IT'S been a long night. Kira can't feel the tiredness yet. How she wish she could stop time.
Kira looked around. Street and stop lights, bunch of people enjoying the night and the stars above the sky.
It's been soo long since the last time she felt alive... It's been how many years? Kahit nuong sila pa ni Ricci ay hindi siya nakaramdam nang ganitong saya.
She wanted to pinch herself to check if this is a dream, but it is clearly not.
Dalawang oras na silang bumabyahe ni Aivan at hindi alam ni Kira kung saan sila pupunta ng ganitong oras. But, she doesn't mind as long as she's with Aivan.
She's always been told that one day she'll meet someone who can change her mind and she thought she would never ever need someone to be by her side after what happened between Ricci and her.
She used to be alone but now? She felt safe, she felt complete, she felt... happy.
Napansin ni Kira na nag-iiba na ang itsura ng kalsadang dinadaanan nila ni Aivan. Dahil may kadiliman na at may kalaliman na ng gabi, hindi niya na gaanong maaninag ang lugar.
Kira felt like they're out of the city. The road was filled with trees beside it and as soon as Aivan opened the car windows, she felt the familiar cold breeze.
Bumabagal na rin ang pagpapatakbo ni Aivan ng kotse at malamang ay nag-iingat lang ito sa pagmamaneho.
"Saan tayo papunta, Aivan?" Kira asked him, finally.
"Somewhere important." Tipid na sagot ni Aivan sa kanya at napatango nalang si Kira sa sagot ng binata.
She's curious on where Aivan will be taking her. Napahawak nang maigi si Kira sa coat na suot-suot niya at napatingin sa magandang tanawin.
Kira was amazed when she just found out that they were beside the sea. Kira felt relaxed by hearing the sea crashes and her skin felt the cool breeze coming from the sea.
Napapansin ni Kira na tila tumataas ang dinadaanan nila. It was a road beside a cliff on a seaside.
From where they are at the moment, Kira can clearly see the cliff on the middle part of the road. It's quite tall and unlike earlier, the waves were quite soft but, now? The waves are crashing like crazy.
Aivan stopped the car and he removed his seatbelt. Kira looked at him confused.
"We are here." He announcedand he went outside the car. He jogged his way on her and helped her to get out from the car.
Napahawak nang maigi si Kira sa coat na suot-suot niya dahil medyo may kalakasan ang hangin at ramdam na ramdam ni Kira ang lamig.
Aivan held her hands with car and Kira just followed him on his way on the top of the middle cliff where they can clearly see the full view of the place.
They both stoppedon the edge of the cliff where Kira can see a cross in the middle of it and Kira looked at Aivan.
"Where are we, Aivan?" Kira asked him confused. But before she asked another question, she was stopped from asking when she saw Aivan's face.
It was sad. A face of a grieving person.
"This is where Krisza died... This is were I lost her and I am responsible for her death. This is where I threw every emotion I had because of her death."
"You don't have to punish yourself like that, Aivan. It's not your fault... It's no one's fault..." Kira comforted him.
"I had to take you here, Kira." Aivan whispered. "I promised Krisza on the day she was buried that when I find another person who'll I'll love again... I'll bring her here and introduce her. In this way, she'll know that I'm fine. That I'm happy right now."
Kira felt sad on what she heard. Aivan loved Krisza that much and he still respects her even if she's dead.
Kira smiled and gave Aivan a hug. "I'm here for you, Aivan. I won't leave you without saying anything. I'll be by your side through thick and thin."
Aivan hugged her back and she felt contented. She's happy that he was able to open his heart once again.
Napaupo si Kira sa harap ng krus at ngumiti. "I'll be the one taking care of Aivan from now on, Krisza. I'll be with him." Kira promised in front of Krizsa's tomb.
Aivan sat beside her and he held her hands with sincerity and Kira gave him a smile.
Kira stood up and she tried to take a peek of the sea from where she was standing. Kira's smile slowly fades. She felt a familiar feeling on her chest and she's feeling... nervous?
Her legs were trembling and it felt like a shutter from her eyes when she realized the the place simply portrays the sea she always see in her dreams. The sea she tried to find, the sea she tried to see.
