants.. like some kinda pro-equestrian while her flowing long black hair added the effect of some commercial of a facial product, consequently, it made some heads turn and a lot of attention to turn on her direction and be captivated

with her natural beauty

one foreigner, who looks like an Australian to me, even approach her to exchange pins but she refuse to and brushes off the offer of even hooking up.

/After all, she was engage right?/ I thought while I glanced back at Diane who seems to be lost in thought ,just gazing at the wide green field

/Shes definitely had something she didnt want to spill /I thought

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Man! That was just one hella weekend experience! Although its nothing compared to Ocean Park in Hongkong or the cable cars at the Alps, atleast Ive enjoyed! Diane said as she took loads of shopping bags from her Beige Cadillac CTS Sedan

You shouldve seen your face while you were on the zipline. Geez! how i wish i've capture and took a picture of you back there! Your cheeks were like .. blowing off on your face which kinda reminds me of some kinda crazy chimpanzee Iigo, who was still holding three bags of groceries that we bought in the morning, commented while he was laughing hysterically

On the other hand,Diane just gritted her teeth and glared at his brother

Nasa Villa na kami ulit ngayon habang kaka-park pa lang ni Iigo ng car sa may tapat. We were talking about the next thing well do the next day.. Diane said we should go out of the sun and have some fun on the beach

We were in the midst of our conversation when We were startled when we saw a gray Mercedes-Benz SL-Class parked, just in front yet not so far from the villa itself

I saw Dianes reaction drastically changed as her smile abruptly faded when a silhouette emerged and approached us.. one step at a time, slowly.. just like his silhouette

Diane, lets talk a deep masculine voice said almost sounding so commanding yet soft and captivating

but instead of glancing back, Diane continued her stride and walked passed the man who was apparently standing in front of the Villas doorstep

When Diane switch the lights on, the man was now easy to see (although, I couldnt still pinpoint who could he be)

He was somewhere between 27-29 years old, fully built (I couldnt tell how built because he was with his tie), about a foot taller than Iigo, had those cheeky almond eyes but you could still tell that hes a half Caucasian male with his almost-dirty blonde hair

What is there to talk about, Tyler? She snapped while she threw the shopping bags on the couch and turn around just in time to face the man once again

I just watch them from the kitchen while Ive helped Iigo lay the grocery bags on the kitchen island

I was still gazing at them when I bumped into Iigo whos not entirely affected with the screaming from the living room

Dont be bothered, it happens. He said while taking a sip on the glass of water, leaning so casually on the kitchen island, his back facing the table

So thats Yeah, her fianc.. isa lang naman ang reason why umuuwi si Diane sa pinas usually pag nagaaway silang dalawa. The usual thing, theyll fight then make up then uhh do little intimate stuffs together then go back to states with Scarloe. He said while he laid the glass on the sink and then wrapping me from behind in his warm embrace

pero, masyado na yatang intense. I mean, look at them.. screaming, shouting and almost trying to get hold on each others neck I said while putting my palm in between us to stop him from planting another set of hot kisses on my neck

Thats normal. Si Diane kasi, pag may gusto dapat nakukuha niya.. he said while leaning his back on the sink

like their wedding, masyado siyang atat. Shes not even thinking na isang anak ng billionaire ang pakakasalan niya, ofcourse Tylers going to be hella busy attending their family business. Hes a Walton

afterall he added

Hey! Thats not an excuse, even when someones busywait, what?! Walton?! You mean those pips who own Wal-mart?! Yeah. Thats them. Hes Jim Waltons youngest son

/Jim Walton!? Omg wasnt he ranked as the 12th of the worlds richest men?/ I thought surprise with a sudden bubble of news... my eyes were wide open in shock.

Then , suddenly, we heard a loud Clash sound of a broken vase from the living room

I think thats a cue, lets go upstairs Iigo whispered to my ear and took my hand

We were tip toe-ing our way up to the stairs when I heard two from the living room who were still shouting and screaming at one another

Im sorry if I told you Told me?! You yelled at me, Tyler! You yelled at me! Sayin I should grow the fuck up! Diane said as I saw tears streaming down her cheeks, her mascara entirely ruin by it while Tylers attempting to lock her on an embrace

Grow the fuck up she repeated while she yanked away Tylers attempt to hug her and then sobbed while she covered her eyes with her bare palm

Im sorry, Dee.. I didnt mean to. He said attempting to wrap his fianc on his tenderness Diane complied and wept more while she cried on his arms

Come on, Nina.. I wanted you to see something Iigo said while trying to pull me on one of the rooms. I was still glancing back at them when Iigo lure me inside the oak-door room from one of the villa

/Teka, one of the rooms?! Dont tell me/I thought horridly while Iigo covered my eyes with his bare hands.

Hey, whats with this?! I asked while holding his hands that was covering my eyes No peeking okay? He whispered, sounding so seductive this time.. with those warm inviting breath of his sent this tingling reaction in my spine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

San mo ba ako dadalhin? Wait.. wag ka masyadong atat, were almost there He said while he lead me to what i felt like no where

He chuckled a little before finally letting his hands off my eyes It took me awhile to adjust in the blurry vision, until I could finally see the horizon..

I glanced upon the blazing sunset, my eyes focused on the glistening, shining sea. As I stare in admiration, the tantalizing, play-full whisper of winds and the flirty gesture of the sea to provoke me and join them in the water.

Ang ganda I breathe while I engrossed my self with the view right in front of me.

Then I watched the sun slowly lower from the seas horizon which engulfs the sky with rainbows of red and yellow. the sunset was smoothly drinking what was left of a hot day to quench it's thirst before nightfall, slowly..

it was relaxing over the hillside while the aura was a prism spectrum with blended edges of streaking color..

We were at their Villas veranda (the largest I supposed) while Iigo trapped me between his huge muscular arms, his chin resting on my shoulders while my back resting on his

Then he whispered in my ears Yeah, katulad mo

I titled my head, giving him a full access to brush his lips unto my skin and trail small kisses on my neck

A mischievous smirk came upon his lips as he brought me closer to him, "Dont you think its time for bed, Nina?" He said in a most low husky commanding tone

I just couldn't help but to giggle as my body became stiff, Iigo pressing his plump lips against mine while we finally walked inside the room. His hot tongue still penetrated my parted mouth and a moan from my lips smoothly escaped from the sensation.

Our mouths still locked in a fiery kiss, Iigo's hand began to wander.

It slid down to my firm butt, kneading and squeezing which made me moaned and pressed my body against his firmly, my hands feeling his back.

Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned my body into him. He responded by enclosing his arms around my hips tightly and kissing me back softly.

He wrapped one of my legs around his waist and I lifted the other one around him as he carried me to the bed to lay me down on it, slowly crawling over me and lifting my blouse up and crawled his hands inside it to touch my mound

Dont you think theyll hear it? I asked between heavy breathings while Iigos mouth attached itself to my neck as his hand began to slowly knead my shoulders and sides.

His erection bulged through his pants and pressed between my folds, almost feeling every bits of it despite of still having a short on, which gives exciting feeling forming between my legs

SHH! They wont. The walls sound-proof He said in a low tone as he completely crushed his lips unto mine once more

He kissed me with so much emotion I was practically blown away. Its as if my soul had left my body and All I could see is his passionate eyes digging deep into my very soul.

I love you He whispered before I was totally lost with feeling of love he was giving me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning, Nina.. Igo! Breakfasts ready! Diane said while smiling ear-to-ear on me. She laid the Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole on the dining table

I darted my gazes at Diane.. /I thought I almost witnessed world war 3 last night/ I whispered in my head while I noticed her hair was obviously fresh from bed ; it was messy but still falls perfectly unto her smiling beautiful face. She was wearing a long-sleeve bottom up dark blue polo which didnt even reach up to her long aphrodisiac shape-y legs

A man, whom I recognized as Tyler suddenly came from behind her and wrapped his arms around Dianes small waist which made her giggle and titled her head so their lips were finally as one

Told you theyll be fine the next day Iigo whispered right next to my ear while he gave me a soft quick peck on my cheek as he walked passed me to approach and get something inside the fridge

I took a glimpse at the right to find the two love birds who was obviously making out as if tomorrows gonna be the last day theyll kiss

Dianes hands traveled on the mans corded arms, her ring flashing its glimmer right before me.

It was stylish bridal ring made up of exquisite white gold and lavishly prong set with 59 sparkling round the huge diamond on it

Diane suddenly broke the heated drowning kisses theyve shared and she slowly pushed Tylers chest away from her to glance at my direction and smile at me once again

Um.. Nina. This is my Fianc, Tyler She said softly Hi! I said while I smiled at the man before me who genuinely smiled back

Sweety She said while back gazing at Tylers this is Nina, My brothers girlfriend and my future sister-in-law She added while winking at me

Nice meeting you, Nina Tyler said as he let out his hand for me to shake, and I did

Wow, looks delicious! My attention went to Iigo who said that while he spooned the food straight to his mouth,

Hm.. nice one, Tyler! He added while still chewing the scrumptious delicacy right before him

Hey! I was the one who made that, FYI! Diane shouted back while she laid her shoulder across her chest

OH? Really? Last time Ive checked, this is Tylers specialty not yours He said while pouting a little just to annoy his sister Diane in a most childish way.

Oh, come on, Iigo.. dont you think its time for you to give Dee a chance? After all, she really did prepare that.. I just did a little help for her Tyler said in a most tender voice as he locked Diane in another warm embrace and kissed her on top of her head

Diane giggled and returned the kiss on his cheek.

Iigo just gave them a disgust look and then turn to my direction to smile at me and by just looking back into his eyes, I dont wanna turn away anymore

Hey Diane said as she broke the kiss since it would be the last day of our mini vacation.. what if we go to the beach for once? She added turning to Tyler while pouting her lips

Wont it be nice, Babe?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nina, are you done? /No I dont think Ill ever be done with this/ I thought while I tried to merge an ounce of courage left with in me

The swim suit that Diane bought for me yesterday was too much! It exposes a lot of my bare skin.. at first time kong magsuot ng ganon ka-daring na swimsuit

Ready or not, Im coming inside.." She said as she opened the door and slid inside "Wow!! yourehands downhot!! Diane said while she eyed me from head to toe

Were now at the rest room in a resort near the Bustamante Villa, just a few blocks away from it.. and youll be graced by a marvelous view of the sea.. trying to lure you and join them under the sun

Diane could drew gasps and applauses from every men when she appeared right in front of me in a daring navy and white one-piece, complete with plunging neckline and daring side cut outs

not even bothering to pull a cover up with it.. /Sanay na sanay eh./. I thought

Come on, Nina.. we dont have the time of our lives you know.. She said while pulling my wrist

Teka, Diane.. I dont think I could just flaunt around with this.. I really cant I said while shaking my head in disapproval

Diane took a long deep breath before she rolled her eyes and said Nina, wala kang dapat ikahiya! Look at you! You have the curves that women will definitely die for!

Pero--- I said pulling my self out of Dianes grip

Ugh fine!! She said while she started scanning her Flowery Chanel bag for something Wear this over that

She handled me a white see-through cover ups that reached my thigh, it was like a mini dress but doesnt have enough coverings.. I looked up to her face and saw a smirk completely plastered across her face

Come on, Nina! Pag di mo yan sinuot.. magtatampo ako

I opened my mouth only to close it again for I have nothing else to say, Diane seems to be serious about it.. and I dont have a choice.. so I sighed

Alright I murmured while looking down at the tiled floor of the comfort room Splendid! Now.. lets go

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow you look hot! I heard Tyler uttered and planted a small sweet kiss on her cheeks which made her giggle a little Of course! She said turning around for Tyler to see a better view out of her Thats why you went all the way from New York to sweep off my feet She brushes her index finger to Tylers lips, which then broke into a seductive smirk

Why.. I wouldnt want to lose some hot mumma like you, Dee..weeew! He whistled in a flirty wolf-like tone

Wheres Nina, Diane? Iigo uttered standing before Tyler

Oh yeah.. shes just behi--- She said turning around and expecting me to come out right next to her

Nina! Come out now, will you? She said chuckling, obviously amused with my shyness

Coming.. I uttered softly while I tugged both of my hands behind my back I walked right next to Diane, my head looking at the sand while I looked up slowly to be graced by Iigos brown eyes

He was looking at me intently, while his jaw was left hanging open. Then he gazes up and broke into a smile

Wow.. Shes--- He muttered

Yeah I know right? Diane said while she winked at me Then she glanced at her Fianc and grabbed his hand

Sweety! Lets go somewhere else alright? Oh, okay..but how about

No, theyll be fine.. right, Igo? She said turning to Iigo who was staring at me for awhile now He just nodded at Diane

Have fun, Nina.. Igo and by that, I followed their gazes before they completely disappeared right before my eyes

Ahem! Iigo broke the silence between us as he diminish the spaces between us

I looked into his brown eyes and smiled . Are hands moved closer to each others while he grabbed my hand for him to hold and then we started walking on the sand . I felt as if we were the only people on that beach

I smiled at him before we were interrupted by a girl who approached us..

Hi, can you do me a favor and put some lotion on my back? The beautiful woman about our age said while she handled a bottle of lotion to Iigo

He glanced at me first as if asking a permission while I, deep inside is kinda annoyed.. I just pulled a smile and said..

Go ahead, Ill be just waiting over there! I said pointing into one of the ratan-made chairs hovering by the sand,

I walked towards that and settled my self inside for a shade. It was perfect for laying around and gaze at the breath-taking view of the sea. It has comfortable cushions with rolled neck pillows, foot rests that slide underneath when not in use and hinged side tables make this luxurious.

I pulled my glasses on top of my head and darted my direction to Iigo and the girl, whom I dont even know..

I rolled my eyes as I watched them. The girl seems to be having fun lying on the abaka-made mattress not even conscious with her butt exposing to a guy she barely knew

I sighed.. thinking..

/ Hes one of the sought-after bachelor afterall..Natural madaming maghahabol sa kaniya I thought while I closed my eyes and laid my back/

Miss.. a husky male voice uttered

I looked up and saw some random guy I barely knew who was smiling down at me. I stood up from Ratan-made chairs

Yes?May I help you?

Oh yes please.. im looking for a good subject for my photos and I was wondering if you could model for me? He pleaded while he held into his Canon Eos Rebel T3 digital SLR camera

I shook my head and said Im not a model.. in fact, I never was one..

and I dont think Ill be good enough for

Oh.. mas maganda pag amateur.. fresh ang mukha sa public. Hindi ako marunong eh.. I reason out

Sige na! I was surprise with the way he grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer Sayang naman, maganda at sexy ka pa naman he added

Hindi ka ba nakakaintindi? Ayaw ng girlfriend ko A voice uttered and came between us

Iigo grabbed me by the hand and held me closer. He wrapped his hand around my waist and held me tighter

Im a professional photographer and I could envision your girlfriend in the modeling field.. why dont you give it a try, Miss? He said turning his direction to me

Ano ba?! Iigo grabbed the collar of the man. His fist wA prepared to blow a strong punch across the strangers face Gusto mo upakan kita para maintindihan mo na ayaw ng girlfriend ko?

Chill Man!I thought she ---uhmm--was alone.. He said while Iigo was still glaring at him intently Sige, tol! and by that, he ran away from us.. almost tripping on the process of his flee

Then Iigo sat at the ratan-chair.. he slowly closed his eyes, thinking about something

You shouldnt be that hard for a poor guy I muttered That guy isnt poor. He has this overprized camera hanging over his neck

kahit na and besides, he was obviously not looking for a photo subject

He sat up from the chair as he open his eyes to gaze at me.. His eyes bore into my soul and his expression was hard to read He was hitting on you, Nina

/Somehow, I didnt expect something like that to come out from his mouth.. / /was he jealous/? I thought

Oh come on! I went closer to Iigo and then sat on his lap You were just jealous! I playfully uttered while I brushed my index finger to his lips

He pulled me closer so that our faces were just inches apart Who wouldnt be? Every man with dicks will be tempted when youre wearing something like that.. He seductively said eyeing down my body

I chuckled a little while his arms slowly wrapped around my waist Ikaw nga eh, mukhang type mo yung girl na nagpalagay sayo ng lotion

What?! He said, his eyes widen and he released a sarcastic laugh hindi ko type mga ganon, shes skinny as sticks and doesnt have these

I was surprise when he grabbed one of my boobs and grope it smoothly. I slapped his hand and pushed it away from where it was settled awhile ago

Iigo, were in a public place.. ano ka ba! saway ko while I looked around checking if someone might see us

Oppsy! Cant help it.. my girlfriends wearing a swimsuit and shes sitting on my lap

I gasped lightly, when he finally crushed his lips unto mine.. I moan softly against his lips as he pulled me closer, kissing me all the more fervently. As He pressed his forehead against mine as, brown orbs watching as I shut my eyes tightly and moaned his name breathlessly.

Large hands cupped my face and I opened my eyes again to meet his own, a blissful smile grazing my lips as he leaned in and kissed me on top of my head

I love you Nina I love you more, Iigo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were now on our way home and were stuck on a heavy traffic across dasmarias high street

I was so tired its as if 100 kilo of something was attach on my lids and I could hear Iigos complaints on how the traffic frustrates him more

Nauna nang umuwi sa amin sina Diane and texted me that they misses their baby so they wanted to have a little family bonding one last time sa pinas before going back to states

Iigos Silver Lamborghini Murcielago was running out of gas so we passed by a gasoline station first before heading out our way

Good evening, sir! the gasoline boy greeted us as he tilted his hat I saw a mini grocery store not so far away from the gasoline station, I thought it would be best if I grabbed something to eat ..

Samahan na kita Iigo offered but I held on to his hand and said.. Nah, its okay.. I could do it.. I wont be gone for long

Iigo planted a quick kiss on my lips and said Okay.. be back soon, and be safe

I nodded and got out of his car.. then I walked straight to the convenient store

I grabbed into few chips and a can drinks.. before finally making my way to the counter.. good thing the store was open 24/7.. and there were few people inside thats why I immediately had my way on top of the line

that would be 300, maam the cashier girl said

I handled her my 500 peso bill and then.. when I looked at the side of the counter.. there was this news stand with magazines and news papers

it was a typical news stand but something caught my eyes. It was a newspaper.. with a picture of Kendra and Iigo.

kissing

And the large red printed letters on top of the picture said *Former lovers reunited?* I felt my heart was crushed into pieces as a tear fell helplessly down my cheeks..

Maam are you okay? the cashier said while she looked at me confuse

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 25 The whole time back to Manila was hell. I kept my eyes busy from the sight of the citys night light and humongous billboards across the road.

And everytime Iigo would ask me something, Ill just nod or say Oh Okay Ah and looked away from his brown eyes.

I want to reassure my self that I was strong enough to do so because I know a minute of gazing on his eyes might break me into pieces

You, Okay? Youre eyes.. they seem--- Oh no, I think its the dust.. for sure itll be gone by any minute I laughed awkwardly while I still kept my eyes glued away from him /

I know it was a lame excuse/ I thought as I saw Iigo tightening his grip on the wheel. His hands becoming pale and it looks like a vein or two could pop from his epidermis

Nobody was uttering a single word and then later on I realized that Silence was suffocating and killing us both slowly.

by that, I could tell he knows theres something on me but I still remain my composure and kept my eyes on his cars window looking up the starry cloud-free sky.

From time to time I could feel hes looking at me and sometimes I caught him stealing glances too but I just shrugged it off. I was too clouded with my bare thought anyway /

How could he do this to me? Yun ba ang dahilan bakit niya ako dinala ng Tagaytay? Dahil naguilty siya? /

Just the thought of it makes me want to cry. Imagining how their lips crushed flat from one another and how Kendra had her arms wrapped around Iigo.

The way the candid shot flashed inside my head makes me want to stab

them both. /

The nerves!/ I blabbered inside my head while I clenched my hands which were restless lying on my lap

Bigla na lang nagpreno si Iigo na muntik nang ikatapon ko, buti na lang I wore a seatbelt.

I turn my head to his direction and glared at him What wrong with you?!

Whats wrong with me? Hah!

He chuckled bitterly and then slammed his hands on the wheel. His expression was hard as his brows ceased together

How about I asked you that? Whatta hell is wrong with you, Nina?! He shouted as he grabbed both of my shoulders so that I could be trapped by

his gazes..

I glared harder this time and then yanked his hands away from me Nothing!! Just let me be!

I slide out of his car and slammed the door of it. I didnt wait for him to react right away,I dont even know if I wanted to..so, I immediately run off to the nearest sidewalk.

I could feel tears were slowly streaming down my cheeks that time but I still acted strong and tough

I dont know where we were but Im sure were not even close to Makati yet.

Just then I noticed, People, who were bystanders of the street and those who walked by, kept their gazes and curiosity glued to me.. but I just rolled my eyes for I dont have time to care what they think

In a close range, Iigos gray Lambroghini Murcielago went after me. The cars window rolled down revealing him there who desperately called for my attention

Nina!! Get inside the car Iigo uttered softly

But I never gave on a second thought to stop and do as what he said. Instead, I walked faster this time

Nina!

Without turning around, I bit my lower lip and ignored Iigos close calls for my names and when I was about to call a cab, a metallic grip grabbed my arm which forced me to turn around and face him

Nina!! Look at me! He said while he searched for my eyes. My bag fell to the ground as I tried to yank away my arms from him. He, on the other hand, stood there firmly and even tighten the grip

Ano ba, Iigo?! I said as I struggled and pushed him further away from me

Ano bang problema? He asked. I looked up to see his brown eyes shone upon mine while he looked at me with all concern visible to him

Wala nga! I said as I picked up my bag I know theres something. Why can't you just tell me?

I gritted my teeth and looked up to stop a tear from falling.. and then looked back at his eyes "Because you're the problem! It's you, Iigo!!" "What? I dont get you"

Do you really want to know, Iigo? Do you? Huh ha? I taunt him and came inches away from his face /

That lips/ I thought as I saw upclose his luscious opening.. The lips that was once conquered by Kendra..That cheating lips

Well here!! I said and threw the newspaper to his face Sa susunod na maghahalikan kayong dalawa, make sure na walang paparazzi! I added

He took the newspaper away from his face and was surprised to see the

headline of it Former lovers reunited? WhattaNina! Listen, This is ridiculous

Ridiculous? Youve kissed her!! I shouted while glaring at him I didnt! Honestly, I didnt kiss her. She kissed me!!

I rolled my eyes with annoyance Wow! That makes sense at all I said sarcastically and laid my arms on top of my chest Look, Nina. Im sorry ..

Sorry?Yun na lang yun? Kung lagi ka na lang humihingi ng tawad, Iigo.. Sana naging palengke ka na lang! I said as I pointed a finger on his firm chest

Then I rolled my eyes Right. Hindi ka pala pumupunta ng palengke

He took few steps closer to me and attempted to lock me in an embrace but it didnt happen for I took few steps back as well Nina, Listen okay? We werent doing what you were thinking and --

Is that real? I asked as I glared at him What?! Answer the question! I snarled at him and grabbed the news paper

Is the picture real? I added as I pointed out their picture together kissing

It took him a long deep sigh before he gazes back again into my eyes as if taking note of its every details and then glared hard on the newspaper I was holding

His expression was hard to read at that very moment. I could feel my heart drumming crazily on my chest, a part of me wanted to know and unravel the answer but then there's another part of me which refuse

Its ironic. I want to know the answer but Im scared to hear the truth

Yes he breathe and then he tried to grab my hands but I took a few steps backward and then yanked it away

I dont know how to describe how I felt that time, my knees started to wobble and my lips couldnt even utter another word after hearing that.

My mind can not comprehend as I could hear a shattering sound from my chest prolly my heart

Thats all I need to hear I bit my lower lip so the tears wont slid down.. but it was no use for it started streaming down my cheeks one by one

I covered my lips with both of my bare hands as I looked down and closed my eyes. By then, I started crying hysterically wondering how things turned out this way .. /

Ive been cheated before, but heck! This is far.. from the thing called heartbreak and being heartbroken would be an understatement its as if every part of me hurts

Why must all guys be heartless douchebags?/! I thought

Nina.. please, have an ear to listen to me He softly said and tried to grab my hand but I immediately yanked it away

I thought youre different, Iigo! I said as I glared at him and started darting my pointy finger on his chest. My lips were trembling as I uttered the next words.

Those words that partly voiced out my mind and heart

but unfortunately, Im dead wrong! You're just another story to tell, another lesson to be learnt and you're just another person who walked away

I turned around from him and started vanishing from the cold street night

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 26

*Nina!

* * Nina!!* /Look at me! He said while he searched for my eyes. He took the newspaper away from his face and was surprised to see the headline of it Former lovers reunited? Whatta/*Nina*! /Listen, This is ridiculous //Look/, *Nina*. /Im sorry .. /*Nina, */Listen okay? We werent doing what you were thinking and /-- *Nina*.. /please, have an ear to listen to me He softly said and tried to grab my hand but I immediately yanked it away I thought youre different, Iigo! but unfortunately, Im dead wrong! You're just another story to tell, another lesson to be learnt and you're just another person who walked away /

The catastrophe last night kept playing back inside my head like some kinda monologue flashed all in sappy lonely black and white screen. It continuously repeated the things he uttered to me and whats worst? is the fact that I lost control over my head and cant even stop playing it

/Definitely, Guys are heartless douchebags/ I murmured to myself

Meg, just as what I expected her to be, was trying to be a protective big sister to me. She tried her very best to console and sprinkle me her magical words of wisdom that often works on me everytime I cry.

I really love her for always being there for me but this time, when she kept asking and wanting to know every little details on how things end up this way. I told her that Im not ready yet to spill nor do I know where to start with.

My mind wasnt even working at that time. All thanks to gazillions of questions running inside my head. I couldnt even think straight and all I could do is to I cry my self the whole night

/Why did he kiss her? Why didnt he even say a word? Were they dating behind my back? Was I always meant to be second best in everything? / Ever since I was little.. Ive always been second best.. second to my dear sister Rima. I dont remember much out of my blurry childhood memory, but I could still pinpoint few nostalgic feeling like being second best/

Everybody adored Rima. Everyone! Even my parents prefer her to me. /

Then a slender porcelain hand waved right in front of my face, dragging me back to reality from my deep thoughts

Hoy!! Nina!!

I looked up and saw Jesse and was graced by her cheeky almond eyes. Her right brow was arched upward as she looked troubled by something

Youve been glaring at your coffee for quite some time now. It looks like youre about to blast a laser beam out of your eyes. Is there something wrong with your coffee?

I groaned inwardly thinking my emotions are too transparent not to

notice. That I am really shallow easy-to-read type.. /

Maybe thats the reason why.. Ill never be good enough/ I thought

Oh! let me guess is Oliver pressuring you on your next article? Dont let him get under your skin.. Hes just too gay and too frank to say things. Dont mind him

She looked around and scanned the whole area just to check if someones listening on the nearby vicinity. Then she leaned closer and whispered

Minsan, naiisip ko talagang may dalaw yun eh! And then we broke ourselves into few laughters.

Oliver Matias is a senior editor in sports writing and is apparently gay. Lets just say we dont get into the same boat ever since the very first day that Ive arrived here.

And Jesse would often add that this dude despised every girl on the planet because hes intimidated by us. Nonetheless, Despite the negative things that we hate about him, Hes one of those Ive looked upon for being professional when it comes to his duties

Slacking off on your work I see? a deep voiced uttered from behind me. Both Jesse and I were shocked when we saw a skinny-as-stick man who stood few feet taller than us. He was wearing his favorite orange button down polo with his designer pink striped tie

and once I saw his curly jet black locks I knew, it was the devil himself Sir MaMatias. We were.. umm- having a coffee break Jesse stammered as she struggle to find to right words to say next

Jesses elbow jerked on my arms as she gestured me to say something next. Iuhh..

Oliver cough fake-ly to catch our attention once again and when I turned my gazes back to his, He eyed us up and down

Its only 8 a.m and youre already asking for a coffee break? Thats uhhow should I put this?bullshit! He gave the profanity a little emphasize and glared at us

Now, Ladies! Ms. Sustiguer and Ms. Fernandez. Get back to your desks and start working. We dont need another fat-ass good-for-nothing dork in this venture. Now, chop chop!! He said as he clasp his hands together to a sly clap

While Jesse started walking pass Oliver, She made few funny faces and mimicked him on his back. Good thing Oliver was oblivious enough not to notice it. Twas childish but heck, I find it pretty funny

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was almost my time for lunch break, When I was religiously typing something on MS word. My browser suddenly lit itself from the bottom of the monitor and It seems that someone took all his time to personally message me on facebook

when I checked who it was / I shouldve known better/ I thought as I sighed *

Iigo Bustamante : Nina! :( Iigo Bustamante : Why wont you pick up your phone last night? *

/I was busy crying my heart out all because of you! /A thought Ill surely not type out loud. Especially, not on facebook!!

*Iigo Bustamante : Please. I know youre still mad. But talk to me :(* / Mad is an understatement, yaknow/ *

Iigo Bustamante : Nina! :( I love you and you know that. Please dont ignore me like this :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( **Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :( Iigo Bustamante : Nina :(*

Still, I was stubborn and Ignored him. I check on my notification and saw he sent me a relationship request on facebook.

My mind was battling between to accept or to decline. I havr a lot of things to worry about and I dont think this pending request helped at all.

*Iigo Bustamante : I know youre there.. please, Just talk to me.*

Then he sent another flood message on my chatbox saying *Nina :(,

*I took a deep breathe realizing things. / It hurts nung di niya ako pinakinggan before. Does he deserve to be treated this way? / I sighed /Maybe I should really just talk to him *

*/*Nina Fernandez : I dont think its the right time to talk about that yet. Im not ready. Iigo Bustamante : I respect your decision, Love. But, please .. Hear me out first. Iigo Bustamante : Lets meet up and talk, Babe. Ill be at Le Bistro Vert. Will be waiting for you til dawn breaks. Please.* I sighed once again.

and when I was about to type my reply, A familiar faint-fake cough was all I heard. I was startled when I looked up and saw Oliver Matias. The same gay-man who scolded us awhile ago for having coffee in an early hours of work

Tsk tsk tsk! Ms. Fernandez, Facebook? Cant that wait til you get your ass home? But Sir, Itll be my lunch break in about two minutes. I think its See? You said it to yourself! Its not yet twelve so get back to work or else, Ill have no choice but to report you to the superiors.

Then he suddenly got all curious by my sudden panicking and decided to peek on my desktop . I could tell he almost had the chance to read the whole conversation I had with Iigo... good thing I covered the monitor with the first thing I saw on my desk ---- a long white folder

He turned his glares back on me and arched his brow in a questioning look

A lovers quarrel in the middle of high noon? You sure is something, Miss Fernandez and by then, He left with his loud bitter laughter that echoed in the office

and before I left for my Lunch break and call Jesse to join me, I managed to type a few words before logging off to my computer *

Nina Fernandez : Im sorry, Iigo. But No.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Does this outfit make me fat? Jesse uttered as we both slid out of Gails Crimson Chevrolet Camoro SS

Since when did you look fat, Jess? Youre like those bamboo sticks in China. Long and Slender! Gail cracked into a huge roar of laughter before she too slid herself out of the front seat

Shut up, Gail!

Bea and I just exchange weird looks and decided to join Gail in the midst of laughter .. /

/We were now in the middle of our lunch, dining at Hard Rock Caf in Glorietta 3 and savoring our Caesar salad with Beef Stew,Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, Steamed Rice and a fruit salad that Jesse happened to live without

We were engrossed with our conversation when suddenly, I felt my blackberry vibrated from my Purple Marc Jacobs suade leather bag. I picked up my phone and saw Iigos BBM

From: Iigo (fy739293)* *Ill be waiting for you no matter what ..til the dawn breaks. Ill be waiting, Nina. I love you always and forever /

Oh! someones being OC today Jesse cued from the opposite side of the table

Having guy problems, Nina? Gail teased as she shoved noodles of Pasta inside her mouth

You know, Guys often complain how complicated it is to read women, but look at them! Theyre just too insensitive.. too densed not to notice how *WE* feel. I mean, Come on! Bea snorted as she laid her glass of ice-cold tea on the table

Abigail Moreto, Gail as she liked me to address her, and Beatrice Bea Candido*//*are both from Celebrity and Lifestyle department and are close friends of Jesse. I decided to invite them and get to know them both since Jesse would often tell me how nice these ladies are

You know, you remind me of those bitter ex-girlfriends on movies, Bea Gail uttered as she rolled her eyes

and then turned her direction to me to say .. dont mind her, Nina. Shes been like that ever since she was dumped by her 2-month-boyfriend

FYI.. I wasnt dumped. I did the dumping part, and take note I even slapped him across his handsome face and it was not 2! It was 3 months,Gail! Bea reasoned out

Gail just rolled her eyes Whatever, Bea. Like that would change a thing and make Alex-freaking-Llanza crawl back to you

Whoever this Alex Llanza be, it sounded like another douchebag from hell. Heck, I dont know if I even want to meet him in person. Its odd but I feel for Bea. I think shes too nice to deserve this kind of pain

Anyway, Have you heard? Gail glanced from left to right to see if someones listening Oh! gossip! I like that! Jesse commented which adds fuel to our curiosity even more. Jesse and Bea drew their selves closer to where Gail was sitting while I sat still on my chair, feeling guilty about ditching Iigo

Youve heard about Kendra Gainsborough right? You know, the latest news about her kissing the ultra-hot-smexy racing prodigy Iigo Bustamante. Check?

