Hues After The Rivalry (Achievers Series #1)

Kabanata 32

Hues After The Rivalry

Kabanata 32

"Act sweet, okay? Ayokong makahalata ang Lola mo. She's observant and she will keep a close watch on you because you have another man," paalala sa akin ni Mama.

Pakielamera si Lola Ludivine at pati buhay namin, kakalkalin. She doesn't like us changing boyfriends because she finds it indecent. She also wants our partners to be wealthy. That's why I always prefer to be on my mother's side relatives.

"Magandang gabi po, Ma'am Irene, Sir Harold, Ma'am Hope, Sir," the maid greeted us as she opened the large gate.

We greeted her back. Nasa unahan si Mama at Papa, nakasunod lang kami ni Rue. I could feel Rue's gaze fixed on me. At nang balingan ko, titig na titig nga sa akin.

"You look so gorgeous," he said in a low voice. "This is the first time I've seen you in a dress. Kakaiba ang ganda mo ngayon. Masiyado kang maganda ngayong gabi."

"Hindi halatang patay na patay ka."

"Tagal na. Pahimlay na nga."

Natatawa akong napailing, nangingiti. "Tantanan mo 'ko."

He chuckled lowly and bowed his head. Tumingin siya sa paligid at ngumuso, nagpipigil ng ngiti. Kinikilig na naman ba 'to?

The huge double doors of Ludivine Almendarez's mansion were wide open. Numerous Santa figurines were scattered all over. May gumagapang sa kisame, terraces, at sa mga puno. The hues of Christmas were very lively here.

Huminga ako nang malalim. Nai-imagine ko na agad ang mukha ni Lola Ludivine sa oras na malaman niyang may bago akong ipapakilalang boyfriend. Kilala niya si Eris. Kinilatis niya noon si Eris at tinandaan ang pagmumukha. I'm sure she would do that to Rue also.

"Rai, remember." Mama said firmly.

Tumango ako dahil alam ko na ang ibig sabihin no'n.

We were about to enter the door. Nauna si Mama at Papa. And as I was about to step in, I felt a large hand took my hand. Bumagsak ang tingin ko nang humaplos ang kamay ni Rue at hinanap ang bawat espasyo sa mga daliri ko. He intertwined our fingers.

"Let me hold you," aniya sa akin. "So we can pretend better."

He squeezed my hand and winked at me playfully.

"English-english, 'di na lang sabihin na gustong hawakan kamay ko." I puckered my lips at him.

Galawan mo, Rue, kabisado ko na. Malandi ka.

We held hands as we entered the house. My right hand couldn't stay still. Ito ang unang beses na naghawak-kamay kami ni Rue!

And I must admit, it felt good. Hawak ko ang kamay ng lalaking una kong nagustuhan sa tanang buhay ko.

"Your hand's cold."

Nilingon ko si Rue. "Malamig dito e."

His lips twisted. "Okay..."

Kinunot ko ang noo. "Malamig nga."

"Wala akong sinasabi."

"'Yung mga mata mo, may sinasabi."

"What?" he looked at me in the eyes, teasing. "What do they say? Sumbong mo sa'kin."

I withdrew my hand and moved it away from him. Kaagad niyang pinagsisihan 'yon. Pinigilan kong 'wag matawa at nagkunwaring badtrip.

"What the hell, baby, I was just joking," panunuyo niya. "Give me your hand back."

"Ulol."

"Hey, I don't like that word."