Undercurrent
Avery's Point of View
Two months later and we were still playing the roles we assigned ourselves. In the calendar we were partners. In the boardroom we were professionals. In hallways we were neutral.
The rules were simple to say and hard to live. Every weekly sync came with a version of him that knew how to enter a room quietly and let the work take the center. Every site visit came with a moment when I would catch him studying a blueprint then look up like he could hear my steps before I made them. I told myself it was nothing. My heart refused to sign that memo.
Sa loob ng dalawang buwan, sinunod namin ang kasunduan. Walang sulyap na mahaba. Walang kwentong personal sa harap ng team. Walang tanong na tumatagos sa balat.
Pero sa tuwing magsasalita ako tungkol sa shelter targets or classroom timelines, ramdam ko ang tahimik na pagtitig niya na parang sinusukat hindi lang ang proyekto kundi pati tibok ng puso ko.
Kapag may presentation ako, nakikita ko siya sa dulo ng mesa, nakapamaywang ang kamay o kaya nakaayos ang necktie niya na parang walang mali, ngunit sa sandaling magtama ang mata namin, may kumikirot sa loob na hindi ko maipaliwanag.
There were small incidents that tried to argue with our boundaries. A shared taxi from a flooded site when the rain ruined our schedules. A late night email that turned into a quick call that turned into a pause where no one wanted to hang up first.
A volunteer day where he carried sacks of seedlings like they weighed less than the months we had been surviving, then handed me a bottle of water with the label peeled back the way he always did when he was thinking too much. Wala namang mali sa mga iyon.
Pero hindi rin sila inosente.
They were threads. Thin. Persistent.
Dumating ang buwan ng team building. We planned a full week away with the entire company because the last quarter had chewed through everyone's patience. The agenda was half workshops and half play. I liked that balance.
It kept people honest. Nakaayos ang logbooks at itineraries. May sampung van sa labas. Maaga ako sa opisina, naka-sneaker at oversized shirt, handa sa logistics at chaos.
"Ready na ba ang lahat," tanong ko kay Yen, ang manager na naka assign sa event.
"I think so, Ma'am," sagot niya. "Pero may isa pa po tayong hinihintay."
"Talaga ba, Yen. Ang daming naghihintay," sagot ko habang sinusuri ang headcount sa tablet. I checked drivers, room lists, med kit inventory.
"Sorry, I am late," said a voice behind me, calm like he owned the clock.
Napalingon ako at halos mabitawan ko ang tablet.
"Hi, Avery," he added, like it could pass for casual.
Elliot.
Oh my gosh. The lobby air thinned. Several women near the door forgot how to blink. He wore a light linen shirt, sleeves rolled, and the kind of sunglasses that made even the security guard glance twice.
"What are you doing here," I asked with an eyebrow that could file a complaint. The room went quiet in that funny way offices do when gossip arrives wearing cologne.
"We're having a summer break, right," he said with that dry tone that lives somewhere between playful and provoking.
"Sorry, but this summer break is only for me and my employees," I replied, still polite but already drawing the line.
"Sorry rin," he said, smile almost not a smile.
"As one of your company's partners, I have every right to be here. Remember. We signed a collaboration contract. So let's go." He walked straight to the most comfortable van, the one reserved for me. Nakakainis.
Umakyat ako at pumasok sa loob. He had already stretched out across the wide back seat like a cat who knew where the sun lived.
"Excuse me, akin ang van na ito. Ako lang dapat ang nandito," sabi ko nang diretso.
"Naunahan na kita. Ako na ang nakaupo," he replied, amusement in his voice like he wanted to see how far he could bend my rule without breaking it.
"Alam mo, nakakainis ka," sagot ko habang sinisingit ang maleta sa likod at tumabi sa kanya dahil wala nang oras para makipagtalo. I sat with my back straight and my arms folded like a shield.
"Tatabi lang naman," he whispered, leaning just close enough to make the seat feel smaller.
"Eh hindi lang naman tabi ang nagawa natin dati, 'di ba." That grin. I swatted his arm hard enough to count.
"Tse. Pwede bang maging careful ka sa sinasabi mo. Baka may makarinig," I hissed, eyes flicking to the partition where the driver pretended not to hear.
