He devoured his food as if nothing was wrong around him. Whilst me couldn't even have my coffee.
"Again why are you here in Manila?" I asked again when I saw him finished his food. He got my address from the people in hacienda that's what he said.
He glanced at me but only shook his head.
"Hey! I'm asking you?"
When finally he looked at me. I couldn't stand the intense of his gaze why I looked away.
"Sinusundo ka." (Fetching you) he simply said.
My head snapped at him. "What? Fetching me? The last time I checked you are not our driver."
His forehead creased. "Hindi ako magaling sa englis kaya mas maiintindihan kita kung magtatagalog ka lang." (I wasn't really good in english and I more understand you if you'll speak in filipino.)
My mouth hung open then closing my eyes from embarassment. He might be think I was belittling him. He surely not used in english because he was born in province but at least he could communicate by using our second language. Or he didn't finish schooling or worse he skipped his english class.
"Sorry.."
"Ayos lang. Nakakaintindi naman, pero kaonti lang." (It's alright. I know basic but not too deep english.) he nodded and stood up, clearing his plates.
I let him wash his plates, I'd take care of mine.
"Pinapunta ako dito ng daddy mo para sunduin ka. Baka daw hindi ka sumipot sa mismong kaarawan mo." (Your father sent me here to fetch you, he's afraid you'll skip your own birthday.) he told me while drying his hands.
Gosh! Even his simple gesture never skipped my eyes.
"Senyorita Krayol.." he snapped on my face.
"Huh?"
"Are you listening?"
"Yeah!" I waved my hand. "Just continue.. my parents sent you here.."
A ghost of a smile crept on his mouth before he became serious. Why did I miss a thing?
"I said, we're leaving later at noon."
My mouth formed an "Ohh". Fine, my ear skipped that part.
"Ohh, no problem." I was stuttured. "I'm free from school." I sat up to wash my own plates.
I looked over my shoulder and saw him staring on my legs. Then my eyes traveled down to my clothes.. and my blood ran cold. I screamed.
"Why? What happened?" he instantly in my side.
I hugged my chest when his dreamy eyes raked my wholeness.
His mouth partly open when his eyes stopped in my chest, he looked away while clearing his throat.
I sprinted to my room. This was the most embarrassing moment of my life. He almost saw my whole body more my chest.
I looked to my own reflection in the mirror and a scream escaped my lips. My boobs were blindly visible through this loose top. And I didn't wear anything down there aside of my panties.
Checking my appearance I was fully dressed now but still didn't want to go out of this room. I couldn't face him because of my embarrassment.
But I didn't have a choice when nanny knocked on my door, so I opened it.
"Breakfast?"
"I'm done. Thanks."
"Then come out here yet. You'll leaving for Puli soon."
"Okay ny, I'll going down."
"And you might want to have lunch before your long drive."
"Thank you nanny, but we'll gonna eat in some fastfood on the way."
"Just give this your nanny and eat lunch here. You'll gonna miss my cooking."
I stopped and stared at my old nanny, I would going to miss her much.
"I was kidding, hija. But please come down and Nolan probably getting bored in the living."
"Later nanny."
Rui said, he'd come home with me to hacienda. Then when I called him, he still insisting that he'd drive me home. Then what the hell Nolan is doing here?
My things were already placed in the trunk and now we're only waiting for Rui.
"Thanks heaven you're here!" I rolled my eyes. "You're late Rui."
"I finished a seminar." he just nodded to Nolan when he gazed the guy.
"Children eat your lunch first before driving." nanny butted in that we both agreed to her.
I coudn't contain my feels when I learned that nanny would come with us in Puli, but she's with Fernand. We're going to use two cars to hacienda. Of course nanny couldn't miss my eighteenth birthday for the world. That thought made me move to tears a while ago.
"Make sure you'll bring yourselves before my party or else!" I glared at Rui who's now sleeping like a baby. Coz Nolan would drive us home. "Girls.."
"Ssshhh.."
"Oh please Rui, you like it there so be it. I told you to occupy the front seat because I want to rest too." but he forcefully joined me here in the backseat. When he should take the front seat and not here.
I looked ahead when I heard him cleared his throat. Our eyes locked in the rearview mirror but no one dared to speak.
