Chapter 15

I heard three knocks on the door and I immediately rose up from my bed and seemingly got lost and confused for the meantime.

"Nasa'n nga ulit ako..." bulong ko kasabay ng paghawi ng buhok ko at nililingon ang buong paligid.

Nang ma-realize ko naman kung nasaan ako at bumalik ang ulirat ko at muli kong narinig ang katok mula sa pinto. Tumayo ako saka ako tumungo sa eight-foot two way wooden door. What can I expect? Nasa isang eleganteng mansion ako sa syudad ng Las Vegas.

I slowly opened the door and then someone showed up. "Good morning, ma'am," pagbati nito sa akin kasama ng malambing na ngiti.

"Good morning," pagbati ko rin.

"They were looking for you, ma'am. They're all in the dining hall having breakfast. Do you know where the dining hall is?"

Umiling naman ako. "I'm not sure where it would be. No one mentioned me where it could be."

"That's alright, ma'am. I can show you the way."

"No, it's fine. You can tell me where it was. You must be busy so I won't take your time."

When she told me where the dining hall was located, she left me and I made a quick routine in the bathroom and headed out of the room as soon as I thought my presence was enough acceptable by everybody. But then as I walked down the grand staircase, I forgot where to go.

"Is it right or left? Or she meant to go left first or right?"

Napakibit-balikat na lamang ako at sinunod ko ang instinct ko na tama ang lugar na pinupuntahan ko. This feels like a mall to me sa sobrang laki. I've never been in a house before na halos maligaw ako. This is the first time it happened. And who would've thought that my boss has a best friend with a billionaire? Oh, of course, my boss could be a billionaire as well. I should've known better, but this fascinates me. This thrilled me to experience what life is far from I have.

As I headed nowhere to clue, I bumped into someone and I was so ashamed I wasn't being attentive and all.

"I'm sorry," I apologize, bowing my head and then when I stopped and looked at her, she squinted her eyes as if she's examining me from head to toe and it's quite nerve-wracking. It's breaking me in half. "I'm really sorry. I wasn't looking—"

"Who are you?" she questioned like accusing me of trespassing.

"I—I—uhm..." I stuttered. And I don't know why. Hindi naman ako magnanakaw to stutter in the first place. I was invited naman pero bakit sobrang kabado ko? Or dahil ibang lahi na naman ang kaharap ko ngayon? I feel like I'm tripping for travelling ten hours straight. "I'm Ki—"

"Kiersten," she said, pointing me out then nodded her head. "I figured."

Ngumiti akong nanginginig ang labi ko. "Hi... hello... I'm sorry—"

"Girl, quit apologizing. You didn't do anything wrong naman, so it's not a problem."

"Wait," I paused, realizing what she has just said. "Did you just speak tagalog?"

She chuckled. "Of course, girl. Pinay ako, ikaw din 'no?" Agad naman din akong tumango sa tanong niya. "Halata nga. Mukhang bet talaga ng magkaibigan ang ating mga lahi. Mine was exotic pero ako ang choosy kaya ang hirap makahanap, good for you girl." Tapik pa nito sa balikat ko at hindi ko naman naintindihan kung para saan iyong sinabi niya. Should it also mean something?

"Pwede magtanong?" ngiwi ko pa.

"Of course, you can, babe. Ano 'yon?"

"Nasa'n banda 'yong dining hall?"

She chuckled before she could even give an answer to me. Nahiya naman ako dahil hindi ako sigurado kung may mali Nanatili naman akong kalmado sa aking composure. Kinuha naman niya ang kamay ko.

"Doon din ang punta ko. Naligaw din naman ako rito no'n, so it's fine. Dumadaan ang lahat sa ganyang moment lalo na kapag bago ka. Ayos lang 'yan. No biggie—but kapag biggie ang usapan, hindi ako papatalo, alright?"

"Oh... okay, I don't know what that means, but sure..." aniko.

She gripped her hand on mine and then we headed straight to the dining hall where we find the others. Though the boys weren't present around, but seemingly I'm seeing some of them which I'm really not familiar of.

Pagkarating namin ay agad na inanunsyo ng babaeng kasama ko ang aming presensya. Natigil ang kanilang mga pag-uusap at tumapon ang tingin nila sa aming dalawa. Instead of being judged, I was greeted with a warm smile from them. Naglakad naman kami palapit sa direksyon kung saan nakaupo ang mga ito.

"Let's all welcome, Kiersten," anunsyo nito sa kanila.

