About The Story

This is the story of Kelsey from Reclaim The Game. It’s part of the ‘Yours Series’ aka med series.

Will include some medical terms and whatnots. It’s not my strongest suit. Just comment if you find anything wrong and I’ll gladly edit it. Thanks!

Also, currently updating in Patreon. Will start uploading chapters here once it’s finished there. Thank you!

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Chapter 00

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#NY00 Chapter 00

“Are you free this weekend?”

“Mom—”

“Hear me out first, Kelsey—”

I put down the utensils and wiped the side of my tongue. I heaved a deep breath as I looked at her. “I found a nice apartment—”

“What?” Mom asked, looking at Dad like she was asking for a back-up. Like I was about to fight her.

“It’s a nice 2-bedroom apartment and it’s near Sammie’s school and—”

“What’s wrong with our house?” Mom asked, sounding really defensive.

“Nothing, Mom,” I replied. “I just thought that it’s time for us to… be independent.”

It’s been years since we moved back into my parents’ house. It just made a lot of sense before. I was used to having Sean around to help me… then he was just gone.

Suddenly, I was a single mother.

And as much as I wanted to tell myself that I could do this alone, that I could handle everything alone, I knew that I’d just be lying to myself and that I’d need all the help I could get.

So, Sammie and I moved in.

But it’s been years.

“Independent?” Mom said, repeating the word like it was a bad thing. “We’re very happy to have you and Sammie here in our house, Kelsey baby.”

I groaned. “Mom,” I said. “I’m 33. I’m not a baby. I have a baby.”

“I know,” she replied. “And I want my baby and my baby’s baby to stay here in the house.”

“We’ll visit you as much as we can, I promise.”

“Where is this really coming from, Kelsey?” she asked, her brows now slightly arched. “Are you seeing someone?” she continued, eyeing me curiously. “Is it Sean—”

“Mom!”

“What? He’s not with that… woman anymore, right?”

I stood up. I wasn’t having this conversation anymore. I didn’t want to involve myself in their business. That was theirs; that wasn’t mine. As long as Sammie’s not involved, I really wouldn’t want to get myself involved, too.

It’s been a messy few years back then. It was so hard to explain our situation to the people around us. Some people thought I was Sean’s mistress—others thought I was still the wife and I was stupid for moving out. That I should’ve stayed and asserted my rights because I have Sammie and that I deserve more.

It was so… draining.

“I have to go,” I said. “Pa,” I continued, kissing his cheek. I proceeded to kiss Mom’s cheek as well.

I got my bag and headed to my car. I have consults today and then I’d have to pick Sammie up from school. I’d have to show the apartment to her first before I could sign anything. I wanted her to like the apartment.

I was about to park the car when my phone vibrated.

“Yes?” I replied as I was trying to parallel park. It was Sammie’s school. They rarely call, so I immediately picked up. “What happened?”

“Sammie got into a fight—”

“What?” I asked, cutting her off. “What happened?” I continued, getting the car out of the parking area and heading off to the school.

The teacher told me that Sammie got into a fight with a boy and apparently, my daughter punched a boy! I didn’t want to believe because I didn’t raise my daughter to resort to physical violence! I always reminded her to talk when she wanted something, that communication is always paramount.

And now… she’s out here punching kids!

“Where’s my daughter?” I asked when I arrived at the school.

“She’s having a timeout, Ms. Fuentes.”

“Are you sure she punched someone?” I asked. I just had to ask again. I couldn’t believe my daughter would punch someone.

“There’s a camera footage… if you want to watch,” she offered with an uneasy smile.

I briefly closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

God, Sammie.

“No, it’s okay,” I replied. “Can I see her now?”

“She’s in the classroom,” Teacher Annie said. We were walking together when she got caught up by some other teacher. I wanted to wait with her, but I needed to see my daughter more. So, I began walking until I stopped in front of her classroom.

I took a peep and saw my daughter on one side, facing the wall. I could see her crossing her arms. I bet if she faced me, I’d see her pouting like she’s mad she’s being reprimanded for something she did.

I opened the door to get to her, but I stopped when I heard a voice.

“So… are you ready to apologize now?” a male voice asked.

“No,” my daughter stubbornly replied. I seriously didn’t know where she gets that attitude…

“Well, are you hungry already?”

“Yes. But I won’t apologize.”

“But you punched Renzo,” the guy said. I wanted to stick my head inside to see who was talking to my daughter.

“And I’d punch him again, teacher Eli.”

“Samantha—”

“Can I at least eat my baon, teacher? My mom prepared that for me. She’ll think I didn’t eat them, and I don’t want her to think that.”

“Okay—”

“Thank you, teacher.”

“But tell me first why you punched Renzo?”

I saw her head shake as if she’s telling her teacher that hell would freeze over first before she’d tell him the reason why she just punched her classmate.

“Fine… You can eat your food.”

“Thank you, teacher!” Sammie said, turning around and was about to go get her food when she saw me standing outside her classroom. Her eyes widened and she shouted ‘Mommy!’

I was about to call her name when suddenly, I was face to face with a guy whose eyes widened a little upon seeing me.

“Hi,” I said after I pushed the door open. “I’m Sammie’s mom.”

He cleared his throat. “Eli—I mean, teacher Eli—Elias,” he said, sounding confused. “I’m uh… your daughter’s teacher,” he continued, his cheeks slightly flushed.

---

This story is not yet finished  on Patreon, but I’m excited haha may you enjoy this story x

Chapter 01

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY01 Chapter 01

“This is a nice place, Kels,” Sean said. He was watching Sammie as she sat on the couch, reading one of books that she bought with her. She used to be very… playful with the other kids. One day, she just stopped playing and insisted that she’s fine with her toys and books. I wanted to ask her more, but she’s the kind of kid who’d just shut you out if you insisted.

I was just waiting for her to confide to me.

“The security here is strict, so I’d inform them that you can visit us anytime,” I said.

This co-parenting was hard. If I were to decide on my own, I’d rather raise Sammie alone. I could do that. I have a great job and a supportive family. But I knew that that would be unfair to her. Sean has been nothing but a wonderful father to her, and it would be unfair if I’d just shut him out of our lives because of something that was out of our control.

He didn’t want what happened.

I didn’t want what happened.

But it’s here.

And we should just deal with it the best way we could.

Sean nodded. “Sammie said that there’s a family day—”

“Do you want to come?” I asked.

I didn’t tell him about it. I was still undecided. It was one thing to co-parent Sammie, but it’s a whole other thing when we appear in public places. I hated how they all stare at us like we’re some kind of spectacle…

I never liked being in the spotlight.

But ever since I got involved with Sean, it’s like all eyes are constantly on me and I hated every second of it.

“I mean… if it’s okay with you?” he asked.

I wasn’t able to respond.

“If you don’t want—” Sean said, but he stopped when he saw me smile. Sammie looked at us. I didn’t know if she fully understood the situation yet. Maybe she was confused. I knew damn well that my parents were still hoping that Sean and I would be back together.

But I was sure that wouldn’t happen again.

I just… don’t want that kind of drama.

I liked things simple.

I wasn’t built for that kind of thing.

“It’s on Sunday, 10am. Let’s just meet at the school,” I replied, and then I walked towards my daughter.

---

The interior designer told me that she still needed at least 2 months to get everything done. My parents spoiled Sammie, so I wanted her new room in our new place to be as good as her room here at my parents’ place.

I didn’t want her to tell me that she wanted to go back here. This was supposed to be a temporary fix. We couldn’t live there forever.

“Aww, my baby is so pretty,” Mom said when she saw Sammie. She was wearing a white skirt and the polo-shirt of the school. She was also wearing the shoes Sean gave her the last time.

“Thank you, lola,” Sammie replied, hugging and kissing her lola. No wonder why she got them both wrapped around her fingers. So bolera.

My parents couldn’t go to the event because they needed to attend to something, so instead, they asked Sammie to perform the song and dance number for them. She danced and sang and my mom recorded everything. Dad was the first one to clap when the mini performance ended.

I love how they love her. I was thankful, really, for everything.

“Let’s go,” I said after she finished performing. Mom reminded me to record the performance. I already told her yes, but she just needed to remind me again.

“Is daddy already there?” Sammie asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Will you text him, Mommy?”

I sighed and dialed Sean’s number.

“Daddy!” Sammie shouted when Sean answered the call. “Where are you?”

Sean laughed. “On my way,” he replied. “Where are you and mommy?”

“She’s driving,” Sammie replied. “Will lola come?”

“Of course,” Sean replied.

God…

I love Tita Shirley. She’s been really nice to me. But ever since Isobel decided to leave, she’s been so persistent to get Sean and I back together. They’re all so persistent. They couldn’t understand the word no.

So, I tried to avoid her whenever possible.

I already have my own parents rooting for Sean—I couldn’t handle any more than that.

When we arrived at the school, I was suddenly glad that Sean would come. It was family day. I saw most of her classmates with their parents. I knew that Sammie and I, we’re family… but she’s still a child. She didn’t know how complicated things are.

She still needed to be a child for as long as she could.

One day, she’d fully realize the situation, but for now, she just needed her parents to be here with her during family day.

So, I should just suck it up.

Just for today, at least.

“Do you wanna go inside?” I asked her.

“Can we wait for daddy?” she asked, looking at me with those puppy eyes.

“Fine…” I said, sighing.

She grinned. “Thank you, mommy!” she replied. We sat on one of the benches while we were waiting for Sean. While killing time, Sammie read her book and I checked e-mails.

“Kelsey.”

I looked up and saw Ramona, one of the mothers here in school. I never really liked her… She’s been so… condescending. I never understood why. I barely talked to her.

“Hi,” I replied, smiling. I still needed to be on my best behavior. She’s, after all, still a member of the administration of this school. I just didn’t want to be on her bad side, for Sammie’s sake.

“Just you? Hindi ba pupunta si Sean?” she asked.

Sammie’s eyes immediately shot up upon hearing the mention of her dad. “Daddy will come,” she replied, almost defensively.

Ramona smiled. “Of course, he will,” she replied condescendingly, tousling the hair of Sammie. She quickly frowned, and fixed her hair that her lola fixed for her.

“Daddy!” Sammie shouted when she saw Sean walking past the gate. She shouted and ran towards her dad.

“Ang excited… Minsan lang kasi makita, no?” Ramona said, smiling at me. I just smiled back. What did she know? She knew nothing aside from the gossips. I didn’t owe her any explanation.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, walking away because I had no time for people like her. If she didn’t like me for whatever reason, fine. But why did she spend so much time hating on me? I didn’t even care about her. She could die and I wouldn’t even bother to send flowers.

“Where’s lola?” Sammie asked.

“She’s on the phone, but she’ll be here soon,” Sean replied.

I quietly walked beside them, never mind some of the eyes on us. This was only for a few hours. After this, I’d be back to minding my own business away from all the judging eyes of people who didn’t know any better.

Since it’s family day, the family were supposed to sit together.

This was… unfair.

Not just for us, but for the other kids with parents who are separated. We’re just lucky because Sean and I still managed to co-parent for Sammie’s sake. But what about the other kids? What about them? What would they feel looking around and seeing all the other kids with their complete family?

It’s insensitive.

There was a vacant chair between Sean and me. That was supposed to be for Tita Shirley.

“See? They can’t even sit together…” I heard someone say.

“I heard ha… That she wanted to get back together, but he’s still in love with that ex-wife of his who got pregnant with somebody else’s child… So tragic…”

I briefly closed my eyes as I took a deep breath.

I calmed myself down.

I really tried.

“Kels—” Sean said.

I shook my head. “I’m okay. I’ll just go find the restroom,” I replied, standing up because hearing things like that still got to me. I hated how they think they know everything and how they think they have a say on our lives—on my life.

I hated how they think I was the one to pity.

That I was the one who got left behind.

I didn’t get left behind—I left.

Because I deserve better than what Sean could ever give me.

God, I hated this!

“Oh, god, I’m sorry!” I said when I accidentally bumped into someone. I just got out of the restroom.

“No, it’s okay,” he replied.

I kneeled and helped him as he picked up the cutouts which were scattered on the floor. “I’m sorry,” I repeated. “I didn’t see you coming.”

I glanced at him and saw that he was already looking at me. I blinked.

“Elias,” he said.

“What?” I asked, my forehead creased.

“I mean… ’yun ’yung pangalan ko.”

I blinked again. “Right… Teacher Eli, right?”

He smiled. “Teacher Eli… Right,” he said, just repeating the words I said.

“You’re Sammie’s teacher, right?” I asked. I saw him that one time when I got called because my daughter punched someone. She still hated me because I ground her for a week—and by ground, she wasn’t allowed to read any books and no dessert after dinner… but I knew Mom still snuck inside her room and gave her dessert when I wasn’t looking.

“Thank you,” he said when we finished picking the papers up.

“Do you need help?” I asked.

He blinked. “H-ha?”

“You look like you need help,” I replied. He was carrying papers and cutouts. He looked like he was in a rush before I bumped into him.

“Magsisimula na ’yung program,” he said.

“Sammie’s still the last to perform,” I replied. I just really didn’t want to go back there and listen to people give unsolicited comments about my life.

“Maggugupit lang—”

“I can do that,” I said. His face reddened again. My forehead creased. “Are you okay?”

He cleared his throat. “Okay lang ako,” he replied. “Ah… dito na lang sa bakanteng classroom. Pero kailangan nating bilisan kasi kailangan ’to don sa presentation nung isang section,” he continued.

We got inside this empty classroom. He gave me a paper and a pair of scissors and instructed me on what I’d do.

“Isn’t this so last minute?” I asked.

“Meron na akong nagawa, kaya lang natapunan ng tubig nung isang teacher,” he replied.

“Why are you the one doing this, then?”

“Bakit hindi ako?”

“Because it’s not your fault?”

“Hindi rin naman niya sinasadya,” he replied. “Besides, mas madaling maggupit kaysa makipagtalo kung sino ang may kasalanan,” he continued while he was still cutting the pattern on the paper.

“How do you know that hindi sinasadya?” I asked, but he chuckled. “Why did you chuckle?”

He looked at me as he paused cutting. “Wala… Ang weird lang pala kasi marinig ka magsalita ng Tagalog.”

My lips parted. “I can speak Tagalog,” I said, defending myself. “I’m just more comfortable with English.”

I grew up with my parents talking to me in English. I was only allowed to watch English shows and movies. I was enrolled in an English-only school. Even in college, most of my friends speak in English only. It was only in med school that I got to practice my Tagalog. My Tagalog wasn’t perfect, but I was sure that people can understand me just fine.

“Wala naman akong sinabi…” he said, sounding defensive, too. “Na-weirduhan lang ako…”

“Why?” I asked. “This is only the second time we talked.”

I looked at him, waiting for a reply, but he just smiled. I shrugged it off and continued to cut the papers.

“How’s Sammie?” I asked.

“Okay naman,” he replied. “Wala na siyang sinu-suntok.”

I frowned. “That was one time. My daughter doesn’t just randomly punch people.”

He laughed. “I didn’t say that. Tahimik naman siya ngayon. Nilipat ko siya ng upuan. Close na ata sila ni Elrese.”

“Really?” I asked, excited to hear that Sammie’s got a new friend. She barely talked about anyone in her class. Whenever she’d talk about school, it’s mostly about what she learned or what she read—never about the other kids.

He nodded. “Pareho silang mahilig magbasa—”

“Kels.” We stopped when we heard someone calling my name. I turned and saw Sean. He was looking at us. “Sammie’s section is next,” he said.

I looked at Eli and smiled. “Good luck with the cutouts,” I said before I stood up and left with Sean. 

*** 

This story is almost finished  on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 02

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY02 Chapter 02

Sammie wanted to go with Sean. It was Sunday. It was okay. She’s with me the entire week… Weekends are with Sean. Although I miss Sammie on the weekends. I still work on weekdays and she goes to school on weekdays, and when she’s at home, she’s doing assignment or sometimes, she falls asleep because she’s too tired. Or I fall asleep because I’m too tired.

Sometimes, I wanted the weekend, too.

“Where’s Sammie?” Mom asked.

“With Sean,” I replied. I groaned when I saw her grinning at me. “Can we please drop it? For life? It’s not gonna happen, Mom.”

If only she’d actually listen to the words that come out of my mouth.

“What? There’s nothing wrong with hoping,” she said, smiling at me.

“Just don’t get your hopes up. It’s not gonna happen,” I repeated before I headed to my room. I was looking forward to eating, but I’d rather starve in my room than to entertain questions from my mom regarding Sean and how we’d ‘continue’ our love story.

It was far from a love story.

We were friends…

Then we were more than friends…

But never love.

That was clear to me.

Maybe that was why it was so easy for me to take a step back… because even when we got married, even when we got Sammie, it had always been clear to me that when it came to love, for Sean, it was only Isobel.

And I wasn’t blind.

Nor stupid.

I knew Sean for a long time… Saw him with other women… But he was never like that with them.

Only with her.

That was why he married her so quickly.

Because sometimes, you just know.

But also, sometimes, things don’t work out.

And you just have to live with that and move forward.

That’s life… it sometimes sucks.

---

I fell asleep while I was reading. When I woke up, I was about to go to Sammie’s room to check up on her when I heard her voice from downstairs. She was having a rather lively discussion with my parents. I heard her talking about how she and her daddy went to the mall and how her daddy bought her new books.

Sean’s a great father, no doubt about that.

He deserved all the weekends.

I took a bath and prepared. Then I went downstairs and saw that Sammie’s already ready for school.

“Good morning, mommy!” she greeted with a full smile on her face.

“Good morning,” I replied, smiling.

I joined the breakfast. The main point of discussion that morning was what happened during the family day and what happened in the mall and how excited Sammie was to finish all the books her daddy bought her.

“I’ll just brush my teeth!” Sammie said, running back to her room. I stayed and finished my coffee. I only want coffee for breakfast.

“It’s Sean’s birthday next week,” Mom said.

“So?”

“Kelsey…” she said in a warning tone.

“I’m gonna greet him a happy birthday, okay?” I replied rather sarcastically. I saw the disapproval on her face. God, I couldn’t wait to move out! I didn’t like spending my mornings like this.

“You’re not dating anyone naman, right?” Mom asked.

“Yes—”

“So, why not try it again with Sean? For Sammie’s sake na rin?”

I remained quiet.

I sipped my coffee.

I wanted to tell them that I’d rather show my daughter that it’s okay to be single—that life doesn’t revolve around having someone. So what if I’m alone? It’s not like I’ll die.

And I’d rather show her that it’s important to know your worth.

To not stay when there’s no reason to stay.

To not beg for love—especially not for love.

“Kelsey—”

“Hon,” Dad said, finally. “Let’s just have breakfast, okay?”

“Fine…” Mom stubbornly replied.

I stood up when Sammie returned. I headed straight to the car and waited for her. She was all smiles when she was putting on her seatbelt.

“You’re so happy,” I commented.

“Because daddy bought me books!”

“I buy you books.”

“I know!” she said, smiling widely. “I love books!”

I laughed. Good thing she likes books—but even if she wants barbie or robot, I’d be fine with it. The only thing I wasn’t fine was her punching other kids.

“Your Teacher Eli said—”

“You know Teacher Eli?” she asked.

“Yeah. I met him last time, remember? When you punched—” I said, but paused when I saw her crossing her arms. She was pouting, too, this little boxer. “I met him there,” I said, instead.

“Do you like him?” she asked.

I laughed. “What?”

“Will you date him? Will he be my new daddy?”

I almost hit the brake because of the questions I was hearing. I was almost tempted to pull over to ask her where the questions were coming from. I was pretty sure that I just merely mentioned her Teacher Eli.

“What’s with the questions?” I asked. I waited for the answer, but she was just quiet. I was watching her every movement at the rearview mirror, but all I saw was her arms crossed over her chest like she was mad.

“I’m not dating anyone,” I said.

She remained quiet.

“Don’t you want me to date anyone?” I asked.

Everyone around me wanted me to find someone—most of them wanted me to be with Sean. But I just wasn’t there. I was contented with Sammie and my work.

