Chapter 40

"What the hell, Noah?!" I exclaimed at him. He continued to grin at me, "You could have hit me?!" dagdag ko pa. Plano ata ako patayin ng lalakeng 'to eh.

"But I didn't, did I? You managed to avoid it," he says, Noah walks towards me.

I glowered at him. Nakasandal pa rin ako sa puno at mabilis pa rin ang tibok ng puso ko. Noah stopped in front of me; he raised his hand to pull the blade knife pierced in the tree. "You could have warned me."

"And what's the point of that? The moment you entered the forest, your training started," he says as a matter of fact.

"Yeah, whatever. So, what am supposed to do? Throw knives like you?" I asked sarcastically, masama pa rin ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Nah, throwing knives will come later," he says, Noah gave me a once over. His eyes were looking at my outfit. He cleared his throat, "We have to build your stamina first. Meron ka ba nun?" pang-aasar niya.

"Ano bang akala mo sa akin lampa?" iritable kong tanong sa kanya.

"Oo, baka nga hindi ka umabot ng limang minuto eh," he says, Noah stepped back from me. He raised his shirt, hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin doon.

He's wearing some kind of knife strap, doon niya nilagay ang blade knife na ginamit niya. He raised his shirt enough to his chiseled abs, and I looked away. I have seen Anthony without a shirt before, but I didn't mind back then because I see him as a brother.

Pero konting parte lang naman ng stomach ni Noah ang nakita pero pakiramdam ko ay ang init na ng pisnge ko. "Nasaan na ba yung rabbit?" wala sa sarili kong tanong.

"What rabbit?" Noah asks.

"May rabbit kasi dito kanina kaso nawala na," ani ko habang pinapaypayan ang sarili ko, "Ang init dito no?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Napatingin ako kay Noah, his arms are crossed against his chest. He's frowning at me, "No, ikaw lang ang nakakaramdaman ng init. It's pretty darn cold here."

"Yeah, yeah. So, what's next?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan bago ko pa ipahiya ang sarili ko.

"I made a training menu for you. This menu is specifically made for your stamina, and the self-defense comes in the afternoon," Noah explains, he is scrolling something on his phone and shows it to me.

Hindi ko pa ito natatapos basahin nang nilagay niya na ulit ang cellphone niya sa bulsa, "Teka, hindi ko pa tapos basahin." reklamo ko pero tila wala siyang narinig.

Noah crouched in front of me and touched me from my thigh down to my leg. He squeezed it for a bit then removed his hands, "Your thighs and legs are pretty weak. You need to work on that. There's a temple beyond the mountain. Before you can get to the temple, you have to climb the stairs. You have to do this every morning for an hour."

Tumayo si Noah and my body feel stiff for some reason, "I have to climb the stairs every morning? How many steps are there?"

"Around 180 steps, akyat – baba ang routine for thirty minutes." He then reached for my right hand. It traveled from my wrist to my arms, "Do some overhead bend exercise. This one is pretty easy, kahit bata kayang gawin 'to. Do it for one to two minutes every day."

Wala sa sarili akong tumago sa mga sinasabi niya. Binitawan ni Noah ang kamay ko. Noah then walks behind me, hinawakan niya ang balikat ko at ang isang kamay niya naman ay nasa tiyan ko.

His hands are cold, "Breath in. Breath out," he says, and I followed his instructions. I can feel his Breath above my ear, "Plank or stomach crunch for one minute. If possible, increase the minute each day kung kaya mo," he says softly.

There's something familiar about how Noah's hand is on my stomach; I frowned at myself. Why is this scene so familiar to me? Before I could analyze further, Noah's hands are gone.

He's standing in front of me, and I can't help but frown at him, "Who are you?" I asked.

Noah's mouth twitched, his eyes amused, and then he says, "The man of your dreams?"

I looked at him dryly, "Yeah, right. Asan ba yung temple at nang makapagsimula na ako?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan pero ang totoo ay pinipigilan kong matawa.

"You're no fun," he says, "Follow me."

I followed Noah as we walked through the forest, "For how long do I need to train?"

"As long as you want, Michaels contacted me for help to teach the basics. It'll come in handy when we're doing our missions."

"Do you think a week will be enough?" I asked worriedly.

At the end of this week, Detective Michaels will come back and give Noah and me the details of our upcoming job. I am tasked to gather information about the three Capos from Costa Mafia. Ayon kay Detective Michaels madalas sa No-Doze Coffee shop ang tatlong Capo tuwing hapon o kaya naman gabi pero dahil sa nasa klase ako ay hindi ko sila naabutan.

I decided to transfer all my afternoon classes in the morning, and I'll work at the coffee shop from the afternoon to the evening. Detective Michaels reminded me not to get myself in danger or pull me out of this mission.

I don't know what kind of tasks are assigned to Noah, aside from being my trainer. I guess I will find out by the end of this week.

"Honestly?" sabay tingin sa akin, "No, mukha kang lampa eh," he says, amused at himself. I rolled my eyes at him, "Kidding aside, a week won't be enough. You have to keep training your body to maintain the stamina you will build this week."

