His Broken Pieces

Chapter 5

Huminga ng malalim si Bree para pakalmahin ang naghuhuramentado niyang puso. Dumuble ang kaba niya noong nakaharap na niya talaga si sir Jax at nakita sa mga mata nito kung gaano ito kagalit sa kaniya. Nag-aapoy iyon ng pang-aakusa.

Napalunok ng wala sa oras si Bree.

“Jax, darling, what took you so long?” Biglang lumitaw si Elise mula sa likod Jax na nakabusangot ang mukha. Pero nang makita nito na karga ni Jax si Amy ay biglang nagbago ang itsura nito. Umaliwalas ang mukha at ngumiti ng pagkatamis-tamis sa bata. Hindi mawari ni Bree kung totoo iyon o pakitang-tao niya lamang. “Amy, baby! Oh, my... I’m so worried about you! Where have you been? Are you alright?” Maarte nitong sigaw sabay lapit at yakap sa bata.

Napangiwi si Bree sa arte ng boses nito. Okay. Confirmed! Pakitang-tao lang iyon. Napataas ang kilay ni Bree nang sinadya ni Elise na idikit ang katawan kay Jackson nang yakapin nito ang bata.

Hindi naman kasi lingid sa kaalaman ng mga empleyado ni Jackson ang relasyon ng dalawa, kung matatawag ba talaga iyon na relasyon. Elise Trinidad always visits Jackson Samaniego but they never saw her being invited on events. It was either their relationship was kept in private or there’s no relationship at all.

Kailangan ba talagang idikit niya ang malaking boobs sa braso ni sir Jax?

Pinilit ni Bree na huwag umikot ang mga mata niya dahil sa kaunting inis na bigla na lamang umusbong sa puso niya. She can’t figure why she suddenly felt that tinge of irritation while looking at Elise’s big breast being pressed against Jackson’s arm.

Selos ka? Insecure dahil wala kang big and bouncy boobies?

Gustong sapakin ni Bree ang isang bahagi ng isip niya, ang bahagi na kontrabida sa buhay niya.

Hindi siya naseselos! Bakit naman siya magseselos? Ayaw nga niya sa lalaking ito dahil ubod ng sama ang ugali. Naiinis lang siya kay Elise dahil masyado itong feeling close!

Ano naman ang paki mo kung feeling close iyang si Elise kay Jackson? For all I know, mas malala pa ang ginawa ng dalawang iyan sa loob ng opisina ni Jackson!

“B’wesit ka talaga!” asik ni Bree sa sariling utak. Kaagad naman natuptop niya ang sariling bibig nang matantong napalakas ang boses niya.

Biglang bumaling si Elise sa kay Bree at matalim na tiningnan ang dalaga. Galit ito kay Bree.

“You useless b***h! Hindi mo ba magawa ng maayos ang trabaho mo!? Ang simple lang ng trabaho mo hindi mo pa magawa ng maayos! Paano kung may nangyaring masama kay Amy? Wala ka talagang kwentang yaya!” Galit na sigaw ni Elise kay Bree. Humarap ito kay Jax, “Jackson, you should fire her!”

Napanganga si Bree sa mga sinasabi ni Elise. Biglang nag-loading ang utak niya at hindi siya makapagsalita.

Seryoso ba ito? Napagkamalan siya nitong yaya ni Amy. Hindi ba nito nakikita ang suot niyang office attire at ang ID na nakasabit sa leeg niya?

Napatingin si Bree sa gawi ni sir Jax, pero kaagad naman nagsisisi ang dalaga. She wished she didn’t look at him. He was staring at her in a very intense way, his eyes were like burning but not with rage. It was something else Bree couldn’t seem to figure. Ang mga panga nito ay umiigting na parang pinipigilan nito ang sarili.

Nagpipigil saan? Bree asked herself. Confused.

Hindi pinansin ni Jax ang sinabi ni Elise. Patuloy lamang si Jax sa pagtitig sa dalaga. Something stirred inside of him when he saw this woman with his daughter. A distant memory from the past suddenly appeared in his mind. It overwhelmed him.

“Hey, Jackson, are you even listening to me?” Pukaw ni Elise sa atensyon ni Jax. She snapped her fingers in front of him but he didn’t even bother looking at her.