Sammie remained quiet. She was quiet when we reached her school. She just quietly unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. I was just… confused. What the heck did just happen?

One second she was so happy… then she was sulky.

When did she become a teenager?

I was about to leave when I noticed that she left her baon. I unbuckled my seatbelt and got her lunchbox. That girl’s so picky. She’d rather starve than eat food from the canteen. I wasn’t that picky—she most definitely got that from Sean.

After signing in and giving my ID to the guard, I went inside and waited for the flag ceremony to end. I was sitting on the bench and just checking e-mails.

When I looked up, I saw Teacher Eli walking. He was carrying a big paper bag. It was full of colorful papers. I unconsciously smiled at the view.

“Need help?” I asked because he looked like he needed help.

He blinked. “May… event ba?” he asked like he was confused as to why I was here.

I shook my head. “Sammie forgot her lunchbox,” I replied.

“Gusto mo iabot ko?” he asked.

I shook my head again. “But thank you for the offer,” I said. Sammie’s very picky with her food. She wouldn’t eat it if she’s not sure who handled the food. I think that that has something to do with that documentary that I accidentally let her watch about someone getting poisoned. Since then, she’s been very vigilant. Even when eating outside, I’d still have to taste the food first. And if I did not drop dead, that’s only when she’d start eating.

He nodded. “Medyo matagal pa iyong flag ceremony. May announcement kasi,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I replied.

“Baka mainip ka.”

I shrugged. I only had rounds today. It’s still pretty early. “Why do you always carry papers?” I asked. I just had to ask.

“Ito?” he asked, looking inside the humungous paper bag he was holding. “Wala lang. Mas masaya kasi mag-aral kapag makulay.”

“What subject do you teach exactly?” I asked.

“Nursery. Lahat,” naka-tawa na sagot niya.

“You must be very patient,” I said. I almost got into peds… but as much as I love kids, too much kids is too much kids… They’re cute, alright, but too much… I’d rather deal with adults. Adults I could reason with. Kids? They’re cute… but it’s hard to talk to them.

“Medyo. Cute naman sila,” he said.

“But annoying?”

“Lahat naman. Kahit naman matanda minsan annoying,” he replied. “At least kapag bata cute pa rin. Kapag matanda nakaka-asar na lang.”

I laughed. Like my mom. She’s annoying when she pushes Sean and me together.

“Natawa ka? Totoo kasi, no?”

I shrugged. I didn’t want to speak ill of my mom. I knew she meant well—but it’s only well for her and for the people around us. It’s not well for me and my sanity.

“What’s the lesson for today?” I asked instead.

Teacher Eli proceeded to explain to me the topic for today. I was quite impressed. I thought that he’d just teach the basics, but he exerted so much effort in the planning of the lessons.

And the papers.

So colorful.

It’s nice to know that Sammie has a teacher like him—someone who genuinely enjoys teaching.

“Tapos na pala,” he said. That was when I noticed that the kids were already returning to their rooms. I saw some of the teachers looking at us. I just ignored them. Pretty sure this would reach Ramona… for some reason, for someone who hated me, she’s updated with everything I do.

“Thanks for accompanying me,” I said.

He smiled. “No problem, Ms. Fuentes.”

“Kelsey,” I said.

He stared at me. And then sighed. “Kelsey,” he repeated.

I smiled one more time before I moved to the other side and waited for Sammie. When I saw her, she ran towards me. She thanked me for giving her her baon because she was apparently already worried that she’d starve the whole day.

This kid… so crazy.

---

The week was predictable.

I worked.

And made several follow ups with the interior designer, hoping that there’s some way that we could move in by the end of the week because my mom was literally driving me insane!

“Please?” she asked.

“Mom,” I groaned.

“It’s not Sean naman!”

“Why are you so obsessed with my love life?”

“You don’t have love life, anak, that’s why I’m worried!” she said, shoving on my face yet again the picture of the son of her kumare that she wanted me to meet for dinner.

“Mom, I really won’t die if I don’t have love life!” I responded.

“I know naman, anak, but your dad and I will die in peace knowing that someone will take care of you when we’re gone.”

I groaned again. There she was, using the death card on me again! She knew I hated it whenever she pulled that!

“You two are healthy,” I pointed out. “You’re not dying anytime soon. Baka mas mauna pa ako, Mom, sa sobrang headache na binibigay mo.”

“You never know, ha,” she replied. “Your Dad and I might drop dead tomorrow… Will you be able to live with yourself knowing that you didn’t grant my last wish to—”

I groaned again. “Fine! Just text me the info!” I said before walking away because she’s really driving me insane!

---

Mom made me change 3 times before she ‘allowed’ me to leave the house. She wanted me to look professional… but also ready to mingle… whatever the heck that meant.

She’s turning into my pimp.

I arrived at the mall early. I didn’t like being late. It’s like being disrespectful of the other person’s time.

I was walking towards the resto when I stopped because there was a line before we could get in.

“I’ll be there in an hour, I guess?” the guy in front of me said. “I just have to meet this woman my mom’s been begging me to meet.”

My eyes widened.

This was the guy.

Then he laughed. “What? No. I heard she already has a kid,” he said and then laughed. “Segunda mano? Bro, that’s harsh!”

I took a step back.

I felt my chest tightening.

“I’m—” I said when I bumped into someone.

“Tara,” Eli said when he held my wrist and gently pulled me away with him.

*** 

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Chapter 03

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#NY03 Chapter 03

“Sorry,” Eli said when he stopped walking.

“Why?” I asked, just trying to fill in the silence.

“Hindi ko rin alam bakit kita hinatak. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung saan tayo papunta.”

I looked at him. He was smiling uneasily. I smiled at him.

“It’s okay,” I replied. “I was about to leave, too,” I lied.

At that moment, I was frozen. I knew I should leave… but I didn’t know how to take the first step. Was that how people view me? As… segunda mano? Second hand? Damaged goods?

I knew I shouldn’t be affected.

But that stung.

And I hated that it stung.

“Why were you there, anyway?” I asked instead. He was obviously not that comfortable around me, so I was thankful that despite that, he still managed to get me out of that situation.

“Shit!” he suddenly said. “Birthday dinner ng nanay ko!”

I smiled at him. “I’m okay here,” I said.

He looked at me. “Sure ka?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I’m an adult, in case it’s not obvious.”

His lips parted for a few seconds. “Joke ba ’yan, Kelsey?”

I rolled my eyes. “No,” I said, frowning for a bit.

He laughed. “Pero sure ka ba na okay ka lang?” he asked again.

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

But he continued to look at me. I started to feel uncomfortable because of the way he was staring at me. Like he was trying to know my inner most thoughts…

It’s unnerving.

“Hindi ka segunda-mano, okay?”

“I know,” I quickly replied.

“May mga gago lang talaga na tao.”

I kept quiet.

“Minsan, iyong mga sinasabi nila, reflection ’yun kung ano talaga iyong nararamdaman nila sa sarili nila,” he continued as he stared right at my face while I averted my gaze and stared at the people passing by us. “Wala namang taong brand new. Lahat naman tayo may pinagdaanan na.”

“Eli, I’m fine. Really,” I said because I really didn’t feel comfortable with talking about this—not with my family, not with him.

When I got married with Sean, that was my own decision.

When I got pregnant with Sammie, that was also my own decision.

When I decided to walk away from my marriage, that was also my own decision.

I seriously needed for people to finally realize that I was an adult with my own mind and they didn’t need to think for me, to feel for me.

“Okay…” he said, sounding like he thought I was offended.

“But thank you,” I quickly replied. “I really appreciate what you did there.”

He nodded. “Seryoso ba? Kasi hindi ko sure kung tama ginawa ko. Bigla lang parang nag-auto-pilot ako at hinatak kita bigla.”

I smiled. “You did the right thing.”

“Aalis ka talaga?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Good,” he said, sounding relieved.

“Why?”

He shrugged. “You’re too good for that guy, anyway.”

I arched my brow. “How come?”

He shrugged again. “Tingin ko lang.”

I laughed a little. “You’re giving me too much credit, Teacher Eli. I’m not all that,” I said.

He smiled. “I know, Ms. Fuentes,” he said and then we both looked at his phone. It seemed like his mom was calling him. “Alis na ako.”

I nodded. “Tell your mom happy birthday .”

“I will,” he said. “Uuwi ka na ba?”

“Maybe I’ll swing by the bookstore,” I said. “Do you know what Sammie likes now?” I asked. Last month, she was interested with dogs—last week, with fairies. I couldn’t keep up with that kid.

“Di ko sigurado, pero ilang beses ko siyang nakita na nagbibilang ng bato.”

“Bato?”

He nodded. “Rocks.”

I frowned. “I know that.”

He laughed. “Masyado ka kasing English speaking, e.”

“I understand Tagalog perfectly. I just prefer to speak in English,” I said, sounding rather too defensive for my liking. His phone started to vibrate again. “You should go.”

“Grabe, ayaw mo na akong kausap?”

I frowned. “Your mother is calling you. Again.”

He laughed. “Nakiki-basa ng cellphone. Masama ’yan, Miss Fuentes,” he said. I frowned. Again. He laughed. “Joke lang. Sige, alis na ako. Enjoy sa bookstore, Miss Kelsey,” he continued before waving and walking away. I just shook my head as I stared at his retreating back.

---

I spent at least an hour in the bookstore and then coffee shop before I headed home. I was a bit excited to show the books to Sammie, but I was greeted by my mom’s frowning face.

“What?” I asked.

“You ditched your date.”

I remained silent.

“Nakaka-hiya, Kelsey.”

“Tell your friend I’m sorry,” I just said. I didn’t want to make a bigger deal out of it. I knew that if I tell my mom what I heard the guy said, she’d make a whole thing out of it and I just didn’t want that. I wanted silence. I spent a long-time dodging questions after questions about Sean–I didn’t want a rerun of that.

“He said that he saw you with another guy.”

I halted. “What?”

“Are you seeing someone, Kelsey?”

I blinked a couple of times. “No,” I firmly said.

“Then who’s the guy, Kelsey?” she asked, but I stood on my ground. “Kung wala, why not try it with Sean—”

I quickly stopped her. “Mom, I love you, but if you force me with Sean one more time, I’ll seriously lose it.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “Kelsey!”

“Sean’s in love with someone else, Mom. Do you want me to look pathetic? Do you want me to beg him to be with me? Is that what you want? For me? Your daughter? To beg a guy to be with her? Is that what you want?”

I stood there and waited for her to say something, but I got nothing. I just really needed for her to get off my back. It’s tiring—and nakaka-hiya kay Sean.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I said before I headed to my room.

I planned to stay there the whole day, but I received a text from Sean saying that he’s on the way to drop Sammie. I got up and went outside. I saw my mom looking at me, but I ignored her. Tough love. She needed to seriously stop.

“Mommy!” Sammie said as she got out of the car.

“Hey,” I replied, smiling at her. “It’s already late. Clean up and prepare for sleep na, okay?”

She nodded before she hugged Sean and said good night.

“I’m sorry,” Sean said. “Got stuck in traffic.”

“It’s okay,” I replied.

“Is Tita inside?”

“Yeah,” I said. “But can you not?”

His forehead creased. “Did… I do something wrong?” he asked, sounding confused.

I shook my head. “No, you did nothing wrong,” I replied. “It’s just that my mom won’t stop pushing for us to get back together as long as she sees you.”

He blinked. “I’m not going anywhere, Kels.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m not asking you to leave.”

“What can I do?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. It’s not like I can force him to date—I figured that’s the only way my mother would permanent put this issue to rest—once she sees Sean with someone else. Because as long as Sean’s single, I’d never hear the end of it.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“Kels,” he said.

I sighed. “Just… some stupid guy my mom asked me to see,” I simply said.

“And what did the stupid guy do?” he asked.

“Called me segunda mano. “

“What?” he asked, sounding mad.

“It’s nothing. I ditched him.”

“What’s the name?” he asked, sounding really pissed this time.

“I didn’t tell you for you to make a big deal out of it, okay? I just told you so that you’d know why I’m asking you to… take a little step back from my mom. I just want her to leave me alone and not set me up on dates.”

“Fine,” he said. “But I need a name, Kelsey.”

“No.”

“Kelsey—”

“No, Sean. You’re not getting a name, and you’re not going to ask my mom for the name. Your responsibility is Sammie and not to me. We’re co-parents, that’s it.”

He stared at me. “Okay,” he said. “But seriously, whoever that guy is, he’s full of shit. He doesn’t know you.”

I stayed silent.

I knew that.

I didn’t need anyone to tell me that.

---

I was headed to the cafeteria to get coffee. I’d been awake for too long now and I needed caffeine in my system. I was so excited to get my coffee when I halted because I thought I saw a familiar face.

“Eli?” I asked because I wasn’t sure it was him.

He looked at me, his eyes bloodshot like he hadn’t got a good sleep in days. “Uy…” he said with a tired smile on his face.

“What are you doing here?”

“Ah… ’Yung Mama ko kasi nasa operating room. Apat na oras na. Normal pa ba ’yung ganon o dapat na ba akong kabahan?”

I blinked. “Are you with someone else?”

He shook his head. “Patay na tatay ko tapos nasa ibang bansa mga kapatid ko,” he said. He sounded so tired. “Saan ba pwedeng magtanong dito? Kanina pa ako paikut-ikot, e.”

I knew I was out of line, but he looked like he’d fall any minute now. I held his hand and we walked towards the nurse’s station and I asked him what his mom’s name was. And then I asked them about some of the details of the operation. I saw from my peripheral vision that he was confused by the terms, so when the nurse was done, I explained to him what I heard.

“Salamat…”

“It’s fine,” I said. “But your mom’s doctor is the best here in the Philippines.”

“Talaga?”

I nodded and smiled at him. “Really. Your mom’s in good hands, Eli,” I replied. “Do you… have anyone you can call?” I asked because it’s hard to wait by yourself. I imagined it to be maddening—constantly thinking about the possibilities and the worst-case scenarios… He needed someone to stay with him.

“Okay lang ako.”

I didn’t push him.

Maybe he didn’t have anyone to call.

I perfectly understood.

“Baka may gagawin ka pa,” he said, but I merely shook my head as I sat beside him outside the operating room.

*** 

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Chapter 04

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY04 Chapter 04

Eli wasn’t saying anything, but even in his silence, I felt his worry. My parents were a lot, but I could not imagine them being gone—I wouldn’t even try to imagine that. They’d been there all my life… I couldn’t begin to understand what I’d feel if one of them leaves.

I didn’t know what Eli was feeling, so I hoped that my presence was enough.

After 2 hours, Dr. Riegas emerged from the operating room. Eli immediately stood up. I almost fell asleep, but that woke me up.

“Doc,” he said. “Kamusta na po iyong nanay ko?”

I stood there quietly as the doctor explained to him what happened in the operation. I quietly listened because Eli might have questions. When Dr. Riegas was done explaining, he excused himself.

Eli sat down and covered his face with his hands.

“The operation was a success,” I said. I really didn’t know Dr. Riegas, but I heard good things about him. He’s one of the best in his field.

“Ganito rin ’yung kay Papa dati sabi ni Ate.”

I remained silent.

“Okay daw tapos biglang may complication,” he continued, his voice very low. “Sorry. ’Di pa rin ako mapakali. Si Mama lang kasama ko rito sa Pilipinas, e.”

I just stayed there.

“Sandali lang—tawagan ko lang sila Ate,” he said as he stood up and began dialing on his phone. I stayed there for a while as he updated his sister about his mom’s status, but after a while, I needed to leave because I was being called. I wanted to say goodbye, but I couldn’t find the right timing, so I just quietly left.

I finished my duty but before I left, I went to see Eli again and I saw him sleeping. I requested for an extra blanket from the nurse and covered him up before I left to go home.

I went straight to sleep upon arriving. I was so tired. I woke up late and saw that my family was already having breakfast. My mom was ignoring me because of what happened the last time we talked, but seeing Eli worried about his mom… I gave in and hugged my mom and whispered sorry in her ears. I saw Dad smiled at us.

“Mommy, I woke you up but you kept on returning to your sleep!” Sammie said as I asked her to hand me the bread.

“Mommy is tired,” I replied.

“You won’t drive me to school today, Mommy? Teacher Eli said that—”

“I don’t think Teacher Eli will go to school,” I absent-mindedly said.

“Why, Mommy?”

I stopped when I realized what I just said.

I looked around and saw that everyone was staring at me like I was some specimen under the microscope. I blinked. Why did I say that? I really shouldn’t interact with people when I am sleep-deprived!

“I… don’t know.”

“Is Teacher Eli really my future daddy, Mommy?”

If I were drinking my coffee, I was sure that I would have choked on it already.

“Sean is your daddy,” I said, trying to end the conversation.

“I know that daddy is my daddy, but if you have another husband, will he be my daddy, too, mommy? Daddy said that he’ll always be my daddy, but I should accept if I will have another daddy—but he also said that I should probably not call him daddy because that might be confusing.”

God.

This whole conversation was confusing.

“Sure,” I said.

“Sure… that Teacher Eli is my future daddy? Should I start calling him Papa, mommy?”

I looked at Dad who looked amused at the conversation. Mom looked like she had a million question, but she didn’t want to start another rift with me, so she held her tongue.

“Definitely not,” I strictly told her. “Just finish your breakfast. I’ll drive you to school,” I continued, effectively ending the confusing discussion.

Thankfully, Sammie’s attention was focused on something else, so the ride to school was smooth. I didn’t know why I stayed outside the school for a couple of minutes. But I didn’t see Eli. Maybe he’s still at the hospital taking care of his mom. Didn’t he really have anyone to stay with him? That must be so tiring.

I hesitated for a couple of time before I finally got the courage to knock on the door. I got food for Eli. I didn’t even know why I did it. It’s not like we’re close… but I’d feel worse if I didn’t do it. He’s all alone and I was sure he didn’t want to leave his mom.

“Kelsey,” he said upon seeing me.

I gave him a small smile. “Hope you don’t mind,” I said as I handed him the paper bag. “I hope you’re not vegetarian,” I continued because I got him tonkatsu. I really didn’t know what he liked, but when he whisked me away, that was from a Japanese restaurant, so I just took a wild guess.

“Hindi naman,” he replied with a small smile. “Wala kang duty?”

“On my way,” I said.

“Pasensya na sa abala.”

“It’s okay,” I replied. “How’s your mom?”

“Okay naman daw. Dadaan mamaya iyong doctor niya.”

I nodded. “You should ask the doctor whatever question you have. He’ll explain it to you,” I said. It’s also for his peace of mind. I knew that his dad’s death must’ve been traumatizing for him… seeing your dad okay for one second and then the next one—

I’d seen it a lot of times already.

Never gets better.

Death’s something that I’ll never fully understand.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He smiled.

I smiled back.

“You won’t go to school?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Nagsabi na ako na leave muna ako. Meron namang papalit sa akin.”

I nodded. “I’m sure the kids will miss you.”

He laughed a little. “Baka ’di naman. Madaling maka-limot mga ’yon.”

“I don’t think so,” I said. Some kids could be fiercely loyal—like Sammie, she’s fiercely loyal to her dad.

There was a sheepish smile on his face. Like he was flattered. What did I say?

I cleared my throat. “Yeah…” I said weirdly. “I’ll pray for your mom’s recovery,” I continued as I took a step back. I smiled at him one more time before I attempted to turn around, but I halted when I heard him call my name.

“Kelsey,” he said.

“Yes?” I replied almost instantaneously.

“Thank you,” he said. “Sobrang na-appreciate ko.”

I smiled at him. “No problem, Eli,” I replied before I went to my duty.

I was on my feet the whole day and I was looking forward to taking a nap. I was walking to the quarters when Jia, one of the nurses, called my name.

“Doc,” she said.

“Yes?”

“May nagpapa-bigay po,” she replied as she handed me a cup of coffee. My forehead creased in confusion. “May naka-sulat sa sticky note, doc. Kakilala mo naman ata. If hindi, tapon mo na lang,” she said, shrugging and walking away.

