Chapter 51

"Thank you," I faked a smile.
"Mama and papa by the way?"
"Okay, talking to the Head of Kiesha's department."
"Congrats," Hans greeted Zi reluctantly.
"Thank you."
The older brother was the same, but with a mixture of enthusiasm. He tapped Zi's shoulder, then smiled a bit before walking away to probably find our parents.
"Are you at Kiesha's condominium now?"
"Yes," I replied quickly to Hans.
"I'll take you. And don't worry because I said goodbye to your family just yesterday-"
Other acquaintances grabbed his attention, so he didn't finish what he was going to say.
He greeted them and spoke briefly. Until one brings to the other. So he could be acquainted with the other graduates, especially the girls. A potential candidates of heartbreak.
"Let's go somewhere."
Even though I couldn"t answer, Zi was able to grab my hand and pull me away from the university.
"How's my family? They'll search," I said worriedly.
"I'll take you home safely. Let me borrow you for an hour, Neilani. You're mine first ... And if possible, just don't go back to her."
To me he put on the single carrying helmet. Get on the motorbike, then carefully pull me to sit forward. He securely snaked his arm around my waist. In case, I'll try to let go.
I haven't done anything else, just drift. Let him turn on the bike engine and take me to where. I mean, I never want to pull myself away from this reality. It is the perfect time to have a probably last moment with him.
Shall I waist a chance?
Of course, no!
I secretly smiled, then leaned my head on his chest. Immediately inhaled the scent of the perfume it uses. Not hard and painful to the nose. Contrary to him who even at the simplest look is already thrilling.
He stopped the motorbike opposite the creek. Rocks are the first to be stepped on before the water forms, they are also large and look deep.
It's like taking a bath. The water flowed from the mountain.
"Why are we here?" I ask directly.
"Quiet here, no one will disturb us."
Something idea suddenly came to my mind. I winced, then quickly walked away.
He sighed heavily. Get off the bike, then put his hands in both pockets of his pants. Arrogant stare is thrown back.
"I think your brain is numb, Neilani," he criticized in a baritone voice.
I sniffed and quickly looked away.
What does he mean? It's embarrassing to go on.
"You wanted to say something earlier. I brought you here so no one would bother you ... What is that?"
Oh, shoot!
My system is shrinking to admit. Not really ready yet, even though I'm pretty sure of how it feels.
"It's nothing," I forced a laugh, "How did you find this place?"
I turned my back at him, hiding a shame.
I wish I hadn't tried to talk about how I really felt before.
"I just got lost here once for a walk. I liked the aura of the place, so it's here that I often go when I want to be alone. I also practice martial arts here."
No wonder why he was really good at it. And it's no wonder that his body has become more molded. If you are always honing your skills in the chosen field.
"Are you taking a bath afterwards?"
"Yup."
"Can I too?"
"No," he firmly answered.
"Why?"
"NO," he said once again with emphasis.
"I just want to test how delicious the water is."
You just agreed and when I diverted the conversation to something else!
"Geline can't," it shook. Definitely sure of the decision.
"I'm going to undress ..."
He looked up and moaned. Starting to get irritated.
"Just once."
"You can't undress in front of me Neilani, because you'll be in danger! We're the only two here. If I do anything, no one can save you. It's better to be resistant, than sorry!"
I blinked again and again. He wanted to convey exactly what he wanted to convey, but no one could think of a word to put it straight.
He chewed on his bottom lip, annoyed and slightly ashamed.
"I think your mouth is more numb."
"Don't make me do something you'll regret in the future," he remained serious.
"What if I don't? What if I want to? What if I'm the only one I'll let you do that to me?"
I stepped forward.
What am I even talking about?!
I had to retreat while it was still early. I hope the body is united.
But it was doing the opposite, fuck!
"Geline please ..."
"C'mon Zi, I'm sure you've noticed something in my mischievous looks. With open jealousy every time you and Martha are together, and happy if there's no interruption in our conversation."
Alright, I give up!
Win or lose, I gotta spill the gut.
"I don't know what you have done to me. Why am I acting like this because of a man? Why do I want to see you every day? Why even if you hurt me, I just ignore you?" I came even closer, until there was no space left between the two of us, "I like you ..."
