Love Just Ain't Enough (BOOK TWO)

EIGHT: FOR REAL

My jaw dropped when I set foot at the venue. Oh my God. It’s beautiful! I had no idea that the venue would be held in a large garden as impeccable as this.

The place is already filled with guests and the event is already starting. I was late and the reason was because I was fighting against myself. My mind kept on changing its plan. I had decided not to attend but minutes later I found myself dolling up for the said party. Another reason was because somehow, I was expecting Alejandro to pick me up. But I had been waiting for ages and no one knock on my hotel door. My heart was heavy when I finally decided to call for a taxi.

And now that I’m here, I’m having another episode of mental battle. Why am I here? For what purpose? I don’t even know a single soul here aside from Alejandro.

Ang speaking of him, I haven’t spotted him yet. Where is he? My god. Now I regret coming here. Para akong tangang nakatayo lang dito sa entrance door. Sino ang kakausapin ko?

I sighed deeply. Nandito ako para kumain. For sure, unlimited ang mga pagkain dito. Tama, pagkain talaga ang sinadya ko dito. Okay self, let’s pretend na walang buffet sa hotel! Nang may dumaang waiter sa harap ko ay kumuha ako ng inumin. Hmm. Champagne. Not bad for someone who’s stomach is empty as of the moment. If I passed out because of drunkenness, blame the alcohol.

“Hi.”

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Alanganin akong ngumiti sa kanya. “Hello.” Mariel is a goddess. Her beauty is out of this world, seriously.

“Kadarating mo lang ba? Are you alone?”

I nodded gingerly. “Oo, kadarating ko lang at nag-iisa lang din ako. Hindi ko nga alam bakit ako nandito. I should have just stayed in my room.”

“It’s okay. Magugustuhan ng company ang ganitong attitude mo. If you will be a part of the marketing team, socialization is a must. Part of the marketing is public relations, di ba? Trust me, you need this. You have to pay attention to the people. Ngayon pa lang, kilalanin mo na sila dahil ang mga taong ito ay makikilala mo sa hinaharap.”

Tumango-tango ako. May punto din ito. Pero kung sakaling mapili ang agency namin, I don’t think I can work here in Manila. Dette should be here. Siya dito, ako sa Davao. That would be the best set-up for our team.

“I’m sorry pala kanina if I came too rude. Na-stress kasi ako sa pinsan ko na bigla-bigla na lang darating na walang pasabi. He was supposed to come back next week. I have no idea bakit napaaga ang kanyang uwi. Ayaw niyang magsabi.”

“No. I didn’t think you were being rude. Please don’t apologize.”

“Aww. I’m liking you already. But you know what, you really look familiar. I just can’t remember where I saw you. Anyway, come and join in our table. May mga ipapakilala ako sa’yo.” She linked her arm around mine, sa gulat ko. She feels comfortable around me while I’m being awkward with her.

                Iginiya niya ako sa table na malapit sa centerstage. Gusto kong umatras nang mapansing puro mga lalake ang nakaupo doon at busy makipaghuntahan sa isa’t isa.

                Gentlemen, please meet my friend, Bea. Bea, this group of jerks are Alejandro’s friends.” Tumayo ang isang lalake at humalik sa kanyang pisngi. “And this man right here is my fiancé.”

                “Hi, Bea. I’m Finn. Nice to meet you.” He smiled genuinely at me sabay abot ng palad sa akin. Tinanggap ko iyon.

                Napaigtad ako dahil segundo lang ata at pinalibutan na ako ng lahat. Isa-isa silang nagpakilala sa akin at nag-abot ng kanilang palad. I was informed that Kyle and Kross are twins. Luckily, I was able to get the names of others. Brent, Victor and Rush.

                “Seat with me, sweetheart.” Rush pulled a chair for me. It was the only vacant chair, so I had no choice but to sit beside him. Agad na nakatanggap ng pang-aasar ito mula sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Mariel seated at my right side.

