Chapter 27 Gap

"Take me anywhere, Carlos.", Dina's words were heavy. Carlos just nodded because he understands how Dina is feeling right now. She wanted to escape. "Thank you, Carlos... for always being there.", Dina sincerely said to Carlos while he was still driving. Dina and Carlos had already left but Rico is still nailed on his position. He kept on standing even though his knees feel like it has no strength anymore. He felt his heart beating really fast. I like you, Rico… I like you, Rico…, Dina's words kept on repeating inside Rico's thoughts like a broken record. He stared at his hand, he couldn't explain why he became so mad earlier. "Dina... I don't know what's happening to me...", Rico thought, confused. He became even more confused why he felt pain in his heart when he saw Carlos taking his wife away from him. He is angry but he is also in pain. Rico couldn't sleep when he arrived home that night. He kept on thinking about Dina. He looked at the watch, it's already 11 pm but Dina hasn't arrived yet. He kept on peeking outside his window where he could easily see the gate. I'm just worried… I'm just worried…, Rico kept on telling himself, trying to convince himself about his unusual feelings for Dina. He kept on lying down the bed the would rose up, sat down, stood up, and walked to and fro. He was never anxious like this for a woman, not even for Alice. This is normal if you care for someone… of course, Dina is like a younger sister to me., Rico still convincing himself. I like you, Rico…, Dina repeated on Rico's mind. Rico couldn't explain why there seems to be a bit of happiness when he found out that Dina likes him. After few moments, Dina had arrived. Carlos had driven her home. Rico immediately became in a bad mood especially when he saw Carlos' arms wrapped around Dina. He even became grumpier when he saw Carlos hugging Dina. The next thing that happened made Rico fuming mad. 'Get inside, Dina.", Carlos said to Dina. "I wished you had just let me stayed in your house.", Dina frowned. 'I can't and I won't.", Carlos answered abruptly. 'Why? You know my situation with Rico…", Dina complained. 'Precisely… Dina, stop being a rebel, you already did that when your father was still alive and you have regretted it, remember? You shouldn't run away… they will be worried. Remember Rico's parents… you said that you wanted to be with them. You shouldn't disappoint them.",Carlos said in a soothing voice. 'Thank you, Carlos.You're really the best." 'It's okay. I am also doing it for my sake." 'Huh?" 'Nothing. Good night.", Carlos smiled and gave Dina a soft kiss on her forehead. Dina was surprised and immediately distanced herself away. 'See? I couldn't hold myself to kiss you on your forehead. How much more if you're going to spend the night with me?",Carlos joked smilingly. Dina was confused on what he means. 'What?", Dina confusingly asked Carlos. She couldn't understand what Carlos wanted to say. 'Nothing.",Carlos smiled again before going inside his car. "See you tomorrow, Dina.",Carlos said and waved Dina goodbye. Dina waved back before Carlos left the scene. When she could no longer see Carlos, she touched her forehead, the part where Carlos had kissed. Rico hurriedly went out his room when he saw Carlos kissing Dina's forehead. He wanted to punch that impudent smug on his face and he is gritting his teeth in anger. When he opened the door, he saw that Carlos had gone already. Upon seeing this, Rico somewhat calmed himself. He also saw how Dina softly touched her forehead. He felt a pang in his heart when he saw this. After few moments, Dina went to face the door but she was surprised to see Rico there at the door. Rico was surprised too and he was not ready to face Dina, he doesn't know what to do now that Dina is already in front of him. Dina's words kept coming back to her and he felt uneasy because of it. 'Oh Rico, I see that you have arrived home already. By the way, I ate dinner already. Carlos took me out to eat.", Dina casually said as if nothing happened earlier and gave her Miss Universe smile. Rico was fascinated to see her smile, his anger and hesitation suddenly vanished away. But at the back of his mind, he also wondered why is it like what happened earlier was just nothing for Dina. 'Are you going to let me in or not? Don't tell me because of what I have told you earlier, you are going to throw me out of the house now?", Dina acting shocked as Rico was still blocking the way. Because of what Dina had just said now, he came into realization that he is still blocking Dina. 'W-what?", Rico stammered as if he was still out of himself. 