"Okay, I can do that," I say. I'm planning to train myself if Noah isn't here anymore. I'll note what he will teach me this week and make sure to use them in the future.

Noah nodded and smiled at the view ahead of us, "Alright, we're here."

Two big white pillars are standing at the foot of the stairs. From how this place looks, I can tell it's a deserted temple. Napatingala ako sa hagdan na aakyatin ko mula ngayong araw na ito. Sabi ni Noah kanina nasa 180 steps ang hagdan na ito. Napalunok ako sa nakita ko. Hindi kasi talaga ako athletic na tao.

Ayokong tumatakbo ako at pinagpapawisan pero iba na ngayon. If I'm serious about finding the truth about my parents' death and the mystery between my mom's relationship with the Costa Mafia, then this hurdle should be nothing to me.

"You should stretch first before you start climbing to avoid any injuries," he says, sabay bigay sa akin ng cellphone niya. "Stretch for 5 minutes. Follow this guide."

Hindi niya na hinintay na mahawakan ko yung cellphone niya kung hindi ko pa ito nasalo baka nahulog na ito, "Tssk" ani ko.

Umupo si Noah sa hagdan at pinagmasdan ako. He arched his eyebrow at me, "What are you waiting for? Do it." sabay hikab ng mokong.

Inirapan ko si Noah at tinignan ang video sa cellphone niya. Ayon sa video kailangan ko lang gawin ang arm, leg, and torso stretch, jumping jacks, and arm rotations hanggang matapos ang limang minuto.

I decided to do the arm, leg, and torso stretch because this is the easiest and hindi ako hihingalin masyado. I did the warm up exercise quietly and stealing glances to Noah simultaneously.

I set the alarm for 5 minutes. Napansin ko rin na wala masyadong applications ang cellphone ni Noah. Wala rin itong wallpaper o kahit anong palamuti.

Hindi naman awkward yung katahimikan sa aming dalawa pero hindi rin ito komportable marahil sa hindi namin magandang simula. Rylee told me Noah is just uptight, but actually, a nice person, and I believe her.

Noah is a professional assassin, and maybe he has a reason for being so uptight. Perhaps he didn't want to get attached or close to anyone because of his job's nature. Before I could stop myself, "How did you become an assassin?"

His eyes squinted at my question. For a moment, I thought he's not going to answer me properly, but I was surprised when he says, "I'm born into one. My entire family are professional killers." 

Saglit akong napahinto sa warm-up exercise. I wasn't expecting him to tell me right away sa halip Noah said it like it's no big deal. As if killing people is nothing but a walk in the park.

Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. There's something intense in the way Noah is looking at me. Pinilit kong ngumite bago ibalik ang tingin ko sa kanya, "Do you wish you're not?" I asked softly, afraid of my question.

His expression hardened for a second, but he says, "I used to hate it," Noah pauses then continues, "I still hate it. I just hate it less now."

Noah holds my gaze, and for a moment, his eyes are so open and honest, offering warmth and safety. At that moment I looked into his eyes I could feel him searching deep into my soul, but in the jiffy, it was gone at the sound of his phone signaling that the five-minute warm-up is done.

My eyes automatically look at the stairs I need to climb, "Do I really need to climb this?" ani ko habang naglalakad palapit sa kanya para ibalik ang cellphone niya.

"Bakit? Gusto mo ba liparin? Okay lang sa akin kung kaya mo," sarkastiko niyang sabi, kinuha niya mula sa kamay ko ang cellphone, "Your timer starts now," ani ni Noah at awtomatiko naman na gumalaw ang katawan ko.

I jogged my way to the top, unfortunately, I am not even halfway through the 180 steps ay pakiramdam ko ay hihimatayin na ako sa pagod. Bakit ba kasi hindi ako pinanganak na athletic?

I wonder kung anong klaseng training ang ginagawa ni Noah. I wanted to ask him more questions about his family or how Detective Michaels met; however, I didn't want him to think I was too nosy. I decided to ask those questions pag alam kung malapit na kami sa isa't-isa at kung komportable din siyang ibahagi ito sa akin.

Nabaling ang tingin ko muli sa hagdan na inaakyat ko ngayon. Isipin ko pa lang na kailangan ko 'to gawin araw-araw ng tatlumpung minuto ay gusto ko na sumuko at maiiyak. Nasa gitna na ako ng hagdan when I heard Noah shouted, "If you can't jog up, then that's fine. Don't force yourself. You can walk. Do it at your own pace." 

"Okay!" sigaw ko pabalik sa kanya. Sa sinabi ni Noah bigla akong ginanahan akyatin ang hagdan na ito.

When I reached the top, I was in awe at the scene before me. It's really a temple at mukhang matagal na panahon na itong hindi binibigyan ng pansin. It's not that big pero hindi din ito maliit. Tamang sukat at laki lang.

The temple is surrounded by big bamboo trees, colorful flowers blooming around, and an old well nearby. The place is amazing, I wish I had my camera with me.

