Layers of Dominique

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Layers of Dominique By: Clarence Palacios Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Chapter 1 Year 2005, a year wherein the Filipino people were partly liberated. Ito ang taon na kung saan nagiging maganda na ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Pero para kay Zachary, ito ang taon na hindi niya makakalimutan. This was the time he first met her, Dominique.

He was twenty-five that time. Simpleng tao lang naman siya, lumaki sa isang simpleng pamilya na nakatira sa Batangas. Everything that he had was from his parents' sweat and blood. Hindi naman siya nagrereklamo, bagkus pinagmamalaki

pa

niya

ang

simpleng

buhay

na

kinalakhan.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Kahit sabihin man na promdi siya, mataas naman ang kanyang pinag-aralan. As a matter of fact, he graduated with flying colors. He was a Magna Cum Laude. Utang niya ang lahat ng natamasa sa mga magulang niyang masisipag at mapagmahal.

He was walking from school. Kinuha niya kasi ang transcript of records niya dito sa Maynila, nawala kasi ang kanyang sariling kopya. Bukas na bukas kasi magpapasa na siya ng mga requirements sa papasukan niyang trabaho, second job as an accountant. Suddenly, a lady came out of nowhere. She was in front of him, sweating, gasping, tired. But what caught his attention was her face – perfect like a face of a doll. The woman had a long hair.

Two green eyes gazed upon his physique.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Aba! Kung sinuswerte ka nga naman, may makikilala pa kong magandang babae!

What should he tell her? Would he ask her name?

Ask her out or something? If he would do that, she might picture him arrogant or a maniac. Siguro mas maganda kung tanungin niya kung ayos lang ba ito. Pero hindi, mas nararapat sigurong patay-malisya na lang siya. Indeed, that was the right thing to do.

Magsisimula na sana siyang maglakad nang bigla siya nitong pigilan. She held his arm so tight. And out of the blue, the stranger conquered his lips. Without hesitation, even if somebody saw them, she kissed him.

Her lips was as soft as cotton, brought a thermal feeling that Zachary couldn't explain. It was not his first kiss but it Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios was something he would surely not forget. After that convergence, she murmured.

“Sean,” biglang nawalan ng malay ang babae.

Pinagkumpulan

na

sila

ng

mga

tao.

Full

of

commotion, the whole area was crowded. Panay lang ang gising niya sa estranghera ngunit wala pa din itong katinag-tinag. He had no choice but to carry her and take her to the hospital. Even if a lot of people kept looking at them, he became silent and did what had to do. Kailangan niyang madala sa ospital ito bago pa kung anong mangyaring masama dito. It was a good timing that a tricycle passed by. Walang pag-aalinlangang pinatigil niya ang sasakyan.

“Manong, kailangan kong dalhin ang babaeng 'to sa Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ospital.” Iyon agad ang bungad niya sa driver.

“Ano kasi-” But Zachary could see within his face that he would be rejected. Before the driver reason out, he already gave him money. “Please lang, Manong. Kailangan lang talaga.

Kung gusto niyo, dodoblehin ko pa.”

Hindi na ito nakatanggi, sumakay na sila. Hindi man bukal sa puso nito, pinaandar pa din ng driver ang sasakyan. Off they go.

Habang binabaybay nila ang daan, panay lang ang tingin

niya

sa

babaeng

nasa

kanyang

tabi.

He

remembered what she did, she kissed him. It still lingered, he could still feel her soft lips in his own lips. Sean – that was the name she called him. That wasn't his name, iyon Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ang kanyang pinagtataka. Did she mistake him of someone else? Malamang dahil sa hindi naman nito gagawin ang halikan siya ng basta-basta.

Who was Sean? Was he similar to that guy? Ang pagkakatanda niya, wala naman siyang nakakamukha dito sa mundong ibabaw, wala din siyang kapatid o kakambal dahil sa nag-iisa lang naman siyang anak ng kanyang tatay at nanay. So, it was impossible for him to be mistaken by someone else. Baka naman malabo lang ang mga mata ng babae kaya napagkamalan siya nito. Right, that was the reason.

All of his questions faded away when they arrived at the hospital. Binuhat niya itong muli at nagmamadaling pumunta sa emergency room. Doctors and nurses came Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios to his side and immediately checked the stranger he held.

Wala na ito sa kanyang pagkakahawak. He looked at his empty hands. Saka niya lang napansin na kahit buhatbuhat niya ito kanina, maganda ang naging pakiramdam niya. While he was carrying the beautiful stranger, he felt a need that he couldn't explain.

“Kayo po ba ang asawa ng pasyente?” putol ng isang nurse sa kanyang pag-iisip.

“A-ahmm,

h-hindi

po.”

Ang

pakiramdam

na

masabihang asawa nito ay napakasaya ngunit hindi naman siya maaaring magsinungaling.

“Siguro, nobyo ka niya.”

“Uhmmm, hindi. Tinulungan ko lang siya.”

“If that's the case, do you have her bag, so that we Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios can find anything about her?�

Umiling lang si Zachary, wala naman kasing dala na kahit ano ang babaeng tinulungan niya. Wala talaga siyang

kamalay-malay

kung

sino

ba

talaga

ito.

Napahawak na lang ang nurse sa noo na para bang nakunsumi sa mga isinagot niya. Sinabihan na lang siya nito na maghintay dahil may kailangan pa daw siyang pirmahan.

But should he wait for her to wake up? Ano ba naman ang pakielam niya sa dalagang nasa loob ngayon ng E.R? The truth, he was wasting his time for a stranger. But deep down his heart, it was dictating him to wait. What should he do? Should he obey his rational thinking or his ever emotional heart?

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Bahala na nga!

May dinukot siya sa bulsa ng pantalon. He had a piece of coin. “Kung tao, mananatili ako dito. Kung ibon naman, aalis ako.� Yes, the solution form his dilemma was the unpredictable toss coin. He tossed it, the result was heads. Faith had spoken.

Zachary woke up because he felt somebody was watching him, surveying him right now. Whoever that was, he

would

surely

tear

him

apart!

Dala

iyan

ng

nararamdaman niya, nakatulog kasi siya habang nakaupo kaya panay kirot ng mga kasu-kasuhan. Damay na tuloy ang kanyang mood.

And when he opened his eyes, a beautiful face was in Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios front of him. The stranger that caught his lips was staring at him. She was smiling and held his face – trailed his jaw line. Hindi niya napigilan ang pamumula ng mga pisngi, kahit sino naman yata ay ganito ang mararamdaman.

Kung makapag-blush ako, daig ko pa ang isang high school student! Bad trip! Ka-lalaki kong tao!

The heart of his kept beating rapidly and wild, kulang na lang magka-heart attack siya ngayon. Because of the sudden feeling, his reflexes moved. Napalayo siya sa babae, hawak niya ang sariling dibdib.

“Okay ka lang ba, Sean?” Mababanaag sa mukha nito ang pag-aalala.

Sa wakas, gumana na din ang kanyang utak. Naalala na niya ang lahat ng mga nangyari simula kahapon. At Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ang pinakanag-rehistro sa kanyang utak, ang halik na ibinigay nito sa kanya. He didn't have any strength to tell her the things that happened yesterday. Pero hindi naman maaaring maging ganito lang ang lahat.

“Miss, nawalan ka ng malay kahapon. Ako 'yung tumulong sa'yo. Naaalala mo ba ang mga nangyari?”

Tumahimik ito at nag-isip, para bang hinahalukay ang isipan. “Wala akong maalala, Sean.”

“At isa pa 'yan, hindi ako si Sean. Napagkakamalan mo lang ako na kung sino. I'm not Sean.”

She laughed as if what he said was something funny.

Ano bang nakakatawa sa sinabi niya? “Why are you laughing?”

“Ikaw kasi, baka ikaw pa ang may sakit sa'tin. Dapat Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios yata tingnan ka ng doktor o baka naman nagiging ulyanin ka na.”

“Hindi nga ako si Sean! Ako si Zachary, kung gusto mo, pakitaan pa kita ng patunay na hindi nga ako 'yung lalaking sinasabi mo.”

The stranger kept silent. He could sense that she didn't believe what he said. Kinuha niya ang bag, naghanap. He saw his identification card from his former job. Pinakita niya dito. “Basahin mo, ako 'yan. Ako si Zachary Arevallo. Kung kulang pa 'yan, I can show you my SSS I.D.” Hawak nito ang identification card, parang hindi makapaniwala sa nakikita. “No, you are Sean! You're my husband!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Ngayon asawa naman siya nito? Ibig sabihin, ang lalaking sinasabi nito na inakalang siya ay asawa pala. But he was not her husband. Aaminin niya, gugustuhin talaga niyang maging asawa ang estrangherang nasa harapan niya. But what was happening was pretty weird “Miss, believe me. I'm not your husband. Kahit kailan, hindi pa ko nagpapakasal sa kahit kaninong babae o kahit sinong bakla. I'm still single.�

And from the second time around, she stole him a kiss. The kiss was passionate, deep. He didn't have any strength to oppose her. Para bang sa halik na iyon, untiunti siyang nahihipnotismo at gawin ang isang bagay na hindi niya dapat gawin. You know the type what a man wanted to a woman. Her soft lips lingered to his, making Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios him aroused and felt the erotic aura that she had. Her tongue explored to the deep parts of him, brought such pleasure that he hadn't deal before. Pero kailangan niyang pigilan ito. It was a must to resist!

Lumayo siya. He gave her a one yard space. Dahil sa pangyayaring iyon, nawalan siya ng hininga, hingal na hingal. And when he faced her, she was standing and crying.

“Tell me that you felt it too. Alam kong naramdamam mo iyon. Don't try to deny it!”

What did she meant about that? Aminado siyang kahit sino mang lalaki ang mahalikan ng ganoon katindi, matutuliro din kagaya niya. But it was just an initial reaction. Nothing more. “It's natural na makaramdam ako.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios But I don't get it, hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi mo.”

“It's love. Hindi mo ba naramdaman 'yun?”

“Love?” Was he talking with a lunatic? Maybe, he was. And it was nonsense to make any effort to explain the truth, na kung ano man ang sinasabi nito ay kahibangan.

Pag-ibig kaagad kahit kakakita pa lang niya dito. If he stayed here a little longer, much worse could happen.

Tumalikod na siya.

“Wait!”

The first encounter of their hands, she held his hand to stop. It was enough for him to do it. Dapat wala na siya sa harapan nito ngunit hindi niya magawang tanggalin ang pagkakahawak nito.

“Don't leave me, please.” Crying, kulang na lang ay Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios lumuhod ito sa kanyang harapan para huwag ng gawin ang binabalak na pag-alis There was something with this woman that he couldn't explain. Kahit anong pilit niyang makalayo, kahit ilang beses niyang sinasabi sa sarili na nababaliw na ang babaeng nasa harapan niya, still his heart was saying to stay with her. Ano ba ang dapat manaig sa kanya?

He took a deep breath, made up his mind. “Sige, mananatili na ko dito. Pero may mga kondisyon?”

“What conditions?”

“Una, hindi mo na ko tatawaging, Sean. My name's Zachary and I am not your husband. Is that clear?”

“But-” “No buts, hindi ako ang asawa mo. Pangalawa, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios kailangan matawagan natin ang mga kamag-anak mo.

Sino ang pwede kong tawagan? Para kapag dumating na sila, I can go home.”

Lumungkot naman ang mukha nito, waring hindi nagustuhan ang mga kondisyon niya. “If I will do that, hindi na tayo magkikita ulit, Se-” “Damn! How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not Sean!”

Napuno na si Zachary. Bakit ba hindi pa din nito siya tantanan sa kakatawag na Sean? Surely, he would be glad if she wanted him to stay by her side because of him, hindi dahil sa nakikita nito sa kanya ang asawa nito.

When he faced her, total grief was seen through her face. Nakonsensiya tuloy siya sa nagawa niya. Bakit ba Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios kasi hindi man lang niya napigilan ang sarili na uminit ang ulo?

“Pasensiya na kung nasigawan kita pero hindi talaga ako siya, hindi talaga ako ang asawa mo. Maybe, he was just out there. Magkikita din kayong dalawa.” He gave her a smile, a smile that assured her that everything would be all right.

Hindi ito nagsalita, may inabot lang ito sa may lamesitang malapit sa hinihigaan, isang papel at ballpen.

She wrote something and passed it to him.

“You can call that person.” Inilayo na ng babae ang tingin sa kanya. Staring at the window, she didn't mind him.

He didn't dare to ask anything. Lumabas na lang siya Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ng kuwarto. While he was walking, the piece of paper caught his attention. Should he call the person written in here? But if he did that, he no longer had a reason to stay by her side.

Then, he just remembered that even at the first time he met her, he had no right to be with her. Isa pa, isa lang itong estranghera. Hindi niya ito kilala. Kaya ngayon, naisip niya na kailangan niya talagang tawagan ang taong nasusulat sa kapirasong papel.

Gaya nga ng plano, tumawag nga siya. The person he talked to seems to be an old man. But he didn't interrogate who he was. Sinabi na lang niya na nandito ang babae, sinabi niya kung saang ospital. The line cut, end of call. Kailangan pa ba niyang bumalik sa kuwarto ng Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios estranghera?

Bakit pa? Huwag mo nang aksayahin ang oras mo.

Kita mo nang hindi mo na nagawa ang dapat mong gawin.

Indeed, his other self was right. It was making sense that he needed to go back. This encounter between them was an accident. Hindi niya dapat pang pagkaabalahan pa iyon. But his heart was opposing what his brain was saying. This time, he would obey his head.

Chapter 2 Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Hindi nga ako si Sean!” Napabalikwas siya sa hinihigaan. Nagising siya sa isang panaginip. He dreamt her again and what happened between them.

Akala niya, hindi na niya muling mababalikan ang mga nangyari ngunit gabi-gabi, kahit hindi man niya gustuhin, kusa itong pumapasok sa kanyang coconut shell. Napahawak siya sa kaniyang mga labi, hanggang ngayon nararamdaman pa din niya ang pagdampi ng mga labi nito na kasing pula ng rosas at kasing lambot ng bulak.

“Ano bang nangyayari sa'kin? A week had passed since that happened, hindi ko pa din siya makalimutan.”

He didn't even get her name. Kahit nga yata alamin ang edad nito, hindi niya nagawa. But his life would not Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios stop just because of that, Zachary had to forget that encounter. Kailangan mawala na ito sa kaniyang isipan!

Kailangan makalimutan na niya ang baliw na babaeng iyon!

The first thing he needed was a cold shower, maybe that would help him erased that memory. Exactly, that was the remedy but still some fragments of her kept wandering in his mind. Wala na siyang magagawa kung hindi tanggapin na lang na maaalala pa din niya ito kahit ilang beses pa niyang pilitin tanggalin.

Mabilis siyang nag-ayos ng sarili, kinuha lang ang mga gamit at lumabas na sa inuupahang bahay. And to his amazement, he saw a couple of men handling something, carrying. May lilipat sa katabing apartment? Who was it?

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios But he didn't ask them. Ang napansin niya lang sa mga taong nagbubuhat, panay mga canvass at gamit sa pagpipinta ang binubuhat. Maybe the new neighbor was a painter. He was curious who he was but he had not time left. Male-late na siya kung hindi pa siya umalis. He could get to know his neighbor later on.

Zachary knew how difficult it was to be an accountant to the Claymore Industries. Some of his co-workers were hard to be with, ang hirap pakisamahan. And most of them, abused his kindness – always bully him. Hindi naman niya magawang umangal at tumanggi, he still respected them because they were his seniors.

“Arevallo,” somebody came to his side. One of the Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios bully co-workers, Jones. “Sabi ni Sir, ikaw daw ang gumawa niyan.” Kasama pa nito ang iba pa nilang katrabaho. They were all grinning like a demon at him.

“Bakit ako? I'm not handling that account. Di ba ikaw ang may hawak niyan?”

“Are you questioning our boss?” Jones' eyes widened and circled around.

Well, what else could he do? Wala naman siyang laban sa mga ito. They could manipulate everything, they could reverse the truth. Kayang-kayang sabihin ng mga ito sa boss na nag-iinarte siya kahit hindi naman totoo.

Kinuha na lang niya ang mga files na hawak nito.

“Sige, ako na lang ang bahalang gumawa ng presentation.” A hint of anger, that was obvious in his Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios voice. Son of a bitch! He wanted to shout it but he couldn't.

“Tama 'yan bata! Susunod ka lagi sa mga sinasabi namin sa'yo.” Ginulo pa nito ang kanyang buhok na animoy isa siyang bata. Pagkatapos, umalis na kasama ang iba pa. While the group of antagonist went far away from him, he could hear their gruesome laugh.

The only reaction that he did was to sigh. Like what they said – you can't have it all. As long as they paid him with the right amount of wage and had a job that could support his needs, he could withstand his seniors.

And thank God, it was time to go home! Saktong alassingko na ng hapon. Sa bahay na lang niya gagawin ang mga ipinapagawa sa kanya. At least in his cozy little rent, he could concentrate very well and had a time that no one Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios bothering him. Nagmadali na siyang mag-ayos ng mga gamit, and off he go.

Bago pa siya makasakay ng elevator, nakita na naman

niya

ang

babae

–

the

beautiful

stranger.

Namamalikmata ba ko?

Tama ba ang kanyang nakikita? When he blinked, the stranger was not there. Probably his imagination went wild, it was an illusion. Hindi na niya binigyang pansin ang guni-guni, tumuloy na lang siya sa loob ng elevator.