My head jerked to their direction as my ears were all up to hear the next shell say. Jesse glanced at my direction and we exchanged awkward faces from one another. Only Jesse knew about my relationship with Iigo aside from Meg and Patrick.. and ofcourse Diane

According to my source, Kendra was the one chasing after this prodigy eventhough she knew that Iigos dating a total non-showbiz girl from his circle /

I should have known that/

Waitwhat?! So Iigos out of the Metro Mags eligible bachelors list?! Since when?! And whos the lucky bitch?! She mustve been way too lucky or/maybe flirty/ to be able to catch a big big fish such as him Bea commented which made me ,somehow, startled with her addressing me as a bitch. /

Ouch! That bitten me /

I dont know how to react from that moment on. They havent had the slightest clue that I was the girl theyre talking about. Although, I dont blame her at all since she knows nothing. Jesse coughed fake-ly and then eyed me for awhile before turning her direction to Bea and said ..

Maybe shes just an amazingly pretty, smart and really nice girl that Iigo fell in love with Jesse managed a winking at me and then smiled

Ugh! Give me a break! Bea rolled her eyes The blinky blinky demure Maria Clara bitch died eons from now, Jess! And besides howd you know that? Beas right brow arched itself as she eyed Jesse suspiciously.

Ang daldal mo, Bea! Do you want to hear the bomb that Im ready to explode or not? Gail uttered impatiently

As for your question, Bea-tch (bitch), the girl seems to be mysterious

and hidden from the public eyes. And as much as I want to meet her, The medias entirely clueless how she looked like.

/Hello! Im here!! /

And Jesse might be right, She have to be *reeeeeally *pretty to catch Iigos attention. Anyway, as I was saying .. The photograph was , accordingly, planned by Kendra herself just so this mystery girl would go bye bye to Iigo Gail added which made me eyes grew wider

Wow! I knew she was a slut but I never knew a pretty girl like Kendra could sink that low .. I mean, She could get who ever she wanted. Shes really gorgeous to begin with. Why snatch someone that has already been caught? Jesse said eyeing me from the side making sure I heard her words /

Youre right. She has god-given gifts but It was all ruined with her personality /

Exactly, Jess! And let me show you girls something Gail grabbed something from her Ayla Tangerine shoulder bag

It took her awhile before she finally said Ta-daaah! and laid a wallet-size picture on the table

It was a picture of Iigo sitting on a rattan-lounge chair by the shore.

He was shirtless and was smirking sexily on the girl right in front of her ..like he usually does

/Stay still my heart/ I thought as I felt my heart sped up when I finally realized that the girl sitting on his lap was me.

I know it was me. Eventhough, my back was turned from the camera and was almost covered by few strands of my hair, I knew it was me. For sure, It was taken when we were in Tagaytay

Whered you got this, Gail? Are you some kinda stalker? Bea said as she grabbed the picture and held it closer to her face.. examining every details of the photo Is this photoshopped? She added

Gail immediately grabbed the picture from Beas hands and said Idiot, Course not! I just had my ways yaknow!

Right. You used your photographer of a boyfriend didnt you? You used Marious to get this picture. Hah! I knew it! Bea uttered in victory

Lets just say.. I got a little hand from my hubby. Thats all Gail retorted back and slid her tongue out to annoy Bea

Jesse glanced at her watch and then said I think its time that we should go, its almost 1. you wouldnt want our old Oliver Matias to bitch out about us being late, dont we?

Blaagh!! Oliver! Just thinking about it makes me sick. Honestly, I think that Gay-man is just sexually-deprived and has a really dull and dead sex life. He needs to get laid!. Bea commented and grabbed her bag.

We both giggled at Beas comment about Olivers sex life. Then we all stood up from our table and I called the waiter for the bill and paid him w/ matching tips

When we were at the parking lot Ive looked up and saw how gloomy clouds block the supposed-raise of the sun in a high noon.

I think its going to rain later. Have you girls brought your /payongs /with you? Jesse uttered before she completely joined us inside Gails car

Darn! I left mine at home Bea added

Well, That sucks.. It would definitely rain way too hard this afternoon. I'm positive Gail said as she maneuvered the car out of the exit and to the road back to the building of Philippine Daily Inquirer

When I heard that from Gail, Iigo was the only thing that crossed my mind. / Will he be okay if it actually rained? /

and then I remembered his BBM sent on my phone / From: Iigo (/ /fy739293//)* *Ill be waiting for you no matter what ..til the dawn breaks. Ill be waiting, Nina. I love you always and forever /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 27 /Arent you coming with us? said by the usual high-pitched voice that would definitely be her signature tone.

I looked up and saw Jesse, who was carrying a pile of folder on her right and a designer bag on the other. She was ready to leave the office as she tapped my shoulder Its raining pretty hard and Gails offering a ride. Arent you coming?

My eyes automatically landed in the clear glass window nearest to my desk and indeed, it was raining cats and dogs. I turned my direction back to Jesse and said Nah, I think Ill finish this thing first and then off I go

We could wait for you down the lobby. For sure, Gail wont mind Oh! thats really sweet but I dont wanna be a hassle. Just go on. Ill be fine I said as I flashed her a genuine smile

She returned the smile and grinned at me Okay. Ill see you tomorrow then? She said and leaned down to give me a sweet friendly beso

Yeah. See you! I said as I watched her walked at the opposite door to the elevator.

I was still working on the last paper when the thunder roared pretty loud. Too loud that I have to cover my ears with both of my hands

/Mama, Why is the sky crying?/

/Nina, The sky isnt crying .. its called rain A sweet smile was painted across the womans blurry face. / /I cant make out the details on her feature but one things for sure .. her smile brings the warm in my heart/

/Then suddenly, the little girl heard another roar from the sky. A thunder followed by a ferocious light that engulf the whole dark sky which made the little girl tighten her grip on her older sisters arm/

/Why is the sky sound so angry, Mama?/

/The woman turned around once again from the front seat and patted the head of her child affectionately. She smiled genuinely before she tucked the unsteady locks behind the ear of her youngest child/

/Dont be scared my angel. Mama and Papa are here for you She said/

/Yeah! Dont be scared, Nina. Ate Rima is here too The older child, by merely 2 minutes, uttered to her scared sister and locked her tightly into her arms to assure her that its safe/

/Shit! The man cursed as he tried to maneuver the cars wheel trying to dodge the drunk driver of the white Honda civic. /

/That was close, Nicollo. The roads slippery cuz it rained the whole night maybe we should just stop by and--- OH DEAR LORD!!/

/The womans eyes grew wider as she saw a 9-wheeler truck was heading on the opposite side of the dark road. The light of the truck illuminated and almost blinding the little girls vision/

/Everything happened so fast that the little girl barely knew what to do/

/Rima, Open the cars door and throw your selves outside The woman told her eldest child/ /But Mom/ /Just do it, Rima!/

/The older sibling obliged on her mothers wishes and unbuckled the seatbelt of her sister. She acted fast as she opened their cars door and pushed her younger sister without giving her a warning /

/Her older sister was about to join her outside but seatbelt was malfunctioning and can not be easily unbuckle /

/and the last thing she heard, aside from the loud buzzing sound of the truck crushing their car into pieces, was the loud shriek of her older sister crying for help/

When I opened my eyes, a tear had fallen and rolled down my cheeks. I suddenly felt the sadness in my heart and the agony that I have forgotten for such a long time. That flashback was not as clear but it sure brought me to the sudden feeling of loneliness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was walking alone the aisle of the empty hall to the elevator when I remembered Iigos BBM/

From: Iigo (/ /fy739293)* *Ill be waiting for you no matter what ..til the dawn breaks. Ill be waiting, Nina. I love you always and forever

/I sighed heavily as I stopped my self from walking .. / Should I stay or should I go. That I really dont know.. maybe--/

Once inside the lift, I pushed the elevator button and pressed the arrow pointing downwards which leads to the lobby. I checked my silver metallic Giordano watch and saw it the short hand was about to hit 7 in about 15 minutes

/Naghihintay pa kaya siya don? Despite the heavy rain?

/The elevator was about to close completely when suddenly, someone had been smart enough to held it longer for him to slid inside

His lips curved into a sweet grin flashing me his yet, colgate-grade commercial smile. I have no doubt, by the looks of the way he smiles, for sure.. It was Luigi himself

Hey, Ive heard Oliver has been nagging you huh? Is he grilling you that bad? He asked No, I dont think he does I said winking at him

The elevator once again opened to let other passengers get a lift down the building. I stepped aside to let the other passengers in

I grinned weakly at a friendly-looking woman in her last 40s .She stood between Luigi and I with her LV vintage classic bag on her hands. It was the editor-in-chief Mrs. Letty Magsanoc

You know, from the moment I saw you guys there.. I thought youre a couple. You looked good together The older woman uttered smiling at us both

Luigi winked at me which made me roll my eyes in annoyance

Well.. I Agree with you Maam. Heto naman kasing si Nina pakipot pa eh--- ouch! Natigilan si Luigi sa kakasalita nang piningut ko siya sa tagaliranan

I gave him an apologetic looked and then stick out my tongue. Our boss gave us an equally confused looked. Just as she was about to say something, the elevator doors slid open.

Well, Here we go youngsters. Ill see you tomorrow okay? She said and turned off the alarm of her turquoise Chevrolet Volt and then finally slid her self inside it. Luigi and I waved at her before she completely sped up and disappear to the exit

There was a long silence between us before I decided to started walking away from Luigi. He mustve been surprised with my action because he ,right away, tailed me off from behind

Seriously, the way you pinched me right there? Its like your nails dug and went through my skin. That really hurts! Luigi whined and complained at me as we walked side by side from one another

You deserve it anyway! I teased

He just chuckled and then turned off the alarm of his dark green Mazda CX-9. I turned around to look at him and managed to arch my right brow suspiciously

New car? Since when? I asked Yup! My older sisters gift for me this Christmas He said proudly

Oh! Thats kinky.. I commented and walked passed his car

Whawait! Dont you need a lift?

I turned around and looked at him straight in the eyes. He was being sincere but I know he just wanted to score on me

Nah, I think Ill just call a cab

Thats crazy. Its raining cats and dogs. Are you seriously going to wait? And its dark He reasoned out. I know he wasnt really worried, I think hes just giving me the cons just so he can convinced me to ride on his new car with him.. alone /

But hes right, yaknow. Its raining pretty hard and youll surely get soaked/, My other side uttered as I glanced at the exit .. getting the view of a wet grounds from a far

I gulped in defeat and looked back at Luigi who stood beside his car and was ready to open its door for me

I sighed Fine. If you insist Yes!! Luigi uttered in delight of happiness as her smile grew wider But! But? I dont owe you anything alright?

He hesitated at first but eventually give in anyway. His smile was solid across his attractive alluring face while he was driving across the high street of Rizal Avenue

We chatted about each others random stuffs along the way. I actually found him pretty funny. I uttered about my selfmy life in general, and he would do the same

I found my self not able to stop blabbering about so random things and his smile wouldnt even fade away

Ive learned he was 24 year-old dude and living with his parents in Dreamland Subdivision, Mandaluyong. They wont allow him to move out unless he was with someone older because He was the youngest of the five siblings---all girls. So most likely, they regard him as *Still *their baby boy

I really find it funny whenever his face would turn sour everytime I call him baby boy. His expression was priceless!

Then all the chitchats we had were interrupted when my Blackberry vibrated and lit itself inside my bag.

I picked up the phone and immediately, a feminine voice uttered

Nina? Is this you? Ive asked your number from Gerard. Ate Diane? Well.. who else? The female on the other side of the phone chuckled Anyway, Nina .. I thought I should asked you this.. but do you wheres Iigo? Moms pretty worried about him. Hindi niya sinasagot yung phone niya. Is he with you? Diane asked with a little of wariness visible to her tone /

Iigo must have been waiting after all / A sudden realization had bitten me off.. /

Iigo doesnt have anything to do with all this crap. He was a victim as well. How could I not trust him well in fact, all he did was love me from the very beginning. He doesnt deserve this /

No, Hes not with me but I know where I could find him. Ill call you back pag nakita ko na siya. I said and bid farewell to Diane

I glanced at Luigi and saw how confused he was

Who was that? He asked Uhm.. Lui, Do you know wheres Le Bistro Vert? I counter-ask, ignoring

the question he threw on me Well, Its all the way in Valero why would Take me there, Please I said Its raining.. I dont think Please, Lui. Its a matter of life and death

Luigi stopped the car and turned his attention on me to study my expression. I looked straight into his eyes and was engulf with confusion and desperation.

/Please just take me there. Hes waiting for me /

He took a deep breathe as he closed his eyes. Only to open it once again and say Alright. But this time you really owe me something

And then he smiled and turning the wheel on the other side of the street /

Wait for me, Iigo

/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 28 Are you sure na hindi kita ibaba sa mismong resto? Ang tanong ni Luigi sa akin bago ako completely bumaba sa Dark Green Mazda CX-9 niya

Nah, I dont think it would help. Baka kung ano pang isipin ni Iigo I reasoned out/

I was about to open his cars door when he held unto my elbow to stop me. I looked at him surprise and confused Wait. Bring this with you He said and handled me a UST-yellow and black striped umbrella

I smiled at him which he genuinely return Ibalik mo na lang bukas Thanks, Baby boy I said winking at him

He gave me a mock disgust look and said Oh! stop calling me that, Please. Enough nang mga kapatid, parents and granny ang tumatawag sa akin ng ganyan

I giggled slightly before I completely stepped out of his car and into the wet pavement of the cement. He waved and smiled at me as he maneuvers his car to the other side of the street. /

Such a gentleman/

I was standing meters away from Le Bistro Vert and was looking for him. Yeah, You know*him*..

But he was nowhere in sight. Not in the entrance, not in one of those tables outside and not even in the parking lot

/Where could he be? Umalis na ba siya? /

I didnt give up even though my toes were all drench and im getting cold, I stood still .. looking around. Hoping any minute from now I could spot him somewhere where my eyes could scan / I dont want to give up. I know hes there waiting patiently/

I took a few steps closer to the resto itself as if expecting him there, sitting down at one of those tables inside. But he wasnt. No signs of him anywhere . Nothing. Not even his shadow.

I even asked the guard if he noticed someone tall, a little builtuhmm, well really built, and quite meztiso who stood next to 6 feet. The security guard seems to be confused

/madaming kumakain dito, maam na ganyan ang itsura./ I just sighed /

This is harder than I thought it would be/

I walked myself to the parking lot alone, not minding the pouring rain was already dripping into my skin making me shiver. Who wouldnt shiver

in this temperature? It felt like I was walking on the cube of ice barefooted or probably naked.

/San ka na ba, Iigo?/

Naglakad lakad pa akong ng diretcho, hoping Ill spot him leaning casually or waiting while fidgeting his phone on his hands /

Just like He always does when hes waiting for me /

I felt like hot tears were slowly merging in my eyes making my vision blur slightly. I bit my lower lip to stop my self from crying. I walked slowly realizing I have no direction at all ..

/Is it too late? /

Iigo? Saan ka na ba? I called out on the darkness of the whole area. Everything was almost dark, Good thing the lamp post lighted enough of the area to let me see where I was going.

The only thing I heard was the continuously tapping of my pumps on the naked cemented lot. Nobody was probably here and nobody will ever be standing in the---/

Wait?! Was that Iigos car?/

I thought, My eyes grew wider when I spotted familiar figure and color of the car. Immediately, I took a fast run only to realize, it was indeed his Gray Lamborghini Murcielago

Iigo?! I said tapping his heavily-tinted windows From the moment there, my heart was beating loudly. Pumping every blood throughout my body. It was crazy that I could almost hear it in my ear

Iigo?! Andyan ka ba?

But all I heard was the sound of crickets and the weird loud buzzing sound of the cars passing by the road /

Where could he be? /

My hands trembled while holding the umbrella.. tightening my grip to it so Ill feel secured. Regrets were all dragging my sprit down.

A smirking Iigo flashed through my head.

Those tempting lips His jet-black locks that make me want to touch it wondering how soft it is His broad shoulders His corded abs His hard to touch chest His pointy nose

and most important of all that made my heart skip a beat was his mesmerizing brown eyes that youll surely be lost with

those honest eyes

/How could I afford to accuse him like that? / I felt a million light bulb lit on my head.. /

His phone. He might answer now/ I thought, and right away grab my Blackberry from my bag. My hands were trembling as I dialed his number and cursed my self for being stupid.. /

Nalagay ko pala siya sa speed dial. Stupid, Nina.. Stupid! /

I pressed 1 and the phone was immediately made the buzzing sound. I stood there frozen on the spot while I waited for him to pick up /

Pick it up, Iigo.. Pick it up /

but moments later Instead of his voice that I was expecting from the beginning .. Ive heard the sound /

Dooot dooot doooot Subscriber can not be reach please try your call later /

Hindi ako tumigil sa kakapindot sa speed dial. Hindi ako sumuko kahit ang operator lang lagi ang sumasagot

I feel stupid but I didnt mind. I kept pressing that number until my thumb was numb. I felt like my knees were about to give up when tears continuously cascaded down my cheeks

I sobbed even more when nag BBM sa akin si Meg. My phone lit up almost blinding me by the light

/From : Meg (25E3F4FA)/ /Its already 10 minutes passed 8, Where the hell are you?/ /

I dont know,Meg. I think Im lost in this misery. I dont know.. what to do anymore /

I thought as I sobbed even more. Tears were flowing helplessly on my cheeks that I could almost feel the bitter-sweet taste of it as it passed down my lips.I dont know what to do next.. i dont know anymore*

Nina?* / That voice!/

That husky familiar sound echoed, not only in my ears , but also in my heart. I turned around to look back into him who was standing few feet away from me

Iigo I breathe and was about to hug him when he said Dont come near me, Nina

I was hurt when he said that and saw how serious he was when he took another step backwards

He was soaked and all drenched under the rain. Basa lahat kahit ang crocs niya. His wet locks covered most of his forehead and he looked so worn out and tired

I frowned Why the hell not? He sighed and open his arms widely for me to see his point Im all wet. Do you want your uniform to---

I didnt let him finish and immediately run , threw Luigis umbrella on the cold cement, lock him in a tight embrace and nuzzled to his neck

Nina.. I Shh!! I put my finger on his lips to shut him off .I gazed into his brown intense eyes and he gazed back almost making my tummy flipped with butterflies.

Let me talk first. Im sorry I didnt listen to you and accuse you about things you dont have control with. Im sorry I doubted you, and I'm sorry that sometimes, I get a little jealous, thinking that someone else could make you happier than I could.

Silly! Ofcourse, youre the one and only who could make me happy He stared down to my lips as if waiting for me to kiss him. He leaned down and for once, I felt like one of those teenagers who were about to have their first kiss

I didnt deny him and responded to his kisses with hunger and lust all wrapped into one. We didnt care that were both soaked by the heavy rain, we didnt care that we were the only people on the lot.

We just didnt care and all that mattered to us that moment was reconciliation, forgiveness and the kiss we shared

I held on to his chest and stopped the kiss. / Woah! That was mind-blowing/

I held his face on both of my hands and said

You were waiting for me all this time? A brow was raised as I asked him Why? I saw how firm he stood when he looked me straight into my eyes which almost cause me to lose my balance

What if hindi ako dumating? I added and it sounded more like of a whisper when it came out of my lips

He just smiled down at me weakly and said I knew youd come, Nina. I knew you would. So I waited three hours rain or shine, with or without umbrella, in the darkness or in the light.

I dont know if He noticed that I was crying but When he stood before me, he ran his hand along my jaw and he held me tighter to his arms I love you, Always and forever

My heart began beating again and I leaned my face into his hand. "I love you too, Iigo."

He lifted my face to him and stared into my eyes. I love you more."

He pushed his lips down onto mine in a gentle and chaste kiss. He left his mouth hovering over mine as if hesitant about whether or not to continue.

I pushed my lips up to his in an urgent manner. I didn't realize how desperately I needed him to kiss me until he actually did.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took us long silly argument before I decided, Ill stay for tonight. He was really persistent that Ill stay with him and do some/little sleep over/ but I said that I have work the next day so I cant.

He frowned and pouted like a kid asking for his mom for a new toy this Christmas and I couldnt just deny the fact that I enjoy watching him like that. In the end, I decided Ill stay and probably go home at early in the morning

We arrived at his unit just in time before the rain would pour harder. I called Meg to tell her Ill be sleeping at Iigos and She giggled like a drunken girl thinking maliciously about the word I said /

Wow! Make up sex. Thats really nice /

But I shrugged it off and bid farewell to her before practically turning my phone off.

I scanned around his living room as I noticed trophies and various picture of him in different places Berlin, Lisbon, Mexico, Vancouver, Helsinki, Budapest, Rome, Praha, Buenos Aires--- you name it!

I also noticed his play station and Xbox hidden on the compartment just below his 14 flat-screen tv

I smiled to myself and said .. / Such a kid at heart /

I walked to his room and stood there for awhile. Then I was startled when he said My shirt looks better on you He uttered huskily leaning casually on his bathrooms door frame

I looked down and saw his blue shirt from American Apparel that reached

down passing my thighs, almost touching my knees. It was more like an off-shoulder to me cuz it exposes partly of my right shoulder

I smiled weakly at him as I watch him enter his room. He was wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his hips while had another one on his hand to damp on his wet locks.

I savored every details of it from his broad shoulders down to his 6-pack-hot /pandesals./ /

/I gulped. Feeling all flustered and red, I tore my gazes away from him which made him smirked even more.

He probably noticed that I was all red so he took his steps closer to me and grabbed my hand

His hands were quite warm and comforting to touch. I looked up to his face as I felt him led my hand to touch his abs

I frowned and tried pulling my hand out of his grip / What is he planning to do? /

and then, to my surprise, he broke into loud uneven laughter and said ..

You shouldve seen your face, babe. Really funny!

I blinked several times before finally my mind had registered what was happening. I gritted my teeth as I crossed my arms on top of my chest and said

Thats really mature of you, Babe He tried stopping his delirious laughter as he touched his tummy. /

This is not going anywhere / I thought as I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I was about to completely walked away from him when he grabbed my arm.

This time his expression was a little serious. We just stood there for awhile before he pinched my nose and said You were really cute when you blushed/ /

He smiled at me genuinely and wrapped his arms around my tiny frame. He sniffed my hair and gently run his hand on it before resting his chin on top of my head

Sana we could stay like this forever He murmured I smiled as I pushed his chest away from me

We could stay like this pero dapat mag bihis ka muna. Ang lamig kaya He just chuckled at my remark and said in a mock british accent As you wish, Milady

Ill be at your couch watching tv okay? I said with a smile He kissed my forehead before nodding Okay

I turned around and felt like his eyes darted on my butt. I smiled devilishly and add a little extra Ooomph necessary while walking.

/ Take that Kendra!/

and then before I could be completely gone from his bedroom, I heard him whistled like wolf /

That guy

/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I grabbed a pop corn from his kitchen and settled my self once again on the three-seater sofa of his. The movie on HBO right now is /Time Travelers Wife./ A good classic story based on the book with the same title /

Such a clich yet so romantic/ I thought as I shoved a hand full of pop corn inside my mouth

I felt the sofa shifted another weight on the other side. I glanced to the right and saw Iigo who was smirking yet again at me. I swallowed up a lump of pop corn inside my throat and said ..

Why are you giving that face again? What face? He said as he grabbed a pop corn from the bowl which was laying on my lap That face where you smirked like some sex god

He chuckled deeply and winked at me Well, I am a sex god I rolled my eyes Yeah right

But you know, Babe He said drawing himself nearer to me and wrapped his left hand on my waist Hm? a non-committal answer I gave as I focused my attention on his tv For someone as small as you, you eat quite a lot He whispered right next to my ear

I gasped and turned my direction to him. My eyes grew wider angrily and stump the bowl of pop corn on his center table..

Are you saying Im-- Regretting what I did. The last word came out from my lips as if a cat caught my tongue /fat /I realized, He intended that words to annoy me so I could face him. /

How manipulative/

He smiled as I noticed his face were just few inches a part from mine. I could almost smell his strong masculine scent that cast a spell on my nose and his warm breathe as I felt it next to me /

Stay still my heart/

He cupped my face and kissed me fiercely sending my body into some kinda sexual intimacy.

I moaned with delight into his mouth and arched my body into him. The kiss reflected how much he needed me and how much I am willing to give. It was eager, and needy and raw with untamed desire and renewed sexual promise.

He grabbed one of my breasts and squeezed it which made me released a soft moaned of approval coming from my lips. I felt his large hands slide down my body and barely repressed a shiver.

His mouth came back up to mine and I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my body into him wanting his body to be as close to mine as possible.

He grabbed and pinned me under his weight over the sofa. He covered my mouth with his and I willingly comply to his delicious invasion of my senses.

We were so drunk and wrapped up with the kiss that we didnt noticed that his phone lit up and rang

Iigo pretended he didnt hear a thing and continued kissing me. I pushed his chest away as I noticed his Iphone vibrated against the nightstand near the lampshade

Iigo.. I whispered to his ear "Hmm?" He said as he lifted his head from my chest, obviously noticing my erect nipples through his shirt before slowly settling in front of my face.

Your phone but he didnt budge, he was still there kissing and nibbling the juncture between my shoulder and neck

Iigo I whispered yet again and pushed his chest away from me. He just groaned maybe in frustration and annoyance wrapped into one.

He climbed off from me, sat on the couch and grabbed his phone next to the nightstand He frowned when he read the caller ID Talk to me, Diane

I gasped as I realized He was talking to his older beautiful sister/ Ate Diane must have been worried /

Uhhno. Im fineokay. Yep. Bye now He pressed on the power button of his phone before practically throwing it to his recliner opposite of the sofa

I sat on the sofa as well next to him and fixed my self. I felt like he was watching my every moves so I looked up to him and smiled, suppressing the pent-up sexual tension that was slightly disturb by his phone

He once again drew himself closer to me and I was expecting another hot steamy kiss but It never came. Instead, I was surprised when he lay down on the couch and rested his head on my lap. Just like in those sweet movies Ive watched

Ang lambot He murmured as he nuzzled on my belly and then looked up to me again and smiled. I once again noticed his captivating brown eyes and his long lashes.

/Such a beautiful eyes/

I returned the smile and bent down to give him a peck on his nose

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We stayed like that almost finishing the movie that we were watching on his 14 flat screen tv I heard him yawn a little as he sat up on the sofa, stretching his arms alongside

Iigo? Hm? a non-committal answer I got as he stared straight into my eyes Nakailang girlfriends ka na ba? He stood up from my lap and snorted Whats with the question?

Wala lang .. Napaisip lang ako. Nevermind na lang nga Nagtampo agad.. He chuckled and then wrapped his arms around my waist while he rested his chin on my shoulder, right next to my face and gave me a soft sweet kiss on my left cheek

I had quite a number of flings before. Hmm. But I could only pinpoint 4 girls that I had REALationship with my mouth turned into an O as I realized what he meant Was Kendra one of them? His right brow arched and I knew he was quite amused with the question Are you getting jelly jelly again, Babe? /

Yes/ No I calmly said, trying to hide the sudden feeling of jealousy. He chuckled and then said No, She wasnt one of them

I felt like I was released from a long heavy pent-up feeling as it untangled the knots I felt inside my head. I was released from my strong feeling of jealousy towards that leggy top model Kendra

Ikaw, Baby? Hmm.. Dalawa. Ikaw at si Ge He was quiet as he darted his brown eyes on me. /

I wonder whats on his mind right now/

So, he was your .. First love? I just nodded slowly as I felt the air was suffocating between us

He sighed before he weirdly smiled again and said Maybe I am too late to be your first

He brought up a finger to my chin and held it up so that I could looked at him straight in the eyes But I am preparing myself to be your last. He said, and then pressed his mouth to mine.

One of his hands slid over my shoulder and down my back while my hand worked its way up to the top to cup the back of his neck, digging my nail unto his skin.

He nibbled at my lips, tasting first the bottom and then the top, and then his tongue traced insistently at the straight seam of my mouth to have a fencing battle against my tongue.

His tongue slid in deeper, and I tasted the sharp flavored mint

I immediately surrendered, granting him entry without a second thought.

In the end, He dominated and devoured my mouth with such hunger and intensity

One of his hands left my jaw and trailed down to my shoulder, tugging his blue shirt that I was wearing.

His other hand fell to my waist and broke to kiss just so he could remove the shirt over my head.

He immediately threw the shirt on his well-carpeted warm floor in less than two seconds.

Then I felt the coldness of his centralized air condition gyrate and

emitted a cold slap to my now-bare thighs and exposed-chest

Iigo broke away from me, settling his large, warm, calloused hand on my bare skin. "Holy---- you're not wearing any bra!," he said, his voice rough with disuse.

"It's soaked and is on your dryer right now. Blame the rain," I nearly whined, eager to have his mouth on mine again. With my hand still cupped around his neck, I pulled him towards me.

I could feel him grinning on my lips as he nibbled my bottom lip while his hand dropped back down to my knee, skimming along until the tips of his fingers reached my member.

The sight of his hand there was enough to make me dizzy.

"Your shirt has to go." I murmured, bracing my hand on his forearm.

Iigo growled in my ear, and his low, rough, lust-clotted voice sent shivers down my spine. I know

He looked up at me through hooded eyes and grinned lazily. Without warning, He broke the kiss only to remove his shirt and pulled down his boxers.

His hand immediately trailed up and over my stomach before stopping to gently cup my breast in his palm. My breath caught, and I bit my lip to stop the sensual moan coming out from my mouth

Iigo pressed his mouth to mine and his tongue traced the seam of my lips again.

His thumb moved over my already hard nipple. I arched into him, coming into contact with his hard-as-rock dick, which felt even harder and seemingly bigger than it had been before.

I wanted more of him. With an impatient sound, I ran my hands over his skin when he stepped back into the space between my legs. It was feverishly hot, stretched over his corded muscle.

Liquid heat shot between my legs at the sight and feel of him, and I pressed my thighs together, but it only made the feeling intensify.

And thats how we caught up with the weather that night. The whole thing struck me as so intimate, and my heart opened up to him even more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 29 It was one tough weekdays at work followed by the deadlines that usually had me there on my chair for two more hours of overtime.

I hadnt have time for Iigo lately but still had a spare ample hour (usually itll be only 30 minutes of it) during lunch for some long talks through phone with him

and late at night, Iigo would come over at Megs place and wed stay all night cuddling each other on Megs favorite couch.

Wed watch late night shows or movies and Ill doze off on Iigos arms feeling safe under his warmth

the next morning, Ill be surprise to find my self on my bed under the mattress still on my PJ. It became a daily-nightly routine for a week but Iigo didnt seem to mind, He would even prepare a glass full of milk for me /

Such a sweet guy /

He would even worry about my growing dark circles under my eyes so he makes sure hell pick me up after work (even hell wait for an hour) to ensure my safety

and there were days Im so worn out I couldnt even make it to the couch or my bed and Ill fall on my deep slumber on Iigos car /

It was one tough stressful days but Im glad he understands

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/It was one morning .. the last Saturday for the month of November. The same time Iigo told me about his day-long practice on Sta. Ana racetrack, when Meg suddenly came up for me

Nina, Guess what! I looked up to her face and saw how eager she was to spill something to me What? I said half-paying attention to her while my other half was tryna focus my eyes on the movie I was watching on star movies right now

You know Im on the celebrity and gossips department right? Theres this interview Im about to conduct with your /bestfriend//

huh? Bestfriend? /I was completely puzzled and didnt catch what she just said to me

Are you upto something again? Pfft! SLOW!! No, ofcourse Im not. She said firmly and sat beside me on the sofa

I mean, I was butugh! Nevermind! Thats not the point She was about to grab a popcorn from the bowl I had on my arm when suddenly, I yanked her hands away and said I wont let you have it unless youll spill

A-hah! Are you learning those tricks from your racetrack boyfriend? To be conditional and somewhat sneaky? Ikaw, Nina ah?

I just rolled my eyes at her and then I tried focusing on the movie I was watching when Meg suddenly grab the bowl from me and then hid it to her side

She was laughing hysterically when I was trying to reach for the popcorn Makinig ka kasi muna! She whined Ano nga kasi yun, Meg? At sinong bestfriend pinagsasabi mo?I said impatiently as I crossed my arm from the other on top of my chest

Im going to interview Kendra this noon / Shell what? /

Kendra? Kendra.. Kendra Gainsborough? I stammered Yeah that leggy top model who already ramp for Balenciaga, Chanel, Valentino, Armani and Burberry? Yeah thats her

I was out of words from the moment and Meg seemed to be enjoying that. She smiled devilishly and grabbed my hand

And you, my friend, my dearest nina, are coming along with me /

She said what?!/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dont you think I shouldnt be here? I said looking around the area. It was Rogues photoshoot for the December cover /

Ive never been into a photoshoot before/

I literally turned my head 360 degrees almost breaking my cervical area. Everyone seemed busy and there were wires and lights everywhere.

The shoot director was there with his assistant looking out on the tv-like screen about the size of a laptop. The lighting crews were given an instruction by the shoot director himself

While the photographer, who was quite the lookish, was there staring from a far. I followed his gaze and was surprise that it landed on Kendra, who was sitting there while she was whisked away by a make-up artist and hair stylist as the caterer brings her delicacies right on her face /

She was treated like a goddess here/

In the meantime, the photographer was there making last minute lighting and set adjustments schmoozing the art director making sure everything was set rechecking the cameras directing the photo assistant and lastly, coming up to the Make up artist just to check on how things were going with the Kendra

She finally stood up from where she sat, I saw how beautiful she was..

