Chapter 14

After getting a long comfortable sleep, it's time for me to wake up 'cause I've got my energy back from so much exhaustion. Kinulang talaga ako ng tulog kagabi kaya naman ay nakabawi-bawi na rin ako.

Nabahala rin naman ako ng mapansin kong wala si Connagh sa kinauupuan niyan na kaharap ko man lang. I thought he already leave me alone then I looked at the window next to me and we're still flying mid-air.

I don't know if I'm going to be relieved or not. Connagh's not around and basically, I could be flying back to London now—or worst back to Manila now. I was dreading so much sweat dahil wala akong malapitan dito sa loob ng plane. The crew is in the galley and I'm not going to ask her where we are going at magmumukha pa akong tanga.

So I let myself settled and calmed down. I looked at the window and somehow the clouds beneath us are satisfying and calming to watch. It helped me eventually not to worry about. I also checked on my phone and supposedly we'll be landing in an hour from now.

While I'm already caught by the view outside, I didn't realize that Connagh came back to his seat. I was shocked and he's confused on why it was my reaction on seeing him. He arched his brow as confusion setting him in.

"What's going on, Kiersten?" he asked.

Umiling naman ako. Trying to sway my attention away from him. Mabuti na lamang ay hindi ako gumawa ng kung anong ikahihiya ko. Mas naging kalmado rin naman ako kasi he's still there with me. Na akala ko'y iniwanan na niya ako.

"No, really? What's the problem?"

"Ano... kasi... I thought you leave me here alone," napangiwi na lamang ako.

He chuckled and shook his head. "Why would I even do that? And how can I when we're flying mid-air? I just took a quick route to the lavatory. You must really have a good sleep. And how are you feeling now?"

"I'm feeling better now." Ngiti ko pa sa kanya at umayos ako sa pagkakaupo. "I think I've slept way too much. But it's fine, it's better to get all the energy back rather than being so much exhausted. I'm actually excited to whatever business events we'll be attending at. I will be adding it to my experiences."

"Oh, did I forget to tell you about it?" he creased his forehead.

I slowly nodded. "I think you did... but I'm expecting it's work related because I'll be able to render my hours there. Am I right?"

Natagalan pa ito bago sumagot sa akin. Pag-iling ng ulo ang una niyang naging tugon sa akin. "No, Kiersten. We're not going to any business events. This was never work related if you thought it was. It's a personal event, I might say. You'll know it when we eventually get there."

"Sige po..."

"And you'll be paid for this so you really don't have to worry about this," ngisi pa nito. Natulala naman muli ako. Ano ba talaga ang nasa isip nito ni Connagh? I'm trying not to think about other reason why would he do this. Baka may other option naman siya to take someone else, right? If he's looking at my face right now, punong-puno ako ng pagtataka. I just don't want to ask too many questions, but at the same time, he might also think that I'm taking advantage of everything he does to me.

Nahihiya na ako. Literal. Sapat na 'yong binigay niyang damit sa akin, but buying me expensive stuff and bringing me with him to the USA was already enough. Paano ko nga ba siya babayaran nito at the end of the day? I know he doesn't want me to pay this, but how can I repay him not in a monetary way?

He didn't mind my reaction was. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin at mistulang ineeksamina ako.

"Malapit na ba tayo?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan.

"Yes, we are." Tango pa nito sa akin. "As you can see outside, we're already inside the United States airway. "You said you've never been in the states, right?"

Tumango naman ako sa kanya. "Yes... I dreamed of it. Actually, it was a dream for me to travel the world, but I know it'll take me time to do it. I have to save some money, get a stable job, and support my parents as well. London was the first time that I've got to be out of the country and the states would be the second one... I—I just can't believe it."

"You sure are," aniya kasabay pa ng pagngiti nito. "I'm excited for you, Kiersten. I'm sure you'll love there. I've been into Las Vegas for how many times. My friends and I hangout most of the time there. As much as I love Vegas, I'm sure you will, or if not, maybe we could have a quick tour to New York or L.A. if you want."

