Sharon Rose

All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2008

My Special Valentine

CHAPTER 1

THE SOUND of the alam clock meddled in her sleep like a roaring tiger. Rein took the pillow and covered her ears. She was still sleepy. Muli niyang ipinikit ang mga mata ngunit ng maalalang mahalaga ang gagawin niya ngayong araw, kaagad na napatayo siya sa kanyang queen size canopied bed.

Today was her first day of training at Excel Asia, a training center that educates and prepares upcoming call center agents to be fully equipped and qualified to do the job. She setup her alarm clock to beep at four o’clock in the morning. Hindi siya sanay na gumising ng maaga but she had to.  She needed to pursue her plan. She needed a job so that she can live independently from her parents.

Kaya kahit tinatamad pang bumangon, pinilit niya ang sarili.  She walked straight to her spacious bathroom to take a bath. It was still very early in the morning and the weather was cold but thanks to her bathtub na merong water heater.

She opened the faucet and watched with lazy eyes as water filled the tub. Katulad ng kanyang nakagawian, she adjusted the water’s temperature into lukewarm, poured her scented liquid soap and used her arm to stir the water. Bubbles started to form and filled the tub.

She removed her silky sleeping gown and slowly dipped herself in the bathtub. The water felt good. Like a therapy, it refreshed her body. She closed her eyes and suddenly felt sleepy. So she opened her eyes and abruptly cleaned her body, shampooed her hair and rinsed herself. She stood up, pulled a towel in the rack and wrapped it all over her body.

She walked to her built in closet which was adjacent to the bathroom. She surveyed her clothes. Isang maong pants at puting blouse ang napili niyang isuot para sa araw na iyon. Nagbihis siya at pagkatapos ay humarap sa kanyang vanity dresser. Habang nag-aayos ng mukha, she can’t help but felt excited at sa wakas ay magkakaroon na rin siya ng trabaho. Sa loob ng limang taon pagkatapos niyang mag-graduate sa college, wala na siyang ginawa kundi ang magpahinga, manatili sa kanilang mansion, o mamasyal kasama ng kanyang mga magulang.

When she was done, she took her black LV bag, put in her personal things, kikay kit and wallet. Pagkatapos ay tahimik na lumabas siya sa kanyang silid. Alas singko pasado pa lamang ng umaga ngunit kailangan niyang umalis ng maaga at ang plano niya ay magcommute. She will not bring her car. She will ride in a bus to Buendia, then sasakay ng jeep papuntang Pasong Tamo Extension. Ilang beses siyang naligaw ng pumunta siya sa Excel Asia para sa kanyang interview. May dala pa nga siyang sasakyan noon. So she expected that she will have hours of travel time para makarating sa Excel Asia. Alas otso ng umaga magsisimula ang kanilang training.

Hindi alam ng kanyang mga magulang ang appointment niya ngayong araw. She knew her parents will not approve her plan. Ang gusto ng mga ito ay pamahalaan niya ang kanilang kumpanya which she declined. At tiyak na magwawala ang mga ito kapag sinabi niyang gusto na niyang bumukod. She sighed softly.

She sneaked out of their mansion. Wala pang gising ng mga sandaling iyon even the maids. They usually woke up around six o’clock in the morning. Mabilis siyang nakalabas ng kanilang mansion at naglakad palabas ng Ayala Alabang Village.

SHE GLANCED at her wristwatch again. It was thirty-minutes past two o’clock in the afternoon. She heaved a sigh and a sullen look shadowed on her face. Her forehead crumpled.

She was already late for an hour and a half in her Language Proficiency Training. Peak hours kasi sa Makati ng mga oras na iyon. At sobrang traffic sa daan. Ni hindi na nga niya naubos ang kanyang pananghalian para lamang makabalik ng maaga sa Excel Asia. But still she had been caught up in a heavy traffic.

Her heartbeat raced in anticipation as she saw in her vision the angry face of their trainer. She might be scolded for coming late in the class. Naiimagine na niya ang magiging reaksiyon ni Deej, ang kanilang mestisuhing trainer. He seemed to have a smiling face. At hindi niya alam kung ang smiling face pa rin na iyon ang makikita niya mamaya. She mostly guessed it would be not.