'I said, are you going to throw me out now because of what I have told you earlier that I like you?", Dina said in a casual tone as if it means nothing at all. Rico's cheeks turned red and he was thankful they were in a dim area because it was really obvious that he was blushing. Dina is so frank and too honest although he is aware that this is her personality even before. "O-of course not...", Rico still stammering. 'So… what are you doing there? Are you waiting for me, then?", Dina laughed. Rico was breathless when he saw Dina's beautiful and happy smile. 'Uh… no… ---" "Then let me pass through.", Dina surly said like her usual tone. Rico moved and made way for Dina. Dina intended to go directly to her room. "Dina…", Rico suddenly said. Dina immediately turned to face him. She was looking at him expectantly. Rico could saw her eyes like she was expecting something for him to say. 'I'm… just worried for you.", Rico said in a low voice. He saw her eyes, it wasn't disappointment… but her eyes looks sad. 'I know. ',Dina smiled. It was a kind of smile that you give to someone you are trying to convince you are okay but obviously not. Rico just stared at Dina's beautiful face, he never knew Dina could be this beautiful. He is aware that Dina had a pretty face right from the first day they met… but he wasn't aware that she is this breathtakingly beautiful. "Goodnight, Rico.",Dina added and continued walking towards her room. She didn't even bothered to wait for Rico to answer. When she closed her door, she let out a deep sigh. He didn't wait for you, Dina… you should have known that already. Cheer up! Let's just endure a little more until you can stand on your own, Dina… even though it hurts you, You liked this family, right? So, forget those useless feelings for Rico… you know well he couldn't return how you feel for him., Dina thought and was determined to shift her feelings to Carlos. The next day, Rico woke up early for Dina even though the truth is that he wasn't able to fall asleep the entire night at all. 'Woah, you're early.", Dina teased Rico when she saw him prepared and well-dressed already. 'I'll drive you to your work, Dina---', Rico was about to say. "No, thanks. Carlos is on his way to fetch me now and he will be also driving me home later. He's going to do it everyday starting today. And you know why, Rico, right? I know you understand it… you're smart, right?", Dina said. Rico wasn't able to say anything but deep within him, he wanted to protest but he couldn't. Dina's words are too heavy, it seems like she is really determined to distance herself to Rico. Dina is getting away from him and she is getting nearer towards Carlos. Rico felt like there's a lump on his throat, he tried to kept this feeling of disappointment and pain due to Dina's decision. ###Chapter 28 A Very Beautiful Woman Days went by like the usual until the days became weeks… then months and Rico completely felt the gap between him and Dina. They almost could no longer see each other anymore. Dina arrives home late and for almost all of her time, she is always together with Carlos. He couldn't understand why but he wanted to complain, he couldn't accept that his wife is now dating Carlos. He is sad every time he thought of Dina… and most of the time, Dina is always on his head. Is this what you were enduring before, Dina? It's so painful! Is this the pain you were enduring while I was with Alice? Is this how you felt? If yes… how were you able to take this kind of pain?, Rico thought while sadly staring at Dina's happy face outside the house. She had just arrived and was waving goodbye at Carlos near their gate. He wanted to confront Dina and tell her to stop seeing Carlos but why? What is his reason? He couldn't answer and in the end, he fell silent while gnashing his teeth in anger towards Carlos. Because Rico was feeling uncomfortable with how he felt, he didn't have enough time to meet Alice. He couldn't face another problem when he is still combating his unusual feelings. Lately, he was able to say no to Alice every time she asks him to go out. He declines and yet he does nothing but waits for Dina to come home or if not, he is with the teenage boy, Melvin. They continue to play basketball with one another near his workplace. Melvin also noticed his lethargy, even Rico's parents noticed his sluggishness too. He wasn't lively like the way he used to be, it's like he was once again heartbroken… he was acting like when Alice had left him. Rico's mom is worried for him. 