/really!/ It was like Aphrodite was now here walking around the earth

She didnt noticed me and didnt even care that every heads were now all hers watching her movements. /

She didnt seem to mind /

She went to change from her silky pink robe and unto some kinda red slacks, red stilettos and red Blazer with nothing else covering her chesther boobs, but a black feathery long necklace /

Holy! Seriously?!/ I thought as my eyes became widely open at the fact shes going on a shoot with nothing on her chest but the Blazer itself which didnt really cover up much of it

I was even startled at the moment but Kendra was calm and was still willing to pose half-naked! / Thats what high-paid top models are for/

Show time! The photographer uttered as he clasped both of his hands and shouted at everyone else to get ready

Kendra was ready to get in front of the camera. And stood in front of the green clothe that were used to alternate the background of the model and on the large format cameras

As the shoot was now going on, I noticed that the photographer and Kendra shared this certain unknown communication from one another.

She followed the verbal instructions of the photographer. Kendra, As a model and Mr Paulo Marvelino, a photographer worked together more and establish a touch-or-don't-touch understanding up front.

Kendra didnt hesitate to move freely even she was half naked. It was quicker and easier for her to physically move her arms, head and legs where the photographer wants them.

and the photoshoot ended briefly when the photographer said Good job, Kendra! Everyone! Lets Pack up, Clean up now!

I watched Kendra took a long satisfied sighed as she walked out from the green-clothed wall. She sat on the chair where she took her robe and wore it

Thats our cue Meg whispered to my ears and grabbed my hand as she pulled it

We walked straight to where Kendra was whos busy on her phone No. Maybe later. Okay! See you? Alright. Bye She said to the other line of her phone

She looked up at Meg and said .. Lets get this over with shall we? I have a long long day and----

She stopped when She finally took noticed of my existence before her. She frowned for awhile before she broke herself in some kinda grimy pretend smile

Oh, Nina! Glad to see you! She said and stood up to give me a beso She waved her hands to get the attention of the utility crew and shouted Gina? I need some chairs here!

and then darted her attention back at us. She smiled and when the chairs had arrived for us to sit ..she asked us to sit across her

She crossed her leg from the other and then said Lets start

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The interview went on. Meg would throw direct questions at her which she would answer straight to the point.

Last question Miss Gainsborough.. Why did you kiss the phenomenal racing prodigy Mr. Iigo Bustamante whom I believed was already committed?

There was silence between us and I believed that people from the near vicinity sure heard that. The dead air was suffocating and I was definitely startled at Megs question. Then Kendra gave me the look which is too hard to read.

Before I could study the look she threw on me, She immediately return her gazes back to Meg

Kendra chuckled bitterly before uttering ..

Don't be sentimental enough to believe that when a girl kisses a guy it means something. A kiss can mean everything and nothing. You can kiss a lover just as well as you can kiss an enemy. It's not always love when you kiss. Sometimes, it's friendship. Sometimes, it's just for fun. /

Just for fun?/

Kendra glanced at me and then smiled

I'm single. Surely, It's fun, but I miss being attached. I miss having someone I can share my bed with. She added with much confident as possible

I heard a loud gasp coming from the other side of the roomand for sure, by the looks of it, heard Kendras words

I felt my hands automatically clenched when I was slowly stabbed by her words realizing it was meant for me. Dragging me deep down to what it seems to be-- hell /

Bitch!/

But, Dont you think, Miss Kendra Gainsborough, that single is not synonymous with *Desperate* and its not right to taint the meaning out of it, no?

Kendra seems taken aback by Meg's words. She looked around the corner as if checking out if someone's even listening uhhI

Kendra seemed lost and out of words to utter. Meg smiled in victory as she watched the beautiful model stammered and shake.

I looked around and noticed that everyone was waiting for her answer.. and somewhat, looking at our direction.

I think that would be all, Miss Gainsborough! Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you and get to know you more

Meg stood up and gestured me to follow her. Meg smiled at Kendra and grabbed my hand

But before we could completely get out of the door, Meg turned around and said

Oh one more thing, Miss Kendra Gainsborough.. you may not understand this thing but .. Di porke't single ka eh pwede mo ng landiin kahit sinong gusto mo, tingnan mo muna kung committed na ito. Baka masapak ka ng wala sa oras.

Megs smile grew wider when she saw Kendras face turned sour in confusion /

She clearly didnt understand a thing aside from single and committed /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 30 Days had passed so swiftly that I didnt notice it was already December. Iigo and I were practically inseparable and usually have casual dates on a daily basis.

Hell pick me up from work and then take me to some fancy restaurant all throughout metro manila.

And ofcourse, He had been his usual sweet self not even bothered by the stares we get from his self-proclaimed wives

and when I mean wives, Its not only two or three.. it was a whole lot bunch of teenage girls and practically flirty set of single women.

But then again they were his supporters, so when two hormonal girls came to him on the day we were at the mall, he was polite enough to bend down and give them a sweet non-malicious kiss on the cheeks /

I guess Im not needed here /

I said and averted my eyes to Christian Louboutin where the mannequins stood there with posh attire. I smiled when my eyes appreciated and adored that spike pumps that one of the mannequins was wearing / /

I was walking alone and left Iigo with his /wives /when I absentmindedly bump into someone.

Im so so sorry I said as I started picking up the groceries that had fallen on to the tiled-floor of the mall. Nina? I looked up and saw the familiar smiling place that I once hate but now felt warm towards the site out it

It was the very pregnant Roselyn whose belly was twice bigger than I expected. She had gained weight and had this chubby puffy cheeks now but her smile was sweet and radiating

I smiled back as I handled her .. the pack of spaghetti sauce planning on cooking some spaghetti tonight? Oh! these? Yeah.. Gerards parents are coming over and I thought I should prepare something for them She said as she slightly lifted the grocery bag for me to see

I was about to say something when Iigo called out for my name. I turn around as I noticed him coming closer to where Roselyn and I stood

Ges wife right? Rose? He smiled and held out his hand Roselyn returned the favor and took his hand for her to shake Yes. I believe our first meeting before was in the most unlikely position /

It was happening so fast that i couldn't make even the slightest sound of fright as I saw Iigo punching Gerard endlessly. He was tackling him down on the cold hard cemented-ground

naggulong gulong pa sila once more and Gerard , kahit may dugo na sa labi, ay nasa ibabaw na this time ni Iigo

"Traidor suntok si position. inuupukan

ka, Iigo!!! how could you!!" ang sigaw niya habang sinusuntok Iigo. Sinipa ni Iigo si Gerard which made them shift their hinampas niya kagad si Gerard sa malamig na semento habang siya ng todo

"dont act like I should be blame here dear cousin! you're the one who cheated!" ang sigaw ni Iigo habang sinusuntok suntok ang mukha ni Gerard

"Tama na!!!" ang sabi ko when i drew my self closer to Iigo at napayakap from behind him para lang matigilan siya sa kasusuntok kay Gerard.

Napapikit ako not knowing what to do as a drop of tear was now cascading down my cheeks Eventhough Gerard's such a jerk, he doesn't deserve to be treated this way. No one should

Tumayo bigla si Iigo and held me closer that I could almost feel his beating heart. I sobbed but then looked up to see his worried face with a stain of blood in the side of his mouth while his right cheekbone is starting to be purple-ish

sakto namang dumating din ang hindi ko inaasahan, I could even recognize her pagkababa niya pa lang sa cab.She hurriedly made her way to us and knelt down to reach Gerard's now swollen face

"Roselyn" I whispered in surprise. It has been quite a long time since the last time I saw her

She looked up and angrily glared at us "I can't believe you, Nina! pinabugbog mo si Gerard?! wala ka ba talagang konsensya?!" halos sumigaw siya when she said those words to me

"If your boyfriend was just nice enough not to force himself on, Nina.. maybe.. just maybe, I shouldve just spared him a little" Iigo uttered while he tighten his embrace on my shoulder. almost, as if, afraid to lose me.

"UHHHH" ang ungol ni Gerard while nakapikit siya "Ge? kaya mo pa bang tumayo?" i heard her slightly whispering to Gerard while she's slowly lifting him up from the ground that hes been lying

/* *Gerard just came in right on time while carrying a foldable blue crib with him. I noticed that he too had undergone quite drastic change.

He began growing beard along his jaw, it was not thick and messy but it appeared a little more mature to me. Just right for him to appear a little fatherly than the last time I saw him/ /

He bent down and planted a small kiss on Roselyns cheeks and finally noticed us standing there. Gerards smile grew wider and said

Nina! Couz! He said giving his dear cousin a manly pat-hug then he smiled sweetly at me which I genuinely return Havent seen you guys around for quite some time now huh? Yeah. You could say that Ge

OH! Roselyn uttered in surprised. She looked at us wide-eyed while holding on to her belly. She smiled afterwards while caressing her tummy into some motherly touch Whats wrong, love? He kicked .. Ang likot She said with such glow on her eyes while looking at Gerard. /

She seemed happy. And I never knew Ill say this one day, but they looked good together/

OHHMAAIIGOOSH!! biglang sigaw ni Roselyn sabay namilipit sa sakit.

We were startled at that moment. She seemed in pain and losing her balance Nagco-contract na I think lalabas na siya

I didnt have time to blink once or twice. It happened in a snap that I could barely make out whats gonna happen next.

Gerard threw the crib on Iigo na agad naman niyang sinalo. He carried Roselyn in his arms in a bridal style and immediately ran to the escalator of the mall.

We were at the 4th floor of the mall thats why it was a long hassle weve been through going down the ground floor parking lot *

Excuse me! Coming through! Bitch, please. Move your ass! You fat-ass pimp! Someones about to give birth. Shit! Get the fuck out of my way/

/*/Ive never seen this side of Gerard, So protective, impulsive that you could see how much he cares for her now.

/When we made it down the ground, I immediately seek for Gerards Crimson Bentley but it was nowhere in sight.

I was even surprise to find a slightly bigger buff kind of a car. I knew it was Ges cuz he immediately deactivated the alarm of it while he was still carrying Roselyn on his arms /

I know it may sound impossible but he did/

It was not the usual sports car that only two people could fit in, it was more of a family-oriented one with a back seat which could even fit the crib that Iigo was carrying around.

/Someone's ready to be a Dad/

Equally the interior is made to be stylish while sporty. It features sports seats, embossed R-Design emblems on the front of the back head rests, sports pedals in aluminum, unique leather upholstery, blue gauges in typical R-Design and a unique R-Design centre stack.

Good thing Iigo was the one driving Gerards Red Volvo XC60 so we came fast without a ching on the way. We made it to Makati Medical Center just in time

and since Makati Med was known for credible roster of medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and equipments, We were attended right away by watchful ladies wearing white which I believe where nurses of the said institution and a female doctor wearing a white robe

What amazed me more about the hospital is the fact that they have 6 labor rooms strategically connected to 4 delivery rooms, with recovery rooms situated nearby.

They have 3 Lamaze rooms equipped with a television set, which can be a good experience for husbands who are trying to share the birthing experience with their wives

We sat on the elongated chair outside the Lamaze room waiting for the whole thing to be over. Gerard, on the other hand, was the only persona allowed to go inside with Roselyn while Iigo and I were left there outside.

There were other people who sat across and I couldnt help but smile at the site of an Innocent cute chinese girl sitting with her grandpa

while Iigo was looking up on the television watching Phineas and Ferb, his hands were spread across the soft-green sofa of the room where we are right now. He will randomly squeeze my elbow from time to time which he obviously enjoyed doing so

Ill just looked up to his face and then give him a small perky kiss on his cheek

I grabbed one of the news papers on the nearby center table and saw the tragic pictures that broke my heart. I saw the ruined houses, the dead corps and that poor little kid floating on the Iligan bay

/Poor thing. Christmas and Typhoons should never come together./ I thought as I read thoroughly the said article of the Philippine star.

/Sendong killed more than 650 people in eight provinces in the southern Mindanao region, which is unused to typhoons. Rescuers are searching for more than 800 people missing. Flash floods and landslides swept houses into rivers and out to sea. /

My eyes grew wider at the thought of it and I released a loud gasp which earned me few heads to turn on my direction 800?!

Whats wrong? Iigo whispered next to me Look! Wala na silang houses sa mismong araw ng Christmas I said ang drew the newspaper near him to see Yeah. Heard about that too. Wont we do something about it?

Actually, Babe. A group of racers in metro manila conjoined an idea and had this Race, Watch && Go wherein, Filipino racers all throughout the world, where I too will join, gather and have this friendly competition at Sta. Ana next week. The money that well earned out of it, will go straight to charity

Wow! I said totally amazed by his words Ang Astig mo, Babe! I never thought Im going to have a crush on you one day

Ganon? He said pinching my nose Di mo ko naging crush?

O-naman! Should I be happy about that?

Of course! Hindi na kasi kita naging crush, minahal na agad kita Sus Bola! Kiss mo muna ako

My heart was beating loudly yet again, as Iigos face came closer to my view Ahem! An old man, sitting just across us, coughed while slightly glaring at us. I stared at him wondering if he saw that all

/Ofcourse nakita niyo yun.. hes just old but not blind/

the thought of it made me blushed even more. He eyed us first intently warning us that he has his 10-year-old grand daughter with him

Angkong, tmen zi zu shnme ne? (/What are they doing/?) the curious little Chinese girl asked. By the looks of it, I could tell there was still a Filipino touch on her despite having really /singkit/ eyes

Her hair was held on a high pig tails with her full bangs covering her brows Its Nothing, Liz. Theyre just like birds that peck on each others beak to give food Ohhh! Can I do that to Dar No! The old man snapped and then turned back to what he was reading---- a newspaper

What startled me even more, is the fact that I saw something that Meg will surely be glad for.

I saw the headline of it when he finally held it higher to cover his face /*The beautiful Filipino-Brit International Ramp Model, Kendra Gainsborough, Flew back to */Milan/*for the Annual Giorgio Armani Fashion show */

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 31 Hes a cutie patootie isnt he? uttered sweetly by Rose who cradled

her 6-pound newborn baby boy on her arms, She hummed in a free way while watching the infant sleep in her arms

It was 7 in the evening when Roselyn delivered her healthy baby boy. The nurse told her to rest but she was stubborn and insisted she wont go to sleep unless shell see her own baby boy.

Roselyn may looked tired and worn out now but she still managed to smile as she gazes down at her little baby boy

I must say.. I sat beside Roselyn and slightly pinched the cheek of the cute little puny-head --- Hes like a little version of that man on the foot of your bed

I pointed out at Gerard who kept on capturing pictures since God-knows how long. Indeed, the little baby reminds me a lot of Gerards baby picture before. Same nose, Same eyes and same broad forehead

You could say that again Smile!!! then a flash of light literally had us there

Ge! Stop that! nagpipicture ka, mukha nga kong zombie Roselyn protest and covered her face with her bare hand Ano ka ba, Honey ..

Gerard walked straight beside Roselyn and then gave his baby boy a kiss on the forehead and kiss on the lips for his wife Im sure Rossard wont mind and then run his hand on the forehead sleeping child /

Such a sweet family.. I wonder if ganto din kame ni Iigo kung magkakababy /

I called Tita Marilou, Ge. Shes actually on her way now Iigo said as he walked and closed the door behind him. He slid his iphone back to his pocket and then added ..

Did I hear it right? You actually named my nephew, Rossard? A brow was arched at Iigos face before he sat down at the couch near the Tv

Its Roselyn He raises both of his left hand and then the next in the air and Gerard Joined the two hands and uttered with a smile Rossard

Iigo chuckled Right. Very Creative. I never thought of that and rolled his eyes as he grabbed the remote close to him

But instead of the remote, He suddenly threw a pillow on Gerards face "Bading!" Hoy! Foul yun ah! Gerard complained and was about to throw back the pillow when the door suddenly burst open

When will you boys ever grow up? an old husky masculine voice uttered as he walked through the door with a middle age woman in her white robe Parang Di ka pa sanay sa kanila, Gilbert She said and patted the back of the man

Mom Iigo muttered in surprise. He stood up from the couch and then immediately approached the gorgeous middle age woman who has the same brown eyes as his. On the other hand, Gerard also did the same and gave his father a pat-hug

Gerards Father, Dr. Gilbert Enriquez is known well for his great achievement in the field of medicine as a neurologist.

While Dr. Ingrid Enriquez-Bustamante, as what Ate Diane mentioned before she flew back to US, isnt only Miss World 1977 but also a novice cardiologist in the said institution

Tito Gilbert suddenly was surprised when he saw me there sitting beside her daughter-in-laws bed. I smiled weakly at him and stood up from

where I was/

Maybe he thinks Im a masochist for being there. I was cheated but here I am at the side of Gerards wife/

Nina! The ever reasonable and forgiving Nina. Despite everything, Thank you! Tito Gilbert said as he held my both of my hands for gratitude

I really didnt do anything sir Nonsense! Gerard told me that you were there all through out the delivery. Thank you so much!

Then he turned his direction back to Roselyn Im so sorry Hija I wasnt there for you. I was scheduled for another operation on that very moment

Roselyn smiled at her father-in-law and said Its okay, Dad Can I hold him? asked by Tito Gilbert who looked eager on holding his grandchild

Of course Roselyn handled down the baby to her Father-in-law and genuinely smiled at the old man

A knock came to our door revealing a sophisticated-looking woman wearing a classic Tom ford red mesh sleeve midi dress with a deep V-neck and a wide velvet belt around her waist

and by the looks of the shades of her lipstick, Mac Crme DNude, I could tell it was Gerards mother

/Gerard's psychopath of a mother/

Marilou! Tita Ingrid lock her on an embrace and then beso-ed. She was bringing with her five heart-shaped blue balloons and a black forest cake from Red ribbon.

Did I miss anything?

She seemed oblivious that I was there on the same room as her .. Just thinking about her reminds me of those days..

/I could still remember how she said it to me .. those words

To be frank, I dont even like you for my only son.. not even a single strand from you/

Youre probably wondering why she hated me that much, well.. it started off when Gerard wasnt on the deans list anymore and she practically blew off all the blame to me

She blames me about Gerards decision of not proceeding to Medicine after graduation and certainly shes not entirely please about me being a Cum laude at all /

Youre not even a good influence to him /

Gerard's Pyschopath of a mother .. Mrs. Maria Lourdes Azucena-Enriquez RN, MN, PhD, Director of Interdisciplinary studies at Ateneo

Wide eyed and surprise, She suddenly was frozen in front of her husband when she saw me right there before her eyes.

What is she doing here? Gerards mother scowled while she gave me a disgust look

Tita Ingrid seemed clueless of what was happening between us and so is Iigo Marilou warned by Tito Gilbert

but the woman wasnt faze by her husbands word. She was about to approach me one on one when Gerard suddenly came to the picture and block her mothers attempt to pull me out of the room

Mom. She was there for Rose the whole time. Please just acknowledge her even for once Gerard pleaded and threw a nod on Iigo, a non-linguistic message that they both seem to understand

Iigo obviously got the message and then stood up Tita, Tito, Mom.. We better get going He took my hand and pulled me from the suffocating air on that corner of the room Gabi na so, Hatid ko na si Nina.

Sige, Igo. Take care on your way will you? Iigo just waved his hands on his mother and completely closed the door

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Woah! That was really intense air going on between you and Tita Marilou

Yeah. What more can I say? What was that all about? his brows were pulled together in manner that shows how curious he was You dont wanna know, Babe. You dont really want to know I said shaking my head in disapproval

We're now inside Iigos gray Lamborghini Murcielago on our way back home at Megs flat when he decided to grab some dinner on Jollibee through a drive thru service at Makati Avenue

Good evening, Sir ..Maam. What can I get you? We were graced by a young lad wearing a red cap on his head. He was smiling at us as he took a paper and a pen

2 Champ 1/3 pound beef patties, Jolly Crispy Fries 4 Cheese, Peach Mango Pie, 2 Coke Floats, Choco Crumble Sundaes and a Strawberry Sundae

Okay, sir! Be back after 15 minutes

Ang dami mo naman yatang inorder? I said surprised the number of take outs he asked I thought youre hungry kaya yun.. Are you saying na matakaw ako? And whats with Strawberry Sundae?! and whats wrong with Strawberry Sundae?

I broke into roars of laughter while he was left there completely confuse I dont know .. its just that I thought youre such a barako man.. You and Strawberry sundae? Really? Parang di bagay

Masarap kaya! Besides strawberries are one of my favorites He said with much confidence in his eyes you liked strawberries even before pa?

and he nodded which made me chuckled as loud as before So that explains why you have those numbers of strawberry flavored condom on your cabinet na lagi mong ginagamit pag---

The light illuminated from the drive thru window was suddenly blocked. I turned around and saw the same Jollibee crew who stood before us awhile ago

I leaned at Iigos ear and whispered How long has he been standing there?

Iigo was obviously amused as he handled the bill towards they guy I dont know

Thank you for coming to Jollibee, Sir.. and when he turned glances at me he was a little bit hesitant for I dont know why.. UhmMaam

With the smile of victory plastered across Iigo perfectly sculpted face, He maneuvers the car to the other side of the road and straight to Makati Avenue we go

Argh! Why didnt you tell me he was there all along? Why would I? I like it when you blush He pinches my nose and gave me a quick kiss on the lips Reminds me of those strawberries /

Ako? Strawberries?!/

and then he broke into deep long laughter along the way/

Iigo has gone loco over strawberries! /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 32 Go number 22!!! Woooh!! Not bothered by the glares she gets, Meg stood up from the bleacher and cheered for Iigo. She tossed her hankie in the air and then shouted some more

We are now at the the upper A bleacher of Sta. Ana Race track where the fundraising competition is about to start. It was 7 pm sharp when I decided to drag Meg along with me

Then she looked down at me as a brow was raise on her face and why arent you cheering for your boyfriend, Nina?

I heard few gasp from behind us and I turned around to see a bunch of squealing annoying group of teenagers

Narinig niyo ba yun? Girlfriend daw? sniggered by one of them Well, dream on girl! Ako lang naman ang asawa ni Iigo a skinny-as-stick girl wearing a sleeveless halter that shows her non-existent curves stood up and folded her arms on top of her chest /

Ano daw?!/

Hoy hoy hoy! Asawa?! another girl stood up, She was quite pretty but the shade of her lipstick, Mac Pink Nouveau, didnt suit her at all Youre so /ambi/ talaga! Baka you meant/kabit?/

Just when the girl was laughing on her sole victory, another one form their group stood up. A gay-man added an extra 'ooooph' before fully making his way up from where he sat. He reminded me a lot of Ricci Chan

from No other Woman.

He flipped his non-existent long black hair and then held his chin up to show superiority amongst them

Tsk! The only kabit here are all of you, cuz.. I am the legal wife! He said and then suddenly, his eyes landed on our direction Kaya bitches who claim him should wake up and stop dreaming on!

A conjoined laughter came from their lips while they exchange this non-linguistic look at each other.

Aba.. gago to ah! Meg gritted her teeth and was about to stand from where she sat

/But thank god! I pulled her hand.. I dont know what she could do when shes piss /

Meg I warned and then shook my head in disapproval. She let go a deep harsh breath and then murmured Naghahamon eh. She intwined her arms on top of her chest and glared in the air

Let them be, you know what they say .. libre lang mangarap A husky male-ish voice uttered. We both looked up to see a familiar tall man with the same Cheshire grin

Footlong? He offered and handled me one with a soda

Patrick! Meg stood up and then gave the man who stood before us a warm hug She let go from the hug and grab the footlong from Patricks hands I thought you dont go along with crowds and noises?

I wouldnt miss this fundraising for anything

I watched them as they sat close to each other. There's something different between these two. I couldn't just pin point out what but whenever Patrick would whisper something on Megs ear shell end up either laughing or nudging him on his stomach which I find really adorable

They act more as a brother-sister than lovers and they seemed closer than the last time I saw them together. Definitely, They're upto something now. /

The last time I saw them was the time they were really intimate on Megs couch/

*Bssszzzt Bsssszzt Bsssszzzt*

My blackberry snoozed inside my Dooney & Bourke Blue handbag. I immediately grabbed it and saw an SMS coming from.. /

From : Iigo Look at me /

Ive scanned the oval and saw him there smiling while holding his helmet on his side. He looked so flawless and hot even when He was just wearing his red NASCAR jacket which seems to be his trademark

Even when distance kept us apart, I could still manage and outline how his smile was plastered on his perfect cult face. *

OMG!! Hes looking at our way!! I think Im gonna faint Gwapooooo!!! * squealed by the same annoying pile of wanna-bes behind us. Meg just made faces and told them to 'shut the fuck up'

I, Being the modess Nina, just rolled her eyes and then smug at Iigo. He looked down on his phone once more and started typing. /

What is he doing? /

Consequently, my blackberry vibrated yet again .. /

From: Iigo I think you forgot my goodluck kiss /

I smiled and I looked down the oval and saw him leaning on his car, as if waiting for my cue. This bad-ass hottie knows when to allure women our age. /

To: Iigo You know thats impossible./

It took him approximately less than a second to respond and sent his reply on my phone /

From: Iigo Hhmm.. I guess you owe me after the race. At may interest na, dapat more than one/ I saw him smirked before he looked up once again to catch me in the waves of the crowd. He was standing on the oval while waving at our direction /

To : Iigo I guess I do. Your call. Any time and anywhere /

*/ /OMMMMFFFGG!! HES WAVING AT OUR DIRECTION. HES WAVING!!!* exaggerated by one female on the east part of the wing

I looked up and saw he is indeed waving at me with flirty wink to match with /Stay still my heart /

He blew a soft flying kiss which made the crowd howled as they've gone totally wild with it. /He seems really popular/

I was about to waved back at him when I heard a loud gush of screaming girls from behind us. They seemed to be so in to the waving part that they squealed on top of their lungs*

KUMAWAY SIYA SAKEEN! TANGA! SAKEN YUN! ASA KA! HALATA NAMANG PARA SKEN YUNG FLYING KISS!*

I withdrew my hand back and then sighed

Feeling ko any minute guguho tong bleacher Patrick uttered as he tighten his grip on Megs waist Che! Chansing naman yang ginagwa mo! Meg yanked away Patricks hand and glared at him

Totoo kaya! And this is actually the first time I see that 1 is to 30 ang ratio ng men to women sa isang racing competition. Do these bitches know how the sport of racing works? teased by Patrick while Meg glared at him and elbowed his gut

Hey what did I do? Patrick complained Megs expression suddenly soften when she turn her attention to me and then smiled Dont listen to him. For sure, they came here for charity

/Maybe he's right/

Meg, Patricks right. I guess if It wasnt with these good-looking racers, I dont think they would even be here in the first place I sighed while Meg finally had nothing else to say anymore. She was about to open her mouth but decided to close it immediately

Good Evening, People of Sta. Ana Racetrack! And welcome to Watch, Race && Go A man in his expensive-looking tux said through the mic. The crowd began to feel giddy and were excited when racers started walking through the oval and at the side of their car

A fundraising event conjoined by these young good-looking racers whose aim are to help those who were greatly affected by typhoon Sendong A woman in her late 30s uttered as she gracefully walked beside her co-host

Indeed, Vicky .. young good-hearted men in their generation. Im sure these audience dont like us to keep them waiting right there on their seat. So lets start..

A man wearing his lucky green NASCAR jacket with number 13 crest on his delts. A man who won 3rd Place overall Formula BMW Pacific Championship with 1 Podium last year. And the 3 of youngest and best Asian Driver of 68 participants on Buenos Aires. Ladies and gents .. Matt DeAngelo!

The crowd howled as a very fine-looking man stood up next to his harlequin-colored Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. He waved at everyone else on the track and smiled flashing his alluring heart-melting smile which made the girls squeal and the crowd went wild

The crowd seem to love him that much The female host commented while smiling at that racer.

/I guess hindi lang audience and fans ang may gusto sa kaniya.. kahit host / I thought when the female host seemed abashed when Matt smiled back at her too

Next, is a man who not only inherited the charm of the former Champion of Philippine Senior Rotax Max Challenge. He also got the speed and tricks to win from his father. Let us welcome .. Kaifer De la Merced /

Kaifer De la Merced? It kinda rings a bell /I thought as I saw a familiar man on his late 20s smiling

The role call continued as the host began introducing each racers on the track. On by one they come up They graced and took the spotlight with those really tempting smiles that got the female species squeeled

On the other hand, I watched as few pieces of flashback run through my head /

I was scribbling down various notes that I should use as details when I saw a hand extend it self to me while holding a coke

I looked up only to see a man in his late 20s as he smiled at me

He had this strong jaw line just like Iigos and definitely over towering me with his height. He nodded at me to take his coke so I smiled in return and took it while he sat next to me

Kaifer De La Merced He said with such friendliness in his tone while tossing his drink up on me Nina Fernandez I said in return as I opened the can of coke in my hands and tossed it up as well /

Before I could even stop my self from reminiscing I was held on to my seat right away when it was Iigos time to haul the crowd with his charm

The whole-time favorite racer of the crowd, the one who kept a lot of us proud with his glory in his career.1st placer at Rookie Cup Formula BMW Pacific 2011 Championship with 2 wins and 1 podium

Nobody was listening to the host anymore. They were as if too eager to be noticed by this racer that they began to make noises as they kept on cheering and howling for him

and Represented Philippines in the Rotax Max DD2 World Finals in Helsinki.. Ladies and Gents.. we give you Iigo Bustamante!!!

*PAPA IIGO!! MARRY MEEEE!!! AMEN KA NA LANG!!! *

The crowd began to howl in delight, the mob made noises and the girls kept on squealing as it echoed through out the whole field

Settle down settle down cued by the male host but the crowd remained unfaze by the pleading and still continued the squeeling and shouting on Iigo's name The male host was somehow irritated and whispered on the female host beside him. In return, She nodded and understood what she heard from her partner

Racers" She spoke .. before adding "put on your helmets, fastern your seat belts and roar your engine cuz were about to start..

The people inside the Sta. Ana Race track joined the two hosts for the countdown * 5

..

3 . 2

. 1*

*PANG!* the sound of the pistol as the checkered black and white flag was swayed downwards

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nina! Andito ka lang pala! Ive been looking for you Meg peeked from the door and then closed it behind her

Ni-nerbyos akong drift si Iigo sa Meg sniggered and Well.. Im sorry

bigla.. akala ko mala-laglag yung puso ko nung nag number 13 rolled her eyes Ang OA a? if this is the first time Ive watched it live.

I said as I applied Armani Luminous Silk Foundation on my face. Meg began to chuckled and she laid her bag on the sink beside mine

You know .. masyado kang tense eh! Chill! Nanalo naman si Iigo Talaga?

Yeah. Hes second to that .. DeAngelo guy

I watch her as she got that Maybelline Define-a-Lash Mascara from her Red Ralph Lauren bag and then grabbed a hold on her brand new perfume

Chanel No.5? I thought you dont like that smell? I asked as I watch her sprayed it all over her Well.. Patrick gave this to me. I couldnt say no you know

Then I gave her the I-know-what-you-did look which made her smile grew wider Are you two---

No. Were not a couple if thats you want to know She slid her make up back to her back and then turned to face me

Liar! Gaga! Friends lang talaga kami.. walang commitment between us, okay? Close friends na nandyan sa isat isa pag sexual-deprived kaming pareho. Yun lang yun She uttered and then laid her hand on her hips /

May tinatago talaga tong babae to

Pero.. you looked good together Her lips broke into one of the sincerest smile ever and she said .. I know

She shoved her lipstick inside her bag then leaned at the sink pero some things are meant to stay that way.. and besides, baka hinahanap ka na ni Iigo. /

Oppps! I almost forgot/

I immediately shoved my make up inside my bag and then glanced at the wide-mirror to see how I look

I darted my gazes once again to the amused friend of mine right before me and beso-ed her See you, Meg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first thing that caught my eyes was the ball of people surrounding the fence to the oval. There were demanding to get their selves inside but they were not allowed to by the full-equipped with fire arms security guard

Sige na guard! Papasukin mo na kami para sulit naman yung 1000 namin! Oo nga!

Sorry, Maam. We were told not to let you inside. Besides its already pass 10 arent you supposed to be home by now? /

Wow taray! Inglesero si koya security guard!

/I took few steps back ward away from them and then started jumping up and down just to see if Iigos inside /

There he is! /I thought as I spot him talking to one of the racers inside. He was congratulating a guy with a green NASCAR jacket whose name was Matt De'Angelo /

But how am I suppose to get inside if bawal? /

I felt a light build lit on top of head as I thought of something that will surely allow me to get over that fence without a hassle /

You didnt become a Cum Laude for nothing, Nina/

I squeeze myself between the pile and waves of the people and then settled in front /

This is it, Nina! Work your charm!/

a security guard from the farthest left threw his cigar and elbowed the smaller one Wui! Pre chicks oh! whispered by a slightly smaller security guard to the on in the middle

Miss? May kailangan ka? I work for Philippine Daily Inquirer and Im Ahh.. Tga-Media? /

Ayy! Hinde! Taga-MMDA/

I nodded and gave him a card Heres my ID

He hesitated at first and was stealing glances from time to time. He looked at me from up and down before finally opening the gate for me and let me in

Pre may number niya ba dyan? whispered by the slightly buff man before I could completely slid my self behind

/Somone's quite popular with the guards/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ /

San na kaya yun?/

My eyes searched for him in the wave of people who kept on running and bumping on me. I even saw one racer with some girl making out at the side of his car. They obviously cant wait to get their asses home that they started lavishing each other on the open

/Yikes!/

I was lost for a moment and didnt know where to go

"Sorry" I said as I apologized to a man I've bumped with few seconds ago. He glared at me and then continued his stride. /He was obviously not in the mood for compensation coming from me/

I've looked around once again but I couldn't find my self way out of this crowds and people who were at rushed on their way home. I sighed and feel dizzy at the same time when suddenly, a hand grabbed my wrist out of nowhere

/Whatta-/-!! But, My heart stood still when I looked up and saw a smirking Iigo before me.