Napapikit si Kira at napasabunot sa sariling buhok. Hindi niya kinakaya ang pressure sa ulo niya at unti-unting sumasakit ang ulo niya. Hindi niya alam kung bakit.
She's never been here. Even from the day she was born.
"Okay ka lang? May masakit ba sa'yo?" Bakas ang takot at kaba sa boses ni Aivan.
Ayaw ni Kira na mag-alala pa ito ng husto kaya pinilit ni Kira na ngumiti para sa binata at indahin nalang muna ang sakit ng ulo.
"Okay lang ako..." Sagot niya sa binata. "I'm thankful that you brought me here."
"We should head back. You should rest." Wika ni Aivan at sumulyap muna sa karagatan bago pa muli siyang alalayan pabalik sa kotse.
Baka dahil lang iyon sa sobrang lamig kaya na nanakit ang ulo niya. Halos abutin sila ng dalawang oras sa byahe pabalik sa penthouse ni Aivan.
Nahiga na si Kira sa malambot na kama perk sapo-sapo niya na ang kanyang ulo dahil sumusobra na ang sakit.
Hindi pa rin mapakali si Kira dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman. She doesn't know why her head hurts really bad and Kira can't help but to sleep the pain away.
Kira closed her eyes really hard and she was shocked when some flashback came into her mind. She can see the sea. The silence of the night in front of the sea.
Kira saw a man standing in front of her and Kira was facing its back.
Nabalik sa huwisyo si Kira nang mapansin niya na nabasag niya ang lampshade na nasa gilid ng kama niya na nakapatong sa bedside table.
Within just a second, Kira fell from a deep sleep and all she can think of was the dream she just saw. Was it even a dream or a... memory?
PUMASOK si Kira sa loob ng cafe na mayroong bandage na nakapaikot sa kamay niya.
She got cut from the broken lamp last night and she thanks god that there's a doctor in the place.
'Di pa nga siya yata papayagan ni Aivan na samahan si Chaun sa pakikipag-usap sa magiging kliente ng kumpanya nila dahil sa nangyari sa kamay niya.
But, Kira was thankful when she got the chance to make him say yes to this meeting because this is her career. This is what she is, that's why he can't just stop her from doing her career because of a small injury.
Nakita ni Kira na mayroon nang kausap si Chaun na pinaghihinalaan niyang kliente nila.
Nakakahiya! Siya pa ang na-late at siya pa naman ang pinaka kailangan sa meeting na ito. At kapag nalaman ni Sir Aiden ito, malamang ay ratatat na naman siya sa masungit niyang boss at baka ang malala pa ay β bawasan nito ang sweldo niya.
Napakagat labi si Kira at kaagad na nagpunta sa puwesto ni Chaun at ng kliente nila. She did bow before greeting them.
"I'm sorry, I'm late." Paumanhin ni Kira at hindi na nagpaliwanag pa. Kira smile at the client, it was a big smile. "Good morning, Sir Lagrimas." Bati niya.
"Ms. Chua?"
Tila nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kira nang tawagin siya nito sa totoo niyang apelyido na ni-kailan ay naamin niya kay Chaun. Kira felt really cold and she's scared to death that maybe... maybe that the person that might be in front of her knows her or worst, her parents.
Nagtaas ng tingin si Kira at napansin ang pamilyar na mukha ng kliente. Kira tried her very best to remember him.
When Kira saw the bandage on his arm, she knew that the man in front of her was the man who saved her from getting hit by a car.
Kinakabahang napangiti si Kira at umupo sa upuan sa tabi ni Chaun. Nilingon ni Kira si Chaun at pansin niya na nagtataka ito sa pagtawag sa kanya ng lalaki.
"Ms. Chua? Isn't your last name Chiumenti?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Chaun sa kanya.
Paano siya lulusot dito? Sino ba itong lalaki na ito at bakit kilala siya? She should just act all natural! In that way, she'llbe safe.
"Maybe he's mistaken. By the way, I'm Kira Chiumenti." Pagpapakilala ni Kira sa kliente at ngumiti, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Lagrimas."
Habang nakikipag-kamay si Kira ay tila nginingitian niya ang kliente na tila ba mayroong ibig sabihin.