Finally!
After months of halting myself to do the confession.
The earlier annoyance in its eyes was replaced by a shivering cold. There was a moment of silence. Reason for only the loud beating of the heart to be heard.
It was as if a rotten drum, loosing its pace for someone's ears. Creating ironic melody.
"It's okay if you can't like me back. I'm not obliging you to like me back. Everyone has the right to choose whoever they'd want to be with."
It pulled at the collar of my dress, then kissed my lips.
I seemed to be stunned. He was unable to move, but was dumbfounded.
"Kiss me back kid," he said, letting me take a break from the unnexpected fire, "Don't wait until I force you to open that goddamn mouth," he lifted my chin up.
The arm was also tied around my waist to support me after noticing the gradual loss of balance.
For a moment he stared me in the eye, down to the lip. It was toyed with with the thumb, until it was again suppressed by a more sarcastic and seductive kiss.
My lips began to move, immediately at his movement. Now trying to match the intensity of each of its kisses. The tickle brought by the young ladies touches, even every touch of the exploring tongue.
The F- How can he be this good ?!
I am overwhelmed by the sensation he gives. If the arms hadn"t been tied around his neck, I probably would have been shaken by now.
"I choose to like you back," he caressed my hair in a gentle manner.
"Huh?"
Maybe I'm not deaf yet, am I? I am hearing exactly the right words.
"Loading you girl?" he jokingly patted my forehead, "From now on, you will be owned by Zion Leander Pilvera. Try to turn left, I will really paralyze you."
"You're bad at that part," I gently slapped his shoulder.
"And there should be twins right away ..." he snorted. Obviously suppresses a smile.
"Twins?"
Why have twins?
I am so hopeless when it comes to a matter like this.
"Stop talking now, Geline Neilani Gavin-Pilvera, I might forget your golden rule."
Then I just got his point. I immediately pushed it away, wearing the unbelievable look.
"How about Martha?"
"We are just friends alright? Her parents just asked me to support her while they are still abroad. In exchange, they'll support my family's financial needs. Nothing more, nothing less ... I hope that's clear to you now. "
We just stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds, until both were out of their own grinning.
Does this mean, I don't have to worry because it's just the beginning, I really ...
Hard to believe!
One, two, three, four ... Four months had passed since the last time we met. And it has also been two months since the entrance reopened in the new year.
Martha has returned from the province. Now somehow quietly studying in the fourth year. Unlike Zi who until now still doesn't feel it.
It promised to face mama and papa to formally climb wild. But four months later, not a shadow of it has even reached the house.
Is that receding? Did I think he liked me too? How can he prove that when he's nowhere be found?
I am currently working as a subtitle teacher in a private school. There is no board exam yet, so be patient in this state first.
I really like it. Somehow, they find the time to take care of the research study on the problem they want to solve. Kiesha is already walking one that is a dangerous liquid for a conceivable plan.
She wants it to be perfectly venomous. With formulas, bringing nothing but fatality.
That's how he wants to avenge the brother.
But as a concerned friend, I did not want to put his reputation to shame. I"ll make a liquid, but make sure it doesn"t kill.
She's not a killer ...
Speaking of, she's now working at a company owned by her father's former constituent.
Somehow he was preoccupied with something. Aside from regular club visits, shopping for expensive equipment, and following considered strong opponents. The Da Silvas, Spencer Valle, Jake Moralde, and Dominic Roque.
Sometimes he can no longer rest from what he is doing. So I still have to follow to criticize.
Now, I guess she's somewhere out again. Unable to call her number. Maybe in a remote area with no signal.
"Goodbye ma'am!"
I heard a student harvest from inside his car.
"Bye!" I waved goodbye.
Our house is close to the school we attend. Somehow I was able to save on the fare and still be able to exercise due to the daily walk.
It's not bad to be a teacher either. You are already helping students learn, sometimes even receiving praise and gifts.
I like talking about my experiences to them. At least, I have inspired them to strive harder. To chase, even those dreams they thought was impossible.
"Sister, you have a visitor," Grant was the first I spoke to after opening the gate.
He was playing basketball all by himself.
