BAIDER (ENGLISH VERSION)

ANMELA’S POV

I watched him as he swallowed the egg.

“You said before you don’t eat eggs?” I wondered as I gazed at the way he chewed the egg.

He showed me his wide grin. “Yes, before, when I haven’t met you yet. It became my favorite since you gave me one in my office. Still remember?”

Wow! Did he say long words? Should I clap? He also told a story.

“It’s good. It’s nutritious because it’s full of protein that the body needs.”

“I know.”

I slapped my face because I thought he started to have a lot of words to say, but suddenly it was just me assuming things.

We were just quietly eating when suddenly his phone rang. He walked away and answered that.

“Okay… I’m going…Bye.” He blew a loud sigh before sitting down next to me again.

“Mommy is calling me to go home.”

I just nodded at him. He came over and kissed my forehead.

“I’ll be back after,” he whispered as he hugged me so tight. “I love you,” He said directly to my ear with the sweetness in his voice.

“I love you too.”

I just watched him leave. It was okay that he was not here to make me focus more on my review session.

I called my mother before starting again the tiring study of the previous lesson.

“Anmela! Are you okay there?” My mom said cheerfully on the other line so I smiled.

“Yes, Mom. I’m good here. Where is father?”

“Wait a minute.” I heard something as if someone picked up the phone. “My baby, how are you? I’m so proud of you. I’m proud that in just a few months you will be a fully licensed nurse.”

I was overwhelmed by the trust that my father was giving me. He was showing me that he was believing in me. They did not lack support even when I was far away.

I am very grateful because they are my parents.

“Thank you, Dad. I miss you so much.” I could feel the sadness that filled my chest.

“I miss you, too. A bit of sacrifice, Anmela. We’re going to be together.”

“Yes, Dad. Take care always.”

“Do not worry about us, your boyfriend always takes care of us.”

I was stunned when my father said that. Huh? How did that happen?

Laurent never left our place. How come?

“Really, Dad?”

“Yes, we’re not the only people he takes care of. There are doctors who always look after people’s health.”

I stared at the name of the caller. My mouth was barely opened.

Really? Does he do that? Since when?

“We haven’t seen him again since the last time you brought him here, we’re so thankful for his kindness.” I knew Dad was smiling as he said that. I could imagine his old face.

“But dad, how did that happen?”

“Maybe, he just really loves you so he loves the locals too. He loves what you love.”

“He’s a good man, Dad.” I was touched by Laurent’s act about those people.

I could not believe he was doing that.

“Hopefully the day will come again that we meet him so we can thank him personally. Even if I do that over and over again, I will never get tired.”

“No worries, Dad. I’ll bring him there again.”

“By the way, Anmela. He built a mansion. He was forcing us to move there but we didn’t agree.”

My eyes widened and I could barely react immediately. What is his plan for life? Why did I not know? Why would he build something like that there?

“Ah, why? That house is for whom?”

“He said, it is yours and Laurent’s house.”

“Our house?” I almost slipped the phone due to uncontrollable shock.

*******

When Laurent came back, I was just staring at him at any move he made. I was facing my table, the papers were scattered because I was still reviewing. I opened my mouth to ask him, but it closed again. I wanted to spell the question, but it seemed like my mouth did not want to cooperate.

Anyway, what if that is a surprise? That is why he did not tell me?

I just smiled as my mouth opened again. Maybe I should not go first with his decision. It was enough that he had a plan for the both of us. I was extra happy because my family was included in his plan.

“Baby, I bought a donut and pancake for you. I have duty in the evening so I will cook early for-”

“Laurent.” I stood up, slowly walked near him, opened my arms and hugged him. “No need. You did so much for me.”

“You need to focus on your review.” He embraced my head. My face was pressed on his chest. “Love you.”

“I love you, too.” I tiptoed and kissed his lips passionately. “You are the best, Mr. Baider!”

“You are the best, too, my Anmela Eris.” He removed his hand on me. “Go back to your table. I’m in charge of all of these.” He brought down his face and kissed my cheek.

I turned my back and happily went back to my table and started everything that I needed to learn.

Laurent is the best! He let me just sit here and he did the household chores. He went to the market which he did not like before because it was crowded and hot. Last year, he wanted to buy at the mall, but I insisted. The fruits, meats and vegetables there were not fresh so one time we went to the market, Palengke in Philippine language. I told him where I was buying my goods. Even though the sweats were rolling on his face, I did not hear any words. He was smiling instead. Whatever I like, he likes, too.

He was washing my clothes, too, cleaning the apartment which served as our house. He was a wife material! I should do all of those, but he was telling me I needed rest.

Why him? He also needs a rest.

Sometimes, I was seducing him when we were on the bed. I was showing my nudity. I even ramped in front of him, but he was just kissing me. No taking of boundaries.

He said, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Oh, gosh! Where is his plan to get my virginity? Well… that made me salute him. He was a kind loving charming dedicated gentleman boyfriend.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I do not want to live without him.

He is my life.