"Lester okay na ba yung factory na rerentahan natin?" I said as I flip through the pages of Ara's sketch pad where her new designs are printed.

"Yes maam, ayos na ayos na. Yung mga workers, okay na rin sila, excited na ang mga mananahi natin na mag trabaho sa isang sikat na artista." He said and I chuckled before putting down the sketchpad.

"I like the new designs, but I would choose the deisgn 6 to 9, then 12 and 14. Add those to the designs I picked on the first set you showed me." I said and Ara nod before taking the sketchpad from the table.

"I will maam, I-compress ko lang po sila sa isang folder." She said and I nod before facing Lester once again.

"What about our supplies? Dumating naman na ang supplies sa factory Diba? And everything is complete and in good condition?" I asked and Lester nods.

"Yes ma'am, everything is in good condition and is complete. Walang nag kulang at mababait ang suppliers. Maganda silang ka trabaho." He said and i nods.

I sigh, "So.. we can start the business tomorrow, I guess? Right?" I said and the two nods.

"Sa pagtatahi palang po." Ara corrected and I nod.

"Oo nga pala, then after that.. we can start.. photoshoot diba?" I asked and Lester clapped his hands.

"Yes ma'am! Bongga 'yan! I'm sure magiging big talk talk ang clothing line mo lalo na't ikaw ang magiging model! Bonggang bongga!" Lester said that made me and Ara chuckle.

"Kaya nga dapat maging maganda ang quality. With Ara's beautiful designs, I'm sure people will like it." I said and the two nods.

"So.. nag lunch na ba kayo? It's pass 11 AM, lets call it a day and I'll just check the factory later." I said and Lester and Ara looked at each other.

"Maam.. I'm meeting up with my friends po kasi. I'll grab lunch with them." Ara said and I slowly nod.

"Sure, it's totally fine. I understand." I said and Ara nods.

"Ikaw Lester?" I asked, facing Lester's direction.

"Ahm.. may family gathering eh." He said and I slowly nod before pursing my lips.

"Its fine, I'll just order food. No worries." I said and the two nods. Ara started fixing her things and putting it inside her white tote bag.

"Una na po ako maam, eat well po." Ara said and i smiled at her.

"Sure, ingat." I said waving my hands. Before Ara could even leave, Lester started gathering his things as well.

"Una na rin ako maam, kitakits nalang bukas." Lester said and I just nod. He soon exited the room and silence filled the whole unit. I sigh and clasped my hands together before leaning forward and half of my body almost on top of the table.

I long sigh escaped my lips before sitting back straight. And looking around the room. Gladly, gladly the room is air-conditioned or else he would be dying in heat in here. New Yorks do have the cold breeze at some point, sometimes it gets hot as well. But the heat in  the Philippines is unbeatable.

I stand up from my seat and went to bedroom, laying down on my soft comfie bed. I like how the temperature in my room is just right, it's it's chilly but not too cold that I'll be freezing, but it's it's not hot that I'm sweating. 

I cover myself with the thick blanket and stare at the blank ceiling. I don't know what to eat, I don't know what I'm craving. Ali and Gwen have something else to do. They did informed me the last time we met since I became busy these days, focusing my full attention to my business. Though I eat with Ara and Lester during those working days. My condo became our office for now. But honestly, I can just ask my dad to give me an office in his company. Company that grew to these past years. Heck, I'm not even interested in his business since his business is about animal vitamins, plant insecticide and other agricultural products.

"I wonder what Jiro is doing right now." I said before picking up my phone. The last message I got from him was yesterday morning when he asked me if I want something from McDo since he's there grabbing breakfast and he know that I was in a jogging yesterday morning. And after I declined his offer, no other messages from him.

Which I totally understand and its totally fine. He have his job, and not an easy job actually. In his hands are life of many people, so he doesn't need any distraction in work. And I don't want to be that distraction, so I  only message him when I feel he's free and right now, I don't know if he's free or busy. But what I know right know is that I need someone's company and my parent's house is not an option today. I'm not in the mood to argue with my dad about marriage.

I pursed my lips and dialed Jiro's number. Maybe it's not bad to ask for some time from you boyfriend right? Hindi naman selfish kung ganun, wala naman masama specially I barely ask for time from him.

[Hey, something wrong? Need anything? May masakit ba sayo?] He immediately ask as he answered the phone.

