The CEO and His Nanny's Daughter
Chapter 1
He was sitting beside the pool with his feet soaked in the water and sipping a bottle of beer in his right hand. There were three empty bottles already in the ground behind him. At a distance not very far from where he was, he can see a brunette young lady na nagdidilig sa kanilang mini garden. He was wondering if he was drunk already or just daydreaming, but he convinced himself that he only had four bottles of beer and not even halfway yet. He normally consumes 15 regular bottles a day before he gets wasted. He was observing her back dahil nakatalikod sya from the pool area. Curious of how she looks like, he stood up and walked slowly towards the lady, still with a bottle of beer in his right hand."Hi, do I know you?" Brandon asked.
Startled to hear from a virile voice behind her, napalingon agad sya and accidentally pointed the garden hose to his face na dumadaloy pa ang malakas na tubig and running freely to his face then down to his body.
"What the hell are you doing?" He was pissed off and tried to cover his face with his left hand.
"Ay sorry po, sorry po!” She was nervous and panicked on what to do on his wet face and body. “Kukuha po ako ng towel, sir.”
“No need! Sino ka ba? I don’t remember I hired a new maid or gardener lately.” He said as he was trying to wipe his wet face with his left hand.
“Anak ho ako ng yaya nyo, si Nanay Belen. Ako ho muna ang papalit sa isang katulong na nag-resign dahil nahihirapan po si Nanay na mag-isa dito sa malaking nyo pong bahay. Kahapon lang po ako dumating.” She explained and still nervous of what she just accidentally did to him. Oo nga pala, the other maid quitted dahil pinagalitan nya without any valid reason.
He stared at her face and then down to her body. He can’t believe she was Yaya Belen’s daughter because she was brunette and tall, with a little pointed nose and she really looks more of a Caucasian race. And he can still clearly see her brown eyes even if he was a little tipsy.
“Are you sure anak ka ni Yaya Belen?” He frowned and was confused.
“Alam ko pong itatanong nyo talaga ‘yan, sir.” She said as she walked to the faucet to turn off the water. “German po ang Tatay ko pero iniwan ang Nanay ko noong nabuntis sya at hindi na binalikan kailanman. Hindi ba naikwento ni Nanay sa’yo yan?”
“She just told us she has one daughter out of wedlock and she has to raise the child herself kaya nagtatrabaho sya dito sa amin but she never told us na foreigner pala ang nakabuntis sa kanya. How old are you ba?” He asked curiously.
“Twenty two po. Ipa-fire out nyo po ba ako, sir?” She asked.
“Nope.” Then he returned back to the pool area and took off his wet shirt and shorts and only wearing his swimming trunk now, “Can you please bring some more beers here?” He asked her and then plunged to the pool.
She was shocked. She admired his beautiful body as she stared at him swimming on the pool and didn’t know what to say, still holding the garden hose.
“Hoy! Sabi ko dalhan mo pa ako ng beers dito.” He shouted when he moved out from the pool and then wiped his face with his towel.
“Ha? Ah, ilang bote ho ba gusto nyo, sir?” She was terrified of his voice again.
“Try to check kung ilan pa natira sa ref. Pabili ka kay Kuya Jun, yong driver kung ubos na and ask the money from Yaya Belen.” He put down his towel, sipped the remaining beer on his last bottle and plunged into the pool again.
Chapter 2
Brandon was devastated when his young wife, Amber, died of a car accident a year after they got married. Amber was only 26 while he was 32 years old. They were both on a business trip outside the city when their car was hit by a truck, but Brandon survived while his wife didn’t. He kept blaming himself and wished he was the one who succumb instead of his wife. It has been two months after she died but the tragedy kept haunting him so he kept drinking so he can at least forget the tragedy when his drunk, but he can’t escape the reality once he subsides. Napabayaan na nya ang sarili nya lalo na ang work nya.He became the CEO of their company when his father also died of cancer 2 years ago. Nauna na ring namatay ang mom nya 5 years ago because of heart failure. His elder sister, Valerie, who was also busy with her husband’s own business firm took over Brandon’s job temporarily so he can have time to mourn on is wife's death. They have one youngest sibling, Angela, who was only 10 years old and became one of Brandon's responsibilities when their parents died.
Angela was a menopausal baby that’s why she was named as such because she was an angel to the family at kaya kailangan nya ng attention and tender care dahil maaga syang naulila. Si Yaya Belen ay naging yaya nila mula pa kay Valerie hanggang kay Brandon at kay Angela, at para na rin nila itong ina. Yaya Belen’s daughter, Laura, was raised by her grandparents in the province and was able to have her education dahil na rin sa tulong ng family ni Brandon. But Laura stopped schooling until second year college dahil hindi na kakayanin ng nanay nya kahit sa public university lang sya nag-aaral. Palaging nauudlot ang pag-aaral nya dahil sa hirap ng buhay nilang mag-ina and her grandparents as well, especially when her grandparents got sick and eventually died successively. Kinausap nalang sya ng nanay nya na tulungan muna sa trabaho nya dahil hindi na muna sya mag-aaral at dahil nga umalis ang isa pang katulong. Her nanay is getting older na rin pero she still enjoyed working in this family because they have been so kind to her for so many years. Naawa na rin sya sa nanay nya kaya pumayag sya.
“Brandon! Can you get out from there and get dressed? We need to talk!” His Ate Valerie shouted the moment she arrived and saw Brandon in the pool side drinking beers again. It was already past six in the evening when she arrived to visit her brother. “My god Brandon, it’s been two months na, you need to move on! Kung masisira yang buhay mo papano na si Angela, ha? Mag-ayos ka nga!” His Ate Valerie was already vexed of their situation because she also has lots of responsibilities with their business and a mother of two at the same time.
“Ate, can you just please leave me here?” He was already a little drunk and pissed off but tried to calm down dahil kahit papano naisip pa rin nya na nakakatandang kapatid nya ang kausap nya. “You don’t know how it feels when all of your loved ones were gone. First si mommy, tapos si daddy, and this time my wife…napakasakit Ate.” You can see the pain in his tone and his teary eyes as he talked kahit na medyo lasing na sya. Narinig ito lahat ni Laura as she was about to approach Brandon to bring in more bottles of beer that he asked earlier pero huminto muna sya dahil nakita nyang kausap ni Brandon ang Ate nya.
“Hindi lang ikaw ang nawalan, kami rin. But please, you have to move on, Brandon. Andito pa naman kami ni Angela, we are still your family kahit na hindi na tayo magkasama dito sa bahay. Mom and dad won’t be happy to see you like that, especially si Amber. If your wife is watching you right now, she would be very disappointed to see you so devastated. Kaya please, you have to move on na. At kailangan ka na rin doon sa office.” She tried to persuade her brother to go back to work na rin.
He stood up and took the towel to wipe his body. “I’m tired na Ate. Let’s just talk tomorrow.” He walked out and went inside the house and into his room. Natahimik nalang si Valerie and shook her head and gritted her teeth because of anger that she had been holding on.
Chapter 3
Valerie went to the dining room dahil gutom na rin sya at nakita nya ang mag-ina.“Yaya, sino ho ba sya?” She was surprised to see Laura for the first time.
“Ah, sya yong sinasabi kong kaisa-isa kong anak, si Laura.” While she was preparing the dining table for dinner. “Pinahinto ko na kasi muna sa college dahil hindi ko na kakayanin ang gastos at kailangan ko rin sya dito dahil umalis na yong isang katulong. Matanda na rin kasi ako kaya hindi ko na kakayanin mag-isa dito.” Paliwanag nya kay Valerie.
“Are you sure anak nyo ‘yan yaya?” Biro ni Valerie sa Yaya Belen nya so she won’t be offended. “Biro lang, pero seryoso yaya, hindi nyo naikwento sa amin na maganda pala ang anak nyo.”
“Hindi na ako magtataka kung magugulat ka. German kasi ang tatay nyan. Ewan ko kung buhay pa ba ‘yong mokong na ‘yon at hindi man lang nagpakita sa akin matapos akong mabuntis.” She grinned while recalling her past.
“Ah talaga? Ano ho ba ang kompletong name nya at pwede natin e-search sa Google.” Valerie suddenly became curious of Laura.
“Naku, huwag na matagal na panahon na yon at baka patay na ‘yon…Anak tawagin mo nga si Angela sa kwarto nya para maghapunan at handa na ang mesa.” She tried to avoid the topic about Laura’s father because she doesn’t want to dig her past.
“Ah Laura, pakitawag na rin si Brandon para sabay na kaming tatlo mag-dinner at bihira lang akong makapunta dito.” Utos ni Valerie at umupo na rin sa dining chair to wait for her siblings.
Laura went upstairs to Angela’s room first. “Hi Angela, sabay daw kayo magdi-dinner nandyan ang Ate Valerie mo.”
“Really Ate? My Ate Valerie is here?” She was too excited and hurried down immediately.
“Wait muna, pwede bang tawagin mo rin si Kuya Brandon mo?” She asked Angela.
“Ate, katukin mo nalang dyan sa room nya, okay?” Then she rushed downstairs going to the kitchen.
She suddenly felt uncomfortable but knocked on Brandon’s door. “Sir Brandon, sir?” She repeated twice when no one answered.
“What?” Brandon shouted but didn’t open the door yet.
“Sabay daw ho kayong tatlo mag-dinner sabi ni Ma’am Valerie po.” She answered back leaning her head on the door para marinig when suddenly the door opened. Brandon just got out from the shower and half naked wearing only a towel wrapped on half of his lower torso.
“Ay sorry po!” Nabigla si Laura and turned her back at namumula ang pisngi nya. “Pinatawag ho kayo ni Ma’am Valerie para sabay magdinner kayong tatlo ni Angela.” She shyly said habang nakatalikod ky Brandon.
“Is that how you talk to people? Nakatalikod?” He said sarcastically while staring down on her legs dahil naka-shorts na pambahay lang si Laura.
“Eh, sir. Magbihis naman po muna kayo dyan.” Her timid response and still not looking at his direction. “Sasabihin ko nalang po na susunod na kayo.” And she hurried downstairs while Brandon chuckled after seeing her reaction.
Laura suddenly felt even more uncomfortable when she saw Brandon staring at her when he arrived at the dining table. She was busy helping Angela preparing her food at kunyari hindi nya napansin ang titig ni Brandon sa kanya.
“Sabay-sabay na tayong lahat kumain.” Sabi ni Brandon na patingin-tingin kay Laura. “Yaya umupo na po kayo dyan.”
Matapos tulungan ni Laura si Angela ay papunta sana sya ng kitchen.
“Where are you going?” He asked Laura.
“Sir, may huhugasan pa po ako sa kitchen.” Alibi nya so she can avoid him as she was starting to feel uncomfortable in his presence.
“Mamaya na ‘yan. Join us here.” He commanded.
“Si Kuya Jun nandyan ba? Tawagin nyo na rin.” Sabi ni Valerie.
“Ah, tatawagin ko po.” Sabi agad ni Laura and she stood up quickly and went out of the dining room to find Kuya Jun, ang family driver na medyo matagal na rin nag-work sa kanila.
Laura was relieved and after a few minutes she got back to the dining room with Kuya Jun and they had dinner together. Angela was very happy dahil minsan lang naging maingay ang malaking bahay ng mga Romualdez since her Ate Valerie got married and when their parents died, and lately her new Ate Amber. After dinner, Valerie has to leave right away dahil may family na syang naghihintay. Angela cried dahil mami-miss nya ang Ate nya and Brandon hugged her little sister as Valerie left. Na-touch naman si Laura when she saw it while watching them from the kitchen window habang naghuhugas sya ng mga pinggan.
Chapter 4
Angela became fond of Laura since they all spent time together if Laura was not busy with some household chores. Since she grew up without siblings while Angela was the youngest, they all got along easily, and Laura also helped her with her homework as much as she can. It was weekend and Angela wanted to hang out with Laura at the mall.“Kuya, can I please go to the mall, isasama ko po si Ate Laura.” Paglalambing nya sa kuya nya when he went inside Angela’s room and Laura was also there helping her with her homework.
“Hmmm, what are you going to do there? May date ba yang Ate Laura mo at isasama ka?” He was just joking but Laura was pissed off.
“Ano??? Ikaw talaga! Pagbibintangan mo pa ako, ayoko ngang sumama eh, at nagpupumilit naman si Angela.” Napikon sya sa sinabi ni Brandon as she was busy filing Angela’s books and notebooks on her study table.
Parang natuwa si Brandon makita na napikon si Laura sa joke nya at natawa.
“Kuya, I really want to go out I’m so bored here at pinilit ko po si Ate na samahan ako dahil nahihiya daw syang mamasyal sa mall. Sige na bigyan mo na po kami ng pera, okay?...Ate Laura, do you have a boyfriend na ba? Gwapo rin siguro ang boyfriend mo ano?” Angela suddenly asked her a personal question she doesn’t like to answer in front of Brandon. And Brandon was like curious and eager to hear her response.
“Ha? Ano ba yang boyfriend? Hindi ko alam yan ah.” Natawa sya sa biro nya.
“Ate, kunwari ka pa. Sa ganda mo ba namang yan hindi ka magkaka-boyfriend. Para ka ngang artista lalo na if mag-ayos ka siguro ano? Why not join the PBB ate, kung may audition sasamahan talaga kita at baka pwede na rin akong mag-artista kung sakali ano? Then they will know your story and your mahiwagang German dad and it will make you sikat! Wow! What do you think, Ate?” Angela was so excited on her presumptions and Brandon was laughing and left them. “Kuya, yong allowance namin ha? We’ll get ready in 30 minutes at magpahatid na kami kay Kuya Jun.”
So, they went shopping at kumain sa fastfood. Angela was very happy and also bought something for her Ate Laura and Yaya Belen. They went home after dark and Angela was tired and went directly to her room. Hindi na sya naghapunan dahil busog na sila sa kinain nila from the fastfood. Laura helped her mother at the kitchen as soon as she arrived. Lumabas sya para magtapon ng basura when Brandon saw her from the pool side drinking some beers again.
“Laura!” He called her when she got back from the outside after disposing the garbage.
“Sir? May kailangan ho ba kayo?” Lumapit sya kay Brandon sitting at the outdoor chair with a table na may malaking umbrella sa tabi ng pool side, again with a bottle of beer in his right hand.
“Pakiligpit tong mga bote na wala nang laman and can you bring me something to eat here? Ano bang niluto ni Yaya? And you bring in here na rin yong dalawa pang bote na nasa ref.” Utos nya.
“Sir, sampung bote na po pala tong naubos nyo at lasing na rin ho kayo. At hindi pa pala kayo naghapunan anong oras na. Magkasakit na talaga kayo nyan.” She said while trying to hold all the 10 bottles in her chest.
“Pwede ba huwag ka nang makialam? Sumunod ka nalang sa sinabi ko, okay?” Galit na sabi nya. “Hintayin ko yong pagkain dito, bilis!”
Hindi na lang sya nagsalita and hurried to the kitchen to bring him some food na niluto ng nanay nya for dinner. She came back to the pool side and brought the food.
“Alam nyo ho bang naawa ako kay Angela?” She said while serving food for Brandon. “Palagi syang malungkot dahil halos lahat na daw ng family nya ay nawawala na. Nawalan na daw sya nang parents noong maliit pa sya, nag-asawa naman ang Ate Valerie nya at doon tumira sa husband nya, meron na daw sana syang bagong Ate Amber at nawala rin, at ngayon ang Kuya naman nya ay parang unti-unti na ring nawawala. Hindi ka ba naawa sa sarili mo at sa kapatid mo? Sinisira nyo ho ang buhay nyo. Masakit mawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay pero hindi naman ibig sabihin sisirain nyo rin ho ang buhay nyo dahil hindi naman mawala yang sakit na nararamdaman nyo kung sira na ang buhay nyo.” She can’t believe she was able to say all those things coming from her heart to her boss because she pitied Angela at naawa na rin sya kay Brandon. Tahimik lang si Brandon but she knew he was listening to all that she said, and she hoped he will realize them soon.
“What do you know about losing someone you love? Hindi mo alam kung gaano kasakit…masakit dahil hinding-hindi mo na makikita yong mahal mo kahit kailanman.” He suddenly held her right hand, “I can’t sleep at night, I always have nightmares that’s why umiinom ako, alam mo ba ‘yon ha? Para makalimutan ko lahat.” And tears started to shed on his eye.
She took her hand from his grip, “Okay lang umiyak, magluksa, magpakalasing, pero hindi habang-buhay dahil sinisira mo na ang buhay mo. Maraming tao ang nagmamahal sa ‘yo kaya makinig ka naman.” Naiinis na si Laura sa tigas ng ulo ng amo nya.
Again, he was silent for a while. Maybe he was trying to contemplate, and Laura prayed that he will finally move on.
“Nasaan ‘yong beer na pinapakuha ko sa’yo?” He asked as he started to eat.
“Sir, tama na po ‘yong sampo na naubos nyo na kanina, okay? Kain nalang po kayo para hindi kayo magkasakit.” She felt like she started to feel a little concern after their serious conversation.
“Kunin mo nga, last nalang at hindi ko na dagdagan pa.” He insisted. “At saka samahan mo na rin ako dito para meron naman akong kausap. Umiinom ka rin ba?”
“Nope. At hindi ko kukunin yong beer kahit magalit kayo dyan. Babalik nalang ako mamaya para magligpit kung tapos na po kayo.” She said and started to walk out when Brandon tried to grasp her elbow.
“Inuutusan kita at huwag kang sasaway sa utos ko, okay?” He was displeased by her response.
“At bakit? Sisantehin nyo ako? Hindi ako natatakot dahil hindi ito ang pangarap kong trabaho. Tinutulungan ko lang ang nanay ko dahil matanda na sya at nagtatrabaho pa rin at kailangan nya ng kasama dito...Ganito nyo rin ba tratuhin ang nanay ko ha?” Laura was already furious and brave enough to fight for what she believed was right. “Bitiwan mo nga ako!”