'My child, I am worried… are you sick?", Rico's mom asked in a very caring voice and held her son's forehead. It was the scene Dina saw when she arrived home. Rico slowly moved his mother's hand away from his forehead. "I'm okay mom.", Rico answered in a lethargic tone. "Mom? Is Rico not feeling well?", Dina probed curiously. Rico avoided Dina's eyes because every time he looks at her, she just becomes more beautiful and he is afraid that he wouldn't be able to control his weird feelings. "Hmn… you're not hot…", Dina and went on to put her palm onto Rico's forehead while estimating her own temperature using her other hand. Rico automatically looked at Dina as if he was electrified with what Dina had done. He hurriedly snaps Dina's hand away from him. Dina was surprised how Rico had reacted, even his mom was shocked by his rough behavior too. 'Hey! So fussy! Mom, your beloved son is not sick at all. Maybe he's on PMS that's why he is nitpicky.", Dina teased. Rico frowned even more because Dina has no idea why he is being like that and how big is her impact on him. Rico's mom laughed but despite Dina's joke, she had noticed her son's unusual reactions and behavior every time Dina is near him. She is hoping that Rico's unusual behavior may produce a good outcome… hopefully, a grandchild. 'You arrived home early?", Rico's mom asked Dina in return for her teasing Rico. "Yes, mom. The basketball team I had been coaching had successfully entered the semi-package that's why I had them went home early so that they could relax a bit. No training means going home early too.", Dina smiled at Rico's mom. "So, is that the reason why you are going home late these past few days… weeks?", Rico's mom curiously probed. Rico was just silent but he wanted to hear Dina's answer. "Yes mom, of course.", Dina answered. Rico felt like he was relieved from a heavy burden when he found out Dina was just busy training her students and not because of other malicious things. "Really? I thought you were busy with other things… you know we really like you so much. Although we are fully aware that marrying my son only means that he is only taking you as his responsibility but we would be really sad if there's another man that would steal you away from us. I truly treat you as my own child… if it's possible, we really hope that Rico is the one you'll fall in love with.", Rico's mom said in a tone like she was requesting Dina a favor. "There's none, mom. I don't have time to date or see anyone nowadays. I am too busy and remember I'm more manly than any of the boys today.", Dina joked which also made Rico happier. He was truly happy to know that she was not dating Carlos as he thought so before. 'Is it really true?", Rico's mom as if she was confirming. 'Of course mom.", Dina laughed because of Rico's mom's nosiness. Once again, Rico felt happy deep inside, he knows Dina is incapable of lying especially to his mom. He knows Dina loved his parents dearly… he even used it last time to stop Dina from moving out. 'Then who is that man who diligently picks you up and drives you home? I am worried that he will take you away from us. You know we love you too much, right?", Rico's mom was so sweet. Rico looked at Dina, he was anxious as to what will Dina answer. 'Awww mom, of course, I love you and dad as well. That guy is just my friend, mom. We were best friends way back in college and we are both colleagues at work now. He is just worried for me especially recently that we had been going home late.", Dina answered. Friend…, Rico repeated Dina's word on his mind, relieved as if a fishbone was removed out from his throat. 'Can't Rico do it for you instead? He can drive and fetch you at work too.", Rico's mom replied. Rico still wasn't able to say anything as if he just let his mom do all the talking for his stead. "No mom. I can't. I just couldn't hog away Rico's time from his beloved. They had been away for too long. I mustn't do that, right Rico?", Dina said, looking at Rico's mom before facing Rico. She gave Rico a soft smile denoting that she understands… but her eyes look so sad. Rico stared at Dina's eyes, he was mesmerized and in an instant, he felt his heart beating fast again… he couldn't control his feelings anymore… he couldn't deny it any longer… He is in love with Dina. "I understand, my child but we just couldn't stop hoping too… that one day, you'll both develop feelings with each other---" "I'll drive you to work, Dina. I'll fetch you too. Everyday.", Rico suddenly said. Both Dina and his mom were surprised because he was just quiet the whole time and then he suddenly talked. "Let's talk.", Rico said and held Dina's hand dragging towards the veranda. 'Did you eat something wrong? You're going to drive and fetch me every day? You don't have any idea until what time we finish our training, Rico. You won't have time for Alice if you'll do that.", Dina said when they were alone together. Rico didn't answer. 