My brows furrowed, "Grabe ka naman, ang dami mong tanong. Kung engineer ka ba itatanong mo sa akin kung kailangan ko ng bahay o lote?" I joked and I hear him chuckle.

[Kung nag engineer ako, igagawa na agad kita ng bahay.] He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Iba ang gingawa ng engineer sa construction worker." I said and he chuckled once again.

[So why did you call?] He asked and I pouted.

"Masama? Ayaw mo ba? Sabihin mo lang papatayin ko yung tawag.] I said and I hear him burst out laughing. Nasisiraan na siguro siya ng bait. Tawa na siya nang tawa.

[No, of course I like hearing you voice. You calling me is something I'm not used to. You barely even message me, nakakapag tampo ha.] He said and I chuckled.

"I'm just afraid to call you dahil alam kong busy ka." I said and I heat him hum.

[Okay okay, that's so sweet and nice of you.] I said and I just nod, pursing my lips.

"Busy ka ba?" I hesitantly ask.

[No, it's my day off today.] He replied and my eyes widened.

"Really!?" I excitedly asked and i hear his soft laugh from the other line.

[Yes, I'm here at my condo, cooking lunch, I'm sure you had your-

"Not yet! Hindi pa nga eh, wala akong kasabay, kaya nga ako tumawag to ask you para may makasabay ako." I cut him off, he didnt replied for few seconds, only few noises can be heard from the background, until he suddenly scream making me jolt up.

"Why? Anong nangyari sayo?" I worriedly asked.

[Wala wala, tumalsik lang yung langis.] He said and my lips parted a bit.

"So.. can I go there? Wala pa akong pagkain. Sige ka, magugutom ako." I said and I hear him burst out laughing.

[Guilt tripping I see, sige na, kawawa ka naman. Wala kang pagkain.] He said and a smile grew on my face.

"I'll be there in few minutes, abangan mo 'ko ha." I said,

[Huh? Nag pi-prito ako, sige ka masusunog itong fillet.] He said and I pouted.

"Okay okay, I'll be there nalang, you want something from resto or something?" I asked as I leave my bed.

[Ipagluluto na nga kita, tapos bibili ka pa ng pagkain sa labas.] He said and I chuckled before nodding.

"Okay okay, hindi na ako bibili, I'll be there quick." I said and ended the call. I grab my small, white tote bag, throwing my keys, wallet and phone inside. I put on my white, thin cardigan just to cover my white, thin shirt as well. I'm just wearing simple shorts, simple white shirt and the simple cardigan I put on.

I went out my unit and make sure I locked it. Just as I went down the lobby, I saw some media outside which made me rush down the parking lot. But heck, even in the parking lot, there's some media so I immediately started my engine and drive off. Making sure I didn't run through anyone.

At first few kilometers a media is following my car, but after I took several turn to the right, I lost them. I arrived at Jiro's condo building and I parked to the corner so the car won't be recognize by other people who lives here. I put on my mask and cap that is always isnide my car and leave the parking lot. I make sure to lower down my head as I take the elevator. I arrived at the floor and rush to the door, pressing the pass code Jiro told me. When the door opened, I immediately went inside and close the door.

"Para kang hinahabol ng isang batalyon." Jiro said as i lean on the door and start panting. I look at Jiro who's in his small kitchen, a cute grey apron wrapped around his waist.

"May humahabol kanina, buti nailigaw ko." I said before walking towards him, removing my cap and mask.

"Whats that?" I curiously ask as I peak behind him, looking on what he's cooking.

"Fish fillet, then I'll also cook steak kasi andito ka, then I made some sauce." He said as he stir the sauce he's making. I peak at the at the dining table and saw the fillet.

"The steak will be cooked in few minutes, mag sandok kana ng kanin if you want." He said and I slowly nod before putting down my bag on an empty chair and started preparing the table. I'm glad he have a separate plate for rice or other foods aside from the plates where we will eat. I walk towards s the rice cooker and get us rice and place place it the table. Soon he serve the steak and soon is the sauce.

"Ang cute naman ng mga gamit mo dito, I mean not cute but it has a scheme. You know, bagay sila sa ambiance ng condo." I said and he hums as he sits down in front of me.

"Nagpatulong ako kay-" he paused and look at me. I squinted my eyes a she suddenly looked tensed.

"Who? Kanino?" I ask, he look look me before gulping.

