" Really, Kuya Roland?" I asked him again. I can't believe it!

We were spanning the road to go to the hospital. Why was Ate Lita there? Is she sick.. or what?! Oh gosh. I hope she was fine!

Gilbert held my hand " Hey, Darling! Everything will be fine,"

I gave him a small smile saying that yeah, I'm good.

We were now at the hospital. I can see doctors and nurses walking around.

" Kuya Roland, where is Ate Lita? I mean what is the room number?" I asked what room Ate Lita was.

" Room 205 po!" He answered. I cannot read what was going to his mind right now, but he looked sorrowful "I'll buy some coffee, Ma'am for you and Sir Gilbert" 

" Gilbert na lang po, Sir Roland!" Gilbert gave a smile to Kuya Roland.

" Sige po! Una na po ako," He vanished.

" So, I guess tayo na lang natira." He intertwined our hands. I just go with it even tho my hands were getting wet!

" What's with the thing?" I asked him. Pointed at the nurses and doctors walking. Just thinking of anything else." That silver medical thing they wore at their necks." 

" Oh! Yeah. That's stethoscope" He shrugged " Mostly, they use that so they can hear our heartbeats."

I remember now when I was a kid. When my Mum had her monthly check-ups. I know now. 

" And uhm, if you're not asking... they're wearing scrubs and white coat," He had a glimpse of the woman who just passed by.

" And there!" He pointed out " I think that is the casual wear with the.. white coat!"

" I thought you're gonna be a lawyer?" I asked, "Did I miss something, Mr. Villaflor?"

" Napanood ko kasi yung Romantic Doctor, Watching Kim" He winked. Really? He's into medical now? What happened to the case, Attorney?  " It's a must-watch!"

" Gonna watch it with you" I replied 

" Aba! Sige lang. Set an appointment first." He replied

Appointment, Appointment. UGH!

" I don't know when 'cause we will be having a team-building with my parents' company mates," I mentioned. 

" Aw! Really? Can I go?" He pouted

" Ask, Mum" I answered. Oh! I remember, Dad! He's such an obstruction. " Or ask no one."

I changed the topic to " Is this the room?" I pointed.

" Room 2-0-5" He read slowly  " Yeah! "

 We went inside to visit Ate Lita to see if she is fine.

" Ate Lita!" I hugged her. I smell her familiar scent. " How are you po?"

" Tasha! Nag-abala ka pa." Banggit niya. " Ayos lang ako. 'Wag na kayong mag-alala."

I breathed heavily because she said that she was great! Thank God.

" Kuya Roland went outside to buy coffee," I mentioned to her

" Aba! Gano'n ba?" She said. She will sit in her bed until...

" Ma'am Lita! Alalayan na po kita." Gilbert insisted

" Salamat... Mr?" She asked.

" Gilbert na lang po." He gave his hand para mag-mano.

" Ang bait mo naman nito, Ma'am Tash!" Ate Lita replied back

I heard that the door was opening.

" Kuya Roland!" I shouted.

" Goodnews." Kuya Roland mentioned happily. I saw the coffee he holds and also the biscuits he bought. Gilbert immediately took the food. Such a good boy.

" Ano na naman, Rolando!" Ate Lita sarcastically replied " Tandaan mo ikaw yung dahilan kung bakit tayo nandi--"

What is it?

" Lita! May mga bata." Kuya Roland stopped immediately Ate Lita

I remember the hospital bills!

" Uhm! Ate Lita, I'll go somewhere." I said so it can't be obvious.

But, I need guidance. Gilbert was too young to go with me.

" Kuya Roland! Come with me, please." I whispered

" Sige po, ma'am"

I had a glimpse of Gilbert " Wanna go with us?" I asked

" I'll gonna watch Ate Lita na lang." Gilbert insisted.

" Saan sila pupunta?" The last thing I heard from them

We're now walking in the hospital hall. The scent was so good! I can see patients in wheelchair and also the nurses guiding them.

" Kuya Roland" I called his attention " I'll pay the hospital bills for Ate Lita."

" Ma'am?" He asked " Kami na lang po. Nakakahiya."

I don't want to expense their salary. duh!

" Uh! Kuya, let me please." I replied. Hoping that he will agree now.

" Sige po, Ma'am! Basta sabihin niyo na lang po kung ano po yung gusto niyo pong kapalit," He smiled.

I cut off our conversations 'cause I don't want to talk anymore. Also, I don't want an exchange because I'm being a good and pretty Samaritan.

" Lisbon Tarryn?" The nurse-counter slowly mentioned

" Opo!" Kuya Roland replied and nodded.

" Wait lang po for the further adjustments, Sir."

" Kuya Roland who is Lisbon Tarryn?" I asked, confused " I thought it's Lita?"

He laughed " Hindi mo pa talaga kilala si Lita!"

