Chapter 43: Pray

I remembered the days when he lent his shoulder for me to lean on. He was there whenever I felt lonely and unwanted.

He's one of those people who appreciated me... he never left me through battles I fought rather... he stayed and chose to be with me, and he helped me to overcome all of it.

And now...

When he's feeling the same way, and dealing with his own battles. I was here, I didn't leave him. Not because I owe him, but I just chose to.

Life isn't all about rainbows. There's always a storm to go through before we see the bright tomorrow ahead of us.

And one of the things you must do:

Is to fight your own battles.

Nothing will be finished as nothing good will happen if in the midst of fighting... there's a piece of surrender.

Me:

Thank you for this. I love you, love.

I bit the inside of my cheeks as I felt the familiar butterflies in my stomach. 

When I woke up in the morning, Manang handed me a paperbag that contained a food and told me that my boyfriend stopped by to give it.

"Ang aga nga, hija! Mga 6 AM yata iyon pumunta rito. Ang init pa nga noong paperbag nang ibinigay sa 'kin."

And when I took out what's inside it... my heart warmed. Especially when I saw a note attached on the food container.

Eat well. I love you.

-Zian

I am sure he cooked me food and delivered it early in the morning! I decided to bring it with me, and eat this as my lunch instead buying a food in the cafeteria.

I decided to meet Lorraine after my class. I haven't texted her yet, but I assure she can't refuse if I obey her to meet with me. She can't say no.

I found a table in the cafeteria and suited myself. Rhiane and Marga took different course, so definitely we can't see each other often since their department is kinda far from us. It's also a waste of time, sabi ko kapag may maluwag na oras 'tsaka na lang kami magkita-kita.

Even if I was eating alone. I didn't definitely feel totally alone 'coz I enjoyed my food... so much.

After my class ended, I immediately texted the number I took from Zian's phone yesterday.

Me:

Is this Lorraine? Let's meet in Marikina. 6 pm sharp.

I decided to meet her at Arblivan para maiba naman. Several seconds passed when my phone beeped.

Unknown number:

Sino ka po?

I snorted and typed in a reply.

Me:

Audrey. I wanna talk to you about something. Arblivan resto. I am sure you're familiar with it?

Kuya Henry sent me off in the restaurant. I took a seat near the glass window while waiting for her to arrive. I was just wearing my uniform in college, so I had earned some curious looks from the people around.

I was drumming my fingers against the table when I felt someone passed by me.

Lorraine.

"Sorry... natagalan," she softly said.

I rolled my eyes and pointed at the seat in front of me, she obliged.

I crossed my arms and looked at her, almost glaring. "Pinaghintay mo pa ako," I started.

"Sorry..." She bowed her head a bit.

I shrugged. "Nevermind..." I was about to continue when someone interrupted us.

"Good evening, ma'am. Can I have your order?"

I glanced at the waitress and immediately remembered Shanny.

We're not really close and she'd just only piss me off the whole time, but somehow I used to her presence when I was still working here.

"Where's Shanny?" I asked her.

"Hmm, nasa staff room po... papaalis na rin kasi siya."

I smirked. "Call her, siya ang gusto kong kumuha ng order."

Her eyes widened, unable to move.

I arched a brow. "Just go."

She nodded attentively and turned her back to follow what I've said.

I then stared back on Lorraine when I saw her looking at me intently.

I gave her my sarcastic smile that earned a blush on her, she immediately cleared her throat. I tsked when I noticed it. Kung lalaki lang siya baka isipin kong may gusto siya sa 'kin.

"Ma'am, bakit ako po ang..." Hindi natapos ni Shanny ang sasabihin nang bumaling ako sa kaniya.

"I want you to enumerate my order... ours rather," I said and glanced at Lorraine.

"Out ko na, Audrey, may pupuntahan pa ako."

I leaned on my chair. "That's it."

She looked at me confusedly, while Lorraine's just watching us.

"Remember when you always scold me whenever I don't entertain some of the costumer's orders? And it's because my shift has already done, but you still want me to do it. I'm just returning the favor..."