“Thank you,” I said, still confused. I got the sticky note that was taped on the side of the cup.

’Salamat sa pagkain, doc. Hindi ko alam kung ano gusto mo, pero sana gusto mo ‘tong kape. -Eli’

I smiled as I drank the coffee.

---

I swung by the room, but Eli wasn’t there. And I knew I should leave… but his mom was staring at me that I uncomfortably smiled at her.

“Hello po,” I politely said.

“Ikaw ba si Doc Kelsey?”

“Yes po,” I said, still standing by the door.

“Wala rito si Elias,” she said.

“I know po… I’ll leave na po so you can rest,” I replied and I took a step back but I bumped against someone. I turned around and my eyes widened when I realized that my face was just an inch away from Eli’s face. His eyes were also wide in surprise.

“Baka gusto niyong maglayo,” his mom said.

I immediately jumped away from him.

“I’m sorry po,” I quickly said. I didn’t even know what I did wrong!

“Ma… sabi na magpa-tulong ka kung uupo ka,” Eli said, going to his mom. He placed a paper bag on the table. So, he went out to buy food. I understand. Hospital food—not my choice if there are options.

“Ayos naman na ako,” his mom stubbornly said.

“Isusumbong kita kay Ate.”

“Aba’t!”

I stood there as they argued. It was cute. Eli seemed like he was talking to one of his students. He was very patient and there was just something about the tone of his voice that was very calming.

“Hindi mo ba ipapakilala ’yang kaibigan mo?” Eli looked at me. He smiled like he was apologizing. I just smiled back at him. “Aba, ano? Magngi-ngitian pa kayo d’yan?”

“Ma naman… Nakaka-hiya kay Kelsey,” he whispered, but it was loud for me to hear.

“No, it’s okay po,” I said.

“Doctor ka ba dito?” his mom asked.

“Yes po,” I replied.

“May asawa?”

“Ma!” Eli said in horror.

I just politely smiled. “Technically—”

“Kelsey,” Eli said, like he’s telling me that I didn’t have to answer. I know that. I didn’t have to answer, but also, I could answer if I want to. I don’t owe people my life story, but I’ll share it if I want to.

“I used to be married,” I said. “But my husband’s first wife returned from the dead and that voided my marriage,” I continued.

Apparently, my life story was interesting, so Eli’s mom held me hostage and made me tell her what happened. It was okay. She was weirdly invested. I kept on telling her, though, that Sob wasn’t the villain in the story.

“Pasensya na sa nanay ko,” Eli said when the nurse came in and had to check his mom’s stats.

“It’s okay,” I said, smiling at him. “You know my life story now.”

He simply nodded.

“Or you already know?”

He gave a forced smile. “Masyado kang interesting, e… Lagi kang pinagkkwentuhan sa faculty.”

I just nodded. It wasn’t some big news.

“Did you believe them?” I asked… and I didn’t even know why.

He shook his head. “Ayokong maniwala sa chismis—counterproductive,” he said. “Saka based sa kwento mo, ang layo sa mga sinabi nila. Masyado na atang maraming teledrama na napanood iyong mga ’yon. Ang layo nung narating ng imagination nila.”

“Well, at least you now know my side of the story,” I just said, shrugging.

He nodded. “Mabuti kinaya mong umalis nang ganon lang.”

I remained silent.

It actually took a lot of courage to just walk away from Sean.

But it was something I needed to do.

“It’s just not meant to be,” I said instead.

“Iba iyong para sa ’yo,” he replied. I looked at him, and he was smiling at me. “Kasi kapag para sa ’yo talaga, hindi mo kailangang ipilit.”

---

 This story is almost finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 05

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY05 Chapter 05

I was busy minding my own business when suddenly, Sean was standing beside me. I slightly arched my brow as he slid a cup of coffee in front of me.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Coffee.”

“Yes, but what for?”

“I know it’s none of my business, but Eli,” he said and then proceeded to sip a cup of coffee as he played oblivious.

“What about him?”

“The nurses—”

“And since when did you listen to gossip?”

He smiled at me like he was teasing me. “Why are you so pressed, Kels? I’m just asking.”

I rolled my eyes as I grabbed the cup of coffee. “Because if I have a choice, I’d rather for people to stop talking about me,” I said. But maybe it was because of the choices that I made—nobody told me that it was a good idea to marry Sean. I knew from the get go that he was still in love with someone else and half the hospital’s in love with him.

“Sammie’s also talking about him.”

I groaned. “That kid!”

Sean laughed. “She just asked my opinion if she has to call him Papa. “

I narrowed my eyes. “I really don’t know where she gets it! We’re both not like that!” I exclaimed. “Must be recessive genes!”

Sean laughed at me, still. “I just want to know if he’s good to Sammie and to you—that’s my only concern.”

I stared at Sean. It was weird talking about Eli. There’s nothing going on between us—sure, he gives me coffee every time he’d bring his mom for check-up, but that was it. He didn’t even have my number—not that he asked for it, anyway.

“He’s nice,” I said because he really was.

“I’m glad to hear that, Kels,” he replied with a genuine smile on his face. I knew that Sean’s rooting for my happiness—that’s why I could never really get mad at him. It wasn’t his fault that his heart belongs to someone else. It wasn’t as if he could force that… and it wasn’t as if I wanted him to do that.

Eli was right—if it’s really for me, I didn’t have to force it.

What’s meant for me will come to me eventually.

I just needed to be patient.

“But there’s nothing going on,” I said.

“Really?” he asked like he didn’t believe me.

“We’re just friends.”

“That’s not what I heard from Sammie.”

I rolled my eyes. “You know that kid’s not reliable.”

Sean laughed. “Whatever you say, Kels,” he replied, laughing.

“Shut up. Nothing’s going on.”

“Then why not try asking him out?” My eyes widened a little. Sean shrugged. “Maybe he’s just shy? He looks shy.”

I blinked. “What?” Sean smiled at me again. My lips parted. “You saw him!” I accused him.

“Just saw him while I was on duty.”

“How? You’re on the opposite side of the hospital!”

“I have feet, Kels. I can walk.”

“Sean!”

He laughed again. “I was just curious with Sammie’s future—” he said, but I hit him with the clipboard in front of me. He laughed louder that the nurses stared at us. Great. Another cause for rumors. “Fine, fine, I’ll stop.”

“You freaking stalker!”

“I didn’t really look for him. I was just walking and I accidentally overheard him talking to the nurse, asking her to give you the coffee. ’Wag ka nang magalit,” he said using his malambing voice, but I just glared at him.

“I hate you,” I said.

“You don’t,” he replied with a grin. “But seriously, Kels, try asking him out. I know a lot of doctors who have a crush on you but can’t ask you out because apparently, you’re intimidating—whatever that means.”

My forehead creased. What? Me? Intimidating? How come? I just mainly mind my own business.

“Just ask the guy out. Help him out a little,” Sean said as he grabbed the cup of coffee and walked away. So annoying.

I continued with work the rest of the day. I kept on hearing Sean’s suggestion inside my head and however I tried to tune him out, I still kept on hearing that.

I was so annoyed that I thought I was hallucinating because I thought I heard Eli’s voice.

“Okay ka lang?”

I frowned.

God, why wouldn’t my imagination let me rest?

“Kakapagod ba sa trabaho?”

“Shut up,” I said. The shift was toxic and I just really wanted to go home and rest.

But the Eli right in front of me looked shocked. “S-sorry,” he said.

I blinked.

What… the hell?

“Eli?” I asked, trying to make sure that it wasn’t my imagination and he really was in front of me!

“Pasensya na. Busy ka ata—”

“No,” I quickly said. “Oh, my god. I’m sorry. I didn’t think you were really in front of me. I thought I was imagining things—” I quickly said.

A grin appeared on his face. “Iniimagine mo ako?”

My eyes widened.

I really should just head straight home when I’m tired like this! My mouth often betrays me!

“No,” I said after I gathered myself. “Why would I?”

He was still grinning. “Ewan ko nga, e…”

“Stop grinning.”

“Hindi naman, ah.”

“There’s a grin on your face, Eli,” I said.

He tried to stretch the grin off his face, but it kept on coming back. I frowned at him, but he kept on grinning. And then he laughed.

“Sorry na, Kelsey, ang hirap kontrolin ng mukha ko,” he said while sporting the annoying grin on his face.

“Why are you here anyway? Where is Tita?” I asked because he’s always here for the check-up, but as far as I knew, there’s no schedule today… but I really didn’t know for sure. It felt weird to ask around about his mom’s schedule.

“Sa bahay, nagpapa-hinga.”

“Is she okay?”

“Okay naman—kung hindi magpapasaway at susunod sa bilin ng doctor.”

I smiled. “You just have to be patient, Eli,” I reminded him. Based on experience, it’s really hard to take care of patients when they’re parents especially if they’re used to working. They didn’t like feeling like they’re doing nothing. It makes them feel guilty. You just really have to have extra patience.

“Oo nga, e,” he said with a small smile.

“Are you going to buy meds?” I asked because I didn’t know why he’s here if Tita’s not with him. He placed his hand on his nape and smiled awkwardly. My forehead creased. “Are you okay?” I asked.

“Uhm…” he said and then stopped. I looked at him, waiting for him to continue talking, but it felt like he was still gathering himself.

“Are you okay?” I asked. He’s been quiet and still for almost a minute that I might start suspecting stroke.

“Kelsey,” he said.

“Yes?”

“Uhm…”

“Eli, are you okay?” I asked again because he’s starting to sweat. It’s already summer and maybe he’s having heatstroke? But he’s not showing the symptoms. “Eli—”

“Uh… ano, project ni Sammie. Magdala siya ng bulaklak bukas.”

“What?” I asked. “Tomorrow is Sunday.”

Eli blinked.

And panic washed over his face.

“National flower’s day bukas.”

My forehead creased. “National flower’s day?” I asked because that sounded like it’s made-up. I’d never heard of such a holiday.

He was blinking rapidly again like he was starting to have seizures. “Eli—”

“Alis na ako. Bye, Kelsey,” he said before he ran so fast he almost left an Eli-shaped smoke in front of me. I just shook my head as I smiled while I walked to my car.

---

I was able to rest the entire Sunday because Sammie was with Sean. I went to a spa and treated myself and then went to check on the progress of the apartment.

At night, I tried to scroll on Facebook—which I rarely did because I was never really interested on what happens in the life of people around me. I didn’t really post pictures of myself and of Sammie—Sean never posts picture of Sammie, either. It’s just that we both knew that some people were interested and we just didn’t want to give them something to look at. Whatever the mess was, Sammie’s out of it.

Elias Jose Buenviaje

My eyes automatically squinted as I tried to look at the picture before me. It was just a silhouette of a guy sitting before a sunset. I didn’t know what went in my mind that made me click the profile.

And it’s him.

His work shows that he’s a teacher at Sammie’s school.

I tried to scroll, but his profile was set in private. I debated for a while on what I’d do next… but it was so annoying because Sean’s voice kept on echoing inside my head.

So, what if those doctors found me intimidating?

That’s not my fault.

And definitely not my loss.

I do not have the responsibility to make myself look available.

Add as friend

I drummed my fingers against the desk as I stared at the screen of my phone. Did Eli find me intimidating, too? That would be too presumptuous of me… but the last time we met, he looked like he was suffering from seizures with his rapid blinking.

Maybe he did try to ask me out.

Maybe Sean was right—I should help him out.

Maybe—

Click

Whatever.

It’s done.

I threw my phone inside my bag and tried my hardest to fall asleep. It’s been a long freaking day.

---

When I woke up, I didn’t know why but I was too scared to check my phone. I just quickly prepared and then asked manang to check my notification and then tell me if there’s anything urgent and work-related, but she said nothing. I didn’t know why I did that because that just made me more curious and it took all my self-control not to ask if there was a notification from Facebook.

Why was I even acting this way?

The guy just brought me coffee!

‘Ten cups in total,’ the annoying part of my mind said.

“Whose birthday is it, Mommy?” Sammie asked when we stopped in front of the flower shop and I got an arrangement of daisies and rose buds.

“No one,” I said as I placed the arrangement on the backseat. “National flower’s day,” I continued.

“Really?” she asked, surprised.

“Apparently.”

“Why are we only celebrating that now, Mommy?”

I shrugged. “It’s a new holiday, baby.”

Sammie kept on asking about this holiday, and I just kept on inventing things and even a freaking parade! I had no idea, but I even made a promise to bring her to Baguio to watch the parade of flowers.

How did the made-up holiday get that far?

“Bye, mommy! Drive safe! I love you!” Sammie said before she got out of the car and walked inside the school. I watched as I saw her get in. I was about to drive away when I saw Eli walking towards the gate, too. I immediately parked and got out of the car.

“Eli,” I said.

When he turned around, his eyes widened like he saw a ghost.

“K-Kelsey…”

“Sammie forgot,” I said as I showed him the bouquet. His face was so red—even his ears turned red! “National flower’s day, right?”

He was blinking rapidly again.

“Kelsey—”

“I don’t know if I’m reading this right but… do you want to have dinner with me some time?” I asked. His eyes widened. He took a deep breath. I waited for him to speak, but a few seconds passed and all I got was him blinking at me. “Uh… blink if you don’t want to? It’s totally fine—” I said, but he widened his eyes that made me widen my eyes in surprise, but eventually, I laughed because he looked so funny.

“Is… that a yes?” I asked as he still had his eyes wide open. He wasn’t blinking. He wasn’t saying anything. “Blink if yes?” I asked again and he blinked. Why was he adorable?

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 06

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY06 Chapter 06

It has been unbelievably long since I’d been on a date. The last date I went to was with Sean—and that was easy because we’d been friends for the longest time, and I was really comfortable with him. I could show up in a shorts and shirt and we’d have a good time.

But with Eli? I wasn’t sure.

I was feeling all kinds of pressure even though I knew that he’d probably be fine with whatever I wear.

“Niles,” I called when I saw her on the hallway.

She stopped while she was holding a cup of milktea. “Yup?”

I took a deep breath. I felt embarrassed even to ask her this, but I didn’t want to look overdressed or underdressed. I was the one who initiated the date.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure!” she replied, smiling. “Ano’ng meron?”

I looked down and I felt like what I was wearing was appropriate, but it wouldn’t hurt to have another opinion.

“So… I’m going on a date—”

Her eyes widened. “What?! Seryoso?! Move on ka na kay—” she said and then paused and called Yanyan. “Sorry, pwede bang isama si Yanyan sa conversation? Promise, hindi niya ipagkakalat.”

I looked at Yanyan and smiled. “Sure,” I said. I always see Yanyan out on dates, so I guess I could really use her help, too.

“So, sino ka-date mo, Kelsey?” Niles asked.

Yanyan’s eyes widened. “OMG! Kayo na ulit ni Doc Sean?!”

My eyes widened, too. “No!” I quickly said because rumors travel fast in the hallways of this hospital. I needed to put a stop to that pronto.

“Sino ka-date mo?” Yanyan asked.

“Eli.”

“Ooh, sounds yummy! Doctor din? Nako, Kelsey, unsolicited advice pero lumayo ka sa mga Neuro—napaka-sakit sa ulo ng mga iyon! Akala mo regalo ng Diyos sa sangkatauhan,” Yanyan she said.

“Grabe ka naman! ’Di naman ganon si Marcus,” Niles interjected. They argued for a while and I just stood there silently until they reached an agreement that Marcus wasn’t like that— whatever they meant.

“So, doctor ba?” Yanyan asked again.

I just shook my head. “No. He’s a teacher.”

Yanyan cooed. “Awww. Teacher Eli!” she said.

I just smiled.

This conversation was starting to feel weird.

“Saan ba date niyo?” Yanyan asked. She asked a hundred of questions while dragging me to the quarters. They made me sit down while Niles began to straighten my hair and Yanyan asked for my make-up kit.

This was weird, but also nice.

Ever since the whole fiasco with Sean, I kind of avoided my friends. They just wouldn’t stop talking about Sean and I was really over that already. I knew that most of them have a crush on him, but if they really wanted him, they should go talk to him and not me.

“Ang ganda, Kelsey. Parang ready ka na rin sa canonization mo,” Yanyan said, but Niles quickly hit her arm. “Aray naman! Bakit ba? Parang anghel kasi vibes nitong si Kelsey! Sakto pa na white button dress iyong suot niya.”

Niles and Yanyan walked me out even though I told them that I could walk myself out.

“Gusto mo ba ng dating tips? Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero master na ako sa dating,” Yanyan rather proudly said.

“Totoo ’yan, Kelsey. Kung school lang ang dating, may PhD na ’yang si Yanyan sa pakikipagdate.”

I just smiled.

“Tip number 1: alamin mo agad iyong political stance niya kasi alam mo ’yun? Auto pass sa mga apolitical—unless apolitical ka rin… so I guess at least may common ground kayo?”

I shook my head. “I’m not apolitical,” I replied. I just don’t like posting online—I don’t post anything. But I have lots of opinion regarding politics… more so when I did my internship in a public hospital. That really opened my eyes to the realities of this world. The health sector is really screwed.

Both of them just nodded.

Yanyan continued with her speech—and she was far from done when we reached the lobby. I smiled at them and thanked them both. They told me to go have fun.

Eli and I agreed to meet in this cute little café in BGC. I parked my car and walked towards the café. I immediately spotted Eli sitting on the patio of the café. I was about to wave at him, but he looked so deep in his thoughts. He was murmuring something, but too bad because I couldn’t read lips… But he definitely looked nervous… and cute.

I stood there for a few seconds. I was torn. I wanted to give him time to… rehearse whatever he was saying, but also, I didn’t want to look like a creep here and stare at him.

And the sun was scorching.

Taking a deep breath, I started to walk towards him.

“Hi,” I said, smiling. I straightened the imaginary crease on my dress. Why was I nervous? He’s already nervous! We couldn’t be nervous together!

“Hi…” he replied, immediately standing up upon seeing me. He even almost fell on the ground because of how quickly he stood up.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Hindi,” he said, pulling a chair for me. I thanked him. “Maaga lang ako dumating… Nasira kasi iyong sasakyan ko kaya nagcommute lang ako. Natakot akong ma-traffic kaya napaaga,” he continously said and then smiled uneasily. “Sorry, ang dami kong nasabi agad.”

I smiled back. “No, it’s okay. How’s your mom?” I asked again.

Eli didn’t have to, but he was very detailed on telling me about his mom’s recovery. I just quietly listened as he talked. He wasn’t asking me about my professional opinion, so I just sat there and listened as a friend—or as his date. I didn’t know. This was all new and frankly, quite confusing.

“Ang dami kong nasasabi,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I replied with a smile. “Do you want me to talk, too?”

“Please,” he said… more like begged.

I chuckled as I began to tell him some stories about my work—those that I could talk about. I was pleasantly surprised because he seemed to be enjoying my stories. When I was dating Sean, we rarely talked about work because we’re already both so drained with that so we just talk about movies and books and random things. But with Eli, he makes it feel like everything that comes out of my mouth was fascinating.

“Grabe, totoo pala iyong mga ganon? Akala ko sa mga palabas lang,” he said after.

I reached for the glass of water. “Well, oftentimes, reality is stranger than fiction.”

The waitress got our order and we continued to talk. He told me stories about the kids in school—but he didn’t tell me stories about Sammie because he said that that would be betraying Sammie’s privacy. I agreed. She’s my kid, but that didn’t mean that I had the right to know everything about her.

We were both so immersed with our stories that it was quite a surprise that 4 hours already passed.

“Sorry, nalimutan ko iyong oras,” he said. “May duty ka ba?”

“Yeah,” I said as I got my wallet.

“No, ako na,” he said.

“No, we can split the bill—”

“Pinaghandaan ko ’to, e,” he said as he quickly snatched the bill from me. “Sa next time na lang iyong hati tayo. Ako may sagot sa first date,” he continued, but he averted his gaze as his face began to redden.

I pursed my lips because I didn’t want him to feel more embarrassed because he looked so cute while he’s blushing.