I made an 'okay, fine. What's the answer in my question' look

" Lisbon Tarryn, Lita." He answered " Gandang pangalan, ano?"

" Yiee!" I joked " Kuya Roland, huh"

" Ma'am! H-hindi naman po sa g-gano'n" He looked nervous now

I can't deny that Kuya Roland was cute and gentlemanly because he has the features of whole masculinity. He always went to gym kapag walang umaalis sa bahay. Dumagdag pa yung kaniyang mga magigiting na mga muscles and his beard and mustasche. You can't really say that he's already 29 years old. Meanwhile, Ate Lita came to our house. I think she's 23 at that time, and she's serving us for 5 years already. Ate Lita or let's say Ate Lisbon.. or Tarryn? Much better if I call her Ate Tarryn now. She's fit and she's gorgeous with her rebonded hair. I'm afraid na dumating yung time na umalis or mag-retire sila because they're kind and mabilis pakisamahan.

" Sir Roland! This is the receipt po," The nurse mentioned, " She must be taking vitamins and Tylenol."

" She must also come weekly for the consultation and screening. " He continually mentioned.

" Thank you po," He replied.

" By the way, Sir. Nag-pregnant test na po ba yung misis niyo?" The Nurse asked/

Shocked! Did I hear that properly? Pregnancy Test? Ate Lita will have a baby? Ayon ba dapat yung goodnews na sasabihin sana ni Kuya Roland earlier? Oh my goodness!

Kuya Roland looked at me and suddenly had a glimpse of the Nurse " Hindi pa ho." He replied

" Here! Take this." The Nurse handled a box

" How much?" I asked

" That's will be free. I'll take care of the expense." The Nurse mentioned, smiled

" Thank you for that!" I mentioned. That's free... I ain't gonna be choosy.

We directly went back to the room. And I saw Gilbert and Ate Lita laughing. They're having a vibe, huh.

" I told to Ma'am Tasha na, Lita." Kuya Roland slowly mentioned

" Ano?" Ate Lita replied

" Kalma," He laughed

" Binayaran niya na rin yung bills and pwede ka na rin makaalis ngayong gabi."

" Talaga ba? Omo!" She excitedly said. "Bye! Bye! Dextrose."

" 'yan, tumba pa kanina." Kuya Roland joked

" Nagugutom na ako! Halika na nga!" She suddenly mentioned

" I thought doctors can only dismiss you ." Gilbert formed a 'thinking' pose

" Weh? Hala! Uwing-uwi na ako!" Ate Lita sarcastically cried

I didn't know that Ate Lita was kalog, huh.

" Good evening!" The doctor entered with 2 nurses.

We directly went to the side of the room

" I am Doctor Marco" He handled a hand to Ate Lita "Ms. Lisbon Mendoza. You can finally dismiss now"

The nurses removed all the medical thingy in her body.

" Based on the results and signs, Ms. Mendoza. We think that you need to take a pregnancy test." Doctor Marco suggested, reading in his clipboard

" I'm.. preggy? Buntis, gano'n?" She looked at Kuya Roland

I saw Kuya Roland winked. Oh jeez!

" Nice, Bro!" I heard Gilbert whispered to Kuya Roland. Since Gilbert is on my side I bumped him with my side hips.

" Sorry," He apologized

We directly went home. We dropped off Gilbert in their house and sinalubong pa kami ng Mommy niya and she even entertained us to go inside, but I disagree because I'm freaking sleepy already.

Summer came and The whole company will have a team-building at the beach. The company workers took the private bus. While we had a convoy because we use the car. Kuya Roland is the driver, and Ate Lita insisted to stay at the house so she can take care of the baby in her tummy. They already took the pregnancy test! But the bad news was we must not tell it to Mum and Dad because for sure they will be fired. I don't want them to, so I'll just zip my mouth about the pregnancy topic.

We're now at the hotel. I went to the balcony and I saw the beautiful beach and the sunset.

" Mum! It's great here. Nice beach." I mentioned running inside.

" Yeah, sweetie." She replied

" Natasha, Stay here. We will go outside so we can talk to the employees regarding the program tomorrow." Dad said putting the luggage

" Oh.. kay" I nodded " How many days do team-building last?"

" 2 days and 1 night." My Mum suddenly replied. Putting his beach hat. She looks pretty there.

I just nodded. I'm here now staying at the balcony looking at the stars and the full moon. I captured the night sky and posted on my Instagram story with the text of  'only you.' And in the clouds, I mentioned him. I know that's cheesy, but duh!

It's cold and breezy here on the balcony so I went inside so I can watch movies. Still checking my Instagram story if he saw my post!!! I'm getting angry!

Minutes passed and I saw a notification.