“Sa tingin mo ba magtatagal ang nanay mo dito if we treated her badly? Alam mo bang mas marami pang oras ang nanay mo sa amin kesa sarili naming mommy kaya minahal namin sya na parang tunay naming ina? Kaya huwag mo akong husgahan.” He said angrily.
“Mas swerte nga kayo dito, naalagaan kayo ng nanay ko at ako mula noong maliit pa ako ay hindi man lang nakatikim ng aruga nya. Pero hindi ko sya masisisi dahil ginagawa nya ang lahat para mabuhay ako dahil mahirap lang kami. Kaya sana naman ilagay mo dyan sa kukuti mo na magpakatatag ka!” She pointed her finger on his chest. “Lahat tayo may mga pinagdadaanan sa buhay pero huwag kang magpatalo! May kanya-kanya tayong problema sa buhay pero huwag kang maging mahina, huwag kang duwag at dinadaan mo nalang sa lasing ang lahat! Maraming nangangailan sa ‘yo kaya you must move on, try picking up the pieces and start over again, it’s never too late.” And she left him speechless as she quickly walked out and went to the kitchen and cried at buti nalang tulog na ang nanay nya. She was crying dahil na rin sa hirap ng buhay nila ng nanay nya and all the things that they have been through in life.
Chapter 5
Brandon wasn’t expecting Laura was able to say those words. Marunong din naman pala syang mag-English at fluent pa. He can sense that she’s smart and maybe she has been doing great as a student. Ano kaya ang kurso nya, naisip nya. He suddenly became interested on her personal life na hindi man lang kinikwento ng nanay nya sa kanila sa mahabang panahon. Hindi sya makatulog nang gabing iyon after hearing all those things from Laura. Para syang biglang natauhan.The next day nagulat ang lahat dahil sumigaw si Angela tawag ang Yaya at Ate Laura nya. “Ate, Yaya, tulong! Si Kuya may sakit po dalhin na natin sa hospital!” Umiiyak na sya.
Laura rushed upstairs to check on Brandon in his room and Yaya Belen followed while Angela was already hysterical and didn’t know on what to do. She found Brandon lying on the floor and almost passed out because of extreme pain in his tummy. Laura quickly ran towards him and she felt his body burning because of high fever.
“Angela, tawagan mo si Kuya Jun at ipahanda ang sasakyan. Paakyatin mo agad si Kuya pagkatapos para tulungan akong buhatin si Sir Brandon at ‘Nay pakitawag din po kay Ma’am Valerie dahil hindi po natin alam kung saang hospital sya dadalhin at wala tayong pang down sa hospital ngayon.” She tried to calm down dahil nagpa-panic na rin ang nanay nya. Dahil hindi nya kakayanin buhatin si Brandon she waited for Kuya Jun and while waiting she looked for a towel and washed in the toilet para punasan si Brandon. Kahit papano, may natutunan din naman sya sa kurso nyang HRM about home remedies in case of emergency.
Brandon was brought to a nearby hospital para maasikaso agad and Valerie came thirty minutes after they arrived. She was very thankful to Laura and gave her a hug.
"Thank you, Laura. Kung hindi dahil sa'yo ewan ko nalang kung anong nangyari kay Brandon, ang tigas kasi ng ulo eh." Sabi ni Valerie habang niyakap si Laura.
"Alam nyo ho, nagtatalo rin kami kagabi dahil nagalit sya nang hindi ko po dinala yong natirang beer na pinapakuha nya sa ref. Nakaligpit na ho ako ng sampung bote na naubos nya at magpadagdag pa sya uli. At hindi pa pala sya kumain kaya dinalhan ko sya ng food doon sa pool side na paborito nyang lugar maglasing. Kaya siguro nasira na ang bituka nyan dahil umiinom kahit walang laman ang tyan." Sabi ni Laura.
"Yon nga ang initial finding ng doctor...umuwi ka na muna para kumuha ng mga gamit mo at pati na rin mga gamit ni Brandon while I'm still here, okay? Dalhin mo ang mga gamit na sa tingin mo kailanganin dito for a few days."
"Maglunch na po muna kayo ma'am." She suggested to Valerie dahil lunch time na rin.
"Later na pagbalik nyo nalang. Maglunch kayo ni Kuya Jun bago ka magpahatid dito okay?" Sabi ni Valerie.
"Ang swerte naman ng boyfriend nyo ma'am, alagang-alaga nyo talaga." Sabi ng nurse na pumasok to check on his temperature.
Natawa si Laura, "Hindi ko sya boyfriend, yaya nya lang ako." As she continued softly rubbing his arms with the wet towel.
Natawa ang nurse sa joke nya. "Talaga po ma'am? Wow sana all!" Nagtawanan sila dahil naisip ng nurse na nagjoke lang talaga si Laura.
"Sir, mabuti at nagising na po kayo. Kumusta po ang pakiramdam nyo? Ano ho ang kailangan nyo?" Sunod sunod na tanong nya.
"I'm thirsty." Mahinang sagot ni Brandon.
"Wait lang tawagin ko muna ang nurse kung pwede ka bang painumin ng tubig ha." Tumawag sya sa intercom.
"What are you reading?" Brandon was surprised to see Laura reading a book beside his bed when he woke up after taking a nap after lunch.
"Ah, it's about hotel management and operations. HRM kasi ang course ko pero hindi ko pa natapos. Kaya nagbabasa nalang muna ako habang naka-standby. Saka ko nalang e-pursue pag nakaipon na po ako."
"Do you like to read books? Maraming books doon sa office ni daddy sa bahay, hindi ka ba nakapasok doon?" Brandon said and he realized that Laura isn’t just a commoner girl.
"Nakita ko nga noong naglilinis ako, gusto kong humiram kaya lang nahihiya ako. Baka multohin ako ng dad mo kung kumuha ako na di magpaalam." Biro nya.
"Eh you get any books you like to read there at ibalik mo lang. Matutuwa yong mga books pag napansin mo dahil hindi na yon nagalaw since dad died 2 years ago. I don’t have much time to read din eh.”
“Talaga po sir?” Na-excited si Laura dahil hilig nya talagang magbasa.
Chapter 6
When Brandon finally recovered after a week in the hospital he can finally go home and Angela planned a welcome party in their house for her Kuya. Valerie and her family went there and Angela was so happy to see them and especially that her kuya have totally recovered and he promised not get drunk anymore."Laura, thank you for everything. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa'yo kaya humingi ka ng kahit ano at ibibigay ko sa'yo." Brandon told Laura when the party was over and Laura was cleaning and keeping all the stuff in the kitchen. Pinauna na nyang patulugin ang nanay nya.
"Wala ho yon, sir. Responsibilidad ko ho yon at saka makinig lang po talaga kayo sa doctor nyo at sa mga taong nagmamahal sa'yo at ayos na ako doon. Wala na ho akong hiniling na kapalit sa mga tulong na ginawa ko po sa inyo. Basta starting today, no more drinking session, no more lasing, okay?"
He laughed and raised both his hands. "Promise, I swear I won't do it again. At saka can you please stop calling me, sir? Brandon nalang okay?"
"Hindi pwede, amo ko kayo eh." Sabi ni Laura.
"Kung gusto mo honeypie nalang, or di kaya sweetheart, darling, babe, ano?" Biro nya. "Seriously, please stop calling me sir, okay?" Then he grabbed her hands, "Bukas mo nalang tapusin yan, i'll show you something, come on."
He brought her to his daddy's mini office with mini library inside and showed her the books. "You choose whatever you like to read."
She was surprised and excited and tried to read the title of every book she can touch. She picked at least three books and one of which was about successful people in business and the other two were about life and relationship.
"Ibabalik ko po dito as soon as matapos ko basahin ha?" And she can't help but smile and then hugged him. "Thanks!" She was very excited.
Brandon felt something strange when she hugged him but it was so quick and he wished it was longer.
"Matulog ka na at hindi ka pweding mapuyat." She told him when they got out of the mini library.
"Good night!" Sabi ni Brandon and then went upstairs to his room.
"Good night." Then Laura went back to the kitchen.
"Can you fill this up?" He said to Laura when he got home and talked to Laura in their mini office and gave her a paper he asked from the HR department.
"Ano 'to?" She was a little confused.
"I want you to work in the office because I believe you have the potential kahit hindi mo pa natapos ang kurso mo. And I am confident that you can easily learn things. You can be an assistant secretary." He smiled.
"Ano???" She was shocked. "Ayoko mag-work doon sa office nyo lalo na maging secretary mo, napaka-awkward naman. At saka ano nalang sasabihin ni ma'am Valerie, nagti-take advantage ako? Ayoko nga!" She resisted.
"You're unbelievable! Yong iba nga dyan nahihirapan mag-apply, at ikaw there's a work na waiting for you ayaw mo pa. Di ba ayaw mo mag-work dito sa bahay? Kaya i'm offering you a work sa office." He was surprised of her disagreement on his offer.
"Pero hindi naman yan ang gusto ko. Gusto ko mag-work at the same time itutuloy ko yong studies ko. Pero yong work na wala akong iisipin na utang na loob. Yong sarili kong pagsisikap, walang influence kungbaga." Laura tried to explain so Brandon won’t be upset.
"O di mag-aral ka while working in the office. You can enroll at the nearest school then arrange your schedule so you can still work and earn and pursue your course. Wala namang problema doon." He insisted.
"Ayoko nga. Mas lalo pang lalaki ang utang na loob ko sa inyo niyan. Nakakahiya naman sa family mo. Huwag na." She is still opposing his offer.
"Alam mo masyado ka lang ma-pride. I'm trying to help you na at ayaw mo pa. Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo sa buhay?" He was disappointed already.
"Hindi yan pride, may sarili lang akong principle at desisyon sa buhay dahil lumaki akong independent, hindi ako nakasalalay sa ibang tao dahil nga wala akong tatay at wala rin palagi si Nanay. Gusto kong matapos ang studies ko para huminto na si Nanay sa pagtatrabaho kung makahanap na ako ng magandang work. Thank you for the offer pero hindi ko talaga matatanggap yan." At nagpaalam na syang lumabas doon sa mini office leaving Brandon so disappointed.
Chapter 7
They were both silent during dinner except Angela who kept talking about her school and classmates. Laura felt that Brandon was not happy on her hostilities and she was trying to avoid the thinking that she might fall in love with him if they kept seeing each other. She doesn't want to agree with her feelings because she felt it wasn't right.The next day after work Brandon gave her a piece of paper again.
"Ano na naman to?" Tanong ni Laura.
"Requirements for third year HRM students and transferee. Malapit na ang second semester, so you have enough time to comply. If you don't like to work with me sa office dito ka nalang sa bahay kung gusto mo and you can focus more on your studies." He gave her another bargain.
"Pwede ba huwag mo akong pangungunahan sa desisyon ko?” Nakasimangot sya because she was not happy of his idea again.
“Laura, please, I’m doing this for you. Hindi ka ba natutuwa na tinutulungan kita?” He insisted again.
“Akin na nga yan.” She frowned and took the paper and left him.
The next day Laura talked to her mother if she has already found someone to replace for her. Kinausap ng nanay nya si Valerie if she can find a new maid because Laura needs to go back to their home town. When Valerie promised na may parating na bagong katulong, nagpaalam si Laura na uuwi to get her credentials sa school nya so she can continue her studies. Natuwa naman ang nanay nya at natuwa na rin si Brandon.
But when Laura got home to their province, she decided to find another job and continue her studies doon dahil binigyan sya ng pera ni Valerie bilang sahod at medyo malaki naman so she saved it for her studies. Hindi naman sya masyadong magastos on her daily needs dahil sya nalang mag-isa since her grandparents died already at may sahod din naman ang nanay nya. It’s been a week since she arrived and she called her mother.
“Nay hindi na po muna ako babalik dyan. May trabaho na po ako at bukas ako magsisimula. Papasok ho ako sa second semester at huwag kayong mag-alala dahil may naipon po ako at magtatrabaho pa rin po ako.” She explained to her mother and her mother was surprised.
“Akala ko ba dito ka na mag-aaral anak? Sabi kasi ni Brandon nagpagkasunduan nyo na magtatrabaho ka dito habang nag-aaral.” Medyo malungkot ang nanay nya sa desisyon nya.
“Hindi na ‘nay. Mahirap na mag-transfer kaya dito ko nalang tatapusin ang kurso ko.” And then she bade goodbye.
She got a job at a resto bar as a waitress while waiting for the second semester. It’s not the kind of decent job she expected because of some rude customers pero pinagtatyagaan nalang muna nya until she can find another job.
“Yaya tumawag na po ba si Laura? Hindi pa rin ba sya bumalik?” Tanong ni Brandon kay Yaya Belen.
“Naku, Brandon, tumawag sya kahapon ang sabi may trabaho na raw sya doon at doon na rin daw muna sya magpatuloy sa kurso nya. Nalungkot nga ako dahil akala ko magkakasama na kami ng matagal dito.”
“What?” Nagulat si Brandon. He can’t believe na gagawin yon ni Laura sa kanya. “Yaya what’s your home address?”
“I’m looking for Laura, is she here?” Tanong nya sa isang waitress na nakasalubong nya agad.
“Nasa loob po sir.” Sabi ng isang waitress who was surprised that a handsome guy would look for Laura.
“Laura!” Sigaw nya when he saw Laura who was attending to some customers taking their orders.
Nagulat si Laura when he saw him. “Anong ginagawa mo dito?”
“I think I should ask you that question, what are you doing here?” Galit sya na walang pakialam sa mga tao sa paligid who heard them dahil sa lakas ng boses nya. He seized her elbow and brought her to an empty table. “Tingnan mo nga yang suot mo! You don’t like to have a decent job in the office because this is what you want hah? Is this what you want?”
“No! Hindi ko naman akalain na ganito pala ang work ko dito eh. Naghahanap na ako ng ibang work dahil aalis na rin ako dito kahit kahapon lang ako nagstart at kahit na hindi nila ako babayaran... Bitiwan mo nga ako!”
“Umalis ka dito ngayon na at sumama ka sa akin!” He was really pissed off but tried to calm down.
“Ano? Huwag ka ngang makialam sa buhay ko. Hindi naman kita kaanu-ano ah.” Sagot nya.
“You come with me or else kakaladkarin kita palabas!” Her stubbornness made Brandon enraged at that moment.
“Huwag ka ngang mang-eskandalo dito pwede ba?” Sabi ni Laura at nakikita na sila ng manager ng bar and looks like about to approach them.
“Huwag kang makialam, I’m her boyfriend, okay? And I’m bringing her out of this place!” Sabi ni Brandon sa manager. Hindi nalang lumapit ang manager ni Laura at hinayaan sila. And Laura was surprised on what she just heard from Brandon.
“Brandon pwede ba, manager ko yan eh. Tama na nga dahil nakakahiya.” Nahihiya na sya dahil nakatingin ang mga tao sa kanilang pagtatalo.
Brandon grasped her hand again and forcedly brought her outside of the bar.
“Sandali yong bag ko!” Galit na sya pero wala syang nagawa at sumunod nalang. Narinig ng bago nyang friend na waitress din at kinuha ang bag nya and gave it to her. At nakita nila na pinasakay si Laura sa car ni Brandon at naisip nila na mayaman pala ang boyfriend ni Laura at nagtataka sila kung bakit sya nagtatrabaho doon.
Chapter 8
“Saan mo ba ako dadalhin? Iuuwi doon sa bahay nyo?” Hindi mapakali si Laura.“No. May pupuntahan tayo, samahan mo muna ako.” He said calmly this time.
“Saan?” Tanong ni Laura at medyo kinakabahan sya.
“Basta just trust me, walang masamang mangyari sa ‘yo as long as ako ang kasama mo. Mas mapasama ka pa yata doon sa trabaho mo. You know, you’re so ridiculous talaga. Binigyan ka ng desenting trabaho at ayaw mo. Napunta ka tuloy dyan sa trabahong yan. Ano nalang kaya ang sasabihin ng nanay mo kung malalaman nya?”
“Aalis na nga ako doon eh, kasi hindi ko naman akalain ganun pala ang lugar na yon.” Sabi ni Laura.
Brandon was driving silently this time at hindi na rin nagsalita si Laura, napatingin nalang sya window and realized iba ang dinadaanan nila, it’s not the way back to the city proper. After a while they stopped at a 24 hours convenience store.
“I’m just going to buy some foods dahil gutom na ako and I’m sure ikaw rin. Dito ka nalang dahil napakaikli yang suot mo. I’ll be back quickly, okay?” Sabi nya at nagmamadaling pumasok sa convenience store.
Brandon bought a lot of food stuff and toiletries when he got back and then he went driving again. It was past 8PM already and Laura felt asleep. When she woke up after thirty minutes she realized they were like on top of a hill and halted at a big gate and the security guard approached.
“Good evening po sir.” Sabi ng guard when he realized na ang amo pala nya ang dumating at binuksan ang gate.
“Saan ba tayo ha?” Hindi na mapakali si Laura at kinakabahan sya.
“Huwag kang matakot. This is my rest house. It’s like a mountain resort na rin at ngayon ko lang madadalaw uli since andito na rin ako sa area.” He said while parking the car in the garage. “I’m going to check if I need to sell this or hindi nalang.”
It was such a very nice place and very romantic. A two bedroom one-storey house and a swimming pool at overlooking sa town. She was nervous at that moment dahil sila lang dalawa. But she trusted him at naniniwala naman sya na walang gagawing masama si Brandon sa kanya.
“May mga bagong damit si Amber dyan na hindi pa nya nasuot, magbihis ka. At huwag kang matakot mabait yon at hindi ka momultuhin.” Biro nya and pointed on the master’s bedroom.
“Mamaya na magluto muna ako kasi gutom ka na sabi mo.” Iniisip pa rin nya na katulong lang sya at aalagaan nya ang amo nya.
“Hindi na kailangan, I’m just going to heat these nalang at hintayin nalang kita para sabay tayong kumain.”