Ang suwerte ni Kira dahil mukhang maintindihan naman ng kliente nila ang mensaheng ibig niyang iparating.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Akala ko ikaw yung kakilala ko. My bad." Paumanhin ng kliente nila, "I'm Luther Lagrimas. You can just call me Luther. And I'll be expecting a great and fun cooperation with the two of you." Nakangiting dagdag nito.
Luther? Luther Lagrimas? It sounds like a familiar name.
"Isa ring karangalan sa amin na makilala at makatrabaho ang isang sikat na chef katulad mo." Nakangiting wika ni Chaun kay Luther at napapansin ni Kira ang panay tingin sa kanya ni Luther.
Hindi mapakali si Kira at nababahala dahil sa halos mag-iisang taon niyang paninirahan sa bansa ay walang ni-isang nakakaalam sa kung sino siya maliban kay Aivan at Ricci.
Sino kaya ang taong ito at bakit siya kilala nito? Kinakabahan si Kira dahil baka isa ito sa mga tauhan ng Papa niya na nagmamanman o naghahanap sa kanya. She doesn't want to leave the Philippines. Ayaw niyang makulong ulit sa nakakasakal na mansyong iyon.
"Kira..."
Bumalik si Kira sa tamang pag-iisip nang patago siyang siniko ni Chaun. Nilingon ni Kira si Chaun at napansin ni Kira na tinuturo nito ang folder na hawak-hawak niya.
"The contract..." Chaun whispered that made her go back to her senses fully.
Kaagad na ngumiti si Kira sa kliente at inabot ang folder na nasa kamay niya. "I'm sorry, here'sthe contract." Kinuha ni Luther ang kontrata at binuklat. "Kung may gusto kang itanong tungkol sa kontrata, puwede mo akong tanungin." Dagdag ni Kira.
Patagong napahawak ng mahigpit si Kira sa skirt na suot niya at sana... sana lang ay walang koneksyon si Luther sa mga magulang niya. It'll be another problem for her.
"Wala namang problema sa kontrata." Saad ni Luther. Nakita ni Kira at ni Chaun na pinirmahan na nito ang kontrata at nakangiting ibinalik sa kanila ito.
Kinuha ni Chaun ang kontrata. Tumayo si Chaun at si Luther, kaya sumabay nalang rin si Kira at nakipag-kamay si Chaun kay Luther.
"We'relooking forward into working with you, Luther." Nakangiting wika ni Chaun kay Luther.
Tinanguan ni Luther si Chaun at ngumiti, "I'm also looking forward." Wika nito at prenteng napatingin sa kanya si Luther.
Pekeng ngumiti si Kira at napansin niya na tumingin sa orasan si Luther. "I'm sorry, I have to go. May bagong dating kasing suppky sa restaurant at kailangankong i-check." Paalam ni Luther. "If both of you have time, come visit my restaurant with Aiden."
"Yes, we will." Nakangiting pag-sang ayon ni Chaun sa sinabi ni Luther.
Hindi makapaniwala si Kira na halos inabot lang sila ng limang minuto para sa kontrata sa isang kliente. This was the first.
Contract signing lang ang trabaho nilang dalawa ngayong araw. Though, this is not part of their work but Chaun insisted on doing it.
Pareho silang bumalik sa pagkaupo at nilabas ni Kira ang cellphone niya. Napansin niya na mayroon siyang iilang message na natanggap galing kay Aivan.
Akmang rereplayan niya na sana ito nang biglaang hablutin ni Chaun ang cellphone niya at binasa ang mga mensahe.
"Are you done with your work? Let's have lunch at ..." Hindi natuloy ni Chaun ang pagbabasa ng mensahe nang kaagad niyang hablutin ang cellphone mula kay Chaun at binigyan ito ni Kira nang masamang tingin.
"Wala kang cellphone? Ba't nakikibasa ka?" Masungit na saad ni Kira kay Chaun at kinurot pa niya ito sa pisngi. "That's my privacy!"
Binelatan siya ni Chaun at tumayo. "Privacy ka d'yan. Parang hindi ko kilalang lumandi ang kaibigan ko." Natatawang saad ni Chaun kay Kira at ang tinutukoy nito ay si Aivan.
Napairap si Kira. "Baka naman pati kung paano huminga si Aivan alam mo?" Bakas ang matigas na sarkasmo sa sinabi ni Kira.
