Prologue

Precious Maxine Monteverde

is a businesswoman, socialite and philanthropist.

She might be a private person but people won’t fail to recognized her as media keeps on broadcasting her charity works and the family where she belongs is hard to be ignored.

Precious Maxine or most commonly known as Maxine is the first child of business tycoon Maximo Monteverde III and well-known doctor Charlotte Rose Aquino-Monteverde.

At her young age of 26 she is now the Chief Operating Officer of Monteverde Holdings Inc. and aside from that she is running her own clothing line which also includes other items such as bags, shoes and perfumes.

Maxine have this dominating presence so expect that a lot of people will look up to her not to mention she’s a total package.

 The definition of beauty and brain.

But behind the successful life she has that people tends to envy is a woman waiting to be love by the only guy that makes her heart beats.

Vince Nikolai Castaneda he is the grandson of their retired helper Nanay Rosita and driver Tatay Alex.

After Nikolai parents died because of super typhoon in their province and rescued by DPWH they called his grandparents who immediately went to their province to grieve on their only son who died in the incident with his wife and take the full custody of Nikolai.

Maxine and Nikolai grew up together. He is three years older than her. They are childhood friend. Actually, she’s the only one who insist that they should be friends and Nikolai always follow all what she wants until one day she felt that they are slowly drifting apart.

Nikolai also become his father’s apprentice. It can’t be denied that Nikolai is also a big asset in their company. He is also good at his craft and he deserves his position as Vice President of Monteverde Holdings Inc.

Maxine parents treat Nikolai like their own. Her mother Charlotte knows of all people on what Nikolai felt when his parents were both gone.

Through the years Maxine tries the hardest to best ideal girl for Nikolai. All her achievements and even the way she moves all because she wants to be perfect to Nikolai’s eyes.

She’s not losing hope that someday they will end up together and have their own happy ever after.

Chapter 1

Maxine is busy reviewing all the papers compiled on her table which needs for approval.

She can’t just sign without properly looking on the details stated since she’s the authorized signatory for budget request amounting to 500,000.00 pesos and above.

Being the CEO of Monteverde Holdings Inc. means she’s not only handling one company but all subsidiaries built by her father Max.

Habang busy si Maxine sa pagbabasa ng mga proposals biglang nag ring ang kanyang telepono.

Pinindot nya lang ang loud speaker nito at hinihintay magsalita ang nasa kabilang linya.

“Sorry to bother you Mam but you have a meeting to attend in 15 mins” sabi ng kanyang secretary na si Kat

“Okay then. Thank you”

“Welcome Mam” sagot ng kanyang secretary at inend call nya na.

Maxine check her face using her compact mirror and apply a little make-up. She then wears her blazer to look more corporate. Naka sleeveless dress lang kasi sya pag nasa loob ng kanyang office room.

After picking up her laptop she went out of her office para puntahan ang conference room kung saan gaganapin ang meeting. Nakasunod naman sakanyang likod si Kat na dala din ang sariling laptop.

“Good morning Mam. Ako na po magdadala ng laptop nyo” madaling sabi ng isa sa mga utility nila na si Ryan na tingin nya nakaaasigned sa floor na iyon ng ganoon oras.

Agad naman nyang inabot ang laptop at charger dito kahit na hindi naman talaga mabigat ang laptop nito dahil sa sobrang nipis “Thanks Ryan”

“Wala pong ano man mam” sagot nito na binigyan nya ng tipid na ngiti.

People in their office will try everything to offer her things kahit na kaya naman nyang gawin. Nang una ay hindi pa sya sanay pero ng kalaunan ay hinayaan nya na lang mga ito dahil hindi sya tinitigilan hanggang hindi sya umoo.

Along the way going to conference room people will stand up on their seats to greet her which she happily greets back with a smile.

Tumatak sakanyang isip ang laging pangaral ng kanyang magulang sa kanilang magkakapatid na tratuhin ng maayos ang mga empleyado dahil hindi nila maabot nag tagumpay na meron sila kung hindi din dahil sa mga ito.

Lalo na ng panahon naaksidente ang kanyang ama at naging paralisado ang mga paa nito.

Madaming nagtangka na ipirate ang kanilang mga empleyado ngunit dahil sa loyalty ng mga ito sa kumpanya ay hindi nag tagumpay ang mga kalaban sa negosyo ng kanyang ama.

Pagdating sa conference room nakita nya agad ang ibang head ng bawat department na nasa loob na din at naghihintay mag-umpisa ang meeting. Binati nya din pabalik ang mga ito at nagpasalamat kay Ryan ng nakita nyang linagay na sa usual spot nya ang kanyang laptop.

Ilang minuto pa ay dumating na din ang ibang kasama sa meeting pati na din si Nikolai na syang nagpahigit ng kanyang hininga.

Magkatapat sila ng upuan kaya malaya ngyang nakikita ang gwapo nitong mukha.

Dumating na din ang kanyang ama na si Max at umupo sa gitnang bahagi ng lamesa. Dahil ito na lang ang hinhintay mabilis nag-umpisa na ang meeting.

They are now discussing company’s annual strategic plan since malapit ng mag year end they need to know if they have reached their target from the start of the year and difficulties facing so they can immediately come out with solutions. They also have comparative graph for income growth from last year and now.

So far, they have beaten the sales last year doubled to think that there’s still few months before the year end.

Hindi na magtataka si Maxine paano nangyari iyon. Nikolai is really good on suggesting ways how to improve the company’s income from realty, construction, logistics, hospitals to name some of their company’s subsidiaries.

“Congratulations guys for your hard work. I hope we can maintain the company’s growth until the end of the year. Thank you and the meeting ends here.” Max said.

Lumapit naman si Maxine sa ama habang isa isa naman lumabas ang mga department head at bumabati sa sakanila.

“Hi dad” she kissed her father’s cheek

“Hello princess. I’m sorry I did not have time to greet you a while ago since I’m late” paliwanag nito.

Kahit na may edad na ay hindi mapagkakaila ang kagwapuhan ng ama nitong si Max. Matikas pa din ang katawan at madami pa din nahuhumaling sa kagwapuhan taglay nito.

“It’s okay Dad I understand” she said

“Oh sya I’ll be going. I need to finish my work so I can go home early and fetch your mom” nakangiti nitong saad.

Maxine just roll her eyes kahit naman kasi matanda na ang mga magulang kala mo magboyfriend at girlfriend pa din but she is happy seeing how her parents love each other.

“Sige po Dad” she hugs him and the latter pats her back

Tinapik din ng ama ang balikat ni Nikolai na nasa conference pa din pala at may kausap na hindi kalayuan sakanilang mag ama.

Ilang sandali lang ay nagpaalam na ang kausap nito. Leaving her, Nikolai and her secretary Kat inside the conference room.

“Kat mauna ka na bumalik sa office I just need to talk to Mr. Castaneda” inporma ng dalaga sakanyang sekretarya.

“Okay po Mam” hawak ang laptop ay agad umalis si Kat

Nikolai is busy fixing his charger when Maxine went to him.

“Congrats Niko. I know how hard you work to come up with great strategies for the company’s growth” bati nya sa binata.

Nasanay na syang tawagin itong Niko simula ng bata pa sila.

“Nah. I’m just doing my job” maikling sagot nito

“Sus pahumble ka pa” pang-aasar ng dalaga “How about we celebrate for the company’s success?” Maxine is biting her lips as she tries to test the water.

“Let’s just wait the company’s anniversary” sagot nito na kinadismaya ni Maxine

“Sige naman na Niko for old time sake parang hindi tayo magkaibigan” nagtatampo nyang saad. Sa totoo lang ay nalulungkot sya dahil mukang hindi na talaga sya tinuturing na kaibigan ng lalaki.

Okay lang sana na hindi sya magustuhan nito pabalik pero kahit kaibigan man lang sana. Mas lalong tumulis ang kanyang nguso sa naiisip

“Okay fine. Let’s have dinner later” pagsuko ng binata

“Really? Okay later then. Bye” sagot ni Maxine na agad kinuha ang gamit at iniwan ito sa conference.

Mahirap na baka biglang magbago pa ang isip nito.

Wala man ibig sabihin kay Nikolai ang paglabas nila pero para kay Maxine ayon ang kanilang first date.

Chapter 2

Natuloy nga ang dinner na napag-usapan nila.

They use Nikolai’s car as Maxine insist to hitch a ride with him.

Pinagdaop ni Maxine ang dalawang kamay sa ibabaw ng lamesa habang nakatingin kay Nikolai. The waiter just took their order.

“So how does it feel living alone?” tanong ng dalaga dito.

Recently Maxine found out that Nikolai’s grandparents decided to go back to their province and leave there. Medyo matanda na din ang mga ito at matagal nagretiro sakanila kaya wala syang masyadong balita sa lolo at lola nito lalo na’t nakabukod na ang mga ito ng tirahan.

“Still the same” tipid nitong sagot.

Magtataka pa ba si Maxine eh kahit ng kasama pa ng binata sila Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex sa isang bahay siguradong busy din ang binata sa trabaho nito kaya hindi din masyadong nagkakakitaan ang mga ito sa loob ng bahay.

Nang dumating ang kanilang order ay agad din silang kumain.

Along dinner they talk of random stuffs or more like one question one answer kind of thing. Maxine always initiate the talk. She’s glad that somehow Nikolai answers her questions.

They are now heading on their way home when Maxine spotted the convenience store.

“We don’t have work tomorrow, right?” not giving Nikolai a chance to answer she continue talking “Kindly stop your car to that convenient store”

Kahit nagtataka ay sinunod naman ni Nikolai ang gusto ni Maxine at hininto ang sasakyan sa gilid ng convenient store.

“Wait for me. Mabilis lang to” Maxine said and went out of the car.

As expected, people keep on staring at her. She’s not wearing her blazer anymore. Though her dress is descent enough it can’t hide the perfect curves of her body plus the fact she doesn’t really looks like someone who will go to convenient store to buy something.

Pumunta sya sa beverage section at kumuha ng 6 in can beers. Agad syang pumunta sa counter at nagbayad.

Lakip sa dibdib ang paper bag na hawak kahit nakadoble ang balot dahil sa moist ng lamig nito baka mabutas ang paper bag mahirapan pa syang magpulot kaya yinakap nya na lang ito.

Pagdating sa loob ng sasakyan ay binigyan nya lang ng ngiti si Niko na matyagang naghintay sakanya.

“What’s that?” tanong ng binata

“I know an overlooking place near here. We can go there to unwind” sagot nya

Sinunod na lang ni Nikolai ang direksyon na sinabi nya.

After the car was properly parked lumabas si Maxine dala ang kanyang pinamali at sumadal sa hood ng sasakyan.

The place is beautiful. It’s a vacant lot with trees around it and overlooking city light can be seen in front of them.

Narinig ni Maxine ang pagbukas sara ng pintuan ng sasakyan kaya napatingin sya kay Nikolai.

“Come. Join me. Here” inabot pa nya dito ang isang can ng beer.

Sumandal din si Nikolai sa kabilang banda ng hood at kinuha ang beer na binigay ni Maxine.

“So why do you want to go here?” he asked while opening the can.

“Like I said to unwind. Sino naman ang mayayaya kong uminom sa bahay? You know my siblings are busy with their studies” sabay lagok ng inumin ng dalaga.

“I also want to know what happened to us Niko? We were good friends back then. What’s with the sudden change? Matagal ko ng gustong itanong sayo to but I don’t have guts to ask you” sabi nito habang nakatingin sa tanawin sa harap nila.

She knew that Nikolai is looking at here.

She heard him sigh.

“I’m sorry if I made you feel that way and for not saying anything. As we’re growing, I find my interest different from what you want. I’m trying to build my own identity and I’m tired of hearing people saying that I’m additional burden to your family. An excess baggage.”

Maxine is aware of those things. People keep on talking about Nikolai to the point that some accused him as her father’s bastard.

How come people conclude something like that? When Nikolai doesn’t have something similar to her dad para mapagkamalan anak ito ng kanyang amang si Max.

Not that Nikolai is not handsome. He is pure Filipino but with his height 6’2“ won’t make him a typical one. He also has pointed nose, good looking guy with soft features and moreno skin.

Hindi nya alam na malaki pala ang epekto ng mga sinasabi ng tao sa binata. He even works part time to a fast-food chain during his college years, applied for scholarship and declined the money given by Maxine’s parents.

“You know those are not true right? My parents were affected by your sudden change specially mom but good thing you’re okay with them now and that you’re working with dad”

Nang nakatapos ito sa sariling pagsusumikap nagtrabaho ito sakanilang kumpanya at naging okay na uli ang relasyon nito sakanyang mga magulang. Ngunit ang samahan nila ay di na nabalik sa dati.

Naiingit sya kay Charity at Fourth dahil parehong malapit ang dalawang kapatid kay Nikolai. Parang kuya talaga ang turing nila dito. Not that she can blame them dahil nagkakaisip palang ang mga ito ng dumating si Nikolai sa bahay nila kaya habang lumalaki ay tinuring na nila itong parang totoong kapatid.

They can easily go to Nikolai when they need a brother’s help lalo na pag alam nilang may kasalanan silang nagawa si Nikolai ang to the rescue nila. Her siblings can’t do that to her alam kasi nila na hindi nya kukunsintehin ang mga kalokohan ng mga ito.

“Yeah. I’m so glad we’re all okay”

Napatungga na lang ng alak si Maxine. Gusto nyang sumbatan ito na buti sa parents nya naayos ang relasyon nito paano naman ung sakanila?

She felt dizzy drinking her third bottle. Ang totoo nyan mahina ang kanyang alcohol tolerance pero hindi nya inaasahan na tatamaan sya sa pangatlong bote. She can’t remember when was the last time she drinks beer baka siguro nanibago lang sya.

Nang matapos ng dalawa ang iniinum ay nagpagpasyahan nilang umuwi na.

Maxine automatically lost her balance after standing up from leaning on the car’s hood.

“Careful” sabi ni Nikolai na mabilis na pinaikot ang kamay sa beywang ng dalaga para maayos ang balance nito.

“Oops. I thought I’m gonna kiss the ground” Maxine said while laughing

Napailing na lang si Nikolai obviously lasing na ang kanyang kasama

“I will take you to my house since my place is nearer and I don’t want tito Max and tita Charlotte see you in this kind of state”

“Good choice. I also don’t want to see dad get mad at me” Nasabi na lang ni Maxine habang inaalalayan syang maupo sa passenger seat ni Nikolai.

The guy even put her seatbelt before he turns to driver’s seat and drive away from that place.

Nakapikit lang si Maxine sa buong byahe but she is fully awake and can hear Nikolai sighs from time to time.

“Hey Maxine wake up” Naramdaman na lang ni Maxine ang pag-alog ng lalaki sakanyang balikat dahilan para imulat nya ang kanyang mga mata at tumingin sa paligid.

“Were here in my place. Can you still walk?”

“Oo naman. Ako pa?” Maxine said in slurry tone. Once again after standing up she felt her world spinning.

Maagap naman syang nasalo ni Nikolai at sinara ang pinto ng kotse bago sya binuhat na parang bagong kasal na walang kahirap hirap habang ang kamay ng dalaga ay mabilis pumulupot sa leeg nito “Ang lakas ng loob mong magyayang uminom ang bilis mo naman malasing”

Hindi naiintindihan ni Maxine ang sinasabi ni Nikolai dahil ang buong atensyon nya ay nakatutok sa mukha ng lalaki at ang pag galaw ng labi nito.

Ilang sandali pa ay naramdaman nya ang pag lapat ng likod sa malambot na kama.

Nang naihiga lang sya sa kama tsaka lang napansin ng binata ang pagtitig nya.

Instead of removing his gaze, Nikolai can’t help but stare back at Maxine’s face. It was the first time for him to look at her that close.

He can’t deny the fact that Maxine is beautiful since they’re still child. Mas lalo itong gumanda ng nagdalaga.

Nikolai doesn’t know if it’s the effect of alcohol or the attraction he felt for her since then but it can’t help the fact that he is tempted to kiss her lips.

Nakita ni Maxine ang pagtaas baba ng adam’s apple ni Nikolai pati na din ang pagtingin nito sakanyang labi.

Hindi nya alam kung anong tumatakbo sa utak ni Nikolai basta ang alam nya ay nabibingi sya sa lakas ng tibok ng kanyang puso.

Maxine’s thought was answered when she felt Nikolai’s lips on her.

Isang masuyong halik ang ginawad nito na nagpapikit sakanyang mata para damhin ang paglapat ng kanilang mga labi.

Ang akala nyang simpleng halik ay tumagal pa at naramdaman nya ang munting pagkagat sakanyang ibabang labi kaya napilitan syang ibuka ito. Kinuha naman ni Nikolai ang pagkakataon na iyon para palalimin ang halik.

Hindi alam ni Maxine kung paano tugunan ang maalab na halik ng binata dahil ito ang kanyang unang beses na nakaranas sya ng ganun bagay.

Natunghayan na lang sya ang sariling ginagaya ang bawat galaw nito na mas lalong nagpaalab ng kanilang halikan.

Chapter 3

Dahil sa halikan nila ni Nikolai hindi maiwasan ni Maxine ang init na naguumpisang lumiyab sakanyang systema.

The way that he kisses her is so addicting that her body wants for more.

Maxine felt Nikolai’s hand starts roaming around her body even with their intense kissing and she can feel her nipples erected after feeling Nikolai’s warm hand touch the side of her mountain going down her waist.

“Oohh” Maxine moan when she felt Nikolai’s lips on her jaw going down her neck and the open skin right before her breast.

Maxine arches her body because of the sensation she’s feeling even the way Nikolai’s hand touch her thighs going up and stopping just near her sensitive part. The way he repeats that kind of movement is not helping at all.

She’s like a child waiting for her Christmas present with so much anticipation what Nikolai will do next.

“Are you sure about this? I’ll give you time to back out” Nikolai said with so much self-control

Napalunok naman si Maxine dahil sa sinabi ng binata. Her mind tells her to stop but her body wants for more.

“Please continue” she bravely said

All her inhibitions were thrown out the window. She will deal with whatever happens tomorrow.

Because of her answer Nikolai immediately removes her dress. Tumayo din ito para alisin ang sariling damit habang inalis naman ni Maxine nag nagiisang saplot na nakatakip sakanyang pagkababae.

Kahit na ilaw na nanggagaling sa buwan ang nagsisilbing liwanag hindi nito matatago ang magandang hubog ng katawan ng binata.

He again leans down on her while kissing aggressively. Maxine was so carried away that she just arched her body after feeling Nikolai’s kisses going down from her lips to her neck and when his mouth caught one of Maxine’s crown which makes her moan so loud seeing how the guy suck her like a hungry baby wanting to have some milk.

From her left breast Nikolai went to the other side to give same attention. Maxine can’t help but to close her eyes while caressing Nikolai’s hair from the back of his head.

Maxine felt Nikolai’s kisses going down her navel and stopping only an inch away from her pussy.

Nahigit ang kanyang hininga ng maramdaman ang pagsisid ni Nikolai sakayang pagkababae.

“Ahhh Nikoo that feels so good!”

Nikolai is teasing her clit with his warm tongue. The sweet taste of Maxine is lingering him and he knows he won’t get enough of her specially right now, hearing her moan makes his buddy harder big time.

“You’re so sweet baby. I’m getting addicted with your taste”

Nikolai’s words just add the heat Maxine is feeling right now.

“Ahhh Niko I’m coming!”

That was first world shattering experience for Maxine “That was great!” tuluyan ng nahimasmasan ang dalaga mula sa ininum nya kanina.

“We’re not yet done baby. I already gave you time to back out you can’t stop me now.”

Pumwesto na si Nikolai mula sa bukana ng kanyang pagkababae at naramdaman nya ang hapdi ng subukan syang pasukin nito.

“Shhh I know it hurts but it will eventually subside”

Napakagat ng labi na lang si Maxine ng maramdaman nya ang pagkalalaki ni Nikolai sa loob nya. Aamin nya na nakaramdam sya ng sakit dahil ito ang kanyang unang karanasan ngunit dahil sa pag gawad uli ng halik ni Nikolai ay nawala sa isip nya ang sakit dahil masyado syang nadadala sa halikan nila.

Napaungol uli ang dalaga ng magsimula ng gumalaw ang kasiping. Kasabay din ang pag galaw ng kamay nito sakanyang katawan na nagpapadagdag ng init sakanilang paghahalikan.

Naramdaman nya ang pagbilis ng galaw ni Nikolai halos ito na lang ang gumagalaw sakanila habang sya ay tuloy tuloy lang ang ungol.

Nandyan iyong paghalik sakanya mula leeg pababa sakanyang dibdib, kamay na humahaplos sakanyang katawan lalo na sa kanyang mga dibdib kung saan parte wala ang labi nito nag nagsasalit salit sa pagbibigay ng atensyon doon habang patuloy ang paglabas pasok ng matigas nitong alaga sakanyang pagkababae.

The scene is so erotic that Maxine can’t think of anything else but to feel what Nikolai is doing.

Few more thrust and she feel herself exploding. Kahit hinang hina na ng linabasan tuloy pa din ang pagbayo ng binata hanggang labasan na din ito.

Maxine even felt Nikolai’s buddy twitch while releasing all his seeds inside her.

Tumayo ang binata at pumasok sa loob ng banyo nito at bumalik uli sa kama na may hawak na pamunas

“Let Me” sabi lang nito at sinimulan ng ibuka ang hita ni Maxine na kinapula ng pisngi nito.

Nahigit ang hininga ng dalaga ng maramdaman nya ang basang twalya mula sakanyang gitna kahit ramdam nya ang hapdi hindi nya matatanggi na may kiliti syang naramdaman sa ginagawa ng binata.

She feels so sticky feeling the combination of their release in between her thighs. Ang mata nya ay nakatutok pa din kay Nikolai na seryosong nakatingin sa kanyang pagkababae na linilinisan pa din nito hanggang ngayon.

“S-stop. Okay na siguro yan” Maxine said trying to stop the guy from what he is doing because the sight of seeing him cleaning her makes Maxine feel horny.

She thinks she become pervert after having the taste of their first sex. Is it even normal?

Instead of stopping, Nikolai smirk after seeing lust all over Maxine’s face. Her hard breathing with an open mouth is not helping so instead of continuing of cleaning her up Nikolai put the towel on the side table and use his bare finger tracing her slit.

“Does touching you with my finger better?” he asked feeling his hard buddy anticipating for another round.

“N-niko pleaseee” Maxine begs

“Please what?” Nikolai ask with his finger skillfully moving in and out of Maxine’s pussy.

“I want you. Aahh” she response

Nikolai cannot hold it any longer he flips Maxine on his bed with her back facing him.

He takes her from the back which earns him a long moan from her. Nikolai try to take it slow knowing that Maxine is still sore even he is dying to move faster after feeling her tight pussy around him.

“Ahh you feel so good. Soo tight for me baby” he moans

Maxine feel something warm around her heart after hearing Nikolai said the word “baby” again. Napansin nya ang madalas na pag gamit nito ng endearment na iyon sakanya simula kanina.

“Please don’t stop” she begs feeling herself building up for another orgasm.

Maxine lost count how many times they did it.

She never thought that Nikolai have that strong stamina. All she can remember she’s too sore and its almost sunrise when they stop.

All she knows is that she’s not virgin anymore.

Chapter 4

Napaungol si Maxine ng maramdaman ang sakit ng katawan partikular ang kanyang pagkababae.

Napaupo sya sa kama at pilit inaalala ang dahilan ng pananakit ng kanyang katawan.

Biglang bumukas ang kanyang mga mata ng maala-ala ang nangyari sakanila ni Nikolai.

Napasabunot sya maisip kung anong mga pinaggagawa nya.

Habang nasa malalim syang pag-iisip ay biglang bumukas ang pinto at pumasok sa loob ng kwarto si Nikolai.

“Glad you’re awake. I already prepared our breakfast” sabi ng binata habang nakasandal sa hamba ng pintuan.

Hindi magawang tignan ng dalaga si Nikolai dahil sa nararamdaman nyang hiya.

“Uhm..” tumikhim muna sya bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita “M-maliligo muna ako sunod na lang ako sa baba”

The two can’t deny the awkward atmosphere between them.

“Okay. Just look anything you can wear in my closet” sabi ni Nikolai bago nagdesisyon bumaba

Doon lang nakahinga ng maluwag si Maxine.

Unang tapak nya palang sa sahig ay napangiwi na sya sa sakit. Napatingin sya sa side table para icheck ang orasan. 11am na pala kaya bukod sa sakit ng katawan nakaramdam na din sya ng gutom.

Habang nakababad sa shower ay pilit nyang iniisip paano nya haharapin si Nikolai. Oo inaamin nya na bukod sa binata ay wala syang naisip na ibang lalaki na pag-aalayan ng pagkababae nya but the fact still remains that they are not in relationship.

Gustong iuuntog ni Maxine ang sarili dahil sa katangahan nya. Ano na lang iisipin ni Nikolai? Na isa syang easy to get na babae?

Napabuntong hininga na lang sya at tinapos ang pagshoshower. She went directly to Nikolai’s closet and choose an oversize shirt and boxer.

Pagbaba ay nakita nya agad si Nikolai na nakaupo sa lamesa habang umiinom ng kape.

Halatang sya na lang hinihintay nito dahil nakahanda na ang pagkain sa lamesa.

“Let’s eat” yaya ni Nikolai ng mapansin ang dalaga na ilang hakbang na lang ang layo mula sa kusina.

Naglakad at umupo naman si Maxine. Nagsimula na syang maglagay ng fried rice, sausage at scrambled egg sa plato. May mainit na kape na din na nasa kanyang lamesa.

“Thanks” tipid na sabi ng dalaga.

They eat silently.

Hindi alam ni Maxine paano sila nakakain ng maayos. She’s not used of not talking and starting conversation with Nikolai.

Natapos silang kumain na nagpapalitan ng titigan sa isa’t isa.

“About what happened last night, I think it’s better for both of us to just forget about it.”

“Really? After what happened you really want us to forget about it?” Madilim ang mukang sabi ni Nikolai

“Were not in some sort of relationship and I don’t want you to feel obligated just because you took my virginity”

Napalundag sa gulat si Maxine ng malakas na hinampas ni Nikolai ang lamesa gamit ang dalawa nitong kamay.

“How can you say such thing?!” Kita ng dalaga ang galit sa mukha ni Nikolai at halata sa lakas ng boses nito na hindi nagustuhan ng binata ang kanyang sinabi.

Napabuntong hininga muna ito bago nagpatuloy na pagsasalita “If I didn’t kiss you first nothings going to happened so I take the responsibility of being blamed here not you. Besides I won’t do it if I’m not attracted to you”

Halos mabingi si Maxine sa kanyang narinig dahil sa lakas ng tibok ng kanyang puso. Automatic syang tumingin kay Nikolai at nakita nya lang namumula ang mukha at tenga nito habang nakaiwas ng tingin.

“Totoo bang sinasabi mo?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Maxine.

Tumikhim muna si Nikolai bago nagsalita “Yes. I may not love you yet but I’m attracted to you. Let’s work this out between us” sabi nitong nakatingin direkta sa mata ni Maxine

“What do you mean?” kunot nuong tanong ng dalaga.

“I want us to have official relationship. Who knows you might get pregnant after what we did” sabi ni Nikolai

Napayuko na lang si Maxine. Yes, she wants Nikolai so bad but hearing him say that she might get pregnant because of what they shared together, she can’t help but feel a pang in her chest. She felt that he only wants to be in relationship with her because he feels obligated but then the other side of her mind is telling her that Nikolai also confess that he is attracted to her and he will try to work things out between them.

“So what’s your answer?” tanong ng binata

Napabuntong hininga ang dalaga. She decided to give it a try. She will gamble her love and hoping that Nikolai can reciprocate it in future.

“Okay payag na ako. From now on boyfriend na kita at girlfriend mo na ako”

With just Nikolai’s smile makes her heartbeat faster and just like that parang magic spell na nawala ang awkward sakanilang dalawa.

That same day after going home and change her clothes, Maxine immediately went to their hospital to find her sister Charity.

Though her sister just started her first year in college as a midwifery student laman na ito ng kanilang hospital. Charity tries her best to understand her course by assisting, observing and taking down notes on what medical workers are doing.

Maxine spotted her sister walking while reading a patient’s chart as an apprentice with group of doctors and nurses. Agad nya itong pinuntahan.

“Charity!” tawag nya ng pansin dito kaya napahinto ang huli sa kanyang ginagawa at hinintay makalapit si Maxine.

“Ate, what brought you here?” Takang tanong ni Charity.

“Can I talk to you privately?” Maxine said seriously

“Sure, follow me” sagot ng kapatid

Nang marating nila ang isang kwarto na walang tao ay katahimikan ang namayani sakanilang dalawa habang nakaupo sa magkaharapan na upuan.

“Cha I would like you to inject me some birth control” determinadong sabi nya

“What? You know that I’m still studying and if someone found out about this you know what will happen” may bahid ng takot sa boses ni Charity

“We own this hospital you can easily get the med. You also know how to inject like its just a basic thing at ako naman iinjectionan mo hindi ibang tao”

Kita ni Maxine ang pagdadalawang isip ni Charity “If you want, I can recommend you to one of our OB here” suggestion ng kapatid

“If I want other OB to do it, I will not go here and seek for your help. I just don’t want others to find out especially mom and dad. You’re the only one I trust” hawak nya sa kamay ni Charity.

Pinagmasdan sya ng mabuti ng kapatid bago ito nagsalita.

“Okay I will help you with that, but you have to tell me why you want to get injected. I know there’s a reason behind”

Maxine is expecting this question from her sister. Charity is too smart and mature for her age. If there’s one person she can trust the most its Charity.

“Fine last night something happened to me and Niko. I’m afraid that I might get pregnant”

Kitang kita ang gulat sakanyang kapatid. Charity is always the prim and proper between them.

“You two what?! I know you like kuya Nikolai but to extend you will be engaged to premarital sex?” hindi makapaniwalang sagot ni Charity.

“Things happened and its done” sagot ni Maxine

“You don’t want to bear his child?”

“Ofcourse I want! but not now. I don’t want him to feel obligated. I want him to love me because its what he feels and not because its his responsibility that he got me pregnant”

Nakita ni Charity ang lungkot sa mata ng kanyang ate.

“There’s a lot of things I want to ask but I’ll just wait for you to tell when you’re ready” sabi ni Charity na ikinahinga ng maluwag ni Maxine. The way her sister said it seems like she already agreed to her plan

“This is dangerous but since you’re my sister I’ll try my best to help you” kinuha ni Charity ang notepad sakanyang bulsa at ballpen “May I know when is your last period?” tanong nito

“Last month pa. Actually, according to my period calendar, my menstruation will start tomorrow. Do you think there’s a chance I might conceive right now?”’

“If your period will really start tomorrow then there’s no chance of you getting pregnant. In that case, once your period is over you, I need to give you shot immediately”

Maxine gets up from her seat and hug Charity “You’re the best Cha!”

Her sister hugs her back.

Chapter 5

After talking to Charity, Maxine already went home and because she still can feel the pain from last night, she immediately dosed off to sleep.

Nagising na lang sya ng marinig ang kanyang cellphone na walang tigil sa pag ring.

Pikit mata nya itong sinagot “Hmmm”

Matagal bago sumagot ang nasa kabilang linya “So the reason why you did not try to contact me the whole day is because you’re still sleeping?”

Napamulat ng mata si Maxine at napaupo ng de oras sa kama. Kahit hindi nya nakikita kabisado nya ang boses ni Nikolai.

She checked her phone screen to make sure its him.

She confirmed its Nikolai.

Tumkhim muna sya bago magsalita “Yah. Uhm. I didn’t know I have fallen asleep” kagat labing sagot ng dalaga “May I know the reason why call?”

“Well for someone whose in relationship, I think I deserve to know if my girlfriend already arrived home safely”

Mabilis naman kumalat ang init sa mukha ni Maxine. Feeling nya pulang pula na sya ngayon.

“Uhmm. Yeah, I have fallen asleep. Do you have something to do tomorrow?” lakas loob na sagot ni Maxine.

She knows Nikolai only knew two places house and office. Minsan kahit Sunday pumupunta pa din ito sa office para magtrabaho.

“None. I will only be staying home the whole day. Why?”

Nabuhayan naman si Maxine sa narinig “I know a newly open restau. Do you want to come with me?” hindi na sya nahiyang yayain ito.

“Sure, so it’s a date then?” tanong ni Nikolai na nagpahigit sa hininga ng dalaga.

“Yes, it’s a date” she said beaming

Sunday came and Nikolai will fetch Maxine for their scheduled date. They decided to go to the restaurant Maxine suggested for lunch and spend more time together for their first date.

Maxine is patiently waiting from their living room. Sinabihan nya si Nikolai na itext na lang sya pag nasa labas na ng bahay nila para makaalis sila agad.

Hindi sa ayaw nyang papasukin ang binata sa bahay nila pero ayaw nyang maubos ang oras ng first date nila sa pagpark nito sa garage nila at makipagkwentuhan pa sa mga magulang nya.

Hindi naman kaila na parang anak na din ang turing ng mga magulang nya kay Nikolai but since the guy seldom goes to their house her parents become ecstatic that they can’t help but demand more time with Nikolai for catching up or more on bonding moment.

About her relationship with Nikolai hindi pa nasasabi ng dalaga sa magulang nito. He is her first boyfriend and she doesn’t want to spoil the moment since they only become official yesterday. She wants to spend more time and experience dating Nikolai as her boyfriend bago nya sabihin sa magulang nya.

She already discussed this matter to Nikolai and he respect her decision.

Maxine received a message and upon finding out its Nikolai she immediately went out the gate at ng natanaw nya ang sasakyan ni Nikolai ay agad syang pumasok sa passenger seat.

After closing the door Maxine lean closer and give Nikolai a peck on his lips “Good morning”

“Good morning” nakangiting sagot ng binata habang tinutulungan sya sa kanyang seatbelt.

Nang matapos nya itong ilagay ay bumaling sya sa kanyang kasintahan. “Let’s go?”

Nikolai just nodded and start driving the car.

Like their plan they went to the newly open restaurant Maxine suggested.

Nikolai did not expect that he will enjoy the lunch with Maxine. She never runs out of topic. Ngayon nya lang narealize bakit hindi nya nabigyan ng atensyon ang dalaga. Why all his life he only sees her as a sister.

At the back of his mind Nikolai knows he is still hanging up with the memories of someone.

His first love.

Nikolai immediately shake the thought in his mind. Besides, it’s all in the past now. He bet the girl is now happy and successful after choosing her dream over him.

“Hey Niko! Are you listening?” tanong ni Maxine ng makita nyang seryoso ang muka ni Nikolai at mukang hindi nakikinig sakanyang kwento.

“Huh?” takang tanong ng binata

Sumandal si Maxine sakanyang upuan at pinagkrus ang mga braso “I knew it, di ka talaga nakikinig sa sinasabi ko” napabuntong hininga sya bago nagpatuloy “Let’s just finish our food so we can leave this place” hindi maintanggi ng dalaga ang pagkadisappoint nya sa kasintahan.

Ayon ang unang date nila pero mukang hindi nageenjoy ang kanyang kasama.

Nikolai is bit alarm after seeing how disappointed Maxine with his action.

“Sorry I was thinking about my pending work” pagrarason nya

To his surprise mabilis na binaba ng dalaga ang kanyang mga kubyertos.

“And you think I’m not also worried about my pending work? Date natin to Niko di lang basta date it’s our first date. I just want your full attention on me but if it’s hard for you to give me even just one hour of your time. Let’s just continue our date next time. So please, let’s just eat silently and take me home after this” pagtatapos ni Maxine sa usapan.

Hindi na nakaimik si Nikolai dahil kita nya din kung gaano kaupset ang dalaga sakanya. Nagsisisi tuloy sya bakit about sa work ang kanyang naging rason. 

Not only it was the first thing that came out to his mind but he doesn’t have some guts to say he is thinking someone else infront of her girlfriend.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ang binata at nagpatuloy na lang sa pagkain.

It seems that their date didn’t get well.

Nasa loob na sila ng sasakyan at tulad nga ng sinabi ni Maxine ay binabagtas na nila ang daan pauwi. Simula ng matapos silang kumain ay wala pa din imikan ang magkasintahan.

Nikolai can’t help but glance to Maxine once in a while. Habang ang dalaga naman ay nakaharap ang atensyon sa gilid na bintana.

When they arrived infront of Monteverde’s house, she immediately removes her seatbelt lalabas na sana sya ng pintuan ng hinawakan ni Nikolai ang kanyang kaliwang kamay.

Nagbuntong hininga ang binata bago nagsalita “I’m sorry for spacing out and ruining our date’

“It’s okay. Maybe I’m being impulsive” sagot ng dalaga “You know you’re my first boyfriend and I should try to weigh things first before reacting” ito din ang pumasok sa isip ng dalaga habang nasa daan sila pauwi.

“I shoud get going you might have some things to do?” pamawi ni Maxine.

Nagsisisi sya how she ruins their first date and now that they seem to be okay, she cannot ask for them to continue their date.

“Right, I’ll get going.” Sagot ni Nikolai. Nahihiya na din syang yayain uli ang kasintahan ituloy ang kanilang date baka masira nya uli ang mood nito.

Ngumiti bago tumango si Maxine bilang pagsang-ayon. Dali dali syang lumabas sa kotse ni Nikolai at pumasok sakanilang bahay.

Pagdating sa kwarto ay agad nyang hiniga ang sarili sa kama at nagsisigaw sigaw habang nakatakip ang unan sa mukha.

Maxine can’t help but regret for ruining their first date.

Napabangon sya sa kama ng isipin baka makipagbreak si Nikolai dahil sa pagiging immature nya.

Chapter 6

The next day feels so unreal for Maxine because of the incident yesterday hindi nya alam paano nya haharapin ni Nikolai.