She groaned in annoyance. "Ang tagal na no'n, may hinanakit ka pa rin d'yan sa katawan mo?"

"Yeah," I sarcastically answered.

"Bwisit ka, ano'ng order mo?!" gigil na tanong niya at hinablot ang notebook sa katabi.

"Show respect on costumers," I taunted.

When I saw how she wants to burst out, I stopped and just properly ordered.

"Order yourself, hindi tayo close para asikasuhin kita," ani ko kay Lorraine.

She swallowed hard before telling her order to Shanny.

While we're waiting for our food, I spoke up. "Did you know why I called you?"

I noticed that she was having a hard time to breathe. "S-Siguro...:

I panicked, so I immediately took the pitcher on the table and poured a water before offering it to it. "Drink this."

She nodded while trying to stable her breathing.

My forehead creased. Did I do something to make her catch her breath?

When our orders arrived, I just let her eat first. Hindi naman ako ganoon kasama para magbunganga habang kumakain siya.

"About my boyfriend," I started, emphasizing the last word.

She wiped her mouth first with a napkin before giving me her full attention. "Si Zian..." aniya.

"Of course, sino pa ba?"

I crossed my arms. "Why are you giving him a hard time? Will you... will you stop getting on our way?" I pressed.

She looked down. "Pasensya ka na..."

I shook my head. "That pasensya of yours won't change anything. It's just... p'wede bang hanggang dito na lang? I don't know why I seem begging but... I don't wanna see Zian suffering from someone's problem."

"Pasensya na talaga... hindi na... hindi ko na ulit siya gagambalain kapag... kapag nagising na si Mommy."

I looked at her in confusion. "What?"

She let out a breath before playing with her nails on the table. "Mommy's in a coma state..."

My lips parted.

What?

"What..." I trailed off.

"Hindi ko alam kung sinabi ba ni Zian sa 'yo, pero kasi... dahil sa pang-aabuso ni Daddy kaya nasa comatose state si Mommy." She started sobbing that I had the urge to cover her mouth, so people won't think I'm having a fight with her.

"Hush, stop it..." I nervously whispered.

"Pasensya na talaga... natatakot kasi ako kay Daddy, e... ayaw kaming tulungan ng pamilya ni Mommy dahil una pa lang binalaan na nila si Mommy kay Daddy... pero hindi nakinig si Mommy kaya ngayon... walang kamag-anak ang gustong tumulong sa 'min... ni hindi nila binibisita si Mommy sa hospital."

I tried to absorb what she's saying.

"Sa side naman ni Daddy... pinagtatakpan nila si Daddy kaya wala rin akong malapitan... si Zian, si Zian ang tumutulong sa 'kin lalo na sa kondisyon ko..."

"Condition?"

"Pag-gising ni Mommy... siguro i-a-undergo na rin ako ng surgery..."

My lips parted in disbelief.

Her mom's in a comatose state because of her father, no one wants to help them, and she'll also undergo a surgery for her condition...

And she only have Zian on her side.

I don't know, but a part of me... calmed in relief.

Zian did the right thing.

And I also didn't regret anything.

I tried to understand him for as long as I could, I never leave his side, but I attempted to... I let him hurt me for other's sake.

But I must say... the pain's worth it.

Everything is worth it.

I just fully realized that... he's great.

"What is your condition?"

"I have a heart disease," she answered.

I shut my eyes closed.

Indeed, she needs a person like Zian.

Mas kinakailangan niya kaysa sa 'kin.

Another burden has lifted on my shoulder.

We got interrupted when my phone beeped.

Zian:

Love, where are you?

I smiled and bit my lower lip.

Me:

Arblivan in Marikina.

Zian:

Huh?

Zian:

Ano naman ang ginagawa mo r'yan?

Zian:

I was about to go in your house, e, wala ka pala. Are you busy? Can I see you?

Me:

Come.

I let go of my phone and faced Lorraine who's now looking at me, a small smile plastered on her lips, but when I caught her looking at me, she immediately looked away and pursed her lips.

