Sailing Against the Tides (CS #1)

Chapter 33

tysm for patiently waiting. nagstart na kasi duty namin so i had to prioritize reviewing my concepts first. but i finished writing this chapter tonight as well. I'll have my duty tomorrow. God bless, twightzies.

:)

Livy
"No, Livy. You're not falling for that man again. He's a liar. A cheater. He hurt you, remember?" I reminded myself while tapping my chest. "Pamilyado na siya. Pamilyado na kaya umayos ka."

Pumikit ako at sinubukang pakalmahin ang puso ko. Neil came awhile ago, breaking the awkward silence between me and Nikolo.

Nagalit pa si Neil at nainis. Bakit daw sobrang lapit ni Captain Esguerra sa akin. Aba malay ko! Nikolo just moved farther. But he did not leave until Neil left. Kung naiinis si Neil sa kanya, naiinis din ako sa kanila! Magsama silang dalawa. Nakakairita talaga!

I gritted my teeth and sipped at my coffee.

Ang hilig mo sa kape kaya kapenalitan.

Pumasok sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Robi kaninang hapon. I stopped drinking and muttered a low curse. Damn you, Robi! Isa ka rin.

I had to divert my attention. So I occupied myself with the documents in front of me. I sighed because I couldn't concentrate. Hours passed and I forced myself to work and concentrated solely on the matters at hand.

Pero napahilot ako sa sentido ko nang pumasok sa isip ko si Captain Esguerra at ang mga salitang binitawan niya.

"Ah, fuck you, Nikolo!" I hissed. "Stop running through my mind! Stop meddling with my brain!"

He's jealous?! He really admitted that he's jealous! And he demanded me to choose him?! The nerve! I held my chest when the organ behind it raced.

"No, kulang lang siguro ako ng trabaho," I chuckled humorlessly. I looked at the papers in front and reviewed more documents. It's already past eight in the evening. Past my usual time of going home.

I did more work but Nikolo's words kept bugging me. Napahilot ako sa sentido ko nang may mapansin sa statement of accounts ng kompanya na hawak ko. The numbers don't add up. There is something lacking.

Nauna nang umuwi si Jaira kaninang five pm. Sumasakit na ang ulo ko. I sighed before standing up. When I looked at the time, it's already almost nine in the evening.

Tumayo na ako. I did some stretchings before picking up my bag. I drove myself to my unit. But before going directly, I stopped to buy beers from a store. I badly need this. Gusto ko lang makalimot kahit saglit. Because I think I couldn't sleep properly again without getting the effect of alcohol.

I pampered myself for awhile by getting a good bath after a long tiring work. After that, I started drinking.

From: Mommy
Anak, I'm out for a date with the same guy hihi. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you!

I smiled before texting her back.

To: Mommy
Take care, Ma. Make sure you get home safe tomorrow. I love you too.

It took me seconds before my smile faded as I stared at her message. Reading it made me realize how single and alone I am. I bit my lip. I also feel so burnt out and stressed. The accounts don't add up. Someone has been messing up the finances. May kulang sa pera ng kompanya.

"Okay, Livy, don't break down again," I reprimanded myself before emptying the beer in my hand.

I wasn't satisfied. I opened another bottle and started pouring it in the shot glass. I grimaced at the bitter taste but when I felt the burn down my throat, I felt relieved. Napangiti ako at muling uminom ng dalawa pa na shot. Until I finished another bottle. Nagbukas ako ng isa pa.