AAAAAAA! I immediately rolled my body in bed because of the romantic expression I'm feeling right now!! Even tho it's only ' I miss you, my darling'

And I heard a phone call coming.

[ Hello, darling] Gilbert mentioned. With a cold and raspy voice.

" Hellow! M-Mr. Villaflor" Still sttutering. I still can't believe what happened earlier.

[ How's the night?]

" F-fine!" I replied " Mum and Dad are not here. I'm alone."

[ I see.] He fired back [ That's why I saw your story with the caption of ' Only you.'] He put an exaggerated voice.

I laughed over the phone " How about you? Still fine there?"

[ Yup! It's cold here.]

" Yeah! Same vibe."

And we talked and talked until I slept.

" Natasha! Wake up" My dad woke me up.

" Hwey dwad whwat iws happening," I replied still sleepy that's why my voice was like that

" Fix yourself. Join us on the first day of team-building. Let's go, Earl is there." He mentioned. EARL? Why? Fuck! I remember that My dad had a partnership with Earl's Family too! I didn't know that they will invite them! For Pete's sake!!

" And also change with jeans and a plain white shirt, because you will change later after you know your group," My dad ordered me.

As he mentioned. I immediately changed my clothes. I partnered it with white sneakers and put a colored shade. I didn't forget to put on sunscreen. We're now on the sand beach. It has a small stage with the tarpaulin saying 'De Verra Corporate Company'

I don't want to look around because I don't want to see Earl. If I saw him, my whole day will be bad.

" Good Morning!" The Emcee replied. He wore beach shorts and a sando with an aloha touch.

" Good Morning!" The Employee replied " Woo!" They shouted. They were just so happy person. I think they will be having a good time. Hoping.

" So! Let's start with the Opening Remarks. Sir. Steven De Verra, the whole stage is yours." The Emcee mentioned. I saw dad with the flower garland, so as my Mum. Bakit wala ako? It can be an additional fashion! Maybe I'll snatch my dad's later.

I didn't hear what my dad said because I just bowed and my neck is aching now. That's okay, at least I couldn't see, Earl.

"And also my daughter is here." He pointed at me. " She will join the team-building."

I heard the employees rain a clap for me.

" Thank you, Sir. De Verra for the powerful and extraordinary opening!" The Emcee replied. I don't know if that is sarcastic or what. But I don't care. " Now, All the people in white come in the front para makabunot na kayo kung anong grupo kayo mapupunta."

What? I don't want to interact with them. No choice. Imma enjoy the day.

I went in the front joining the others. The company mates were paving my way to just pick a number. And I picked a paper with '2'. I don't want this kind of treatment.

" Oh! Okay, guys! To those who picked number 1, rito sa left side. And get this Blue Shirt in the front" The Emcee pointed

" And also yung mga nakabunot ng Number 2 dito sa middle side. Pick a representative to get this Yellow Shirt here." He continually replied " Lastly, sa mga nakabunot sa Number 3, dito naman sa right side. Pakikuha ng Green dito. Salamat"

I immediately went in the middle. I can see some handsome employees, self! And also... That fucking Earl!

" Hey, Natasha!" He greeted. " I thought hindi ka makakasali."

I rolled my eyes at him. Irritated. I just heard a laugh coming from him.

" The rules are simple, Guys! Just join the games and tomorrow we will announce who will be the winner!"  The Emcee ordered. I can hear the echo coming from the mike.

" For the First Game! You better pair with someone coming from your group only! And you better know and dapat kabisado yung tatlong details. The Full Name, kasama 'yung surname, The Favorite Color and Lastly, The Most Embarrassment thing he/she did. Okay! Guys! Starts now!" The last thing I heard from the emcee and napalitan ito ng electric pop music.

Our group formed a circle.

" Putek! Ano ba 'to. Masyadong Easy naman first game!" The Boy Employee  said.

" Yabang, Jah!" The Girl Employee fired back.

I heard Jah laughed " Dali na! I-pair mo na Avie. Guys walang choosy, please."

Walang choosy? What if they will partner me with Earl because we're the only teens here? UGH!

" Ikaw naman ate girl, dito ka kay kuya boy." Avie paired me with one and only fucking Earl

"B-but--" I stopped

" Ayaw mo ba?" Earl asked me, laughing

" No!" I whispered

" Well! You have no choice. Ate Avie partnered us." He boastly replied, " Maybe she guess my future girlfriend already."

I crossed my arms. If babalik ako sa hotel my parents will be absolutely mad! Since wala naman akong magagawa I just changed the topic.

" Tell me all the three details of your please," I told him fastly and not in the mood.

" Come on! Smile first!" He ordered

Smile your face!

" You will say or I will kick your goddamn balls?" I stupidly mentioned. Why did I say that? UGH!

" Just kick it, later." He winked

He's fucking getting into my fucking freaking nerves! And also add my patience.