Hindi siya sanay na magcommute at hindi niya naestimate ang oras ng biyahe na kanyang magugugol. They were given one hour and a half lunch break. The morning session was already over. She was dead hungry and she wanted to eat a decent lunch. She was not able to eat her breakfast as she was excited to attend her first day of training for English Language Proficiency and Call Center Basics at Excel Asia. She thought she had ample time to eat lunch in her favorite Greenbelt restaurant and that she can return to Excel Asia on time.

It turned out she was dead wrong. It took her almost an hour to arrive at her destination. And she consumed another hour going back to Excel Asia. Right now she felt an indiscernible rope in her neck, slightly choking her already rickety breathing.

Matatagpuan sa Pasong Tamo Extension ang Excel Asia at nasa vicinity pa rin iyon ng Makati. Kaya wala sa hinagap niya na matatagalan siyang makarating sa Greenbelt which was nasa Makati pa rin. Ipinasya niyang magjeep na lamang instead na magtaxi upang sanayin ang sarili sa pagko-commute. She needed to start he fervent plan, which was to live independently on her own, spending within her own means. Ngunit hindi niya inaasahan na napakatraffic pala ng mga oras na iyon.

Nasanay siyang inihahatid ng kanilang driver o di kaya ipinagmamaneho ng mga magulang. At hindi pa niya naranasang matraffic ng napakahabang oras sa daan. If she had known this would happen, she would have taken a cab, though it would be against her plan to live a humble life. Paminsan-minsan, hindi puro pagtitipid ang dapat niyang isipin. She should be smart all the time.

Ngayon ay puno ng agam-agam ang kanyang dibdib at sobrang late na siya sa kanyang training. She had no more face to show to Deej. It was the first day of their training and she already had a dire attendance record. She shook her head. She was really upset of herself. This act was so unprofessional.

“Para po.” Umakma na siyang bababa sa jeep kahit hindi pa tuluyang tumigil ang sasakyan. She was already in the Pasong Tamo Extension. She saw a body of a man who was about to ride in the jeepney sa pagtaas niya ng paningin, his body jamming her way.

“Excuse me.” She barely managed to open her mouth. Patuloy siya sa pagbaba sa jeep at hindi man lang pinagtuunan ng pansin ang mukha ng lalaki. She was in a hurry at wala na siyang panahong pagtuunan ng pansin ang kanyang paligid. Her nose snuffled a manly scent but she deliberately ignored it. Sa malalaki at nagmamadaling mga hakbang, lumapit siya sa nakahilerang mga jeep papasok ng Pasong Tamo Extension.

“Wow, sexy!”

Her ears clearly confined the compliment. She noticed the sexy baritone voice. She felt a sudden chill. But she was too occupied that she opted not to glance back at the person who said that compliment. Nagmamadali siyang makatawid ng kalsada upang makasakay sa jeep na papasok ng Pasong Tamo Extension.

There was no other thing in her mind than to beat the time so she can return to Excel Asia in as fast as she can. She continued walking in fast tempo; kunot ang kanyang noo at naniningkit ang mga mata. Mainit ang sikat ng araw dahil tanghaling tapat at nararamdaman niya ang masakit na tama ng araw sa kanyang mukha.

Gusto niyang mapangiwi. Hindi pa naman siya sanay na magbilad sa init ng araw. Buti na lamang at naglagay siya ng sunblock kanina. She might be feeling uncomfortable but at least, her skin was protected. Inihanda na niya ang sariling makaranas ng hirap sa una pa lamang na plinano niyang magsarili. This was just the beginning. More challenges will surely come her way. And she needed to be prepared for the worst.

“Hi Miss.”

This time, nilingon ni Rein ang nagsalita habang patuloy sa paglalakad. Nadagdagan ang kunot sa kanyang noo nang makita ang lalaking nakaagapay sa kanyang mabilis na paglalakad. She stared straight into his clear, black eyes and for a fleeting moment she felt her heart halted a beat.  Strange, she thought. Kaagad na binawi niya ang paningin, her knees shakening.