Natawa si Chaun sa sinabi niya at ginulo ang buhok niya. "Oh, selos ka?" Panunudyo nito, "'Wag ka na mag-selos, Kira. Sa'yong-sa'yo na 'yon. Mauna na nga ako. Ako na magpapasa ng kontrata kay Aiden. Mukhang may importante pa kayong lakad ni Aivan."
Ginulo lang nito ang buhok niya sa pangalawang pagkakataon at walang nagawa si Kira kung 'di sundan ang kaibigan ng masamang tingin habang natatawang lumabas ito ng cafe.
Kinuha ni Kira ang bag na dala niya at napagpasyang umalis na rin. Habang hawak ni Kira ang cellphone niya sa paglalakad ay binuksan niya ang mensahe ni Aivan. Pero bago pa man niya masagot ang mensahe ay nabigla siya nang may humila sa kanya at dinala siya sa likod ng cafe na nilabasan niya.
Nagtatakang tinignan ni Kira ang taong humila sa kanya at nakita niya na si Luther pala iyon.
"What's with your last name, Kira? Why change it into Chiumenti?" Pagtatanong ni Luther. "Ikinahihiya mo na ba ang pamilyang kinalakihan mo?"
Bumuntong hininga si Kira at pinatay ang hawak na telepono. "Before I answer you, I want to ask you something..." Mahinang wika ni Kira at binulsa ang cellphone. "How do you know me? Did we meet? Do I know you?" Kira shotgunned him with questions and Luther seems to be bothered by her question.
"Of course! Of course..." Biglaang sambit ng binata sa harap niya at nakapamulsa na tila ba may naalalang bagay na dapat hindi njya kinalimutan. "Hinding-hindi mo makikilala ang taong hindi mo pa nakikita..." Mahinang sambit nito.
"Exactly." Kira pointed out. "Hindi pa kita nakikita sa tanang ng buhay ko, puwera nalang nung niligtas mo ako and I sincerely thank you for that."
"Isn't it illegal to pretend as someone?" Luther asked.
"Let's just get straight to the point." Kira seriously stated. "If you have any connection with my parents... Please, I beg you... Don't tell them where I am."
Kira saw how Luther gritted his teeth due to annoyance. "This vixen..." Kira was startled when Luther slammed his hands behind the walls on her back, trapping her inside his arms. "You ditched me on the day we were supposed to meet. We were arranged by our parents a year ago, remember? Hindi ka pumayag kasi mayroon ka nang karelasyon." Paliwanag ni Luther. "It happened to be that you made me feel really useless and not suitable because who wouldn't right? Any girl would chase a rich and handsome man like me, I'm talented and powerful, yet, you dare to reject me like that?"
Kira rolled her eyes and she pushed him away, "And do you think I care about that? I thought you know me, Luther. I am a daughter of a multi-millionaire businessman! Sa tingin mo nung mga panahon na 'yon ay kinakailangan ko ng pera? Yung talent mo? Yung kakayahan mo?" Kira silently sighed and looked at him. "Do you think that I can't attain what you have?"
"Don't be too conceited." He held her chin and Luther smirked. "Ano bang nangyari sa inyo ng pinakamamahal mo? As far as I know, he ditched you on the day of your wedding? And don't brag about what you have, most likely, don't brag about what your father has."
Akmang sasampalin ni Kira si Luther pero bago pa dumapo ang palad ni Kira sa mukha ni Luther ay napigilan niya ang sarili niyang saktan ito. She can't manage to offend him.
One wrong move, then goodbye Philippines.
"I'm thankful that he ditched me that day." Wika ni Kira at mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa bag niya. "It only made me realize what I need to do. It only made me open my mind." Sagot ni Kira at akmang tatalikruan ang binata nang biglaan siyang hilain nito pabalik.
"By being rebellious? Did Ricci made you realize that?"
"Can you just shut up, Luther? So what! I did rebel, but it doesn't concern you anymore! Huwag mong isawsaw ang sarili mo sa problema ko!" Naiinis na sagot ni Kira dito.
Nakita ni Kira ang tila pagkuyom ng kamao ng binata. "It's been four years, Kira. Ano ba ang nakita mo kay Ricci? I've been beside you and you didn't even know I exist!"
Natigilan si Kira sa sinabi ng binata. "What do you mean?"