I squinted my eyes. "May gusto ka ba sa 'kin?" I said, straightforward.

"H-Huh?" Para bang nahuli siya at nangangapa ng sagot.

I tried to give a not-so-fake laugh to lighten up the mood. "I caught you several times."

"Ano... may sinabi ba si Zian?"

My brows furrowed. "Na ano?"

She looked at me for a while before sighing in relief. "Akala ko sinabi niya sa 'yo..."

"What? I was only saying that I caught you several times staring at me, and even blushed."

Back when Zian brought her in his house, I caught her blushing when she looked at me.

'Di kaya gusto niya ako?

Well, hindi naman na ako magugulat. I'm gorgeous and sexy. Boys will always hit on me, I also make some people turn their heads without exerting an effort.

And Lorraine... a simple thing.

"Hala..."

I smirked. "Chill, hindi na bago sa 'kin iyang mga ganiyang bagay. So, what were you talking about earlier? Ano'ng sinabi ni Zian?"

"Ah, wala..."

I tsked and didn't force her further.

"You know what? Instead throwing you negative comments since you always come in our way... but look how it went, ni walang nangyaring sigawan. I just feel I shouldn't give you more problems... baka mamaya ipasa mo na naman kay Zian."

She looked down. "Sorry kung may nagawa akong masama at nakaapekto iyon sa inyo... wala naman akong ibang intensyon kay Zian. Kaibigan ko lang talaga siya, sana maniwala ka..."

I shrugged. "Whatever your intention is, sa 'kin pa rin naman iyon. No one can steal him from me even you."

"Persian..."

I looked over my shoulder to see who called me.

Zian was wearing a white tee with his slacks. And even then, he could still get attentions around.

I stood and walked towards him. "Hi," I greeted.

His arms automatically wrapped around me and pulled me more close to him. "I missed you..." he whispered and planted a kiss on my temple not minding the eyes from around.

"You met with her?" he asked, directly looking at Lorraine who's now sitting awkwardly.

"Yes, do you have a say on this?" hamon ko.

He slowly shook his head. "No... I know you won't do anything unnecessary."

I smiled. "Good."

We both walked back on our way, staff greeted him when we walked passed by.

"He's my boyfriend," I introduced Zian to Lorraine.

She was about to speak when I continued. "Pinapaalala ko lang ulit," I added.

I heard Zian's silent chuckle beside me.

"How did you manage to come here, Lorraine?" Zian asked her.

I silently hissed and clung my hand on his arm, so he'll remember that he's with his girlfriend!

"Tinawag ako ni... Audrey," aniya sabay turo sa 'kin.

But I just ignored her presence afterwards, and tried to distract Zian. Nasa bandang gilid naman kami, at wala rin masyadong tao kaya ayos lang.

I rested my thigh over his, while playing with his fingers under the table.

He seems distracted when he started to look at me every seconds with his brows furrowed.

His lips rose when I rested my chin on his shoulder trying to ask for a kiss.

"Wait," he said to Lorraine before looking down at me. "What are you doing?" he gently whispered.

I wiggled my eyebrows. "Kiss," I mouthed.

He playfully rolled his eyes and crouched to give me a peck on lips.

I smiled in victory and have a glance on Lorraine who seemed uneasy while looking at us.

Gusto ko lang naman iparating sa kaniya na wala na siyang pag-asa kay Zian o kahit pa sa 'kin.

They continued talking, but I couldn't care less since I already have my own peace of mind. Hindi na ako naguguluhan at mamamatay sa kaiisip kung ano ang problema.

I already talked to her, and I could sense she's sure about it.

As for Zian, we're good and still becoming great.

I was doing something on his hand when he stopped me and instead... he intertwined it with his.

Napabaling ako sa labas nang narinig ko ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan.

I frowned not because I hate rain, but because of an idea in my mind.

"Did you bring a driver or car?" I butt in and asked Lorraine.

She shook her head.

That's it. Zian needs to send her home!