Rush hour – traffic, the busy road of EDSA was full of countless vehicles stuck, not moving. Pampubliko man o pribadong sasakyan ang makikita dito. And he was stuck here! The usual one hour travel became the two hours of Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios pain! Why would he say that? He was standing for about two hours! Mas nagpalala pa ng kanyang sitwasyon ang padaskol-daskol na andar ng bus. Shivering knees, he felt the fatigue.

Dapat pala nag-over time na lang ako!

Now, he reached his pad, the first thing he did was plunge to his not-so soft bed. At last, he felt relax and comfortable, the shivering of his knees was cured. Ito lang yata ang makakapagpaginhawa sa kanya, ito lang yata ang tanging makakatanggal ng pagka-aburido niya sa mga nangyaring kamalasan. He closed his eyes and savored each moment of the peacefulness.

But that moment was lost when Zachary heard something – a harsh noise from the other side. Nanggaling Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ang tunog sa kabilang apartment. “What the hell!” He looked at the wall clock; it was past eight in the evening.

Sinong matinong tao ang magpapatugtog ng ganito kalakas?

All of a sudden, it faded, bumalik na sa mapayapang atmosphere. Akala niya magtatagal ang katahimikan, mas malakas pa ang ingay na nadidinig niya ngayon. The song was rock – heavy metal to be exact. If that person thought that was music, for him it was noise.

You've got to be kidding me!

Lumakas pa ang tunog. Hindi na niya makakayanan ang ganito. Without reluctance, he marched out of his pad to

confront

the

mysterious

neighbor

causing

the

scandalous act.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios He marched to his door – neighbor's door, knocked it so loud that everybody in the hood would hear it. A couple of seconds passed nothing. Walang humarap sa kanya.

He did it again. This time, it was an earth-shaking knock.

Mabuti naman may bumungad sa kanya.

“You!” Why wouldn't he be shocked from that encounter, the beautiful stranger was in front of him! What he had pictured to be his neighbor was a man, an annoying man but he was wrong.

Siya ang bagong kapit-bahay ko?

The wrath that was rising from Zachary, vanished, without any traces of it, replaced by the fast palpitating of his heart. Hands were shaking and sweating, he was out of words.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “What? Have we met before?” The stranger's face was full of doubt.

“Ha?” Was this a joke? Imposibleng makalimutan siya nito. Di ba napagkamalan pa nga siya nitong asawa. But as he observed the lady, seems she wasn't lying. “You don't remember me?”

“Ngayon lang kita nakita. Sino ka ba, ha?”

From that statement, he felt a stabbing pain within his chest. Dapat nga matuwa siya na hindi na nito ipinipilit na siya ang asawa. But still he couldn't stop himself to feel sad even though there was nothing to be sad about that.

He continued his real agenda. “Never mind what I said.

Ang ipinunta ko dito, masyado kasing malakas ang sounds mo. Dinig na dinig ko, kaya sana kung pwede lang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios naman pakihanaan.”

“No, can't do.” Umiling-iling pa ang babae. “Hindi ako makakapagtrabaho kapag wala akong sounds.”

“Pero nakakabulahaw ka! Alam mo ba kung anong oras na? I can report you if you still continue this noise pollution.”

“Noise pollution? Wow!” Being sarcastic, she glared at me. “Okay lang, gawin mo ang gusto mo,” she turned her back from him. Sinarado ng pabalang ang pintuan.

Great! First, she was being lunatic at the first encounter. Now, she was being a bad ass! What a lady!

She was starting to get into his nerves. “Buksan mo nga ang pintuan!” Panay ang pagkatok niya. Actually, he wasn't knocking, he was pounding it. “Open up!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Binuksan nga nito. “What's your problem? Kanina sinabi mong maingay ako. Ngayon, ikaw naman ang nagiingay.”

“Katabi mo lang ang inuupahan ko. So, everything that you will do, I can sense it. Isang pader lang ang pagitan natin, kaya sana hinaan mo na ang stereo mo, Miss-” “Dominique Valencia,” pagdugtong nito sa kanyang sinabi.

“Right,

Miss

Valencia.

Kaya

sana

lang,

be

considerate. I had a bad day so please be quiet; I want to have a decent sleep!”

“Well, Mister-” Hinihintay nitong dugtungan niya ang sinabi nito.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Inaalam nito ang kanyang pangalan. “Zachary Arevallo.”

“Mr. Arevallo, wala naman akong kinalaman sa kamalasan na nangyari sa araw mo. Takpan mo na lang ng unan ang ulo mo para makapagpahinga ka.”

End of discussion, she just left him there. What an indomitable lady! Hindi man lang ba nito naisip ang mga taong

nasa

paligid

na

pwedeng

maapektuhan

sa

ginagawa nito? If he only knew that she was like this, he should stop her before she kissed him at the first encounter.

Talaga? You can do that? Tell the truth, you really enjoyed that kiss!

Okay, he couldn't lie about that statement. But Miss Dominique Valencia was a hard-headed person that he Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios should not get involved with. There was no sense quarreling with her. Her head was as hard as trigonometry!

So, Zachary decided to go back to his apartment. Pero kung iniisip ng babaeng iyon na makakalimot na siya sa mga ginawa nito lalo na ngayon, nagkakamali ito.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok niya, parang sinasadya pa yata nitong lakasan ang pagpapatugtog. Hell! I'm dealing with a crazy woman! Could she stop pestering him around? God, kung ngayon pa lang natutuliro na ang tahimik niyang mundo sa pagdating nito, paano pa sa mga araw na darating?

God, please give me the patience, a long patience or else I will forget she's a woman!

Kumuha na lang siya ng bulak at binilog. And then, he Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios placed it in his ears. At least it lessens the intensity of her noise. Like what she said, he put a pillow in his head.

Tinakpan niya talaga ang mga teinga upang hindi na makadinig pa.

Indeed, he was not hearing the wild noise but his brain was still working. Involuntary, Dominique was dancing on his mind. Ano ba naman 'tong nangyayari sa kanya? Why wouldn't he stop thinking about her? Panay pa ang pag-pop ng nangyaring senaryo ng nakaraan, the day she kissed him in public. Inuumpog niya ang sarili, baka sakaling matanggal sa kanyang utak ang babae. But nothing happened, the memory was there, lingered!

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Chapter 3 Payday! My favorite day! Kahit sino naman yatang Pilipino, ito ang araw na kinapapanabikan. Habang hawak niya ang sobreng naglalaman ng perang pinagpaguran ng kalahating buwan, panay na ang isip niya kung paano ito gagamitin. All of his co-workers knew what they would do with their money, some of them used it for leisure time – you know the type what men wanted! Some of them used it for dating and some for shopping. And how about him?

Zachary was planning to give the quarter of his salary to his parents. Ipapadala na lang niya sa kanila. And the rest? Well, he gonna saved the others. Biglang pumasok sa utak niya na kailangan din naman niyang bigyan ng Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios reward ang sarili. From the hard work, from the bullshit things that happened, he must not deprive himself to have a good time.

So, what now, Zachary?

Going to the bar, drinking until he was half dead was not his thing. Find a girl that he would sex with was a dangerous thing. Paano niya kaya mapapasaya ang sarili?

Perhaps, he could go to the movies. Indeed, that was a great idea! Sounded boring but that would do.

He went to the mall, inquired about what were the movies scheduled for that day. Mostly were international movies. Hindi naman kasi siya sanay na manood ng pelikulang banyaga kaya ang napili na lang niya ang isang pelikulang pilipino, drama. Drama was the last choice of Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios his but that would do.

Straight to the ticket booth, he bought a ticket and went inside the cinema. Pinili niya talaga ang favorite spot, sa may bandang gitna. Mas nakikita niya kasi ang pelikula kung doon siya pu-pwesto. He saw some couples and he knew that they were here not for the movie. Alam niyang may milagrong gagawin ang mga ito. Iyon din ang isang dahilan kung bakit gusto niya sa gitna naka-pwesto. The last time he was seating at the back, he saw two love birds making-love in that public place.

Now, the lights went off. Shit! I forgot to buy snacks!

Pero paano pa siya makakalabas, mag-uumpisa na ang palabas. Hayaan na nga lang niya. Pagkatapos na lang ng pelikula siya kakain.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Deep thought, still thinking about food, somebody went to the other side of his seat. It was vacant a while ago but now occupied. The stranger didn't ask if it was taken. Umupo na lang ito ng basta-basta. Ganito na ba talaga? People didn't have manners anymore?

Huwag mo na nga lang aksayahin ang oras mo sa mga taong walang-modo. And like what his self said, he focused on the movie.

The movie was running, and the stranger made him pissed off. Inuulit kasi nito ang mga sinasabi sa pelikula, 'yung mga dialogue nung bidang babae. The stranger was a lady.

Ano ba naman 'tong babaeng ito? Una, umupo na lang siya ng hindi man lang nagtatanong. Ngayon naman, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ginagaya naman niya ang dialogue! Bad trip!

He faced her. Zachary thought it was someone who was a fanatic of the movie or someone older than him - a type of old maid but he was wrong.

Anong ginagawa niya dito! Surprised, he never knew he would saw her here, Dominique – the unyielding lady.

Sa lahat pa ng lugar na pwede niya itong makita, dito pa!

Habang patago niya itong pinagmamasdan, parang hindi nito napansin na siya ang katabi nito. Masyado itong busy sa panonood, para bang dinadama nitong maigi ang palabas.

Nakikita niya dito na lumuluha. Why? Was it because of the movie? Masyado bang nakakadala ang mga arte ng mga artista? To him, it was nothing. But to her, she was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios shedding tears. Maybe, she was connecting with the movie. Nakaka-relate siguro ito sa pelikula. The movie was about a mistress. Sa isang babaeng gagawin ang lahat para sa pag-ibig. Was she like that?

Parang hindi naman niya nakikita sa itsura nito ang maging isang kabit. Dominique was a type of a girl that every man would marry from different churches. Di ba gaya nga ng sabi niya sa unang kita niya dito, she was a beautiful stranger that could tame a wild beast. And if his memory served him right, she had a husband. Isang asawa na inakalang siya.

As she uttered words while watching and crying, he wanted to touch her. Gusto niyang hawakan ang kamay nito,

yakapin

ito

ng

mahigpit

at

pahupain

ang

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios nararamdaman nito. The pulsating beat was the only thing Zachary could hear, his heart.

Kalagitnaan na ng pelikula. Out of the blue, his stomach groaned. He was in the middle of appreciating her beauty when that happened. Dominique heard it also.

While she was wiping her tears with a tissue, she handed him a pack of chips and continued watching.

That was weird. It meant, she knew him. Nakilala siya nito. Kahit pagbaliktarin man niya ang mundo, siguradong maaalala siya nito dahil sa away na nangyari sa kanilang dalawa.

“Thanks,” that was the only word that came out of his mouth.

“Welcome, Mr. Arevallo.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios So, she really knew he was here. Alam nito na katabi siya nito. Pero bakit hindi pa din ito umaalis? They had a fight and it was like a fight of the century but still she was sitting next to him. Baka naman nakalimutan na naman nito ang nangyari sa kanila n'ung nasa apartment sila gaya nang makalimutan nito ang una nilang pagkikita?

This

lady

was

so

unpredictable,

confusing.

Kung

papansinin pa niya, hindi na niya maiintindihan pa ang pinapanood.

He focused in the big screen. It was helpless, she was seizing his mind. Sinayang niya lang ang bayad sa pelikula. Dapat yata ito na lang ang panoodin niya. Lights went on, the movie ended and it was too late when he recognized it. Lahat ng mga manonood ay nagsisimula Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios nang umalis. Habang siya, nakaupo pa din. What was happening to him? Masyado yata siyang na-gayuma sa babaeng nasa tabi niya. He had to get away, fast. Stood up even he was weak because of her effect, he did. Before he could walk away from her, she already held his arm – right arm.

“Nagugutom ka ba, Mr. Arevallo?”

Why? Bakit nito tinatanong? Aayain ba siya nito? Was it a date? He didn't have the guts to voice it out. Instead, he just answered her question. “Kanina pa nga. It's a good thing that you gave me chips. Maraming salamat.”

“Don't mention it. Kanina kasi nadinig kong nagaalburoto na 'yung sikmura mo.”

He heard her giggled. It was music in his ears that Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios brought pleasure from his whole body. He wanted to hear that giggle in a different scenario, from a man's imagination. Sinaway niya ang sarili sa naiisip na kamunduhan.

“And as a sign of gratitude, I will treat you. Saan mo ba gustong kumain?”

“Huwag na, KKB na lang tayo.”

“KKB? Ano 'yun?”

She giggled again and stared at him as if he was in a different world. “Hindi mo alam ang ibig sabihin ng KKB? It stands for K-kanya, K-kanya, B-bayad.”

“Ahhh,” now he got what she meant. But he was a gentleman. Likas na sa kanya iyon kaya hindi siya makakapayag sa gusto nito. “I insist. This is my treat.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Well, hindi na uso ang ganyan. Lahat ng tao pantaypantay, ako ang magbabayad ng pagkain ko.”

“Don't be so-” “Ma'am, Sir, tapos na po ang pelikula.” Somebody came to the side. “Maglilinis na po kami para sa susunod na mga manonood.”

They both blushed from what happened. Shy, both him and Dominique quickly moved down and went outside of the cinema. Akala niya makikipagmatigasin pa din ang babae. She approved the idea that he would treat her dinner.

“Saan mo ba gusto? Kakasahod ko lang naman kaya pwede kitang ma-libre.”

“Hmmm, saan nga ba?” she was holding her chin and Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios deeply scanned her own thoughts. “French cuisine or Italian cuisine?”

From the sound of the different cuisines she was mentioning, looked expensive. Mabubutas yata ang bulsa niya. Habang nagsasalita pa ito ng iba't ibang putahe, sa pangalan pa lang ay parang mahal na. Napapalunok tuloy siya. The idea of having dinner with her was bad.

Dominique laughed as if something funny was happening. Kulang na nga lang maglupasay ito. Luha ng kasiyahan ang makikita sa gilid ng mga mata nito. “I'm just joking. Sa food court lang tayo kakain, noh.”

At last, Zachary breathed freely. “Akala ko sa isang mamahaling restaurant tayo kakain.”

“If you still insist, we can eat to-” Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Immediately, he held her hand while she was smiling from the way he was worried about how expensive the restaurant she would suggest. “Okay, sa food court tayo.”

Hinatak na niya ito at sabay silang naglakad papunta sa nais kainan.

It was too late from what he had done, holding her hand while walking. Seems a simple gesture to others, a gesture made by friends, siblings or even lovers, for him – a gesture that turned his world upside down. Grabe ang epekto sa kanya! Holding Dominique's hand was like holding a live wire that zapped a million watts of current through his whole body. And even though he was experiencing it, Zachary couldn't take her hands off, enjoying every bit of electricity.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Thank God! Nakarating na din sila sa food court! Ang lakad na ginawa nila ang pinakamalupit at mahirap na lakad na nagawa niya. And when he glanced back at her, she was calm as water. Parang natural lang ang nangyari dito. He didn't interrogate her.

“Where do you want to eat?” she murmured.

“Ahmmm,” actually his craving for food faded and a different craving rose upon him, a craving what a man wanted from a woman. But this was madness! She was just a stranger but he couldn't hinder it, the feelings. He shook his head and pointed to something, to a stall he didn't knew because his eyes were closed. “There. Diyan tayo kumain.”

“Gusto mo diyan? Are you sure?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios And as he faced the stall he pointed, it was a mistake.

Mali pala ang naituro niya! Hindi pala pagkain ang mabibili d'un, a stall for beers and alcohol. “No, hindi 'yan. What I was pointing was the other stall.”

“The sizzling steak? Good, 'yan din ang gusto kong kainin.”

Nakalusot siya! Mabuti naman! As she moved to the stall, he was chanting. Huwag ka naman sanang magkalat ngayon! Huwag ka namang magkalat, Zachary!

Parang bumalik na siya sa normal. The curse of being clumsy vanished. He could look forward to her without making any nonsense things. Naglakad siya papalapit dito. Now, she was choosing what she wanted to eat.

Isang T-bone steak ang napili nito. While him, he chose a Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Salisbury steak.

They waited for a few minutes and the food was served. She was smiling while facing her food, it was like she was amazed by the hot and sizzling food she ordered.

And without any further due, she started eating even not inviting him. “Sorry, nakalimutan na kitang ayain.� She was smiling while there was tiny drop of sauce from the side of her lips.

He did not dislike the way she was, her carefree state.

Actually, he liked what he was seeing right now with her.

She was cute smiling at him while he saw a tiny splat of sauce from the side of her lips. No, he was wrong. She wasn't cute, Dominique was sexy, hot! The sight was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios seducing him, teasing him to lick the sauce from her lips.

“Don't mind me, just eat. You looked cute when you're eating.”

Then, she continued what she was doing. Kumain na din siya, paunti-unti na nga lang. Makita niya lang na kumakain ang babae, parang nabubusog na siya. Pero sa totoo lang, ibang bagay ang nagugutom sa kanya at ayaw niyang pansinin pa iyon. Secretly, he was observing her.

While she was enjoying her food, Zachary saw her face clearly – nose perfect, lips were red and two green captivating eyes. And what caught his attention were two clinging bosoms shaped through her blouse.

Manly

instincts

was

raging,

hormones

were

rampaging. That was what happening to him. He had to Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios think something, something that would take his sense to other things.

“Are you okay?” two green eyes were staring at him.

“Hindi mo ba nagustuhan ang pagkain mo?”

“Nagustuhan ko, may naiisip lang kasi ako.”

