Song: Paper Hearts- The Vamps

Girlfriend

Tumaas ang kilay ko at muntikan nang masamid sa sinabi niya. Is he serious?

"Why would I do that?" I asked. Hindi parin talaga ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko.

"Because I asked you to and you're going to help me." bumaba naman muli ang tingin niya sa suot ko pero mabilis niya ring inangat muli ang tingin sa aking mata.

"How sure are you that I'm willing to help you?"

Bumagsak ang balikat niya nang dahil sa sinabi ko. Tiningnan niya ako na para bang nangungumbinsi.

"Come on. Minsan lang ako manghingi ng pabor sa'yo." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Is he seriously using that just so I would agree to his proposal?

At talagang nangongonsensya pa siya!

He took my silence as his advantage. "I know some known architects and if you join me, I promise that I will make you meet them. Who do you idolize most huh? Celso Da Rosa? Catherine Alvarez? Who?"

Ngumuso ako. I can't believe him! Alam na alam niya siguro ang kagustuhan kong mangyari iyon! Those two are one of the architects that I would love to meet someday!

Eto na, Kelsey! This is your chance to meet them now! Papalampasin mo pa ba 'yung pagkakataon?

"Antoni Gaudi." Sagot ko. He glared at me.

"Matagal nang patay 'yon! Come on, Kelsey!"

"Bakit ako? Can't you contact one of your girls? I'm sure they're willing to do that for you!"

"Kung gagawin ko 'yon, gagastos pa ako ng pang airfare nila. I already spent a lot, Kelsey. Nagtitipid rin ako kagaya mo."

I sighed. Napakamot ako sa aking noo at tsaka nag-isip. Maniwala naman akong nagtitipid 'to! Para ngang wala siyang pakialam na nagwawalgas lang siya ng pera, e!

"What do I have to do?" tanong ko. Napaayos naman siya ng tayo nang dahil doon.

"Just be my date. That's all."

"Paano ang suot ko? I didn't bring any-" he rolled his eyes and sighed heavily.

"I'll buy a dress for you."

"Akala ko ba nagtitipid ka?" napatikom ang bibig niya nang dahil doon.

"Fine! If you don't want to come then I'll ask someone instead. 'Yung gusto rin makilala iyong mga arkitektong iniidolo mo. I'm sure they would love to-"

"Hey!" I warned. At talaga nga namang ginagamit niya talaga iyon laban sa akin!

Hindi ko talaga alam kung maniniwala ba ako na kaya niya ngang gawin iyon. But knowing him... he can probably make that happen.

"What?" suplado niyang binanggit.

"Fine. I'll do it." I said, finally giving in to his proposal.

Naku! Kung hindi ko lang talaga gusto makausap ang mga architects na iyon... hindi ko gagawin ito, e!

Unti-unti siyang napangisi nang dahil doon. "Nice. Friday. Seven in the evening. Ako na ang bahala sa sapatos at alahas mo. I'll bring someone to do your hair and make-up."

Mukha bang nagtitipid 'yung ganyan? Gagastusan na nga ako ng damit, sapatos, at alahas, gagastusan pa ako ng hair and make up! He doesn't sound like someone who's trying to save money. Tamad akong humalukipkip.

"No need to do that. I can do it on my own." His brows rose. He looks a bit surprised.

"Ohh... I didn't know the princess knows how to her own make up," Tinaasan ko naman siya ng kilay. He sighed. "Fine, then."

Come Friday night, I just got out of shower when I heard someone knocking outside my door. I put my bathrobe on at tsaka ipinulupot abg towel sa aking basang buhok. Tamad kong binuksan ang pinto dahil alam ko na kung sino ang nasa likod noon.

Inalis naman ni Benjamin ang pagkakasandal sa door frame nang binuksan ko ang pinto. Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makita ako. Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. May kaunting pag-nanasa sa tingin niya. At anong ttinitingin-tingin niya diyan!