/He looked hotter than before even when drench in his own sweat/

Iigo! I said as I gave him a warm big embrace

And while I was snuggling on his neck .. feeling his warmth before mine, I saw millions of eyes darted on our direction. My eyes became wide-opened in surprised I was startled and immediately pushed his chest away from me

Puzzled and confused at the same time, I began to panick when I realized I was standing in front of the reporters ,cameras and lights that almost blind me in the eyes

Iigo's hands snaked its way to my waist and held me closer to his arms. He remained calm while smiling at every one else. Then his hands went lower and I was surprised when he squeezed me ass!

So heres the proof that Im not dating any model who goes by the name of Kendra

Another reported with glasses stood up and asked So the picture on the headline wasnt true? Times like this, wala ng true or fake. Ever heard of photoshop?

Some reporters were nodding while others continued scribbling on their papers. But the other one finally caught me right there and noticed I was beside Iigo himself. His brows were pulled together while he asked Iigo

Sir, so whos the girl beside you? /

Oh no./

Iigos eyes landed on mine and then he gave me one tempting alluring smile before he darted his attention again on those curious eyes

Shes my girlfriend He said proudly which made those reporters gasped and exchanged non-linguistic looks as they smiled sheepishly on us

Everything happened in a blur when flashes of camera came to the view. I felt like I was a deer in a headlight but weird as it seems, I still felt safe for Iigo quickly rested his arm around my waist

I was contented at that but when he suddenly grabbed my cheeks with his hand, that was a whole different story.

Before I registered what he was doing, He already pressed his lips against mine and surprisingly, I responded to the kiss as if forgetting the fact that we were in front of the paparazzi.

He wrapped his arms around me instantly, pulling me closer and kissing me back hard, with all the intensity and desire

I know this would go with the headline the next day, but for a moment, I didnt care / / Then I remembered what he sent on my phone awhile ago /

From: Iigo Hhmm.. I guess you owe me that after the race. At may interest na, dapat more than one ang kiss / /Ito na yata yung post-goodluck kisses that he was asking for /

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 33 Shes my girlfriend

Shes my girlfriend Shes my girlfriend Shes my girlfriend Shes my girlfriend Shes my girlfriend

Those three words sixteen letters kept on repeating and echoing inside my head and Im torn between being annoyed or loving the privilege of being one

After that unexpected deer on the head light experience that really bugged me to sleep, I received random but constant calls/sms/emails from my friends, high school buddies, co-workers, relatives.. you name it! *

Youre one hella lucky girl, Nina! Kailan pa? Sige! Ikaw na mahaba ang hair.. Ikaw na talaga! Teka, nagbreak na pala kayo ni Gerard?! *

Yes, it has been like that for days now .. Gail and Bea seem to be really shock that they would just gaze at me the whole time and then turn away once I gaze back

/It was really weird! No, I think weird is an understatement /

Even last night, Ive received an unexpected call from a woman close to my heart. At first I didnt even recognize it yet so when I picked it up

Ugh! If this is about the press and my boyfriend, Shut it!! Nina .. is this how you greet your lola? /

Whatta---LOLA?!/

I held my phone to my eyes and was horrified of what I eventually saw. It was indeed my Lola, Augustina Lim-Suarez, whom I havent talk to since the early breeze of the year

You havent drop by at Cebu for Christmas and I thought something came up at your work but I began to wonder since I havent got a word from you even last new years eve

I was hesitant to answer her inquiries and heck, Im hella nervous of what do I say next. She was never the type to be open minded enough to listen.

She was strict, Hella strict that she didnt even allow me to go on dates during high school and would often snarl at my /manliligaws/ /

Yes, Poor me. I didnt even attend our high school prom /

Ive heard from Isaac that youve gotten yourself a boyfriend. How long has it been since you and Gerard broke up? /

What do I say? What Do I say? What do I say? /

I was tonguetied and out of words as of the moment. How should I even start? / Hey, Granny! Sorry I was busy having sex with my boyfriend, I forgot to call /

Ugh! That doesnt sound so good to hear .. Shell definitely hate Iigo if I did

Uhhhh.. Lola! Youre scaring Ate Nina Away. What are you? An FBI? A boyish pre-mature voice uttered as I heard few countless chuckles on the other side of the phone /

Who could that be? /

and the next thing I knew .. I was speaking to my teen age cousin ..

Isaac?! You sound weird! I commented and a sweet laughter came out of my lips as I recognize hiss hoarse voice and slightly, out of the line tune of his pitch Ate! Nagbibinata eh.. He said and I could almost imagine him rubbing his back while saying that. / I miss this kid /

Teka lang, Ate. Lola wanted to talk to you so badly.. it looks like she misses you too He kid and laughed off a little bit more before handling the phone to our Lola once again

Hello? Nina? She said checking out if I was still there next to my phone. I sighed

/I guess, Its time to tell her straight / Lola, Im sorry if I---

Its okay, Nina Her tone was a little bit calm and was somehow tender. It took her a long sigh before she spoke to me once again

I forgot the fact that youre growing up now .. Im sorry. I always thought of you as a little nave girl who needed protection from the cold harsh world. I never realized youre turning 22 soon. Youve grown up so beautiful and fine, Nina .. Just like your mother

It took me awhile to absorb and let those words submerge into my heart, It was touchy that made me somehow teary.

I still dont know how I should feel of you not telling about your break up with Gerard she added Its a long story, Lola. But thanks! I miss you too

Your boyfriend is quite the look-ish and I wouldnt deny the fact that I dont like the part where he suddenly grabbed your face and kissed you right in front of the eyes of media

Uhhh ..Ill try telling him that

/Pinanood niya pala kung ganon?!/ An awkward silence suddenly filled the line on my phone. I was about to bid farewell to her and call it a night already ..

When she added Nonetheless, Hija.. Im still looking forward to the day where Ill finally meet him in person

Hearing those words, I cant help my self but smile. I never knew my Lola could be this understanding. She was never like this when I was going out with Gerard. She would either nagged about teenagers getting pregnant on those days or constantly remind Gerard to not have sex yet 'til we're married

Yes, It was funny before .. and I could still make few laughter as I reminisce

Soon, Lola.. Soon /

Could this get any more perfect?/

Hey! A tap came to my shoulder which made me looked up and be graced by those gully bubbly eyes

To my surprise, It was Jesse who seem happier than her usual normal happy self Technically, Youve been grinning like a complete fuck nut on your monitor.

Well.. Look at you, grinning ear-to-ear like a cat.. Whats up? I said trying to divert the direction of our topic

Uhm.. Lets go somewhere a little quiet shall we?

She suddenly pulled me up and dragged me to the farthest corner of the office where people would definitely not hear whatever the is to hear about our conversation

Someone asked me out on The Valentines Ball Ang sabi niya habang pigil na pigil sa pagtitili

I was puzzled for that moment cuz I havent got a clue on whats a /Valentines Ball /

Dont tell me you dont know whats valentines ball all about? People had been talking about it lately .. how could you just sit there all day and be clueless?

I rolled my eyes and said Well, Sorry kung hindi pa ako tumatagal ng isang taon dito ah?

Well.. Anyway, since 2007 it has been an annual masquerade event that all the Inquirer staffs attend. Parang star magic ball pero mas pinabongga, Gets?

My brows were automatically pulled together before saying So, youve been asked by?

*Luigi. *

My jaw dropped and my eyes almost popped its way out of my socket as I remember something in my head

It was that same rainy night where Luigi offered me a lift so I could finally make up with Iigo .. It was a long way to Le Bistro Vert cuz traffic was quite heavy and cars were against each others bumper

You know .. Ive been thinking about asking someone out

I bit my lower lip while still darting my gaze on the road instead of looking back at Luigi. I was still preoccupied with the thoughts of losing Iigo that I dont know what should I answer him

Who could be the lucky girl then, Lui? I dont know .. Should I tell you?

I finally glanced at him and saw he was half-smiling while still keeping his eyes to the road

Why not? Were friends di ba?

It took him awhile to say something back but he said Friends din kayo nun eh /

OMG. Dont tell me its Meg? You definitely cant date her .. She has Patrick /

Hmm. Why not ask her directly to be sure? I suggested

What if she would say no and reject me? Na-trauma na yata ako sayo, Nina He chuckled and then turned his direction at mine and smiled

Hinampas ko ng pabiro ang braso niya at sinabing .. Grabe ka naman, Baby Boy!

We both laughed while I watch him shook his head while grinning widely But, Seriously Nina? Na-trauma na ako .. What if shell definitely reject me when I ask her out? /

Ano ba naman tong taong to? Is he that oblivious of his naturally boy-next-door type of allure towards women? /

I sighed Dont be such a ninny, Lui! Iba iba ang taste ng mga babae, malay mo.. In ka para sa kanya. Why not risk it if its worth it?

Then He drew another wide megawatt smile that definitely shows how enlighten he was. It was like a boy who won on a counter strike game just recently. Hes definitely that

Maybe youre right, Nina .. Why not risk right?

I nodded Sino ba ang girl? I have to meet her

Dont worry .. Youll know it soon and then He winked at me before he pressed on the gas pedal and drive us through the rain

Hey!! Nina! A hand waved right in front of my face as if dragging me back to reality

/So the girl Luigi wanted to ask on a date is her all along! Now I get it!/

Well.. To be honest, Nina. I never really liked you in the first place. Youre too much of Maria Clara blinky blinky pa-demure chuva in the 21st century /

Whatta ---/My jaw fell on the floor as those words slowly stung my heart / I never knew Jesse would think of me that way

That was before, okay? And I only befriended you cuz I wanted to prove to everyone else, especially to Luigi, that youre not what they think you areAn Angel.

I sighed .. / So there are actually people who think and act that way /

But truth be told, I admit .. I was wrong. You are definitely what I hear about. Youre like an angel and Im so so sorry of thinking less of you as a person. I was just driven by my desire to finally get noticed by Luigi

I looked up once again and saw her eyes, she was dead serious about what she just told me

So you mean .. Yeah She nodded I liked him since God-knows-how-long it has been

I smiled and said Well, Girl .. The feeling is mutual

Her eyes suddenly grew and her mouth feel into a O shape as she grabbed my hand and said OMG OMG OMG!!! Seriously?! OMG OMG

So dont blow away your chance, Jesse. Hes a true gentleman.

I know .. Thanks for the advice, Nina She suddenly gave me a warm big sisterly hug and added You really are an angel. Just like what they say

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/An angel . /

I was sitting at one of the fine seats in Casa Armas, a posh restaurant in the high street of General Luna in Makati, as I indulge my self in the gorgeous lights of the citys night life. Lights were illuminating through the window, just like those fireworks in the sky last Christmas /

Beautiful /

I was enjoying my little time for gazing siesta when ,suddenly, a small affectionate peck on my cheeks was blown away by a familiar scent

/Angel /He breathe

I looked up and saw Iigo who sat just across to where I was. He immediately held into my hand and squeezed it

Sorry it took me awhile. Coach extended my practice time since a day ago I smiled back No, its okay Babe

Is something bothering you? / How am I suppose to tell you about the masquerade ball? UGH! Ive never been to a ball before /

I shook my head but said nothing. He just smirk at me and brought out something from his pocket

Close your eyes and give me your hand

My brows automatically pulled each other as I pout Did that came from a song? Eternal Flame perhaps?

He laughed a little and said Silly as he stood up from his seat to shuffle my hair. Touching and messing around with my hair has become his unusual habit for I dont know why

Then he right away grabbed my hand and looked me straight in the eyes. The kind of look that it may feel a little funny at first, but the way he looks at me tonight is quite different from the usual

It speaks of how much his attention is on me right now which builds trust and eventually leads to a funny fluttering feeling in my tummy

Alright alright I said rolling my eyes You win! Kung ganyan ka ba naman makatitig .. Naku!

I heard him chuckle before I finally closed my eyes. The next thing I knew is that I felt he wrapped something metallic yet gentle on my wrist. Something like a .

You can open your eyes now He said and I did .. slowly as if seeing it in a little blurry gray screen

I saw a Sterling silver link bracelet with heart toggle clasp features fifteen special charms.

Do you like it? I looked up and saw him smiling genuinely at me while his other hand trailed small little drawings on my palm

I smiled back and said I love it, Iigo. But why? Its our second month together and I thought I should---

My eyes grew wider when I realized how long has it been since we went out /

Two months already?! Time flies so fast!/

Im so- so sorry, Iigo. I havent got you anything

He chuckled yet again Its okay, Babe. He suddenly leaned closer and whispered in my ear Having you is already a gift /

Stay calm my heart /is the only thing I thought that time when the pounding grew louder and louder in my heart

Do you want to know what are those little symbols stand for? He said and I turn to look at my left wrist where he tied it there

Indeed, There were those little charms as if representing significant things

*This sunset represents * This little figure of reunited at last after a *This lips tells you of when youre sober*

the very first time Ive met you way back then ..* a bride and a groom says a lot of how we long years of waiting* how you grabbed and kissed me on that night

He let out a sweet laughter which made me flushed red as tomato

*This champagne glass tells a lot of our first night together* *This phone says of how Ive asked for your BB pin* *This lace is actually a bandage which tells you of how I carried you all the way home because you cant walk straight*

And he continued .. it was a 15 charm-like little figures that represents significant event before we ended up together

And this? he said and began to point out on the last charm on the bracelet This symbol is an infinity sign, a mathematical sign, which means going on forever. thats how long Im gonna love you, Nina

He leaned closer to me, our lips were just inches apart Forever..,Nina.. Forever

I could not move, could barely breathe, trying desperately to maintain a dispassionate demeanor. I was unable to get over the sexy way he uttered my name.

"I love you too, Iigo" I manage to say when it seemed he was waiting for me to respond, trying to sound casual, hoping my self-consciousness did not show, sure my already flushed cheeks gave a away

But the kissing part need not to wait cuz Iigo broke the gap between us and I trembled, my sharp nails digging along his broad shoulders as fiery sensations took over me.

His lips were delectably warm and tantalizingly rough, the moist rasp of his nimble tongue nearly sending me into spontaneous tingling feeling which end up flipping my stomach.

And then Iigo was cupping my face and his mouth was exactly where I wanted it to be, pressed against my own

My eyes fluttered closed when he nibbled playfully on my bottom lip, tugging and taunting, his pouty lips nudging against mine.

My lips parted, allowing his sinuous tongue entry. *

Ahem *

That was the first thing I heard which slapped me back to reality. I blinked twice, thrice .. I couldnt even remember counting anymore.

/Was it a dream?/

I looked up and saw a waiter on his black silky bow tie while holding on a pen and a log-like booklet.

Whats your order, Maam? Sir?

I darted my gazes in front of me where Iigo sat. He was smirking while his knuckle was against his chin on our table.

/Oh no! He probably knows that I was dreaming restlessly about him kissing me. Was I that desperate?/

But.. It wasnt a dream at all. I know it! cuz I saw from the corner of Iigos lip, There was a mark of a lipstick .. and I right away touch my lips. It was somehow a little sore from his nibbling on my bottom

*Clang*

A small sound I heard coming from the hand I brought up with my lips. There I saw the Sterling silver link bracelet with heart toggle clasp features fifteen special charms that he gave me on my so-called Dreams

Wide eyed, I looked back at Iigo who was now smiling at me

/It wasnt a dream afterall/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 34 Oh? Bat malungkot ka?

I looked up and saw Megs confused expression across her already-God-given-beautiful face.

It was Saturday night and a movie time for us whos been bestfriends since the beginning of college years, so I wasnt entirely surprise when she sat right next to me on her favorite sofa while carrying a huge bowl of popcorn with a soda on the other

I dont have a date for Valentines Ball, in fact its tonight

Her right brow rose when she heard what I said Valentines Ball?"

She rolled her eyes and added "Is it like some kinda high school prom where every bitch pretends to be Cinderella and they dance with their night in a tin can armor?

Atleast youve been to a high school prom before, My Lola never allowed me to I sighed which made Meg rolled her eyes

Oh! Trust me! Proms are like the worst.. its a small getaway for sluts to dress up like a princess

But anyway .. She laid the bowl of popcorn on the center table and said Why not ask your ever oozing-nakakatulo laway na boyfriend instead?

I already did .. He said he has this practice the whole night but hes willing to catch up for me

Thats really sweet of him! So you have something to wear then? /

Right.. I totallyalmost--- nonetheless have forgotten the whole thing. What should I wear in the first place? /

I shook my head and said nothing then retorted my eyes to the television right before us but to my surprise, Meg stood right away from the sofa, left me there and only came back to the living from the closet holding a red silk dress in her arms.

She let one arm drop, revealing the criss-cross cut outs along the back and side and the shimmering crystals on the deep, plunging neckline.

"It's beautiful" I whispered.

"That's an understatement! It's scandalous!" She chirped "The perfect thing for a masquerade party where no one will know who's

who. You'll be the star of the ball in this, I promise you."

"Thanks Meg," I laughed as she stalked toward me. But whered you get that?

Well .. Alam mo naman sa pamilya namin .. Masyado maraming occasions for the sake of publicity. She rolled her eyes before she continued I wore that during my little sisters seventeen birthday party

When it comes to family, Meg could be consider the most sensitive one. She isnt the usual type to blabbers neither about her past nor about her family. She kept it hidden and only told me a quarter of it and the rest is a mystery

All I know is that out of her half sisters hated her and the feeling is mutual.. Well, that isExcept for one Bubbles?

Who else? Siya lang naman ang dahilan why I go home to Pasay di ba? She smiled and then gave me that look again .. She was as if studying me for a second, before reaching out and groping my breast.

We gasped in unison.

Well.. We could still add some silicon on your chest area since this dress needed a lot of that section to fill in

Ohh! Shut it, Meg. Mas malaki lang sayo eh!

She tried to hold in her own laughter, but she couldn't. I had never met such a straight forward girl such us her. Her laughs were soon joined by mine as we began to get ready in frenzy.

She did my make up and hair first, which she decided to curl to contrast with the straightness of the silk.

My eyes were lined with Kohl, making the really stand out. My lips, which were already red, became a deeper and sexy tone thanks to Mac Russian Red.

Last but certainly not least was the dress. I worked my way into the delicate material, and Meg zipped up the back for me. I stepped into the silver stilettos she had given me, and I was awed at the reflection in the mirror.

"I look----"

"Gorgeous!" Meg squealed, grabbing my arm. "Wait until that boyfriend of yours sees you with this, he definitely won't be able to focus on anyone but you.".

My ever supportive best friend offered me a lift to the fancy hotel where the ball is held. She didnt even hesitate offering .. she just did

As she reach her cars door to open for me, she gave me a little pat on the butt before winking and whispering good luck.

I smiled, gave her a nod and then watch her car be gone minutes after she dropped my by. So when I turn around, I was really surprise to see lotsa eyes were there darted at my direction /

I know wearing this kind of gown would be really .. scandalous /

I felt blind because of the constant bright flashes of cameras. /

Who says only Hollywood star could experience such privilege? /

The worry that came with the flashes dissipated when I realized that my mask was still firmly in place, hiding my identity. /

Good thing I have this /

I held into my purse tightly while I tried to walk straight and I was more than glad that when I stepped inside the ball, the annoying flashes of camera ended there.

I looked to center of the floor where I saw couples dancing to the slow, jazz music that encompassed the room. I looked over at the long, columned tables, saw people sitting, and briefly wondered if I could join them.

I thought better of it, when I realized that there was a certain seating chart that I was not to knowledgeable of.

Even though a lot of people right there were wearing mask to cover their faces, I could still pin point out few celebrities who were right there, drinking, laughing, talking to some people at the ball

"Excuse me," came a deep voice from behind me. I swirled around, and came face to face with a man who had opted for a plain green mask, to contrast with his not so plain good looks.

"I noticed you came in by yourself, but I can't imagine why such a beautiful lady would be alone tonight"

I smiled graciously, "Touche. I could say the same to you"

"Ah," He said in mock understanding. "Well if you don't mind, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a dance so we wont be alone anymore in this grandeur of a ball."

I looked from him to the dance floor and wondered briefly how would I reject the offer without sounding rude

"I would love to but ----"

"Great," he said as he took my hand and led me to the dance floor. He guided my hands to rest on his shoulder before he settled his hands on my waist.

So .. I havent seen you before. Are you new or something? He asked trying to indulge a topic between our silence

I guess .. You could say that I said while trying to pull a smile out of my lips. It felt really awkward dancing with a stranger ..

Hhhmm.. Dark Brooding and Mysterious, I never have encountered such before. I like it He added while casually smirking at me

Ill take that as a compliment

He chuckled drawing me nearer to him while the musics slow dance jazz turned into a little bit of another slow classical violin music

He tossed me around his hand like those in the ball room dance before grabbing my other arm. He leaned closer and whispered Who are you?

"Why, I do believe this is a masquerade ball." I smiled teasingly at him, as I saw him threw his head back in laughter.

"Touche, My friend .. Touche, But you know since youre a fine piece of mysterious woman Ive met tonight, Ill make an exception"

I gaze my eyes to his, wondering who could be the man behind the mask. He smiled, flashing me his straight white teeth that has gone through years and years of expensive orthodontia

Im Harley. Harley Villaluz /

/My eyes grew wider and my jaw dropped on the floor as I realized , with a closer look, that indeed it was noone else but the celebrity himself / Harley Villaluz? That hot guy on Tv? The Harley Villaluz who just flaunted his 6-pack-abs on Metro Magazine and was declared as 2012s hottest bachelor wiping Iigo out of list. That Harley Villaluz?! /

He chuckled once again You seemed surprise

I let go a wary awkward laughter and said Who wouldnt be?

I looked around, and saw only few people were paying attention to us which means, a lot majority were oblivious on the fact that the man before me is the ever famous Harley Villaluz! /

Who knew I could be dancing with The Great Harley Keith Villaluz tonight?

/I think its only fair for you to tell me who you are. Right?

I swallowed a lump on my throat and hesitated to utter my name. Why so? I dont know.. It just.. seemed so wrong

"May I steal, Nina, away from you?" Came Iigo's deep voice from beside me. His words were directed at The Great Harley Villaluz that Ive been dancing with for almost half of the night

"Oh Iigo, you ruined our fun. We were quite enjoying our little game of guess whos under the mask," Harley teased who was then standing directly in front of me.

"I'm sorry." Iigo apologized while wrapping his arms around my waist. I snuggled closer to him, liking the feeling of male body pressed into mine. He looked down at me questioningly and I smiled up at him in response.

I guess, Ill see you around then.. uhh--- Nina right?" He winked at me from behind his elaborate green feathered mask before directing back to Iigo

"I'll see you another time too, Villaluz Iigo said sounding a tad pushier then usual as he inched me forward.

Harley, on the other hand, just nodded at him and watched us walked away from the dance floor.

Iigo guided me as we made our way to some crowded circle blocking the way then we ended up in a vacant table not so far away from the stage

You came I said at awed. Behind the mask, I could still make out how his eyes mesmerize me just like he always does Ofcourse. Ive promised right? He smiled Howd you find me?

He grabbed my left hand and gestured it up Its easy when youre wearing this

The bracelet that he had given me made a clang sound around my hand. It was the same bracelet he had given me on our second month together that we celebrated on Casa Armas

I cant help but smile as I remember him mentioning to me that this bracelet was actually custom-made

And besides, its was easy to find you in the wave of crowd. You stand out so much tonight

His statement made me flushed and the tingling feeling fluttered in my tummy. My heart was furiously hammering against my ribs and I cant even looked into his eyes straight any more

He pulled me into his chest and whispered in my ear, "I bet no one can keep their eyes off you the whole night."

He paused before adding," I might even have trouble keeping my hands from wandering." He then placed his hands at my ass and squeezes it lightly before dragging me back to the dance floor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Let's go home."

"Are you serious?" Now Iigo looked really confused. A car honked behind us and he pressed his foot on the gas, moving through the intersection.

His thigh muscles were tight beneath her hand and she slid it up farther, not yet so bold as to grab his manhood. "Yes. Let's go somewhere and make out. Kiss."

Iigo was silent for so long she was afraid he was going to turn me down. I lifted my hand, about to remove it ---but his hand covered mine, holding it in place.

He chuckled before looking back into my eyes with amusement Youve drunk too much martini huh? He said smirking widely at me

I shrugged No, I dont know.. Maybe? I just felt so hot and needy right nowugh! Can you just kiss me?

Fingers lacing through mine, he squeezed my hand.

"If I kiss you again, I don't think I---"

I pouted and playfully closed my eyes while brought my a finger to his soft luscious lips .. And I pouted even more .. tempting him to take me and kiss me right there.

Hussh! I breathe Just take me now

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 35 I was eagerly responding to his rough kiss, running my hands through his hair and pulling lightly on his silky raven locks, knowing fully I enjoyed his roughness.

He groaned at the feeling of my soft flesh, softer then he remembered, on his fingertips, and he was a little impatient .. too impatient that he was eager to tear to gown off my skin

No, Dont I said holding on to his free hand Magagalit si Meg

He hissed but nonetheless complied with what I said, He swiftly unzipped the zipper at my back while planting small kisses all the way down

The he grabbed both of my shoulders so I could face him once again. I could feel his breathing becoming heavier as he kissed me harder, stronger with impact and demand, stroking the flesh on my thighs while slowly making his way to my black lacy underwear.

I could feel myself throbbing with want for this man, longingly wanting him to be inside my core, an undeniable increasing desire of pleasure building up inside me as he pulled down my underwear and let it drop to

my knees.

A heightened moan escaped my lips as he pressed himself against my frame, the feeling of his covered and hard erection on my crotch making me feel heavenly already.

I heard him groan breathily before he attacked my mouth again, kissing my lips with aching need and passion.

And when he pressed himself at my entrance, We both broke the kiss to look at each other, pools of passion burning deep within one another's eyes.

He pressed his forehead against mine as he thrust slickly into mine, coal orbs watching as I shut my eyes tightly and moaned his name breathlessly.

AHH.. Iigo

My nails dug into his back as he repeated the motion again, faster this time, earning a heightened cry of surprise

He had never made love to me this way before, each passion and kisses he makes is always brand new .. like a renewal was done. Every single touch burns my skin

He sped up the movement and strengthened his hard pounds as he gripped my hips tighter this time around

He kissed me harder as I cried his name time and time again, moving to meet him at each of his reckless thrusts.

He kissed me with so much emotion before pulling him self out of my core. I was practically blown away and all I could feel was the pleasure and the love he was giving me

I love you, My beautiful Nina was the last thing I heard before falling on top of his hard-to-touch chest and joined him into their deep slumber

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Black lock soon appeared beneath closed eyelids who flapped gracefully open, and the bearer of those innocent pools sighed quietly.

I rubbed my sleepy eyes lightly with the back of my hand before I put it back at the same place.

I gasped as I felt warm flesh under my palm and I tried to move away, but then realized I was firmly imprisoned in strong arms.

I looked up sharply, my breath hitching in my throat as I took in the

sight of Iigo's angelic sleeping face.

His hair fell lightly in his eyes, hiding a bit of his face, but I could still clearly see his peaceful expression and the way his features formed a kind of content expression as well.

Ive been up with him a few times, but never before had I woken up when he looked like this. Never before had he looked so peaceful and so content.

The times I woken up with him were pleasurable too, and his face was still peaceful, but he didn't quite look content.

He looked more tired and weary, like a man who'd been deprived of something for so long. He always held me possessively, as if afraid I would go, yet so gentle and affectionate... like the embrace of Romeo to Juliet, Of Jack to Rose and Of Edward to Bella would be.

And he was holding me flushed against his body, leaving no space between us. It was my naked body against his

I felt him shift lightly, his strong arms pulling me even closer, pressing my chest tightly against his and my lower area against his.

He let out a long and truly content sigh, leaning his forehead forward until it rested more closely to mine.

I couldnt help but gaped at how beautiful he was from up close and I couldn't resist to reach out and touch his cheek

He responded with a groan as he lean towards my face. I watch his every movement and I saw how he breathed out quietly, and I smiled genuinely, gliding one of my hands from his chest to his back, pulling him more closely to me.

His head rested on my nape, and I could now feel his entirely. I felt safe, happy and contented when he locked me into a tighter embrace

My lips broke into smile as I whispered into his ear I love you and I saw him smiling while his eyes were still close /

Sneaky little brat! Nagpre-pretend na tulog?

/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 36 I'm turning 22 in a few days. I believe I'm at this point in my life where I'm desperately seeking for confirmation on everything -- I need the definitions. I need the answers.

Am I doing it right? Have I done something worth remembering? Where am I going? All these things constantly linger in my thoughts.

It's a never-ending cycle of trying to be someone we want to be. We want to define ourselves because it will give us some sort of stable ground as we play the role of being this self everyday.

No matter how rebellious we claim ourselves to be, having these lines drawn for us help us establish the sense of identity because around these lines, we can create what we are or are not. Without them, where do we even start?

I've been having doubts about myself for the last few days or so because 22 sounds so old -- it's passed my teen year! It's like by this time I should have at least found the answers to most of my questions.

Unfortunately, I haven't. And I'm freaking out because maybe I don't deserve to be 22 just yet. I haven't evolved enough to be 22 yet. I'm not even sure if I know what being 22 is -- having a boyfriend? Getting to vote at the elections? Learning how to handle alcohol? Having a driver's license? Staying up late? It is hard to define.

So what is 22 anyway? How can I be 22? Where does 22 happen? When does 22 happen?

I, honestly, don't know. And I'll probably never know (yet) .Right now, just one thing is for sure. The answer to When, happens today.

Whether I'm ready or not, it's going to be there. So maybe I'll just let the year unfold before me as it defines itself. Maybe I'll find it at home, or in my bed, or in the office, or in the car. Maybe I won't. Maybe 22 is about the questions, the search.

Maybe 22 is about the maybes.

I pulled out the covers from my bed and immediately drew down my binds. I wouldnt be surprise if the sun isnt glazing the sky just yet, for it was still two minutes passed five in the Friday morning.

I glanced down at the high street of Bonifacio Global city outside my window. The yellow lighting from the street lights immediately caught my attention. The bulb wasnt even functioning well now, and from time to time creates a weird sparky light

Probably defective I thought

As I started fixing my bed, I immediately caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. My hair started growing longer than its usual. It almost touched my waist and when I observe carefully, I also began to attain the other side of being a woman. My bust and my hips were wider

Maybe It was there all along.. maybe I just havent noticed it until now. /

You look just like your mother/ I remember correctly how would my Lola tell it to me as she pats my head and I would always return the favor and smile widely at her

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I waited for 3 long hours for my surprise. I waited three long agonizing hours for Iigo and the excitement in my stomach curdled into sour disappointment.

Everyone have greeted me with their sincerest smile and hug but no sign of Iigo just yet. Not even call or a beep on my phone

Nina, Mauna na kame I heard Jesse shouted from behind me, I was busy typing on my computer that

I cant even turn around so I just wave her a good bye and said Take care on your way

From the corner of my eyes I felt the slightest sting of disappointment that larch into my stomach until

At 8 in the evening, I made my way down the ground floor of the venture. I was glancing from time to time at my watch while waiting patiently for a cab to haul my way but there was none

and It even startled me when a 2-door, 4-passenger glistening for its shiny platinum color sports coupe stopped right before me.

And I was more than surprise to see a smiling Tita Ingrid getting out of that Volvo. Tita Ingrid? I hesitated and moved closer to her

Hija She warmly wrapped her arms around me and smiled Happy Happy Birthday!

Thank you po I said and tried my best to look behind her, as if expecting Iigo to come out any minute soon but he didnt

Hija, My Igo said he needed to rush for the reservation of the venue /

Venue?/ I thought which got me pretty agitated coupled by the fact that I received no text message from him since lunch.

My patience wore thin, I'll admit it. I didn't want to ruin the night so I kept my mouth shut until I was 100% recovered from my temper tantrums. But even in the brink of anger, I found myself amazed by the romantic ambiance by the time we got to the place.

Then, he came by- no flowers, chocolates or teddy bear at hand. Just him. Wearing his red shirt accentuated by his black vest, he broke necks as he passed by.

He drew close to me and whispered "I love you". Beyond him, the rest of the world seemed out of focus and in the waning light, and I forgot even my anger and all I could see is only the two of us

He planted a small but affectionate kiss on my lips and I looked up to

his eyes and said "I do, too".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had a romantic dinner by the sea. I caught the scent of his perfume, jasmine and roses and even sweeter things I couldn't name.Roxas Boulevard gleamed beautifully in the distance. That exact moment, time stood still. The other people outside stopped moving; all noise ceased; the wind dropped. It was plain romantic.

I stood dumbstruck right in the middle of Diamond Hotel as I moved toward the wooden cottage. My heart kicked to a fourth gear as my own eyes flew open and took a glimpse of this. . .