“Maybe, this was a bad timing. I'm sorry if I ask you to have dinner with me. Uubusin ko na lang 'to agad.”

“Huwag kang magmadali, baka mabulunan ka pa.”

But it was too late, nabulunan na nga ito. He gave her water and tapped her back. “Kita mo, nabulunan ka na talaga. Just take your time.”

“Pasensiya na,” peace sign, she continued eating.

He had a great time with her. Kahit nga yata makita niya itong nakaupo lang sa harapan niya, nag-eenjoy na Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios siya. Seeing her like this was refreshing. Mas nag-eenjoy pa nga siya ngayon kesa sa panonood ng movie nang mag-isa. But he didn't state that.

Nakontento na lang siya sa pagmamasid sa ginagawa nito. Grabe! Kakaiba talaga ang epekto ng babaeng 'to. Sa lahat ng mga babaeng nakilala niya, ito lang ang nagpatorpe sa kanya ng ganito. He used to have girlfriends, encountered so many relationships that he couldn't count in his hands; women came in his life but didn't have this kind of effect on him. At one glance, she could attract him physically. She made his blood rush and his length woke without any effort.

Even they were finished eating, he was not saying anything. Kahit nga yata anong salita, walang lumalabas Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa kanyang mga labi. Bloody hell! What's wrong with me?

Simula ngayon, 'yan na ang tanong na hindi niya kayang sagutin.

As Dominique stood by, came near him and held his arm again without any notice. “Shall we go, Mr. Arevallo?�

Para siyang robot na sumunod sa gusto nito. Habang binabagtas nila ang daan palabas ng mall, panay ang pagiisip niya. Mostly if two people were like this, they were called lovers. Lovers? Impossible, they were newly acquainted. Maybe, she had mistaken him as her husband again. But seems to him she was normal, she wasn't the lunatic lady he first met.

Sapalagay niya, she was thinking of him as a friend.

Ginagawa din naman 'to ng dalawang magkaibigan. Tama, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios iyon nga siguro kaya nga siguro nakahawak ito sa kanyang braso dahil sa iniisip nitong kaibigan siya nito.

And by that thought, he felt the sudden pain his chest.

“Hey, Mr. Arevallo!”

“What?” His mind was in flurry. Observed his surrounding, they were already outside. She wasn't holding his arm anymore.

“Siguro iniisip mo ang girlfriend mo, noh?”

“Girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend. Iniisip ko lang ang trabaho

ko,

'yun

lang.” Pagsisinungaling

niya. He

explained even if it wasn't necessary. Pakiramdam niya kasi na kailangan niyang gawin iyon. “Why did you say that?”

“Wala lang.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Afterwards, a taxi passed by. She called and the vehicle stopped in front. Una na itong sumakay.

Dominique opened the window and yelled at him.

“Pumasok ka na, sagot ko na 'to.”

“Huwag na, magba-bus na lang ako.”

“You're the most egoistic guy I've ever met. Libre ko na nga 'to.”

“And you are the most indomitable woman I've met.

Mauna ka na. I'll take the bus.”

“Mag-aaway ba kayo o sasakay sa taxi ko? Kapag hindi, tataas 'tong metro.” Sumabat na sa usapan ang driver. The old man was stern.

“Tama si Manong. Pag hindi ka pa sumakay, baka tumaas pa ang metro, dali na!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios So much for his ego, he must forget his pride. This was his chance to get close to her, to know more about her. Gaya nga ng sabi nila, palay na ang lumalapit sa manok. Dapat tukain na niya!

Minus any hesitation, pumasok na siya. The taxi started moving and off they go. “Hindi mo pa din ako ililibre. I want to pay for the ride.”

“You really don't like a woman pay for your needs.”

“Because I can do it. My father once told me that I should not let any woman pay for me.”

“Eh, isipin mo na lang na kaibigan mo kong lalaki para walang problema.”

But that was the problem. Even from another angle, left to right, up or down, she was a woman, a woman with Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios a hot body, sexy, voluptuous and yummy. She had a body that any man wanted to a woman, a face that was perfect, hair that was long and soft. “Sige, para walang away, hati na lang tayo sa magiging metro.”

“If you say so,” napapailing na lang ang babae.

“Napakahirap talagang makipagtalo sa'yo.”

And at the rear view, they both sensed that the driver was smiling because of the scene him and Dominique making. Parehas na lang silang tumahimik.

Isang oras na biyahe ang kanyang ininda. Nahirapan talaga siya. Not because of the bumpy ride, hassle traffic but it was because of the woman besides him. She was a pain. Sari-saring mga damdamin ang nararamdaman niya.

Kung anu-anong kaguluhan ang pumapasok sa kanyang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios utak.

Nagwawala na ang kanyang puso at nagsisimulang makaramdam ng kakaibang pagnanais. Zachary kept calming his self, he was taming the beast inside of him but he couldn't. Mas nagpadagdag pa sa pagwawala ng kanyang katauhan ang isang mumunting alaala na ayaw mabura, the day when she kissed him in public.

And

as

they

approached

the

apartment,

his

consciousness became clearer. Konti na lang makakawala na siya sa mala-gayuma nitong tingin. Maibabalik na din sa normal ang kanyang sarili. The taxi stopped front wise of the apartment. At once, he got his pocket, gave the money to the driver and went outside before he heard her complain.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Wait!” Pigil nito sa kanya ngunit hindi siya nagpapigil.

Dere-derecho lang siya hanggang sa marating na ang sariling unit. His hands was shaking, he couldn't unlock the door because of nervousness. If he didn’t rush, she would be here sooner. At last, door unlocked! Mabilis siyang pumasok. He slammed his self from the sofa and breathed heavily. Sa itsura niya ngayon, daig pa yata niya ang nag-marathon ng ilang milya.

He heard her voice outside; she was knocking, asking him to open up. What should he do? Dapat ba niyang buksan? Kung gagawin niya iyon, baka tuluyan na siyang mawala sa sarili. Baka sunggaban pa niya ito at gawin ang isang bagay na hindi dapat. Pinabayaan na lang niya itong kumatok at magsalita. Minutes passed, Zachary hadn't Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios heard her anymore. Maybe, Dominique was tired of calling him.

He stood up and went to the door but he wasn't opening it. Holding the door, thinking she was still there outside. Para siyang sira-ulo sa ginagawa ngayon. When he looked below, he saw a piece of paper. Picked it up, saw her hand writing, it was addressed to him.

Mr. Arevallo, Thanks for a good evening but still you're an egoistic man.

Marked by her lips with a red lipstick, walang nakalagay na pangalan kung sino ang may sulat, pero alam naman niya kung sino iyon. The lip mark made a sudden flash of memory about the kiss, him and her. Hindi Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios niya alam kung matutuwa ba siya sa mga nangyayari o maiinis. Basta ngayon niya lang naramdaman ang maguluhan ng ganito sa tanang ng buhay niya.

Chapter 4 Weeks passed, days came but whereas his heart went severe palpitating. Kung ano man ang nangyayari sa kanya ay isang malaking tanong. Why would this happen to him? There were nights that he couldn't sleep; meals that he kept passing and the only image formed in his vague mind was the hard-headed Dominique.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Minsan naisip na niyang magpakonsulta sa isang espesyalista na baka may kakaiba ng nangyayari sa kanya, if he had a mental illness. Yet, Zachary knew what was happening to him. Medyo hindi nga lang niya kayang i-digest kung ano ba talaga iyon. Was he in love? Mahirap aminin pero baka 'yun nga ang kanyang nadarama.

Parang hindi siya makapaniwala sa naiisip niya. He had women came and passed by like vehicle into his life and no one had turn his life like this, peculiar. Indeed, she was odd. Parang gusto niyang batukan ang sarili para matauhan. Kung gagawin naman niya iyon, pagtitinginan lang siya ng mga tao.

His shift ended, walking down the road thru his pad.

Feet by feet, he was nervously walking. Would he see her Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios today? Few weeks had passed when he last saw her; it was a good thing and a bad thing for him. Good because she was not messing his life from that span. And bad, because somehow he was curious what happened to her.

So, do you mean you miss her?

Totoo ba iyon? Did he basically miss her? Panay ang iling niya. Why? Wala naman siyang nararamdaman sa babae. Asus! Indenial ka pa! Huwag ka ng magpakatorpe. Walang mangyayari sa mga taong torpe!

Torpe? Sinong torpe! He shook his head. Pati ba naman sa sarili niya nakikipag-away siya. Perhaps, he must consult to a psychiatrist. Several minutes, he drew near to his unit. And their next to his pad was her, sitting in front of her own door. Was she waiting for him? Hello, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Dumb Dumb! Bakit ka naman niya hihintayin?

Was it him or just the surrounding? Sweating, he felt warm. And even he wanted to ignore her, walked inside his rent without letting her notice him, he could not.

Nakatayo lang siya sa harapan nito habang nakatunganga lang.

“Kanina pa kita hinihintay, Mr. Arevallo,” she was smiling tenderly. Tumayo na ito. How cute to see her dimples from her lovely face. Facing right at him, long eye lashes distracted him.

Double crap! Tama nga ang hinuha niya! She was waiting for him! Kulang na lang magtatatalon siya sa tuwa.

But he had to keep cool. “Bakit mo naman ako hinihintay?”

He murmured – no hint of interest. “Makikipag-away ka na Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios naman ba para d'un sa bayad sa taxi?”

“Hindi, alam ko din naman na hindi ka papayag na bayaran kita. I'm waiting for you because I need your help.”

“My help?” Itinuro niya ang sarili. What did she meant about her statement? Was that a need from a woman to a man? His rational thinking had prevailed. Iyon agad ang naiisip niya! Shame on you! Masyado na yata siyang naaapektuhan sa babae. Napakamanyak mo, Zachary!

Manyak!

“Oo, naiwan ko kasi 'yung susi ko sa loob. Wala naman 'yung landlady sa baba, dala din daw niya 'yung mga duplicate na susi. That's why I need you. Ikaw lang ang makakatulong sa'kin.”

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Imaginary rock had crush in his head. Masyado kasi siyang makapag-isip, malayo naman sa katotohanan. He was disappointed but he had to hide it. “How can I help you?”

“Sa terrace, you can use the ledge.”

“Terrace? Ledge?” Napalunok siya. May terrace nga sa pad niya at pati sa pad nito, approximately three yards away sa isa't isa. And by a wrong step perhaps he could die. Nasa fifth floor pa man din siya. And the truth, he had a fear – fear of heights to be exact.

Seems she noticed what he was thinking. “Don't worry, ako na lang ang pupunta d'un. Payag ka na bang papasukin ako?”

A scene of her walking in the ledge came through his Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios psyche. What if unexpectedly she slipped? Shit! He couldn't bear that! And like what his father always tell him, a true gentleman must not let a lady be hurt even if the cost of it for him was to freak out and his life. “Ako na lang ang bahala. Bubuksan ko na 'yung apartment mo.”

“Are you sure? Kaya mo ba? Ako na lang.”

Umasta pa si Zachary na parang siga na kakayanin ang lahat kahit ano pang mangyari. “Yakang-yaka ko 'yan.

Hintayin mo na lang ako sa tapat ng pinto mo. One minute lang, bukas na 'yun.”

Dominique looked please from he said. “I'll wait you there,” went outside and did what he said.

Mali yata ang kanyang sinabi. Could he do it? Slowly, he made his way through the terrace. Seeing how high the Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ledge above the ground that he must walk, made him sweat more than five liters. Ang yabang pa niyang sabihin na kayang-kaya niya iyon. Move your ass, Dumb-Dumb!

Right, he needed to get going. If he didn't want to be caught by her, he should get going. Little by little, he moved his feet from the ledge, both were standing and partly shaking. Kakayanin niya kaya 'to? A lot of negative images popped up in his gray matter. Rush beating of the heart, ankles were locked, all of the signs of nervousness – he was like a coward cat.

Shit! It's now or never! He inhaled a lot of oxygen then exhale. Gently, he started moving. Inch by inch ang naging galaw niya. The cool breeze touched his skin, added goose bumps.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Mr. Arevallo, okay ka lang diyan?”

Crap! Muntikan na siyang mahulog. He saw her. At second glimpsed, she was concern. Double crap! She saw him like this, siguradong iniisip nito na isa siyang malaking duwag! He could not face her, hindi niya kaya!

“If you can't take it, bumalik ka na lang dito.”

“No, I can do this! Kaya ko 'to! Bumalik ka na lang d'un.” A hint of nervousness in his voice, obvious.

Naglakas-loob na siya. He had to get going or else she would know his fear. Scared, he quickly moved. There were times that he almost lost his balance but at the end, he conquered it. Gasping with victory, he felt safe at last.

Zachary observed his surrounding; her apartment was cozy, simple. May mga paintings siyang nakita. Maybe, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios she loved collecting paintings – mostly landscapes and scenery.

Lumapit siya at pinagmasdan isa-isa, hindi niya mapigilan ang humanga at hawakan ang mga iyon. At the bottom of the painting was a signature of the painter. D. Valencia was written. D. Valencia? Ang babae ba 'yun? Si Dominique?

At the corner, a painting was there, covered with a white cloth. Slightly, he saw it – a man. Who was it? Nakucurious tuloy siyang silipin. Approaching, his hands were already holding the cloth. Tatanggalin na niya sana ang tabing nang madinig niya ang pagkatok nito. So much for his curiosity, he better opened the door before she blazed at him.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Nakataas ang isang kilay nito. “Natagalan ka yatang buksan. Are you scanning my home?”

“No! Hindi, ano... kasi... Napagod kasi ako sa ginawa ko.”

“Talaga?” she was glaring him, not believing in his alibi. Pumasok na lang ito at inobserbahan ang sariling bahay, tumangu-tango pa na animo'y may pinag-iisipan talaga.

“Wala akong ginalaw diyan. Ako na nga 'tong tumulong, ako pa itong pinag-iisipan mo ng masama.”

He was ready to set out, feeling sad, Dominique stopped him. “I'm just joking. Ikaw naman, hindi mabiro.”

Panay pa ang kurot nito sa kanyang tagiliran.

“It's not funny.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Grabe ka naman kung magtampo.” Draw near – standing in front of him. “Perhaps this will make your mood shift.” She tried to reach him.

Holy cow! She kissed his cheek – right cheek to be exact. Mabilis man, agad na nagrehistro sa kanyang isipan ang ginawa nito. Hindi lang 'yun, nasamyo pa niya ang pabango nito. She was wearing a perfume suited to her.

“Thank you,” the only words he heard through her.

“G-good night!”

Nagmadali na siyang umalis. Kailangan makabalik na siya kanyang pad. Walang kasing bilis ang ginawa niya.

Sabay sarado ng todo-todo. Napasandal na lang siya sa pintuan. Great! It's just a kiss in the cheek! Kung makaAre you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios react naman ako, sobra-sobra!

Zachary's cheeks were red and hot. Actually his cheeks were not the only part that was hot, his whole body was! Simpleng halik lang 'yun sa pisngi na karaniwang nangyayari sa mga magkakaibigan, sobra na siya kung makaramdam. He gulped as the scene flash back in his memory.

“Dominique Valencia, what are you doing in my life?”

Black satin night gown, what she was wearing, walking slowly until she was near him. Her cleavage was slightly revealing, seducing him. Dominique extended her hand – caressing his hard squared jaw line. Tiny fingers moved until it reached the peak of his lips, soft and Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios tingling. Eyes only gazing at him, very hypnotizing, burn with desire.

“Why won't you touch me?” husky voice, her voice lingered in his ears. “Please.” she touched his index finger, then, she licked it, sucked it.

Sensation from head to toe, iyon ang dala ng mga ginawa nito. “I…” Kulang na lang mabaliw siya ngayon.

Only her voice made him like this, aroused in every detail.

He wished to touch her yet he didn't have any courage to do it.

Nilapit nito ang mukha sa kanya. “If you don't, I'll leave.” Her breath touched his lips; it was like she was kissing him already. Her breath was erotic, hot. Fuck!

Ganito pa lang nawawala na ko sarili ko! Paano pa kung…

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Maya-maya, lumayo na ito, walang lingun-lingon.

“Wait! Huwag kang umalis!” Ngunit hindi pa din ito tumitigil. She was walking straight away from Zachary.

“Sandali lang, Dominique!”

Running towards her however, he could not come close to her. What was happening? He was running but not getting any closer to the lady – stationary only, endless running.

At one blink, he opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the ceiling. Was he dreaming? Bumangon na siya, nasa apartment. It meant that he was just dreaming.

Napahawak siya sa sariling buhok. Hindi niya ba alam kung magugustuhan ba niya o hindi ang panaginip na iyon. Napansin na din niya na mukhang malapit ng Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios magtanghali. Mabuti na lang, Sabado ngayon. Okay lang na ma-late ng gising.

On a spur of moment, someone knocked on his door.

Who was it? He didn't have any idea. Office mate? Not really. Ex-girlfriend? Impossible. Ended up his prediction, he went to the door, opened. It was Dominique – looking lovely with her simple blue blouse and shorts, the girl of his dreams.

“Hi,” she went inside without asking him, holding something – two plastic bags. “Mag-almusal na tayo.”

“You really don't have manners.” Sinundan na lang niya hanggang sa kusina. The two plastic bags were food.

“As a matter of fact, I have. Kaya nga may dala akong pagkain, a way to thank you from what you did yesterday Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios – a sign of my manners.” Dominique grinned at him. Next, she sat down to start eating. “Tara na, kain na.”

Eyes at her, this lady was really something – odd.

