Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12 I'm going to Uno's office again with the adobo cooked by Ate Tes. I arrived there with Ate Diane who was his secretary. It looks like it"s in its mid thirties and super sane yet. I call her ate because she told me to, besides she is older than me. We became close. I greeted him and he returned and smiled. "Is Uno inside?" I ask here. "Yeah it's just there, but there's still someone to talk to." He replied. I nodded and put my bag on his table first. I decided to wait here outside first since I don't want to disturb Uno. Ate Diane and I were just chatting when the double door in Uno's office suddenly opened and it spat out the familiar face. Our eyes met and its smile faded. "Jessica? Hey we meet again." Energetic said it and walked closer to me. So he was Uno's previous business partner. "Oh it's you Loui. What are you doing here?" I also smile words here. He's Uno's friend if I'm not mistaken. "Work. You?" He replied. "I'm bringing food to Uno." I spoke to the slightly lifted carry. "How sweet of a girlfriend you are." Smiling it said to me. I felt like all my blood went to my face. I remember what happened the other day. "Asus, I'm going to go to that one." I just said goodbye to him. "Okay see you around." It was the last word and I winked before leaving. I was just shaken. Loui is nice, unlike his friend who is full of hatred. I also found out he works here as the COO of Sebastian Inc., according to Ate Diane. But something is bothering me about him. That guy's familiar face keeps on bugging me as if we met before. Especially when he did that wink. It fells like he already did that to me. I just can't remember where and when. Louigi Nikiforov. Even his name sounds so familiar. Hmmm. And then and idea popped out in my mind as if a lighted bulb. Gosh how fool of me. Lougi Nikiforov, I remember him. He's my highschool crush! I was in junior high and he was my senior back then. But that was a secret. I didn't even tell my friends about it. You know, I'm a type of person who likes to keep little shitty things by myself. Especially when I found out it was abroad after graduation. What a small world again. I really thought we wouldn't meet again, but my boss turned out to be his friend. Just kidding, my crush then is now a friend of my crush. Oh diba hanep. I just smiled at the thought. I lost my smiles when I saw Uno and his expression was dark staring at me. I suddenly felt nervous. What's the problem with that? "First there you are-" I didn't finish what I was going to say when I heard him squeal and then threw the door shut. I barely jumped because of the force of its blow. I frowned and followed him. "Hey what's your problem?" I asked him after I went inside. I put down the container. He turned to me and spoke. "You. You're the problem," he sighed then pointed at me. I looked at him confused. "Me? Are you hurting and you're so angry?" I see him clench his jaw. "I saw you flirting with that bastard. Did you enjoyed it?" He was drunk and looked at me as if my guilt was too great. "Ha? What are you saying? I didn't flirt with Loui and I'm not enjoying it any more!" I told him. What is gotten into him? I'm just talking to Loui. Flirt right away? The OA? "Don't deny it! I saw you with my own eyes!" I sighed as he raised his voice. An idea suddenly entered my mind. Don't tell me, "Yes, you saw it, but we're just talking. Is that forbidden? Oh, are you jealous?"
I noticed that he was easily taken aback, but he immediately returned the anger to his face. "No way, why would I get jealous? I just don't like sharing what's mine."
It said and averted its gaze. I narrowed my eyes at him. I'm not used to being just claimed. "FYI we're just pretending to have a relationship so you don't own me." I said calmly with the matter of fact. He smirked and walked the distance between us without breaking his stare at me. My feet involuntarily stepped backward as if sensing an incoming danger. He leaned so we were equal. "You're already mine since the day you agreed with that fvcking plan." Smiling she said and crushed me with a passionate kiss a second time. ***** I am here today in a park near the subdivision, with Black and Viana. Because Manang Rita suggested that I take a stroll first for exercise. I finished all my work so I agreed. The fun is here. It's my first time here though. Many children play with their parents or nanny and there are also magjowangs picnicking under the trees. My cheeks turned red as my eyes caught sight of a couple kissing. PDA much? It reminds me of what happened yesterday. Shoot that was the third time he kissed me! And I don't regret it. I looked at the sky. It's four am so I'll be home soon. I sat on a bench sheltered by a large tree.
I stared as I watched the two dogs barking. They're a couple now. Tangna, diba hanep ng dalawang to. They better have a lablap, me? Here and it's complicated. "Viana where are you going?" I called the female dog because it suddenly ran away from me due to my accidental release of her leash. I immediately followed him with Black who was already in my arms. It is going to a dense part of the park where there are no people and only trees. What is this dog's trip? Fortunately, his rope was tied to a branch so I picked it up.
"Are you planning to leave? Huh?" I talked to him. I was about to stand up when my eyes caught sight of two familiar creatures. What are Dos and Frizzy doing here? I immediately hid in a tree. It's bad to eavesdrop but I'm really enticed to listen. "Dos, stop me. You know how I love your brother so please, get over me already." Frizzy said as if she's so done. "You know I can't. If you love kuya then damn! I'll make you forget him!" Dos exclaimed. I sighed because of what I heard. Gosh I can't believe this.

