Chapter 5 - Bad Man

KHIANA's POV

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Thursday na ngayon at hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang susuotin ko sa 'Dinner Date' namin ni Ryker. Hindi ko alam bakit nga ba ako aligaga. It's just for dinner! Pero kahit na! Ayoko naman mapahiya. I found out that La Vie, the restaurant, is a luxurious restaurant. I need to look presentable.

Napasalampak ako sa higaan ko. Ang hirap mag-isip ng susuotin ha! Nakakastress sobra.

Nakatulala lang ako habang nakatingala sa kisame ng biglang tumunog ang phone ko na nasa side table. Agad ko naman kinuha 'yon at tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawag.

It was Tiffany!

"Sissy!" bungad ko sa kanya.

"Khiana! Kumusta ka diyan?" masiglang tanong nito sa akin.

"I am doing fine! This place is as good as how you described it. Ang dami kong gusto ikuwento sa 'yo!" sabi ko sa kanya. Tiffany is like a sister to me. Kaya kumportable ako na sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ng tungkol sa buhay ko, whenere it is good or bad. She's a very great listener. "Nakaka-miss ka talaga!"

Narinig ko na tumawa siya. "Don't worry, sissy! Magkikita na rin tayo next week."

"Ha?" E next next week pa ang alis ko sa Vista Verde ah.

"Pupunta kami diyan ni Thalia! Sasamahan ka namin. Oh pak! Saan ka d'yan!"

Napatili ako sa excitement. "Omg, sissy! I am so excited. Na-miss ko kayong dalawa! Gusto ko na rin maka-bonding si Thalia."

"Need din talaga namin ng daughter ko ang beauty rest. Vista Verde is the perfect place for that!" sabi niya sa akin.

"E kailan ba kayo pupunta?" tanong ko.

"Basta next week, sissy. Surprise na lang sa 'yo!"

Humalakhak naman ako. "Ikaw ha! May nalalaman ka pang pa-surprise!"

"Basta be ready! Anyway, mauna na ako. Alam mo naman at tambak ang trabaho dito sa office. Nakakasira ng ganda. Kailangan ko tapusin muna mga paperworks ko para makapunta ako ng Vista Verde ng walang ibang iniisip," sambit niya.

"Okay, sige. Ingat ka, sissy!"

"Stay safe as always too, sissy!"

After my call with Tiffany, ay nakita ko na may message ako.

From: Ryker

See you tomorrow!

Bigla ko na naman naalala ang problema ko. Kailangan ko nga pala na maghanap pa ng isusuot ko. Binigay ko ang number ko kay Ryker bago niya ako ihatid sa hotel. Kaya 'eto at nakakapag-text siya sa akin. Bago pa ako makapag-reply ay tumunog ulit ang cellphone ko. Another text from him.

From: Ryker

I'll fetch you around 7 o'clock in the evening.

Nag-type naman ako ng reply sa kanya.

To: Ryker

Okay... see you!

After he saved me, hindi na gano'n ka-awkward kaming dalawa. He seemed calm and not pushy. Feeling ko ay medyo naging close na rin kaming dalawa kahit paano. I just realized, he's not that annoying.

Mabilis na lumipas ang oras. Surprise, Friday na!

Hindi ko alam bakit ba kinakabahan ako. Huminga ako nang malalim at pinakalma ang sarili ko. 'It's just dinner... It's just dinner...' I kept saying that to myself.

As I got ready for my dinner with Ryker, I couldn't help but feel anxious. After he rescued me from drowning, I wasn't sure what to anticipate, but I knew I owed him something after that. I went for a classic little black dress paired with black cone heel shoes in the hopes that they would be appropriate for the event. All I think is that I needed to be presentable. Baka kasi kapag pumasok kami sa restaurant ay bigla akong harangin ng guard kasi hindi appropriate ang suot ko.

Naglagay ako ng konting make-up. Hindi super bongga ang make-up ko. Light lang at pa-sweet girl. Nire-remind ko lang ang sarili ko na dinner date lang naman ito. Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang biglang tumunog ang phone ko. I have a message from Ryker.

From: Ryker

Hey, Khiana! I am here in front of the hotel.

My car is a black Mustang. I'll wait for you.

Agad naman akong nagmadaling lumabas dahil nakakahiya naman sa kanya kung paghihintayin ko pa siya. As I saw him I couldn't help but feel a bit scared by him despite the fact that he looked really dapper in his suit and tie. He looked amazing in his casual clothes. But, he looked more dashing in his formal attire.

"Khiana, you look absolutely stunning," he said to me while smiling at me in a way that caused my heart to skip a beat.

I responded with "T-Thank you," despite the fact that I was apprehensive.

"Welcome."

"Kanina ka pa ba naghihintay?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"No, not really," he responded.

