Chapter 3 3

Winter Pov.

SPG R-18

After Christmas passed, we traveled back to grandma's province on the twenty-seventh of December. We celebrated the new year there, I didn't allow ashong to come with us because I also wanted them to get along well. Besides, it's better for his family to be with him in the new year than us, he didn't even insist. He understood me and I also told him that we will also return home after the third of January.

Like I said, it was early that morning when grandma and I left Manila. I wanted to leave grandma in the province but she didn't agree. The reason for this is that he will talk to the buyer of the house. That's what grandma and mom talked about. After graduation, I will take the board exam still here in Manila. I will wait for the result and when I pass, we will head back to the province.

I told this to Ashong. He didn't object either because the place where I was was not far, he said he could drive there in just two hours.

I laugh every time he answers that. Because I told him, I prefer to teach in the province. Where I studied before because I loved that school so much, I learned almost all the lessons there. And I will never forget where I came from.

"How many days do you practice?" we were in the living room when grandma asked. It took us six hours to drive home from here, it was eleven o'clock when we got home and we were talking about the graduation practice.

At the end because it's the graduation of all of Fatima, we took some courses at the same time and they were there as well. I was a bit anxious that day, I just didn't get to practice today because it was time to go home. Also about our graduation fee, at all costs. Ashong answered all of this, no matter how much I tried to stop him from paying for it. In the end, he also talked to my advisor himself.

"About two weeks, the remaining days we will prepare for it." Grandma nodded.

"So, is the party here?"

I shrugged my shoulders. Because mom wanted us to eat at a restaurant, and because it was expensive. I suggested to cook at home, grandma agreed with what I said. But since it's my graduation and it's supposed to be celebrated, we have to eat at a restaurant. I still don't agree with that, which is why grandma is asking now.

"It's because mom wants to go out to eat. It's fine if it's just a simple feast."

Grandma nodded. "Where are you comfortable, grandchild? But I also thought that it would be better if we could go for a walk outside."

"Do you want to go for a walk?"

"It's possible too, so you can take Elena and Henry around here in Manila."

I laughed. "It's really grandma, it's like I've memorized manila. We might just get lost."

"Is your boyfriend Philip, won't he come here that day?" I thought and froze, we never talked about that day. But it is certain that he will come here, just in case. It's also his graduation and they will probably celebrate that as a family.

I couldn't answer grandma's question. I thought that he might get back together with Erica, but I should have nothing to worry about because Ashong told me that he has made up his mind to not like Erica. I just can't stop thinking about mrs falcon, how can I talk to her properly if every time I look at her she makes me suffer.

I held my breath. "Philip might be busy that day, our business and education graduations are at the same time."

"It's a pity, we could have gone for a walk with him because he must have memorized the city."

"We can go for a walk, someone knows that I've been around the mall. Let's just go there in the end."

"That's it, then. Call elena later and tell her your decision." I nodded to grandma, she said goodbye that she would just put away her dirty clothes so I was left alone in the living room. I messaged Ashong this morning that we were going home, I received a reply from him but I lost cosignal on the bus so my reply was only sent today.

ASHO.

• "Six hours before I received your reply, did you fall asleep on the bus?"

That's the message I received today from him. I was about to reply to him but I stopped when I saw his name on my screen, he was calling. I quickly answered that before leaning back on the sofa, as far as I know. He should be at practice right now. And tomorrow at twelve o'clock is their free time to call. But you can insert the cell phone if you don't want to be distracted from what you are doing.

"Have you come home yet?" that's what he said immediately after I answered the call. I didn't hear any other voice on the other line, I still expected there to be noise because he was at the gym at this time.

"It's been almost half an hour, I just rested."

"Looks like my baby is tired, huh?" I laughed at what he called me, no matter where I could talk to him. He's too mischievous to squeal.

"No, I've heard your voice." I did not immediately receive an answer from him. I think she might be holding back a smile and I can almost picture her look now.

"Why are you suddenly surprising me?" that's what he answered after his silence. My response was only laughter because even his voice was filled with excitement.

"Where are you now?" I have a different question in the conversation.

"Why? You miss me already?"

"Yes."

There was a momentary silence again. It was only a few seconds before I heard him cursing softly on the other line.

"I think you are too good at answering today, winter? What prize do you want?"

"Only you."

"Sh*t. I can not take it anymore."

"Where are you?"

