A Life To Live, A Life To Give (Book Two)

[sweetiemaldita]

super kilig sis!
can't wait for more kilig moments of kap and mikaela..

[jezamae]

Six : Always

“Did I answer your question?” he asked gazing at me. “I hope that I did so we can now meet them.”

Them were the men and women standing near the clubhouse. “Yes,” I responded.

He released my elbow and gently held my hand. “This is it. Welcome to half of my life,” he said, still gazing at me.

“Half? I thought that this is your life?” I looked at him in puzzlement. Or perhaps I was too nervous meeting his friends that I barely comprehended what he was saying.

“I mean this is the first half that you will see. There’s a second half.”

“Second half? What second half?”

“My family. I want you to meet them. But we will talk about it. Later.”

Family? Cebu?   My normal reaction would have been What with double exclamation point. But I was speechless as I stared at him.

“I’m old-fashioned. I want my parents to know, not just meet, the woman I’m going to marry as early as now. That’s why I’m bringing you to Cebu. And I’m not asking you, I’m telling you,” he said firmly and seriously.

I was not staring at Tres. I was staring at a military officer. Obey my orders and don’t complain.

And how could I complain when I could barely speak. So I just stared at him and willed my brain to process what he said. Because after all the time that both of us declared how much we cared for each other, it was always between him, me and my family. It didn’t cross my mind, his family other than Anne. His parents, brother and sisters. They all knew Aileen and I was a stranger. A stranger that their son, or brother, would marry.

“Smile,” he said and he gently squeezed my hand. “Take a deep breath and relax. You have nothing to worry, I’m here for you.”

“I know. I know that you will always be.” I smiled, took a step forward, to his world, and glanced up.

Six pairs of eyes were on me. Some tried to be subtle, others openly staring and one with eyebrow raised. But they all had the same expressions on their faces. Curious, appraising and excited. Excited to see me? But why?

One of them walked briskly to meet us, the man who had his eyebrow raised. “Bok.” His greeting was addressed to Kap but his eyes were on me as he smiled.

I smiled back and held Kap’s hand tighter.

“Bok,” Kap responded and turned to me. “Mikaela, Captain Ren Hubilla, one of my roommates in the PMA.”

“Finally, we’ve met,” Captain Hubilla said, grinning, as he raised his arm to shake my hand.

His warm welcome pleased me. “Captain Hubilla, hi,” I said and was surprised by the gentle handshake. With his size, he was two or three inches shorter but he was burly compared to Kap, and with what appeared as excitement in his eyes coupled by a wide grin, I was expecting a strong and vigorous shaking of hands.

“Call me Ren or Bok,” he said. “You look young.”

I laughed nervously. “It’s because I’m small so I look younger, I guess.”

“She’s twenty four,” Kap interjected.

“Twenty four? You look like not a day older than twenty. Are you sure?” Captain Hubilla teased and playfully slapped Kap on the back.

Kap winced on the unexpected smack. “I’m very sure.”

“Mikaela, I’m really glad to meet you. You’re the first woman that Torres introduced to us,” Captain Hubilla informed me.

First? What about Aileen? Kap and Aileen have been together for more than ten years, weren’t they?

“Hubilla,” Kap warned his mistah but he was looking at me.

I ignored Kap because I was too curious and I turned to Captain Hubilla. “You never met Aileen?” I probed.

“Not even once,” Hubilla replied.

“I did. I met Aileen,” I blurted out before I realized what I just admitted. Their reactions made me want to take back my words.

Hubilla stared at me, looking surprised and glanced at Kap with inquiring eyes.

Kap’s hold on my hand tightened but his expression didn’t change. “I’ll introduce you to the others,” he announced looking at the five people standing at the doorway. He gently pulled my hand and I followed him. Captain Hubilla walked behind us.

I turned to Kap, wanting to apologize, instead I asked, “Is it true? Am I really the first one that they met?”

His response was short and straight. “Yes.”

“Why?”

Kap looked at me but he didn’t reply. Instead he smiled and nodded, not to me, but to them, as we now stood a few feet away from five pairs of curiously interested eyes; all were directed at me.  One of the three women appeared to be looking at my hair and then her eyes traveled down to stare at my pink skirt and to my white open-toe shoes. She appeared to be appraising me and I felt like a fish in a fishbowl.

The curious appraisal made me feel anxious and perhaps, Kap who was holding my hand felt it too. He caressed my hand and gazed at me. I gazed back and saw them in his eyes. Trust, faith, and the silent whisper of assurance. I’m here. Always.

I believe him. I always will. I braced myself and smiled at the men and women who were looking at me with excessively interested pairs of eyes.

Two hours later, food in different colors and appearances tasted and appreciated, tables cleared and small talks made, the atmosphere in the large room had settled. Excitement and endless chatters were replaced by satisfied sighs and softer whispers.

I looked around as I try to remember the names.

Captain Sinson. Captain Dato. Captain Aranda. Captain Reyes, Captain Manuel, Captain Datar, Captain Escobal, Captain Masangya, and I couldn’t remember the other fifty-eight names.

For the wives, I only remembered four names. Rachelle, Sophia, Reggie and Jane. The wives of Captain Hubilla, Captain Sinson, Captain Dato and Captain Reyes. The four women were looking at me, politely now, as Kap and I shared the table with them and their husbands.

I smiled as I watched Kap, who sat on my right with his left arm carelessly draped over my shoulder. His eyes crinkled as he laughed on what Captain Reyes said. Both men were looking on the group on the next table.

He was enjoying this event. Being with his military brothers. A warm feeling slowly flooded me seeing him like this and I wished to see him this happy and carefree more often.

“How long have you been together?” A female voice asked.

I was startled and I suddenly turned my head to my left. I felt Kap turned to the voice too. He was really tuned in to me, in my every movement. The thought made me smile.

The owner of the voice, Rachelle, the wife of Captain Dato, smiled back, mistakenly thinking I was smiling at her.

“Just a few months,” I responded and prepared myself. I was expecting this. The question and answer portion. They would ask and I would answer.