I rolled my eyes and groaned. Hinablot ko naman sakanya iyong paper bag na dala niya. I slammed the door to his face after that.

Alam ko na naman kung ano ang pinunta niya dito. He messaged me a while ago to say that he already bought me a dress at dadalhin nalang daw niya iyon sa kwarto ko.

I did not even bother to check the dress he got for me. I busied myself by doing my hair and make-up first. Mamaya ko na poproblemahin iyong dress na binili niya. I just hope that it's not too revealing or else...

I checked myself out in the mirror. A smile quickly curved into my lips when I find myself very satisfied with my look for tonight. I styled my hair into an old holywood waves. While I did a golden smokey eye and I paired it with a nude brown lipstick.

Dumiretso ako sa banyo upang tingnan na iyong biniling damit ni Benjamin sa akin. When I remove it inside the paper bag, I was immediately surprised. Sa hindi makapaniwalang tingin ko tinitigan ang dress na binili ni Benjamin sa akin.

Inangat ko ito at pinasadahan ng tingin. This dress will definitely hug my curves! Napalunok ako. I am so not used to wearing this kind of dress. I mean, my mom made me wear a slightly revealing dress when I first met Benjamin. Pero sapilitan pa iyon! Ngayon, mukhang sapilitan parin. If I will not wear this dress, I don't have anything to wear at all!

Huminga ako ng malalim bago ko tuluyang sinuot ang dress. And I was right. It did hug my curves flawlessly. The dress he bought me is a silky dark red backless long gown. I ran my palms through my dress. Tinitigan ko ng maigi ang sarili.

This doesn't look bad on me after all. Akala ko noong una ay kung ano na ang magiging itsura ko sa gown na 'to. I'm glad it turned out perfectly fine.

Pagkatapos naman noon ay sinuot ko na ang hikaw na binili niya. This looks expensive! Pero alam ko namang maiinis na naman siya kapag nagreklamo pa ako.

Nagsimula naman akong magligpit ng gamit. I was about to fold the paper bag when I saw that something is still inside it. Kinuha kong muli ang paper bag at tsaka tiningnan kung ano ang nasa loob. My mouth parted when I saw a silver clutch inside.

Oh. Hindi ko naman akalain na maiisipan niyang kakailanganin ko ito. Nang binuksan ko ang clutch, bumungad sa akin ang isang handwritten message galing kay Benjamin. Kinuha ko ito at binasa.

I just thought that you'll need this. No need to thank me, I know I am very thoughtful. -Benjamin.

I scoff then shake my head. I smiled for no reason when I read the note. I didn't know he was the type of guy to think a girl needed something as simple as clutch. Alam niya sigurong necessity iyon kapag ganito.

O baka naman nalaman niya iyon dahil marami na siguro siyang babae na nakasama—araw man o gabi. Kaya siguro marami na rin talaga siyang alam tungkol sa mga kailangan ng babae. He probably brought different girls to every party!

The thought of it made my blood boil a little. But oh well, I shouldn't be thinking about it. He's a chickboy. Marami nang nalilink sakanya na mga babae dahil nga madalas siyang nakikita sa party na may kasamang babae!

Nawala lang ang lahat ng iniisip ko nang marinig kong may kumatok sa may pinto. I checked the time on my phone.

It's already seven o'clock. It's time to leave.

Inilagay ko ang lahat ng aking kakailanganin doon sa clutch. I checked myself out in the mirror once again bago ko tuluyang binuksan ang pinto.

Standing outside is Benjamin who looks dashing wearing his suit and tie. Sandali akong natigilan ngunit nang maalala ko iyong naiisip ko kanina ay umakto akong wala siyang epekto sa akin ngayon.

He groaned softly when he felt the door opened. Inalis niya ang kamay na nakasandal sa door frame.

"Bakit naman ang tagal-" natigil siya sa sinasabi nang makita ako. His mouth parted.

