"Tama na ang pagiging bitter mo, Denise. Tanggapin mo na lang na si kuya ang pinili ni Kiara," nakangising sabi ni Abi na tila inaasar si Denise.
"Leche! Manahimik ka, please. Never kong matatanggap kahit maging puti pa ang uwak at lahat ng hayop sa mundo. Team Xanthos lang ako forever," sabi ni Denise at napaismid.
I just shook my head while preparing breakfast for my kids who are busy playing with their toys.
"Xiana, Xevan... dito muna kayo mga anak. Kakain na kayo," sabi ko nang matapos silang ipagluto ng pancake.
My kids immediately ran to me and hugged my waist. I smiled and squatted to give them both lots of kisses.
"Mama, next time I want carbonara just like Papa's recipe. Pleaseee," Xiana pleaded and hugged me tighter.
"Carbonara? Your father can cook that?" I asked, stunned.
"Of course, Mama. Papa is the best cook!" Xiana proudly said.
"Really? That's surprising," I mumbled.
He can only cook menudo before. Hindi ko alam na marunong na siyang magluto ngayon.
"Oo naman, mareng Kiara. Um-attend pa ng cooking class si Sir Xanthos noon pa. Nu'ng unang beses n'yang sinubukang magluto, muntik pang nasunog 'yung pad n'ya. Pero ngayon, kung titikman mo ang mga luto ni Sir, baka ma-fall ka ulit sa kanya," sabi naman ni Denise at nagtaas-baba pa ng kilay.
I just laughed and shook my head. That was really surprising. I never thought that Xanthos will go that far for our kids... but well, seeing how much Xevan and Xiana love him, I guess he must be a good father to them. They even call him the best father in the world.
"Sorry ka na lang, Denise. Magaling din magluto si Kuya Archer. Malamang nga natikman na ni Kiara ang mga luto n'ya. Right, my dear friend?" tanong ni Abi, tila ayaw ipatalo ang manok n'ya na si Archer.
I smiled and nodded. "Hmm, magaling magluto si Archer."
Ipinaghain ko na sina Xiana at Xevan habang sina Denise at Abi ay patuloy pa rin sa pag-aaway. Kulang na lang yata ay magsabunutan silang dalawa. Hindi na lang ako umaawat dahil lagi naman silang ganyan simula nang maging boyfriend ko si Archer.
Natigilan lang kami nang makarinig ng katok. Agad akong napangiti, malamang si Archer na 'yon.
"H'wag n'yong pagbuksan, unit ko 'to kaya ako ang masusunod," nakapamaywang na sabi ni Denise.
"Tanggapin mo na lang kasi, Denise girl. Nasa akin ang huling halakhak, ako ang magiging sister-in-law ni Kiara," nakataas-kilay na sabi ni Abi.
"Gusto mong tadyakan kita palabas ng unit ko? Ako ang mananalo, ako ang magiging secretary-in-law ni mareng Kiara!" sabi naman ni Denise.
Napailing na lang ako at pinagbuksan ng pinto si Archer. Agad siyang napangiti nang makita ako. Sinalubong ko naman siya ng yakap at dinampian siya ng halik sa pisngi.
"It's not good to be that beautiful first thing in the morning, Kiara," he muttered and hugged my waist.
"Bolero," sabi ko na lang at hinampas ang dibdib n'ya.
"Hoy malalandi, kung maglalandian lang kayo diyan sa pinto forever please magsilayas na lang kayo sa pamamahay ko, ASAP!" sigaw ni Denise.
Natatawang napailing na lang ako at pinapasok si Archer sa loob. Agad naman siyang lumapit kina Xiana at Xevan at binigyan ang kambal ng halik sa noo.
"How are you, kids?" Archer asked.
"Hindi sila okay kasi nandito ka na raw," bulong ni Denise habang napapaismid.
"Ang sungit mo pa rin sa 'kin hanggang ngayon," natatawang sabi ni Archer kay Denise.
