Arctic Heart [#Wattys2018 Winner]

Chapter 4

Chapter 4
Personal Number

"I'll be your Architect," I reenacted what Jace told me, trying to mimic his voice last night before I squealed.

Abrielle narrowed her eyes at me as she watched me fall over again for Jace.

"He really did say that?" she couldn't believe what I just told her. "You're not just being delusional?"

"Yes, he did. And I'm not being delusional," I said and crossed my arms. Minsan ay panira talaga siya ng kasiyahan ko.

Ngumiti naman na siya nang malamang hindi lang ako nagiging ilusyunada at gumagawa-gawa ng storya.

"Then, what happened next?" she asked, now curious.

"He told me that he will bring his portfolio at our company to see his works. He wants to prove that he's credible to be the Architect because he has the skills and talent, and not just because he is an acquaintance," kwento ko at kinuha mula sa taas ng drawer ang business card ni Jace. "He also gave me his business card. His phone number and email address are written here. Plus, the telephone number of his firm."

Mula pa kagabi ay tinititigan ko na ang kaniyang numero na nakalista dito. I already saved his number on my phone but I still don't know if I should contact him first.

I badly want to text or call him but I don't want him to think that I'm still obssesed with him. I don't want to make the first move especially, if it's uncertain if he will reply or answer my call. I don't want to look pathetic.

Buong araw ay pinag-iisipan ko kung paano ko siya tatawagan o papadalan ng mensahe sa paraang hindi nakakapanghinala na gusto ko lamang siyang makausap. But since he's going to be my Architect, I think it's only okay to text or call him.

"Why didn't you invite Abrielle to eat dinner with us?" tanong naman ni Daddy nang kumakain na kami ng dinner.

"She'll be having dinner with her boyfriend, Dad. It's their daily routine," I answered.

"Looks like your best friend has a stable relationship already. I'm waiting for yours, darling," makahulugan namang ngumiti si Daddy sa akin.

When we were still in New York, he often asked me about my relationship status and I always disappoint him everytime I say I'm still single.

He wants me to have a serious relationship already. It's impossible because that man I want to be in a relationship with doesn't want me anyway. Mukhang matagal-tagal pa ang hihintayin ni Daddy.

"Hindi pwedeng magka-boyfriend si Zarina ng basta-basta lang at ng walang maibubuga sa buhay," bigla namang pagsingit ni Mommy. "I want her to have a relationship with a refined and honorable bachelor."

"That's for your daughter to decide, hon," sabi ni Daddy kay Mommy.

Mom raised her eyebrows before she grinned. "Dadaan pa rin naman sa atin ang lalaking magiging kasintahan niya, mahal ko. Kaya nasa atin pa rin ang desisyon."

I bit my lower lip but I have no fears. There's no doubt that Jace's a refined and honorable bachelor. He is Jace Lael Sarmiento Sy for God's sake! He is the son of Joshua and Lyrae Sy; grandson of Sean and Cassandra Sarmiento.

Ang pinagmulan niya palang ay katakot-takot na ang maipagmamalaki sa buhay at nakagawa na ng matatanyag ng pangalan sa industriya. Paano pa kaya ang mga sarili niyang nakamit, 'di ba?

"We have business partners who have sons that will be the heir or already handling their company, Zarina," Mom turned to me with a smile. "A CEO or a President of a company isn't a bad choice for a guy to be in a relationship with."