"Where are we going?" I asked Uno who was driving with a frown. It's just annoying, because I've been asking him questions before but I'm just like air. Echapwera ang peg ko tss.

"Are you dumb there? Also answer when you have time." I warned him but he still did not answer.

I heaved a deep sigh.

I felt defeated. Fine I won't speak anymore. I just folded my arms and faced him. I stared at it for a few minutes and examined its every move. I noticed that he was suddenly born. His jaws tightened and his eyes were restless as he glanced at me. What's his problem again?

I just shouted when he stopped the car without hesitation. I almost kissed the wind shield, it's good to have a seat belt.

"Are you planning to kill me ?!" I scolded him in shock.

"If you don't want to die then quit staring at me. I'm driving for heaven's sake!" He said.

"I wonder if my stares have an effect on you." I whispered to myself and adjusted the seating. He didn't say that he was distracted when I stared at him. This is really Uno, he also has a crush on me, he still doesn't want to admit it.

"Tss." He just promised and pulled the car over again. I just bit my lip and focused my attention on the road when he suddenly stepped on the break again. My eyeglasses were slightly removed so I fixed it right away. I almost had another heart attack because of what he did.

"Putragis oh, what's your trip?" I was irritated when he turned around. I could see his grip on the steering wheel tighten.

"Don't bite your lips." He said with his stoic face at me. I raised one eyebrow.

"Why? Are you distracted again?"

"Hell yes! You look ugly, you look engot." My eyes widened because of what he said. Wtf? Me? Engot? I darted a death glare and he then turned his attention outside the window. I'm not in the mood to blame his shamelessness.

*****

He took me to a botique slash salon supposedly owned by auntie Feli. We went inside and Frizzy's irritated face greeted us.

"Hey baby." He greeted Uno warmly and kissed him on the cheek. Immediately my vision darkened because of what he did. That bitch is really getting into my nerves!
Good thing Uno pushed him softly to avoid. I could see the frustration on his face so I just smiled. Serves her right.

"What brought you here?" He said then I was filled with irap. Tsk, his eyeballs are delicious.

"We will be attending a party this evening and I want you to fix her," Uno said then looked at me. So this is why he brought me here. Frizzy stared at me from head to toe with one eyebrow acred.

"This will be difficult. Are you sure? I can go with you instead." She stated as if I had no hope of getting better. Like wtf? I'm beautiful ah. This one is blind.

This bitch.

"I'm the one with you, aren't you, why would you insist on it yourself?" I spoke to him full of sarcasm and also clung to Uno's arm. I'm a bitch too, if you're not informed.

Frizzy was stunned by what I said. I grinned at her which made her even more annoyed.

"You witch-"

He was about to kick me when Uno suddenly grabbed my wrist and pushed me away in front of Frizzy.
"You're wasting time." Its promise. I looked at his appearance he was obviously bored.
I just looked at the witch and wrote it down.

I didn't have a hard time choosing clothes, with the help of the staffs here. Uno left for a while when someone called him. I didn't want him to leave here with his witch cousin in case he said, it was very important then so I didn't do anything.

After a while the fix on me was also over. I looked in the body sized mirror and was impressed by what I saw. I was wearing a red off-shoulder gown with a slit on the side. My short hair is just loose. They also attached silver earings and a silver necklace matched with also a silver purse. Everything is glamorous. Obviously expensive.

"You're beautiful, ma'am." Praise me the woman who introduced herself as Sarah. She did my make-up.

"Trulalu, look oh the gown I chose is just right for her." Queenie, the fagot who fixed my hair and clothes, promised.

I smiled at them both. "Oh no." Embarrassed I said. The two just laughed at me and said goodbye to me. I thanked them and headed to the lobby as well. I'll wait for Uno here first because he hasn't returned yet.

I heard the sound of heels approaching me. I looked over there and found Frizzy with a raised eyebrow.

"That's gorgeous." She sarcastically uttered and sat down on the sofa opposite me. I turned to him and frowned.

"Excuse me?" I promise.

"I bet Uno will pay for that. You're not ashamed either." He added that my blood was boiling.
The nerve!

"Are you kidding? I didn't ask for it. Do you want him to set you free too?" I replied and give her my sweetest smile. I noticed he looked sour so I suppressed my own laugh.

"No thanks, I can afford. Unlike you." He also reciprocated to me and plastic smiled. Really poor!

"By the way, days have already passed why aren't you still doing what I said?" He said more and his face became serious. I immediately lost my smile because of what he said. I sat up straight. I already knew what he was referring to.