Napaismid na lang si Denise at inirapan siya. Masyado n'yang pinanghahawakan si Xanthos. Maayos naman kami ni Xanthos ngayon, wala namang sama ng loob sa pagitan naming dalawa.
Pagkatapos kumain, agad na rin kaming umalis. Ihahatid muna namin ni Archer ang kambal sa school bago kami papasok sa trabaho.
"Tito Archer, papakasalan mo po ba si Mama?" tanong ni Xiana mula sa backseat.
"Xiana, why are you suddenly asking that?" I asked and looked at her.
Xiana just pouted and curled her already curly hair with her finger. Xevan remained quiet while looking outside.
"Of course, Xiana, we'll get married eventually. But we have to wait first until you mother's ready," Archer said and held my hand.
I don't have plans with marriage yet. But Archer is right, we'll get married eventually.
"Magpakabait kayo ha, h'wag kayong mang-aaway ng classmate. Always be good to your teacher. I love you, my babies. Give me a kiss," sabi ko saka yumuko.
Yumakap naman sa 'kin ang kambal at pinupog ng halik ang mukha ko. Napangiti na lang ako at niyakap din sila.
"I love you too, Mama! I'll be a good girl po," Xiana said and kissed me on my cheek again.
"I love you so much, Mama," sabi naman ni Xevan na nagpangiti sa akin.
Nang nakapagpaalam na sila, pinanood ko na lang sila hanggang makapasok sila sa school. Naramdaman kong umakbay sa 'kin si Archer.
"Ako, walang kiss?" bulong n'ya.
Pabirong siniko ko ang tagiliran n'ya. "Puro ka kalokohan, halika na sa kotse. Male-late na tayo sa trabaho," natatawang sabi ko na lang.
My three months relationship with Archer were pure bliss. I can't say that he's a perfect boyfriend, but he's doing his best to be like one. He has his ways on making me happy and comfortable with him. He's not just a boyfriend to me, he's also a friend that I can share my feelings and burdens with. Archer is a perfect boyfriend for me... he's more than what I deserve.
"I have to get off now, Archer. Alam mo namang hindi tayo pwedeng makita ng employees mo," sabi ko na lang nang pigilan n'ya 'kong bumaba ng kotse n'ya.
Archer sighed and just pulled me into a tight hug. I smiled and hugged him back.
"I'm proud that you're my girlfriend... why do we have to hide our relationship to them?" tila nagmamaktol na tanong n'ya.
Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at hinarap siya. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang pisngi n'ya at marahang pinisil 'yon.
"Ayaw ko lang na magkaroon ng kaaway sa kompanya. Alam mo naman ang magiging tingin nila sa 'kin kapag nalaman nila na boyfriend kita, diba? Iisipin nila na inakit kita or what dahil ikaw ang boss."
Napabuntonghininga si Archer sa sinabi ko. He just kissed my forehead and nodded. I smiled and kissed his lips. He instantly responded to my kiss and hugged my waist. Good thing his car is heavy tinted.
"H'wag na lang kaya tayong pumasok ngayon," sabi ni Archer sa pagitan ng halik n'ya.
Hinampas ko ang dibdib n'ya. "I'll kick your ass."
He just chuckled and hugged me tighter as if he doesn't want to let me go.
"Kiara, gusto na talaga kitang ipakilala sa parents ko," bulong n'ya saka isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg ko.
"Kilala na naman nila ako, e," natatawang sabi ko na lang.
"I mean, gusto kong makilala ka na nila bilang girlfriend ko," tila naghihimutok na sabi n'ya.
Napangiti na lang ako at tumango. "Fine, let's do that."
Napangiti rin naman siya at muli akong siniil ng halik sa labi.
Matagal din kaming naglandian sa kotse na halos muntik na naming malimutan ang oras. Dali dali na 'kong bumaba ng kotse n'ya. Sa likod ng building n'ya ako dinala dahil may daan do'n papasok ng kompanya na walang masyadong nadaan. Alam naman ng guard do'n ang relasyon namin ni Archer at mapagkakatiwalaan daw ito sabi n'ya.
