Chapter 20

For the past few days, Berk and I have been much closer to each other. Arden probably noticed that dahil madalas magkasabay kaming dalawa tuwing lunch at nagtatagal pa kaming dalawa minsan sa pantry. Ginagawa ko pa rin naman ang mga trabaho. Good thing, on time ko rin namang natatapos ang mga tasks ko at nakakapag-report pa ako kay Connagh.

And I'm not sure if Connagh noticed about Berk and I's closeness. Alam naman niyang sabay kaming pumapasok at umuuuwi. We went to the same complex of living so he might not be thinking about it too serious.

Connagh didn't speak about what he's gonna do this weekend. So I wasn't sure if he's going to be at Maurice's last opening of their flower shop or not. He hasn't said a word and I didn't ask because from what I've said, I've kept my distance from him since the moment Amanda took me back to my real senses.

So invited Berk to go with me and my tita to the last opening of Maurice's flower shop. I think he also told Arden about it, but I'm sure it'll be a special day for both of us. Connagh probably won't be there. He's such a busy person so I believe he won't come.

I wore a nice flower print sundress. Pinatungan ko naman ng full sleeve casual jacket so the weather won't took a toll on me. It's still chilly outside. The summer will start by June here in London, but I don't feel like ang Summer dito ay hindi papantay sa kung anong summer sa Pinas na aaabot ng forty degrees. The weather's report early this morning was low 10 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius and that's still cold as hell for me.

Flat sandals naman ang isinuot ko. We could be spending all day na naman at ang magsa-sacrifice ay ang muscle sa binti ko so it's better to wear something comfortable than to look expensive and elegant. It's really not necessary for me to wear those kinds of stuff. I think... it doesn't really suits me.

Saglit lang ay nakatanggap ako ng tawag kay Berk and he's already waiting for me outside the building. Nagmadali na rin naman akong kumilos. I grabbed my handbag and had a quick glance to everything if I'm missing something or not. I had to check my face one last time before heading out of my room.

Para naman akong sabik na batang tinahak ang daan palabas ng builing. I just couldn't get my smile out of my face and it's something I'm not even thinking about. Sadyang napapangiti na lang din talaga ako and I don't know why—maybe because it's weekend and I've got the time to roam around the city.

I met Berkeley when I finally stepped out of the building. He greeted me with a smile on his face. He's very casual on his look. He's on a plaid pants, black shirt, and a full sleeve faded blue denim jacket.

"Good morning, love," he kissed me on my cheek. Pumalibot din naman ang kamay niya sa baywang ko.

"Good morning, Berky," hagikgik ko pa.

He chuckled, scrunching his face. "Is that how you're gonna call me now?"

I nodded. "Yes, and it's cute, right?"

He laughed. "Whatever you want to call me, that's fine. But you looked so gorgeous. You always are."

I blushed, trying to hide my face from him. Lumipat naman ang pagkakahawak niya ng kamay niya mula sa baywang ko patungo sa balikat ko at mas iginiya niya pa ako papalapit sa kanya. I've became comfortable with Berk when I started lowering my wall from having a relationship. Some people might hate me for lowering my guard. Na ang talk shit ko. Na ako lang din pala ang babali sa promise ko na work first before anything else.

It still does, but Berk makes me happy and I needed that at the moment I'm away from my family.

"Where's Gina now?" he asked as we're walking out of the complex heading to the bus station.

"She texted me earlier she's already on her way so she'll probably meet us there on time. She should be."

"Alright then," he uttered. "Let's make this day more special."

"Let's do it, Berky," I giggled.

As much as possible, Berk and I agreed to lessen the intimate interaction when we're in the office because people will keep saying word kahit na hindi na ang boss ko ang kasa-kasama ko. Hindi rin naman nagbago ang pakikitungo ko kay Connagh. I maintained my connection with him as my mentor and boss and other than that—there shouldn't be any, but I guess friends when we're out of his office.

Hindi rin katagalan ay narating na namin ang bus station. We waited for a few moments until the bus arrived. There's a schedule for transportation here in London. Hindi kagaya sa Pinas na anytime may biyahe at kung saan-saan lang pwede sumakay. That's my fascination here in London, ibang-iba sa kinalakihan ko sa Maynila.

"Did Sir Connagh ask you anything about us?" biglang tanong sa akin ni Berk.