My gaze dropped to my phone and just checked on my chat messages. I thanked heaven that even late, Rui had joined me in this long drive instead of drving alone with Nolan. That's more awkward.
My eyes fluttered open when I felt a hot air on my face. Only to caught him looking down at me.
"Gigisingin na sana kita." (I was about to wake you up). said Nolan, motioning me to get up.
"Are we here?" I begun to feel conscious of my I-just-woke-up face. And probably looked like s**t.
"Yeah, just now."
"Where's Rui?" asking him and finally got off my feet.
"He's got inside." he pointed at the door.
"He's really annoying and selfish." Rui never bothered to wake me up. How sweet of a brother.
"Your Mom is waiting for you. Let's go?" offering his hand. I looked at it like forever before accepting and gone with him.
I was glancing at him every now and then. Before I noticed that he's gone my sight. His work done from here. Good then.
"Welcome home, Krayol hija!"
"Thanks Mommy." we hugged each other. I missed her a lot.
"You've slept the entire drive? You looked like you just woke up."
"Kind of." I yawned.
"Pretty well. Have some rest first. You need it Krayol."
"Yes Mommy." still feeling sleepy.
"Ohh, but you and Rui should join our dinner later." Mommy smiled.
"Ahh right. Miss you Mommy." I kissed her cheek and went upstairs.
I felt drained. My past activities lately were now rewarding my body.
To say that I was the most unhappy debutant in the world at her eighteenth birthday was an understatement.
Still couldn't believe in this, I side glanced at him who was now being quiet for an hours.
"Kahit patayin mo pa ako sa tingin. Hindi pa rin mababago ang katotohanan na ako ang eskort mo sa birthday mo." (Even you wanted me dead to my seat, you could still not change the fact that I am your escort for your eighteenth birthday.) he said in a low calmed voice.
I rolled my eyes at him. "You could have say "no" or at least tell my Daddy that you have a girl." I acidly said the last part.
"Kung sana tinagalog mo nalang.." (Saying that in filipino was much better.) he murmured.
"You have a girlfriend right?" crossing my arms. "Your girl might get jealous because you accepted being my escort. Are you sure she's not gate crashing my party and make a scene?"
"Who?" his brows furrowed. "Antoinette?" a small smile crept onto his lips. And it annoyed the hell out of me.
"The hell I care!" I did not give a s**t if who she was.
"Are you jealous?"
My mouth agape at him. What the..
"In your dreams!" I stood up faster and walked out. He's full of himself. Where the hell he got his idea?
I talked to my organizer and gave additional and personal touch for my party. And when we started on rehearsing, I just wished to pull the time so we could stop being close to each other. Feeling his skin warming my own skin wasn't a good idea. It only reminding me how strong he could affect my system.
"Krayol."
My Daddy's voice made me stop to my room. "Yes, Daddy?"
"Go out and breath some fresh air. Nolan can accompany you."
"No thanks Daddy, I just want to rest. You know, these past few days were a little bit exhausting for me." I smiled politely and made myself excuse. He just nodded by that.
I started removing my clothes, and went straight to the bathroom. Hot shower was what I needed for tonight. I felt drained and fell asleep the instant my body hit the bed.
"Happy birthday!!" my friends appeared in my door. Shilin, Lyra and Quinna just arrived in time.
"I love you girls!" My mood suddenly lit up.
"We'll show you our gifts later." Quinna winked at me.
My smile turned to laughter. These girls. "Thanks, I trust your taste, girls." while grinning and let them took their comfortable seats in our spacious living room.
"Where's Uncle and Auntie?" Lyra asked while we were having our snacks.
"Work." I told her.
"Oooh!" Lyra said in exaggerated tone.
"I heard Adonis will be your escort."
My eyes dropped to Lyra, I talked alone with her about this. Of course they knew it already.
"Sorry!" she grinned and made a peace sign.
"Like as if we're not going to find it out." Quinna pouted. "You two being secretive."
"I'm not making this as a secret, okay? I was about to tell you girls, as in now."
"Don't be silly Quinna." Shilin seriously said and looked at me. "Where is he now?"