"Kiara... totoo bang may relasyon kayo ni Sir Archer?"
Natigilan ako sa agad na tanong nila sa 'kin pagpasok ko sa kompanya. Agad na nanlamig ang mga kamay ko dahil sa kaba. Paano nila nalaman 'yon?
"H-Ha?" tanong ko na lang dahil hindi ko alam ang sasabihin.
"May nakakita sa inyo ni Sir na nakain sa isang restaurant. May nagsabi rin na nakita nila si Sir Archer na kasama kang ihatid ang mga anak mo sa school. So... ibig sabihin no'n may relasyon kayo diba?" tanong pa ng isang empleyado.
Huminga ako nang malalim at pilit na pinakalma ang sarili ko kahit pinagpapawisan na ako nang malamig ngayon.
"I-It's not like that..." I mumbled and forced a smile.
"What do you mean 'it's not like that'? Bakit dine-deny mo pa? Kaya naman pala na-promote ka, ang lakas mo kay Sir," tila nanunuyang sabi naman ng isa.
I bit my lower lip and tried to calm myself. I want to be professional and reserved as much as possible. I shouldn't let this took over my emotion. I'm like a tamed cat here but they don't know how can I be when I'm angry... I want to have a good image here. Ayokong ma-turn off sa akin ang mga magulang ni Archer kapag pinakilala n'ya na ako sa kanila bilang girlfriend n'ya... pero sinasagad ng mga 'to ang pasensya ko.
"Why are you all so insecure? Why? Can't accept the fact that I can have a boyfriend as perfect as him while you can't?" I asked and raised an eyebrow.
Tila namula sa galit ang mga mukha nila. Agad na nag-angat ng kamay ang isang empleyado at akmang sasampalin ako nang may agad na humawak sa balikat n'ya.
"Hey, woman... what do you think you're doing?"
Natigilan ako nang makita si Xanthos na malamig na nakatingin sa babae. Bahagyang napaatras sa akin ang empleyado nang bigyan siya nang nakakatakot na tingin ni Xanthos.
"I'm asking you..." Xanthos added in a cold tone while staring at the woman.
What is he doing here?
Natahimik naman ang lahat at tila natakot sa presensya ni Xanthos. Maski ako kung hindi ko siya kilala, matatakot din ako sa presensya n'ya. Di hamak na mas malaki siya kaysa sa mga tao rito. Idagdag pa na kita ang tattoo n'ya sa kamay na dumagdag sa kakaibang aura n'ya.
Xanthos looked at me, his expression softened. "Are you alright?"
I smiled and nodded. "I'm fine, you don't have to do that."
Hindi ko na maalala ang huling beses na nakita ko si Xanthos. Pakiramdam ko isang taon na yata ang nakakalipas nang huli kaming nagkita.
Xanthos finally let go of the employee's shoulder. Dali dali namang nagsi-alisan ang mga empleyado at iniwan kami dahil na rin siguro sa takot kay Xanthos.
There's nothing to fear about him if we will talk about how he is now. I know that he became a good man for our children. I'm actually proud that he's their father.
"Thank you, Xanthos," I said and smiled shyly. It's kinda embarrassing that he has to see me in that situation.
"Where's your boyfriend? Why isn't he with you right now?" he asked, his forehead creased again.
"We don't need to be always together. It's just a shame that the employees discovered about our relationship," I said and held my arm. "Ahm, by the way, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here for work related matters... I'll go ahead, take care of yourself," he said and gently tapped my head before going inside the elevator. I just smiled as I watch him leave.
Our kids are right... Xanthos became a better man indeed. I'm happy for him.
I just sighed and let out a deep breath. It seems like I have to resign and look for another company now.
"I'm nervous, Archer... Ngayon na ba talaga?" kinakabahang tanong ko.
Archer laughed and held my hand and intertwined our fingers. "Don't be nervous. Alam mo namang mabait ang parents ko, diba?"
I know that. Ilang taon ko ng kaibigan si Abi at madalas akong napunta sa kanila noon. Mabait nga talaga ang mga magulang nila at hindi matapobre kahit pa mayaman sila. Pero kinakabahan pa rin ako. Ibang sitwasyon na kasi ito.