She went to the master’s bedroom and looked for something to wear. May tag pa pala so mga bago pa talaga at hindi pa nasuot ng dati nyang wife. She took a shower before she changed her dress. When she went out Brandon was surprised to see her in a dress dahil hindi pa nya nakita si Laura in a dress dahil lagi lang itong naka-shorts or jeans.
“Huwag kang praning. Wala akong ibang makita doon na pwede kong isuot dahil puro swimsuit or pantulog lang. Alangan naman swimsuit or pantulog ang isuot ko pauwi ng Maynila.” Sabi ni Laura at nako-conscious sa titig ni Brandon sa kanya.
“Bukas na tayo uuwi. Nakakapagod na magdrive.” He said as he kept on staring at her and admired her beauty and sexy body.
“So dito tayo matutulog?” Nahihiyang tanong nya.
“Bakit? Dalawa naman ang bedroom dito ah.” Natawa sya and started to eat dahil gutom na gutom na sya.
She started eating as well because she was very hungry.
“Sorry kung nagsinungaling ako at hindi tinupad yong usapan natin na babalik ako agad. Ayoko kasing pinangungunahan sa mga desisyon ko sa buhay. Kaya I decided na doon nalang itutuloy ang studies ko sa amin at maghahanap ng work.” Nahihiya sya because she realized the efforts that Brandon has done for her.
“Ang tigas kasi ng ulo mo eh. Tinutulungan ka na nga ikaw pa ‘yong ayaw. Huwag mo nga pairalin yang pride chicken mo, kainin mo nalang okay?” Biro nya and she started laughing. “At saka hinahanap ka na ni Angela.”
“Ito na nga kinakain ko na.” Nakikisabay na rin si Laura sa joke ni Brandon. “Na-miss ko na rin si Angela. Ang sarap pala ng feeling kung may kapatid, dahil para ko na rin syang kapatid.”
“What about me, hindi mo ako na-miss?” He joked but he wanted to know her response.
“Loko-loko!” Natawa lang sya. “Ang tahimik dito, parang nakakabingi. Kung pagsasamantalahan mo ako may makakarinig kaya sa akin kung sisigaw ako?” Biro ni Laura sa kanya.
“Meron, ang security guard.” Natawa na rin sya.
“So pagsasamantalahan mo talaga ako, ganun? At baka konsabo mo na rin ‘yong guard mo, ano?”
“Eh bakit hindi, solong-solo na kita ngayon ah.” Biro uli nya.
“Brandon, huwag kang magbiro ng ganyan ha.” She pointed the disposable fork to Brandon pero kinakabahan sya sa biro ni Brandon.
“Why? Do you think I would do something to harm you?” He said seriously while staring at her eyes.
“Hindi.” Maikling sagot nya and tried to avoid his eyes. “Ako na magligpit dito. Magpahinga ka nalang.” Iniba nya ang usapan at dahil tapos na rin silang kumain. “At saka huwag mo akong iwan mag-isa dito nakakatakot, parang hunted.” She said while Brandon turned on the TV in the living room.
Chapter 9
Matapos magligpit sa kanilang kinainan Brandon invited her to take a look at the view outside at the pool side.“Wow, ang ganda dito at ang lamig ng hangin.” Giniginaw sya sa lamig ng hangin dahil naka-sleeveless ang dress na suot nya.
“Halika nga.” Niyakap sya ni Brandon as they watched the scenery at the main downtown area.
“Sayang naman ‘to kung ibenta. Huwag mo nalang ibenta ipapa-Air BnB mo nalang kaya.” Kinilig naman sya ng yakapin ni Brandon and she felt comfortable in his arms.
“Yeah, that’s a great idea. Hindi ko na naisip ‘yan sa sobrang busy ko lately. Why don’t you help me promote this property para kahit papano kumikita naman ‘to. This is your field of interest dahil HRM ka, di ba?”
“Hmmm susubukan ko. I can’t promise ha pero susubukan ko. Buti naman na-maintain ang linis kahit walang tao dito.” Sabi ni Laura.
“Ah merong care-taker nagpupunta dito twice a week. Yong wife ng security guard. Mababait naman at mapagkakatiwalaan sila. Halika na nilalamig ka na, let’s get inside.” He held her hands as they got back inside.
Sa master’s bedroom si Laura natulog while Brandon was on the other room. It was past 11pm na pala at matapos magbihis ni Laura ng damit pantulog she hung the nice dress inside the cabinet para isuot nya uli bukas pag-alis nila. Suddenly she felt nervous when she was alone. Hindi sya makatulog. Bigla syang may narinig sa labas, she thought it was Brandon who was still awake. After a while she felt sleepy na rin but then she heard some noise again and startled. She rushed outside and knocked on Brandon’s room.
“Brandon!” Sigaw nya at takot na takot sya.
“Bakit?” Brandon opened the door at nagulat.
“Ayoko na dito umalis na tayo.” Nangingig si Laura sa takot. “Hindi mo ba narinig? May mga ingay kanina, akala ko nga ikaw yon eh.”
“Hindi, kanina pa ako nakatulog at ginulat mo ako. Baka mga daga lang yan.” Natawa lang sya.
“Mamatay na ako sa takot at tumatawa ka lang dyan.” She was still nervous and dismayed of his naïve reaction. “Baka naman si Amber yan.”
“Hindi pa nakapunta si Amber dito, okay? Bagong tayo lang tong bahay na’to at surprise ko sana sa kanya kaya lang we didn’t have much time sa sobrang busy until nawala na nga sya…Akala ko ba matapang ka?” Tinukso nya si Laura para mawala ang takot nito. “Halika na nga.” Pinapasok nya sa room nya si Laura. “You just sleep here with me nalang at antok na ako.” And he laid down and went back to sleep because he was exhausted. Nagdadalawang isip si Laura pero dahil antok na rin sya at tumabi nalang kay Brandon and she fell asleep after a few minutes.
She used to wake up early but it was past 7 in the morning already. Hindi na sya natatakot dahil maliwanag na sa labas. The house was mostly framed with glass walls in the living room and dining room so hindi na sya natatakot lumabas mag-isa at dahil tulog pa si Brandon and she prepared something for their breakfast na binili ni Brandon sa convenience store kagabi. It was almost 9 in the morning and she was already hungry but Brandon was still asleep. So, she went back to the bedroom para gisingin si Brandon. She sat down beside him and stared at his blissful face for a few minutes before she decided to wake him up but Brandon suddenly woke up and saw her staring at him. He grasped her hand and forced her to lay down beside him and then he covered her with his body and wrapped his hands over her head.
“Brandon, ano ba!” Sigaw ni Laura. She was trying to fight back against his strong body over her body pero hindi nya kaya and she suddenly felt nervous.
“How long have you been staring at me? Aminin mo, kanina pa ano?” He grinned and kept staring at her eyes.
“Sir, gigisingin na sana kita dahil gutom na po ako at kanina pa po ako naghanda…” Brandon suddenly kissed her deeply before she could finish talking. It was intense but passionate that she can no longer resist but responded to it because she had been wanting it for a long time. Alam nya sa sarili nya na gusto nya si Brandon but she was fighting for that feeling because she believed it wasn’t right. But with that very intimate kiss and the warmth of his body she felt so weak at kinakabahan sya.
“I missed you so much, Laura. Hindi ko matiis yong one week na hindi kita nakikita kaya hinanap kita. Please, huwag ka nang umalis uli because I need you in my life.” He said seriously while gazing on her beautiful brown eyes.
She was speechless but felt in ecstasy at that moment as she gazed back on his eyes and wrapped her hands around his broad shoulders. “Matutunaw na ako sa titig mong ‘yan ha.” Napangiti sya.
“I really love your brown eyes.” He kissed her forehead near those shining eyes and then kissed her lips again. She was reluctant because of her own presumption that she can’t fall in love with someone like Brandon but she felt so weak and wanted him too. And in that ecstatic moment she allowed his plea and her reluctance were faded into oblivion.
She can’t believe what just happened between them. Bigla syang tumayo and took the bathrobe that was hanging on the chair that Brandon used last night and wrapped on her naked body at nagmamadaling lumabas dahil nahiya sya. Brandon followed her in the kitchen and caught her waist and hugged her tightly and kissed her neck.
“I’m hungry, what’s for breakfast?” Hindi maikakaila sa mukha ni Brandon kung gaano sya kasaya on that day. They happily ate their breakfast together at lagi syang tinutukso ni Brandon. Nag-swimming sila sa pool after breakfast and then got ready to leave at lunch time dahil gusto ni Brandon mag-lunch sila sa labas. They went shopping after lunch for Laura’s clothes and personal stuff before heading home. Nahihiya na si Laura pero mapilit si Brandon at wala syang nagawa kungdi magshopping ng mga gamit nya.
Chapter 10
Angela was so happy to see Laura again ang hugged her at ganun din ang Nanay nya when they arrived home on that evening. Masaya silang naghapunan. Naiilang pa rin si Laura kay Brandon but Brandon was so very caring and expressive kaya nahalata ng nanay ni Laura that there must something going on between them. Nang tahimik na ang lahat pinuntahan ni Brandon si Laura while nasa kitchen pa ito.“Hindi ka pa ba matutulog? I’m sure pagod ka na matulog ka na.” Sabi ni Brandon at niyakap si Laura.
Umiiwas sya that somebody might see them in the kitchen. “Matutulog na nga ako, matulog ka na rin. Good night!” Sabi ni Laura as she was about to go to the maid’s quarter.
“Where are you going?” Tanong ni Brandon.
“Sa kwarto namin. Andito yong kwarto namin.” She was confused.
“Nasa taas’ yong kwarto ko.” Nakangiting sabi ni Brandon. “Wala naman sigurong makikialam kong doon ka na rin matutulog.”
“Ano??? Huwag ka nga magbiro dyan. Matulog ka na nga.” She wasn’t expecting this and never occurred in her mind to have such an arrangement now that they both know they have feelings for each other.
Brandon grabbed her hands, “Dito ka nalang sa guest room kung ayaw mo akong katabi matulog, okay?” Brandon opened the guest room for her na nasa baba lang beside the big living room.
“Ayoko dito matulog. Ano nalang iisipin ng mga tao dito pag nakita ako na dito natutulog.” She resisted again.
“Bakit? Eventually malalaman din nilang lahat na girlfriend na kita. Wala namang problema, di ba?” Sabi ni Brandon.
“Kung pwede lang sana wala munang makakaalam dahil nahihiya ako eh. Lalo na sa Ate mo at kay nanay. At saka ayoko matulog dito baka mumultohin ako ni Amber.”
Brandon suddenly closed the door behind them and he leant Laura on the closed door and kissed her again deeply. “Can you just please stop being stubborn okay?” He said after kissing her. “You sleep here whether you like it or not. And stop being childish, hindi totoo ‘yang mga multo. Matagal ko na pinangarap makita si Amber ulit kahit saglit man lang but it never happened.” Niyakap nya si Laura ng mahigpit. “Pag nagpakita sya sa’yo tawagin mo ako agad so I would tell her not to ever disturb you, okay?” He grinned.
“Loko-loko ka talaga. Matulog ka na nga at antok na rin ako.” She said while trying to escape from his tight embrace but he kissed her again and he bade goodnight after.
When Brandon went upstairs Laura went to the maid’s quarter to get her stuff. Dahan-dahan syang pumasok para hindi magising ang nanay nya at ang bagong katulong. Napilitan syang doon nalang matulog sa guest room para hindi magalit si Brandon. Matapos mag-half bath ay humiga sya sa malaking bed and didn’t turn off the light para hindi sya matatakot. Hindi sya makatulog agad dahil hindi sya sanay sa malaking bed. She was thinking deeply on what to do with her plans in life now that she is Brandon’s girlfriend, a wealthy widowed man, at nahihiya sya sa family ni Brandon kung malalaman nila. Hindi man nya aminin ay mataas talaga ang pride nya and she doesn’t want to be dependent, she hated the thought that if they will get married someday she will become rich instantly na hindi man lang pinaghirapan nya. At higit sa lahat, baka hindi na nya matupad ang pangarap nya to find for her real father or even his offspring if patay na nga ang kanyang ama. And then she fell asleep because she was too exhausted on that day.
Chapter 11
Maagang nagising si Brandon the next day and he went to the guest room to check if Laura was really there. The door was not locked so he opened and left it ajar and smiled watching Laura in her deep sleep at 5 in the morning. She must be so tired, naisip nya. He slowly closed back the door and went back to his room to get ready for work. Laura woke up at 6am and then hurried to the kitchen to help her mother cook for their breakfast.“Anak saan ka natulog kagabi?” Nagdududa na ang nanay nya. “Hindi kita nakita sa kwarto natin kagabi at kaninang umaga.” Habang naghahanda sila ng food for breakfast.
“Sa guest room po ako pinatulog ni Brandon ‘nay.” Nahihiya sya but she can’t lie to her own mother.
“Anak, nanliligaw ba si Brandon sa’yo? Napansin ko kasi ang sweet nya sa’yo. Noong umalis ka dito ay hinanap ka nya talaga.” Hindi na napigilan magtanong ang nanay nya.
“Bakit po ‘nay? Kung sakali ba manligaw sya papayag po ba kayo?” Sabi ni Laura habang nagluluto.
“Naku anak, magkaiba ang mundo nyo at baka mahihirapan ka lang nyan. Pero nasa sa’yo pa rin ‘yan.” Paalala ng nanay nya dahil nag-alala sya sa anak nya.
“Sa madaling salita, hindi po kayo papayag ‘nay?” Laura asked when Brandon came in and heard her last question.
“Good morning ladies!” Lumapit sya kay Laura to kiss her but Laura tried to avoid him and he laughed. “Anong hindi papayag?” He asked Laura.
“Wala.” Sabi ni Laura na nahiya dahil hahalikan sana sya ni Brandon sa harap ng nanay nya.
“Yaya, pwede po bang Nanay nalang ang itawag ko po sa inyo?” Biro ni Brandon habang nakatingin si Laura sa kanya na parang nagtatanong ang mga mata nya at naiinis.
“At bakit biglang nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin? May sasabihin ka ba sa akin ha, Brandon?” Tanong ni Yaya Belen.
“Nanay, kung pakakasalan ko po si Laura, papayag po ba kayo?” Diritsahang tanong nya sa nanay ni Laura. Nagulat si Laura sa narinig nya and she wasn’t expecting him to ask such question at this early stage of their relationship.
“Aba si Laura ang tatanungin mo at hindi ako. Pero hindi ka ba mahihirapan nyan, Brandon? Hindi mayaman ang mapapangasawa mo.” Sabi ni Yaya Belen na mukhang hindi masaya sa kanyang narinig kay Brandon.
“Brandon, pwede ba, tama na nga ‘yan. Nay, huwag na po kayong makinig kay Brandon. Halika nga dito.” Hinila nya si Brandon palabas ng kitchen papunta ng dining room. “Ano ba yang mga pinagsasabi mo ha?”
Brandon caught her waist instead and hugged her tight. “Why? We will get there soon, di ba?” At nagtatalo na naman sila when Angela suddenly came down to eat and Laura quickly went back to the kitchen.
On that evening when Laura was at Angela’s room to help her with her homework, Brandon came in.
“Angela, can we talk?” Sabi ni Brandon na tumabi kay Laura sitting on Angela’s bed while Angela was sitting in front of her study table.
“Sure Kuya.” Sagot ni Angela at tumayo si Laura para umalis but Brandon grabbed her hands to stay.
“Papayag ka ba na magka-girlfriend ako uli?” Nakangiting sabi nya na nakatingin kay Laura. Nainis na naman si Laura dahil hindi pa sya handa malaman ng mga tao ang tungkol sa kanila and here he was again.
“Of course, Kuya. You deserve to be happy naman dahil you are the best Kuya in the world kaya.” Angela was so happy to hear this. “Si Ate Laura nalang kaya ang girlfriend mo, di ba Ate you told me you don’t have a boyfriend?”
“May boyfriend na ‘yang Ate Laura mo.” Biro ni Brandon and Laura blushed and wanted to leave but Brandon stopped her again.
“Sayang naman Ate, sana si Kuya nalang naging boyfriend mo dahil mabait naman ang Kuya ko.” Nalungkot si Angela at tahimik lang si Laura na nakikinig sa kanila.
“Kilala ko yata ang boyfriend ni Ate Laura mo, eh. Ang gwapo nga.” He teased her and held her hands and kissed them many times and Angela was surprised. Umiiwas si Laura kay Brandon pero lalo nyang hinawakan ang kanyang mga kamay.
“May boyfriend na si Ate Laura and you just kissed her hands, Kuya. Pwede po ba ‘yon?” Angela was confused.
Natawa si Laura sa reaction ni Angela pero nahihiya pa rin sya and still she can’t say something while Brandon was still holding her hands.
“Brandon Romualdez ang name ng boyfriend nya. Kilala mo ba ‘yon, Angela?” Biro ni Brandon kay Angela.
“Totoo ba Ate? Si Kuya ba ang boyfriend mo?” Nagulat sya pero natuwa. “Totoo Kuya?”
Angela was so very happy and excited, but Laura was worried now that most of the people in that household already knew about their relationship.
“Halika, I have something to give you.” Brandon grabbed Laura’s hand. “Angela, I just need to get something downstairs for your Ate Laura ha.”
They went to the guest room and Brandon showed her a formal dress and shoes for Laura that he bought after work.
“Isasama kita sa office bukas, okay? Huwag ka munang mag-react.” Brandon said as Laura was about to comment. “I just really want you to see how it goes there, baka sakali you would change your mind na magtrabaho doon. If not, hindi kita pipilitin basta just come with me tomorrow, okay?” Sabi ni Brandon.
“Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin agad na ‘yan pala ang plano mo para ako nalang naghanap ng paraan na makahanap ng isusuot ko?” She said though she wasn’t really happy about the idea of going with him to his office.