All her life she dreams of being in relationship with him but then she blew it all out because of her immaturity.

Nagsisisi tuloy sya bakit hindi sya nakipag relasyon sa iba bago kay Nikolai now she is afraid of being dump.

To think ilang days palang silang mag-on.

With a heavy heart she went to their office.

Pasara na sana ang elevator na sinasakyan nya nang may kamay na humarang dito dahilan para bumukas uli ang pinto.

Nagulat sya ng nakita na si Nikolai pala iyon at dahil exclusive elevator iyon at para sa mga executives silang dalawa lang ang laman.

Pagpasok ay agad pinindot ng binata ang floor at close button nagulat si Maxine ng bigla syang hinalikan sa labi ni Nikolai pagkasarang pagkasara ng pinto.

“Good morning Baby” he said after the kiss

Tumayo ito ng matuwid at nakatingin pa din sakanya. Hindi naman makasagot ang dalaga sa pagkabigla at hindi din nakatulong ang pag init ng kanyang mukha dahil sa ginawa nito.

She cleared her throat first before responding “G-good morning”

“Let’s have lunch later. I will fetch you in your office at 12noon.” Sakto naman pagtunog ng 29th floor kung saan ang office ni Nikolai “See you later baby” pahabol pa nito bago lumabas.

Since isang floor lang pagitan nila parang wala sa sarili ang dalaga ng lumabas sa elevator at nagdiredirecho sakanyang opisina.

Kahit nakaupo na sya sakanyang upuan ay hindi pa din sya makapaniwala sa nangyari kanina.

Ibang iba sa naiisip nyang makikipagbreak si Nikolai sakanya dahil sa nangyari.

Naisip ng dalaga na abalahin ang sarili sa trabaho dahil halos sumabog ang kanyang isip sa nangyari.

Bago iyon ay hinawakan nya muna ang kanyang labi at hindi maiwasan mapangiti.

Hindi nya makakaila na kinilig sya sa simpleng halik at pagbati ng binata.

Sakto alas 12 ng tanghali ng may kumatok bago pumasok sakanyang office dahilan para mapabaling sya dito.

“Are you not done with your work?” tanong ng kasintahan pagkatapos nitong isara ang pinto.

“Actually, katatapos ko lang pirmahan itong document” tukoy sa papeles na nasa harap nya.

“I see. So, let’s go?” tanong ni Nikolai na kinatanggo nya.

Paglabas nakita nyang wala na sa table nito ang kanyang secretary na si Kat. Nagpaalam na ito kaninang maglulunch habang busy sya sa pagrereview ng documents.

While waiting for the elevator Nikolai hold her hand but Maxine immediately removes it.

“Nik I think it’s better for us to make our relationship discreet first. Balak ko sana sa Christmas Eve sabihin sa family ko about satin.” Pakiusap ng dalaga

“Yes, I know. Sorry, I held your hand without thinking”

“It’s okay. Ako dapat magsorry sayo hindi ko pa din nasasabi sa pamilya ko about sa relasyon natin”

The elevator door open and as usual sila lang sakay nito.

“Wala iyon like I said I respect your decision. This is the first time na nagkarelasyon ka and knowing we skip the courting stage magtataka nga parents mo pag nalaman nilang may relasyon agad tayo.”

“Thank you for understanding” nakangiting sagot ni Maxine

Nakikita ng dalaga ang pageeffort ni Nikolai. Nagpareserve ito sa isa sa mga paborito nyang restaurant at todo ang pagsisilbi nito sakanya.

“Ako na yan Nik” sabi nya dito ng kumuha na naman ito ng ulam at ilalagay sakanyang plato.

“No let me do it. Actually, I want to make it up to you.” Sabi ng binata pagkatapos nitong ibaba ang platong naglalaman ng ulam. Tumingin ito sa mga mata ni Maxine bago nagpatuloy “I really want our relationship to work”

Para namang may sariling buhay ang puso ng dalaga dahil sa lakas ng tibok nito.

Hinawakan nya ang isang kamay ni Nikolai na nakapatong sa lamesa bago sumagot “Then let’s work this out”

Sumilay ang ngiti ng binata na nagpangiti din sakanya.

How Maxine wishes that the simple lunch won’t end. She’s so happy just eating with Nikolai after their brief talk.

The following days comes so smoothly. If they both have free schedule they go out for lunch or dinner even at times when Charlotte goes to her own boutique to check the sales and operation of her business. As long as Nikolai is free, he will come and fetch her.

Over those encounters never they made it again. They both know they started the wrong way, so they  both agree to have enough time to bond and know more each other as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Days turns weeks until the Christmas Eve came and as family tradition, they all should be present during that day.

Nikolai is not exempted since for Max and Charlotte he is part of the family.

They are all seated on the dining table with Max on the center aisle while his wife Charlotte is on the right side.

Maxine is on the left side seated next to Nikolai while her two siblings Charity and Fourth sits beside Charlotte which is their usual spot since they were kids.

Lumilipat lang sa tabi ni Maxine si Fourth pag hindi nila kasama si Nikolai sa hapag kainan.

“I’m so happy that you’re here for Christmas Eve Nikolai. I know you’re bit busy with your work and have your own life but I appreciate that you came here to celebrate Christmas with us.” Charlotte said.

“I’m also happy celebrating Christmas with you and this is the only least I can do for raising me up like your own” sagot ni Nikolai kay Charlotte.

Maxine knew how her parents means so much to Nikolai and hearing him say those words makes her happy.

“You’re such a sweet man Nikolai” Nakangiting sambit ni Charlotte

“I hope that even in future and you have your own family, I want you to still be present in this kind of gathering.” Sabi ni Max sa binata.

“Ofcourse tito, I promise you that” sagot naman ni Nikolai at pasimpleng sumulyap sa kasintahan.

“Dapat lang kuya, so this family will not be outnumbered by women” out of no where na sabi ni Fourth

“Bakit may problema ka ba kung mas madami kaming babae?” tanong naman ni Charity sa kapatid.

“I love Mommy and ate Maxine. Ikaw lang talaga Charity hindi ko alam kung saan napulot bakit ang weird mo” banat ni Fourth

Charity is not weird she is just too smart for her age.

“Mas weird ka! Ang tanda mo na nga isip bata ka pa din! At ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sayo Fourth call me ate I’m still older than you” only Fourth can put Charity’s guard down. Nawawala ang pagiging mahinhin nito pagkaaway ang kapatid.

“’Older my ass! Same year lang tayo pinanganak nauna ka lang ng ilang buwan sakin!” balik ni Fourth

“Tumigil na kayong dalawa. Hindi na kayo nahiya sa harap ng grasya pa kayo nagbangayan. Nakakahiya din inaasta nyo sa Kuya Nikolai at Ate Maxine nyo” panenermon ni Max sakanyang mga anak

The two said their sorrys and continue eating.

Nagkatinginan si Maxine at Nikolai. Its like Nikolai is encouraging her to tell them about their relationship.

“Uhm Mom, Dad… I want to tell you something”

“What is it anak?” tanong ng kanyang ina na si Charlotte.

Both her parents stop eating while waiting for whatever she might say

“I just want you all to know that Nikolai and I have relationship. Boyfriend ko na po sya”

Chapter 7

Katahimikan ang namayani sa dining.

Lahat ay nagulat sa kanyang inanunsyo except for Charity. Alam naman ni Maxine na mapagkakatiwalaan nya ang kapatid sa ganitong bagay.

“Does it mean magiging totoong Kuya na namin si Kuya Nikolai?” Fourth blurted

“Since when did your relationship started?” Max asked ignoring Fourth’s comment

He looks so intimidating right now gone is his warm father figure.

Max is talking like the chairman of the company in the middle of the meeting.

“Just recently Dad. I’m the one who told Niko to let me be the one to inform you this Christmas Eve” pageexplain ng dalaga.

Hinawakan naman ni Nikolai ang kamay nitong nakapatong sa lamesa. His warm hands give Maxine comfort.

She is not use announcing her relationship to her family kaya kinakabahan sya anong sasabihin ng mga ito lalo na at parang pamilya na din ang turing ng mga ito kay Nikolai.

Napasandal ang ama nyang si Max sa upuan nito “I have no problem of you two being in relationship but the fact that Nikolai did not even try to step in this house to properly court my daughter is what upset me most” kita ang bakas ng pagkaseryoso sa mukha nito na nagpapanic kay Maxine

“There’s no courting dad, we both have mutual feelings so we agreed to be in relationship-” sagot ng dalaga

“I’m sorry tito” putol ni Nikolai kung ano man ang balak nitong sabihin “I understand what you feel. I should have asked for you and tita Charlotte’s permission before deciding to make our relationship official. At some point I know I disrespected you.” Pagkukumbaba ni Nikolai

“We can’t do anything about it Love” singit ni Charlotte “Though I agree that Nikola should had asked for our permission first but hearing him apologize and knowing his fault is fine with me” as ever she is always so understanding “I’m glad you too ended up together I know this day will come” patuloy nito na nakangiti.

“Love!” tutol ni Max

“What? Nikolai grew up very responsible and good man” depensa ng ina na nagpangiti kay Maxine

Napabuntong hininga si Max kahit kailan hindi sya mananalo sakanyang asawa. May punto ito, halos sila na ang nagpalaki kay Nikolai kaya kahit paano ay hindi sya nangangaba na ito ang naging nobyo ng kanyang panganay.

“Okay then, you have our blessings but Nikolai remember that even you’re like a son to me once you hurt my daughter you might know by now what will be the consequence of your action” pagbabanta nito.

“Dad! You don’t have to say that!” saway ni Maxine

“Yes po tito” malugod na tanggap ni Nikolai.

“Congrats Ate Maxine and Kuya Nikolai!” Charity said while raising her glass of juice to lighten up the atmosphere.

“Congratulations on your relationship” pagsunod ni Charlotte also raising her glass of wine which makes others to follow her to have some toast.

Maxine is so thankful for her mother Charlotte. If she’s not so understanding person, she doesn’t know how their dinner will end up. Even her father Max is untamable he only listens to one person and that’s her mother. Maxine always dreams of having same relationship with her parents, by one look you know how they love each other.

After the dinner ended, Maxine family usually gathers in living room to have some chat.

Hours later Max stood up “Even I want to stay up long to bond with you all, I’m too old that my body easily gets tired. I will leave you all here now and have some sleep”

“Ako din mga anak sasama na ako sa daddy nyo pagpanhik” pagiinporma din ni Charlotte.

Tumayo naman ang mga anak nila para yakapin sila at batiin ng maligayang pasko ang kanilang magulang ganun din ang ginawa ni Nikolai na nakasanayan nya ng gawin simula ng tumira sya sa mga Monterverde.

Habang paakyat ay biglang huminto si Max at humarap sa kanila “Nikolai” tawag nya sa pansin ng binata na katabi ni Maxine sa sofa “Dahil madaling araw na din naman dito ka na matulog sa bahay, pero binabalaan kita kahit may relasyon na kayo ni Maxine hindi ka pwedeng matulog sa kwarto nya o umapak man lang. Nagkakaintindihan ba tayo?”

Lahat ay nagtawanan dahil sa sinabi ni Max kahit seryoso ang pagkasabi nito.

Sabay naman namula ang mukha ng magkasintahan. Hindi nila inaasahan ang biglang bwelta ni Max.

“Yes, po tito” sabi ni Nikolai na halatang naiilang

“Good” tango tango pa ni Max bago nagsimulang umakyat uli ng hagdanan

“Mom oh si Dad!” sumbong ni Maxine

“Sorry princess but I don’t see any wrong with what your dad said” pigil na ngiting sagot ni Charlotte bago sumunod sa asawang umaakyat sa hagdanan.

Maxine just sigh.

“You don’t have to worry about what your parents said” Nikolai assure

Maxine just shook her head

“Parang hindi naman ako lumaki sa magulang mo” Nikolai laugh

“Kaya nga ate sobrang pormal mo naman akala mo naman ibang tao si kuya Nikolao” sabat ni Fourth

Maxine just glares to her brother iniisip nya kailan kaya ito magmamature. Masyado atang naspoil ng mommy nila since ito ang bunso.

She can’t believe that one day she will turn over their company to this guy.

“Stop glaring at your brother baby” saway ni Nikolai sakanya na kinatawa ng kanyang mga kapatid.

“Kaya nga ate, lossen up!” panggagatong ni Fourth

The two boys start walking and sit beside each other chatting random things while Maxine is on the other side of the living room chatting with her sister Charity.

Napalingon si Maxine sa gawi nila Nikolai at ng napansin sya ng nobyo ay ngitian sya nito na syang ginantihan nya din ng ngiti bago bumalik ang atensyon ng binata kay Fourth na patuloy pa din sa pagkwekwento.

Hindi nakalusot sa paningin ni Charity ang ngitian ng mga ito.

“I’m happy seeing how smooth your relationship with kuya Nikolai ate” sabi ng kanyang kapatid na babae

“Thank you Cha for not judging me and telling our parents what I did”

“It’s not my story to tell and you’re old enough ate to know what’s right from wrong”

Charity is really like their mother not only they look alike but even the way they think. Minsan iniisip ni Maxine na mas mature at rational pang mag-isip ang kapatid kesa sakanya.

Overall, it is a memorable night for Maxine not only she’s spending the Christmas Eve with her family but also with Nikolai as her boyfriend.

Feeling nya dininig ng Diyos ang kanyang hiling na magustuhan din sya ng binata.

Chapter 8

After informing Maxine’s family about her relationship with Nikolai, everything is going smoothly.

Hanga din sya how matured Nikolai handles their relationship.

Pag may times na tinotopak sya at may ayaw sa mga bagay bagay talagang nageeffort ang binata para mag adjust para sakanya.

Nikolai is very patient and understanding man kaya pag sinabi din nito ang mga ayaw nya ay sya naman sinusunod ni Maxine.

Their relationship might not be perfect because even with some adjustment they can’t help but fight even on some petty things.

What’s important is that they fixed it before the end of the day.

Maxine is busy typing on her laptop when she saw Nikolai’s name on her phone screen calling.

Agad nya itong sinagot at inipit sa pagitan ng kanyang tainga at balikat.

“Hi baby” bati nya habang nagpapatuloy sa pagtitipa sa laptop.

Nagagawa na din nyang masanay tawagin ang kasintahan sa endearment nila.

“Hello. Sorry baby I can’t have lunch with you” buntong hininga ni Nikolai

Somehow naawa si Maxine dito, malapit ng matapos ang December and like other companies they need to finish their year-end report bago mag long holidays.

“Lunch meeting?” hula nya kaya di makakasabay ito

“Yes, I’ll make it up to you. Sabay tayong umuwi mamaya just wait for me”

Napangiti si Maxine dahil kahit gaano ito kabusy napaglalaanan pa din sya ng oras ng kasintahan

“Sure. I will ask Kat to order me lunch. Bye baby”

“You should. My meeting will start now. Bye baby”

Binaba na ni Maxine ang tawag pero ang ngiti nya ay hindi pa din maalis sakanyang labi.

Nahihibang na ata sya dahil kahit madalas naman syang tawagin na baby ni Nikolai ay di pa din nya maiwasan na kiligin.

It’s Friday night and Maxine is not expecting that Nikolai will ask her for a date.

Wala naman nabanggit ang binata sakanya kaninang kausap nya ito sa phone.

“So what’s with the sudden date?” tanong ni Maxine habang nasa sasakyan sila at nagdrdrive si Nikolai

“Well, its weekend and I want to unwind from all the stress. Why? Do you have something to do? I can take you home” sagot ng binata

“No, natanong ko lang naman” ngiti ni Maxine

Actually, kahit late ng syang umuwi okay lang sa parents ng dalaga as long as she inform them kung bakit sya gagabihin which is ginawa naman nya habang papunta sila ni Nikolai sa parking. Tinext nya na ang kanyang mommy na may date sila ng kasintahan.

Though di naman sya pinagbabawalan lagi lang siyang pinagsasabihan ng ina to know her limitation.

Nagdecide silang kumain sa isang fine dining sa loob ng mall habang hinihintay ang last full show sa sinehan.

Nikolai said he already booked for the movie that they’ll watch. Isang sci fic action movie na blockbuster hindi lang sa America kundi pati sa Pilipinas.

They are now seated on couples reclining La-Z-Boy chairs kasama sa binayadan nila ang unlimited drinks and popcorn with butler service.

Since its couple chair they are seated together while foods on their side.

Kahit weekend walang masyadong tao dahil pang 4th week ng showing ito normally pag bagong labas ang movie talaga ung madaming tao.

“How do you like the movie so far?” tanong ni Nikolai kay Maxine na busy sa panunuod habang hawak ang popcorn.

“The story is interesting. Nasa gitna na tayo ng movie pero hindi ko pa din mahulaan sino talaga ang kalaban sakanila”

When Maxine looks on Nikolai’s side nagulat sya ng makita ang konting space sa pagitan ng muka nila.

Hindi na din nakakapagtaka iyon dahil sa pwesto nila.

Matagal silang nagtitigan hanggang dumapo ang mata ng binata sa kanyang mga labi. Hindi maiwasan ni Maxine mapalunok dahil dito.

Wala pang ilang segundo ay naramdaman nya na ang paglapat ng mga labi ng kasintahan.

Ang simpleng halik ay lumalim dahil sakanyang pagtugon.

Unang humiwalay si Nikolai at hinawakan sya sa balikat para ilayo.

“We should not do it here it’s a public place. I’m sorry” Nikolai said

Kinagat ni Maxine ang kanyang labi. She can’t deny that she also like the kissed they shared.

“Then do you want us to do it somewhere?” she initiated

The burning desire from Nikolai’s eyes cannot be denied “You don’t know what you’re asking for baby. I’m trying my best to control myself”

Linagay ni Maxine ang isang kamay sa dibdib ng lalaki at matapang na sinalubong ang tigin nito bago sumagot “Then don’t”

As if her word is a magic spell, Nikolai stand up and grab her hand to walk to the nearest exit.

Obviously hindi na nila tatapusin ang pinapanuod na movie.

Ang bilis ng pangyayari dahil nakasandal na ang magkasintahan ngayon sa kakasarang pinto ng isang kwarto sa hotel.

Mula ng umalis sila sa sinehan dumerecho sila sa pinakamalapit na hotel at ito sila sabik na sabik sa piling ng isa’t isa.

Maxine is not scared where their kisses will end up. It’s been too long from the first time they made it and Charity already given her the first dose of her depot shot.

Like what they talked about bumalik sya sa kapatid after nitong datnan para magpabakuna.

While Nikolai and Maxine are both busy kissing each other, their hands are also busy touching each other’s body.

“God! How I miss kissing and touching you like this” sabi ng binata

Habang si Maxine naman ay naghahabol ng hinga mula sa maalab nilang halikan. Nakasandal pa din ang kanyang likod sa pintuan.

Nikolai’s warm hands removed her panty and roll-up her skirt up to her waist.

Bumaba ang binata at pinatong ang kaliwa nyang hita sa balikat nito.

Nahigit ang hininga ni Maxine at napatingala ng naramdaman nya ang pagdampi ng labi ng lalaki sakanyang maselang bahagi.

The hot breath from his mouth and wet lips tracing her slit makes Maxine moan for more.

“Ohhhh Baby” ungol ng dalaga

She put her hand to his head while looking how Nikolai devours her lower part.

Parang sinasadya ng binata ang mabagal na pagdila sa kanyang pagkababae habang ang mata nito ay nakatingin sakanya.

“Ohhhh Nik. You’re making me insane” hirap nyang sumbat sa lalaki.

Pinasok ni Nikolai ang isang kamay sa loob ng kanyang damit para mahawakan ang isa nyang dibdib. Napaungol si Maxine sa paghihimas at pisil ng lalaki doon.

Hanggang ngayon ay may mga saplot pa din sila at ang kapirasong tela na tumatakip sakanyang pagkababae palang ang natanggal.

Maxine can’t think that she can still hold it anymore when she felt Nikolai’s finger making its way inside her while his tongue is expertly licking every inch of her gem.

Medyo ramdam nya pa din ang sakit sa ginawang paglabas pasok ng daliri ng kasintahan pero mas nangibabaw pa din ang sarap na nararamdaman mas lalo nya din naramdaman ang pagkabasa ng dinagdagan nito ang daliring gumagalaw sa kanyang kalooban.

“Ahhh Baby I can’t take it anymore” she cried

Dahil sa narinig mas lalong binilisan ni Nikolai ang ginagawa hanggang naramdaman nya ang malapot na likido mula sa dalaga.

“You have the sweetest juice baby” sabi ni Nikolai pagkatapos himudin ang linabas ng dalaga.

Tumayo ito at sinalo ang naghihinang si Maxine.

Dinala ng binata sa kama ang kasintahan para ihiga habang sya ay nanatiling nakatayo sa paanan ng kama.

“Now let’s move to the main course” Nikolai said while removing his clothes on.

Chapter 9

Napalunok na lang si Maxine ng makita ang kabuuan ni Nikolai.

The first time they did it she’s tipsy at mas pinagtuunan nya ng pansin ang sarap na pinapadama sakanya ng binata.

What they did was too blurry from her memory but with overflowing feeling.

Ngayon na di sya lasing kitang kita nya ang bawat detalye ng hubad na katawan ng kanyang kasintahan na nakatayo sa dulo ng kama.

Mula sa nakaakit nitong katawan at nagmumurang abs napadako ang tingin nya sa ari nito.

Napalunok uli sya at hindi maalis ang matang nakatutok doon.

Sobrang laki at may katabaan ang pagkalalaki nito na halatang may ipagmamaliki. Hindi nya lubos akalain na nagkasya ito sakanya noong unang may nangyari sakanila.

“Done checking me out baby?” nakaakit na tanong ni Nikolai na mas lalong naturn-on dahil sa paglakbay ng mata ni Maxine sakanyang katawan lalo na ng tumagal ito sa ibabang parte.

Namula ang dalaga na kinatawa ni Nikolai.

Walang sabi sabi ay pinatungan nya na ito at sinungaban ng mainit na halik. Mas lalong ginanahan ang binata ng tumugon ang kasintahan.

Nakapulupot na sa leeg ng lalaki ang kamay ni Maxine at sisubukan suklian ang agresibong halik nito.

Wala syang pakialam kung nalalasahan nya ang sarili sa bibig ng binata. Mas lalo lang syang nagiinit dahil doon.

Hindi nya maiwasan mapaungol sa tuwing kinikiskis ng lalaki ang kahabaan nito sakanyang gitnang parte. Ramdam nya ang kanyang pagkabasa.

The sensation is too much specially when Nikolai is touching every part of her body and tracing her slit lightly while he continues to run down his kisses from her neck to her breast.

“Ohhh baby please” she moans

She wants something more and she knew what it was.

“What do you want baby?” masuyong tanong ni Nikolai na nasa pagitan na ngayon ng kanyang dibdib ang mga halik nito.

“I-I want you inside me” sagot ng dalaga

“What do you specifically want? Hmmm” he teased while slowly sucking and biting her nipple.

“Oooh Fuck! I want your cock inside me Niko please!” nafrufrustate na sinabi ni Maxine.

She’s becoming impatient and her boyfriend is enjoying watching the way she begs.

“Your wish is my command” he said in one swift thrust.

“Ahhhh” Maxine can’t help but moan because of Nikolai’s sudden thrust. Yes she can still feel the pain but due to her wetness she can feel the pleasure of him inside her.

“You’re so tight baby. Ohhh” wika ng binata habang mabagal na naglalabas pasok sa loob ng kasintahan.

Dahil sa sobrang pinagpala ang ari ng kanyang kasintahan feeling ni Maxine masstock ito sa pagkababae nya. Sa tuwing hinuhugot ng lalaki ang kahabaan nito she can feel her walls move around him every thrust Nikolai did.

“Ahh ang sarap Nikooo” Maxine said

Nikolai can feel Maxine’s wall building up so he starts to move faster.

“Ang sarap mo baby I don’t think I can’t take it anymore” sabi ng binata na mas lalong binilisan ang pagbayo.

Mas lalong lumakas ang ungol ng dalaga ng linabasan ito na mas nagpabilis ng galaw ni Nikolai.

When Nikolai felt he’s about to cum he removed his buddy and have few strokes and spill it out on Maxine’s stomach.

Parehong naghahabol ng hininga ang dalawa.

Saglit tumayo si Nikolai at kumuha ng tissue para ipamunas sa katawan ng dalaga kung saan nya linabas ang kanyang likido.

“Are you alright?” he asked Maxine after cleaning her up.

“That was mind blowing” she said honestly.

Nikolai lay down beside her and lift her a little so she could use his arm as her pillow. She faces Nikolai and wrap her one hand on his waist to hug him.

Hinalikan naman ng binata ang nuo ng dalaga bago nagsalita “I hope I have satisfied you”

Maxine narrows her eyes to her boyfriend “You’ve did great and besides to whom can I compare if what you did was satisfying?”

Nagdilim naman ang mukha ni Nikolai. Hindi nito nagustuhan ang sinabi ng dalaga. “Don’t ever try to think to do it with other man” seryosong sabi nito na nagpaintimidate kay Maxine.

“O-ofcourse! You’re my boyfriend at hindi naman ako kaladkarin. I just answer what you said” sagot ng dalaga.

“Nevermind” sabi ng binata at pumatong na naman sa dalaga

“How about we do it again and tell me if it’s more satisfying than what we did earlier” may pilyong ngiti sa mga labi.

Maxine can’t help but laugh with Nikolai’s sudden mood change.

“Then why don’t we start now?” sagot nya at nagpapalit palit ang tingin sa mata at labi ng binata habang hinahaplos ang pisngi nito.

Nikolai start kissing Maxine taking her last word as a cue for another round.

They did again and again like reenacting what they did earlier.

Kung hindi lang nakaramdam ng sakit ang dalaga sa gitna nito hindi ata sila titigil sakanilang ginagawa.

When Maxine looks on the desk clock it’s already 2am in the morning.

“Oh my gosh!” she exclaimed and due to sudden panic napabalikwas sya ng bangon na kanyang pinagsisihan.

It’s like dejavu after Nikolai devirginized her and getting up the bed for the first time. She can feel the pain and she bet it’s swollen down there.

“Are you okay?” Nikolai said with concern

“Yeah but I need to go home. Ang alam lang nila mommy magdadate tayo baka maghinala sila bakit hindi pa ako nakakauwi” paliwanag nya.

She was so lucky the first time they did it her parents went out of town kaya hindi sya naabutan umuwi na tirik na tirik ang araw.

“Let me carry you and take a warm bath to ease the pain” sabi ng kasintahan at walang hirap syang dinala sa banyo at linapag na bathtub. Ito mismo ang nagtest kung okay na ang mainit na tubig.

“I should take a separate shower. I can’t trust myself sharing same bath with and we might end-up for another round”

“Yah, so you better take the shower instead” turo ni Maxine sa shower na nasa kabilang bahagi ng bathtub at may glass wall sa paligid.

Nakaramdam ng kaginhawaan ang dalaga after magbabad sa bathtub at since tapos na at nauna ng lumabas si Nikolai sya naman sumunod sa shower para magsabon at shampoo. Laking pasalamat nya at may hair dryer ang hotel kaya napatuyo nya agad ang kanyang buhok.

Hindi nya alam kung pagdating nya ng madaling araw may makasalubong syang pamilya sa baba at magtaka bakit basa ang kanyang buhok. Mabuti na ang maingat.

Paglabas nya ng banyo ay nasa labas at nag-aabang si Nikolai. Nakaayos na ang kanyang damit na nakahanger sa open closet.

Tinulungan sya nito na isuot ang kanyang damit.

Umalis agad sila sa hotel ngayon ay nasa tapat na sila ng kanilang bahay pero hindi pa bumababa si Maxine.

“It’s weekend so take this whole day to rest. I will just visit you here tomorrow”

“Sure. You should also rest the whole day. I’ll go ahead” sabi ni Maxine at hinalikan sa labi ang kasintahan bago lumabas ng sasakyan “Text me when your home. Bye baby” she said.

Nikolai nod and answer “Bye baby”

Sinarado na ni Maxine ang pinto at hinintay umalis ang sasakyan nito.

Pumasok agad sya sa loob ng gate ng hindi na matanaw ito. Nakabukas naman na ang gate ng bahay nila kanina palang ng pagkadating nila dahil sa guard na naka duty.

Laking pasalamat nya na wala syang pamilyang nakasalubong sa baba kaya agad syang nakadating sa sariling kwarto.

Nagpalit lang sya ng pantulog at agad dinalaw ng antok pagkalapat palang ng likod sa kama.

Chapter 10

January came and they just celebrate at home like usual Nikolai is in their house for New Year’s Eve.

They watched the fireworks from lanai it’s a picturesque because of the overlooking city from their place.

Maxine is wearing white ruffle dress while Nikolai is in his casual polo shirt and short.

She is hugging him from the side while Nikolai’s other hand is wrap around her waist and his other hand is holding the glass of wine.

Nikolai is talking to Max who is seated beside his wife Charlotte.

Sanay na ang pamilya ng dalagang makita silang naglalambingan beside they are at the right age and most importantly legal naman ang kanilang relasyon.

They all did the countdown and after the last number Maxine and Nikolai face each other greet happy new year with a smack kiss before greeting others.

After the long holidays they are now back to work.

Hindi na din masyadong nagsasabay ang magkasintahan kumain or umuwi which is understandable. They go to different meeting minsan magkasama but most of the time they are sent individually to represent the company.

One day Maxine is so busy reading some papers when one proposal given to her was handled by Nikolai as she was scanning the paper may nalimutan itong iattach na supporting document so she immediately calls her assistant Kat.

“Yes Ms. Maxine” Kat said on the other line.

“Kindly call Nikolai’s secretary, ask him about LENECom sales graph they might forgot to attached it” one of the requirements they need from possible client is their yearly sales graph to know how stable their company’s sales.

“Sure Mam” sagot ng kanyang sekretarya.

After few minutes, Kat is on the other line “Yes, Kat”

“Mam as per Mr. Santos, the sales graph is still with Mr. Nikolai it was given yesterday by client as they presented their company’s salles for the continuation of the meeting”

“Oh iyon naman pala why it is not attached on their report?”

“Mam Mr. Nikolai is not feeling well so he is not in the office right now. Mr. Santos said there’s a sticky note attached stating that sales graph is to follow”

Hindi na narinig ng dalaga ang ibang sinabi ni Kat ang tumatak sa isip nya ay hindi nakapasok si Nikolai dahil hindi maganda ang pakiramdam nito.

“What? Is Nikolai sick?”

“Yes Mam”

“Okay then, cancel all my appointment today. I will go somewhere”

“Noted on that”

“Thanks Kat. I have to go” after ending the call Maxine get her bag and went out her office.

Maxine presses the basement button and immediately drive her car. She tried calling Nikolai but he is not answering.

She decided to order some drive thru for lunch and congee that will help her boyfriend feel better.

As soon as she parked the car infront of Nikolai’s house, she punches his passcode. Luckily Maxine knows the gate and door’s passcode kung hindi mababalewala ang punta nya sa bahay nito.

Pagkapasok nya palang sa bahay ramdam nya ang tahimik nito agad syang pumunta sa kusina at linipat sa plato ang kanyang pinamili.

She also gets some water and put it all in the tray. Buti na lang may paracetamol sya sa medicine kit nyang nasa loob ng bag kaya hindi nya na kailangan dumaan sa botika.

Maxine carried the tray of foods still on her corporate pencil skirt and long sleeve. Her high heels shoes making sound on her every step on the stairs.

Thankful that his bedroom door is not lock she went inside and put the tray on the bedside table.

Kita nya na nakatalukbong ang kasintahan. Agad sinipat ni Maxine ang nuo nito at nagulat dahil nagaapoy na pala ito sa init.

“Oh gosh you’re hot! Niko, baby common wake up” yugyog nya sa binata

Nakapa nya din basa ang tshirt nito sa pawis ng hawakan nya ito bandang braso.

“Mmmm” sagot lang nito

Hinayaan nya lang muna itong matulog at naghanap ng towel sa cabine na pwedeng gamitin na pang punas. Linabasan nya din ng boxer at sando ang lalaki para maging kumportable ito.

Agad nyang tinungo ang CR para basain ng tubig ang towel na hawak.

Pagbalik nya ay sinumulan nyang punasan ang kasintahan at pilit itong ginigising. “Baby wake up”

“Maxine?”

“Ako nga. I brought you food. You sit down first punasan muna kita para kahit paano bumaba ang lagnat mo”

Nanghihina man ay sinunod ng binata ang kasintahan. Inalalayan sya nito para makaupo at sumandal sa headboard. Maxine removes his shirt and wipe his body. Pabalik balik sa CR at kama ang dalaga dahil wala itong nkaitang plangana na pwedeng gamitin.

Kahit ganun pa man at nakaheels ito hindi nakitaan ni Nikolai ng pagrereklamo. Seryoso ito pinupunasan ang kanyang katawan habang sinesermunan na parang nanay.

“Kung hindi pa nagkulang ung attachment na pinasa ng secretary mo hindi ko pa malalaman na may sakit ka. Paano kung hindi ako dumating? Baka kinumbulsyon ka na sa init ngayon” kunot nuong sabi ni Maxine

“Baby I’m sorry, please don’t be mad” sabi ni Nikolai habang hawak ang kamay ng dalagang damit nitong pampunas sa kanyang katawan nya.

“Haist ano pa bang magagawa ko? Sorry din I can’t help. I’m just worried lalo na’t mag-isa ka lang dito”

Pinaalis din nito ang kanyang pajama at pinunasan bago pinasuot ang boxer. Si Maxine din ang nagpakain sakanya dahil medyo nahihilo pa din sya.

After feeding him pinainum sya nito ng gamot.

“You should take a rest” sabi ng dalaga

“And you should eat too” paalala din ni Nikolai sakanya

Hindi kasi nakasabay kumain ng lunch si Maxine dahil busy ito sa pagsubo sa kasintahan.

Ngayon ay nakahiga na ito para matulog ay nagumpisa na din syang kumain.

After eating she went down and wash all the dishes before going up to check on Nikolai.

Nakahinga sya ng maluwag ng hindi na ito mainit.

Since wala din naman syang gagawin at naramdaman nya ang sakit ng katawan kaya nagpasya syang tabihan ang binata at umidlip sandali.

She felt relief after removing her shoes. Medyo mapula ang kanyang paa sa paglalakad.

Pumailalim din sya sa kumot nito, humiga patagilid at yinakap si Nikolai na nakatalikod sakanya.

Nagising si Maxine ng may naramdaman na humahaplos sakanyang buhok.

Pagmulat ng mata ay agad nyang nabungadan si Nikolai na nakaharap na sakanya habang hindi pa din tumitigil ang kamay na humahaplos sakanyang buhok.

“May lagnat ka pa ba?” sinapo nya pa ang nuo nito buti na lang ay normal na uli ang body temp nito.

“Wala na. Magaling ang doktor ko eh”

Mahina naman hinampas ni Maxine ang dibdib nito “Bolero! Si Mommy lang at Charity ang doctor” though hindi pa doktor ang kapatid niya ay doon din naman papunta iyon.

Bumangon na si Nikolai at tinulungan din syang maka-upo sa kama.

“Did I sleep for too long?” tanong ni Maxine

“No, just enough to regain your energy after taking care of me”

“It’s okay baby, next time you don’t feel well you should inform me”

Nikolai hug Maxine and kiss her forehead “Noted Mam”

Maxine smile on his sweet gesture “Good”

She checks her watch and its 5pm hindi nya alam matagal pala syang nakatulog.

They decided to order some pizza for snacks and Nikolai told her to stay for dinner dahil kaya na daw nitong magluto.

Hinayaan na lang ni Maxine ang kasintahan dahil mapilit ito.

Chapter 11

Nakatingin ngayon sa harap ng salamin si Maxine habang linalagay ang huling pares ng diamond dangle earrings sakanyang tainga.

Muli ay sinipat ang sarili sa full-size mirror ng kanyang walk-in closet.

Suot ang black satin Versace long gown sweetheart neckline which shows a little glimpse of her boobs and cleavage. The dress also has high slit on the right side of her legs with wide-open back tinernohan nya ito ng Manolo Blahnik red pumps crystal jeweled straps.

She had this smokey eyes and red lipstick that compliments her dress. Tinaas din ng kanyang stylist ang buhok making a messy bun to emphasize her back.

Today is their company’s anniversary, after her hair and make-up umalis na ang kanyang personal stylist ng makitang wala ng kailangan iretouch.

Nakaalis na din ang kanyang pamilya. Hindi sumabay ang dalaga sa mga ito dahil susunduin sya ni Nikolai.

Pagkalabas sa walk-in closet ay sakto naman narinig nya ang katok sakanyang pinto “Mam nandito na po si Sir Nikolai” sabi ng isa sakanilang kasambahay.

“Okay yaya” sagot ng dalaga at kinuha ang pouch na nasa kanyang side table bago bumaba.

Halos mahigit ang kanyang hininga ng makita si Nikolai sa suot nitong Alexander McQueen black suit. Dapat ay hindi na sya mamangha dahil lagi naman nyang nakikita nag binata sa suit nito but this time he looks neat with his hair brush up on the side which makes him manly at the same time.

Sinalubong sya nito sa huling baitang ng hagdanan sabay lagay ng isang kamay sakanyang likod bago hinalikan sa labi.

“You look sinfully gorgeous on your dress baby” Nikolai said with burning desire visible on her eyes.

“You’re not bad yourself” Maxine said in a husky voice still feeling the warm hand of her boyfriend caressing her back.

Kinawit nya ang kamay sa braso ng kasintahan at hinila ng konti “So shall we?”

Though Maxine likes the intense look given by Nikolai she doesn’t want to be late for the event.

Para naman natauhan ang binata at tumango lang sa sinabi ng kasintahan.

While driving Nikolai don’t know if he can last until the event is over. Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang company anniversary ay heto sya nag-iinit dahil sa suot ng kasintahan.