“Okay, on the next date, we’ll split the bill,” I said.

“May next date,” he said, his eyes still on any other object rather than me.

I nodded. “Unless you don’t want to?”

His eyes quickly looked into mine. “May next date,” he said, sounding panicked.

I chuckled a little. He’s so adorable. “Okay. There’s a next date,” I replied, and he looked relieved.

Eli walked me to my car.

“Ingat sa pagda-drive,” he said.

“Thank you. Text me when you get home?”

“Okay, pero dadaan pa ako sa bookstore,” he said. “Bibili pa akong materials—ay, sorry. Minsan, sabihin mo kapag sumu-sobra na iyong sinasabi ko.”

I immediately shook my head. “No, feel free to tell me anything.”

He still looked nervous. “Sigurado ka? Kinakabahan kasi talaga ako sa harap mo kaya ’di ko napipigilan iyong bibig ko. Minsan sobrang dami kong sinasabi, minsan walang lumalabas. Tulad ngayon bakit hindi pa ako tumi-tigil sa pagsasalita?”

A smile formed on my face.

He’s too adorable.

“It’s okay,” I said. “Talk as you please—I’m a captive audience of one.”

He blinked.

I stared at him.

Okay… how do we end this date? We were standing in the middle of the parking lot. Sure, there were no people around us, but this was still a very public place.

“So… I need to go back to work,” I said.

“Galingan mo—” he said, and then paused.

I chuckled. “I will.” He looked like he wanted to punch himself. “Eli?” I asked. He looked at me, his eyes looked nervous as he waited for whatever I would say… but I just planted a kiss on his cheek and then quickly got inside my car and just as quickly drove away.

Okay, what was that?

---

The second date was so good that a third date was inevitable.

But the third date was equally good, so there was a fourth date.

I didn’t know that it was possible to have this much fun with someone!

“Ready?” I asked. Eli planned this date. We usually just go to a café and talk about random things, but for tonight, he booked this place where we can choose a cake to bake, and we can use all the ingredients and the oven in the place. Eli rented the whole place, so we were alone. I kinda felt guilty because I knew that he’s the one paying for his mom’s maintenance and I knew how expensive that can be.

“Ano’ng prize ko kapag panalo ako?”

“You really need a prize?”

“Syempre, pinaghirapan ko ’tong cake.”

“Fine. What prize?”

“Pag-iisipan ko muna,” he said, grinning.

“Yeah, don’t bother because I’m pretty sure I’ll win,” I replied, but he only laughed at me.

“Ang yabang, Doc Kelsey,” he said.

I shrugged. “I speak the truth, Teacher Eli.”

“Fine,” he said. “Sabay nating ipatong iyon cake sa counter in 3, 2, 1,” he continued and then we both placed our cakes. My lips parted when I saw his cake! His was so simple, but it was also so adorable! It looked a little bit rustic!

I frowned as he examined my cake with my stupid flower icing.

“Fine, you win,” I said.

He laughed. “Pikon matalo, Kelsey?”

“What prize do you want?” I asked as I stared at his cake. “Also, can I take your cake home?” Because his looked pretty!

“Okay,” he replied. “Kainin natin ’yung gawa mo. Saan mo gustong magdinner? Iyong cake mo na lang iyong sa dessert.”

“I don’t know. Let’s just decide as we walk,” I said. “What’s the prize?”

Eli looked at me as I got the box and fixed it so that I could put the cake inside. He was silent for a few seconds, so I looked at him and I nervously laughed at the intensity of his stare.

“What?” I asked as I was making sure the box was good.

“Kelsey,” he said.

“Yes?” I replied, my forehead slightly creased.

“Pwede bang… iyong prize ko…”

I stopped what I was doing at stared at him. “What do you want—” I said, but stopped when he took a step closer. I gulped at the proximity. I blinked when I was reminded of how good he smelled. “Eli—”

But my words were forgotten into oblivion when I finally felt his lips on mine. 

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 07

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY07 Chapter 07

‘Good morning.’

‘Good morning.’

‘What time duty mo?’

‘I have duty right now why?’

‘Bawal magtanong? :(’

I bit my lower lip as I forced myself not to smile. I was very much aware that I had people around me… and they were already curious. I was told that I’d been smiling a lot the past couple of days. They’ve been asking me if I was seeing someone—I was actually quite surprised that Yanyan didn’t tell people about Eli. I guess I should’ve given her more credit.

“Naka-ngiti si doc…”

I shrugged as I placed my phone inside the pocket of my coat. “Memes,” I simply said although I rarely open my sns accounts. I wasn’t ashamed of my relationship with Eli—I would just rather keep it private. Based on experience, people tend to think that they have a say on your life just because they know a fragment of what’s actually happening.

To save myself from trouble, I’d rather keep this private.

The duty was toxic, and it was already nighttime when I was able to take a breath. I rested my back against the cold wall and drew a deep breath.

I fished my phone from my pocket and saw a text from Eli.

‘Galit ka ba? Sorry. Pasabi naman kung kailan ako pwede tumawag.’

‘Hindi ako galit o nagtatampo. Alam ko naman marami kang ginagawa. Pasabi na lang kung kailan ako pwedeng tumawag o magtext.’

‘Ingat and kain ka on time. Last na text na to baka makulitan ka sa kin.’

I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath. I forgot to reply! He must’ve thought that I was mad! It was really just quite hectic that replying slipped my mind.

I grabbed the granola bar from my pocket as I dialed his number. I didn’t usually call people without texting first, but Eli told me that I need not do that with him. He said that I could call him anytime and if he didn’t pick up, that meant he’s busy and he’d text me as soon as he’s got the time.

“Di ka na busy?”

“I’m free now,” I said. “Sorry, I forgot to reply. I saw your text, but there was an emergency,” I continued, feeling a bit guilty.

“Okay lang,” he replied. “Tapos na ba ’yung emergency? Kung busy ka, okay lang talaga. Nagche-check din naman ako ng exam, e.”

I smiled at the image of him checking exam papers. On one of our dates, he was so swamped with papers that he actually brought them with him. It was so cute to watch him grade the outputs of his students. He looked so cute when he was troubled as to what grade he’d put—to be honest, the output was terrible and not at all creative, but Eli said that the kid might be discouraged if he gives a low score, so he still gave a pretty good score—for the effort, he said. He’s so adorable.

“No, I’m really free right now. What are you checking?” I asked and I felt myself relaxing as he described to me the drawings of his students. It was very evident in his voice how much he enjoyed what he was doing.

“You really love teaching,” I stated.

“I mold the future of the country,” he proudly stated.

“I admire your patience.”

He laughed. “Sa ’yo din. Kita mo si Mama nung nasa hospital? Sobrang kulit. Buti pa mga bata cute sila… e ’yung matatanda?”

I laughed at his statement. He was kinda right, tho… It sometimes takes a lot of patience.

We continued to talk until my break was over.

I sighed. “I have to go back.”

“Ano’ng oras tapos ng duty mo? Gusto mo puntahan kita?”

I paused.

Usually, when he offers, I was quick to decline because I know that the hospital’s far from his home. I didn’t want to inconvenience him. Like he’d literally pass through a horrible traffic just to get to me.

But I was really tired.

And seeing him would be nice.

“10,” I said.

“Okay. Ayusin ko lang ’to tapos pupunta na ako agad.”

I bit my lower lip. “You know what, never mind. It’s already rush hour. You’ll be stranded in traffic.”

“E ’di magchecheck ako ng paper o kaya gagawa ng lesson plan.”

I sighed.

He’s so nice.

“Are you sure?”

He laughed. “Sure na sure. O baka ayaw mo?”

I frowned. “Of course I wanna see you.”

“Grabe… Nakaka-kilig pa rin marinig.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up.”

He laughed again. Good thing he wasn’t here because he’d tease me! He told me, during one of our dates, that he had a crush on me the first time he saw me in school. But he never approached me because he kept on hearing the name Sean and he assumed that I was with him.

And how he felt kilig when I approached him first.

Seriously, sometimes, I wanted him to shut up because he’s making me feel too embarrassed.

“Sige na, sige na, mag-aayos na ako. Kapag naipit ako sa traffic, umuwi ka na. Pagod ka na, e. Kita na lang tayo sa susunod na available tayo pareho.”

I bit my lower lip. Could it really be this easy? Or was it just because he’s making it easy?

“I’ll wait.”

“Sure ka?”

“Yeah. You have your exam papers; I have my charts.”

He laughed. “Ang competitive.”

“I know.”

“Sige na, doc, aalis na ako.”

“Okay… Take care and drive safely.”

“Thank you, doc. See you,” he said before I smiled to myself and ended the call. I was teased again by some of my colleagues when they saw me. I couldn’t help it! I was really grinning from ear to ear!

---

The traffic was already expected, so I was just quietly reading when I got a text from Eli saying that he was already outside. I immediately stood up and went outside.

And there he was, smiling and waving.

“Hi,” I said as I approached him. “Traffic?”

He nodded. “May aksidente, e, kaya medyo natagalan. ’Di ka pa ba inaantok?” he asked as he reached for my hand and quietly held it.

“No, I’m used to staying up all night—I can even stay awake for 3 days.”

“Seryoso?”

I nodded. “Yes. It’s normal.”

He frowned. “Safe ba ’yon? ’Di ba magkaka-sakit ka kapag ganon?”

I shrugged. “I don’t do it now anymore… only back when I was doing my internship and residency,” I told him, but he still looked very worried. I shouldn’t have mentioned that. Why was I even bragging about that? I fell sick a lot of times during my internship and residency. A lot of times, I was confused if I were a doctor or a patient.

I smiled at him. “Can we have dinner?”

“Okay lang ba sa ’yo? Nalaman kasi ni Mama na pupuntahan kita kaya nagpa-baon sa akin ng ulam, e, pero okay lang naman kung ayaw mo—”

“Are you kidding me? I love home-cooked meals!” I said, a little too excited!

Eli laughed and pinched my nose. “Ang cute mo talaga, doc,” he said, but I just pressed my lips and hoped that I wasn’t blushing too obviously.

We were in the parking lot of the hospital and it was already 11pm, so we were the only ones around. It was also kind of creepy… it was awfully quiet.

Eli was quietly preparing the food and the utensils. I was internally smiling as I was watching him. He even brought thermos with him!

“Alam ko mahilig ka sa kape, pero decaf ’to para maka-tulog ka rin.”

“Eli,” I called.

“Hmm?” he replied while he was busy preparing my coffee.

“Eli,” I called again.

When he looked at me, I quickly closed the distance between us and kissed him. He was taken aback for a few seconds… but after that, I felt him cupping my face and I felt his tongue brushing against mine. If only I wasn’t worried that I’d spill the content of the thermos, I would have grabbed his collar and pull him closer.

“Baka makita tayo ng mga ka-trabaho mo…” he whispered as our lips parted.

“I doubt that they’d care,” I responded as I reached for his lips again. Why were his lips so soft?

He pulled back and held my shoulders.

“Okay ka lang ba?” he asked, looking straight into my eyes. “Bakit… ang aggressive mo ngayong gabi, Kelsey?” he continued, nervously laughing.

I shrugged. “I just want to kiss you.”

Even at the darkness of the night, I still saw how I made him blush. “Kelsey, ano ba,” he groaned. “Kung gusto mo talaga magkiss, doon tayo sa loob ng sasakyan.”

“Okay,” I said as I began to put lid on the containers.

Eli’s lips parted. “Seryoso ka?”

I nodded, putting lid on the container of the rice. “We can eat after.”

There was an amused expression on his face. “Grabe ka…” I heard him utter as he stood up, grabbed my hand, and dragged me in the backseat of his car.

As soon as the door was locked, Eli grabbed my face with both his hands and kissed me. He was kissing me so deeply that I suddenly found myself beneath him. My hands started to wander inside his shirt, but he suddenly stopped when I accidentally grazed my hand on his belt.

He was panting as he stopped.

“Kelsey,” he called in between.

“Yes?” I asked while my hands were on the button of his pants.

“Wag dito.”

My forehead creased. “What?”

“Okay lang kapag ganito… makeout… pero ’wag naman sa sasakyan ko ’yung ano…” he said. And then he licked his lower lip that I was nibbling on just a few seconds ago. “Wag naman dito sa sasakyan natin ’yung first.”

I blinked.

“You… care about that?” I asked.

After high school, I was on the fast-track to becoming a doctor. I was super stressed—all of the people in my class were super stressed. Sex was just one of the ways we cope up with the stress of med school. I lost my virginity after an extremely stressful exam in biochem.

His forehead creased. “Oo naman,” he said, rather defensively. “Ikaw ba… hindi?”

I shrugged. “No, not really.”

The crease on his forehead became more visible. He got off of me and then ran his fingers through his hair.

“Are you… upset?” I asked as I sat down and looked at him.

“Hindi naman…” he replied. “Pwedeng malaman bakit sobrang casual mo sa… sex?”

“Eli, I’m not a virgin, obviously,” I told him.

“Alam ko naman ’yon—hindi rin naman importante sa ’kin ’yon.”

“Are you a virgin?” I asked him.

He averted his gaze. “Hindi.”

“Okay,” I replied. “Do you… have erectile—”

“Kelsey!” he said, his eyes widening.

“What? If you have, you can tell me. I’m a doctor—I won’t judge.”

“Jesus Christ,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Eli, you can tell—”

“Wala akong problema doon, okay?” he said as he grabbed my hand and placed it on his bulge. My eyes widened. “Okay?” he asked again and I just… nodded. Oh, wow.

“Walang kaso sa akin kung virgin ka o hindi—social construct lang naman ’yan. Ang akin lang… gusto ko special iyong first time natin. ’Wag mo naman akong sunggaban sa parking lot. Ano’ng laban ko sa ’yo?”

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling.

He held both my hands.

“Gustung-gusto kita, okay? Iyong first time natin, ’wag sa parking lot, please? Pero iyong mga susunod, kahit saan mo gusto, kahit sa morge pa.”

My lips parted. “Eli!”

He laughed and kissed my knuckles. “Malay ko ba sa mga trip mo? Sasabayan ko naman kahit medyo weird.”

“I don’t want to have sex in the morgue.”

“Ah, okay, so sa parking lot lang? Noted, doc.”

I frowned. “You’re annoying.”

He laughed. “Kainin na lang natin ’yung pagkain—next time na lang na iba kainin mo, Kelsey,” he said, making my eyes wide in shock. He did not!

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 08

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you.

#NY08 Chapter 08

I was quietly browsing in Airbnb when I suddenly heard Sammie’s voice. “Are we going on a vacation, mommy?” she asked as I quickly closed my laptop like she just caught me committing a crime. Her forehead creased a little.

“W-what?”

“Are you okay, mommy?” she asked again.

I stood up and smiled at her. “Have you finished your homework?” I asked, instead. I didn’t want to explain to her how I was planning on going on an out of town trip with her teacher. Eli was serious on making our ‘first time’ special. I understood why he wanted that, but for me, it’s gonna be special anyway because it’s with him.

Sex is different when you do it just for the heck of it as compared when you do it with someone you like.

And I like him a lot.

So, it’s going to be special either way.

“Sammie,” I said as I sat down beside her.

“Yes, mommy?” she replied, her curious eyes looking at me.

“You said before that you’re okay with…” I licked my lower lip. I was nervous. “You said you’re okay with having another daddy,” I carefully said. “Did you mean that?”

She nodded.

Like it was that easy.

Maybe it was really that easy—adults just tend to make things more complicated.

“Yes,” she said. “Daddy already explained to me that sometimes, adults need other adults. Do you need another adult, mommy?”

Oh, my god.

This conversation felt weird.

I drew a deep breath. “Yes,” I said. “But only if it’s okay with you,” I continued. “Do you really mean that? That it’s okay if mommy sees someone else? Someone that is not your daddy?”

She nodded. “Yes. It’s okay. Is it Teacher Eli?” My eyes widened. Sammie chuckled. “Mommy, you’re blushing!”

I grabbed the pillow and covered my face. “Who told you about Teacher Eli?”

“Secret,” she said like the sly child she was.

“Sammie.”

She shook her head and even made an act like she was zippering her lips. “It’s a secret, mommy,” she said firmly. “But I’m okay with Teacher Eli being your adult.”

I groaned. “Stop calling him my adult. “

“What will I call him, mommy?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you call him, mommy?”

“I call him Eli.”

“Should I call him Eli, too, mommy?”

Sometimes, it’s a curse to have a child as curious as she was.

---

‘Are you busy?’

‘Di naman. Bakit, doc?’

‘I’m outside.’

I waited for a response, but instead of getting a text, I saw Eli rushing out of the gate of the school. He immediately spotted my car that was parked a couple of meters away from school.

“Hi,” he said upon getting in.

“Hi,” I replied, smiling at him and kissing him on the lips. I saw him blush after I did that. Why was he so shy? We always kiss when we meet—sometimes more, but never enough.

“Bakit nandito ka?”

“Ayaw mo?” I asked.

He smiled and pinched my cheek. “Cute mo talaga magsalita ng Tagalog, doc,” he said. “Curious lang. ’Di ka busy sa hospital ngayon?”

“No, I’m free,” I replied.

“Sunduin mo si Sammie?”

“I wanna see you,” I said, which made him blush again. “But yes, of course, I’m also here to pick Sammie up.”

“Kelsey, dahan-dahan naman, kini-kilig ako.”

I laughed at him because he’s ridiculous. I was always vocal about what I feel—at least with him. I always tell him what I was feeling and what was on my mind. I just didn’t want miscommunication between us. Besides, we’re both adults. We can do tough conversations if need be.

“Are you free this weekend?” I asked.

“As in bukas?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… pwede naman,” he said.

“Pack an overnight bag.”

“Ano?”

“Found this cute resort in Bulacan,” I said as I handed him my phone to show him the resort. “You said you want to make it special—”

His eyes widened a little. “Seryoso ka ba?”

I nodded. “It’s just an hour away from Manila.”

He blinked. “Wait… naka-reserve na ba ’to? Bayad na ba? Ako magbabayad,” he said, as if he was in panic.

“I know you’d say that, but an advance reservation and payment are needed, but you can reimburse me. I already sent my bank details in your email.”

His lips parted.

“Paano kung busy pala ako?”

I shrugged. “Then I’ll go and take Sammie with me,” I said. Although I was looking forward to this, I also understand that Eli has his own responsibilities. I wouldn’t take it against him if for some reason, he couldn’t join me tomorrow.

He stared at me for a few seconds—like he was confused if he’d be scared or in awe of my determination.

But a grin appeared on his face.

“Okay,” he said as he got his phone from his pocket. “Wait lang, isesend ko bayad sa ’yo,” he continued as I saw him copying my bank number. I shook my head as I watched him transfer the money. The next time, he’d have to let me pay for half.

“Ano’ng dadalhin ko bukas? Damit lang ba?”

“Condom.”

His eyes widened. He groaned. “Kelsey, ano ba.”

I chuckled. “Don’t worry, I have IUD. But… you’re safe, right?” I asked. Of course I needed to know. I hope he wouldn’t get offended by this. I just needed to know that he’s safe.

He nodded. “Gusto mo ba magpa-test muna ako?”

“When was the last time you had sex?”

He groaned again. “Magpapa-test na lang ako.”

“Come on, I’m a doctor. You don’t have to be shy.”

“Iba pa rin kapag sa ’yo mismo.”

I laughed. “Fine,” I said. “But if you’ll take the test, then we can’t have sex tomorrow because the result—”

“Last, last year,” he said.

“Oh…”

“Kailangan pa ba ng test? Mukhang okay naman ako? Pero kung gusto mo talaga—”

I smiled at him and kissed his lips. “Do you wanna ask me when my last time was?”

He shook his head. “Hindi naman, pero kung gusto mong sabihin, okay lang din naman.”

“It was with Sean,” I said. I didn’t expound because I thought it would be too insensitive of me to tell him where and how it happened.

There was this… change of expression on his face. For a second, I felt guilty. “But it’s totally over between us,” I said as I reached for his hand and held it. “We’re just friends now.”