God, but the man who was walking beside her was precariously handsome ahead of her wildest imaginings. Saglit lang niyang tiningnan ang lalaki but her eyes vividly incarcerated his fine features. She must have a very photographic memory. But a handsome face needed not to have a photographic memory to be remembered afterall.

He had thick but orderly, delineated brows. His clear black eyes had sexy glints. His upturned nose was a masterpiece of a great sculptor. It stood like a perfect cone volcano in the center of his face. His well-shaped lips had silky sensuality. A thin mustache defined his chin.

His handsomeness was a mixture of Earth and Spice. It was rockingly gorgeous, a handsome face that can drew women like metal to magnet. And his devilish grin was enough to daze her wits. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa kanya ang suot ng lalaki. He looked like a punk; faded, torn jeans, loose shirt and dusty rubber shoes.

“Hi Miss. I’m Troy. Gusto ko sanang makipagkilala sa iyo.” Patuloy ito sa pag-agapay sa kanya.

Muli niyang pinagtuunan ng pansin ang lalaki. When her eyes convened with his, he gave her a flirty wink. She felt Cupid’s bow knocked her heart bullseye. Again, her heartbeat faltered. Kaagad na itinuon ni Rein sa ibang direksiyon ang kanyang paningin. She sucked an ample supply of oxygen. She needed oxygen in her blood. Mistulang hinugot ng lalaki ang lahat ng hangin sa kanyang baga sa ginawa nitong pagkindat.

God, but this man was a hell of a flirt! Biglang bumagal ang kanyang paglalakad. Pakiramdam ng dalaga ay nadagdagan ang panginginig ng kanyang mga tuhod. She felt so mushy she can barely stand! Blame this flirty man who could turn her life upside down in a single wink. And she spurned the thought.

Isang tipid na ngiti ang pinakawalan niya while not looking at his eyes. Ang busina ng sasakyang nasa kanyang harapan ang nakapagpanumbalik sa kanyang huwisyo. Saka lamang niya narealize na nasa gitna pala sila ng daan. Mabilis na tumabi siya sa daan at muling binilisan ang paglalakad. Patay-malisya na hindi niya tinapunan ng pansin ang lalaking nakasunod pa rin sa kanya.

“Pasong Tamo Extension, Gate 3!” Malakas na sigaw ng dispatcher na tumatawag ng pasahero para sa nakatukang jeep.

Kaagad na sumakay sa jeep si Rein. Akma na siyang uupo ng makitang sumakay din sa jeep ang lalaki. Muli, nagtama ang kanilang mga mata. She saw a streak of plead in those pair of black eyes. Hanggang dito ba naman sa jeep ay sinusundan siya ng lalaking ito?

He sat beside her. Silently, she took a deep breath. She slowly closed her eyes to loosen up herself yet she could not. Their shoulders skirmished. At animo’y may dumaloy na kuryente sa himaymay ng kanyang laman sa simpleng pagkakadikit na iyon ng kanilang mga balat. At bakit halos naririnig na yata niya ang malakas na kabog ng kanyang dibdib?

She gazed at him, unknowingly with sheepish eyes. He released a sweet smile. At muli, pakiramdam ni Rein ay nagkaroon siya ng stroke at nagmalfunction ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Goodness, but this man was an expert flirt! And he was really good looking!  Deadly combination, she can’t help but admit it.

Her eyes feasted on his well-endowed handsomeness. She knew she was drawn to him. She can feel the concentrated magnetism between her and this man. She silently purred like a scared kitten. She knew the feeling was eerie. And she felt so uneasy though her body stiffened.

Relax Rein… Lihim na pinagalitan niya ang sarili. He was not your type ok. So what if he was handsome. He was the exact opposite of your ideal man. You don’t like rugged and happy-go-lucky person, most a flirt! At kung ano-ano pang discouragement ang sumagi sa kanyang isipan. Ngunit ni hindi man lang niyon napakalma ang nagririgodon niyang damdamin.

Minabuti na lamang niyang wag pansinin ang lalaki. But she was very aware of his overflowing presence. She closed her eyes. Ngunit malinaw na nakikita niya sa kanyang balintataw ang guwapong mukha nito. Exasperated na nagpakawala siya ng isang buntong-hininga.