I rolled my eyes. Siya na nga lang 'tong nanghihingi ng pabor, siya pa 'tong naiinis.

"Sorry, boss, ha?" I said sarcastically. Tumalikod ako sakanya para isara iyong pinto.

Nang hinarap ko naman siya ay napaayos siya ng tayo. Medyo nagulat ako sa titig na ibinibigay niya sa akin. He ran his eyes through my body then his jaw clenched. Lumunok ako. I didn't know why his stare made me a little nervous.

"What?" mataray kong tinanong, nagkukunwaring walang naging epekto iyong titig niya sa akin.

His lips protruded sexily. He removed his other hand inside his pocket to run his fingers through his mouth. Saglit na pinaglaruan ang labi.

Damn. What is he doing?

Tinitigan ko siya. I can't help but admire the way he looks in his suit and tie. His disheveled hair only made him look hotter tonight. I clenched my fist.

Damn it! What the hell is happening to me? Gusto ko nalang sampalin ang sarili nang dahil sa naiisip. This is not good!

"You look... good." Parang pilit iyong pag-sabi niya noong huling salita. Kahit na ganoon, pinilit ko parin ang sarili na wag magpaapekto doon.

"Tss."

He cleared his throat. Inalis niya ang tingin sa akin para tingnan ang oras sa kanyang wrist watch.

"Come on. The car will arrive in five minutes." Tumango ako at sumunod na sakanya patungo sa elevator.

Tahimik lang siya habang nasa loob kami ng elevator. It was really unusual of him to stay silent. Nilingon ko naman siya para may itanong.

"Malaya ba dito 'yong venue?"

"Probably about thirty minutes away from here." Simple niyang sinagot. Tumango ako at tsaka pinasadahan muli ng tingin ang suot niya.

I know I should stop looking at him so much but I just can't help it! Benjamin looked taller with it. He looks really professional at kahit sino sigurong babae ay mahuhumaling sakanya. Nang dahil rin doon ay napansin kong hindi maganda ang pagkakaayos ng kanyang necktie.

"Why is it like that?" hindi ko naiwasang itanong. Nilingon niya ako at nagkakatakang tiningnan. I pointed at his neck tie. Napatingin naman siya doon.

"I didn't know how to do it properly."

I look at him ridiculously. Hindi ko napigilan ang tawa. I'm sure he always wear a tie whenever he goes to work! At sigurado rin ako na maayos iyon sa tuwing papasok siya. Pero sino kaya ang nag-aayos ng tie niya para sakanya? One of his girls?

"What's funny?" medyo iritado niyang tinanong. Umiling ako.

I tried to bring my composure back. Pinalis ko naman ang luha na lumandas sa mata ko nang dahil sa pagtawa.

"Well... it's just surprising that you didn't know how to do your tie properly. I mean, you're a businessman. You always wear that kind of clothes. So..."

"It's because I always let someone else do it for me."

Agad na nawala ang ngiti ko nang dahil doon. Napatikom ako ng bibig. So, tama nga ako. Baka nga isa sa mga babae niya ang pinag-aayos niya nito. I rolled my eyes.

"Tss. You're a grown up man, you should know how to do things on your own."

Siya naman ang umirap ngayon. "Bakit ba pinapakialaman mo 'to? Bakit? Pinakialaman ko ba 'yang..." bumaba ang tingin niya sa dibdib ko at hindi niya tinuloy.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Ano?" mataray kong tinanong. I crossed my arms over my chest. At anong tinitingin-tingin niya diyan!

"Wala!" suplado niyang sinagot pabalik.

Nauna siyang lumabas kaysa sa akin nang dumating na sa tamang palapag ang elevator. I scoffed. What a gentleman!

"Let me do it." Sabi ko nang makalabas kami sa elevator. Agad siyang napatigil sa paglalakad at tsaka mabilis na napalingon sa akin.

"Huh?"