'Or… maybe you are still thinking what happened that night? Rico, it has been months already…. It seems like it has been ages ago already. I already had gotten over it.", Dina said frankly. Rico felt like he was slapped across his face due to Dina's boldness. Even though he is expecting it to happen, it still hurts anyway. 'Yes. Your words that night had constantly bothered me. I was anxious and worried… and because of that, I have neglected you. I'm sorry.", Rico sincerely answered. Dina was not expecting this, she was surprised especially because Rico looks like he really meant what he just said. "I couldn't forget when you told me that you like me---" 'I liked you… yes. I also like eating. I just want to clarify, Rico… I liked you BEFORE. Don't be too conceited and just move on.", Dina sounded annoyed. 'I know. You don't have to explain anything… what I just want to say is that I am sorry because I was affected by your words. I forgot that you were supposed to be my responsibility and… I had Carlos do it instead of me. You said that he is just your friend…", Rico answered. Dina was taken aback, wasn't she supposed to like Carlos in a romantic way? But until now, she still treats him like a friend. 'I cannot give my obligations to your friend.", Rico said while staring directly at Dina's eyes. Dina couldn't answer anything. 'So please tell your friend that from now on, driving and fetching you… is no longer his duty. I'll do it starting tomorrow.",Rico continued. Dina was surprised. Was she talking to Rico? She was thinking about how will she be able to move on now that he is making his way in her life again. Even though she was scared, she also felt somewhat happy with Rico's decision. That night, after seeming to be a very long time, the Ballestros shared their meal together once again. Dina was very obvious that she is happy because she seems to be livelier than ever. She couldn't contain her happiness when Rico presented himself to drive and fetch her from school everyday. However, Dina wasn't aware a pair of eyes had been silently observing her. Rico's eyes seems to be plastered on Dina, he was elated to see Dina smiling beautifully and happily. He couldn't stop staring at her while they were eating their meal. She still eats a lot like the usual. 'Dina, you're such a glutton. See, you have a crumb on your cheek.", Rico noticed and told Dina. 'Huh?", Dina replied as if she really doesn't know where it is and when she tried to remove it, she couldn't get the crumb on her cheek. They stopped and both stared at each other. They felt like they were the only ones around… they slowly move their faces nearer to each other… until they didn't noticed that their lips is only an inch away from one another. Rico slowly closed his eyes as he was about to kiss Dina. 'Where? Oh here.", Dina said loudly and got the crumb that stuck on her cheek. She even ate the crumb after getting it. Rico was stunned. Did he just imagine that he was kissing Dina? He couldn't believe it. It seems too real and he also couldn't believe that he would be imagining things like this would happen to him and Dina. He blushed but another part of himself seemed to be annoyed because Dina is so unromantic. It was supposed to end that way in the movies, but no, not with Dina. Romance is not her thing. He stared at Dina once again and then he looked at her lips. It was naturally red, she doesn't even have to put lipstick on it, she wouldn't even bother doing so.. Dina's lips are so tempting, he has an uncontrollable urge to kiss her. He remembered his imagination just earlier then he force himself to get it out his head. He shouldn't have any malice for Dina and he is angry why he seems to have trouble controlling himself. He has a very calm demeanor, he couldn't understand why he is being tempted like he is a hungry wolf. While Rico is enjoying staring at Dina, his parents are also observing him too. The old Ballestros couple is fully aware that Rico is now looking at Dina differently. He looks at Dina as a woman now… as a very beautiful woman. ###Chapter 29 Falling Deeper and Deeper 'Hello, Carlos?",Dina on her phone. 'Yes, best.", Carlos answered. 'Best Rico told me to tell you that you don't have to fetch and drive me at school anymore. He said he'll do it instead of starting tomorrow." 'Why? It seems sudden." 'Yeah, I thought so too. But I don't know, maybe he ate something weird." 'I think I know why… but I won't tell.", Carlos answered in a sad tone. 'Really? What is it then?", Dina asked curiously, she wanted to know why. 'Goodnight, best. See you tomorrow.", is all that Carlos could answer. 'Hey! Hey! Don't! Don't turn off your phone! You'll really pay for it tomorrow!", Dina threatened but Carlos still ended the call. Carlos was so happy to hear Dina's voice. It was also the first time that Dina reached out for him first… then his happiness turned into sadness. He sighed deeply. 