Agad naman akong umiling. ''No, sir—I mean, Connagh, hindi na po. Bringing me here with you was already enough na po. I won't ask for more. Hindi ko nga rin po alam kung bakit ako ang naisip mong sumama sa 'yo, but I really appreciate the way you wanted me to be part of this event. No need to go to New York or L.A. po. Those are too much na po."

"So, you're already fine with everything you have?" he asked, arching his brow. "You're not gonna ask for more when it's possible?"

Hindi ako nakasagot sa tanong niya. Literal na natameme na naman ako.

"Look at that view." Pagturo niya sa bintana at natanaw ko naman ang himpapawid at mga ulap na aming nalalagpasan. "Sky and what's beyond of it is limitless. We don't know what's coming for us until we deserve it for ourselves. I know that there are impossible things, but it's not always gonna be like that. Opportunities like this were one in a million and you should be taking it regardless of what you think. I wanna know what you're thinking then, please do tell me."

I swallowed. "Do you really want to know what's going on in my mind?"

"Yup," he replied.

"Well, you might think—or not just you, people around us could be thinking this as well, that I was taking advantage of you. That all the things you're giving to me and being good to me. I'm actually scared because I'm new and people would be judging me about it."

"Is that what you really think it is?" he questioned, frowning. I nodded just to confirm him asking about it. He shook his head and scoffed. "I don't think you're not taking advantage of me. I was the one who put you through this and not yourself, right? I was the one asking you favour and in return, you can still render your internship hours and be paid, so what should they be horsing about this, huh?"

I shrugged off.

"Was that bugging you?" Hindi ako nakasagot, but aside from it, may iba pang bagay na hindi ko na lang din naman ipapaalam sa kanya. He leaned closer at he rested his elbow on his legs and clutch his hands. "Please, don't ever think about that. You're not taking advantage of me. And if you heard or knew some people who told you about that, let me know. Wait, does Berk told you that you might be taking advantage of me?"

Agad naman akong umiling upang linisin ang pangalan ni Berk. "No, sir. Berk's a good friend. Hindi niya po 'yon sinabi. Actually, concerned pa nga po siya sa kung anong gagawin natin ngayon. Though full-support naman siya dahil I'm here for the experience."

"Just making it sure, Kiersten," he said. "Good to know that."

Muli naman akong natahimik at hindi muling sumagot. I don't know why, but I felt like I'm pushing myself away from him. Gusto ko lang mag-settle as an intern for him at baka kung ano pang isipin niya sa mga binibigay niya rin sa akin. I might be the only one thinking about it, pero depende rin sa sitwasyon. Baka biglang mag-iba ang ihip ng hangin

But I'm still not going to go another way. Hindi ako maliligaw sa goals ko sa buhay ko. I'm here in London to have an experience and build a work relationship with everybody—not a romantic relationship with anyone. That's just way out of my limits now.

I then excused myself to go to the lavatory. We'll landing in thirty minutes so I should prepared myself na. Mabilis lang din naman ako sa lavatory at pagkabalik ko sa seat ko ay kausap ni Connagh ang babaeng private crew sa plane. Mahinhin akong bumalik sa kinauupuan ko at muling sinuot ang seatbelt ko.

"What do you want, Kiersten?" he asked. Inangat ko ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Do you want some juice, soda, or water, miss?" Lumipad din ang tingin ko sa babaeng flight crew na nagsalita. "Do you want some bite snacks?"

"Oh—uhm... I think I'll just have the juice."

"What flavour do you want? Berry? Orange? Pineapple? Or white grape?""

"I think I'll go for the berry. Thank you."

"Water for me," ani Connagh.

"Got it, ma'am and sir. I'll be back," ani ng babae at umalis ito sa harapan namin. Saglit lang din naman ay bumalik ito sa area namin at inabot sa akin ang bote ng berry juice at bote naman ng tubig kay Connagh. She even gave us some straw para maayos itong mainom at hindi tumapon.

I struggled opening the bottle cap so Connagh insisted to open it for me. Binigay ko 'yon sa kanya, and it took him a little force to open the bottle. Natawa pa ito ng bahagya nang iabot niya sa akin 'yon bote. I mouthed thank you and put the straw in it.

