“Mag-behave ka lang doon okay? Wag mong papagurin si lola masyado.”

“Yes, Mommy,” nakangusong sabi niya habang abala sa pag-aayos ng mga laruan na dadalhin niya.

Iiiwan ko muna siya kina Mommy ngayon dahil maggo-grocery ako. Hindi ko na siya isasama para madali lang akong makatapos. Dapat sana ay susunduin ko lang din siya pagkatapos kong mag-grocery pero nag-request si Mommy na iwanan ko na si Bree sa kanila buong araw. They are really missing her so much.

I called Dad's driver to fetch us here in the condominium. Ihahatid ko muna si Bree sa kanila bago ako magco-commute papuntang Supermarket.

“Mom, please don't give her too much sweets,” nakikiusap na sabi ko. “Nagrereklamo na siya sa akin noong isang gabi na sumasakit na 'yong ngipin niya.”

Mom smiled at me then nod my head. “I won't unless... she act to cutely and I can't refuse.”

“Mom...” nakangusong sabi ko.

She chuckled then took Bree's hand from me. “I'll take care of her, Gie.”

I sighed. “Okay,” I said then turn to Bree. “Behave, okay?”

She nods her head then smiled. “I will, Mommy.”

I smiled then slightly bow my head to place a kiss on her forehead.

“I love you.”

“I love you, Mommy.”

Umayos ako ng tayo at saka nilingon si Mommy. I smiled at her then gives her a hug.

“Thanks Mom," I said. “I'll get going.”

She nods her head. “Gusto mo bang magpahatid na lang sa driver natin? I can-”

“No, it's fine Mom,” I said cutting her off. “I'll just take a cab.”

After dropping off Bree to Mom's house, I took a cab going to the Supermarket. When I went out of the cab, there are a lot of people going in and out of the supermarket.

It's grocery day today that's why I kinda expected that there will be a lot of people in here. It's also one of the reason why I didn't really brought Bree in here.

Nang makapasok sa loob ay pumunta muna ako sa personal stuff and grooming section. Walang masyadong tao dito, hindi gaya ng mga ibang section kaya inuna ko munang bilhin ang mga kailangan ko dito.

I took a couple of tissues. I smiled when I saw a family design toothbrush on the sale section. The design is cute. I'm sure Bree will like it so I took one.

I also bought some bathroom necessities like shampoo's, toothpaste, soaps and such. Kumuha rin ako ng mga sanitary pads since malapit na rin ang monthly period ko. I need some stocks.

After getting everything I needed in the section I started pushing the cart to the canned goods section. Bibili ako ng mga spam and corned beef since it's Bree's favorite breakfast together with hotdogs and eggs. Bumili rin ako ng mga cup noddles and other instant foods.

Lilipat na ako ulit dapat ng section ng biglang matigilan ng makasalubong ang isang taong hindi ko inaasahang makita dito ngayon.

Brent...

Umawang ang labi ko at bahagyang nanlaki ang mata habang nakatitig sa kaniya. My expression mirrored his. He also looks surprise upon seeing me.

“Uh...” I trailed off, not knowing what to say.

Hindi ko maiwasang bumaba ang paningin ko sa suot niya. He is wearing a simple white shirt and a jagger pants. Mukhang galing lang siya sa bahay niya at nagpunta dito para bumili ng...

Bumaba ang paningin ko sa hawak-hawak niyang canned beer at isang box ng... condom. My face heat up then I averted my gaze.

I heard him cleared his throat making me look at him again.

“H-hi,” he greeted then scratch the back of his neck.

Nakagat ko ang labi ng mapansing itago niya ang hawak na condom sa may likuran niya.

I cleared my throat. “Hi,” I muttered.

Pagkatapos kong mag-text sa kaniya noong isang araw ay nag-reply siya sa akin at tinanong kung kailan ko siya gustong makausap.

It was supposed to be yesterday but then he cancelled it last minute 'cause he had an emergency meeting. He told me that he'll just message me when he is free again.