"Hello, Kiersten!" pagbati ng isang binatang lalaki. "I'm Lynard!"

"Am I thinking what I'm thinking?" the other guy seated across Lynard said, squinting his eyes as if he's thinking of another assumption. Nakakunot lamang ang noo ko, also guessing what could it be. "Am I right?"

"Hmmm..." the girl with me hummed. She shrugged off her shoulder. "I'm not sure... I just saw her lost in the hallways."

"Anyway, I'm Andrew!" pagpapakilala nito. Tumayo siya sa kinauupuan niya at lumapit sa akin para makipagkamay. He's nice and... cool. "Pinay ka rin ba, girl?"

Tumango naman ako at ngumiti para kumpirmahin ang tanong niya.

"Good morning!" Sabay-sabay din naman kaming napalingon nang marinig namin ang boses na iyon. Nang harapin ko siya ay mistulang nagulat pa ito ng makita ako. Napatingin-tingin pa siya sa paligid na inakala'y ibang tao ako.

"Good morning seswang!" bati ni Andrew sa kanya.

"Kiersten, 'di ba?" tanong nito sa akin. Muli naman akong tumango. Iyon na ata ang global language ko ngayon: ang tumango. She took out a deep breath and laughed it off. Agad din naman siyang lumapit sa akin at niyakap ako. She's very welcoming and sweet. Ang una ko ring napansin ay ang baby bump niya so I think she's the wife of Devin. I should've figured it out. "You're so pretty pala."

"Thank you... and you're Cely, right?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed.

"Congratulations! You're such a gorgeous."

Napahagikgik naman ito at pinalo pa ako ng bahagya sa balikat ko. "Thank you so much. Na-appreciate ko 'yan ng bongga. Anyway, nagpakilala ka na ba sa kanila?"

Napakibit-balikat naman ako. "I don't know if they really knew me..."

"Okay, sige, akong bahala," aniya at pinalibot niya ang kamay niya sa braso ko saka namin hinarap ang iba naming kasamahan sa dining hall ngayon. "So, dahil nandito na rin naman tayong lahat... or not, but whatever. But here's Kiersten, Connagh's—"

"Girlfriend?!" the girl who found me earlier blurted out. Na para bang gulat na gulat pa siyang sinabi 'yon.

"Hala, hindi po!" depensa ko pa.

"Oooh! She's the London girl!" pagpuna pa ni Andrew. "I knew it! Hindi tayo ang destinty ni Andrew, Caro. May London girl talaga siyang mami-meet."

"Pero pinay po ako. Hindi po ako taga-London talaga," pagtatama ko pa kasi ang lumalabas sa usapan nila ay jowa ko si Connagh which is far from reality naman. I wasn't expecting that this would be their reaction. Close na close siguro sila ni Connagh and I shouldn't be shy about interacting with them.

"Okay lang 'yon, girl. Same na rin 'yon. Doon din naman punta mo."

Napangiwi na lang din naman ako sa kanya. Muli namang ipinakilala sa akin ni Cely ang mga kaibigan niya. There was Andrew and Caro who I've met earlier. There was also her brother, Lynard and she said that some will come by the afternoon so people who are here now were the one who stayed in the Carrington Mansion and I felt so privileged to it because of Connagh. Maybe... he's the best thing that ever happened to me now.

"Kumain ka na ba?" tanong ni Cely sa akin. Umiling ako kaya inimbitahan na niya rin akong sumama sa kanila sa breakfast. "Nasaan ba sina Devin? Nasaan jowa mo—ay I mean si Connagh?" tanong nito sa akin.

Napakibit-balikat naman ako. "Maybe in Devin's office? Iyon 'yong huling pagkakaalam ko kanina bago ako natulog muli."

She heaved out a sighed. "Baka nga. Mga hindi pa siguro kumakain 'yon. Hindi ko na rin nadaanan sa office niya. Gutom na ako."

"Yeah, maybe we can see them later," ngiti ko pa.

Napabuntong-hininga naman si Caro. "Sana all may jowa."

"Agree!" pagsang-ayon ni Andrew.

"Kailan ba kasi natin itutuloy 'yong Bangkok-Bangkok mo na 'yan? Gora-gora ka r'yan, hindi naman pala natin itutuloy."

"Girl, wait ka lang. Mabuti nga't nasakto ang layover natin dito sa Vegas ngayon ng three days kung hindi mas lalo tayong mapapagastos ngayon. Saka, that time will happen. Hanap lang talaga tayo ng maluwag na schedule saka magpayaman muna tayo. Baka mga 2022 na tayo maggala sa Thailand, 'di ba?"

