CHAPTER NINETEEN

HER parents were always strict when it comes to her travel trips and activities outside Casa Alta. Isa rin iyon sa dahilan kung bakit wala siyang masyadong kaibigan. Ang isang tanging nagtagal ay si Santi lang. It was because he's a family friend and they almost have a same status in life.

Hindi naman sa mapangmata ang pamilya niya, pero palaging mas pinipili ng mga ito ang makipagkaibigan o makipagmabutihan sa mga taong may binatbat sa lipunan. Ang pamilya niya ay hindi rin talaga nakikisalamuha sa kanilang mga trabahador o sa mga taong hindi kagaya ng kanilang estado sa pamumuhay.

Hindi katulad ng mga Guerrera na nakilala talaga na pantay ang pagtrato sa mga tao. Mapa-mayaman o mahirap man ay wala ang mga itong sinisino. Especially towards their workers or helpers. They treat them rightfully and with respect. It was also one of the many reasons why she admired Guerrera family.

It wasn't hard for people to adored Guerreras. Her family are one of those people who likes Guerreras so much. Kaya kahit na mahigpit sa kanya ang magulang niya, isang tawag lang si Zacariel sa mommy niya, pumayag agad ito na magpunta siya sa Maynila.

"He respects us. He even called your father, Yelena, para lang magpaalam." She can say how proud was her mother while saying those words to her.

"Pumayag po ba si dad?"

"Of course. He's very fond with Zacariel. Kaya lang anak, ang gusto ng daddy mo ay hindi ka sa kanya tutuloy."

Understandable. Even though she wants to stay with Zacariel's penthouse, they need to respect what her parents wants for now. Besides, they are not married yet. Hindi rin maganda tignan kung magsasama nga sila sa iisang bubong.

"Zacariel suggested to let you stay in one of their condo in Manila. He will provide a helper for you too."

"I'm fine with that, mommy. Besides I'll spend more time in his office."

Her beautiful mother gave her a doubtful look.

"I hope you won't disturb him while working."

"I won't, mom."

"Yelena, I don't know if you're really aware about Zacariel's role in GCP. He's now the CEO of their company. He have more responsibilities on his shoulders. I'm glad to know though that he gave time for you, but I'm kinda worried about you."

She's aware that Zacariel is now the CEO of GCP when Zacarias needed to leave the company to focus on something else. His reasons for leaving wasn't clear to her. People talked about that for awhile, pero humupa rin naman ang usap-usapan kalaunan.

"Why are you worried?"

"Because we all know he's a busy man. He can't really give you all his time and attention. Are you ready for that?"

"I already expected that, mommy. What matters to me now is he make ways for us to be together."

"Hindi mo naman siguro siya pinilit na ipaalam ka niya sa amin?"

Yelena scoffed. Wala talagang tiwala sa kanya ang sariling ina? O sadyang kilala lang talaga siya nito at alam ang karakas niya?

"Yelena, you're not yet married to him, ha. Baka naman kung anu-ano na ang hinihiling mo sa kanya?"

Ang tanging hiniling niya lang naman kay Zacariel ay payagan siya nitong mag aral ng kursong gusto niya. Pero hindi niya 'yon sasabihin sa kahit kanino. Except, of course, with Santi.

"Don't worry, mom. I'm being a good girl. I won't disturb Zacariel when he was working. I won't ask or request something to him that he couldn't give."

Nang umalis ang ina sa silid niya, ipinagpatuloy niya ang pag-iimpake ng mga damit na dadalhin sa Maynila. Wala pa silang pag-uusap ng binata kung hanggang kailan siya mananatili roon. Pero para makasigurado, medyo dinagdagan niya ang mga damit na dadalhin.

When Yelena saw Meadow on the couch, she suddenly remembers that she wants Zacariel to meet her cat. Kaya naman agad niyang tinext ang kasintahan tungkol sa bagay na 'yon.

To: Zac
I'm done packing my things. By the way, I want you to meet Meadow. Pwede ko ba siyang dalhin sa condo?

As expected, he didn't reply right away. The last time he texted her was this morning. He told her that he has a few meetings today. Kaya hindi ito kaagad makakapag-reply sa kanya kung may text man siya.

Habang karga niya ang pusa, naglakad siya palabas sa mansyon nang makita ang pagdating ng Kuya Russo niya na sakay ng itim na kabayo nito.

"Kuya!" she called him to get his attention.

Sumulyap ito sa kanya bago bumaba sa kabayo. He patted the head of his horse, then gave the rope to Donelo. One of their field helpers.

"Saan ka galing?"

"Magpupunta ka sa Maynila?" balik tanong nito.

"Oo. Wala naman akong ginagawa dito."

"Are you going to stay with Zacariel?"

Umiling siya. "I will stay in one of their condo in Manila. Then, I'll visit him on his office."

"Are you really marrying him?" He asked coldly.

"That's what the decision."

"Do you like to marry him?"