"Mas mabuti na iyong alam nilang taken ka na," sagot niya, very comfortable, shades still on like a dare.
"Sino nagsabing taken ako," I fired back.
"Last time I checked, may ibang nanliligaw sa akin, and I think gusto ko rin siya. Kaya please, grow up." I knew what I was doing. I wanted to see if he would blink.
His hand tightened into a fist then relaxed. He did not answer. The tension in his jaw said enough. The van rolled out and the city became highway.
Tahimik ang biyahe. At hindi masaya ang tahimik na iyon. Parang bulkan na matagal nang hindi pumuputok. When we stopped at a gas and convenience store, I told the driver I would grab supplies.
"Wait here. May bibilhin lang ako," sabi ko, sabay baba. I walked the aisles and let my hand pick things my mouth did not need. A pack of Marlboro Red. A lighter. A couple of bottles that promised a heavy night if I wanted one.
Pagbalik, pinasuyo ko sa driver ang ibang bote. Elliot stepped down and took the cigarette pack from my hand like it had personally offended him.
"Are you smoking," he asked, voice flat and serious.
"May problema ba r'on? Matanda na ako," I said, chin lifted.
"It will hurt you," he said without flinching.
"This is not what you were taught to do. Get back in the van." He nudged the pack back into my tote, then opened the door so I would move first. I did not thank him. I did not fight him either. I slid into my seat and stared out the window. He mirrored the silence.
I fell asleep somewhere between the low hills and the turn where the sea appears. Pagkagising ko, marahan ang boses niya.
"Gising na," he said, hand hovering near my shoulder but not touching. The vans rolled into a coastal resort with long white buildings and a view that behaved like a screensaver.
I hopped down and called the teams to attention.
"Everyone," I announced, voice bright for the crowd.
"For one week we own this hotel. Puwede kayong mag enjoy, pero every night may party at may games at may cash prize. Spend the afternoon however you like. Kita tayo mamaya sa pool area." Cheers rose like confetti and scattered across the lawn.
I collected my suitcase and felt the weight of too many outfits I would not wear. Paakyat ako, nadaanan ko muna ang office ng resort owner for last minute coordination. The room keys were bundled with small lavender sachets that smelled like evenings I could sleep through.
Pagpasok ko sa room ko, napangiti ako. Malaki. Maaliwalas. May balcony. Lavender ang amoy ng banyo at may bath bombs sa basket. Heaven. I locked the door and let the suitcase rest by the armchair. Hinubad ko ang lahat at pinalubog ang sarili sa bathtub, warm water waiting like it had been briefed on my stress. I slid lower until the water held my shoulders. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly. Finally quiet.
Then the water shifted under me. Not the small sway of a body settling. A rise. A presence.
"WHAAAAAAAHHH," I shrieked as something moved from the far end of the tub.
"AHHHHHH," came the second scream, deeper and very male.
Umahon ang ulo sa kabilang dulo ng bathtub. Hair is wet. Eyes wide. The mouth is open. Si Elliot.
"Elliot!" I yelled, scandal and fury and disbelief in one breath, arms crossing over my chest while I tried to decide if I should throw a bath bomb or the entire faucet.
He blinked, shock fighting with a grin that knew it should not exist.
"Hi," he said, coughing, water sliding down his face, voice half apology and half caught in the comedy of the moment. "This is not what it looks like."
"Talaga," I snapped, cheeks flushing for reasons that had nothing to do with the heat.
"Because it looks exactly like trespassing." I grabbed the towel from the rack with the reflexes of a person who refuses to be the punchline and wrapped it tight around me before I said anything else I would need to retract in a staff memo.
He lifted both hands out of the water as if he could surrender while sitting in a stolen bath.
"Maintenance said this suite had a double entry to the tub. I was testing the water for you," he tried, then grimaced because even he could hear the stupidity.
"Okay. I came to talk and I did not expect you to already be here. My key worked and I thought this was empty."
"Get out," I said, calm now, the kind of calm that makes grown men move.
"Copy," he answered and stood, which made me slap a palm over my eyes and then point at the door with the authority of an airport marshal.
He reached for the spare robe hanging on the hook, tied it with a knot that did not match his usual neatness, and stepped backward onto the rug.