"I'm only in your heart, winter."

"That's very corny, man. Answer properly." he laughed instead of answering. I don't think he's really at the gym today. Didn't he practice?

"You really want to see me? Tell me."

"Yes, that's why I'm asking where you are? You are still laughing."

"Gosh, I'm just petting you. You make me so excited, I feel like I'm going to kiss you later."

"Tch." I crossed my legs and leaned back even more. I didn't fall asleep on the bus because I was just dizzy, even though I wanted to sleep earlier. I couldn't do it because my interest was getting the view of every place we passed earlier.

I just feel that it's good to go on a road trip.

"I'd like to go for a walk today while I'm not at rehearsal, would you?"

"Going for a walk? It's fine with me, where do you want to be?" that was his immediate question. I would like to take grandma with us because she said she wants to go for a walk, I will first ask if she wants because she might be tired earlier on the trip.

"It was just grandma, she asked if we could go for a walk with mom at the end here in Manila."

"That's graduation, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"I'm okay." I frowned.

"Isn't there a celebration at your house?"

"I don't know, they weren't talking about my graduation. So I'll just go with you."

"Per---"

"The decision is final." I stopped and looked up to hear his voice behind me. I even blinked because I hardly realized that he entered and reached my back without making any noise. "Hi, miss me?" My mouth opened slightly as I leaned my head against the couch. He bent down and quickly put his lips on mine, my eyes remained wide open because of what he did. It was only a few seconds that he pulled away, smiling at me before I returned to my sitting position.

"W-why are you here?"

"I want to see you, winter. Is that still being asked?" he turned around to sit next to me. He pressed the end call on my screen to end the call we had earlier, I was staring at it because his smile was strange. Or maybe, I just can't get used to his good looks because every time I see him, I'm amazed at how old he is.

"Oh, what is that look again? I guess you're undressing me?" I thought about it causing him to laugh. "I'm just kidding, where's grandma?"

I hesitated. "In the room."

"Are we going out?"

"I'll ask first if he wants it, maybe because he's tired."

"Then, we can go for a walk if he doesn't come. We'll just buy him food." I glanced at her again, I didn't want to leave grandma here because we just got back. I want to stay at home while I'm not too busy with practice. "And I already have stickers, I brought it yesterday. I know you're coming home, didn't you say you'd help me design my room?"

I raised my eyebrows. "How about your mommy?"

"Mommy wasn't home today, she went to a gathering with daddy."

"Really? How can I be sure that your mommy is not there? I don't want you to fight again because of me, and you know he won't want to see me with you."

He sighed. "He's not at home, he wasn't there yesterday."

I did not give a word to what he said. Grandma also came out of the room and immediately approached us.

"Are you here son?" ashong stood up quickly to guide grandma. He sat across from us after Ashong gave us a hand.

"I missed your grandson." I elbowed him because of his answer. But he didn't even notice that, instead he was still smiling at grandma.

"You talk on the cell phone often, don't you?"

"It's different because I can talk to him personally, see and touch your grandson."

Grandma shook her head. "Why are you so early? Isn't today practice day?"

"I went home after breaktime, because winter texted me." I looked at him, I widened his eyes because I think he was still blaming me for why it was only half a day of rehearsal.

"It's my fault why you're lazy?" he messed up my hair.

"I'm not lazy, I just really want to see you. Tomorrow I will work hard because I am there with you."

"Our seats are different, ashon."

"We can stay aside, it's up to me."

"Tsk, don't make up your mind." I stood up to end that conversation. I asked if he wanted something to drink or a snack, of course he wouldn't refuse if I offered.

Since grandma and I brought something to eat from the province, I put it on the table next to the coffee Ashong wanted. I sat next to him again while he and grandma talked.

"Because I'm not free now, the buyer of this house will come. Maybe before lunch, he will be here." I frowned at what grandma said. It seems ashong asked her out, but that's what she said so I'm wondering.

"Is the buyer in a hurry?"

"No, it will provide an advance payment. He will divide the amount we discussed for the transfer of his name and so that he will not pay so much in the end."

I nodded.

"Do we have to sell the house? It's a shame." I would have agreed with what ashong said. But grandma will have something to use for the money she will get from this. She knows that the flower farm is weakening, the number of tourists going there is decreasing, even our flower buyers have decreased.