“Uh... I'll go ahead,” naiilang na sabi ko at saka siya nilampasan.

Mukhang nagmamadali rin naman siya ngayon. Maybe someone's waiting for him... since he bought a condom.

Nang mabili ko na lahat ng bilihin ko at ang mga bilin ni Bree ay dumiretso na ako sa cashier. 

Tatlong tao pa ang nasa unahan ko kaya kailangan ko pang maghintay ng ilang minuto. Napatingin ako sa may likuran at agad na natigilan ng makitang nakatayo na sa may likuran ko si Brent. Hindi sinasadyang bumaba ang paningin ko sa dala dala niya.

My brows raise when I didn't saw the condom he was holding before and only the can beer.

Did he put it back?

“About the thing you want us to talk about...”

Napatingin ako sa kaniya ng magsalita siya. Seryoso lang ang mukha niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

“I have a meeting after this... but I'm free in the afternoon.”

Saglit akong natigilan at saka tumango. I sighed then smiled.

“Okay, thank you.”

Nang makatapos na ako sa pila ay agad na akong lumabas ng supermarket. Iniwan ko na doon si Brent kasi... hindi naman kami magkasama para hintayin ko siya.

I'll only text him the address on where we are going to meet later. I hope this time, I can already tell him.

Ibinaba ko muna ang dalawang paper bag na dala dala ko dahil masyadong mabigat at nangangalay na ako sa pagdadala. May bitbit pa akong isang plastic bag.

I took my phone out of my pocket and dialed Dad's number. Magpapasundo na lang ako. Ang hirap mag-commute kapag ganito kadami ang dala-dala ko.

Nangunot ang noo ko ng hindi ko macontact ang number ng driver namin.

Is he busy? Gosh...

“Hatid na kita.”

Napatingin ako sa may gilid ko ng may biglang magsalita. Naibaba ko ang hawak na cellphone at saka siya hinarap.

I smiled then shook my head. “No, it's fine. I can manage it, Brent.”

Bahagyang nangunot ang noo niya. “I insist.”

Saglit na umawang ang labi ko. “Uh... hindi na talaga. I can handle this... besides, you said you still have a meeting, right?”

He smirked at me then raise his brows. “I own the company, Angiela.”

I pursed my lips when I heard his boastful tone. Wala na akong nagawa ng kuhanin niya ang dalawang paper bag ko at saka nagsimula ng maglakad papunta sa kotse niya.

I sighed. Wala na akong nagawa at sumunod na lang sa kaniya. He stops in front of a red Ferrari and open the backseat. Inilagay niya na doon 'yong dalawang paper bag at saka humarap sa akin at kinuha ang dala-dala kong plastic bag.

I bit my lip. “Thanks,” I said.

He nods his head then open the door of the shoot gun seat for me. Hindi ko naiwasang mag-taas ng kilay sa naging kilos niya.

He slightly chuckled seeing my reaction.

“Don't be like that,” natatawang sabi niya. “I used to do this before, Angel.”

Napanguso ako at saka natatawa ring tumango. “Yeah, when you're in the mood to be a gentleman.”

Napatingin ako sa kaniya ng marinig siyang tumawa. I slightly chuckled and can't help myself from staring at him.

I suddenly miss his smiles and laughs.

Natigil siya sa pagtawa ng makitang nakatitig ako. Our eyes met and linger with each other for a moment before I look away. I bit my lip then went inside his car already.

Saglit siyang nanatiling nakatayo doon bago niya sinaraduhan ang pinto at naglakad papunta sa driver's seat.

Tahimik lang kami sa loob ng sasakyan. When his car parked in front of my condominium, I took my seatbelt off and was about to say my thanks but then I was surprised when he went out already.

Lumabas na rin ako at saka tumulong na mag-dala ng mga pinamili ko kanina.

“A-ako na lang,” sabi ko at akmang kukuhanin na sa kaniya 'yong isang plastic bag pero iniiwas niya 'yon.