Nang makapasok kaming dalawa sa kotse, siya na rin ang nagsuot sa akin ng seatbelt. We're both quiet inside the car. Few minutes later, nasa harapan na kami ng restaurant. Just by the outer design and architecture of the restaurant, it already screams 'expensive.' I've never been in this kind of restaurant. Levis never took me to places like this.

"Pasok ba tayo? Tanong nito kasabay ng paglahad niya ng kanyang kamay na agad ko naman tinanggap.

"Okay." Maikling sagot ko.

Pagpasok pa lamang namin ng La Vie ay halos mabulag na ako dahil sa kinang ng lugar. From its gold chandelier, blinding lights, expensive musicians playing songs, the different glow of the people, and the food. This is really beyond what I am used to.

"You're a bit tense. Are you okay?" Ryker asked me with a small smile on his lips.

"A-Ahh... I have never been in a place like this," I said honestly.

"I am glad I am the first one who brought you to a place like this," he replied to me. "I'll make sure to make this worth your time."

After being seated, Ryker helped me get settled in by pulling out my chair as we were escorted to our table. Even though it was just a little thing, it really made me feel special.

While we were perusing the menu, I couldn't help but have a few uncomfortable moments. I was at a loss for words, and Ryker seemed to pick up on the fact that I was uncomfortable.

"Huwag kang kabahan, Khiana. Just may relax." He laughed as he explained that this gathering was not for business purposes. "It's not a business meeting. So, loosen up a little bit."

I gave a grin and saw that I was beginning to feel more at ease. After placing our orders, we immediately began chatting about various aspects of our life. When I found out that Ryker had a love for cooking and that he gave his time on the weekends at a shelter for the destitute, I was taken aback.

"So, what do you do for a living?" I asked him.

Nakita ko na bigla siyang natigilan at namilog ang mga mata niya. But then, after a few seconds, he gave me a smile. "I never thought that you'd be interested in that," he said.

"I'm just curious. Gusto ko lang makilala ka nang kahit konti. Baka mamaya illegal pala trabaho mo, mahirap na..." Matapos ko sabihin iyon ay awkward akong tumawa. "Joke lang! Peace tayo."

He shook his head and laughed. "You have a point. But, one thing is for sure, Khiana... I am not a bad man. Kaya makakahinga ka na ng maluwag," pabirong sabi niya.

"So, ano nga ang work mo? Saan ka nag-college?"

"I graduated from De La Salle University and I studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology," he answered.

"Wow! Very elite!" I said in a shocked voice. "What course?"

"In La Salle, I took a Bachelor of Science in Applied Corporate Management, and then in MIT, Business Management related course. I stopped but I'm planning to continue it soon," he answered calmly and very detailedly. So, I knew he's not lying in his answers.

"I graduated from the University of the Philippines, accounting course."

"You're working?" he asked.

"Yes, office job. How about you?" I asked while slicing the steak that I ordered.

"Well, I own some businesses," he answered.

Interesting. "What kind of business?" tanong ko pa at uminom ng tubig.

"Like Vista Verde. I owned this place," he said.

Napabuga ako ng iniinom kong tubig. I know that this is super gross but... I was shocked by his answer. Agad naman niya akong inalalayan. "Excuse me, what?" I asked. Baka kasi mali lang ako ng narinig.

Tumawa siya. "What?"

"Y-You owned Vista Verde?" tanong ko sa kanya habang namimilog ang mga mata ko. "Are you serious?"

He laughed. "I won't gain anything from lying to you, Khiana."

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya at tinitignan ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya. I am looking at him as if I am saying, 'Are you for real?' Nang mapansin niya ang kakaibang klase ng pagtitig ko sa kanya ay tumawa lang siya.

"I am not joking," he said in a serious tone.

"Then why?"

He raised his left eyebrow. "What do you mean, why?"

"Why did someone like you... asked me to have dinner date?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Why not?"

"Huh?"

"I mean... you're pretty. You caught my attention so why not?" he answered. Nagkibit-balikat din siya bago niya ibalik ang attention niya sa pagkain.

"I never would have guessed that about you," I remarked, honestly amazed by what I had just learned about you.

He said with a smile, "Well, I don't exactly fit the stereotype of a ruthless businessman." He stopped for a while to drink.

Then I suddenly asked him again. "Now, let me ask you. What brought you here in Vista Verde? You're in a vacation or handling your business?"

He stopped for a while and then looked at me intently. "None of the above."

Kuumunot ang noo ko. "Ano?"

"I am here because I am running away."

Running away? From what?

"What about you?" he brought back the question to me. "What brought you here?"

Natigilan ako sandali sa tanong niya sa akin. Para bang biglang nag-flashback sa utak ko 'yong mga nangyari bago ako pumunta sa Vista Verde.

