Chapter 9
Stacey's newfound happiness with Aiah was like an intoxicating liquor. She was by her side and supported her through the transition that had taken place in her professional and personal life.
"Why did you bring me here?" Stacey asked one night when Aiah took her to her art gallery.
"Mikha's exhibit will start this coming weekend. I want you to be the first one to see her paintings."
Stacey smiled. "Is Janna there? We'll probably meet there."
"She's not there. She's still finishing up some works she's going to pursue for the exhibit. I'm really sorry I didn't take you to her house two weeks ago. She said she'd come to you once her exhibit was over."
"I can wait." They entered the large gallery. She just heard Aiah close the roll-up door.
"For security reasons." She locked it.
"Nagpa-install ako nito matapos magwala ng isang featured artist namin. He threw rocks at the glass walls and partitions of this gallery. Another thing, I'm more comfortable knowing that it's close, especially with all of Mikha Lim's paintings all holed up in here."
"They must be expensive."
"It is. Especially after this exhibit." Aiah smiled and walked over to Stacey. "I added security guards inside and outside this gallery."
"I didn't know her works were that valuable."
Aiah took her around the entire gallery. It was divided into two sections according to the medium used. All the oil paintings were on the right side while the watercolor, charcoal, and pencil works were on the left.
"Well?"
"It's amazing!" Stacey replied after looking at all the paintings. "I didn't know that her works can be so overwhelming."
"Do you have anything in particular that you like the most?".
Stacey turned and pointed to a watercolor painting of a woman with her back turned as if waiting for someone on the top of a hill as the sun was setting. "I like that the best. I can't imagine that water color can create a powerful image like that."
"I also think that's the best. It speaks of wanting something that you want so much."
"I can relate to that."
Aiah said goodbye for a moment and when she returned, she was carrying a tray with two wine glasses, and a bottle of champagne. They sat down on the gallery floor where no paintings had yet been hung.
"Is this where the piece de resistance will be hung?"
"We're going to decide on that when Janna finishes painting it."
"They're very beautiful." Stacey said, referring to the paintings. She leaned on Aiah’s shoulder.
"But not as beautiful as you."
Stacey smiled at Aiah’s remark. She lowered the wineglass she was holding then pulled her into a hug and kissed her. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too." Aiah slowly laid her down on the cold floor.
"You're so beautiful."
"Aiah!" Stacey hugged her tightly when she felt the coldness of the tiles.
"Hmm... where else is a better place to pay homage to you than here amidst these beautiful creations?" Aiah kissed her again while unbuttoning the first button of her blouse.
Stacey didn't understand but she was even more excited at the thought of them making love in that place. And in the middle of Janna's works. She returned Aiah's kiss and hug.
"Oh, Aiah!" Stacey closed her eyes when she felt the warmth of Aiah’s palm on the peak of her chest as her warm lips descended to her neck.
Stacey’s legs moved away involuntarily to give Aiah space when she landed on her. Her feelings flared as she continued to explore the sensitive parts of her body. Stacey only then realized that she was the one taking off Aiah’s cardigan. Still trembling, she followed by unbuttoning her pants.
When Stacey felt the warmth of Aiah’s body against her nakedness, she completely surrendered herself to her. She let the passionate love for her dominate the two of them in that moment.
It was the eve of Janna's exhibit opening at Aiah's gallery that night. Stacey left the office early to go home and change into casual clothes.
She planned to help out at Aiah’s gallery. In the past few days, Aiah had been too busy and panicked with the amount of work she had to do. Her phone was off when Stacey called.
Stacey also knew that Janna was there. She also wanted to see her, especially since she no longer knew what was going on with her and Jhoanna. Above all, she wanted to confirm that she had nothing to fear from her friendship with Aiah.
It was past eight when she arrived at the gallery. There were two security guards and a few people there. "Good evening. Is Aiah here?"
The woman she asked raised her eyebrows. Her hair was blonde and she was still wearing black shades even though it was late at night. She was already very thin and still smoking.
"Yes? I'm his secretary. Sorry, Miss Aiah’s sick right now."
"You know where she is?"
Aiah’s secretary and the security guard she remembered guarding the night she and Aiah went there exchanged glances. "She's inside, with Mikha Lim."