                While I tried my best to engage with them, I couldn’t help but to feel uneasy. These people are no ordinary and a far cry from the people in my circle. Hindi ko maiwasang manliit. I just hope they won’t ask me about my status in life or I will end up embarrassing myself.

                I may look expensive, thanks to Alejandro, but really, I have nothing to offer to them except my true self.

“Where’s Alejandro? Pinapunta niya kami dito pagkatapos ay hindi naman pala siya magpapakita sa amin. That man.” Pumalatak si Kyle.

“I’ve been calling him countless times, but his phone just kept on ringing. Baka papunta na rin yun. We have started the event without him. He didn’t tell us that he would attend this Annual Party to begin with.” Nagkibit-balikat si Mariel.

Napatingin ako kay Mariel. Kung pinsan ito ni Alejandro, nakakapagtakang hindi ito kailanman nabanggit sa akin ng lalake. Sabagay, dalawang buwan ko lang nakasama ito at malimit lang din magkwento ang lalake tungkol sa kanyang pamilya. I should have asked him to show me their family albums. Para naman hindi ako nagugulat ng ganito tuwing may nakakasalamuha akong kamag-anak niya. Kung ano-ano pa tuloy ang naiisip ko.

I bit my lips as I fixated my sight on the entrance door, scanning the faces of the people entering. Here I am again, getting so anxious about him not showing up yet. He always makes me worry; I hate it! My heart would jump a bit every time someone steps in. And when I found out it’s not Ale, I felt a little upset.

“You’re waiting for someone?” Rush leaned forward and whispered near my ear.

Nahihiyang tumingin ako sa kanya. His handsome face is almost unreal. Seriously, where did they all come from?

Umiling ako. “Uhm. Wala akong hinihintay.”

“You seem bored. Your champagne glass is empty. Would you like to have another drink?”

Alcohol would keep my shyness away. I nodded. “Sure. Thank you.” Nakangiting umalis ito mula sa mesa namin.

“Oh. There he is.” Mariel uttered at lahat kami ay napalingon sa direksyon na kanyang tinitignan.

Alejandro came in looking dashingly perfect as ever. I know that he would look good with suit and tie but tonight, he looks delectable. His stunning presence grabbed the people’s attention to look at him. I would have smiled at him only if he’s not with someone else. He was assisting the woman as they walked through the door. Both looking so regal and majestic.

“Why is he with her?” I heard Mariel asked, a little bit annoyed.

“She’s probably invited.”  Sagot ni Victor na kanina pa busy sa kanyang cellphone.

Nagkibit-balikat si Brent. “The rumors might true after all.”

“It ain’t true.” Matalim na tinignan siya ni Mariel.

“Okay. Sabi mo, e.”

Disappointment hit me and I could feel my heart sinking as I looked at the pair. So, this is the reason why you wanted me to come tonight, huh. Tss. Nilapag ni Rush ang champagne glass ko na may laman. Sa inis ko, I drank up the glass he had just given me.

“Easy there, sweetheart.” Natatawang kinuha ni Rush ang baso mula sa pagkakahawak ko.

“Bea, kumain ka na ba?” Mariel looking so bewildered at my action. Umiling ako.

“OMG. Are you trying to kill yourself? Come, let’s put something in that stomach of yours.”

Pagkatayo ko, I glanced at Alejandro who’s now pulling a chair for the girl. My lips quivered as I fought back the tears to flow. Asshole. Such a damn player.

I can’t believe he’s doing to me. I can’t believe I let him hurt me again.

I barely touched my food because I might throw up. But Mariel was so persistent kaya pinagbigyan ko na lamang ito. Pakonti-konti lang ang kain ko at kahit pagkain naman talaga ang sinadya ko dito, nawalan ako ng gana.