'You're so cruel, Dina… you called me just to brag me of his feelings for you. I really want to be jealous. But I know I don't have the right.", Carlos sadly talked to the air. The next day, Rico was indeed true to his word. He woke up early just to drive Dina to her work. Rico is also in a good mood the whole day, even at work, many of his workmates have noticed his liveliness. Melvin had noticed as well that Rico is in high spirits when they were playing basketball. "Congratulations for getting accepted into the varsity team, Melvin.", Rico cheered Melvin happily. 'Thank you, big bro. So, let's play?", Melvin to Rico. 'Big bro, we had been playing basketball for months and you seem so lifeless but now… you seem to be in a good mood and you had been continually shooting the ball as well.", Melvin said after their playing a few rounds that day. "Stop it, kid haha. I'll go first. I'm still gonna have to fetch my wife at work.", Rico replied cheerfully. "Ah I see. That's why you look happy, it's because of elder sis!", Melvin teased. "You're such a tease, kid! Just be well in playing your game. You're always the loser when we both play against each other.", Rico teased back. Rico had just arrived at Dina's school and he was waiting for her at the gate. A few moments later, he saw both Dina and Carlos outside the gate, both laughing. 'Just tell me, Carlos. What do you mean last night? You suddenly ended the call!", Dina to Carlos. 'Hey stop it already, you're so childish, best. I told you, I won't tell.", Carlos laughed. 'Oh I see, tell me quickly! Tell me!", Dina insisted and went on to attack Carlos with her simultaneous little punches on Carlos' arms. Carlos just laughed. Rico doesn't like the scene he is witnessing so he honked his horn continuously until both Dina and Carlos stopped laughing to look at him. 'It's Rico.", Dina noticed as the honking began to stop. She stood still as Rico's car slowly drove nearer to them. 'Dina, let's go.", Rico said to Dina while trying to calm himself as he doesn't want to ruin Dina's happy mood just because he is annoyed with Carlos. 'It's really your husband, Dina. Well, I guess… goodbye, Dina.", Carlos said as he sadly stared at Rico. Then suddenly he went on to steal a kiss on Dina's forehead. 'Hey!", Dina yelled and was surprised. Carlos hurriedly ran away from her. 'See you tomorrow!", Carlos yelled back, smiling as he waved her goodbye. Rico couldn't believe it how impudent this Carlos was. The nerve of that smug to kiss her wife while he is there! He wanted to run after Carlos and teach him a lesson but was stopped when Dina had entered his car. 'That chump! He's making fun of me.", Dina frowned. Rico didn't answer, he is trying his best to control his anger. He was silent the entire time, Dina wondered why Rico hasn't said anything while earlier this morning he was really cheerful. "Is there a problem, Rico?", Dina probed curiously. 'Nothing.", Rico answered coldly. Dina didn't even bother to ask again as she noticed that Rico is not in a good mood. They were both silent until they arrived home. Rico went directly to his bedroom, ignoring everyone. Dina was left behind because Rico was moving too fast, makes her unable to catch up. 'You had just arrived in time. Dinner is served, let's eat.", Rico's mom welcomed them home warmly. "I have no appetite to eat.", Rico frowned and went on to his room directly. 'What's the matter with him?", Rico's mom asked Dina instead. Dina just shrugged because she doesn't have any idea too as to why he is being so snobbish. The old Ballestros couple and Dina shared their dinner happily. Dina kept on talking about her students. 'My child, please do me a favor… could you please give this to Rico. He is not the type of person who would just skip his meal. He is used to eating dinner. I think something is bothering him. Could you give these foods to him so that I won't be worried anymore?", Rico's mom said to Dina after eating. "But mom, Rico is in a bad mood and he might get angry when he sees me in his room.", Dina reasoned out. "Come now my child, just do me this favor, okay?", Rico's mom ignored Dina's alibi and handed the food tray to her instead. Dina was forced to follow Rico's mom. Rico knew all too well what he is feeling right now… it was jealousy. He wanted to kiss Dina, an urge he kept on trying to control even though it feels like it drives him mad already… and yet, this audacious Carlos dared to kiss her! While he is being patient, this man stole a kiss on her forehead twice already! Lately, he has been having difficulty in controlling his feelings for Dina. He is pained, he doesn't want to feel this way, sometimes he just wanted to get rid of this feeling. To distract