Kunot-noo ko naman siyang hinarap at saka umiling. "No. He didn't. And I don't think he'll ever ask that kind of question. Why do you ask?"

He shrugged off then grabbed my hand and clutch his to mine. Our hands perfectly fit with each other and I'm trying not to feel so gushed about what he did. Malaki kasi ang kamay niya kumpara sa akin. Halos lamunin ng kamay niya ang buo kong kamao.

"I don't know... I just think that you've been with him most of the time and the fact that he invited you to be with him in Las Vegas could also meant one thing. I'm not sure, but maybe he's got affections towards you?"

Wala rin naman akong naisagot sa kanya. That question stood still as a question when we reached our destination. Hindi ko siya nasagot. I really don't know how to answer him on that question. Gusto ko mang sagutin, but the outcome would look like that I'm defending myself from these questions. But I must admit, Connagh's an attractive person. He's very good with me, but the affections has no answers with me.

While we're waiting for tita, I tried to sway my head out of that discussion. I should be thinking about Maurice's shop now or else, I'll be doomed.

"Gina knows about us, right?" Berk asked, creasing his forehead. I nodded to confirm his question. He let out a deep breath when I said that. "What did she say though?"

I shrugged. "Wala naman—I mean, you'll see when she's with us na."

He chuckled. "Alright."

I laughed, looking at his face. "Why are you so worried about my Tita Gina?"

He puffed his chest out. Parang baliw 'tong si Berk. He then shook his head. I don't know if he's calming himself down or not. "I don't know... at the first time we met, I know she don't like me and now that we're dating, she might not like you for me."

Ipinalibot ko naman ang kamay ko sa braso niya at inihilig ako ng ulo ko sa kanya. He's a lot taller than me kaya nakatingala rin ako sa kanya. "Tita Gina's only like that because she cares for me. She knew that it's hard to get into a relationship then getting your heart broken by someone you thought you loved, but just the opposite of how you feel."

"Are you scared?" he asked.

"Scared of what?" I furrowed my brows.

"Scared of falling in love?"

Natawa naman ako sa sinabi niya pero he didn't show a reaction aside from being so serious. Natigil naman ako at tinitigan ko siya nang malalim. "To be honest? Yes..." Pagkasabi ko no'n ay gumaan ang pagtingin niya sa akin. "Falling in love isn't that easy and if I'm going to fall in love with someone else, I have to make sure that it would be the person I would end up with. But, we're not sure how that will go so expect the unexpected."

"Just like the both of us," Berk smirked,

I giggled. "Yup. I might agree with that. And don't worry about tita, she might like you though."

I assured him with that and I guessed that made him confident about it. Hindi rin naman katagalan nang gulatin kami ni Tita Gina nang makarating siya at tawagin niya ang atensyon namin. Tita Gina hugged both of us when she got to us. Agad din naman kaming tumungo kung nasaan ang flower shop ni Maurice.

I nudged Berk as we're heading our way there. "Told you so."

He smirked and maybe that uplift more of his confidence. I know tita will always have to say something about it. But I'm sure she'll understand naman, but if not, this was still my decision.

Ilang saglit lang din naman nang makarating kami sa flower shop ni Maurice, we were shocked that there were a lot of customers at this moment. Napag-alaman din namin na halos nagbagsak presyo na sila sa mga bulaklak. When we get there, I wasn't hoping anyone to see aside from Claire. Maurice won't be there because he still needs to rest. What surprised us when we saw Connagh assisting Claire on the shop.

Berkeley and I obviously were shocked about it. Mas nagningning naman ang mata ni tita dahil bet na bet niya nga si Connagh—I don't know if she likes him for me or para sa kanya. Tita likes older guys, but I guess Connagh's an exemption.

"Nandito pala si gwapo," hagikgik pa nito. Ituturo pa sana niya si Connagh sa direksyon nito pero pinigilan ko siyang gawin niya 'yon. "Mukhang alam ko na kung anong bibilhin ko."

Napakunot-noo na lamang ako sa sinabi niya hangga't sa napagpasyahan na rin naming pumila dahil medyo mahaba-haba. And I think they were trying to sell everything out before they closed the shop forever.