This caught me off guard; It was quite a scene to behold. The enormous heart was filled with little balloons, each one containing words of love. Every word sank slowly down my brain, one by one as I read them.

I was scrambling for coherency while his gaze unintentionally scattered my thoughts. As my hand hovered around the paper, I could not seem to find appropriate words. I wanted to shout how much lucky I felt and how much I love the man whose arms were wrapped around me that instant.

But the words seemed to lodge in my throat. All I was able to manage was an "I love you, Babe".

Above us, the stars were out in full. Yet however amazing the stars were, he was twice as brilliant. That exact moment, I was deeply enthralled by his charm. He gave me a hug that just about squeezed my eyes out of their sockets.

Sometimes youre just too perfect for me and I feel so thankful, knowing that youre mine and Im yours. Youve been there for me when no one else was. Youve kept me strong when I was at my weakest. Youve taught me how to hold on when I felt like letting go. But most of all, you have loved me when I have least expected itand you never asked for anything in return.With you, I have never felt so loved and cared forbecause back then, I used to be the one who played with love and I ended up all alone.Youre the best thing that ever happened to me. And I am here to stay with you for as long as I can.

He said and no thousand words could equal what I felt that exact moment when he held me close in his arms. We stared at each other's eyes in

deep adoration. With his fingers locked around mine, he leaned in and as his lips touched mine, I knew that I would always remember this unusual birthday of mine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Where exactly are you taking me? I said as I tighten the hold on his hands. I was blind folded and was shamelessly laughing while he blow his hot breath on my ear or sometimes in my neck

I felt his finger brushed my lips and then kissed my forehead before he whispered to my ear Shh.. were almost there

I heard the noises and music were already toning down as if we were moving pass by another area and all I could hear was the splashing of water nearby

I felt him move to me closer and slowly, he tugged off that small piece of clothe hovering my vision. It took my few seconds to adjust to the

dimness of the area but as my eyes got used to it and slowly becoming clear as seconds tick ..

I gasp as my eyes grew wider as the sight of right before me Oh.. God! I drew my hands together and covered my mouth with it

I darted my direction to Iigo who took my hands once again and squeeze it This is too much, Iigo

He then gave me that really mesmerizing and heart-melting smile and kissed my forehead Come, the surprise I have for you is actually inside

But Iigo .. You already have--- To say that I was surprise is understated. I was cut off when he carried me swiftly into his arms just like a groom would to his bride

and then my heart started speeding up once again as we made it inside the luxury yacht.

Small isn't a word one would use to describe this yacht. At 86 feet long, and offering nearly 2500 square feet of indoor space and a 1200 square foot, outdoor entertainment space, this Yacht is the largest, private vessel Ive ever seen so far.

It has a three-story luxury featuring three bedrooms (two master suites, as well as crews quarters), a gourmet galley with a formal dining area and salon, and a spacious upper deck that doubles as a helicopter pad with hydraulic, motorized handrails.

and as the yacht started moving away from the deck, Iigo led me to the stairs and to the third floor we go

A round table exquisitely stood there in the middle of the floor while a violinist started playing that unfamiliar but very soothing sound

We sat just across each other and a waiters started serving us various mouth-watering delicacies that one thing you cant take your eyes of

The sky was clear at that time as the stars twinkle just above us and

Even though we started eating in silence, at the back of my mind I couldnt help but wonder how he could do all these thing in just one day

A small smile crept my face and he didnt disappoint me as he smiled back in return. Its as if even though were not talking nor exchanging verbal and lingual languages, we knew each others thoughts in silence

and then, out of nowhere, he immediately stood up and , to my surprise, took off his shirt black vest which made me stand from where I sat and reach out for him

What are you doing?! I asked in disbelief but he just gave me that infamous mischievous smirk that Ive known him for and continued taking off his red shirt

I dont know why I should be shy about it since Ive already seen it all and even touch it all with my hands. I covered my eyes with my bare hands and heard Iigos laughter echoing in my ear

My knees started to wobble as I heard his footsteps grow closer to where I stood. My legs grew weaker and weaker ..

Nina He whispered right next to me while holding my arms Its okay. You dont have to be shy you know

My already-flustered cheeks cant help but grow even red than usual. I took my hands off my eyes and hit his bare chest lightly

Iigo.. I whined while he wrapped his arms around me You have a full of surprises today and---

I was cut off and tongue tied when I caught sight of that tattoo on his left chest. It was in the usual black Gabrielle-font text which is the highlight of his bare chest now, aside from those other tattoo he already has before *

I love you Nina* Was written in a bold

I looked up to his face expecting him to say something but he didnt. It actually didnt there .. There was more to my surprise especially when

he turn around and another newly-imprinted tattoo was scripted across his broad back

*Will you marry me?*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 37 Holy Cow!!! Oh my--- I seriously--- Meg wasnt even half way done speaking, I dont even know if she was speaking at all for she was already squealing on top of her lungs with joy while ignoring the glares and stares she gets from the people around us

She gasp for both of my hands and locked them around hers. Im so happy for you, Nina. As in! Pero bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi? Youve been engage for almost a week now pero ngayon mo lang sinabi!

Its not my fault if youve been ditching your own apartment and it felt like you move in with Patrick!

She rolled her eyes and immediately change the subject I knew hes so into you but I never expected him to pop the questions right away.

I know what you exactly mean by that, Meg I said and took a sip on my lemon ice tea. I could still recall how things happen too swiftly on my favor. I smiled remembering what happen the other night

and to say that I was surprise is another understatement. He just .. took off his shirt,turn around and then a tattoo saying will you marry me? .. dont you think its unusual?

None sense! I find it very cute and not every guy has a sense to tattoo something as bold as that across their back. Imagine, when youll have little Nina or little Iigo running around and the moment theyll see that thing on their Daddys back diba parang cute yun cuz hell retell everything to them?. I could even picture it out on my head. Sweet!

Nuknukan ka naman ng excited, Meg. Di pa nga ako kasal, Anak agad ang pinagsasabe? I chuckled but deep down inside me, Im trying to access my mind if I ever im ready for such thing. Afterall, its only a matter of time right?

Hay nako! Its not like hindi din kayo darating sa point na yun ---And the ring is gorgeous. He has good taste, yaknow and It looks like it could cost half of my year salary She added complimenting the engagement ring around my left ring finger

The ring has a breathtaking antique floral solitaire which features floral detailing on a knife edge ring, with a swirl design allowing more light to enter the center diamond

It looked like it cost too much but you know, it fit perfectly fine on my left ring finger as if he already knew my size beforehand I said while admiring it myself

Meg and I decided to quenched our sweet tooth at Dairy Queen, Glorietta 4. It used to be our favorite pass time during college. We always order our favorite here---the Banana Split, because it has 3 toppings on it and a mouth watering taste the will ooze your hunger of sweet. It has always been so delicious and so sweet that makes a good dessert for a lunch meal.

Meg, Antagal mo naman yata.. I said as I knock the door impatiently. Meg has been inside the cubicle for quite a little while now and it bothers me a little. What takes her so long?

Nina? She said from inside Yeah? I peered my ear nearer to the door and hear her long but totally aggravated sigh

May .. AnoHay! I cant believe Im flustered about this thing but UGH!may napkin ka bang dala?

I tried to tone down and hold my laughter but I clearly am a sucker for doing that. I chuckled loudly while I scan for a napkin inside my bag. I ignored those other girls giving me that non-comical look on their faces

/pfft! the nerve!/

Thanks, Nina She said after getting out of the cubicle and immediately went to the sink and wash her hands

I just wash her from the mirror and a thought right away hit me. I frown .. thinking as hard as I could, I didnt even notice Meg was already looking at me confuse

What are you frowning at? Anong araw na ngayon, Meg? I asked while her brows ceased thinking very hard on what day it was

Its second day of April, Whyd you ask? She curiously peered her right brow at me and show her phone back to her bag

I really wanted to calm down but my breath caught me on my throat. I couldnt even tell it straight and I started stammering ..

I--- I--.. I thinkIve missed.. I think Ive missed my period for weeks now

Her mouth fell open as her eyes went wide Dont tell me youre--?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ / /

They were the longest five minutes of my life. I had set the test on the corner of the sink, letting the test go through its process.

At first, I thought that I could stand the five minutes. It was only five minutes, wasn't it? But when one minute passed by (which I felt like ten), I stood up and started to pace.

Pacing, however, got tiresome, and instead, I decided to get away from the bathroom and put on some music in hopes to distract my self. I wouldn't allow myself to think about Iigo's reaction, when I wasn't certain my self if I was pregnant or not.

Weren't women supposed to know these things though? Shouldn't maternal instinct kick in around the time of conception? I haven't felt all that different. In fact, pregnancy was the last thing on my mind, but now that I thought about, I didn't remember having my period in the past couple of days. was it even days?! or was it .. weeks now?

Crap. CRAAAAAAP!!!

Maybe we should have been more careful, use condoms when we decided to have sex. But it was only after we were engaged that we stopped using that precaution, and I rarely if ever missed a day of birth control.

I was always careful to take my pills every day at the same time. Have I gotten sloppy? Have I gotten careless?

I couldn't remember. Damn it all, I couldn't remember.

I suddenly stopped the train of thoughts and tried my very best to process it all. I looked back at Meg who was watching my every moment

She gave me an encouraging smile, tried to say something to me but immediately diverted her eyes and shut it. I turn mg gazes to the adjacent bathroom door at our apartment reached for the knob

Five minutes had been up, right? I glanced back at Meg who just nodded at me

With shaky fingers, I turn the knob, slid inside the bathroom and shut it behind me.. Then I grabbed the test from the sink and looked down at the results before a vertical line embedded itself between my two brows.

I pushed my bottom lip out and clenched my jaw, slowly averting my eyes over to the results section on the box. When I returned my eyes to the test, I sighed in frustration through my nose.

The result I have didn't seem to match up to those that the box showed. For a moment, I wasn't sure whether to feel scared or relieved, so I managed to feel both at the same time.

Now what?

Instructions. Instructions, of course! I quickly reopened the box and managed to grab the tiny paper before yanking it out. My eyes skimmed over the words, and only stopped when I found the pictures and their captions, stating what they meant. After mere seconds, I have the answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 38 I dont know how long I held on to my breath but all I could say is that the test was inconclusive.

/I should be relieved right? I should be ../ I said at the back of my head

If your test is inconclusive, the tester has one of two options. I can buy another test and retest myself or I can choose to confirm any results with my licensed physician.

If I choose the former option, it is recommended that I buy another test and perform it during the morning, when the pregnancy chemical is most potent.

I sighed through my nose once again, but this time it was due to defeat rather than anything else. I hadn't gotten a confirmation or a denial which means, all these things left me still unsure.

I was the type of person who tended to stress out about things until I knew their outcome, usually bringing my relief rather than more stress.

I had worked on this and had become better accustomed to going with the flow, but at present, my newly acquired skill set seemed to be going out the window.

However, before I let myself get upset, I heard a knock coming from the bathroom door Nina? Are you done? Whats the result?

I forced myself to focus on what I had to do next. And what I had to do right then was to make an appointment with my doctor as soon as possible.

Im coming out in a minute I shouted back

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After about twenty minutes on the phone and a conversation with the nurse who answered the phone, I had appointment for the next day at three o'clock that afternoon.

Now all I had left to do was to wait for the result and pray on whatever the outcome is, Iigo would take the news well.

Well? Have you called him yet? Meg asked as she sat on one of those chairs near the kitchen island

I was making my self busy making pancakes for some afternoon snack and eventhough I knew who she was pertaining to .. I still minded it off and pretended I dont know Who? I asked while Meg just grunted from behind.

Come on, Nina. Dont tell me youll keep it from him?

Wala pa namang dapat sabihin kasi all these things are yet uncertain. I reason out and laid a plate of pancakes on the table

I poured a maple syrup on top of the pancakes and then offered it to Meg who just watch me with this expression you could barely read Want some?

Are you bribing me, Fernandez? She said and then crossed her arms on top of her chest

I shrugged I dont know what youre talking about and then stuck my tongue out

Nina, You know I couldnt resist your pancakes and offering me this means you wanted me to shut up.. nasty bitch! She said while pointing the fork at me

Hoy! Kung maka-akusa ka ah! I sat across her and started chuckling

Pero, Nina.. Her tone began trailing off in a serious rhythm Whatever the outcome is .. Ill always be here for you

The way it came out of her lips made me realize how lucky I am to have her. Its like im getting all emotional watching her smiled at me that way, assuring me that itll be alright soon

Thanks Meg

and then a tear fell to my eye /

All these preggy rendezvous making me emotional/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Meg decided to be absent for her work just to accompany me on my way to Dr. Jimenez, a gynecologist whom Meg recommended considering she was a distant relative on her mothers side

Meg grabbed my hand and squeezed before we slid out of her car Kaya mo to, Nina she said with a smile

We got to the building about a thirty minutes early in order to fill out any and all necessary paperwork, insurance forms, and the likes.

By the time I was called to get examined, familiar face showed up exiting the door. Nina?! Of all places I could bump into you

A man in his late 20s uttered as he gave me that megawatt smile of his. Standing a few feet taller, Kaifer wasnt alone entirely .. on his right a woman about his age ,whose looks could be compared to that of Kristine Hermosa's, was wrapped around protectively in his arm

Nina, this is my wife .. Vivienne Kaifer gestured me to the woman right next to him who projects those of unusually angelic faces you could ever laid your eyes with. She smiled genuinely flashing me her worth a thousand smile

Love, this is.---

Yeah He was cut off by Vivien herself It wouldnt take seconds to recognize her since, unlike you who kept himself busy with his other women.. She scowled her own husband, rolled her eyes before she turn her head back to me I actually watch TV and heard about her being Iigos charming girlfriend..

And then she smiled again alternating her frowns awhile ago and pulled that angelic face I first saw her with Hi, Im Vivienne Aguirre-De La Merced.. although it may sound better to drop the De La Merced part.. I think it may do for now. Nina right?

Yes, Nina Fernandez

Dr Jimenez is my OB too.. are you here for a visit? Are you, by any chance preg--

Just when Vivienne was about to finish, the door went completely a jar right before us

A lady, whom I think was a nurse in charge, came out of the door with her chart Miss Nina Fernandez?

Right here I waved my hand which right away caught her attention

Dr. Jimenez said you could come in now.. Right this way, Maam She gestured me to the white door with a flash card hanging the doctor is in

We should hang out some time but for now, we better go, Right Kai? Vivienne uttered Yeah. See you around, Nina

before I grab on to the knob and turn it, I glanced back to the other side of the room. Through the glasses window, I could see Meg sitting around while she smiled

I smiled back when I watch her mouthed Kaya mo yan! while her two thumbs were held up

Kaya ko to!! I told my self before finally facing Dr. Jimenez /

Kaya ko ba talaga?/

Before I could entertain the answer to that particular question, Dr. Jimenez walked in. She was well into her forties, but had a brilliant smile and looked young for her age.

"Ah, Miss Fernandez right?" she said as she glanced down at her paperwork. After a moment, she looked up to me with friendly brown eyes.

I couldnt even utter a single word so I just nodded at her Alright.. Lets get you to a few test and were ready to go

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I waited fearfully on the hospital bed as my heart seeming like it was beating 10 times as fast as it should. I felt like I could just have a heart attack right now.

I fidgeted slightly, playing with my fingers nervously it was a habit I have whenever Im nervous as crack and stealing a glance at the clock subsided it a little

4:37 pm.

"Miss Fernandez"

My head instantly snapped towards the nurse in shock, making the nurse jump slightly.

"Oh... sorry." I said, biting my own lower lip. "...So what's the result?"

The she me, the

nurse looked at me, her face forming a weird expression seeing as wasn't sure if she should be happy or not. She handed the board to which I took shakily, my eyes closing momentarily before I scanned board.

My breath caught in my throat as I finished reading it down and I dropped the board, in view of the fact that my hands were shaking in disbelief. Tears formed in my eyes and I gasped, bringing a hand to my mouth, my tears now spilling from my disbelieving raven orbs.

"...It's positive." I whimpered before my vision went blank

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 39 Shes finally awake

Thats the first thing I heard before fluttering my eyes open. The first thing I laid my eyes upon was the white ceiling. With a blur, my eyes were still adjusting from the bright light when suddenly .. It hit me

I stood up from, what it seems to be, a hospital bed Nina! Meg immediately rush to my direction and assisted my back

but..

Nina.. The second one who called me up didnt sound so reassuring. It was a familiar husky voice that Ive known

Terrified and shaken, I stared at Iigos utterly hard-to-read face.

I was just frozen in place, staring at him in complete shock.

"Iigo what are you--"

But I stopped, because words just couldn't come out of my lips right now.

His orbs met mine and he glowered at me

"What the hell, Nina?" He heatedly yelled.

I let out a frightened squeak and backed up against my bed, squeezing myself against it as his face became deadly.

"Hanggang kailan Nina?! Hanggang kailan mo balak itago sa akin to?" He angrily heated up his words as he took steps towards mine

But soon turning to my wall and punching it hard, cracking up not the wall but my whole senese

Teka lang, Iigo.. if you just hear out Nina and talked about it as adults should, it would be easier. Yelling wouldn't help Meg demanded but he stood still and rested his forehead against the cold white wall and he took in deep breaths to calm himself.

Im going out to let you guys talk about this thing Meg glanced up at me and gave me another reassuring smile before she took the knob and slid out of the door

There was an agonizing silence between us, in which, I could still see that Iigo tried his best to calm his senses down him while I buried my head in the pillow I had picked up from the ground. I was scared to death.

His low, angry but controlled voice is what broke the silence.

"Why, didn't you tell me?"

I shook with fright at the way he spoke so angrily, his voice controlled but seemingly on the edge of exploding. I pulled the pillow closer to her. "How did you found out?"

His body shook with contained anger and he gritted his teeth, balling his hands in tight fists. "Answer the goddamn question Why didnt *you *tell me?"

I bit my lip, looking away from his angered figure. My lips quivered, and I felt my eyes squeezing with too many overwhelming emotions.

Kung di pa sasabihin at magko-congratulate saken si Kaifer .. Hindi ko pa malalaman

My eyes watered immensely and I couldn't hold back the tears that started to slowly roll down from my eyes down to my cheeks.

He bit his lip to the blood, unaware that I was already on the edge of breaking down, and opened his lips to demand an answer, before I spilled out the only real reason I didn't want to tell him.

"...I-I was afraid you wouldn't care...!" I choked out.

His eyes widen in complete shock.

What makes you think I wouldnt care,Nina? His eyes becoming softer now as he sat beside my bed

Im sorry.. It scares me that you wouldnt give a damn about it And maybe were not right for each other. It scares the shit out of me, Iigo. /it scares the shit out of me/. I said while my trembling hands reach for my face to wipe the tears

Nina.. He said softly as I felt him wrapping his arms around me protectively, as if assuring me that its safe .. that hell always be there

Dont say were not right for each other He breathe to my ear and planted a soft kiss on my head The way I see it, were not meant for anyone else

He gently caressed my cheeks and slowly lifted my chin up so that I would finally meet his eyes

I love you and you know that He said while gazing back into my eyes intently

I love you too, Iigo.. but Its just that. Everything is happening so fast. We just got engage! And then Ugh! I grunted while Iigos right brow rose in confusion.

I dont want to end up like my Mom, who got pregers all of the sudden and quit med school nor would I like you to end up like my Dad, tinakwil ng family all because of me. Atska Ano na lang iisipin ng Mom mo?

Youre probably wondering why would I make such a fuss out of these right? Well.. I, or rather Rima and I, were born out of marriage.

I dont see the difference of that since my Mom and Dad eventually got to tie the knots before we were born .. but in a strict catholic teachings, it has been a taboo. Pre-marital sex is a taboo

Which then led to the fact that my paternal grandparents disowned my Dad,who was, at that time, arranged to be married on some girl other than my Mom. It has been a rough life after that and it scares me well up end like my parents

Shh.. He hushed me up when he brought his own finger on my lips. I looked up and saw him grinning before saying Why would you think my parents gonna kick me out? Besides Mom wouldnt think less of you,

shes quite smitten by the thought of another grandchild. Trust me

He leaned forward and planted a small peck on my cheeks and drew my closer for me to rest my head on his lean muscular chest

Well .. Sorry to break your love-dovey smoochy doovey moment, guys Meg peered through the door and slid inside

Actually the doctor has something to say to you kanina pa pero you passed out so.. ngayon na niya sasabihin She added while I tried to comprehend the message on her face. It seems that theres something she was worried about.

After noticing that I was staring at her, She smiled at me before the doctor came from behind with a nurse beside her

Good Evening, Miss Fernandez and I suppose this is your husband? WelluuhNo but Iigo grabbed my hand and squeeze it Yes, this is my wife

I darted my gazes at Iigo and the sight of him before me made my heart skip a bit, the smell of his cologne was addicting to say the very least /

My wife .. /The way he said sounded so warm and tender. We stayed like that for about some seconds or so, staring at each other while sharing the non-linguistic looks at each other

Ahem.. The nurse beside Dr. Jimenez coughed faintly garnering our attention back to reality

How long was she pregnant, Doctor? Iigo asked on my behalf

Well.. about that she was.. well, atleast a week pregnant but Dr Jimenez glanced at my direction before continuing

the fertilized egg has chromosomal problems, it ended up in blighted ovum. In this case, the fertilized egg implanted in the uterus and the placenta and gestational sac began to develop, but the resulting embryo has stopped developing very early

Wait--- What are you saying, Dr. Jimenez? Do you mean that..

You lost your baby, Miss Fernandez

And just like that .. My heart froze as I clenched my fist

But.. the result says its positive. How come I lost the baby? I demanded while holding up the tears slowly blurring my vision.

I felt Iigos arms stiffen around my waist and she held me closer than possible

Because the placenta begins to secrete hormones, you'll get a positive pregnancy test and may have early pregnancy symptoms, but if since you undergone an ultrasound awhile ago, it was shown that gestational sac was empty.

Dr. Jimenez gave the nurse a nod and then the nurse went nearer to my bed and handled me pictures of the ultra sound proving to me that my belly was indeed empty

The embryo did develop for a little while, Miss Fernandez but has abnormalities that make survival impossible, and development stops before the heart starts beating.

My head jerked to look at Iigo, which he did the same, and we looked at each other with a clearly clueless sullen and derange expression, as if wondering what to say and what to do upon hearing the new

We didn't know if we could just accept it just like that considering we were planning for the future ahead of us after getting married. But we couldnt just fool ourselves around and pretend we didnt hear it and continue to play house. It shouldnt end like this and I feel like taking all the blame

We were both lock in dead thin air of silence that slowly suffocates anyone inside the room. No one spoke a word or squeak just yet and only my soft cries were heard

Sometimes a miscarriage is caused by problems that occur during the delicate process of early development. This would include an egg that doesn't implant properly in the uterus or an embryo with structural defects that prevent it from developing.

I glanced up at Meg who was now crying from the corner of the room, her mouth was covered by her shake-y hands and I watch her looked down on the floor

..Im sorry, Miss Fernandez. Youll need to undergo operation to remove the embryo out of your uterus before it completely poison you inside

/and just like that, my hopes on little baby Iigo was gone/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 40 How long has it been since the last time I had fun? Its been almost two weeks of grieve. Ive been sulking about my lost of our baby. I felt like I was at fault .. from time to time I blame my self for the lost

I couldnt even look at Iigo straight in the eyes. I felt like it was such a burden he was carrying .. and I couldnt even amend to it and say itll be alright cuz honestly, Its not even alright. Were not alright

Nina? Ive heard na hospital ka daw?

I looked up and saw Jesse with a concern look on her face Yeah I said softly

Matamlay ka nga til now eh, Ano bang sakit mo at sinugod ka talaga?

I stopped dead on my tracks after hearing her question. What am I going to say anyway? /

Hey, two weeks ago .. I thought I was pregnant but the next day I lost the baby and needed to undergo an operation. And now, here I am trying to live my life like nothing happened how awesome could that be? /

Nina? Are you okay?

/I am not okay. Ill never be okay /

and the next thing I knew I felt my knees becoming weak as tears completely cascade down my cheeks. I cried .. while Jesse approached me and stayed there with me for awhile

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How long was the last time I slept this peaceful? How long has it been since I had a good nap in the middle of the night. I stirred up from my bed and reach for my phone in the nightstand. I saw 8 missed calls from Iigo and various text message from work

I crawled out of bed and began to walk to the window as the rain was lashing against the window. I noticed the sky was so dark although its only early afternoon.

The clouds are almost dark and menacing but the rain does not scare me.

It was weird that it was raining in the middle of summer. The irony.

There are those few glimmers of light when you realize just how beautiful the city is, but when the rain comes, it has been forgotten for awhile.

I sigh.

I haven't seen Iigo for a few days. Maybe he's doing the only decent thing ever and giving me space, or maybe I went to far and that we ended up like this

Four afternoons ago .. /

Why are you ignoring me?

I frown and denied Im not ignoring you!

The moment I started walking away from him,He grabbed my arm to whirl me around so that I was now facing him

How many times would I say that those wallposts from women on Facebook are nothing

Hah! Really? Well, enlighten me why have I read a flirty response from you afterwards?

Where the heck are you pointing out?

Well, isnt it obvious? I raised my right brow at him as I saw his jaw tighten. The sight of his anger before me is something new to me.

You know what.. NinaPagod ka lang, pagod din ako. These days have been rough for us, maybe we should just give it a break

Right. Break, tama nga yan.. maybe we should go on our separate ways. Break na kung break

What?! His eyes were now wide open Thats not what I mean when he said as he attempted to approach me but I took few steps backwards and glared at him ..

Good day, Iigo before slamming the door to his face /

I guess we have a weird warped relationship I suppose the man I hate sometimes is also the man I love. Oh the irony

My attention fixes on the pelting raindrops outside again. I just want to run out into the rain without a care, feel the water drip down my body , wiping the dirt that I feel from inside me

I was interrupted with my chains of thoughts when I heard a small knock at the door and the next thing I knew Meg slid herself inside my room

Nina, Iigos waiting for you

I flinched unable to say the right words that should come out of my lips. Tonguetied is my apparent state /

What was I going to say anyway? /

Nina Meg drew herself nearer to me and tapped my back Ano ka ba, hindi talaga maayos ang lahat when you keep on ignoring him like that ----She grabbed my left hand and raised it up----. See? Engage na kaya kayo.. stop acting like high school idiotic couples

Meg .. I dont think What?! That youre not ready? That you needed time? she rolled her eyes and added Come on, Nina. Yang cool off cool off na yan para sa mga timang lang yan na naghihintay ng grasya. Kung di ka gagalaw, kailan pa?

She grabbed my hand and the squeeze it Minsan talaga Nina may pagka-slow ka din eh .. Ewan ko ba. Matalino ka naman eh kaya punta ka na don at kausapin mo na

I smiled at her and said I dont know what Ill do if youre not here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon entering the living room, Iigo right away notice me and I didnt resisted a smile as he did the same to me. I sat beside him at the couch but was looking down at the carpet

I was embarrass to say the very least, I dont even know what to say to

him. We fell into complete silence and none of us broke it. I glanced to my side and I notice him playing with his thumb

He often does that when hes nervous /

Why was he being nervous at the times like this?/

About .. that facebook thing, I already handled the issue with Tatianna

My head snapped right up at his direction and then I glared at him Tatianna? Isnt that your ex girlfriend before you came down and flew back to Phils?

Uhh--- yeah but---

What BUT?! --- I stood up from the couch and crossed my arms on top of my chest So you were exchanging flirty response to that girl? Shes your ex!

He followed my suit and stood up from the couch as well Oh come on!! Panay naman din like ni Luigi ang mga pictures mo ah!

Thats different!! Luigis my friend and theres nothing

Well theres nothing going on between me and Tats too and Luigi isnt different .." His face was instense and full of anger when he came closer "you know hes got a thing for you pero panay pang /friendly /response mo sa kaniya

Hindi kasama si Luigi sa issue na to.. the thing here is you being too close to your own comfort with your /Tats/ I rolled my eyes as my tongue was a little burn with how I uttered her name

I told you, Tatianna and I are over.. I have you now

Exactly! You have me now pero ang landi landi mo naman! There was Jennifer, Maureen, Isla, Jennessa..and even KENDRA!!! Sino pa? pati sa tumblr mo ang lalandi ng questions.. sa twitter at kahit sa formspring mo!

Dine-active ko na nga formspring and tumblr ko .. ano pa gusto mo?

At ngayon mo lang naisip magdeactivate? I gave him a disgust look and gritted my teeth kung d pa ako magiging---

What?! Hysterical? Paranoid? Come on .. Nina! Youre better than that

I */am /*better than that!! I shouted on top of my lungs as my eyes began to water but when it comes to you../

I stopped as I bit my lower lip and looked down at the carpet once more ---/- when it comes to you, I could be hysterical, crazy, paranoid, psycho .. whatever else you may call it because ---- /I looked up straight to his eyes and said ----

/Im afraid one day when I wake up, I already lost you to someone else whos more than willing to spread their legs for you.. The type na mas magbibigay sayo ng ligaya. The type na hindi papatayin ang baby sa loob ng tyan niya.. The type. Na

I was cut off to whatever I was about to say when Iigo already hugged me as tight as he could. Suprised, I hugged him back but when I attempted to let go, He hugged me tighter than the usual

Nina, I love you.. I said it before and Im gonna say it again. I love you whatever happens I love you. He bent down and kiss my forehead

So dont get all worn out thinking someone could even replace you here he pointed out his left chest to where his heart was and dont take all the blame, Nina. Maybe the baby wasnt meant to be with us, maybe God has something else for us. No one should be blame, Nina. It was not your fault in the first place

He held on to my hands tightly and then grab the back of my head so I would rest it on his firm chest

Walang may kasalanan, Nina. Kaya wag mo nang sisihin ang sarili mo

I dont know how he does it but suddenly, it felt alright to cry. It felt like its going to be okay as long as he hugs me like this, if he keeps me warm in his embrace.

In a matter of seconds, my tears were already streaming down my cheeks and I started sobbing endlessly

Im sorry, Im sorry, Im sorry Im sorry I said in the monotone over and over again as I sobbed

SSsshh.. Its okay

Then he laid his hands on the both sides of my cheeks so I may able to look up to his face. I was still crying that time and tears were still blurring my vision when I saw him smirk at me

Gusto mo gawa na lang tayo ulit?

/ /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 41 Yeah, Lola. Im on my way .. Is Isaac with you? I bought his fave, Krispy Kreme. Papunta na ako. Yeah, Im on taft na.. See you in about a minute or two

Excited? Yes, to say the very least.. I am pretty much excited tonight not only because Tonights gonna be my engagement party but also because my Lola just came all the way from Mactan, Cebu to Makati for the one-time moment of my life

Im very much excited that the smile on my face cant event torment how happy I am right now. I met Iigos Dad, Sir Dante Attonio Bustamante, Jr, last night and alongside with Kuya Chris, Iigos older brother who came all the way from Barcelona, Spain to Makati.

Iigos Dad was quite scary at first, the way he talks and the way he holds on to his wine glass defines how superior he is but the moment when he cracked up a joke, I cant believe na parang normal na tao lang din pala siya.

Ive seen him on Forbes magazine before and di pa rin ako makapaniwalang magiging in law ko na siya soon. Imagine?

Nakakaintimidate din yung asawa ni Kuya Chris, super tall and so pretty. Napaka Hispanic ang beauty pero pure pinoy pala and she showed me a painting, sabi niya hindi pa daw yun tapos pero ang ganda ganda na sabe niya din, i-re-regalo niya daw yun tonight sa engagement

There was a clever use of the rule of thirds and also a blatant use of complementary colors. Its not an emotionless piece of art The way she drew the perfect shape of almond and pag nakatitig ka dito yung tipong parang so much emotions and nag me-merge right before you .. ganon nga siya kagaling

At ngayon yung excitement, may halong kaba na .. kasi makikilala ko na lahat mamaya sa engagement party. Hindi lang mga Bustamante cuz Tito Dante mentioned about his kompares and business partners would come as well

/Iniisip ko pa lang lahat ng yun, nai-ihi na ako/

Biglang nag ring na naman ang phone ko, It was inside my Black Suade Celine hand bag lying on the front seat, So when I reach for it, suddenly my engagement ring fell from my left ring finger and emitted a metallic rumbling as it twirls around the bottom

/Konti na lang.. abot ko na /I thought as I bent down to the right to reach for it, It took me seconds before I finally had it back on my hands

but unfortunately, when I darted my eyes back to the road, a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, Black Hyundai Genesis was twirling and turning ridiculously on the road

I tried my best to turn to the other side and dodge the car but it seems too late.. considering the driver seem to be out of his mind driving at 100mph

then the next thing I saw was full darkness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The little girl was picking up shells and white pebbles by the seashore when she bump into some kid with a hat on his head.

He was chewing some gum her mommy told her not to buy from cheap sari-sari store and the way he made those annoying sounds after each chew disgust her even more

His other gang snickered at the frighten look of the girl but she tried her best to ignore. She was trying to not let them see how scared she was being surrounded by them so she bowed her head and pretended she didnt see them.

After all, her mommy told her that Diego and his gang are one of the notorious kids in the summer camp

And whered you think youre going, payatot? He grabbed the little girls arms making her fall in the sand

The pebbles and the shells she has been collecting for hours have scattered everywhere while Diego and his gang laugh boisterously

The little girl tried her best to not cry over the spilled effort. She glared at the two gangly boys but didnt say anything as she stood up, brushing off the sand off her feet and tried to stand still as possible

Oh look.. little payatots gonna cry.. booo hooo!! Diego mimicked while running circles around her.