"Ah, is that it? I'm sorry to disappoint you but I won't continue that." I said he was annoyed.

"What? You're really bad. You're that hungry for money huh. I guess I don't have a choice. I'll tell Uno about this." She said threatening me. I want to laugh because of what he said.

You're dumb Frizzy, go and try telling Uno about me doing his plan.

"Okay, good luck then. You'll be fine." I just told him. He just stared at me.

Our conversation was interrupted when Uno arrived. He paid for my clothes and we left.

*****

We arrived at a five star hotel where the auction for children with cancer would be held.
Uno raised his elbow when we got out of his car. He was wearing a black tuxedo that made him look good.
He noticed that I was nervous, so he gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled back at him and put my arm around him.

I felt people staring at us as we walked the red carpet. Of course, what else am I wondering? I'm with Uno Sebastian, one of the most successful business men in all of Asia. I tightened my grip on Uno because of the tense around me. Why is there still a red carpet, only Grammys peg?

The heavy businessmen appeared as soon as we entered the hall. They greeted us- I mean Uno and greeted them.

"Mr. Sebastian, it's nice to see you here." The old Chinese man said and shook hands with Uno.
"Nice meeting you here too Mr. Zhong." Uno replied. The old man looked at me.

"You got a lovely lady here with you, is she your girlfriend?" This promise and sticky look at me caused me to be lonely. Uno seemed to notice that so his face immediately frowned. He did not answer Mr. Zhong and brought me to a table.

"Damn why are you wearing that?" He says. I sense a hint of regret from his voice.

"It's my choice so I have no choice." I answered when we sat down. A few rich people approached us and talked to Uno. I was out of place so I just sipped the wine served in front of me.

I focused on drinking when someone suddenly touched me. I turned to see who it was and saw Loui with his silver tux smiling at me.

I smiled back at him. "Hi Jessica, you're gorgeous tonight," he greeted me. He was about to approach me to scold me when Uno suddenly shook him.

"Fvck off, Nikiforov." It was salty and wrapped its hand around my waist. Only now did I notice that the people he was talking to had disappeared.

Loui just laughed at him. "Relax dude, I'm not going to kidnap your girlfriend." It spoke and raised both hands as if defeated.

"You should, or I'll cut you into pieces." Serious promise of it once swallowed the wine. Our attention went to the stage when the emcee spoke.

"A pleasant evening to everyone. Thank you for coming here in this charity event and giving us your golden time despite the busy schedules. We are very grateful of your kindness and generosity to our young ones who are suffering with cancer and barely needed help. "

Kindness my ass. Not everyone here is willing and wholehearted to help. Others are here just to smell their names or pay attention to the big shots. This is business world, nothing new.

I rolled my eyes across the hall. Often people don"t listen and just talk to their business partners a.k.a friends. Others are making deals or getting the attention of famous business people just like the one next to us who has been teasing and making Uno cute before. But there is something genuine in listening.

I just kept looking around with my eyes wide open.

Shit.

I froze when I saw the familiar figure of two people focused on the stage. It was as if my eyes were fixed on them because of the nervousness I felt. Mr. and Mrs. Arcus are here! My parents are freaking here!

What will I do? What if they see me here? I want to subdue myself. How fool of me, of course they will come here. Mom loves donating in charities. I need to get out of here.

I immediately touched Uno who was just quietly drinking wine. Fortunately, I got his attention right away. He turned to me and spoke.

"What?"

"U-Uno." I said trembling. He seemed to notice what I was doing.

"Are you okay?" There was a hint of worry in his voice. I gripped his arm tightly.

"Let's go home." I said softly to him frowning at him.

"Huh? It's not over yet-"

"Please? I want to go home," I interrupt him saying. He sighed.

"Fine." It said and stood up.