When we line up, nagdadalawang-isip tuloy ako kung itutuloy ko ba 'tong ginagawa namin o mag-back out na habang maaga pa. Iniiwas ko na lamang ang mata ko na mapunta sa direksyon ni Connagh. But I know he kept looking at me and Berk. I know he's curious about us being together with tita. But I'm sure hindi na bago sa kanya na nandito ako ngayon with tita to buy flowers.

"What if he ask some questions?" Berk questioned.

Napakibit-balikat naman ako sa tanong niya. "I'm not sure... just say that you would like to by some flowers as well."

"Sure..." he muttered.

As soon as the line kept getting short and short and finally we stood a few customers away from them, when it's our time, Claire took us as her customer while Connagh's been busy assisting another customer.

"Kiersten!" tawag sa akin ni Claire. "Good to know you're here as well!"

I nodded. "Of course, I'm also with my auntie and Berkeley to but some flowers on your shop."

"Oooh, nice to meet you guys," she greeted and tita and Berk greeted her as well. "Is Berk... you're boyfriend?" she asked.

Literal na nanigas ang katawan ko sa tanong niya and Connagh was just next to her and I need to keep me composure as if dapat wala akong ikabahala sa tanong niyang iyon.

"He's not my boyfriend... yet."

"Yeah, we're kinda... uhm... dating," pagpapatuloy ni Berk.

"I see, but I know he'll end up you boyfriend," hagikgik pa ni Claire.

"Boy—" Connagh uttered. Napatingin din ako sa kanya pero agad din naman niyang binalingan ang kanyang atensyon sa customer na kausap niya. I know na narinig niya 'yong usapan namin ni Claire. And I know he would be assuming a lot of things na. And I hope this won't affect my relationship with him as his mentee.

"I really thought you won't be coming today—for the last day of my father's shop. I'm glad to have you here, Kiersten. So, what can I help you with?"

Dahil si tita lang din naman ang may bibilhin na bulaklak ay dinamihan na niya ang pagbili ng lavenders. Though it took some time for the flower to wither, she kept some of it fresh dahil sa mahalimuyak nitong amoy. When Claired asked me what I wanted, hindi ako makapili that's why she ended up offering me some Tulips and I quite like it.

"I would want some red roses as well," Berkeley said.

"Sure! I'll get it for you!" Claire said and turned around to get his request.

Kinalabit ko naman si Berk. "For who's the roses?"

Napangisi naman ito. "You know who, love."

It was a bit odd for me to hear those words from him in front of Connagh. I know he's trying to avoid us or maybe he's just busy that's why an interaction never happened. When our orders has been fulfilled ay umalis na rin naman kam sa shop, but to my surprise ay hinabol at tinawag kaming dalawa ni Berk ni Connagh. Kabado naman kaming hinarap ito habang si Tita Gina naman ay nakahalukipkip sa tabi na para bang nanonood ng drama sa TV.

"I didn't know you'll be here, Kiersten," Connagh said. "Well, I could've asked you a few days ago if you could help us in the shop and I forgot to tell you about it. My bad, I apologize."

"No, it's alright. I also thought you won't be here so I expect not to find you here..." I muttered. "So, you're going to spend whole day here?"

He nodded. "Probably," he said. "But we've already selling most of the flowers so I guess an hour after lunch, we could be selling all this out and we could all go back home after this. Do you want to help? Are you going to stay here?"

Hinarap ko naman si Berk at agad kong binalik ang tingin kay Connagh. "I'm sorry, but we won't be staying. Tita Gina will also have to go back home early and Berk and I will spend some time around the city."

"Oh... I see," he muttered, nodding his head. "So... uhm... you guys are dating now?"

Muli kaming nagkatinginan ni Berk. With the way he look at me, I know he wanted me to speak to Connagh because I'm more comfortable talking with him. I shifted my head back to Connagh and aggressively nodded my head. "Yes... we're dating now... and I hope that's okay with you?"

He furiously nodded his head. "Of course, why not, right? Good for the both of you."

"Thanks, sir," ngiti pa ni Berk.

"Of course, no problem," ngiti rin ni Connagh. "Well, I think I should get back to Claire now. Enjoy your day guys."

Connagh turned his back away from us and then he walked back to the flower shop and started assisting their customers. Para kaming nakahinga ng maluwag ni Berk sa puntong iyon. I never thought that it would be his reaction kaya lubos na nakapagtataka rin sa akin. But if he's okay with that, then there shouldn't be a problem with that.