Payatot! Payatot! Payatot! Payatot!!! He repeated over and over again

trying to get under the little girls skin. But she didnt budge and covered her ears with her hands while His other friend started laughing off hard as possible and then spit the gum on her hair minutes after

Those turds who tease girls are considered gays you know The little girl froze as she slowly peep behind Diegos rear. A little boy, about her age, surprises not only her with his presence but also Diegos friends and Diego himself

and it didnt take minutes before Diego was already on his knees with a faint stain of blood on his nostrils

/He punch him on the nose. Holy cow!/ That was the only thing the little girl thought in horror at the sight before her. Then she glanced down at Diego who eventually started crying and calling out for his mommy

Diego?! Diego!! Shouted by an old woman from a distant.

and that was their cue, The little boy immediately gasp the little girls hand and drag her with him. They started running off as fast as they could, away from those bullies ..and away from everyone else

as the little girl looked back, the rain started pouring. The cold rain drops hit the little girls face fast and hard soaking her instantly.

Her hair falls and stacks to her neck, and the dress clings to her body. The rain continues to fall as they continue to walk while her fitflops sink into the wet front lawn

The little boy led her quietly onto the soft sand. Here, He leant against her as he removed his shoes and watched as the little girls expression turned sour

What are you waiting for?

The boy said as he playfully toss his shirt off, The girl began to

panic, scared that the boy might hit her too if she wouldnt comply so she copied his actions and began removing her fitflops.

They both left their shoes on the sand and wondered along the beach. The little girl is not sure when and how but they came to hold each other's hands and it suddenly felt alright to trust a stranger. It was awkward at first but she eventually felt comfortable with it

You know, I always notice you picking up shells by the shore He uttered and began throwing all sort of rocks to the sea but the little girl didnt say anything but stare at him for awhile, half-amuse and half.. freaked out?

You mustve think Im a stalker huh? The little laughed before adding Well .. youre probably wondering why I was watching you

Curious as can be, The little finally spoke Why? She asked curiosity lingered in her tone

The little boy who seem to be amuse by the little girls sudden enthusiasm beam her with a smirk-to-die-for You looked like a pretty dork happy picking up stupid pebbles and shells

Although the boy was laughing hysterically, the little girl didnt find it amusing hence she frown at him and as if ready to throw the next thing her hand could grip with

But .. nonetheless .. pretty. Yeah, Really pretty tho He said sounding so sincere as he gazes back at the little girls flustered face then he proceeded throwing another rock pretending he didnt let go of some cheesy baduy words

I go around here to throw rocks you know and I always see you in the afternoon picking up those unusual boring pebbles and shells

Come to think of it, The girl never knew why she did it but ..

But you looked so happy doing that.. As if youre lost in your own world while picking up those things by the shore. As if its the happiest thing youll ever do The little boy added

Something Ive always crave for.. Happiness There was a bit tad of sadness when the little boy trailed off the last world as if it burns in his tongue

My mom and Dad often get into some heat-y argument. Shouting and screaming on each other.. Nakakabingi

The little girl could only look at the boys lonely face as he tells her the story of his parents. The little boy rant about his older brother whos good at everything he does thus sometimes comparing them both in the process which irks him more.

Then second how his older sister acts so spoiled and loved so dearly by their father and then here comes another baby brother soon that he felt like he was being replace and unlove

The little girl didnt know what possess her but the next thing she knew she gasp into the little boys hand and said

You know sometimes I also feel unloved and ignored by my parents because I felt like Ill never be as good as my sister nor as adorable as her but trust me .. they love you. You may not feel it but they do

The girl gave the little boy a reassuring smile which he gradually return with such genuineness that radiates with in

See? In fact theyve come to look for you.. The little girl pointed out behind as a very pregnant woman whose tummy is as bulky as you could expect her to be

The little boy immediately stood up and cleared the sand on his feet I guess I better go now ---UHH? He said his smile turn into a distorted smirk as he held out his hand for her to reach

Its Nina She said with a smile as she grab his hand

Aright, Nina .. Thanks He quickly sprint his way to the stairs but wave back at the little girl before he completely lost his way on her vision

Hurry up, Iigo!! Shouted impatiently by someone in the distant

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 42 I stirred up from the depth of dream I was having for God knows how long. I fluttered my eyes open and felt the pain pounding on cheeks.

I can feel its swollen and it hurts like hell. Just then I realized that I wasnt on my bed back in the apartment. I was in a hospital bed

once again.

I grunted

/How many times have I woken up on a hospital bed?

/ It has been twice this month now, I recalled. I tried sitting up from where I was lying but the pain on my back also hinders me to do so

I'd like to think it was all a dream but the bruise on my arms and

hellish pain Im feeling on my back tells me otherwise

I notice the numbers of tubs attach to me and the incubator right on my left.

I sighed /How long was I asleep?/

I took the liberty to look up to the rooms white ceiling and decipher my thoughts. Nothing came to my head but the face of young boy smiling at me. It was weird. I dont even remember who he was for the moment

/He looked so familiar./

I rose up my left arm but unfortunately, something wasnt there.

Something was definitely missing. It startled me somehow .. and the thought of losing something I couldn't even remember made my stomach cringed for some reason.

I glance on my left side where the first thing that my eyes lay upon was man who seems asleep as he buried his face on the bed

Poor guy/

I dont know what possessed me but I slowly reached for his head and stroke his hair, his soft hair that I can not resist but ruffle it.

Unfortunately, I can't even move my arms properly like a normal individual out of hospital could. Just then he stirred up from his slumber and rose his head.

He looked at me with total remorse and disbelief in his eyes and gasp for my hand

Nina! he breathe. I blinked so many times that I couldn't count no longer, Unable to comprehend who's the guy before me

His voice sounded so tired, hoaxed and worn oout. Those dark circles under his eyes and his messy hair depicted how self-deprived he was at the moment

I smiled weakly at him but didnt say anything. He tightens his grip on my left hand as if not wanting to let go

I thought I was gonna lose you He whispered

I looked up straight to his eyes and notice how vulnerable he was as he regarded me as fragile as a glass

I couldnt even bare the thought of it He added and plant a small but tender kiss on my hand

I tried moving my lips to utter something, to say words that may let him ease the pain

but nothing came out of my throat. Nothing but air, I was too weak to say anything. I cant even move my feet.

Just then, The door burst all of the sudden after few knocks. A beautiful-beyond-doubt type of woman who stood shorter than I expected, dropped off the grocery bag and with her eyes wide open

"Nina!!!" She squaled and hugged me tightly as she couldThen, I felt a drop of tear slid down my cheek.

It was definitely not mine for when I looked up, the woman before me started crying hysterically, ruining her mascara in her eyes

"Don't you dare scare me off that bad for days, Nina. Don't you dare again" She mummbled in between short breathes while she wiped out her tears away

Then I heared another knock coming from the door. The woman on my right immediately rushed to the door and opened it, revealing a man in white robe, whom I assumed to be a doctor, followed by an old woman and a teenage boy

"Nina!!" The teenage boy sprint his way to my side and hugged me lightly

"We've missed you!" He added

"How long will she stay here?" The man on my left asked the doctor "By the looks of it, She'll recover soon enough .. Just give her a couple of days more and she'll be out in no time, Hijo. Don't worry" The doctor patted the man's back and smiled

Everythng happened so swiftly in my eyes. It was becoming a little blur and all I could hear were murmurs and more murmurs ..everywhere and every corner of the room.

It was crazy!!

My head started pounding erratically that maybe a vein or two would popped sooner or later

"Nina!!" The woman about the early 20's approach by my side and worriedly eyed me "Are you okay?"

I frown and began to realize .. "As much as I wanted to answer your question but who are you people?" I said with a sour tone

Just then, Everything felt dead quiet and the next thing I knew the older woman dropped her cane to the tiled-floor and fainted.

Good thing the young boy was there to assist her to the nearest couch while the woman and the man on two opposite sides of my bed dropped their jaw and were both unable to comprehend a thing

Silence took over us and I couldn't even tell why it gives me creep.

"You don't ... remember us?" With a complete confusion painted all over her face,The woman stammered.

I shook my head and glance at the man beside me. I saw him clenched his fist before asking "Not even me?"

I shook my head once again

"No, that's why I'm asking right?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 43 /He promised me, Nina .. pagnagkita kami, hindi na niya ako pakakawalan

My eyes snapped open and saw nothing but darkness in the room. /

That dream again/

I sat up from my bed and right away find my feet. I felt my knees not firm enough to support my weight. I was weak and I found myself holding onto the edge of the bed.

I grabbed on the crutch which was lying beside my nightstand. Finally, I was able to stand on my own with the help of it. Ive been using it for the pass few days right after I got out of the hospital

Ive searched on the switch and I found my self standing right in front of the mirror.

The bruise is horrible it purple green color takes up most of my cheek and apart of my neck still hurts like hell

Then my mind starts to assemble pieces of memory together but my head started to hurt so I pushed it all back for I don't want to think of that horrible thoughts again .. not now or ever

I found my way to the kitchen even though It took me like.. forever. I reach for a mug and started making my self a coffee.

Just then woman about my age got out of her room and the moment she stepped into the kitchen immediately held on to her chest and gasp for rational number of air

WhattaNina! You scared me! She said hysterically before taking the chair right in front of me

She just watched me as I poured a creamer on my coffee and stirred it up. She was deep in her thoughts that suddenly, It felt really awkward between us

Do you want coffee? I offered and grabbed on my crutch to reach for the cabinet No.. I insist Nina. I could do it She said and stood up from her sitting

But I still continued whatever I was opt to do and grabbed on the mug. Then I turned around and laid the mug on the Kitchen Island

I poured the warm water to the mug while I let her eyes be glued to me. /

Theres something going on in her head/ I thought while I continued stirring up her coffee

There .. I said and laid it next to her. She eyed me quizzically while her right brow rose up in curiosity? Or probably more like in suspicion

instead of sipping her mug, to my surprise, she threw it on the tiled-floor and didnt even flinched or took a glance in the shattered pieces of the mug

She glared at me, hard enough that it could almost penetrate through me What was that for? I asked

She slammed her fist on the table and raised her voice What was that for? Hah! What are these bullshits all about, Nina?!

I dont know what youre talking about I said but I felt my heart loudly throbbing against my chest

Really? Wala kang alam? Or nag pre-pretend ka lang na walang alam? She stood up from where she sat and took few steps so I was now facing her directly

She laughed bitterly and rolled her eyes scratch, I didnt know you could be Oscars best actress

What are you trying to imply, Meg? I said firmly

You can fool everyone else but I know you Fernandez. I know every fiber there is in you. I know that youre pretending to have amnesia when in reality, youre perfectly fine

I blinked once? Twice .. The things didnt sink yet on my head. /

Howd she know?/

She crossed her arms on top of her chest and added

Nina, kung talagang may amnesia ka .. makakalimutan mo kahit ano, pati na ang preferences mong lagyan ng creamer ang coffee mo. I saw you not even taking a second thought to pour a creamer on your coffee, Fernandez.

Plus, kung talagang may amnesia ka .. makakalimutan mo din ang preferences ko sa coffee na walang creamer. I saw you not even glancing at my direction to ask if I want to.. Hindi ka na nagtanong kasi alam mong ayaw ko talaga ng creamer

And another thing, Nina? Kung talagang may amnesia ka, hindi mo maalala ang favorite mug ko na bigay mo nong birthday ko. Hindi mo maalala na yun lagi ang ginagamit ko for coffee. Nasa sulok siya ng cabinet, Nina pero yun pa rin ang kinuha kasi alam mong yun din ang gusto ko

At nung binasag ko nga ang mug, I saw you were hurting. Bigay mo sakin diba? At binasag ko lang? She taunted

I---i I stammered unable to say the next thing

You better spill me whats going on, Nina. BFF 101 rule, NO KEEPING SECRETS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little girl in a pigtail hidden behind a big old tree was looking at a certain boy who sat at a bench facing the sea. She was nervous for some reason, nervous that he might found shes stalking him

What are you doing?

The little girl was a little startled and practically had her heart stop in shock. Good thing when she turn around, she found a huge relief to spot her older sister by a minute or two

She peered behind her and gave her younger sister a wide ear-to-ear grin Are you stalking him?

Him? Who? She tried her best to deny and shook her head. But when it comes to her older sister, nothing could ever escape in her eyes what more emotion she couldnt deny?

That kid a pretty cute tho but a little snob. And from what Ive heard, He punched Diego on the nose.. Pretty violent dont you think? Her older sisters nose cringed and she couldnt help but frown

Hes not a snob, hes just.. Well . Lonely and hes not violent he was just--- Her older sister was in disbelief to the fact shes hearing it from her younger sister

She rolled her eyes and then grab her little sisters hand

Whatever you say, Nina.. But I think we should go back. Mom prepared seafoods for lunch ala Caribbean slash asian with a little bit off latin

.. and ofcourse not to forget the lobster. Isnt lobster your fave? /

Her older sisters acting weird / Thats what the little girl thought while watching her older sister took a spoon full of rice in her mouth. / / /

Shes not usually like that especially if its seafood on the serving/. Her Older sister is not fond of seafoods since God knows when and the sight of her munching on every delicacies on the table /Its so not her/ /

Shes definitely up for something/

Mama! Im done!

That was fast Their mother said at awed while their Dad just smiled at his eldest child and bent down to kiss her forehead

Thats my girl Their father uttered as he patted the eldest childs head and ruffles her hair

Where you opt to, Sweetheart? The older sister stopped walking away and turned around. She smiled sweetly, the thing she always do to lure her parents.

Ill just play around, Mom. Ill be back hours before dinner

The little girl watched the little boys lopsided grin accompanied the sweet laugh of her older sister from a far. She couldnt help but shrugged

/How did they become friends right away? /

And then the next thing the girl knew, She could do nothing but watch as

her older sister was running away, her hair flowing behind her, her little polkadot dress rising to expose her knees.

She could hear him chasing after her older sister. The boisterous laughter and the squealing sound coming from her sisters high-pitched voice They were playing tagged and the little girl could do nothing but watch them laughed and have fun

while there she was .. in the corner. A tear cascaded down her cheek

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 44 The little girl can't remember when she had realized it. It was one of those things that crawled up on her slowly. Don't ask her why and when it occurred.

There was no defining moment. All that she can remember is that her simmering fascination gradually turned to a liking where it must have flourished into some kinda love. Puppy love perhaps. She didnt know.

There was none of those fireworks erupting from my heart. Who could blame her anyway? She was just 10-turning-11 soon. It didnt happen drastically like one of those clich movies weve seen. She suppose it had been there for a while but not quite long

It was friday afternoon when the little girl hurriedly went up to their two-storey house to show to her parents her A+ swimming actual exam result

She was skeptical while imagining her parents' reaction. For sure they'll be proud of her and no doubt she would taste her mother's speciality, Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie..

She was interrupted with her chain of thoughts the moment She took her step right on their front door

And when she turn their knob, The first thing that she heard was not the usual but ..

"Wow! Rima, Dear! A++ on your swimming actual exam!!" It was definitely her mom, her sweet serene voice wasn't hard to recognize.

"That's my girl! Papa is so proud of you, Rima" She could even picture out of her Dad would bend to kiss her older sister's forehead. Something that she wish she could've experience too

/Maybe she could've pretend she didn't hear a thing/

Just as she was about to turn around and completely close the door she heard her mother called upon her to get inside

"Nina Bear!" Her mother uttered as she approach her, bent down to plant a tender kiss to her youngest child and led her to the dining hall

"Gutom ka na ba? Mommy prepared for your meryenda a Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Crepes" /

Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Crepes / The little girl frown./Isn't that Rima's favorite? /

"Nina, Come sit next to daddy" Her dad patted the chair next to him, just in front of Rima's

She hesitated at first but nonetheless, smiled at her father and took the seat to where her dad told her to and watched as her mother laid the plate of Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Crepes right in front of her

"What is that thing you told me hija through the phone? You seem excited about it" Her Dad casually said with a smile while her mother poured a lemon juice on her glasses

She was about to utter something when Rima burst another words "hhhmm.. Mom! this is--- AWESOME!" She took another spoon full of Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Crepes into her mouth and then smiled at their mother

She noticed that there was something stuck between her older sister's teeth and she couldn't help but wonder .. /

Was it the blueberry stuck between her front teeth?/

"Easy, Rima .. 'Di ka naman uubusan ni Nina" Her father chuckled before sipping into his lemon juice

"Well, That's your reward for getting an A++ on your swimming class awhile ago" then her mother turn her direction to the youngest child who seem a little taken aback

"You were saying kanina, Nina?" Her father asked her darting his direction to his youngest child

The little girl bowed her head a little and crumpled the paper behind her. She looked up with a smile , a kind of smile that didn't exactly reach her eyes

"Nothing, Dad. I was just...--" She couldn't find the next word to say and glance to her older sister "--- happy, right.. I was happy for me who got an A++"

Her older sister grinned widely and said "Thanks, sis. It was just a peice of cake anyway.. How about you? what did you get?"

She flinched before blinking twice and bit her lower lip. "I--uh.." she was obviously stammering but didn't continue whatever she was about to say. There was nothing to be said anyway.

Her paper's result is nothing compared to Rima's. Afterall, she only got an A+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ikaw, Nina ah! nung kailan lang na sa hospital ka tapos ngayon may saklay ka na. Aba'y improving!"

I whirled around as I heard and recognized to whom that girly voice came from. It was Jesse's with her signature megawatt smile

/Should I pretend I've forgotten her too?/ I thought as I from at her, pretending to think harder as I could. My brows both pulled together

"Uhm ... Pardon? Do I know you before? I'm sorry.. I don't ---" "Silly me, wala ka nga pa lang maalala"

I saw a sudden tone of sadness the moment she said that and I couldn't help my self but be sad as well.

/What am I doing? /

"Tanga! nagka-amnesia nga raw yan eh! malamang 'di ka talaga maalala" Iy was Bea with a cup of brewed coffee on her hand and a folder on the other. then to her side, there was Gail who stared at me for awhile /

Maybe the crutches bother her a lot /

"Okay ka na?" Bea asked as she approached and patted my shoulder

"I'm Bea .. Hindi tayo masyadong close but that's not the point" She grinned and gestured me to the woman next to her"You probably dont remember a slightest thing about us but we're more than willing to give it another shot" She added and winked at me

"This is Gail over here and that's Jesse .. "

The two ladies beside her smiled at me and I return the favor as genuine as possible

"Wanna Join us for lunch?" Gail offered

"Well, What are we waiting for? I'm staaaarving!" Jesse grabbed my arm and dragged me behind her

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that night after the office hours were finally over we decided to have a little chit chat on our way down the elevator and at the midst of our conversation

*Ding!!*

"Nina, need a lift? we could take you to you----OUCH! HEY! that hurts, Gail!" I chuckled as I watch them squezing on each other's neck

"Mukhang may sundo si Nina, Bea. Let's go na?" Gail grabbed on to Bea's hand and winked at me

There was nothing else I could do but watch their retreating back. I smiled before turning around. I stopped dead on my tracks when someone out of nowhere called upon my attention and said */

"Hey!"/*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 45 "Thanks for the ride, Jesse ---" I bent a little more and smiled at---" Luigi, naabala ko pa kayo sa quality time niyo together" I said after getting out of Luigi's dark green Mazda CX-9

"Naginsist talaga kasi tong si Jesse ---" He pinched Jesse's tiny nose

and added-- " Atsaka it's none taken, Nina .. It's a little late so we wouldn't want to leave you behind"

"Yeah, makokonsensya talaga kame if we jsut let you ride a cab sa lagay na yan" She pointed out my crutch Kaya get well, not soon, but now.. as is now na"

I chuckled "I'll try"

the moment I turn around and start taking the stairs, I was a little tacken aback to take the knob

The other day, Meg and I had this little fight. She was quite upset that I've been pulling the 'amnesia' stunt right before her.. /

"So all this time nagmukha lang kaming tanga right before you?" Meg shouted at me with disbelief, her eyes depicted so much anger as I saw her hands clenching on her side "It's not like that, Meg .." I reasoned out, looking at her straight in

the eyes

"Then what it is Miss Fernandez? I can't seem to fathom or even bring out where have you attain a degree of vaingloriousness and egotism in every bits of your fiber .." She took a few step closer and rolled her eyes

"or maybe I didn't know who you are from the very beginning huh?" She taunted and lifted up her right brow as if urging me to throw a bitch-fit anytime soon /

/"Meg, I'm sorry kung hindi ko nasabi sa'yo agad. Swear, I was planning to spill the beans soon---"/ /

"Kailan pa, Nina? pag ginawa mo na kameng tanga lahat? You know for the very fact that I dont buy stupid and, most especially, dumbest excuses of all"/ /

My hands automatically clenched on my side and the site of an infuriated Margareth Toledo before me. It was surely something my knees to wobble for but I looked up to her face once again and said, with all the might, hoping I wouldnt stammer/ /

"Sige, ganon na ba tingin mo sa akin ngayon, Meg? Ganon na ba talaga? sasabihin ko naman eh.. ang hirap lang talaga!!" A tear unknowingly fell to my eye, I bit my lower lip once again and wiped that tear away/ /

"Ang hirap lang Meg kasi I dont even know where to begin with. This, whatever this thing between Iigo and I.. Whatever there is between us, kung meron man .. ang hirap dalhin, Meg.." That time more tears cascaded and rolled down my cheeks. I watched as Meg's face fell softer than the more intense and hard-to-decipher facial expression she's been pulling with awhile ago/ /

"Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako for the mere fact na naalala ko na lahat.. lahat lahat, Meg! Pati ang part na hindi pala ako yun .. All this time, Meg.. Hindi pala ako yung mahal niya.. Hindi niya ako minahal for who I am, Meg.. Minahal niya ako cuz he thought the whole time I was /*/Rima!/*/!"/ /

My hands were trembling while my knees were becoming weaker and weaker as more tears slid down my face, and my grip to my crutches has been jelly-like too and before I would completely fall to the floor, Meg caught up with me and hugged me tight/

/lagi na lang si Rima.. Si Rima!! Si rima!! I shouted as more and more tears fell from eyes/ /

I looked up and saw her face full of symphaty and care/ /"I'm sorry, Meg.. Im sorry, I didn't know how to tell you.. I didn't know where to begin with all these things.. Im sorry--"/

/"Shhh!! It'll be alright, Nina.. Don't worry.. Walang binibigay ang Dyos na pagsubok na hindi natin kayang lampasan. It's here to test you.." She began rubbing my back/

/She grabbed my hand in between hers and said "Just hold on and stay strong, Nina" She said reassuringly/

"Kailan mo balak sabihin sa kanya?"

I was startled when I heard her voice the moment I've closed the door behind me. I've searched for the switch and found Meg sitting on the recliner in the living room

"Well?" she stood up from the recliner and assisted me to the couch. Nahihirapan pa rin akong maglakad and I was still relying my balance to the crutch

"Excited? Excited? Hindi ba pwedeng huminga muna? nakakapagod umakyat sa hagdan nang may saklay no!" I cracked to lighten up the mood, Meg didn't buy that tho. She tried, honestly, she did.. She chuckled a little but it sounded more like an awkward laugh to me

"Ano ka ba! Havey naman joke mo.. It's just that at times like this .. that's the last thing you should do, Nina. Seriously?"

I sighed and laid my back to the couch

"I dont know yet, Meg. I can't decide when.. I dont even know if I'll have the guts to tell it off his face. Kung sana kasing tapang mo lang ako, Meg .. Kung sana"

Silly!! She pinched my nose and smiled Hindi naman ako ganon katapang, Stupid.. Its just that Ive handled the worst among the worst and kaya mo yan, Nina. She grabbed my hand and squeeze it

Maiba ako She laid her legs on top of the couch and left her slippers on the carpet Tumawag ba si Iigo sayo? For sure, if Ill be in his shoes

Wala eh.. I heard from Gerard na may race daw siya next week, kakaalis niya lang daw niya papuntang Roma

Wow, its getting more complicated than I thought It would be. She shook her head in disapproval and took a long harsh breathe

Waitdid you just say, Rome? Hindi ba nandon ang bestfriend mo?

My brows automatically pulled itself together Best friend?

Slow ka talaga, Nina.. Si Kendra!! Yung Kendra Gainsborough na masarap murahan sa tagalog kasi hindi naman siya nakai-intindi

I dont know but it felt good to laugh again after all this time, after all the tangled webs Ive been on.. It feels to laugh again kahit alam mong panandalian lang

Just then something fell out of the couch weve been sitting on and it turned out to be the remote and then, out of nowhere, the pads 14 flat screen tv turned on

and my heart froze for the moment I saw Iigo on tv. I blinked several times, too many to count when the next thing Ive realized the woman standing beside him, while damping her handkerchief to Iigos sweat-drench face, was no other than.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 46 That Kendra Bitch! Meg hissed threw the pillow to the tv screen and gritted her teeth as she crossed her arms on top of her chest

Kapal ng mukha mag punas punas pa! siya ang girlfriend, Te? She took a deep breathe and sat beside me once again

It was a live televise shot of the race going on in Rome, I couldnt help but wonder how on earth did Kendra appeared right beside Iigo.. I know shes working with Giorgio Armani but, why is she *THERE?! **

*/There in the racetrack?/

*/Beside Iigo? While damping a tissue on his sweat-drench face?/*

I cant believe it!!! I grunted and looked up to the ceiling in the

range of frustration. I tightly closed my eyes and rested my head

/Why is my life so fVcked up?//

/But Girl, Ang hirap ng nagpapanggap ka ah? kasi, definitely.. hindi mo yan masusumbat sa kaniya Meg blurted out

"Kasi nga di'ba may amnesia ka kuno?" She added before quoting it with her fingers and rolling her eyes

/That makes it so much more complicated/ I sighed and decided to grab my crutch and proceeded to start my way back to my room.

My phone lit as it vibrated on top of my wooden nightstand beside my bed. I immediately grabbed on it and right away, saw Iigo's name flashed right before my eyes.

But,Nina.. Hintayin mo muna paliwanag niya sayo. Youll never know* That thing Meg told me echoed inside my head over and over again before I finally landed on my bed and ignored his call

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *

*Nina? Hiwalay na ba kayo?* * I thought the whole time, you were engage?** * Ano ba nangyayari sa inyo?** * Showbiz naman masyado tong sagot mo* * Kailan pa?!* *

Those are just few of the millions questions Ive heard on today at the office. It's like everything that happens to me spreads thourougly on other people's mind.

They probably saw that thing on tv but I couldnt even have a straight answer to any of those questions

I dont even know my self. Wala din akong masagot kung hindi puro sa isip lang. Sinarili ko lahat /

Nina, Hiwalay na ba kayo?/ ---- Hiwalay na nga ba talaga? / I thought the whole time you were engage/ ---- Akala ko din nga eh.. Ano ba nangyayari sa inyo? --- Hindi ko din alam / Showbiz naman masyado tong sagot mo/ ---- Sana nga sa showbiz na lang tong lahat. Sana palabas lang lahat / Kailan pa?! /--- I dont know but the fact that were drifting apart.. slowly, maybe it has been awhile

Nagkasabay sabay lahat, I dont even know where to start. Hindi pa nga tapos yung isa may panibago na naman

I cant even walk straight enough. My head was ducked as if dodging those stares and curious eyes I get from the near vicinity, I still could hear mumurs as I passed by their tables. It's giving me creeps

It has been always like that ever since theyve seen the whole /punas ng pawis ni Iigo by Kendra/ thing

*I dont see her wearing the ring anymore** *Maybe its true afterall, masyadong gwapo si Iigo to settle for less* *

I snapped my head up to the direction where Ive been hearing the gossip, I found two women who immediately disperse themselves after they saw me glaring at them

/UGH! Mga Kristine Chismosa talaga!// /

I harshly took my crutch and started walking away, but the moment I attempted to grab on it, I suddenly felt like losing my balance.

Good thing, I was caught up on the right time and supported my weight just right by two strong arms that Im not really used to holding me like that.

Easy there, Nina I heard coming from a man. I looked up and saw.. Luigi who has the amusement visible in his smirk

He helped me up and added Just ignore them, theyre not worth the time. I heard may amnesia ka daw so hindi mo siguro maalala na ganyan na sila kahit noon bago ka pa He winked at me and then assisted me all the way to my table

Thanks.. Lui

I stopped my self half way when I realized I suppose to be acting like I dont know anyone. I almost slipped up and it made my heart sped up when I realize he noticed the last words were cut off

Well.. Im quite popular here so, I wouldnt be quite surprise if you already heard my name. He winked again and added

Its Luigi.. but back then you used to call me Lui or on rare case baby boy His brows wiggled playfully in a manner that would initially tells you /I know Im cute /type

Hey .. There you are!

We both turn around and notice Jesse approaching us. A smile broke her lips as she gave her rumored boyfriend, Luigi, a sweet big hug

Then from the corner of her eyes, I know she was watching me with that really unfazed gazes. I dont know but it somehow gave me a creep. Jesse isnt usually like that, atleast thats what I thought .. not until now

Luigi, mauna ka na .. Mukhang they needed you up stairs and coffee break is over four minutes ago, you wouldnt like if The Great Oliver Matias finds you here.. you know him She rolled her eyes and the chuckled

Still her side glances were still glued at me, and for some reason .. Im not liking it

Stay away from him She whimpered on my side as I watch Luigis back

retreating. I couldnt comprehend whats going on inside Jesses head.

I frown and asked in disbelief, wishing I just heard it wrong Pardon?

I dont wanna be the bitch here, Nina but Stay away from Luigi Her face was serious and not even a hint of light joke was on her tone

Butyoure not actually thinking

Just do what I say para walang gulo, Nina. I know It may sound a threat, but I swear, I cant help it whenever hes looking at you---- She gazes in the my eyes and sighed--- It hurts here She pointed out her left chest and bit her lower lip

Let me just remind you, he used to like you a lot before.. and whenever were out for a date he wouldnt miss out mentioning your name even for a sec.. like how you like rocky road ice creams, dislike cats .. and whatever he finds cute about you

I was frozen on my spot, and unable to say anything but feel the guilt and blaming my self for such tangled webs they were on

I---Im sorry

You know, Nina.. youre really nice and pretty but, if youre really sorry.. You would really stay away from him from now on. Im sorry

And just like that, she left me there in the middle of the hallway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 47 Oh? Dahan dahan, Nina Meg right away approached my direction and assisted me to walk. My left arm was on her shoulder while her right arm supported my waist

Wheres your crutch? She started scanning down the whole area and curiously looked for it in every corner of the living room. She unfortunately didn't see it around so she turns to my direction again and said You want me to get it for you?

Wag na, I could walk na.. see? I opened my arms widely and laid it on my side making sure to keep my smiles glued at Meg so that it'll appear more convincing.. But Meg, being the Meg I knew, didn't even hide the face which surely suggests she was not convince. Utterly, not convince at all. Medyo, I should really try pa rin to maintain my balance now and then but .. I could stand now on my own feet I added and pulled a megwatt grin.

You sure?

Yep. I am sure, /Mom/ I said and rolled my eyes

Well, Tara na.. Ill help you pa rin on your way down stairs, mahirap na She gave me another weak smile and open the door for me

Thanks, Meg

Since nasa talyer pa rin ang kotse ni Meg and sa kabilang road naman yung direction ng office where shes been working, pina-una ko na siya the moment a cab haul in our way

She hesitated at first and wanted me take the taxi before her but since I reason out na Luigi and Jesses going to pick me up, she smiled and finally slid inside the cab

The truth is, Luigi wont ever pick me up .. He wont and I would never. Jesse told me to back off and she definitely would be infuriated if she knew about it. Ive been ignoring and trying my best to be invisible just so Luigi wouldnt notice me

It has been days and I feel bad about it. Ive been friends with Jesse and I couldnt believe she could think of me that way

/Nakakalungkot lang talagang isipin .. mga bagay na maaring gawin ng mga taong in love/

Engrossed with my millions of thoughts going on inside my head, I didn't notice a car took its turn and parked right in front of me, not until someone honked it, making my head snap up and immediately dart my eyes to that car

and It didnt take me seconds to realize it was /him. / /

Who would drive a Gray Lamb on this street anyway?/

My heart sped up twice than I expected it to be and was it possible you could actually hear the continuous pumping of your heart next to your ear?

and it didnt get better for the next thing he did was, rolling down his heavily tinted window.

Badumb Badum Badum!/

I stood there glued in the spot and unable to do next

/What was I going to say anyway?/

He slid out of his car slowly and smoothly as he removed his shades which reminded me of all those overly slow-motioned chick flick movies when the lead guy approaches the girl. It was just like that and all I could see was him.

No one else but him... as he took his step closer to where I stood, He smiled sweetly while looking at me straight in my eyes

/Badump Badump Badump/

and these are one of those moments that my jaw would hanged open while unable to utter words nor fully let my brain functioned full time.