"Let me do it." I repeated. He looks at me like he can't believe that I'm offering him some help. Umirap akong muli. "Come on. I will not let you go to the party looking like that!"

Tinuro ko ang itsura ng hindi niya maayos na necktie. Tiningnan niya rin iyon.

"You know how to do it?"

"I wouldn't volunteer if I didn't know."

He clenched his jaw at tsaka nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga.

"Fine."

Dami pang tanong, bibigay rin pala! Lumapit naman ako sakanya.

"Hold this." I pushed the clutch towards him. Kinuha niya naman iyon. I used his collar to pull him closer towards me. Inayos ko muna iyon at tsaka sinimulan na iyong trabaho.

This is the first time that I've been this close to him. Lumunok ako at pilit na isinantabi ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso.

Benjamin cleared his throat. "I'm glad that the... dress... fits. It looks... good on you."

Even if I'm already wearing heels, my eyes only leveled on his lips. Kaya naman kailangan ko pang iangat ang tingin sakanya para magkatinginan kami sa mata. I smiled a little at him.

Stop it, heart. Stop beating too much!

"Thanks," I whispered. Mabilis kong naayos ang necktie niya. Inayos ko na rin ang pagkakasuot niya sa suit niya. Kailangan pa ata ng lalaki na ito ng assistant sa tuwing nagsusuot siya ng damit, e!

"There." I said at tsaka lumayo na ng bahagya sakanya. Tiningnan niya naman iyong ginawa ko.

"Thank you."

Tumingin naman siya sa labas ng hotel at nang makitang may pumaradang sasakyan doon ay hinarap niya akong muli.

"Let's go?" aya niya at tsaka inabot na sa akin mulu iyong clutch na pinahawak ko sakanya kanina. Tumango ako at tsaka humarap na doon sa bukana ng hotel.

While we were walking towards the exit, I felt his hand rest on the small of my back. Ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang palad kahit backless itong binili niyang dress sa akin! Isang hawak lang sa likod ko ay nag-init na ang buong katawan ko.

Mabilis kong inalis ang kamay niya doon. He looks surprised with my sudden action. Nilakihan ko siya ng mata.

He raised both of his hands in surrender. "Geez. I'm sorry!"

Umiling ako at tsaka nauna nang maglakad sakanya. Shit, Kelsey! What was that! Masyado kang nahahalata na may epekto siya sa'yo! Maybe the guy was just trying to be a gentleman!

Tumigil kami sa harap ng sasakyan. Bubuksan ko na sana iyon nang pinigilan ako ni Benjamin.

"Let me do it." He said in a low voice. Hinayaan ko naman siyang gawin iyon.

He opened the door for me. Agad naman akong pumasok sa sasakyan. Umusog ako para makaupo na siya.

He nodded at the driver when he entered the car. Sinarado niya ang pinto.

"Buenas noches, señor!" bati ng driver kay Benjamin. He smiled a little at him.

Nagawi naman ang tingin sa akin ng driver. "Buenas noches, señora!"

Ngumiti ako pabalik. "Buenas noches."

Nilingon ako ni Benjamin. Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na hininga at tsaka mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin ng nilingon ko rin siya.

The car ride was nothing but complete silence. Minsan napapansin ko na pinapanood kami ng driver, hinihintay na mag-usap kami, pero hindi nangyari iyon.

Benjamin stayed silent the whole time! Which was very unusual because we all know that this guy can't shut his mouth!

The venue was surprisingly packed with media. Medyo nanlaki ang mata ko. I didn't know a lot of people will cover this event! I thought this is just a small party that involves businessmen and women!

Hindi ko akalain na marami palang kilalang personalidad ang magpupunta dito.

"You look surprised." Ani Benjamin nang mapansin ang itsura ko.

"I didn't know the event was this... big."

He scoffs. Kumunot ang noo ko. He's probably glad that I feel a little nervous. Alam niya siguro kasi na hindi naman ako gaanong sociable kagaya niya! I'm allergic to people. Very allergic to people!