“What?” he asked her without taking his eyes off Bree.

“Ang sabi ko sisantihin mo ang babaeng iyan! She's not doing her job well.” Elise demanded. “I can recommend you the best nannies for our baby Amy.”

Bree forced herself not to bite her lower lip. Nanginginig ang mga binti niya sa intensidad ng mga titig ni Jackson. For the first time in her many months working in his company, she felt like she wanted to melt. Sa mga pagkakataon kasi na pinapagalitan siya ng amo ay hindi naman ganito ang tingin na ibinibigay nito sa kaniya.

His stare stirred something inside her, especially to the deepest part of her system. That part which was untouched and forbidden. Bree wanted to say something to correct Elise but she can’t find herself to utter even a single word. Parang tumigas ang dila niya at ayaw makipagtulungan sa utak niya. Her knees were weak and her heart raced a little bit faster than it should. Gustuhin man ni Bree na ibaling sa ibang direksyon ang mga mata pero maging ang mga ito ay parang may sariling isip, ayaw sumang-ayon sa utos ng isip niya.

“She’s not my yaya. She's daddy’s secretary, and she helped me.” Biglang nagsalita si Amy. “Daddy, please don’t fire her. I don’t want her to lose her job, she didn’t do anything wrong,” saad ng bata sa maliit na boses. Amy’s arms snaked around Jax's wide shoulder; she was facing Bree.

Nakahinga ng maluwag si Bree at ngumiti sa bata. Sa wakas ay may nagtanggol din sa kaniya. She can’t even utter a single word a while ago; much more defend herself.

Napakurap ng ilang beses si Elise at muli siya nitong hinagod ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Disbelief was etched in her beautiful face. Siguro hindi ito makapaniwala na isa siya sa mga sekretarya ni Jackson Samaniego.

Bree was dressed with a simple button down long-sleeve in cream color, and she partnered it with an above-the-knee pencil cut skirt. Naaayon naman ang suot niya bilang isang empleyado ng isang kompanya, pero sa paraan ng paghagod ni Elise ng tingin sa kaniya ay para itong nandidiri at may panliliit.

“This woman is your secretary? Are you serious?” Elies blurted out. Hinarap nito si Jackson, naghahanap ng sagot.

Magsasalita na sana si Bree para sagutin ito nang bigla na lamang lumitaw ang isang babae, humahangos ito at may ekspresyon ng pagkabahala. Sa likod nito ay kasunod si Chris.

“Sir, pasesnya na po talaga kayo, hindi ko po namalayan na biglang nawala na pala si Amy sa tabi ko.” Nanginginig ang boses nito, kinakabahan. Para na itong naiiyak, tiyak naiisip na nito na wala na itong trabaho kinabukasan.

Jackson was known for firing his employees even with the smallest mistakes committed. Hindi palalampasin ni Jackson ang nangyari ngayong araw kaya nasisiguro na ng babae na masisisante na talaga ito.

Nakadama ng awa si Bree para sa babae. Alam kasi ni Bree kung ano ang pakiramdan ng walang trabaho. Sa katulad niyang matindi ang pangangailangang pinansyal, alam niyang masakit ang mawalan ng trabaho. If only she could do something to help the poor woman, but Bree knew that she has no power to do that. Baka nga mas mapasama din siya kapag nakialam siya at tutluyan na talaga siyang masisante!

Bree expected Jackson to lashed out on the poor woman, but he was still staring at her with that weird expression plastered on his face. Naramdaman ni Bree ang pagkalat ng kulay pula sa mukha niya.

Ano ba itong si sir Jax? Bakit ganiyan siya makatingin? Anong problema nito?

Pakiramdam ni Bree ay biglang naging malabo ang paligid at tanging sila lamang ni Jackson ang magkaharap. Pati ang boses ni Elise na pinapagalitan ang kawawang yaya ni Amy ay unti-unting naglaho sa likod ng kaniyang pandinig. She could only hear her labored breathing and the loud pounding of her heart.