Kaagad na napuno ng mga pasahero ang jeep. Na lubos niyang ipinagpasalamat. Kailangang makabalik siya sa Excel Asia sa lalong madaling panahon. Mahalaga sa kanya ang bawat minutong lumilipas. More than one hour na siyang late.

Kasalukuyan siyang nagti-training sa Excel Asia para makapasok sa People Support. Excel Asia served as the training ground for those who wanted to work in major Call Center Companies in Makati. It was a training center where applicants will be trained about English Communication Skills and Call Center Basics for two weeks.

Kailangan niya ng trabaho lalo na sa mga oras na ito at nagpasya na siyang aalis na sa poder ng mga magulang kapag may stable na siyang source of income. She wanted to become independent and run her life the way she wanted it to be. Nothing can satisfy her fancy more than independence at the moment.

Pinara niya ang jeep ng matapat na sa harapan ng Jannov Building. Nasa likuran niyon ang building ng Excel Asia. Mabilis na bumaba ng jeep at ni hindi man lang tinapunan ng pansin ang katabi. She was about to cross the road ng makita sa sulok ng kanyang mga mata na bumaba rin ang lalaki. At talagang sinusundan siya nito! Conscious na tumawid siya ng daan. Papasok na siya sa gate ng marinig itong nagsalita.

“Hi Miss. I’m Troy. Miyembro ako ng banda. I’m a drummer. Gusto ko lang makilala ka kasi gusto sana kitang imbitahin sa gig namin.” His voice was rigid and sturdy and he conveyed his short speech smoothly. There was confidence in his voice at sa bawat katagang binitiwan nito, nandoon ang bahid ng authority at determinasyon.

“Makulit ka rin ano?” Mataray na tinigasan niya ang boses bilang pangontra sa sobrang kilig na kanyang nararamdaman ng mga sandaling iyon.

“Honestly, yes.” He said with certainty at hinuli ang kanyang paningin. Naglakbay sa mukha ng dalaga ang mga mata nito. Then he gave her his sweetest smile, flashing a perfect set of uniform, white teeth.

Rein blinked her eyes for several times. Nabatubalani ba siya sa kaguwapuhan ng lalaking ito? She dropped her gaze. Natataranta ata siya at pakiramdam niya’y malulusaw siya sa klase ng titig ng lalaki. And she suddenly realized he had his way to get what he wanted. He surely had the drop dead gorgeous looks that he can use for his own benefit.

“Please?” He added more charm to his pleading voice.

“Okay.” She moved up her hand as a sign of defeat. “Just get my number. I’m already late for my training.” Patuloy siya sa paglalakad. But she knew she was already submitting to the irresistible charms of this man. She knew she was not immune to his likes.

Hinugot nito ang cellphone sa bulsa. She saw a sleek and stylish cellphone, a latest model of Nokia. Hindi nakaligtas sa obserbasyon ni Rein iyon. So this punk must have something in his pocket. He must be down to earth enough to ride in a jeepney. The thought silently tickled her heart.

“What’s your number then?” He smirked.

“Okay I’ll type it.” She softly said while her eyes captured the sensual movement of his lips. She felt a different kind of chill. It emanated from the center of her being and transported to all parts of her human flesh.

Kaagad na iniabot sa kanya ng lalaki ang cellphone nito. He intentionally enveloped her palm with his ng abutin niya ang cellphone nito. Her fingers shakened. Blood suddenly rose to her cheeks. She knew she was blushing. Hindi dahil sa masakit na sikat ng araw kundi sa epekto ng pagkakadikit ng kanilang mga balat. It was just a mere touch. But it wrecked her senses uncontrollably. And his flirty and can do attitude added more to her uneasiness. Ngayon pa lang yata siya nakaengkwentro ng lalaking hayagan ang paglalandi.

Kaagad na ibinalik ni Rein ang cellphone sa lalaki matapos niyang maitype ang kanyang cellphone number. But she was careful enough not to touch his flesh again. She knew it was the wisest thing to do. Akma na siyang tatalikod at ipagpatuloy ang paglalakad ng marinig ang boses nito.

“And your name is?”

“Rein.” She gave him a last quick glance at ipinagpatuloy ang mabilis na paglalakad. Kailangan na niyang magmadali. And she needed to reside away from him.