"Kiers," tawag sa akin ni tita. Lumapit naman ako sa kanya.

"Ano 'yon, tita?"

"'Di ba, siya 'yong ano..." Pasimple pa nitong turo sa babaeng papunta sa direksyon namin. "Amanda, 'di ba?"

Nang titigan ko nga ang babaeng iyon at nanlaki na lamang ang mata ko dahil hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko siya rito. With her blonde hair, she could be easily distinguished with her posh posture and personality. We were about to walk away when she called us out and headed to our direction.

Wala naman akong gana na tiningnan siya.

"Lucky you, I'm here now," panimula nito. "Oh, just kidding! I saw your IG story and I thought I should go here when I'm already near the area. So, what's going on here? And what's with all these ugly flowers?"

"These aren't ugly," pagtatanggol ko pa.

"It is darling," ngisi pa nito. Nahilig naman ang kanyang ulo sa direksyon kung saan maraming tao na bumibili ng bulaklak. Mula ro'n ay nakita niya si Connagh. "Oh, I know why you all are here. You're supporting our boss? But I'm not sure when did he starting selling flowers, right? Oh, well, not my problem. And oooh, you're with your boyfriend."

"Could you please stop," Berk said to her. "You're annoying."

She laughed. "Thank you. It's a privileged for me to be called upon that."

"Ang bruha nga talaga nito," komento ni tita kaya napalingon sa kanya si Amanda at binigyan ng mapanuring tingin. "Hindi mo ako madadaan sa paninindak mo."

"And who... oh, wait! I feel like I know you! Oh, shit! Yes!" she exclaimed. "You're the helper from my grandpa's house, am I right?! And you're what? Friend with Kiersten now?"

"No, she's not my friend. I'm her auntie," depensa pa ni tita. Kahit matangkad na babae si Amanda ay taas noo rin nitong pinaglaban ang kanyang sarili.

But then Amanda laughed. "I see now... same people with loss class."

"That's rude," Berk pointed her out. "And I think you should leave now."

"Oh, boy, I'm scared," she laughed. "If you're dating Kiersten and you thought she likes you, I think you should made up your mind because he's into Connagh Macek. It's not really hard that to guess so—"

"You should walk away na o baka hihintayin mo pang lumipad itong palad ko sa pisngi mo," pagbanta ni tita kasabay ng pagtaas ng kamay niya.

"I don't know what you're trying to say but if you're going to hurt me, my grandpa will find out about this and he'll get you fired so you can crawl back to your home to your ugly country."

"Yup. That's it. We're leaving," I announced and I grabbed tita's hand so we could walk away from her.

"Losers," Amanda commented and laughed as we were walking away from her.

"Don't mind her tita," pagpapakalma ko sa kanya, Hinarap ko naman si Berk. "And don't mind what she said. She clearly doesn't know what she's talking about."

And I just when I thought this day would be special, I never thought it would go this way. Tita didn't spend lunch with us at umuwi na lang din siya kaagad dahil sa pagka-badtrip kay Amanda. Hindi rin naman natuloy ang pag-iikot naming dalawa ni Berk nang sabihin niyang biglang sumakit ang tiyan niya so we decided to go back home. He apologized because we wouldn't be able to hang around this time, but I told him we still have a lot of time to do it.

Pagkarating ko sa room ko, there was a package lying in front of my door. It was a white box and then a huge paper bag. Kasing laki ito nang isang family size pizza and it's thicker. Nang dalhin ko naman sa loob ng kwarto ang box ay inilapag ko sa center table iyon. There's a white ribbon on it and I had to untie it before opening the lid of the box and when I do, bumungad sa akin ang isang letter at isang special type of paper ang nakabalot sa kung anong laman ng box na ito.

I picked the letter and opened it.

I know you said not to buy you a dress, but here's what I thought would be looked good for you. I hope you'll like it. – Connagh

After reading the letter ay agad ko namang inalis ang nakabalot na paper at bumungad sa akin ang isang dress. It's a slip rose-gold linen dress and upon checking what's in the paper bag, it's a nude stilettos. At this point, I couldn't be more grateful for Connagh, but this is too much.

Connagh's just a friend. And that's where it should lie.

***

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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