himself, he decided to a film when he noticed a video file. While looking for something to watch, he came across the file of his wedding day. "Dina and Rico's wedding.", Rico read on the label. He started watching their wedding. He saw how lifeless Dina was at that time and he feels sad. He saw Dina walking out of the venue in the video. He remembered he was about to almost embarrass Dina at that time… he continued watching the video. He saw himself running after Dina… and how he kissed her on the lips. Rico felt his cheeks burning, he replayed their kissing scene and pause the part, the exact moment where his lips touched hers… then he replayed it again... paused it… replayed it again… and paused it. He was looking intently at Dina on the screen, he was imagining Dina's soft lips. He touched his lips, remembering the sweet sensation of kissing Dina. He closed his eyes while imagining himself kissing Dina just like in the video. 'Rico, mom said you should eat dinner," Dina said as she entered Rico's room while carefully holding the food tray. Rico was so surprised, he was distracted with what he was imagining and just dreamily stared at Dina. "Hey what are you watching?", Dina curiously asked at the paused scene on Rico's TV screen. She wrinkled her forehead when she realized what Rico is watching. Rico was so embarrassed and he immediately pushed the play button. "That's our wedding haha! Look what I did to you, Rico! It's so funny!", Dina laughed heartily when she looked at the scene where she trampled on his foot. She laughed at Rico's reaction to the video, it was so obvious he was hurt. 'That must have been really painful. Look, you couldn't even hide the pain on your face.", Dina teased as she continued to laugh. 'Why are you watching this? It's so funny. You should give me a copy of this so I could laugh and made fun of you too. And by the way, mom is worried. So, you should eat now, okay?", Dina said before leaving Rico's room. Dina closed Rico's bedroom door, her heart was beating so fast as she remembered the scene she saw on Rico's screen… the kiss they had both shared together. Dina realized she won't be able to get over Rico. Rico shook his head in embarrassment when Dina left. He couldn't even say anything. He looked at Dina on his TV screen. 'You're so beautiful.", Rico softly whispered. Every day, Dina is constantly amazed at how Rico was able to wake up early each day, especially how quickly he prepares himself just to drive Dina to work. But Rico seems to have adjusted with his new routine, he had already adapted to Dina's lifestyle. 'Thanks, Rico. I'm sorry because you need to wake up earlier than you used to because of me.", Dina said to Rico when they arrived at the school. 'No worries.", Rico assured Dina as he stared intently at her. Rico is fully aware that he loves Dina even though she had been maintaining their gap from each other and acting as if her feelings before were no longer a big deal anymore. Even though Dina's words had still been lingering on his mind up to this day. Now that he had realized his true feelings for his wife, he still couldn't confess. Rico was surprised when Dina suddenly hugged her. His surroundings began to warm and he wanted to hug her back too. He was about to embrace her too when Dina began to talk. 'I'm sorry Rico if I am a villain in your love story with Alice. I also told Alice that I was really sorry but to you… I haven't yet. So, that's why I am telling you I'm sorry now. I hope you could endure a little more… it won't be long, you'll finally be with true love, Alice.", Dina whispered to Rico's ears. Dina was fighting her tears because she feels pitiful, forcing herself to a man who doesn't love her back. Rico wanted to explain but Dina moved away, stopping Rico with the good and warm sensation he felt when Dina hugged him. 'Bye, Rico.", Dina smiled as she got off Rico's car and went inside the school. It has been whole day already but Rico still felt the good sensation of having Dina in his arms. If it had lasted for a few seconds more, Rico was sure he couldn't stop himself from kissing Dina anymore. He is afraid that he might scare her… before acting so forcefully unto her, he wanted to confess in a sweet way first. But if he still keeps this going on, Carlos might steal his wife away from him especially now that Dina had declared that he would endure a little. Dina is thinking that he is still in love with Alice. Rico remembered Alice, he feels sad for her former lover but he couldn't force himself to like her the way he used to before… because now, only Dina makes his heart beat. I am sorry, Alice., Rico thought on his mind because he know that each passing day, he only falls deeper and deeper in love with his wife.