“You look young,” Reggie, the wife of Captain Sinson, commented in a tone that made me think that being young is a crime.

I stared at her looking apologetic. “I turned twenty four a few months ago. Only four years younger than Tres.” It sounded defensive I realized so I simply shrugged my shoulders and wondered why I felt defensive of my age.

“You look younger than twenty four,” Reggie frowned as she said this.

“Small people aged slowly. They stay young longer that big people. Look at the Americans and the Asians,” Jane, the wife of Captain Hubilla, explained and winked at me.

Small people? Wasn’t I?  “I’m twenty four,” I declared and gave Jane a grateful smile. She answered back with a kind smile.

“I’m two years older than my husband. So that makes me thirty one,” Reggie announced in what seemed to be a self-important tone of her voice.

“I see,” I mumbled softly, not understanding why she appeared proud of her statement.

Rachel looked at me and explained slowly. “They, our husbands, are always away. And we, the wives, become both the father and mother of the family, the house and the kids. As they say, our situation requires some maturity and sound judgment. Which we think only comes with age.”

“And it’s not easy. Never easy,” Reggie muttered as she pursed her upper lip.

“Please. You are scaring her,” Jane interrupted them.

“Yes, you are scaring her,” Kap repeated as he grinned.

“I’m not scared.” I said, feeling and sounding confident, leaned closer to him and whispered. “Why will I be scared when you are with me. Always as you promised.”
 
His face lit up and he stared at me.

Captain Reyes cleared his throat before he spoke. “Let’s go to Timog after this.”

“Sure,”

“All right.”

“I like that.”

Various responses but they all meant the same, Yes, except for Kap who was looking at me with inquiring eyes.

And Captain Hubilla decided for me. “You’re joining us. Because Torres won’t come without you.”

“Okay,” I agreed and noticed how the expression in the face of Kap changed from hesitation to satisfaction. He wanted to go with them but he allowed me to decide. It was I who decided that we are going with them. And it felt good. I grinned.

[jezamae]

Seven: A Bottle of  Honesty

Thirty minutes later, I sat beside Kap as he drove and followed the vehicles of his friends.

“The others, where are they assigned?” I asked.

“Sinson is in Mindanao. Hubilla is in Aguinaldo and Dato is in Tarlac. Reyes is in Bonifacio,” Kap said in a monotone.

‘I haven’t seen Captain Reyes in your office.”

“Reyes is with G6, that’s finance, another unit,” he explained.

I looked at the road before I spoke. “Why did you bring me here today?”

His reply was simple. “To meet them.”

And it was not enough. I wanted to hear more than that. “Why me? They haven’t seen Aileen.” I watched him, wanting to see his reaction, half expecting him to wince, flinch, or something else, but he didn’t.

His face was impassive when he turned to meet my gaze “About Aileen. It didn’t occur to me, to introduce her to them.”

“Because she was in Cebu?”

“No. Because I was not sure that I wanted to.”

“I see,” I said, still not satisfied with the reply. It still didn’t explain why I was with him today with his military friends and their wives. “Why am with you tonight?”

This time, he grinned. “This conversation won’t end until you get you what you want, isn’t’ it?”

“I’m curious. I wanted to know the truth,” I admitted.

“Because I love you, and I am marrying you. And I want you to meet my friends. A glimpse of what my life really is. Because I owe you that.”

I love you too, my eyes told him but the words that came out of my lips were different. “Why? In case they don’t like me, you can back out?”

He laughed before he spoke. “Back out? Don’t count on that Mikaela. Nothing in this world will make me change my mind. I am marrying you. ”

“And I will make sure that you do,” I smiled, now satisfied with his answer.

But his mistah were not as they all urged Kap. The waiter was patiently waiting for the five men to settle the matter of Kap ordering a beer instead of soda. Soda for Kap and for me. The rest ordered for bottles of beer, even the wives.

“No, I can’t,” Kap repeated, ignoring the protests of the four men, all facing him, all looking annoyed and frustrated. “I’m driving and I’m with Mikaela.”

Captain Hubilla turned to me. I met his gaze and understood. He was asking for help.

What would I say? Tell Kap to drink and drive?

The women were watching me and their eyes glittered. I could read them. Mikaela is not only young, she’s also a prude and she doesn’t drink. The poster child of a good girl. These were silent dares. And I accepted it.

I held the hand of Kap on the table. “Of course you can drink,” I smiled sweetly and added, “me too.”

He turned to me and his eyes expressed disbelief, before he hissed, “What are you saying? You don’t drink.”

“I do,” I lied, quietly pleading with him to agree, because he knew I was lying, or he would embarrass me with his friends. I was grateful for the dim light of the bar because it hid my face; I was not a good liar and his friends would know.

He sighed; looking resigned and spoke to the waiter. “Okay. Beer. Just one bottle, for each of us.”

I leaned closer to him and whispered very softly, “thanks.”

He whispered back. “Be careful with the beer.”

I giggled. “Yes sir.”

I don’t drink beer for two reasons. One is that I don’t like the taste. Kap seemed to understand that so he put a lot of ice cubes in my glass before he poured the beer.

The second reason is because I have seen how alcohol affected the minds of people who had too much to drink. Out of control. And I didn’t want it to happen to me. Not with Kap. So, just one bottle of beer. Just a few sips to show them. That’s it.

The glass in my hand was ice-cold. And Kap was watching me closely while I held the glass in both hands. I was almost expecting him to snatch it so my hold on the glass got tighter. I watched as he lifted his glass until it touched his lips. He was taking it slowly, his eyes never leaving me.

I smiled at him before I lifted my glass. The distinct flavor of the beer floated in the air and reached my nose. I winced. Kap’s Josh Hartnett’s eyes crinkled in quiet laughter.  My hand, holding the glass of beer, stopped mid-air and I saw the wives watching me, so were the husbands. I felt it again, the fish in the fishbowl. I was the fish. And it was more than enough motivation. I forced my hand and felt the cold glass touched my lips before I recognized the bitter taste of ice-cold beer inside my mouth. And I was right, I still didn’t like the taste but it was a lot better when the ice cubes weighed more than the beer itself. I forced myself to swallow it.