The dress did justice of showing Maxine’s figure napaigting ang kanyang panga ng maisip na kung sya nga ay naapektuhan sa suot nito paano pa kaya ang ibang mga lalaking makakasalamuha nito mamaya.

“Hey Baby, are you okay?” untag ng dalaga at hinawakan pa nito ang kamay nyang nasa manubela.

“I’m good” maikling sagot ng binata at di man lang binalingan ng tingin si Maxine derecho pa din tingin nito sa daan.

Maxine is confused of his action. Kanina lang ay nakita nya ito na may paghanga at pagkasabik ng sinundo sya sakanilang bahay and now the atmosphere has changed.

“If there’s no problem then why you’re acting different?” Yes, Maxine knows that Nikolai is a man of few words but with his hard expression is like he’s not please with something.

“I-is it about the dress?” she asked when she realize it must be it. Never did she wear those kinds of cut before only now because she wants to impress Nikolai “I’m sorry I was just trying to impress you” napayuko na lang sya.

She feels so helpless.

Naramdaman nya na lang na gumilid ang sasakyan at huminto ito.

“I’m sorry baby, I really like your dress” kinuha ni Nikolai ang isang kamay ng dalaga at ipinatong sa matigas nitong umbok sa gitna “See the effect of that dress on me baby. I’m having hard time controlling myself and I was thinking if I’m having boner just the mere view of you with that dress how would other guys react?”

Maxine was astounded with Nikolia’s sudden outburst. “I’m sorry I don’t know” iyon lang ang sabi ng dalaga at mabilis hinablot ang kamay na pinatong ng kasintahan sa ari nito.

“It’s okay baby, just do me a favor by staying beside me the whole event” sabi ni Nikolai at sinimulan na uling magdrive.

Maxine clung her hand on Nikolai’s arm though they are now official they never announced it to anyone so seeing them together will not make people think of anything besides they are each other’s date for a longtime every company’s anniversary.

Naiinis si Maxine makita na madaming babae ang nakatingin ngayon kay Nikolai they make it obvious that they are eye raping her boyfriend even they know she’s beside him.

“Stop glaring baby” Nikolai whisper on her hears enough for just the two of them to hear it.

“Those bitches have the guts to look at you with lust kahit alam nilang may kasama ka”

Nikolai only tap her hand still wrap on his arm “If you only knew how I want to punch all the guys face whose eyes can’t stop roaming around your body”

Doon lang napansin ni Maxine ang mga lalaking tumitingin sa gawi nya. One of the guys even raise his wine glass when their eyes met. She even heard Nikolai scowl beside her.

Napangiwi naman si Maxine.

“Let’s just forget about them what’s important you are mine and I’m all yours” she said while looking intensely to Nikolai’s eyes.

“Sure bay” Nikolai said satisfied of what she said. He even plants a kiss on her temple.

“Oh the couple are here” Charlotte said when she got near them

“Good evening tita” bati ni Nikolai inalis naman ni Maxine ang pagkahawak sa braso nito para makalapit ang kasintahan sakanyang ina dahil bumeso ito at binaling ang tingin ni Nikolai kay Max para batiin din ito “and tito” he said acknowledging his presence.

“You look dashing Nikolai” pagpuri ni Charlotte habang nasa tabi nito ang asawa na nakapulupot ang braso sa kanyang bewang.

Maxine just rolls her eyes how her father is so possessive with her mother akala mo may magtatangka pang umagaw nito sakanya. For goodness sake they are too old for that.

“Thanks tita, you look so young with your dress”

“Naku tama na ang pambobola. The event will start in a minute you should take a seat”

“Yes Mom” sagot ni Maxine at sumunod sa magulang para sa table na nakareserve para sakanilang pamilya.

Everything went well with the event. Her father Max made an opening remarks and overview of company’s achievement last year.

May mga pinalabas pang slide show with the company’s event and foundations they are involved.

They had their dinner being served and music playing on the background.

Pinauna ng pinauwi ng kanilang mga magulang si Charity at Fourth after ng kainan. Halatang nasayahan ang mga kapatid ni Maxine because they both find the event boring for their age.

Wala na din masyadong ganap dahil more on kamustahan ng mga client at empleyado. May mga nagsasayawan na din sa dance floor.

Maxine and Nikolai are together while entertaining their guest or co-workers ganun din ang parents’ ng dalaga.

Kung hindi sa baywang ni Maxine nakalagay ang kamay ng kasintahan ay nasa likod nya ito o nakaakbay sakanyang balikat. Nikolai’s gesture doesn’t bother Maxine at all in fact she likes how he shows possessiveness around her.

After talking nonstop Nikolai ask Maxine for a dance.

It’s a slow dance so what Maxine needs to do is wrap her arms around Nikolai’s nape at she felt his strong arms wrap around her small hips. They look like hugging while swaying their body.

Habang nagsasayaw ay lumapit si Charlotte at Max sa kanilang gawi para magpaalam na uuwi na. Nagpresenta pa ang magkasintahan na ihatid ang mga ito na syang tinutulan ng ginang. Charlotte said that they should continue dancing and enjoy the night.

Binilinan din sila ni Max na magstay hanggang matapos ang party since sila na lang ang natira para magrepresent sa kanilang company at pamilya.

Sinangayunan naman iyon ni Maxine at Nikolai and now they continue dancing like what Charlotte said.

“This dress is really sinful” di mapigilan sabihin ni Nikolai

“Sorry na. I really bought this dress for you” sabi ni Maxine at biglang may naisip na kalokohan “Do you want to know what I’m wearing behind this cloth?” she said in low voice good enough for Nikolai to hear.

Naramdaman nya ang paghapit ni Nikolai sakanya ng tiningala nya ito nakita nya ang paglunok ng binata. Seems like the cat got his tongue so she takes it a cue to continue “I’m only wearing red g-string underneath baby and nothing else aside from that” Maxine said while her breath is caressing Nikolai’s face.

“Okay I have enough of self-control” inalis ng binata ang pagkakayakap sakanya at hinila ang isang kamay palayo sa dance floor

“But Dad said we need to stay here until the party is over” Maxine said.

Malakas ang loob nyang asarin ito dahil alam nyang hindi sila pwedeng basta umalis sa party hanggang hindi natatapos tulad ng bilin ng ama.

Nang nakalayo sila sa dance floor at walang masyadong tao sa kanilang pwesto ay hinarap sya ng kasintahan.

“Who said we’re going to ditch the party? We also need to go to the restroom once in a while” Nikolai said and lean forward just an inch away from Maxine’s face “Besides I have enough of your teasing baby” pagtatapos nito na may nakakaakit na boses.

Maxine just swallows an invisible lump. She feels so nervous and excited at the same time making her red g-string wet.

Chapter 12

Nakahawak pa din ng mahigpit sa palapulsuhan nya si Nikolai nasa likod sya ng binata dahil sa laki ng mga hakbang nito.

Nagulat sya ng lagpasan nila ang restroom ng function room saan dinadaos ang anniversary ng kanilang kumpanya.

Paglabas sa pinto may nakitang babaeng staff ng hotel na nakatayo sa labas ng function room. Isa siguro ito sa mga umaasikaso ng mga guest.

“Excuse me, may I know where is your other restroom here? Mahaba kasi pila ng restroom sa loob” tukoy ni Nikolai sa kwartong linabasan nila.

Napayuko na lang si Maxine habang kagat ang labi. Naisip nya kasi ung daan sa restroom sa loob kanina mukha naman walang masyadong tao doon but ofcourse it’s not the real reason why her boyfriend is looking for another one.

“You go straight ahead sir medyo malayo lang ung restroom dito sa kabilang wing pa nasa pinakadulo po iyon sa right side may makikita kayong signage”

“Okay, thanks miss”

“Welcome sir”

Nakahinga ng maluwag si Maxine ng nagpatuloy na sila sa paglalakad. Mukha naman kasing walang idea ung staff kung anong pwede nilang gawin sa loob ng banyo.

Nang narating nila ang cr na pangbabae ay agad syang hinila ni Nikolai bago linock ang pinto.

Binuhat sya nito kaya automatic na pumulupot ang kanyang kamay sa batok nito. Naramdaman nya na lang ang malamig na lababo kung saan sya nito pinaupo.

Igagala palang nya sana ang mata sa loob ng banyo ng sinungaban sya ng halik ni Nikolai.

He is teasing her with his kisses kaya mas naging agresibo sya sa paghalik balik dito wala na syang pakialam kung may tao man sa loob ng banyo. Mukhang wala naman dahil sa nakakaeskandalong tunog ng kanilang halik tuwing naghihiwalay ang mga labi malamang ay napasinghap na kung sino man ang makarinig sakanila.

Nikolai pull down her sweatheart neckline showing her hard swollen pink nipple.

Nagsimula ng haplusin ng binata ang kanyang naglalakihang bundok na nagpaungol sa dalaga.

“These babies are waiting for my attention” Pinagdikit ito ng binata at sinimulan dillaan sa gitna ng kanyang cleavage at salitan pinaikot sa kanyang mga corona.

“Ahh baby” Maxine wants to surpass her moan but his warm tongue licking her boobs makes it hard for her to stay sane.

Nikolai is gripping her breast tightly and sucking alternatively while looking on her eyes.

The lust in his eyes is visible making Maxine let her mouth hung open while enjoying the view of Nikolai sucking her tits like a hungry baby.

“Yes baby enjoy watching how I mark your body” sabi ng binata at tinaas ang palda nito hanggang bewang ng dalaga.

He removes Maxine panty slowly and put it inside his slack’s pocket.

“Give me a good view of this wet pussy” Nikolai said and help Maxine lean on the mirror from her back.

Nagulat ang dalaga ng dumapo ang dalawang daliri ng kasintahan sakanyang pagkababe. “Ohh that so good baby” she said while not removing her gaze to him.

She saw how Nikolai lift his two finger and put it inside his mouth tasting the wetness from her folds. She was turn on by that sight. Hindi pa nakuntento ang binata at nakita nyang may laway nito ang dariling linabas sa bibig.

He put his wet fingers on her pussy which Maxine moan louder. Sinabayan ng dalaga ng paggiling ang daliri ng kasintahan sakanyang pagkababae.

“Ahh baby please put it inside me” she begs napasinghap sya na dalawang daliri agad ang pinasok sakanya.

“Like this?” Nikolai said while fingering Maxine is a slow phase

“Damn it Niko! Faster!” she is growing impatient.

“As you wish baby” he said and start his phase faster not contended how his fingers satisfy his girlfriend he bends down until his face reach her pussy and lick her good while his fingers keep its work.

“Ahh yes! Yes! I’m cumming baby” sumasabay na ang indayog ng kanyang katawan sa ginagawa ni Nikolai sa kanyang pagkababae.

Maxine doesn’t care if her moans are getting louder all she cares how good Nikolai is doing her.

She caught her breath when she felt her release “Ahhhh”

Nanghihina pa man ay binaba sya ni Nikolai sa pagkakaupo sa lababo inalalayan sya nito patalikod sa binata. He helps her bend her body. Now she can see her flushed face in the mirror with her boobs swollen and wet from Nikolai’s sucking.

Maxine skirt is still pull upward on her hips which shows a little glimpse of her butt cheeks from her bended position.

“I know you will like this baby” Nikolai whispered on her ears

“Yes baby please put your cock inside me”

Narinig ng dalaga ang pagkalas ng kasintahan sa belt nito. Kitang kita nya ang repleksyon nito sa salamin at gaano tayong tayo ang ari nito nang maibaba na ang pagbabang saplot.

In a swift move he was already inside her. Ramdam nya kung paano pumintig ang pagkalalaki nito sa loob nya.

“Ahh baby you’re so warm and tight around me” Nikolai said and start pounding fast and hard

“Ahhh Niko!” Maxine can’t remove her eyes from the mirror she was so turn on how they’re body slams to each other and how her boobs bounce.

Pinipisil pisil ng binata ang kanyang kanyang korona at maya’t maya ay linalamas ang kanyang dibdib habang tuloy tuloy ang pagbayo nito mula sa likod.

Puro ungol nilang dalawa ang nariring sa loob ng apat na sulok ng banyong iyon.

Maxine felt herself cum again “Ohh baby that was so good” she said while Nikolai still continue trusting her.

She can feel her juices dripping down between her legs. Nagulat sya ng sinampay ni Nikolai ay isa nyang hita sa lababo nanatili ang kamay ng binata sa binti nya para sumuporta.

“I’m about to come baby. Ahh I like how you’re gripping me so tight”

Hindi alam ni Maxine na muscle control pala ang ginagawa nya. She was so turn on with their current position.

“Ahhh give it to me baby. Spill your seed inside me” Maxine said

“Are you sure?” tanong ng binata habang pabilis ng pabilis ang pagbayo nito

“Yes I’m safe. I’m cumming. Ahhh” Maxine can feel herself reaching her 3rd orgasm

“Let’s come together baby” Nikolai said while spurting all his seed inside Maxine.

They remain silent for a moment to catch their breath and Nikolai help Maxine clean her up and wear their clothes properly.

Nang masipat na okay na ang ayos nila ay bumalik na sila sa event.

All throughout the event Maxine is seated and try resting as much as she could from the intense sex she had with Nikolai.

Chapter 13

Ngayon araw ang alis nila Maxine at Nikolai para bisitahin ang lolo’t lola ng binata sa probinsya at para pormal din ipaalam sa mga ito ang kanilang relasyon.

Kasabay sa pagpunta sa probinsya ay ang pamamahagi ni Maxine ng kaunting tulong sa mga tao doon. Sa bawat sale ng kanyang boutique may pursyento sa kita nito ay linalaan nya para sa Charity works ng dalaga.

Nakipagcoordinate na sya sa LGU doon at mga foundations na kanyang tinutulungan isa din sa gagawin activity ay ang pamamahagi ng kaalaman sa mga kababaihan kung paano gumawa ng mga munting bagay na pwede nilang gamitin pang hanap buhay kasama na din doon ang pamamahagi ng pondong pang capital.

“Mag-iingat kayo doon anak ha. Pakamusta na lang ako kay Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex sabihin mo pag hindi na masyadong busy ay dadalawin namin sila ng Daddy mo” sabi ni Charlotte sakanyang anak.

“Yes Mom, I’ll tell them. Mag-iingat din kayo dito” nagyakapan silang mag-ina bago nakita ang pagpasok ng sasakyan ni Nikolai sa kanilang gate

Pagkahinto ay agad lumabas ang binata para batiin si Charlotte “Good morning tita” at ang kanyang kasintahan “Good morning Baby” sabay halik sa nuo ni Maxine na tinugon lang nito ng ngiti

Hindi nakaligtas kay Maxine ang ngiti ng ina na parang kinikilig sakanila

“Good morning din iho. Sige na gumayak na kayo baka malate pa kayo sa flight traffic pa man din” pagtataboy ni Charlotte sa magkasintahan

“Okay po tita alis na po kami” paalam ni Nikolai at linagay na sa compartment ang bagahe ng kasintahan

They were chatting on the way to airport. Iniwan muna nila sa park n fly ang sasakyan ni Nikolai bago sila pumasok ng terminal 3 kung nasaan ang local flight nila.

While inside the airplane hindi maiwasan maexcite si Maxine ngayon nya lang uli kasi makikita ang lolo’t lola ni Nikolai na dating kasama nila sa bahay. Ang matandang babae din ang nagturo sakanya paano magluto ng panahon na nagdadalaga palang sya.

Ngayon ay nakalapag na ang eroplano sa probinsya ng lalaki.

“Welcome to Sta. Ynes baby” bulong sakanya ni Nikolai

Namangha si Maxine ng makita ang airport ay napapaligidan ng mga bundok. Ang Sta. Ynes ay bandang Visayas halatang hindi pa masyadong develop ang lugar kitang kita ito sa liit ng airport nila iisa lang ang departure at arrival nito.

Paglabas nila sa arrival area ay may nakita silang matandang lalaki na nakangiti habang kumakaway “Nikolai” masayang tawag nito sa binata

Nakita ng dalaga ang pagngiti ni Nikolai “Mang Esto kamusta na po?” nagkamayan ang dalawang lalaki at nagyakapan

“Okay naman ako. Ikaw? Kamusta ka na? Ang tagal mo ng hindi nauwi” balik tanong ni Mang Esto

“Okay naman po ako medyo busy lang sa trabaho kaya ngayon lang uli naka-uwi”

“Ganun ba naku siguradong matutuwa ang lolo’t lola mo sa iyong pag-uwi” Napatingin si Mang Esto sa gawi ni Maxine pagkatapos nitong magsalita

Pasimple naman na nginitian ito ng dalaga ng mapansin ang pag gawi ng tingin ng matandang lalaki sakanya.

“Mang Esto girlfriend ko nga pala si Maxine. Maxine si Mang Esto kababata ng papa ko”

“Kay ganda naman nitong kasintahan mo. Kinagagalak kitang makilala iha. Maligayang pagdating sa Sta Ynes sana magustuhan mo ang aming lugar”

“Kinagagalak ko din po kayong makilala Mang Esto. Sigurado po na magugustuhan ko itong lugar nyo kahit tirik ang araw ay malamig pa din simoy ng hangin”

Mukang natuwa naman si Mang Esto sakanyang sagot di din nagtagal at inaya na din sila nito na pumunta sa sasakyan na gamit nitong pagsundo sakanila.

Nagpatuloy pa sila sa kwentuhan habang tinulungan sila ni Mang Esto na dalhin ang bagahe sa likod ng sasakyan.

Nang nagsimula na ang kanilang byahe ay patuloy pa din ang pageentertain ng matanda sakanilang magkasintahan.

Nalaman ng dalaga na kasalukuyan naninilbihan si Mang Esto sa pamilya ni Nikolai. Naikwento nito na nang naguumpisa palang magtrabaho si Nikolai ay nakabili ito ng lote para patayuan ng bahay ng pamilya nito medyo malayo lang sa bayan dahil doon mas mura ang lupa.

Paunti unti nabili nya ang kalapit lupa nito hanggang sa naging hecta hectaria na ang lawak ng napundar na lupa.

Natuwa ang mga ito ng hindi sila nakalimutan ni Nikolai pinuntahan nya ang dating mga kapitbahay at malapit sakanyang pamilya sa pabahay ng gobyerno para kamustahin nakita nya ang kalunos lunos sa kalagayan ng mga ito. May pabahay nga pero walang sapat na supply na tubig. Ang mga bahay halatang kinurakot dahil kitang kita ang mga bitak ng mga pader at roundbar na nagsisilbing poste ng mga bahay ay gawa sa kawayan.

Dahil sa nakita ay hindi nagdalawang isip tinanong ang mga ito kung gustong magtrabaho para sa binata at naglaan ng munting lupa sa loob ng hacienda parang small village kung saan tinayuan ng pabahay ang mga manggagawa.

Nagsimula na din magkaroon ng taniman at dahil sa ganda ng benta mula dito nagsimula na din ang pag-aalaga ng hayop.

Nang medyo maayos na ang hacienda nito ay pinagawa naman ni Nikolai ang relocation site sa mga taong naiwan doon para mas maayos at secure na tirahan ang dating bahay naman ng kanyang mga trabador sa relocation site ay binigay na lang sa ibang mas nangangailangan.

Namangha si Maxine sa nabalitaan tungkol sa ginawa ng binata.

“Nandito na pala tayo. Di mo talaga namamalayan pag napapasarap ka sa kwento” sabi ni Mang Esto

Nakita ni Maxine ang arko sa gate na kanilang pinasukan ang Casa de Castaneda na nakaukit sa cursive na istilo.

Ang gate ay nasa highway pero ang daan nilang tinatahak ay medyo malayo pa doon. May malalaking halaman sa gilid ng daan.

Huminto ang kanilang sinasakyan sa tapat ng malaking mansion may mga trabador na bumati sakanila at tinulungan si Mang Estong ipasok sa loob ng bahay ang kanilang mga dalang bagahe.

“Wow ang ganda ng bahay nyo” Maxine said while still looking at modern Spanish house in front of her.

“Did you know that it was bungalow before? Ang balak ko lang ay patayuan ito ng simpleng bahay para kay lolo’t lola tapos nagsimula na akong bumili ng mga kalapit lupa at pananim. Sa mga unang kita ng ani pinagawa ang bahay ng mga trabador sa village. Nang maging stable na ang kita doon palang napagawa ng ganyan ang bahay”

Maxine can see how passionate Nikolai in recalling how everything turn out.

“Kaya mo na palang mabuhay dito bakit mas pinili mo pa din magtrabaho sa kumpanya?” di maiwasan itanong ng dalaga

“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa magulang mo kaya hanggang kaya kong suklian lahat ng kabutihan ginawa nila ay gagawin ko”

Napabaling sa lupa nag tingin ni Maxine “Hindi naman siguro kasama sa pagtanaw ng utang na loob mo ang makipagrelasyon sakin”

Hindi alam ng dalaga saan sya humugot ng lakas ng loob para itanong ang bagay na iyon kay Nikolai.

“Ofcourse not” Mariin tanggi ni Nikolai at hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat ng dalaga para iharap sakanya hinuli nito ang mata ng kasintahan bago nagpatuloy “I like you Maxine and I think I’m getting there”

Bigla naman bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Maxine sa munting salita nito ay hindi nya maiwasan makaramdam ng saya.

Ngumiti ng malawak ang dalaga lalo na ng dinampian ng binata ng muntik halik ang kanyang labi. She was so overwhelmed to say anything.

Mabilis nawala ang kanyang agam agam na parang bula.

“Halika na pumasok sa loob naghihintay na si Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex” paanyaya ni Nikolai.

Hawak kamay ang magkasintahan na pumasok sa loob ng bahay.

Chapter 14

“Nikolai apo” maluha luhang sabi ni Nanay Rosita ng makita sila.

Pababa ang mag asawang matanda sa hagdanan galing taas. Tiyak ni Maxine ay naabisuhan ang mga ito sa pagdating nila ni Nikolai.

Mabilis lumapit ang binata para alalayan ang lola.

“Nay dahan dahan baka mahulog kayo” sabi ng binata at yinakap ito ng mahigpit ganoon din ang pagyakap nito sakanyang lolo.

“Kagabi pa hindi mapakali yang lola masyadong excited sa pag-uwi mo” suhento ng kanyang lolo “Maxine apo nandito ka din pala” masayang wika nito ng napabaling sa dalaga ang atensyon.

“Mano po Nay, Tay” pagbibigay galang ni Maxine sa matatanda at yinakap din ang mga ito.

“Kaawaan ka” sabi ni Nanay Rosita bago hinawakan ang mukha ng dalaga gamit ang dalawang kamay “Ang laki mo na iha habang tumatagal ay mas lalo kang gumaganda”

Napangiti naman si Maxine sa kumento ng matanda “Kayo talaga Nay masyado nyo lang siguro akong namiss”

“Totoo naman ang sinabi ni Rosita na napakaganda mong bata medyo nagduda nga ako kung paano ka napasagot ng apo namin. Siguradong mas madaming mas nagwagwapuhan sa syudad na nagkakagusto sayo iha” sabi ni Tatay Alex na nagpapula sa mukha ni Maxine.

Kung alam lang nila na walang ligawan na naganap at kabaligtaran sa tingin nila na sya ang mas matagal ng may pagtingin sa binata.

“Tay naman dapat mas boto ka sakin dahil ako ang apo nyo at dinadala ko ang lahi natin”

Nagtawanan sila sa sagot ng binata.

Kahit na naitawag na ni Nikolai sa mga ito ang relasyon nila ng sinabihan nya ang mga itong isasama sya sa pag-uwi nito sa probinsya pormal pa din syang pinakilala sa lolo’t lola nito.

Nasa sala sila habang patuloy ang kamustahan at kwentuhan ng may dalagang biglang lumapit na umagaw ng kanilang atensyon.

“Nanay Rosita, Tatay Alex nakahanda na po ang tanghalian” nakangiti nitong sabi bago bumaling kay Nikolai. Hindi nakaligtas kay Maxine kung paano nagbago ang expression ng muka ng babae nang tignan nito ang kanyang kasintahan “Maligayang pagbabalik Nikolai”

“Salamat” tipid na ngiting tugon ni Nikolai

“Tayo na sa kusina. Sya nga pala Maxine sya si Maribeth anak ni Estong nakilala mo na siguro sya kanina ung nagsundo sainyo at si Mirna naman ang kanyang ina ay kasama namin dito sa bahay” bumaling naman si Nanay Rosita kay Maribeth “Maribeth ito nga pala si Maxine kasintahan ni Nikolai” halata ang pagmamalaki ng matandang babae sa pagpapakilala sakanya.

Nginitian ito ni Maxine ngunit nakita nya kung paano dahan dahan nawala ang ngiti sa mukha ng dalaga. Mukhang sa mga oras lang iyon nang pinakalila sya doon lang sya nabalingan ng tingin ni Maribeth.

“Oh sya halina na kayo at hindi magandang pinaghihintay ang grasya” sabi ni Tatay Alex

Automatiko naman na pumulupot ang kamay ni Nikolai sa beywang ni Maxine para igaya papuntang kusina.

Nagawi naman ang tingin ni Maribeth sa kamay ng binata na nasa kanyang beywang. Yumuko ito at nanguna ng pumasok sa kusina.

Pagpasok sa kusina ay nakahanda na lamesa madaming pagkain sa hapag at mga prutas. Hindi akalain ni Maxine na ganun kainit ang pagtanggap sakanya.

“Don’t you think the food is too much?” hindi nya maiwasan itanong kay Nikolai sa mahinang boses na alam nyang ito lang ang makakarinig.

“Let it be, besides ang tagal na ng huli akong umuwi dito and they really want to show you how warm they want to welcome you” sabi ng binata at pinaghila na sya ng silya ng makaupo ay umupo na din ang binata sakanyang tabi.

“Maxine iha kumain ka lang ng kumain ha. Pinaghandaan talaga naming ang pagdating nyo ni Nikolai” sabi ng Nanay Rosita na nakaupo sa kabilang bahagi ng lamesa

“Alam din namin na pagod kayo sa byahe kaya kumain na kayo para makapagpahinga pagkatapos” dadagdag naman ni Tatay Alex na nasa gitna ng hapag.

“Maraming Salamat mo Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex” buong puso pasasalamat ng dalaga at nag-umpisa na silang kumain.

Todo asikaso si Nikolai maya’t maya ay dinadagdagan ang kanyang pagkain. Ayon dito ay sobrang payat nya na daw kaya sisiguraduhin ng binata bago sila bumalik ng Manila ay magkakalaman na sya.

Hindi naman maiwasan ang tusong tingin at ngiti ng matandang mag-asawa pag nagagawi sakanilang magkasintahan.

Nang patapos na sila sa pagkain ay may isang ginang na pumasok may dalang malaking bowl kasunod naman si Maribeth na may mga malilit na mangkok at kutsarita na dala.

“Ito na po ang panghimagas. Ngayon ko lang linabas para medyo malamig pa galing sa ref pag kinain nyo” tukoy ng ginang sa buko pandan na dala.

Pagkalapag ay napabaling ito kay Maxine na may nakahandang ngiti kaya naman ay pinakilala ito ni Nanay Rosita

“Sya nga pala si Mirna iha. Mirna ito nga pala si Maxine nobya ni Nikolai”

“Kay gandang dalaga naman nitong kasintahan mo Nikolai”

“Maraming salamat Aling Mirna. Kain po” alok ni Maxine sa ginang

“Naku tapos na kaming mananghalian iha. Maiwan na namin kayo para maipagpatuloy nyo pagkain. Maribeth anak halika na” yaya nito sa anak na saktong tapos ng ilapag ang kutsarita at mangkok.

Pagkatapos kumain ng panghimagas ay pinaakyat na sila sa taas. Ang kwarto na tutuluyan ni Maxine ay katabi lang ng silid ni Nikolai. Ang maleta nya ay nasa loob na din pala at nakapwesto malapit sa kama.

Sumama si Nikolai pagpasok nya sa loob.

“I told them to just leave your luggage pwede kitang samahan ipasok sa loob ng cabinet ang mga gamit mo” sabi ng binata

“No need. Kaya ko na to and besides konti lang naman dala ko” sagot ni Maxine habang binubuksan ang maleta.

Napabaling sya kay Nikolai na ngayon ay nakaupo sakanyang kama.

“Hindi ka pa ba pupunta sa kwarto mo?”

“Bakit pinapaalis mo na ba ako?”

Umiling ang dalaga “Hindi naman. Iniisip ko lang para sana makapagpahinga ka na”

“Dito ako magsyesyesta”

“Ano na lang sasabihin ng lolo’t lola mo?”

“It doesn’t matter besides alam naman nilang magkasintahan tayo at wala naman tayong gagawin. I’m so tired of the trip maliban na lang kung may iba ka pang balak na gawin” pilyong pahiwatig ng binata

“Tumigil ka nga Nikolai ha. Huwag kang makahiga higa sa kama ko na yan ang suot mo” reklamo ni Maxine

Natigilan sila pareho bago may sumilay na ngiti sa labi ng binata “Alright then” tayo nito sa kama bago nagpatuloy “Magpapalit muna ako ng pambahay baka biglang mag bago pa ang isip ng baby ko” sabi nito at tinungo ang pintuan para lumabas.

Napabuga na lang ng hangin si Maxine at natampal ang nuo. Sa kanyang sinabi ay para na din nyang pinahiwatig na pwedeng matulog sa kwarto nya ang binata. Dahil sa pagod ay di na lang nya pinansin ito at nagpatuloy sa paglalagay ng gamit sa loob ng cabinet.

Nang matapos ay kumuha sya ng sando at short bago tinungo ay banyo upang makapagpalit na din ng pambahay.

Paglabas nya ay nasa kama na nakahiga ang binata. Tinapik nito ang espasyo na tabi para anyayahan syang humiga. Hindi na nakipagtalo si Maxine humiga na ito at inunanan ang braso ni Nikolai.

Dinampian pa sya ng halik sa nuo ng binata bago sila parehong dinalaw ng antok at natulog.

Chapter 15

Nang sumunod na araw ng kanilang pagdating ay sinagawa na ang training program para sa mga kababaihan. Isang araw nakalaan para sa iba’t ibang klaseng training para sa mga ito. Mamimigay din ng tulong ang foundation na kinabibilangan ni Maxine sa mga tao na aattend ng event.

Nagkaroon ng pre-registration sa bawat barangay para malaman ilan ang headcount ng dadalo sa event at ilang pang pasaherong jeep mula sa lokal ang rerentahan para sa kapos palad na di kayang mamasahe papuntang bayan kung saan idadaos ang event.

Nakaset din per batch ang mga barangay para hindi maovercrowded ang sport center na gagamitin at maayos ang pamimigay ng groceries.

“Okay na ba lahat?” tanong ni Maxine kay Nikolai

Tumulong ang binata sa paglalagay ng sako sakong gulay sa likod ng ford ranger na kanilang gagamitin papuntang bayan.

Nagpumilit kasi ang binata na magbibigay din ito ng iba’t ibang klaseng gulay dagdag sa ipamimigay ng grupo ni Maxine na grocery. Ang sabi pa nito ay tuwing pyesta ng Sta Ynes ay namimigay talaga sila ng libreng gulay bilang pasasalamat sa magandang ani.

“Yes, we can go now” Nikolai said.

Nakita ni Maxine ang paglalakad palapit ni Maribeth sakanila. Napataas ang kilay nya ng makitang nakbestida ito ng kulay pink offshoulder at flat sandals with strap. Sa pagkakaalam nya ay isang charity work ang pupuntahan nila at hindi pyesta.

Nakakahiya naman sa suot nyang fitted blue jeans, white vneck shirt na pinaresan nya ng white rubber shoes na kapareho lang ng suot ni Nikolai na maong na blue, white vneck and white rubber shoes para kung sakali man uminit sa event gawa ng madaming tao presko pa din sa pakiramdam at maayos silang makakagalaw.

“Nikolai pwede ba akong sumabay sainyo? Nauna na kasi sila tatay sa bayan tutulong pa daw sila sa pagset-up ng mga tent at upuan” wika ni Maribeth

“Sure, no prob” maikling sagot ni Nikolai na nagpangiti sa dalaga.

Di maiwasan maparolyo ang mata ni Maxine ng tumalikod sila dito at hinawakan sya sa braso ni Nikolai para umikot sa kabilang side kung saan ang passenger seat. Narinig nya ang pagbukas sara ng pintuan sa likod senyales na nakapasok na sa backseat ang dalaga.

Nang maisakay na sya ni Nikolai ay umikot uli ito para umupo sa driver seat at nagsimula ng magdrive paalis.

Habang nasabyahe ay di maiwasan ni Maxine ang mainis dahil sa mga kwento ni Maribeth tungkol sa kabataan nila ni Nikolai. Obviously, the girl wants her to be out of place.

Natawa na lang si Maxine sa isip nya dahil sa pagiging immature ni Maribeth aside sa halatang may gusto ito kay Nikolai, she is trying to reminisce things that Nikolai might not remember. For goodness sake magdadalawang dekada na nyang kasama ang binata kumpara sa babaeng kasama nito na nag-uumpisa palang atang magkaisip si Nikolai ng kasama nya pa to.

“I’m sorry Maribeth pero hindi ko na talaga maalala ung ibang kwento mo” sabi ng binata habang patuloy sa pagdridrive.

Parang gusto naman humagalpak ng tawa ni Maxine sa narinig.

“It’s understandable Baby, everyone might have not remembered their childhood memories clearly knowing how young you are back then” pinagdiinan talaga ni Maxine ang endearment nila ng binata may kasama pang haplos sa panga nito.

Nakita nyang umiwas ng tingin si Maribeth at napasimangot dahil sa kanilang sinabi.

Maxine can’t help but smirk seeing Maribeth’s reaction but she’s not yet done showing her place.

Napabaling sya sa gilid ng bintana at nakitang ang malawak na taniman ngunit katatapos lang ata ng ani dahil wala pang tanim doon.

“Look at the field Niko, you remember back in Spain when we visited abuelo and abuela? You first learn how to ride a horse and teach me later because I’m too afraid that I can’t even trust the horse instructor”

“Yah, even your dad cannot do anything with your fear and you even didn’t consider his offer of teaching. You trusted me even we both know I’m just a beginner and only learn it that day”

“Maybe because back then I know you’ll really take good care of me”

They are having moment when someone from the back break the atmosphere

“Grabe Nikolai ang tatas mo palang magsalita ng ingles pati punto ng pananalita mo ay nawala na din” manghang sabi ni Maribeth

Sa bagay simula ng dumating sila sa Sta. Ynes bihira nyang marinig ang binata na mag ingles siguro ay gusto nitong maging kumportable ang mga taong kausap nya. Kay Maxine lang ata ito nagsasalita ng purong ingles.

“Ofcourse he grew up with us, hindi naman ibig sabihin na apo sya ng dating mga naninilbihan samin ay hindi sya ituturing na pamilya ng parents ko. That’s why I love my parents they treat us equally kung saan kami pinag-aral ay doon din si Nikolai.” Maxine said

“Pati din ba ang pagkakaroon nyo ng relasyon ay dahil din sa magulang mo?”

Maxine was taken aback. The guts of this woman to ask her some savage question.

“Excuse me?” sagot ni Maxine kay Maribeth

“Never did tito Max and tita Charlotte dictate me what to do Maribeth. Mula sa bagay na gusto ko tulad ng course na kinuha ko, pag bukod ko sakanila ng college. Kung ano man ako ngayon at ang relasyon namin ni Maxine ay labas ang kanyang magulang sa aking desisyon. Sana nasagot ko ng maayos ang tanong mo at kakalimutan ko na din tinanong mo ito”

Maxine felt Nikolai felt insulted of what Maribeth asked. Kahit sya ay naiinis sa biglang tanong nito.

“I’m sorry” maikling sabi ni Maribeth ay yumuko na lang ito.

Nikolai also have this serious face looking straight on the road while Maxine is still trying her best to calm down.

Hindi nya alam bakit pa pinayagan ni Nikolai itong sumama sa Charity event na gagawin nya. Alam naman ng binata na madaming volunteer worker para sa foundation na kinoordinate nya at LGU sa lugar. Ang mas nakakainis pa ay kasama nila ito sa loob ng sasakyan.

Though mukang mahinhin at mabait naman si Maribeth hindi alam ng Maxine pero hindi nya talaga gusto ito. Siguro dahil alam nyang may gusto ang dalaga sa kanyang kasintahan.

Ilang minuto pa ay narating na nila ang sport center sa bayan. May mga nakaset-up ng tent, monoblock at sound system.

May mga lumapit agad na trabador mula sa Hacienda Castaneda na tumulong magbaba ng mga sako sakong nakarepack na gulay na ipamimigay mamaya.

Lumapit si Cheska ang taong kausap ni Maxine na in charge sa Foundation para iupdate sya sa about the setup at schedule of activity para sa araw na iyon.

Pinakilala nya si Nikolai as her boyfriend at pilit na pilit na pinakilala nya din si Maribeth as one of the volunteers.

Iginaya sila ni Cheska sa backstage na sinetup na tent kung nasaan ang makikitang busy lahat ng volunteer na nagchecheck ng list ng mga dadalo, nagbibilang ng repack of goods pati mga staffs na magcoconduct ng training sa mga tao.

Maaga pa naman kaya nakapag meeting pa sila kung ano anong iaatang na responsibilidad sa bawat volunteers, anong gagawin lalo na pag nagkaroon ng aberya o di inaasahan pangyayari during the program.

Habang on-going ang kanilang meeting may biglang dumating na lalaki na may dalawang kasamang bodyguard magkabilaang gilid nito kaya lahat ng nasa pagpupulong ay napagawi ang tingin dito.

Nasagot ang tanong sa isip ni Maxine kung sino ito ng marinig nya ang pagbati ng mga taga doon sa lalaki at tinawag itong mayor.

