"What the hell are you doing, Cad?!"
I immediately rushed to my Dad and helped him stand up.
"W-What are you doing here?" Dad asked, stuttering.
Hindi ko sinagot ang tanong ni Dad. I guided him back to his swivel chair and glared at Cad. Mukhang hindi siya apektado na narinig ko ang mga sinabi n'ya, para bang wala siyang pakialam na magkaibigan kami.
"E-Explain this to me because I don't understand why you're doing this, Cad." My voice trembled.
"The world we live in revolves around money, Kiara. I will definitely choose money over my friends and you're not an exception," Cad said in a calm tone. He brushed his tousled hair with his fingers and sighed as if our conversation bores him.
I gritted my teeth and glimpsed at my Dad. Nakatulala lang siya habang nakahawak sa tuhod n'ya, kumirot ang dibdib ko nang makita siya sa gano'ng estado. Huminga na lang ako nang malalim upang pakalmahin ang sarili ko. Tumingin ulit ako kay Cad at naglakad palapit sa kanya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay n'ya at hinila siya palabas ng office ni Dad. Hinila ko siya papuntang meeting room, buti na lang at walang tao ro'n ngayon.
"Cad, if this is a prank or something, I'll kick your ass," I warned him while gritting my teeth.
"You know, Kiara. I have no time for this. Wala na rin naman akong dapat ipaliwanag. What you hear is what you get. You heard us clearly, right? I'm now the major shareholder of NTC, you know what it means. Just convince your father to sell his remaining shares to me... for our friendship's sake, at least." Cad grinned and put his hand inside his pocket.
My vision became blurry as my hands trembled. I bit my lower lip and avoided his gaze. I don't want to believe his words. The Cad I know won't do this to me. He's my friend whom I trust more than anyone... and he knows that.
"Why are you doing this? I'll try to understand, do you desperately need money or something? I-I will help you, you can borrow money from me. H'wag lang 'tong kompanya. My Dad spent almost all his life making NTC successful as it is now. Please, Cad, I'll hear you out," I mumbled softly.
I froze when Cad chuckled as if it's the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. I bit my trembling lower lip and just stared at him, waiting for him to say something... even though I have a feeling that I won't like what he's going to say.
"Kiara, I told you before that you shouldn't trust anyone easily... and that 'anyone' is me. By the way, I have to go now. It's up to you if you still want to hook up with me or not. I really enjoyed the time we spent together." Cad grinned and tapped my shoulder before he left.
Nanghihinang napaupo ako sa malapit na upuan. I honestly don't know what to feel right now. My mixed emotions are uncontrollable that I don't know what to do... I want to shout, I want to cry, I don't know what to do. Cadence is my friend that I trust the most. His words, his actions, everything he does felt sincere that I let myself be fooled.
TAHIMIK KAMING pareho ni Dad. Nakatitig lang ako habang nakatulala siya sa kung saan. I don't know what to say to make him feel better. I want to help him, but I'm not that influential in business world. I'm not confident, I know I can't help him regarding NTC.
"Dad, I'll give my shares to you. I-I know kulang pa 'yon para mahigitan ang kay Mr. Lettiere, pero baka pwede nating kausapin ang ilang shareholders para--"
Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang hawakan ni Dad ang kamay ko. He gave me a small smile and caressed my hand gently.
"It's fine, darling. I'll handle it. You don't have to stress yourself over this. Pinilit ka lang ng Lolo mo na tahakin ang career na 'to, gusto kong maging malaya ka na sa gusto mo... I'm fine, your Dad can handle this." His smile grew wider, but I know he's just forcing himself.
The dark circles under his eyes show that he's not okay. Napakagat na lang ako sa ibabang labi ko at napaiwas ng tingin sa kanya nang maramdaman kong nagbabadyang kumawala ang mga luha ko.
He's not a perfect father but he's perfect and the best father for me... and seeing him like this pains me. He doesn't deserve this. My precious Dad doesn't deserve to be tormented like this.
"Dad, I'm fine with a simple life. I don't need a lot of money and luxuries. You know that, right?" I smiled at him. "Kung nahihirapan ka na po talaga, b-bitiwan mo na po ang kompanya. Just like Mr. Lettiere said, we still jave properties around the country. Ako na lang ang magtatrabaho para sa 'tin," I said and gave him a smile, a reassuring one.