He looked at me. “Totoo?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied, holding his hand tighter.

“Kasi kung may chance pa na magka-ayos kayo, ayoko naman humadlang na magkaroon ng complete family si Sammie.”

I smiled sadly at him. I understood where he was coming from… It was partially my fault, too. I never really discussed with him what happened with Sean and me. Although he heard me discussing it with his mom before, I really wasn’t able to tell him what I felt all throughout the ordeal.

“Kelsey?” he called when I remained silent for almost a minute.

“You’re not hindering anything,” I silently told him. “Sean and I are over—it’s just that we were friends first before we got married, so I guess it was just easier, for some reason, to go back to that.”

I looked at him and squeezed his hand.

“Do you feel guilty?”

“Sa totoo lang? Hindi. Gusto talaga kita—syempre gusto ko tayong dalawa… pero naisip ko kailangang itanong ko ’yon kasi at the end of the day, alam ko naman na si Sammie iyong priority mo.”

I smiled at him and kissed him. “Thank you,” I said, sincerely. I like him because he’s so good to me… but I was quickly falling for how good he was to my daughter.

I felt him smiling. “Di na ako magdadala ng condom, ha,” he whispered against my lips.

I laughed as he showered kisses on my lips. “No,” I said in between kisses. “No condoms tomorrow, Teacher Eli.”

---

My parents were already used to me attending seminars, so they really didn’t ask when I told them I’d be gone for the weekend. Although with how my mom was looking at me, I’d bet she already had an idea about where I’d actually go. I was pleasantly surprised when she didn’t ask me about my plans. But maybe she’d ask Sammie. And for sure, that kid would tell her about my plans.

Whatever.

It wasn’t like I was hiding Eli.

Eli and I agreed that we’d meet in a mall and I’d just leave my car there and we’d ride in his car. I arrived early and I got us coffee first. I stood outside when he told me he’s already at the vicinity.

“Thank you,” he said, smiling when I placed his coffee in the holder.

“I also got you your pandesal,” I said, unwrapping the pandesal and placing it near his mouth. It was his usual order when we go to this coffe shop—his pandesal sandwich. He took a bite and then smiled at me.

The ride was quick and before we knew it, we were already at the resort. The view was nice. We were in the middle of a rice field and there were cabins.

“Ready?” I asked while we were walking towards the cabin. It was the one on the far end.

He looked at me and laughed. “May baon akong energy drink sa bag,” he said. He was wearing a white shirt, light brown khaki shorts, and black sliders. He looked so casual and dreamy at the same time. I forego of the embarrassment and anchored my arm in his and gently rested my head against his shoulder. I felt him laughing. “Ganito ka ba ka-clingy?” he asked as I felt him kissing the top of my head.

“Only when I really like the person.”

He quickly removed the link of my arm and then wrapped his arm around my shoulders. He kissed the side of my head this time. “Thank you,” he whispered in my ears. “Gustung-gusto din talaga kita, Doctora Fuentes.”

Upon arriving inside the cabin, we placed our things. The cabin wasn’t big—just enough for the two of us. I sat on the chair and looked at him.

“What do you want to do?”

“Mamayang gabi na tayo magsex,” he said.

My lips parted before I burst out laughing. “Eli, get your head out of the gutter!” I said in between laughter. “I was asking about the activities, mister! We can bike, do archery, ATV, swim? Gosh.”

His face reddened.

“Iyon nga ibig sabihin ko,” he said, averting his gaze. “Swimming na lang tayo. Ang init,” he continued, obviously trying to change the topic.

It appeared that Eli was embarrassed because he went out first and said that he’d go to the pool. I changed into a red one-piece bikini. I got the sunblock and went outside. It seemed like we were the only ones in the resort aside from the staff.

I saw Eli sitting on the lounge chair in the pool. He was only in his board shorts. I hadn’t seen him topless yet, but I touched his torso already. It didn’t feel like he has abs, but his body was firm. And his arms were really nice.

And his hands.

The veins.

“Eli,” I called.

He turned to look at me and I saw him gulping as he stared. I just walked towards him and sat on the lounge chair next to him. “Sunblock?” I asked.

He kept blinking.

Again.

I thought we were done with this stage.

“Hey, Eli?” I asked as he was just staring at me.

He stood up. My forehead was creased. “Kelsey.”

“Yes?”

“Tara na sa kwarto,” he said rather seriously.

“What?”

“Tara na. Mamaya na tayo magswimming. Mag night swimming na lang tayo. Change of plans,” he said before he took my hand and we walked back to our cabin in haste. 

---

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 09

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY09 Chapter 09

“Sorry,” I said when I met him outside the hospital. He texted me almost an hour ago that he’s already here, but something came up.

Eli grabbed my waist and kissed me on the lips. I smiled against his lips. He’s becoming more confident in kissing me in public, and I definitely had no qualms about it. Before, he’d only hold my hands… but now, he’s much more confident about wrapping his arm on my shoulders and kissing me.

“Okay lang. Umidlip muna ako,” he replied as we got inside his car. The apartment was already almost done, but I still needed to buy some furniture. I debated on just hiring a professional, but I figured that it’d be a nice way to relax—buying furniture and appliances. Besides, I’d been spending a lot of time in pinterest, so I should be okay… I think.

“Why are you tired?” I asked. The last time we talked was the day before yesterday. It’s just been so hectic. It was okay—we didn’t need to be in constant communication always. He just tells me when he’s busy and I do the same.

“Uuwi kasi sila Ate tapos gusto ng reunion, e walang gustong mag-asikaso kaya ako na lang gumawa,” he replied while driving.

I reached for his head and patted it. He’s so nice. I remembered when I saw him in school before, he was also doing something that wasn’t his responsibility. He told me it’s easier to do that than to argue. He’s one of the nice ones—I hope people wouldn’t take advantage of his kindness.

“What do you want for dinner? I’ll buy you dinner.”

“Hmm… Samgyup, pwede ba?”

I frowned. He laughed. “Fine. Just tonight,” I said. He knew that I wasn’t a big fan of going to Samgyup because the smell of the smoke stays even after taking a bath.

“Thank you,” he said, planting a quick kiss on my lips when the traffic lights turned red. “Don’t worry, maganda ka pa rin kahit amoy usok buhok mo, doc,” he teased. I told him that after we ate in Samgyup, I was asked like 5 times if I went to samgyup because the smell was so evident. It’s not like I could deny when my hair smelled like grilled beef.

When we arrived at the mall, we went straight to the department store and looked at the beds. Eli sat on one of the beds while I was looking around.

“What about this?” I asked as I sat on the king-sized bed.

“Bakit ako tinatanong mo?”

“Because you’ll sleep in my bed, too?”

His eyes widened because there was a store assistant beside me. He looked at the lady who just chuckled, and apologized. I just shook my head as I stared at his embarrassed face.

I tapped the bed. “Sit here. It feels nice, Eli.”

“Kama mo ’yan. Bahala ka magdesisyon,” he said, obviously still shy.

“Is this sturdy, Miss?” I asked the staff as I tried to move. Eli’s face was so red. I tried my best to hold my laughter. When we were in the resort, he was thrusting so hard that the bed post kept on hitting the wall. It’s been so long for the both of us. It was such an intense night. One for the books. Sometimes, when I shower, I still think about that day when we had no choice but to take the mattress and place it on the floor. He was worried that we were making such noise.

My boyfriend’s very shy.

Eli finally had enough and walked to the other end of the store. I just laughed as I followed him.

“Sorry,” I said.

“Ito, bagay kay Sammie,” he replied, instead, pointing at the double bed. It had a white and simple bed frame.

I smiled at him. “Yeah, I think she’ll like that,” I said as I reached for his hand. I really love how he always remembers Sammie.

We went around the mall for more than an hour and so far, we settled on the bed and bed frame for Sammie, on the couch, and we also ordered some appliances to be delivered tomorrow.

“Still no bed,” I said while I was watching him grill the beef.

“Kailangan mo na ba?”

I nodded. “Yes. The plan is to move next week, so I need the essentials. The others can wait.”

“Bilisan na lang natin kumain. Maaga pa naman. Lipat na lang tayo sa iba pang bilihan. May malapit dito, doon bumili si Trista—” he said, and then paused.

I laughed. “What? You can talk about your ex,” I said. I’d like it even more if he’d tell me some stories about his ex. All I knew was that they’d been together since high school all throughout college, but when Trista began working in this company, she met this rich guy and dumped Eli. The more that he wasn’t talking about it, the more that I’d wonder if maybe there’s still some feelings left?

But I didn’t want to force it out of him.

I’d just wait until he’s more comfortable to tell me about her.

Eli just smiled. “Doon siya bumili nung couch dati,” he said, sounding a bit uncomfortable.

“Did you… live with her?” I asked. “But if you don’t wanna discuss—”

“Nung last year nung college hanggang pagka-graduate. Kaso nung nagsimula na akong magtrabaho, umalis na sila Ate sa abroad. Tapos inatake si Mama nun. Natakot kami na mag-isa lang si Mama, e paano kapag may nangyari? Kaya bumalik ako sa bahay namin.”

I stayed silent.

I’d listen to the parts he’s willing to share.

I wouldn’t ask for more.

“Baka kasalanan ko rin kaya iniwan ako.”

“How was that your fault?” I asked. I couldn’t help but ask.

“Di sanay ’yun mag-isa, e…” he said with a small smile. “Pero okay na. Masaya na ’yun. Masaya na rin ako. Kaya nangyari ’yun kasi dadating ka raw talaga sa buhay ko.”

I stared at him.

I didn’t know what exactly to say—because when I was in a similar position, I hated it when people tell me things like they understood what I was going through… Why couldn’t they just let me process things alone?

Sometimes, I just needed to be left alone.

“I’m here now,” I said. Because at the very least, that’s true. I’m here now. And I have no plans on leaving.

---

We finished eating quickly and went to the furniture store Eli was talking about. He’s so nice about his ex. To be honest, when Sob first returned from the dead, deep inside, I kind of resented her. Everything was good. I was married to a good man and we have a daughter. But when she returned, everything changed. I hated her existence. It took a lot of work to be able to say her name without feeling this hatred in my heart. I kept on reminding myself that it wasn’t her fault that she got into an accident. It wasn’t her fault that she disappeared. It was not in her control. And it’s unfair of me to hate her for things she had no control over.

Did Eli feel that way, too?

Did he hate her in the beginning, too?

Did he work through his feelings, too? Or was he just a genuinely good person who just wants people to be happy?

Either way, he’s still Eli to me and both those things would not change a thing about how I feel about him.

We were looking for a bed. I just wanted a simple bed frame and a comfortable bed because at the end of a long workday, I just wanted to have a good sleep.

“This?” I asked Eli.

He groaned. “Kailangan ba talaga kasama opinion ko?”

I nodded. “You’ll sleep here, too!”

“Ano? Pupuslit ako kapag tulog na si Sammie?”

I laughed at the image of him sneaking out of the apartment. “No. Sammie knows about us.”

His eyes widened. “Seryoso?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Ano’ng sabi niya?”

“She approves.”

“Talaga?” he asked, sounding really worried.

“Yes. But once everything’s settled with the apartment, you’ll come over for dinner and I’ll formally introduce you as my boyfriend, okay?” I asked and he began to blush again. So adorable, this one. “So… what about the bed? Yes or no?”

He sat down, too. “Masyadong malambot.”

I arched my brow. “Oh, suddenly you’re choosy na.”

He pinched my nose. “So cute kapag conyo ka.”

I frowned at him and he just laughed at me.

We went around the store. He’s right—it was a really nice store. The furniture pieces were simple and the colors were muted—exactly how I like them. Gotta give it to Trista, this one’s a good place.

“This one?”

“Ang ganda, kaya lang ’di ba masyadong malaki?”

“No, I think it’s fine,” I said. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to get this.”

Eli nodded. “Okay.”

Eli was still looking around while I headed to the cashier to pay for the bed when I stopped when I saw a familiar face.

“Ramona,” I uttered her name.

She was smiling at me—the kind where I knew that she saw me with Eli. “That’s Eli, right?”

I forced myself not to frown. Why was she calling him by his name, with such familiarity, like they’re friends?

“Yes,” I said because it’s not like I could deny it. But I just really hated it when people feel like they could just meddle with my business because they feel like it.

“Isn’t he too young for you, Kelsey?” she asked, her voice dripping in poison.

I smiled at her. “We’re not the same age, Ramona. I’m not pushing 40s like you.”

Her lips parted. “Excuse me?”

“Excuse me, “ I said. “I have to pay for our bed.”

Who did she think she is?

I marched towards the counter and paid for the bed. I didn’t even notice that I was frowning until Eli pointed it out.

“Okay ka lang?” he asked while we were waiting for the delivery receipt.

“No, not really,” I replied.

“Ano’ng nangyari?”

I looked at him. “Do you think you’re too young for me?”

His forehead creased. “Ano?”

“I’m 33. I just look young, but I’m already 33.”

“Saan nanggagaling ’tong tanong?”

“Just answer.”

He shook his head. “Hindi,” he answered directly. “30 na ako. Hindi naman ako minor. Kaya ko naman sigurong magdesisyon kung sino ang gusto ko,” he continued. “Si Ramona ba nagsabi niyan?”

My lips parted. “You saw her?”

He nodded. “Bago ako pumunta sa ’yo,” he said as he held my hand. “Wag kang makinig ’don. Mukha ka pa ring 18 years old,” he said, his other hand on my cheek and caressing it. “Pero seryoso… Ano ba naman ’yung 3 years? Kasalanan ’to ni Ate. Dapat ako naunang ipanganak para mas matanda ako sa ’yo, e.”

I frowned at him. “I’m serious.”

He chuckled. “Seryoso din ako. Wala naman akong pakielam ’dun. Buti nga 3 years lang—paano kung 20 years pa tanda mo sa akin? Baka atakihin sa puso si Ramona.”

I stared at him. “Really? Even if I’m 20 years older? You’ll still want me?”

He grinned. “Fishing for compliments ka ba, doc?” he asked, and I rolled my eyes at him. He just laughed at me. “Oo naman. Nung una, syempre na-attract ako kasi sobrang ganda mo—” I frowned at him, but as usual, he just laughed. “Pero nagstay ako kasi mabait ka saka ewan… nagkaka-sundo talaga tayo. Kaya ano ba ’yang age na ’yan? Kahit ka-age o pa o mas bata sa akin, kung hindi ko naman ka-sundo, ano’ng sense?”

“Okay…”

“Wag kang mag-alala, birthday ko na sa susunod na buwan kaya 31 na ako. 2 years na lang kamo para ’di na siya mamroblema,” he said as I made face at him, but Eli being Eli, he just made jokes and made me laugh.

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 10

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY10 Chapter 10

“What?” I asked when I answered the phone.

“Good morning, doc,” Eli’s voice said. I creased my forehead as I looked at the phone and saw that it was only 7am. I thought someone from the hospital was calling me… “Kaka-gising mo lang, no?”

“Yes…” I replied as I tried to sit down.

He chuckled from the other line. “Akala ko kailangang maaga ngayon sa apartment mo kasi maaga iyong delivery nung mga gamit?”

“Oh.”

“Nalimutan mo?”

“Yes… Oh, my god. Where are you?”

“Papunta pa lang. Naisip ko na baka nalimutan mo nga kasi ano’ng oras ka na naka-uwi kagabi,” he said. I felt my face heating up when I remembered why we stayed up late. I was feeling bummed because of Ramona. I hated how her words made me feel sad. So what if I was older than Eli? I don’t remember getting the same reaction when some middle-aged guy would date a young woman. I hated how some women bring other women down.

But Eli… He wouldn’t let me go home with a frown on my face. He kept on trying to make me laugh and then… some other things. Eli spent a couple of hours making me feel good.

God. His car needed to be deep cleaned. Because of all the things we do in his backseat.

“I’ll just take a quick bath and then I’ll meet you there?”

“Roger. Bilhan na kita ng breakfast. Sabay na lang tayo?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay. See you later, doc.”

I smiled. “See you later, teacher.”

I took a quick bath because I didn’t want Eli to wait for me. He’s always waiting for me when he picks me up from work because a lot of times, some emergency would come up and I couldn’t just leave. I knew Eli understood that and he’s always bringing exam papers so that he’d have something to do. But still. If there’s a chance, I’d rather he not wait for me.

I wore a black biker shorts, white loose crop top, and white walking sandals. I quickly grabbed my bag after I made sure that the receipts were there.

“Mommy, where are you going?” Sammie asked when she saw me about to go downstairs.

“To our apartment,” I replied. “The furniture will arrive today.”

“Oh. When are you leaving?” she asked, sounding a bit sad.

“Next week…” I said. “Why? Do you not want to leave?”

She shook her head. “I’ll miss lola…”

I sat down so we’re face to face. “We can still visit lolo and lola, you know?” I said. “It’s like with Daddy… If you want to sleep here, you can sleep here.”

“If I sleep here, you’ll be alone in the apartment.”

“It’s okay. I’m an adult.”

Her eyes widened a little. “Because you have your adult already, mommy!” I sighed. She really wouldn’t stop calling Eli as my adult.

“Kelsey, where are you going?” Mom asked when I passed by them.

“Apartment,” I replied. “Furniture’s arriving this morning.”

“Need help?” Dad asked.

I smiled and shook my head. “No, I can handle,” I replied as I kissed his cheek.

“You sure? Mahirap gawin ’yun mag-isa.”

“Pretty sure she’s with someone,” Mom said. She was looking at her morning magazine, but I was pretty sure that she was waiting for me to confirm that I was with Eli.

I walked towards her and hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek. “You’ll love him,” I said. “I’ll bring him over one of these days, okay?” I whispered and she just nodded. I was happy she stopped pushing her agenda about me and Sean. About time.

After telling them that I’ll be back at night and reminded Sammie to finish her homeworks and that her daddy would be picking her up later, I drove straight to the apartment. A smile automatically appeared on my face when I saw Eli outside the apartment. He was standing outside his car. There was a paper bag on the hood of the car.

“You still beat me,” I said as I hugged him.

“Walang traffic, e,” he replied as he hugged me back. “Nadala mo ba ’yung resibo? Nagtext ako sa ’yo.”

I nodded. “Yes. Thanks for reminding me,” I said with a smile.

We got inside the apartment. I gave Eli a mini-tour.

“This is going to be Sammie’s room,” I said as I opened the door in the far right.

“Ang laki, grabe,” Eli commented.

“This was supposed to be the master’s bedroom,” I replied.

“Bakit napunta kay Sammie?”

“She called dibs.”

Eli laughed. “Na-imagine ko. Napaka-boss nung batang ’yon. Ganon ka siguro nung bata ka.”

“Excuse me, I was a good kid.”

“Mana kay Sean?” he asked. I was taken aback—a little. He normally didn’t mention Sean. I was sure they already met, but I knew I needed to introduce them formally… I just didn’t know when the right time would be. Were we in the stage where it’s all right to introduce each other to our family and friends?

“No, I don’t think so. I think she’s more like my mom,” I said as I looked at him. “Eli,” I continued.

“Hmm?”

“I just wanna ask… if it’s all right with you… to have lunch with my parents?” I asked. “Because we’ve been spending a lot of time together and as my parents, they’re just worried.”

I pursed my lips as I waited for his answer. If he said that he’s not ready yet, I’d totally understand. We’d been seeing each other for 3 months—but honestly, it already felt like forever.

“Kinakabahan ako… pero okay,” he said.

I blinked. “Okay?”

He nodded. “Ano ba’ng gusto ng parents mo?”

“No, don’t bother.”

“Hindi, nakaka-hiya… Hindi ba siya allergic sa bulaklak?”

I shook my head. “She actually likes plants—so, maybe bring a pot?”

He nodded. “Okay. Magsesend ako sa ’yo ng picture bago ako bumili.”

I chuckled. “Don’t be nervous.”

“Syempre kinakabahan ako—parents mo ’yon.”