“Then what do you call a while ago? Barging in my unit without my permission?”

“Is it a big deal, Mr. Arevallo? Pakiramdam ko kasi na close na tayo kaya pwede kong gawin 'yun.”

Nang madinig niya ang dahilan nito, his heart went warm. He liked it, what she said. Ngunit hindi niya ipinakita dito ang nararamdaman. “Isa pa 'yan. Stop calling me Mr. Arevallo. Pakiramdam ko, teacher mo ko at estudyante kita. Tawagin mo na nga lang ako sa pangalan ko.”

“Really? Sabagay nasa itsura mo naman. I imagine you holding a ruler.” Short laugh. “The grumpy old Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Zachary!”

He was not pissed off by what she said. Natatawa pa nga siya sa babae. Lumapit na lang siya sa tabi nito at kumain na din ng dala nitong sandwich. Secretly while eating, he observed her. The woman had layers like an onion – layer of characteristics. Layer by layer, he saw it – the lunatic her first layer, the indomitable lady her second layer and the carefree. What else could he see?

“Ano kaya ang tumatakbo sa utak mo ngayon, Zachary?” Napansin na siya nito. Eyes straight at him, she was serious. “Sigurado ako 'yun, noh? Baka censored 'yan, ha?”

“What! W-why? I'm not that type of man!” Certainly, he wasn't thinking about that. But the dream of her pop-out in Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios his coconut shell. He tried to hinder it.

“Then,

what

type

are

you?

A

true

blooded

gentleman?” she laughed hard. “Hindi na uso 'yun.”

“Suit yourself if that's what you believe. Pero halos lahat ng ex ko sinasabing gentleman daw ako.”

“Talaga? Even in bed?”

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata. The new layer showed – the tackless. “I-I… A-ano ba naman 'yan!

Umagang-umaga, 'yan ang pinag-uusapan natin!”

“What's wrong about that? Kung makapag-react ka, daig mo pa ang isang teenager. We're both matured persons here. Di ba? I'm twenty-five and you?”

“Twenty-five also.” He couldn't face her. Kinakabahan kasi siya. Kulang na lang sumabog siya na parang bulkan Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa sobrang init na nararamdaman.

“See, we have the same age, a sign that we're matured enough to discussed that. Besides, close friends na tayo.”

By the word close friends, the momentum was lost.

The warm feeling disappeared. Those words hit him straight to his face. Parang bigla siyang binagsakan ng malaking pader sa buo niyang katawan. Friend? Just friends.

“Now tell me,” she drank water first. “How many women had you bed with?”

“Kailangan ko ba talagang sagutin 'yan, ha?”

“So, you don't trust me?” the light from her eyes dissolved. Naging seryoso na din ito.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Dominique, I trust you but…” How could he explain this to her. He touched his chin and breathed heavily. “It's just that I'm not accustomed telling things especially with a woman.” Dinugtungan pa niya ang sinabi. “And especially about my sex life. Bakit? Ikaw ba? Kaya mo bang i-kwento ang sex life mo sa isang lalaking katulad ko? Not with a usual girl friend?”

Tumango-tango si Dominique. “Sabagay, may punto ka. But I don't mind opening that topic with you because I trust you. And besides, wala naman akong sex life.”

Tama ba ang nadidinig niya? His eyes rolled at her and she seems displeased to what he did.

“Ganoon ba ka-big deal kung virgin ang isang babae?”

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Wait a minute, kapeng mainit, may mali yata sa pandinig niya. Di ba, may asawa na ito? So, how the hell that happened? Naguguluhan siya.

“Bakit hindi ka pa din makapagsalita? Siguro, big deal talaga.”

Tatayo na sana ito. Zachary stopped her, held her hand. “No, it's not a big deal. Nagulat lang ako, don't mind me.”

She sat again near him, not squeaking a single sound. He didn't know what was running through her mind.

Was she mad at him? What could he do to make her carefree again?

A few seconds, she glanced back. “Zachary, will you believe me if I tell you that you're beautiful? A unique man Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios that I want?”

He was out of breath. A proposal? Ganito na ba talaga ang panahon, babae na ang gumagawa ng first move?

“You have a face that can calm a storm – narrow nose bridge, yummy lips, tantalizing hazel eyes, strong squared jaw. A man who had an erotic body – perfectly chiseled, na kayang paibigin ang lahat ng Eba sa mundo. I want you.”

Indecent as it looked; his whole body felt the thundering flames caused by her words. Crap! Hindi pa nangyayari sa kanya ang ganito. Even him, he felt the same longing for her. He wanted her, within his arms. Not only that, to be inside of her, luxuriate in every details.

“I want… I want to paint you.”

Para siyang binuhusan ng isang drum ng malamig na Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios tubig. Paint? Iyon pala ang ibig sabihin nito. Ang dami pa nitong sinabi, iyon lang pala ang gusto! It was a good thing that he restrained his self. He almost said he wanted her, to make love with her. “Iyon lang pala! Akala ko kung ano na.”

“Bakit? What did you expect?”

“Nothing. Secret! Kapag pinilit mo ko, hindi na ko papayag na mag-post para sa'yo.”

Laughed fully, she held his hand. “I will not intimidate you any longer. So, payag ka ng magpost ng nude?”

“NUDE!” “Oo, nude, naked. Sa tagalog, hubo't hubad. Bakit?

Ayaw mo ba? Wala naman akong gagawin sa'yo, I will just paint you. Promise! Besides, wala namang mawawala Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa'yo.”

“K-kasi...”

Hindi naman iyon ang iniisip niya. Wala naman sa itsura ng babae na mag-take advantage. He was the male here, the alpha male. Siya pa nga ang mas iisipin na may gagawin. At iyon talaga ang posibleng mangyari! His hands, his body would absolutely loosen up. No doubt, he would forget the barrier and savor her body. Iyon ang kinatatakot niya, ang makalimutang magtimpi! Especially now he knew she was a virgin!

“Ayoko,” sabay lakad papalayo sa babae. “Baka pag natapos mo ang painting, ibenta mo pa 'yan sa isang matandang babaeng mayaman na mahilig sa mga lalaking guwapong katulad ko, pagnanasaan pa ang katawan ko!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios His imagination went wild. “Pagkatapos, hahanapin ako at kukuhanin sa dahas!”

“Grabe ka naman kung makapag-isip. Dalhin kaya kita sa psychiatrist?”

“Basta! I don't want! Over my dead body!”

“The grumpy old Zachary came alive again! Promise, itatago ko lang 'yun. Walang ibang taong makakakita.”

Itinaas

pa

nito

ang

kanang

kamay

na

parang

nagpapanatang makabayan.

“A.Y.O.K.O! Ayoko!”

Chapter 5 Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Kung iisipin niyang maigi, halos mga limang buwan na niyang nakakasama si Dominique. However by that span, the only thing he knew about her was her name, her profession, how old she was – limited information. Puzzled by the portrait in her living room, her past, could he knew more about her?

By now, he was just lying in his bed, wrapping his arms in his pillow, thinking about her offer. Would he take her offer being a subject, posed naked? Parang hindi niya yata kaya.

Ngunit habang binabalikan niya ang itsura nito nang sabihin nito sa kanya ang gustong mangyari, nakita niya sa mga mata nito ang pagnanais na maipinta siya. In her Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios eyes, he saw the desperation; she wanted him to pose for her. She explained her reason, pero bakit hindi niya magawang

maniwala

sa

sinabi

nito?

Bakit

may

pakiramdam siyang may iba pang dahilan?

Mr. Arevallo, ginagawa mo lang na paranoid ang sarili mo. Bukas, may pasok ka pa. Kung hindi ka pa matutulog, ikaw lang din ang mahihirapan. The grumpy old man inside of him was showing. He must sleep if he didn't want to be late tomorrow.

Ngunit bago pa niya magawa 'yun, he heard something. A soft voice, melancholic voice from the other side of his wall - from Dominique's apartment. Medyo mahina ngunit nadidinig pa din niya. He concentrated and perceived it clearly, it was sobbing, was she crying?

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Paano pa siya makakatulog niyan? Masyado siyang nag-aalala sa babae. Bakit ito umiiyak?

Bumangon siya, inilapit ang teinga sa pader at pinakinggan ang kabilang dako. He didn't heard any words, just sound of her voice, crying. His consciousness was ordering him to get her, console her yet he didn't.

Wala siyang karapatan na manghimasok sa buhay nito.

God, he was in despair also hearing her like that.

Take her in his arms, make her feel special, that was what he wanted to do, he couldn't.

Hindi na niya matiis ang ganito. “A-are y-you okay?�

Nanginginig pa ang kanyang boses.

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas, no reply. Binatukan na lang niya ang sarili. Malamang nabad-trip na si Dominique Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa ginawa niyang panghihimasok sa buhay nito.

“No, I'm not.”

Whooaa! That was unexpected. She replied to his question. Deep down inside of him, he was closer to her even there was a wall between them. “I know it's a bad idea but do you want me to come over there? Gusto mo bang ipagtimpla kita ng coffee?”

Coffee? He laughed from what he said. “Or milk?”

Ngayon naman, gatas naman ang naisip niya. Boy, ayusin mo naman ang mga sinasabi mo. Simpleng 'gusto mo bang mag-usap,' hindi mo pa masabi sa kanya. Torpe to the max ka naman! Indeed, he could not tell her, to be straight from the point.

“Huwag na, masyado na kong nakakaabala sa'yo.”

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “No, you're not. Hindi pa din naman talaga ako inaantok.”

Tahimik ang buong kapaligiran, ilang segundo muna ang lumipas bago ito sumagot. “Sige na nga.”

Pumayag ito! Nagmamadaling pumunta si Zachary sa banyo para ayusin ang sarili. Dressed up, he was only wearing his boxer shorts a while ago. Afterwards, he rushed through her unit. Knocking on the door, she opened it. The smile on his face faded.

Mahahalata sa mukha ng babae na kakatapos lang umiyak. “Come in.”

Hindi na muna niya inusisa, pumasok na lang muna siya. The cozy atmosphere of her unit was replaced by gloomy aura, like her aura. Dumerecho lang siya sa loob Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ng kusina at nagtimpla ng kape. Finished, he saw her sitting in the sofa. He went there and gave her a cup of coffee and sat on the chair opposite. “Here, it will help you relax.”

Dominique smile but not reaching her eyes. “Di ba nakaka-nerbiyos nga ito imbes na nakaka-relax?”

“Silly me,” kamut-kamot niya ang batok. “Dapat pala gatas na lang ang itinimpla ko sa'yo.”

“Okay na 'to.” She sipped. “Besides, I have lactose intolerance.”

A news for Dominique, a new information. What else would he know? Observing her silently, he sipped also.

Ano ba ang magagawa niya para mapagaan man lang ang nararamdaman nito?

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Why are you sitting there?”

“H-ha?”

She patted the vacant space near her. “Dito ka na lang umupo.”

Kinakabahan, ginawa niya ang sinabi nito, umupo nga siya malapit dito. Anxious, he sipped again on his cup.

Because of hastiness, his tongue felt that sharp pain.

Napaso siya. She released a soft laugh. At least his clumsiness helped to ease her pain even for a while.

Idinantay nito ang ulo sa kanyang balikat. The sudden touch felt good, fevered. And by the little friction of their skins, the beast inside Zachary went wild, raging. Not now! You see, she's vulnerable!

To clear up his mind, he must find a way to make a Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios conversation that would help him think straight, would abstain the rampaging of his hormones. “Uhmm... why are you crying?” Minutes of tranquility passed. “Hindi mo naman kailangan na sagutin ang tanong ko kung hindi mo gusto. Maiintindihan ko naman.”

“Sorry if I can't talk about it. Can we just stay like this?

Leaning on your shoulder, relieved me from stress. It helps me cease the pain even a little.”

And he did, his mouth shut and not asking anything.

Whatever the cause of her pain, he hoped he could erase it even for a meanwhile. And while they were on that state, she was right; it was relaxing to be like that. Masarap sa pakiramdam ang pagdantay nito sa kanyang balikat.

Napapatingin lang siya sa babae. Her hair was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios touching him, teasing him to feel it. He wondered how soft it was. When he closed his eyes, he perceived her heavy breathing, her sound, music in his ears. Her feminine scent tingled in his nostrils, trailed his being. This woman made him realize something. He loved her, even if he was still puzzled by her. And he wished he could make her feel his love.

Indeed, this state made his blood ran reckless; his heart beat rapid and the surrounding timeless. His length woke, evoked. He controlled his desire, not letting the beast released.

Binuksan niya ang mga mata, natutulog na pala ito.

She was like a sleeping beauty, no pain, no sorrow in her face. Inayos niya ito, binuhat at dinala sa kama. He placed Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios her there. The truth, seeing her lying in her bed made his inner beast undomesticated, growling. Panay na nga lang ang pigil niya sa sarili. Kung magtatagal pa siya dito, baka mawala pa siya sa sarili, makalimot.

“Sleep tight, my princess.” Hawak niya ang mukha nito. Then, he planted a tender kiss in her cheek.

“Mabuti naman nandito ka, napag-isipan mo na ba ang offer ko sa'yo?” She was staring at him. There was something in her eyes, was it desire?

A mixed of doubt and pleasure, he was feeling. Ilang beses niyang pinag-isipan ang sinabi nito, a thousand times. Saka ilang araw niya talagang pinag-isipan, hindi lang yata mga araw, halos dalawang linggo din.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Kaya niya kayang gawin ang gusto nitong mag-post na hindi maaakit sa babae? Could he suppress the savage beast inside him? Parang mali yata itong desisyon niya. But he could not take the joy out of her. Dominique was happy that he was here, to be her subject.

“Yes,” maikling tugon niya.

“Come, let's start.”

She extended her hand. Having second thoughts, it took him a couple of minutes before he took her hand.

Gave him an assuring smile, she guided Zachary where she would paint him in nude. Pumasok sila sa isang kuwarto, her paint room. The room was small but pleasing, artistically designed, her painting materials was there, well organized. And at the center, he saw a small couch Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios covered with a red velvet cloth. He shivered

–

kinakabahan sa kung anong mangyayari.

She faced him. “Nervous?” Her voice was husky, the same voice that lingered from her dreams.

“Is it obvious?”

She laughed, short but anticipating. “Huwag kang mag-alala. Wala naman akong gagawing masama sa'yo. I don't bite,” winked right at him.

In fairness, she was trying her best not to make him nervous as hell but what could he do? He was like a scared cat here in her room of desire. Sa sobrang takot niya, nararamdaman na niyang tumakbo pabalik ng kanyang apartment. Nanginginig na ang kanyang mga kalamnan, nanghihina kahit wala namang kumukuha ng Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios kanyang lakas.

“Nakakatawa ka talaga, I will just paint you.” Umalis ito sandali, pagbalik may hawak na itong alak at isang shot glass. “Perhaps this will help you to relax.”

Walang kagatul-gatol, kinuha niya sa kamay nito ang alak sabay tungga. Gumuhit sa kanyang lalamunan. The drink was brandy. Like a pill, it helped him to loosen up. “I want more.”

“Are you sure? Baka malasing ka. I don’t want to paint a drunken man.”

“Kinakabahan pa din kasi ako. Don’t worry; dalawang shot lang naman ‘yan.”

No words to say, she gave him another shot. Then, he drank. Naging maginhawa na ang pakiramdam niya, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios lumakas na din ang loob. Ang kaba at takot na nararamdaman ay biglang nawala, napalitan ng init.

“Can we start now, Zachary? Para makadami na tayo.”

He smiled a sign of agreeing to what she wanted.

Dominique led him to the couch. Akala niya, papaupuin na siya nito ngunit hindi iyon ang nangyari. She held his face and gazed at his eyes. Hindi niya alam kung anong tumatakbo sa utak ng babae ngayon.

“Think of me as if I’m your lover. A lover that will undress you, make you mine – para hindi ka kabahan.”

Shit! Tama ba ang nadinig niya? Mas kakabahan pa yata siya sa sinabi nito. Ngunit bakit ganoon? Ang katawan niya ay hindi nanghihina, hindi tulad kanina. At Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios the slight touch of her hands to the buttons of his shirt, he felt the pleasure; a small growl was release from his throat. And she smiled. “That’s right, try to loosen up. Hindi mo ko dapat katakutan.”

Wala na ang suot niyang pang-itaas, natanggal na nito. Slowly, she touched his bare skin, his manly pecks.

He sighed from that action, his blood, pumped fast. The beast inside him was starting to rage. Crap! Can I still hold on?

Her hands went to his belt buckle. Sisimulan na nitong tanggalin nang mapahawak siya sa kamay nito. Gusto niyang sabihin na itigil na nito, na hindi na niya kaya kaso hindi niya magawa. Napipi si Zachary, min isang salita walang lumabas sa kanyang bibig. Then, she continued Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios until nothing was left – no covering. He tried to hide his length, his colossal aroused length.

“Don’t,” she stopped him.

Hindi na siya nahihiya kahit pinagmamasdan siya nito mula ulo hanggang paa. Possibly, the effect of the two shots of brandy. Habang pinagmamasdan siya ng babae, nakikita niya sa mga mata nito ang kasiyahan – the satisfaction. Was she fascinated with my body?

“Umupo ka na,” utos nito. Kinuha ni Dominique ang mga gamit sa pagpipinta. She placed it in front, a few feet away from him.

“Anong gagawin ko? Anong magiging pose ko?” seems his voice was relax and normal but his heart was opposite of it.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Whatever that pleases you. At sabihin mo sa’kin kung nahihirapan ka na, kung nangangawit ka o nilalamig, so that we can have a break.�

He nodded. Umupo na lang siya ng komportable, tumingin naman ito ng mabuti. Ang babae, inumpisahan na din ang magpinta. Katahimikan lang ang namayani.