" I will report you to Ate Avie!" Pagbabanta ko. I used that card so he can finally stop me.

" Okay! Okay! Calm," he said with actions. " Earl... Earl William Corpuz Fernandez."

" Okay, Earl Earl Willian Corpuz Fernandez," I sarcastically replied.

" Oh! May pagka-pilosopo ka pala. That's why Tita loves you like that." He said

Don't you ever called my mum as 'tita'.

"Natasha Shane De Verra, All shades of pastels and..." I reminiscing the jeep moments last time when I'm with Gilbert. "Just jeep moments." I completely answered.

The whole day ends and now I'm back in the hotel. Since tomorrow will be the last day, my parents went outside to drink with Earl's parents and other companies. It means I am lonely again here.

I went again to the balcony having stargazing hoping that Gilbert will be here, joining me.

I felt something in my hands... Yes! I call from him!!!

"Hello!" I first greet him because of excitement and also I miss him.

[ Wiw! Saya, ha.] I heard his raspy laughed.  [ How are you, my darling? Having fun there?]

" A li'l bit. Join me here!!!" I said. Even tho it's impossible. " Join me. Go outside of your house and do stargazing. Let's just look at the moon. So I can feel your presence by doing that."

I heard he laughed again [ Coming. ] And he suddenly ended the call.

What did he say again? I wish he will come. UGH! I went again to my bed, swiping my Twitter timeline.

Piya @Zophiyaaa

In love with someone I can't have.

Hoping you're doing fine, Piya. Also, Love will come to you naman. Trust the destiny. The person at the end of your red string will find you... someday.

Suddenly... My phone rang again.

" H-hello?"

[ Come down, darling]

" Come down?"

And he ended the call. How?

I just looked at the balcony but no one was there. I took an elevator to go down. It will close until...

" Hi! Natasha," Earl waved and gave me a wide smile.

I don't want to talk to him.

" Too late, go to bed now," He replied again like he was something to me.

" I don't care with you. So can you shut your freaking mouth, please?"

" Wild!" He sarcastically mentioned. I saw he smirked too! That is so irritating! " Oh! About the balls, when will you do that?"

My brows met each other. Did he take that seriously? UGH!

The elevator suddenly opened that cut our conversations. I saw he went to the other side with me. Thankful that he didn't see Gilbert, I mean if he's only there

I saw a boy with only an unbuttoned white dress shirt, and Hawaiian board shorts with also a black Nike cap.

" Hey, darling." He waved at me. Shouting it.

I looked around. I breathed heavily because no one heard that.

" H-how did you come here?" I asked, dazzled. Like how? This beach was too far from Manila.

" Just let's go, first." He said. He intertwined our hands. I felt a romantic expression again. Why did I always felt that when I'm with him? How can you do that, Gilbert?

We're now walking in the sand. I can hear the waves coming from the sea. The air I breathed was too pure. And the coconut trees are such beautiful. I can't believe that this scenery I'm looking at is a masterpiece.

He stopped by that made me stopped too.

" U-uh?" I asked

" I just want to feel the vibes now," He replied. I saw his hair moving because of the air.

" Y-yes." It's kinda weird " So, how'd you get here?"

He looked at me " Long story short, I talked to your Mum on the phone and she agreed. If you will ask me, I rode the bus with the employee. Nakita ko nga sa front seat si Earl! The boy we saw sa cinema." He mentioned, but his voice was kinda sad.

" Y-yeah. I know." I fixed his hair with my hand. " Why you didn't join the competition earlier?"

" Ewan" He laughed " Baka masyado lang ako napuyat and I woke up late."

I nodded.

" Would you mind?" He asked.

" What?" I replied.

" To sit." I saw his beautiful smile.

" Yes, we may." I agreed. We sat in the sand looking at the waves. The feels.

" U-uhm, darling," he said looking at the sea.

" Yeah?" I looked at him, but he still looking at the waves.

" Remember the first time we met because of that stupid bottle of water?" He laughed.

" Don't remember that.. thing or event!" I angrily replied.

" Why?" He said " I'm just thankful na nabangga kita no'n." He looked at me now. Again, I saw his beautiful perfect smile.

" And also, my darling. Alam mo ba kung bakit sigurado akong mahal kita?" He looked serious now. His brows are furrowed and his jaws were aggressive.

" Because I chose you every single day." He smiled at me and it was so pure.

I thought I already fell in love with him, but no. Every day I fall and fall and fall with him.

" Why did you say that?" Curious. What is he trying to say?

" Nothing," He shrugged " Gusto ko lang malaman mo na mahal kita."

" And also, darling. You're very different sa mga girls na na-entertain ko in my life. It's like the first time I met you I really felt that thing. And realizing that--" He looked at the sea

"I didn't choose you, darling. My heart did."

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♡