“Doesn’t matter if they like you or not—I already like you a lot, you know?” I asked and a smile appeared on his face. I laughed because he’s kilig again. I kissed his lips. “I really, really, really like you, Elias Jose Buenviaje.”

His wrapped his arms around my waist. “Gustung-gustung-gusto rin kita, Kelsey Fuentes,” he said before he leaned in and captured my lips. I opened my mouth to kiss him properly and tongue immediately touched mine. I moaned against his mouth as I felt his hands caressing the skin of my back.

We kissed.

And kissed.

God, I’d never get tired of kissing him.

“Phone…” he said when my phone rang. We both groaned and stopped kissing. I always answer my phone because sometimes, it’s a matter of life and death.

Eli was hugging me from behind and was showering kisses on my shoulder and neck. I chuckled because it tickled.

“Yes, just turn right. The brown gate. There are two cars parked outside,” I said to the delivery guy. I pinched Eli’s hand because he was caressing my stomach and it tickled so much. “That’s not nice,” I said when I ended the call.

“Bakit?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“I was on the phone,” I said, frowning. “What would you feel if I do that while you’re on the phone with the principal?”

He grinned. “Masaya?” I hit his arm. He laughed. “Sorry na… ’Di na mauulit, promise,” he said and I nodded. “Malapit na ba sila?”

“Yes.”

“Sayang,” he said but then, we heard the sound of a truck from outside. We both went outside and it was Eli who instructed—after confirming with me—the delivery guys on where they’d put the furniture. I just sat there and watched him. I couldn’t help but take a photo of him. There’s just this… feeling inside me that I could not quite explain.

I like him.

I like spending time with him.

I love kissing him and having his hands all over me.

But it felt like even those were not enough.

He just… he makes me happy.

And I hadn’t been happy for a long time.

This felt nice.

And comforting.

Exactly what I wanted all my life.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Eli asked while the delivery guys were building the bed frame and the other furnitures.

“I’ll just buy food,” I said. “Do you want anything?”

He shook his head. “Bili ka na rin ng bottled water para kila kuya mamaya pag-alis nila.”

I nodded. “I’ll be back soon,” I said as I kissed his lips. He’s so thoughtful and nice. I went to a fast food and bought burgers, fries, and bottled waters. When I returned, they were already finished assembling the bed frames and the couch was already in the living room and some of the appliances were in the kitchen already.

“Thank you,” I said to the delivery guys as I handed them money for their hard work. I got inside and stopped when I saw Eli take his shirt off. His back was facing me, and I felt my mouth getting dry at the movement of the muscles on his back…

Was it normal?

That he’s getting hotter and hotter in my eyes?

“Naka-alis na—” Eli said, but I dropped whatever I was holding, and I went to him and kissed him on the lips. He was surprised, but he quickly recovered. His hands quickly got rid of the shirt I was wearing. I moaned when his tongue touched mine and when his hand began kneading my breast. “Kelsey, pawis pa ako.”

“I know,” I replied as I pushed him on the bed.

He laughed as I unhooked my bra. “What? Na-turn on ka sa pagbuo ko nung kama?” he asked, and I threw my bra on his face. He laughed again as he removed the bra from his face and then sat down so we’re face to face. He leaned in and kissed my lips. “Kelsey.”

“Yes.”

“Pwede mag-t-shirt ka muna?”

“What?”

“Bilis,” he said as he reached for the shirt and handed it to me. My forehead was creased, but nevertheless, I wore my shirt. “Kelsey,” he called again.

“What?” I replied. I was sitting on his lap and his face was just inches away from mine. While waiting for what he’d say next, I combed his hair using my fingers. I saw him smiling. “You’re weird,” I said as I continued to brush his hair.

He wrapped his hands around my waist and then hugged me. His face was buried on the crook of my neck. “I love you,” he whispered. My eyes widened. His voice was so low… but I was sure that I heard him say those words. “I love you,” he repeated, fainter this time. “Wag ka munang sumagot kung hindi pa… pero gusto ko lang sabihin. ’Wag kang ma-pressure, please,” he whispered.

I hugged him tighter.

“Okay,” I said.

“Salamat dahil makapal ang mukha mo at kinausap mo ako.”

I pushed him away and frowned at him. “Excuse me?”

He laughed. “Kasi kung hindi mo ako kinausap, hindi rin kita kaka-usapin. E ’di wala tayo dito ngayon?”

“You’re unbelievable.”

He laughed again. I tried to get off him, but he just pulled me closer. He kissed me on the lips. And kissed me again. And again. Until I gave in and kissed him, too. I was so lost in his kisses that I didn’t even know how he managed to get off all of my clothes. 

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 11

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY11 Chapter 11

I was in the apartment, making sure that everything was in order before I brought Sammie here. Eli was supposed to be here with me, but he told me the last minute that he had to do something for the reunion of their family.

After making sure that the electricity, water, cable, and internet were working, I went to the restaurant and picked up the food I ordered for Eli and Tita. Eli always helped me with the apartment, so I figured I should help him with the reunion, too, although I had the faintest idea on what I could do to help. Maybe I could help him plan the food. Or whatever. He’d tell me what I could do.

I parked in front of Eli’s house and grabbed the paper bag. I pressed the doorbell and waited for either Eli or Tita to open the door… but was surprised when I saw a woman open the gate.

I blinked. “Good morning,” I greeted.

“Good morning,” she replied.

“Is Eli there?” I asked. I should’ve texted him and informed him that I was coming. I didn’t know they have guests.

“Eli!” the woman shouted.

“Bakit!” Eli shouted from inside the house.

“May babae dito!” the woman said while she was staring at me like she was trying to know my deepest, darkest thoughts. I stood there rather uncomfortably.

There was a forced smile on my face when I saw Eli rushing to get outside. His eyes widened when he saw me standing before who I assumed was his sister… only because the woman standing before me looked like the younger version of Tita.

“Kelsey,” he said.

I smiled. “I just bought food.”

“So, ikaw pala si Kelsey,” the woman said.

I smiled at her. “Hi…” I politely said. I didn’t know what to add. She looked… hostile. She looked like she’d rather have me somewhere else. Thankfully, Eli was already standing in front of me. “You said you were busy, so I got you and Tita food.”

Eli smiled at me. “Thank you,” he said. “Ate, si Kelsey. Kelsey, si Ate ko.”

I smiled again. “Nice to meet you.” She just nodded at me before going back inside. I looked at Eli. “Seems like she doesn’t like me.”

“Sorry.”

“Did I do something?” I asked even though I just met her. But it seemed like she already knew me.

Eli shook his head. “Wala,” he said. “Na-kwento ka kasi ni Mama kanina.”

“Oh. What did Tita say?”

“Na doctor ka saka mabait at maganda.”

I frowned. “What did Tita say?”

“Totoo nga!” he said.

“Then why was she looking at me like she wanted to bite my head off?”

Eli grimaced a little. “Kasi… sorry na, Kelsey. Alam mo naman si Mama madaldal at mahilig sa teleserye… Na-kwento iyong kina Sean… Pero sa version naman niya, ikaw iyong bida at kontrabida iyong dalawa.”

My lips parted. Tita, really… She always asks me for updates about Sean and Sob!

“Okay… And she’s mad because?”

Eli shrugged. “Bayaan mo na ’yun. Gusto mo ba’ng pumasok?” he asked. I debated on whether I’d go in or not. Personally, I’d rather go home because it’s been a long day already, but if I go home, Eli’s sister will hate me more because I didn’t even bother to go inside and meet them.

And I like Eli a lot and that meant I should, at the very least, try to get along with his family. I just needed to be nice to them—if they will hate me even though I did nothing, that’s their problem already.

“You have 2 sisters, right?”

Eli nodded. “Si Ate Elena iyong kanina. Si Ate Esme iyong isa. May mga bata sa loob kaya medyo maingay.”

I nodded. “Do you want me to go inside?” I asked because if he’d rather me go home, I would understand.

“Gusto mo bang pumasok?”

“Only if you want me to.”

Eli nodded. “Okay,” he said. “Pero promise mo muna na kahit ano mangyari sa loob, tayo pa rin.”

I laughed. “Why? What would happen inside?”

He shrugged. “Ewan ko. Pero medyo magulo sa loob kasi biglang dumating sila Ate kaya nandoon iyong mga maleta nila saka mga box.”

“Fine,” I said before we went inside. I was thankful that I was wearing a white cotton palazzo, white fitted shirt, and white oran sandals. I looked decent. I usually just wear biker shorts and shirt when I was in the apartment and fixing stuff with Eli.

We went inside and there were some kids who were just fixated on playing with their phones. I immediately spotted Eli’s sisters because they were staring at me like I just corrupted their brother—did they even know how wild in bed their brother was? If any, I was the corrupted one.

But I couldn’t blame them.

If you’d look at Eli—you’d never even consider…

“Kelsey!” Tita said upon seeing me. I immediately went to her and hugged her. She’s always excited to see me. She immediately introduced me to the whole family—and Eli was right, she mentioned that I was a doctor, and that I was kind, and very pretty—as per her words.

Tita made me sit down and placed a lot of food on my plate. I thanked her and began eating uncomfortably because I was very aware of how Eli’s sisters were watching my every movement.

“Ano ng nangyari kay Trista pala?” Elena asked.

I looked at Eli whose eyes widened. “Ate,” he said.

“Bakit? Nakiki-balita lang naman.” Eli looked at me and I just smiled at him… but Elena saw that. “Bakit? Hindi ba alam ni Kelsey iyong kay Trista?”

“I know about her,” I politely said. “Eli told me about her.”

It seemed like she didn’t like my answer. What was the end game here? It’s not like she could terrorize me into not seeing her brother anymore.

“Nakita ko sa facebook ni Trista, mataas na posisyon sa kumpanya nila,” Elena added. I just quietly ate my food.

“E masipag na bata naman ’yung si Trista,” Tita said. “Ito ring si Kelsey, napaka-sipag. Tinanong ko mga nurse sa hospital, e. Masipag daw at mabait.”

I just smiled at Tita for having my back.

“E ’di ba asawa mo dati iyong may-ari nung hospital?”

I stopped trying to eat. “Yes,” I said. “But it was a void marriage, so technically, I was never married. And we have daughter—her name’s Sammie,” I continued because I already know where this was heading.

Her lips parted—probably surprised that I said all those things.

“Ate…” Eli said.

“Bakit? May ginawa ba ako? Nagtatanong lang naman.”

I smiled at Eli. “It’s okay,” I said. “She’s just curious.”

I saw Elena rolled her eyes at me. Tita tried to divert the attention by getting a cake from the ref and trying to make us eat the cake. I just quietly try to finish the content of my plate because I didn’t want them to think that I was picky.

When I was finished eating, I excused myself to go to the comfort room. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. This was still Eli’s family. I needed to be polite even though I didn’t appreciate how they were treating me. But I’d draw the line if they speak ill of my daughter.

I was walking back when I halted when I heard my name.

“Ano naman kung doctor ’yung si Kelsey? Mas gusto pa rin namin si Trista. Wala pa namang asawa ’yun, Eli.”

“Ate, ano ba ’yan. May girlfriend na ako.”

“E girlfriend lang naman—saka may anak na—”

“Ate.”

“Totoo naman. Mahirap magpa-laki ng bata, Eli. Napaka-mahal magpa-aral. Tignan mo ngang napaka-laki ng gastos namin sa mga pamangkin mo. Tapos gusto mo pa may instant anak ka?”

I fisted my hands.

It’s not like I ever asked Eli for money for my daughter.

“Ate, ’wag na ’to.”

“Mama, pagsabihan mo nga ’yang bunso mo—”

“Bakit? Mabait naman si Kelsey… Kayong dalawa e napaka-judgmental niyo—akala ko ba e woke kayo?”

“Mama naman… Syempre iniisip lang namin si Eli. Baka nagandahan lang doon sa doctora, pero kung seryoso, aba, Eli, ’wag sa may anak na at ikaw din mahihirapan—”

“Ate, nakaka-pikon ka na.”

My lips parted at the tone of Eli’s voice.

“Aba, Elias! Kami lang ’tong concerned! Bakit hindi ka naman ganyan nung kay Trista!”

“Bakit ba Trista nang Trista? E si Kelsey na nga, Ate,” he said. Even from a distance, I heard how hard he was trying to control himself.

“E bakit ba kasi hindi na lang si Trista? E ’di ba nagbreak lang naman kayo dahil ’di na kayo nakakapag-usap? E bakit hindi na lang kayo mag-usap ulit?”

My eyes widened. Eli didn’t tell them that Trista cheated on him?

“Wag na nga si Trista, Ate. Kita ng nandito si Kelsey. Nakaka-bastos ’yung ganyan, Ate.”

“E si Trista—”

“Wag na ngang Trista. Nagcheat si Trista sa akin, okay? Kaya kami nagbreak. Kaya please tama na kaka-Trista niyo, Ate. Ang bait-bait ni Kelsey. Umayos naman kayo, please. Nakaka-hiya,” Eli said. “At saka ano naman kung may anak na siya? Akala mo naman naka-patay si Kelsey kung maka-react kayo, Ate. ’Di naman nanghihingi ng sustento sa akin ’yun. May matinong trabaho iyong tao. Saka kung manghingi man sa akin, choice ko naman ’yun kasi pera ko naman. Ako naman nagta-trabaho. Choice ko kung saan ko gagastusin,” he continued before he walked out.

My lips parted and I blinked in surprise. My heart started to race inside my chest. Eli passed by me and his eyes widened a little when he saw me.

“Sorry…” he said. “Nakaka-hiya.”

But instead, I hugged him. “I love you,” I whispered against his chest. “I love you, Eli,” I repeated.

I felt how fast his heart was beating. I looked at him because I was worried for a split second at the rate of his heartbeat.

“Eli—”

“I love you, too,” he replied instead.

A smile appeared on my face. “Really?”

He nodded. “I love you sobra,” he said while smiling at me. “Sorry sa mga sinabi ni Ate… Nakaka-hiya… Narinig mo pa…”

I shook my head. “I don’t care about their opinion… Your opinion is what matters to me.”

“Pero kakausapin ko pa rin sila Ate.”

“I don’t want to cause a rift among you.”

“Wala kang kasalanan,” he said. “Matanda na ’yun—dapat alam niya na ’di tama iyong ganon.”

I just nodded. I was just thankful that even when Eli didn’t know that I was listening, he still had my back. I didn’t ask for him to defend me, but he still did.

I felt like I hit the jackpot even though I didn’t even join the lotto.

Eli and I went back, and I bade goodbye. I still smiled at his sisters because I didn’t want to be rude to them even though they were rude to me. That’s their problem, not mine.

“Ingat sa pagda-drive, doc,” Eli said when he walked me back to my car.

I nodded. “Can you free your next Saturday?”

“Bakit?”

“Apartment blessing,” I said. “My parents are going to be there. And Sean.”

He blinked when he heard Sean’s name. I ignored it. He didn’t even need to say it, but I felt like he was uncomfortable with the idea of Sean. Maybe he heard some exaggerated stories about him—even in the hospitals, there were wild rumors about Sean. To me, he’s just Sean—a longtime friend and Sammie’s father. But to some people, he’s this… ultimate bachelor. I mean, he looks really good, he’s kind and polite, plus the fact that his family’s a major shareholder in the hospital?

Yeah. I understand the temptation.

“Okay…” he said.

“Don’t overthink,” I replied. I was about to kiss him but I saw Elena watching us with her hawk-eyes. I smiled, instead.

“Sorry ulit,” he said when he saw his sister. Eli opened the door for me and I got inside. He leaned in and kissed me despite his sister watching us. He smiled at me. “I love you, doc. Puntahan kita bukas sa apartment niyo. Ingat sa pagda-drive.”

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 12

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY12 Chapter 12

Sammie was already resting in her room when I received Eli’s text saying that he was here. I rushed outside to meet him. He was standing outside his car, smiling at me.

“Hey…” I said after I hugged him.

“Sorry na-late. Tinulungan ko pa sila Ate sa reunion, e.”

I nodded. I understood that he had obligations. I would never require him to fully devote his time and attention to me—because I would not want him to demand the same from me. We’re both adults and although we’re together, we still have individual responsibilities we needed to fulfill.

“Have you eaten?”

“Hindi pa. May laman na ref mo?” he asked, a little surprised.

I shook my head. “Delivery,” I said, and he laughed. “But on my off, let’s go to the supermarket?”

“Okay, pero bibili ka ng grocery? Marunong ka ba magluto?”

I frowned. “Hey, I can cook simple food.”

“Tulad ng?”

“I can boil eggs.”

He laughed. “Galing naman ni doc.”

“You’re teasing me.”

He was still laughing. “Grabe naman kasi napaka-proud mo sa paglalaga ng itlog. Marunong ka man lang bang magprito?”

“I can learn.”

“Sabi mo ’yan.”

I frowned. “What I lack in cooking skills, I make up for other skills.”

Eli was just laughing at me. “Grabe, joke lang naman, doc. ’Di naman required na marunong kang magluto,” he replied. “Saan si Sammie?”

“Resting, I think,” I said.

“Di ka sure?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s inside her room,” I replied. I wasn’t a very strict mother—as long as she’s safe and she’s not getting in trouble, I’d pretty much let her do whatever she wants. She’s a smart kid—she’d ask me if she needed to know anything.

Eli and I were just on the couch, watching Netflix. I tried to kiss him, but he said he didn’t feel comfortable knowing that Sammie’s just in the next door and could walk in on us any second.

“Nung bata pa ako, naabutan ko sila Mama. ’Di mo alam kung ano’ng klaseng bangungot ’yun.”

My lips parted. “Seriously?”

He nodded and acted like he’s shivering at the thought. “Seriously. Kaya nung anniv nila, niregaluhan ko sila ng padlock.”

I burst out laughing at what he said. Oh, my gosh! That would’ve been so hilarious. Eli continued his story and told me that Tita looked like she wanted to vanish into thin air at that moment and his dad just acted like he didn’t understand why Eli was giving them the padlock.

“You have a nice family,” I said.

He nodded. “Okay naman… Syempre minsan nagtatalo din, pero at the end of the day, pamilya ko pa rin sila,” he said. “Pasensya na ulit sa inasal ni Ate kahapon. Naka-usap ko na sila. Sana magsorry.”

“I don’t need apologies,” I said.

“Hindi mo kailangan, pero deserve mo,” he replied. “Di ka naman niya kilala talaga tapos biglang ganon… E siya nga kapag pinagchichismisan, galit na galit. Tapos lakas mangjudge ni Ate kahapon.”

“They’re just worried.”

“Di ka talaga galit?”

I shrugged. “Already used to people’s comment on my life…” I replied. It’s not that I wasn’t mad… it’s just that I realized that whether I say something or nothing, people would still give their opinion as if they know everything—and as if their opinion matters.

I try to just let everything go, but it’s a different story if Sammie’s included—I’d do everything for that brat.

Instead of saying anything, Eli just draped his arm on my shoulders and pulled me close. I smiled at the gesture. Sometimes, I’d rather have this and silence.

---

After a while, the order arrived. Eli prepared the table and the food while I went in Sammie’s room to wake her up… and to tell her that Eli’s outside so that she wouldn’t be so shocked. I’d introduce Eli to my parents and Sean on the weekend, but I wanted Sammie to formally meet him first. After all, hers is the only opinion that I’d actually consider.

“Sammie,” I said, gently shaking her awake.

“Hmm…” she replied as she clutched the pillow closer to her face—that one she got from her dad. Sean’s also like that when I used to wake him up.

“Samantha,” I said.

“Mommy… I still wanna sleep…”

“It’s lunch time.”

“Okay…” she replied as she forced herself to sit down. She knew that she needed to always eat breakfast, dinner, merienda, and lunch. Sean always tells her that she needed complete meals so that she’d grow up quickly.

“Teacher Eli’s outside,” I said.

“Outside?”

I nodded. “I know he’s your teacher in school, but I wanted to introduce him to you here—”

“But I already know Teacher Eli, mommy.”