Bree was mesmerized by Jackson’s eyes. Hindi niya magawamg kumurap o bumaling sa ibang direksyon. She was sucked into the abyss of his magnetic eyes. Umawang ang bibig ni Bree at naramdaman niya ang pagkalat ng kiliti sa buong katawan. Every nerve tickle, especially that flesh deep within. Mas lalong namula si Bree.

Naputol lang iyon nang biglang may mabigat na braso na umakbay kay Bree. Her thoughts about Jackson’s intense stare and the sensations she just felt suddenly puffed and melted into thin air. Nang ibaling niya ang tingin sa kaniyang tabi ay nandoon si Chris, ang pinsan ni Jax at isa sa may mataas ang posisyon sa komapanya.

Chris was smiling from ear to ear as he draped his arms around Bree’s small frame.

“How are you, Bree?” He smiled at Bree with his mega-watt smile, revealing his white teeth and cute dimples on the left side of his cheek.

“What are you doing here?” Jackson’s voice was void of any emotions, and so was his face.

Nagkibit ito ng balikat sa tanong ni Jackson. “Well, I saw Amy’s nanny frantically looking for her. So, as a good citizen of this country, I helped a woman who needs my help.” Bumaling si Chris kay Bree at kinidatan ang dalaga. Nagpapa-cute.

For a moment Bree got distracted by Chris’ smile. Napatitig siya sa lalaki. There was some resemblance between him and Jackson, and looking at his smiling face right now, it was like she saw how Jackson Samaniego would look if he smiles.

Mas lalo itong magiging guwapo kapag ngumiti ito. Sigurado si Bree doon.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working? I expect you to be working your ass off for my company and not flirting around my building.”

Doon lang natauhan si Bree. Sa namumulang mukha, ibinaling ni Bree ang tingin palayo kay Chris. Nahihiya siya dahil hindi niya na pala namalayan na nakatitig na pala siya sa maamong mukha nito.

Jackson glared at his cousin. Hindi niya nagustuhan ang nakikita ng mga mata niya ngayon. He finds it irritating looking at that woman with his cousin’s arms wrapped around her shoulders. He hated the woman, alright. He doesn’t give a f**k about her. Chris is known for his flirting skills inside the company, which made his blood boil even more. Mukhang may bago na namang bibiktimahin ang gago niyang pinsan. It's not new to them that he had f****d several of his employees, and they all ended up with broken hearts and eventually resigned.

Jackson didn’t know why he finds it irritating thinking about his cousin with Bree.

“Oh, please, Jackson, just let loose. You're stiff as a tree. I’m just enjoying the company of beautiful women, right love?” Bree’s eyes went wide when Chris pressed her harder into his massive body. Mas lalong nadikit ang mga katawan nila kaya naasiwa si Bree.

Dumilim bigla ang mga mata ni Jax. Umusbong ang kakaibang inis sa puso niya. He hates the woman even more. Malaki ang kasalanan nito sa kaniya, hindi niya p’wedeng kalimutan iyon kahit na sinabi na ni Cindy na bigyan ito ng isa pang pagkakataon. Ngayon ay gusto na niyang bawiin iyon at itapon na lang ang babae palabas ng gusaling ito.

Jax was pulled from his train of thought when a soft and small hand caressed his face. It was Amy. Nakatingin ito sa kaniya na may nagtatanong na mga mata.

Nagbuga ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga si Jax at pilit na ningitian ang anak.

“What is it, baby?”

“Daddy, please don’t fire ate Vicky. It's not her fault, it was my fault.”

If there is someone who has the ability to bend Jackson’s decision, it’s his daughter Amy, aside from Cindy, of course, who is one of his trusted friends since college. He just loves his daughter dearly. She resembled his late wife’s face so much that it became hard for Jax to live with her. Kaya pansamantala itong nakatira sa mga magulang ni Jax. Besides, he’s a total mess right now, and Jax doesn’t want Amy to witness how wrecked he is.

“Sir, pasensya na po talaga kayo. Pangako po pagbubutihin ko po ang trabaho ko.” Nagsalita ang yaya ni Amy na si Vicky na nasa gilid lang, nagsusumamo ang boses nito at mukha ng maiiyak dahil sa kaba.

“Amy, baby, we can’t let a lousy person be your guardian. Look what just happened? She didn’t do her job properly. You could get hurt.”