After three quick gulps, I put the glass down on the table. I stared at the glass, still half full, and grinned, feeling triumphant. Then I turned to Kap.

He looked concerned. But he also looked pleased as he glanced at his friends. He was proud of me. 

I smiled and lifted the glass again. And again and again. And I was ready for my second bottle of beer.

But the second bottle had to wait. Because something was more important right now. Something I needed badly.

[jezamae]

Seven: A Bottle of Honesty

I leaned close to Kap and whispered. “I need to go to the ladies room. Now.”

He nodded in understanding. “Okay,” he said and announced to everyone, “restroom.”

Kap rose first, extending his hand to me for assistance. I stood up and unexpectedly swayed. Kap moved swiftly, reaching out for me.

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I held Kap’s hand. It seemed the room was spinning slightly. It’s the beer. I blinked. Then, the room straightened out and I felt fine. It’s not the beer. Good, I mused.

Jane who sat beside me, smiled. So was Rachelle. In their eyes, there was a hint of approval. Or acceptance? It delighted me. I smiled back.

“Mikaela?” His voice was inquiring but his face expressed concern, as Kap waited for me.

“The ladies room,” I repeated, grateful for his support.

They, the mistah and their wives, all nodded and watched us leave.

Kap’s inquiring eyes did not change on our way to the ladies room. “Are you all right?”

“I am fine and I am sure. It’s just one beer. Don’t worry. And thanks for that one beer. I am enjoying this, meeting your friends,” I smiled at him and held on his arm tighter than usual.

It seemed to make him more anxious but he said, “that’s good,” and he waited for me just outside the ladies room. The look on his face me think that if he had a choice, he would have entered the room with me.

Two seconds after we came back, he was frowning, as he shook his head. “I didn’t order these,” he said gesturing his hand on the two bottles of beer in front of us, as we both sat down.

“I did,” Captain Sinson informed him, the tone of his voice was challenging but also teasing.

“Thanks,” I said and was glad that I did when, again, I saw the look of approval on the faces of the wives, and I started to reach out for the beer.

But Kap grabbed it before I did. “We agreed on one beer, just one.”

“I did. And I changed my mind,” I said in what I hoped was a firm voice and reached for the bottle on his hand. The atmosphere around the table suddenly became tense.

“Mikaela,” he hissed in a warning tone, his mouth twisting to the side, preparing to argue.

The unyielding act wouldn’t work so I decided to play it differently. “Just this one. I promise,” I said in a small and soft little girl voice, smiling sweetly.

He stared at me, with expressed disapproval, before he leaned back. “Okay. Last one, I mean it.”

“Okay.” I glanced at him with grateful eyes and he shrugged his shoulders, looking resigned.

Ice cubes softly tinkled first before Kap poured beer into the glass and gave it to me.

I heard a subtle sigh of relief from Captain Hubilla before he asked me. “Torres said your office is in The Fort. What’s does your company do?”

“It’s an IT company,” I explained, and mentally counted the bottles of beer. There were three bottles each for each of the wives. I was just on my second beer. I raised my glass, drank from it slowly and glanced at Kap. He was watching me, with the beer in front of him, untouched.

“I used to be an office girl. But I had to give it up. With three kids, and Ren assigned in Mindanao, it would be difficult to continue working. But he transferred to Camp Aguinaldo last year,” Jane said.

“I see.” I turned to her and felt the room swayed slightly. Was it the beer this time? I blinked and asked Jane. “How long have you been married?

“Seven years,” she replied and surprised me with her confession. “I was eyeing for Tres but I ended up with Ren.”

“You were?” I asked, surprised, and looked at Kap and then to Captain Hubilla.

Kap shrugged his shoulders indifferently while Captain Hubilla grinned. The others listened quietly as they appeared to know this story.

“Yes. I met both of them one summer when I went to the PMA. I was a tourist, and they were cadets. I asked for their mobile phone numbers and Ren gave me both their numbers. Anyway, Tres ignored my text messages but Ren entertained my messages. And we got married a few months after his graduation.”

“She was pregnant, that’s why,” Sophia informed me.

“Yes, she was pregnant,” Captain Hubilla repeated, smiling proudly.

Jane gave him a censured look before she said, “too soon.”

“What do you expect? PMAer,” Captain Sinson growled and the other men, including Kap, softly repeated, “PMAer! PMAer!” They all laughed as if they heard a good joke.

I didn’t understand. Or perhaps I really couldn’t understand. What’s this talk about pregnancy and PMAers? But the discussion moved on from pregnancy to topics that sounded improper, and even scandalous, to my ears.

“Jane visited me oftentimes when I was assigned in Quezon,” Captain Hubilla said.

“You asked me to visit you,” Jane protested but she was smiling.
 
“That’s normal,” Sophia said, “for wives, or girlfriends as in my case and also Jane’s, to visit them at camps where they are assigned. We stayed there for two or more days.”

Surprised by this information, I asked, “Is that allowed?”

“Yes. But only the wives,” Reggie responded.

“But it’s difficult staying in the camps. Officer’s quarters are shared. Some have to give way. If one’s wife arrives, his roommate has to find another room to sleep on. I definitely don’t want someone watching me in action. I don’t need a scorecard,” Captain Sinson roared in laughter. The others joined him, including Kap.

Kap turned to me and squeezed my hand as he winced. He mouthed, sorry.

I squeezed back and nodded in understanding.

“Some camps are quite small and are composed of nipa huts only. We don’t want our women to stay in those places. So we look for the nearest lodging house,” Captain Reyes explained.

“And we stay there until they leave. Two days without sunshine,” Captain Sinson added and started to laugh again.

“Why do they have to visit you? Can’t they wait for you to come home?” I asked facing Captain Reyes.

He looked at me with uncertain eyes and his gaze shifted to Kap.

Kap replied, “As husband and wife. They want to see each other, of course.”

“And also to check them. Men in uniform are magnets to women. And bear that in mind,” Reggie warned me.

Captain Reyes chuckled, announced, “men’s room,” and stood up.