"Bahala ka sa buhay mo," sagot sa kanya ni Caro. "Arte mo lang, e."

"Nag-aaway na naman kayong dalawa," saway ni Cely. Nagmistulang multo naman ako and that's fine. Nahihiya rin naman ako sa kanila. "Baka mamaya kapag pumunta kayo ng Thailand, iwanan mo 'yan si Andrew do'n."

"Don't give me an idea, Cels. Gagawin ko talaga 'yan," ngisi pa ni Caro. "Baka by that time, makahanap na talaga ng jowa si Andrew."

"Kahit may asal demonyo ka, Caro. Sana magdilang anghel ka pa rin," ani Andrew kasabay ng pagdaop ng palad niya na mistulang nagdarasal.

"Ate Kiersten, ilang taon ka na?" tanong ng kapatid ni Cely sa akin. Natigil naman ang tatlo sa usapan nila dahil sa biglang pagsingit nito.

"21 pa lang," sagot ko naman.

Napansin ko namang naningkit ang mata ni Cely sa kapatid niya. "Just because you're 18, Lynard, it doesn't mean pwede ka ng pumorma kay Kiersten. She's reserved for Connagh and for Connagh only."

"Ate naman," ani Lynard sabay kamot sa kanyang ulo. Natawa naman ako ng bahagya. "Hindi ko naman popormahan si Ate Kiersten. Nagtatanong lang din naman ako saka gusto ko ring pumunta ng London. Dream place ko rin 'yon ah!"

"Whatever," pag-irap ni Cely sa kanyang kapatid saka niya binaling muli sa akin. "So, anyway, how was London? Ilang buwan ka na nga ba ro'n? Saka magkaibigan lang ba talaga kayo ni Connagh or it's more than that?"

Natawa naman sina Caro at Andrew sa sunod-sunod na tanong ni Cely. Hindi rin ako naka-keep up kaya sinaluhan ko rin sila sa pagtawa. Sumama naman ang tingin ng buntis pero dahil bawal siya ma-stress ay hindi na ginatungan pa ng dalawa ang pang-aasar dito.

"Hinay-hinay lang din tayo, but I would answer your first question, London was great. It was actually also a dream for me to be there. I wanted to see the royals there pero at this moment ay imposible pa 'yon. I've only been in London for almost a month na. Some days, I feel like I'm still adjusting pa pero most of the times ay super enjoy lang ako sa stay ko in London. And yeah, magkaibigan lang kami ni Connagh—I mean, formality, he's my boss. I'm an intern in his company and he's my mentor."

"Ohhh!" sabay-sabay nilang usal. Nagkatitigan pa silang lahat nang banggitin ko 'yon.

"That's why..." ani Cely habang tatango-tango pa. Tinapik niya rin naman ako sa balikat ko at hindi ko alam kung para saan iyon. "You know what, walang imposible sa mundo."

"I agree," pagsang-ayon ni Caro. "I've seen it and now we're here!"

"How long you've been pregnant na ba?" tanong ko kay Cely.

"Back in January, I think. Pupunta rin sana kami ni Devin no'n sa Japan to meet his friend there na si Trent Hu. Kaso I've been feeling sick kaya nang bumalik kami rito sa Vegas, I thought of using some PT and then boom! I was really pregnant! I'm on my twenty-second week pregnant na rin so we decided to have our friends and relatives for this gender reveal baby party! Good thing you're here. It's lovely to see you here, Kiersten," she spoke her last sentence on a quirky british accent.

I chuckled. "Yeah, this is fascinating so thank you for having me here as well."

"Just enjoy the party and the rest of your stay here in Vegas, you'll love it, Kiersten."

"Oh, thank you, Cely. I will do that."

We then continued eating our breakfast and I didn't feel left out because they were so funny and all. Unti-unti rin naman akong naging komportable sa kanila. Hinahanap ko rin naman si Connagh dahil masyao rin atang nawili kakausap sa kanyang kaibigan and I won't bother him kung ngayon lang din sila nagkita so they both deserved it.

At the end of our breakfast, doon lang nagpakita sa amin sina Connagh at Devin. Hindi na rin naman sila nag-breakfast because they already took their coffee raw so it's fine. Connagh pulled me out para kausapin ako. Lumabas kami ng mansion patungo sa backyard diretsyo sa pavilion at doon kami umupo at nagpahinga.