"I've been eyeing you for four years, Kira. Ever since you started college, I've been there." Paliwanag nito. "When I heard that they are arranging a marriage for business and when I finally got the chance to know that it was you, I was happy."
"You mean like a ghost?" Mapait na wika ni Kira. "How can you be happy? Did you know that it requires my freedom? I have to surrender my freedom for the sake of that arrangement and for your selfishness. And I was against it!"
"Are you still against the idea of being with me? Now that you and Ricci broke up..."
Napangisi si Kira at pilit na pinipigilan ang galit. "Tama nga ang ginawa ko na hindi ka siputin nung araw na iyon. Kaya hindi agad kita nakilala kasi ni-anino mo hindi ko tinangkang makita." Wika ni Kira at kaagad na tinulak palayo si Luther. "I can't and won't be with you, Luther. I may have broken up with Ricci, but are you sure that I only have Ricci? Sa tingin mo hindi ako mag-m-move on?"
"You always think that marriage is just about love, do you? You read too much fairytales, Kira." Natatawang wika nito. "Marriage nowadays are for money and you know it clearly that when you grow up with a rich family, you don't get to decide which you'll marry in the future."
"If marriage is for money, then why would I bother to marry?" Kira said with a smirk.
She walked away like what she always does.
How could she not remember a man like Luther? Arroganteng bastardo! Mabuti nalang at hindi niya sinipot ang binata nung araw na 'yon.
Siya ba yung sinasabing 'good' choice ng mga magulang niya? Well, their choice sucks!
How can they arrange her to a man like him with a rotten mindset? Siya ba yung gusto nilang lalaki para sa kanya? Aivan's much better than a man like him! He's better to get ditched off!
He did save her, but now? Knowing what kind of attitude he has? Tutal naman ay siya ang nagbayad sa medical bills at gamot nito kaya hindi na siya nakokonsensya sa pinakita niyang attitude sa binata.
Napaka-walang modo.
She wanted to slap that thick face if it wasn't for the sake of the company she works and the secret she keeps!
Nabigla si Kira nang bumangga siya sa dibdib ng isang tao. Napahawak siya sa nuo niya at nabigla nang makita na ang kasintahan pala niya iyon.
The frown Kira had when she left was gone and it was replaced by a smile. She hugged Aivan really tight.
Kira doesn't know why but suddenly, something made her whimper in pain. Her head started to throb like crazy.
Her vision started to get blurry and Kira suddenly saw a memory. It made her really dizzy and Kira tried to hide it by hugging Aivan really tight.
"What did you eat to make you this clingy?" Aivan asked at her.
Napapikit ng mariin si Kira at mahinang natawa. "Nothing." Sagot ni Kira at kumawala sa pagkayakap kay Aivan. "Let's go, nagugutom na ako."
Napansin ni Kira ang tila pagtingin ni Aivan sa likod niya at hindi na dumungaw si Kira at kaagad niyang hinila palayo si Aivan.
Kumapit si Kira sa braso ni Aivan at nakangiting naglakad papunta sa nakaparadang kotse nito.
It'll be better if she'll distance herself from Luther as much as she can. In that way, she can lessen her interaction with him and it'lllessen the chances of arguing with him.
It'll badly affecting the company if she'll argue with him. For the sake of the company, she has to atleast keep her personal problems to herself.
"Mukhang malalim ata ang iniisip mo." Wika ni Aivan sa kanya at kaagad na nagmaneho.
"Gutom lang ako kata gano'n." Palusot ni Kira at sumandal sa kinauupuan. "How's work?" Kira asked.
"Nothing new." Wika ni Aivan. "Mayroon akong pasyente na nasangkot sa isang aksidente. The patient suffered from a serious head injury and she forgot her memories about her husband. And I have to recommend her to a neurologist and psychiatrist."
Napatango-tango si Kira at napaisip. Should she go and have her check-up? She's been like this for a week.
"Aivan, can I ask something?" Kira asked.
Tumango si Aivan. "Sure, what is it?" Pagtatanong nito.
"How did you gather all the informations β secret informations I have?" Pagtatanong ni Kira sa binata at nang mapansin na nabigla ang binata sa tinanong niya ay mahina siyang natawa at napakamot ulo. "Don't mind what I asked. I was just curious." Dagdag ni Kira at nakita ang isang restaurant na halos pareho sa hilig niyang puntahan na kainan sa Italya.