Tantya ni Maxine ay nasa early thirties ito at makikita ang kakisigan sa katawan. Halata din may lahi nito dahil sa pagkamestisuhin ng itsura nito. Hindi makakaila na gawpo din ang lalaki.

“All eyes on me baby” sabi ni Nikolai na nagpabalik sa hwisyo ng dalaga. Hindi nya napansin na matagal pala syang nakatitig sa bagong dating.

“Ms. Maxine, I would like you to meet Mayor Rafael Dominguez. Mayor this is Ms. Maxine Monteverde, she is the reason behind this program” pakilala ni Cheska sakanila ng lalaki.

Since si Cheska ang head ng foundation na tinutulungan ni Maxine ito din ang nakipagcoordinate sa LGU kaya never nyang nakilala ang Mayor ng bayan.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Ms. Maxine” nagoffer pa to ng handshake na tinanggap naman ng dalaga “Thank you for choosing our municipality for this event”

Unang bumitaw si Maxine sa pakikipagkamay lalo na ng makita ang matalim na tingin ng kasintahan sa kamay nila ni Mayor “Nice to meet you too mayor. Actually, tinaon ko lang talaga ang event sa pagpunta ko dito to finally visit my boyfriend’s province. By the way this is Nikolai Castaneda my boyfriend sya po talaga ung taga dito” sabay hawak ni Maxine sa kamay ni Nikolai ng tumingin ito sakanya ay pasimple nya itong nginitian to give him assurance.

Naramdaman ng dalaga ang pahapyaw na pagpisil nito sa kamay nya.

“Oh I don’t know Mr. Castaneda is your boyfriend. He is also well known in this province for his big contribution to agriculture and to the locals. Nice to see you again Mr. Castaneda” masayang saad ni Mayor.

“Likewise Mayor” tipid na tugon ng binata.

Kitang kita ni Maxine na pati si Maribeth ay napapansin na may mali sa kinikilos ni Nikolai.

Mayor Rafael seems nice and harmless but Maxine can’t understand why Nikolai seems not to like the guy.

“Guys! We’re about to start in 30 mins. Parating na din ung mga inarkelahan natin jeep na magdadala sa mga taong nagpalist mula sa iba’t ibang barangay. Please get ready and go to your post” announce ni Cheska kaya lahat sila ay lumabas na sa tent para puntahan ang mga post kung saan sila nakaassign.

Chapter 16

Nag-umpisa na nga ang program pagkadating ng mga jeep na naglalaman ng mga taong dadalo sa event. Sa loob ng sport center ay ang training program habang sa labas naman ang bigayan ng grocery items para sa participant. May limang hanay na post kung saan nakalagay ang pangalan ng barangay kung saan pipila ang mga tao para sa ipamimigay sa groceries.

Maxine is busy with Cheska who both in charge for overall event. Hindi lang ang training sa loob ng sport center sila nakafocus kundi pati sa bigayan sa labas.

“As per our volunteers smooth naman daw ang bigayan ng groceries dito sa labas..”

Habang nagsasalita si Cheska hindi nakatakas sa paningin ni Maxine si Nikolai na busyng kausap isa sa mga taohan nito. Sa kabilang side naman ng binata ay si Maribeth.

Napataas ang kilay ni Maxine sa nakitang eksena. Akala nya isa sa volunteer worker si Maribeth bakit iba naman ata ang agenda nito. Pagkatapos kausapin ni Nikolai ang trabador nakita ni Maxine ang pagsunod ni Maribeth dito ng nagumpisang lumakad palayo sa pwesto nila ang binata para tumulong sa ibang post.

May dala pang towel ang huli at pinunasan pa ang nuo ni Nikolai. Pansin ang pag-ilag ng binata siguro ay hindi nya ineexpect na dadampihan ni Maribeth ang kanyang nuo ng dala nitong towel.

Kung hindi pa tinawag uli ni Cheska ang pangalan ni Maxine hindi pa ata ito babalik sa wisyo at patuloy pa din nakatingin sa dalawang taong kanina nya pa pinag mamasdan.

Pinagsawalang bahala nya na lang ito at nagfocus sa agenda nila sa araw na iyon.

Everything is doing well for the event.

Minsan ay tumutulong din sa ibang post si Maxine para magentertain ng mga tao at mamigay ng groceries.

Nang kumunti ang pila ay pumapasok naman sya sa loob at naki-upo kasama ng mga kababaihan na tinuturuan ng mga pang hanap buhay. Nakikipagkwentuhan sya sa mga ito at tinatanong kung anong tingin nila sa event na linaan para sa mga ito.

Maganda naman feedback na nakukuha nya. Masyang masaya ang mga ito sa ginawa nila dahil magkakaroon na din daw ang mga ito ng pagkakabusyhan pag nasa trabaho ang mga asawa at nasa paaralan ang mga anak. Hindi na din daw sila aasa lang sa kikitain ng asawa para sa araw na iyon dahil makakatulong na din sila sa pamilya kahit paano.

Napasarap ang pakikipag kwentuhan ni Maxine sinabayan nya din ito ng pagkuha ng gagawin at nakikinig sa instructor para sundin ang paliwanag nito.

Napahinto sya ng nakita sa tabi nya si Nikolai para bigyan ng bottled water.

Tinanggap nya naman ito at nagpasalamat sa binata “Thank you”

“Sya ba ang kasintahan mo iha?” tanong ng isang ginang na kausap ni Maxine

“Oho, sya nga po pala si Nikolai Castaneda tiga dito po sya” pakilala ni Maxine at pinaghila nya ng bakanteng upuan ang binata “Upo ka muna. You look so tired” sabi nya pa dito.

Agad naman umupo si Nikolai sa tabi nya.

Napalaki naman ang mata ng isang ginang parang naalala kung sino ang binata “Ay Castaneda! Ikaw ba ung may-ari ng Hacienda Castaneda?” tanong nito na napaturo pa ang kamay sa binata

“Opo” tipid na sagot ng binata.

Napangiti naman ang mga matatandang babaeng kasama ni Maxine “Totoo pala ang balita na kay gwapo ng may-ari ng Hacienda Castaneda. Bagay na bagay kayong dalawa”

Namula ang pisngi ni Maxine sa tukso ng matatanda habang si Nikolai naman ay may malawak na ngiti.

Hindi nagtagal ay may narinig silang pagtikhim sa likod. Paglingon nila ay si Maribeth pala at nakapwesto sa likod ng upuan ni Nikolai.

“Nikolai pinapatawag ka ni tatay may itatanong daw sayo”

Gustong irolyo ni Maxine ang kanyang mga mata kung hindi lang nya kaharap ang mga matandang kababaihan na kasama nila.

“Alis na po muna kami” Magalang na pagpapaalam ng binata sa mga kasamahan nya at tinap naman ang kanyang balikat pahiwatig na aalis na ito.

Kasabay nga ng pagtalikod ng binata at paglakad palabas ng sport center ay ang nakabuntot na si Maribeth.

After an hour passed tinawag si Maxine ni Cheska para kumain na ng pananghalian sa likod na tent para sa mga authorized personnel ng program.

“Let’s go Ms. Maxine. May mga packed lunch po para sa atin” wika ni Cheska

Tumayo naman sa pagkaka-upo si Maxine dahil saktong tapos na din ang pang umagang batch na umattend ng training. May mga nasa labas pa na di pa nakakakuha ng groceries kaya hindi pa din makatayo ang ibang nakapost sa labas.

“Okay you go ahead I will just look for Nikolai” sabi ni Maxine

“Sige po” magalang na tugon ni Cheska

Cheska is at her mid 30s kaya hindi sanay si Maxine pag pinopo sya nito. She just shook her head kahit ano kasing pigil nya dito ay pinopo pa din sya.

Pagkalabas ng sport’s center hinanap agad ni Maxine si Nikolai para makasabay itong maglunch.

Inisa-isa nya ang mga post pero hindi nya nakita ang kasintahan kaya nang may nakitang pamilyar na trabador mula sa hacienda ay agad nya itong pinuntahan.

“Manong excuse me po, itatanong ko lang sana kung nakita nyo ba si Nikolai?”

“Ay oo iha pumunta sya sa may parking lot doon sa tapat ng munisipyo para makapagpalit ng damit”

“Ganun po ba? Sige po Manong maraming salamat. Kumain na din po kayo may pagkain sa likod na tent para sa mga volunteers”

“Okay iha sabihan ko na lang din mga kasamahan ko”

Pagkatapos ng kanilang pag-uusap ay nagsimula ng maglakad si Maxine papunta sa parking lot.

Hindi na sya nagtanong kung saan iyon dahil katabi lang naman ng sport center. Tatawid ka lang ng kalsada at munisipyo na. Nakita nya na iyon kanina.

Wala syang payong na dala dahil kahit tirik ang araw ay malamig pa din simoy ng hangin.

Nang makita ang ford ranger ni Nikolai na nakapark sa dulo tabi ng puno ay linapitan nya na ito.

Nabitin sa ere ang kayang sasabihin ng marinig nya si Maribeth na magsalita

“Anong nangyari Nikolai? Di ba nangako ka sakin ng bata pa tayo na sa pagtanda natin ay tayo ang makakatuluyan? Bakit bigla ka na lang bumalik ngayon at may kasamang iba. Sabihin mo sakin hindi ka naman seryoso sakanya di ba?”

Imbes na lapitan ang mga ito ay nagtago sya sa likod ng sasakyan ni Nikolai. Nasa kaliwang bahagi ang mga ito. Nakabukas ang pinto ng driver’s seat habang parehong nakatayo ang dalawa sa gilid.

Mukang katatapos lang magbihis ng tshirt ni Nikolai dahil gray vneck na ang suot nito.

“Please Maribeth matagal na iyon. I’m sorry if I keep you holding with that but we are too young back then” sinserong sabi ng binata

Nagsimula naman umalpas ang mga luha ni Maribeth “Bakit ganun kadali sayong kalimutan iyon? Nang nagkaroon ng kalamidad noon na kinasawi ng magulang mo ako ang kadamay mo. Umiyak ka pa ng malaman mo na kukunin ka ng lolo’t lola mo paManila dahil sabi mo sakin hindi mo ako kayang iwan. Kaya nga di ba nangako ka na babalik ka at magiging tayo pa din sa huli?”

Nakaramdam ng konting kirot si Maxine dahil sa narinig. Napaisip sya kung si Maribeth ba ang dahilan kung bakit mailap sakanya si Nikolai ng bata pa sila?

“It was all in a past now, things had changed. Ilang beses akong nagpabalik balik dito. Kung talagang seryoso ako sa pangako ko sayo sana ng unang balik ko palang”

“Akala ko ng mga panahon na nagpabalik balik ka dito ay busy ka pa sa pagtatayo ng bahay nyo at ng hacienda nyo. Umasa ako na ngayong pagbalik mo na okay na lahat pwede na tayo” tinakpan ni Maribeth nang dalawang kamay ang kanyang mukha habang patuloy sa pag-iyak.

“S-si Maxine ba? Mahal mo ba sya?” biglang tanong ni Maribeth.

Nahigit naman ang hininga ni Maxine hinihintay ang magiging sagot ni Nikolai. Pero dumaan ang ilang minuto wala syang narinig na sagot mula dito. Pinilit nyang silipin ang itsura ng binata pero nakatingin lang ito sa sahig habang nasa kabilang baywang ang kamay.

“Sabi ko na nga ba. Sa huli ako pa din tama ba?” mababakasan ng tuwa ang boses ni Maribeth

“Mahal pa din kita Nikolai mula noon hanggang ngayon” pagkasabi nito ay hinawakan ni Maribeth ang magkabilang balikat ng binata at tumingkayad para gawadan ito ng halik sa labi.

Tumalikod si Maxine sa mga ito. Huminga muna ng malalim kahit ramdam nya ang sakit sakanyang puso. Sinubukan nyang pakalmahin ang sarili bago naisipan bumalik sa sport center.

Kahit anong pagkakalma sa sarili ay hindi pa din nakaligtas ang takas na luha mula sakanyang mata.

Chapter 17

Habang naglalakad pabalik sa sport center nagawa pa din itext ni Maxine si Nikolai. Informing him its time for lunch and where to get the food.

Nagdahilan na lang sya na pagod na sya at hindi nya ito makita kaya mauuna na syang kumain.

After texting him ay nagderecho nya ng lakad papunta sa likod na tent si Maxine para kumain. Medyo konti na lang ang tao sa tent. Pumwesto sya sa table na walang tao dahil gusto nyang mapag-isa.

Habang binubuksan ay styro kung saan nakalagay ang lunch nila ay naramdaman nyang may umupo sa tabi nya.

“I hope you don’t mind if I eat beside you” ngiting sabi ng lalaking tumabi sakanya.

Napaawang pa ang bibig ni Maxine. Hindi sya makapaniwala na katabi nya si Mayor Rafael. Kung kanina ay pormal itong tignan sa suot na barong polo, slacks at leather shoes kapaligtaran naman ng get up nya ngayon.

Nakanavy blue Lacoste poloshirt, denim pants at rubber shoes na mas nagpamukhang bata dito.

“Mayor?” patanong pang sabi ni Maxine

Mayor Rafael just chuckle “Should I feel offended with your action?”

Nataranta naman sumagot ang dalaga “N-no. Hindi lang ako makapaniwala na ibang iba sa formal nyong suot kanina ang itsura nyo kanina” pagpapaliwanag nya “About your first question no I don’t mind”

Nagpatuloy na lang si Maxine sa pagkain. Pansin nya wala ang mga bodyguard nito na kasama kanina.

“Then I should take it as compliment that you like me with how I dress up now than a while ago”

“Just forget how I reacted. It’s embarrassing” iling na lang ni Maxine “Bakit pala kayo nagpalit ng damit Mayor?” pag-iiba nya ng usapan.

“Well I’m done with signing papers and meeting so I’m here to help. I informed Cheska that I will be lending help since its also for my constituent. It’s the least that I can do”

Namangha naman si Maxine sa sagot nito. Bihira kasi pag nagcoconduct sya ng program na may Mayor or public official na tumutulong sa actual day of event.

“Eat up” nakangiting sabi ni Mayor Rafael na walang karate arteng kumakain ng kalderetang ulam na kasama sa styro na dinistribute na pagkain nila.

Napatingin si Maxine sa pintuan ng tent. Nakita nyang papasok si Nikolai at Maribeth.

Agad syang umiwas ng tingin ng nagtagpo ang paningin nila ng binata.

“Mr. Castaneda katatapos nyo lang ba? Hali na kayo’t sabayan nyo na kaming maglunch” alok ni Mayor saknila ni Maribeth kaya napabaling ng tingin si Maxine sa katabing alkade.

Napadako ang tingin nya kay Nikolai na masama ang tingin sakanila ni Mayor. Hindi ata nito nagugustuhan na katabi nya ang lalaki.

Hindi na sya nagsalita pa at tinuon ang atensyon sa pagkain.

Hinayaan nyang kumuha ng pagkain ang dalawang bagong dating. Hindi na sya nagsalita pa at tinuon ang atensyon sa pagkain. Hindi na din sya nag-abalang alukin ang mga itong kumain.

Naramdaman nya ang pag-upo ni Nikolai sa tabi nya. Sa kabilang gilid naman ng binata ay si Maribeth. Nakaka-ilang subo palang ang kasintahan sa tabi ng isinara naman ni Maxine ang styro ng kanyang pagkain.

“Are you done? Hindi pa nangangalahati iyong pagkain mo” puna ng kasintahan.

Nagpalipat lipat muna ang tingin nya kay Nikolai at Maribeth na parehong nakatingala sa pagtayo nya bago nagsalita “Nawalan na kasi ako ng gana” pagkasabi noon ay tumayo na sya dala ang styro at tinapon sa basurahan.

“Excuse me. Mauuna na ako sainyo” tipid nya sabi at nginitian ang Mayor na nagtataka sa inakto nya.

Pagkalabas ng tent ay doon lang sya nakahinga ng maluwag. The room is too small for them. The audacity of those two to show their faces in front of her.

Habang naglalakad para hanapin si Cheska ay napaisip si Maxine na umuwi na pabalik ng Manila. As of now she just wants to prioritize the program and rebook her flight later.

Tulad kanina ay tumulong sya sa bigayan ng relief sa labas at paminsan minsan ay pumapasok sa loob ng sport center para tignan ang training.

Pag nakikita nyang palapit si Nikolai ay agad nya itong iniiwasan. Nataon din na busy ang binata sa pag-iinstruct sa mga taohan nito.

“Hey are you okay? Konti lang kinain mo kanina sa loob ng tent ah” tanong ni Mayor Rafael kay Maxine nang matapos ito sa isang post na tinulungan at lumapit sakanya.

“Okay lang ako Mayor. Konti lang talaga ako kumain”

“Sigurado ka bang di ka nagugutom?” tanong ng alkade at parang nagpapansin naman ang kanyang tyan dahil bigla itong tumunog na parang nagpapahiwatig.

Tumawa ito sakanya at bigla syang yinaya “Come! Merienda muna tayo its 4pm sa konti ba naman ng kinain mo kanina malamang magproprotesta na ang tyan mo ng ganitong oras”

Kahit gustong lumubog ni Maxine sa kahihiyan ay di nya magawa. Sa sobrang gutom nya din ay hindi na sya nagprotesta.

“Teka lang! Baka mamaya makita tayo ng girlfriend o asawa mo bigla akong sabunutan sa daan!” protesta ni Maxine mahirap na at baka gulo lang ang dala ng alkalde.

“Wala akong ganun. Baka ung boyfriend mo magselos. Nasaan na pala iyon?” tanong ng lalaki habang lumilinga linga sa paligid.

“Hayaan mo na iyon. Busy” tipid na sagot ni Maxine. Naalala na naman nya ang halikan ng kasintahan at ni Maribeth.

Nakuha naman ni Rafael na ayaw nya itong pag-usapan kaya tumahimik na ito.

Habang patawid sila sa side ng munisipyo nakita nya ang dalawang bodyguard ni Mayor na biglang sumulpot sa kabilang gilid nila.

“We’re just going to eat nearby. Make yourself discreet” utos ni Mayor sa seryosong tono.

“Copy Mayor” sabi ng isang bodyguard at iniwan na sila.

“Masyado bang mapanganib ang buhay mo para magkaroon ng bodyguard?” di maiwasan matanong ni Maxine habang naglalakad sila.

“If you only knew. I don’t only get threat from politics but also because of my family” sagot nito “How about you? You’re the daughter of famous Maximo Monteverde III. Don’t you have any bodyguard?”

Hindi na nakapagtataka na kilala sya nito. People on their circle knows her family. Hindi lang sila nailalabas sa media dahil winarningan ang mga ito ng ama na once makita ang pamilya nito sa news weather good or bad he will do anything to ruin their companies.

Being one of most influential people not only in Philippines but internationally walang nag tangkang kumalaban sa kanyang ama. One time Maxine tried to searcmh her name only to find out no articles or even on picture of her on it. She was only known as first daughter her father.

“None. People don’t know me. Well, how I look like physically so no threat at all”

Huminto sila sa harap ng store sa kabilang side ng Munisipyo it’s a refreshment store medyo luma ito at nakita ni Maxine na nakalagay since 1960. Pagkapasok ay ay mga pictures din na nakahang sa pader mula ng nagumpisa ang business hanggang kasalukuyan.

“Magandang hapon Mayor. Ay kay ganda naman ng kasama nyong binibini” sabi ng ginang tingin ni Maxine ay ang may-ari ng tindahan dahil nakita nya itong nagmamando kanina sa mga tauhan.

“Magandang hapon din po. Ito pala si Maxine sya ang nagcoconduct ng program sa sport center ngayon” bati at pakilala ni Rafael

“Magandang hapon po” magalang din na bati ni Maxine

“Pagpalain ka sana ng Diyos sa iyong kabutihan iha” masyang sabi ng ginang

“Maraming salamat po” tipid na pasasalamat ni Maxine

“Mayor gusto nyo ba sa taas na lang kayo? Medyo mainit dito sa baba at malapit na labasan ng mga estudyante sa eskwelahan. Medyo maingay at magulo”

“Sige po sa taas na lang po kami. Nay iyong dati pa din po na order ko na combination. Dalawa.”

“Okay ipapaakyat ko na lang” sabi ng ginang bago lumingon kay Maxine “Sana magustuhan mo specialty naming na halo halo dito iha” huling wika nito bago pumasok sa kusina para magtrabaho uli.

Umakyat naman sa taas si Maxine at Rafael.

Sa taas ng store ay may sliding door at may aircon. Walang katao tao ngayon doon.

“This room is use for events pag may gustong gumamit for any kind of occasion. Usually binubukas lang to pag crowded na sa baba”’

“Wow iba talaga ang privelage pag mayor” biro ni Maxine

Natawa lang ang alkalde at napailing.

Maya’t maya pa ay dumating na ang order nitong special halo halo with burger.

“Seriously?” tanong ni Maxine never nya pang natry ang dalawang combination na merienda.

“Dapat Halo halo lang oorderin ko but since you did not eat that much during lunch sinamahan ko na din ng burger. It’s a perfect combination and best seller here. You should try it.” Suhento ng lalaki habang busy sa durog ng yelo sa halo halo na sya ding ginaya ni Maxine.

Nang kumagat ng burger ang dalaga at sumubo ng halo halo ay nasarapan ito.

“Wow ang sarap nga!”

“See? I told you” sabi lang ni Rafael at nagsimula na din kumain.

Somehow nawala sa isip ni Maxine ang nakitang eksena sa parking lot kanina. Mayor Rafael is good companion. They never had dull moment talking.

Pagkatapos kumain ay nagpasya na silang bumalik sa event.

Natagalan lang silang makalabas sa pinagkainan dahil sa dami ng estudyanteng bumati pa sa binata.

Pagkadating nila sa sport center ay nagpapack-up na ang mga volunteer. Paalis na din ang mga jeep na inarkelahan nilang nagdala sa mga tao.

Lumapit si Cheska sa gawi nila “Ms. Maxine tapos na po ung event. Thank you po talaga sa support nyo sa foundation namin. Aalis na din po ako hinintay lang kita para makapagpaalam. Naka-ilang text at tawag din po kasi ako sainyo kaso di kayo macontact”

Napatingin naman si Maxine sa cellphone nya “Sorry lowbat na pala ako. Thanks Ms. Cheska at sorry kung naghintay ka ng matagal”

“Wala po iyon”

Tumango lang si Maxine.

“Mauna na po ako. Salamat din po Mayor sa tulong” Nagpaalam ni Cheska sakanila ni Rafael bago umalis.

Pagkaalis ni Cheska ay ang paglapit naman ni Nikolai sakanila na di mababakasan ng kahit anong emosyon sa mukha.

Chapter 18

There’s an awkward silence between them.

Naagaw lang ang atensyon nila ng tumikhim si Mayor Rafael.

“I should also get going. Bye Maxine and Mr. Castaneda”

“Sure Mayor. Thank you uli sa threat”

“Walang ano man” ngiti nito bago tumalikod sakanila at naglakad paalis.

“Let’s go home” may diin na sambit ni Nikolai. By his looks it seems like he is holding his emotion.

“You can leave with Maribeth. I will just look around for the place to stay” tatalikod na sana sya sa binata ng hablutin nito ang braso nya.

“What’s wrong with you? Akala mo ba di ko napapansin ang pag-iwas mo sakin simula ng lunch? Is it about that Mayor huh?”

Nagulantang naman si Maxine sa narinig “What? Paano naman napasok si Mayor Rafael dito? Can’t you see? I’m giving you the time to reconcile with your childhood sweatheart. You can both fuck the hell I care!”

Dahil hindi matao sa lugar nila ay hindi na maiwasan ni Maxine sumigaw.

“Watch your mouth Maxine! Now you’re turning the table”

“How dare you! Ako pa talaga? Hanggang kailan mo akong pagmumukaing tanga? I saw you and Maribeth kissing. Then you’ll talk to me like I was the one cheating?!”

Natigilan si Nikolai. Halatang nagulat ito sa kanyang sinabi. Nang makitang walang balak magsalita ito ay napailing ang dalaga.

“Just go home. I’ll just text you where I will be staying so you can give me my luggage tomorrow. I’ll rebook my flight tonight” sabi nya dito na akmang aalis na sa lugar.

“You should had asked me. Obviously hindi mo nakita ng linayo ko si Maribeth sakin. I told her that I’m sorry if I keep her holding on for too long, but I don’t have any feelings for her. I told her not to do it again and it might end up hurting your feelings if ever you saw what she did”

Hindi nakaimik si Maxine dahil sa sinabi ng binata. He was right. Instead of asking him she chose to avoid him. Kung sana nagkausap sila hindi siguro hahantong sa ganun point.

“I’m sorry” yukong sabi ng dalaga.

Pagkasabi noon ay hinila sya ni Nikolai para ilapit dito bago sya ginawadan ng halik sa nuo.

“Next time somethings bothering you please talk to me. I can’t stand the fact you ignore me the whole time and you’re enjoying other man’s company”

“Sorry na nga. Wag mong idamay si Mayor Rafael.”

“Whatever. Just don’t mention the guy’s name”

“Bati na tayo?” pinalambing ni Maxine ang boses at mas lalong hinapit ang yakap sa binata.

“How can I stay mad to you if you’re talking to me like that” he sighs before he continues “Let’s go home baby” hawak nito sa kamay ng dalaga.

Nanatiling nakatayo si Maxine kaya napabaling sakanya ang kasintahan “Kasama ba natin pauwi si Maribeth?”

“No. Pinasabay ko na sya kila Mang Estong”

Maxine feels so relief after hearing that. Hindi sya kampante na makasama ang dalaga after ng nakita nitong paghalik kay Nikolai.

Pagdating sa bahay nila Nikolai ay nakipagkwentuhan pa sakanya si Nanay Rosita. Natutuwa ito sa programang kanyang ginawa para sa mga lokal. Hindi ito maubusan ng tanong at kita ay kasiyahan sa mukha nito dahil sakanyang ginawa.

Napansin ni Maxine na hanggang hapunan ay hindi niya nakita si Maribeth sa loob ng bahay.

She felt bad thinking that Nikolai might ask her to stay away from them.

Nasa balkonahe ngayon ng kanyang kwarto si Maxine. Tanaw ang nagsisilakihan na puno mula sakanyang kinatatayuan.

She is wearing her a white night dress. Ramdam nya ang lamig ng hangin na dumapo sakanyang katawan dahilan para mapayakap sya sa sarili.

Nagulat na lang sya ng may nagtitigasan na brasong pumulupot sakanya mula sa likod kahit hindi lingunin ni Maxine ay kilala nya kung sino ang nasa kanyang likod.

“Do you find it hard to sleep? Hmmm” napapikit si Maxine ng maramdaman ang pag dapo ng labi ni Nikolai sakanyang leeg.

“Paano ka nakapasok? Baka makita ka nila Nanay Rosita” wika nya pa ngunit parang walang narinig ang binata dahil sa patuloy nitong pagpapak sa kanyang leeg.

Napasandal pa ang dalaga sa makisig na dibdib ng kasintahan ng maramadaman nyang sensual na pag himas nito sa isa nyang dibdib.

“N-Niko you must stop. Someone might see us” paungol na sita ni Maxine na kahit ang sariling katawan ay trinatraydor sya dahil sa pinaparamdam ng binata.

“If that’s the problem then it’s better for us to get inside”

Wala ng nagawa si Maxine ng buhatin sya at binaba ni Nikolai sa kama. Agad itong pumatong sakanya at mas pinaalab ang halik kasabay nito ay ang pagtanggal ng saplot ng isa’t isa.

From her lips to her jawline going down her neck only makes Maxine turn on of what Nikolai is doing. Mas lalo syang napaungol ng bumaba ang halik nito sa kanyang dibdib.

“Oooh baby” Maxine moan while shutting her eyes.

Nikolai is intentionally making sounds of how he licks and suck her valleys.

“You like this so much huh?” Nikolai is asking while palming her mound “No one dare to turn you on like this other me baby always remember that” he said while squeezing her breast so hard that makes her want more.

Hindi alam ni Maxine saan nya ibabaling ang kanyang ulo lalo na ng naramdaman nya ang daliri ng binatang humahaplos sakanyang pagkababae.

“Please Niko put it inside me” she said while trying to lift her hips to put his finger inside her.

Obviously, he is teasing her.

“Beg for it baby” Nikolai said still busy tracing Maxine’s slit with his finger in slow motion.

“Ahhhh Niko, baby please finger fuck me!” she begs

Hindi nabigo ang dalaga ng sinundo ng binata ang pakiusap nya. From one digit another one was added and another one that makes her cum in an instant.

“That’s it baby. Feel me how much I satisfy you that you won’t ever think other man who can do better that I do” Nikolai said which only earn a loud moan from Maxine when she felt his buddy replaced his fingers penetrating her.

Nikolai is pounding her hard and fast that she reached her second orgasm in no time.

Pinagbaliktad ni Nikolai ang pwesto nila. Ang binata ngayon ang nasa ilalim habang nasa taas naman si Maxine.

“Ride me baby” he said while helping Maxine position herself in his long thick cock.

They moan together after Nikolai fills inside her.

Maxine start pounding like a cowgirl with their unstoppable moan not caring if other people might hear them outside.

When she reached her zenith, she lay down on top of Nikolai’s body.

Feeling each other’s sweat and hard breathing.

Because of the whole day program and make-up sex they did, Maxine easily drown to sleep.

Chapter 19

Nagising si Maxine kinabukasan tirik na ang araw. Napapikit sya dahil sa sobrang liwanag. Nang nagadjust na ang kanyang paningin doon nya lang tinignan ang nakasabit na wallclock at napansin na lagpas tanghalian na pala.

Sunod naman napadapo ang tingin nya sakanyang sarili na natatabunan lang ng makapal na kumot. Wala na din si Nikolai sa tabi nito na naiintindihan naman nya dahil baka maeskandalo ang lolo’t lola nito pag nalaman na sa loob ito ng kanyang kwarto.

Dahil sa kapagudan kagabi ay hindi alam ng dalaga kung sa kwarto nya din ba natulog ang kasintahan o umalis din ito kagabi.

She just shrugs the thought off and start heading to bathroom to take a shower.

Pagkatapos nyang magshower ay nagbihis sya ng peach crop sando and high waist short.

Nakita nya agad sa sala si Nikolai nanunuod at nakadekwatro nang marinig ang kanyang pagbaba ay agad napabaling ang paningin nito sakanya.

He is wearing white sando and shorts mukhang wala din atang balak umalis ang binata.

Maxine sat on Nikolai’s lap and wrap her arms on his neck before giving him a peck kiss on the lips “Good morning baby”

Automatic naman pumulupot ang braso ng binata sakanyang beywang “Good morning too baby, you need to eat its already late” sabi ng kasintahan habang maingat na tinayo ang dalaga mula sa pagkakaupo nito.

“Right, I’m already starving” Maxine pouted which only earn smack kiss from Nikolai.

It turns out Nikolai haven’t eaten lunch yet. Hinintay talaga sya nitong gumising.

“Bakit di mo ako ginising?” tanong ng dalaga. It’s already late dapat kumain na ang binate.

“I don’t have heart to do that” sagot ng kasintahan at sinimulan syang sandukan ng pagkain “Eat up” simpleng sabi nito na pinasalamatan naman ng dalaga.

“Where’s your grandparents?” napansin ni Maxine wala ang dalawang matanda

“Nagpapahinga na sila. Ganoon talaga sila pagkatapos kumain ay nagpapahinga na. They need that since there too old”

Nakalimutan ni Maxine sandali na sobrang late nya ng gumising at late na din syang maglunch kaya nawala sa isip nya na nagsyesyesta na ang mga ito.

“Pagkatapos natin kumain mag-ayos ka ng gamit at magdala ka ng pangligo. Dadalhin kita sa falls dito sa hacienda”

Hindi makapaniwala si Maxine sa narinig. Hindi nya alam na may falls pala sa hacienda kaya laking tuwa nya sa pag-aya ng kasintahan.

“Talaga? Papasyal tayo?” excitement is evident to her voice

“Yup. Maghahabilin din akong balutan tayo ng pagkain na dadalhin natin”

“That’s great!” Maxine and continue eating.

Natuwa ang binata dahil sobrang gana nyang kumain at natapos agad. Tinawag pa sya ni Nikolai pero hindi nya na ito binalingan dahil sa sobrang excited nya ay gusto nya ng puntahan ang kanyang kwarto para makapaghanda.

Nagpalit lang sya ng 2 white piece string bikini at pinatong uli ang peach crop top at highwaist short. Nagbaon din sya ng underwear pamalit at towel.

Pagbaba nya ay ganun pa din ang suot ng binata.

“Wala ka man lang dalang gamit?” tanong nya dito habang kinuha naman ni Nikolai ang tote bag na dala nya.

Lumapit ito bandang tainga nya bago nagsalita “I don’t have to wear anything. The place is exclusively only for us baby”

Maxine felt a sudden heat all over her body just hearing how sensual Nikolai said those words.

Hinampas nya ito sa braso “Tumigil ka nga! Baka may makarinig sayo” lumingon pa ito sa paligid “At tyaka katatapos lang natin gawin kagabi” she said in small voice. Kahit hindi nya nakikita ang sarili alam nyang sobrang pula na ng kanyang mukha.

Nikolai just laugh of what she said.

“Kasalanan mo. Ginalit mo ako kahapon” umalis ang binata pagkatapos sabihin iyon.

Naiwan naman gulat si Maxine dahil sa sinabi ng kasintahan.

Ibig bang sabihin nito ganoon sya kagigil dahil sa selos nito kay Mayor Rafael? She knows she was on deep sensation while they are making love last night, but she can clearly hear how Nikolai always mention that no man can do what he can over her kind of stuffs.

She just shrugs her shoulders and follow him.

Maxine was not surprised to know that Nikolai have horses. Sa laki ba naman ng hacienda nito.

Instead of using separate horse Nikolai insisted that they should use one.

Inayos muna ng isang trabador ang pagkakatali ng basket na dadalhin nilang naglalaman ng pagkain at tote bag nya.

“Are you ready?” Nikolai ask and she said yes.

Hindi mapigilan mamangha ni Maxine sa paligid. Paglagpas ng casa de Castaneda ay ang taniman. Malaking parte ng taniman ay ang may maisan habang sa kabilang dulo kita naman nya ang mga puno ng mangga.

Dumaan sila sa manggahan hanggang sa lumabas sila sa mga mapupunong lugar tingin nya ay nasa dulo na sila bago magbundok.

Maya’t maya pa ay nakarinig sya ng lagaslas ng tubig kumanan ang kabayong kanilang sinasakyan. Ilang minuto pa ang kanilang tinahak bago narating dulo kung nasaan ang waterfalls.

“Wow” hindi maiwasan mamangha ni Maxine.

Unang bumaba sa kabayo si Nikolai at inalalayan syang bumaba. May nakita syang isang nipa na parang cottege malapit sa kanilang kinatatayuan. May apat na poste lang ito ang pahabang upuan nagdudutong sa bawat poste at lamesa sa gitna. Open ang nipa at walang pader sa paligid.

Nang maitali na ni Nikolai ang kabayo sa punong malapit ay kinuha na nito ang mga gamit na nakatali sa kabayo.

Hinawakan ng binata ang kanyang kamay habang nag kabilang kamay nito ay hawak hawak ang kanilang mga dala.

“Ang ganda dito Niko. I can’t believe you have this inside your hacienda” sabi ng dalaga pagkaupo sa nipa.

“It’s the hacienda’s hidden gem” Nikolai said proudly

“Bakit parang wala atang tao?” taking tanong ng dalaga

“Sinabihan ko ang mga taong nagroronda na wag magpapasok mula sa manggahan dahil gusto natin masolo ang lugar” paliwanag ng kasintahan

“Sinabi mo iyon? Baka anong isipin ng mga tao”

“Don’t mind them. It’s the first time I went here with someone, so they understand that we want to enjoy the falls by ourselves. Besides people here can go here every time they want but not just today”

Pagkatapos ng sinabi ni Nikolai ay katahimikan ang namayani. Tunog ng paglagaslas ng falls, nagsasayawang puno sa paligid at huni lang ng ibon ang maririnig.

“Let’s go baby. Remove your clothes” sabi ng binata at walang pagdadalawang isip na inalis ang damit at short sa harapan nya.

Napalunok ang dalaga lalo na ng makita ang umbok nito sa pagitan ng hita na halata sa black na boxer brief nito. Like a Greek god ay tumalikod na ito at nagtungo sa lawa. Kita ng dalaga ang mauumbok din nitong pangupo.

Tulad ng ginawa ni Nikolai ay inalis nya din ang kanyang sando at high waist short.

Pagkababa nya sa tubig ay agad syang hinapit ni Nikolai at mariing hinalikan sa labi. Parang may sairling buhay ang kanyang labi dahil automatiko nitong ginanithan ang mapupusok na halik ng binata kasabay din nito ang paghigpit ng pagyakap nya sa leeg nito.

Chapter 20

Nagpatuloy ang mapupusok nilang halikan hanggang sa naramdaman ni Maxine ang paglapat ng likod sa malaking bato.

Napatingala ang dalaga habang nakabuka ang bibig ng maramdaman ang nakakalilyong halik ni Nikolai pababa sakanyang leeg.

Kahit malamig ang tubig tabang na dumadaloy mula talon ay natatalo ito ng init ng ginagawa ni Nikolai sakanya.

Dahil sa dalawang kapiranggot na telang tumatakip sakanyang katawan ay madaling nahawi ng binata ang kanyang pangitaas at sinimulan sakupin ng bibig nito ang kanyang dibdib.

Walang nagawa ang dalaga kundi ang umungol habang nakahawak ang kamay sa ulo ng binata.

Mabilis naman naalis ni Nikolai ang kanyang pang itaas at pinatong sa bato.

Ilang beses pa itong nagpalipat lipat sa dibdib ni Maxine bago ito hinawakan sa kanyang balakang at sinampa sa bato para mapa-upo.