Napangiti na lang si Dad sa sinabi ko. Marahang hinaplos n'ya ang buhok ko habang nakatitig sa akin na para bang ako na lang ang nananatiling lakas n'ya sa lahat ng problemang kinakaharap n'ya ngayon.
"I don't deserve a sweet and kind daughter like you," he mumbled while caressing my hair.
"Dad, don't change the topic. I want you to take a rest from all the stress you've been fighting alone. Can't you just let go of the company? It's just stressing you out," I muttered softly.
Saglit na natahimik si Dad.
"I'll think about it," he said and gave me a smile.
I let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, Dad. Alam ko pong importante ang NTC para sa 'yo, ayaw ko lang po na nakikita kang nahihirapan. It pains me seeing you suffer like this."
Marahang pinisil ni Dad ang kamay ko na tila sinasabi n'ya sa 'kin na magiging maayos din ang lahat. Tipid na napangiti na lang ako at tumango... Sana nga. Ayoko ng mahirapan pa siya lalo.
* * *
"I need Xanthos right now," I murmured while staring at his picture on my phone.
I'm still staying here at Xanthos' pad. Ayoko pa sanang iwan si Dad pero nagpumilit siya na gusto n'ya munang mapag-isa at mag-isip. Nagbilin na lang ako sa mga katulong sa bahay dahil nag-aalala ako. Dad is at his weakest right now. Sa oras na mapagdesisyunan n'yang itigil na ang pag-handle ng NTC, babalik ako sa mansyon at doon na ulit titira.
"Damn."
I let out a heavy sigh when I suddenly remember Cadence. That jerk, he should have just explained himself properly or made an excuse. I can't lose him like this, he's my precious friend. He betrayed and used me and yet... deep inside I'm hoping that he has a good reason for doing it.
I took my phone when I was about to cry again and called Xanthos. I need to relax, I need to hear his voice.
"Hello, Kiara."
I unconsciously smiled when I heard his manly and husky voice. Hearing his voice works like magic. It made me feel good somehow. I sighed and tightly closed my eyes, fighting the urge to go and see him right now. I know his a busy man too, I should know my limits.
"Ahm, a-anong oras ka uuwi?" nauutal na tanong ko.
Gusto kong batukan ang sarili ko. Bakit ngayon pa 'ko tinablan ng hiya? Mas marami pa 'kong nakakahiyang nagawa sa kanya noon.
"Why? Do you miss me already?" he asked in a teasing voice.
"Yes," I answered immediately.
Natahimik naman siya sa kabilang linya na tila hindi n'ya inaasahan na gano'n ang magiging sagot ko. Natatawang napailing na lang ako.
"Where are you?" he asked. I can hear the sound of papers on the other line. It seems like he's really busy.
"At your place," I mumbled.
I looked at the time on my wristwatch. Maaga pa pala, 5 pm pa lang. Mukhang matagal pa 'kong maghihintay bago ko mayakap si Xanthos.
"Why did you ask?" I curled my hair with my finger and sighed.
"I miss you too," he mumbled and ended the call.
I blinked twice when he suddenly ended the call. Nahihiya ba siya o sadyang busy lang talaga?
Napailing na lang ako at bumangon para mag-shower at magpalit ng damit. Sa tulog ko na lang muna idadaan ang lahat ng 'to para hindi ko na isipin nang isipin.
I took a long shower. Inabot yata ako nang mahigit isang oras sa bathroom habang nakababad sa bath tub. As much as I want to stop thinking about Cad and some stuff, I can't stop myself thinking about them. My chest feels heavy, it seems like I won't be able to sleep right now even if I want to.
Nagsuot ako ng robe pagkatapos kong mag-shower at agad na lumabas ng bathroom, pero halos napatalon ako sa gulat sa bumungad sa 'kin paglabas ko.
"Hi," he said casually and waved his hand.
"W-What are you doing here, Xanthos?" I asked in disbelief. He's really full of surprises.
He's sitting on the bed while staring at me. He's still wearing his work attire and it seems like he skipped his work. Did he skip his work for me? Or maybe he just forgot something important?
"Did you just cry?" he asked in a serious tone while staring at me.
I avoided his gaze and cleared my throat. Maybe I look like a messed up bitch right now.