Tumigil ang sasakyan sa tapat ng entrance. The camera's flashes are now diverted towards the car that we are in. Inayos ni Benjamin ang kanyang suit at tsaka binuksan na ang pinto.

Sunod sunod na pindot sa camera ang narinig ko nang lumabas siya. Everyone's camera turned to him, iniwan iyong kaninang kinukuhanan.

True enough, Benjamin Donovan is a name knowned by many people. Kaya siguro ganito nalang ang reaksyon ng media nang makitang bumaba siya. And maybe he probably invited me here for show!

Some people even tried to ask him questions. Pero sa halip na pagtuunan sila ng pansin ay tumalikod si Benjamin sakanila para harapin ako.

"Come on," he said then he offered his hand to me. My mouth opened. Tinitigan ko iyong kamay niya. "You'll be alright."

You agreed to this, Kelsey. Just be his date and everything will turn out fine. That's what I told myself before I decided to accept his hand.

"He brought a date!" narinig kong bulungan ng ibang media. Mabilis na nagsilapitan ang iba sa amin.

Buti nalang talaga ay may mga security kaya mabilis silang pinigilan sa kanilang binabalak na gawin. Nakayuko lang ako hanggang sa makalabas ng sasakyan. At nang inangat ang tingin, mabilis na sumalubong sa akin ang ilaw ng mga camera.

People can't stop on taking pictures of us. Medyo nabubulag na nga ako nang dahil doon dahil hindi ako sanay sa ganitong tagpo.

But then I felt someone grab me by my waist to guide me towards the entrance. We started moving.

Kahit na papasok na kami ay sinusundan parin nila kami. Some medias can't stop on asking if we are dating. Nagulohan naman ako doon. Dahil ba magkasama lang, nagdidate na agad?

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang tuluyan na kaming makapasok sa venue. Napansin ni Benjamin iyon. He removed his hold on my waist at mabilis akong nangulila doon.

What the hell! Hindi dapat ako nakakaramdam ng ganito!

"Sorry about that." He apologized.

"It's okay."

Tumango siya at iginiya naman ako patungo sa grupo ng matatanda na nag-uusap usap. Hinayaan ko naman siyang mauna sa akin. Pero nang mapansin niyang nasa likod niya lang ako ay tumigil siya upang sabayan ako.

"I just have to talk to some people." Paliwanag niya.

"Okay. Go ahead."

"But you have to join me." My mouth parted. Hindi inaasahan na kailangan ko palang gawin iyon.

"Oh..."

He took my answer as his signal to put his hand on the small of my back again. Sa halip na gawin iyong ginawa ko kanina ay hinayaan ko siyang gawin iyon. Kahit pa nag-iinit na naman ang katawan ko sa tuwing hinahawakan niya ako ng ganito.

Natigil lang ang matatanda sa pag-uusap nang tinuro kami ng isang lalaki. He's probably on his 60's now. Pero hindi naman gaano halata. He smiled at us while we were walking towards them.

May ibang ngumiti rin sa amin pero karamihan sakanila ay halatang nagulat nang makitang may kasama si Benjamin.

Why? Are they surprised to see him with someone? I'm sure he already brought a girl in an event like this before. So, what's with their faces?

O baka naman kasi, iba namang babae ngayon kaya sila nagulat?

I tried my best to smile back at them. Nagagalak naman silang ngumiti pabalik sa akin.

"Benjamin! It was nice seeing you again!" bati ng isang lalaki. Nawala ang kamay ni Benjamin sa aking likod nang niyakap siya nito. I heard him chuckled.

"It was nice seeing you, too, Mr. Soliven." Benjamin greeted back formally. Ngumiti ang matanda sakanya at tsaka nagawi ang tingin sa akin.

"Who is this fine lady that brought with you tonight, Benjamin? Another girl that you met somewhere?" ngumisi ito at tsaka humagikhik.