"He will be here any moment." he's one of the in-charge also with the party aside of being my well.. escort.
"Why you look like you gonna pee in your pants? Thrilled overload?" Quinna giggled.
"She was dreaming of him. And maybe fanta-"
"Shut up Lyra!" I touched my both cheeks.
"Sure thing she's more than happy. Imagine, her father fixed everything for her." Shilin waved and even snapped her fingers.
"Stop talking like you were in my shoes." I groaned. If only I could tell them that he's off of the market.
The event had started as soon as the visitors filled the party. I was having this princess-theme debut party. The guests were either a business associates, family friends, politicians and employees.
"Tired?" Rui appeared suddenly.
"A little." I looked around. People were still in the peak of my party.
"Can't believe you're eighteen now." he shook his head but still plastered a smile. "Almost a lady." and teased me after.
"I'm officially a lady." rolling my eyes at him but smile. "Can I take a rest? Maybe a minute or two."
"Yeah sure, my sweet and very lovely lady sister." his eyes became warm. "Can I get a hug from my lady sister?"
"Of course."
He smiled and pulled me into a hug. "Happiest eighteenth birthday! And yes, take a rest. I'll tell our parents just be back later."
"Thanks, Rui." I said after the hug.
Heading back to my room when I was pulled to the corner and made me stop. I was about to scream when I heard his familiar voice.
"Emjei?"
"Happy birthday hon!" he smiled and leaned to kiss me.
I was too stun to reject him. So I felt his lips on my cheek before his hug.
"What are you doing here? How did you get in here?" I mentally facepalmed. Stupid question.
"I gate crashed." he then let go of me and stared at my whole. "Just to see you on your eighteenth." his smile became sad. "Happy eighteenth birthday my Krayol.." he got a small box from his pocket.
"You don't have to-"
"Just take them. I bought it a months ago. Intended only for you."
"Thank you." I whispered. "Let's go to the party.." awkwardly I offered. I was tired but I could maybe bring him to my party and my family.
"No, I'm fine here with you. You're so beautiful hon.. you are so damn beautiful tonight."
"You drunk?" I smelled a faint of alcohol when he hugged me earlier.
"No!" shaking his head. "But yes, a shot helped me to get here."
I glanced at my room and back to him. We're only the people here. My parent's wouldn't be happy if they seeing me here with him after I ditched the party. My own party.
He cleared his throat that caught my attention. "Krayol.. can we start all over again? Can you give me another chance?" he came closer and almost cornering me to the wall.
"Emjei.. I appreciate your effort but this is not the right time." I made him stopped and not totally caged me in.
"I love you.. you love me. We still in love to each other. It's the perfect time to get back together." he whispered and leaned for my lips.
"If I were you I'll leave this place before Mr. Villacarlos will do." Nolan said out of nowhere. I instantly pushed Emjei away from me and made a distance.
"Where did you get that man?" Emjei grinned annoyingly. "Don't you know I'm her boyfriend?"
"Ex-boyfriend!" I said shortly, correcting him who made Emjei snorted.
"Ex-boyfriend." Nolan parroted me. "You better leave, you weren't invited in this party in the first place."
"And who are you to tell me that?" Emjei faced Nolan again.
But even they were both tall. Nolan was way taller and had bigger frame than Emjei. Emjei still lanky, with his baby muscled-body.
"Ako lang naman ang konsorte niya. Kaya makakaalis kana bago pa man ang mga gwardiya ang kumaladkad sayo palabas." (I am her escort. So you better leave before the guards will drag you out.)
Emjei looked angry and.. frightened, before he backed away. "We'll continue this Krayol." and then he left.
I feeling sad for him. Hoping he could go home safe.
"You left your pary to have intimate moment with your "Ex-boyfriend" here in your room?" Nolan sounded piss.
"What? I get tired that's why I left my party." My brows quirked up. "And hey, why do you care?" I crossed my arms. "You're not my father! Stop acting like one!"
"Yeah I don't have right to care." he said and closed our distance. I was sicked with this scene. "But after doing this.. I'll have my right to you."
I was confused with his words until his mouth captured mine. I didn't move when it happened.
Nolan kissed me.
Nolan was kissing me..
Nolan was f*****g kissing me!