Nang tignan ni Maxine at mukha ng binata ay nakita nya ang pagaalab ng mga nito lalo na ng naalis nito ang kanyang pang-ibaba.

Pinagparte ni Nikolai ang kanyang hita kaya naman tumambad dito ang kanyang makinis at walang buhok na pagkakababae.

“N-Niko” suway ni Maxine. Hindi yata sya masasanay sa ginagawang paninitig ni Nikolai sakanyang pagkababae.

“Shh baby. Let me admire this precious gem of yours” sagot ng binata habang pinaglalandas ang daliri sa pagkababae ng kasintahan.

Napaliyad si Maxine dahil sa sensasyon na pinaparamdam ng binata.

Maya’t maya pa ay naramdaman ng dalaga ang dila nito kasabay ang daliring naglalabas masok sakanyang pagkababae.

“You really have the sweetest nectar baby and It’s making me crazy” sabi ni Nikolai na mas nagpainit sa nararamdaman ng dalaga.

She is now thrusting her hips meeting Nikolai’s tongue and when she finally had her orgasm, Nikolai pull her down and turn her around. Ngayon ay nakalapat na ang kanyang harapan sa bato.

“Bend for me baby. My cock can’t hold it longer”

Maxine immediately followed Nikolai’s order. Just a second of bending she felt his full thrust inside of her. Halos hindi nya na napansin paano naalis ng binate ang pang babang saplot nito.

“Ahh baby that was so good” Maxine can’t help but tell out loud what’s on her mind.

“You like it when I’m being rough. Don’t you?” he asked while continuing his fast and hard phase.

“Yes baby please don’t stop” she moan

Kahit gaano kalakas ang kanilang ungol ay natatabunan pa din iyon ng lakas ng tubig sa talon.

Everytime Maxine looks up she can’t believe how beautiful the scenery just looking at the tall trees around her while Nikolai is pounding her so hard.

She was so turn on by the mere fact that they are having an outdoor sex.

When she reached her second orgasm she feels so weak that Nikolai need to hold her tightly for her not to fall.

“We’re not yet done baby, now do me a favor by sitting between my thighs”

“I don’t know Niko if I can still do it” Maxine said honestly while catching her breath.

“Please baby let me come” Nikolai begs

Maxine can’t believe of Nikolai’s stamina to think that they did it last night. He held her hand and help her get up from the water. He sits on the flat stone while assisting Maxine to sit between his thighs.

In a swift motion he is again inside her. Maxine held Nikolai on both of his shoulders and start riding him up and down while Nikolai’s hands were fixed on both side of her waist.

Kahit napapalakas ang kanilang ungol ay natatalo pa din ito ng lakas ng tubig na nahuhulog mula sa talon na syang pinapasalamat ng dalaga dahil hindi nya alam kung may mukha syang maihaharap kung may taga haciendang makakita sa kanila.

They both reached their climax.

Pareho silang naghahabol ng hininga habang magkayakap at ang pagkalalaki ni Nikolai ay nasa loob pa din ni Maxine.

“That was amazing experience baby” Nikolai said while kissing Maxine on her lips.

After taking time to catch their breath they continue enjoying the falls.

Kahit tanghaling tapat ay hindi mararamdaman ang init dahil malilim sa talon gawa ng naglalakihang punong nakapaligid dito.

Habang kumakain ng pagkaing dala hindi maiwasan itanong ni Maxine si Maribeth dahil simula ng dumating sila kahapon hanggang kanina bago sila umalis ng bahay ay hindi nya pa ito nakikita.

“Where is Maribeth? Hindi ko pa sya nakikita simula kagabi”

Nagpatuloy lang ng pagkain si Nikolai bago sumagot “Pinagsabihan ko syang wag munang tumulong kay Aling Mirna sa gawain bahay dumerecho na lang sya sa office para sa trabaho nya at umuwi na din pagkatapos” lumingon muna ito sa dalaga at nakita ng binata ang pagtataka nito kaya nagpatuloy ang binate sa pagsasalita “Hindi ko pala nabanggit sayo na si Maribeth ang gumagawa ng book keeping para sa hacienda. Sya din ang gumagawa ng admin works at kung dati ay tumutulong sya kay Aling Mirna pagkatapos nya sa trabaho nya o pag weekend ngayon ay pinagbawal ko muna hanggang nandito tayo”

“Don’t you think it’s too much?”

“How’s that? She still have her job inside the hacienda. I just don’t want what she did. I also saw how hurt you were that you can stand the whole day without talking to me”

“Nagsorry na nga ako sayo di ba?”

“But still, just leave it to me baby. It’s just for the meantime while we’re here”

“Okay” Maxine just drop the topic.

Ayaw nyang pagsimulan na naman iyon ng away sa pagitan nilang magkasintahan.

Alas singko na ng magpasya ang magkasintahan na umuwi na.

Linigpit nila ang pinagkainan at pinatong ang damit na suot kanina.

Habang sakay ang kabayo na tinatahak ang dinaanan kanina, nakita ni Maxine ang mga trabador ng hacienda na bumabati kay Nikolai na magalang naman binabalik ng binata ang pagbati.

Sakto din pala na uwian na din ng mga masasaka.

Pagdating sa bahay ay tinulungan syang bumaba ng kasintahan.

Pagkalapat palang ng paa sa lupa ay nakita nya si Maribeth na napatigil sa paglalakad mula sa bahay. Tingin nya ay kalalabas lang ito ng office at pauwi na sakanila.

Nang magtagpo ang kanilang tingin ay nakita nya ang galit mula sa mata nito. Agad din umiwas ito ng makitang lumapit si Nikolai kay Maxine dala ang kanilang mga gamit.

Nagmamadaling lumihis ng daan si Maribeth at nagpatuloy na uling maglakad paalis sa lugar na iyon ngunit hindi naalis ang pagsunod ng paningin ni Maxine sa huli kahit hinawakan na sya ni Nikolai bandang siko para akayin papasok ng bahay.

Chapter 21

Maagang gumising si Maxine kinabukasan kaya sabay silang kumain nang agahan ni Nikolai at ang lolo’t lola nito.

Ngunit pagkatapos nilang kumain ay nagpaalam na si Nikolai na pupunta sa maisan para tumulong sa mga manggagawa at tignan na din kung anong estado ng hacienda.

Sumama ang dalaga sa kasintahan hanggang sa kwadra ng mga kabayo.

“Sorry baby if I have to leave you. I need to check everything. I don’t know how long I will be staying on field” kanina pa nasosorry ang binata dahil hindi sya masasama nito na naiintidihan naman ng dalaga.

“Okay lang Niko. Ano ka ba. Besides simula ng dumating tayo dito ngayon ka lang nagkaroon ng time icheck ang hacienda”

“Thanks for understanding. Bye baby” wika ng binata at hinalikan sa nuo ang kasintahan.

“Bye” sabi ni Maxine nang nakasampa na ang binata sa kabayo. Tumango lang ito at gumawi na sa papuntang maisan.

Naglakad na pabalik ng bahay si Maxine. Kasama nya si Tatay Alex at Nanay Rosita sa sala para manuod ng TV. Ayon na lang ang libangan ng dalawa dahil masyado na silang matanda para gumalaw galaw pa.

Maya’t maya pa ay nagpaalam ang dalawa sa dalaga para magsyesta. Bukod sa tanghali ay nagsyesyesta din sila minsan sa umaga dahil sa katandaan. Madaling araw palang ay gising na ang mga ito.

Dahil walang magawa sa loob ng bahay ay lumabas muna si Maxine at nagtungo sa hardin. Malilim ang lugar gawa ng malalaking punong nagsisilbing bakod nito. Agad sumalubong sakanya ang malakas na ihip ng hangin nang maupo sya sa isa sa mga upuan. Pumikit ang dalaga at tumingala para damhin ito.

“Ano masaya ka na dahil pinapalayo ako ni Nikolai” napamulat ng mata ang dalaga ng marinig ang tinig ni Maribeth. Paglingon nya dito ay nandoon pa din ang nanlilisik nitong tingin “Kahit hindi nya sabihin alam kong ikaw ang nag-utos sakanya na lumayo ako!”

Pinagkrus ni Maxine ang kanyang braso sabay de kwatro bago nagsalita “Nikolai is a grown up man. Do you think he’s a puppet who will listen to what other people say? Ang baba naman ata ng tingin mo sakanya” kalmadong sabi niya.

“Halata naman minamanipula nyo sya ng ama mo! Hindi ganoon kabilis magbabago ang kanyang nararamdaman sakin at impossibleng magkakagusto sya sa isang babaeng katulad mo. Ang sama ng ugali mo!” nagpupuyos pa din sa galit na sabi ni Maribeth.

Napatayo si Maxine sakanyang kina-uupuan at linapitan ito halata ang takot mula sa mata ng dalaga. Gusto talaga ni Maxine iintimidate ito “Iyong batuhin mo ako ng mga kung ano anong salita okay lang sakin I can handle it but the moment you include my dad on your nonsense rant? You don’t even know him nor my whole family. Try to say another word against them kahit nasa poder ka pa ng Castaneda I will make sure to ruin your life.” Pagkasabi noon ay tumalikod na si Maxine pero bago pa sya humakbang pabalik ng bahay ay liningon nya muna ang takot na takot na mukha ni Maribeth bago muling nagsalita “By the way kung masama ang ugali ko mas hamak na masama ang ugali mo. You’re two-face bitch! Try harder to look more damsel in distress infront of Niko. Who knows it might work baka nga sa wakas magtagumpay ka sa plano mo at tuluyan ka na nyang ipalit sakin” she said in sarcastic tone before leaving.

Dahil masyado pang maaga para mananghalian napadesisyunan ni Maxine na pumanhik muna sakanyang kwarto at ibaling na lang ang kanyang atensyon sa naiwan trabaho sa Manila. Magchecheck na lang muna sya ng emails at proposals na kailangan ng kanyang approval in that way she can divert her attention to other things after the encounter she had with Maribeth downstairs.

Nakaka-ilang emails palang ang kanyang nabasa ng biglang tumunog ang kanyang cellphone. Nakita nya na ang kanyang Mommy Charlotte ang nasa caller ID kaya agad nya itong sinagot.

“Hello Mommy?” napakunot ang kanyang nuo dahil kakausap nya lang sa kanyang ina kagabi bago sya natulog “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Anak ang daddy mo nandito sa hospital. I’m sorry to disturb your vacation but can you go back immediately here?”

“What happened?” Naisip nya na hindi magandang tanongin nya pa ito “Okay Mom I’ll rebook my flight” tanging nasabi nya.

Alam nyang busy ang kanyang ina sa pag-aasikaso sa kanilang ama at dahil nasa hospital ito walang maiiwan sa kumpanya.

“Pasensya na anak kung kailangan mong bumalik agad”

“It’s okay Mom. I’ll hang-up now I need to tell Niko that I need to go back”

“Sure anak. Take care”

“Okay Mom. Bye”

Maxine tried to call Nikolai’s number but no ones answering so she decided to go to the field to talk to him personally.

Pagbaba ng hagdan ay ang syang pagsulpot ni Aling Mirna ang Ina ni Maribeth “Iha mananghalian ka na. Ipaghahanda na kita ng pagkain”

“Sila Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex po?”

“Aakyatin palang sila para gisingin”

“Uhm mamaya na lang po ako kakain. Kailangan ko pong puntahan si Nikolai sa maisan may importante po akong sasabihin sakanya”

“Ganoon ba. Sige iha magpasama ka na lang sa isa sa mga tagapag-alaga ng kabayo. Ako na lang magsasabi sa lolo’t lola nyo na umalis ka”

“Maraming Salamat po Aling Mirna” sinuklian naman ng tipid na ngiti ng ginang.

Iniwan nya na ito para punatahan ang kwadra.

Simula ang nangyaring pagpapa-iwas ni Nikolai kay Maribeth sakanila ay hindi nya nakitaan ng pangit na pagtrato mula sa ina nito. Kaya hindi nya maintindihan saan namana ni Maribeth ang ganon na pag-uugali o dahil masyado lang itong nagmahal?

Winaksi na lang ni Maxine ang kanyang iniisip. Kailangan nyang makausap si Nikolai ngayon at mamaya nya na lang sasabihin kila Nanay Rosita at Tatay Alex ang lagay ng kanyang ama.

Nang marating ang kwadra ng kabayo ay saktong may matandang lalaki ang lumabas galing doon.

“Magandang tanghali po. Ako nga pala si Maxine” magalang na pakilala ng dalaga

“Magandang tanghali din iha. Oo kilalala na kita. Alam ng lahat dito na ikaw ang kasintahan ni Nikolai.” Nakangiti nitong sambit bago nagpatuloy “Ako nga pala si Neil. Anong matutulong ko sayo?”

“Manong Neil pwede po bang manghiram ng kabayo at magpasama na din papunta kay Nikolai? May importante po kasi akong kailangan sabihin sakanya?”

“Sige iha samahan kita”

Kumuha ang matandang lalaki ng tig-isang kabayo para sakanilang dalawa

“Kaya mo bang mangabayong mag-isa?”

“Opo manong sanay po ako”

“Oh sya sige. Sundan mo na lang ako”

Pag sakay ay nagpauna ang matandang lalaki na sinundan naman ni Maxine. Doon lang napansin ng dalaga na hindi pa pala sya nakapagpalit ng damit. Naka maong shorts lang sya at green na blouse buti na lang medyo mukhang maayos naman ang kanyang suot.

Pagpunta sa maisan ay hindi nila nakita ang mga trabador.

“Mukhang sumama si Nikolai sa kabahayan ng mga trabador. Halika iha pumunta tayo doon” sabay turo sa kabilang daan.

Sumunod naman ang dalaga sa tinahak na daan.

Malayo palang ay kita na ang mahabang lamesa sa sentro ng kabahayan. Mukhang nagkakatuwaan ang mga tao habang nanananghalian.

Hindi naman nakaligtas sa paningin ni Maxine na magkatabi sa upuan si Nikolai at Maribeth habang nakikisabay sa tawanan ng mga tao.

Chapter 22

Natigil ang kanilang tawanan ng marinig ang yabag ng kabayong palapit sakanila.

Agad tumayo si Nikolai at lumapit sakanila ni Mang Neil at inalalayan syang bumaba.

“What are you doing here baby?” tanong ng kasintahan

Tinignan muna ni Maxine ang lamesang pinanggalingan ni Nikolai kung saan katabi nito si Maribeth na may pang-uuyam na ngiti sa mga labi bago binalik ang tingin sa binata.

“Dad is in the hospital right now. I need to catch a flight going back to Manila as soon as I can” pinili na lang sagutin ng dalaga ang tanong ng kasintahan kesa punahin kung bakit kasama nito si Mairbeth.

“Is tito Max okay? Sasama ako pagbalik mo ng Manila” 

“Hindi na kailangan Niko. I can handle myself besides sayang naman bakasyon mo ngayon mo lang uli nakasama sila Tatay Alex at Nanay Rosita”

“Nonsense. Pwede naman tayong bumalik uli dito. Gusto ko din malaman kung okay si tito Max at ang pamilya mo”

Naguilty man ang dalaga dahil nabitin ang bakasyon ni Nikolai kasama ang lolo’t lola nito sa kabilang bahagi naman ay natuwa sya dahil sa pag-aalalang pinakita nito sa kanyang ama at pamilya.

“Kumain ka na ba?” sunod na tanong ng binata.

Umiling ang dalaga “Pagkatapos kong kausapin si Mommy hinanap kita agad para magpaalam” sagot ng dalaga.

“There’s still food in here, you want to eat first?” yaya ni Nikolai

Napatingin uli si Maxine sa malaking lamesa kung nasaan ang mga trabador na busy pa din nagkwekwentuhan habang iba ay kumakain pa din. Napansin din ng dalaga na nakamasid pa din si Maribeth sa gawi nila.

“Sa bahay nyo na lang ako kakain para makapag-impake agad pagkatapos”

“Okay then let’s go back so you can already eat and we can pack our things. We will also tell my grandparents that we need to go back to Manila. Wait for me here I will just inform them that we’ll be heading home” sabay lingon ng binata sa mga magsasakang nasa malaking lamesa.

Tumango si Maxine kaya naman lumapit na ang kasintahan sa kumpulan ng mga tao para magpaalam. Hindi nakaligtas sa kanyang paningin ang pagsimangot ni Maribeth napairap na lang sya dahil napakauseless kung papatulan nya pa ito.

Lumapit din muna si Nikolai kang Mang Neil para sabihan ang matanda na kumain na muna doon ng tanghalian na sinang ayunan ng huli.

Paglapit sakanya ay ginaya na sya ni Nikolai pasakay sa kabayo. Habang ang binata naman ay walang hirap na sumakay sa likod nya.

Si Nikolai din ang nag maniobra sa kabayo na sinasakyan nila pabalik sa bahay nito.

Pagkatapos nyang kumain at mag empake ay nagpaalam kay Tatay Alex at Nanay Rosita na parehong nag-aalala sa kalagayan ng kanyang ama ay nagbook sila sa pinakamalapit na flight na nakita nilang pabalik ng Manila.

Habang nasa byahe ay hindi mapakali si Maxine. She was so worried about her family too.

Buong byahe ay nakahawak lang si Nikolai sa isa nyang kamay. Natutuwa sya sa pag-aasikaso nito sakanya at maya’t mayang tanong kung okay lang sya kaya kahit papaano ay gumaan ang kanyang pakiramdam.

Wala silang sinayang na oras dahil pag lapag palang ng eroplanong kanilang sinasakyan at dumerecho na agad sila sakanilang hospital kung saan nakaconfine ang kanyang ama.

Pagpasok palang nya sa loob ng kwarto kung nasaan ang kanyang ama ay sinalubong agad sya ng yakap ng kanyang ina.

“Maxine anak” sabi ng ina at bumaling ito sakanyang kasintahan “Nikolai”

“Good evening po tita” magalang na bati ng binata dito habang magkayakap pa din ang mag-ina.

“How’s Daddy, Mom?”

“He’s getting better. Overfatigue lang. Sorry if I disturb your vacation. I don’t know what to do after akong tawagan ng sekretarya nya na biglang na lang bumagsak ang daddy mo. I’m a doctor for heaven sake but when it comes to your dad hindi ko alam na magpapanic ako ng sobra.” Umiiyak na salaysay ng kanyang ina pagkatpos nilang maghiwalay ng yakap

Somehow Maxine felt guilty, kung hindi sya nag bakasyon hindi siguro mangyayari ito sa ama nya. Alam naman nyang matanda na ito at sya dapat ang gumagawa ng trabaho nito not the other way around.

“I’m sorry Mommy. I should have been the one working but due to my vacation na overwork tuloy si Daddy” Hindi nya mapigilan ang mapaluha naramdaman nyang paghaplos ni Nikolai sakanyang likod.

Maxine can feel how her boyfriend wants to comfort him.

“Shhh don’t say that kahit hindi ka umalis alam naman nating pareho how your dad works. Makalabas lang sya dito sisiguraduhin kong hindi na yan magbabad sa trabaho. Kung dati ay hinahayaan ko sya na kahit nasa bahay ay nagtratrabaho dahil ang sabi nya mas nanghihina sya pag di nagtratrabaho now he needs to change his lifestyle” pareho silang napatingin mag-ina sa gawi ng kanyang ama na tulog pa din.

Napabaling ang dalaga sakanyang ina “Mom you should go home. Charity and Fourth still needs you. Ako na po ang bahalang mag bantay kay daddy”

“Pero kauuwi mo palang you need to rest” sabi ng kanyang ina na ikinailing ni Maxine “No mom you need to rest. Promise I’ll be fine here. My siblings needs you”

Napabuntong hininga ang kanyang Mommy Charlotte at sumang-ayon na din sakanya. Kanina pa nakaalis ang kanyang ina at naiwan silang dalawa ni Nikolai.

“You can go home baby. I can look after Dad” baling nya sa kasintahan. Tingin nya ay binibigyan sya nito sa space dahil simula ng pumasok sila sa loob ng room ay hindi pa din ito nagsasalita but she can feel the comfort he’s doing to her.

“Samahan kita. This is the least I can do” napangiti naman si Maxine ng marinig nya ang sinabi ng kasintahan. Somehow his presence lift up her spirit. Hindi nya alam ang gagawin kung wala ito sa tabi nya.

Biglang tumayo si Nikolai “Stay here. I’ll buy dinner for us two” napapikit sya ng hagkan sya ng binata sa nuo bago umalis.

Lumapit naman si Maxine sa ama ng maiwan syang mag-isa. Hinawakan nya ang isang kamay nito.

“Daddy please magpagaling ka. Mom needs you at kami din ng mga anak mo” napaluha sya habang iniisip paano kung mas malala ang nangyari sakanyang ama. Hindi nya alam paano silang mag-iina lalo pa’t nag-aaral pa ang kanyang mga kapatid.

Naupo uli sya sa sofa kung saan sila kanina naka-upo ni Nikolai. Habang silang dalawa palang ng ama sa loob ng silid ay nakapagisip isip sya na seseryosohin nya ang pag take-over ng company.

Ayaw nyang may mangyari uli sakanyang ama dahil baka mas matindi ang mangyari dito sa susunod. Her parents also need more time together lalo na’t may edad na ang kanyang ama.

Habang nasa malalim syang pag-iisip ay dumating naman si Nikolai dala ang take-out food nito sa isang kilalang restaurant.

“Sorry kung natagalan naghanap pa kasi ako ng bukas na restaurant” paliwanag nito habang isa-isang inalis sa lagayan ang kanilang pagkain na nakapataong sa lamesang nasa harap ng sofa na kanilang kinauupuan.

Chapter 23

The following day napilitan ng pumasok uli sa trabaho si Maxine.

Hindi pa sumisikat ang araw ay nasa hospital na ang kanyang Mommy Charlotte. Ayon dito ay hindi din ito makatulog ng maayos dahil nasa hospital ang Daddy nya.

She can’t help but appreciate the unconditional love of her parents. Parang ito na ata ang first time na nakita nyang hindi magkasama ang magulang nyang natulog because when they are still young kahit saan pumunta ang Daddy nya for business trip ay walang pagdadalawang isip na iiwan ng Mommy nya ang trabaho nito para samahan ang ama. Her dad is too clingy but her mom will always grant whatever her dad wish.

She always hopes that one day she could grow old feeling the same kind of love.

Maxine heard 3 knocks before her secretary Kat went inside her room.

“Ms. Maxine I would like to remind you about your 10am meeting with Mr. Rosal, 1pm with DGD Corporation, 3pm with Mr. Cuevas and Management meeting at 5pm.”

It’s only been an hour since she went back to work and there’s lot pile of files on her table that she needs to review but she also needs to stop what she’s doing because she needs to attend the meeting which was already scheduled for her dad to attend.

“Okay, Let’s get going. The meeting with Mr. Rosal will start few minutes from now.” Maxine said as she stands of her chair.

Good thing her first meeting is just inside their building.

By lunch she received a message that her dad is already okay and he can be discharged from their hospital. When she asked her mom if she needs her help to take her dad home Charlotte refuse. Kasama naman daw nito si Fourth na mag-uuwi sakanilang ama.

Somehow napanatag ni Maxine dahil okay na ang ama nya but still the doctor advised that her father needs to take a rest for sometime before going back to work. She eats her lunch peacefully with Nikolai inside her office because she only has 30 minutes to eat as she still need to travel going to DGD for her next meeting.

The day her father Max got discharged her mother Charlotte talk to her over dinner if she could take over the company while her father is resting.

“Maxine anak, I know this is too much to ask” may hesitation sa boses ni Charlotte habang lahat silang pamilya ay nakatingin dito “but can you take over the company for months?”

Agad naman tinutulan ito ng kanyang ama “Love, I can perfectly do my job in few days or if you want I will be resting for a week before going back to work” dugtong pa nito.

“Naririnig mo ba ang sarili mo Max? You are not completely healed. Ano bang gusto mo? Hinatayin pa natin maulit ang nangyari sayo? Paano kung sa susunod hindi ka masugod agad sa hospital ayan ba ang gusto mo?!” napalakas ang boses ng kanilang ina. Tears also starts streaming on Charlotte’s face.

First time nilang magkakapatid makitang tumaas ang boses ng kanilang ina. They always know her for being well composed and seeing how they mom look right now it breaks Maxine’s heart.

“Dad, Mom is right. You need to rest as long as you needed. Don’t worry about the company. I can assure you I can handle it” pagkukumbinsi ng dalaga sa kanyang ama.

Napabuntong hininga si Max. As much as he wants to work mas iniisip nya ang asawa. He doesn’t want to have any argument with his wife.

“Okay sweetheart but when anything goes wrong, please don’t hesitate to seek for my help” there’s a finality with Max voice.

“Sure dad” sagot ni Maxine

Nakita nya paano magpunas ng mata ang kanyang ina. Somehow, she knows her mother is okay with what her father said.

Maxine saw how her father reached for her mother’s hand and caressing it using his thumb like assuring her mom that everything’s  going to be okay.

They continue eating and like their usual dinner Fourth started the conversation to ease away the awkward moment. How Maxine thanks her brother in her mind because he is good on lighting up the mood.

Maxine become busy the following days until it becomes weeks … and months.

Halos bihira na din silang magkita ni Nikolai sa loob ng office. Hindi nag mamatch ang schedule nila. They have to divide the work as representative of the company dahil bukod sakanya ay si Nikolai ang inaasahan ng kanyang ama.

“Ms. Maxine I just received a call from Mr. Cruz. He is asking if you could meet him at north because of urgent matter he can’t come to the first agreed meeting place” sabi ng kanyang sekretarya na si Kat.

Since si Mr. Cruz lang naman ang kameeting ni Maxine ngayong araw ay pumayag sya sa sinabi nitong lugar kung saan sila magmemeeting though malayo iyon sa office nya.

“Okay, tell him I’m on my way. You stay here and arrange my files ako na lang mag-isa ang makikipagmeet sakanya.” Sabi nya sa kanyang sekretarya habang kinuha ang gamit para umalis sa kanyang opisina

“Alright Ms. Maxine. Ingat po” tugon ni Kat

Maxine just nod her head and proceed to basement to ride her car.

It takes her hours to come at the meeting place due to traffic jam and how far the place from their office. Tinawagan nya si Mr. Cruz para iinform ito na malalate sya. Sinabi naman ng kausap na naiindintihan sya at sinabihan din sya nang matandang lalaki na okay lang at kasalanan din daw naman nito bakit napalitan ang lugar ng pagkikitaan nila.

“Good morning Mr. Cruz. Sorry if I’m late” pahingi ng tawad ni Maxine ng makita si Mr. Cruz ang matandang lalaking kameeting.

“It’s okay iha. Thank you for coming on short notice” sabi nang kausap at nagsimula na silang mag-usap about sa possibleng pang invest ng matanda sa company nila.

May dessert at drinks din nakahain sakanilang lamesa. Ang sabi ng matandang kausap ay umorder na ito para may makain sila habang nag-uusap.

Everything so smooth and she just closed the deal. Tumayo na ang matanda at iniwan na sya pagkatapos nilang mag-usap at sabihin sakanya na magkita na lang uli sila for contract signing.

Paalis na din sana sa lugar si Maxine ng mahagip nya sa dulong bahagi ng restaurant si Nikolai.

Gusto nyang isipin na kameeting nya lang ito pero makitang magkatabi ang upuan at paano nakapulupot ang kamay ng babae sa braso ng kanyang kasintahan at nakatingalang nakangiti dito alam nyang may namamagitan sa dalawa.

Para syang naestatwa sa kanyang kinatatayuan kahit may dumadaan na mga waiter sa kinatatayuan nya ay hindi sya makaalis. Kinuha nya ang kanyang cellphone at tinawagan si Nikolai. Huminga sya ng malalim para pigilan ang sariling umiyak.

Nakita nya kung paano kinuha ni Nikolai ang cellphone nito mula sa bulsa at inalis ang kamay ng babaeng kasama nito at kinausap sandali dahilan kung bakit biglang lumayo ang dalaga at sumandal sa kinauupan bago sinagot ni Nikolai ang cellphone nito.

Hindi nya binigyan ng oras para magsalita ang binata dahil inunahan nya na ito nang tanong “Nasaan ka?”

“I’m at the meeting right now” simpleng tugon nito

“Where specifically?”

“Solaire”

Liar! Sabi ni Maxine sa isip “O-okay”

“Why? Is there something wrong?”

“Wala. I have to go and I need to do something. Bye” Maxine said ending the call without waiting for Nilkolai’s response.

Chapter 24

Habang tumatagal ay nararamdaman ni Maxine na mas lumalaki ang gap nila ni Nikolai.

She like to think that it was just because of the load of work she’s handling but she knows better.

Never did she confront Nikolai on what she witnessed. Maxine knows how stupid she is right now but just the thoughts that he will confirm that he’s having an affair hurts her.

They never had the chance to see each other inside the company. There are also times that their supposed scheduled date was being cancelled. Most of the times because of her loaded schedule.

“Oh, by the way I did not know that Mr. Castaneda is dating the famous model Desiree Adams” nahigit ang hininga ni Maxine nang marinig ang sinabi ng kameeting nya ngayon na si Mrs. Sy.

This is not the first time she heard about the news since hindi naman alam ng client or investors ang relasyon nila ni Nikolai. They only knew that they both work at the same company and he is her father’s apprentice.

“Yeah, I heard about that” Maxine said casually after clearing her throat and honestly, she’s still not used of pain every time she hears about it.

“They look good together. I just happen to see them when I went out for dinner with my amigas. I heard from my friends that they are really discreet and private couple. You won’t find them elsewhere mostly in expensive and few people around restaurants” dagdag pa ni Mrs. Sy.

Maxine just nods and force herself to smile. She tried to look at her wrist watch and speak to the old lady in front of her “I’m sorry to cut our meeting short but I have another appointment” she said and stand up.

Mrs. Sy also stand up “It’s okay darling tapos na din naman ang meeting natin. I also need to go”

“Thank you for understanding Mrs. Sy and have a good day” Maxine said after shaking Mrs. Sy’s hand. Bumeso pa sya dito before leaving the restaurant.

Nasa manibela lang ang mga kamay ni Maxine ng kanyang sasakyan. Simula ng pumasok sya at inistart ito ay hindi pa din sya umaalis.

She can’t help but think if Nikolai thinks about her while he is going out with the world-famous model Desiree Adams. Yes, she knows her name. Sya iyong babae na nakita nyang kasama ni Nikolai nang tinawagan nya ito para tanungin kung nasaan ang kasintahan. Ito din ang pangalan ng babaeng nababanggit sakanya ng mga client/investors na nakakakitang magkasama ang dalawang.

How Nikolai did not even try to talk to her about his woman but the real question here is that if she’s ready to know the truth?

Hindi namalayan ni Maxine na umiiyak na pala sya kung hindi nya pa naramdaman tumulo ang kanyang mga luha. For now, she needs to prepare herself. She knows how much she loves Nikolai but she can’t be selfish to keep him for herself. He never said he loves her too and she knows that Nikolai is serious with Desiree. He will not meet him regularly if he doesn’t have feeling on her. Maxine knows better because Nikolai was never a playboy.

Then one night, while having dinner with her family. Maxine find the courage to tell her parents about her plan.

“Mom, Dad I would like to inform you about my decision to move out and have my own space” Maxine said while having dinner with her family.

Napatigil naman sa pagkain ang kanyang magulang pati ang dalawa nyang kapatid. Right now her father is stable but her mother Charlotte still refuse her father Max to come back to work. He only goes to work if there’s really urgent or confidential matter that needs his approval or presence but most of works were already handed to Maxine.

“Why so sudden iha?” her mother asked

“I just want to be independent. I also have to juggle my time between my boutique and our company. It will be convenient if I live between those two places.”

Katahimikan uli ang namayani sa kanilang dinning room.

“Do you really need to leave the house ate?” Charity asked

“Masyado kasing madaming trabaho na dapat tapusin. I also need to check on my own business. Pag medyo maluwag na ang schedule ko I will be staying here every weekend or I might be back here for good”

“I’m sorry Maxine if you need to suffer because of our business. I told your Mom I can go back to work and handle the company again” her father sigh but feeling helpless.

“I was only looking after your welfare Max. You’re not that young anymore! Do you think it is not hard for me to beg Maxine to take over our business?” her mom felt offended with what her father said.

Maagap naman sumagot si Maxine “Dad I’m really okay. I just need space for my own. Mom is right you need to take care of your health and I was not forced to handle the company. I will do anything for it not just because it’s your legacy dad but also for all the employees who relies on us. So please let’s not talk about it and finish our dinner peacefully. Please. “ she begs.

Lahat ay natahimik at nagsibalik sa pagkain.

After dinner Maxine went at the pool area. She sits on the edge while letting her feet dips in the water.

Naramdaman nya ang pag-upo sa tabi nya ni Fourth “I’m sorry ate if I can’t be much help to you right now. Ako iyong lalaki sa atin magkakapatid but I can’t still manage the company”

Natigilan si Maxine dahil hindi nya inaasahan na ganoon pala ang nararamdaman ng bunsong kapatid “Don’t think that way Fourth. You’re too young and it’s my responsibility as the oldest to handle our company for the meantime and beside when I was also at the same age as yours my priority was my studies, so please do the same and have fun.”

“It’s just.. I’m feeling guilty for past months seeing you busy with works. I can’t barely see you going out or having your free day”

“Ano ka ba Fourth this is just temporary since I’m still trying to familiarize myself with other matters. In time when I’m used to Dad’s work I will have more time for myself again” ginulo nya pa ang buhok ng kapatid “And besides hindi mo naman kasalanan matanda na si Daddy nagkaroon ng mga anak” biro nya.

Natawa silang dalawa sa sinabi nya.

Pagkatapos magtawanan ay naging seryoso uli si Fourth na humarap sa kanya “I want to help you with our company ate”

Natigilan si Maxine “But you’re still studying”

“Charity is also studying but after school we all know she’s in our hospital trying to familiar herself with how it works and  also anything that’s related to her studies. I also want to do the same” Fourth said

Maxine can’t help but smile to her brother. Kung ibang tao na kasing edad ng kapatid nya mas gugustuhin hindi mainvolve sa business nila at mas gugustuhing magsaya sa buhay. Ang mga kapatid naman nya ay nagkukusang tulungan ang kanilang pamilya sa business nila.

“Okay then. I also need a little help with the next CEO” Maxine kid while smiling to her brother. Placing her head to his shoulder while wrapping her arms arounds his hips. Fourth also placed his one hand on her shoulder. 

She can’t believe how time flies. Her little brother is not so little anymore. In fact he is way taller than her.

Biglang napabalik si Maxine sa kanyang iniisip.

Now that she already informed her parents about moving out the house. She needs to focus on buying her own unit and move as soon as possible before she confronts Nikolai. She doesn’t need to be coward.

She needs to face the reality because sooner or later it will all eventually end up how she expect it to be so why bother prolonging her agony.

Chapter 25

Nang maayos na ang condo ni Maxine ay mabilis syang lumipat dito. Naalaala nya kung paano pinag-isipan kung paano kakausapin si Nikolai at paano sya makikipaghiwalay dito. Now that she’s settled, she is now ready to face him.

It was Sunday morning when she texted Nikolai to meet her at the coffee shop near her condo. She bet the guy didn’t even knew she already moved out from her family’s house.

Napa-isip sya kung may pakialam pa ba ang binata sa kanya nitong mga nagdaang araw.

Maxine looks at the coffee shop’s entrance when she heard the opening of the door and then she saw Nikolai looking around. Nang magtagpo ang kanilang mga tingin ay agad naglakad papunta sa table nya si Nikolai at umupo ito sa tapat nya.

Nasa pandalawahang lamesa sila malayo sa entrance ng coffee shop. How Maxine misses Nikolai and this is the first time the see each other again.

“I hope you don’t mind I ordered you a caffe americano” Maxine said gesturing the coffee in front of Nikolai

“No, I don’t” Nikolai said and take a small sip of coffee. “May I know why you’re eager to meet me today?”

His statement was true. Maxine asked him to meet her today. At first, he was hesitant, napa-isip tuloy ang dalaga kung ang dahilan ba ng pag dadalawang-isip makipagkita ng kasintahan ay dahil sa babaeng madalas nitong kasama.

Winaglit nya muna kung ano ang kanyang iniisp because for once she wants to clarify everything.

“I’m here to ask you something and I want you to be honest” Maxine said before she continues “I want to know who is Desiree Adams?” There’s no reason for her to beat around the bush.

“Baby” Nikolai’s only response.

Maxine removes her gaze to him. Hearing him use their endearment only pains her. That one word seems unfamiliar to her now.

“Just answer my question Niko” she said with stern voice. It’s just a simple question why it’s hard for him to answer.

Nikolai sigh. Maxine saw how hesitant he is at first but he manage to answer her “Desiree is my first love. Were classmate since 1st year college. I was looking for part time job and luckily got hired to fast food chain as service crew. I didn’t know that she was working there since summer before school year started. We get along well because we’re both orphan and part time students living independently. Since we have so much common it’s easy for us to understand each other until one day we become official. Then few days before our graduation she found out that her biological father whom she hasn’t met since she was born looked for her. Her father wants to take her to states where he lives with his family. Her father wants to process her papers by using his father’s name and to make her his legal daughter. That time we both know that we have to let go of each other. I know the feeling of being an orphan and I just don’t want to make her feel miserable so letting her go to be with her father is the best decision to make that time”

Nasaktan si Maxine sa narinig. Hindi nya alam na malalim pala ang ugnayan ng dalawa.

She remembers that time when Nikolai wanted to live independently when he was about to enter college. He works hard to support himself and refusing the financial assistance from her parents.

She can’t help but to think of what ifs.

What if Nikolai didn’t pursue being independent, would he ever had the chance to meet Desiree and fell in love with her?

What if hindi kailangan umalis ng bansa ni Desiree. The two might be married by now.