He still has those effects on me, just like the first time we met /If only he knew// /

He smiled at me and then right away took my hand, na para bang walang nangyari.. na ayos lang lahat. Na parang ako talaga sa puso niya .. na ako talaga at hindi si Rima

He looked at my hand temporarily, rubbing his thumb on my left ring finger Its Iigo .. By the way He said as he looked up straight into my eyes. His eyes could tell so much emotion I couldn't even fathom anymore. His eyes .. how I wish he would look at me like the first time we met

How I wish .. that look should've been mine. How I wish ... /

I know//

/Really?! He smirk at me, the kind of smirk I didnt know Ive missed so much / /

Wait, did I say it aloud?! / /

Wide eyed and shocked, I groan inwardly and gave my best mock-laugh ever a girl can pull with, but it came out awkwardly as I expected it to be

I mean.. who doesnt right? Youre practically everywhere I go.. Buildboards, tv.. stuffs like that I secretly prayed to the heavens above he would buy my excuses and thankfully, when I looked up, I saw a smile crept on his face

Need a lift?

He didnt even wait for my answer, he right away grabbed my hand and led me to his car

It has been an awkward silence between us. Nobody spoke a word .. not a single one to another. I diverted my gazes to the window and leaned my head on it

While from time to time, I could feel him stealing glances at me for who knows why!

Wait!! The Philippine Daily Inquirer is in Ayala Avenue, what are we doing across the avenue of Senator puyat?

I gasped loudly when I realized na lumiko na pala kami papuntang Epifanio de los Santos Ave and to SLEx we go

Dont tell me

Mas lalo akong nainis when I saw his Cheshire grin complete and stable on his perfect cult face

Yep.. were going to Tagaytay?!?!

He didn't answer me, but instead mas lalo niyang binilsan ang pagpapatakbo and umungol lalo ang engine /

Little.... ugh!/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You definitely lost it I mumbled as I felt him unbuckling his seat belt and pulled out his keys

"Yeah... I think I did" He smirked and added "I think I lost it to you"

I didn't know what happen but butterflies were fluttering widely inside my stomach .. and I tried to control my self not to squirm over what he said

/No I think .. you didn't lose it. I, most probably and definitely, really lose it now/

Come on, lets go He cheerfully offered his hand to me but I ignore it and darted my direction outside the window

It didn't take me seconds to realize we were back at Tagaytay. To where he took me months and months ago. Oh well.. he didn't really take me herer, he literally kidnapped me all the way from work. Just like now!

We were at their Beautiful spotless luxurious modernize two-storey rest house again for the second time around. /

Bakit ba dinadala niya ako dito ng sa pilitan? // /

He probably lost his patience because the next thing I knew? He already got off his car and slammed the door to my face / Ugh! The nerve!// /

But, it turns out to be the other way around. To say I was surprised to the ninth power is understated! He just opened the door for me and then carried me like some kinda sack of rice

I screamed on top of my lungs and kept on whining and punching his back, kicking and trying to free my self from him

Put me down!! Put me down! I shouted at the top of my lungs but he seem to be enjoying it as I felt his chest rising from too much laughing

At mas lalo akong nagsisisigaw the moment I felt him cupped my butt!!

and then moment he did put me down, I felt all the blood all through out my body drained inside my cocohead.

I felt a little dizzy but the first thing that startled me and made my eyes snapped widely open is the fact my optics landed on that really gigantic and humongous Hot air balloon on the farthest hill to which can boast about 20 feet tall and 180 m wide

The loud but caring whisper of the ocean to the sea companied my gazing siesta. It was peaceful, serene and beautiful all wrapped into one

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Iigo smiling at me as if urging me to turn my face and do the same

To his disappointment, I didn't so he right away grabbed my hand and led me there, he was careful with my legs and assisted me slowly as I slid inside the hot air balloon

And the feeling when we were few feet away from the ground is truly priceless. I could even see the breath-taking view of the whole city of Tagaytay. The azure sky which compliment the deep sea and the sunset ....

/Ahhh!! /

The ambiance was serene and at peace. Something I needed for such a long agonizing weeks at the office

"It's perfect" I whispered which to my delight

"Yeah" He didn't even take his eyes off me on that very moment and only God knows how my heart was speeding up so fast 180 KpH

"That's the shore where I kicked Diego's butt and pulled his knees" He pointed out to the seashore na ngayon ay pinatayuan na ng resort

"And there!" He said pointing at the other direction ----to the sand near a huge rock

"That's where we used to throw rocks to the sea and often we would randomly shout at our heart's desire hoping God could hear it from above"

I couldn't help but smile as sweet memories came rushing bact to me. One by one they appeared right before my eyes just like those old black and white movies. All those times where we used to be really naive and innocent

While up here in the cloud riding an ultra hot air balloon, We moved around from Tagaytay to the places we've been together for the pass few

months and reuniting at "*Thunderbird resort in Binalonan*" where I was , at the time, /Gerard's girlfriend/

I could still feel that little goosebumps I felt when I remembered how he laid his (Iigo's) eyes on me at that time and how long his hand lingered on mine when he took it seconds as he uttered his name

and then we had passed by that really astounding *club* where I finally let my self loose and allowed him to finally take the wheel from there ... if you know what I mean /

Flash back

considering the whole area was flooded with the volume-up disco beat, the act was flawlessly done/ /so he began moving closer to me.. to my ear and whispered/

/he was too close not to smell the faint aroma that he sprayed all over his shirt. the sweet breath i could smell from him and that warm feeling i got within his range/ / /aaah that sensation of his skin brushing off to mine i thought sheepishlly//

/"i said You're too-"/

/i cut him of by sealing his mouth with mine and zipped it with a dangerous/ /beggin-for-an-opening kiss. i cupped his face drawing him near as possible/

/his eyes was shocked and he didn't immediately respond to the movement i've been doing and didn't react to the sensual gesture i've been trying to pull/

/i snaked my arms to his neck completely erasing the space between us .../ /but in awhile, he went back to his senses and kissed me back... with pleasure and hunger in his eyes this time around/ / /OMG i did not just do that ang bulong ng konsensya ko sa lasing kong sarili// /but ... it was too late now to turn back . we're apparently making out in the club... not caring to the glares and stares that we get from the people inside/

/and by then, he let me dominated his mouth/

"You really surprised me there with that intoxicating kisses I never knew you had with you" He said with his ever infamous smirk plastered on his perfect cult face

And who would forget the *condo unit* where his flat was. The thought of those little 'intimate' activities we had in (almost) in every corner of his bachelor-no-more pad, makes my cheeks grow red .. making my face really hot

*Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano,* where our first-supposed-date should've been but was gradually ruined when Iigo's blast in the past showed up with her own Silver Porsche Carrera

And the moment the victorious yet nasty smile of that woman came cross in my mind, I felt my hands automatically clenched on my side /

But Erase Erase!!

Ofcourse the building where *TPDI* stood means various things happened actually came dripping down my mind. Those sneaky kisses he stole from me nung hintaid niya ako.

That little Kilig moment pag naghihintay siya sa parking lot para lang sunduin ako and ofcourse that nasty fight he had with his own cousin Gerard

Then we came passed that *restaurant* where He saw me sitting on a fancy table right next to Gerard. I wouldnt deny the fact that my heart would be speeding up whenever the thought of him being jealous run across my mind

Then there goes *Sta. Ana racetrack* where, not only the fact that I remember how his face fell when I threw his jack on his face but also the fact that all those fan girls were really claiming themselves as wives and girlfriends when in fact the one sitting next to them was actually the one and only girlfriend---Me

I found my self laughing at that mere thought

Who would forget *Le Vistro Vert*? Thats where I came all the way from the office, ignoring the rain, threw the umbrella and reunited with him with a warm hug and kisses to accompany with

*Manila cathedral* where we were unknowingly set up as partner on the entourage on Gerard and Roselyns wedding

*Edsa Shang-rila* where, officially nagkabalikan na nga kame under the moonlight. I know its cheesy. I could still recall how he said it to me that night /

Flash back He swallowed hard, and cupped my face in his hands. His gorgeous, soulful eyes roamed over my face as if memorizing every annoying moles and non-existent dimple there is

"Damn," he growled, and then pressed his mouth to mine./ / / / / /One of my hands slid over his shoulder and down his back, and my other cupped the back of his neck.

He nibbled at my lips, tasting first the bottom and then the top, and then his tongue emerged once again, tracing insistently at the straight seam of my mouth./ / / / I immediately surrendered, granting him entry without a second thought. His tongue slid in, and I tasted the sharp flavor of mint and lime, but it seemed like something vital was missing, something/ / / /Fuck it, I couldn't think.// / / / /One of his hands left my jaw and trailed down to my shoulder, tugging at my gown. His other hand fell to my waist/ / / /Iigo broke away from me, settling his chin on top of my head

Then he looked at me straight in the eyes and leaned closer to my face Im sorry for being a jerk and letting you cry. He whispered into my ears as he kissed my neck

Im sorry for jumping into conclusions. Trailed kisses on my jaw line

Im sorry for ignoring every attempt of your communication. He kissed my cheeks

Im sorry for disappearing in a thin air placed his endearing kiss on my nose and then he sighed

Im sorry for everything he said as he brought his lips on my forehead and kissed it

He locked me once again in his embrace but tightly this time Gerard told me everything. Im sorry. I shouldve listen to you he said

I was eaten by my jealousy and--- Shh!! I hushed him as I brought my fingers to his soft lips Its okay, Iigo. Ive forgiven you I said in a low calm voice/ / / /We stared at each other for awhile as we remained silent enjoying every bits of the moment

and then, at that time. Its felt so right .. so I kissed him lightly on the lips and said while gazing into his eyes

*I love you*/

And all those places that reminded me how far weve gotten our selves through to stay this longer made my stomach cringed and my heart contricted

A tear gradually fell from my eyes to which Iigo was really surprise with. He held my hand and said I brought you up here to tell you and remind you the things I hope you could still remember.

Probably, for you, maybe it meant nothing but the smile, flustered face and the reaction I always wanted to see from you says I did the right thing siguro

*"Iigo Stop!!!* I free-d my way out from his grip and took few steps backward. He search for my eyes but I couldn't bring my self to look him straight, I couldn't bring my self to be closer to him ...

/It was guilt which slowly eating me up../

We both fell into dead silence after finally landing up in a green grass field

I cant take this any longer. I hate lying to your face, Iigo. God! I hate it but you left me no choice

He was a little confuse and his brows were pulled together as his frown grew deeper

I lied. I dont have any sort of amnesia. I remember it all.. Clearly

You mean .. You lied and pretended all this time?! Of all people Nina?! Why?! His face turn sour and I knew ... things would definitely get ugly from here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 48 "You mean .. You lied and pretended to me all this time?! Of all people Nina?!" He furiously grabbed on both of my shoulder and anger was all I could gazed upon his eyes. All I could see was nothing but angst hurt and the feeling of betrayal

I thought he was going to hit me but he never did, he hit that bundle of rope right next to my face and furiously walked out from the balloon and hit the nearest tree

"Im sorry" I said as I tried catching him up from behind. I grabbed on his hands and said weakly "You left me no choice"

He spun around and shouted "What choice is there to make ha, Nina?"

"Im not the girl you fell for, Iigo .. " More tears cascaded down my cheeks and the feeling on my chest is getting heavier each time his eyes penetrated on me "I'm not .. I'--I'm not Rima"

He froze and loked at me bewildered "And who the heck is Rima?"

"I dont know why she pretended to be me but believe me, She was the girl that you promised a forever. She's my twin sister. My iderntical elder sister but nonetheless the total opposite"

"In the summer camp, She was the on who you watched you from a far as you played tagged shadow. Si Rima yun lahat, Iigo. I'm sorry you. i was weak. I was cared you'd hate me. into pieces and left me there hanging"

approached. I was there, with her. I was merely a I can't tell it straight to I was scared you'll break me

"So you decided it yourself and took the step to leave me instead?" "Im sorry, It was the only way"

"It's the only way?! Hah! what makes you think I'll buy these whole crap?!" "Because I love you and that's enough!!" "Kung mahal mo ako ----"

"oo mahal kita, pero i'm having second thought about us. Di ko masikmurang magpakasal nang dahil sa maling dahilan at hindi ko kayang tanggapin ang pagmamamhal na hindi naman pala para sa akin"

"Pero---"

"Baket Iigo?! pag nalaman mo ba agad na hindi pala ako ang kababata mo,

pag nalaman mo bang hindi ako ang lahat ng yon, mamahalin mo pa rin ba ako bilang Nina and not as Rima?"

He didn't utter another a word upon hearing me, he just stayed there frozen while gazing at my eyes. As if counting every words and weighing its cost, as if doubting whatever is there to be heard. And it pains me more than anything as I watch his eyes soften for a second

"Maybe we should rally take some time apart"

I grabbed his hand and he gradually surrender it open it for me. I laid the ring on his palm and said

"Goodbye, Iigo" And the hardest part of walking away is expecting he'll chase you back

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life went on.. It has been several months since that heart-breaking confrontation with someone I love.

I spent the other month of May with my family in Cebu. It was like a little family reunion we haven't had for ages. I met my cousins once again, although na-no-nosebleed ako from time to time whenever they turn each other in Visayan, I was more than glad I cold hit up my Visayan lingo

I started with the very basic tho, learning how to greet in Visayan "/Maayong gabii, Maayong buntag ../" And the list goes on

And when I went back days before the month would end, Instead of merely having the usual saturday move marathon with Meg, I had invited her to spend a weekend with me in Hong Kong, all expenses on me.

I know I know.., the trip really drilled a hole in my pocket, but my Meg's proud face were enough justification for that little thank you

She even added /"Sana broken hearted ka na lagi, Nina para fly fly na lang tayo elsewhere .. at libre mo ko lagi"/ She winked

And I had a full hard time moving on at first but eventually had to. I slowly found the strength and enough common sense to divert my attention and interests in the other part of life

Like facing one of my greatest fear ----*Rima. *

"Kahit kailan, ikaw pa rin talaga eh. Ikaw pa rin nakasasalo ng lahat. Ikaw na mas gusto ng lahat, ikaw na talented, masayahin, magaling .. Ikaw na lang lahat. I'll always be your shadow. I'll always be nothing but second best" I said as I bent down and laid the bouquet of pink carnation on her tomb

*Rima Andrea Fernandez* -- It read

A bitter smile was painted across my face as I wipe her tomb.

"At kahit na sa hukay ka na Ate, pangalawa pa rin ako sayo. Even at your grave, I'm always been second" A tear gradually feel from my eye

"Nung naka A++ ka sa swimming, Sabi ko, what's the use of getting an A+ if wala naman yon compared to you? d'iba?"

I felt the wind becoming colder as if telling me my sister was actually there listening "I really want to hate you Ate Rima, But I can't. I owe you my life remember?"

flashback .. /Nina, The sky isnt crying .. its called rain A sweet smile was painted across the womans blurry face. / /I cant make out the details on her feature but one things for sure .. her smile brings the warm in my heart/

/Then suddenly, the little girl heard another roar from the sky. A thunder followed by a ferocious light that engulf the whole dark sky which made the little girl tighten her grip on her older sisters arm/

/Why is the sky sound so angry, Mama?/

/The woman turned around once again from the front seat and patted the head of her child affectionately. She smiled genuinely before she tucked the unsteady locks behind the ear of her youngest child/

/Dont be scared my angel. Mama and Papa are here for you She said/

/Yeah! Dont be scared, Nina. Ate Rima is here too The older child, by merely 2 minutes, uttered to her scared sister and locked her tightly into her arms to assure her that its safe/

/Shit! The man cursed as he tried to maneuver the cars wheel trying to dodge the drunk driver of the white Honda civic. /

/That was close, Nicollo. The roads slippery cuz it rained the whole night maybe we should just stop by and--- OH DEAR LORD!!/

/The womans eyes grew wider as she saw a 9-wheeler truck was heading on the opposite side of the dark road. The light of the truck illuminated and almost blinding the little girls vision/

/Everything happened so fast that the little girl barely knew what to do/

/Rima, Open the cars door and throw your selves outside The woman told her eldest child/ /But Mom/ /Just do it, Rima!/

/The older sibling obliged on her mothers wishes and unbuckled the seatbelt of her sister. She acted fast as she opened their cars door and pushed her younger sister without giving her a warning /

/Her older sister was about to join her outside but seatbelt was malfunctioning and can not be easily unbuckle /

/and the last thing she heard, aside from the loud buzzing sound of the truck crushing their car into pieces, was the loud shriek of her older sister crying for help/

"And at the same time, I always wanted to be as strong as you were. I always wanted to be just like you. Maybe now, I turn out to be braver but not as bold are you were ... maybe in time. Alam ko malapit na. And wherever you are, Rima. You don't need to watch over me anymore. You see, I'm all grown up Thank you for always doing so in the past"

I stood up from where I was kneeling and turn to my parent's tomb "Ma, Pa. I know its been awhile. Lola did a good job raising me. They always tell me nga that I looked like you, Mama" I laughed remembering my first encounter with Tita Ingrid

Flashback /"Anyway, Hija.. are you any chance related to Augustina Lim-Suarez?" ang tanong ni Tita Ingrid bigla sa akin/ /

Bakit biglang napasok si Augustina Suarez dito? i thought for a moment/

/"She's my Grandma" i lightly replied. biglang lumaki ang ngiti ni Tita Ingrid sa akin. nagtaka naman ako/

/"Mrs. Suarez was one of my favorite teachers back then in high school. She's the mother that i wish i had.. Where is she by the way? haven't heard anything from her ever since She retired" / /Tita Ingrid uttered as she was smiling at the thought of it/

/ She must've been really close to Lola before i thought before i blabbered the answer/

/"She's in Cebu with few of our relatives there.. " /

/"That explains why i haven't seen her around for years now.. wait, Are you Luisa's or the late Olivia's daughter?" she asked as she took a bite on her salad/

/"Olivia's" i said dryly.. i dont really know much about my parents.. so im kinda touchy with that subject/

/"No wonder, you remind me a lot of Olivia the first time you walked right infront of me, Hija" Ang sabi niya before she took a sip in the whine glass /

"Thanks, kahit konti lang naalala ko from you. I know you've been watching me from above. Thank you.. Ma, Pa I better go now"

Lumabas ako for the first time with a smile on my lips. I felt I'm a new person walking a new path in life. Just then, I bumped into someone which made the bouquet fell from the owner's hands.. Who ever she is

"I'm sorry" I said picking it up and looked up to a lady about in her early 30's who seems like she has seen a ghost

"Olivia?!?!" Time passed. But I was never the same again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 49 "Olivia?!"

I looked up and saw her face, it was unfamiliar. I frown trying to recall where have I seen her before but I can't seem to fathom why I feel so welcome yet couldn't remember a thing about her. There's something I couldn't pinpoint but...

"Pardon?" I said with a slightest tone of confusion lingering in the way I said it

"I thought you were dead and kuya---"

"I think you're mistaken. I'm Nina, I knew someone who goes by the name of Olivia but Sino pong Olivia hinahanap nila?" "Olivia Suarez .. But technically a Fernandez now. She's my--" "You're related to my father? Nicollo Fernandez?"

"Yes.. He's my kuya .. You must be--?" Her brows were ceased together when she slightly tilted her head, as if trying her best to guess the answer

"Nina, Her daughter"

Wide eyed and giddy, The woman hugged me tightly as she could and stroke my cheek. She was staring at me for quite some time with a smile crept on her face, memorizing every annoying mole and contour of it.

"My... " She said , still a little amaze and awed at the same time. "Carbon copy ni Ate Olivia. I should've known! the whole time I thought iisa lang anak nila Kuya. It turns out you were twins. It's a good thing atleast Papa would have his chance to amend before----"

"Wait-- What?!"

"Silly me.. Di mo pa pala ako kilala" She said smiling at me as she once again exntended her hand for me to reach

"Laura Fernandez-Yuchengco .. Apparently and technically, Your long lost aunt"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So you're saying .. All this time, my paternal grandparents were looking for me?!"

We were inside her 4.2 Coupe quattro Audi R8 driving across the highway of Ayala Avenue going to Rustan's

"Yes, Before Mama passed away, Yung Lolo mo promised her na mahahanap niya kayo pero we were pretty much devastated na Kuya Nicollo and ate Olivia died earlier in that dreadful crash and bam. Two years ago lang namin nalaman"

"If you don't mind me asking Tita Lura, Why haven't my father tried to amend his relationship with Lolo. All those years?"

She sighed, still looking at the road ahead of us as she grabbed my hand and said "Believe me, Kuya tried his best pero ang Lolo mo talaga yung napaka stubborn, yung tipong pag nagbitaw siya ng salita wala ng bawian"

"I really dont get it that much"

"Okay.. So Kuya was engaged to be married to Ate Marilou" "Marilou?!" /Have I heard that somewhere? / "Marilou .. Yung Director of Intersciplinary ng ADMU. I believed she ended up with Kuya Gilbert Enriquez .. Kuya's bestfriend at that time.. Yung isa sa neurologist sa Makati Med"

/OMG. So Gerard's mom is actually Dad's ex girlfriend .. No wonder she always has a thing for me../

"Wow! I dont know what to say .. Pang teleserye" "I know right? But 'di lang yun, We didn't know kuya was going steady with a girl for years na pala, and yes, Nina.. That's where Ate Olivia, your mom, came in the picture"

I nodded trying to put the pieces one by one .. It actually make sense to me now. Everything left unsaid by my parents "And Papa was even furious when Kuya told him na ayaw niyang magpakasal, and worse when he mentioned about your mom's pregnancy,So it went ugly ever since at dumating sa point where Tinakwil na ni Dad si Kuya and told him to never set foot in our house for eternity"

"And now, Lolo wanted to keep his promise with Lola and amend to whatever is left with us?"

She nodded and held my hand once again "Do it not only for your Lolo, Nina .. But for us. He's sick at before kunin na siya ng panginoon, I wanted his mind to be at peace.. Will you do it?"

I smiled at her and said "Ofcourse"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the few knocks, The door creaked before finally revealing to my sight a bedridden old man. He sat up from his bed and got his specs

"Laura? Is that you? where have you been? You're---"

The sickly old man stopped on whatever he was about to say and just stayed there as he gazed into my eyes, as if he was bewildered on my presence .. Shock and surprised all wrapped into one

He was holding a glass of water when, out of nowhere, he unconsciously dropped the glass and it came shattering on the tiled-floor

"Olivia?!"

Tita Laura immediately run to his side and said "Pa, it's not Olivia"

I gathered all my strength to take another step inside his room and smiled "It's Nina, Lolo" Somehow.. The word lolo came out strange in my tongue

Then Tita Laura came behind me "Pa, I didn't find what you were looking for but .. this is Nina, Apo niyo" She gave me a nod and whispered /"Approach the old man"/

"Lo.." Sabi ko sabay hablot sa kamay niya at nag mano He was a little dazed, staring at me with those eyes that were a slightly filled with tears and sorrow

He touched my cheeks and said "You looked exactly like her but your eyes .. It reminds me a lot of Nicollo"

And then he hugged me tightly,

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry hija .. If only there was a way I could turn back time" He repeated over and over again and when I glance back at Tita Lura, she too broke into tears and silent sobs while she covered her mouth with her own shaking hands

"Welcome home, Hija" /

And indeed, It felt like home .. At last/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Aalis ka na talaga?"

I saw Meg leaning from my door frame before sitting beside my bed. She watch my every moment as if weighing what I was about to say

"My Lolo needs me, Meg and I badly need a fresh start as well" I said packing my last pile of clothes from my closet to the luggage

"Besides, Sa Paraaque lang naman yon. You can visit me anytime" I winked

"I would love that! 'Di ba Fernandez are long lines of doctors? For sure .. You'll be living on a manor.. A big one to be exact!"

Tinapunan ko siya ng unan and chuckled "Silly! Hindi naman .."

"Pero, Teka ..Paano work mo? Paraaque to Makati? Woah! Goodluck naman sa patak ng gas mo te"

"Don't worry, nag file na din ako ng resignation, I told Lola Augustina about it and I think she understands naman. She's actually happy pa nga na makilala ko na after all those years.. ang mga Fernandez"

And that was the last pile of clothes I've pack before zipping my luggage and turn my direction at Meg who's now about to cry

"Nina" She hugged me tightly, almost squeezing my being in the process / Can't breathe Meg / "I'll miss you too, Meggy" I said patting her back

"Don't worry, I'll skype, text, email, chat you every night if you please .. Atsaka Ayaw mo non? Di na kayo maabala ni Patrick sa ano ..."

Bigla niya akong sinuntok sa braso sabay tawa "Sira ka rin, Nina ano? .. pero basta ah?"

"Oo ba!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My room was right next to Lolo's so when I turn the knob after kong pinainom ng gamot ang lolo ko, I saw Tita Laura reading something in my room

She was startled the moment I opened the door and immediately cloed the book and placed it on my nightstand

"I'm sorry, I just got curious about this .." She said pertaining to the

book she laid. It was not actually a book but rather my own diary in a third person point of view

"I's well-written and every emotion seems real .. But it's kinda sad that the girl ended up everything with the guyshe love, despite the fact she still love him. I could feel the love pa naman all through out the chapters"

Good thing hard bound at book-style yung labas ng diary, kaya hindi nahalata.. I would definitely freak out if she knew..

I sat beside Tita Laura and smiled "I guess.. Happy endings aren't meant for someone even she wanted it that bad"

"Did you made the book?!" She sounded so surprise as her lips broke into a wide smile I nodded

"Wow! you know may alam akong publisher na pwedeng pwede mag publish nito, for sure.. Best seller to!"

I laughed "Who would be interested to read my lifestory anyway?"

She stood up with a beam of excitement lingering in her eyes "You know Nina.. When its not a happy ending, it means it's not the end yet"

"I would love to but ---"

"Great!!!! Tatatawagan ko agad si Sigmund, he's a really close friend of mine and for sure, mapapabilis ang pag publish neto .."

"Mommy?!" The door creaked, revealing that familiar chinese-looking girl I saw somewhere..

/Hhhmm... Where was it to be exact? /

Flashback

/Wow! I said totally amazed by his words/ / Ang Astig mo, Babe! I never thought Im going to have a crush on you one day/

/Ganon? He said pinching my nose/ /Di mo ko naging crush? /

/O-naman!/ /Should I be happy about that?/

/Of course! Hindi na kasi kita naging crush, minahal na agad kita/ /Sus Bola! Kiss mo muna ako/

/My heart was beating loudly yet again, as Iigos face came closer to my view/ /Ahem! An old man, sitting just across us, coughed while slightly glaring at us. I stared at him wondering if he saw that all/

/Ofcourse nakita niyo yun.. hes just old but not blind/

/the thought of it made me blushed even more. He eyed us first intently warning us that he has his 10-year-old grand daughter with him/

/Angkong, tmen zi zu shnme ne? (What are they doing?) the curious little Chinese girl asked. By the looks of it, I could tell there was still a Filipino touch on her despite having really singkit eyes/

/Her hair was held on a high pig tails with her full bangs covering her brows/ /Its Nothing, Liz. Theyre just like birds that peck on each others beak to give food/ /Ohhh! Can I do that to Dar/ /No! The old man snapped and then turned back to what he was reading---- a newspaper/

And after reminiscing that nostalgic memory, I'm missing my Iigo more ..

"Anak mo Tita Laura?"

The woman just smiled at me and gestured the little girl to come closer. And when the little girl did, She carried it and let het sat on her lap

"Yup" She proudly uttered, fixing the little girl's bangs "Mm, t sh shu?" (Mommy.. Who is she?) "Liz, Baby .. This is your biomi, Nina"

/Ano daw? Buy me?!/

The little girl smiled sweetly at me when Tita Laura added "Nina, my daughter Liz"

"Hi Liz Kumusta?" I said giving her my megawatt smile as I pinched her cheeks

Tita Laura chuckled beside me "Sorry about that, Nina. Hindi magaling mana-galog si Liz but she's fluent in Hokkein and english"

" Mm Mm !" Liz pulled Tita Laura's sleeves and added

"T sh w xing n t do de nrn. zhu t de zuchn shng yg rn, dng w zi yyun y zf" (She's the woman I've mentioned to you

pecking a man on his lips when I was at the hospital with grandfather)

Wala akong naintindihan sa sinabi ng pinsan ko, ni isa wala .. dumugo pa yata ang ilong ko as I tried my best to decipher each word. /Oh gosh! /

and unknowingly, tumawa naman si Tita Laura and nawe-weird-uhan ako especially when she turn her direction at me

"Really? Was the man yngjn enough?"

The girl nodded and smiled " Yes Mm, Really handsome" And they both ended up laughing

"Wow! Mukhang invisible lang ako ha? Hindi na nga ako makarelate, dinudugo pa ng ilong ko"

They turn to looked up and I dont know what It got into my head, but I started joining them with the laughter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It has been exactly 1 year, ten months, two weeks and twenty three days.. Should I include the time? Okay.. I'm being paranoid but it has been that long .. so long and I notice things has change.. Things aren't the way it used to be

Yes, I already quit social networking site and only decided to make a new FB, Twitter and the likes.. today Yes, I already change my number and BB pin Yes, I already got my own wheels just a week ago

It's not only those things that I've change, I as well have undergone a drastic change too But still apart of me was still attach and glued to the past. A part of me still thinks of the /what ifs /and a part of me still yearns and loves him /

I miss how we used to talk every minute of every day and how I was able to tell you everything that was on my mind. I miss our conversations./ *

"I miss Iigo" *

I wanted to move on but there always be a feeling of diference and indecision in doing so and deep down I know, I'm still hoping for the possibilities even for the last time

I still, for the pass few months, stalk him online, on newspaper, on tv, on gossip sites and the list goes on

I still get that really fuzzy feeling in my stomach whenever I stared at him on his buildboards

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Tapped by the British-based Atech CRS team as one of its three drivers for the 2012 GP3 series, Bustamante intends to stamp his class in the event set to start in Milan, Italy in May.* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I still stalk him by somtimes going to his racing tournament, silently sitting there alone, praying for his sole victory

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Spanish-Filipino Race car driver Iigo Bustamante has set a lofty but attainable goal: Put the Philippines in the map of motor sports.* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And even if he doesn't notice me cheering for him whenever he wins and

silently cry whenever he'll lose, I was still there

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Iigo Bustamante took a superb First place with the Status Grand Prix team in the first round of the 2012 GP3 Series at Barcelona.* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Iigo Bustamante : On track for F1 supremacy * *Sorry, girls, hes not in the market for love and romance, but he would like you to watch his career all the same as if it was a matter of life and death....* -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And sometimes, When lucky.. I slip a note to his door after or before the race. Just like now, I'm walking my way to the hallway like some kinda ninja and lightly slid the "Goodluck" note under his door

"It has been a year, Iigo!!Stop looking for someone who's not willing to be found!!" I heard from the other side of the door, I leaned closer to hear what they were up to.. and by the sound of it, it seems that a girl was with him

My stomach automatically cringed as my heart constrict, It hurts still .. merely knowing some girl can cling on him like that

"I'm here .. I've always been from the beginning but all you do all day is crave for is her more. Why?!"

I heard another crash inside, a sound of a glass breaking into pieces /

Oh no ... /

"Do you really want to know Kendra? Do you really want to hear it from me?"

Silence... and more silence

/What are they doing? /

"I tried, Yes Kendra.. I tired so hard. I even considered falling for you all over again but I can't. It has been her.. Always been from the beginning. I love her, I'm sorry"

Followed by a loud gasp and frustrated grunt "That's insane!!"

"Yeah .. I think I am"

Then I heard his footsteps getting closer to the door but it abruptly stopped when I heard him "Another note.." /

Time to go.. Time to go.. /

And just when I was about to run and sprint away from the door, I heard the knob turning from behind and then the world stopped spinning when the next thing I heard was...

"Wait... Is that you?"

And by the husky voice and the manner he spoke, it was definitely him...*Iigo* Chapter 50 -- Fin "Is that you?"

/OMG! What to do what to do?!?! /

I swallowed a lump on my throat debating whether to turn around and reveal my self and face the consequence or ... just run for it

/ What to do?/

"were you?????--" I could feel him coming closer to me now .. And every step he made, had my heart throbbing vigorously on my chest.

/Please dont come near/

"Were you the one slipping notes through the door?" He said with same authority, Thankful for the fact that I had my back to him, he did not recognize me .. I guess.

I gulped and adjusted the Lakers bullcap covering my head as I altered my voice, a little deeper than the usual

/I hope it works/

"Yeah.. I better go now before someone steal my seat.. Goodluck"

Hindi ko na hinintay pang sumagot siya ulit baka kung ano naman tanungin at sabihin niya kaya faster than a speed of light, kumaripas na ako ng takbo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The race was held at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Milan, Italy and I flew all the way from Manila for this. I know I sounded like a die-hard dork but that's my secret obssession.

Well not really an obsession, I just wanted to content my self with the mere sight of him even from a far

/Is that bad? /

With a footlong and a diet coke on my hands, I took the seat to the second row of the east part of the bleacher, I smiled at the man next to me and watch the other racers below as they get themselves ready for the race

And when I spotted Iigo, I silently prayed he'll dodge the kisses his supposed- muse is giving him. It has been practially a tradition that someone will have a muse beside the racer

And every race, Iigo's muse would change from one race to another.. but this time, it was Kendra

"*Racers, Preparati e avviare il motore*" (/Racers, Get ready and start your engine/) I heard from the speakers of the said racing tournament. They were speaking italian and obviously, I didn't get a thing out of it.