"I asked you first," I said and bit my lower lip.
Tumayo si Xanthos at naglakad papalapit sa 'kin. Natigilan na lang ako nang marahan n'yang hinawakan ang pisngi ko at pinaharap ako sa kanya.
"X-Xanthos?"
I stared at his handsome face. He gave me a refreshing smile that, his smile is so beautiful that it almost reached my soul. I unconsciously smiled and held his hand.
"Let's have a date," he said and kissed my hand. "We will go wherever you want."
Mas lalo akong napangiti sa sinabi n'ya. Mukhang kanina pa lang napansin na n'ya na hindi maganda ang mood ko kaya umuwi siya kaagad galing sa trabaho.
I hugged his waist and buried my face on his neck. He smells good, parang hindi siya galing sa trabaho dahil ang bango pa rin n'ya.
"Hmm, how about a movie date? Kahit dito na lang para hindi na tayo lumabas," sabi ko saka tumingin sa kanya.
Xanthos smiled at me and nodded. "That sounds good."
XANTHOS TOOK a shower too and we just decided to order food since none of us knows how to cook properly. This is just a simple movie date but I'm still thrilled. Maybe the place or simplicity of the date doesn't matter as long as you are with someone you really enjoyed being with. I never imagined myself being like this before. Xanthos is really something.
Sa living room na lang namin napagdesisyunan manood ng movie. Hinanda ko na ang pagkain at beer namin saka binuksan ang TV.
"Ano'ng gusto mong panoorin?" tanong ko kay Xanthos nang umupo siya sa tabi ko.
Napatingin ako sa kanya na nagpupunas ng buhok n'ya gamit ang towel. Tumayo ako saka kinuha sa kanya 'yon at ako na ang nagpunas ng basa n'yang buhok. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo at hinayaan lang ako. Napangiti na lang ako nang bigla siyang yumakap sa baywang ko.
"You smell good," he muttered and buried his face on tummy. I let out a soft chuckle and gently caressed his curly hair. "What movie genre do you want?" he asked and looked at me.
"Hmm, hindi naman ako mapili sa movie... but I like horror and action movies more, especially zombie movies. How about you?" I asked and kissed the tip of his nose.
"I rarely watch movies. I prefer watching documentaries. But I think I like action movies too." He sounded unsure.
"Hmm, how about a horror movie?" I excitedly asked.
"Okay, if that's what you want," he said and let me sit on his lap.
We decided to watch a horror movie that Xanthos and I haven't watched yet. It seems like he's really not into watching movies, hindi n'ya alam halos lahat ng suggested movies ko sa kanya.
"What is that movie all about?" Xanthos asked while eating fries.
"Ahm, ghost?" I chuckled. "By the way, kailangan ba talaga nakakandong ako sa 'yo?" natatawang tanong ko.
Hindi sumagot si Xanthos at sinubuan na lang ako ng fries saka mas niyakap ako papalapit sa kanya. Natawa na lang ako at hinayaan siya sa trip n'ya.
Nagsimula na kaming manood. Gusto kong mapaismid habang nanonood na kami dahil hindi naman gaanong nakakatakot 'tong pinapanood namin. Dapat tiningnan ko muna ang reviews bago ako pumili ng movie... o baka naman sadyang sanay na 'kong manood ng mga ganito kaya hindi na masyadong nakakatakot para sa 'kin.
"What the fuck?"
Natigilan ako nang halos mapatalon si Xanthos sa gulat nang biglang magpakita ang multo a movie. Natatawang napatingin ako sa kanya.
"Are you scared?" I asked while trying to stop myself from laughing out loud. I didn't expect him to react like this on a horror movie.
"No, it's just... the background music is exaggerating," he said and cleared his throat.
Natatawang napailing na lang ako at muling binaling ang atensyon sa movie habang nainom ng beer. Medyo nagiging blurry na ang paningin ko dahil marami na rin akong nainom.
Pinakiramdaman ko si Xanthos na kanina pa tahimik. Gusto kong matawa sa tuwing napapapitlag siya at pasimpleng nagtatago sa likuran ko kapag nakakatakot na ang scene. I honestly didn't expect him to be scared over a horror movie. Nahahalata kong pinipigil n'ya lang ang sarili n'ya na h'wag mag-react.