"I will be outside," he said in a voice that remembered boundaries a second too late. "No rush."
The door closed behind him and the bathroom filled with the shape of my laugh, half horror and half relief. I sank a little deeper into the water and let the absurdity melt some of the anger. Then I sat up, squeezed the ends of my hair, and told the mirror in my head to behave.
I dressed in a loose white shirt and soft shorts and let my skin drink the lavender from the steam. When I opened the door to the living area, he was there on the couch, robe traded for a tee and joggers, a glass of water in his hand, gaze parked firmly on the floor like a man who had learned when to pretend furniture was fascinating.
"Explain," I said, arms folded, not unkind, just very precise.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay," he answered.
"You looked tired earlier. I did not plan the tub." His mouth twitched, then straightened. "I swear."
"Next time knock," I said.
"Or text. Or use the invention called patience."
"Duly noted," he replied, then glanced up.
"Are you okay," he added, softer.
"Fine," I said, and felt the truth sitting under the word like a small stone. "We have a week with everyone. No stunts. No bathtub surprises. Be a good partner. Leave first."
He stood, nodded once, and headed for the door.
"Yes, ma'am," he said, then paused with his hand on the knob.
"For the record," he added without turning,
"I picked this room for the view. You deserve a view." He stepped out into the hall before I could decide what to do with that sentence.
I locked the door and leaned my forehead against the wood for a breath that lasted longer than it needed. Then I straightened, checked the time, and started building the evening in my head. There would be a party by the pool.
There would be games and laughter and coworkers in neon floaties. There would be another version of him somewhere in the crowd, following every rule we had written.
And there would be me, the woman who can run a company, lead a team, and keep a heart from sprinting even when the day keeps offering reasons to run.
Nagbukas ako ng maleta at pumili ng two piece na kulay deep emerald, malambot ang tela at may subtle ribbing na kumakapit sa tamang lugar. The top lifted and shaped without trying too hard, wide straps that framed my shoulders, soft curve that met my sternum like a quiet line.
The bottoms rose just right on the hips, high cut enough to show length, snug enough to feel secure when I move. 'Pag isinuot ko, the mirror caught the angles and the curves I worked for. Strong legs from morning runs. A waist that leaned in after planks and patience.
Arms with a hint of definition, feminine and ready. I smiled because this body is the result of choices that honored me. After surgery, workouts, and disciplined care, look at me now. I look healthy, alive, and fully mine.
Nag solo spin ako sa harap ng salamin, hair in a loose bun first, then I let it fall to see which mood the afternoon wanted. Kinuha ko ang sheer cover up na parang ulap, kinabit ko ang maliit na anklet, at nag lagay ng sunscreen na may mabangong citrus. I added lip balm, slipped on simple gold hoops, then checked the fit again.
"There is no way you are going out wearing that," sigaw ni Elliot mula sa banyo, nakatapis, basa pa ang buhok. Apparently, roommate pala kami dahil sa mix up ni Manager Yen at sa kakulangan ng rooms.
"Oh, do not act like my dad," sagot ko habang sinasalpak sa tote ang phone, sunblock, shades, at straw hat. I reached for the cover up but did not put it on yet. Choice ko iyon.
"Change it," sabi niya, galit ang utos, mata matulis, kamay nakapamewang na parang bouncer.
"No. Ano bang problema mo," balik ko, at dahan dahan kong inalis ang kamay niyang humarang sa pinto, shoulder to shoulder ang banggaan, hindi malakas pero malinaw.
"Strike one, Avery. Do not make it three or you will regret it," sabi niya, sabay hagis ng towel sa rack. The towel hit with a heavy thud that sounded like a warning.
Umalis ako. Pakialam ko ba. Vacation ito, hindi warzone. Naglakad ako pababa na parang runway ang hallway, chin up, shoulders loose, steps steady. The afternoon light scattered across the pool like coins.
Nang dumating ako sa pool area, naroon si Kiefer, naka loose linen shirt at shorts, nakaupo sa daybed, shades nakataas sa ulo na parang may sariling antena.
"Hey sexy," bati niya, malaki ang ngiti.