Well, sasama ako if ever!

I won't let them alone together again.

"Let's go home, and might as well drop her home," I obeyed.

Zian seemed hesitant on whether to believe me or not because of my almost sarcastic tone.

"I'm being an understanding girlfriend here, Zian. I'm serious."

He arched a brow. "Fine."

We're already walking outside when Zian told us to stay first to bring us an umbrella. While he's on it, I glanced at Lorraine beside me. "I wish for your happy life, Lorraine. May your mom wake up soon and also... I'm not a religious person, but I'll pray for your surgery to become successful... I'll pray for you to be happy, Lorraine..."

I smiled genuinely. "So, sana... hayaan mo na rin kaming maging masaya, huwag mo na kaming istorbohin, okay?" I preached in a joke way.

She's nodding while fighting her tears to fall. "Ang s'werte talaga ni Zian sa 'yo... ang s'werte niyo sa isa't isa..." she trailed off. "Kaya naging girl crush din kita..." she whispered.

My lips formed 'O' when I heard it, it was enough for me to hear since we're just near from each other.

"You have a crush on me?"

She was about to answer, but Zian had to interfer by calling me.

We're already inside his car. Me on the shotgun, of course, and Lorraine at the backseat.

"Where should I drop you off?" Zian asked and looked at the mirror.

"Sa hotel na lang, nandoon kasi si Ate Nell..."

Zian nodded and returned his gaze on the road.

"Who's Nell?" I asked Zian.

"Assistant ng mama niya."

I nodded.

We stayed silent inside the car until we reached a five-star hotel.

"Will you be fine?" Zian looked at the backseat when we pulled over.

"Oo, wala naman si Daddy..."

"Ring me up if something went wrong—"

"Ako rin," I cut off.

Hindi ba nila nakikita na nandito rin ako? I'll also help if I'm capable of doing so, hindi naman p'wedeng si Zian lagi.

She smiled. "Thank you sa inyo... ayos lang. Salamat ulit." She then got out of the car and closed it before her.

When she's already gone, I immediately moved until I was already sitting on Zian's lap. He gasped.

I gave him a mischievous smile. "One question, one answer and we'll kiss."

He looked at me in amusement. "What is it now?" he asked and fixed the strands of my hair that's covering my face a bit.

"Will you... put me on your main priority list now?"

Napatigil siya a tsaka napatitig sa 'kin.

My smile faded. "Why? Hindi pa rin ba?" I asked in disappointment.

He shook his head and pulled me for a hug. "Sorry for making you feel that way. You shouldn't ask me that, because it's my responsibility to do so in the first place."

I pulled out and stared at him directly. "So... is it a yes or no?"

He smiled as he grabbed my waist more close to him. "I'll seal it on my mind, so of course."

A smile appeared on my lips again. "I wonder how it feels to do a miracle inside this car of yours?" I wiggled my eyebrows and cupped his face.

Iyan na naman iyong kaba niya sa mukha kaya imbes na magseryoso ay natawa na lang din ulit ako.

"Siguro pakakasalan mo muna ako bago tayo magkatikiman," ani ko.

"Shut up, Persian," he uttered and rolled his eyes at me.

"What?" I innocently asked.

"I'm not into premarital sex. And for me, having sex with someone who isn't your husband nor your wife is a sin. I don't wanna do mistakes as possible."

I smiled once again. This part of him... his mindset, his principles, his perspectives and everything.

I love every inch of him.

"Pero kiss pumapayag ka?"

"It's just a minor offense, I know God will understand me for kissing a girl who isn't my wife... mapapatawad Niya ako. Malakas kaya ako sa Kaniya," biro niya.

I pouted and carressed his soft hair. "Malakas ka pala e, 'di tawaran mo na lang din kahit hanggang kalahati lang ng katawan. After that, mangumpisal tayo," pakikisabay ko sa kaniya.

He laughed hard, so did I.

Gosh, with him... I can't ask for more. Zian's all enough and he'll always be.

Zirdy Ivan Reistre.

That name will be forever in my heart.