There's no reason to lie with her brother. Isa ito sa kakampi niya kaya alam niyang makakahinga ito ng maluwag kung malalaman na gusto niya ang papakasalan niya.

"I like to marry him."

He nods his head a bit. "That's the only thing I want to know."

"Pero hindi pa kami magpapakasal, Kuya. Baka papaunahin muna si ate Zakia."

"There's no hurry. Our family only want is a guarantee that you will get a man that they want from you."

"Sana hindi ka rin nila pilitin na magpakasal sa hindi mo gusto, Kuya."

"You know my stand for that, Yelena."

Yes. He will never marry a woman that he didn't like. Maybe, even for business purposes, he will still never tie a knot with a woman their family chose for him.

"Are you still with ate Freja?"

He paused for a moment. Before he continued to walk towards bourse stable. Nakasunod siya sa kapatid habang palinga-linga naman sa paligid si Meadow na nasa bisig niya.

"Yes."

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya. There's really something going on between her brother and that beautiful woman. She can now confirm.

"How is she?"

"She's..." he trailed, then smirked. "She's fine."

"When can I see her again?"

"Why do you wanna see her?"

"Because I like her for you."

Russo started to feed his horse.

"We will see you when we stay in Pampanga."

"Are you going to bring her in Pampanga again? Matagal kayo do'n, Kuya?" manghang tanong niya.

"Yes. We will live there for a months. I have things to do there too."

"What? Are you guys gonna live together na?"

"In Pampanga. Yes."

Naisip niya bigla ang pamilya nila. Sana lang ay hindi humadlang! Pero imposible yata 'yon? Unless, her brother will hide Freja and their relationship?

"Kuya, aren't you worried that lolo will discover your relationship with ate Freja?"

"I don't really give a damn, Yelena."

Ngumuso siya at napatango nalang. Oo nga pala, matibay ang paniningigan ng Kuya Russo niya. Hindi basta-basta mababali kahit pa ng pamilya nila.

The next day, Yelena left Casa Alta with Meadow. They both had a comfortable ride despite of the long travel.

Madilim na nang makarating sila sa BGC. The condominium building is familiar to her. Nawala ang pag-iisip niya tungkol doon nang salubungin siya ni Zacariel sa lobby.

Behind her is Donelo who's carrying her two suit case. Then Meadow's cute comfy bed.

He kissed her cheek then he paused after he noticed her cat on her arms.

"This is Meadow," she happily introduced.

Zacariel pet her cat who meowed.

"I didn't know it's a cat."

Because he didn't him. She wanted to surprise him.

"Do you like cats?" she asked as they walk towards the elevator.

"Not really."

She pouted her lips. "Ah, you only like horses."

Napansin niya na parang nababahing si Zacariel pero hindi natutuloy. He will sigh, then he would punch the bridge of his nose. Does he have cold?

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I think so."

Baka sa sobrang pagtatrabaho nito, nagkakasakit na!

Tumunog at bumukas ang elevator sa tamang palapag. Donelo left after he put her suit case inside. It is a one bedroom unit with one another room probably for helper.

Inilapag niya si Meadow sa sofa at lumapit kay Zacariel na halata na dumidistansya sa kanya. If he have cold, mahahawa siya. Kaya siguro hindi talaga lumalapit sa kanya.

He opened a door of her bedroom to show her. Sumunod siya rito. Hinawi nito ang kurtina kaya nakita niya ang magiging view niya. It's just a garden view. Then on the left side is probably the swimming pool area of the building.

"Where's my welcome kiss?" she asked him with a pout.

Right before he turn to face her, she embraced him from behind.

"Are you sick? That's why you don't want to kiss me?"

"No--oh, God," then he sneezed.

She winced because he sneezed twice.

She released her hug and faced him. He's covering his nose to stop another sneeze. Pero hindi napigilan at napabahing na naman at parang lumala pa ngayong nasa harap siya nito.

"Are you okay?"

"I... I don't think so."

"Uh, I think you're sick."

"No, I am just..." he sneezed again. "I'm allergic to..."

She step backwards for him to at least properly breath. Napansin niya na sa sobrang lapit niya, nababahing talaga ito. It seemed like she's the one that makes him sneezed badly.

"Huh? Are allergic to what?"

Zacariel looked like having a runny noise now and it's worrying. His sneezed wouldn't stop!

"Cat fur."

"Oh, gosh. Wait, h-hold on. I'm g-gonna call--" she didn't finish her words and ran towards the door of the bedroom.

Naabutan niya na nakahilata si Meadow sa sofa na para bang sobrang napagod sa byahe nila. She got her phone and called Donelo to get Meadow.

"Hello? Saan ka po? Pwede po bang bumalik ka dito sa condo? Meadow can't stay with me. Allergic po pala si Zacariel sa mga pusa."

"Babalik na ako diyan, Senyorita."

She ended the call and caressed Meadow.

"Even though I like you here, I think it's better if you go back home, Meadow."

The cat meowed then lay on her lap.

She can hear Zacariel still sneezing. Hanggat nandoon si Meadow, patuloy na babahing ang kasintahan at baka lumala pa iyon.

