Kissing the fire

Kabanata 44

Seatmate

I held Ria's hands as she approached me. I can feel my heartbeat thumping very loudly.

"Let me get your bag," I shook my head at Otto's offer and smiled at my son, Rex, who's probably observing me right now, "What's with the hurry?"

I have many questions for him of why would he bring my children on my work especially when they have to rest and study on days like this.

Zone absolutely saw me and I don't care now because that's our last encounter. Baka next month ay mag-volunteer naman si Sophia na pumunta dito sa Helios for the new orders at hindi ko na kinakailangang harapin siya ulit.

"Thank you, herr otto," I said as my kids went inside the house already. I was about to close his car door when he stopped it.

"Are you free next sunday?"

I sighed.

"I'm sorry, herr otto. But nein..." Gosh! How many times would I say this to him?

I felt so guilty after seeing his face. But I cannot just agree to him because I feel guilty!

"Sierra, just tell me if Heidi would appoint you again at Helios 'cause I'd be the one who'll introduce myself to the cute resident!" Binalingan ko ang nag-tatampong babae.

"He's not that cute," Cute is for the highschoolers. Hot is the right term.

"Come on! You're sabotaging him!"

"Whatever, sophia. But I'm willing to refer you to Helios if you want. I'd tell Heidi that you like the new resident there," I winked at her.

"Oh gosh, no! She'll hate me more!" I chuckled before I waved goodbye.

What should I buy for my kids before I go home? Hmm, maybe I should buy burritos. It's their favorite after all.

It's a wrong decision for me to stop midway while walking when I suddenly saw him leaning in a car outside my workplace

He's looking at his watch when he caught a glimpse of me. I maintained my stoic face before walking into another direction when I'm supposed to go into the other way.

Oh my gosh! I feel so stupid. Why am I acting this way? And why is he here of all the places?

Stop it, sierra! Hindi porket naroon siya ay para na sa'yo. It's been years! Of course, he forgot about me.

"Sierra!" I bit my lips and stopped when he called my name. Are we always gonna stay like this? Running away from him seems so tiring but it's the only way I can remain to be away from him.

I am not gonna attach myself from him again. I should have stayed away when my father warned me about him and maybe, if things turned out for the better, we didn't have to end up in a situation like this. He was my downfall and it's gonna stay that way. I have to put my past behind me and focus on my children.

I sighed before looking at him.

"Yes, doc?" I raised my right eyebrow at him. It feels so good to call him that. He deserves it.

He blinked several times before he cleared his throat.

"I...uh..." He seems flustered.

"Sierra!" Parehas kaming napalingon sa sumigaw na si Sophia. Para siyang bulate habang papalapit sa amin.

"You know her?" I nodded at him.

"Workmate," I simply answered.

"H-Hi!" Sophia was all smiles at Zone and he looked at me for help but I just shrugged.