"Ah, the movie's finally done. It was boring as hell. Hindi naman nakakatakot." I let out a heavy sigh.
Xanthos looked at me with disbelief in his eyes. I want to laugh my ass off because he looked like a scared child right now. Mukhang hindi agad siya makaka-move on sa pinanood namin.
"Y-You didn't find that fucking movie scary?" he asked, still stunned.
Natawa na lang ako at yumakap sa batok n'ya. Medyo lasing na yata talaga ako dahil gusto ko siyang pagtrip-an ngayon. Ang cute talaga ng reaction n'ya sa movie na pinanood namin. Hindi ko talaga ine-expect 'yon.
"Let's watch another movie, I want something scarier than that," I said and smiled sweetly.
"S-Something scarier?"
Tuluyan na akong natawa nang halos mawalan ng kulay ang mukha n'ya. Nanggigigil na kinurot ko ang pisngi n'ya saka dinampian ng halik ang labi n'ya.
I laughed. "You're such a cute baby."
"You're making fun of me," tila nagtatampong sabi n'ya.
Napangiti na lang ako at yumakap sa batok n'ya. Napatitig ako sa gwapong mukha n'ya habang hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi ko. Gusto kong matawa dahil napapaismid pa rin siya.
"Thank you, Xanthos," I mumbled and gave him a soft kiss on his right cheek.
His expression softened. He smiled at me and caressed my hair gently.
"For what?"
"For making me feel better," I answered.
"I knew it, you had a hard time today, haven't you? You can tell it to me if you want to," he said in a soft voice while still caressing my hair.
I bit my lower lip and avoided his gaze.
"W-Well, Cadence is your close friend, right?" I asked, stuttering.
"Hmm, you can say that. But we're actually not that close. Why are you asking that?" he asked.
"Ahm, today I discovered that he's just betraying me. He's now the major shareholder of NTC and he did that behind my father's back. I don't want to think that he really wanted to betray me. Gusto kong isipin na kailangan n'ya lang talaga ng pera kaya n'ya nagawa 'yon. I keep on making excuses inside my head because I don't want to lose a friend like him... but what about Dad? He's suffering too. As much as I want to let this pass and let Cad become my friend again... I just... I can't stop thinking about how my Dad was on his knees, how my Dad suffered from stress and everything. I don't know what to do anymore," I mumbled softly. I just bit the insides of my cheeks, trying to stop myself from bursting into tears. "W-Why did he do that, Xanthos?"
"I don't know why Cad did that, but Cad loves money more than everything. I guess he had a rough childhood regarding money or something. I don't know so I can't judge him. What he did was wrong but the business world is always like that. You can't trust everyone around you." He sighed and hugged my waist. "Do you want me to help you?" he asked and looked at me.
"No, you don't have to. Being with me right now is already a big help. Thank you for making me feel better," I mumbled and hugged him tighter.
"I should be the one to say that," he said and kissed my lips gently.
"Why?" I didn't do something for him to thank me.
Hindi siya sumagot at mas hinigpitan ang yakap sa 'kin. Napangiti na lang ako at hinaplos ang buhok n'ya na tuyo na ngayon.
"Xanthos."
"Hmm?" he asked while staring at me as if I'm the most beautiful in his eyes.
"I love you."
Halatang natigilan siya sa sinabi ko. Napangiti na lang ako sa naging reaksyon n'ya. Bahagyang napaawang ang mga labi n'ya na para bang hindi n'ya inaasahan na sasabihin ko 'yon.
"K-Kiara, I-I don't know what to say or how to react... I--" Dinampian ko ng halik ang labi n'ya para patigilin siya sa sasabihin n'ya.
"You don't need to respond. I know it's too fast for you. I just want to say it but I don't want to burden you with my confession," I said and smiled at him.
I don't know why I'm not nervous or anything right now. This is the first time I told that special three words to someone but for some unknown reason... I'm not nervous at all.
Saglit siyang natahimik habang nakatitig pa rin sa 'kin. Natigilan na lang ako nang bigla n'yang hawakan ang likod ko at hinila ako para yakapin. Napakurap na lang ako at gumanti ng yakap sa kanya.
He gave my cheek a soft kiss and murmured something to my ear. "Damn, you're full of surprises... and you're really the most amazing woman."