Tutol talaga si Elise na walang masisanti ngayong araw. She was embarrassed in front of Jackson, someone should take responsibility for that, and she doesn’t care who will.

“That’s enough, Elise,” matigas na sagot ni Jax sa dalaga, hindi man lang nito sinulyapan ang babae. “I’m going to talk to you,” declared Jax, he was referring to Amy’s nanny.

“Man, just let it side. Baby Amy is safe, and nothing happened to her.”

“Stay out of my business, Chris.” Matigas ang pagkakabigkas ni Jackson sa bawat salita, hindi maitago ang iritasyon sa boses nito. Mas lalo pa iyon nadagdagan nang makita ang nakakainis na ngisi ng pinsan.

Chris couldn’t help but laught inside his mind. In his mind’s eye, he was already dancing salsa with a wine flute held in his hand. Nagdidiwang siya sa nakikitang reaksyon ng sariling pinsan. He likes to irritate the s**t out of Jackson, wala naman kasi itong magagawa dahil sa kompanya nito siya nagtatrabaho. Unfortunately, Jackson had to deal with him, and he can’t do anything about it.

Mas lalo pa hinigpitan ni Chris ang pagkaka-akbay kay Bree. He made sure that their body will be as close as possible. Naramdaman niya ang pagtigas nito ng katawan ng dalaga, tanda ng pagkakaasiwa. Pero sino ba ang hindi maasiwa kung ang tingin ni Jackson sa kanila ay para silang lalamunin nito ng buhay. He wanted to burst into laughter but restrained himself not to, he will surely be in deep trouble if he’ll do that.

Ramdam na talaga ni Bree ang pagkalat ng kulay pula sa buong mukha niya at pati na rin sa leeg niya. Sino ba ang hindi mamumula kung ang isang guwapong lalaki ang nakadikit sa’yo at inaakbayan ka. Hindi niya magawang alisin ang braso nito sa balikat niya at baka mainsulto ito, kaya hinayaan niya na lang.

Bumaling si Jackson sa yaya ni Amy na nakatayo lang sa gilid. “In my office,” he demanded. Karga pa rin nito si Amy, tumalikod ito at humakbang na para pumasok ulit sa opisina nito. Pero hindi pa man ito nakakalayo sa kanila ay muli itong bumaling sa kinaroroonan ni Chris at Bree. His face was impassive, and his brows were knitted.

“If you’re here to flirt, get out of my building.”

Iyon lang ang sinabi nito bago tuluyang tumalikod at nagmartsa paalis.

Jackson entered his office with undeniable rage. Kung hindi nito kasama ang anak na si Amy ay kanina pa ito naghahagis ng mga gamit sa loob ng opisina. He can’t control his anger, and he doesn’t know the reason behind it. Hindi rin nito alam kung saan nag-ugat ang galit na nararamdaman.

What he felt was a mixture and rollercoaster of emotions, which was not new to him since his dear wife died, but feeling it because of that woman was something new for Jackson. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang nasa babaeng iyon kaya inis na inis talaga siya kahit na ano ang gagawin nito. He hates her, yet he can’t seem to dispose her.

Noong nag-desisyon ito kanina na sisantihin ang dalaga dahil sa nagawa nito kahapon sa kusina ng bahay niya, ay alam ni Jackson na hindi iyon ang totoong gusto niya. Something inside of him wanted to protest of the decision he’s about to make. Kaya naman noong sinabi ni Cindy na bigyan ito ng isa pang pagkakataon ay kaagad na pumayag ang utak niya, at dahil doon mas lalo siyang nainis dito.

“Damn!” he silently cursed under his breath.

Pinaupo ni Jackson si Amy sa cushioned couch sa loob ng kaniyang opisina. Kasunod na pumasok ay ang yaya nito at si Elise na masama pa rin ang tingin sa babae.

He wondered what Elise was still doing in his office. After she gave her a head and came into her mouth, Jackson expected her to leave since she had already served her purpose.

Pinapunta ni Jackson ang babae sa opisina niya para maglabas ng tension sa katawan niya. She's the first in his list of booty calls. He's been stressed and irritated since yesterday, and he needed some release. And Elise was an available mouth, as always.