As time goes on, I see more and more of her great potential to be a model. He's tall and really handsome. He seems to be the combined version of us all.
It's only seventeen, but a lot of people like it. What if it's the right age? Looks like we're going to get in trouble with him.
"Who else?"
"Just, just come in. It's been waiting ..."
I wonder who?
Hans can't be my guest.
He was assigned a dangerous mission to a distant province, two months later. He is said to be in charge of the investigation for a year. It will take a long time, because big sharks will be caught. That is why our investigation into the case of Ate Kia was stopped due to its unexpected departure.

Kuya Gideon on the other hand, went back overseas. He had months contract on a construction building. Our engineer Gavino is in-demand too
If not Hans, Zi could be the guest!
I was barely bloody mentally. So quickly stepped in.
"It's not too dangerous yet."
"How come not. E, drug lord is what you said you encountered. It's good and you weren't injured."
"That's part of the job."
Such was the quick reflection of my smile, as it clarified the familiar image of him. Sitting comfortably on the sofa, mom and dad facing each other.
They are talking casually. Obviously earlier found a topic to talk about.
Only now have I seen them like this. Back then mama didn't like him, which even a simple confrontation couldn't do. Especially since he was probably the reason I was rushed to the hospital, caused by the harassment of Martha's siblings.
"Our princess is already here," papa suddenly criticized when he finally noticed me as well.
My eyes were only stuck on him. I am in between irritated and pleased to finally see him, after months of being away.
My forehead should have just frowned. But when he smiled and held out his arms for a tight hug, I couldn"t help myself anymore. Let the fun take away the other emotions playing in the system.
I run towards him.
It's up to me if my parents are here.
We quickly hugged each other. Both feel homesick.
"Why didn't you even feel it?"
"I got an offer at a local police station, back in the province. And I was immediately given a mission in the mountains. Make the signal difficult there, so ..." he just shrugged the next words.
"Did you take the hard work right away?"
If she was always like this, maybe we weren't just, I would be a widow right away.
"I have to, so I could acquire a good impression. And one more thing, as a police officer you shouldn't be shopping for a job."
I pulled away.
Next confronted the parents who were just watching.
Mama raised an brow and looked at me from head to toe, sending chills over my system.
While papa sniffed and simply shook. Not because I was disappointed in what I did. It's better to say he doesn't like the way mama's mind is right now.
"Did I think I was just going wild?"
"Is it forbidden to hug now?" I asked back.
"No way for me Neilani," with the cane reached, mama gently slapped my thigh, "Label first!"
I sniffed and quickly walked away from Zi. It is no longer possible to stare at it with the growing shame.
As for mama, strictness already exists.
"I'm sorry for what I did," Zi stood up, bowing.
"Where are you going to take my son?"
"At the restaurant. I want to treat her to a good meal, if you'd permit."
Silence ensued.
"Let's allow those. After all, they're old again," said papa.
"You are tolerating our daughter-"
"She's too old to decide for herself."
The two stared at each other. While they were busy conversing with only their eyes, I was secretly analyzing the change in Zi"s totality.
His built grew even more, so with the facial hair that made him look mature, yet still dangerously handsome.
His head was tilted, his elbow resting on his thigh, while his fingers were playing with his own lips.
He's handsome ... He's so handsome!
"Is it really just dinner?" mama's assurance.
From them, his eyes averted to me. He leaned backward and let out a malicious smile.
"Just dinner ..."
"Just make sure. I'll just know that something else happened, be really ready for me."
"Mama ... I don't think you-"
"That's why I'm making sure, because I know you very well Nielani," he interrupted me, "Get dressed there and when you leave ..."
Si mama kunwari pa. I know he's just doing it because he's worried. She is not yet ready to see me with a lover. She's only acting tough to hide a concern.
I smiled as I climbed the stairs. Zion looked around before finally opening the bedroom door.
He was looking at me too, hiding a complacent smile. He raised and lowered his eyebrows, bit his lip so hard that he couldn't smile at all, then winked.
Urgh, my weakness!
I spent almost half an hour, looking for a right dress. What am I measuring. No one was beaten at all.