I don’t easily get drunk though. Kahit walang laman ang tiyan ko’y hindi ako nalalasing agad-agad. My friends would tease me that there’s a tank in my stomach. Pero ngayon, sa tingin ko ay matatamaan ako ng maaga hindi dahil sa alak kundi sa bigat na nararamdaman. Nang may naglapag ng red wine sa mesa ay ininom ko iyon. I might as well take this opportunity to drink all these damn expensive alcohols.

The lights turned dim and slow music played in loudspeakers. Naglahad ng palad si Rush.

“May I have this dance?” His eyes shimmering against the dim lights.

Why not? Nandito na rin lang naman ako, why don’t I just enjoy his company? I smiled at him and lifted my hand to put on his. Pero bago pa iyon mangyari, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

Alejandro possessively snaked his one arm around my waist, drawing me closer to his solid body.

“Thank you for entertaining my girl but I’ll take it from here.” He said in a tight voice, giving them a glare.

“Your what?” Halos sabay na bulalas ng mga tao sa paligid.

“Oh my god.” Mariel gasped. “Now it makes sense. Now I know why she looks familiar—”

“Mariel. Shut your mouth.” Banta ni Ale.

“What do you—” Hindi ko na natapos pa ang magtanong kay Mariel dahil hinila na ako ni Alejandro palayo sa mesa.

“Bitawan mo ako, Ale. Doon ka nalang sa babaeng kasama mo. Bakit ka ba nanggugulo? I’m enjoying your friend’s company! Ayoko sa’yo. Ang pangit mo. Ayokong makita ang pagmumukha mo.”

“Ang ganda mo. Bagay sa’yo ang damit na napili ko.”

“Don’t you think it’s too late to say that? Dun ka nga sa babaeng kasama mo. Lubayan mo ako.”

He expelled a sigh. “She’s just a friend.” Hinila nito ang aking kamay at pumalag ulit ako.

“Friend? Utot mo.” Why am I fuming mad! Naiinis ako!

“She’s a friend. I want you to know her more but…it’s not yet the right time.”

Napatingin ako sa kanya. He seemed nervous. At nahimigan ko ang takot sa kanyang boses.

“Who is she, Ale?”

Pumikit ito sandali. Both of us were standing at the middle of the dancefloor. Hindi ko alintana ang unit-unting pag-iwas ng mga tao sa amin. My full attention was on him alone.

“She’s a doctor. My mother sent her to check on me. She’s also a dear friend of mine. I just can’t introduce her to you yet. I have reasons, baby. But believe me, she’s nothing but a friend.”

Napayuko na lamang ako. Why the hell am I confronting him, anyway? Wala siyang dapat ipaliwanag sa akin dahil wala kaming relasyon. Wala akong karapatang usisain ito sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa ibang babae. I am not his girlfriend, for Christ’s sake!

Magaan na tumawa ako. “Okay lang kahit hindi mo sabihin. Your affairs have nothing to do with me, Alejandro. Okay lang talaga, Ale.”

“Hindi okay sa akin. Gusto kong malaman mo ang lahat-lahat ng nangyari sa akin sa nakalipas na mga taon. Carina, I mean…her.” Ininguso nito ang kinauupuan ng babae. Sinundan ko iyon ng tingin. I was surprised when I found her looking at us scrutinizingly. There was even a smirk on her mouth. “She’s one of the reasons why I am now standing in front of you, Bea.”

“I get it, okay? She’s your doctor. She knows you longer than I do. You depend on her. You became friends.”

“At hanggang dun lang yun. Will it help if I say she’s engaged with another friend of mine?”

I lifted my gaze at him. Alejandro smiled at nodded at me. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Okay. I believe you now.”

“Thank goodness because I hate to see the accusatory look in your eyes, Bea. It doesn’t set right with me every time you judge me unfairly.”

“I’m sorry if I make you feel that way. What can I do, Ale? I have trusted you with all my heart a long time ago, but you just threw it away. Pero tulad ng sinabi ko, wala kang dapat ipaliwanag sa akin. I’m not your…I mean we’re not together anymore. Do what you want to do.” I turned my back at him, but my steps were halted when he held my arm.