“Wait for me,” Kap told him, rose, turned to me and said, “I’ll be right back.”

I nodded and watched his retreating form and was startled when Jane gave me another bottle. She whispered, “we won’t tell Tres,” before she and Rachelle exchanged a brief conspiratorial look.

Both Reggie and Sophia gestured their hands, silencing Captain Sinson and Captain Hubilla. Captain Sinson conceded immediately but Captain Hubilla hesitated before he nodded. I felt the thrill, of being part of a secret, of being part of this group. I belong. “Okay,” I agreed and poured beer in the glass before I saw Kap came out of the men’s room.

Jane moved my second bottle, now empty, away from me. I was grateful of her act because I was sure that Kap would know. I expected him to count the bottles in front of me.

A few sips of the beer and my eyes felt heavy. My eyelids seemed to drop on their own and I had to blink them a few times. I felt sleepy. I leaned back and snuggled closer to Kap, resting my head on his strong and broad shoulder. He shifted to a more comfortable position and wrapped his left arm around my waist. I felt his comforting warmth and I involuntarily released a sigh of satisfaction. I felt his chest moved as he chuckled.

I glanced up and met Jane’s gaze. The wall behind her seemed to move, spinning slowly. I blinked twice.

Jane smiled. “Ren said he saw you in the officers quarters, with Tres.”

“Yes, I have been in his quarters twice. His room was fine. It’s small but it’s clean. Even the small table and chair are clean. So was the bed. It’s soft.” The wall behind Jane was really spinning. I blinked my eyes again.

Everyone seemed to turn to me, waiting for what I was about to say. I raised the glass again and tasted the bitterness of the cold liquid. I shut my eyes and opened them. And this time, I saw the room, not just the wall, spinning faster.

Kap was watching me intently.

“You enjoyed the bed in his quarters?” Reggie asked, smiling maliciously. Her eyes glinted with interest. “My husband said that Tres is very good in controlling his emotions. Did he lose control with you?”

I felt Kap stiffened, and then his body was suddenly motionless. He gritted his teeth as he muttered, “Reggie.”
 
It took me a minute before I replied. “I know what you mean but Tres was always in control.  We never did anything in his quarters. Tres is a gentleman. I know that for sure.”

“He is? How can you be so sure? You don’t believe that, do you?” Reggie smirked.

I looked at her, a little annoyed. Why was he questioning Kap’s sense of control? Kap was in control, always. “I am sure,” I said, shifting my gaze at Kap. “He knew when to stop, and he said it’s not easy. I’m the proof. I’m with him everyday and I’m still a virgin,” I blurted out, feeling defensive, still looking at Kap.

His head snapped up and his arm around my waist tightened its hold. “Sweet Jesus, Mikaela,” Kap rasped, barely inaudible.

I peeled my gaze from him and met the stunned expression of his friends and their wives. But I paid no attention to them. The room was spinning wildly and I wanted it to stop. I closed my eyes, dropped my right hand on his lap and murmured, “I am. I honestly am still a virgin,” and everything else started to fade.

[jezamae]

Eight: Strike Two

If I ignore it, it will go away. I’m sure, I told myself. But I was mistaken. The excruciating pain continued. Eyes still closed, I pressed my palm on my temple, hoping that the firm massage will make the throbbing ache in my head stop. The pain didn’t stop but it became bearable. I shuddered as I felt the coldness around me before I heard the soft hum of the aircon motor. I whimpered and stretched out, reaching out for the blanket to pull it over me, but my cold searching hand came in contact with a hard, warm touch of a large hand. Another hand on my bed? I abruptly opened my eyes and met a pair of probing eyes.

Kap was sitting on the bed, quietly watching me. He smiled and slowly leaned over. “Good morning. Time to wake up. It’s nine o’clock.” He gently caressed my temple and down to my left cheek.

Morning? I jerked up, automatically pulling the blanket over me until it reached my chin. The brightness of the sun peeking at the window answered the question in my mind. “Good morning too,” I mumbled, stared at him and looked around. I am in my room. Kap is my room. “You are in my room,” I whispered.

“Yes,” he simply agreed.
 
“Why . . . are you here?” I asked, feeling self-conscious. How long has he been here, watching me, while I was asleep?

“To wake you up?” His tone was more of a question than a reply.

“Oh,” I murmured as I tried to recall the events before I woke up, with him sitting down in my bed. Then I noticed his shirt. “It’s white. Last night, you’re wearing a blue shirt.”

“I changed into fresh clothes. Took a shower too. How’s the headache?” His voice was teasing but his eyes expressed concern.

“It hurts,” I groaned.

“It’s hang-over. Coffee will help,” he remarked, looking sympathetic.

Hang-over?  Me? Why? One gets hang-over when he drinks alcohol, isn’t it? Unless of course I . . . I stared at him and everything came back to me.

Kap. His military friends. Their wives. Three bottles of beer. The wall spinning slowly and then the room spinning wildly. Then I felt dizzy and sleepy. The comforting arm of Kap around my waist, the warmth of his body that invited me to close my eyes, which I did before I declared something that made him stiffen. What was it that made him react like that? What did I say last night?

I looked down on the carpet on the floor and tried to recall. Jane talked about the wives visiting their husbands in camps. Reggie wouldn’t believe about Kap’s sense of control.  And I had to convince her. I remembered the expression in the faces of friends of Kap and their wives. They stared at me in astonishment when I declared that I’m still a virgin. A virgin! Did I actually tell them that? I remembered, clearly now, and I was mortified. I winced, feeling ill at ease to meet the gaze of Kap. Why did I say that? That would be pretty embarrassing, even it it’s true.

“You are blushing,” Kap grinned and rose. “Your mom asked me to check on you.”

I forced myself to look up to him. “How long have you been here? Where did you spend the night? I couldn’t remember how I get into my room last night. I was, what do you call that? Wasted or something like that?” The words rushed out from my lips.

The grin on his face widened. “You managed to walk while I literally lifted you for every step you took. You mumbled incoherently during the drive home, saying my name in every sentence, and that six months is a long time. The rest, I didn’t understand.”