But my eyes were remain glued to where Iigo was .. I watch as he wore his helmet and slid inside his race car

*tre* *.* *.* *.* *.*

*due* *.* *.* *.* *.* * uno* . . . . *

Paaaang!!!*

*"Avvicinandosi il numero della vettura 18 e numero 23 impenetrabile che

solo un po 'solo molto"* (/Papalapit na ng papalit ang number 18 at malalampasan na si number 23, konti na lang.. konti na lang talga) / /

Number 18?! isn't that Iigo's? /

*"Sembra che il numero 23 racer dal Brasile e il numero 18 da racer Filippine in stretta lotta serrata. Signore e Signori, Sono venuta per l'ultimo giro e finale. Chi sarebbe il campione?"* (/Looks like racer number 23 from Brazil and racer number 18 from Philippines is in tight close fight. Ladies and Gentlemen, They're coming for the last and final lap. Who would be the champion?/)

"Please .. Let it be him, Please let it be him" I silently prayed as my eyes were closed and my fingers were crossed

I heard two fast ranging roars of engine passed by before me followed by the next three and when I opened my eyes, then next thing I knew ... *

"Ecco che avete la gente, il campione del Rookie Cup Formula BMW Pacific 2012, con un solo podio Iigo Bustamante dalle Filippine!"* (/There you have it folks,The Champion of Rookie Cup Formula BMW Pacific 2012 with only one podium is Iigo Bustamante from Philippines!/)

I was too happy and giddy with his victory alongside with the people who cheered for him, I joined the crowd with their standing obation and squeeled on top of my lungs .. and unconciously, threw my hat away in the air forgotting the fact that I was supposed to be hiding

At dahil nga may HD Camera focusing on the crowd, I right away froze on the spot when I saw my self on the widescreen tv

"Oh no!! Not good!" I said to my self and daw Iigo's jaw dropped. I looked for the cap I threw in the air but I can't seem to find it so I left and went as fast as I could to the exit

I doubled and trippled my way out but I felt someone was following me .. so I ran faster.. catching my breath in the process but continued running away

"Nina!! Wait.. I know it's you" I heard from behind but I kept on running.. Running away for God knows why

"Nina!!" He shouted again but I turned right away to my right and slid my self inside the, what it seems to be, a Janitor's closet

"Why do you keep on running away fro me?"

My breathing stopped the moment I felt him walked passed to where I was hiding And when I finally felt the coast is clear, I went out and silently told my self "That was close"

I was walking on Parco Nord Milano, an infamous park in the industrialized city such as Milan. The grounds, speckled with ponds and romantic bridges, contains play grounds for kids, a relaxing place on the grass for young people and multiple outdoor areas and museums in which to take a stroll

I found an empty bench by the park andfound my self catching for my own breath the moment I sat upon it.

The old lady beside me gazed on me curiously and said "Stai bene, signorina?" (Are you okay, Young lady?)

Again, I didn't say anything but I felt like I needed to nod .. so I did and smiled at her and she return the favor and did the same

She was feeding the birds on her palms but stood up right away. She turn to my direction and said "Buona. Meglio che vada ora, Buon giorno!" /(Good, I better go now, Good day!)/

I watch her retreating back before I felt my phone vibrating on my pocket

"Hello?! Tita Laura? OMG! Really?!" I stood up and didn't care that I was actually catching up attention from the other people in the park

"Thanks .. Pauwi na ako"

I gripped on my phone tighter and was apparently excited .. /

My book's gonna be publish soon!!!/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My first book received a lot of good criticism from well-known writers such as Jun Lana, Danton Remoto, J. Neil Garcia, Lourd Ernest de Veyra, Ramil Gulle, Roel Hoang Manipon, Ricci Guevarra, Clinton Palanca; the older literati - Cirilo Bautista, Butch Dalisay, Poet Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta, Domingo Landicho, Benilda Santos, Liwayway Arceo, Margie

Evasco, Virgilio Almario, and C. Pantoja-Hidalgo among others.

I know it's a big yes being recognize like this and being praised but .. something deep inside me is lacking .. something is missing /

I miss Iigo /

There were some cheers when I walked onto the little podium as I cracked a tight smile. It was my Third day of book signing..

As usual, there was a table set up, with chairs, and next to the podium was a large easel with a picture of my book and my face, proudly declaring that it was a book signing.

The first fan dashed up to me excitedly, making me feel very glad there was a table between them.

"Ms. Fernandez! You have no idea how much I adored you! And I can't wait to read this one!"

"Thank you," I said, smiling as I took the book, opening it and quickly signing my name with a flourish before returning the book back to the middle-aged lady.

"Hope you enjoy this one," I said.

Time flew by, and faces began to bleed into each other. Very quickly, I settled into a routine, sign the book, look up to smile and return the book, sign the next book, look up to smile and return the book. I would have been bored to tears if it hadn't been for those adorable fans whose smile never fade

It always surprised me how people really got into the books. It pleased me greatly, actually, to know that there were people, lots of people, who actually loved my first ever book, even though I was simply a diary-turned-novel

I signed the book before looking up at the girl. She looked to be in high-school, and I smiled.

"I read you synopsis online and I couldn't help my self but buy it!"

"Thank you, I'm glad you liked it." I watched the girl dash off to join her giggling group of friends, and they promptly started squealing. Laughing, I turned back to the desk, there was another book sitting there. Opening it, I began to scrawl my signature on it.

"I've been waiting in line to see you for the past half hour."

The voice was a low, deep timbre and I immediately recognize to whom it belongs, looking up, only to squeak in horror and draw back immediately, feeling flushed.

/Iigo!! Holy-- What do say? What to say?!? /

"Diane wanted a copy for her self" Iigo commented. His mouth was quirked in amusement, and he looked incredibly gorgeous in a black button-down, the sleeves folded to his elbows, and dark wash jeans. His hair was neater than I remembered though, and memories of the both of us together fluttered to the surface.

"Oh. Oh," I stuttered. I nervously played with my pen, waiting for him to leave, or do something, like kiss me or something. /Oh yeah. Kiss me./

"So there I was, walking past my favorite bookstore, when I saw the display windows publicizing this huge author's book signing. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the photos and saw the same beautiful woman who had run out on me about a week ago."

I smiled softly, tucking an errant strand of hair behind my ear bashfully.

"I, uh, I -"

"Hey mister, you're taking too much time!"

I bit my lip, looking over Iigo to see a large woman waving her book at her. Iigo turned around as well, which somehow made that woman froze in the spot

"Isn't that Iigo Bustamante?" I heard someone whispering from the pile of girls in the line

"I'm sorry guys, but Miss Fernandez is taking a fifteen-minute break," Tita called out at the top of her voice. She quickly turned around, ignoring the murmurs in the crowd, and strode back to me grasping my arm and hauling me up from my chair.

"Tita Laura?!" I cried.

What is she planning to do?/

"You, follow me," She ordered Iigo, as she tugged me towards the back office. She shoved me gently inside.

"I'll be back in five minutes, okay?" She said sweetly, grinning at me, but before I could inflict my dying protest, Iigo entered the office.

"Thanks," He told Tita Laura, while she simply grinned before shutting the door behind her /

Blast it!/

Now it was just me and him, and although I knew I should be feeling nervous and upset at this unexpected turn of events, all I felt was heat pooling in my belly.

I was almost breathless, in fact, as I looked up at him. I had backed away to perch myself on the edge of the desk, but he had come to stand just before me, and I could feel the heat radiating off him.

"I read the book," he said, showing me the hard bound book. "Well, not all of it. I read some of it while standing in line," he amended, smiling.

"Oh," I breathed, smoothing my black skirt over my thighs.

"There was this scene in there, you know, the first time Jayme meets Kyle, that sounded oddly familiar, though," he commented lightly, his brown eyes twinkling playfully.

"Oh." /Could I not say anything else? Seriously, woman!/

I straightened, gathering all my will power and wits. "Well, I suppose I was rather, well, inspired," I said.

Iigo grinned. "How did you manage to write a bestselling romance while still hiding away from me" he asked then, and I sucked in a breath.

"That is a secret. Okay?"

"That. Is a secret," I repeated, poking him in his chest. "I will not have you going out there and humiliating me mmph!"

Iigo had just kissed me lightly on my lips. He drew back, his smile firmly in place, and I was left there staring at him in surprise.

He inched closer, placing his arms on either side of me on the desk, effectively trapping me. My eyes grew wide, my lips parted, and I felt my entire body heat up. Suddenly the sheer cream blouse I've worn seemed too tight.

Iigo turned his gaze onto my parted lips, and I shut my mouth immediately, causing him to shift his gaze back to my eyes. /

This guy is teasing me.. Definitely teasing me/

"Can I take you out for lunch after you're done with the book-signing?" he asked, his voice husky.

"Wh what?" I stuttered, surprise flooding my features. Iigo's mouth turned up in amusement, but a moment later, he frowned.

"Why did you leave? why did you ran away?" he asked, almost petulantly.

"I thought you wouldn't care," I murmured, "and later, that you'd have forgotten about me," I added, biting my lip, feeling discomfited.

"Well then, you ought to know that I tried looking for you at the that oval racing track for several times, and tried tracking your GPS but it isn't working" / / / / /Heart be still!!/

"But I know now since there are ten posters out there with your name and face on them."

We were inches apart from each other now. I was pressed up against him, and his arms were tight around my waist.

"You haven't answered my first question."

"Iigo"

"Yes, Nina?"

"My answer will be yes to any question you ask."

With that, I closed the gap between us, pressing my lips to his in a sweet kiss that quickly turned passionate. When we broke apart, breathing heavily, Iigo raised an eyebrow at me.

"If that's the case, I'm just going to try my luck here. Can you sign this book first?"

He said and handled down the book for me to sign, but something was different .. the moment I turn to the very first page .....

*"Will you marry me?"* was written in bold letters

I gaped at him. "Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't."

"Then, well, you know my answer."

We clashed again in a flurry of lips and tongue, breaking apart only when Tita Laura burst in on them.

"Oops, sorry," Tita Laura said, smiling widely, not looking sorry at all.

"I'd better go," I said, pulling myself away from his embrace difficulty.

I paused at the doorway, turning back to him.

"Will you... Will you wait?"

"Of course I will."

My smile was huge, my eyes sparkling, and I rushed back to Iigo to kiss him soundly on the lips. He laughed, bringing his arms up around my tiny frame

"Nina!" Tita Laura called, impatient.

"Oh, yes, okay, yes, coming," I stuttered, smiling at Iigo before turning around and dashing out.

/Maybe book signings weren't too bad after all.

/ /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ANWMA -- Special Chapter (Wedding) private I looked at my black ion plated round men's watch from Guess. My new watch. Seven fifty four. I smiled at the gift. It was Nina's pre-wedding gift to me, but I frowned at the time.

Tapping my foot, I fidgeted and looked around. The sky, which had been blue and sunny all day, is clouding up. /Don't rain, don't rain. At least not until after and we're all inside./

When I looked at this watch again, Some poked me from behind. "Igo, Settle down," he whispers. It was Chris, my older brother, who came all the way from Barcelona,Spain to San Agustin Church, Manila

I grabbed on my his arm and looked at my watch. I dropped it with a humph. "Is time slowing down?"

"No, My dear brother, it's not," Chris laughed. Gerard came over just then, misinterpreting my behavior for something else

"Nervous, Iigo?" he asks quietly.

"Hmm? No, Ge, not nervous. Anxious. Overly excited." I glanced at the sky again, hopping lightly from one foot to the other.

"Oh, I know that feeling," Gerard said winking at me. "I didn't think you'd be nervous." He smiles at me and walks back to his place, to where Roselyn and their baby Rossard were

"It won't rain, Iigo," Chris says reassuringly.

My father chuckled, watching me ,his son. My mother, seated beside him, leans over and says, "Igo looks very handsome."

"He looks like he's about to jump out of his skin," he laughs. "But yes, Saan pa sila mag ma-mana,dear?."

I saw my mother rolled her eyes but gradually smiled "I'm glad they went with charcoal. Black suits are so somber," she says, noting the subtle stripe of the men's waistcoats and the Red cravats. "Red must be Nina's favorite color," she observes.

"Mmm," My father nodded. He turns and looks back towards the house, watching for any sign of movement.

Father Luis, the parish priest nods at Patrick, a young man sitting at a portable piano keyboard on a platform. He begins to play. Liebestraum by Liszt.

During the entourage, Meg appears the first in the line of bride's maid, lovely and sweet in her crimson gown. It is long and simple, with a velvet wrap in a shade darker around her shoulders for warmth in the weather's chill.

She is holding a bouquet of Rouge Baizer Red Rose and sprigs of Crimson, flanked with baby's breath and trailing ivy. She is wearing a simple amethyst pendant, a gift from Nina, and her hair is up.

I glanced at Patrick who seems to be transfixed, watching Meg's approach and I saw how she smiles warmly at him as she takes her place.

Next is Diane, in a gown of similar design to Meg's, but in a darker color of red, burgundy. It also has a matching velvet wrap. Normally beautiful, My older sister looks stunning; her fair skin complemented by the dress and her upswept dark hair a stark contrast to all the white.

She has a similar necklace to Meg's and is carrying an identical bouquet.

I saw Tyler stared as she passed by. For sure, He has never seen her wife looking more beautiful, and by the looks of it, he realizes that his jaw has dropped open when my sister caught his eye and winks at him.

The music changes. Trumerei by Robert Schumann.

"Please stand," the reverend commands, and everyone does, turning their heads to the back, waiting.

This is the longest walk ever. My heart is pounding. The wedding wasn't even this stressful.

/I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this/. Yet my feet were glued, tapping patiently on the ground as I wait for Nina to advance her step towards the aisle. Towards the front. No. Towards me

As Nina appears on her grandfather's arm, the sun pokes through the clouds as if God has heard my prayer and has obliged by shining the sun warmly down upon the radiant bride.

I took us awhile to finally tie the knots. And the tangled web about her older twin sister has been resolved. I was a little surprised when she mentioned about the stupid childhood promise when in fact, I never did such

Yes, Rima must've looked like Nina before .. Maybe she had fooled me to play tag with her but it was just that .. It took her awhile to be convinced and I had to take her out for most of the time to let her see how serious I was .. until It came out in this happily ever after

Time stops for me. As she walks forward, her eyes lock onto mine, and I felt helpless in her presence. She is breathtaking in a gown of a shimmery white, almost as if it is shot through with silver.

The scooped neckline is wide, exposing a fair amount of her beautiful shoulders, and weren't that long/

I'm going to have to stop myself from touching that skin once she's up here,/ I found myself thinking.

She's halfway down the aisle, and she doesn't even notice the cameras and smiles and appreciative whispers; all I see is Nina.

Focus on Nina. She is there, She is walking towards you. My love. My soon-to-be-Mrs Iigo Bustamante. My wife. It still doesn't seem real.

/ Okay, kneel. Do I look up? Do I look down? Straight ahead? She looks so beautiful, so proud? Is she proud of me?/

I will never get used to the way she gazes at me, the way she can make my heart pound and my knees go watery with her eyes alone.

Take her hands. Stand. She looks so pleased, so content, her hands so small and warm on mine.

My eyes rove over her further as she approaches. A fitted bodice accentuating her narrow waist leads down to her hips, where a gold sash is draped and knotted loosely but elegantly in the back, its tails trailing down atop the train of her skirt.

The ends of the sash are embroidered with red filigree. That's different. I like it, I smiled. She has her mother's tiara on her head from which the veil extends, draping down over her hair, which Diane has artfully arranged around it.

It is mostly up, with a few tendrils strategically left loose to trail tantalizingly on her neck. Her bouquet is larger than the others, and it also includes some red roses sprinkled in.

Looking at her carefully, A memory from the past blasted right before me ..

/ The little boy immediately gasp the little girls hand and drag her with him. They started running off as fast as they could, away from those bullies ..and away from everyone else/

/as the little girl looked back, the rain started pouring. The cold rain drops hit the little girls face fast and hard soaking her instantly./

/Her hair falls and stacks to her neck, and the dress clings to her body. The rain continues to fall as they continue to walk while her fitflops sink into the wet front lawn/

/The little boy led her quietly onto the soft sand. Here, He leant against her as he removed his shoes and watched as the little girls expression turned sour/

/What are you waiting for?/

/The boy said as he playfully toss his shirt off, The girl began to panic, scared that the boy might hit her too if she wouldnt comply so she copied his actions and began removing her fitflops. /

/ They both left their shoes on the sand and wondered along the beach. The little girl is not sure when and how but they came to hold each other's hands and it suddenly felt alright to trust a stranger. It was awkward at first but she eventually felt comfortable with it/

/You know, I always notice you picking up shells by the shore He uttered and began throwing all sort of rocks to the sea but the little girl didnt say anything but stare at him for awhile, half-amuse and half.. freaked out?/

/You mustve think Im a stalker huh? The little laughed before adding/ /Well .. youre probably wondering why I was watching you/

/Curious as can be, The little finally spoke Why? She asked curiosity

lingered in her tone/

/The little boy who seem to be amuse by the little girls sudden enthusiasm beam her with a smirk-to-die-for You looked like a pretty dork happy picking up stupid pebbles and shells/

/Although the boy was laughing hysterically, the little girl didnt find it amusing hence she frown at him and as if ready to throw the next thing her hand could grip with/

/But .. nonetheless .. pretty. Yeah, Really pretty tho He said sounding so sincere as he gazes back at the little girls flustered face then he proceeded throwing another rock pretending he didnt let go of some cheesy baduy words /

They reach the front, and I realized I haven't taken a breath since I laid eyes on her. I inhaled deeply, and Nina stifles a giggle.

Her grandfather gazes at his grand daughter, when they reach the front. And so here we are, he thinks. "You look so beautiful, Nina," he whispers to her, turning to her.

"You said that already, Lolo," she smiles and replies.

"I know. I can't help it." He gives her a hug and kisses her cheek, then places her hand in mine. He claps my on the shoulder warmly, turns to Nina, says, "I love you," before retreating to his seat beside Nina's Tita Laura, across the aisle from my parents

I looked at her. "You look amazingly beautiful," I whispered.

"So do you," she whispered back.

/The little girl didnt know what possess her but the next thing she knew she gasp into the little boys hand and said/

/You know sometimes I also feel unloved and ignored by my parents because I felt like Ill never be as good as my sister nor as adorable as her but trust me .. they love you. You may not feel it but they do/

/The girl gave the little boy a reassuring smile which he gradually return with such genuineness that radiates with in /

"You may be seated," Father Luis announces. He continues:

"Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony"

Both Nina and I are clearly not paying attention now, as We were completely lost in each other, holding each other's hands. I stroke the back of her hands with my thumbs a few times.

Nina smiles shyly at me

Father Luis speaks again, asking if there are any among them who object.

/Nope, No Kendra .. No Luigi/

Father Luis looked to the crowd, truly expecting no response. The wind blows, and a few leaves drift down around them. I saw Nina shivered slightly, as the sun has once again disappeared.

There are no objections, and he continues. "We will now have a moment of silent prayer. Please take a few moments to lift your thoughts to God."

He gives everyone a minute, then resumes. "O God, You have so consecrated the covenant of marriage"

"Amen," I found myself echoing the reverend with the rest of the guests.

As Nina's Grandmother walks forward to offer a reading, the wind picks up again and a few more leaves blow. I began to worry that Nina will get cold and glances skyward again, sighing. Nina seems to notice my worry and smiles reassuringly at me, squeezing my hands in hers.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Lola Augustina concludes, and returns to sit beside Nina's Cousin Isaac

Father Luis stood up and then turns his attention back to the couple.

"Nina, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Iigo, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

"I do."

Father Luis turns to the congregation and asks, "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"

"We will."

"Let us pray." /

Another prayer?/ I was getting antsy.Dont' get me wrong, I love Nina so dearly, and God knows how lucky I am, but I'm not used to standing still for this long. I fidgets slightly, until I noticed father Luis giving him a little annoyed stare. I resumed standing still, clenching his jaw in defeat.

"Iigo, take her right hand and repeat after me."

I did so and repeats the words: "In the Name of God, I, Franco Iigo Bustamante, take you, Nina Angela Fernandez to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

I released her hand. "Nina, take his right hand in yours and repeat after me."

"In the Name of God, I, Nina Angela Fernadez, take you, Franco Iigo Bustamante, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

"Bless, O Lord, these rings to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Father Luis handed Nina's ring to mine, and she raises her left hand.

"Nina, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God."

I slid it on her finger, and Nina repeated the same thing

"Iigo, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God."

"Now that Nina and Iigo have given vows, with the joining of hands and pronounce that they are husband and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. let no one put asunder." /

themselves to each other by solemn the giving and receiving of rings, I wife, in the Name of the Father, and Those whom God has joined together

I have never seen her looking so happy./

She looks as though he is bursting with joy.

"Diane?" Father Luis calls my older sister forward.

She reads. /*"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude"*/ Diane returned to her seat, and Nina and I kneel before the table in front as Father Luis prays over them, seeking God's blessing over them. I reached over and takes Nina's hand. /

It is like ice./

The Lord's Prayer is said, and Both of us stood up again and face each other, holding each other's hands once again.

"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen."

Father Luis then nods at Patrick, and he starts to play again. Meg is now seated beside him at the keyboard as he plays the opening bars of "All I Ask of You" from The Phantom of the Opera.

Nina and I, accompanied by Kuya Chris and Ate Diane, step forward to sign the register to legally complete the marriage. As Nina signs her name, I noticed her hand is trembling slightly. /

Surely she can't be nervous,/ I thought, then I remembered seeing her shivering earlier and recalls her cold hands.

We finish our paperwork, and return to our original places. I sneak a peek at the priest, and unbuttons my coat.

Both Father Luis and Nina gave me a puzzled look as I removed it. I held it out to Nina, and she slides her arms into my sleeves with a giggle. I saw Father Luis smiled and nodded at me.

The song finishes, and Fahter Luis turned to the congregation. "It is my very great honor to be the first to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Iigo Bustamante. You may kiss the bride, Iigo."

With those words, I pulled Nina into my arms and kisses her, pouring all the love I feel for her into the kiss while striving to keep it appropriate for a wedding. It is walking a tightrope, and Nina helps out by keeping her lips firmly together, much as for sure wants to part them for me.

I reluctantly pulled away just before the kiss goes on too long. I whispers, "/I love you/," and takes her hand as Diane approach us to take Nina's bouquet.

The vicar again nods at Patrick, who begins God Gave me you by Bryan White as We, newly-married couple recess up the aisle and back into the parlor.

And all of the sudden, Nina wrapped her arms around me and pulled me

down for a kiss

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Epilogue *Nina's POV*

Another sigh escaped me, this time from my lips, and I began heading down the hall and down the stairs.

It was just after seven am, but I'm geeting hungry as seconds tick. My feet, incredibly sore from the high heels I wore yesterday during another book launch for my second book.

When I reached the down, I turned left, heading all the way down the hall until I reached that place that made me stopped

I noticed the first thing that my eyes laid upon ..

His cabinet full of his achievements and trophies one thing I always admire him for

*Formula Renault UK 2014, 8th place, 1 win, 2 pole positions, 3 podiums* * Formula Renault UK Winter Series 2014, 3rd place, 1 podium

* * Formula Renault UK 2014, Graduate Cup 11th place, 5th overall * * 3rd place Rookie Cup Formula BMW Pacific 2015 Championship, 1 podium * * 2nd Place overall Formula BMW Pacific 2015 Championship, 1 Podium * * 1st Position in the Senior Rotax Max World Finals 2015 in Al Ain, Dubai, United Arab Emirates * * Champion, Philippine Senior Rotax Max Challenge 2015 * * Asian Karting Champion 2015 (125 Open Category and Senior Rotax Max Class) *

I couldn't help but smile when beside all those trophies, lies our wedding picture. It wasn't a typical wedding picture .. it's more on /Photojournalistic/.

The style could tell our wedding story in a creative, narrative fashion, much like looking through a magazine or newspaper with a focus on all the elements of the wedding, including behind the scenes.

The First picturewas of the stunning bride walking down the aisle. If there is any nervousness about taking what people call the "final plunge," I thank heavens I did not show it.

Though one cannot see it from this shot, my eyes were firmly locked on my soon-to-be husband, and my lips were twitched up almost enigmatically. Accompanying me down the aisle was my Grandfather

The second picture is taken of solely the groom. If one looks at the corner of the page, they will notice a sliver of white my dress. This was taken by the my request I wanted to capture the moment Iigo saw me as his bride for the first time.

Though it is hard to put into words how, exactly, to describe the look on Iigo's face, one can easily tell just how completely enamored he is.

It is a rare look of vulnerability stained on the former playboy's face, but it is captured and will remain so in this photograph. His eyes are warm, his lips are formed in a tender smile. For anyone who continued to doubt Iigo's feelings for me, this picture proves them.

The third picture takes place during the actual ceremony.. The shot has our backs predominantly to the camera, but the angle of our faces reveals a slight profile shot of the two of us. We both look ready to recite our vows, say 'I do,' and take our first kiss as husband and wife.

The next photograph needs no explanation. Father Luis has just announced the couple as Mister and Mrs Bustamante and permitted my Iigo to kiss me as his bride. Like he needs further provocation! As everyone can see, his arm is coiled tightly around my waist, tilting me down and capturing my lips with his.

His other hand is placed behind my head, giving it support, while my hand gently cups his cheek. Both of our eyes are closed, and though the kiss is tender and appropriate for the setting, one can feel the sizzle that makes up our passion.

The last ceremony picture is of both of us, holding hands together, our arms raised. We were looking out at our audience, brilliant smiles eclipsed on their faces as our eyes shine.

My other hand is holding onto my bouquet of flowers and the guests at the wedding were throwing rice in our direction (which is why it may look like it is raining white rice!).

It feels like it was just yesterday, like it happened just last night. When in fact, it has been three years since that fateful day..

When I laid baby Nian on his crib, I opened our 50' flat screen tv and made my way to the kitchen to prepare for breakfast

I made the oatmeal more nutritious when I cut the blueberries and strawberries into half, slice a banana and sprinkled some raisins on top.

Humming at the tune of birds I heard from the outisde, I poured a low fat milk instead of 2% after I took the eggs off the burner, sprinkle or lay down cheese slices for additional taste.

"DADA!!" I heard my little boy uttered, I smiled .. /dumadami na ang alam ng words ng baby ko/ I thought

I wipe off my hands from a towel hanging from the fridge and walked back

to the living room. There, I saw the news. Iigo was being interviewed after a long tiresome race tournament abroad *

Latest News: Iigo Bustamante set the fastest lap of the race in Beirut*

/There was a hydraulic pressure alert as I came up to the grid. My start was very good I made up a couple of positions but I was stuck in first gear."/ He said as the reporter nodded / "I had to shut off and restart everything to get the car going. After that it was pretty good and the fastest lap shows we had very good pace. Its a shame I couldnt use that raw speed to fight for points or even a podium, but the speed we have is positive for the rest of the season./

Love was a wondrous thing when one took the time to think about it. Finding a person that loved me more than I could ever know; finding someone that I loved more than I could possibly comprehend/It was astounding./

I felt so incredibly lucky, but as of late, We didn't really spend too much time together. In fact, I felt as though I was beginning to miss him. /

When was the last time we made love, anyways? A week now?/ My brow perked up as I felt my lower stomach contract, almost as though it was scolding me for allowing myself to go without him for so long.

Looking back at the Flat screen tv, I saw how he ran his fingers through his hair. He's still not used to the feeling of the buzzed chops that met his fingertips rather than locks of hair. However, I began to notice how his lips curled into a smirk

I smiled coyly when the reporter asked him "Why did you cut your hair?"

Iigo, like me, seemed taken aback, and then chuckled before shrugging. "Because I can," he replied in his usual soft-spoken voice.

I rolled my eyes and minutes later, I heard my phone vibrating ardently on the sofa

"Yes, hello?"

"I knew you're watching it now" His voice was a little dangerous soft and seductive, wanting me to lure in and be hypnotized

"Well.. Aren't you suppose to be sleeping now, Husband?" I glanced at the wall clock and saw it was quarter to 8. Manila is 5 hours ahead of Beirut .. so that makes it 3 am

"It's all your fault. You keep me up this late" I pulled a mock and fictitious gasp despite the fact I knew what he was pertaining to

"and how on hell did I manage to do that?"

"Hhhmm.. let me hand you the-----" I immediately cut him off and said "Wait, Looks like Nian wanted to talk to you, Handsome"

I handled down the phone to my baby and he gripped it right away, He was a little daze as if mature enough to understand a word his father was telling him

Baby Nian Franco F. Bustamante is turning two years old in about a week and looking at him now, I'm sure he resembles more of Iigo especially in the eyes.. /

Adorable/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *

Iigo's POV*

I was probably more exhausted than anyone in this house. When Henry dropped me off at the manor at 11 ,I told him he was relieved from his

duty tonight.

I figured Nina was probably already sleeping; She had been working so hard the past few months, I ran my fingers through my hair, still not used to the feeling of the buzzed chops that met my fingertips rather than locks of hair.

But suddenly, The thought of Nina inviting me to join her on our bed made me hard. For several weeks, How I had wanted to be in her mind; how I had wanted to read every dirty thought that would never pass through those full lips of hers.

I stifled a groan, realizing my body was reacting to its own thoughts, and at that moment, I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms, to kiss her lips, to make her moan my name.

There were far too many stairs for my taste as I all but dashed up them, leaving my suitcase at the top of the stairs. As I made my way to our bedroom, my fingers began unbuttoning my shirt. The door to our bedroom was slightly opened, I noticed, and light cascaded through.

There she was, her long, black hair tumbling down her shoulders and resting over her perky breasts. Her head was poised back, resting on the pillow behind her, exposing a long column of her throat. She was wearing one of my shirts /

God, I loved it when she wore my clothing, especially if it was solely

one article./

IThe shirt was long enough to hide her most private parts, but it left her legs quite exposed. They were positioned in a very welcoming way, her right legs bent over her left one.

I looked over at my sleeping wife, carefully closing the door behind so I wouldn't wake her. . She looks content, beautiful. There is a small smile on her face. /

It can wait. I think. Okay, it can, but I can't./

I know I won't sleep until I at least has it brought to the room, so I gently leave the bed and tiptoed out to the lounge, where I lifted the phone and punches zero.

"Hello, Mr.Bustamante, how may I help you?" a polite female voice greets me. She is much too perky for this hour.

"Yes, I have a package being held behind the front desk. Will you send it up, please?"

"Of course. Someone will be up with it presently."

"Thank you." I hang up the sleeping quarters to visit I put on one of the plush returning to the lounge to

phone, then pads quietly back into the the loo. bathrobes hanging in the bathroom before wait.

A short time later there is a soft knock on the door. Henry the bellman is standing there with a large box in his hands.

"You still here?" I smiled at him, taking the box.

"For another hour, yes, sir," he replies. "Good night!," he adds with a nod before he turns to leave.

"Thanks." I closed the door and carried the package into the lounge. I opened the cardboard flaps and lifts out the wrapped gift within. This I carried back into the bedroom and places it on the vanity table.

Satisfied, I removed the robe and climbed back into bed beside Nina

"What are you up to now?" she says sleepily, her eyes still closed. "Kailan ka pa dumating? You always wanted to surprise me huh?"

"You're awake?" I asked, thinking that maybe I can give her the present after all.

"Not really," she cuddles into the blankets and I cannot help but scoot closer to her.

"So what were you doing?" she asks again.

"I thought you were sleeping," I chuckled.

"I am also curious."

"You'll have to wake up if you want to know."

She opens one eye, and I snorts a small laugh, kissed her, and get back out of bed to bring the present over.

"What is that?" Nina opens both eyes and sits up, hugging the blankets around her.

"Pasalubong mo from me." I smiled

"Eh lagi mo naman ako binibigyan ng pasalubong!" she laughs. Then, "Gimme."

Laughing, I hand her the box. It is rectangular, approximately the size of a large toaster.

"What on earth could this be?" she asks. It is heavy, and that piques her curiosity even more.

She peels back the paper to discover a hardcover leather-bound set of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, including The Hobbit. It looks old, but it is in excellent condition.

"First edition," I informed her.

"No!" Nina gasps. "This is amazing, Iigo. I love it. I" she trails off, lifting one of the books from the case, running her hand across the embossed green leather with its gold-leaf printing.

She inspects the spine, runs her fingertips across the jagged edges of the pages, uneven and bumpy, made before mass-production turned out perfect books with smooth-edged pages.

Carefully opening it, she smiles as she flips the crisp pages carefully, handling them as if they were delicate butterflies' wings.

"I don't even want to know how you got these," she smiles, shaking her head. "Not to mention how much you probably paid for them."

"I know it's not a conventional, but somehow I knew it was the right thing for you," I smiled shyly at her, watching her pore over each book in turn.

"I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. It's fantastic. The second best thing I've ever gotten." She smiles at me

"Second best?" I asked.

She raises her left hand, flashing her ring at me, saying, "You." I grinned broadly. Nina places the books back in their case and sets it on the nightstand. I gathered the paper and throws it in the bin and returned to bed.

"Thank you," she says, leaning forward for a kiss She did again and again, sweetly, as if I was the most precious thing in the world to her.

She smiles down at me, caressing my cheek with one hand while reaching back to grasp me fully in the other, eliciting another groan from my lips as she squeezes gently.

Nina bends down and kisses me fully, mouths open immediately, tongues meeting, still slightly sweet *

"Dada Mama!! You so noisy.. Nian can't sleep!!!!" *

We both pulled away from the kiss, equally surprised and dumbfounded

"My boy's sleeping with you?!"

She laughs, resting her forehead against mine .

"Well.. I forgot about that"

we both ended up laughing

and later on I realized ... that's how a night with Mr. Arrogant would end you up

-------The End