Parang maamong tupa ang yaya ni Amy na nakatayo sa harap nila. She’s waiting for her verdict.

Sa nangyari sa anak ni Jackson, kanina niya pa sana sinisigaw at sinisanti ang babaeng ito, pero masyado siyang distracted sa nangyari sa labas kanina kaya hindi niya iyon nagawa.

“You did not do your job. My daughter almost got hurt because of your negligence. Tell me, what should I do to you?”

Ang galit na naramdaman kanina ni Jackson noong nalaman niyang nawawala ang anak niya ay naglaho niya. All because of that woman.

Fuck that woman!

Nanginginig ang kawawang yaya ni Amy, hindi nito alam kung ano ang dapat na isagot sa striktong amo. Takot ang nararamdaman nito; takot na baka mawalan ito ng trabaho.

“Sir, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa nagawa kong pagkukulang. Hindi ko na po iyon uulitin. Huwag n’yo po akong sisantihin, sir. Kailangan ko po talaga ng trabaho ngayon.” Pagmamakaawa ng babae.

But Jackson was not listening to what she was saying. Lumalangoy ang utak ng lalaki doon sa mga eksina kanina. He couldn’t shut off his mind of the picture of Bree’s shoulder with Chris’ arm wrapped around it. At habang iniisip niya iyon ay mas lalo lamang lumubo ang galit niya, gusto niyang sumabog.

“She should be punished for flirting inside my company!”

“Ano po?!” Nagulantang si Vicky sa sinabi ni Jackson.

Maging si Elise ay napatingin kay Jackson at nagtataka kung ano ang ibig sabihin nito. Elise’s forehead knotted in confusion as she stared at Jackson. He seemed lost in his own reverie.

Maging si Amy na nakaupo sa tabi ni Jackson ay nagtataka sa ikinikilos ng ama. She looked up into Jackson’s face and studied it.

Jackson was way too absorbed in his own thoughts. Hindi siya mapakali.

“How dare that woman to flirt in front of me? She’s not even grateful that I gave her a chance!”

Sa pagkakataong ito ay mas lumakas na ang boses ni Jackson kaya dinig ng lahat ng nasa loob ng opisina ang pinasasabi niya. He looked like an idiot talking to himself, where in fact he should be lashing out on Amy’s nanny for her negligence.

“Jackson, are you listening?” Elise tapped Jackson's shoulder to get his attention, and it was effective.

Jackson cursed under his breath when he realized that he was actually voicing out what he had in mind. He wanted to punch himself for acting like an idiot. It seems like that woman is not really healthy for him.

Tumikhim muna si Jackson para pagtakpan ang pakapahiya bago nagsalita, “You were saying?”

Umikot ang mga ni Elise sa inis. She had not seen this side of Jackson before, and it irritates her that he was affected by something that has nothing to do with her. She wants his attention solely, and looking at him right now, she’s sure that something’s bothering him and it’s not about Amy. She's sure of that.

“Daddy, can you not fire yaya Vicky? I'll be sad if you do that. She's kind naman at it’s my fault naman kaya nawala ako.” Amy tugged Jackson’s arm to get his attention.

Nagbuga ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga si Jackson bago ngumiti ng pilit sa anak. He tapped her head and pulled her to kiss her forehead.

How can he deny this little angel?

“Why don’t you go home now and take a rest? I'll visit you at granny’s after office. Deal?”

“But promise me first you won't fire her? And also, that beautiful woman who helped me.” Ngumuso si Amy kaya natawa na lamang si Jackson. It's funny that this little angel could easily turn his mode.

Beautiful woman? Ha!

Inayos ni Jackson ang tiara na nakapatong sa ulo ng bata. “Of course, I won’t. That's a promise. And you should also behave, okay?”

“Yey! Thank you, daddy! You’re the best!” Masayang yumakap si Amy kay Jackson at gumanti rin ito ng yakap sa bata.

Jackson turned to where Vicky was standing. This time his eyes were serious and intimidating. Gone was the sweet and cool aura he had when he talked to Amy.

“Take her home. And do your job properly. This would be the last time that I’ll consider you.” Matigas niyang sabi.