He extended his arm behind the backrest of my couch. "So, how was your sleep?"

"It was good. I really had good sleep. Ang sarap lang matulog do'n sa kwarto. Ang elegante."

"I know," he chuckled. "So, you've met them, right? Cely and his friends?"

I nodded. "Yes and they're all friendly and nice to me. Hindi ko naman in-expect na magiging comfortable ako sa kanilang lahat. I'm happy to be here. Thank you for thinking of me, Connagh. Na-appreciate ko talaga na sinama ko ako ngayon dito."

"Of course, for your experience, right?" he chuckled.

I giggled and nodded at him. "Yes, for experience. Ano namang pinag-usapan niyo ni Devin? Halos parang isang tao kayong hindi nagkita sa tagal ng usapan niyo ah."

"You're right. It was a long time since we've seen each other and yes, we talked a lot of things and I'm sure that stays with the boys only. But it's just what we do and other stuff, not a big deal."

"Sure... but you know what, it's kind of funny to tell this but—"

"But what?" he creased his forehead.

"I'll just say it this way... that I'm your London girl—jowa. Mga gano'n? Bakit ba nila sinasabi 'yon? Hindi mo rin naman sigurong girlfriend mo ako or anything, right? Though hindi nila alam na I'm an intern sa company mo so they were a little astonished about it."

"I've only told Devin about it," Connagh answered, nodding his head. "And I don't know why would they be saying that, maybe because Devin already found his the one while I'm still single and thought I'd found my London girl back in my country because I stayed there for good. I've already told you why so yeah, maybe that's why..."

"So, you like Caro? 'Cause I think she likes you."

He chuckled. "Caro's a lovely girl, but also believe I'm not the type of man she'll fall in love. Maybe because of how british I am and that intimidated her at first, but I'm sure it's not love or anything. Why do you ask that though? Don't you think I won't found my London girl?"

I shook my head. "I didn't say you won't... maybe soon. The right time will come for it, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah. The right time will come..."

"And oh—I—I also have something to ask if you don't mind."

He squinted his eyes and rolled his arms and rest his chin on the back of his hand. "Sure, what would it be?"

"Connagh!" Natigilan naman kaming dalawa sa pag-uusap nang tawagin siya ng kaibigan niya. Tiningnan naman namin si Devin na papalapit na sa direksyon namin. He stopped when he finally reached us. "Would you mind helping me? I need a couple of hands. This day just got busier."

Nilingon naman ako ni Connagh. "Yes, you should go. It's fine."

"You sure?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yup, it's fine. Go..."

"I apologize for my interruption, Kiesten."

I smiled and shook my head. "No, it's fine. You guys should go now. We shouldn't eb wasting time for the party later."

"Let's go, Con," paga-aya ni Devin sa kanyang kaibigan.

I was left alone in the pavilion when they both leave me. Nagpalipas din ako ng ilang minuto at babalakin ko na sanang bumalik sa loob ng mansion at tumungo sa kwarto pero naabutan ko si Cely na patungo sa direksyon ko. She asked me why I'm alone and I told her that Devin and Connagh needed to do something kaya naiwan akong mag-isa. She seated beside me. Hindi naman ako naiilang. She's quite amazing.

"You know what, Kiersten, it's crazy unbelievably how things works," panimula nito habang nakatingin sa isang direksyon. "It's been a year since I met Devin and everything's still feel surreal for me. I never really thought I would end up on this situation."

Napakunot-noo naman ako sa kanya. "Really? How?"

"I was a flight attendant and we had a three-day layover here in Vegas. Caro and Andrew put me up on a dare and that's to kiss a stranger and fortunate of me, that was Devin who at that time I have no idea was a billionaire. But I didn't marry him because of his wealth, his fortune, and all. I actually left him finding out that he lied to me. Not cheating or something. We got married in Vegas for but a quick minute lang tapos he made me believe that we're married when we flew back in Manila. It was crazy. Then here I am now... carrying our first child."

"That's a roller-coaster kind of events, but what about your work now? Are you still a flight attendant?"

"I said I was so currently I'm not since I found out that I was pregnant. I can go back to being a flight attendant, I just needed to do some training again before flying. But I can work it out again... but maybe that'll happen soon kasi alam mo na, mommy duties na tayo—ay ako lang pala." Tawa pa ni Cely.

I chuckled on what she said. "Yeah... and I think you don't need to work na naman when Devin can provide it for you, right?"