I forced a smile before I asked, “and how did I end up in my bed?”

“You were quite manageable. You were almost asleep. I carried you to your room. Your mom took care of you. Then I left.”

I frowned a little, as I couldn’t remember him carrying me. I was really wasted. I grimaced. “What did my parents say?

“They were worried. Your dad looked upset.”

“I was a mess last night, wasn’t I?”

“It only proved my point. That alcohol is not good for you.” 

“I guess, you are right.”

“Are you ready to come down with me? I think that you mom might be alarmed if I stay in your room any longer.”

“Knowing Mom . . .” I whispered. “I’ll come down with you. Can you turn around for a minute while I make myself more decent?” I requested, still clutching the blanket tightly over the upper part of my body.

His eyes crinkled in quiet laughter. “Sure,” then he turned around and waited as he quietly gazed at the window

Dad, who was sitting down on the sofa, looked up when Kap and I came down. His eyes told me that he was waiting for us. And there was a certain look on his face; the same familiar expression I saw, when I was still a child, whenever I did something he didn’t approve. His voice was serious when he spoke. “Kap, let’s talk. Take a seat.”

“Can we have breakfast or coffee first?” I suggested, hoping for something to happen that would delay whatever it was that Dad was planning to do.

“Breakfast can wait, Mikaela.” Dad didn’t even glance at me when he said this as his eyes never left Kap.

“Yes sir,” Kap agreed softly and he sat across my dad. I sat beside Kap glancing at him.  His face looked perfectly smooth and blank, and even his eyes showed no emotion.

[jezamae]

Eight: Strike Two

Dad’s voice was calm when he spoke. “Listen, I don’t mind if you drink, I also don’t mind if Mikaela drinks with you. But the way Mikaela behaved last night, she had more than she can handle, and she doesn’t really drink. I wanted my children to enjoy life, to have fun. But their well-being comes first. As long as my children live under my roof, I have rules here. And their safety, at all times, is on top of that list. I want them to be with people that will make them safe. It’s not easy for me to know that my daughter is in a car, drunk, and with someone behind the wheel who might also be drunk. I hate to say this, but Carl never brought her home like that."

I gasped. Why was Dad bringing Carl up in this conversation?

I felt Kap stiffened but his expression remained impassive, patiently listening to Dad.

Dad continued, “I hope that you understand what I’m saying. And that I made myself clear.”

“Yes sir. I understand you perfectly. I have disappointed you. I apologize for what happened last night. And it wouldn’t happen again, sir,” Kap said without pausing, but in a tone that was clearly respectful.

My dad stared at Kap for a brief moment and nodded.

I couldn’t wait a second longer, I butt in. “Dad, it’s not his fault.”

Kap whispered, “Mikaela,” and reached for my arm.

I ignored Kap. I wanted Dad to know the truth. “It was my fault, not his. He didn’t want to drink. He didn’t want me to drink. But I insisted.”

“You are his responsibility, when he picked you up yesterday,” Dad pointed out, now looking at me.

“I’m responsible for my actions,” I argued.

Dad flushed, anger started to show as he accused, “and look what happened to you.”

“Mikaela, please.” Kap tightened his hold on my arm, his voice was unusually soft, pleading me to stop. “Sir, I’m really sorry about this. And there is no excuse. I’m sorry.”

Dad looked at him carefully and warned, “It won’t happen again.” He reached for the newspaper on the table and dismissed us. “That’s all.”

“Yes sir.” Kap responded.

I was quiet as I watched them. Dad was sternly reminding Kap of his wishes as my parent and Kap was patiently and impassively conceding on everything that Dad said. And it was because of me. A face off between the two men and this was strike two. The first time was when Kap and I informed my parents that we were getting married. Both times, Dad showed his disappointment and disapproval. I wondered if there would be strike three. Would Dad still be this  forgiving? And would Kap be as calm and as patient? Or would any, or worse, both of them lose control? There would never be. “Strike three,” I whispered.

Kap gently tugged my hand. “Coffee? Breakfast?” His voice startled me and I met his inquiring eyes. He appeared to be in a hurry to have breakfast. Or to get away from my dad.

“Of course,” I mumbled and started for the kitchen.

Yolly, our maid, prepared our breakfast, while Mom hovered around us. It appeared that she knew about Dad but she opted not speak about it. She didn’t ask or said a word. And I was grateful.

Mom beamed. “Kap, enjoy breakfast, just eat. Yolly and I will be with Dad. Just call out if you need anything, okay?”

I nodded absently-mindedly.

“Yes maám,” Kap replied smiling, and watched Mom and Yolly left. Then hen he turned to me, looking serious. “It’s not just two.” It was a statement, not a question.

I stared at him. He was talking about the beer. Three bottles. I briefly considered pretending not to have understood him but it would only delay what he wanted to know. “Three,” I admitted timidly.

“No one said a word. Not even Hubilla,” he murmured, shaking his head in displeasure.

“I’m sorry.”

“Did they pressure you?”

“No.”

“Why did you do it?”

“I wanted them to accept me.”

His brow furrowed for an instant then smoothened out just as quickly. “Why did you hide it from me?”

“Because I know that you won’t approve.”

“Of course, I won’t. For good reasons.”

“I know.”

"Mikaela, look at me.”

I followed his instruction unthinkingly. I met his gaze and his expression showed it before he spoke. He wanted to convince me.

“I understand where you dad is coming from. It’s for your own good. I don’t want them to doubt me. I don’t want them to think that they can’t trust me with you. They might change their mind, you, marrying me. And we don’t want that to happen.”

“I won’t allow it.”

“Neither do I. But they are your parents. Don’t hide anything from me, again. No more lies, okay?” He took a deep breath and released it in a long sigh. “I’m beginning to think that I can’t take care of you.”

I protested under my breath. “That’s not true. You’re good at it, taking care of me. Last night, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right.” Then he paused for a few seconds, and he appeared cautious. “Can I ask you something? But I want to assure you that it doesn’t really matter.”

I nodded and wondered, as he now seemed to hesitate.