“Kung sinabi ko ba agad sa ‘yo papayag ka ba agad? I’m sure pagtatalunan na naman natin ‘to. That’s why I decided to tell you now and bought you some stuff you need, okay?” He said as he tried to hug her but Laura avoided.
Halatang hindi masaya si Laura at hindi na nagsalita.
"What? Naiinis ka naman sa akin, ano?" He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her lips. "Pwede bang pagbigyan mo naman ako sa gusto ko kahit isang beses lang, okay?" Naglalambing na sya kay Laura para pumayag ito.
"Oo na nga, sige na nga. Ano nalang sasabihin ni Ma'am Valerie pag nalaman nya bukas na nagpunta ako doon?"
"I'll tell her bukas, tatawagan ko sya. I'm sure she'd be happy about us." Sabi ni Brandon.
Chapter 12
Nagpaalam si Laura sa nanay nya nang gabing iyon that Brandon was planning to bring her at work tomorrow so she wouldn't be surprised to see her dressed formally. She woke up early para maagang magluto for breakfast and so she still have time to prepare for herself. Nag-iisip sya ng malalim while cooking, she has so many plans in life na hindi pa natupad at baka hindi na matupad ang mga ito dahil masyadong nang seryoso si Brandon sa kanya. Ten years kasi ang age difference nila, she was only 22 while Brandon was 32 and he had been married once so he must have serious plans to have a family soon but Laura was still young and still wanted to enjoy life while pursuing her plans especially on finding her real father. Mahal nya si Brandon but she's not ready for a very serious relationship for now lalo na when he asked her mother na pakakasalan sya. After preparing for their breakfast ay naligo agad sya. Kinausap nya yong isang katulong na sya nalang ang maghanda sa pagkain sa dining table.“Wow ang sarap ng ulam! Ate Sandra ikaw nagluto?” Sabi ni Angela sa bagong katulong.
“Hindi, si Ate Laura ang nagluto nyan.” Sabi ng bagong katulong na si Sandra. And then Brandon came in but Laura was still in her room.
“Ang swerte mo talaga Kuya. Maganda na si Ate Laura at masarap pa magluto.” Sabi ni Angela.
Then Laura came in to join for breakfast at nakabihis na rin sya dahil nahihiya sya na maghintay pa si Brandon sa kanya mamaya after breakfast.
“Wow, Ate Laura ang ganda mo today. Para kang model. Sasama ka ba kay Kuya?” Tanong ni Angela sa kanya.
Brandon can’t help but stare at Laura and smiled. “Wow, I can’t believe I have a good taste on women’s fashion.”
“Yes, Angela, kailangan ng Kuya mo ng yaya doon sa office nya at matanda na si nanay kaya ako nalang muna.” Biro nya kay Angela at natawa na rin si Brandon sa joke nya.
“Ate, just a minute, tabi kayo ni Kuya saglit and I will take a quick shot sa inyong dalawa at ipo-post ko sa fb ko.” Sabi ni Angela and took a picture of them in the dining table.
Nahihiya si Laura pero she kept on smiling to everyone na nakakasalubong nila. Pinakilala sya sa executive secretary nya na mataray na si Beverly.
“This is Beverly, my executive secretary. Sobrang busy ‘yan kaya kung pumayag kang maging assistant secretary mababawasan ang work load nya.” Sabi ni Brandon.
Hindi nya type si Beverly as she can sense that she was mataray but still she greeted her.
“I have a meeting with my sales staff in 20 minutes, would you like to join? Dyan lang sa conference room.” Sabi ni Brandon.
“Dito nalang ako.” She sat down at the couch and scanned some magazines. Nang lalabas na si Brandon to go to the conference room for his meeting Laura asked him if she can use his computer to search on something. When Brandon left, she opened her facebook and she got so many messages. It’s been a while since last na nag-open sya ng facebook nya. May friend request si Angela at Brandon na matagal na pala. When she accepted Angela’s FB request nakita nya ang picture nila ni Brandon kanina during their breakfast. Natuwa naman sya. Then she hurriedly looked for some important messages. Lahat kasi ng ka-apilyedo ng tatay nya na taga Germany ay nag-message sya, hoping someone would reply and give her some information. Sa dami-dami ay dalawa lang ang nag-reply tinanong lang sya if which part of the world she was at yong isa nag hello lang. She was disappointed but she won’t give up. She just replied to them dahil sya naman ang naunang nagtanong. Nakita nya ang FB ni Brandon, wala namang masyadong picture kungdi isa lang at wedding picture lang nila ni Amber. She was bored already dahil natagalan ang meeting ni Brandon. She closed the computer and continued reading some magazines.
“Pwede ba akong umuwi na?” Sabi nya nang bumalik na si Brandon.
“I just have to wait on some sales report then let’s have lunch outside before kita iuuwi, okay?” Sabi ni Brandon while busy working on his laptop. "So, how do you like it here?”
“Okay naman, nice office, warm people.” Ngumiti sya. “Pero marami pa rin akong gustong gawin sa buhay.”
“Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo?” Tanong ni Brandon.
“I want to have chains of hotels. Hahaha!” Biro nya. “Libre naman mangarap di ba?”
“Gusto mong mag-manage ng hotel? Kung gusto mo may pension kami, kaya lang nasa province ‘yon masyadong malayo at mami-miss kita page-assign kita doon, huwag nalang.” Biro nya.
Chapter 13
They had lunch at a cozy restaurant before nya hinatid sa bahay si Laura. Hindi pa rin pumayag si Laura to work with him but he did not insist anymore para hindi na sila magtatalo. On his way back to the office tumawag ang ate Valerie nya while he was driving.“Brandon, girlfriend mo na ba si Laura?” Tanong nya agad.
“Bakit Ate?” Natawa sya. “How did you know about us?”
“Nakita ko sa post ni Angela sa Facebook nya. And somebody told me from your office na dinala mo raw sya kanina. I think you need to tell me on this.” Sabi ni Valerie and she seems not happy.
“Ate, she’s not the kind of woman na madali mong ma-convince. I offered her many times to work with me pero ayaw nya talaga. Nakatapos naman sya ng 2 years in HRM. I even offered to help her finish her studies, but she still declined my offer, and I can sense that she’s smart though. And the more I love her because hindi sya mapagsamantala. She’s the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met, I think because of pride na rin, you know. But I really love her Ate, and Angela is so very happy about us.” Kwento ni Brandon sa Ate nya.
Nang makauwi na si Laura ay na-relieved sya. She really doesn’t like the idea of working with Brandon in his office and that people would soon know na anak lang sya ng Yaya ni Brandon and suddenly became his girlfriend. Hindi naman nya ikahihiya ‘yon dahil ‘yon naman ang katotohanan but she’s not really comfortable working there. And she has mission to accomplish for her self-satisfaction.
Hiniram nya ang cellphone ng nanay nya dahil android at ang kanya ay mumurahin lang. She logged in to her messenger to check on some new messages. Nagreply uli yong nakilala nyang girl about her age from Germany and she asked for her real name. Tinanong ni Laura kung kilala ba nya ang tatay nya dahil kaapelyido nito. Nag-log out sya agad after sending the message dahil baka makita ng nanay nya at nang biglang may tumawag sa cellphone nya. Nagpakilalang manager ng isang model agency na nakilala nya doon sa resto bar at kukunin daw syang model. He needs to see her tomorrow agad. She accepted the offer and she was excited. It never occurred in her mind to have a modeling career dahil mahiyain sya. But she needs money and maybe this opportunity can give her a big break and a chance to travel abroad. Natuwa sya pero hindi na muna nya sinabi ky Brandon at sa nanay nya.
On that evening when she was about to sleep biglang kumatok si Brandon sa room nya.
“Ano naman ang kailangan mo at antok na ako?” Sabi ni Laura when she opened the door.
“Na-miss lang kita.” He quickly closed the door and he rested her back on the closed door and kissed her deeply while his left hand locked the doorknob. Then he slowly pulled her to the bed and kissed again.
“Brandon, baka mabuntis ako.” She said softly.
“That’s what I’ve been longing for. Matagal ko nang pangarap magka-baby. The wedding can wait, but having our own baby, I can’t wait any longer.” He said as he kept on kissing her.
Laura was worried at that very moment dahil baka masira pa ang mga plano nya. “Brandon, hindi pa ako ready. Sana maintindihan mo na marami pa akong plano sa buhay ko.”
“Kailan ka ba maging ready? Laura, what else do you want? I can give you anything you want, gusto mo ng bahay? A new car? Gusto mo bang magtayo ng sarili mong business or travel abroad? Just let me know, I will give you everything. You don’t need to work or finish your studies… I love you and I want you to be happy, I will give you a happy and complete family na hindi mo naranasan sa buhay mo, I promise hinding-hindi kita iiwan. Just please, listen to me, please?” Parang nagmamakaawa sya kay Laura upang matupad na ang pangarap nya na bubuo ng isang pamilya.
She was speechless and overwhelmed. She can be another Cinderella in her life story if she will marry Brandon but she was determined to pursue her plans. Marriage can wait. And if Brandon truly loves her, he can wait for her when she's ready to have a family.
"Brandon, noong una kitang nakita na umiyak ka dahil na-miss mo si Amber nahulog agad ang loob ko sa 'yo dahil nakita ko kung gaano mo sya kamahal. Naisip ko, ang sarap siguro kung maranasan ko rin ang ganung klasing pagmamahal dahil minsan na akong umibig at niloko at hindi na uli ako nagtiwala sa mga lalaki. At natupad yong pangarap ko dahil I can feel how much you really cared for me. Kaya nagtiwala ako uli at minahal din kita. Pero marami pa akong gustong matupad sa buhay ko. My life is full of mysteries and I want to know the answers. Sana please intindihin mo naman ako.” She hugged him tight because she was very happy but she felt guilty at the same time especially that she has another plans for tomorrow at hindi man lang nya sinabi kay Brandon. He didn’t insist because he loves her that he doesn’t want to argue with her plans and just support her instead at doon na rin sya natulog.
Chapter 14
After Brandon left for work, she wrote a letter and left at Brandon’s room. Nagpaalam sya na may gusto syang aasikasuhin sa school at mga papers nya and that she was planning to find a new job. He asked Brandon to wait for her when the right time comes and she was hoping it would be soon. Brandon was so furious after he read the letter when he arrived from work. He gritted his teeth and threw the letter on the floor and hurried downstairs to look for Yaya Belen.“Yaya!” Sigaw nya. Nagulat ang mga tao sa bahay nila hearing his voice echoed throughout the large living room as he hurried down and went to the kitchen. Ngayon lang nila narinig si Brandon na ganun kagalit and they were nervous and even Angela was terrified and followed his Kuya in the kitchen.
“Yaya, where’s Laura? Nagpaalam ba sya sa ‘yo?” Galit na tanong nya at nagulat ang matanda habang naghahanda sa kanilang hapunan.
“Kuya! What’s wrong?” Tanong ni Angela.
“Brandon, huminahon ka nga. Hindi ba sya nagpaalam sa ‘yo? Nagpaalam lang syang may aasikasuhin doon sa bayan namin pero hindi sinabi kung kelan babalik.” Sabi ni Yaya Belen.
“Yaya, umalis si Ate Laura?” Nalungkot si Angela sa kanyang narinig. Si Brandon ay parang sasabog na sa galit pero pinigilan nya.
“I can’t believe this!” At umalis agad si Brandon sa kitchen and went back to his room. He picked up the letter and read it again with teary eyes. Pagsisihan mo ang lahat ng ‘to, naisip nya as he clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. Then he realized maybe he was just pressuring her too much and she was still young. He thought maybe he should let her decide for herself for now and give her freedom and if she comes back then maybe she will be ready by then. He lost his appetite and didn’t join them for dinner. He wanted to drink again but bawal na sa kanya ang alcohol, at least for now. He went swimming to their pool instead and tire himself so he can sleep right away. Angela was looking at his Kuya from her window in her bedroom. Naawa sya sa kuya nya na malungkot na naman. When he was ready for bed, pinuntahan sya ni Angela.
“Kuya, babalik po si Ate Laura, I’m sure about that.” She said with teary eyes. “Don’t worry kuya, I know she loves you kaya babalik sya.” And she hugged her kuya.
“I know.” Maikling sagot ni Brandon and hugged her little sister and they bade good night.
“Sir, mawalang galang na po. Hindi po yata tama na maghubad ako sa picture dahil alam ko po bawal po ‘yan maliban nalang kung may contract akong pinirmahan at magmomodel ako ng isang brand ng alak or any brands na kailangan ang sexy model. Akala ko ba photoshoot ko lang para ipadala nyo po sa model agency.” Nangingig sya pero nagtapang-tapangan sya dahil nagtataka na sya.
“Gusto mo bang sumikat agad at magkaroon ng maraming pera? Gawin mo yang gusto ko, at sisikat ka.” Sabi ng manager and then tried to unbutton her blouse and intentionally touched her chest.
Sinipa nya agad ang hita ng manager at natumba sa sahig at sumigaw ito sa sakit. She quickly grabbed her bag and opened the door and ran outside at naiwan nya pala ang sandals nya sa loob ng apartment at nakapaa na naglalakad sa tabi ng daan na umiiyak. May taxing dumaan at sumakay sya. It was almost dark already and the driver didn’t recognize her barefooted and crying. Naalala nya ang close friend nya sa college na si Pam at malapit lang ang bahay nila doon at doon na sya nagpahatid. Mabuti nalang at nandoon si Pam at pinatuloy sya and she told her what happened. She was nervous and cried and her friend helped her. Doon na muna sya pinatulog dahil gabi na. She regretted on what she did dahil sa ginawa nyang pagsisinungaling sa nanay nya at kay Brandon. Nagpasalamat nalang sya na walang masamang nangyari sa kanya. Hindi nya pweding ereklamo ang nagpakilalang pekeng talent manager sa kanya dahil walang ibang nakakita sa kanila at wala syang ebidensya. Pwede naman nya itong idemanda ng estafa dahil talbog yong cheke na binigay sa kanya pero mag-aaksaya lang sya ng panahon at pera.
Pam leant her clothes para makapagpalit ng damit. Masaya silang nagkwentuhan sa close friend nya habang nag-aalmusal kasama ang family nito. At naalala nila ang isa pa nilang close friend na bading at tinawagan nila ito at masayang nagkwentuhan.
“Hello Sesh! Alam mo bang matagal na kitang hinahanap dahil emamarket kita at yayaman ako sa ‘yo?” Sabi ng friend nyang bading na rumaraket ng mga talent at models. “Bakit kasi offline ka palagi at hindi mo binabasa yong mga messages ko ha?”
“Wala kasi akong android phone eh kaya bihira lang ako makaopen ng messenger ko.” Sabi ni Laura. And they decided to meet the next day because he will bring her to a model agency. And she trusted him naman na wala nang masamang mangyayari sa kanya at totoo na itong papasukin nyang opportunity.
Chapter 15
Nagkita sila ng friend nyang bading na si Badet the next day at sinamahan sya sa agency. Inayusan sya ni Badet and nilagyan ng make up. Badet has been into this business since they were in college. Marami na rin syang natulungan lalo na sa mga beauty pageant, they always won, if not the major title at least they were runners up. Ayaw lang talaga ni Laura sumali ng beauty pageant dahil nahihiya sya. But this time she was convinced to join modeling dahil gusto niyang kumita ng malaki."Matanggap kaya ako Sesh at ako lang yata ang matanda dito, ang babata pa ng ibang applicants at ang yaman kita mo sa damit at jewelries nila ano?" Sabi nya kay Badet habang mini-make upan sya.
"Naku Sesh, if I know yong iba dyan nanghiram lang yan ng damit at alahas para magmukhang mayaman. Hindi ka sa age tatalunin kungdi sa katawan at itsura. Basta galingan mo lang at show your confidence dahil talbog mo silang lahat sa beauty mo." Sabi ni Badet.
Iniwan muna sya ni Badet dahil may ibang raket ito at babalikan nalang sya. Mahaba ang pila at pinagpapawisan na sya sa init sa labas ng agency dahil hindi na silang lahat kasya sa loob. Gutom na rin sya pero tiniis nya. Mabuti nalang waterproof ang ginamit na make up sa kanya para hindi ito mabura sa pawis nya. Sa wakas ay tinawag na rin sya at kinabahan sya. When interviewed by the panels they can’t believe that she was already 22 because they thought she was only 18. They were looking for younger models but she insisted that she can give it a try. Kinunan sya ng maraming photo shoots at pina-try sya ng ibang costume. Natuwa naman sila sa mga photos nya at sinabing tatawagan nalang sya. She texted Badet and then Badet called her back. She sounded disappointed and told him that she might not be accepted because they were looking for younger models but then they had her photo shoots and were happy to see them. Sinabihan sya ni Badet na huwag mawalan ng pag-asa.
Three weeks since umalis sya sa bahay ng mga Romualdez at na-miss nya si Angela at lalo na si Brandon. Hindi pa rin tumawag ang model agency and she was beginning to be hopeless. Para maglibang pumunta sya sa school nya to get her credentials and only to find out that her birth certificate was fake and they need an authenticated one para ma-release ang TOR nya. Naiyak sya. She was confused kung sisihin ba nya ang nanay nya or magpasalamat pa rin dahil kahit papano ay umabot pa rin sya ng second year college. Na-feel na nya na parang nagdatingan na ang mga malas sa buhay nya mula nang iniwan nya si Brandon. And then she realized she needed a real birth certificate to file for a passport dahil pangarap nyang makapunta sa Germany at hanapin ang tatay nya.
Si Brandon naman ay sinadyang magpaka-busy sa trabaho para makalimutan muna si Laura. He ventured into lots of business to occupy his mind. Ang bago nyang bahay sa mountain resort kung saan dinala nya si Laura ay ipaparemodel nya into a hotel to cater more tourists in that area. Isang malaking project na pagtutuonan nya ng husto and to help forget his heartaches from the last two women in his life.