"Hey psycho," balik ko, sabay tawa. Nag-close the gap kami, quick beso sa magkabilang pisngi, tapik sa balikat, at isang maliit na spin para ipakita ang swimsuit na parang fashion check lang. Na miss ko siya. Halos isang buwan ko na siyang hindi nakikita dahil sa rounds at therapy schedules niya at sa tour ng mga site ni Yuki.
"How are you and Yuki," tanong ko, kilig tease on purpose. The rumor mill has been busy and honestly it suits them.
"We are good. Medyo pagod siya," sagot niya, kunwari inosente pero halatang may ibig iparating. Kumindat pa nga, eh.
"Kadiri ka," sabi ko, sabay subo ng fruit skewer na may mangga at melon. "Drink your water or I will pour it on you."
"Bossy," he laughed, then did as told, one full gulp para hindi ako mabadtrip. He waved to a server for extra towels then draped one on my chair like a gentleman.
Sa gilid ng paningin ko, nakita ko si Elliot. Nakatayo sa may bar, walang shades, diretso ang tingin sa amin. He said something to the waiter, low voice, clipped words, and pointed at our table.
The waiter nodded and moved with speed. Elliot signaled for a different umbrella angle, asked for fresh ice, and pointed to a separate bucket of bottled water. He also spoke to the lifeguard, short instructions, then shifted to the concierge and signed a slip.
The man loves control when he is nervous. It showed in the way his shoulders set and the way his fingers drummed once on the counter before stilling.
"Here," sabi ni Kiefer, inabot ang isang towel sa akin. "Dapat hindi mo ini expose ang katawan mo. Nakakadilim ang araw. See, I am a gentleman."
"Luh, gentleman daw," sabi ko, sabay kalto sa kanya gamit ang bote ng sunblock.
"Ayan, brain protection. Baka ma sunburn yang utak mo."
"Aray, SPF forty five sa utak, love it," tawa niya. He dabbed a little sunscreen on the tip of my nose like an annoying kuya. I swiped a line across his cheek in revenge.
"War paint," sabi ko.
"Kung war paint yan, kailangan ko rin dito," tukoy niya sa noo. Inangat ko ang bote at nag drawing ng maliit na smiley face bago ko agad pinahid.
"Gagi," tawa niya, sabay takbo ng konti palayo, then balik para magbow na parang clown sa stage.
Nag roll ako ng eyes pero hindi ko mapigilan ang ngiti.
"Behave," sabi ko. "We are in public."
"Yes, ma'am," sagot niya, sabay salute with a towel that almost hit his own face. "A for Avery. A for Authority."
May dumating na tray mula sa bar, courtesy of the man glaring across the tiles. Sliced fruit, sparkling water on ice, and a small bowl of almonds. The waiter placed them neatly
"From Sir Elliot po," bulong niya. I sucked in a breath and looked away. Gratitude is complicated when pride is awake.
Then it happened. A glass somewhere on the bar cracked against tile, a clean sharp sound that cut the chatter. Tumahimik ang pool. Lahat napalingon. Elliot stood still, eyes locked on me. His face was controlled, but the muscle in his jaw told a louder story. He set his drink down, lifted his hand, and raised two fingers without a word.
Strike two.
"What are the rules again," bulong ni Kiefer sa akin, half teasing, half concerned.
"The rules are mine," sagot ko, eyes still on Elliot for one more second before I turned back to my lemon water and took a long drink.
"And I am not breaking them." I placed the glass down slowly and reached for the towel Kiefer had given, then draped it over my shoulders like a cape, not to hide, but to say I decide when to cover and when to shine.
"Good," Kiefer said in a softer voice.
"You look happy when you decide." He bumped his shoulder against mine, small, friendly, enough to reset the scene.
"Now, game. Ten feet race to the deep end and back. Loser buys halo halo."
"Deal," sabi ko, and I stood, tied my hair in a high ponytail, then dropped the towel on the chair.
I felt the sun kiss my shoulders, the water call my name, and the eyes at the bar learn that I will not be managed by a number of fingers in the air.
Then I ran, dove, and let the pool take the heat out of the afternoon while the week began exactly the way I wanted.
With my choice.
With my laugh.
With the water carrying the weight that does not belong to me.
49Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWdxT6kRAt
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