Bukang-Liwayway

Special Chapter

"This is where I work," I said and closed the door.

Nauna na si Isabelle sa pagpasok. She looked so amazed while wandering her eyes on the room. Nandito kami sa office ko ngayon at kahapon lamang ang pagbalik niya. I wanted her to rest more but she kept on saying that she's fine and she wants to take a tour in the company. She also said that she's not tired at all.

Natahimik kami ng ilang saglit. I went near her to ask something but instead, I was speechless. Tears fell from her eyes while staring at a particular place.

"Bakit?" I asked in a soft manner and held her hand.

Napatingin siya sa akin na nakanguso ang labi. "Natagalan ako."

"Ang mahalaga ay nandito ka na." tugon ko sa kanya.

"Pero Anton," she closed her eyes and sighed. "I have no profession. I have no work. Wala akong nakamit na mga pangarap. Isa na lamang akong babae na walang wala. Kung nakabalik ako at m-may iba ka na, h-hindi ko alam kung—"

I grunted. "We're here again."

"Hindi ko alam kung sa'n ako lulugar." at talagang tinuloy niya pa. Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako at hinila siya palapit sa akin.

"Isabelle—"

"Natatakot ako na baka wala nang silbi ang pagpunta ko rito kung may iba ka na. I-I was so s-selfish. Ayaw kong m-may iba ka habang n-naghihirap ako doon para lang makabalik ako sa p-panahon natin."

"Why would you say that?" seryosong sabi ko. "Kailanma'y hindi ko magagawa ang mga iniisip mo! I promised myself that I would wait for you! Stop thinking about things like that!"

She nodded her head and blustery sighed, again. Naglalakad ulit siya sa kung saan-saan at tinitignan ang mga gamit. And because the telecom was ringing, iniwan ko muna siya saglit at umupo sa swivel chair ko.

"Hello," I greeted in a formal manner.

"Sir, you have a meeting later at 3 pm," my secretary from the other line spoke.

I stopped for a moment.

Hearing those words makes me tired in an instant. Bakit ayaw ko munang magtrabaho ngayon? Total, nagawa ko na rin naman ang mga trabaho ko kahapon at free na ako ngayon. Maybe I'll continue tomorrow?

"Postpone my meeting today. Reschedule it for tomorrow." I said and dropped the phone.

Nanatili lamang ang tingin ko sa harapan, sa kung saan naglalakad-lakad ang isang magandang binibini. Hindi ko namalayang nakangiti na pala ako. I feel extremely happy right now. Totoo ang sinabi ko kahapon kay Isabelle na wala na akong mahihiling pa kung 'di ang pagbalik niya. Sa wakas, makikita ko na araw araw ang ngiti niya. My mornings would be beautiful again dahil nandito na siya at makakasama ko na siya hanggang sa hinaharap na wakas. Sunshines in the morning would glow differently, now that I have nothing to ask more.

And with that, natigilan rin ako sa pagmumuni-muni nang biglang may umupo sa hita ko. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nagkatinginan naman kami ni Isabelle. She sat sideways just so both of her feet could not step on the cold ground. Ipinalibot niya ang sariling braso sa batok ko.

I chuckled deeply and wrapped my arms on her small waist. "Sorry. Malalim lang ang iniisip."

Instead of saying something, nanunuya lang siyang ngumiti.

She crouched more and kissed me thoroughly on the lips. It was sweet, but at the same time, torrid. I groaned and pulled her onto me while she's actually distracted.

And because she's running out of breath, humiwalay muna siya sa akin, hinihingal.

"I missed you," I said, whispering.

"I love you." she replied.

"I love you more." sabi ko pabalik.

"I love you most." she fought back.

I smirked. "You got me."

"You could say I love you forever and always naman." aniya at mas napangiti ako.

"Okay then," I nodded and glanced at her hand na nakasabit pa sa balikat ko. Nandoon ang wedding ring namin. "My wife, I love you forever and always."

"Dahil diyan, may regalo ako sa'yo." aniya at halos pabulong iyon.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Ano?"

She pulled my hand holding her waist and to my extent shock, she inserted it inside her cotton shirt. I could feel her bare skin against my calloused palms. It was warm and soft. Nanlakihan ang mga mata ko. I wanted to say something but stopped the moment she smirked.

"Do you still remember my promise to you?"

Napayuko ako at kahit hindi naman ako napapagod ay malalim akong napahingal, lalo na nang makita kong naglaho na ang kamay ko at mas hinila pa niya iyon ng pataas, hanggang sa nararamdaman ko na ang strapless niyang bra.

"Isabelle," I warned her.

"I'm granting my promise now." she leaned to whisper in my ear. "And there's no turning back."

I stared at her eyes for a moment. I watched her eyes twinkling by the time I started caressing her boobs. She let out a lustful moan and was already weak enough to lean on my chest.

"Are you sure?" tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko. "The door's locked. We can...do it here anytime lalo na't soundproof ang office ko."

Nagkatitigan kami at ni isa'y wala akong nakikita na pag-aayaw kung kaya't nagpatuloy ako sa ginawa at hinalikan siya muli sa labi ngunit ngayon ay mas matindi na ang pagnanais.