“Nice meeting you Rein.”

Malinaw na narinig niya ang sinabing iyon ng lalaki pero hindi na niya ito nilingon. Ngunit ramdam na ramdam niya ang titig nito sa kanyang likuran. Saka pa lamang nakahinga ng maluwag ang dalaga ng makapasok na sa building ng Excel Asia. Isa iyong dalawang palapag na gusali na nasa loob ng Jannov Compound.

Sa halip na magmadali siyang pumasok sa kanilang training room, sandali siyang tumigil at sumandal sa dahon ng pinto. Napahawak siya sa dibdib na sa pakiramdam niya ay hindi na yata normal ng mga sandaling iyon.

Darn, but she just met the flirtiest man in the world! And not to mention the most attractive of them all. She shook her head in skepticism. Ganoon na ba siya kaganda para susundan ng isang guwapong lalaki? Sukat doon ay napangiti ang dalaga. Now she was beginning to think that she was indeed beautiful. Na hindi lamang siya binobola ng mga taong malalapit sa kanya kapag pinupuri siyang maganda ng mga ito.

HININTAY muna ni Troy na mawala sa paningin niya ang babae bago nilisan ang lugar na iyon. Isang matamis na ngiti ang nakapagkit sa mga labi niya. Muling binasa sa screen ng cellphone ang tinype na number ng dalaga.

Rein… The monosyllabic word tasted sweet in his tongue. Troy murmured the name again and the feeling of exhilaration intensified. Oh well, she had a unique and cute name. So just like herself. She looked so sweet and pretty. He released a soft sigh. Inilibot niya ang paningin sa paligid at tinandaan ang bawat detalye na nakikita ng kanyang mga mata.

Well, he won’t forget this place. Dito niya nakita ang pinakamagandang babaeng kumuha sa atensiyon niya kanina. He was mesmerized by her beauty to the point na nagmukha siyang asong susunod-sunod sa dalaga. At kahit ito ang unang pagkakataong sinundan niya ang isang babae, he will never regret it.

He was used to being chased and courted. But he liked the new experience. For the first time he felt his testosterone level at the highest summit. He felt so male. And he was starting to love the chasing game.

He was a chick magnet. It was not a choice but more of a destiny. He disliked it at first  but later found it enjoyable. And so he embraced the priviledge. Nasanay itong babae ang naghahabol. If he liked the woman, then why not bite the bait. He will give in to their open invitation. But those relationships were short lived. Ngunit wala siyang babaeng inagrabyado sa kabila ng pagiging playboy niya. Bago siya pumasok sa anumang relasyon, he had already made it clear that the relationship was only good while it lasts And if he pierceed into a relationship, it was his rule that he should be single and commitment free.

It was the first time that he insisted to introduce himself to a woman. But the feeling was surprisingly good. And it delighted him to think that he had the pretty woman’s cellphone number.

She had the cutest tsinita eyes he had ever laid eyes upon with. Her smooth white skin glowed like diamonds under the heat of the sun. At iyon ang unang nakahuli ng atensiyon ng binata kanina. Napakaputi ng babaeng nakita niyang pababa sa jeep na nasa di kalayuan mula sa kanyang kinatatayuan.

Her skin was so white and smooth. Animo walang bahid na dumi. She looked so enticingly clean. He can kiss her all over. He smiled naughtily at the thought.  Lumikot ang imahinasyon niya. She was only wearing a simple outfit, white blouse and blue jeans ngunit litaw na litaw ang angkin nitong kagandahan. Her long hair added more to her sultry attractiveness. And she had a tapered waistline, full, rounded butt and lengthy legs.

Whew! She was indeed a package. And he was desperate to have her.

Akma niyang isisilid sa bulsa ang hawak na cellphone ng tumunog ang aparatu. Pagkatapos mabasa sa screen ng cp kung sino ang tumatawag, salubong ang mga kilay na sinagot niya ang nasa kabilang linya.

“Where did you bring my car?” His voice was hard and rough. Muntik na siyang nagpanic kanina ng matuklasang nawawala sa parking lot ang kanyang kotse. He was about to report it ng matanggap ang text ni Brent. Informing him that he used his car, without his permission of course!