Laura cried when she arrived home, malungkot sya dahil mag-isa sya at walang karamay sa mga panahong may mga problema sya. Wala na kasi ang Lolo at Lola nya na nagpalaki sa kanya. Ang tita naman nya na kapitbahay lang ay mahirap din at marami ring inaatupag na problema sa buhay. Paubos na rin ang naipon nyang pera galing sa sahod nya at nagtitipid sya sa pagkain kaya pumayat na sya. Naisipan nyang isangla ang gold earrings na binigay ni Brandon sa kanya para may extra money sya kung sakali. Masakit sa kaluoban nya but that was the most practical thing she needed to do at that moment. She was so depressed and wished she hadn’t left Brandon and have a good life with him instead. Naisipan nyang maghanap nalang muna ng work kinabukasan and suddenly her phone was ringing. Tumawag ang agency at pinapapunta sya bukas ng umaga. She texted Badet right away para samahan sya at magkita nalang sila sa agency. She was very excited kahit hindi pa man nya sigurado kung tinanggap ba sya.
Chapter 16
Kinausap sya ng manager ng agency kinabukasan because they need a more mature model of a lingerie brand that will be published in a cosmetic and fashion brochure. She was surprised at first dahil nahihiya nga syang mag-swimsuit or mag two piece bikini sa beach how much more sa isang lingerie product na parang seductive ang dating kung iisipin. She was doubtful and asked the manager if she can talk to her friend first whom she introduced as her talent manager. Badet forced her to take the opportunity. This will just be the beginning and once she will be exposed, everything will follow. She accepted the offer as long as Badet will support her and will not leave her at tuwang-tuwa naman ang bading sa kanya dahil alam nya malaki itong opportunity for both of them.She was offered a very satisfying amount when she received the contract and she will be given 50% from her talent fee soon as the photo shoot will start and the remaining amount will be given once the brochures were published. She promised to share half of the amount to Badet soon as she received the remaining amount. After signing the contract ay kinailangan nyang magpa-body scrub as advised by the staff at ni Badet kaya buti nalang may extra money syang panggastos galing sa sinangla nyang gold earrings.
After three days the photo shoot started. The photographer and staff were so amazed on how she carried herself during the photo shoot kahit medyo nahihiya pa sya. She performed like a professional model kahit na first time nya at higit sa lahat ay napakaganda ng katawan nya bunga na rin sa pagiging payat nya the past days dahil sa katitipid nya sa pagkain. She gave them a satisfying remark after the photo shoot and the Badet was so proud of her.
“Sabi ko na sa ‘yo Sesh yayaman ako sa ‘yo!” Sabi ni Badet after the photo shoot at gabing-gabi na ito natapos. This was an urgent project kaya they needed to finish kahit ginabi na sila. May libre naman food sa set but Laura was more excited and didn’t feel hungry at all.
And she finally got the downpayment the next day as promised after the photo shoot and she planned to give to Badet half of it but Badet refused because she needed the money for now. Later nalang daw once ma-receive ang whole amount.
When the brochure was published after a few weeks the agency was gratified of the result. And finally, she got so many offers when she was exposed. In a few months’ time she got a TV commercial and she was planned to be the next calendar model of a brand of a beer. When she had enough money, she moved to a little apartment near the agency and bought a new phone and laptop. It’s been a few months since the last time she opened her messenger and when she was able to check it she got so many messages. Inuna nyang hanapin yong nakilala nyang girl from Germany. Nagreply pala ito agad sa kanya nang magmessage sya dati. The girl was curious about her and she asked Laura if she can send her a picture of her father. Buti nalang may nai-save syang lumang picture sa tatay nya na tinago ng nanay nya at nakita nya doon sa bahay nila and send it to the girl. Magkapareho pala ang last name nila pero namali lang ng isang letter si Laura dahil hindi naman clear yong pagkasulat sa name sa picture ng tatay nya.
“Anak, kumusta ka na? Nakita kita sa TV, ikaw ba talaga ‘yon o kamukha mo lang?” Nagulat ang nanay nya.
“Talaga ‘nay? Kamukha ko lang ‘yon.” Biro nya.
“Eh nakita ka rin ni Angela sa isang maliit na magazine na dala ng classmate nya at dinala dito. Hindi naman ako magkamali dahil anak kita at sigurado akong ikaw ‘yon. Modelo ba ang trabaho mo anak?” Tanong ng nanay nya.
“Basta nay, may maganda po akong work at may naipon akong pera, gusto ko pong huminto ka na sa pagtatrabaho at aalagaan nalang kita. At saka may problem ho ako sa birth certificate ko fake daw sabi ng school.” Sabi ni Laura.
Nalungkot ang nanay nya at sinabi ang totoo na hindi pala sya naregister sa NSO kaya nagpagawa nalang ng peke para ma-enroll sya sa school. Pinilit nya ang nanay nya na kukunin na nya pero ayaw ng nanay nya dahil masaya naman sya sa work nya. Laura was so disappointed dahil naisip nya na mas pinili pa ng nanay nya doon kesa sa kanya na tunay na anak. She felt she has been abandoned by her own mother since childhood but she never hated her mother. Nagpaalam sya agad dahil may lakad sila ni Badet on that day.
Pinakita pala ni Angela sa kuya nya ang brochure na hiniram nya sa classmate nya. Hindi maintindihan ni Brandon ang nararamdaman nyang galit at tuwa nang makita si Laura sa brochure. At lalo na nang ibinalita ng Yaya Belen at ng isang katulong na si Sandra na nakita nila si Laura sa TV commercial. Then he remembered na may model agency ang sister ni Gary, ang husband ni Valerie at tinawagan nya ang Ate nya.
“Ate, di ba may model agency ‘yong sister ni Kuya Gary?” Tanong nya agad sa Ate nya.
“Yes, bakit? Gusto mong mag-model?” Biro ng Ate nya.
“Of course not. What’s the name of the agency uli?” Tanong ni Brandon.
Chapter 17
Everyday Laura checked on her messenger for some good news. Then the girl from Germany replied. She sent her a real photo dahil naka-avatar pala ang profile pic nito sa FB and that her real name was Lauren. Laura was surprised to see the girl’s picture dahil magkamukha sila. Kinakabahan sya. Then she grabbed her solo picture and matched with Lauren’s photo and screened shot and sent back to Lauren. She was nervous but she was hopeful. Lauren replied back and was also surprised to see her real picture. Sinabi ni Laura ang tunay na nangyari sa buhay nya na iniwan sya ng tatay nya na taga Germany at kaya Laura ang name nya dahil Laurence ang tunay na name ng tatay nya. At nalaman nila na iisa pala ang tatay nila. Laura can’t believe she has a sister. Nang umuwi pala ang tatay nya sa Germany ay nag-asawa ito after a year at si Lauren ang anak nya kaya Lauren din ang pangalan nya dahil sa Laurence ang tatay nya. Naiyak si Laura at hindi mapakali. Matagal silang nagkwentuhan sa messenger at sinabi ni Lauren na nasa home care na ang tatay nila dahil matanda na at may caregiver itong nag-aalaga na isang Filipina daw. Sigurado naman sila sa isa’t isa na iisa ang tatay nila dahil magkatugma ang kwento nila at ang date na umalis ang tatay nya pabalik sa Germany. At higit sa lahat may picture din si Lauren sa tatay nya na katulad ng picture na nasa kay Laura. Hindi nya alam ang gagawin kung sabihin ba sa nanay nya or hindi na muna dahil parang nahalata naman ni Laura na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin mapapatawad ng nanay nya ang tatay nya dahil sa pag-iwan sa kanya when she got pregnant. Sinabi naman ni Lauren na hanggang ngayon ay nagsisisi pa rin ang dad nya sa pag-iwan sa kanyang nanay at pinapangarap na someday ay makita nya ang anak nya dahil alam naman nito na buntis na ang nanay nya nang iniwan sya.After they chatted nagpaalam na si Lauren at malalim na ang gabi sa Germany at biglang naisip ni Laura ang passport. I need a passport, naisip nya agad. But she has a big problem with her birth certificate, more so with her registration at NSO. At naisip nya si Brandon. She knows Brandon can help her dahil marami syang connection and she remembered that Brandon took some units in law school pero hindi nya tinapos dahil busy sa business nila. Baka may alam sya kung anong dapat gawin para mapadali nya ang pagprocess at baka may kakilala syang abogado na makakatulong sa kanya. She kept thinking about it the whole day kung papano sya lalapit kay Brandon dahil alam nyang nagtampo ito sa kanya.
The next day nagkausap uli sila ni Lauren and she told her na malubha na ang sakit ng tatay nila at tuwang-tuwa ito when she told her dad about Laura. She gave Laura her dad’s contact number doon sa home care kung sakali gusto nyang tawagan. At tinawagan talaga ito ni Laura kahit na mahal ang bayad. When she got the FB account of his Filipina caregiver ay doon na sya tumawag para makita nya ang tatay nya. Matanda na talaga ang tatay at umiyak silang dalawa habang nag-uusap kahit na hirap na ito sa English dahil matanda na. Minsan nagta-translate na rin ang caregiver dahil magaling na ito sa German language. Naabotan sya ni Badet na kausap ang tatay nya sa messenger at tuwang-tuwa naman sya na nahanap na nga nya ang tunay nyang tatay at nasagot na nya ang tunay nyang pagkatao. Kinausap nya si Badet na samahan sya bukas at may lakad silang importante at malayo. She doesn’t want to tell him yet about Brandon because she was slowly starting to be in the limelight and the media were starting to get curious about her and Brandon might be another piece of interest as being a part of her life. Marami na rin kasing offer si Laura sa pag-aartista pero ayaw nya talaga. Masaya at kontento na sya sa modeling career nya. Badet tried to convince her but she was firmed and that she doesn’t like showbiz.
Chapter 18
The next day they rented a van sa lakad nila ni Badet since she doesn’t have a car yet. Hindi pa nya kayang bumili at ayaw rin nyang umutang dahil baka mahihirapan lang sya. Everything is not permanent at baka mawala bigla ang lahat na nakamtan nya ngayon kaya she’s very careful to spend her money at practical naman sya talaga. She didn’t tell Badet on where they were going basta samahan lang sya. Sinadya nyang hapon ang dating nila kung kailan uuwi na si Brandon from work at inabangan nya sa parking lot ng office building nila. Nag-disguise si Laura para hindi naman sya makilala kung sakali lang na may makakita sa kanya. Feeling sikat nga sya sa isip nya at natawa sya pero gusto syang makakasiguro. She was wearing a cap, a sunglass, a plain white shirt and tattered jeans on that day. They waited sa parking lot inside the van near Brandon’s car at tanong ng tanong si Badet pero sasabihin nya ang totoo mamaya pag-uwi na nila. Kinakabahan si Laura pero kailangan nyang gawin ‘to para makita nya ang tatay nya bago mamatay. This was her desperate move after all the hard works and efforts of finding her father.Matagal si Brandon lumabas, around 6pm na at nagmamadaling pumunta sa car nya. Nanginginig si Laura at halatang halata ito ni Badet pero lumabas sya sa van at nilapitan si Brandon.
“Hi Brandon. Pwede ba kitang makausap sandali?” Nahihiyang sabi nya.
“Laura?” Nagulat sya at nagtataka kung si Laura ba ang kaharap nya because she was wearing a cap and sunglasses. Tinanggal ni Laura ang sunglasses nya para maklaro ni Brandon ang mukha nya. “What are you doing here?”
“Brandon, I’m sorry sa nagawa kong mga kasalanan sa ‘yo, sa mga pagkukulang ko sa ‘yo, sa lahat lahat.” Nanginginig sya lalo dahil parang kakainin sya sa galit ng mga mata ni Brandon sa mga sandaling iyon na nakatitig lang sa mukha nya. “I need your help, Brandon.”
“What do you want? After all what you’ve done to me, ito ka ngayon asking for my help?” He chuckled and hinarap sya with his hands on his waist.
“Kailangan ko ng birth certificate dahil fake pala ‘yong pinagawa ni nanay para sa akin at nalaman ng school. Hindi ko makukuha ang mga credentials ko kung hindi ako makapag-submit ng authenticated birth certificate.” Umiiyak na sya nagpapaliwanag para maawa si Brandon sa kanya. “Alam kong marami kang connection para matulungan akong makakuha agad ng totoong certificate ko.”
“You lied to me, Laura! You just used your studies as an excuse to get away from me, from us, but all you wanted was to be in the limelight. Why didn’t you tell me right away na gusto mo palang sumikat at may talent center naman ang sister-in-law ni Ate Valerie and I should have referred you there? Masyado kang ma-pride hindi ka pa nga sumikat, and now you’re asking me a favor? How do you expect me to help you after all the pain that you have left me? You are the most stubborn woman that I’ve ever met!” Binuksan ni Brandon ang car nya para sumakay sya.
“Brandon, kailangan ko ng passport. Please tulungan mo naman ako.” Pagmamakaawa nya.
“So, you want to travel abroad huh? Di ba I also offered you that and you refused? I’ve offered you the world, Laura but you refused. Now, you face your own prejudice because I’m tired of your lies and alibis. I have to fetch Angela and she’s waiting for me na… if you change your mind at susunod ka sa lahat ng gusto, you know where to find me.” He closed the door of his car and left Laura in dismay.
Nakita ‘yon lahat ni Badet. She cried as she went back inside the van.
“Sesh, what’s going on ba? Boyfriend mo ba ‘yong gwapong kausap mo at parang galit sya sa ‘yo. Sabihin mo nga sa akin ang totoo at nagugulahan na ako at nagmukha kang kaawa kanina. Sana man lang walang nakakitang iba dahil baka ikakasira ‘to ng career mo.” Sabi ni Badet na nag-alala na sa kanya. “Ikwento mo nga sa ‘kin at aalis na muna tayo dito dahil baka may nakakita pa sa ‘yo dyan.”
“Sya ‘yong alaga ni nanay, tatlo silang magkapatid pero ‘yong panganay nag-asawa na at may sarili na ring bahay at business. Sya ‘yong CEO at sa kanila ‘yong office building na ‘yon, marami kasi silang business. Humihingi ako ng tulong about sa birth certificate ko dahil marami syang connection.” Umiiyak pa rin sya habang nagkwento.
“But I don’t understand. Ganun ba kasama ang ugali nya na pinagalitan ka nya doon na humihingi ka lang naman ng tulong pala.” Sabi ni Badet habang patuloy na nagda-drive palabas ng main highway.
“Iniwan ko kasi sya at masyado syang nasaktan. Hindi nya kasi ako naintindihan.” She even cried harder as she recalled his last words that if ever she would change her mind she knows where to find him.
“So, naging boyfriend mo pala talaga sya. Ang taray Sesh! Nakabingwit kana ng gwapo at mayaman at iniwan mo pa!” Sabi ni Badet.
She told him what really happened as they went back to her place.
Chapter 19
Masakit pero kailangan gawin ni Brandon yon para matauhan si Laura. Tumulo ang luha nya while driving on his way to pick up Angela. When Angela got in the car she noticed he was silent at malungkot ang mukha. Hindi na sya pinansin ni Angela dahil baka pagod lang sa work.“Yaya, tumawag na po ba si Laura sa inyo?” Tanong agad ni Brandon sa Yaya Belen nya nang makarating na sa bahay and he went to the kitchen right away to talk to Yaya Belen.
“Tumawag sya noong isang linggo. May maganda na raw syang trabaho. Brandon, malaki ba ang sahod ng modelo?” Tanong nya kay Brandon.
“Siguro, I’m not sure, Yaya. Kung gusto nyo hong umalis na dito hindi ko ho kayo pipigilan, pero hindi ko rin po kayo pinapaalis. Baka kasi gusto ka nang papauwiin ni Laura sa inyo.” Nalulungkot sya sa sinabi nya.
“Gusto nga nya akong huminto na sa pagtatrabaho at aalagaan nya nalang daw ako pero hindi ako pumayag dahil ito na ‘yong nakasanayan kong buhay. Pero kung papaalisin mo ako dito uuwi na rin ako sa amin.”
“No, Yaya! Hindi kita pinapaalis dahil kailangan kita dito at saka para na rin kitang tunay na nanay sa mahabang panahon na nagsisilbi ka dito sa amin. Malaki ang utang na loob namin sa inyo dahil iniwan mo si Laura para pagsilbihan kami dito. Kaya very welcome ka magstay anytime dito. Pero hindi kaya nagagalit si Laura sa akin dahil parang mas pinili mo kami kesa sa kanya? Kasi yaya hindi ko sya maintindihan. Ibibigay ko naman lahat ng gusto nya kahit na ano basta magpakasal lang sya sa akin at gusto ko syang bigyan ng family, malaking family para maranasan nyang ang magkaroon ng kompletong family na hindi nya naranasan sa buong buhay nya, pero ayaw pa rin nya at iniwan ako. Talaga bang matigasin ang ulo nya mula noong bata pa sya?”
“Aba oo Brandon. Kasi lumaki syang mag-isa, ‘yong lolo at lola nya ang nag-alaga sa kanya pero matatanda na rin kaya nakasanayan nyang magdesisyon sa buhay nya na sya lang dahil wala ako palagi sa tabi nya.” Umiiyak na si Yaya Belen na nagkwento dahil naawa na rin sya kay Laura. “Kaya hindi ko sya masisisi kung kahit na mala-prinsesa ang buhay na ibibigay mo sa kanya ay tatanggihan nya dahil lumaki syang independent at gusto nyang magsumikap at umasenso sa sarili nyang pagod at pawis. Natuwa nga ako at hindi ko akalain na bigla na lang syang sisikat sa TV, ano? Nakita mo ba sya sa TV?” Nakangiting sabi ni Yaya Belen kahit may luha ang mga mata nya.
“No yaya, pero nakita ko sya sa isang brochure na dala ni Angela. Pangarap nya ba yon noong bata pa sya?”