Kinakabahan pa rin ako hanggang sa makarating kami sa mansyon nina Archer. Ang tagal na noong huling beses akong nagpunta rito. College pa yata ako no'n.
"Manang, where's Mom and Dad?" Archer asked one of the maids.
"Nasa dining area na po sila, Sir. Kanina pa po sila naghihintay."
Mas lalong umakyat ang kaba ko habang naglalakad na kami papuntang dining area. Halatang nararamdaman ni Archer ang kaba ko kaya marahan n'yang pinipisil ang kamay ko.
"H'wag kang kabahan, nandito lang ako lagi sa tabi mo," sabi ni Archer saka dinampian ng halik ang likod ng palad ko. Napangiti na lang ako kahit nangunguna ang kaba sa puso ko.
Naghihintay nga ang mga magulang n'ya sa dining area pagdating namin. Agad kaming pinaupo ng mga 'to habang pinaghahain kami ng mga katulong. Halos hindi ko na marinig ang paligid sa sobrang kaba.
"I didn't imagine that you'll end up with one of Abi's friends, Archer. I'm happy, Kiara is a good woman," Tita Celina, Archer's mom said.
I just felt a little better as time passes by. They're still kind as ever. Archer's Dad is not talking that much but he's always like that even before. He rarely talks and kinda looks scary and intimidating but Abi said that her father is actually kind as you get to know him.
"May balak na ba kayong magpakasal?" tanong pa ni Tita Celina.
"We're not going there yet... but we'll eventually get married. I'm hoping to get your blessing on that moment, Mom." Archer held my hand under the table.
"Of course, I don't mind," Tita Celina said and smiled at me.
Nang matapos na kaming kumain. Nag-request si Tita Celina na kausapin ako nang mag-isa sa living room. Iniwan naman kami ni Archer at ng Dad nito para makapag-usap.
"I'll be honest, Kiara. I heard what happened to NTC and your father," Tita Celina said. Her voice became serious and the smile on her face vanished.
My hands trembled as well as my knees. I don't like where this conversation is leading. I have a bad feeling about this.
"I know NTC has a new owner now and your father is currently in prison because of rape and murder case. Alam ko rin na may dalawa ka ng anak," seryosong sabi nito habang nakatitig sa 'kin.
Alanganing napangiti na lang ako. "O-Opo, tama po ang lahat ng sinabi n'yo," mahinang sambit ko na lang.
"Don't get me wrong, Kiara. I liked you before. You're smart, classy, a business tycoon's heiress, you were almost perfect before... But things are different now. You know what I mean, right?"
I bit my lower lip and avoided her gaze. Of course, I know it... I know what she's trying to say.
"Kung ikaw ang nasa posisyon ko, papayag ka bang babaeng may mga anak na at anak pa ng kriminal ang makatuluyan ng anak mo?" deretsahang tanong ni Tita Celina.
Hindi ako nakasagot. Pakiramdam ko wala akong kalaban laban sa kanya sa mga oras na 'to.
"I'll go straight to the point, Ms. North... I don't like you for my son. My son deserves a better woman. I'm planning to marry him off with my friend's daughter. Please, get what I'm trying to say. I don't have grudge against you or something. I just want my son to end up with an ideal woman... and you're not that kind of woman."
Tita Celina's words left me speechless that I didn't even get to say a word. I don't know why I didn't defend myself. Maybe it's because I know she's right. I'm not the kind of woman that Archer deserves. I'm helpless against the woman that his mother wants him to end up with.
"Kiara, bakit kanina ka pa tahimik? Okay ka lang ba?" tanong ni Archer at hinawakan ang kamay ko.
I just smiled at him and nodded. "I'm fine."
Napabuntonghininga na lang ako at tumingin sa bintana... Siguro nga ay hindi gano'ng kadali ang gustuhing sumaya sa lalaking mahal mo lalo na kung masyadong mataas para sa 'yo.