I chuckled at her response. “I know, but you know him as your teacher.”

“Do I need to know him as your adult?”

I sighed at her terminology. “Yes,” I said. “He’s here as my… adult.”

She nodded like it’s no big deal. “Okay, mommy,” she simply said. I smiled at the simplicity of her reaction. She’s making this so much easier—and I knew that I also needed to credit Sean for this because he also reminded Sammie that one day, I’d have a new man in my life and Sammie needed to understand that. He’s the one who introduced the idea to Sammie that aside from him as her daddy, she’d have a papa, as well.

Sammie got out of the room first and when I followed her, I almost laughed because Eli looked so nervous. He’s acting like it’s the first time they’d meet.

“Hi, adult Eli,” Sammie said. My lips parted. Eli’s face was painted with confusion. But Eli just went to her seat like nothing just happened. This kid, really.

“What?” Eli mouthed to me while Sammie’s eyes were checking the food on the table.

“It’s nothing,” I mouthed back.

“Adult Eli, who will lead the prayer?” Sammie asked.

Oh, my god.

Eli just blinked—still confused as to why Sammie was calling him Adult Eli.

“You lead the prayer,” I just said and Sammie began to say the grace before meal. After that, she just busied herself with food. She’s so… normal.

“Adult Eli, can I please have some water?” Sammie asked because the pitcher was near Eli. Eli just blinked and then poured water in Sammie’s glass. “Thank you,” she said and then returned to eating.

“Sammie,” I said.

“Hmm?”

“Do you have any questions?”

“About what, mommy?”

Huh.

I paused.

She’s still a kid… She didn’t have the prejudice adults have. For her, it’s just a relationship—a relationship between two adults. No other factors like me having a kid or Eli being younger than me.

I envy the innocence kids have.

After we ate, I told Eli that I’d fix the table. Sammie was on the couch, trying to open the TV. Eli was on the other couch, just watching Sammie.

“Do you want help?”

“Yes, please,” Sammie said. “I want to watch Disney.”

Eli obliged and Sammie thanked him. I smiled while I was watching them. It felt weird… but also nice. I didn’t tell Eli, but I was really hoping that they’d get along well. They already knew each other from school, but this one’s different.

I wasn’t looking for someone, but I knew that if ever someone came into my life, he needed to get along with Sammie or he’s gone. I’d always choose my daughter first.

And I was thankful that Eli’s so good to her.

I really could not ask for more.

I was quietly putting the excess food in the microwavable while Eli and Sammie were just watching TV.

“What’s instant daddy? “ Sammie asked. “Will you tell me the meaning now?”

My head automatically snapped at their direction. I saw Eli look at me, his eyes wide like he got caught.

“Why?” I asked Sammie.

She shrugged. “Pat’s mom called Teacher Eli instant daddy and I’m just curious,” she simply said before returning her attention to the show she was watching.

Eli stood up and walked towards me.

“What was that?” I asked.

He sighed. “Wala ’yun…”

“They’re talking about us in school?” I asked. I knew that those bored housewives were very interested in my life and I refuse to do anything with them—but if they’re telling all these things in front of my daughter, I needed to know.

“Minsan,” he said, looking at the floor.

“In front of Sammie?”

He quickly shook his head. “Isang beses lang ’yon.”

“You should’ve told me,” I said seriously.

“Kinausap ko naman si—”

“She’s my daughter,” I said, cutting him off. “I’d appreciate it if you tell me things like that.”

His lips parted like he was surprised. “Okay,” he said. “Next time, sasabihin ko agad sa ’yo.”

I stared at him and sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s just… she’s my daughter and I’m just very protective of her.”

He nodded. “Alam ko naman ’yon.”

We stood there in silence.

I didn’t know what I’d say next.

“Uwi na ko,” he said after minutes of silence between us. “May aayusin pa ako sa reunion,” he continued before he kissed my cheek and bade goodbye to Sammie before walking out the door. 

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 13

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY13 Chapter 13

“Are you okay?”

I looked at Sean who was standing beside me. He was holding a cup of coffee and was staring at me. “No,” I honestly said. It’s only been a day since that… row with Eli, yet I felt very unsettled. Eli’s a very understanding person and I knew he meant well when he did not tell me about that incident. It was just a reflex—maybe a bad one at that. I was so used to people giving unwarranted opinion about my daughter that my first reaction was always to be on the defense mode.

But Eli’s not the enemy.

He’s on my side.

“Why? What’s wrong? Is everything all right?” he asked, sounding worried. I just looked at him and shook my head. “Kelsey…”

I smiled. “No, I’ll be fine,” I said as I grabbed my phone and walked away. Sean’s a friend and I knew that I could talk to him about anything… but it didn’t feel right to talk with him about Eli. It would feel like betrayal.

After my duty, I picked up first the food I ordered for Eli and then went straight to their house. I wasn’t exactly thrilled because his sisters would be there, but I didn’t want to prolong the silence between us.

Besides, I was the one at fault.

I should apologize.

“Hi,” I said when it was Esme who opened the gate. She just nodded at me. “Is Eli there?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Wala. May pinuntahan siya. Bukas pa makaka-balik. Hindi ba sinabi sa ’yo?”

My lips parted.

He left?

Without mentioning it?

Was he really mad at me?

“Oh,” was all I said.

Esme’s face was impassive. I couldn’t tell if she was pleased that I was left in the dark or—I seriously didn’t know.

“Esme,” I called. She was looking at me. I sighed before I continued. “Is Elena inside? Can we have a chat?” I asked.

She blinked. “Para saan?”

I drew a deep breath again. “Look, I really care about your brother and I know that he wants us to get along well… And I believe we got on the wrong foot. I thought maybe we can have a conversation and then you can ask questions and I can honestly answer you,” I told her. Her lips parted in surprise. Like she didn’t expect to hear those words from me. But I was not a kid—I didn’t like dramas—especially if I know I could straighten it out with a simple conversation.

And they’re Eli’s family.

I didn’t have to explain, but I wanted to.

Just for peace’s sake.

After a few seconds, Esme nodded.

We got inside and Tita was sleeping. Elena was surprised to see me, but I just simply smiled at her.

“Hi,” I greeted.

She simply nodded as Esme took the seat adjacent to mine. Elena looked at Esme like she was asking her why the hell was I inside their house. I drew another deep breath.

“I’m Kelsey Fuentes,” I began. “I’m 33 years old. I have a daughter named Samantha. She’s Eli’s student. That’s how we met. I work as a doctor. I just moved into an apartment with my daughter.” I bit my lower lip as I tried to remember what more should I tell them about me. “Do you… have questions about me?”

It was awkward, but I sat there because I really wanted to get all the tension out. Eli’s away and I wanted things to be back to normal when he gets back.

And I needed to apologize to him, too.

Shouldn’t have reacted the way I reacted.

But they just remained silent.

“I know you’re worried about Eli, and you have every right to be worried. Eli… he’s so kind. He’s probably the kindest person I know and I’m also worried about him—worried that someone would take advantage of his kindness,” I told them. “I understand where you’re coming from… so, I feel like I need to tell you and to assure you that I really like him and I care a lot about him.”

Elena’s face was softening a bit.

I knew she’s just worried…

When I first heard her talking about me with Eli, of course that stunk. But when I thought about what she said and tried to place myself in her position, I understood where she was coming from.

Her baby brother’s dating someone older—someone with a child.

It’s a lot to take for some people…

Not everyone’s like Eli.

Not every sees the world in his lenses.

Some people would call single mothers like me segunda mano… or that I was taking advantage of single guys like Eli.

It’s just how the world works.

And it sucks a lot sometimes.

“My work pays well,” I added because this was one of her concerns. “Samantha’s father also works as a doctor and he’s the one paying for most of her needs… so you don’t have to worry about that. She’s well taken-cared of.”

They were still silent.

“She’s also the only grandchild on both my side and her dad’s side, so she’ll be fine.”

God, I hated talking about money. I felt like it’s tacky, but they needed to be assured that I wouldn’t leech off from their brother.

I sat there for a few more uncomfortable seconds, but I got no verbal response from them. I just smiled at them as I stood up.

“I really like Eli and I hope we can be civil. For his sake, at least,” I said as I gave them a small smile. “Thank you for listening.”

I did my part.

The rest, it’s up to them.

I got out and got back in my car. I got the phone from my bag to send a text to him to tell him that I went to their house because I didn’t want him to think that I snuck behind his back.

‘Hi. Punta lang ako sa Quezon. Baka bukas pa ako babalik.’

My lips parted.

So… he texted.

He still informed me.

‘Okay,’ I replied. We’d talk when he gets back.

---

“Mommy, are you okay?” Sammie asked.

“Yes, mommy, are you okay?” Sean asked, mimicking Sammie’s tone. Sammie giggled. I frowned at them.

“Go clean up,” I told Sammie.

Tomorrow’s the house blessing and Sean just dropped Sammie off. They went to some museum and Sammie brought home a lot of new books about dinosaur. I had a conversation with Sean about the books. As much as I liked that my daughter’s into reading, there’s just a lot of books. I told Sammie that we should donate the ones she’s finished reading, but she was adamant about it.

I was almost convinced that I was raising a hoarder.

“Are you seriously telling me to get her a Kindle? “ Sean asked.

“Yes.”

“She’s a kid.”

“With hoarding tendencies.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. Have you seen her room?” I asked. Sean rolled his eyes. “So, you agree with me.”

“She just likes her books.”

“And her toys and figurines and all the things she picks from outside,” I continued. “Sean, she’s on the way to become a hoarder.”

“Then we’ll get her a bigger room. And a storage unit.”

My lips parted. “Are you seriously going to tolerate her hoarding things?”

“Kelsey, she’s a kid and she likes books.”

“I’m not saying she should stop reading—”

“Yes, but you’re suggesting I get her an iPad!”

“Kindle, Sean! It’s for reading!”

We were arguing about whether or not it’s appropriate for Sammie to have a tablet when the door swung open. We were outside because it was nighttime and the air was cold. Sammie was already in her pajamas and she was looking at us with her eyes wide open.

“I heard my name,” she said.

“Teeth?”

She showed me her teeth. “I brushed, mommy.”

“Milk?” Sean asked.

Sammie nodded. “Yes, daddy, before I brushed my teeth,” she replied. “I heard my name and books, daddy. Will you buy me more books?”

Sean looked at me and I glared at him. He just laughed at me as he nodded at his daughter. God!

Sean was laughing and Sammie was smiling and jumping. I was shaking my head because I could only imagine the pile of books these two will bring home.

I was busy glaring at Sean when my eyes darted outside and saw Eli looking at us. My eyes widened in surprise. He’s back!

I immediately stood up and excused myself. Sean just nodded because he saw Eli, too. I hurried outside.

“Hey…” I said. He was standing outside the driver’s seat like he was ready to leave. “Didn’t know you’re back.”

He just nodded. “Nagtext ako na pupunta ako.”

My lips parted. “My phone’s inside,” I replied. “Have you eaten dinner yet?” He nodded. “Coffee?” I asked but I saw him glancing at the direction of Sammie and Sean.

I pursed my lips.

“Sean dropped Sammie off—they went to a museum.”

He nodded. “Bukas na ’yung sa blessing.”

I nodded. “You’ll come, right?”

He nodded again. “Ano’ng oras mo ako gusto pumunta?” he asked. There was something with the tone of his voice… Was it because of Sean? But I already told him that there’s nothing between us… We’re just raising Sammie together because we’re her parents.

“As soon as you can,” I replied.

“Okay.”

I sighed. “Eli…” I said, but he just looked at me. “I went to your house,” I continued. His eyes widened a little. “Your sisters didn’t tell you?”

He shook his head. “Hindi. Baka mamaya pa pag-uwi ko.”

I blinked. “You haven’t gone home yet?”

“Pumunta muna ako rito.”

My lips parted. “Eli—”

He smiled at me, but his smile felt sad.

God, I felt bad.

Seeing him sad was making me feel really bad—like I did something terribly wrong.

“Siguro mga alas-siete nandito na ako,” he said as he opened the door of his car. “Mauna na akong umuwi—pagod pa ako sa byahe,” he continued before he drove away.

I stood there, unable to process how I just let him go home without so much as telling him my apologies for how I reacted the last time.

Why did my words fail me?

I hated seeing him like that.

“Are you okay?” Sean asked.

I shook my head and said, “Can you stay here for a little longer?”

His forehead creased. “Why?”

“I’m going to Eli,” I said before I rushed back to the house to get the key. I needed to apologize tonight and to remind him again that to me, it’s him—just him. 

*** 

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Chapter 14

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY14 Chapter 14

I thought the call would be dropped, but at the very last second, I heard Eli’s voice from the other end of the line.

“Bakit?” he asked.

“Can we talk?”

“Pwedeng bukas na?”

“Okay…” I replied. “I’m already outside, though,” I continued. I know it’s wrong to make people guilty for the choice you willingly made, but in this instance, I’d do the wrong thing… because I really didn’t like this kind of silence between us.

I could last a whole week without hearing his voice, as long as I knew that we’re good. But this kind of silence? I wanted to clear the air as soon as I possibly could.

What Eli and I have… it’s a really good thing.

I’d protect it as much as I possibly could.

“But… I can go home if you really want to talk tomorrow,” I added because I really couldn’t guilt-trip this guy. He’s too good. I just wanted to be good to him, too.

As I was waiting for a response from him, I heard the door opening. I looked at him and smiled a little. He was wearing a white t-shirt with the name of the school he graduated from and a navy-blue pajama bottoms.

“Hi,” I said when he walked towards me.

“Bakit nandito ka?”

“I wanna talk.”

“Pwede naman sa phone.”

“Eli…” I said. “I’m sorry for how I acted the last time. I know it was wrong of me to be mad at you when you were only thinking about me. I’m really sorry.”

He simply nodded. “Okay lang naman… Naiintindihan ko naman. Sasabihin ko sa ’yo agad lahat.”

I shook my head. “You don’t have to tell me anything.”

His forehead was creased. “Kapag tungkol kay Sammie… hindi ko sasabihin?”

“Only when you think I have to know,” I replied.

He stayed silent for a few seconds. “Paano ko malalaman kung—” he said, but we both stopped when we heard sounds from inside the house. “Gusto mong maglakad-lakad muna? Safe naman dito.”

I nodded as we began to walk. It was already just 10pm, but there were no people outside. I looked up and saw that there were stars. The wind was cool against the skin, too. It felt perfect with Eli by my side.

“Kelsey.”

“Hmm?”

“Paano ko malalaman kung dapat mong malaman?” he asked. And then I heard a deep sigh coming from him. “Mahal kita, alam mo ’yan, kaso… hindi ko anak si Sammie. Kayo ni Sean iyong magulang niya—”

I halted.

And looked at him.

I placed both hands on his shoulders and stared intently into his eyes. I saw his lips parted.

“Elias Jose,” I called his name. He blinked. “I love you,” I continued, enunciating each word clearly so that he’d hear them and hopefully… know that I meant them.

“Sean is Sammie’s father and he’s here to stay… but know that I love you and only you. Do you hear me?”

A small smile was starting to appear on his face.

I couldn’t help but smile, too. His smile… it’s infectious.

“Okay…” he said with a grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes. “Won’t I get an I love you, took, Kelsey ?” I asked and he laughed before he placed his hands on my waist, stared intently into my eyes, and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

“I love you, Kelsey…” he whispered against my lips. “Thank you sa pagpunta dito. Ayoko nung hindi tayo okay.”

I nodded. “I know. I hate it, too.”

“Sabihin mo na lang sa akin kung kailan ako pwedeng magsabi sa ’yo… o kung ano mga pwede o hindi pwede kong gawin…” he said. “Mahal kita… syempre mahal ko rin iyong anak mo… pero syempre alam ko rin na hindi naman ako iyong tatay niya kaya may mga bagay na hindi ako pwedeng gawin… Gusto ko lang na sabihin mo para alam ko kung saan ako lulugar.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist.

I leaned my face against the crook of his neck.

“You stay by my side.”

I felt him relaxing. “Given na ’yun, doc.”

I chuckled. “Oh. Sorry.”

He chuckled, too. “Ayoko lang na ma-offend si Sean,” he replied. I just nodded. Tomorrow, I’d introduce them to one another and hopefully, after that, Eli would feel more at ease.

Because there’s really nothing between Sean and me.

We have Samantha… and we love her both, but that’s it.

We broke hug and continued strolling across the village. We were just holding hands, but I felt so at ease. With him by my side, it felt like everything’s right with the world.

“What did you do in Quezon?” I asked.

“May pina-kuha lang si Ate.”

“Did you get it?”

He nodded. “Oo… pina-kuha kina Trista.” My head snapped at his direction. He looked like he was on defense mode. “May kinuha lang ako talaga, Kelsey. Saka nandun kaya iyong kinakasama niya.”

I remained silent, but I guessed that my silence was unnerving because Eli kept on talking and explaining himself even though I asked nothing.

“Alam mo ba, niloko pala siya nung pinalit niya sa akin noon.”

“Karma?”

Eli laughed. “Grabe ka,” he said. “Hindi naman. Pero kasi nung niloko siya, pinuntahan niya pala iyong babaeng pinalit sa kanya. Tapos nag-away sila. Pina-kulong siya. Tapos asawa niya na iyong pulis na dumampot sa kanya.”

My lips parted. “What?”

He nodded. “Ang saya nga niyang tignan, e. Tapos nagsorry din siya sa akin sa nangyari dati, pero sabi ko lang okay na.”

We continued to walk in silence.

“Ang galing, no? Ang daming nangyari… pero ganon siguro talaga… kung ano iyong para sa ’yo, dadating din. Minsan, maiinip ka siguro sa tagal… o mapapa-tanong kung may dadating ba talaga… o kung may para sa ’yo ba talaga… pero dadating talaga.” He looked at me and smiled. “Kasi kung para sa ’yo… para sa ’yo talaga.”

---

We just walked around in circles until we reached the front of their house. Eli’s hold on my hand tightened when we saw Elena outside. It seemed like she bought something from the store because she was holding a plastic bag.

“Hi,” I greeted.

Elena just nodded at me. Well, at least, she acknowledged my existence. I thought she would just walk past us and get inside the house, but my eyes widened a little when she face Eli and me. Her eyes darted for a second on our hands.

“Reunion sa linggo,” she said. My forehead creased. “Punta ka kung gusto mo,” she continued before she headed back.

I looked at Eli, my eyes wide. “What… was that?”

Eli looked shocked, too. “Yun na ata iyong version ni Ate ng welcome to the family?”

“Oh…” I said. “Oh. Do I go to the reunion?” I asked because I wasn’t sure if Eli would want me there. I’d totally understand if he didn’t want me to go there. The reason why I was introducing him to my family was because I knew they’re all curious. But just because I was introducing him didn’t mean that he have to introduce me, too.

We’re headed in the same direction, but we didn’t have to take the steps at the same time.

In our own time.

In our own pace.

In our own convenience.

“Gusto mo ba?”

I shrugged. “Only if you want me there.”

“Maingay doon… saka maraming bata… saka sure ako magpapa-consult mga tita at mga lola ko sa ’yo…”

I chuckled. “Okay?”

“Totoo nga. Baka imbes na mag-enjoy ka e maging mini medical mission iyong sa reunion,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I said. Not everyone has the privilege of going to the hospital. I know a lot of people would rather stay at home and endure pain because the thought of going to the hospital would automatically mean spending money.

“Sure ka?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Although I’m not sure I can be of much help. I’d more likely refer them to a specialist.”

His lips parted. “Wag na… hindi mo naman trabaho.”

I smiled. “Happy to help.”

“Sure ka?”

I nodded. “Should I bring anything?”

He shook his head. “Nako, ’wag na. Marami ng pagkain. May lechon pa nga, e.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

“Sure ka talaga? Kasi bukas may blessing na sa apartment mo. Baka mapagod ka.”

“Do you not want me there?”