“Hindi, napakamahiyain ng batang ‘yan. Nagtataka nga ako at biglang pumasok sa ganyang trabaho. Binu-bully nga ‘yan sa school noong elementary pa dahil iba ang kulay nya sa mga classmates nya at alam din kasi nila na wala syang tatay. Tinuruan ko sya kung papano lumaban sa mga umaway sa kanya kaya naging palaban sya nang lumaki na sya.” Umiiyak pa rin si Yaya Belen at niyakap sya ni Brandon. “Nakaka-proud pala ano na kahit na lumaki sya sa hirap ay nagkaroon naman sya ng magandang oportunidad. At may isa pa pala akong kasalanan sa kanya, ‘yong birth certificate nya nagpagawa lang ako ng peke para lang sya makapag-aral at ngayon ay nalaman na nya. Hindi ko kasi alam kung papaano gagawin at kung saan kukunin dahil patay na ang lolo at lola nya na mas may alam sa mga ganung bagay.”
He felt more guilty now after hearing all of these from Yaya Belen. He wished to help her pero naunahan sya sa galit nya nang biglang nakita si Laura kanina. Kahit na-miss nya ito ng sobra ay nagawa pa rin nyang magalit dahil sa ginawa sa kanya.
“May number ka ba ni Laura, yaya? Kasi yong dati nyang number wala na hindi na nagri-ring.” He was thinking of calling her but maybe not that soon.
“Wala nga eh. Noong tumawag sya sa akin sa telepono sya tumawag dahil off daw ang phone ko.” Sabi ni Yaya Belen. Nagpaalam na si Brandon na umakyat muna para magbihis and he was thinking so much about Laura. Hindi sya nagbago, naisip ni Brandon. When she went to see him earlier ay simple lang ang suot at hindi man lang nag-ayos. At iniisip pa rin nya ang nanay nya kahit na parang iniwan na nga sya ng mahabang panahon at hindi pa rin sya nagtatampo sa nanay nya.
Chapter 20
Laura talked to Lauren and her father everyday and she was very happy kahit na malayo sila sa isa’t isa. Kahit papano ay may matatawag na syang pamilya. She planned to save money para pupunta sya sa Germany. Nagpatulong nalang sya kay Badet kung papano sya kukuha ng birth certificate at mas lalong nahihirapan sya dahil hindi naman talaga sya registered sa NSO. Walang record mahanap doon na pangalan nya. Kahit na apelyido ng tatay nyang German, Laura Whitkovsky, or apelyido ng nanay nya, Laura Manalo, ay wala silang makuhang information. She called her nanay again and asked her if she can have a dayoff on Sunday para naman maipasyal nya. Natuwa naman ang nanay nya at magdi-date sila ng anak nya na medyo sikat na. Nakiusap sya na huwag sabihin kay Brandon na sya ang kasama nya.Hinatid si Yaya Belen ni Kuya Jun sa isang mamahaling restaurant at doon naghintay si Laura. Nagulat sya at nahiya sa anak nya dahil mamahalin ang restaurant but Laura was so happy to see her. Kasama pa rin si Badet sa lakad nya. They had lunch together at masayang nagkwentuhan. At naitanong na rin nya ang tungkol sa birth certificate nya at nalaman nya hindi pala talaga sya nai-register ng lola nya nang ipinanganak sya. So kailangan nyang magpa-late register para makakuha na sya ng authenticated birth certificate at para na rin makakuha ng passport. Matatagalan pa sya pero gagawin nya and hoping that her father will wait for her.
She didn’t tell her mother about her German father and half-sister. Saka nalang nya sabihin if nagkita na sila doon sa Germany. No matter how long it would take she will never give up.
“Nay ito po invitation para fashion show namin sa susunod na linggo. Tatlo po yan, isama mo si Angela at Sandra.” Nakangiting sabi nya sa nanay nya.
“Aba anak, sikat ka na talaga. Pero nahihiya ako at ayaw kong pumunta. Malalaman pa ng mga tao na ako ang nanay mo.” Nalulungkot na sabi ng nanay nya.
“Hindi ‘nay, kaya gusto ko pong pumunta kayo para po makita po nila ang tunay kong nanay. Nay huwag nyo po akong biguin, gusto ko kayong makita sa front seat ha? Huwag kang mag-alala sasamahan ka naman ni Badet at kasama mo naman sila Angela at Sandra. Huwag mo lang po sasabihin kay Brandon dahil nahihiya po ako.” Natawa sya.
After lunch ay namasyal muna sila saglit sa isang mall at binilhan ng bagong damit ang nanay nya. Paminsan-minsan ay may nakakapansin sa kanya at may nagpapa-picture sa kanya doon sa mall. Proud na proud naman si Badet sa talent nya na unti-unti na talagang nakikilala sa madla.
“Nay, kung sakali po magbago ang isip nyo, sabihin nyo lang po sa akin at kukunin kita dito sa mga Romualdez, okay?” Sabi ni Laura habang nagpapaalam na sila at isa’t isa. Hinatid nila ang nanay nya dahil nagrent uli sila ni Badet ng van. Umiiyak ang nanay nya habang pumasok sa loob ng gate pero tuwang-tuwa sya sa araw na iyon. Pinakita nya agad kay Angela ang invitation at very excited si Angela at nag-iisip sila kung anong isusuot nila on that day.
Chapter 21
When Brandon learned that they were going somewhere on Saturday evening nagtataka sya. Parang bigla yatang aalis silang tatlo on a Saturday evening kaya tinanong na nya si Angela.“Saan ba ang lakad nyo ni Yaya? Parang biglaan yata.” Tanong nya kay Angela.
“Kuya saglit lang kami, uuwi din kami agad.” Sabi ni Angela habang nag-aayos.
“At bakit parang aattend ka ng party? Di ba we promised na no lies, no secrets?” He was anxious and started to worry. “Baka may ka-date ka ha at sinama mo lang si Yaya para makaalis ka.” Biro nya.
Nainis na sya sa kuya nya at sinabi na ang totoo na manood sila ng fashion show ni Laura. When he learned about it he decided to drive them to the event. At hindi na rin sumama si Sandra dahil mahihiya sya doon at binigay nalang kay Brandon ang kanyang invitation. Nagdadalawang-isip sya kung sasama o hindi but he decided to drive them and just wait for them nalang dahil hindi naman daw ito magtatagal. He dropped them to the event’s place and told Angela na may bibilhin lang sya saglit at babalikan sila dahil maaga pa naman. Kung sakaling hindi sya papasok dahil nahihiya sya ay hihintayin nalang nya sa parking lot ang dalawa. Then he went to find a flower shop and bought a bouquet of red roses for Laura. When he came back to the event, he decided na sumilip saglit at nakiusap sa staff na ibigay kay Laura ang flowers pero walang name nya, I miss you, Laura, lang nilagay nya. Nakita nya si Angela at Yaya Belen sa front seat ng stage at nahihiya syang lumapit at lumabas nalang sya dahil nagstart na ang show at baka makakadisturbo lang sya sa mga nanood kung pupuntahan nya sila Angela. Before he went out ay saka naman lumabas si Laura at rumampa sa stage and he watched her muna bago sya lumabas. He was so happy to see her and it was just right that he bought her flowers. Wala syang pakialam kung may bago na ba syang boyfriend because it’s been more than a year na rin since she left him and now that she’s in the limelight imposible namang walang nanliligaw sa kanya. Ibang Laura ang nakikita nya sa stage pero masaya na rin sya at naalala nya yong gabing kasama nya si Laura doon sa mountain resort at masaya sila. Lumabas agad sya ng matapos rumampa ni Laura at hintayin nalang sa car sila Angela.
Matapos ang event ay lumabas si Laura sa back stage para hanapin ang nanay nya. Bago pa sya lumabas ay binigay sa kanya ang flowers ng isang staff. Hindi na sya nagulat dahil maraming nagpapadala sa kanya ng bulaklak pero this time ay ‘I miss you Laura’ lang ang nakasulat at parang kabisado nya ang penmanship na yon. Hindi na muna nya naisip ang flowers dahil excited syang makita ang nanay nya. Binigay nya muna ky Badet ang flowers at dahil maraming nagpa-picture sa kanya at isinama nya ang nanay nya pati na rin si Angela. Pinakilala nya ang nanay sa mga friends at kasamahan nya sa trabaho. Proud na proud ang nanay nya. Matapos ang event ay may cocktail party kaya hindi na nya maihatid sa labas ang nanay nya at si Angela.
Nasa hotel sila nagstay ni Badet dahil malayo ang event’s place at pagdating sa hotel room ay tiningnan nya uli ang card sa flowers na binigay sa kanya. Naisip nya na baka hindi napigilan ni Angela na sabihin sa kuya nya ang lakad nila at kaya binigyan sya ng flowers. Natawa nalang sya sa isip nya dahil alam nyang galit pa rin si Brandon sa kanya.
Chapter 22
Isang malungkot na balita ang natanggap nya from Lauren nang umuwi sila ni Badet sa place nila the next day. Her father died already and will be cremated soon. Napakasakit dahil hindi man lang nya nahawakan o nayakap ang tatay nya. Though they have been talking on the phone lately, pero iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kung nahawakan nya at nayakap nya ito. Laura really cried when Lauren called her on her messenger. Lauren will just send her the video once her father will be cremated and will be placed na rin katabi sa mommy ni Lauren na nauna nang namatay three years ago. Naisip ni Laura na useless na pala ang pagpakahirap nyang makakuha ng passport dahil wala na ang tatay nya. Kung natulungan sana sya agad ni Brandon ay baka nakapunta na agad sya sa Germany before her father died.Patuloy ang communication nila ni Lauren kahit wala na ang tatay nya. She invited Lauren to visit her instead dahil may passport sya nang tinanong nya ito. She promised to support her expenses but Lauren wasn’t sure yet because she was still in college and working at the same time. Lumipat na rin kasi si Laura sa medyo malaking apartment with two bedrooms so Lauren can stay there if ever. Para sana ito sa nanay nya pero ayaw naman ng nanay nya. Pinaayos nya na rin ang maliit nilang bahay sa probinsya dahil ayaw nya itong ibenta dahil marami syang childhood memories doon. Nakuha na rin nya ang gold earrings na nasangla nya at bumili na rin sila ni Badet ng second hand van. Maayos na talaga ang buhay nya pero hindi pa rin buo ang pagkatao nya. Na-miss nya si Brandon. But she was just about to rise into fame and still not ready to have a family that Brandon have been asking her. Hindi pa sya handang bumalik kay Brandon. Hindi rin nya alam kung anong gagawin if ever makahanap si Brandon ng iba but she tried to avoid that thinking dahil parang masasaktan sya. She remembered the flowers again na binigay sa kanya noong fashion show. May kutob sya na kay Brandon galing yon dahil kabisado nya ang sulat kamay ni Brandon.
Her career continued to boom and she became the most in demand commercial model dahil very effective syang endorser. Dahil na rin sa personality at ugali nya na pinapakita sa mga tao na totoo sya at hindi ikinahihiya ang dating buhay mahirap nya.
Sa sobrang busy nya ay minsan nalang nyang nakakausap ang nanay nya. She still tried to convince her mother to stop working and live with her pero ayaw pa rin ng nanay nya. Few weeks passed and she was super busy that she didn’t have much time to call her nanay and even Lauren. Until one day she was surprised when Angela called her on her messenger.
“Ate Laura. I think you need to come.” Umiiyak si Angela sa phone habang kausap sya.
“Bakit Angela? May problema ka ba?” Kinakabahan si Laura.
“Ate, si Yaya Belen…” Hindi sya makapagsalita and she even cried harder.
“Angela anong nangyari kay Nanay?” Napasigaw sya at napalingon si Badet sa kanya.
“Ate, please try to calm down... Wala na po si Yaya.” Sabi ni Angela na umiiyak pa rin.
“Ano???” Napasigaw sya uli and started to panic and got hysterical. “Angela, huwag kang magbiro ng ganyan. Kausap ko pa si nanay the other week. Masaya kaming nagkwentuhan kaya please naman huwag kang magbiro ng ganyan.” She teared down and cried hard and Badet ran to her quickly to help her.
“Sesh, what happened?” Tanong ni Badet habang inalalayan sya sa chair. Nasa set sila dahil may photo shoot sana sya on that day but Badet had to cancel when Laura told him about the saddest news. They had to leave soon para puntahan ang nanay nya. Si Badet na ang nakikipag-usap kay Angela about the details because Laura was already emotionally distraught. Umalis agad sila sa set and went directly to the funeral home na sinabi ni Angela kay Badet. Madaling araw pa pala namatay ang nanay nya at hindi na muna ito pinaalam sa kanya dahil pinaayos muna ni Brandon ang lamayan ng nanay para wala nang iisipin pang problema si Laura.
Chapter 23
It took them an hour to drive to the funeral home na sinabi ni Angela and she was just crying all the way to the funeral home. Nanginginig si Laura at nanghihina as she walked slowly approaching to her mother’s white coffin and all eyes were on her dramatic entrance inside the chapel. Gusto nyang sumigaw pero hindi sya makapagsalita at parang wala syang nakikitang ibang tao sa paligid kungdi ang nanay nya lang na nasa loob na ng kabaong at hindi na nya makakausap kailanman. She was panting as she touched the glass cover of the coffin and she almost passed out at inalalayan sya agad ni Badet na sumunod sa kanya sa likuran nya. Brandon was just on the far end of the chapel watching Laura in pain and he wanted to hug her but he thought it wasn’t the right thing to do at that moment. Lumapit sya agad ng muntik nang hinimatay si Laura to check if she was alright. Pinaupo sya ni Badet sa malapit na chair and Angela brought her a glass of water. Niyakap nya agad si Angela and they both cried. Umiwas agad si Brandon dahil parang hindi sya nakikita ni Laura, hindi man lang sya pinansin at si Angela ang agad niyang niyakap. She asked Angela what exactly happened dahil hindi sya makapaniwala na biglang mamatay ang nanay nya na hindi man lang nya alam kung may sakit ba ito.Nagkasakit pala ang nanay nya sa heart. Matagal na itong may karamdaman at hindi nya sinabi kay Laura para hindi ito mag-alala. That was the reason why hindi sya pumapayag na kukunin ni Laura dahil baka pabigat lang sya dahil sa karamdaman nya. Huli na rin nang malaman nila Brandon na may karamdaman ang nanay nya at kahit pinagamot ito agad ay malala na ang sakit nya. Nakiusap si Yaya Belen kay Brandon na hindi sasabihin kay Laura na may sakit sya and Brandon also decided not to tell Laura when he learned about it dahil ayaw rin nyang mag-alala si Laura. Ginawa nya nalang ang lahat at gumastos sya ng malaki para gumaling ang Yaya Belen nya but it was too late.
She felt betrayed. But she doesn’t want to blame anyone dahil sigurado naman syang hindi pinabayaan ni Brandon ang nanay nya noong nagkasakit ito katulad noong si Brandon ang nagkasakit at sya ang nag-aalaga. Pero nanghihinayang sya dahil hindi man lang nya naibalita sa nanay nya na nahanap na nya ang kanyang tatay at may half sister pa sya na parang twin nya. She tried to stand up again and touched the glass cover as she kept on crying. Tumabi si Angela sa kanya sa harap ng kabaong at nagyakapan uli sila habang nakatitig sa kabaong at saka lang napansin ni Laura na maingay sa labas ng chapel.
“Badet bakit magulo sa labas?” Tanong ni Laura.
“Sesh, may mga taga media na dumating at gustong pumasok pero hindi sila pinapapasok ni sir Brandon.” Sabi ni Badet.
“Sesh pwede bang ipaliwanag mo sa kanila na walang ibang makapasok dito kungdi family at close friends lang? Just please try to explain to them that we need our privacy and they should respect naman sana.” Pakiusap nya kay Badet.
When Badet went out to explain ay pumasok agad si Brandon sa maliit na room sa loob ng chapel para makahinga dahil nainis sya sa mga taga-media na nagpupumilit pumasok. Then Valerie and her family arrived at lumapit sya agad kay Laura and hugged her.
“Kaya pala may taga-media sa labas because you’re here na pala.” Sabi ni Valerie habang niyakap sya.
“Ma’am Valerie, pwede po bang dalhin namin si nanay sa province at ituloy doon ang lamay nya at doon na rin sya ilibing?” Pakiusap nya habang umiiyak pa rin sya.
“Si Brandon ang kausapin mo, Laura, dahil sya ang nag-asikaso lahat and I think he paid everything na rin para wala ka nang iisipin pa.” Sabi ni Valerie sa kanya. Nagpasalamat na rin si Laura sa kanya sa kabaitan na pinakita nila sa nanay nya na tinuring na rin nilang parang tunay nilang ina.
“Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa ‘kin agad na may sakit si nanay?” Tanong agad ni Laura kay Brandon nang binuksan ni Brandon ang door ng room after she knocked.
“That was your mother’s request, at nirespeto ko sya.” Kalmadong sagot nya. “And I thought it was the best thing to do na rin para hindi ka mag-alala.” Sabi ni Brandon.
“Sana kung sinabi mo agad baka nahanapan pa natin ng ibang paraan.” Umiiyak pa rin sya at nanghihinayang.
“Are you blaming me sa pagkamatay ni yaya? I can assure you that I did my very best para maagapan sya but it was too late.” He sounded disappointed but tried to explain.
“Hindi naman kita sinisisi eh. Ang point ko lang kung maraming may alam, maraming ideas or suggestions. Sino-solo mo kasi ang problema ng nanay ko. At pinangungunahan mo naman ako sa mga desisyon mo na ako naman dapat ang magdesisyon dahil ako ang tunay na anak. Responsibility ko pa rin si nanay.” Sabi ni Laura.
“Laura, pagtatalunan na naman ba natin ‘to? Please, huwag na muna tayong magtatalo, okay? I’m just doing my responsibilities din bilang alaga nya dahil para ko na rin syang tunay na ina. Pwede bang magkasundo nalang muna tayo on whatever is best for her? Just let me know whatever is your plan or decisions at rerespetuhin ko ‘yon.” Pakiusap nya kay Laura and she was relieved to know that he wasn’t trying to be authoritative at this point.