Ang dami pang sunod sunod na what ifs ang pumapasok sa isip nya pero hindi nya na maentertain ang mga ito sa utak nya, so Maxine just continue to ask him.

“D-do you still love her?” kung masasaktan man sya lulubos lubusin na nya para isang bagsakan na.

“You’re my girlfriend. Tayo ang may relasyon. You don’t need to bring her up”

His answer only pains her more. Kung akala ng binata ay mapapanatag sya sa sagot nito, kabaligtaran ang nararamdaman nya.

“That’s not the answer that I want to hear from you!” Maxine can’t control her emotions right now “So what if I’m your girlfriend and we’re on a relationship?” Nakuha nya ang atensyon ng binata dahil napatingin uli ito sa kanya.

“Don’t you think I’m dumb not to know that you both keep on meeting each other? Ako nga ang girlfriend mo Nikolai pero mas madalas kang makita ng mga tao na kasama ang babaeng iyon kesa sa akin?!” Surprise was written all over his face.

“We are not doing something! Nagkikita kami kasi ako lang ang kaclose nya dito bago sya umalis ng bansa-”

He has something more to say but she cut him off “You could at least tell it to me but you chose to lie in front of my face instead!” hingal na hingal si Maxine pagkatapos nyang magsalita at nagsimula na naman mag-unahan ang kanyang mga luhang tumulo.

“I saw you two in one of the restaurants at the north. That one time when I called and asked you where you at and you lied to me saying you’re at Solaire when I can clearly see you two sitting next to each other” her words become a whisper.

“Baby, Maxine…” Nikolai is trying to reach her hand resting on top of the table but she immediately removes it before their hands touch.

Pinunasan ni Maxine ang kanyang luha at tumingala habang nakapikit. She wants to stop herself from crying.

For the last time she wants to ask something that might still give her consideration to continue their relationship.

Minulat uli ni Maxine ang kanyang mga mata at tumitig kay Nikolai. She can see the pain and remorse on his eyes but who knows what’s that for.

“Last question, do you love me?”

Maxine was waiting for Nikolai’s answer but he just moves his face to other direction. She doesn’t need to ask again because based on his reaction, she already knows the answer.

Mabilis nyang pinunasan ang luhang nahulog mula sakanyang muka.

“So, I guess we need to end it here?” what’s the use of having a relationship with him if Nikolai is still not over her past and the last thing she wants to know is that he loves her so she have a reason to fight for him.

Maxine will just hurt them both if she insists of continuing their relationship.

“Don’t say that” Nikolai said holding her hand which was placed on the table.

Maxine shake her head and put one of her hands on top of Nikolai’s hand holding her “This is best for us. I know and I really feel that you tried to be good boyfriend but I guess you still have feelings for her. I’m not that selfish to cage you. Don’t worry about my family I will tell them that it’s me who broke up our relationship because it’s not working” Maxine let go of Nikolai’s hand before standing up “I have to go and please be happy” she gives him a small smile and before leaving not giving him chance to talk.

Agad pumasok si Maxine sakanyang sasakyan at malayang pinakawalan ang mga luha. Nang mapakalma ang sarili ay umuwi na sya sakanyang condo at doon pinagpatuloy ang kanyang pag-iyak.

Dito ay hindi nya kailangan magpigil ng iyak dahil wala ang kanyang pamilya na pwedeng makakita sa kanyang nasasaktan.

Hahayaan nya muna na masaktan at umiyak ngayong araw. Susubukan maging normal uli kinabukasan. She doesn’t have enough time to mend her broken heart.

Her family and their company need her.

Chapter 26

Maxine don’t know how she survive the following weeks after breaking up with Nikolai. As much as possible she avoids seeing him. If they need to attend the same meeting, she tries her best not to glance at his direction.

Malaking pasasalamat nya at tinotoo ni Fourth ang sinabi nitong tutulong sa business nila. Pag walang pasok ang kapatid ay nasa office ito o kaya sa vacant time nito bago o pagkatapos nang pasok. Naging busy sya sa pagtrain nito na parang isang apprentice. Pag may mga meeting ay nakikisit in din ang binata para maobserbahan ang pinag-uusapan at agenda sa loob ng conference room. Minsan ay inuutusan nya pa itong gumawa ng minutes of the meeting though ginagawa naman iyon ng secretary nya na si Kat. Maxine just wants her brother to learn every single detail that he needs to from the corporate world.

Hindi maiwasan hingin din ang opinion at approval nila ni Nikolai. May times na mag kasalungat sila ng opinion. Nakakahinga sya nang maluwag pag natatapos nang maayos ang usapan na hindi man lang sya pumipiyok at napapanatiling maging casual sa dating kasintahan. Nakatulong talaga ang mantra nya na lahat ay trabaho lamang at walang personalan.

After the meeting ended kasabay ni Maxine ang nakakabatang kapatid na unang lumabas. “Ganoon ba talaga kayo ni Kuya Nikolai pag nasa meeting ate?”

Napahinto sa paglalakad ang dalaga kaya napahinto din si Fourth “You need to always keep personal things away when you’re at work” nakita ni Maxine ang pagkalito sa mukha ni Fourth “Kung naabutan mo noong nagtratrabaho pa si Dad madalas din magkasalungat ang opinion namin. Kung mag batuhan kami nang opinion parang hindi kami mag ama but at the end of the day no hard feelings” tinapik nya pa ang balikat ng kapatid “You’ll get used to it. In time, tayong dalawa naman ang malalagay sa ganoon sitwasyon. Just think that sometimes it’s necessarily needed to keep our business in balance” she smiles and continue walking ganoon din ang ginawa ni Fourth.

Nang makapasok sa kanyang office si Maxine ay agad syang umupo sa kanyang upuan at sumandal sa habang nakapikit. Umalis na ang kanyang kapatid dahil may pasok pa ito. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa din nya nasasabi sa pamilya nya na wala na sila ni Nikolai. Una ay busy sya sa kumpanya but these past few weeks ay nakakabisado nya na ang mga naiwan na trabaho nang ama. Nagkaroon din sya ng pagkakataong mahandle ang sariling boutique.

Pag mulat ng mata ay nakita nya ang sarili sa salamin na nakapatong sa kanyang desk. Hindi sya makapaniwala na nakaya nyang pakisamahan si Nikolai nang hindi man lang umiiyak sa harapan nito. She might look strong outside but she’s still weak and vunerable inside. Napako ang pangako nya sa sarili na hindi na sya iiyak para sa binata dahil lahat nang naipon luha na pilit nyang pinipigilan pag nasa opisina ay linalabas nya pag nasa condo na sya mag-isa. Hindi pa din nya maiwasan masaktan. Afterall it’s her first time to be in relationship at simula nang bata pa sya ay may gusto na sya dito.

Kung ano man sya ngayon hindi nya alam kung ayon ba ang totoong Maxine na nakikita nya sa salamin na nakatingin pabalik sakanya. Hinubog nya ang sarili para maging karapat dapat para kay Nikolai. Ang mga napansin nya magugustuhan ng binata sa isang babaeng makakarelasyon nito ang kanyang isinaisip na gawin para sa sarili. Pathetic!

Galit na saad nya sa sarili. Dahil kahit anong gawin nya para magustuhan sya ni Nikolai sa huli ay napunta pa din ito sa ibang babae. Hindi lang sa basta babae kundi sa first love nito.

Narinig ni Maxine ang pagtunog ng kanyang intercom dahilan para mahinto sya sa kanyang malalim na pag-iisip. Tumikhim muna sya bago ito sinagot “Yes Kat?” tanong nya sa kanyang sekretarya.

“Miss Maxine I would like to remind you about the schedule contract signing with Shelton Inc. together with Mr. Nikolai”

Natigilan si Maxine nang marinig ang pangalan ng binata. Napahinga sya nang malalim. There’s no reason for her to avoid him. Even if it’s hurting, Maxine makes sure to wear her best mask on when he is around. Ayaw nyang mapansin ni Nikolai na apektado pa din sya. Kaya hanggang makakaya ay talagang hinaharap nya ito na walang bakas na nasaktan sa pakikipaghiwalay sa dating kasintahan.

With her head held high tumayo mula sakanyang pagkaka-upo si Maxine “Okay i’ll be going” sagot nya sa sekretarya.

The contract signing was only held inside their company’s conference room. Only the representatives of Sherton Inc. were present. For Monteverde Holdings Inc. it was only her and Nikolai and since they work on the same company, they have to sit beside each other.

After contract signing, they talk more about the future plan before the representatives of Shelton Inc stood up and leave them alone on the closed-door conference room.

Katahimikan ang namayani sa kanilang dalawa. Maxine can see that Nikolai is not comfortable with the fact that its only the two of them inside the four-corner room. Ofcourse who would be, they did not have a good break up where both parties decide to end it.

“Just want you to know that I will be talking to my family over dinner this coming weekend about our break up. I’m sorry I haven’t told them yet.” Doon nakuha ni Maxine ang atensyon ni Nikolai dahil tumingin ito sa kanya. “For the meantime I’m asking you to be more discreet. Kung magkikita man kayo ni Desiree please avoid going on places na pwedeng may mga kakilala ang parents ko at mabanggit sa kanila. My family still think that we’re in relationship. For now.” habol pa nang dalaga.

“I told you there’s nothing going on between me and Desiree” sabi ni Nikolai habang ang mga mata nito ay nakiki-usap.

Pero hindi ka din gumawa ng paraan para makipagbalikan sa akin. Bulong sa isip ni Maxine.

“Eventually you might reconcile your relationship with her. If ever, I’m okay with it. Just give me more time to inform my family” ayon lang ang kayang sabihin ng dalaga dahil parang sumisikip ang kwartong kinaroroonan nya at nahihirapan na syang huminga. Kung magtatagal pa sya ay baka traydurin sya ng kanyang mga luha. “I should get going. Goodbye.”

Natigilan sya nang hawakan ni Nikolai ang kanyang braso “I’m not that kind of person. I’m serious with our relationship Maxine. You won’t expect me to jump from one relationship to another. It’s been years and lot of things change between Desiree and I.” Lumingon ang dalaga para salubungin ang titig nito “I’ll be honest with you; I’m still trying to figure out my feelings with Desiree. We’re taking it slow. Sorry if I hurt you but the past few weeks after we broke up, I realized that what you did was right. I can’t be unfair to you and let you stay in a relationship when I can’t even acknowledge my own feelings.” Naalis ang pagkahawak ng binata sa kanyang braso at hinawakan ang ulo nito gamit ang dalawang kamay. “I’m also being confuse right now” frustration is evident from his voice.

Hindi alam ni Maxine kung anong sasabihin kaya walang lingon na iniwan nya na lang ito sa conference room.

Saturday came and Maxine already informed her family. They were shocked of what they heard. She said that she had broken up with Nikolai for a long time now. She also said that she just told them now because she’s busy which is partially true and like what she said to Nikolai the reason why they broke up because it’s not working anymore.

Dismayado ang pamilya nya but she knows they will understand. Her family specially her dad Max wants Nikolai for her. Eventually Maxine knows that her family will also accept it like she did.

Kinabukasan ay nagising sya sa sunod sunod na pagring ng kanyang cellphone. It was Sunday and she don’t have anything to do so she plans of spending more time sleeping kaso nabulabog sya sa tawag. When she looks at her cellphone screen it was her sister Charity.

“Hello” Maxine groans answering the phone call half asleep.

“Ate have you seen the news?” tanong nang kapatid

“No, if it’s not obvious I’m still on my bed sleeping. Why?” She answered back with her eyes closed

“You just told us last night that you and Kuya Nikolai ended your relationship. How come the news right is about the model Desiree Adams announcing that Kuya Nikolai is her boyfriend? That fast? I mean what’s really happening?!” Charity freaked out na syang nag pagising sa diwa ni Maxine.

She immediately opens her eyes and sit down on her bed.

“What?!” Maxine said shocked with the sudden news.

“That’s exactly my question” her sister response

“I’ll call you later Cha. Bye” Maxine ended the call not waiting for her sister to say something from the other line.

Agad nyang tinignan sa search browser ang balita to only confirmed what her sister said was true. Nailapag nya ng de oras ang kanyang cellphone.

Maxine is also confused because the last time she talked to Nikolai, the guy said there’s nothing going on between him and Desiree. She can also clearly remember him saying that he won’t jump from one relationship to another that fast but what’s happening right now is the total opposite of his statement.

Chapter 27

After reading the news Maxine don’t know how she managed to take a bath and prepared herself in an instant. Lulan nang kanyang sasakyan ay binabagtas nya uli ang daan papasok sa kanilang subdivision ngunit hindi para bisitahin ang kanyang pamilya na binisita nya lang kagabi kung hindi para harapin si Nikolai.

Wala sa ayos ang pagkakatabi ni Maxine sa kanyang sasakyan sa tapat nang bahay nang binata. Pinag halong galit at pagtratraydor ang kanyang nararamdaman sa mga oras na iyon habang patuloy sa sunod sunod na pagdodoorbell hanggang hindi ito nabubuksan. Wala syang pakialam kung mabulabog ang mga tao sa loob ng bahay nito.

Nang may nag bukas ng gate hindi na nagawang batiin pabalik ni Maxine ang kasambahay bagkus ay derederecho syang nag lakad papasok sa loob total ay kilala naman sya ng mga ito. Sakto naman pagpasok nya ay ang pagbaba naman ni Nikolai sa hagdan galing sa itaas. Siguro ay naingayan din ito sa sunod sunod nyang pagdodoorbell.

Buti na lang at naabutan nang dalaga ang dating kasintahan. Hindi nya din kasi alam kung may madadatnan sya pag pinuntahan nya ito. Ang alam nya lang ngayon ay galit at punong puno na sya.

Sa tagal nyang nanahimik kahit sa tingin nya ay ang binata ang may kasalanan sa kanya hindi matanggap ng dalaga ang ginanti nito.

“Maxine what are you doing here at this early?” tanong ni Nikolai

Ngunit isang malakas na sampal ang ginanti ni Maxine. Narinig nya pa ang pagsinghap nang kasambahay na nasa likod nya.

Nang makabawi sa gulat ang kasambay ay yumuko ito at dali daling umalis kung nasaan sila.

Nakatagilid pa din ang ulo ng binata siguro ay nagulat din ito sa ginawa ni Maxine. Habang ang dalaga naman ay hinihingal.

“I know you did not love me but do I really deserve this humiliation?” napaluhang sabi ni Maxine hindi nya na makayanan pigilan ang kanyang mga luha

“What do you mean?” halatang nalilito pa din ang lalaki sa kanyang sinabi

“Come on! I thought you don’t jump from one relationship to another that fast? Why your relationship with Desiree is all over the news this morning? Nikolai naman, kasasabi ko lang sa pamilya ko kagabi and this news broke out” She doesn’t know if there’s any sense of telling him.

If Nikolai is really in relationship with that woman, does she really have a say about it? O dahil nasasaktan pa din sya ngayon kaya hindi nya mapigilan magalit nang malaman sinapubliko na nang mga ito ang kanilang relasyon.

“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about” halata pa din ang kalituhan sa binata kaya mula sa bulsa ay kinuha nya ang kanyang cellphone.

Tulad nang ginawa ni Maxine ay hinanap nya din ang balita tungkol sa kanila ni Desiree at nang lumabas sa search feeds ang mga headlines nag sasabi na official na ang relasyon nila ay doon na napamura ang binata “Shit! What have she done?”

Lumingon ito kay Maxine pagkatapos makita ay tinutukoy nito “I swear to God I don’t know anything about the news and her interview” sunod sunod pa ang iling nang binata “We are not yet official. Like I told you the other day we are trying to get to know each other. I have to call her to clarify this matter” mahabang tugon nang lalaki.

Somehow gumaan ang pakiramdam ni Maxine and in instant she stops from crying because looking at Nikolai she knows he is telling the truth.

What now? Her family might know it anyway. And if it’s true, she had no right if the man she loves is seriously in love with someone else. She should be happy that he found the one. Nagmumukha lang syang kontrabida sa dalawang taong nagmamahalan.

That’s when she realized going to Nikolai’s place and slapping him doesn’t seem right. She felt ashamed for herself and the way she acted.

“Does it make any changes? Sooner or later, you will still reconcile your relationship with her. I-I’m sorry if I became berserk on this matter. I’m not thinking straight I’m just afraid what my family would say”

“Don’t worry about it I would talk to your parents that the news wasn’t true. Sasama ako pag-uwi mo sa bahay nyo”

Dahil siguro sa tagal nitong hindi nakadalaw sa bahay nila wala itong idea na matagal na syang bumukod.

Pilit na ngumiti ang dalaga “I’ve been living independently away from my parent long time ago” nakita nya uli ang pag kagulat sa mukha nang binata “I knew it you don’t have any idea. I have to go and again I’m sorry” tumalikod na si Maxine dahil baka may masabi pa sya na pag sisisihan nya uli sa huli.

Maxine is like a lost soul. She is driving without any exact destination in her mind. Until she stops at MOA. She roams around and ends up sitting in front of ice-skating ring. Madami ang nag iice skating ngunit ang tingin nya ay tumatagos sa mga ito.

She doesn’t want to talk to anyone at the moment. She even turns off her phone because she knew her family will bombard her with so much questions that she can’t even answer.

Maxine’s failed relationship with Nikolai only make her insecure about herself. For effing sake she’s Monteverde but she feels like even carrying that name doesn’t mean anything.

She questioned herself what went wrong? She was always an achiever since she started schooling and strives harder to impress Nikolai not because she is the daughter of Maximo Monteverde III. She even handles their company when she all ever wanted was to have a business that she can call her own just for Nikolai to realize that she is a perfect wife figure. She even dresses casually and never dress so liberating because she’s afraid Nikolai might had wrong impression of her. Lastly, she even gave herself, her purity but it seems everything was not enough.

It’s a big slap to her that whatever she does, Maxine will never have Nikolai’s heart.

She just learned it the hard way.

Hindi napansin nang dalaga na inabot na pala sya ng alas singko nang hapon nakaupo sa tapat ng ice skating ring. Napatingin sya sa sarili. She is still wearing her short and tshirt. Her usual pambahay clothes. She never felt hungry kahit hindi pa sya nag almusal bago pinuntahan si Nikolai sa bahay nito at sa mag hapon pagsstay nya sa MOA ay hindi din sya na nanghalian.

She decided to dine in to the first restaurant she saw before going home to her condo. Kahit naka-uwi na ang dalaga ay hindi pa din sya pinapatahimik nang kanyang isip kaya nag decide syang pumunta sa isang bar. She changed her clothes. Now she is wearing sleeveless Valentino black dress and Saint Laurent red high heels stilettos with ankle strap. She gets her Gucci bag and off to go.

It will be her first time going to bar and it’s only 7pm. Good thing there is this one bar in BGC which is open that time.

“Give me anything hard” Maxine said after sitting on bar counter.

Halatang magbubukas palang ito dahil ang mga upuan ay nakapatong pa sa lamesang naka baliktad kaya wala syang choice kundi dumerecho sa bar counter at doon umupo.

“Sure Miss. Right away” the bartender said while smiling before winking on her.

Maxine can’t believe that the bartender is flirting her.

For a bartender the guy is a hotshot. Ganoon ba talaga sa mga bar? Kailangan gwapo ang bartender? The guy is good looking. She doesn’t know if he is half Filipino or foreigner because of his accent. The guy also have blue eyes with a dirty blonde hair. He is wearing fitted shirt which makes his muscles and chest visible. Maxine thinks he also stand 6 ft something maybe same height with Nikolai.

Maxine shook her head after thinking the name of the latter one.

“Here’s your drink my lady” the guy shows up again his perfect white teeth.

“Thank you” maikling tugon ni Maxine bago inisang lagok ang basong binigay nito.

Halos bumaliktad ang sikmura nya sa init nang alak na gumuhit mula sa kanyang lalamunan pababa sakanyang sikmura.

“Easy! Seems you’re not use of drinking” the guy said while wiping the glasses.

“Paki mo!” mataray na sumbat ni Maxine.

She notices she’s becoming bitchy the whole day. First slapping Nikolai’s face and now being rude to the guy in front of her. She was never been like that and not her kind of attitude.

“Chill, parang nag sasabi lang ng totoo” sabi nang lalaki

Napanganga naman sa gulat si Maxine. She never expects the guy will understand him and can also speak Filipino.

Napatawa naman ito sa reaction nya “Close your mouth my lady. Yup, I can understand and speak Filipino like you” amuse was written on his face while saying it to Maxine.

“I’m sorry I was never really that rude. I was just having a bad day today” Maxine sigh and push her shot glass forward.

“Can I have another shot?” she said.

“Sure” the guy said while getting the drink and pouring it to Maxine shot glass.

After pouring it he looks back to Maxine “I will only accept your apology if you tell me your name”

Maxine was hesitant at first because she’s not use of talking this long to a stranger. She went to the bar to be alone and think but the guy seems persistent of talking to her. Mukha din makulit ang lalaki at hindi sya tatantanan.

Tumaas pa ang kilay ng lalaki habang hinihintay syang mag pakilala. Mukha lang makulit ang lalaki pero hindi naman mukhang manyak o gagawa nang masama.

Maxine felt defeated and offer her hand for handshake “Maxine and you are?”

The guy immediately smiles before shaking her hand “I’m Timothy. Since were friends now your drinks on the house”

Napadako ang tingin ni Maxine sa likod nang binata kung saan nakalagay ang logo nang pangalan ng bar and it says Tim’s Pub .

“You don’t fail to amaze me my lady. Your reaction is always priceless. And yes again, I own this bar” Timothy said.

Napaisip si Maxine. Ganoon ba talaga sya kadaling basahin? She can’t help but blush na ikinatawa naman nang binata.

Chapter 28

Timothy Harrison did not leave Maxine alone and they end up talking all night while drinking. As the guy introduce himself nalaman ng dalaga na ito pala ang bunso sa apat na anak na lalaki ni Nathan Harrison. Their family is well known as the largest mall chain in the Philippines. They also own the duty-free stores in the country. Timothy is not involved with their family businesses he just let his older brothers handle it which is by the way as for his own term his choice because it’s not his cup of tea. Masaya na daw ito na may share sya sa kumpanya nila kaya kahit papaano ay kumikita pa din ito.

Hindi din masasabi na umaasa lang ito sa kita ng kumpanya nila dahil ang Tim’s Pub ay may mga branches along metro manila. Lahat ata ng city ay meron nito mostly it was located just near the corporate center. Ang target customers ng binata ay ang mga working people na gustong mag unwind after tiring day from office works bukod doon meron din sya along university belt. Ang Tim’s Pub na pinuntahan nya ang high end bar ng binata para sa mga customers na gusto ng hindi masyadong crowded pero gusto pa din mag bar at doon din daw madalas ang binata dahil nandoon ang office nya na nag checheck at monitor sa lahat ng branches nito.

The guy obviously likes the night life and parties kaya hindi na din nakakapagtaka kung bakit bar ang napili nitong business. As Maxine can see the guy is free spirit and outgoing. He is also a social butterfly dahil maya’t maya ay may mga kabatian ito.

“So you have lot of friend huh?” Maxine said before drinking.

“Just being friendly” He said before shrugging his shoulders “I need too for my business. In that way I get to know lot of people from different society like celebrities, politicians. Mostly public figure. When they held their parties here and post it in social medias. I get a free advertisement because people get to know where do their idols usually hangs out. They will try to visit one of my pubs and the rest will follow” Timothy said smirking before drinking his bottle of beer.

Maxine looks at her wrist watch and it’s already 2am in the morning. She never thought that she’s been staying inside the bar for too long. Masyado syang nadala sa kwentuhan nila ni Timothy. Nakwento nya din about sa work nya at ang company nila but she never digs deeper. Like her, the guy also had an idea about her after she mention their company. After all they are living on the same circle kahit sabihin pa na hindi involve ang lalaki sa family business nila.

“I’m sorry but I need to go. It’s already late and I still have work tomorrow” Pag tayo ni Maxine ay napakapit sya sa bar counter para kumuha ng suporta.

Agad naman umalalay sa kanya ang binata “I think your drunk” sabi nito.

“No, I still can manage” Maxine insists

Timothy sigh bago nito linahad ang kanyang kamay at tumingin kay Maxine “Give me your phone”

“What?” litong sagot ng dalaga ngunit wala sa sariling sinunod nya pa din ito. Mula sa bulsa ay linabas nito ang cellphone at inabot sa binata since walang password ay nabuksan kaagad nya ito pagkaswipe.

“Can you tell me a name from your contact list that I can call? I will inform the person that I will drive you home”

Maxine first thinks that in no way she will tell her parents she’s drunk and never will she go home to their house. She only had one person to trust and that’s her sister Charity.

“Charity. She’s my sister” Maxine only manages to say and close her eyes again after sitting down. Nakaramdam na naman kasi nang pagkahilo ang dalaga. Hindi na naman nya matandaan kung ilang baso ang kanyang nainom.

“Hey, this is Timothy. I’m your sister’s new friend” narinig ni Maxine na sinabi ni Timothy “Yes, she’s okay nothing to worry about” tingin nya ay may sinasabi pa ang kanyang kapatid dahil sa paraan na pag hinto ng binata sa pag sasalita “I call to tell you that I will drive your sister home. No not that I will be staying with her. I will just drop her off. Para lang mapanatag sya I want to inform you. You can call her after an hour or two to check on her. She might be home that time. Yes, I don’t have any other intentions. Okay bye.”

Binalik nang lalaki ang kanyang cellphone bago sya tinulungan tumayo. “Come on I’ll take you home”

“Hmmm” nasagot na lang ng dalaga habang tumatango ang ulo.

“Where’s your car key?” tanong ni Timothy nang nasa parking lot na sila.

Maxine tried her best to search it inside her bag. Buti na lang at nakapa nya agad kaya mabilis nya itong naibigay sa binata. Pinatunog ni Timothy ang unlock key at pinasok sya sa loob ng passenger seat bago ito umikot sa kabilang side.

“Hey just to make things clear, I allow you to drive me home because my head is spinning right now. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Chill! I’m not someone who take advantage of drunk woman.” tinaas pa ng lalaki ang dalawa nitong kamay parang sumusuko sa pulis

“Mabuti nang nag kakaunawaan tayo” pagkasabi ni Maxine ay agad naman binaba nang binata nag kamay at inistart ang sasakyan.

“How about you tell me where you leave so we can get out of here?”

Maxine told Timothy where her condominium is located.

After that she passed out.

Nagising na lang si Maxine sa sunod sunod na tunog ng kanyang cellphone.

“Hmmm” she answered with her hoarse voice. Maxine is confident it’s one of her family dahil sa assigned ringtone nito.

“Who brought you home?! Are you even at your house right now?” hysterical na tanong sa kanya ni Charity

“Please Cha stop shouting. You’re hurting my head” Wika ng dalaga na hanggang ngayon ay nakahiga pa din at nakapikit ang mga mata.

“You didn’t answer my question! I was worried sick when a guy called me using your phone. He said I should call an hour or two but when I did you didn’t even answer it!”

As if a queue after hearing Charity’s words napabangon ang dalaga kahit masakit ang ulo nito. Bigla kasing nag flashback lahat nang nangyari kagabi sa kanya. Simula pagpasok nya sa bar at nakilala ang may-ari nito hanggang sa nagkwentuhan sila, nalasing sya at hinatid pauwi but the rest she cannot remember.

“Oh my gosh!” Maxine screech

“What? What’s the matter? Tama ba ang hinala ko? Wala ka sa bahay mo ngayon ate?” her sister starts panicking

Pinagmasdan ni Maxine ang paligid napagtanto nyang nasa loob sya ng sariling kwarto at bago bumaba ang kanyang paningin sa kanyang katawan. Suot nya pa din ang dress na suot nya kagabi at pinakiramdaman din ang sarili. Bukod sa masakit ang ulo wala naman ibang masakit sa kanya. Lalo na ang pagkababae nya kaya nakahinga sya ng maluwag kaso ang kapatid nya sa kabilang linya ay hindi pa din tumitigil sa pagsalsalita.

“Should I inform mom and dad ate? Kinakabahan ako sa pananahimik mo”

“I’m fine Cha. I just had a little hang over but nothing bad happened”

“Are you sure? Or are you just saying that to make me feel at ease?”

“I’m totally fine. You can relax now and sorry for making you worry” pag papanatag ni Maxine sa kapatid.

Kahit malaki ang age difference nila, ang kapatid nya ang tinuring nyang bestfriend. Charity is smart and matured enough for her age.

“Okay then. Please ate take care yourself” Maxine can hear the hesitation on Charity’s voice not convince that she’s really fine but still her sister respects her decision.

“I’ll hung up now Cha. I need to go to work. Thank you for checking on me”

“No problem ate. Bye”

Maxine felt relief after talking to Charity. When she was about to stand up nakita nya sa side table nya na may note.

You owe me a dinner for taking you home sound and safe.

PS. Don’t do that again if you’re not use of drinking. Some other men might take advantage of you. 

• Tim

Napa-iling na lang ang dalaga dahil bukod sa message ay may nakalakip pang contact number nito. She put the note back to her side table before doing her usual morning routine.

Even her headache due to hang over she still needs to go to work.

Chapter 29

“What are you doing here?” Hindi maitago ni Maxine ang kanyang pagkagulat.

Katatapos lang nang kanyang meeting at malapit na sya sa kanyang office nang makita nya si Timothy nakatayo doon.

Napatayo naman ang kanyang sekretarya sa pagkakaupo sa pwesto nito na nasa gilid lang ng pintuan ng kanyang opisina.

“Ms. Maxine, I tried to offer your visitor a seat while waiting for you but he refuses to” pagpapaliwanag ni Kat. Napansin ng dalaga ang pamumula nang kausap bago ito yumuko para mag bigay respeto.

Siguro ang akala nang kanyang sekretarya ay may meeting sya kasama si Timothy. Obviously, his last name rings a bell. No one could question that he is Harrison because he looks like every other men on their family.

Mula sa pagkakatingin kay Kat ay napabaling sya sa binata.

The guy is wearing Lacoste polo shirt tuck up with his slacks and pair of loafers like some leading man from Netflix series.

Tinanggal nito ang Rayban shades bago nagsalita “I haven’t heard from you and that’s the reason why I’m here” Timothy said smiling at sinusok pa nito ang shades sa nakabutones na polo shirt sa gitna nang dibdib nitong bakat nag muscle sa sa damit na suot.

Maxine sigh before averting her gaze to her secretary “Okay I’ll take it from here” tumango lang ang kausap at bumalik na sa trabaho.

Inabot ng dalaga ang doorknob at inikot ito bago itulak pabukas ang pintuan.

“Come in” alok nya kay Timothy

Pagkapasok ng binata doon nya lang sinara ang pintuan. Nakita nya na dumerechong umupo ang binata sa upuan tapat ng kanyang desk.

“What do you want?” Maxine said before sitting down on her office chair.

“Like I told you I came here to pay you a visit”

“Based on our little chat inside your bar, you are not a morning person so why are you visiting me at this hour?”

“I was touch that you remember even small details about me” he playfully said.

“Look, if you are looking for someone to hook up, I’m not that kind of girl. Erase that! Even if you’re looking for some serious relationship, I will still don’t want it. Save your energy and find another one I’m a busy person. As you can see still have lot of papers for me to review.” Maxine even shows the pile of papers on her desk to make a point.

“Ouch! That hurts!” Timothy said while putting his both hands where his heart is located.

Hindi naman natinag ang dalaga sa pagkakatingin sa binata.

Agad naman umayos nang upo ang kausap “Look, I woke up early today and it just happened that you’re the only friend I got whom I knew is awake at this hour” paliwanag nito ngunit hindi kumbinsido ang dalaga.

“I know you’re beautiful but you look so plain and boring for my taste. That’s why I want to be your friend so you could somehow you’ll know how to enjoy life” Timothy while quoting the last words.

Maxine’s jaw drops after hearing what Timothy said. She can’t believe that he called her plain and boring. Halos mamula ang mukha nya sa galit dahil sa sinabi ng binata. The nerve of the guy called her that!

Napatayo sya nang de oras mula sa pagkakaupo “Alright! You’re leaving!” Maxine said with finality and start walking where Timothy is sitting and pull his arm to make him stand. She wants to drag the guy outside her office but since he is way taller and not to mention got tons of muscle to right places Maxine is having hard time pulling him.

“Oh please, I’m just being honest. Stop dragging me” Timothy said refusing to be drag.

Dahil sa paghihilaan nila at napalakas ang hatak ng binata sa braso nitong hawak ni Maxine. Bumagsak tuloy ang dalaga sa kanya. Ang first instinct ng dalaga ay yumakap sa batok ng binata para hindi mahulog kung sakali. Napayakap naman ang braso ng binata sa beywang niya.

Nag katitigan pa silang dalawa sa gulat at hindi pa din gumagalaw sa pwesto. Dahil sa kaunting siwang lang ang pagitan nang kanilang mukha natatakot ang dalaga na isang maling galaw lang ay magkakahalikan sila ni Timothy.

Natanggal lang ang tingin nila sa isa’t isa nang marinig nila ang pag bukas ng pinto.

Nanlaki lalo ang mata ni Maxine nang makita si Nikolai na ang tingin ay nasa papel pa din habang papasok nang kanyang office.

“Maxine, I have questions regarding…” napatigil ito sa sasabihin nang makita si Maxine at ang lalaking hindi nito kilala sa ganoong posisyon.

Nababa nito ang hawak na papel at malamig na tinignan ang dalawa habang pinag-igting ang panga. “Am I interrupting something?” tanong nito na tunog babala

Parang doon lang natauhan si Maxine dahil dali-dali itong tumayo mula sa pagkakayakap kay Timothy. Wala sa sariling napaayos sya ng damit. Napatayo din si Timothy ng de oras tulad nya.

There was a long silence after the awkward moment until Timothy cleared his throat “I should get going” doon napatingin ang dalawang tao na kasama nya sa loob ng opisina. “I will just message you” he said while looking directly to Maxine.

Wala sa wisyong napatango lang ang dalaga then Timothy storms out her office.

Hindi alam ni Maxine paano natapos ang usapan nila ni Nikolai after what happened. All she knew how cold Nikolai is while talking to her about certain report that needs her clarification. Pati ang nakaigiting na panga nito ay hindi na naalis.

Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap ay agad umalis ang binata sa kanyang opisina.

Kahit alam nang dalaga na wala syang ginagawang masama hindi nya alam bakit feeling nya naguiguilty sya sa dahil sa pakikitungo ni Nikolai.

Bigla tuloy sumagi sa isip nya si Timothy. She needs to talk to that guy. Hindi pa din maalis sa isip nya ang sinabi nito sakanya. Just thinking about it makes her blood boil again out of anger.

Pagka-uwi sa kanyang condo ay pinuntahan nya agad ang side table nya at binuksan ang drawer nito kung saan nya tinago ang note ni Timothy kasama ang number nito. Pagkatapos ng ilang ring ay sinagot naman sya agad nito.

“Hello?” sagot ng binata sa pangatlong ring

“Where are you?” agap na tanong ng dalaga

“Who’s this?”

“This is Maxine. Now answer my question where are you?” she’s becoming impatient.

“Oh! I didn’t expect that you will call me this soon after showing up to you this morning. Can’t wait for my message huh?” he said playfully “Did you miss me?” pahabol pa nito.

“If you won’t answer me seriously, I’ll just end this call” napapikit ng mariin si Maxine habang sinusubukan mag timpi.

“Chill my lady! I’m home right now I have more hours before my bar’s opening”

“Let’s meet somewhere right now. I’ll text you the details” after saying that Maxine end the phone call and grab her keys.

Maxine thinks she’s out of her mind to even ask Timothy to meet her up. All what the guy did is to pissed her off big time. Never did she become this piss on her entire life.

“Hey! So why you’re agitated to see me?” He asks beaming like she was some kind of joke to him

“What do you really want?” Maxine asked

“Like I said I want to be your friend” after telling it he raised his hand to call the waiter’s attention and ordered a food for them.

“But why? Don’t you have any friends to pester?”

“It’s the other way around my lady. You need a friend more than I” he said while leaning to his chair

“I don’t need one. I’m too busy to have one”

“How old are you again? Why don’t try to enjoy your life?”

“I’m enjoying my life. Bakit ba mas marunong ka pa sa akin?”

“Really? In what way can you say you enjoy your life? Are you even happy?” Timothy said seriously like he is not pissing her earlier

Npaiwas nang tingin si Maxine.

“See? You can’t even tell me your happy”

“What is it to you if I’m not?” she said in a low voice

Dumating naman ang waiter at isa isang linapag ang kanilang pagkain.

“You won’t believe it, but the first time I saw you enter my bar all I can see was sadness all over your face. Even this morning sadness this lingers on you. I just think that you need a little distraction. I don’t know how hard it is to take your father’s responsibility to make your company going but you must not also forget about yourself. You might not feel it right now but in future you might just explode because what you’re doing is not healthy”

Hindi naka-imik si Maxine sa sinabi ng binata at tumingin lang sa pagkain nakahain sa harap nya. Tama naman ito. Simula nang nag hiwalay sila ni Nikolai kahit kailan hindi sumagi sa isip nya na mag pahinga saglit. Mas inabala nya ang sarili sa pagtratrabaho dahil akala nya ayon ang magandang distruction sa lahat ng nangyayari sa paligid nya. Ngunit araw araw mas lalo nyang nararamdaman ang lungkot.

“Now do me a favor by eating the food I order for us. Don’t worry I’ll pay all of these. I don’t let woman pays for my meal” he said smiling

Maxine just smiles and nod back before they both start eating.

Realization hit her. She only has two people in mind whom she considers her friend. First is Charity but they have huge age difference and she is still her family so it is hard to tell her about her failed relationship with Nikolai. The second one is her cousin Reese ang nag-iisang anak nang Tito Lexus at Tita Marian nya. 3 years lang ang tanda nya dito kaya kahit paano ay nagkakasundo sila but for unknown reason they drifted apart and now Reese is pursuing her specialization in England. She is also on field of medicine like her parents. Aside from those two people, Charity doesn’t have anyone whom she considered as friends. She didn’t even make one when she was still studying because she was busy chasing Nikolai and trying her best to be achiever to be perfect on his eyes.