His eyes widened. “Grabe naman!” he said, sounding defensive. “Syempre gusto ko nandoon ka para ipapa-kilala kita sa lahat. Nakaka-proud ka kaya. Isipin mo? Ako? Si Eli? Ganito ka-bait at ka-ganda ang girlfriend?”

I rolled my eyes and he just laughed at me. He’s too much sometimes.

I wanted to kiss Eli, but I wasn’t sure if his family’s watching us. I just got in the car and bade goodbye. But after a few meters, I stopped. Eli was watching me leave, so when I stopped, he jogged towards me. I unlocked the door. He went inside.

“Bakit ka huminto—”

As soon as I unbuckled my seatbelt, I grabbed him and kissed him. I felt him stiffen in surprise, but it only lasted for a few seconds. I felt him laughing while we were kissing.

“You can get out now,” I said after a full minute of kissing.

He laughed. “Grabe. I feel used.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, I don’t think so,” I said as I looked at the tent on his pajamas.

His eyes widened. “Wait lang naman. ’Wag ka munang umalis. Paano ako papasok sa bahay nito?”

I shrugged. “Walk around the village for a while.”

“Napaka naman nitong si Kelsey! Pagkatapos mong gawin ’to, iiwan mo lang ako?!”

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from laughing at his reaction. This was the reason why I hated unwanted silence between us. If I do something that warrants an apology, I’d immediately apologize. My desire to have him in my life is way bigger than my ego and pride.

I’m always having fun with him—it doesn’t matter what we do, if I’m with him, it’s always fun.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked. “It’s not like we can have sex in my car in the middle of your village.”

He groaned. “Wag ka ngang magsabi ng ganyan. Pinapalala mo lang.”

I looked at his boner again.

And then I looked at the time.

His eyes widened when I placed my hand on top of his pajama and then I began rubbing my hand against it. Eli looked surprised, but he was having too much fun to even ask me about it.

I just looked in front of me and kept on rubbing my hand against it. I didn’t want to look at his face because that would just tempt me to recline my seat and do things I should never do in the middle of the public road.

And when I heard his labored breathing, I fastened the pace.

“Here,” I said, handing him the box of tissue and wipes.

“Kelsey,” he said. I looked at him, but he just quickly kissed me. “Hindi ’to dahil sa handjob, pero I love you talaga.”

I laughed. “I love you, too.”

“Uuwi ka na ba talaga?” he asked, almost pleading. “Wala pang naka-tira doon sa dulong mga lote…” he continued, and I just chuckled at his suggestion.

“Maybe next time,” I said. “It’s already almost 11. I left Sammie with Sean.”

I looked at his face through the rearview mirror. He just nodded upon hearing Sean’s name, but I made no comment. Tomorrow, they’d meet and Eli would finally be at ease. 

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Chapter 15

Please follow @beeyotchupdated on twitter for real time tweet if any story got updated. Thank you. 

#NY15 Chapter 15

True to Eli’s words, he was here at exactly 7am.

“Good morning,” he greeted, kissing me on the cheek.

“Good morning,” I replied, still feeling a bit sleepy. “Your energy’s so high…”

He just shrugged. “May kailangan bang gawin? ’Di ba umorder ka lang naman ng pagkain?”

I nodded. “Yes. The food will arrive before 11,” I said.

“Iyong sa pari?”

“Also before 11.”

“May ibang kailangan ka pa ba?” he asked.

“I need to continue sleeping,” I said as I began to walk towards my room while dragging him with me.

“Wait, ayoko,” he said.

“What?”

“Wag tayo sa kwarto mo. Nandito si Sammie. Nakaka-hiya.”

Even at my sleepy state, I couldn’t help but smile. I immediately wrapped my arms around him and just hugged him.

“I got caught in traffic last night, so I told Sean to just bring Sammie with him,” I said. Sammie has a room at Sean’s place because sometimes, she’d sleep over. Sammie lives with me, but I wasn’t really strict. If she wanted to spend time with her dad, it’s fine. We didn’t really follow a strict schedule.

“So… tayo lang dito?”

I just nodded against his chest.

“Pwedeng…” he said, stopping, but I knew what he meant.

I looked at him. “I just woke up,” I said.

“Oo nga, may muta ka pa, oh,” he replied, and I frowned at him. He just laughed. “Maganda ka pa rin naman kahit may muta at panis na laway ka, doc.”

“You’re cockblocking yourself, Eli,” I said before I walked towards my room. I was wearing a spaghetti strap top and shorts silk sleepwear and I knew that Eli’s weakness was seeing me in red. He almost lost his mind when I wore that red bikini.

But even before I could reach my bed, I felt Eli’s arms around my body. I felt him showering my neck with kisses as his right hand slowly and steadily travelled inside my silk shorts and my lace underwear.

---

Eli arrived at 7 am.

We had sex until 10am.

We took a shower at 10:30 am.

Sometimes, I wonder where he’s getting all the energy from.

“Mommy!” Sammie said when I opened the door. She brought her overnight backpack with her. She was wearing a powder yellow dress and white sneakers. I was pretty sure Tita Shirley brought that. I already told her to not buy too many clothes for Sammie because that girl grows so fast… but she said that she’s her only grandchild, so she’d spoil her.

“Good morning,” I said, kissing her cheek. “Did you eat breakfast?”

“Yes. Daddy cooked,” she replied, frowning.

I chuckled. “We have cereals in the pantry,” I said as she rushed there. Sean was frowning. “She’s not a fan.”

“Yeah… I don’t know why I try,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I replied. “I don’t cook, too. Sammie’s already used to eating deliveries.”

The only time she could eat homecooked meals was when she’s at my parents’ house or at Tita Shirley’s house. Either way, she’s not really one to complain… except when Sean’s trying to cook for her. She says it’s disastrous—her word, not mine.

“Yeah… It’s weird. Do you know she’s already memorized some of the delivery numbers?”

“Really?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah. One time, we were watching TV and I asked her what she wanted to eat and she told me all these restos and she said she knows their number.”

I laughed.

That kid, really.

Sammie was quietly eating her cereals when Eli walked in. He bought something outside. His hair’s still a bit damp because we just got out of the shower.

And by the look on Sean’s face… he knew.

Eli halted when he realized that he was face to face with Sean. I immediately stood beside him.

“Eli, Sean,” I said. “Sean, Eli.”

Sean gave him a polite smile and offered his hand. “Hi,” Sean said. “I’ve heard good things about you.”

Eli looked at me and I immediately shook my head. I never talked about Eli with Sean—the same way I wouldn’t exactly feel elated if he’d talk about me with his ex. I wouldn’t get mad, but I wouldn’t exactly like it.

“No, it’s Sammie,” Sean said, immediately sensing that he’s gotten me in an awkward position. “She said you’re her teacher.”

Eli nodded.

I was deliberating on whether I’d leave them to chat or if I’d stay here… but ultimately, Sammie called me, so I left them there.

The milk box was already empty, so I got another one from the cupboard. I was watching the two of them while I was refilling Sammie’s bowl. They were just chatting normally… but I really wanted to go there and to listen.

“Mommy,” Sammie said.

“Hmm?”

“Cereals. More cereals, please.”

I blinked. “Oh, okay. I’m sorry,” I said as I grabbed the box and poured cereals in her bowl.

It seemed like the conversation was going well. Eli would just nod to whatever Sean was saying and vice versa. Eli’s a really good conversationalist and Sean’s nice to talk to, as well. I just didn’t really know if they have anything in common… well, except from dating me.

I hoped they weren’t talking about me.

Were they talking about me?

I got a pitcher of water and 2 glasses and brought it to them. But even when I was walking closer, they both stopped talking and just looked at me.

I looked at them both.

“Don’t talk about me,” I said.

They just shrugged.

I looked at Eli. “What’s he saying?”

Sean laughed. “What? I’m not saying anything!” Sean said. “I was just asking him if he likes basketball because someone gave me tickets. I asked Marcus already and I thought about asking Eli, too. I mean, if it’s okay with you,” Sean said.

Eli was looking at me. “Okay lang ba?”

My forehead creased because he was asking for my permission. “What? I mean, sure if you like basketball,” I said.

Eli looked at Sean. “Okay. Doon na lang tayo magkita?” he asked Sean and they discussed details on what time they’d meet.

My lips parted.

What the heck?

---

I felt like I was in this… weird and bizarre dream.

The priest already blessed the house and we already finished eating lunch. Eli and Sean and Sammie were on the couch watching Disney. Sammie was sitting in the middle. I felt like I was in this alternate universe.

“Eli’s nice,” Mom said. She was helping me put the excess food in the containers. Well, at least we’ll have food for the week.

“Very,” I replied.

“He’s nice to Sammie, too?”

“Yes,” I said. “Look at them,” I continued. Sammie was saying something and both Sean and Eli were listening like what she was saying was the most important thing in the world.

I wanted to take a photo.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“Huh? Why?”

“I already unfriended Hilda in real life,” she said.

“Why?”

“How dare her bastard son call you segunda mano ?”

My lips parted. “Mom—”

“No one messes with my daughter,” she said, sounding really pissed and really protective. “I’m sorry, anak. I didn’t know na ganon pala ang nangyari.”

“It’s okay…” I replied, remembering how Eli pulled me away from the sorry excuse of a man and told me repeatedly how I was worth it.

When I think about that day, I wouldn’t think about that asshole—I’d think about Eli and how wonderful he was.

“No, it’s not okay, Kelsey. You have a daughter and that takes nothing from you. You’re Kelsey Fuentes—any man would be lucky to have you,” she said, looking at me like she needed me to realize that.

I smiled at her. “Eli’s lucky to have me,” I said. But I’m really very lucky, too.

Mom’s eyes widened a little like she was surprised to hear that from me. “You really like him?”

“I like him a lot…” I said as I watched Dad join them. God… I felt like my heart’s swelling at the view before me. All the important guys in my life… sitting together.

“As long as you’re happy,” Mom said. “I know you’re an adult already and you’re smart, but please guard your heart. Ayoko na makita ka ulit gaya nung dati.”

I looked at Mom and smiled. “I don’t think I need to guard my heart from him, Mom.”

Mom smiled. “Are you two getting married already?”

I laughed. “What? No,” I said. “But if he asks… I’ll definitely think about it.”

Mom laughed. “It’s weird to hear how vocal you are, Kelsey.”

I shrugged. “I’m just really happy.”

When we finished putting the excess food in the ref, we joined them for a while before they all went home. Sammie went with my parents—but with the way my mom winked at me, I was thinking that she wanted to leave me with Eli.

My god.

She was hinting on wanting another grandchild.

“Sorry hindi ako naka-tulong sa paglilinis,” Eli said.

“It’s okay,” I replied. “Did you have fun?”

He nodded. “Ang bait ng tatay mo.”

“I know,” I said. “He’s the best,” I continued. “So… you’re watching basketball?”

“Okay lang ba sa ’yo?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Sure ka?”

I nodded again. “Yes,” I said. “Go have fun.”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

We sat on the couch. We were watching Netflix. His hand was resting on my thigh. I was itching to ask him about what they talked about, but I knew I shouldn’t because that’s between them.

“Curious na curious ka na ba?” Eli asked.

“Huh?”

“Iyang mukha mo…” he said. “Kanina pa. Gusto mo ba’ng malaman pinag-usapan namin ni Sean?”

“What? No,” I said, sounding too defensive.

Eli laughed. “Hindi ka talaga namin pinag-usapan, promise. Nag-usap lang kami tungkol sa kung anu-ano.”

“I didn’t ask,” I said.

“Okay. Kunwari vino-volunteer ko iyong pinag-usapan namin,” he said and I frowned. He laughed again as he kissed the side of my head. “Thank you,” he suddenly said.

I just looked at him.

“Alam ko na alam mo na… kina-kabahan ako kay Sean. Salamat kasi pinag-usap mo kami. Hindi masaya sa feeling ma-paranoid,” he said.

“You have nothing to be worried about.”

“I know that now,” he said. “Alam ko naman na sa ’yo, mahal mo ako… pero worried lang ako na paano kung mahal ka pa pala niya? I mean, hindi naman ako magugulat kung sakali.”

My lips parted. “What? We’re not like that,” I immediately said. When Sean and I got married, I knew that Sean loved me… at least enough to marry me. He loved me because I was there and it was enough for me. But when Sob returned? The woman he truly loved? I knew I should immediately back off because the fight’s over before it really began.

“Kelsey,” he said.

“Eli,” I replied.

“I’m sorry you have to go through all that.”

I gave him a small smile. “It’s okay… If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have Sammie,” I said. “And I wouldn’t be here. With you. It all worked out pretty well, don’t you think?”

A smile appeared on his face. He cupped my face and gave me a soft kiss. “I love you,” he whispered against my lips. 

*** 

This story is already finished on Patreon (patreon.com/beeyotch)

Final Chapter

Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed! See you in Yours Series # 4! 

#NYFinalChapter Final Chapter

“Mommy!”

“Coming,” I said as I hurriedly went outside. It was the family day again at Sammie’s school. I wore an old rose wrap around dress and nude heels.

“We’re late!”

“No, it’s still early.”

“Traffic.”

“No,” I replied as we hurriedly went to the car. Sammie’s performing and she’s excited. Over the year, she became more confident. Before, she’s happy with just reading and going to museums but lately, she’s developed a fondness with performing art. Sean even enrolled her to take ballet classes.

Upon arriving, Sammie hurriedly went to her class. I was left there standing in the middle of the ground, but good thing Sean approached me. I saw how the mothers looked at him like he’s food. Seriously.

“Sean, I don’t understand the appeal you have to the mothers in this school.”

Sean laughed. “Yeah. It feels weird to go here.”

I felt like we’re being watched. I ignored them. It wasn’t my fault that my life’s interesting for them.

“Eli!” Sean called when we saw Eli walking. Some of the mothers, most especially Ramona, looked at us. Seriously… if she wasn’t so unnecessarily rude to me, maybe I’d introduce her to Sean since it seemed like she likes him so much.

“Good morning,” Eli greeted. “Tuloy ba tayo mamaya?”

“What—” I asked because I thought he was asking me, but Sean told him that they’d meet later for whatever they’re doing. I love that they’re close, but sometimes, I feel like Sean’s stealing Eli away from me!

After they discussed, Eli looked at me. “See you later, doc,” he said with a smile before he hurriedly went to his students.

I looked at Sean and frowned. “Stop hogging my boyfriend.”

He laughed. “I’m sorry but I think he likes me more.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up,” I said before we proceeded to the auditorium to watch the performance.

---

After the performance, Sean and I were sitting and waiting for Sammie. I immediately spotted Ramona who was looking at me like I killed a puppy just because I was sitting beside Sean.

“Sean,” I said.

“Yeah?” he replied while he was trying to stay awake.

“After this school year, can we transfer Sammie to another school?”

He looked at me, still trying to stifle a yawn. “Why? Does she want to transfer?” he asked. I wasn’t able to reply, but Sean was intuitive, so he followed where I was looking at and he put two and two together. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s ask Sammie first and if it’s okay with her, let’s start looking for a new school.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, Kels, you have a great life and some people will hate you for having what they want to have.”

My forehead creased.

“But it’s not your responsibility to please them. Live your great life and stop caring about other people’s opinion,” Sean said, shrugging.

My lips parted. “You sound like a fortune cookie.”

He laughed. “No, I just have enough problems to last me a lifetime. If I have a chance at happiness—like you do—I’d grab it with both hands,” he said. “You’re happy. I’m happy for you. Your family’s happy for you. Fuck what other people think.”

I smiled because as he said those things, Eli and Sammie was already walking towards us.

“Eli—” I said.

“Tara na?” he said to Sean.

Sean laughed, standing. “See you later,” he said.

Seriously?!

---

I must’ve been so unbearable already that Sammie fell asleep. How dare Sean take away Eli! It’s family day! We should all be together!

“We’re here…” I told Sammie who was sleeping. “Samantha,” I called. “Wake up.”

Sammie got out of the car. Her eyes were still closed and I didn’t know if I’d laugh when I saw her standing and leaning against the car with her eyes closed. My poor daughter. She must’ve felt so tired from all the dancing she did.

I opened the door first and was about to walk back to her to carry her when I heard someone calling my name.

“What—” I said when I saw Eli standing in the middle of the apartment. The floor was covered with petals and the wall with silver balloons. “I thought—”

He took a step towards me. “Sorry kung iniisip mo na inuuna ko si Sean kaysa sa ’yo… Nagpa-tulong lang ako magplano para dito.”

My lips parted.

I blinked.

Oh, my god.

“Gusto ko sana sa resort sa Bulacan ako magpropose kaya lang hindi ako maka-singit sa schedule mo… Busy ka hanggang next month… E gusto ko na talaga magpropose,” he said as he took out a ring from his pocket. And then got down on his knee.

I felt my heartbeat fastening as I stared at him.

My chest began to tighten.

My eyes began to water.

I couldn’t breathe.

“Kelsey Fuentes…” he began as he looked at me and smiled. “Lagi ko naman sinasabi na mahal kita…” he said and I nodded because he did. He always did. “I love you so much. Gusto kitang maging asawa. Gusto kong makikita ka agad paggising ko sa umaga. Ayoko ng umuwi sa amin.”

I laughed.

He’s really insane sometimes.

“Sorry medyo natagalan… Nag-ipon pa ako para sa singsing na ’to,” he said.

“I don’t care about the ring.”

“Grabe, iappreciate mo naman.”

I frowned. “I mean, thank you so much, but you can give me a candy ring and I’ll still say yes.”

His lips parted. “Wait lang! Hindi pa ako nagtatanong.”

“Then ask me now!”

He laughed. “Grabe, ang atat!”

I bit my lower lip. “Fine, I’m waiting.”

He adjusted on his knee. “Kelsey Fuentes… I love you so much… Please marry me?” he asked. I wanted to say yes immediately, but tears kept on flowing from my eyes. Words betrayed me, so I just nodded and I kept on nodding.

“Say yes, mommy!” I heard Sammie say.

I turned around and saw that Sean, Sammie, and my parents were there. They were all looking at us and smiling. I turned back and looked at Eli.

“Sorry, sabi ko sa kanila kapag nagno ka, umalis na lang sila nang tahimik.”

“Why would I say no?”

He shrugged. “Kung sakali lang naman…”

I handed him my hand. “Elias Jose,” I called his name. He looked at me. I could see the fear in his eyes… Did he really doubt that I’d say yes? Because I was sure that I’d say yes to him now, in my dreams, and even in my nightmares, I’d still say yes.

“Let’s get married,” I said before he let out the very deep and nervous breath he’s been holding.

Eli put the ring on my finger and kissed me. My family congratulated us. We went to a restaurant and celebrated. Sammie went home with Sean and I was left with Eli who drove me to the hospital because I had a duty.

“Good luck sa trabaho, fiancée,” Eli said when he pulled over.

I grinned. “Thank you,” I replied, kissing him. “Can you pick me up after my duty?”

“Of course. Text mo na lang ako.”

“Thank you,” I said and then kissed him again. I restrained myself from doing more because we’re in front of the hospital. I got inside and I noticed some of the nurses looking at the ring in my finger. They looked confused… they didn’t even know that I was dating. It wasn’t a secret, but I was never public about it.

I proceeded to working, but when I had the time to stop and rest, I got my phone from my pocket and chose a pick from my gallery. It was the photo we took earlier. We were looking at the camera and smiling. It was just a simple photo. I uploaded it without a caption.

Reactions and comments flooded. Sean simply gave a heart react. My parents commented gifs. Even Yanyan and Niles commented lots of heart emojis.

Elias Jose Buenviaje commented ‘Gwapo naman niyang kasama mo. Bagay kayo.’

I laughed at his comment and gave it a heart reaction. I placed my phone back in my pocket before I went back to work. God, I couldn’t wait to finish my duty and meet my fiancé. 

**

09-21-2024 update: this book is finally published under Pop fiction!!! Hope you can grab a copy! :) You can get one via the online stores of Popfiction in shopee and lazada. Thank you so much!! x 

Book version contains all the chapters plus epilogue (in Eli’s POV). Epilogue is exclusive in the book version only :)