Tumapat ito sa aking harapan. Naglahad ito ng palad. “May I have this dance? You see, I’ve been wanting, dreaming of this exact moment to dance with you.” His voice trembled.

His vulnerable look melted my heart. “I thought you had no dreams in life when you got stuck in the wheelchair.”

He stifled his laugh by biting his lips. “I thought so too. But when the first day you walked through my door, you had officially turned my world upside down, Bea. You lit up my life. You are my living proof that miracles do exist.”

I was too stunned that I couldn’t even bat an eye. I don’t know what’s with his words that made me cry. My lips quivered as I choked a sob. I’m probably drunk. I always cry when I’m drunk.

H stored towards me and wiped my tears. He bent forward.

“May I this dance?” He asked again, smiling at my frozen face.

My mind wanted to just place my hand over his or placed them on his shoulders, but the yearning of my heart was too strong that I found myself wrapping my arms at the back of his neck as I rested my face on his wide chest. His expensive perfume mixed with his naturally manly scent almost sent me to the edge. I snuggled in his warmth, mentally thanking him for asking me to dance.

We were dancing, moving and swaying slowly to the music. I wanted to raise my head to look at him but for now I’d settle myself feeling the fast beating of his heart. I snuggled in his warmth as I kept on inhaling his scent. It’s addictive.

His chest vibrated when he chuckled. “I might get inside your nose, baby. You have sniffed the soul of me.”

“Shut up. This is your punishment for being so damn perfect. God, I hate you.”

He chuckled again. “You look beautiful tonight. Will you please look at me?”

I knew my face was as red as tomato. Umiling ako at binaon pa rin ang mukha sa kanyang dibdib. Hinila ni Alejandro ang isa kong kamay na nakasampay sa kanyang balikat. He held my hand and kissed my wrist. I thought he’s done but I felt him kissing my opened palm and I swear I felt his wet tongue against my skin!

Humiwalay ako sandali para tignan kung anong ginagawa nito but I got caught by his intense gaze. Umiwas ako sa kanyang mga titig kaya napili kong itukod ang aking baba sa kanyang balikat.

Alejandro made another chuckle. “You’re being shy at me, huh.” He did the same thing by placing his chin on my shoulder. He softly rubbed his cheek against mine making my pulse palpitate.

“Stop flirting, Ale. You’re making me dizzy.”

“Me? Flirting you? It’s funny when it comes from someone who doesn’t stop inhaling the living out of me.”

My head started spinning. My knees buckled as I tightened my hold on him. The alcohol has probably consumed me.

“Ale…” I murmured.

“Hmm…”

“We should stop moving.”

“Bea, are you okay?” He pulled back. He held my chin. “Are you really drunk?”

“I’m not drunk. I. Am…I’m just too sleepy.” Malumanay na sagot ko. Bumibigat ang aking mga talukap.

“Shit.”

“Don’t curse!” Nagawa ko pang kurutin ito kahit ang mga mata ay tuluyan nang nakapikit. Alejandro tightened his hold on my waist, securing me not to fall on the cold ground.

Alam ko na kung bakit natamaan agad ako. I barely slept last night. I had an early flight this morning. I didn’t get any rest in the hotel. I had to attend a meeting this afternoon and this man suddenly appeared out of nowhere na mas lalong nagpahina sa sistema ko. And now this…. ugh…. I really want to sleep….

“We are leaving. Ikaw na ang bahala dito.” I heard him speak. I wanted to open my eyes, but I just couldn’t.

“Don’t worry. Ako na ang bahala dito.” It came from a girl’s voice. Probably Mariel’s. I was too dizzy, and my ears were ringing I couldn’t recognize voices anymore.

“Will you be alright?” Another voice filled my ears. Her accent was strong. A foreigner perhaps?

“Everything is alright as long as I’m with her.”