That alone hit her hard. Now she just realized how stupid it was to make her world revolved around Nikolai. She doesn’t even know what exactly what she wants and the real Precious Maxine Monteverde.

“What are you thinking?” Timothy stops eating and asked her that question.

She just shook her head before answering “Nothing. Let’s just continue eating”

Merry Christmas 

Everyone! 

🎄

Chapter 30

Timothy succeeded pestering Maxine. Hindi sya nito tinantanan kaya walang nagawa ang dalaga at umayon sa kagustuhan nitong maging kaibigan sya.

Since she can juggle her responsibility to their company well and run her own business it is not hard to make time on weekend especially at night to meet Timothy.

They usually hang out to his bar where they first met. He thought her how to mingle with other people. For starter like Maxine, she doesn’t know how to start a conversation. Nasanay sya sa mga taong nakakasalamuha nya ay tungkol sa trabaho o job proposal ang usapan at mas madami sa mga ito ay mas matatanda sa kanya. Now that she’s around with same age as her and talking about their lives is not her cup of tea. Laking pasasalamat talaga nya at kasama nya si Timothy. Ito ang madalas nakikipag-usap at talagang sinasama sya sa mga usapan. Pag hindi nya alam kung ano ung topic Timothy is kind enough to explain it to her until she will be back on track as the conversation continue.

Karamihan sa mga babaeng naka-usap nya pag nalaman na sya ang may-ari ng boutique na binibilihan ng mga ito ay mas nagiging interesado ang mga kausap sa business nya. Their compliment makes other people curious and would like to try her products. All thanks to Timothy, bilib sya sa binata paano nito pasimpleng napapasok ang boutique nya sa usapan which makes people especially girls want talk to her.

They are now inside to one of Tim’s Pub VIP rooms. They usually stay there when it was already crowded and wants to rest. That only one VIP room is exclusive for Tim’s use only. He said that he usually uses it when he has friends to hang out or catch up with and also clients that he needs to talk privately who also does make an ocular visit to his bar as well. It has U shape chair and one table in front. The room is too plain and obviously sound proof but with same music playing from outside just not that loud and can be change or turn off if you want to.

“For someone who don’t have social life you’re doing good” nakangiting sambit ng binata nang maka-upo sila.

Hinampas naman ni Maxine ang braso nito bago sumagot “Hey! I have social life!” nakangiting sambit nya dito

“Aww!” Timothy frown while rubbing the arm that she hit “Oh come on! Do you call meeting with possible investors or client social life? Or attending gathering where boring old people hangs out and talk nothing but their businesses?”

Maxine just rolls her eyes and didn’t say anything. She doesn’t know when will she get used of Timothy using the word boring if not to describe her, definitely to describe her lifestyle.

Natigilan naman ang binata sa pang-aasar nito sa kanya dahil sa pagsawalang imik nya. “Hey I’m sorry if I offended you” sincere na pagkasabi nito

“It’s okay” she said. Wala naman talagang masama kung ayon ang nakikita nang lalaki sa buhay nya. She was contented with what’s going on to her life being surrounded by her family, work and Nikolai. That was what matters to her before.

“Tell me, how can you talk to those people and end up bringing-up my business? I think the number of my clients will rise up after what you did earlier” Maxine tries to change the subject by asking and simply joking.

“Did I? So are you impressed with my skill now my lady?” he asked smirking while leaning his arm on the armrest and his upper body facing her.

“Ewan ko sayo. I was just curious that’s all” Maxine said and face in front while lean her back to the chair they are sitting.

People might think that being Monteverde is a privilege especially to her when she decided to have her own boutique but they don’t know that never she used her family name to get her brand famous. She works hard of what she had. She was passionate of what she is doing. She likes the thought that she’s helping the locals to land a job and amateur designers who are looking for shop like her that believes in their talent and works.

“Well, you talk to others to know what’s your common interest so when topic is somehow related to you then try to open up something like having a business that might cater their interest. If they did not response let it go and don’t insist. If they show interest and asked for more details then tell them what they want to know” Timothy shrugs and face the front too “I also had a hard time the first time I open my bar. I can’t get out of my head what my dad told me. Do you want to know what it is?”

“Do you want to tell me?” Maxine carefully said.

He sighs before continuing what his saying earlier “That I will not succeed with what I’m doing and I’m just wasting my time. You see I’m the black sheep of our family. He wants me and my brothers to follow his step. My brothers end up being like him -successful businessman who runs an empire while I end up using my trust fund to open up my own bar because I can’t get any support from my own father” Maxine can’t imagine how Timothy’s relationship to his father. She can’t relate as well because never did she experience her father getting mad at her. They even didn’t fight about anything just some disagreement which was about work so it’s understandable.

“You see I can’t afford to pay for an advertisement for my bar’s opening. I just have some friends who introduced me and my bar to others. Just the word-of-mouth Maxine and see I proved my father he’s wrong.” Maxine can see how proud Timothy after proving to his point to his father “Enough of me. Do you want to go back to the club?” He is trying to change the topic.

“Sure, let’s go!” she smiles while offering him to take her hand which he held gesturing the door he opens with the other hand “Before you my lady” to make it more dramatic like an old English era Timothy even bow his head.

“Thank you” Maxine said with giggles

They were dancing the night out when one guy recognized Timothy and talk to him. Even its too loud enough from the dance floor Maxine heard the guy saying something and pointing on person far away from where they are standing.

Timothy leans forward to whisper on her ears. “My friend here wants me to go with him. One of his friends wants to talk to me about my bar. Do you want to come?” he offered

Maxine likes that gesture from Timothy. He doesn’t want to leave her behind but he has to do things which doesn’t needs her presence.

“No, you go. I will just wait you at the bar counter”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup, see you later” she said.

As if it was the assurance Timothy is waiting from her because after what she said he nods and go with the guy he was talking a while ago.

Like Maxine said she went to the bar counter and order a bottle of Smirnoff. She knows she’s safe at the bar counter because the bartender already knew her after Timothy introduced her. He even told his staffs to look after her.

Maxine felt that the drink is kicking off. Before going to VIP room, she already had few shots of cocktail while talking to Timothy’s circle of friends. She felt like using toilet to pee so she stands up and told the bartender which she forgot the name that she will just be going to restroom just in case Timothy ask about her. The bartender nods so she excuses herself to go to the restroom.

Maxine took time peeing and wash herself on the sink. She can see how red her face is from all the alcohol intake. She applied a lipstick on her lips which she gets from her Hermes sling bag. Maxine just smiles and shake her head. Seems like she needs to leave her car inside the bar again and let Timothy driver her home like he usually does when she’s drunk or tipsy.

Just as she went out the restroom, she saw two people kissing near her. She felt frozen right to her spot like there’s a spell cast on her and the reason why she can’t move. Maxine can clearly see Nikolai’s face which is facing her. Even she can only see the back of the girl she’s sure its Desiree.

Nakita nya paano hinawakan ni Nikolai ang magkabilang balikat ng dalaga at linayo ito. She doesn’t know if she is seeing surprised and anger to his face or she just make it to her mind but Maxine step backward. Her sudden movement make Nikolai look at her direction. She saw that Nikolai was shocked seeing her but she was to focus in the pain she’s feeling right that now.

Alam naman nya na may iba nang karelasyon ang binata at dapat na syang mag move on pero hindi pa din pala ganoon kadali kadali. Kahit alam nya sa isip nya na baka hindi lang halik ang pinagsaluhan nang dalawa hindi pa din maiwasan ni Maxine makaramdam nang sakit.

Masakit palang makita na aktwal na magkahalikan ang dalawa. Bago pa makalapit si Nikolai ay napatalikod na sya at dere derechong naglakad palayo.

May isang lalaking humarang sa kanya habang naglalakad sya “Hi” bati nito na nakangiti. The guy seems nice napalingon sya sa likod nya at nakita nyang nakasunod si Nikolai kahit hirap itong dumaan sa kumpulan ng mga tao. Maxine let her emotion take over her so she did the first that had come to her mind. She pulls the guy’s nape and kiss him torridly. Narinig pa ng dalaga ang pag cheer nang mga kaibigan na kasama ng lalaki but her mind went back to the guy who kissed her back after hearing the cheer of his friends. They were in that situation when she felt herself drag forcefully by someone away from the guy he is kissing.

“Dude!” the guy protested

“Back off” the only word Nikolai said but because of his firm voice and his black aura the guy back out. Muka kasing isang salita pa mula sa lalaki ay hindi mag dadalawang-isip ang binatang saktan ito.

“Pare boyfriend ata” narinig pa ni Maxine na sinabi ng kasama nito

Nikolai did not remove his hand on her wrist and started dragging her out from the club. The next thing she knew she was inside his car.

“What the hell was that!” she managed to shout at him when he was already seated on the driver seat.

Instead of hearing his response Maxine was shut by Nikolai’s kiss. She knows the right thing to do is push him away from her but what she did was the other way around. She pulls him closer and responded to his kisses with longing.

She knows that they will both regret it tomorrow, but not her…

Not now…

And not ever…

Happy New Year!

🎆

Chapter 31

Charlotte was drowned with the kisses she shares with Nikolai.

Hindi nya alam paano sila nakapasok sa loob ng hotel. All she knew they were sharing kisses inside the club and they can’t keep their hands to themselves while on their way to the nearest hotel.

“I miss your kisses” Nikolai murmured to her while his kisses went down to her jaw until he reached her neck which earns a long moan from her.

Napakagat na lang ng labi ang dalaga. Gusto nyang sumagot na namiss nya din ito kaso natatakot sya baka huminto ito at marealize na dapat hindi sya ang kasama nito.

The thought that Nikolai was only with her because she hits his ego pains her but does she really have the right to feel it? Kung alam nya naman nang umpisa palang ay hindi sa kanya ang binata.

To destruct herself, using her full force she changed their position by pushing Nikolai’s back against the door and capture his mouth.

Habang nakikipag sabayan ang binata sa pakikipaghalikan sa kanya ay inisa-isa nya din tanggalin ang butones ng damit nito. Ganoon din ang ginawa ng binata. Habang busy sila sa paghahalikan ang kanilang mga kamay ay busy din sa pag tatanggal ng saplot ng isa’t isa. Walang nagpapatalo at walang bumibitaw sa malalim nilang halikan.

Naramdaman na lang ni Maxine ang pagbagsak ng likod nya sa malabot na kama. Ginamit nyang pang tungkod ang kanyang siko para suportahan ang katawan habang nakatingin sa binatang nakatayo pa din sa dulo ng kama.

Malaya nyang pinapanuod ang pag alis ng ni Nikolai ng sapatos nya at ganoon din ang ginawa sa sarili. Nahigit ang kanyang hininga ng alisin ng binata nag nag-iisang saplot na nakatakip sa kanyang pang ibabang bahagi.

Maxine automatically shut her eyes when she felt him playing her clit using his mouth.

“Oooohh Nikoo” she moans

Mas lalong ginanahan ang binata sa ungol nya dahil mas lalo nitong pinag-igihan ang ginagawa. Napadiin ang kapit nya sa buhok nito nang maramdaman nyang malapit syang labasan.

“Please don’t stop. I’m coming baby” Maxine said which makes Nikolai stop for a while because of her usage of their endearment but he continues eventually.

He did not fail her because she felt her own release afterward.

“I miss your taste baby. You will always mine” Nikolai said but Maxine can’t feel happiness or assurance about his word. She knows it was only spur of the moment. Masaya na sya na makasama ito ngayon.

Even she’s still busy catching her breath Maxine manage to flip their position again. Without any words she removes his boxer and put his thick big shaft inside her mouth.

Maxine heard his growl like a pained animal but he still manages to collect her hair and hold it using his one hand. When she looks up to meet Nikolai’s eyes, she can see lust on it.

“Oooh baby your hot mouth feels so good” he manages to say while not removing his heavy stares on her.

Upon hearing his words Maxine feels so turn on. She can feel herself getting wet again down there.

“Fuck Baby! Ahhh! I’m coming!” Mas lalong pinag-igihan ni Maxine ang sarili habang walang tigil ang ungol ni Nikolai. She tries to take all off him which makes him crazy.

That’s what Maxine really likes. How Nikolai goes crazy of what she’s doing that he will crave for more and get back to her but ofcourse, sino ba ang niloloko nya.

She felt his hot liquid in her mouth straight to her throat. She feels Nikolai as he releases his buddy inside her mouth and hug her “Damn baby”

Maxine pushes him away and stare to his eyes “I want you inside me now Niko” she said seriously.

She doesn’t know if it’s the alcohol talking but she feels bolder tonight. This might be the last time they might be intimate to each other before he woke up tomorrow and regret all of this so Maxine thought of taking this time to cherish and will always be part of her memory forever.

Nikolai touch her cheek using his one hand. Looking straight to her eyes like he was looking for something. He’s trying to read what’s on her mind and to only make him stop she kiss him again with full of intensity. Maxine did not fail to divert his attention because she felt him answer her kisses.

She gasps for air when she felt Nikolai inside her.

“You’re still so tight baby” he groans while moving inside her slowly.

“Ahhh baby” Maxine said while shutting her eyes and gripping on his shoulder. Feeling how their body reunited again, how she misses him and how warm his body feels so good against her.

Tears start to stream down her face but she’s quick to wipe it away. Maxine is thankful that her face was sided with Nikolai. She hugs him tight on his nape so he can’t see her tears.

For a second, she was lost from the pain she feels when Nikolai starts moving faster. Their loud moan can be heard on the four-corner room where they are.

Maxine can already feel herself building up again but was lost of her thoughts when suddenly she felt scared. “Shit! Niko use a condom!” she said but Nikolai was so lost with his own phase kaya walang nagawa ang dalaga kung hindi itulak ito at mabilis na inalis ang pagkalalaki nito sa loob nya at umupo. Napaupo din ang binata.

“What was that!” irritation is visible on Nikolai’s face.

She understands his frustration because she felt it to after pulling herself out from him.

“Condom! Use condom” Maxine said and remove her gaze to him.

“But we are not using it before” he said like thinking about his own conclusion “A-are you requiring your guys now to use one every time you’re having sex or is it just me?”

Nasaktan si Maxine sa sinabi nang binata siguro gawa din ng biglaang desisyon nyang halikan iyong lalaking nakita nya sa bar. Napapikit sya at huminga nang malalim bago binalik ang tingin dito “I never had sex with anyone other than you Niko. So don’t ever accuse me of anything. I never had a shot after our break-up” tumayo ang dalaga mula sa pagka-upo at kinuha isa-isa ang mga gamit na nagkalat sa sahig “I hope I already answer your question”

Nakaramdam sya nang dismaya. Even how much she wanted him hindi nya ata kaya ang pagbibintang nito. Nasa huling piraso na sya ng pupulutin nang maramdaman ni Maxine ang pag yakap ni Nikolai mula sa kanyang likod “I’m sorry baby. I didn’t mean to” he said regretting what he said earlier.

Maxine shut her eyes because just that simple word nawala lahat nang sakit sa pag-aakusa nito sa kanya kanina. She honestly doesn’t feel like stopping the fire they created so without second thought she releases all the things she’s holding and turn to face Nikolai to kiss him endlessly.

They made love over and over again like when they stop for a little while what they have will disappear like a bubble.

Nikolai did not agree to use a rubber instead they opt for withdrawal. He also doesn’t have with him.

Maxine woke up the next morning after touching her side and not feeling Nikolai beside her. Her smile automatically plasters on her face after what they did the whole night. Even with a sore body and 2 hours of sleep based on the clock placed on the side table she feels so light.

She covers herself with the blanket before getting out of the bed and walking towards Nikolai direction. Hearing his voice, it is obvious he is talking to someone from the veranda.

Maxine was about to slide the glass door when her hand stops on the midway

“Yes Des, why you’re making it a big deal! Just because I want to go home early last night?” Nikolai said.

Para naman binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Maxine. She suddenly feels cold and just like that the bubble she created already pop out.

Tapos na ang masasayang sandal na pinag saluhan nila ni Nikolai. Hindi sya tanga para hindi malaman kung sino ang kausap nito. Instead of going out and talk to him she immediately turns around and pick-up her clothes. She immediately wears them and pick up her bag near the door.

She can still hear Nikolai arguing over the phone before she closes the door.

Hindi nya alam kung anong itsura nya habang paalis sya ng hotel. She didn’t have time to look at her face and how her hair looks like.

Nang may taxi na huminto sa tapat ng hotel entrance ay agad syang sumakay at nagpahatid sa kanyang condo.

After closing her door, her stupid tears keep streaming down her face again. Napa-upo sya sa likod ng kanyang pintuan.

She feels so stupid thinking that after the night they shared maybe Nikolai will realize that it is her after all.

What now if she can satisfy him on bed? As if there’s no one who can offer their body freely to him. Beside he has Desiree.

She was on her deep thought when she heard a continuous knock on her door. She wipes her tears first before she opens it.

It was Timothy standing on her doorstep. He looks at her from head to feet before his eyebrow crease. He did not hide how mad he is at that moment. Ni hindi ata nito napansin na namumula ang kanyang mga mata at ilong sa pag-iyak “You got me worried. You didn’t answer my call and text or just simply inform me where you at-”

Maxine did not let Timothy finish his rant she immediately hugs him and the sobs keep coming out of her mouth. She can’t stop her shoulders from shaking.

Timothy was surprise for a moment and then she felt his warm hug on her “Shhh I’m sorry I’m not mad anymore. Stop crying” Maxine felt how he gently rub her back but his word and comfort just make her cry more.

For so long she doesn’t have anyone to talk to. No one saw her pain when it comes to Nikolai. She doesn’t know how bad it hurts until she felt comfort from someone.

Chapter 32

Like Timothy said Maxine tried her best to avoid Nikolai.

The day Tim went to her condo, she told him what happened between her and Nikolai. She saw how his jaw clenched, she knows Timothy is mad which is contrary to his happy and friendly aura.

Kaya naman ngayong may pasok na uli sa office at kahit na obvious ang tingin na pinupukol ni Nikolai sa kanya habang nasa loob sila ng meeting room ay sinasadya talaga nang dalaga na hindi mapatingin sa gawi nito.

Lucky for her when the meeting ended one of their colleague approach Nikolai for some questions so she easily escapes the room to get inside her office.

Kahit naman wala si Timothy sa paligid ayaw naman nyang magalit ito. He was willing to listen to her and the least she can do is to listen to his advised.

“Kat please don’t let anyone come to my office even it’s my family. Try to seek for schedule first.”

“Yes Miss Maxine” she heard her secretary response.

Nakahinga nang maluwag ang dalaga ng nasa loob na sya ng kanyang opisina.

After that night na may nangyari sa kanila ay hindi na uli sila nakapag-usap. The news about Nikolai attending to every event Desiree’s in as her escort is circulating the media, though she feels hurt about the news at least she succeeded on avoiding him.

Some days she will only render half day inside the office and then go to her boutique after lunch or after attending meetings outside the office premises just to make sure not to cross path with Nikolai again.

Nasa tabi pa din palagi ni Maxine si Timothy and since he is the only friend she got. She doesn’t want to disappoint him by disobeying what he said that she should avoid Nikolai.

“Miss Maxine may letter po sa inyo from Paris” her Store Manager Becca said while handling the letter. The excitement from her face is evident kaya agad nyang tinanggap ang sulat mula dito.

Nang nakita ng dalaga ang pangalan ng international brand mula sa envelope ay nanlaki ang kanyang mata at agad binuksan ito.

“Ano po ang sabi Miss?” usisa ni Becca na may malaking ngiti na din sa labi

Hindi makapaniwala ang dalaga na iniimbitahan sya sa Paris Fashion Week at gusto din syang makasama sa young entrepreneur workshop for possible collaboration with the brand. Isa din daw ito sa mga project ng brand para matulungan ang small businesses with the same industry all over the world. Kahit maliit na brand lang kasi ang kanyang boutique ito ang nauuna sa ginawang survey sa Philippines na most trusted brand at talagang quality ang mga bags, shoes and apparel. She also ensures that there is touch of Philippine’s culture and art for every piece they launch which caught the eye of the international branch and want her brand to represent for Philippines.

Dahil hindi sya makapagsalita sa sobrang gulat ay binigay nya kay Becca ang liham para ito mismo ang mag basa. Nakitingin na din ang iba pang mga staffs. Pagkatapos ng ilang Segundo ay sabay sabay ang mga itong nagtilian, nagyakapan at nagtalunan. Pati sya ay hindi maiwasan mapayakap sa mga ito at matuwa.

“Am I missing something?” sabi ni Timothy na nakangiti habang papasok ng boutique

Napalingon din ang mga staffs nya dito. Sanay na ang mga ito sa presensya nang kanyang kaibigan dahil sa usual friendly vibes ng binata plus gwapo pa ito hindi malayong nakuha nya ang loob nang kanyang mga empleyado.

“Nainvite po kasi Sir si Miss Maxine para sa Paris Fashion Week at Workshop ng isang kilalang brand”

“Wow that’s good news! You deserve it” sabi ng binata pagkatapos nitong ihawak ang kamaya sa likod ng kanyang baywang at halikan sa nuo.

“Ehhhh nakakakiliga naman” pang-aalaska ng mga staffs nya “Libre mo na lang kami sir” pagsusulsol pa ng mga ito.

“Don’t worry guys ako manlilibre sa inyo. Deserve nyo ang treat and job well done everyone” Maxine said smiling and simply refusing her staff’s idea na ilibre sila ni Timothy. Nakakahiya kasi dito.

“Ayos!” sambit ng mga staffs nya at nagpalakpakan pa.

Sa isang Korean grilled restaurant ang napili nilang lugar kung saan magdidinner. Majority kasi sa mga staffs nya nang tinanong ng dalaga saan nila gustong kumain ay doon ang sinagot ng mga ito. Gusto din daw nila maexprience ang pag inum ng soju at pagkain ng pork grilled na binalot sa lettuce.

Napa-iling na lang si Maxine halata kasing mga naadik sa kdrama ang mga staffs nya. Mostly kasi sa mga ito kung hindi working student ay mga fresh grad except sa Store Manager nya na si Becca na 29 taon gulang na at single mom and ofcourse si Ginger ang Head Designe. Galing din sa mahirap na pamilya karamihan sa mga staffs nya kaya madalas pag sumasahod ang mga ito derecho sa pamilya. Kaya tuwing may mga okasyon sa boutique madalas nyang itanong saan nila gustong kumain or trinitreat nya ito sa mamahalin buffet or restaurant para kahit minsan ay maexperience din ng mga ito ang madalas nyang puntahan at kainan. After all they deserve it for their hard work.

Nag early close sila ng boutique at lahat ay excited pumunta sa Korean grilled restaurant na walking distance lang kung saan ang pwesto nila. When everyone is settled, they are all busy talking to one another.

“You should let me treat your staffs” Timothy still keeps on insisting.

Maxine just rolled her eyes. Kanina pa kasi sya kinukulit ng binata na ito na lang daw ang manlilibre since singit langd daw ito sa grupo.

“They are my staffs Tim at don’t worry hindi ka naman outsider ikaw kaya ang recruiter and promoter ko ng botique” She smiles.

Kung hindi naman talaga dahil sa binata hindi nya alam kung mas lalaki ang circle ng influential people na makakakilala sa brand nya.

Timothy just smiles and shake his head as a sign that he surrenders from the argument.

“So how long will you be staying in Paris?” tanong ni Timothy to open up another topic at habang hinihintay ang order nila.

“The letter says it will be for more than a month” Though masaya ang dalaga mainvite sa Paris hindi nya din maiwasan malungkot dahil ang invitation ay para sa kanya lang. Kung pwede nya lang isama ang buong team dahil sila ang dahilan kung bakit naging successful ang business nya ay hindi nya magawa.

Ang sabi ng mga staffs nya ay wala naman daw problema kung sya ang attend since sya naman daw ang owner ng store. Masaya naman daw ang mga ito sa opportunity at tiwalang binigay nya sa mga ito na hindi nila mahanap sa ibang store.

“That’s quite long” kumento ni Timothy

“Yeah. I wish I could bring one of my staff with me so I could share the experience to someone and the scenery as well” Maxine can’t help but smile just thinking how her staff will react. Wala pa kasi sa mga ito ang nakakalabas nang bansa. For sure the staff will be amazed how Paris looks like.

“How about someone not part of your staff?” Timothy said kaya napabaling sya dito

“Who could it that be?”

“Ofcourse, Me?” he proudly says

“What?! Are you joking? Ano naman gagawin mo doon?”

“Well Paris is known for their wines, no offense meant to your winery business but you know I have elite customers who also looks for Paris brand wine and I think it’s time for me to also go there and look for suppliers. I can afford to lose my customers”

It was just recently when Timothy finds out about the winery business, they had he made a deal to get them as supplier. Just after introducing it to his patrons he got good feedback at nagustuhan ang mga wines nila.

“If you say so” Maxine just shrugs but deep inside she is happy thinking she’s going with someone.

Kung mag-isa lang sya for a month sa Paris she doesn’t think gaganahan syang lumabas ng hotel mag-isa. She already visits the place with her family before for a lot of times already kaya baka magkulong na lang sya hotel room nya buti na lang she had Tim who always keep her mind occupied and trying to cheer her up whenever she feels down.

“So do you agree with my plan Miss Monteverde?” he asked

“Yes Mr Harisson. Definetly!” she giggles

“Cheers to that” he happily said

“Cheers!” Maxine smiles

“Ayyeee may sariling mundo na uli si Sir Tim at Miss Maxine” tukso ni Ginger na ginaya naman ng iba pang staffs.

“Tigilan nyo nga kami. Let’s just enjoy the night guys.” Tumayo si Maxine at hawak ang kanyang shot glass na may soju “Again congratulations Team for job well done”

“Thank you po Miss Maxine. Congratulations din po.” her staffs said in unison and start enjoying their meals.

The next day Maxine informed her family over dinner about her plan of going to Paris because of the invitation she received from one of most prestigious international brands.

Her mother and sister were both delighted because they knew about the brand and how they love it. Her parents also agreed that for a month that she will be at Paris his father will take her posts temporarily even her father Max said he can take it permanently but it is still her mother Charlotte who have the final word.

Before bidding goodbye to her family, her father Max stop her from going. May hawak itong long envelope habang papalapit sa direction nya.

“Maxine before you leave can you at least give this envelope personally to Nikolai?”

Natigilan naman ang dalaga sa sinabi nang ama. She can’t blame them in the eyes of her family civil sila ni Nikolai. That they parted in a good way.

“B-bakit hindi nyo na lang po utusan driver or maid natin ibigay sa kanya. He also lives along this neighborhood”

“This is a special project and confidential. He needs to receive this personally and to be processed on the same day which is tomorrow. Kay Fourth ko sana iuutos ito which I usually do pero hindi sya makakdaan sa office dahil midterm nya na bukas.”

Kesa manghinala ang kanyang ama ay kinuha nalang ni Maxine ang envelope mula dito at nagpaalam nang aalis. Afterall shewill be leaving for Paris seeing and talking to Nikolai once will not be a badidea after all.

Chapter 33

Pag pasok nya kinabukasan ay agad syang lumapit sa kanyang sekretarya hawak ang enevelope na Pinaki-suyo ng kanyang ama.

“Kat, can I ask you to give this envelope to Nikolai? Please ensure that he will be the one who will receive this personally”

“Sorry Miss Maxine but I got a call from Mr Nikolai’s secretary that he can’t come to office today.”

Natigilan naman saglit si Maxine “Did his secretary told you why?”

“No Mam. Mr. Nikolai only instructed to leave all documents on his table and he will get back to it once he comes back to work” sabi ni Kat

Maxine finds it strange dahil kung naka leave si Nikolai ay agad naman nitong aabisuhan ang secretary nito. She was thinking of just putting it on his table but she remembers what her father told her. The document needs to be process today. She has no choice but try to go to his house baka sakali lang na nandoon ang binate.

“Alright then. I will try to look for Nikolai. Please reschedule the rest of my appointment today. I have urgent matter to do as per Chairman’s instruction”

“Noted po Miss Maxine” tugon ng kanyang sekretarya.

Maxine went back to her office to get her bag and drive her way to Nikolai’s house.

Hindi na sya nag-abala pang lumabas ng kanyang sasakyan para magdoorbell. Bumusina lang sya at nang makita ng kasambahay nito ang sasakyan nya ay agad syang pinapasok.

Once she went out her car agad syang binati ng kasambahay na nagbukas ng gate para sa kanya.

“Good morning. Nandito ba si Nikolai” tanong nya sa kasambahay na nag bukas ng gate.

“Good morning din po Mam. Opo nasa silid nya po si Sir hindi pa po bumababa simula kanina” sagot nito.

Napakunot ang nuo ng dalaga dahil kahit kailan ay hindi tinanghali ng gising si Nikolai.

“Okay I’ll just go to his room. I need to get his signature on this document” tinaas pa ng dalaga ang envelope na kanyang hawak

“Sige po Mam. Balik na po ako sa trabaho” magalang na sabi nito.

“Okay then. Thank you” pagkasabi ng dalaga ay nakayukong iniwan na sya ng kanyang kausap.

She went upstairs and knock several times to Nikolai’s door.

“Nikolai this is Maxine. This is an urgent matter kindly open the door?”

Nang wala syang narinig na tugon mula sa binata ay sinubukan nyang buksan ang pintuan. Hindi pala ito nakalock kaya napagpasyahan nya na lang pumasok sa loob. Bigla syang nilamig dahil sa lakas ng aircon kaya agad nyang kinuha ang remote control para hinaan ito. Napabaling sya sa gawi ni Nikolai nang marinig nya itong umubo. Nasa kama pala ito nakabalugtot at nanginginig sa lamig.

Obvious sa itsura nito na masama ang pakiramdam ng binata.

“Sinabi ko na sa inyo Manang hayaan nyo muna akong magpahingang mag-isa” sabi ni Nikolai

Akala ata nito isa sa mga kasambahay ang pumasok sa loob ng kwarto.

Tumikhim muna si Maxine bago lumapit dito. Deep inside she doesn’t know what to do or how to talk to him.

“Uhhm Nikolai” napabaling naman ito sa kanya at natigilan saglit kahit hirap ay pinipilit sya nitong tignang maigi. Iniisip kung isa lang ba syang imahinasyon.

“I know this is not the right time but Dad wants you to sign on this document. Don’t worry I will be the one to process it” Maxine manages to say.

“Oh right I forgot” Nikolai said trying his best to sit on his bed while coughing “I’m sorry for the bother” he added.

Maagap naman tinulungan ng dalagang maka-upo ito. “No not really. Ako nga dapat magsorry sayo dahil kahit may sakit ka nandito ako iniistorbo pahinga mo”

Umiling ang binata “Not really. Let me read it so I can sign the papers.”

“Ohh here” maagap naman binigay nang dalaga ang mga papel mula sa loob ng envelope at ballpen mula sa loob ng kanyang bag.

Pinagmasdan nya ang binata habang busy ito sa pagbabasa ng papeles. Tulad pa din ito ng dati na tuwing may sakit ay iniida nya itong mag-isa.

Nang matapos itong pumirma ay binigay nito sa kanya na agad nyang inayos at pinasok sa loob ng envelope “Thank you” sabi ng dalaga pagkatapos isara ang evenlope.

Bingyan lang sya ng tipid na ngiti ng binata at dahil naiilang sya sa katahimikan at tingin nito naisip nya na lang tanungin ito “Gusto mo bang sabihan ko sila manang na dalhan ka ng makakain, gamot o kung anong kailangan mo?”

“Don’t worry okay lang ako” tugon ni Nikolai

Akmang magsasalita uli si Maxine nang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto nito.

“Why did you ditch me today? Di ba ang usapan we will meet my colleague this lunch? Anong iisipin nila bakit di ka makakapunta?” galit na bungad ng bagong dating na dalaga.

Sa unang tingin alam na agad ni Maxine na si Desiree ang kaharap nito. Ito ang unang beses na nakaharap nya ito. Hindi sya makapaniwala na ka likod ng magandang mukha at katawan nito bilang modelo ay ganoon kagaspang ang ugali nito. More on hindi nya maisip na ito ung babaeng naging unang girlfriend ni Nikolai na naging working student din katulad nito dahil sa kilos at akto ni Desiree mukang malayo ito sa naimagine nya mula sa naikwento sa kanya ni Nikolai dati.

Kunot nuo itong tumingin sa kanya.

“I’m sorry, what are you doing to my boyfriend’s house? Specifically in his room?” tanong ni Desiree kay Maxine

“Desiree” saway ni Nikolai pero hindi natinag ang bagong dating dahil hindi pa din nito inaalis ang tingin sa dalaga.

“I’m Maxine and I came here for some important matter” mahinahon nyang sagot dito bago binalingan si Nikolai “I have to go to process this” sabay taas ng envelope “Get well soon” pahabol nya pa sa binata bago sya umalis at di na muling tinapunan ng tingin ang bagong kasintahan nito.

“Aba!” may sasabihin sana si Desiree nang biglang nagsalita si Nikolai

“If you don’t have something important to say, can you leave and give me time to rest?!” frustrated na sabi ng binata.

Hindi na narinig ni Maxine kung ano ang sagot ni Desiree kay Nikolai dahil iniwan nya na ang dalawa sa loob ng kwarto nito. Ngunit kahit pababa sya ng pinto ay rinig nya ang pagtatalo ng mga ito.

She might be rude for not introducing herself to Desiree and for not acknowledging her presence before leaving but she thinks the girl deserve it. How come she storms like that and rant to Nikolai about their postponed lunch when it is visible that Nikolai is not feeling well?

Napailing na lang sya sa naisip. Hindi nya alam kung anong nakita ng binata sa babaeng iyon dahil mukhang imahe lang ata nito ang mahalaga sa kanya.

Napabuga na lang ng hangin ang dalaga bago sinimulan umalis sa bahay ng binata.

Kinagabihan ay pumunta si Timothy sa condo nya at naikwento nya ang nangyari. She even admitted that at some point she wants to stay and take care of Nikolai because she knows his tendency to isolate himself when he is sick kung hindi lang dumating si Desiree ay hindi sya matatauhan na may kasintahan itong gagawa noon sa binata but obviously hindi naman ito pumunta sa bahay ni Nikolai para alagaan ito kundi isumbat ang nacancel na lakad.

“Bakit ka nakangiti dyan?” tanong ni Maxine kay Timothy na nakangiti habang nakikinig sa kwento nya.

“I’m just glad how strong you are now and it seems you’re not affected with their presence”

“Ofcourse, I’m trying to keep my promise to you”

“That’s good to hear but I want you to do it for your own sake not because that’s what I told you to do” Timothy said while patting her shoulder.

“I will and I think I’m almost there” Maxine said while putting her hand on top of Timothy’s hand on her shoulder.

Maxine has to admit that Timothy is a big factor why she feels at ease. She feels like the problem she’s carrying become so light because she had someone to talk to. Timothy is like a warm blanket that gives comfort to her and just having him beside her makes Maxine feel so secure.

Chapter 34

Maxine is busy packing her stuffs because tomorrow is her schedule flight to Paris with Timothy. Kung hindi nya pa ipinagtabuyan ang binata ay hindi pa ata ito uuwi sa sarili nitong bahay para mag-impake.

About Nikolai wala na din syang balita after ng huli nilang pagkikita nang puntahan nya ito para sa dokumentong pinaki-usap ng ama.

Nang matapos ng dalaga ang pag-aayos ang gamit ay lumabas ito sa veranda para lumanghap ng simoy ng hangin. Pinagkrus nya ang ang mga braso bandang dibdib habang nakatingin lang sa malayo. Living in the city makes the night alive just seeing how the streets are busy with cars passing by, the lights from the lamp posts and from the tall buildings. Malayong malayo sa bahay ng kanyang pamilya.

To be honest Maxine miss her family so much. Seeing her parent’s affection to each other every day and the nonstop argument from Charity and Fourth. Bigla syang nalungkot sa naisip. She was hoping that in her month of stay in Paris she will not only gain knowledge and experience, but she will also learn to fully let go of her feelings for Nikolai because it was already long overdue.

Para wala na din rason para iwasan nya ito at makaya na din sya sa wakas na harapin ito na walang ano man nararamdaman para sa binata.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ang dalaga at pumasok na sa loob ng kanyang silid.

The following day Maxine was bombarded by the nonstop knock from Timothy.

“Wait lang! Nandyan na!” sigaw ng dalaga habang aligaga at hawak ang isang boots na isusuot pa lang sana nya.

Kahit hindi pantay ang lakad nya dahil suot na ang isang high heel boots ay pinilit nya pa din puntahan ang pintuan para pagbuksan si Timothy.

Akmang may sasabihin sana ang binata ay pinagpapalo palo na agad ito ni Maxine gamit ang hawak na boots.

“Ouch! Maxine that hurts!” reklamo ng binata habang sinasalag ang palo ni Maxine.

“Tama lang sayo! Sinong nagsabi na kumatok ka ng pagkalakas lakas eh may doorbell naman ang condo ko. Halos matisod tisod ako dahil hindi ko masuot boots ko kakakatok mo na parang gusto mong sirain pintuan ko!”

“Ouch Maxine! Stop it!” pero parang walang naririnig ang dalaga

Nahawakan ni Timothy ang magkabilang palapulsuhan nito kaya nahinto si Maxine “Sorry na. I just want to see you rattle” malaking ngiti ng binata na kinasimangot naman ng huli.

“Not funny” tanging nasagot ni Maxine

Timothy was quick to hug her “Alright. I’ll make it up to you. How about breakfast before we go to airport?”

Nasanay na lang din ang dalaga sa paglalambing ng binata.