That kind of insulted me, though. Para bang tingin nila sa akin na isa lang ako sa mga babae ni Benjamin na nakilala niya lang sa kung saan. I tried my best not to roll my eyes.

Wala naman sana ako dito kung hindi lang ako pinilit ng lalaking 'yon! Maybe Benjamin has done this so many times before. Kaya ganito nalang ang naisip ng matanda.

That made me angry a little.

"Uh... no." agap ni Benjamin. Iniwas ko ang tingin sa matanda upang tingnan si Benjamin. Everyone anticipated for his answer.

"I know her personally." He added. Ngumiti siya ng taimtim at tsaka ipinulupot muli ang braso sa aking baywang. He pulled me closer to him. "She's my girlfriend."

Namilog ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko iyon. I'm his what!?

Binaling kong muli ang tingin sa mga matatanda at nakita ang masasayang ngiti sa kanilang mukha.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't know!" Mr. Soliven apologized. Hinarap niya ako. "I'm sorry, darling, if I thought of you that way. We never thought that Benjamin will introduce his girlfriend to us. He used to bring friends. But a girlfriend... this is the first time!"

Bumuka ang bibig ko. Sinubukan kong ngumiti kahit na nangangapa pa sa sasabihin. "O-Oh... it's fine, sir."

Ngumiti ang matanda sa akin.

"He must be very serious with you, darling. He never brought a girl that he's very affectionate with." Bumaba ang tingin ng matandang babae sa kamay ni Benjamin na nakapulupot sa baywang ko.

For some reason, that made me look at his hand, too. Inangat ko ang tingin kay Benjamin at nakitang tipid lang siyang nakangiti sa matatanda.

Binalik ko ang tingin sa matandang babae. "I'm very glad to hear that, Ma'am."

She smiled back at me. Pagkatapos noon ay nagpatuloy sila sa pag-uusap. My mind is too clouded to even try and cope up with their conversation.

What has gotten into his mind at napagpasyahan niyang ipakilala niya ako bilang girlfriend niya? Naaaning na ba siya? He told me he needed a date, so I agreed! Kung sana sinabi niyang kailangan niya pala ng girlfriend ay hindi na ako pumayag! I'm sure there are girls out there who's willing to do that for him!

Binalik kong muli ang tingin kay Benjamin. He never removed his hand on my waist. It's like it's already glued to it. Napansin niya namang nakatingin ako sakanya kaya nilingon niya ako. Niliitan ko siya ng mata.

He only raised his brow at me at tsaka binalik muli ang tingin sa mga kausap. I scoff insultingly. Nang hinarap ko naman muli ang matatanda ay nakita kong pinapanood lang nila kami. Some of them whispered something to one another.

Lumunok ako. Ngumiti ako sakanila sabay lumapit kay Benjamin. I gently pulled his necktie down para ipahiwatig na may sasabihin ako sakanya. He gets it immediately that's why he leaned down a little.

"Anong girlfriend ang pinagsasabi mo diyan?" iritado kong tinanong ngunit nakatingin at nakangiti parin sa mga matatandang nanonood sa amin.

Benjamin did not answer that question. Instead, he stood up properly to bring his composure back. So annoying.

Nang matapos sa pag-uusap ay tsaka kami pumwesto sa kani-kaniyang table. But before we can reach ours, may humarang na babae sa amin.

"Benjamin!" galak na galak na ngumiti iyong babae sakanya at tsaka ito nakipagbeso.

Benjamin removed his hand on my waist to greet the lady. Tinitigan ko iyong babae at napansin ang kagandahang taglay nito. Maliit at mukha at matangkad. She looks like a beauty queen.

"It was nice seeing you again, Candice."

The lady named "Candice" smiled flirtously at him. Nang magawi ang tingin sa akin ay nagbago bigla ang ekspresyon niya. She raised a brow at me. Tinitigan ko rin naman siya pabalik.