I've been taking my time sipping on my berry juice. It's quite sweet, but a hint of tanginess so it's amazing. Sandali lang din naman ng inanunsyo na ng piloto ang aming malapit na paglanding sa Las Vegas. Hinayaan ko namang nakabukas ang bintana sa gilid ko at pinanood ko naman an gaming nalalapit na paglanding.

When I flew from Manila to London I was seated on the aisle kasi kaya hindi ko masyadong makita ang view outside the aircraft. There's a slight fear dahil sa taas ng lipad ng eroplano, but it's quite fulfilling with a sense of freedom in it. Ang sarap at ang gaan sa pakiramdam. If flying would be free, I would do it every time.

"Here it goes," ani Connagh when the plane starting to go down and I felt my weight drowning in my seat. "You okay?" he asked and I nodded at him.

Not that long when the plane finally touched the ground and it got a little bumpy until it stabilized and the worry immediately falter knowing that we have a safe landing.

When the pilot announced our safe landing, nakahinga na kami ng maluwag doon. We can also remove our seatbelts na. Tinatanaw ko pa lamang ang view ko sa labas ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nasa Amerika na nga ako. I know Connagh would be seeing the excitement in my face right now. Hindi ko rin naman mapigilan dahil sino bang hindi magsasaya gayong first time ko rito?"

When left London at 3 in the morning and arrived at Las Vegas at 2 in the afternoon in UK time. At halos umagang-umaga pa lang din dito sa Las Vegas at kakasinag lang din ng araw. Time difference is crucial and my body will adjust to it again. It's just six here in the morning. Eight hour time difference is killing my body, but I'm quite loving it.

The crew attendant said we can finally leave the aircraft kaya naman kinuha na namin ang mga gamit namin and prepared to leave the plane. Pagkatapak ko pa lamang pagkalabas ng aircraft ay sumingaw ang mainit na hangin. Hindi siya totally mainit na mainigat pero hindi in gano'n kalamigan. Mukhang mali na ngayon ang pagsuot ng sweater dahil mainit pala rito sa Vegas ngayong April.

When we headed down the stairs, I followed Connagh where we met someone to pick us up. Nang makuha na rin naman namin ang mga maleta namin ay tinukungan kami ng driver na nangangalang Mister Ruseteaux and he's quite memorable dahil sa kanyang samurai hair, but he intimidated me with his height. Mas matangkad pa siya sa kanya Connagh.

As we settled inside the car, the driver drove us to the Carrington mansion—that's what Connagh told me.

"Are they even ready to see us?" tanong pa ni Connagh.

"Ma'am Cely's still asleep. I've only got the order to Sir Devin," sagot nito kay Connagh. "It's great to have you back, sir. It's been a long time."

"Yeah, I know... it's been a long time..."

Kinalabit ko naman si Connagh. "When was the last time you've been here?"

He thought about it for a second and looked at me. "Last year probably. I was here on their wedding day so that was the last time since then. I got pretty busy with work after that."

"I see... but it feels like I've heard about the Carrington's before."

Napangisi naman ito sa akin. "If you've heard about them, then you might be thinking it right. You'll meet them later. Their quite a lovely people. It's another new journey for them so I'm happy to have you here with me today."

Bahagya naman akong napangiti. Kahit feeling ko hindi ko deserve ang mga nakukuha ko ngayon, nagpapasalamat na lang din naman ako kasi he made it all possible for me. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here anyway. Maybe I just have to stop doubting myself. If he knew that I deserved it, maybe I actually did.

Magkatabi lamang kami sasakyan and I enjoyed the building we're passing by. Mat mga sinabi rin sa akin si Connagh na if I wanted to experience it, sabihin ko lang daw sa kanya and we'll make a tour around the city. He even said, he loved to do it with me.

Hindi rin naman katagalan nang marating namin ang isang marangyang mansion. Nalaglag ang panga ko dahil pinasok namin ang isang napakalaking gate. I couldn't help but to be fascinated how elegant and expensive everything is. Nang huminto ang sasakyan ay bumaba na rin naman kami ng sasakyan. When Mister Ruseteaux drove with the car away, a moment later ay sinalubong naman kami ng isang pamilyar na lalaki.