Grandma intended to build a small bakery in the province, dad was skilled at kneading bread. Mama is good at baking, just like grandma, she's also good at baking. I think I learned everything about making bread from them.

"My grandson will live in the province, and this house. My husband just remembers, I just feel sad when I'm here."

Grandpa came to my mind again, because grandpa was a big manila and only visited the province during the times they met. Grandpa worked here because he had his own studio, but that studio was also sold when grandpa got sick and was hospitalized with cancer.

"What will happen here at home? Will it be demolished?" Grandma nodded at Ashong's question.

"The buyer will turn it into a car wash and volcanizing shop, he also lives here. Because there aren't many car washes in this area, that's what he plans to build."

"Is this house really going to disappear? I might miss it." I did not respond to what Ashong said. If only we had enough money, this house would never sell. I don't know why the flower farm has become sluggish since I went here. Mama has also reduced workers because they can no longer pay them enough wages.

"Business in the province is too weak, but I have no intention of closing down and selling the land of the flower farm. I grew up there and made more good memories there than in this house." My chest was heavy when grandma said that. I know how he valued the farm, he risked more than his life and sweat to make it flourish. And now that he's slowly falling, it's like I'm being crushed, crushed that there's nothing I can do because I can't help them.

We waited for said grandma's buyer to arrive before we said goodbye to leave. He told us that if we wanted to go out, it would be just the two of us. And because the couple who will buy the house are nice and I already know them. We also left after I prepared them a snack.

Ashong wants us to go straight to their house, because he is excited to show the stickers and glow in the dark stars he bought. I didn't object because I really like the design of the room, and because of Ashong's excitement. I was infected with his joy, we went through the market of food streets near them. He said that ashong missed eating street food so he bought it and we brought it home to their house.

As he said, mrs falcon was not there when we got inside. Nanny Corazon greeted us now, obviously having just finished cleaning.

"Is your practice over?" ashong nodded.

"Yes, did mommy come home?"

"Not yet, are you going to eat here?" ashong shook his head at the old man's question.

"We have bought some food, eat now."

"Later, I have to go to the market because of Angelina's instructions."

Ashong winced. "He is giving you many orders again?"

"It's not that heavy, I'll make the driver feel bad."

"Sure, you really need someone with you. That might be a lot of lists."

The lady smiled because of Ashong's concern. He said goodbye to leave and if we wanted anything, we should just go to the kitchen because there was food prepared there.

I nodded with a smile after he said goodbye to me. Ashong immediately led me up to his room because he was in a hurry to show me the things he bought yesterday.

"Is it OK?" I nodded. He bought moth stickers that I really admired. His are more beautiful than mine because the ones he bought look expensive, this guy is too expensive that even the ones that glow in the dark scream beauty.

"Where did you buy those?" I asked, looking at the other stickers he brought out.

"At the mall." after it answered. He took out a large plastic. My mouth dropped when I saw its contents as he placed it on the bed.

"W-are you really printing?"

He nodded, those were two large pictures containing my solo photo and one with him.

I swallowed because I was just thinking that mrs falcon would see this, her head was getting hot. I don't think I can stick it in his room.

"B-maybe, you can just put it in the bathroom." he winced at my suggestion.

"Tsk, why in the bathroom? What's that, while I'm taking a shower I'm looking at you? Maybe I just can't take a bath." I glared at him.

"Don't stick that anywhere, it's embarrassing!"

"This is my room, winter. If you don't want to stick it, I'll just do it tonight. When you're gone." I closed my eyes before letting out a long sigh.

I didn't even complain about what he wanted. Whatever it wanted, that's all I did. Where he wants to put these ornaments, I no longer object. He had a good taste in where to lay it, so I almost sweated even though what I was wearing today was not that thick.

Mom bought it in the province, it's a dress and I really like it because it's simple. He is buttoned up in the front, he is cream in color and his eye color is delicious.

"Let's eat first." he said to me as I finished a few stars on the side. I nodded, I got off the bed and approached the table where the food was, I was about to taste the orange egg when I was suddenly stopped by a voice coming from out.

Because the door was open, mrs angelina's voice was now calling her child's name loudly.

"Ashton?" I swallowed and was stunned while hearing the footsteps of his heels. Because of the nervousness, I couldn't move if Ashong didn't pick me up. He was about to run to the bathroom but he turned and opened his making cabinet on the side. He let me in there in a hurry, even standing next to me before finally closing the door.