Kaagad na tumago si Vicky at kinuha na ang bata para makauwi na sila. Ayaw na nitong magtagal pa sa loob ng opisina ng amo at baka biglang magbago ang desisyon nitong panatilihin siya sa trabaho.

“What are you still doing here?”

Jackson slumped on his swivel chair. He closed his eyes, he was too exhausted. Tinanong nito si Elise nang hindi man lang tinapunan ng tingin ang babae. She was still sitting on the cushioned couch.

Elise crossed her legs and raised her brows on Jackson. Hindi siya aalis hangga’t hindi sinasabi ng lalaki kung ano ang bumabagabag dito. She's not a graduate of psychology with flying colors for nothing.

“So, what is it?” Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ni Elise kay Jackson.

“Say what you want Elise, and go home. You're interrupting my work.” Nakapikit na saad ng lalaki.

“Really? After you came into my mouth that’s how you’re treating me?”

“And how do you want me to treat you then? I’ve told you right from the start, that you are nothing but a p***y for me to f**k. You agreed to that, and what's the fuss now?”

“I can’t believe you! You're such a jerk!” Galit na sigaw ni Elise.

“Just go home, Elise.”

Galit na tumayo ang dalaga at nagmartsa palabas ng opisina ni Jackson. Lumagapak ang pinto ng opisina ni Jackson sa lakas nagpagkakasarado nito.

Jackson released a heavy breath and closed his eyes again. He leaned back into his swivel chair to relax his tensed shoulder. Ang daming nangyari simula kahapon hanggang ngayong araw. Pakiramdamni Jackson ay hapung-hapo ang katawan at isip niya. It's another level of stress for him.

He felt guilty and at the same time confused as hell, and he doesn’t like it. Sa loob ng tatlong taon pagkatapos mamatay ang pinakamamahal na asawa ay ngayon lamang nagawang makuha ang atensyon ni Jackson ng isang babae. Of course, he had several women who can fill his s****l urges, but none of them actually stirred him.

Kumunot ang noo ni Jax nang marinig ang pagbukas ng pinto ng opisina niya. Alam na niya kaagad kung sino iyon. Wala naman kasing ibang pumapasok sa loob ng opisina niya na hindi muna kumakatok maliban sa pinsan na si Chris.

“Oh, men, you look a lot older with that wrinkled face of yours.”

Iyon kaagad ang sinabi nito pagkapasok pa lamang sa loob. Hindi niya sana ito papansinin nang maalala niya ang eksina kanina. Again, for the nth time, his irritation came rushing back like an avalanche.

“Get out.”

“Whoa! You aren’t that happy to see me, are you?”

Instead of getting out, Chris made himself comfortable on the cushioned couch. Prente itong umupo doon ang isinabit ang dalawang braso sa back rest ng sofa.

Nanatiling nakapikit ang mga mata ni Jackson. He has no energy to deal with his idiot cousin right now. He just wanted to be alone for the time being.

“Christian, please. I need some time alone. I'm exhausted, and I still have plenty of work to do.”

Nagkibit ito ng balikat pero may nakaukit na nang-iinis na ngisi sa mukha nito. “Fine! I'll just take Bree to a lunch. She's hot, bro. Didn't you see her? She looked innocent but lethal.” Iyon lang ang sinabi ni Chris bago lumabas ng opisina.

Jax gritted his teeth. Problema talaga ang dala ng babaeng iyon simula ng magtrabaho ito sa kompanya niya. If not for Cindy’s request to consider that woman, he had fire her already. Wala naman kasi itong ginagawang matino. She not efficient and she’s lacked all the qualities to be his secretary.

Jackson groaned in annoyance.

If she’s to stay in his company, he had to do something to make her miserable the way she did to him.

Jackson’s eyes flew open as ideas on how to make her suffer flooded his mind.

His cellphone rang. It was Sebastian, one of his friends. Sinagot ni Jax ang tawag. Kapag tumatawag ito ay alam na kaagad ni Jax kung ano ang pakay nito sa kaniya. Jax agreed to go to Andrei’s bar, this will be a good distraction. At least, he’ll be peaceful for a moment.

“Yeah, I’ll go, you idiot.”