"Yeah... I know. He can always provide things he wanted to give on us. Isang salita niya lang, ibibigay niya kaagad 'yon. So maybe after a few years, kapag four or five na ang first baby namin, I would fly back."

"Sure ka bang wala nang kasunod after your first baby?" tawa ko pa.

"Hoy, grabe ka, Kiersten. 'Wag muna. Hindi pa ako ready. May limang buwan pa rin akong kailangan paghandaan so help me God."

"You'll make it, Cely. I know you'll be a great mom."

"Thank you, I really appreacite it at kahit ngayon lang tayo nagkita at nagkakilala, I feel like you're going to be part of my life na."

Natawa naman ako. "Pa'no mo naman 'yan nasabi?"

"Because of Connagh."

Kumunot ang noo sa labis na pagtataka. Why would they always incorporate Connagh with me? Magkaibigan lang naman kami, jusko. "I still don't get it."

"Connagh's a good person. Wala namang hindi makakapagsabi na masama siyang tao. He actually helped me get back to Devin din so he's somewhat a person na importante rin para sa akin so I'm also hoping he'll find someone special na makakatagpo rin siya ng taong para sa kanya. Ilang taon ka na nga ulit?"

"21," sagot ko.

"E 'di good! 25 lang si Connagh. 4 years lang ang agwat niyong dalawa. Kaming dalawa ni Devin ay 3 years lang so it's quite okay na rin. I think it doesn't matter kung intern ka niya because at the end of the day, why would Connagh bring someone he works with, right? Ang espesyal mo naman para gawin niya 'yon sa kanya. 'Di ba? Tama ako? This is a personal and intimate event for me so that could be it, right? If it's just work, it's fine pero iyong isasama ka niya sa ganitong event. It's a little suspicious for me."

"Hindi ko rin alam..."

"Do you like him ba?"

Tiningnan ko siya sa mata niya and she's really asking me for an honest answer the way she looked at me. Napalunok ako ng laway bago sagutin iyon. "Yes... but not in the deepest way. He's still my boss so there's respect in it. And I don't think I'm that special—special, you know?"

"Why? Meron ka bang alam na hindi namin alam?"

I shrugged off. "I don't know if you know about this pero sana sa atin na lang muna ha?" Tinanguan naman niya ako bilang pagsang-ayon. "Someone I worked with kasi in the company told me that Connagh has a girlfriend and then he mentioned he's not in a relationship with anyone. It only suspicions until Connagh gave me some stuff that I thought he'll just donate. I wore a dress he gave me and someone told me that what I was wearing was his ex-girlfriends dress. I'm not sure if it's true. I never really talked about it to Connagh. We didn't even talked about the first day we unknowingly met because on that day, he kissed me—"

"He kissed you?!" she surprisingly asked.

Tumango naman ako na halos gulat din dahil sa kanyang response. "Yes... he kissed me because—"

"No, no explanation needed. I think I already know where this would go. Kiersten, don't think about any other thing. Don't mind that ex-girlfriend. You'll see what I'm talking about soon. It doesn't matter for now, but it'll make sense in the coming future."

"Oh... okay..." iyon na lamang ang nasagot ko.

"Tara sa loob! This is a good thing to share to Andrew and Caro. Don't worry, sa atin lang 'to. Your secret is safe with us."

"Sure..."

"Anyway, what do you think the gender of my baby?"

"Hm... a girl? I think."

"Okay, if you're wrong, that'll cost five thousand dollar but if you're right you'll get a Ferrari, deal?"

Natulala naman ako sa sinabi niya at tinawanan niya ako bigla. "Oh my gosh! If you just see your face! Don't worry, walang gano'n. Basta 'wag kang sasali kina Andrew at Caro sa pustahan nila, totohanin nila 'yon."

"Oh... okay. Thanks for the advice. Congrats ulit!"

"Thanks... and tara na sa loob!"

Hinatak naman niya ako papasok sa loob ng mansion and find where her friends at. Agad din naman niyang inanusyo sa kanila iyong sinabi ko na nagkiss kaming dalawa ni Connagh even before I officially met his as my boss. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sila gano'n, but I believe it's a trend? I'm not sure.

But what I believe is that I'm going to enjoy my stay here in Vegas when there's people who welcomed me so wholeheartedly and that's what I needed at this moment. Nakakataba ng puso. Can I just say that it's a dream come true after all? Maybe I could, so I will.

***

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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