If she thought for a second that I'll get intimidated by her, then she's wrong. Alam kong wala akong laban sakanya pero... pakialam ko ba!

Nilingon ako ni Benjamin nang mapansin na tinitingnan ako ni Candice.

"Oh! I forgot to introduce to you, my girlfriend. Kelsey," ani Benjamin at tsaka nahanap muli ang baywang ko. I clenched my jaw bago sinubukang nginitian si babaitang masama na ang tingin sa akin ngayon.

At talagang feel na feel nitong Benjamin na 'to na ipakilala ako bilang girlfriend niya ha?

I stretched my arms towards Candice. "Kelsey. It was nice meeting you."

Matagal bago niya napagdesisyonan na tanggapin ang kamay ko. Plastic siyang ngumiti. "Candice,"

Agad niyang inalis ang kamay matapos niyang makipagkamay sa akin. Then she turns to Benjamin again. "I'm glad you found someone again after me."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang sinabi niya iyon. So, does it mean that she's his ex? I wanted to laugh at that moment. At talaga nga namang pinakilala pa ako sa ex! The hell with him?

Candice sounded so bitter when she said that.

"That was a long time ago, Candice. Of course I'll find someone."

Candice scoffs at tsaka tipid na ngumiti. She was so cheery when she approached us tapos ngayon iba na ang mood niya? Weird.

"Oh well... it was nice seeing you again. I wish you both the best." Aniya at tsaka nagpaalam na. Inirapan niya naman ako bago siya lumayo.

I guess someone's still not over this guy...

Iginiya naman ako muli ni Benjamin patungo sa table namin. I glared at him.

"Did you bring me here to pretend to be your girlfriend because you know you're going to see your ex? Gosh! What has gotten into you?!" I hissed. Padarag kong inalis ang kamay niya sa baywang ko.

I did not let him pull the chair out for me nang makarating kami sa table namin. I did in on my own at tsaka tamad na umupo doon. I crossed my arms over my chest.

I heard him sighed beside me. Lumapit siya sa akin upang may ibulong.

"No. It was not my intention to do that."

Agad ko siyang nilingon at tinaasan ng kilay. "Then what? You said you only needed a date. I agreed because it's simple. But why would you introduce me as your girlfriend to those people? Kung alam ko lang, sana hindi na ako pumayag!"

"Stop asking too many questions."

"But I want answers!" nilakihan ko siya ng mata. Tiningnan niya ako at tsaka nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga.

"Fine. It's true, I badly need a date. But I never thought they'll think of you that way! At tsaka hindi ko alam na nandidito si Candice! If I only knew then I shouldn't have brought you here."

Ano? Para may oras siya kasama ang ex niya? Para mag-landian sila? Ganoon ba?

"Sana nga!" umirap ako at ngumuso. "At tsaka... ano bang pakialam mo sa iisipin nila sa akin? Let them think whatever the hell they want to think about me!"

Benjamin scoffed insultingly. "So you want them to think that you're a type of girl I bring to one event and then forget the next day? Is that it huh?"

Nilingon ko siyang muli at tsaka tinaasan ng kilay. So, he's that type of guy now huh? Kung ganon, I don't want to get involved with him anymore.

"Ano naman sa'yo?"

"Ano naman sa akin? Well, it's simple. I don't want them to think of you that way because you're far from that! You're not that type of girl."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "So, you're that type of guy huh? Bring girls to an event and then forget them the next day? Or maybe... bed them for one night then push them away in the morning?"

Umiling si Benjamin. He clenched his jaw. "You can think of the worst of me, Kelsey. But you don't understand why I was doing that."

"Then tell me." Hamon ko. His mouth parted.

Sa halip na sumagot ay umiling lang siya at iniwas na ang tingin sa akin. Sumandal siya sa kanyang upuan at tsaka nakinig nalang sa programa.