And after a couple of hours, she stopped, let him had a break.

For thirty minutes, he gathered up his strength again, covered himself and savored the break. Pagkatapos, nagpose siyang muli at katahimikan na naman ang namayani. Habang nasa ganitong situwasyon, nagiging wild na naman ang kanyang imahinasyon, daydreaming of her being his seductress. Kung hindi niya mapipigilan ang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ganito, baka bigla na lang niyang sunggaban ang magandang babaeng nasa harapan. He had to do something, to control the inner beast!

“Bakit mo ko gustong ipinta?” iyon ang naisip niyang solusyon, ang kausapin ito.

“Di ba sinabi ko na sa’yo ang dahilan. Do I have to remind you?” Wala pa din katinag-tinag si Dominique sa pagpipinta.

Nag-isip pa siya ng pwedeng itanong. “Is this your first time to paint nude?”

She laughed. “Hindi ako magiging pintor kung hindi ko naranasan na gawin ‘yun.”

Indeed, every single painter would encounter that.

Nag-isip na lang siya ng bagong maitatanong. “How about Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios the portrait of a man outside, the painting covered with a white cloth in your living room, who was he?”

Nanlaki ang mga mata nito, tumigil sa ginagawa.

Damn! Mali ang naitanong ko! Me and my big mouth!

“None of your business,” her voice was stern, eyes cold, continued painting.

Tumahimik na lang siya. Gusto pa sana niyang magtanong ngunit nagdadalawang-isip na siya na baka hindi nito magustuhan. He thought the session would take another hour but it didn’t.

“Sorry, we can continue this another time.” Dismissed the painting session, stood up and organize her things.

“Is it because of what I ask? Nawalan ka na ba sa mood dahil sa mga itinanong ko?”

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Yes – no – uhmm, basta. Pasensiya na.”

The new layer of her showed – sadness. Ultimately loneliness could be seen through her eyes. Umiiwas ito ng tingin sa kanya habang inaayos ang mga gamit sa mga lalagyan. The desire that he had seen when he first went here was gone.

Ano bang palaisipan na bumabalot sa painting na ‘yun? Matagal na niyang iniisip. Bigla-bigla na lang nawala ang mood ni Dominique nang itinanong niya ang tungkol doon. Kahit sa trabaho, iyan pa din ang bumabagabag sa isip niya. Ilang araw na din silang hindi nagkikita. Nagbago na din ba ang pagnanais nitong maipinta siya?

“Hoy! Arevallo!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Nagising siya sa pananaginip ng gising, tumingala kung saan nanggagaling ang boses. It was Jones and his gang, here to bully him again. “What now?” he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“Kanina ka pa namin kinakausap, hindi ka naman pala nakikinig. Ang sabi ko, may isasama ka ba sa company outing natin?”

“Wala. Kung mayroon man, wala ka ng pakielam d’on.”

“What the! Aba, pumapalag ka na? Gusto mo bang malaman ng supervisor na-” “Pwede ba, huwag mo muna akong guluhin ngayon.”

He glared at him. Hindi din ito nagpatalo ngunit lumayo na din matapos.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Thank goodness, they left him alone. He was not in the mood for Jones’ nonsense. Kailangan niyang isipin kung ano bang nangyayari sa kanila ni Dominique, kung ano ba ang problema. He was curious about the man in the painting, who was he.

He remembered the name she called to him when first time he saw her. Sean that was the name. Was he the man in the painting?

Realization came out of nowhere; he had to talk to her. Kaya kahit hindi pa oras ng uwian, umalis na siya.

Half day leave, he reasoned to the supervisor that he wasn’t feeling well. But the truth, he only wanted to go home and see her.

Nagmamadali siya kahit hindi naman kailangan.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Sumakay siya ng taxi kahit mapamahal pa siya sa laki ng magiging pamasahe. What was important for him was to get there as soon as possible. No more than one hour, he came to the apartment, hurried up and gasping in front of her door. Kumatok ka na. Iyon ang utos ng sarili niyang konsensiya ngunit ayaw gumalaw ng mga kamay niya.

The door opened, he saw her. She was surprised to see him. “Aga mo yatang umuwi. May problema ba?”

“Oo,” deep eyed, he was staring at her. “Ikaw ang problema ko.” Sa wakas, naging malakas na ang loob niya. “Ano ba ang kinalaman ko sa’yo? Sa lalaking nasa painting? Tell me, now!”

“Wala, wala kang kinalaman sa’kin. At sa kanya.”

He held both of her wrists, cornered at the wall.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Breathing heavily, he was mad. “Don’t fucking lie with me!

Tell me the truth!”

“Sinabi ko na ngang wala!”

Nagkatitigan sila. They were both angry. Hindi nito kinatatakutan ang kanyang mga matang balot na balot ng galit. Nang mahimasmasan, pinakawalan na niya ito.

“Kung gusto mong malaman, pumasok ka. Sasabihin ko sa’yo ang ibang gusto mong malaman.”

Ginawa niya ang sinabi nito. He entered her pad and scanned the whole surrounding. The painting covered with the white cloth caught his attention. She stood beside it, tinanggal nito ang tabing. His eyes widened from who it was. “S-Sean?”

“Yes, my husband, dalawang taon na siyang patay.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Bago kami ikasal, he died.”

“The night you were crying, was he the reason?” It flashed back to his memory, the night she was crying, the night when he consoled her.

Lumapit si Zachary sa babae. He wanted to touch her as her tears easily fell down but he could not. Pumunta ang kanyang tingin muli sa painting. The man was handsome, had a resemblance to him but still different.

Magkaiba sila ng mga mata, sa ilong. They had the same jaw line, hair. Sa malayuan, masasabing kamukha niya talaga ito.

“Hindi mo naman siguro ako masisisi na akalaing ikaw siya.” Bitterly smiling, she went away from the painting.

“Pasensiya na sa ginawa ko n’ung unang pagkikita natin.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios I’m really sorry.” She was referring to the kiss that happened between them.

“Pero ang sabi mo, hindi mo pa ko nakikilala n’ung nagkita tayo sa pangalawang pagkakataon. The time when I confronted you because of your sounds.”

“Sinabi ko lang ’yun dahil sa nahihiya ako sa ginawa ko sa’yo.”

“How about the offer of painting me naked? Ginawa mo ba ‘yun dahil sa nakikita mo siya sa’kin?”

“To tell you honestly,” she sighed and continued.

“Indeed, it was because of him. Nakikita ko pa din siya sa’yo kahit magkaiba kayo sa pananalita, sa pag-uugali, even you’re not related to him.”

Pain stabbed in his whole body especially in his chest.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Kulang na lang sagasaan siya ng pison sa sobrang sakit ng nararamdaman. Hindi niya nga alam kung saan pa niya nakukuha ang lakas para makatayo ng maayos sa harapan ng babae.

“Kaya

kung

hindi

mo

na

gustong

mag-pose,

maiintindihan ko. Hindi kita pipilitin na gawin pa iyon.” Her whole being was full of gloom, sobbing like a child who was lost in the woods. This was the last layer he saw.

Seeing her like this, made him feeling more in torment.

“No…” he wasn’t looking at her. Hindi na yata talaga gumagana ng maayos ang kanyang utak. “I will pose for you. If by means of that will ease your sadness, I will do it.”

“Why?” Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “I… I don’t know. Maybe because I’m your friend.”

Ngunit hindi naman iyon ang totoong dahilan. Mahal na niya

ito,

kakayanin

niyang

magtiis

at

masaktan

matulungan lang itong malagpasan ang kalungkutan kahit kapalit pa ang hapdi sa kanyang puso.

She ran through him, wrapped her arms around him, and hugged him tenderly. “Maraming salamat,” her head was resting in his fine chest. While they were on that state, he was appreciating each of the moment, her softness, and her vulnerability.

“I want you to come with me. Sa company outing namin. You can have a good time in there.”

“Are you sure? Baka maging pabigat lang ako sa’yo du’n. Imbes na makapag-enjoy ka kasama ng mga kaAre you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios trabaho mo, ako pa ang aasikasuhin mo.”

“Hindi naman kami close ng mga kasamahan ko.

Compulsory lang kasi kaya ako sasama pero kung may choice lang ako, hindi ako sasama, wala akong balak. It is also a good timing for us.”

“Anong for us?”

Patay! Nadulas siya sa sinasabi. Baka isipin pa nito na gusto niyang magkaroon sila ng moment, mahahalata nito kung ano talaga ang nadarama niya sa babae. “What I mean, for us, for the painting session. Four days and three night kasi ‘yun. Pwede mo ding maiguhit ang mga view d’un.”

She smiled. “Sure, dadalhin ko na lang ang mga gamit ko. Kailan ba ‘yun? And what time?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Nakahinga siya ng maluwag, nakalusot. “This Saturday. I’ll get you here five in the morning if that’s okay?”

“Yup,” masayang-masaya naman ito. “Do you want to stay here for a meanwhile? Snack? Coffee?”

“Huwag na, babalik na ko sa apartment. May gagawin pa kasi. So, sa Sabado na lang, ha.”

Dominique wave and he went out. Fast like lightning, he went inside his pad and locked the door. He plunged through his bed and kept scolding himself from what was happening. Dapat yata tawagin na siyang martyr dahil sa mga nangyayari. He was willing to be her subject even if she saw her husband to him. Ganoon siya ka-desperado sa babae.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Indeed, he knew the truth, he was in love. He loved the woman who only saw his deceased husband in him.

Mas nararapat na sabihing tanga-tanga siya. Tama! Isa siyang tanga!

Chapter 6 The night before Saturday, he had no sleep, kept counting the minutes passed. Masyado yata siyang excited sa magiging lakad nila ni Dominique. Time swept away, he was still thinking how the four days with her would go. Imagination kept running, creating images of him and her happily running around the beach, holding Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios hands. What a happy thought.

Saturday came, sun was rising. Yahoo! Excited na talaga ako! Mabilis siyang bumangon, derecho agad sa banyo. Piece by piece, Zachary stripped his clothes. And without any further due, he showered; cold water ran down from head to toe. “Crap!�

Yan! Sa sobrang excitement mo, nakalimutan mo ng i-set ang heater. Bangag! Magkakasakit ka niyan sa ginagawa mo!

He had to be calm as possible, think of this as a normal day. Dapat iyon ang gawin niya. So, he breathed in, then, out. He tried to erase the images formed in his mind, him and her walking hand in hand in the beach.

Pero kahit anong gawin niya, hindi mawala sa kanyang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios isipan.

The cold and agonizing shower ended. He chose a black and white rounded neck shirt and dark cream cargo shorts. For his feet, simple sandals would do. He took a minute of glimpse in his mirror. Simpleng kaanyuan ng isang lalaki ang kanyang nakita. He held his hair, perhaps he should style it. What style?

Realization came in to him. He sighed; all of this was because of Dominique. Nag-eeffort pa siyang mag-ayos para sa babae. Great! ‘The grumpy old man’ – laging pang-asar nito sa kanya, was in love.

“Huwag ka ng mag-effort. She only sees you as a friend. And worse, she see Sean on you.”

That was right. But even it was painful for him; he Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios decided to stay beside her. Kahit gaano pa kasakit, kahit hindi man nito mapansin siya bilang lalaking nagmamahal sa babae, mananatili pa din siya sa tabi nito. He could risk everything.

“Tama na ang drama,” sabi niya sa sarili habang nakatingin sa salamin. Inayos ang buhok, he brushed it up. At the corner, he saw his backpack, get it and went outside.

Exact five in the morning, he knocked on the door. A few minutes, no one was answering. That was odd; he said to her he would get her this time – five A.M. Maybe, she was just preparing or something. Probably, she was in the shower that was why she didn’t hear his knock.

Kumatok siyang muli. This time it was a heavy knock.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Five-fifteen already, still no one was answering. Paranoia was rising on him. Nasa loob ba ito? Nakalimutan ba nito ang kanilang usapan?

He was pounding the door. Kahit sa buong street madidinig na yata ang kanyang kalabog. “Dominique, are you there?”

Fuck! Wala pa din! Kinakabahan na talaga siya. Shit!

Nasaan na ba ito? Ayaw ba nitong sumama? Search for his bag, he saw his cellphone. At least, he saved her number even she didn’t know it. A good thing he saw her cellphone on her couch last week. Alam niyang mali na tumingin ng cellphone ng may cellphone pero mabuti na lang na ginawa niya.

Zachary searched her number in his phone book, and Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios then dialed it. Ringing for a few minutes, she answered.

“Who’s this?” dryly voice, seems she just woke up.

Hindi ba niya alam kung matutuwa ba siya o maaasar na madinig ang boses nito. But this time, his voice became stern. Nanaig ang pagkainis. “Miss Valencia, alam mo ba kung anong oras na!”

“Bloody hell!”

“Hello! Hoy!” naputol na lang bigla ang linya. Talaga bang nananadya ang babaeng ito? If he ever saw her right now, he would slap her behind!

Sabay

bukas

ng

pintuan

ng

apartment

nito.

“Pasensiya na,” kinukusot pa nito ang mga mata, humihikab. “Na-late ako ng gising.”

How could he punish the lady if he was so dazzled by Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios her beauty? She was wearing a red silk sleeping wear, hair was messy but still attractive, sexier than ever, her skin was slightly pink and her proportioned body traced her clothes – revealing a true blooded woman’s sensual traits. The irritating feeling inside him subsided, erased from the depths, replaced by a wonderful feeling, erotic.

The thumping of his heart increased like the velocity of a race car.

“Zachary!”

“W-what? Ano? Bakit?”

“Kanina pa ko nagsasalita dito. Hindi ka naman pala nakikinig.” Nakanguso pa ito. “I said, makakaabot pa ba tayo? Kaya ko namang bilisan ang pag-aayos. Nakagayak naman na din ‘yung mga gamit ko.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “So, it means sasama ka talaga?”

“Who gave you the idea that I will not join you?”

His heart felt warm, the smile in his face couldn’t be rub out. Gusto pala nitong sumama sa kanya. The negative thoughts of her not coming with him obliterated.

Iniisip pa man din niyang na ayaw sumama ni Dominique.

“Kung sasama ka, bakit huli ka nang magising?”

“A-ano, k-kasi,” namula ang kanyang mukha, cute and childishly. “Masyado kasing naging excited, hindi ako agad nakatulog.”

That was a revelation. Hindi lang pala nito gustong sumama, excited pa ang babae. The smile from his face reached through his eyes, like a smile that felt victory. Sa isang kisap-mata, may naalala siya. Glanced at his wrist Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios watch. “Shit!”

“Bakit? Anong nangyari?”

“Hindi na tayo makakaabot sa bus. Sa Makati pa man din ang meeting place.”

“Kahit mag-taxi tayo, hindi na tayo aabot?”

He nodded. While she, eyes was dull and lips was pursing, like she was upset. From her actions, the guilty feeling was obvious. Face to face, trying to make her realize that it wasn’t her fault, he held her hand. “Huwag mo

nang

isipin

‘yun. Ayoko

din

naman

talagang

makasama d’un.”

“But it’s my fault, kaya hindi tayo nakasama. I thought we will have a great time but I blew it.”

“It’s not your fault. Besides, we can have a great time Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios even we didn’t join the company trip.”

“Paano? Saka saan naman tayo pupunta?”

“Basta, ayusin mo na lang ang sarili mo. It’s a surprise.” He touched her nose, a gentle gesture. “Kaya huwag ka ng malungkot.”

She nodded, as a sign of relief, she smiled. “Pumasok ka na muna habang hinihintay mo ko.”

A thought of Dominique taking a shower, and when faced him, wearing only a towel to cover up her body was formed in his psyche. Great! Umaandar na naman ang kamunduhan niya. The inner beast was doing it again.

“Huwag na, dito na lang kita hintayin. Saka kung pwede lang, i-lock mo ang pinto mo.”

“What? Why? I-lock?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Never mind. Dalian mo na! anong petsa na!”

“Ito na nga,” ginawa nito ang sinabi niya. Pumasok na nga ito sa loob habang siya naiwan lang sa labas.

Waiting for her, five minutes just passed, his eyes became heavy. Physically tired, sleep came in to him. Ito ang mga napapala ng mga taong hindi natutulog. Dahandahan siyag napaupo sa sahig, isinandal ang ulo sa pader. Closed eyes, his mind shut down without any effort.

A gentle tapped, Zachary felt it in his left shoulder.

There she was, standing in front of him. Napabalikwas siya ng tayo. Nakakahiya naman! Nakita siya nito sa ganitong sitwasyon. Did he drool? Scanning on his face, thank goodness, he didn’t. “Kanina ka pa ba diyan?”

“For about five minutes. Mukha kasing antok na antok Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ka kaya hindi na muna kita ginising.”

“Ready ka na?”

Tumango ang babae. There was something in her, she was smiling – mischievously. Was there something happened? Did he do something when he was sleeping?

What the hell! Baka nga! “Did I sleep walk?”

“No.” “What did I do? Sleep talk?”

“Not exactly.”

Anong sinabi niya? Naku! Baka nagtapat na siya kay Dominique habang natutulog! “What did I say? May sinabi ba kong nakakahiya? Tell me!”

“Jeez, number lang naman ang sinabi mo, ‘yun lang. balak ko pa ngang tanungin kung ‘yun ang lalabas sa Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios lotto. What’s the big deal?”