Because its cabinet is so big, it can fit five people. This is not the only cabinet here, he has his own closet room on the other door where all his things and clothes are.

"Are you there?" mrs angelina is already inside because we heard her steps. It was quiet outside for a while because he obviously noticed the stickers there. I cursed in my mind because it's a good thing those pictures of mine haven't been pasted yet. Because ashong said, it's just tonight when I'm not there. "What is that boy doing?"

We heard his footsteps leaving the room, I swallowed before he called nanny corazon who still hasn't come.

"I didn't know she's going home today." I glared at him, I didn't think I would hide a mother because she didn't want me for her child. But I'd rather hide here than have him see me in this room, maybe he'll think of something and suddenly drag me out.

"I'm just going to check her." I grabbed his t-shirt, shaking my head.

"Later, he might be angry. Fight again." he didn't answer, I didn't want to personally witness and hear their argument. I know that they will talk about me again and that might be the reason for their argument.

"Are you afraid? Mommy won't fight you in front of me."

"Then why did you bring me in here?"

He laughed. "I didn't know what to do, I was confused because you were sweating."

"I was sweating because of what we did, that's it."

"We did? we haven't done anything yet. You just stick the stickers."

"What's that called?" I struggled, because there was a hole in his cabinet. I could peek outside his room, his room door was completely open. I don't know if mrs angelina is still outside and is still looking for this man.

"But you're wet with sweat, it's air conditioned." it's true that I'm sweating, add the tension to the sudden arrival of mrs falcon. I almost had a heart attack.

"Who wouldn't sweat if you were locked up here?" I struggled, gathering my hair to lift it up. I fanned myself but it was really hot.

"Let your hair down." I frowned because he removed its accumulation. He avoided looking at me while sweat was really dripping down my cheeks.

"I'm getting hot here inside your cabinet, you can take me into the bathroom, ashong. Why is it still here?"

"Because it's close to here, and if I'm still there I'll run. Mommy will see us."

"Then why are you forbidding me to twist my hair?"

"Because your neck." I blinked. Because of my neck? My neck is sore. "Your too hot while doing that, your neck is beautiful!" I swallowed.

That was his reason why he pulled my hand down. He used to see my neck, what's his problem?

"We're too close, I've been wanting to kiss you outside for a while now. You are doing a lot of things, then now. I'm tempted to touch you."

My mouth fell open. I couldn't say anything because the words coming out of his mouth were really straight. His eyes hit my lips when he glanced at me, he bit his lip before closing his eyes.

"It's not forbidden to kiss you, is it?" I can't answer because I don't know how to answer his question. He also came to me and did what he wanted to kiss me.

It brought me closer to the back of my neck, causing us to be very close. I grabbed his arm because his kiss today was like the night before. Hot and sweet, thirsty as if eager on every part of my lips.

He leaned on me again and turned his head at a different angle. With the softness of his lips, you will be able to respond to every gesture of his kiss. It was as if everything that happened earlier was nothing and it was erased from my mind.

Catching my breath from his kiss, he managed to pull away from me to give me air. But his lips, it just likes to spell my neck. I don't know if I'm getting hot from sweat or just because of the heat of Ashong's body.

I didn't think I would create a moan as his lips pressed against the center of my neck. His caress on my whole body is strange, I am carried away and I like every movement of his hand and lips.

It grabbed the top of my button to open it. At the same time as opening a button, he lowered his lips there. One by one, he unbuttoned the lower part of my button until my body was half naked. I moaned when he kissed my left breast, I tightened my grip on his sweating arm and I was slowly getting carried away by what he was doing.

My whole body is wet with sweat, but what he does to me doesn't change the heat I feel inside the cabinet.

"Dvmn, baby. Your gorgeous." I swallowed when our eyes met. Ashong's bright eyes are strange, which makes my body feel even hotter. He bit his lip and stared at half of my body again.

I know I'm blushing now, but I don't make a whimper even as he kisses me again. This time, I knew we were in a different scenario if this continued. But why is my whole system like this, I love everything he does.

There is no complaint or objection from the whole part of my body even when it caresses the lower part of my femininity.

My eyes literally rolled, I thought there was a limit to everything he was doing. But there was something even greater than the strange feeling I would experience.

"You're really wet, not just sweat." that's what he whispered that made me close my eyes even more.

***********