“About last night. About something that you said, you know, with Jane . . . is that true?” He was staring at me intently and he seemed to hold his breath while searching for something in my expression.

His expression confused me but I knew what he meant. Am I really still a virgin? “Yes,” I responded truthfully.

His eyes flickered momentarily before he spoke again. “I’m wondering. With Carl, two years with him,  . . . well . . .  With us . . .  with me, being with you, it’s not easy. . . I mean . . .” he paused and just stared at me.

I waited for him to continue but he seemed to be at loss for words, staring at me with unblinking eyes.  After a few seconds, I realized he was waiting for my reply. “Well . . . um . . . I didn’t want to. I guess deep inside, I’m a real prude, but I wanted to wait. I wanted it to be my gift to my future husband. Mom said it’s the greatest gift for a husband.” I explained, feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Thanks,” he murmured and a small smile started to spread across his face.

I looked at him shyly. “It’s embarrassing to talk about it, but you are welcome,” I said.

Suddenly, he was smiling a brilliant smile. “I’m not thanking you for telling me, I am thanking you for waiting for me. And yes, it’s a gift. But you’re the greatest gift, having you at my side for a lifetime. Thank you.” Then his hands cupped my face and he leaned down to me. In a brief moment, I remembered that I haven’t brush my teeth yet but the look in his eyes told me that it didn’t matter. I waited for the kiss.

[jezamae]

Eight: Strike Two

“You two, not here, go somewhere,” the voice of my brother, Gabriel, who was standing on the doorway startled Kap and me.

Kap straightened up and his hands dropped to his sides. He turned to face my brother who was grinning widely. Kap smiled a little in return.

Gabriel pulled out his wallet, took out something and threw it to Kap. “You may need this.”

Although surprised, Kap instinctively raised his hand to catch it. He opened his hand to me so I could also see what my brother threw at him.

Kap chuckled, staring at a thin plastic, like a credit card, lying flatly on his palm.

I looked at it again, reading what’s written on it. A discount card. A discount card of a chain of a popular motel. I squeaked, “Gabriel!” and a hysterical giggle burst from my lips.

Gabriel had left while I was undecided if I should throw the discount card back to him. But the sudden appearance of my brother had made Kap forgot what he was about to do before Gabriel came in. Kap completely forgot that I was waiting for his kiss. His attention was now on what Mom prepared for breakfast.

“Your mom is a good cook,” he commented, smiling, as he reached out for the plate of pinkish oily crispy-looking bacon.

I was amazed as I watched him. He ate anything and everything, yet his body was firm and lean. His white shirt confirmed it as it firmly hugged his almost perfect body, his chest moving with his every breath,

I raised the cup of coffee to wash down the piece of bread that was in my mouth. Kap was telling the truth that coffee would help with the hang-over. I could barely feel the pain.

Kap was enjoying breakfast, eating with gusto, making a comment of appreciation on my mom’s cooking talent after every few bites.

I grinned. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And Kap was a clear proof.

He was on his second cup of coffee when he inquired. “When can you get away from work? Like going on leave?” 

“Why?”

“So we can go to Cebu and for you to meet my family,” he explained slowly, still holding the cup on his right hand.

Cebu? Family? “Oh,” I said softly.

“Three days of stay in Cebu,” Kap added.

“Who’s going to Cebu?” Gabriel asked, eyes on Kap, as he walked in. Behind him was Dad. Both of them waited for Kap’s reply. Gabriel appeared indifferent while Dad looked curious.

I glanced at Kap then at Dad again who was now staring at Kap suspiciously. I shifted my eyes back to Kap. He looked guarded and prepared. For what? I was suddenly anxious. Wasn’t it too soon for strike three? I groaned silently and watched it unfold in a slow motion.

Kap put the cup he was holding down on the table and turned slowly. His eyes gravitated to Dad. His eyes glinted with certain resolve in them.

Dad met his gaze, a slight crease has formed on his forehead for not receiving the reply he was waiting. His face showed that even if no reply was given yet, he had already decided that he didn’t like it.

Gabriel leaned back on the door, softly whistling the song that floated  into the kitchen from the radio on the living room, apparently oblivious of everything. I knew the song by heart. It was Kap’s favorite song, Sometimes when we touch.

I held my breath when I saw Kap straightened up. Dad didn’t hide the look of displeasure on his face. But Dad’s expression wouldn’t deter Kap. Because Kap was a brave man. He would say it. He would inform Dad that he was bringing me to Cebu. It didn’t matter to Kap that, less than an hour ago, Dad was very upset with us. With him.

Strike three was happening. Now. But only if I allow it to happen.

“His military friend,” I blurted out. “His officemate in Fort Bonifacio,” I added, looking at Gabriel and avoiding Dad’s probing eyes.

I heard a very soft hiss, almost inaudible, across the table and I felt someone staring at me with burning intensity. My attention stayed glued to my brother, as I refused to meet Kap’s gaze.

[bhabykoh_26]

hi, newbie [textspeak!]! i love ur story, kahit nung d pa me member ng girltalk, i used to read it na.. sayang wala pa po kasunod?? hehe.. will be waiting for ur next post.. 

[jezamae]

hi, newbie [textspeak!]! i love ur story, kahit nung d pa me member ng girltalk, i used to read it na.. sayang wala pa po kasunod?? hehe.. will be waiting for ur next post.. 

hi sis

sorry po

quite busy the past weeks

as you have requested, here's the next installment

 

[jezamae]

Eight: Strike Two

A brief moment of uncomfortable silence before Gabriel spoke. “You are from Cebu, Kap, aren’t you?”

Kap shifted his gaze to my brother. “Yes.”

Gabriel walked in and sat down to the seat next to me. “We went to Cebu many years ago.” He turned to Kap and declared, “She doesn't like Cebu.” 

“That’s not true!” I protested and saw Dad making a simple nod as if in agreement.

Gabriel faced me. “You hated the traffic, complaining about it the whole time that we were there.”

“I didn’t expect the traffic to be as terrible as in Manila,” I explained, looking at Kap.