Nakahinga na din siya sa wakas. Wala naman pala siyang sinabing ikalulugmok niya. Akala ni Zachary, nasabi na niya sa babae ang nararamdaman, na mahal niya ito.

Wiping an imaginary sweat from his brow, he was in relief.

Inayos niya ang sarili, ask the real agenda. “Tapos ka na ba? Pwede na ba tayong umalis? Sigurado ka bang wala kang nakalimutan? Baka may maiwan ka?”

“Ang dami mong tanong, ha. Pwede bang one at a time lang? Daig mo pa ang teacher ko sa Math sa dami ng tanong mo.”

“Kung paisa-isa ang tanong, aabutin tayo ng siyamsiyam.”

“The grumpy old Mr. Arevallo! Alive!”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Ako? Grumpy old man pala, ha!” binuhat niya ito.

Panay lang ang sigaw ni Dominique habang hawak-hawak niya. She was laughing and also him. Nag-eenjoy sila habang pababa ng hagdanan. As they approached the ground, that was the only time they had realize what was happening.

Staring at each other, his blood rushed and warmed his body. Her breathing touched his face. In seconds, his mind dictating him to kiss her. Dominique was the first to lower her gazed. Nagbalik na din siya sa normal, ibinaba niya ito at nagbigay ng puwang sa kanilang dalawa, katahimikan ang namayani.

“W-where are we going?” her voice had a hint of nervousness, shaking. When he faced her, she was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios blushing.

“Just wait and see,” he smiled. Timing na may dumating na taxi. Agad niyang pinara. Sumakay sila.

Lulan sila ng isang tricycle, tumigil ito sa isang bungalow style na bahay. The house had a wide verandah in front, single story, cozy to live in. Mga halamang naggagandahan ang nakapaligid dito, may mga puno ng buko sa paligid.

“Napakaganda

naman

ng

lugar

na

ito.”

She

murmured, pleased by her environment.

“Mabuti naman nagustuhan mo ang lugar namin.”

“You live here?”

Zachary smiled. This was his hometown, Batangas.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Both of their attention was caught by the two old people approaching. Sa di kalayuan, papalapit ang kanyang mga magulang. And as they reached him, hugs and kisses had given him.

“Kay tagal mo ng hindi nadadalaw di’ne, Totoy,” maluha-luhang sabi ng kanyang ina. Nagagalak itong makita siya.

“Siyanga, mabuti naman naisipan mong dalawin kami ng nanay mo,” may halong pagtatampo ang boses ng ama.

“Tay naman, nagtatampo pa. Pasensiya na po, masyado lang kasing madaming ginagawa sa trabaho.”

Napunta naman ang kanyang atensyon sa babaeng kasama niya. “Dominique, sila ang mga magulang ko, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Bartolome at Crisanta Arevallo.”

She extended her hand. “I’m glad to meet you Mr. and Mrs.-” Hindi na nito naituloy ang sasabihin dahil sa niyakap ito kaagad ng kanyang nanay, animo’y anak na babae ang niyayakap.

“Mabuti naman at ipinakilala ka na sa’min ng aming anak.” Pinakawalan na ni Nanay ang babae.

“Mag-nobyo ba kayo?” segundang tanong ni Tatay.

“What!” sabay pa sila ni Dominique. Siya na nga lang ang nagpaliwanag sa mga magulang ng katotohanan.

“Hindi po, magkaibigan lang kami.”

“Naku! Lumang tugtugin na ‘yan, Totoy. Pumasok na nga lang tayo sa loob. Para makapagmeryenda na kayo.”

His mother held the lady’s arms and guided her way.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Sumunod lang ang kanyang tatay at huli siya. While walking, Dominique was glancing back at him, smiling – like she was saying that she was having a great time with his parents.

Sa buong maghapon, laging makausap ang babae at ang kanyang ina. Ang kanyang tatay naman, lagi siyang sinesermonan,

paminsan-minsan

ay

kinakausap

ng

maayos. Habang nasa verandah siya, pinagmamasdan niya ang babae, tumatawa ito kasama ang kanyang ina sa may living room. Seeing her like this, made him feel content also.

Kahit dumating na ang oras ng hapunan, wala siyang pagkakataon na makausap ito. Masyado kasing busy, iniinterview kasi ito ng kanyang nanay. Perhaps, he should Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios thank her mother for doing that. Because of the interview, he had known so much information about her, like her birthdate, course taken up, and other things she loved and liked. Ngayon niya lang nakita si Dominique na ganito kasaya at nag-eenjoy na makipag-usap.

Supper ended. His mother didn’t let them help clean the plates and the dining table. Sila na lang daw ng kanyang tatay ang gagawa n’un. But Dominique insisted.

Akala niya mag-aaway pa ang mga ito. But in the end, the lady conquered. Ito na daw ang maglilinis ng mga kalat.

“Sigurado ka ba?”

“Saan?” inayos na nito ang buhok, itinali. Kahit ano yatang gawin nito, maaakit talaga siya.

Umiwas na lang siya ng tingin. “Maghugas, kaya mo Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ba talaga? Ako na lang ang gagawa niyan.”

“I can do this. Maghuhugas lang naman. Kaya ko na ‘to, Totoy.” Mahahalata sa mukha nito ang pang-aasar.

“Huwag mo nga akong tawagin sa pangalan na ‘yan.”

Lumapit si Zachary sa babae, not giving attention to the bare skin of her neck. “Bisita ka dito, dapat ako ang gumawa niyan.”

“Zachary, kaya ko na ‘to. Hindi mo ko bisita.”

Head shaking, he still insisted what he wanted. “Ako na ang bahala diyan. Kung hindi ka aalis, mapipilitan akong paluin ka.”

“Do I look like a child that needs discipline?” eyes were rolling, seems she disliked his statement.

He sighed. “Grabe! Ang hirap talagang makipagtalo Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa’yo! Sige, kung ayaw mong pumayag na ako ang maglinis,

tutulungan

na

lang

kita.”

Bago

pa

ito

makareklamo, kinuha na niya agad ang sponge. “Ako ang magsasabon, ikaw ang maghuhugas.”

She didn’t dare to complain his idea, they started the chore. Isa-isa niyang sinabon ang mga plato. After that, she rinsed it. At least this activity made him forget the bare skin of her neck, the sudden evoked sensuality of the inner beast was tamed and calmed.

“Hey!” “Ha?” Walang tanung-tanong, she reached him, brush the tiny bubbles from his chin by the back of her hand. The sudden contact of their skin sent pleasuring messages through his nerves. The beast inside of him woke up. A low Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios growl was released from his throat.

Zachary cornered Dominique, his face was only inch far away from her own, the beast in him was uncontrollable, the speed of his heart increased. Burning passion was visible in his hazel eyes, pupils dilated. He could smell her scent, mas nagpadagdag ng kahibangan niya. Deep down in his mind, a sane voice. Holy cow!

Stop! Tumigil ka!

But his body didn’t obey it. Combusting with desire, his lips conquered her, passionately, deliciously. His tongue savored her sweetness. She wasn’t moving but he knew her eyes were closed. Pinning her, she felt her softness to the greater degree of his aroused length even it was covered by clothes. He could feel the two summit of Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios her's, teasing him to touch it, enjoy it. His hands had their own mind, wandering from her neck down to her sides until it reached her behind. Crap! I could not prevent this!

Gumising ka! Ano ba? Nakakalimutan mo bang kaibigan ka lang niya! Asawa lang niya ang nakikita niya sa’yo! Si Sean lang ang mahal niya!

Para siyang isang remote control na laruang robot na nawalan ng baterya, tumigil sa ginagawa. Gasping, breathing heavily, they were both doing that. Lumayo siya.

Hindi niya magawang tingnan si Dominique, samu’t sari ang nadarama niya ngayon. Bago pa siya maka-react, bago pa makapagsalita, umalis na ito. Naiwan lang siyang mag-isa dito, guilty from what he did.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Chapter 7 Kinabukasan, Zachary woke up with a hammering pain in his brain.

Only had three hours of sleep, he still managed to get up early. The cause of his insomnia – Dominique Valencia was the name. He must take breakfast to have strength.

Lumabas siya ng kuwarto, isang mabango at masarap na amoy ang bumungad sa kanya. A mouth watering scent lingered in his nose. His stomach kept groaning, demanding food. Sinundan niya ang amoy sa may kusina.

“Nanay, ang sa-” Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios His mother wasn't there. Lalung-lalo na hindi ang kanyang tatay ang nagluluto dahil hindi naman marunong 'yun. Dominique was there, cooking. Umagang-umaga, gumana na naman ang imahinasyon niya. The image formed – she was wearing a sexy Victorian maid costume.

“Master, do you want to eat?” still wearing the costume, asking him sexily.

“A-ahmmm,” nababaluktot na naman ang kanyang dila.

At parang kidlat, nagising siya sa panaginip, sa isang magandang panaginip. He kept shaking his head to make him in reality. Tumingin siya sa babae. She was still cooking until she noticed him.

“Gising ka na pala, umupo ka na diyan.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Nasaan na sina Nanay at Tatay?” Umupo nga siya gaya ng utos nito.

“Namelengke, ayaw nga nila kong payagan na magluto. Kaya secret lang natin 'to, ha?”

Scrambled eggs, ham and pandesal, the food she prepared. Inihapag nito sa dining table. “Tara, kain na.”

Without further adieu, she started eating. Hindi talaga siya magpapahuli.

Nawala ang kagustuhan niyang kumain, napalitan ng pag-aalinlangan. The thought of what happened yesterday flashed back. Was she mad at him? Malamang, nagalit nga talaga ito. But today while surveying her secretly, there was no hint of hatred in her face and even in her eyes.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Hindi mo ba gusto ang niluto ko?” She was holding a piece of pandesal. “May iba ka bang gustong kainin?”

“Wala, this will do.” Then, Zachary started eating.

Baka nakalimutan na nito ang mga nangyari kagabi o baka naman hindi big deal sa babae ang halik na kanilang pinagsaluhan. Thinking of the last statement, the kiss was not a big deal for her, drew pain from his chest.

“Nga pala,” she interrupted his thoughts. “Sabi ng nanay mo, there is a nearby lake in here. Can you take me there?” Smiling like a child excited to go there, paano ba naman siya hindi makakatanggi sa gusto nito.

“I will if you…”

“If I what?”

“If you stop arguing with me. Kung maipapangako mo Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios na hindi ka na makikipagmatigasan sa’kin, then I’ll take you there.” He was grinning.

“That’s not fair! Mahirap ‘yang sinasabi mo!”

Tumawa siya ng malakas. “Joke lang, alam ko namang imposibleng gawin mo ‘yun.” Ginulo niya ang buhok ng babae. “Besides, that is one trait I like about you.” Huli na ng ma-digest niyang maigi ang mga sinabi, kailangan makaisip siya ng maipanlulusot. “You, I like as a friend.”

Dominique’s white teeth beamed, showed a wonderful smile. “Akala ko ipagpipilitan mo pang baguhin ko ang ugali ko, you almost got me there.” She laughed also and continued what she was doing, eating.

Matapos nga nilang kumain, dumerecho na nga sila Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios sa lawa. It was just a fifteen minute walk from here.

Habang naglalakad sila, panay lang ang sulyap niya sa babae. While walking, she was enjoying the peaceful view, the green pastures that they passed by, the trees that caught her attention. And as they approached the true scene she wanted to see – the lake, her eyes shined and full of anticipation.

“Wow,” nauna talaga itong makapunta sa lawa.

Pinakiramdaman ang malamig na tubig sa mga paa nito.

“Napakaganda dito!”

“Mabuti naman nagustuhan mo dito.” Nakasunod na siya dito ngunit hindi pa din siya pumupunta sa tubig.

She was staring right at him. Nakataas ang isang kilay. “What are you doing there? Hindi ka ba maliligo?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Nope, masyado pang maaga para maligo. Saka, malamig ang tubig.”

“Don’t tell me that I’m the only one who will enjoy here?”

“Mas gusto kong nandito na lang.” Sat down from a large rock near, Zachary enjoyed the view in that state.

“Titingnan na lang kita dito.”

She grinned mischievously. “Gan’un pala, Mr. Kill Joy!” Bigla na lang itong nawala sa harapan niya.

Saan na ito nagpunta? What happened? Where did she go? Paranoia started to rise upon him, thinking if she was drowning. Shit! Counting from one to three, still there was no sign of her. Walang pag-aalinlangan na lumusong siya sa tubig at hinanap ang babae. Great! The lady was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios missing and it was his fault!

Out of nowhere, there she was, showing behind his back. From head to toe, she was wet. Tiny drops of water traced the beautiful face of Dominique, wet clothes hugging the sexy body. His blood started to rush from his veins. Kahit basa na siya ngayon, malamig na tubig ang pumapalibot sa kanya, nakakaramdam siya ng init. The beast inside of him, wanted to break out. The length of his woke up from the sight of her.

A soft laugh was release from her mouth. “Sabi na mapapalusong kita sa tubig.”

Examining her from all angles, she was okay.

Nakahinga na din siya ng maluwag ngunit hindi pa din niya maiwasang mainis sa ginawa nito. “You! Is this a Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios joke? Alam mo ba kung gaano mo ko pinag-alala!” Not even changing the pitch of his voice, he was mad.

Speechless, the indomitable lady was staring at him.

Afterwards, guilty eyes lay upon him. Wala man lang itong masabi, umurong yata ang dila nito at parang natakot sa kanyang sigaw. She just lowered her gaze. “Hindi ko naman alam na gan’un ang magiging reaksyon mo. I just want you to come in the water.”

“Well, you succeeded. But what you did was a dumb act! Paano nga kung talagang malunod ka?! What if you drown?”

“Hindi ako malulunod! So, stop acting like my grandfather!” Wrath started to raise, her face full of anger.

Nakipagmatigasan ito. Nang hindi nito makayanan, she Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios walked out of his sight.

Five steps away from him, he stopped her, came near her, and pulled her within his arms. “Don’t dare to walk away!” It was too late when he recognized what he had done. Panting, hawak-hawak niya ito. Malapit na malapit ang kanilang mga katawan sa isa’t isa. Within his own body, he could feel her voluptuous warm body pressed in his, especially her heavenly bust. Both of them were wet but not enough to prevent the cadent feeling rising upon him.

Nakatingin din ito sa kanya. Ang galit sa mga mata ng babae ay hindi na mababanaag. It subsided, replaced by a hint of confusion in her eyes. He had no strength to loosen up his grip.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “I-I w-want t-to…” Dominique whispered. Gaya niya, nahihirapan din itong makahinga.

“You want to what?” Zachary’s voice was low, husky.

Wala itong sinasabi. Ang mga segundong lumipas ay hindi nila alintana, nasa ganoon pa din silang posisyon, hindi pansin kung sino man ang makakita sa kanila. She was the only one he could see, the only one his eyes lay upon. Stroking his fingers through her face, she shivered.

Her breath touched his skin, brought pleasure in his nerves. The word control was out of his vocabulary right now.

Pilit nilalabanan ng kanyang konsensiya ang mga nararamdaman. His consciousness tried hindering the inner beast but it didn’t work. His brain coincided with his Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios heart. Ngunit ngayon, ang mas nananaig ang kanyang puso.

Staring in her eyes, his own was deep. “Alam kong mali, alam kong nakikita mo lang sa’kin si Sean ngunit…”

He took a deep breath. “But I love you. Ever since I saw you, I love you. Ilang beses kong pinigilan ang sarili ko ngunit hindi ko na kaya. I can’t hinder it anymore. I need you.”

Hinihintay ni Zachary ang isasagot nito ngunit ilang minuto na ang lumipas wala pa din itong sinasabi. Her expression was blank, default. Deep inside of him, he was cursing his self. Bakit pa kasi siya nagtapat? Bakit pa niya kasi sinabi ang totoong nararamdaman niya? Pighati ang nararamdaman niya ngayon, daig pa niya ang masaksak Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ng ilang libong beses sa dibdib. Trying to keep the pain for himself, he let her go.

And just like that, Dominique turned her back away from him. Lumayo na siya hanggang sa hindi na niya ito nakita. While him, he was standing right from the very spot he had confess. Damn! This hurts really bad! Fucking bad!

Unti-unting tumulo ang mga luha sa kanyang mukha. A man like him didn’t even imagine to experience this, love someone, be crazy, and be hurt.

Chapter 8 Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Five years passed, “What’s this? I said think of a great plan that will suit for the launching of our new product.” Sitting right at the center front of the large meeting room, Zachary was being stern at the people in front of him.

Someone

explained

the

project,

one

of

his

subordinates. “Sir, I think this will work. Talagang nababagay ang plano na ito sa launching natin ng new product.”

“Are you nuts? Hindi niyo ba nakikita na masyadong pambata ang plan? We were targeting young adults. Bakit may nakalagay na mascot pa dito! Revise this plan!”

Walang tanung-tanong na lumabas na ang mga empleyado. Some of them he heard whispered something Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios bad about him but he didn’t mind it. Naiwan lang siya sa loob na nag-iisa. Holding his temple, still thinking about the upcoming launc of the new beverage product, he realized something - ang dami na palang nagbago.

Limang taon na ang lumipas, ang dami ng naiba. He became the senior vice president of the Claymour Industries, malayung-malayo sa pagiging accountant na laging kinakawawa. He sighed; this was not the time for returning back to the past. Tumayo na lang siya at pumunta sa kanyang opisina.

At his office, right after he sat, someone knocked on the door. Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad si Yonah, a beautiful woman having the traits of her American father – fair skin, curly long hair, voluptuous body. Smiling right at Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios him, batting her long eyelashes, she walked with grace.