“Easy big bro,” kampante ang boses ng nasa kabilang linya. “Sandali ko lang namang hihiramin ang sasakyan mo e. Blame Papa. Hindi niya ako binilhan ng bagong kotse.”

“Dahil binangga mo na naman ang bagong-bagong kotse mo.” Halos ay pasigaw na turan ni Troy. “At pati ako ay dinadamay mo sa kalokohan mo. You’ve stolen my car from the parking lot while I’m having my lunch. At heto ako ngayon, no choice but to ride in a jeep!”

It was a lie. Naghihintay siya kanina ng mapaparang taxi, when he caught a glimpse of a pretty woman na nasa front seat ng jeep. At ng tumigil ang jeep sa tabi niya, he decided na sumakay na lamang ng jeep na iyon. Kahit pa hindi niya alam kung ano ang ruta ng pampasaherong sasakyan. He was about to ride in it ng bumaba ang babae. Hindi natuloy ang pagsakay niya ng jeep at sa halip sinundan ang bumabang babae.

“You should thank me big bro. Kung hindi dahil sa akin ay hindi mo mararanasang sumakay ng jeep.” Tumawa pa ito ng nakakaloko. Ni hindi man lamang natinag sa galit na boses ni Troy. “It is a milestone in your very sheltered life. And besides, may taxi naman. Bakit ka sumakay ng jeep? You’re giving yourself a hard time brother. Or shall I say, you’re giving yourself enough reason to kill me for what I did.”

“You asshole!” He shouted.

“Magkita na lang tayo mamaya sa bahay, okay. I’ll be ready to face your fury. Sorry but I have to borrow your car. Bye big bro.” Iyon lang at pinutol na nito ang tawag.

“Damn!” Napasuklay sa buhok si Troy. Naghahasik na naman ng lagim ang kanyang kapatid. At this time, siya ang nabiktima nito. Ngunit gusto niyang pasalamatan ang kapatid sa ginawa nito. Dahil doon nakilala at nakatagpo niya si Rein; a one unforgettable experience. Napailing na lamang si Troy sa mga pangyayari.

Muli nitong tinapunan ng pansin ang direksiyon kung saan nawala sa paningin niya si Rein kanina. At ang galit na nararamdaman niya para sa kapatid ay unti-unting humupa at the thought of her. Napangiti pa siya bago lumakad papunta sa main road at pinara ang paparating na taxi.

“HEY Big Bro, your car’s back in the garage.” Pabalewalang pasalampak na umupo sa malambot na couch si Brent. Animo hindi ito aware sa pormal na mukha ng kapatid habang nakatitig dito, arms crossed on his chest.

“How did you manage to steal my car Brent?” Pormal na tanong ni Troy ngunit wala iyong kalakip na galit.

“I had my own way of securing a duplicate key.” Sandaling minasdan ni Brent ang kapatid. Somehow ay hindi ito makapaniwala sa nakikitang calmness sa mukha ni Troy. He was expecting his big brother to be extra furious sa ginawa nito. He already prepared himself for any type of violence.

“And where’s the duplicate key?” Matatag ngunit madiing wika ni Troy.

“Here…” Initsa ni Brent sa kapatid ang duplicate key ng kotse. He was still in awe. Ang inaasahan nito ay magwawala si Troy oras na magkaharap sila. At hindi nito inaasahan na maging kalmante ang nakakatandang kapatid.

Pagkatapos saluhin ang susi ay tahimik na tumalikod si Troy.

“Hey! Aren’t you angry?” Di makapaniwalang turan ni Brent

Sandaling nilingon ni Troy ang kapatid.  “Just don’t do it again or else I’ll kill you.” Isang malamig na titig ang iginawad niya sa kapatid bago ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad. But if that’s the way that he can see Rein again, he would gladly allow his brother to steal his car for countless times. Sukat doon, napangiti ang binata.

He closed his eyes at malinaw pa niyang nakikita ang magandang mukha ng babae; that unforgettable pretty chinita face. And he swore to himself na hindi iyon ang una at magiging huling pagkakataong makikita niya ang dalaga.