This guy is being suspicious for some reason. I am sensing something odd.

He shakes his head, "Wala wala, 'wag mo na isipin 'yon." He said and H shake my head before letting go of the utensils.

"No no no, tell me, kahit hindi na pangalan. Don't drop names, just tell me kung sino 'yon. Friend, co-worker, former classmate, ex, fling, what?" I said and he look at me with shocked eyes.

We became silent for few seconds before he suddenly burst out laughing which made me confused and furrow my brows.

"Laura, are you jealous? Don't be hun, don't be jealous to that friend of mine. Nagpatulong lang ako sa kaniya sa pag de-design ng condo ko and pamimili ng gamit. Nothing more, dont worry." He said giving me a genuine smile. I glared at him and crossed my arms.

"Dapat lang, cause you said years ago that I'll still capture your eyes with my faces on papers." I said before pouting, I saw him squints his eyes and lean forward.

"What.. were you talking about?" He asked and I rolled my eyes before picking up the utensils and start eating.

"Nevermind, since sabi mo na rin naman na don't worry, so I won't think about it anymore." I said and he chuckled.

"We're both avoiding that topic." He mumbled but I can clearly hear his pained voice. I pursed my lips and just proceed on eating.

It's starting, what Ali told me about. I'm not yet ready but since we got back together I know any time we can talk about the past and hear his grievance through the years. I know he have something to say. I know he have all the pain inside. Its impossible for someone to just forget all of those that happened in the past.

Even I, who broke his heart. Who broke up with him and had to lie about everything, even my own feelings. Kahit ako may gusto akong ipaliwanag. Kahit ako may hinanakit kahit ako ang dahilan ng lahat ng nangyari sa nakaraan. But I'm afraid of what are those things inside of me. Dahil gaya ng napapansin ng lahat, hindi ako magpakita ng kahit anong panghihina o kalungkutan sa mga panahon na tinapos ko ang kung anong meron kami ni Jiro. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang naipon sa loob ko.

We ate peacefully, or more likely, I ruined the whole lunch. He didn't utter any word but the atmosphere atmosphere feel awkward, but I do. I feel guilty that i ruined our lunch. Masaya siguro 'yon, baka nagtatawanan pa kami or at least the air feels lighter.

"I'll wash the dishes." I said as he place another plate beside the sink.

He look at me first and nod, "I'll just make us tea, then I'll just do something in my office, okay?" He softly said and I slowly nod. I carefully wash his dishes as he prepare our teas. Few minutes later I hear him place a cup on the table before walking towards his office.

When I finished washing the dishes, my tea is already cold and I was able to drink it in few gulps. I place it down the sink first and I'll just wash it once he's done with his tea as well.

I sigh and look around the place.

He's upset, even he doesn't say it verbally I know he's upset. The way he say his words to me and don't even looks straight to my eyes. I know he's upset. 

I bit my lower lip and walk towards the door of his office. And hesitantly knock on the door.

"Come in hun." He said and I slowly twisted the knob and peak inside. I saw him in front of his computer monitor.

I silently close the door , "Busy ka?" I asked and he shakes his head. I walk towards him and held the back of his  swivel chair.

"Buy you're working." I said and I hear him chuckle.

"Just checking few things." He said and I pouted.

"And you're upset." I said and he stopped typing which made me worried.

He turned around to face me and his brows furrowed, "I'm not." He said and I sigh, I felt his hand held mine before pulling me in front of him. A whimper escaped my lips as he suddenly pull me on his lap, hugging my stomach.

"Sino naman nagsabi sa'yo niyan?" He said behind my ears.

I gulped, "Kasi.. kasi I ruined our lunch, kasi ano.. I  bring the topic about-"

"Ssshh~ don't." He said as he burried his head on my neck.

"I'm not upset, hindi lang talaga ako sanay  na.. may kasabay kumain, dito sa condo, or.. someone washing the dishes for me, someone.. there for me." He softly said on my neck which immediately send butterflies in my full stomach.

"Lahat na 'to, bago sa akin, but I'm not complaining, having you at my side is the best feeling. And I won't let  you get away from me anymore." He said before removing his head from my neck and snatching a kiss on my cheek.

I pouted, "So gusto mo madalas ako dito? Para masanay ka?" I asked and he chuckled before nodding.