"I'm Stacey Sevilleja, Aiah's girlfriend."
She looked at her suspiciously. "You're Stacey?"
"Yes," she replied. "Can I come in?"
"They're having a serious talk inside. But I guess it's okay to let you in." Stacey nodded at the security guard and opened the door.
"Thank you."
The sneakers Stacey was wearing made no noise as she walked. She wondered what Janna and Aiah were talking about so important that she had to get the gallery staff out. "Aiah?"
Stacey didn't hear a response. She was almost at the end of the hallway when she heard sobs. Frowning, she followed the noise until she reached the pantry.
Stacey slowly peeked through the door frame. Her eyes widened at what she saw. Aiah was standing with her back to her while Janna was hugging her tightly.
"Sshh, it's okay. Everything will be alright. There's nothing to be afraid of."
"I'm scared, Aiah. What if something happens? Paano na ako?"
"Nothing will happen as long as you accept all the consequences. We've talked about this before, ‘di ba? Now more than ever, you have to be strong because this is our last chance."
"What about Stacey? Does she know?"
"No. I haven't told the truth yet."
"What if she finds out?"
"Stacey trusts me. There should be no problem with her."
"I'm scared. Paano kung kayo na?"
"You're kidding, right?" Aiah smiled. "You know how I feel about Stacey. You know where you are in my life so you have nothing to fear."
"I'm so scared. Si Stacey?"
"Stacey and I are together, Janna. I have nothing to fear and you shouldn't think of her as your rival. You know that, right?"
Stacey seemed to be frozen in place by what she heard.
"Have you come to your senses yet?"
"I'm not rushing her, I'm taking my time. I shouldn't rush, especially now that all my plans are happening."
"I guess I'm jealous."
"Don't be. You know I'll always be here for you."
"I love you, Aiah. Thank you very much for everything."
"I love you, too, Janna."
Stacey leaned against the edge of the door frame. I love you, too. It played over and over in her mind. She hadn't heard words from Aiah even once since they got back together.
Aiah only made her believe that she still loved her but that wasn't true. Aiah made Stacey love her again so that when the time came for her to leave her, she would be the one to be deeply hurt and suffer.
"This is your contract as our new purchasing head. Read them carefully and–" Jhoanna stopped speaking and frowned as she looked at her. "Stacey?"
"Ma'am?"
"What's the matter? You were so happy yesterday. And if I'm not mistaken, you didn't hear anything I said."
"I'm sorry." Stacey looked down.
"Is this about Aiah again?"
Stacey was embarrassed. "I thought you two were okay?"
Against her will, Stacey’s tears flowed, She wiped them away. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again. Please don't think that because of this I will not be able to fulfill the position you entrusted to me."
"I'm not thinking about it at all." Jhoanna’s forehead furrowed. "In fact, from your actions I'm sure there is something between Janna and Aiah."
"You know that?"
"I know that now."
"Can I go now?" Instead Stacey said goodbye.
Jhoanna nodded.
Stacey was about to go out when Jhoanna called her. She didn't realize that she had followed her. Jhoanna hugged her and leaned her head on her shoulder.
"It's all right. We all have something to cry about."
"It's so painful. I saw them in the gallery last night. I can't stand it. All I have left is my pride and I can't afford to lose that in front of them."
This time, Jhoanna was the one who didn't move.
"I'm so sorry, Jho. I thought there was something going on between you and Janna."
"That's what I thought too. I don't know whether to be angry or grateful that you overheard their conversation." Jhoanna stroked her hair. "But I think it's for the good of everybody. Don't you think so?"
Stacey nodded. She raised her face and looked at Jhoanna. "Thank you for being very supportive."
"We can always be friends. I still haven't forgotten that I once proposed to you."
"If only the heart could be taught," Stacey replied sadly. Why, then, can't someone else who is worthy be forced into the heart when they are not loved?
"Why don't we have dinner tonight?" Jhoanna lightened the situation.
"Fine with me."
"Go fix yourself in the washroom. I don't want my employees to see you come out here with swollen eyes. They might think you're brand new to your position so I'll fire you right away."
Stacey smiled. "Thanks.”