“How’s your day, Honey?”

“Stressful,” hawak niya ang isang file at binasa. Saka niya lang napansin na nasa tabi na pala niya ito, his girlfriend.

Grinning, she immediately sat on his lap. Ipinulupot nito ang mga kamay sa kanyang leeg. “Gusto mo bang mawala ang stress mo? Want a massage?”

“That’s a tempting offer Miss Claymour but I think I’ll pass,” nakangiti siya dito.

“Siguradong sa gagawin ko hindi ka tatanggi.”

Conquered his lips, she kissed him passionately, intense.

He accepted it, ipinikit niya ang kanyang mga mata ngunit bigla siyang nagulat sa imaheng nabuo sa kanyang isipan.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Napalayo siya kay Yonah, napahawak sa sariling buhok.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong, Honey?”

“K-kasi…” Before he could explain, his secretary was already in front, asking about his meeting with an important client. Pumunta ang kanyang tingin sa nobya.

“It’s nothing. Masyado lang siguro akong stress out.”

“Huwag mong masyadong pagurin ang sarili mo, Zachary.” She touched his face, trying to relieve what he was feeling. “And don’t forget the dinner in the mansion.

Siguradong maghihintay sina Papa sa’yo.”

Tumango siya, tanda ng pagsang-ayon. Then, she smiled tenderly and gave him a kiss in his left cheek.

Pagkatapos, lumabas na ito ng opisina, naiwan na lang siyang nag-iisa. Kahit ang sekretarya, wala na din.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Napasandal si Zachary sa kanyang upuan, thinking about the image formed in his mind when he was kissing Yonah. Crap! Five years had passed; he thought he would never imagine her again. Akala niya, hindi na ito papasok sa kanyang isipan. The indomitable lady accidentally wandered in his mind – Dominique Valencia.

Huling pagkikita nila ng babae, when he confessed his feelings for her, that he loved her. Wala man lang itong sinabi sa kanya, kahit bumalik na sila sa Maynila. After that, he never saw her again. Madaming beses siyang lumuha, nangulila sa babae, hanggang sa matanggap na lang niya sa sarili na wala na ito. He tried his best to forget her, even took him several hours drinking. He even became a workaholic, reason he was promoted.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Nakilala niya si Yonah, she was the daughter of the owner of the Claymour Industries. Naging kaibigan niya ito, nakasama sa madaming bagay. She made him smiled again, ‘yun nga lang hindi katulad ng kasiyahan na nadarama niya sa tuwing nakakasama niya si Dominique.

But it was enough for him to take a chance for them.

And now, the indomitable lady was hunting him. Baka naman nagkakamali lang siya. Sa tagal ba naman nilang hindi nagkikita, siguro naman naka-move on na siya. So, he just focused on the pending work he had.

Claymour’s Mansion, Glamorous people could be spotted everywhere.

Politicians, billionaires, artist could be seen. As expected Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios from the party of Claymour’s, the whole place was elegant.

It was a good thing Zachary wore a tailored three piece suit.

Habang naglalakad siya, nakuha niya ang atensyon ng mga kababaihan. Some of them seducing him wanted him but he didn’t mind them. Panay lang ang obserbasyon niya sa kanyang kapaligiran. At the center, he saw Yonah with her father and with an old man – he assumed eighty years of age.

Habang naglalakad siya papalapit sa mga ito, nakuha niya ang atensyon. And as he approached them, she kissed him in the cheek, held his arms, pleased to see him.

“Honey, you really look dashing,” she whispered.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “You're so yummy.”

Zachary was grinning at her and focused on the two men. “Good evening, Mr. Theodore Claymour,” bati niya sa amerikanong ama ng kanyang nobya.

“No need for formality, Son,” the man tapped his back.

“I'd like you to meet my father-in-law, Manuel Valencia.”

Ang lalaking sinasabi nito ang matandang lalaking nasa harapan niya ngayon.

Quick glance, he noticed a warm smile in the old man's face. Manuel Valencia? May kaugnayan kaya ito kay Dominique? Napakadami namang Valencia sa mundo kaya marahil walang kaugnayan sa isa't isa ang mga ito.

Kinamayan niya ang matanda. “Magandang gabi po, ako po si-” Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Ikaw ang boyfriend ng apo kong si Yonah, Zachary di ba ang pangalan mo?” The old man took his hand. “I think you're really suitable for her.”

“Thank you, Sir.” “Alagaan mo sana siya, Hijo. Huwag mo siyang lolokohin.”

Pumasok na sa usapan ang apo nito. “Lolo naman, it's impossible for him to cheat on me. He's faithful.”

Theodore laughed loud. “That's what Papa also said to me when I was courting your mother.” Nagpatuloy itong muli, balu-baluktot nga lang ang pagtatagalog. “Halika na, let's start the dinner.”

The people around also gathered at the long and big dining table. Bago pa sila makapunta doon, nakuha ng Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ibang tao ang kanilang atensyon, someone behind their back.

“I'm sorry if I'm late. Pasensiya na talaga.” Panting, the voice was calm but seems out of breath.

Hindi mapigilan ni Zachary ang makadama ng kaba nang madinig ang boses na iyon. Totoo ba ang kanyang nadinig? Parang napaka-pamilyar sa kanya ang boses, alam niya kung sino ang nagmamay-ari.

“Bakit ngayon ka lang, Dominique? Kanina ka pa namin hinihintay.” anya ni Yonah.

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata, hindi makapaniwala sa nadinig. Tama ba talaga? Dominique ba talaga ang nadinig ko? Unti-unting lumingon siya. She was standing there. Five years had passed but still she was beautiful, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios the unyielding lady he knew. Wearing a one shouldered black dress, she was elegant. A simple make-up could be seen within her face, malayung-malayo sa heavy make-up ng dalagang nasa tabi niya – si Yonah.

His heart suddenly beat heavily like a bass drum.

Ngayon lang ulit tumibok ng ganitong katindi ang puso niya. Crap! Panaginip lang ito! Lahat ng ito ay hindi totoo!

“Nga pala, Honey.” Binasag ng kanyang nobya ang kanyang naiisip. “She's my cousin, 'yung sinasabi ko sa'yong painter, Dominique Valencia.”

Great! Sa lahat pa ng lugar na pwede niya itong makita, dito pa! At sa kamalas-malasan pa, she was his girlfriend's cousin! What a great coincidence!

Dominique extended a hand for a shake. “Nice seeing Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios you, Zachary.” Her stare was cold as ice; no reaction could be seen through her face.

“Same here,” took her hand, he was sweating.

Nervous and shivering, couldn't control his feelings, seems he felt the whole surrounding was combusting because of her.

Sabay-sabay na silang nagpunta sa hapag-kainan.

Magkatabi sila ni Yonah habang si Dominique nasa harapan nila at katabi ang lolo nito. While the people enjoying the food, the company of others, he was sweating like a pig. He couldn't swallow the food inside his mouth.

Matapos kumain, nag-enjoy ang mga bisita sa tugtugan ng live band. Some were swaying at the dance Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios floor, some were happily socializing.

“Are you all right, Honey?”

“Ha?” Naguluhan siya sa sinabi ng nobya.

“Kanina pa kasi ako nagsasalita dito, hindi ka naman pala

nakikinig.”

Nakanguso

pa

si

Yonah

waring

nagtatampo. “Nagsasayaw na ang lahat, hindi mo pa din ako inaaya.”

“Pasensiya na, hindi kasi maganda ang pakiramdam ko. Could I go out for a while? I want to breathe some air.”

“But I want to-” Hindi na nito naisatinig ang gustong sabihin dahil may umaya na kasi ditong sumayaw.

Nahihiya naman itong tanggihan ang lalaki kaya wala na itong nagawa. She wasn't smiling when they went to the dance floor.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Silently, Zachary went out of the party. Sa isang garden siya nagpunta. Solemn, calm – perhaps, it should ease the nervousness. He sat down on a bench.

Napabuntong-hininga siya. His mind was preoccupied because of Dominique and it was unfair for Yonah. Pilit niyang tinatanggal ang babae sa kanyang sistema ngunit hindi magawa.

Ilang taon na ang lumipas, she had the same effect on him. Hindi pa din nagbabago. Inakala niya na kung saka-sakaling magkita man silang muli, wala na itong epekto sa kanya, she was nothing to him but he was wrong. Don't tell me, I'm still in love with her? Minutes of silence came in to him.

“Hindi ka ba nag-eenjoy sa loob?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Hearing that voice, the same voice that made his heart beat wildly, the blood rushed and his whole body trembled. Huminga na muna siya ng malalim bago niya ito tingnan. “I'm not the dancing type.”

“You're not the dancing type?” softly laughing, Dominique sat next to him, nagbigay ng ilang espasyo sa kanilang dalawa. “Then, what type are you? The grumpy type?”

Instead pissed, I laughed, enjoying her company.

“Hindi na talaga nagbago ang tingin mo sa'kin. For your information, hindi na ko masungit.”

“Really? Bakit ang sabi sa'kin ni Yonah, masungit daw at disciplinarian ang boyfriend niya?”

“Sinabi niya 'yun?” Napapailing na lang si Zachary Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios habang ito natatawa sa pagiging kunsumido niya.

“Yup, ang sabi pa niya sa'kin kasing-sungit mo daw si Lolo. Sabagay, may punto naman siya.”

Tumatawa lang ito. She was enjoying this funny discussion. He was also enjoying it. More than that, seeing her again made him happy. “Kamusta ka na? Napakatagal na nating hindi nagkita.”

“It's been five years when we last saw each other. For the past years, I became busy. Pumunta ako ng New York, I had a good offer there. How about you?”

Anong sasabihin niya dito? Would he say the truth?

Kung ano talaga ang nangyari sa kanya? If he still had pride within him, he should not tell her. “Okay naman, I became the vice-president of Claymour Industries.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Congratulation! Hindi naman imposible 'yun sa'yo.”

She was not staring at him. “You had the qualities, you're hard-working, reliable, a person that everybody can trust.”

Deep down inside of him, his heart was touched by her words. Hearing those words, made his cheeks flustered. Parang hindi niya yata kayang harapin ito.

Naisipan na lang niyang baguhin ang usapan. “Kamusta ang pagpipinta? Madami-dami na ba?”

“Not really.”

“Bakit? What happened?”

“Seems there's something wrong with me. I don't know. Parang nawalan ako ng gana, nawalan ng inspiration.”

Was it because of him? The reason for out of Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios inspiration? Imposible! Umaasa ka lang sa wala! Indeed, his consciousness was right. Sigurado namang hindi iyon mangyayari.

“Since I came back, I want to ask a favor. Can we continue the painting?”

“Painting?”

“Nakalimutan mo na ba? The nude painting of you.

Hindi pa tapos 'yun, kaya nga gusto ko ng tapusin. Para na din mabenta ko na sa mga matrona.”

“What!” His jaw dropped. “Ang usapan natin, hindi mo ibebenta 'yun o kahit i-display sa mga gallery.” Held her wrist, He wasn't angry, he was just full of anxiety. What if someone saw his nude painting? Pagkatapos, hanapin siya at bigyan ng indecent proposal?

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Winked at him, she was preventing herself to laugh out loud. “It's a joke. Hindi ko naman magagawa sa'yo 'yun, noh. A promise is a promise, wala akong balak na hindi tuparin ang usapan natin. So, what can you say?

Pwede ka pa din bang maging modelo ko?”

Nakahinga na din si Zachary ng maluwag. But come to think of it, would he take her favor? Should he pose for her? His mind was saying no but his heart was saying yes.

Anong susundin niya?

Bumilis na naman ang tibok ng puso niya, feeling hot from the environment. Bumubuka ang kanyang bibig para sabihin na hindi na siya maaaring ma-pose ngunit walang salitang

lumalabas.

“Yes,”

accidentally

he

said

unconciously. Takang-takang siya sa sarili.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Talaga?” Niyakap siya nito. The warm body released the caged beast inside of him. As her bosoms touched his clothed chest by mistake, his brain started to get vague.

Crap! Lumayo siya kaagad sa babae. Hindi siya dapat makalimot!

“Oo, sabihin mo na lang sa'kin kung saan at kailan para magawan ko ng schedule.”

“Salamat talaga. Promise, magiging maganda ang kalabasan ng painting mo.”

And they both went inside the party again. This night would

surely

hunt

Zachary’s

dream.

Siguradong

mahihirapan din siyang makatulog.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios

Chapter 9 Excitement caught Zachary, driving fast as he could, he couldn't wait to see her again – Dominique. Weeks had passed when he last saw her, from the dinner party.

Ngayon lang naman din siya nagkaroon ng free schedule.

His destination was in Makati – she resides on a condominium there.

Still driving, he was stuck in a traffic jam in EDSA. Mali siya ng oras ng alis, bakit ba kasi hindi niya naisip 'yun? Dahil 'yan sa sobrang excited mo! Nakalimutan mo ng rush hour ngayon! Loosen up his tie, pissed off from Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios what was happening, he was thinking what would happen if he didn't make it in time. Paano nga iyon? Malamang magalit talaga ito sa kanya.

Good thing, God granted Zachary's wish. Biglang lumuwag ang daan, umusad na ang mga sasakyan.

Naging mabilis ang pagpapaandar niya hanggang sa marating na ang destinasyon. Now, he was in front of a big and luxurious building. The beating of his heart speed up, panay ang pagdadalawang-isip kung pupunta ba sa unit ng babae.

Kanina, sobrang excited ka. Ngayon naman nagiging duwag ka naman! Umakyat ka na nga!

Dapat hindi siya kabahan, hindi siya maaaring makaramdam ng ganito. He needed to be casual, cool.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Huminga siya ng malalim. Nag-concentrate, started moving. Front door, he walked straight to the elevator.

Pinindot niya ang floor kung saan matatagpuan ang unit ni Dominique. Waiting, he felt his legs shaking. Could he continue this?

The door opened what now? Slowly, he went outside of the elevator. Mas bumilis pa ang tibok ng puso niya ngayon. Habang naglalakad siya papalapit sa unit nito, sari-sari na ang nararamdaman niya.

The moment of truth, nasa harapan na siya ng unit nito. He clenched his fist; he couldn't raise his hand to press the doorbell. Instantly, the door opened. Standing before him was her – Dominique. “Kanina ka pa nandiyan? Bakit hindi ka man lang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios kumatok o nag-doorbell?”

“A-ano…” mukhang naputol yata ang dila niya, wala siyang maisagot. Watching him, she was waiting for his answer. “Kadarating ko lang.”

“Weird, dati-rati hindi ka naman nale-late sa usapan.”

“Magkapit-bahay lang naman kasi tayo n'un. Besides, kagagaling ko lang ng trabaho. So, can I come in?”

She made a way for him to enter. Inside, the condo unit was fully furnished, simple and comfy. Nakikita niya ang mga dating paintings na nakita niya noong magkapitbahay pa sila. But there was something missing. Wala na ang painting ni Sean. That was odd. Napatingin siya sa babae. He wanted to ask her about it.

“Bakit? May problema ba?” Noticed him, she was Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios organizing her things.

“Uhmm,

wala.

Nauuhaw

na

kasi

ako,”

pagsisinungaling niya.

Nabatukan pa ng babae ang sarili. “Where's my manners! Hindi man lang kita binigyan ng inumin, kagagaling mo nga lang pala sa trabaho.” Nawala na ito sa harapan niya, pumunta sa kusina.

While Zachary, he was observing the display. Kahit saan mang anggulo niyang tingnan, hindi niya nakita ang painting ni Sean. Bakit kaya nito hindi na idinisplay?

“Kumain ka na muna.” Dominique was already there sitting at the couch and before her was a table. Nandoon ang meryenda.

He sat down, facing her. She was drinking juice. The Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios truth, he had no appetite. Masyado kasing magulo ang sistema niya ngayon. Ang tanging nagawa na lang niya ay uminom ng juice. His eyes didn't leave her, mas napako sa mga labi nito. Unconsciously, she was seducing him.

Sana ako na lang ang baso na nadadampian ng mga labi mo.

“Pansin ko lang, kanina mo pa ko tinitingnan.” Napuna na siya nito.

“How did you say that? Did you have any evidence that I'm staring at you?”

“Pwede kong tingnan ang CCTV. I had hidden cameras all over the place.”

“Bloody hell!”

Kulang na lang maglupasay sa kakatawa ang babae.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Joke lang, parang posible namang gawin ko 'yun.”

She always got him with her jokes, natawa tuloy siya sa naging reaksyon niya. Si Dominique lang ang nakakagawa sa kanya ng ganito. Come to think of it, parang ngayon lang siya ulit tumawa ng ganito, nag-enjoy.

He had been always busy from work. Every time he had conversatioin with Yonah, it was not like this.

“See… you loosened up a little bit,” pansin nito sa kanya. “Kanina kasi mukha ka kasing dinatnan ng kamalasan.”

“Yeah, I was. Many papers to fill up, stuck in a traffic jam, problem in planning for the new product, iyon ang lahat ng kamalasan na nangyari sa'kin.”

Dominique

became

serious.

“Dapat

pala

ni-

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios reschedule na lang natin 'to para-” “Mabuti nga 'to, nabago ang mga ginagawa ko.

Laging trabaho-bahay lang naman kasi ako.”

Tapped the empty space beside, she asked him. “Upo ka dito.”

“Why?” “Basta. Umupo ka na dito. Please…”

Two green eyes were looking at him. Seconds had passed, Zachary was not moving because he was thinking if this ethical, kung tama bang gawin ang utos nito.