"I-I'm..."

"Hmm."

I smiled bitterly. "I'm running away too..."

"Interesting..." he said.

But, he didn't add anything after saying those words. We discussed a few topics such as our passions, and our aspirations for the future. But, we never talked much about our family. I just learned that Ryker's family is also a business owner. I was surprised to find that I was able to be more open and honest with Ryker than I had anticipated being. I had no trouble communicating with him, and it was clear that he was truly interested in what I had to say.

Ryker gave me a grin as we were finishing up our lunch and stared at me with a glint in his eye. "Khiana, I want you to know that tonight was fantastic. Would you be interested in going for a walk?"

"Walk?"

"Yeah... There's a small lake behind La Vie. It's one of their attractions here."

I gave a little nod while simultaneously experiencing feelings of both nervousness and excitement. For some reason, excited to go ako makita ang lake na tinutukoy niya. Sinabi niya sa akin na may ilang tao na binibisita talaga iyon at hindi madilim doon. The owner of La Vie made sure that people would enjoy the lake even in the evening. As we stepped out into the street after leaving the restaurant, we took in the pleasant feeling of the evening wind.

When Ryker grabbed for my hand while we were walking, chills immediately ran up my spine. We carried on with our conversation, but it was clear that there was a simmering tension between us.

"You told me that you're running away too. You know, I'm curious... When I met you in the club, you're drunk. Then, you're crying and you told me that men piss you off—"

I cut him off. "W-What?"

Biglang nagkulay kamatis ang mukha ko. Ano bang kahihiyan ang pinaggagawa ko? This is so ridiculous!

Then the smile on his face faded away. "Tell me, did someone hurt you?"

Natahimik ako.

Umiwas ako sa kanya ng tingin. "Y-Yeah, but that didn't matter anymore."

"Khiana, I have something to tell you..."

Napalunok ako. "What is it?"

"I like you."

He likes me?

"W-What? Why?" I asked, confused. I wondered if there's something admirable and likable about me. "W-Why me?"

When I peered into his eyes, I felt my heart start to accelerate. The way he looked at my eyes felt like he awakened something inside me. I am embarrassed, excited, and nervous at the same time. I don't know how his stare could make me feel that way.

"I've liked you ever since I laid my eyes on you..."

"Ryker..."

He moved closer to me. Closer and closer. Just an inch away. I can feel his heavy breathing.

Ryker pushed in closer, and he was able to finally kiss him. My chest felt like it was about to explode from the delicate, tender kiss that he gave me. As we started to move away, I could feel the heat of shame rising up my cheeks.

After a few seconds of kiss, siya mismo ang humiwalay sa akin. Nang magtagpo ang mga mata naming dalawa ay bigla akong nakaramdam ng pagkabog ng dibdib. Napakabilis na para bang hinahabol ako. I gave a curt nod while trying to hide my little embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Khiana. I-I..." he continued, staring at me with compassion in his eyes as he spoke the words. "I'm sorry if I made you feel awkward. It wasn't my intention."

I said, "It's not that," although I was feeling a little bit agitated. "It's just... I wasn't prepared for that," I said.

Namula ang pisngi ko. I can't deny it... I also liked the kiss. It's not that bad and it's not against my will. Kaya lang, parang ang bilis ng pangyayari. Sobrang bilis na para bang dumaan lang iyong hangin tapos... Voila!

Ryker laughed, seeming relieved. "Well, I hope that it didn't come as too much of a shock to you. I simply couldn't resist."

Napalunok ako. "Hindi ko lang inaasahan," sabi ko sa kanya.

"Gusto mo na ba bumalik sa hotel?" malumanay na tanong niya sa akin. He cleared his throat and said, "Medyo malamig na rin. Would you like to go inside the restaurant or... in my car?"

Binigyan ko siya ng maliit na ngiti. "It's okay. Siguro sa kotse mo na lang para makabalik na rin tayo sa hotel."

Ryker accompanied me to my car as we called it a night. But when we are inside his car, I could see that he's trying to lift the mood. He kept on saying sorry for the kiss even though I said it's fine.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Khiana," he said to me while smiling warmly at me. "It was a lot of fun, and I hope we can do it again sometime."

I smiled. "Sure..."

I was about to leave but I remembered something.

"We're already even. I kissed you, and you kissed," I smirked.

He chuckled. "Sure, if you say so..."

Maybe, mali nga talaga ako ng impression sa kanya. He's not that annoying. And he's not a bad man—that's based on what he showed me. I really hope he's not.

"Can I call you? Or maybe, text you?" he asked.

"Depends," I teased him.

He laughed. "I see..."

Before we called it a night and before I went inside the hotel, I asked him. "Why do you want to call and text me?"

He smiled and answered.

"Because I want to get closer to you, Khiana..."