“Ako na,” mariin na sabi niya at saka ngumisi. “Lead the way, Angel,” nakangising sabi niya at saka iminuwestra ang daan.

I pursed my lips then sighed. Fine... Bahala siya.

Nagsimula na akong maglakad papasok. I smiled on the guard when he greeted us. Nagtuloy-tuloy ako sa paglalakad hanggang sa makasakay na sa elevator.

Akala ko ay aalis na siya pagkatapos pero mukhang plano niya akong ihatid hanggang sa tapat ng condo ko.

None of us is saying anything but it wasn't an awkward silence.

When the elevator opened, I went out and started walking towards our condo. Tumigil ako sa tapat ng condo namin ni Bree at saka siya nilingon.

“Dito kayo nakatira ni Bree?” Tanong niya pagkatapos ng saglit na katahimikan.

I bit my lip then nod. I know that he is familiar with this place, especially this condo unit. Ito 'yong condo ko noong college and he's been here a couple of times... before.

“Yeah,” I murmured. “I just made some changes and stuff.”

He nods his head still staring intently at me. I cleared my throat.

“T-thanks,” sabi ko at saka ngumiti.

Kinuha ko na sa kaniya 'yong plastic bag at ang mga paper bags. I smiled at him. Bahagyang nangunot pa ang noo ng makitang mukhang wala pa siyang balak na umalis. He puts his hands on his pockets.

Does he want me to invite him in? I bit my lip. Ang sama naman ng ugali ko kung hindi ko man lang siya aalukin ng kahit na kape man lang.

“Uh... d-do you want to go inside?” Napapahiyang tanong ko.

He smirked then shook his head. “Maybe later.”

Nangunot ang noo ko. “Later?”

“I'll go here after my meeting... so we can talk.”

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata ko at saka natigilan. Here? Pero bakit kailangan dito pa? Puwede namang...

“W-we can just go somewhere...” I trailed off. “Comfortable like a coffee shop or something.”

His brows raise then he slightly tilt his head. “Nakalimutan mo na bang madalas ako dito dati?” He asked smirking. “So if we're talking about being comfortable... then your place is the best spot for that.”  

Umawang ang labi ko sa gulat at hindi agad nakasagot. My place? Best...spot?

What the...

May ngiti sa labi niya pero naging seryoso ang mukha niya. Napalunok ako.

“I'll come by in here later then we'll talk,” he said with a serious tone. “Kahit na anong gusto mong pag-usapan at... sabihin sa akin,” makahulugan na sabi niya dahilan para biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaibang kaba dahil sa makahulugang tono ng pananalita at tingin niya.

Does he have an idea? Does he knew it already? Nakagat ko ang labi ng maalala ang sinabi ni Zach sa akin.

Only an idiot won't know who is Bree's father... so does that mean that Brent already...

Gosh...

But then if he does... then why is he still not asking and confronting me about it?

Dapat sana ay hindi na ako magluluto ng lunch pero pupunta dito si Brent at baka hindi pa siya kumakain. Nakakahiya naman na wala akong maiaalok sa kaniya.

After eating, I went inside my room to check the time. It's already quarter to one in the afternoon. May isang message din galing kay Dad. He said that they took Bree with them in the office. I replied before putting my phone back in the bed side table.

I went inside the bathroom to take a quick shower. I sighed as the cold water flows down from my head down to my body. Every tick of the clock makes me edgy and uneasy. I can't stay still and can't help but to overthink again.

All the uncertain things has been running round and round in every corner of my mind and it won't just take a rest.

I bit my lip hard thinking of the right and exact words I need to say to him. I am trying to think about how am I gonna take all his questions, madness and rage if ever.

I'm nervous and a bit worried of how he is going to react once he already knows about the truth... regarding Bree's existence.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at saka kumuha ng isang simpleng shirt at shorts sa dresser bago nagbihis. I dried my hair with a towel before tying it in a messy bun.