"Sure, ikaw bahala, I'm fine with every decision you make his. Huwag lang sa aalis ka ulit." He said and a faint smile formed on my lips.

I reach for his cheek, "Will never, dito na ako, dito na ako sa Pilipinas, dito na ako sa tabi mo." I softly said and he squinted his eyes.

"Sige, sabi mo 'yan, kunin mo na mga gamit mo. Dito kana titira." He sarcastically said and m eyes widened.

"Not that, hindi sa ganun. I mean, I'm here again, for you, to be with you. Pero hindi sa dito na ako titira at literal na hindi na ako aalis sa tabi mo. May kailangan nga akong asikasuhin mamayang 4pm." I said and he softly chuckled before nodding.

"Okay, now, since may pupuntahan ka pala mamaya, go take a rest sa kama ko. I'll follow after, mabilis lang 'to." He said and I nod before getting off from his lap and exiting his office. I went to his soft bed and immediately feel tired and sleepy.

I woke up with Jiro and his arms wrapped around me. I look by the window and saw that the sun is at the west and will set soon. I turn around and saw Jiro's peace sleeping facem some strands of his hair on his eyes that I of course removed. My eyes squinted as I noticed a mole on his nose. Meron pala siyang nunal doon? Hindi ko napansin, noon naman ay wala iyon. Siguro ay tumubo nalang.

"Jiro, Jiro? Hun, wake up, it's 4pm." I softly said as I slightly caress his hair. He opened his eyes and looked around that made me chuckle a bit due to his cuteness.

"Aalis kana?" He asked and i nod.

"Yes, now let go me go na." I said, pushing his hands away. He pouted and grip on my waist tighter which made my jaw dropped.

"Iiwan mo na ako?" He childishly said which made me burst out laughing.

"Jiro.. oh my God, I didn't know you have this side, please I need to go. Naghihintay yung mga workers ko sa akin." I said and his head snap up before nodding and getting off from bed.

"Sama ako.." he said before walking towards his closet, my brows furrowed as I saw him put on a jacket.

"You don't have to, just stay here. May shift ka pa ng maaga bukas." I said but he didn't even spare a glance at me and fix his jacket.

"Lets go," he said as he pick up his keys.

"I have my car with me." I said and he slowly nod, putting down his keys.

"Lets go," he said once again and I just chuckled before nodding, leaving his bed and picking up my bag and head out the bedroom.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" He asked in the middle of the ride.

"Sinabi ko na sayo yung address  diba?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Oo nga, what I mean is, what's this place ba?" He asked and I pursed my lips in embarrassedment.

"Warehouse, the workers will start working tomorrow. Bibisitahin ko lang sila, para at least makilala ko sila at makilala nila ako." I said and he slowly nods. He didn't asked further more questions and contibue driving.

We soon arrived at the small factory which I find perfect for a staring business. There's only 30 workers for now which for me is a lot already. The 30 workers are all present, so are the guards I hired because I also want safety inside. I don't want anyone to get harmed. Soem workers asked for pictures which I gladly accepted.

Even though I don't know anything about sewing or sewing machines. I did some check ups as well. I just checked if all are working fine and good. The workers said they already did some checks up already  and they said all of them are working. Narinig ko pang tinawanan ako ni Jiro that time kaya mas lalo akong nahiya. Who would start her own clothing line or fashion business ng walang experience sa course na 'yon?!

"Stop laughing." I sternly said as he place down the foods that just arrived from the delivery.

"Hindi naman ako tumatawa ah." He said, and i rolled my eyes.

"You were laughing kanina pa! Wala naman akong alam sa pagtatahi or the machines. But I fell inlove with clothes and fashion." I exclaimed and he suddenly burst out laughing which made me once again roll my eyes. 

"Nakakainis ka." I said before crossing my arms.

Habang inilalagay niya ang mga pagkain sa lamesa ay siyang utay-tay na rin na paghina ng tawa niya.

"Sorry, ang cute mo kasi kanina. That's why I was laughing. But I'm not laughing dahil hindi ka maalam sa machine." He said and I rolled rolled eyes before taking a sip of my drink.

"I support you and your future business. Kung pwede nga lang na maging model mo gagawin ko, pero siyempre joke lang 'yon." He said making me chuckle a bit.

"I would support you with all my will. Ibubuhos ko lahat ng suporta sayo, higit pa sa suporta ko sayo noon."

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