Inabot niya ulit ang iPhone niya at tinext ang mommy niya.

To: Mom
Mom, Zacariel is allergic to cat. He kept on sneezing! I don't know what to do.

Wala pang ilang minuto ay tumawag ang ina.

"Mommy? Ibabalik ko nalang si Meadow diyan."

"Ask Zacariel if he can take antihistamine. If yes, buy him."

Sumilip siya sa silid at hindi makita ang binata. Siguro ay nasa bathroom.

"Hey, do you want me to buy you antihistamine? My mom said you need that."

"I have it in my penthouse. No worries, baby. I'll be fine." He said from the bathroom as he sneezes.

"Mom, he have antihistamine on his penthouse."

"Now, bring Meadow in one of the room. Then you take a shower and change your clothes."

Tumango-tango siya at kaagad na dinala ang pusa sa isang bakanteng silid kasama ang bed nito.

"You'll stay here for awhile. I'll bring you to my bedroom later. Kapag umalis na si Zacariel. Okay?"

Meadow is too tired to even meow. Payapa lang itong humiga at hindi na siya pinansin pa.

"I called Donelo to go back here to get Meadow. Ibabalik ko nalang siya sa amin." She informed Zacariel from the living room.

Maya-maya lang ay lumabas ito sa silid niya. His nose is reddish already and his eyes!

"You don't need to bring your cat back home. If you want Meadow to stay with you here, then let her stay."

"Pero paano ka?"

"I'll just take antihistamine whenever your cat is around."

Umiling siya. Hindi naman pwedeng gano'n palagi ang gagawin nito. Seeing him sneezing badly and having a stuffed nose is not good. They need to avoid what makes him that way.

"Zacariel, I don't want your health to be at risk. I'll be fine without Meadow here."

Siguro minsan ay malulungkot siya dahil wala siyang kasama sa condo unit na 'yon. Kung nandiyan si Meadow, okay sana. Pero, nag-aalala siya kay Zacariel. He can't visit her when her cat is around. Baka pagkapasok palang nito sa pinto, bahing agad ang mangyari.

"Let's see first if I don't sneeze when Meadow is inside the other room while I'm here before we will make a decision to bring her back home."

"Okay. Let's see. For now, I'll take a shower and change."

Kahit iniwasan niya si Zacariel, nabahing pa rin ito. Pakiramdam niya, babalik talaga si Meadow sa Casa Alta. Ayaw niyang mag-alala kay Zacariel dahil hindi niya ma-e-enjoy ang bakasyon niyang 'yon.

Hindi na maganda ang lagay ng kasintahan kaya napilitan na itong bumalik sa penthouse. Donelo will be back again tomorrow to get Meadow.

Kaya rin pala pamilyar sa kanya ang gusali ay dahil naroon din ang penthouse ni Zacariel. After she settled Meadow on her own bed, she decided to go to the penthouse.

Medyo humupa na ang pagbahing nito dahil naka-inom na ng gamot. Kahit ang simpleng paghalik ay hindi niya ginawa. She's worried she's still have Meadow's fur with her even though she already took a bath and changed her clothes.

"Do I need to go to grocery tomorrow for my foods?"

"No need. I have someone to do that for you. You just have to write down all you need then I'll give it to Anita."

"Is that your helper here?"

"Yes. She can cook for us."

After an hour or so, she already felt tired but not sleepy. Zacariel seemed like he doesn't have any plan that they will sleep together that night. Medyo disappointed siya pero ayaw niya rin namang maging agresibo.

"Uh, babalik na ako." Paalam niya kalaunan.

He sighed, then he walked closer to her. He held her both arms.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Dadaanan mo ako? Anong oras?"

"My driver can pick you up before lunch. You don't really need to come with me early in the morning."

"Okay. We will have lunch tomorrow and I won't bring Meadow."

"Anita can take care of your cat tomorrow."

Ngumiti siya. Nasa isip niya palang kung sino ang magbabantay kay Meadow kapag wala siya, may solusyon na agad si Zacariel.

"I'm sorry for making you sneezed tonight. If only I knew you're allergic to cat, hindi ko na sana siya dinala dito."

"Well, you're not aware about that. It's not your fault."

"Next time, I won't bring her na."

"I'm sorry that you cannot have your cat when I'm around."

"Okay lang. I can have her when you're not around." She chuckled. "Anyways, I'll let you rest na. Good night."

She tiptoed to give him a kiss on the lips. Hindi niya na napigilan ang sarili at hinalikan na ito.

He kissed her back and caressed her arms.

"Ihahatid kita."

Wala na siyang nagawa pa nang ihatid nga siya ni Zacariel sa unit niya. Halos nasa ibabang palapag lang naman 'yon ng penthouse nito.

"Wag ka nang pumasok," natatawang sabi niya dahil baka mabahing na naman ito.

"Good night, baby," he whispered and kissed her on the lips again, that made her heart raced just like that.

"Night..." then she sweetly kissed him more.