Five years had lapse, he was not a hypocrite to deny the truth that he was longing for her, to be close to her again. Panay ang sigaw ng utak niya na hindi maaaring mapalapit siya dito, he was committed already. Ngunit Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios bakit ganoon? Mas malakas pa din ang pagnanais niyang makasama ito?

I'll forget the reality for now.

Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa babae. He went to her side and sat. Hindi pa nga siya mapakali habang nakaupo. His face was not looking at her. Sinadya niya talagang sa ibang bagay ang tingin dahil sa makakalimot siya.

Zachary didn’t know what happened next, her hand touched his face. Her palms were warm, palatable.

Walang tanung-tanong, idinantay nito ang kanyang ulo sa balikat nito. Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata habang nasa gan’un na katayuan.

“Did you remember this? The day I was crying and Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios you consoled me? I think this will help to ease your temper.”

“Oo, naaalala ko. Dumantay ka sa balikat ko, nakatulog ka pa nga.”

Nakaka-relax kasing humilig sa balikat mo. Ngayon ba? Relax?”

Relax was not the word to describe he was feeling.

Halu-halo na kasi ang mga nararamdaman niya, basta ang alam niya lang hindi siya makakatulog habang nasa ganitong sitwasyon. Nasasamyo niya ang pabango ni Dominique, gave an amorous effect. Felt her shoulder, it was making him melt like butter. The creature inside of him was starting to wake up, and if he didn’t do something, he would surely lose his self.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Napatayo siya. “Why won’t we start? Okay na ko, kayang-kaya ko nang mag-pose sa’yo.”

“Sigurado ka? Kung wala ka pa din sa mood, pwedeng mamaya na lang.”

“I’m pretty sure. One-hundred percent okay na ko.”

Nagkibit-balikat na lang ito at tumayo na din.

Dominique guided him where the painting session would be. Sa isang kuwarto, maganda at makulay ang bumungad sa kanya. Lots of canvasses could be seen in the room, paint brushes, paints and other things used by a painter. And like the first time she painted him, at the center he saw the same couch covered by a red velvet cloth, ang ginamit niya noon.

“Are you sure you’re ready? Do you want me to get a Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios brandy?”

“Huwag na, hindi naman na ko kinakabahan gaya n’ung dati.”

A gentle smile, iyon ang nakita niya dito. Anong ibig sabihin n’un? And like what the first painting session, she approached him with a slow pace. Hindi ito nagtanong, mabagal nitong hinawakan ang suot niyang tie, tinanggal.

One by one, she unbuttoned his long sleeve polo. While she was doing that, I was gasping. His muscular pecks showed. Zachary heard her sigh. When he observed her eyes, deep green eyes, parang may nakita siyang kakaiba ngunit nawala na din.

“Can you do the rest? Aayusin ko lang ang mga gagamitin ko.” Tumalikod na ito sa kanya.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Dissapointed, he thought she would do the rest, strip him until nothing left. Ginawa na lang niya ang sinabi nito.

Then, he sat down comfortably in the couch. Nasa harapan niya si Dominique at sinimulan na ding magpinta.

There was something different about her and he didn’t know what it was. Ibang-iba na ito sa Dominique na nagpinta sa kanya dati. Was it because of the painting of his husband?

“Why?” “Ha? Anong why?” still painting.

“Why is it the painting of Sean wasn’t there? Wala sa living room.” Ang inaasahan niyang isasagot nito sa kanya ay wala siyang pakielam sa buhay nito ngunit nagkamali siya.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “I’ve donated the painting from an auction for a charity.”

“Bakit? Napakahalaga ng painting na ‘yun sa’yo.”

“Indeed, it was important for me. But I had to let go of him, I had to move on.”

Did he hear it clearly? Move on? Si Dominique, natanggap na ang lahat ng mga nangyari, na hindi na babalik ang asawa nito?

Pinagpatuloy ng babae ang pagkukwento. “Masakit sa’kin na mawala siya na hindi ko man lang siya nakakasama sa dambana. The day of the wedding, he died. I didn’t have the chance to give myself to him, to be one with him.”

“Kaya ba sinabi mo sa’kin noon na wala kang sex life Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios dahil sa wala naman talaga? He was the only man you wanted and it never happened?”

“Yes,” she was wiping the tears falling down from her face. “But now, I’m all right. Siguradong ito din naman ang gusto niya, ipagpatuloy ko ang buhay ko.”

His heart was celebrating. Umaasa siya ngayon na magkakaroon ng pag-asa sa babae. But wait, this thought was wrong. Mali talaga! He had Yonah. Hindi niya pwedeng balewalain ang kanyang nobya. Gaya ba ni Dominique, dapat din ba niyang kalimutan ang minahal, ang babaeng minahal noong nakaraang limang taon?

Hindi na siya muling nagtanong. Pinagpatuloy na lang nila ang painting session na parehas na tahimik.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Dinner with Yonah, where Zachary was. Sitting in a beautifully arranged table, candle light, romantic music played around, she was sitting in front of him – beautifully smiling. Ngumiti din siya sa nobya, simple lang na hindi man lang nagpapakita ng ngipin.

“Kanina ka pa nakatingin sa'kin. What's running in your mind, Yonah?”

“I just missed you, two months tayong hindi nagkita.

And all I want to do, stare at you.”

Lahat ng lalaki, kung madidinig ang mga katagang iyon

sa

babaeng

kanilang

minamahal,

siguradong

magiging masaya. Ngunit bakit siya? Hindi man lang niya maramdaman ang maging masaya ngayon?

A gift, she showed a little gift. “Buksan mo, para sa'yo Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios 'yan. Pasalubong ko sa'yo.” Galing kasi ito sa ibang bansa sa dalawang buwan na hindi sila nagkita.

He opened it, an expensive watch. “This is too much.”

“Ano ka ba, its nothing. Bagay na bagay sa'yo 'yan.”

Hawak niya ang relo, hindi niya kayang tanggapin ang ibinigay nito. Dominique's image suddenly pop-up in his mind. The two months that passed, it made him happy because of her. Posing for her, conversing with her, kahit gan'un kasimple lang ang mga bagay na iyon, lubos na kaligayahan

niya.

Makasama

lang

ito,

iba

ang

nararamdaman niyang kasiyahan.

He was so guilty, he couldn't continue this facade.

Hindi na niya kaya pang tingnan si Yonah ng ganito, nakokonsensiya na siya. Oo nga, ito ang kanyang nobya Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ngunit hindi niya ito mahal. Tama, he was still in love with the beautiful painter having lots of layers.

Ibinalik niyang muli ang regalo. “I can't accept this.

And…” “And?”

The

smile

in

her

face

was

erasing,

nervousness could be sense.

“I'm

sorry

but

we

can't

continue

this,

our…

relationship.”

“What the hell are you talking about?! Di ba parehas naman natin gusto ang isa't isa, the careers that we have still our main priority. As long as we see each other, it's enough.” Wrath was raging with her voice.

“That's the point.” Napahawak siya sa kanyang buhok na waring senyales na nasa mahirap siyang sitwasyon.

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “Gusto nga natin ang isa't isa, but it's not enough. Having a relationship, we need to be in love, we're seldom seeing each other and it's a proof that we're not in love.”

Silence came to them, nagpapakiramdaman lang sila.

Ngayon, nakikita niyang pinipigilan lang na maiyak ni Yonah. Mukhang may iniisip ito at hindi niya alam kung ano iyon.

“Tell me,” she murmured. “Is it because of somebody else? May iba ba? Who?” Jaw dropped, parang hindi niya yata kayang sagutin ang tanong nito. Ngunit hindi ito ang panahon para magpakaduwag siya. “Do you remember the woman I told you? Ang babaeng minahal ko n'ung nakalipas na limang taon bago kita makilala?”

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “The one that hurt you really bad and made you miserable.”

“Don't say that, she didn't hurt me on purpose and my life wasn't miserable. Huwag mo naman siyang gawing kontrabida.”

“Sorry,” she bitterly said.

“She came back. Inakala ko, kung sakaling magkikita man kaming muli, wala na kong nadarama sa kanya. But I'm wrong.” Zachary continued. “When I saw her at the dinner party in your mansion…”

“Wait, guest namin siya? Why didn't you tell me?

Pinagmukha mo kong tanga!”

“Because I'm afraid. Akala ko makakayanan ko ang lahat. At kung malalaman mo na si Dominique ang Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios babaeng sinasabi ko, baka maapektuhan lang ang pakikitungo niyo sa isa't isa.�

Eyes widened, hindi ito makapaniwala sa nadinig kung sino ba ang babaeng sinasabi niya. Ang luhang kanina pa nito pinipigilan, isa-isang tumulo. Tumayo ito, hindi alintana kung mapansin man ng mga tao ang pagiyak nito. He was left alone.

Chapter 10 Harap ng condo unit ni Dominique, ilang minutong nakatayo si Zachary. Thinking of what happened between Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios him and Yonah, he went straight here. Kumatok siya, but instead to see her, the door opened itself. Did she forget to lock her door? Negative images formed in his mind, baka hindi talaga nito nakalimutan isara! Maybe, somebody went inside and took her by force, a criminal! Fuck!

Fast like lightning, pumasok siya. Hinanap niya ito. He didn't see her. Search every room, she wasn't there. Iisang kuwarto na lang ang hindi niya napapasok, iyon ang painting room ng babae. Binuksan niya. There she was, busy painting. Nakahinga na din siya ng maluwag. And he was thankful to God that she was okay. “Hey, did you forget to lock your door?�

She wasn't responding. Tuluy-tuloy lang ito sa ginagawa animoy walang napapansing ibang tao sa Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios likuran. Moving, that was the only time he observed her why she was like that. May suot pala itong earphone.

Siguradong hindi siya nadidinig ng babae dahil sa lakas ng pagpapatugtog. Near, he tapped her back. Nagulat ito, nawalan ng balanse sa pagkakaupo. Mabuti na lang mabilis ang reflexes niya, nahawakan niya ito kaagad sa mga braso. Napadantay ang ulo nito sa kanyang katawan.

Unti-unting umangat ang ulo ni Dominique. She was surprised to see him, halata naman sa mukha nito.

Tinanggal na nito ang earphones sa teinga. “What are you doing here? Di ba sa susunod na araw pa tayo magkikita?

Akala ko ba may date kayo ni-” “I love you!”

“Nakainom ka ba?” Lumayo ito sa kanya. There was a Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios hint of anger from her voice. “Are you nuts?”

“Yes, I'm nuts! Nasisiraan na ko ng ulo! And it's your entire fault!”

“My fault? Paanong ako ang may kasalanan, ha-” Lock her in his arms, he plunged in her lips, felt and savored the featherly luscious lips of Dominique. Deeper and deeper, he had search inside of her – intense, passionately. God, he was in heaven. Naramdaman na din niya ang tugon ng babae, iginapos na din nito ang mga kamay sa kanyang leeg. She accepted him fully, without any hesitation.

Doing this, the inner beast inside of him started to be active and wanting more than just a kiss. His silly heart became crazy again – increased the beating more than Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios ever, shivering body, eyes closed.

When Zachary let her go, they were both gasping. Her flushed cheeks was a proof of what they did. Dominique’s lips were swollen from what he had done.

“Don’t dare to walk away from me again,” he murmured. Sa babae lang ang tingin niya. Then, he started confessing. “Akala ko, makalipas ang limang taon wala na kong nararamdaman sa’yo. I thought I moved on already but I was wrong.’

‘You are the only woman that I love like this. Ang babaeng kaya kong i-sakripisyo ang lahat, ang kaisa-isang babaeng kaya kong maging martyr for the sake of her happiness even it hurts me so much! Kahit nakikita mo lang sa’kin ang asawa mo. Tinatanggap ko lang kahit Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios masakit.”

He continued. “Alam mo ba, ilang beses ko ng sinabi sa sarili ko na tanga ako. Pero kahit anong gawin ko, ikaw lang ang nakikita ko. You’re the only person that can make my world spin, confuse!”

The initial reaction he was expecting she would do was to move out again, walk out again in his life but what happened was the opposite. Tenderly smiling, she touched his face – traced his jaw line. Nakatingin lang sila sa isa’t isa. Siya, naguguluhan siya sa babae. This was new for him – see her like this.

He was triggered to do it, to touch her. He grabbed her, carried her and went to her room. Aminado siya, hindi na siya nag-iisip ng maayos. And as he saw the bed, he Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios put her down slowly as if what he was carrying was a priceless vase.

Hindi na napigilan ni Zachary ang mga kamay.

Featherly touching her skin, he heard her moan. Did it mean she wanted this? And as there eyes met, he was hypnotize. The inner beast was released from its cage.

Avidly, he conquered her lips. She was reacting also, responding from his kiss. Unti-unti nilang tinanggal ang mga suot ng bawat isa hanggang sa wala ng natitirang damit na nagtataklob sa kanilang mga katawan.

He stopped, surveyed her whole body while she was hugging her own body, she was flushing red. He couldn’t help it; the lady was so damn seductive, beautiful, and virgin.

Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit dito. First, he kissed her forehead. A soft and pleasured voice was released from her lips. He sucked her left earlobe, she moved as if felt electricity ran through her body. Next, he kissed her cheeks. Pagkatapos, dumako siya sa kanyang leeg. When he went to the two symmetrical soft bosoms, she groaned.

And as he licked the sensitive parts like her sides, she was holding his hair as if she was in a beautiful madness state.

“Please… Zachary,” she pleaded, wanted him to be inside of her.

“Hush,

my

beautiful

Dominique.

Gusto

kong

maramdaman mo ang pagmamahal ko.”

Caressing from everywhere, Zachary’s hands roamed Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios all over her body. Pleasuring moans realeased by her throat, she was savoring everything, felt erotic from his touch. Unconciously her hands started to wander around his muscular body.

“Now, I want you to be mine.” Positioned in front of her – pinning her, he took a few seconds to let her be ready. She was reacting to his enormous length, slightly touching the hardness of him. Ready as she was, he entered her softness, slowly and gentle. Nadinig niya ang sigaw ng babae, ramdam niya ang mabigat na paghinga.

“I’m sorry, Dominique. Hindi ko sinasadya na-” Isang daliri nito ang pumigil sa kanyang pagsasalita.

“No need, I can bear this.”

Niyakap siya nito ng mahigpit. It was a sign of trust, Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios she trusted him. And for that, he would not betray that faith. He continued slowly as possible, making her feel the passion and gentleness. And as he swayed, she was starting to do it also little by little. Both of their bodies cohered from each other, they were one, felt the galaxy from their own little world. Binibigkas nito ang kanyang pangalan na waring nararamdaman din ang kanyang nararamdaman. They reached the stars together, full of love. They both collapsed in the bed, the only thing that witnessed there love.

He was holding her, hugging her dearly, not letting her go. Sleep came to both of them.

Nagising si Zachary ngunit hindi pa din niya Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios binubuksan ang kanyang mga mata. And as for the woman beside her – Dominique, she was awake, touching his face slightly. What was she doing? He became pessimistic again, thinking she was regretting what happened between them. Maya-maya, nadinig niya ito.

She was saying something, whispering.

“Patawarin mo ko,” she said, thinking he was asleep.

“For hurting you, I’m really sorry. To tell you honestly, I was hurt too. Alam ko noong una, I only saw Sean on you. I became close to you because I saw him in you. But as we get closer, I began to like you. Noong magtapat ka sa’kin, naduwag ako, naguguluhan ako. I was torn between you and Sean.’

‘That time when you confessed, I was shock. Hindi ko Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.

Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios talaga alam ang gagawin ko. Kalahati ng pagkatao ko ang nagsasabi sa’kin na tanggapin ka ngunit kalahati din ang nagsasabing iisa lang ang lalaking minamahal ko at iyon ay si Sean. And I chose the last statement. But when I went away, my life begun to be dull, no life. I can’t paint; nothing creative came out of my mind. Sa lahat ng lugar na puntahan ko, ikaw ang nakikita ko. I have a thousand of sketches of you because of that.’

‘At ng bumalik ako, umaasa akong maibabalik ko ang dati ngunit hindi ko na magagawa iyon. When I saw you with Yonah, I was damn jealous! Kulang na lang magwala ako, hindi ko nga alam kung saan ko pa nakuha ang cool composure ko n’un. Even I know now that I love you, it’s too late.”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios “It’s not too late!” Eyes wide opened, nakatingin si Zachary sa babaeng maigi. “Hindi pa huli ang lahat para magsimula tayong muli.”

“But you and Yonah are-” “No, tapos na ang lahat sa aming dalawa. I explained everything. At kahit ilang beses nating lokohin ang mga sarili natin, mahal natin ang isa’t isa.”

Dominique was crying already. “Kahit ilang beses na kitang nasaktan, you’re still willing to be with me?”

“I’m not willing to be with you,” he paused. “I love you and always be forever with you.”

Kinurut-kurot pa nito ang kanyang tagiliran. “Akala ko naman talagang hindi ka willing na makasama ako.”

“Pwede ko bang gawin ‘yun?”

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Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Smiling at each other, full of joy, they shared a kiss that promised a lifetime. Suddenly, she stopped him and whispered something. His eyes were full of delight from the favor she asked. He pulled the blanket to cover them until nothing to be seen. And once again, they became one.

WAKAS Layers of Dominique by Clarence Palacios Copyright 2013 Soeursbelle.Com-Tagalog Romance Etc. All Rights Reserved. No Part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Author.

Printed in the USA by Soeursbelle. sbadikhelp@gmail.com Are you a tagalog love story writer? Let us publish your stories online at SOEURSBELLE.COM.