Napangiti ako sa kanyang balikat. I hoped my ears are not playing with me.

Ang sunod ko na lamang na naramdaman ay ang pakiramdam na tila ako’y nakalutang.

Alejandro’s POV

I gently laid her down on my bed. I sat on the edge of the bed and roamed my eyes gently at Bea’s face. I lifted my hand to touch her soft cheek. She’s so beautiful. And so drunk. I chuckled

“You look like an angel.” I muttered as I brushed the strands of hair that fell on her pretty face.

She stirred and groaned. “Ale….”

I smiled. Yes, baby. Look only for me.

Kumunot ang noo nito. “Ale…”

“I’m here, baby. I’m just here.” Ginagap ko ang kanyang palad, squeezing it gently.

“Are you here with me?” She asked in a hoarse voice.

“I’m here with you. I’m always here for you…”

“Liar.” Her lips trembled. “Iniwan mo ako.”

I swallowed the lump behind my throat and shut my eyes. My heart constricted at the sight of her pained expression. Inabot ko ang gilid ng kanyang mga mata para pahiran ang takas na mga luha. Lasing man o hindi, umiiyak ka pa rin nang dahil sa akin.

“Ale…” She tried to open her eyes. “Where are you?”

Tumabi ako ng higa sa kanyang gilid. Pinilig ko ang kanyang ulo para masalubong nito ang aking mga mata. “Andito sa tabi mo.”

“I’m not dreaming, am I?”

Umiling ako. “You’re not dreaming, baby.”

Humikbi ulit ito. “Finally, you’re not a dream anymore.” She gave me a small smile. She reached my face and I let her palm rest on my cheek.

“Ale…” Namungay ang kanyang mga mata. Her cheeks are red and skin so hot. “Kiss me.”

I was stunned. “You’re drunk, baby.” Pinagpawisan ako ng malagkit. Pinasadahan ko ang kanyang kabuuan and gusto kong magmura dahil baka hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko ngayong gabi. My throat became dry.

She giggled at mas lalong inilapit ang mukha sa akin. Hindi ako nakailag nang bumaba ang mukha nito para halikan ako. She’s quite aggressive this time. She slid her tongue inside my mouth and kissed me torridly. I groaned and my self-control vanished into thin air. I dipped down to capture her red lips. God, she tastes so sweet I might not be able to get enough.

We were panting and I pulled my face a little to gasp some air.

“Ale…your lips…. mas masarap sila ngayon kaysa noon.” She giggled. “I loved kissing you before. I love kissing you now…..but…” Pumikit ito at bumuntong hininga.

“But?” I spoke, urging her to talk some more.

“Ale….I really like Tyler.”

Shit.

“Let’s not talk about that ass—about that man, baby. I beg you.”

Umiling ito. “I really wanted to let him in…”

Let him in!

“…into my life.”

I sighed in relief. Jesus. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

“I’ve always wanted to give him a chance…but my heart doesn’t want to…I really wanted to let go of you, but my heart doesn’t want to….”

Hinaplos ko ang kanyang ulo. “It’s okay. Follow what your heart wants, baby.”

“I did. Before. Pero nasaktan ako.”

I gritted my teeth. “Because I was such a loser. I was such an asshole, Bea.”

“Ale, if I give Tyler a chance, masasaktan pa rin ba ako?”

“Yes.” My heart is about to explode. f**k.

“Hmm…mabait at maunawain siya. Mabuting tao si Tyler. Tingin ko’y hindi na ako masasaktan pa.” She murmured against the softness of my pillow. Her eyes fluttered to close.

“It’ll hurt…” I sniffed and tightened my hold around her waist. I kissed her forehead. Hindi na ito kumibo pa. Payapa na ang paghinga nito.

I pressed my forehead against hers.

“It’ll hurt, baby. It’ll hurt…me.” I choked a sob as I kissed her lips. I’d rather die than see you in another man’s arms. I won’t be able to take it.

I will die for real this time.