“Gusto ko sana syang dalhin sa probinsya namin at ituloy doon ang lamay nya at doon na rin sya ilibing. ‘Yon kasi ang sabi nya sa akin dati pa, ilibing sa tabi ng mga magulang nya kung mamamatay na sya. I will pay you sa lahat ng nagastos mo dito para kay nanay.” Huminahon na rin sya na nakiusap kay Brandon.
“No Laura, you don’t need to pay me back, okay? And if that’s what you want then let’s arrange nalang with the management here because I paid everything na kasi kasama yong 3 days na lamay dito. Ginawa ko nalang 3 days dahil pwede naman e-extend if needed. Pero kung gusto mo syang iuwi agad I think we need to discuss this with the management kung pwede ba nila ituloy ang services nila doon sa inyo. And don’t worry hindi ka namin pababayaan, sasamahan ka pa rin namin doon sa inyo, okay?” He explained it very well and natuwa naman si Laura.
“Thanks Brandon… pero sana… sinabi mo pa rin sana agad sa akin noong may sakit na si nanay dahil marami kasi sana akong ibabalita sa kanya na hindi ko muna sinabi agad. I’m not sure kung matutuwa sya na nahanap ko na sana ang tatay ko pero gusto ko pa rin ‘yon ibabalita sa kanya.” Umiyak sya lalo dahil hindi na nya kailanman masabi sa nanay nya ang balita nya.
“Really? Is that the reason why you want a passport?” Brandon was surprised to hear this and felt guilty again for not helping her about sa birth certificate nya. “Did you get your passport na ba? I will help you kung hindi pa.”
"No need na Brandon. Namatay na rin ang tatay ko mga 2 weeks ago lang. Kaya nagmamadali akong makakuha ng passport dahil may sakit na sya at gusto kong maabutan sya before mamatay, pero huli na." Humikbi na naman syang muli at awang- awa si Brandon sa kanya. "Kaya siguro namatay na rin si nanay para magkakasama na sila kung saan man sila ngayon."
Brandon reached out for her hands dahil gusto nyang yakapin si Laura pero lumabas na sya agad sa room at iniwan si Brandon na sising-sisi sa hindi nya pagtulong kay Laura noong kinausap sya ni Laura na tulungan ito sa problema nya.
Chapter 24
Marami nang visitors ng lumabas sya at namamaga na ang mata nya sa kaiiyak. Nakita nya sina kuya Jun at Sandra na nagdala ng mga food para sa dinner nila doon at niyakap nya ang mga ito and thanked them for their support sa nanay nya. Kinausap din nya first time ang husband ni Valerie at ang dalawang anak nya. May kaunting bisita ring dumating galing sa office ni Brandon pati na ang executive secretary nito na si Beverly na hindi nya gusto pero kinausap pa rin nya at pinakain nya ang mga bisita. Hindi nila akalain na kahit may kasikatan na sya ay hindi pa rin sya nagbago at kinakausap nya lahat ng mga bisita. Nakita ni Laura na lumabas na rin si Brandon sa room para humarap sa mga visitors. Napansin nya ito na galing umiyak dahil pinunas ang mga mata paglabas ng room.May misa pala dahil may paring dumating at natuwa naman si Laura. Pinunasan muna nya ang kabaong ng nanay nya bago nagsimula ang misa. She didn't eat during dinner because she lost her appetite. She was seated at the far right in front while Brandon on the far left when the mass started. Katabi nya si Angela na laging yakap- yakap nya and it seems she was looking for comfort from Angela who was so dear to her.
When almost all of the visitors left and it was almost midnight na ay pinapahinga na nya si Angela.
"Dito ako matutulog Ate. Kung hindi mo kakayanin mamaya there's a bedroom naman dyan pwede tayong tabi matulog." Sabi ni Angela.
"Magpahinga ka na muna at marami akong ikukwento sa 'yo bukas." Sabi ni Laura pero hindi pa naman inaantok si Angela. Hindi natiis ni Brandon at lumapit sya sa kanilang dalawa.
"Laura, I think you didn't eat for dinner. Kumain ka na para hindi ka magkasakit." He was worried and showed concern for her.
"Wala akong ganang kumain. Magkape nalang ako." She was about to stand to get a cup of coffee but Brandon offered. Hinanap ni Laura si Badet at nakatulog na pala sa isang corner dahil napagod ito sya byahe nila at sa buong araw na walang pahinga. When Brandon came back with the coffee he still insisted that she should eat something but she refused. Napansin naman nya na concerned pa rin si Brandon sa kanya. Naubos ni Laura agad ang kape and Angela took the empty cup para itapon ito at pinuntahan nya muna ang mga pamangkin nya na naglalaro ng gadgets nila sa kabilang side. Natuwa si Brandon dahil makakausap nya nang solo si Laura.
"Magpahinga ka na may bedroom dyan sa loob. I'm sure puyat na puyat ka today." Sabi ni Brandon.
"Huwag na. Ayokong iwan si nanay dito. Ikaw nalang magpahinga dahil pagod ka na rin siguro." Sabi ni Laura.
"Alam mo bang ito 'yong pinakahuling pakiusap ng nanay mo sa akin before sya namatay, ang magkasundo tayong dalawa? And I promised that to her and she smiled. Paulit-ulit nya sinabi sa akin na hindi kita pababayaan, kahit mag-asawa ka man daw ng iba, kahit mag-asawa man daw ako ng iba, she wanted me to take care of you kasi apat daw ang anak nya lahat pero ikaw daw yong pinakapaborito nya.” He smiled as he was staring at Laura’s eyes.
“Talaga?” Nakangiti na rin sya kahit na may luha na naman na dumadaloy sa mga mata nya. “Alam mo bang may half sister ako? Twin sister ang turingan namin sa isa’t isa dahil magkamukha talaga kami pero blonde lang ang hair nya. Ang sarap ng feeling na may kapatid kahit hindi kami nagkikita, nagvi-videocall lang kami everyday pati yong tatay ko.” She told him on how she found out about her real father.
“I’m so sorry na hindi kita natulungan makakuha agad ng passport mo. Dinaig kasi ako sa galit ko noon sa iyo because you left me all of a sudden.” He said with full of regrets.
“Okay lang, I understand how you felt dahil naging pasaway naman talaga ako.” Biro ni Laura at nakangiti na rin si Brandon and he was happy that somehow they were getting along well already.
“Can I ask you a favor?” He said softly.
“What is it? Baka mahirap ‘yan ha.” Tanong nya agad.
“Pwede bang pagbigyan mo ako na aalagaan kita? Hindi naman siguro mahirap ang favor ko di ba?” Sabi nya habang nakatitig sa mga mata ni Laura.
She smiled and was speechless. Kahit papano ay na-miss pa rin nya si Brandon na minahal sya ng sobra pero iniwan nya. Kahit marami na syang suitors and famous personalities pa yong iba but she didn’t entertain them dahil nami-miss pa rin nya si Brandon.
“Is that sweet smile means yes?” Tanong ni Brandon.
“Ikaw…” she smiled again. “Yan naman din kasi ang gusto ni nanay, sige na nga para matuwa na sya.”
“No, hindi lang porke’t gusto ng nanay mo, kungdi gustong-gusto ko rin na aalagaan ka, okay?”
She nodded her head shyly pero natuwa naman sya.
“Kaya gusto kong kumain ka kahit konti lang para hindi ka magkasakit. Kahit sandwich lang, sige na. Gagawa ako ng sandwich okay?” He stood up to get a sandwich but he called Valerie muna na katabi ang husband nito na nanood ng live NBA sa cellphone. Sinabi nya na puntahan si Laura para pag-usapan ang plano nila bukas na ililipat nila ang nanay nya sa probinsya.
Lumapit si Valerie and they discussed on how to transfer her mother’s wake. Brandon came back with a plate of sandwiches para sabay na silang kumain at nagutom na rin sya. Nang makita ni Laura si Badet na nagising na ay tinawag na rin nya para ipakilala kay Brandon and Valerie. Tahimik na ang paligid dahil natutulog na ang mga bata sa bedroom kasama si Angela at madaling araw na pala. Nakatulog na rin sila kuya Jun at Sandra na nakaupo lang.
“Sesh, this is ma’am Valerie, Brandon’s sister, and this is Brandon.” Pakilala nya kay Badet sa kanila. “This is Badet, my talent manager. Sya ang may kasalanan kung bakit ako sumikat sa madla.” Biro nya at natuwa naman sila na nakilala sya. “Kumain ka sesh baka gutom ka na rin.”
“Laura, ano nga uli ang last name ng father mo? Matagal ko na si Yaya tinatanong nyan pero ayaw nyang ibigay at iniiba ang usapan palagi pag tinatanong ko.” Tanong ni Valerie.
“Bakit po ma’am, ese-search nyo rin sa Google?” Natawa sya. “Whitkovsky yong last name nya. Nahanap ko na nga po ang tatay ko pero wala na rin sya.”
“Really? Interesting naman ang life story mo. Baka pag nalaman to ng showbiz world biglang e-offer sa ‘yo na gawing pelikula ang buhay mo.” Nakangiting sabi ni Valerie.
“As a matter of fact, matagal nang may offer sa kanya nyan pero ayaw lang talaga nitong alaga ko na isapelikula ang buhay nya at sya pa sana ang gawing bida.” Sabi ni Badet. “Kaya nagkagulo ang taga-media dyan kanina kasi sinubaybayan nila ang pagkatao ni Laura.”
“Talaga?” Sabi ni Valerie. “Sayang naman Laura at hindi mo tinanggap. Big break mo sana ‘yon ano kung sakali.”
“So kung sakaling natuloy kasama pala ang character ko dyan sa pelikula mo, ano?” Biro ni Brandon. “Sino kaya ang sikat na actor ang bagay sa role ko?”
“Sir, si Piolo Pascual ang pinagplanohan nilang kukunin, bigatin di ba?” Proud na sabi ni Badet.
“Naku, tama na nga ‘yan at masyado na tayong showbiz. At ayoko pa rin ano, masyado nang magulo ang buhay ko at lalo lang gugulo kung gawan pa ng pelikula.” Sabi ni Laura at kinuha nya ang cellphone nya kay Badet na kanina pa niya hindi nabuksan at marami na pala syang messages. Tinawagan nya si Lauren para ibalita ang tungkol sa nanay nya. Nagulat si Valerie na may half sister pala syang German. Pinakilala ni Laura silang lahat while on videocall at napansin ni Lauren si Brandon at tinanong kung sino ito at sinabi nyang friend nya at nagpaalam na sila dahil may pasok pa si Lauren.
It was already 3am and Laura was too exhausted and finally felt sleepy.
“You look so tired na. Matulog ka nalang at ako nalang magbabantay ni yaya. Alam kong ayaw mo syang iwanan dito.” Sabi ni Brandon sa kanya.
“Dito nalang ako sa upuan iidlip.” Natawa sya. “Kakayanin ko pa.” But she yawned already.
“Halika nga.” Naglalambing na si Brandon sa kanya at pinasandal nya sa balikat nya si Laura. “Just close your eyes. Hindi natin iiwan si nanay dito.” Sabi nya na nanay na rin ang tinawag sa yaya nya at ngumiti nalang si Laura sa sobrang pagod at nakatulog agad sa balikat nya. Napansin sila ni Badet at Valerie at naisip na nagkamabutihan na uli ang dalawa.
Chapter 25
After lunch the next day ay ililipat na nila ang lamay ng nanay nya sa probinsya. Si kuya Jun ang magda-drive sa isang family van kasama doon sina Angela at ang Ate Valerie nya dahil hindi na muna sumama ang family nito at bukas nalang sila hahabol sa libing. Sinama din si Sandra para may tutulong sa pag-aasikaso. Nagsama na rin sila ng dalawang body guard to ensure everyone's safety. Si Laura ang kasama ni Brandon sa car nya at si Badet na rin ang nag-drive sa van ni Laura. Nang lumabas na sina Laura at Brandon pasakay sa car ay maraming taga-media ang nakaabang sa labas. Nagmamadali silang sumakay at umalis dahil ayaw nyang magpa-interview. Nag-convoy sila at sumunod ang funeral car sa kanila.More than one hour ang byahe nila at nakatulog si Laura. They should be mourning but Brandon was very happy at that moment because he felt he was gaining Laura back in his life. He kept staring at her while in slumber and realized she didn’t change her dress since yesterday and no more make-up. Naghilamos lang sya kanina at inayos ang buhok at maganda pa rin sya. Wala kasi silang nadalang damit ni Badet dahil nagmamadaling umalis nang malaman ang bad news.
When they arrived at their house Brandon was surprised na nabago na ang maliit na lumang bahay nila. Pinaayos
pala ito ni Laura. Maliit lang pero maganda at may two bedrooms at maliit na
garage na inayos ng tyahin nya, ang nag-iisang kapatid ng nanay nya, at doon
sila maglalamay. May mga tent din naman silang nilagay sa bakuran. Maraming mga
kamag-anak ni Laura ang nag-aabang sa kanila. Mas maraming tao dito kesa doon
sa funeral home at matutuwa ang nanay nya na makabisita ang mga kamag-anak nya.
When everything was settled pinapahinga muna ni Laura si Brandon sa bedroom nya
dahil wala itong masyadong pahinga at nagda-drive pa kanina. Pinauwi na muna
nya si Badet para makapagpahinga at babalik nalang bukas sa libing ng nanay
nya.
“Inayos ko na ‘yong kwarto ko at matulog ka muna doon, okay? Wala kang masyadong tulog at nagda-drive ka pa kanina kaya you need to rest muna.” She grabbed his hands and brought to her room. “Ay, magsha-shower pa pala ako at kahapon pa ako hindi nakapagpalit ng damit.” Sabi ni Laura na parang nagpaparinig na lumabas muna si Brandon dahil magbibihis pa sya at nahalata agad ito ni Brandon.
“Maligo ka na at magbihis dyan at antok na antok na ako. Para namang hindi pa kita nakitang nakahubad.” Biro nya at humiga agad sa bed at nakatulog agad sa sobrang pagod.
Habang nagbibihis sya ay hindi nya maiwasang makatingin kay Brandon na mahimbing ang tulog. Napangiti sya and she just realized that they still love each other after all this time. Nilagyan nya ito ng kumot dahil baka lalamigin sa sobrang lakas ng aircon dahil bago pa ito at bihira lang magamit. Matapos mag-ayos ay lumabas na sya para harapin ang maraming bisita na mga kamag-anak nila. Si Valerie at Angela naman ang pinapahinga nya sa kabilang kwarto.
“Ma’am Valerie inayos ko na po ang isang kwarto at magpahinga na muna kayo ni Angela. Pasensya ka na at ganito talaga maglamay sa probinsya, maraming tao at marami kang pakakainin.” Biro nya.
“It’s fine, Laura. Mas masaya nga siguro ang nanay mo na dinala mo sya dito kesa doon sa punerarya na masyadong tahimik. At saka, please stop calling me ma’am, Ate nalang, okay?” Sabi ni Valerie.
“Nakakahiya naman po.” Sabi ni Laura.
“Masasanay ka rin.” Valerie smiled. “I’m so tired kaya I need to rest na muna talaga ha. Angela made new friends na agad kaya hayaan mo na muna sya dyan sa labas pero pakitingin-tingin naman sa kanya ha.”
“Sige po, hindi ko naman po pababayaan si Angela dito.” At lumabas na sya at pumasok na rin si Valerie sa bedroom.
Maraming tao ang bumisita sa gabi at ‘yong iba ay hindi nya na kilala. Halatang gusto lang syang makita at magpa-picture pero binawalan nya dahil respeto sa lamay ng nanay nya. Hindi naman maiwasan may mag stolen picture talaga sa kanya at sa tingin nya parang may mga paparazzi na sa labas ng bakuran nila at hindi makapasok dahil may mga bodyguard na nagbabantay. Natawa nalang sya sa sarili nya dahil feeling sikat na talaga sya.
May hindi inaasahang bisita din syang dumaan, ‘yong first boyfriend nya in college na naging Seaman na si Gabby at kasama ang mga barkada nito. Kahit galit sya dito dati ay kinalimutan na nya at hinarap saglit. She was irritated by Gabby’s attitude sa sobrang yabang and obviously he was trying to flirt with Laura knowing that the girl he once dumped off before was already famous and even more beautiful now. But she’s not even sure kung nag-asawa na ba ito or may girlfriend dahil wala na silang communication ever since in college. Hindi naman nya pweding sitahin dahil mababastos naman. Mabuti nalang at nagising na pala si Brandon at hinanap sya. He looked so fresh at nakapagpalit na rin ng suot nya kanina.
“Laura.” Brandon called her at na-relieve sya.
“Hey, I want you to meet my college friend si Gabby…Gabby this is my boyfriend, Brandon.” Parang nabunutan sya ng tinik nang masabi ‘yon at sadyang inakbayan sya ni Brandon. At dahil doon ay nagpaalam agad si Gabby at ang mga barkada nya.
“Ex-boyfriend mo ‘yon ano?” Kuryosong tanong agad ni Brandon.
“I hate him, sobrang yabang." Biro nya.
Nilibing agad the next day ang nanay ni Laura dahil baka matuntunan pa ng maraming mga taga-media ang bahay nila. She also doesn’t want the public to know about her and Brandon dahil ayaw nyang pati si Brandon ay guguluhin din nila pero hindi na talaga ito maiiwasan. Inalalayan sya palagi ni Brandon because she didn’t stop crying and didn’t leave her mother since in the morning knowing that she will no longer see her mother even through her casket. She wanted to have a solemn burial mass but they can no longer control the crowd and the media people inside the church. Deep inside of her there’s a little regret on why she had entered in the limelight and her private life will always be intervened by the public.