My brother grinned and continued. “She won’t come near this market where we bought dried fish and squid.”

“It’s the smell. Too strong for me.”

“She made fun of the sales ladies in the store.”

“Now, that’s a lie. I didn’t. It’s just that I was insulted when they replied in English when I was asking them questions in Filipino. I thought that they were trying to impress me or something.” I smiled sheepishly. “But now, I know better. Most Cebuanos have a hard time speaking in Filipino like we do.”

Gabriel shrugged and watched Kap closely. “You talk like us. Are you sure that you are a Cebuano?”

“I am sure.” Kap replied and turned to Dad. “About Cebu,”

“About Cebu,” I quickly interrupted Kap as I also faced Dad, “there’s one thing that I really, really liked. Dried mango. Dad, do you need anything from me or Tres? ” I glanced at Gabriel, “Or did the two of you decided to watch over me while I am all alone with Tres in Mom’s kitchen?”

Dad murmured something. Gabriel chuckled and rose. Then they both walked out of the kitchen.

“You didn’t like Cebu.” His voice was flat.

I turned to Kap. “It’s not like that. And I was younger then.”

He shrugged.

“I may not like Cebu during my first and only visit but I certainly like Cebuanos.” I leaned over and whispered, “and one Cebuano, in particular.”

His face brightened and his lips twisted to the side as he grinned. “Can your brother bring you home after work on Monday? Because I can’t. I’ll accompany the colonel in visiting soldiers in the V. Luna Hospital. But I’ll take you to the office in the morning, Seven thirty, right?”

I was caught off guard as he moved to another concern, involving me. He was doing it again. The man from Mars. Taking care of things for me. And I understood. I also knew that if he had a choice, he’d rather be with me than to be with the colonel. 

I nodded in understanding. “No problem. And don’t worry about Monday morning. Nathaniel will take me to the work, as usual.”

“Are you sure?” His eyes were probing.

“I am very sure.” I smiled in assurance. “Tres, about Cebu,” I began, “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell Dad, I mean not today. With the mood that he’s in. Maybe, next week?”

He sighed. “Next week then. But I am going to tell him. Not you.”  His voice was firm, silencing any objection.

“Sure,” I gave in and watched him continued his breakfast.

Five minutes after Kap left, Dad started to play his role perfectly. A father reminding his children about the dangers of drinking and driving. In between the fatherly reminders, Gabriel protested why he was now part of this and blamed me for being included. One hour later, I did what Kap did earlier; promising that it wouldn’t happen again. Then it was my turn to talk to Dad.

“Dad, please don’t mention Carl when Tres is with me or when Tres is here.”

“Why? What did he say to you?”

“Nothing. And I think that you know Tres enough that he won’t say a word about it.” 

Dad stared at me, frowning, but didn’t speak.

“Dad, please. For me?” I pleaded.

“Fine.” He paused and added in a firm voice, “as long as he obeyed my rules.”

His rules? Brows raised, I looked at Dad and he was waiting for what I was about to say. I heard a soft coughing sound, I glanced on my side and caught Gabriel’s expression. As twins, we understood each other. Oftentimes, words were no longer needed. The expression on my twin brother was clear.

Mikaela, stop talking.

Resigned, I turned to Dad and mumbled, “thanks Dad and I’m sorry about last night.”

I spent the weekend as an obedient daughter, in between replying to Kap’s text messages and Gabriel’s incessant chatter about a new girl he was dating. I smiled, nodded to my brother and pretended to be interested on what he was talking about.

I reality, I was thinking of Kap. I wouldn’t see him on Monday and I already missed him. I sighed, thinking how dull Monday would be.

   

[jezamae]

Nine: Like the First Time

I read the text message on my phone for the second time.

If you count one to five, you’ll hear my voice.

Without thinking, I counted mentally. One, two, three . . .

The phone rung. Kap? I immediately picked it up. “Hi.” The anticipation seemed to have affected my voice, since it sounded a pitch higher than it usually sounded.

The familiar voice over the phone confirmed my suspicion.  He chuckled before he spoke. “Are you busy? Do you want to have lunch with me?”

My response was immediate. “Yes.” I glanced up and saw Christine, who was typing in front of her computer, turned to me.

“Yes, you are busy? Or yes, you want to have lunch with me?”

Christine was now closely watching me. I smiled at her before I replied in a low voice, not wanting her to hear clearly. “Yes to the second question.”

“Someone’s listening to you,” he stated matter of factly.

“Yes.” It was my third yes in two minutes and I wondered if there’s another word for yes. I glanced up on the wall clock just above Christine’s working area. “Ten minutes before twelve.”

“Seven minutes, to be exact. So what time can you leave?”

Again, my reply was immediate. “Now.” I heard him laugh on my response and I giggled.  “As soon as you are in the building.”

“I’m already here.”

Surprised, I asked, forgetting to keep my voice low. “You are downstairs?”

Christine’s curious gaze made me look away. Although I had told Christine about Kap, she and the rest of my colleagues had not met Kap yet. Kap never went up. He always waited downstairs for me. But they all knew Carl, who was a regular visitor.

“No.”

“Oh. I thought . . .Well . . .You said . . .” I didn’t know what to say, as I was puzzled on what he meant.

“I’m not downstairs. I’m here.”

I was more confused. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m here in your office and I’ll wait for you. See you.” Then the phone went dead.

“What!” I exclaimed, put the phone down, stood up, and went out of the HRD office going to the reception area.  I was almost running.

I heard footsteps behind me. Without looking back, I knew Christine was behind me. And she almost slammed into me when I stopped.

“Ops! Sorry,” Christine mumbled behind me.

I didn’t reply nor did I turn to her. My attention was on the reception area, swiftly surveying the small space.

Winnie, the pretty receptionist, with her big round eyes, threw me an inquiring look before she smiled. “Hi Mikaela. Hi Christine.”

I smiled back and looked past her. Three visitors occupied the row of seats facing Winnie. Three men but none of them was Kap.

He’s not here.  I started to feel disappointed.

Then the door opened.

“Hi Mikaela,” the voice enthusiastically greeted me.

