"Bzzzt, bzzzt, ring ring...," went the phone. I was jolted awake, and so was Cza. But I didn't answer it right away. If it's really important, they'll text, I thought.
"Why didn't you pick up?" Cza asked, cuddling closer.
"If it's important, they'll call again. It's Sunday, no work today," I said, giving her a playful nuzzle. We started making out again, but then the phone rang again.
"Loves, answer it. It might be important," she urged. So, I got up and flicked on the light next to the bed, grabbing my phone. It was Engineer, calling twice already.
"Who's that?" Cza asked.
"It's the Engineer from the school. They need to check what repairs are needed."
"Oh, that does sound important."
"You hungry?" I asked her.
"Yeah..."
"I'll call room service to reheat the lomi and crispy pata from last night. Do you want lomi or just rice? We can order fresh garlic rice if you like."
"Lomi's good. There's still a lot left."
"Alright, get dressed. The room attendant will come up to pick up the food. I'll step out to buy some load and call the Engineer."
"Okay. I'll take a shower," she said.
I sorted everything out on the phone, threw on some clothes, and dashed out of the room. I stopped by the front desk to let them know I'd be out for a bit.
"Sir, please surrender the room key."
"It's inside, Ma'am. My partner's in there. I just need to step out briefly."
"Could you leave a valid ID for security purposes?"
"Sure... here you go, Ma'am," I said, handing over my driver's license.
"Thank you, Sir."
I quickly left and headed for the gate, dialing the Engineer as soon as I was outside.
"Hello, Ma'am Korin? You called, but I didn't hear it."
"Where are you?" Korin asked.
"I'm in Bulacan."
"Are you busy?"
"Not really, just at the market..."
"Got plans today?"
"So far, no. It's the weekend."
"Wanna meet up?"
"M-meet up? Why? What time?" I stammered.
"Just call me. I'm free all day. This is my only rest day. I'm swamped with work starting tomorrow. I just want to be with you... you know."
"O-okay. I'll call you. Maybe by afternoon."
"Alright. Call me if there are any changes."
"Sure, sure."
I ended up at the market and bought a t-shirt for Cza, guessing her size. Then, I headed back.
I've been seeing Engineer Korin frequently since she was an intern, tagging along with senior engineers during school inspections. Now, she's in charge of the repairs at our school. I'm not exactly sure what her job entails, but she plans everything after inspections and sends contractors for repairs. One time, fate played a trick on us.
It was probably during the break since there were no kids at school. We had no guards, but the high walls and barbed wires made the school secure, like a maximum-security compound. There are four buildings with a small quadrangle in the middle, each building up to three floors. I preferred staying there instead of commuting daily to Bulacan. The principal approved, and it saved me on gas and time. I was never late or absent since I could clock in right after waking up.
"Knock, knock...," I heard a faint knock, even from my quarters. I was outside cooking adobo, so I turned off the stove and went to the gate.
"Oh, Ma'am, it's you."
"Good morning, Sir Bobby!" Ma'am Korin greeted cheerfully.
"Come in, Ma'am!" I noticed she was alone.
"You're alone, Ma'am?"
"Yes, we're visiting many schools. Didn't it rain heavily last week? There might be significant damage."
"True, Ma'am..."
"So we split up. One per school to inspect and consolidate for the budget."
"Alright, Ma'am, I'll join you for the inspection."
"You're alone here too, Sir?"
"We don't have guards yet, Ma'am. We're waiting for the City to send them. Our utilities staff took a vaccine and are feeling unwell. Maybe it's a side effect."
"Did you get vaccinated?"
"No, Ma'am, I'm scared I might die!"
"You don't want the vaccine? Aren't they strict about it here?"
"They can't force it. It's a medical procedure, and it shouldn't be mandatory."
"You're right, Sir," she agreed with me.
...
I reminisced about my encounters with Engineer Korin as I walked back to the lodging inn.
After retrieving my driver's license, I headed straight to our room.
"Knock, knock," I tapped on the door. Cza opened it, wearing the t-shirt she had on while riding my motorbike. I teased her.
"Why aren't you wearing shorts?"
"I am! Look!" she lifted her shirt, still wearing the maroon shorts. The smell of lomi and crispy pata filled the room.
"Join me for breakfast, Loves," she invited.
"I bought you a t-shirt to change into so you don't mess up that one."
"Oh, thanks! I'll change."
"I thought about buying you a panty, but I wasn't sure about the size!" She laughed at that!
"Ha Ha! Why?"
"You only brought two panties, right? You might run out."
"I still have one left, for when we go home. Eat now."
"Hold on," she changed into the new t-shirt and joined me at the table for breakfast.
...
Engineer Korin and I inspected the school for repairs.
"Ma'am, the gutter and that acacia tree are the problems. Leaves clog the gutter, causing frequent replacements," we were on the second floor, overlooking the area.
"Are you cutting down the tree, Sir?"
"The principal doesn't want to. We'll probably just trim the large branches over the roof." Ma'am Korin noted everything we saw.
We continued to inspect other parts of the school. Engineer Korin was thorough, climbing up and down and walking around the premises. She was about my height, a solidly built woman. Full-figured, half-Chinese but more Pinay-looking with her mom's tan skin. She looked like Gabi Garcia, with a voluptuous figure. I followed her up the stairs, unable to help but stare at her big, round butt. It complemented her curvy physique, making her waist look smaller.
We reached the third floor to check the mini gymnasium for leaks.
"Observe this area during heavy rains to figure out the waterproofing needed," she advised.
...
"Hey, Loves, why aren't you eating?" I was busy typing on my phone, struggling to compose a message.
"Is it okay if we head back after lunch?" I suddenly decided.
"Huh?" Cza was surprised.
"The Engineer called earlier. I need to see some plans."
"But it's Sunday, no work, right?"
"That's what I said. But they're swamped starting Monday," I lied.
Cza paused, losing her enthusiasm.
"Loves, why so quiet?" She didn't respond, staring into space, lost in thought.
"Cza..." I gently shook her arm to get her attention.
"I'll text Mom," she said, standing up to get her phone.
"I'll tell her we're heading home by... one o'clock?"
"Yes. We'll leave around 11 or 12," I watched her texting.
"Eat more, okay? I'll take a shower," I said to break the tension.
"Uhm, uhm..." she nodded.