Always, In All Ways (Change Series #4)

Chapter 14

"Good night, Natalia."

Nandito na kami sa tapat ng bahay namin. Sabi ko kay Gio, pumasok siya bahay pero kailangan na raw niyang umuwi dahil magbabasa pa siya. Hindi ako nakapag-react sa sinabi niya kanina, umiwas lang ako ng tingin tapos pinaandar na niya 'yung kotse. Hindi ko tuloy alam ang sasabihin ko buong byahe.

I nodded. "Thank you sa paghatid."

Lumabas na ako ng kotse, nakabukas ang bubong niya nang umuwi kami. Inaabot pa sa akin ni Gio 'yung paper bags para hindi ako mahirapan.

"Thank you ulit." sabi ko pagkaabot ko ng paper bags.

He pointed me. "We'll have coffee, okay?"

I nodded and chuckled. "Good night."

Our guard opened the gate for me. I waved at Gio before I went inside our gate. Gio waved at me, too.

I was smiling while walking. Hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang ngiti ko. Pagbukas ko ng pinto namin, nakatayo pala si Daddy at nagkakape kaya napahinto ako.

"Was that Gio?" he asked.

Nawala ang ngiti ko. "Yes po,"

Tumango si Daddy at tumayo. "Go to sleep. It's late." sabi niya bago umakyat sa hagdan papunta sa kwarto nila.

I ignored Dad and went upstairs to go to my room, too. I had a quick shower before I settled myself in my bed. Nang makahiga na ako, narinig kong tumunog ang phone ko sa bag ko kaya kinuha ko.

Mr. Vergara calling...

"Yes?" I asked when I answered the call.

(Nakauwi na ako.) he updated me. Why is he updating me?!

I bit my finger to contain my smile. "Good," sabi ko. "Magbabasa ka pa, 'di ba?"

(Yup. I just want to say thank you... for tonight. Also, sorry ulit kanina. Sorry rin for ignoring your text. It won't happen again.)

Napatakip ako sa bibig ko dahil hindi ko na mapigilan ang ngiti ko. Huminga ako nang malalim para kumalma ako.

I cleared my throat. "Dapat lang... kung hindi, hindi na kita ulit i-te-text."

I hear him chuckled. ('Wag naman po.)

I rolled my eyes as I smiled. "Baliw."

(Sige na. You need to take a rest. Good night, Natalia.)

I smiled. "Good night, Gio."

I was the one who ended the call. After that, inilagay ko ang phone ko sa gilid ng ulo ko tapos kumuha ako ng unan para itakip sa mukha ko. I wanted so bad to shout but I know, magigising sina Mommy dahil same floor lang kami.

Oh, Gio. What are you doing to me?

-

"What happened last night? Late ka na umuwi, ah." Mom said while we're eating breakfast. Nauuna kumain si Maureen dahil mas maaga ang pasok niya kaysa sa 'ming tatlo nina Daddy.

"I'm with Gio," I said while getting bread.

Mom nodded as if Gio is a word that will let me pass over a scold. It's weird.

"It seems like you're having a great time? Halos inumaga ka na?" tanong ni Dad bago sumimsim sa kape niya.

I shrugged. "Maybe,"

"If you won't be a doctor, it would be nice if you'll have a lawyer husband. Right, hon?" tumingin si Mommy kay Daddy.

Dad nodded. "At least, mababawasan ang kahihiyan namin sa tuwing may nagtatanong kung doctor ba ang anak namin. Marrying a Judge's son sounds great."