Brandon started the Eulogy and Laura was touched by his kind words for her dear nanay. He was teary eyed when he bade his last farewell to his nanny for more than 20 years and the people were in awe when they learned about it. Pati na rin si Valerie at Angela did their speech. Laura tried to be strong as she was the last one to speak. She was inspired of how her mother has touched other people’s lives and she considered her mother as a hero. And Laura became media's favorite darling after her real life story was publicly divulged. At matapos ang misa ay hinatid na sa kanyang huling hantungan ang nanay nya katabi ng lolo at lola nya. It was the saddest moment of her life.
“Okay lang, ayoko rin mag-celebrate dahil kamamatay lang ni nanay. Parang there’s no reason for me to celebrate na.” Malungkot na sabi nya.
“Hindi Sesh, matutuwa ang nanay mo pag mag-celebrate ka dahil ayaw nyang nakikita na malungkot ka. At di ba sabi mo, mula pagkabata ay hindi mo naranasan kailanman ang mag birthday party dahil sa hirap? Subukan kaya natin this time dahil mayaman ka na.” Biro ni Badet.
“Huwag na, magdinner nalang tayo ni Pam after work, okay?” She insisted.
“Inayos ko na ‘yong kwarto ko at matulog ka muna doon, okay? Wala kang masyadong tulog at nagda-drive ka pa kanina kaya you need to rest muna.” She grabbed his hands and brought to her room. “Ay, magsha-shower pa pala ako at kahapon pa ako hindi nakapagpalit ng damit.” Sabi ni Laura na parang nagpaparinig na lumabas muna si Brandon dahil magbibihis pa sya at nahalata agad ito ni Brandon.
“Maligo ka na at magbihis dyan at antok na antok na ako. Para namang hindi pa kita nakitang nakahubad.” Biro nya at humiga agad sa bed at nakatulog agad sa sobrang pagod.
Habang nagbibihis sya ay hindi nya maiwasang makatingin kay Brandon na mahimbing ang tulog. Napangiti sya and she just realized that they still love each other after all this time. Nilagyan nya ito ng kumot dahil baka lalamigin sa sobrang lakas ng aircon dahil bago pa ito at bihira lang magamit. Matapos mag-ayos ay lumabas na sya para harapin ang maraming bisita na mga kamag-anak nila. Si Valerie at Angela naman ang pinapahinga nya sa kabilang kwarto.
“Ma’am Valerie inayos ko na po ang isang kwarto at magpahinga na muna kayo ni Angela. Pasensya ka na at ganito talaga maglamay sa probinsya, maraming tao at marami kang pakakainin.” Biro nya.
“It’s fine, Laura. Mas masaya nga siguro ang nanay mo na dinala mo sya dito kesa doon sa punerarya na masyadong tahimik. At saka, please stop calling me ma’am, Ate nalang, okay?” Sabi ni Valerie.
“Nakakahiya naman po.” Sabi ni Laura.
“Masasanay ka rin.” Valerie smiled. “I’m so tired kaya I need to rest na muna talaga ha. Angela made new friends na agad kaya hayaan mo na muna sya dyan sa labas pero pakitingin-tingin naman sa kanya ha.”
“Sige po, hindi ko naman po pababayaan si Angela dito.” At lumabas na sya at pumasok na rin si Valerie sa bedroom.
Maraming tao ang bumisita sa gabi at ‘yong iba ay hindi nya na kilala. Halatang gusto lang syang makita at magpa-picture pero binawalan nya dahil respeto sa lamay ng nanay nya. Hindi naman maiwasan may mag stolen picture talaga sa kanya at sa tingin nya parang may mga paparazzi na sa labas ng bakuran nila at hindi makapasok dahil may mga bodyguard na nagbabantay. Natawa nalang sya sa sarili nya dahil feeling sikat na talaga sya.
May hindi inaasahang bisita din syang dumaan, ‘yong first boyfriend nya in college na naging Seaman na si Gabby at kasama ang mga barkada nito. Kahit galit sya dito dati ay kinalimutan na nya at hinarap saglit. She was irritated by Gabby’s attitude sa sobrang yabang and obviously he was trying to flirt with Laura knowing that the girl he once dumped off before was already famous and even more beautiful now. But she’s not even sure kung nag-asawa na ba ito or may girlfriend dahil wala na silang communication ever since in college. Hindi naman nya pweding sitahin dahil mababastos naman. Mabuti nalang at nagising na pala si Brandon at hinanap sya. He looked so fresh at nakapagpalit na rin ng suot nya kanina.
“Laura.” Brandon called her at na-relieve sya.
“Hey, I want you to meet my college friend si Gabby…Gabby this is my boyfriend, Brandon.” Parang nabunutan sya ng tinik nang masabi ‘yon at sadyang inakbayan sya ni Brandon. At dahil doon ay nagpaalam agad si Gabby at ang mga barkada nya.
“Ex-boyfriend mo ‘yon ano?” Kuryosong tanong agad ni Brandon.
“I hate him, sobrang yabang." Biro nya.
Nilibing agad the next day ang nanay ni Laura dahil baka matuntunan pa ng maraming mga taga-media ang bahay nila. She also doesn’t want the public to know about her and Brandon dahil ayaw nyang pati si Brandon ay guguluhin din nila pero hindi na talaga ito maiiwasan. Inalalayan sya palagi ni Brandon because she didn’t stop crying and didn’t leave her mother since in the morning knowing that she will no longer see her mother even through her casket. She wanted to have a solemn burial mass but they can no longer control the crowd and the media people inside the church. Deep inside of her there’s a little regret on why she had entered in the limelight and her private life will always be intervened by the public.
Brandon started the Eulogy and Laura was touched by his kind words for her dear nanay. He was teary eyed when he bade his last farewell to his nanny for more than 20 years and the people were in awe when they learned about it. Pati na rin si Valerie at Angela did their speech. Laura tried to be strong as she was the last one to speak. She was inspired of how her mother has touched other people’s lives and she considered her mother as a hero. And Laura became media's favorite darling after her real life story was publicly divulged. At matapos ang misa ay hinatid na sa kanyang huling hantungan ang nanay nya katabi ng lolo at lola nya. It was the saddest moment of her life.
Chapter 26
“Sesh, I am sorry at magta-trabaho tayo sa birthday mo this weekend.” Sabi ni Badet kay Laura a week after her mother’s burial. She was given a week to rest by her agency and can no longer extend because she has so many pending projects because of her mother’s death.“Okay lang, ayoko rin mag-celebrate dahil kamamatay lang ni nanay. Parang there’s no reason for me to celebrate na.” Malungkot na sabi nya.
“Hindi Sesh, matutuwa ang nanay mo pag mag-celebrate ka dahil ayaw nyang nakikita na malungkot ka. At di ba sabi mo, mula pagkabata ay hindi mo naranasan kailanman ang mag birthday party dahil sa hirap? Subukan kaya natin this time dahil mayaman ka na.” Biro ni Badet.
“Huwag na, magdinner nalang tayo ni Pam after work, okay?” She insisted.
A newly built 8 storey hotel and mountain resort ang ipo-promote ni Laura on that project. Dahil sa haba ng byahi ay nakatulog sya dahil mountain resort ito kaya medyo malayo. Nang magising sya when they arrived she realized the place was so familiar. She was surprised nang makita ang malaking building na may pangalan na LB Hotel and Mountain Resort at naalala nya ang swimming pool as they entered the main vicinity.
“Wait.” Sabi nya kay Badet before sya bumaba sa van. “Kilala mo ba ang owner ng hotel na to?”
“Hindi.” Sabi ni Badet. “Bakit Sesh?”
“This used to be Brandon’s rest house at ngayon ni-remodel pala at ginawang hotel?” Gulat na gulat sya.
“Talaga? Nakapunta ka na pala dito dati?” Tanong ni Badet.
“Dito kami parang unang nagkamabutihan eh.” Napangiti sya when she remembered those days. “Para nya akong kinidnap at dinala dito. Alam kaya nya na dito ang next project ko? I’ll call him nga.” Sabi ni Laura.
“Ay Sesh, akin na muna ang cellphone mo dahil very urgent tong project natin at kanina pa naghintay ang crew sa set. Sa pool side ang first photo shoot mo so kailangan mo nang magbihis ng swimsuit. Mamaya mo nalang tawagan si sir Brandon, okay?” Kinuha nya agad ang cellphone ni Laura at bumaba sa van at pupunta ng lobby. Matapos magpark ni Badet ay umakyat na sila sa kanilang room para ayusan si Laura. Matapos ang photo shoot sa pool side ay pinaakyat uli ni Badet si Laura sa room para magbihis ng gown dahil sa roof top naman daw ang next shooting. Pinasuot nya si Laura ng simple red gown na very fit sa sexy body nya at silver sandals. Pinauna nya si Laura papunta sa roof top. When the elevator opened on the roof top it was getting dark already at nagtataka sya dahil tahimik at nagulat sya nang biglang sinalubong sya ni Brandon na may dalang small round birthday cake.
“Happy birthday!” Niyakap sya agad ni Brandon and kissed her lips.
“What?” She was very surprised. “Kunsabo mo si Badet dito ano?” Natawa sya at naiyak sa tuwa.
“It’s about time na bigyan ka ng birthday party dahil sabi ni Badet hindi mo pa raw na-experience ever magkaroon ng birthday party.” Sabi nya as he lighted the number 24 candle of her birthday cake. Biglang nagliwanag ang paligid at saka lang nya nakita ang malaking table na may maraming food at naglabasan ang mga tao.
“Happy birthday!” They greeted her and puffed some confetti and sang the birthday song. “Make a wish Ate.” Sigaw ni Angela after they were singing.
“Lakasan mo ang wish para marinig ko.” Biro ni Brandon. Tumawa lang si Laura and then blew the candle.
Nakita nya rin si Pam at ang ibang crew at dumating na rin si Badet. Inayos pala nila ang roof top para doon mag birthday party. Naiyak sya sa sobrang tuwa. Nakapalibot silang lahat sa kanilang dalawa ni Brandon at nagtataka sya na parang may susunod pang surprise. Brandon sliced a small piece of cake and put it on a cute plate at binigay kay Laura at nagulat sya na may nakapatong na singsing sa chocolate toppings. Then the projector turned on and she was surprised what was flashed on the big screen, ‘Please marry me, Laura’. She looked at Brandon’s face and then on the ring on top of the cake na hawak nya at natawa sya at kinakabahan. Kinikilig ang mga tao sa paligid na nakatingin lang sa kanilang dalawa.
“Ano? Babasahin ko pa ba ng malakas yan?” Biro ni Brandon as he kept on staring at her eyes and waiting for her answer.
“Yes! Yes! And yes!” Sigaw ni Laura at niyakap si Brandon sa tuwa.
Kinuha ni Brandon ang ring at dinilaan nya muna dahil dumikit ang chocolate toppings at nilagay sa daliri ni Laura at natawa si Laura sa ginawa nya. Then they hugged each other tightly and nag-flash uli ang screen, ‘She finally said, Yes!’.
“Hahaha, ang corny mo talaga!” Sabi ni Laura.
“Hindi ako ang may idea nyan, sina Badet at Angela. At sumunod lang ako eh.” Biro nya.
“Let’s party!!!” Sigaw ni Badet. Kumanta uli sila ng birthday song bago kumain.
They both moved a little away from the crowd and hugged and kissed each other.
“You are the most wonderful gift I ever received on my birthday.” She said softly.
“Really?” Sabi ni Brandon. “Pakiusap ko lang please, na huwag na uli magbago ang isip mo, okay?”
“Hinding-hindi na. Natapos ko na ang mission ko at pagod na rin ako sa magulong mundo na pinasukan ko. Gusto ko nang magtrabaho sa dream job ko eh. Pwede ba akong mag-apply dito sa hotel mo?” Biro nya kay Brandon.
“You know why I named this as LB Hotel? Well, andito naman talaga tayo sa Hacienda La Bienvinido so it’s LB na rin but the truth is, Laura and Brandon ang ibig sabihin nyan. Dahil para sa ‘yo tong hotel na ‘to. I focused my time re-modeling this property para maging busy ako at makalimutan ka sandali noong iniwan mo ako. Kasi natatakot ka noong nandito tayo noon na parang hunted yong house at may naririnig ka kaya ginawa ko nalang hotel para maingay at maraming tao. Kung gusto mong magtrabaho dito ikaw na ang bahala dito, okay? And I want us to get married soon. I am getting impatient at baka magbago na naman yang isip mo.” Sabi ni Brandon habang yakap-yakap pa rin nila ang isa’t isa at sumasabay na rin sila sa music background na pinatugtog ni Badet.
“How soon ba yang gusto mo ha?” Tanong ni Laura.
“Eh kung pwede lang bukas di bukas na agad.” Sagot agad ni Brandon.
“Kung nasa Las Vegas nga lang tayo, why not? Hahaha!” Biro ni Laura. “Pero hindi pa pwede. Hindi pa pala ayos ang birth certificate ko.”
“It’s done. I’ll give it to you later. Surprise ko sana sa ‘yo pero nasabi mo na rin eh.” Sabi ni Brandon. “And we’ll go to the DFA next week pala to get your passport. Magha-honeymoon tayo sa Germany dahil yan ang pangarap mo.”
Nagulat na naman si Laura sa narinig nya. “Ang dami mo nang surpresa sa akin ngayon ah. Paano ba kita masusuklian?”
“Eh, mamaya, pag na-solo na kita masusuklian mo na ako.” Biro ni Brandon as Laura pinched his nose. “Halika ka let’s eat and I’m hungry na.”
She was really having fun and very happy on her first birthday party ever. She took a picture of her engagement ring and sent it to Lauren and she invited her to come on her wedding. Niyakap nya si Angela and thanked her for her support. Dumating ang front desk manager at hinanap si Brandon. May conference call pala si Brandon at hindi na nya napansin ang mga missed calls sa phone nya kanina kaya umakyat na ang front desk manager.
“I have an international conference call in 10 minutes and I think matatagalan ako sa conference room. Here’s the key to our room, sa suite D on the 8th floor.” Sabi ni Brandon kay Laura.
“Ano? May room na ako ah.” Nagtataka si Laura.
“I already asked Badet to transfer your stuff to suite D, okay?” He kissed her and whispered, “Hintayin mo nalang ako sa room mamaya at magtatrabaho muna ako sandali, okay?” He kissed her again and hurried to the elevator.
Chapter 27
“Ang galing mo talaga, Sesh ha.” Sabi ni Laura kay Badet. “I never ever had a clue on your conspiracy.” Biro nya.“Naku Sesh, very excited talaga ako noong kinausap ako ni sir Brandon sa plano nyang magpo-propose sa ‘yo. Buti nalang approve nya lahat ng mga plans ko. And take note, may talent fee ka talaga sa endorsement mo sa hotel na ‘to.” Sabi ni Badet.
“Talaga?” Natawa sya. “Thanks for everything, Sesh. Blessing ka talaga sa buhay ko.” Niyakap nya si Badet. “Kung magkano man yang binayad ni Brandon sa talent fee ko, hindi na ako makikialam at ibibigay ko sa ‘yo lahat yan, okay?” At naiyak si Badet sa tuwa.
Headline the next day sa showbiz tabloid and magazines at sa lahat ng social media ang engagement ni Laura and Brandon, ‘One of the country’s top models is engaged to long-time business tycoon boyfriend’. Nagpost pala si Angela sa FB account niya at ang ibang staff and crew kaya ito kumalat.
“I’m really tired of the showbiz world.” Naiinis na sabi ni Laura. She just woke up and was trying to check on her cellphone and surprised with so many greetings on her birthday and engagement. “Nakalimutan ko nga palang ipaalam sa lahat kagabi na walang magpost sa social media... Wala na, kalat na kalat na.”
“Bakit, aren’t you happy that you are engaged with me?” Biro ni Brandon who just took a shower from the bathroom.
“Aba, natutuwa ka pala na ma-invade ng buong mundo ang private life mo?” Sabi ni Laura na tuloy pa rin ang pagche-check ng mga social media at na-post ang mga pictures at video sa proposal ni Brandon. Yet she was very happy and still in awe of what just happened last night.
“No. In fact, I hate the showbiz world, I hate social media and I’d be glad if you quit your modeling career and work on your dream job instead.” He said as he sat down beside Laura in bed and kissed her.
It could have been a wedding of
the century but Laura chose to have a solemn wedding. It was contrary to what
the public thought na sa malaking church sila ikakasal at bonggang-bonga. She
had lots of offers from different fashion brands if she would just allow them
to showcase her wedding gown and bridal entourage pero ayaw nya. Brandon bribed
all the people involved on the marriage procedure and they got married in three
months’ time after he proposed to Laura. And because they both wanted to have a
privacy on their wedding day, they held the ceremony at a secluded chapel
near the LB Hotel and the reception was held at the hotel’s ballroom. They
both asked everyone to cooperate na walang magbabalita o maglalabas ng information.
To be more discreet, they hired a tourist bus and parked it in front of the chapel
at doon nagbihis at nag-ayos si Laura while the rest of the entourage ay sa hotel. It was very simple but very memorable for both of them.
She finally met Lauren for the first time and she was the maid-of-honor. Si Badet na rin ang wedding planner and event organizer. They only invited a few closed people to their hearts. They decided na saka nalang sila magpa-bongga ng reception after their honeymoon to be fair naman to their other friends especially Brandon's staff and Laura's agency. Three days after the wedding they went to Germany for their honeymoon. Kasabay nila si Lauren pauwi sa Germany and she was their tour guide and Laura finally visited her father's grave.
When Laura managed the hotel, she wanted to promote it effectively at gusto nyang sumikat agad and hotel na ito. Nagpaunlak sya ng interview for a famous TV talk show together with Brandon after their honeymoon, provided that she can promote their hotel. But it took time for her to convince Brandon to join with her on that interview dahil ayaw nga nya ang media. And that was Laura's last appearance on TV because she wanted to have a private life now that she and Brandon will be having their first baby soon.
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