Unlike Kiesha, I was a bit lacking in clothes. Often wearing back and forth and only once if buying a new one because too accustomed to savings. Surely most of the clothes in my closet have been seen by Zion. I have nothing new to wear, except for one thing.
My gaze shifted to the dresser, which vigorously hid the cluster of pants most of which I had never been able to wear. I am more into dresses and knee to ankle length paldas. Paired with plain or simple top.
Because this day is special and he has never seen me wear pants, this is the only one I will choose. I picked black cami for my top and brown longline pocket peackot. To complete the new aura, a pair of boots was chosen to wear.
I let my hair hung freely down to my waist. A little accessory for my neck to add taste, and I'm done!
This time, I also realized the importance of a little lipstick on the face, especially on the lips.
I was often criticized by a few students in the early days of teaching, because I was pale and seemed to have fought with ten malignancies caused by sometimes messy hair.
I eventually tried to change the kind of lifestyle.
I Iearned to put lipstick, some mascara on, took little time brushing my brows, cause I still don't know how to get it done in a perfect curve. And lastly, little amount of shades for my eyes and cheeks.
"Let's go," I confidently strutted towards Zi.
It simply made me look at it. Folded, then raised an eyebrow.
He was the only one left sitting in the living room. I think mama is preparing dinner in the kitchen.

"When did you learn to wear that?"
"Just now," I turned around in front of him, flexing my look.
"You look great."
"I know ..."
Even though we only met again after four months, I was lucky and I didn't count on him. I am actually feeling comfortable around him, unlike the first days of our meeting.
We walked out of the house holding hands, up to the car he was carrying. Something I never expected.
"Where's the motorbike?"
"Kiesha's condo. I'll be using her spare car from now on ..."
"You mean, you're going to work with him again?"
He opened the door for me first. Be sure to carefully get inside the car, then quickly move to the other side.
"I didn't really leave work. I'm still keeping in touch with her. If she wants to do something, I'll just call right away," he exclaimed when he was finally able to enter.
I nodded.
I couldn't deny how I like the idea. At least, I have more reason to be connected with him.
He took me to an expensive restaurant. I immediately fell in love with the Gothic aura of the place. And the cove lighting, even the candlelights on each tables are sending romantic ambiance.
"I made a reservation, under Zion Leander Pilvera's name."
From him, the crew's eyes immediately went to the monitor. To check the list of reservations.
I like how the employees in this restaurant are in really good grooming. With their uniforms neatly tucked, hair in clean bun and make up in right amount.
But what got me the most was their polite remarks. Good job to this restaurant's management.
The search for the receptionist did not take long. The colleague quickly called to guide us to the right table.
We are brought in a semi-closed spot, with a band playing instrumentals.
"For you," Zi handed me a bouquet of flowers. It was even from a waiter.
He was not very ready.
"You bought it?" I quickly reached for the flower. Then it is brought to the nose to inhale the fragrant fragrance.
"I know you love flowers as much. That's an extra point," he replied directly.
He then pulled the chair for me. Even more impressive for more points.
Even if he doesn"t do it anymore, he still wins over me. He already got me long time ago. But I kinda like this part of him.
I mean, I like everything about him. Brutal or not ...
He knows my favorite. So he himself voluntarily ordered meals for me.
I appreciate how he clearly remembers even this small thing that had been part of my existence. I only told him this thing once. When briefly reconciled before Martha's vandalism.
If I have forgotten some information, it is the opposite of him.
"Are you going back to work tomorrow?" I asked curiously in the middle of the silence of the two of us. We are now both eating our favorite desserts.
Ice cream for me, chocolate cake for him.
"Ummm ..."
"You're not really going to last long? How am I?" I sniffed.
"We'll still be seeing each other, don't worry," he stood up.
"What do you mean?"
"Can I dance with you?" he suddenly changed the subject.
"Not unless you answer my question Mr. Pilvera," I raised an brow.
She smiled slightly. Licked the edge of the lip, then shook.
"You are indeed the Geline Neilani Gavino I like ..." I heard him murmured.
"Of course, I am."
I also got up later. Can I stand him? A stupid me can never!
We danced the rest of our time. If he's really going to get away again, I just have to make the most of the moments.
To be continued...