I looked at the mirror then pouted my lips. I look too casual. Pero okay lang naman 'to kasi hindi ko naman na kailangan pang umalis ng bahay. Besides, I'm at my own house. I applied a little bit of red lipstick to hide my dryness of my lips.

Bahagya pa akong napatalon sa gulat ng marinig na tumunog ang doorbell. I looked at the time and saw that it's already two in the afternoon.

That must be him already.

I heaved a sigh before walking out of the room and going for the door. I slowly raise my hand to open the door.

I pursed my lips when I came face to face with Brent.

“Hi,” he said in a formal voice.

Nakagat ko ang labi at napaiwas ng tingin ng bumaba ang mata niya sa kabuuan ko bago muling tumingin sa akin.

I cleared my throat. “Uh... come on in,” sabi ko at saka niluwagan ang pagkakabukas ng pinto.

Tumango siya bago tuluyang pumasok sa loob. Kagat ang labi kong sinaraduhan ang pinto at saka sumunod sa kaniya.

He is looking around in the whole place with his hands on his pockets. Bumaba ang mata ko sa suot niya. He looks like he just came from work because he is still wearing his white long sleeves and he's coat is wrap around his one arm.

I cleared my throat making him look at me.

“It look nice,” sabi niya at saka muling lumingon sa paligid.

I nod my head then smile a little. “Thanks.”

He nods his head then stared at me. Saglit akong napatitig sa kaniya bago naiilang na nag-iwas ng tingin.

“Upo ka muna,” I murmured.

“Thanks,” he said then sat down comfortably in the couch as if it's not his first time in here after a long time.

Maliit akong napangiti. There are things that haven't change after all.

“Do you... want coffee?” I asked.

“I just had a coffee,” he said then sighed.

I nod my head. “Oh, I see...” I trailed off. “Uh... h-have you eaten already?”

Saglit siyang natigilan at saka napatitig sa akin. He pursed his lips. Naitikom ko ang labi ng isandal niya ang siko sa arm rest ng sofa at saka nakangising tumitig sa akin.

“W-what?” Naiilang na tanong ko.

“You cooked?” Nakangising tanong niya.

I pursed my lips then raise my brows. “Yes, I did.”

I don't wanna sound boastful but I guess I did making him chuckle.

“So you learned huh?” Tanong niya.

I pursed my lips then nod my head. Sa ilang taon naming dalawa ni Bree sa Paris ay natuto na rin akong magluto. Ayoko namang magutom ang anak ko dahil hindi marunong magluto ang nanay niya.

I shrugged my shoulders. “So... kakain ka ba o hindi?”

He smirked. “Maybe later,” he said then look at his wrist watch. “Let's talk first.”

Napalunok ako at saka dahan dahang tumango. I sighed then sat down on the couch in front of him.

I looked at him and saw him staring at me with his serious expression. I bit my lip then shifted awkwardly on my seat.
Umayos siya ng upo at saka itinukod ang dalawang siko sa tuhod niya.

“So...” he trailed off. “What is it that you wanna talk about?”

I sighed then grip tightly on the pillow that is on my lap.

“It's a-about...” nauutal na sabi ko at saka nagbaba ng tingin.

Bigla ay dinadaga na ng kaba ang dibdib ko. Nabablangko na naman ang utak ko at wala na akong ibang naririnig kundi ang malalakas na tibok ng puso ko.

“About?” Tanong niya, halatang naghihintay ng susunod na sasabihin ko.

I sighed then looked down before shutting my eyes so tight.

You got this Gie... You just have to tell him... Tell him Angiela... You promised Bree....

I pursed my lips before looking back at him again.

“I w-want to t-tell you about...” nauutal na sabi ko.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. “About?” Tanong niya at bahagyang nakakunot ang noo, halatang nagtataka sa mga reaksiyon ko.

“I w-want to tell you something about B-bree.”

Ipagpapatuloy......