Napakapit nang mahigpit si Kira at kaagad na tinuro ang kainan na nasa harap lang nila.
"Let's try to dine there." Nakangiting wika ni Kira kay Aivan.
"I was planning to dine with you to a fancy japanese restaurant."
"How about following me to what I used to eat then?" Kira recommended. Pansin ni Kira na mukhang tatanggi ang binata pero kaagad niyang inaksyunan gamit ang paglalambing sa binata. "Pretty please, Aivan?"
"Okay, fine." Kaagad na itinabi ni Aivan ang kotse nito at ipinarada sa harap ng kainan.
Sabay silang bumaba ng kotse at kaagad silang pumasok sa kainan. The waitress guided them to their table and Kira smiled due to happiness.
Masayang nilapag ni Kira ang bag niya at kaagad na tumayo. "Hintayin mo 'ko dito, kukuha ako ng ma-g-grill natin." Nakangiting wika ni Kiira at kaagad na nagtungo sa food selections.
Panay ang kuha ni Kira sa marinated pork and beef, nagdagdag pa siya ng hipon sa platong kinuha niya. She also added vegetables on.
Suddenly, Kira heard the two girls beside her suddenly gossiped.
"Tignan mo, ang gwapo!" Mahinang tili ng isa sa babae.
Kira looked at the direction where the two teenagers were looking. And as what she thought, the two girls were actually looking at Aivan who looked really irritated.
She definitely forgot what Aivan was wearing, it definitely attracts their attention. He's wearing his white polo with his sleeved rolled and with its two button down and a slack.
Kaagad na tinigil ni Kira ang pagkuha ng mga iihawin at kaagad na nagbalik sa puwesto nila.
Nilapag niya ang dalawang plato na bitbit niya at patagong tinignan ang dalawang babae na pinag-uusapan si Aivan. Nang mapansin ng dalawa na may kasama si Aivan ay kaagad nitong tinigilan ang pagtingin kay Aivan.
Masyado pang bata ang mga ito at kung maghanap ng lalaking pagnanasaan ay mas matanda pa sa kanila ng ilang taon.
Binalik ni Kira ang tingin kay Aivan na mukhang hindi komportable. "What's wrong?" pagtatanong ni Kira habang nilalagay sa grill ang mga kinuha niya.
"You really have an unhealthy lifestyle. You eat in this kind of restaurant when in fact you're rich." Saad ni Aivan na akmang iinom sana nang mapansin na kung ano sa baso at ibinaba nalang.
Mahinang natawa si Kira. "Well, you don't know me at all, Aivan." Wika ni Kira at tumawa. "I'm not the one that needs to be acknowledge as rich. It's my father who is rich." wika ni Kira.
Nawala ang ngiti ni Kira nang mapansin na ang mga bagong customer na babae ay napapatingin kay Aivan at napapansin niya na may balak ang mga ito na lumapit kay Aivan.
Narinig niya ang tila pagtawa ni Aivan na nakakuha muli ng atensyon ng mga tao na nasa loob ng kainan, miski na sa mga kababaihan. Napatingin si Kira kay Aivan at binigyan ito ng masamang tingin.
"What's funny, Aivan? Stop laughing..." Mahinang wika ni Kira at pinagpatuloy ang pag-grill.
Sumandal si Aivan sa kinauupuan at pinag-krus ang kamay sa dibdib at nakangisi ito sa kanya. "You look like a hostile cat."
"Ikumpara ba naman ako sa hayop." Taas kilay na wika ni Kira sa binata at tanging tawa lang ang naisagot sa kanya nito.
Nang mapansin ni Kira na luto na ang pork sa grill, kaagad niya itong kinuha at hiniwa para kay Aivan. She pointed the fork with a pork to Aivan.
"Here, taste it." Nakangiting wika ni Kira at napansin ni Kira na mukhang ayaw nitong kainin ang inaalok niya.
Kira heard the woman giggle and Kira felt dejected. "Nevermind, I'll just eat this β" Akmang kakainin na sana ni Kira nang biglang hilain ni Aivan ang kamay niya at kinain ang pork.
"Well, not bad..." He said and he reached out for the tongs and he removed the well cooked meat.