I looked up. Eleazar, the newly-hired good-looking accountant was smiling, his pair of interested eyes staring at me.

“Hi,” I answered back in a cheerless soft voice.

Kap’s not here. Was this his idea of a joke?

Turning around to go back to the HR office, I caught Christine’s inquiring eyes. I looked past her, avoiding her gaze but it didn’t deter her.

Her voice was tentative when she asked. “Are you expecting a visitor?”

Yes. “No.”  I glanced up as I replied.

But Christine’s attention was no longer on me. She was staring past me. So was Winnie. Both women completely ignored me, their curious eyes focused behind me, on whatever was there.

Curious, I whirled around and my eyes rested on a dark green umbrella. And the long lean hand that held it.

[cayrin]

hay  shocks hehe thanks sis jezamae

[bhabykoh_26]

hi sis jezamae..

thanks for the post..

hay, c kap ba un??

basta ill keep waiting for your post..

love it!

[kkkkkkkk]

hi sis jezamae! tagal ko na nagaantay ng update mo. even before i registered, i always check your story for updates. update naman please.. thanks!

[jezamae]

Nine: Like the First Time

He stood facing me, wearing what he called his general office attire, the same green army uniform, but now, without the cap. A nameplate was attached on the left chest. I read it.

Torres, A.

“I brought the umbrella to protect you from the sun going to the pizza house,” the familiar low voice explained, then he grinned, revealing his perfect set of pearly white teeth.

I self-consciously smiled back. “Thanks.”

“Ehem,” a small voice sounded at my back, and I unwillingly turned around. Christine looked at me then at Kap, then at me again. Then she stepped forward and stood beside me and looked at Kap again, or rather, stared at him.

I looked past Christine and saw Winnie staring at Kap too.

When Kap was in his uniform, he always looked imposing and striking. And women stared at him. Today was no exception. But somehow, today, it irritated me.

I turned to Christine. “Christine, meet Kap. I mean, Tres.” I looked up, met Kap’s gaze, gestured my hand to Christine and spoke, “Christine, the one I told you about.”

Kap flashed his Josh Hartnett smile. “Of course. Christine, also of HR, hi.”

Christine smiled back shyly. 

I turned to Winnie. “Winnie,” I said, and faced Kap. He looked past Christine and smiled again.

Winnie, who was staring at him, looked startled before she smiled back sweetly. Too sweetly.  “Kap as in captain.”

“Yes.” Kap grinned; his eyes were now glinting with amusement. Was he reacting to Winnie’s sweet smile?

Kap stepped forward, faced me and asked, “Can we go now?”

“Yes, but I’ll get my purse in the HR office,” I said, saw both Christine and Winnie still staring at him and changed my mind. I wouldn’t leave him alone with them. “You are paying, aren’t you? So I don’t need to bring my purse.”

His eyes crinkled in amusement, making me think that he read what was on my mind, when he leaned over and whispered in my ear. “You never fail to amuse me, Mikaela. I am definitely paying for our lunch. So shall we?”

Kap’s unexpected act, leaning close to me, brought a stifled gasp from Winnie. I turned to her and met her inquiring eyes. She, liked all the others, knew Carl. For two years, she saw Carl with me in the same reception area where Kap and I now stood. Somehow, I felt uncomfortable.

I nodded to Kap then turned to Christine. “Lunch out. I will be back at one.”

“Okay,” Christine mumbled.

Even before I made my first step going out, Kap’s hand was already on my elbow, holding me gently. I could feel both women’s curious gaze behind my back before I saw Eleazar, a silent witness, on our way to the door. He appeared like he was waiting for something while he looked at me.

I smiled. “Ely, meet Kap. He is an army captain.”

“Really? Pleased to meet you Kap.”

Kap nodded, smiled at Ely and raised his right hand. Both men shook hands.

Ely was polite, just like my brother when I introduced Kap to him, and I was grateful. Men were polite while women were curious, I thought in silence. And I dreaded coming back to this office after lunch with Kap. I was sure that questions would be waiting for me. About Kap. About Carl.

“Are you all right?” Kap asked, his eyes were probing, as he opened the door.

By now, I had acknowledged that he was somehow tuned to me and he would know if something was off. And he would instinctively play his role again, the man from Mars, fixing things for me. 

“I’m just surprised. You, being here.” I smiled to reassure him.

“I am sorry if I disrupted your work.” His voice was soft as he pressed the elevator. Going down.

“Hey, you didn’t. I was actually glad that you are here.” And I mean it, although not that part with Winnie and Christine.

He sighed as if he read my mind again. “I had to see you, even for a minute. I missed you. And my day won’t be complete if I don’t see you. ” He smiled, looking a little bit embarassed.

I stared at him, like seeing him for the first time, with my heart beating loud and fast, and I was sure that he could hear it. Then, I acknowledged it. That it would never stop. Me, falling in love with him every day, every time he did something I didn’t expect. I just have to wait for that one day when I would burst. Because my heart may not be able to take it. God! How I love this man.

[jezamae]

hi mga sis, sorry medyo delayed postings

ito lang muna ang post ko tonight but i will post other installment tomorrow

 

[jezamae]

hi sis jezamae..
thanks for the post..
hay, c kap ba un??
basta ill keep waiting for your post..
love it!

ayan sis, nasagot na tanong mo 

[jezamae]

hi sis jezamae! tagal ko na nagaantay ng update mo. even before i registered, i always check your story for updates. update naman please.. thanks!

ayan, sis, pinagpuyatan ko na 

sensya na at medyo matagal ha? although buo naman ang kwento since true story nga, medyo wala lang time isulat the past weeks

pero i can write na uli so expect the installments na the comings days and weeks

hope you like the next chapters. and medyo iiyak lang tayo ng konti ha? ayaw ko kasi baguhin eh. i wanted to write it talaga as it happened

[jezamae]

hay  shocks hehe thanks sis jezamae

you are welcome sis

hope you still read this story even if medyo matagal ang posts 

[jezamae]

super kilig sis!
can't wait for more kilig moments of kap and mikaela..

thanks po