"Congrats, man!" pagbati ni Connagh sa lalaking dumating. He's only wearing grey sweatpants and a white shirt. Why do I feel like na kambal silang pareho? Nagyakapan naman ang dalawa at tinapik ang likod ng bawat isa. Humiwalay naman sila sa pagkakayakap.

"Thanks, Con. I really appreciate you being here," his friend said, I'm not sure who he is pa.

"Oh, I'd like you to meet someone else. She's the one I told you about," ani Connagh. Tumapon ang tingin nilang dalawa sa akin. Connagh motioned his hand to make me come closer at them. Ginawa ko naman iyon at hindi ko inalis ang ngiti sa labi ko. "She's an intern in my company. Kiersten, meet Devin Carrington—"

"Oh my gosh," I muttered, cutting his sentence. "The Carrington?"

Devin chuckled and nodded. "Yup, that Carrington. Nice to meet you. Kiersten." Niyakap niya rin naman ako, but it was just a quick one at tumayo na ulit ako sa tabi ni Connagh. "Cely's still asleep so you'll be able to meet her later or at the event if she's in the mood. But let's get you to your rooms now."

Devin invited us inside his home. Connagh took my luggage papunta sa service elevator kung saan doon nilapag ang mga gamit namin. Natutulala pa ako dahil hindi ako makapaniwala sa nakikita ko ngayon. I never thought I would be inside of a mansion. Mas lalo akong hindi makapaniwala nang dalhin kami ni Devin sa magiging kwarto namin.

"I'm sorry, but is it okay if you guy shared the bed together? Cely's friend are here. Caiden and Harri demanded if they have a room of their own. So, is that okay?" tanong nito sa aming dalawa.

Lumipad naman ang tingin ni Connagh sa akin. "Is that okay with you?"

Napalunok ako ng laway at tumango sa kanya. "Yes, it's fine..."

"Great!" anunsyo ni Devin. "Please be comfortable in your room. You can have a rest for now because the event will happen by three in the afternoon so we still got a lot of time."

Nagtaas naman ako ng kamay. Tiningnan naman nila akong dalawa na puno ng kuryusidad.

"What is it, Kiersten?" Devin asked.

"What kind of event are you talking about?"

He frowned and looked at Connagh. "You didn't tell her about it?"

Connagh chuckled. "No, I kept it as a mystery."

Devin scoffed and shook his head. "Whatever, Connagh. Well, Kiersten. It's a gender reveal slash baby shower."

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya. "OMG. Your wife is pregnant! Congratulations!!!"

Devin chuckled. "She sure is. You'll meet her later. She's still having a good night's sleep. But yes, this would be your room for how long you decided to stay here. And thank you, Kiersten."

"Do you want to rest, Kiersten?" Connagh asked. I shrugged off. "Maybe you should... this will gonna be a long day for us so I guess you should."

"What about you?"

"Me and your boss have a lot of things to catch up," Devin said, putting his arms around his shoulder. "Right, Connagh?"

"Yup."

"I should leave you alone for the meantime," Devin said. "Connagh, I'll be in my office room. I'll meet you there, alright?"

"Sure."

Nang umalis naman si Devin ay ineksamina ng mata ko ang buong paligid. I still couldn't believe that I would be able to sleep in this huge bedroom. Parang dalawang bedroom na ang kasya sa iisang kwarto na ito. It even has its own bathroom kaya naman manghang-mangha ako. I know Connagh would see me as a weird-ignorant-first timer or whatever, but everything's a first for me kaya ganito na lamang ang reaksyon ko.

"You can leave our stuff there for the meantime. Rest well 'cause I know you didn't get enough comfortable in that plane seat so you deserve this, alright?"

I nodded. "Sure... I'd do that."

"Brlliant," he commented. "I'll be heading now. I'm gonna meet Devin in his office. And if you wanted to eat or do something, message me or give me a call, alright?"

Muli akong tumango at saka ko siya pinanood na umalis ng kwarto. When I was finally alone, I lay down on the bed and stared at the high ceiling. This is the dream and it's all real now. Kung hanggan saan magiging realidad ang lahat, I would live for it because I may not know that at the end of this line, I won't be having any of this.

I'm not taking everything for granted. Maybe I really deserved it. Maybe it was really meant for it to happen to me.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

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