"You look pale." He said as we made our way to the parking area. "H-Ha? Uhm I feel bad." I excused myself and averted my eyes. I still feel cold and nervous. He stared at me for a moment when we got to his car. I feel worse. Does he know I'm lying? I was so grateful when he shook his head slowly and got into his car first. I followed. "I'm sorry you didn't finish the event." My word. It's embarrassing. He even made me over and then I was the one who invited him to go home immediately. Why did I forget that my parents were going there. You are really stupid Jessica. It's a good thing Uno isn't angry. "Not a problem, besides I hate how those perverts look at you. You're too hot for that place." He said. I immediately felt the warmth of my cheek. The lone Uno Sebastian said I was hot. I just bit my lip so hard. "How's the auction?" I asked calmly. "I already donated ten million for their fund. I guess that's enough. I don't need the items there." He answered. He's right. He has no interest in antiques and expensive items. The charity only needs donations. "So let's head home." He added and immediately pulled over the vehicle. Uno was just quietly driving. I was busy scrolling through my social media account when I read an article about a meteor shower that is supposed to take place today. And yes I have a social media account but I don't use my face as a profile picture to stay hidden. I made out of boredom. I don't do anything when the housework is done. I peeked at the sky out the window to see the weather and thank God it's not cloudy. "First, let's not go home first?" I said to him. He turned to me for a moment. And spoke. "I thought you're not feeling well." "I'm fine." I said with a thumbs up. He frowned at me and I just returned the rise below my two eyebrows. I noticed the small smile flashing on his lips. "Fine. Where do you want to go?" He said and looked back at the road.
I told him where we were going. When we arrived, I immediately pulled him out to sit in front of the car. "What are we going to do here?" He asked. "Watch the meteor shower." I simply answered and looked up at the sky. It's ten twenty-five in the evening and he said there ten thirty the shower would start. "There now?" He asked. "Yes it says there in what I read earlier." I answered while still looking up. I've really loved watching events like this since I was a child. I even have stargazing tools at home because of this. Mommy said that if I wished for the shooting stars, it would come true. And I live with that belief until now. Uno turned around and silently looked up at the sky. The boss of his face. I didn't realize that I had been staring at him for a long time so I was startled when he suddenly spoke. "It's starting." He said at once pointing to the sky. I immediately looked up and he was right. I can already see the falling stars. I just smiled in amazement. The view was so comforting. It was as if I forgot for a moment all my problems. I closed my eyes and asked. I only have one wish. I hope all the pretensions between Uno and me are true. Then I looked up and looked at Uno who was gaping. Just cute.
"What are you waiting for? Make a wish." I promised the obvious person next to me who was also very surprised. He laughed softly and gave me an unbelievable look.
"You believe in that?" Question it. "Yes. You don't?" I asked back to him. "Only kids think those things are true." He answered as if it were the most pointless question he had ever heard in his entire life. "I'm not a kid. Besides, Mommy said, it really comes true when you wish for a shooting star." I defend my belief. I know the truth that the shooting star is really just a rock but I still hope for it. Just like a fool. "Seriously? How could a meteor grant a wish? It's just a piece of rock. Don't you know anything about science?" He stated sarcastically. I immediately looked at him. I didn't know that he would reach science because of this. "You don't really believe? Even when you were young?" "Yeah, when I was five but I read books you know." He said straight to my face. I can't help but be bored. Yes, I'm stupid. I'm the one who doesn't like to read. Is it my fault? Of course not. I just prefer fashion over reading. "But you don't lose anything when you wish, do you?" "Yeah right. I'll do it." A smile of success drew on my lips when it agreed. What will Uno's wish be? I hope he has more money? Or will he lose all his competitors in the business? I'm curious. "I wish to stay with Jessica forever." I was shocked to hear his words. What? I immediately looked at him and our eyes met. Its face was just serious as it looked at me. "H-Ha?" Only words that came out of my mouth. I felt the rapid throbbing of my chest. Everything I heard from him was clear. I just can"t believe he said that. "Do I have to repeat it?" He said while still looking at me. "D-It should be a secret k-cause-" "That won't come true if you don't know." He said with the matter of fact tone. "I like- no I love you Jessica Valdez." It adds. It was as if I had lost oxygen throughout my body due to nervousness. Uno naman eh. Are you planning to kill me? In the thrill? "P-How do you like me?" Finally, those words came out from me. I really mustered up the courage to ask him. I'm not his type and I'm just his maid. Impossible really. "Who knows? One day, I just woke up wanting to protect you, desiring to see your smile and aching to have you." I can see the sincerity on his face. He took my hand and I immediately felt like electricity from there. "U-Uno." "Jessica, I know I am a jerk to you. I've treated you badly since the day we first met. But can we take this pretend thing into reality?" He said while holding my hand. I'm speechless. I just stared at him as I forced my brain to process everything he said. Is this all true? The speed seems to have fulfilled my wish. It didn"t even take an hour that it came true immediately. "It's okay if you don't say anything right now." He said as if disappointed and averted his eyes. None of myself smiled and turned my gaze back to the notes. "Do you know what I asked for?" "What is it?" "I hope all the pretensions between Uno and me are true." I told him and he turned around with a smile. He just stared at me as if what I said hadn't sunk into him yet. "And I think it's coming true." I added more. I immediately saw his genuine smile that melted my heart. It immediately approached me and pressed my lips with a kiss. It's not like before. His kisses are gentle and so reassuring. I can feel it, his feeling for me. It's overwhelming to the point that I want to cry. I just can"t really believe it. I thought I could just live with this unrequited love but I didn't.
I just made the one and only Uno Sebastian, my boss fell for me. "So, are you my official girlfriend now?" He asked breaking the kisses. "Yes." I answered happily. To be continued...