“Sounds like a plan. I really need coffee right now” she said and walk to her living room so she can finally wear her other boots which earns laugh from Timothy

On the first day of Paris Fashion Week Maxine is wearing Monique Lhuillier’s black lace bodycon dress with deep v line that ends half inch before her navel and the dress simply end mid-thigh. It also has a long flowy transparent sleeve that ends to her wrists. She wears a Prada red high heel with strap shoes that match the color of her mac ruby woo lipstick. For her face she had smoky eyes and slicked back hair to make it more dramatic.

Looking at the mirror Maxine is seeing herself as fierce, empowered and confident woman opposite of what she really is because the real her is not confident enough to wear a deep v neck dress like she is wearing and showing the public half of her bare boobs.

Maxine just rolls her eyes when she remembers how her mother Charlotte gushes about buying the outfits, she will be wearing for the Paris Fashion Week. Since she is busy trying to finish all her pending works before leaving, she forgot about the clothes she will be wearing, and she was thankful that her mom told her that she already bought overseas and paid additional freight charge to rush its delivery before she leaves the country. Her mother strictly told her to just open the zip outfits she prepares on the actual day of fashion week. Each zip outfits already had label on what day it will be use. Confident with her mom’s taste hindi alam nang dalaga na medyo daring pala ipapasuot nito not the usual clothes that her mom will buy for her. Maxine thought that maybe her father doesn’t have an idea about the clothes her mom bought for her.

“Wow! I can’t believe I’ll be dating Miss Precious Maxine tonight”

Mula sa salamin ay napabaling si Maxine sa pintuan kung saan nakatayo si Timothy.

“Bolero! Thanks anyway for the glam team you sent me” Maxine said smiling while walking near him. “And you’re not bad yourself” putting her hands to both of his shoulders.

Timothy is wearing a Gucci 3-piece black suit which matches her dress.

He really looks like a model with his height, body built and the way he dresses. For sure there are lot of ladies that will be swooning around him.

Timothy removes Maxine’s hands on his shoulder and hold it while still looking at her eyes “I don’t think the glam team did anything to you. You’re really beautiful my lady” he said before kissing the back of her both hands.

“Such a good talker we are Mr. Harrison. Let’s go now before the event start”

“Sure sure. Can’t believe my date doesn’t like being complimented” iling na sabi ni Timothy

Maxine just laughs it off. Timothy was not really her plus one for the event. Maybe because of the connections he had; Timothy manages to get an invite for Paris Fashion Week.

Arriving in the event even they are not a public icon, people keep staring at their way. Looking at the clothes their wearing trying to be fashion pulis or something. Maxine and Timothy cannot also avoid the limelight while they are entering the fashion hall. All camera flushes on their direction. Asking for the clothes they are wearing and a lot more. For sure Maxine’s mother Charlotte will be looking for the photos of her all over the internet and they might find out she’s with Timothy too.

The night ended up well and Maxine just can’t help but to appreciate the runaway. At the end of the event, she met the people from the brand who invited her. There were some pep talks, she introduces Timothy because Maxine can see how they are gawking him and which also leads them to be invited to the after party.

“Hey Tim, I’m really thankful you come over here with me. I don’t know how to meddle with these people because its way to different of what I’m use to” Maxine said while sipping her cocktail.

She can’t remember how many shots she had because of people who drops by their table to talk to them and go.

She feels so tipsy.

“Not a big deal. Like I said, it just happens that I also had some business to attend here” he smirked before drinking the beer on his hand.

“Why did you just show up now? When I was deeply inlove with him?” seryosong tanong ni Maxine

“Okay, you’re drunk. Let’s call it a night” Timothy said while putting the empty glass on their table. Obviously, trying to drop off the topic.

Hindi na nakatanggi si Maxine ng magyaya na ang binatang umuwi dahil naramramdaman na nyang medyo namamanhid na ang kanyang mukha. Timothy helps her to stand up and he also put his coat over her shoulder.

“Thank you” Maxine murmur while trying to keep her balance as they walk pass the people to go back to their hotel.

It was quiet inside their rented service. Maxine wants to talk to Timothy but because of what she said a while ago they have this awkward atmosphere.

Timothy is gentleman enough to walk her inside her hotel room which is just beside his own room. He even opens the door for Maxine to go inside.

“I’ll leave now. Good night, Maxine” Timothy said while still holding the doorknob. Isasara na sana nya ito nang napahinto sya dahil sa tanong ng dalaga.

“Why are you really doing this Tim?” She asks. Maxine knows that Timothy was really avoiding the topic which leads him on calling the night off.

Timothy clenches his jaw and look straight to her eyes “You want to know the truth?” he said and closing the door and made few steps inside her room. Giving a meter distance between them. “Fine! I really like you, Maxine. The first time you step inside my pub you caught my attention but I try to distance myself because I know you’re at your lowest state and I don’t want to take advantage of that.”

Nagulat ang dalaga sa naging rebelasyon ng binata. Walang syang maisip na maisagot kay Timothy dahil hanggang ngayon ay prinoproseso nya pa din ang sinabi nito “But don’t worry I know my limit. To be honest, I want the relationship we have now because its not complicated and I don’t want us to be awkward with each other. I know you can feel the way I care about you Maxine but I don’t want to rush things because if we do, we might just hurt each other.” Naramdaman na lang ng dalaga ang pag dampi ng kamay ng binata sa kanyang pisngi nang lumapit ito. Hindi nya namalayan umiiyak na pala sya sa hindi malaman na kadahilanan.

Maxine was so overwhelmed with what Timothy said. He is right they don’t have to rush. “I don’t know what to say Tim after hearing all the things you said. You won’t try to stay away from me, right?” She’s afraid of him leaving her after his confession. She’s searching the answer from his eyes.

Maxine might be selfish but Timothy is all she has right now. Who she can talk to of what’s going on with her life.

Timothy smile at her while placing his both hands on her waist “I won’t. I’ll be here until you heal and learn to love yourself. I will always be your friend. No pressure, and besides like pa lang naman nararamdaman ko para sayo.” He tries to say the last word lightly.

“I like to know you well too. So let me stay as your friend” he said in a serious note.

Maxine hug Timothy which caught him by surprise. She feels how his body stiff with her sudden action “Thank you so much Tim without you I don’t know what I’ll be right now.” She felt his sudden tap on her back.

“No problem” he said “Can we forget the confession I made earlier? Damn I feel so embarrass” Timothy added that earns laugh from Maxine. She pulls out from their embrace.

That’s what she likes about Timothy. He knows how to lighten up her mood and tries to avoid the awkward moment for them.

“So friends?” Maxine said while extending her hand for a shake that Timothy immediately grabs “Friends..” he said

“For now” he quickly added “Well I’m not closing the door between us” his defense.

Maxine shook her head while smiling.

Chapter 35

It was the last day of Paris Fashion Week that Maxine will be attending.

She was looking at her reflection through the mirror in front of her. Hindi sya makapaniwala sa last outfit na hinanda ng mommy nya.

The cloth label shows it’s from Maxine’s Collection. It was never part of the designs her team reported to her or part to be release in future. It was a Filipiniana dress heart shape neckline with shoulder pad, pencil skirt just an inch above her knee with visible slit which expose her right leg not to mention its backless. What makes it standout from ordinary Filipiniana is that the dress was made of Inaul. A handmade fabric woven from Mindanao. It’s a silk fuchsia pink, violet and gold pattern together which makes the Flipiniana looks elegant. Her pump shoes also compliment her dress, Its plain fuchsia same color with her dress with gold strap, heels and sole outline.

Her hair was in full bun and her glam team goes with neutral color make up to make her face looks natural since her outfit was already colorful to make her look balance.

For accessory she ends up wearing chandelier type gold earrings with small pearls on it.

She was so proud of her team’s hard work. Di mapigilan ni Maxine pictureran ang sarili sa harap ng full length mirror. She takes note to give her team bonus that they deserve and thank her mom who works behind her back for what she wears for the whole Paris fashion week that she attended.

“Wow” Timothy said while walking near her

“Do you have any other words to say other than that?” Maxine said after rolling her eyes.

Halos everyday na lang na aattend sila ng Paris Fashion Week lagi na lang ayon ang salitang naririnig nya dito.

“I can’t help it. You always look good and different everyday” The guy said while wrapping his one arm on Maxine’s waist.

Para sa dalaga walang ibig sabihin ang ganoon gesture ng ni Timothy because he is really affectionate guy.

“Ewan ko sayo. Halika na nga” Maxine said while pulling the guy’s hand.

As expected, the crowd gathered around them as they enter the venue. They become on of people’s favorite couple. Though Timothy just goes with plain black suits but because of how he carries himself people likes him a lot and for Maxine, other public icon whom they bump along the way will ask her where she got her dress and she will confidently say it’s from her own brand. Foreigners don’t have an idea that its Filipiniana a traditional cloth from the Philippines because her team makes it modern that other people can use on everyday life like some clothing trend.

Maxine can’t believe how many calling cards she already distributed. Even the well-known Hollywood stars she usually sees from big screen, tv or internet will approach to compliment her dress and shoes. They usually end up asking her to send some designs. She can’t help but gush and super excited to share how the night end up with her team.

The event ends up that fast for Maxine that she can’t remember what happen during the program. While Timothy is walking her to her hotel room, she feels like she’s on the cloud nine. She can’t help but feel happy how the night end.

“Alright, here we are my lady.” Sabi ng binata

Doon lang narealize ni Maxine na nasa harap na sila ng kanyang hotel room.

“Oh, we’re here” tugon ng dalaga.

Natawa ang binata na agad naman kinasimangot ng huli.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t help but be amuse how happy you are the whole night. It was like the first I’ve seen you this happy”

“I just can’t believe that my brand is taking off, to think I haven’t attended the workshop yet. I just can’t help but be excited for my team who’s behind all of these.”

Nang linungin ni Maxine si Timothy ay nawala ang ngiti nya at medyo naakward ng makita nya itong nakatingin ng seryoso sa kanya.

“What? Is there a problem?” hindi nya maiwasan na itanong dito.

“I like how compassionate you are Maxine. I can feel how genuinely you care about your employees and rather than taking all credit since the brand is after your name, you still manage to introduce to other people your team behind it”

“Well, they deserve it” maikling sagot ni Maxine at binalik ang ngiti sa kanyang mukha.

Timothy step back while putting his hands on both sides of his pant’s pocket “Don’t do that my lady” napakunot ang nuo ni Maxine dahil sa sinabi ng binata.

“I know you’re still vulnerable but I can help to fall in love with you if you keep on plastering your smile the whole day. Your kindness to other is not helping us well. I might end up stepping the boundaries if keep on showing this good side of yours” sabi ni Timothy habang umiiling.

Tumalikod na ang binata at naglakad sa tapat ng pinto ng kwarto nitong katabi lang ng sa dalaga “Good night Maxine” the guy said but because Maxine is still trying to comprehend what he said, she did not notice that Timothy once again walk near her and kiss her lips which caught her off guard. Agad naman lumayo ang binata ng maglapat ang kanilang mga labi ng ilang Segundo. Halos magkalevel lang ang mukha nila dahil sa ginawa ng binata. Their face is just inch away while their eyes meet each other’s gaze.

“You might get mad at me but I’m really eager to kiss since the event” Timothy said before pulling away to stand up straight and walk inside his own room.

Still shocked, Maxine managed to get inside her room and closed the door.

It was really awkward for her but surprisingly she doesn’t feel mad of Timothy’s kiss, but she can’t also feel something about it–just shocked of what he said and done.

Maxine tried to clear her thoughts first before she decided to take a shower. Usually, she will rest for a while but since she is bothered of what happened she tried to divert her attention.

The next day comes and Maxine keeps walking back and fort in front of her door. Tapos na syang mag bihis at mag-ayos. May usapan sila ng binata na sa labas ng hotel kakain ng breakfast ngunit hindi nya alam kung paano iaapproach si Timothy. If she will pretend that the kiss didn’t happen last night or what. Nasa ganoon syang pag-iisip ng may marinig syang katok mula sa kanyang pintuan.

“Maxine, I know you’re there. Come out and let’s have our breakfast” Timothy said behind the door.

Maxine clears her throat before responding “Coming!” and grab her shoulder bag.

Paglabas ng pinto ay nginitian nya agad ang binata “Let’s go?” bago nya sinara nag pinto ng kanyang kwarto.

Pansin naman nya ang pagtitig nito kaya agad nyang iniwas ang mata dito.

“I know you feel awkward of what I did last night. You don’t have to pretend it’s not bothering you” sabi ng binata ngunit di pa din binabalik ni Maxine ang tingin nya dito.

“Okay, I’m sorry if I kiss you without permission. I was just carried away. I hope it will not affect our friendship. Funny to think that I told you I can wait but just seeing how happy you are the whole day I lost my sense. I just realize how your happiness means to me.” Hindi na napigilan ni Maxine na tignan si Timothy. Nakatingala ito na parang may iniisip “I just have realization last night; how will it feel if you already free yourself from pain? That I will not only see you happy in one day but the whole time I’m with you… and lastly I’m one of the reasons why you’re happy” he said it while looking at her.

Maxine was quick to grab and hold one of his hands “I know it’s too early now but honestly you’re making me happy Tim. I might still be in pain but I can also feel I’m getting there”

Timothy was shocked with her sudden confession. He was contended of what she said that he can’t help but smile. Hinigpitan nya ang kapit sa kamay ng dalaga kaya napadako ang tingin nito doon.

“Thank you my lady. You don’t know how happy I am right now.” He starts walking while still holding Maxine’s hand kaya napasunod ang dalaga sa paglalakd nito “Come on! I know a restaurant nearby that serves good food”

Hindi binawi ng dalaga ang kamay nyang nakahawak dito bagkus ay nginitian nya pa ito.

Chapter 36

Maxine can’t contain her excitement.

Just like that their one month stay to Paris flew fast and never did she felt homesick. Knowing that she traveled alone without her family. Sa one-month na iyon ay mas madami syang natutunan sa inattenan na workshop kasabay nya din ang binata na inisa-isa naman ang mga winery sa Paris bago nakahanap ng gusto nitong supplier. On weekend they will explore the city and find local restaurant that serves good food which is not well known to tourist.

There are also times that they will go to club at night. Sa una ay naculture shock ang dalaga how normal people will make out anywhere in public lalo na sa club. The way people also dress specially girls na parang wala ng tinatago but seeing how other people doesn’t give a fuck on it, she starts to adopt how they dress. Maxine become more confident dressing up, she is much bolder than what she used to before. Naging mataas na din ang tolerance nya sa alcohol but with all that changes Timothy did not leave her side and respect her by not touching her the way she won’t like or even cross the line between them.

She also had the chance to introduce Timothy to her family one time she videocall her mother and it was a great timing that her whole family was at home. Naging maganda naman ang pakikitungo ng pamilya nya sa binata. Siguro ay dahil magaling talagang mag dala ng usapan si Timothy at sino bang hindi mawiwili sa friendly vibes nito. Her father easily recongnized Timothy because of his family which is not new because they are on the same circle.

They are now inside the car going to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Ngayon ang flight nila pabalik ng Manila. Nakabaling ang paningin ni Maxine sa bintana. In their short stay to Paris Maxine can say that the whole place helps her heal. Maybe because she was occupied of doing something and she have Timothy by her side.

“Hey what are you thinking?” Tanong nang binata kaya napabaling sya dito.

Magkatabi sila sa rinentahan nitong sasakyan na maghahatid sa kanila sa airpot.

“Wala, medyo malungkot lang na aalis na tayo. I’ll surely miss this place” pang-amin nya.

Hinawakan ni Timothy ang kamay nya at bahagya itong pinisil.

“We can go back here whenever you want to” sabi nitong nakangiti.

“You are spoiling me so much Tim” Maxine said

“You deserve it my lady” sagot nito na kinangiti lang ng dalaga.

Ang totoo nyan ay hindi pa din sya sanay sa pagiging straight forward ni Timothy sa nararamdaman nito para sa kanya.

Pagbalik sa Pilipinas ay sa bahay ng pamilya ni Maxine sya muna uuwi dahil na din sa paki-usap nang ina. Madaling araw sila umalis nang Paris kaya gabi na sila dumating sa Manila saktong dinner kaya ininsist ng kanyang pamilya na sa bahay na nila mag dinner si Timothy.

Maxine was against it at first dahil pareho silang may jetlag nang binata. She wants him to rest but because her parents keep insisting even offering one of their guest rooms for Timothy to stay masyado syang naloloka ngunit wala syang magawa ng ang binata na mismo at pumayag sa dinner invitation ng kanyang magulang. Napa-iling na lang si Maxine at naisip na sana pagbalik na lang ng Manila nya sinabi sa kanyang pamilya na nanliligaw sa kanya ang binata.

It was just recent when the guy formally asks to court her and Maxine can’t see any reason to reject him. Nang sinabi nya sa pamilya tungkol dito ay ganoon na lang ang tuwa ng mga ito lalo na ang kapatid nitong si Charity.

“Are you sure about the dinner Tim? You can come to our house next time so you can rest well.” Tanong ng dalaga ng makita na malapit na sila sa entrance nang kanilang subdivision. Iniisip nya kasi na baka matagalan ang dinner nila since it’s the first time they’ll meet him for sure they have a lot to asks.

As usual ang sasakyan na sumundo sa kanila sa airport ay mula sa binata. Sinabi na lang ni Maxine sa driver nito kung saan ang bahay ng kanyang pamilya na sya naman sinearch ng huli sa waze.

“Don’t worry about me my lady. I’m not yet tired and besides I really want to meet your family. They seem so nice” Timothy said.

Wala ng nagawa ang dalaga dahil kita nya sa mukha ng binata na gusto talaga nitong makilala ang pamilya nya.

Halatang inaabangan ang kanilang pagdating dahil ng huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng kanilang bahay at sinabi ng driver ng binata na sya ang sakay nito ay agad silang pinagbuksan ng guard ng kanilang gate. May mga maids din nakaabang sa labas ng bahay kaya nang lumabas sila mula sa sasakyan ay agad naman lumapit ang mga ito para kunin ang kanyang mga gamit.

Dumerecho naman silang pumasok sa bahay nila Maxine pagkatapos ihabilin ni Timothy sa driver nito na uuwi din sila. Lumapit din ang kasambahay para sabihan ang driver ni Timothy na may pagkain din para dito sa common area kung saan kumakain lahat ng tauhan ng mga Monteverde.

Pagpasok pa lang sa loob ng bahay ay nakita na nila ang kanyang magulang na pababa na ng hagdanan. Sigurado ang dalaga na sinabihan na ang mga ito tungkol sa pag dating nila.

“Welcome home iha” bati nang kanyang inang si Charlotte ng makababa ito sa hagdanan at dumerechong yumakap sa kanya.

“Welcome home sweetheart” sunod na bati din ng kanyang ama na si Max pagkatapos ay yinakap at din ang dalaga at hinalikan sa nuo.

Tumikhim ang kanyang ama ng mapagawi ito sa banda ni Timothy. Napalunok naman ang dalaga bago pinakilala sa kanyang kasama.

“Mom, Dad si Timothy po” Maxine said though she’s unsure what to say.

“Good evening po” pormal na bati ni Timothy na nakangiti

Ngumiti din si Charlotte sa kasama ng anak bago ito yinakap. “Thank you for accepting our dinner invitation” she said after pulling out from embrace.

“No problem po” sagot ng binata at bumaling ang mata mula kay Charlotte papunta sa asawa nito.

Hindi naman alam ni Maxine kung anong sasabihin at mukha naman nakita ng kanyang ina ang kanyang pag-aalala kaya ito na lang ang magiliw na tumawag sa mga ito para kumain.

“How was your father?” Max asked Timothy while waiting the food to be serve

“Okay naman po Sir” sagot ng binata kahit hindi talaga sya kumportableng pag-usapan ang pamilya nya.

“Bakit kasi kailangan mo pang makisabay? You have your own service car! I really hate you so much!” rinig ng mga tao sa dining ang boses ni Charity na halatang kararating lang.

“It’s not my fault na nasira ung sasakyan na sinasakyan ko” sagot naman ni Fourth

“I don’t really care! Of all days ngayon pa kung kailan dumating si Ate Maxine with her suitor”

“Maybe you both want to tone down your voice” Max said showing authority from his voice

Doon lang tumigil ang dalawang nag-uusap sa bukana ng dining dahil halos lahat ng mga tao sa dining ay nakatingin sa kanila.

“Sorry dad” they said in unison

“You two shall settle down so we can all eat peacefully” makahulugan din sabi ng kanilang ina at bumaling kay Timothy

“Sorry about that Tim this household is really loud with these two kids” pagkarinig ang huling salita ay napasimangot si Charity ngunit hindi na nagawang sumagot dahil sa tingin na pinupukol ng ama.

Umupo ang magkapatid sa tabi ng kanilang ina. Habang nasa kabisera naman ang ama at tapat ng mga ito sa kabilang side si Maxine at Timothy.

“By the way this is Charity and that one is Fourth”

“Hi nice to personally meet you Charity and Fourth” Timothy said giving them smile while sitting dahil masyadong malapad ang dining ng mga ito so extending his hand won’t do anything.

“Nice to finally meet you too kuya Tim” Charity said with enthusiast

Ngiti lang ang ginanti ni Fourth mukang nahihiya pa din ito sa naging entrada nilang magkapatid kanina.

“Let’s all eat” Max said so all of them followed.

They are having conversation and it feels so genuine dahil sa derechong flow ng usapan. Napansin ni Maxine how her family interact with Timothy like what they do during videocall.

They are having dessert over the patio where they continue their conversation when they heard footstep coming near them.

Nang napalingon ang dalaga sa gawi nito ay nakita nya si Nikolai na natigilan din sa paglapit ng makita sya at ang katabi nitong si Timothy.

“Ahh.. Timothy have you met Nikolai? He is like a son to us” pagpapakilala ng ni Charlotte sa bagong dating na binata at para putulin ang biglang katahimikan namayani dulot nito.

Hindi alam ni Maxine ang gagawin dahil ang totoo nyan ay hindi sya kumportable sa pagkikita ng dalawa lalo na ang mga tinginan ng mga itong parang nagsusukatan at walang gustong magpatalo.

Agad naman tumayo si Timothy mula sa tabi ng dalaga at hindi pa din inalis ang tingin kay Nikolai “Nice to meet you, Nikolai” pansin ang pagkaseryoso ng binata taliwas sa pagbati sa myembro ng pamilya ng dalaga kanina.

“Nice to meet you too.” Maiksing bati naman ni Nikolai at tinanggap ang kamay ni Timothy ngunit hindi din nagtagal ang pagkakamayan nila.

Bumalik sa pagkaka-upo si Timothy sa tabi ng dalaga. Si Maxine naman ay iniwas na ang tingin kay Nikolai. Hindi nya alam kung dala ba ng jetlag but she can’t really comprehend what’s happening. Hindi din nakatulong ang mapagmatyag na tingin ng kanyang mga kapatid na akala mo ay may kaabang-abang na eksena mula sa isang dramang pinapanuod.

“Come and join us for dessert iho. Kumain ka na ba?” paanyaya at tanong ni Charlotte.

“Thanks for the offer but I’m already full tita. I just finish my dinner. Actually, I came here to talk to tito” baling nya sa ama ni Maxine “but I guess it’s not the right time. I will just talk to you tomorrow tito” tatalikod na sana ang binata ng tumayo si Max.

“I think it’s important. We can talk about it in my office” sabi ni Max at nagpaalam ng mauuna na itong pumasok pero bago iyon ay kinausap nya muna ang bisita “It’s nice talking to you, Timothy. Thank you for taking time to have dinner with us and for driving my daughter here”

“It’s my pleasure sir” sagot ni Timothy kahit naawkward ito presensya ni Nikolai. Hindi naman lingid sa binata na ex ito ni Maxine.

Max just gives him a nod and starts walking to get inside the house nakasunod naman si Nikolai dito at nagpaalam din sa mga naiwan. Tinapunan pa uli sila ng simpleng tingin bago ito sumunod kay Max at pumasok sa loob ng bahay.

Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️

♥️

♥️

Chapter 37

Dahil nasa Pilipinas na si Maxine ay balik na uli ito sa trabaho. Hindi naman agad sya pinabayaan nang kanyang ama at nagpasya pa ito na magstay pa ng isang linggo para tulungan sya.

Hindi na umangal ang dalaga dahil aminado syang madaming pending na papeles na kailangan nyang ireview at pirmahan kahit na may mga iba dito ay nasisinggit nyang gawin habang nasa Paris.

Looking at her schedule the whole week, Maxine don’t know if she will still have time to check her boutique. Napabuntong hininga na lang sya. It’s been 4 days but it seems she’s way too far to finish her pending tasks.

Babalik na sana ang dalaga sa ginagawa nya nang marinig nya si Kat sa kabilang linya.

“Miss Maxine, Mr. Timothy is here to see you”

Agad naman sumagot ang dalaga sa intercom “Let him in” doon lang tumingin ang dalaga sa wallclock at nagulat na lunchbreak na pala.

“Hi” malaking ngiting bati ni Timothy habang may hawak na rosas at paperbag sa kabilang kamay.

Nakangiti naman sinagot ito ng dalaga “Hello, I’m sorry I lost track of time” may usapan kasi silang kakain nang lunch sa labas ngunit dahil sa kanyang kabusyhan ay hindi ito napansin ng dalaga.

Lumapit muna ang binata at hinalikan ito sa pisngi para bumati bago nagsalita “It’s okay, na predict ko na ganito ang mangyayari” biro pa nito bago binigay ang hawak nitong bulaklak para sa dalaga “Flowers for you and oh I also brought our lunch” taas pa ng binata sa hawak na paper bag.

“Thanks Tim. I don’t know what to do without you” Maxine said while smelling the flowers.

“I know. Kaya nga dapat sagutin mo na ako” banat ng binata habang inaayos ang take out na pagkain sa bakanteng lamesang nasa harap ng table ni Maxine.

Napa-iling na lang ang dalaga at pinatong muna ang bulaklak na hawak sa ibabaw ng lamesa bago umupo sa couch katabi ng binata kung nasaan busy ito sa paglalagay ng pagkain sa lamesa.

“How you look so fresh after going back from Paris?” tanong ng dalaga habang nakasandal ang ulo sa couch “Habang ako 4 days pa lang I feel like I’ve been working for decade”

Timothy just laughs at her remarks “Napapagod din naman ako but well what can I do? Even if I run away hindi naman mababawasan ung mga naiwan kong work so I need to double time finishing it all and well enjoy life”

Maxine hopes that she can do the same. In 4 days, they’re back in the Philippines it was the first time they’ve seen each other. Kung hindi pa nagyaya ng lunch ang binata at nag-insist na ito na lang pupunta hindi nya alam kung makakapagkita pa sila sa dami ng trabaho nya. Buti na lang at napakaunderstanding ni Timothy when it comes to her work. Obviously, she forgot about their lunch date, kung ibang lalaki lang baka naging cause na nila iyon nang away but Timothy is so kind to even bought some foods for them and take it to her office.

“It’s all set. Come on let’s eat. You need to gain back your energy to finish your work” the guy said while handling her the utensils.

Hindi maiwasan mapatingin ng dalaga dito. “I wonder why your still single before I met you? when you’re so good and ideal guy. I’m sure a lot of girls will not only fall for your charms but also with your personality” seryosong turan ni Maxine

“Don’t patrionize me that much. I’m not really the good guy you think” Timothy said

“What do you mean?” hindi maintindihan ng dalaga ang sinasabi ng binata dahil para sa kanya napakaperfect nito na parang wala kang mapipintas.

“Well, before deciding to go back here in the Philippines and build my own business. I was once a wild one in Europe. A spoiled brat who doesn’t care what the future brings.”

Hindi makapaniwala ang dalaga sa narinig dahil kahit naman na sociable ang binata he knows his boundaries at kahit na silang dalawa lang never itong nagpahiwatig o nambastos sa kanya.

“You really did?” tanong pa nya..

“Well, that was me before but I promise I’m really a change man now. I really learn in a hard way” seryosong sabi ni Timothy.

Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ni Maxine na ang mga bars na tinayo ng binata ay galing sa sariling pagod at sikap nito. She understands if the guy become rebellious when he was expected to take over their family business at the young age. Though it was not the case for Maxine. She initiated to help her father. Who is she to judge Timothy’s past?

While eating they continue talking random things. It is not hard for them to talk anything.

“Oh, your lunch break is over. You have to get back to your work and I’ll clean this up” Timothy notice that the clock striking near 1pm.

“No let me help you. Ikaw na nga bumili at nagprepare ng food natin” Maxine objects.

“Ano ka ba, you have work ako mamaya pa magsstart ang work ko. After here I don’t have anything to do” Timothy keeps insisting. He even grabs the trash from Maxine’s hand. “And besides konti lang naman ito” he added while putting it back to the paper bag he carried a while ago.

“Okay fine” Maxine knows that she will never win an argument with Timothy. So, she just stands up and get back to her table.

“Good girl” Timothy said teasing her which makes Maxine roll her eyes in a playful way which earns her a chuckle from the guy.

After a while he stand up from sitting on the couch and after cleaning all their trash “I guess I’m done for today. I have to go now”

Lumapit naman ang dalaga at hinawakan ang isang kamay nito at tumingkayad para halikan sa pisngi ang lalaki “Thank you so much Tim. I really appreciate your effort just for us to have our lunch. Sorry if I forgot about our plan for today”

“Nah, it’s not a big deal.” He said and put down the paper bag he was holding just to hold Maxine’s both hands “If I just knew that bringing lunch will earn me a kiss, sana 1st day mo pa lang na bumalik sa work ginawa ko na ito”

They both laugh because of what he said.

Maxine hit one of his shoulders playfully “Sira ka talaga!” pero agad din syang sumeryosong tumingin sa binata “But seriously, Thank you so much Tim”

Timothy just smiles and get the paper bag he was holding a while ago “No problem my lady. I have to go. Goodbye”

“Bye” Maxine said while waving her hand until Timothy close the door of her office.

She is preparing herself to go back to work when she hear her secretary in the intercom.

“Miss Maxine, Mr. Nikolai is here to meet you”

Chapter 38

Maxine was preparing herself go back to work when she heard her secretary on the intercom.

“Miss Maxine, Mr. Nikolai is here to meet you”

Natigilan bigla si Maxine sa sinabi nang kanyang sekretarya. Hindi nya kasi inaasahan ang pag punta nito sa office nya.

“Can you ask him what is the purpose of his visit? I have no schedule of appointment with him today, right?” Maxine asked

They had been distant with each other and to be honest she still doesn’t know how will she face him.

“It has something to do with Sir Max’s special project Miss” sagot ni Kat kalaunan.

Bumuntong hininga muna ang dalaga bago nito binigyan ng abiso ang kausap na papasukin si Nikolai.

Alam nya na may possibility na nagkasalubong si Nikolai at Timothy sa labas ng opisina nito base sa oras nang pag-alis ng huli at pagkatapos siya nitong puntahan.

Walang katok na ginawa ang binata at dumerecho na itong umupo sa upuan na nasa harap ng kanyang lamesa.

“Hindi ko alam na sobrang hirap na pa lang dumerecho sa opisina mo kahit na business related ang dahilan”

“It’s not that” depensa ng dalaga

“As you say” kibit balikat ni Nokolai

Hindi na nagsalita pa ang dalaga at kinuha na iyon na hudyat nang binata para iexplain ang folder na dala nito na naglalaman ng special project. It’s an urgent that needs their approval immediately so they need to talk about it in personal para mabilis makuha ang inputs ng isa’t-isa.

After the discussion sumandal si Nikolai sa upuan nito “We need to personally go to the place for ocular visit”

Natigilan naman si Maxine at napakunot ng nuo “Do we really need to do that? We can just send a representative for that”

“This project is top secret and the last time I know it’s only me, you and your father who knows about it yet”

Taman ang binata. Whenever her father Max had something cooking on his mind whether for expansion or new business, only limited persons involve with the project unless he is sure enough that its 100% successful for launch.

“Okay then, when do you plan to schedule our ocular?” She asked

Napaayos naman ng upo si Nikolai “We can schedule it next week. The sooner the better so we can amend the file if needed and we can proceed with other matters”

Tumango tango si Maxine habang pinapasadahan ng tingin ang papeles na hawak.

“By the way, it will take us 5 days so better pack enough clothes”

“F-five days? That long?” hindi makapaniwalang usal nang dalaga

Nikolai just coolly look at her “Yeah, it’s an exclusive membership island resort. It will take us millions of investment so we need feasible study and experience it firsthand if we can meet the objective of first-class exclusive resort that can bring peace and relaxation to our possible client. We also need to explore what possible attractions the Island can offer”

Maxine knows that Nikolai has point with what he said. Hindi nya talaga ineexpect na makakasama nya ito ng matagal na silang dalawa lang.

The Island was one of Monteverde’s property which is around Palawan area. Max bought it and build a rest house of for his family which was use so often use. Bilang lang sa daliri kung ilan beses lang nila napupuntahan iyon dahil may mga island din itong binili sa ibang panig ng mundo.

When Palawan starts to attract more tourist and some areas are well developed, he decided to turn it on exclusive resort like other famous island resort in there but he wants restriction by putting boundary for their rest house in case his family still wants to go to the island. He wants it separate from villas that they will be building on that island.

“I’ll take my leave” Nikolai said casually before he stands up

Tumayo na din ang dalaga at hinatid ito hanggang pintuan.

Pagsara ng pintuan ay sya naman napa upo ang dalaga sa sofa at napahawak sa sentido. She was not expecting their long conversation. Then in a week she will for a trip with him.

Bigla nyang naalala si Timothy. She thinks of visiting him on his pub after work at para na din iinform ito regarding sa business trip nila ni Nikolai. Though he is still her suitor, she wants to be honest to him.

That’s why after work she went straight to Timothy’s pub. Naisip nya na yayain ang binatang mag dinner since maaga pa naman.

When Maxine spotted Timothy at the bar counter wiping the glasses, she walks straight to him. Hindi din natagal ay napansin din sya ng binata. He was surprise with her presence dahil hindi nya ito sinabihan na pupunta sya. Hindi kalaunan ay ngumiti na din ito pabalik sa dalaga. May binilin muna ito sa bartender na kasama sa counter bago sya tinapunan ng tingin at lumakad para salubungin sya.

“Hey, you came. I was not expecting it” Timothy can’t hide his smile while shyly scratching the back of his neck.

Maxine can’t help but be amaze on his reaction. She was about to answer him when someone shouted his name.

“Timmm!” someon from behind shouted excitedly.

The voice is familiar to Maxine, she was about to look at her back upon seeing Timothy’s surprise face but it was too fast and just a swift the woman already hugs him.

“I miss you! How dare you not to message me after you left Europe” She playfully said.

When the woman unwraps her arms and put space between her and Timothy, doon lang nakita ni Maxine ang mukha nito. Hindi nga sya nagkamali ng makitang ang pinsan nya nga ito. Ang anak ng tito Lexus nya na nag-iisang kapatid at kuya ng Mommy Charlotte nya.

“Reese?” hindi makaila ang pagkalito sa mukha ng dalaga.

Hindi nya ineexpect na magkakilala ito at si Timothy.

“A-Ate Maxine? What are you doing here?” tanong din ni Reese sa kanya.

Mas lalong napakunot ang kilay ng dalaga nang liningon nya si Timothy ay nakita nyang gulat pa din itong nakatitig sa pinsan nya.

Dahil ata sa pagkagulat ng binata ay hindi ito agad nakapagsalita kaya nagawang magtanong uli ni Maxine

“I’m the one who should ask you that, kailan ka pa umuwi ng Pilipinas?”

“Just now” sagot nito at lumingon kay Timothy. “You know my cousin?”

Tumikhim muna si Timothy ng nakabawi ito sa pagkagulat “Yes, I don’t also know your cousins” lumingon ang binata kay Maxine pagkatapos nitong sagutin ang kanyang pinsan.

“Well, Arya I mean Reese is my friend way back when I’m still in Europe. Before I went back here in Manila” then Timothy went beside Maxine and held her back “Reese, I know you already know your cousin Maxine. I’m actually courting her”

Hindi nakaligtas kay Maxine ang pagsunod ng tingin ni Reese sa binata ng lumapit ito sa kanya at paglagay ng kamay nito sa likod nya lalo ang sakit sa mata nito nang inimporma na liniligawan sya nito.

“O-oh well I see” halata ang pilit na ngiti ng dalaga “S-so.. Ayon.. I just want to see an old friend” lumibot ang tingin nito sa paligid bago uli nagsalita “Congratulations! Finally, you already reach your dream” sabi nito kay Timothy

“Thank you” simpleng sagot ng binata

The way they talk seems normal but Maxine can’t help but think if there’s something going on between the two or she’s just overthinking after seeing her cousin’s reaction.

“I’ll keep going. Nangamusta lang talaga ako. Bye Ate Max see you around” sabay baling sa binatang katabi nya “Bye Tim”

The guy only nod as way of acknowledging what Reese said.

With that her cousin went out the pub. Nakita ni Maxine ang pagsunod ng tingin ng binata dito. Simple din nitong inalis ang pagkakahawak nito sa likod nya.

“I was about to invite you for dinner but if your busy…” she intentionally tries to hang her statement.

“Sure, I haven’t eaten yet. Do you want us to eat here or outside?”

Maxine observes that the crews are still busy preparing for the opening “ Sa labas na lang“

“Wait I’ll just inform them I’ll be going out” he is pertaining to his crew

“Sure, I’ll wait for you at the parking. Convoy na lang tayo.”

“Are you sure?” he ask

“Yup, so you can go straight here after dinner and I’ll go straight home. That way we can save time” She tries to convince him

“Okay then, give me few seconds” he said

Maxine just nods while smiling before he turns his back and she starts walking.

Her first plan is to stay at his pub after dinner but after their encounter with her cousin she decided to go home after.

The awkward moment between them a while ago is undeniable.