"Don't pause! You'll only tire yourself more if you rest," Noah shouted from below. Kahit nasa baba siya ngayon ay malinaw ko pa rin narinig ang mga sinabi niya.

On tomorrow's training, I promised myself to bring my phone so I can a picture of the beautiful old temple. I'm sure Aoede and Tyrone will like this place too. They have this thing for old abandoned places. Pag nakakuha na ako ng litrato nito, I'll make sure to show it to them.

I started to jog my way down and for some reason ay mas madali sa akin ang tumakbo pababa kaysa sa tumakbo paakyat. Hindi naman ako natagalan sa pag-baba pero hinihingal na ako.

Nang umabot na ako sa baba ay agad ako umakyat pabalik sa taas. I can feel Noah's gaze on my back. He's observing me and ready in case something happens to me.

Bilib din ako sa sarili ko dahil ilang minuto na ang lumipas pero hindi pa ako hinihimatay pero ramdam ko na ang reklamo ng mga paa at hita ko. I'm sure they will be sore later on.

I'll probably need a warm bath and massage.

Nang matapos ko na ang huling round, Noah is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, "Good job, are you okay?" he asks, sabay abot sa akin ng water bottle.

"Yeah, I think so," I said and grinned at him.

"You can rest for thirty minutes before we start with the other exercises," tumango ako sa kanya habang iniinom ko ang tubig.

I can feel my legs shake at napahawak ako sa braso ni Noah, "Sorry, I can't seem to stop shaking." ani ko sa kanya.

Noah grabbed my waist to support me while he moved my hand to his shoulders. Kumapit ako sa balikat niya. He's frowning at me, "I think I have to change it from 180 steps every day to 90."

"Why? I'm okay," ani ko sa kanya.

"Because you look like you will collapse any moment now. We can't let that happen," he explains.

I bit my lower lip, "I'm sorry, hindi kasi ako sanay. I promise to be better tomorrow," I offered, hoping it would help him not change his mind.

Noah has a serious look on his eyes as he stares at me then sighs and says, "Alright, I'll join tomorrow to support you."

My mouth curved into a smile, "Great! Ang lungkot kaya umakyat mag-isa. Mas maganda kung may kasama. Promise mo yan ah! Walang bawian."

He gave me a half-smile, "Okay, okay." Alam kong pinipigilan lang ni Noah ang ngumite, but the half-smile he gave me is more than enough.

We want back to Eli's place to continue the rest of the exercise. Inuna ko yung planking for one-minute pero nasa twenty seconds pa lang ako ay gusto ko na bumigay ng katawan ko.

Inasar pa ako ni Noah na lalagyan niya daw ng yelo ang liko ko o kaya naman ng isang basong tubig. Halos maiyak ako noong tignan ko ang timer at nasa thirty seconds palang ako. Ito na ata ang pinakamahabang isang minuto ng buhay ko.

Sino ba nagpauso ng planking? Gusto ko sana kausapin.

Ang huling training na ginawa ko sa umaga overhead bend. May maliit na dumbbell si Eli na pinahiram niya sa akin. Ayon kay Eli dapat hawak ko ito sa tuwing ginagawa ko ang overhead bend. I also have an option to do it standing or kneeling.

Pinili kong tumayo dahil hindi ko alam kung kaya pa ng mga tuhod ko ang lumuhod. Halos inubos na ng hagdan ang enerhiya ko sa katawan.

"I'm done!" I shouted, at halos humilata na ako sa sahig dahil sa saya. I did the Plank and Overhead Bend on Eli's porch while Noah is sitting on the sofa, reading his book.

"Yay, congrats. Gusto mo ng cake?" ani ni Noah na hindi man lang nag-angat ng tingin mula sa librong binabasa niya.

"Masuntok lang kita sa mukha ulit. Okay na sa akin," sagot ko naman sa kanya. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at sumandal sa malabot na back pillows.

Sinampa sa sofa ang mga paa para hilutin 'to. "Soak your legs in an ice bath later," ani ni Noah. Napatingin ako sa kanya. He closed his book and placed it on the nearby table.

Noah pulled my legs and are now resting on his lap. He massaged my sore and tired legs, and I can't help but blush. He was respectful, careful, and gentle as he does it.

I can feel the roughness of his hands, but it wasn't uncomfortable or anything. It was rather soothing and relaxing. I smirked at Noah, "Sigurado ka bang assassin ka at hindi masahista?"

Bigla niyang pinisil ang paa ko, "Aray!" Sabay hampas ko sa braso niya. I smiled at him. He then looks at me grinning, "This isn't free. You have to pay me for my service."

"Okay, I'm sure I can afford it. Ano bang gusto mo?"

"Ik--"

Hindi natapos ni Noah ang sasabihin niya, "Guys, let's eat!" masiglang sabi ni Rylee.

"Hi, Rylee! Great timing, I am starving," ani ko sa kanya. I looked at Noah, "Thank you," I say, tumayo ako para pumasok na ng bahay.

"Wow, the house smells amazing," ani ni Noah na kasunod ko lamang.

"Eli and I cooked. Napadami ang luto namin kaya eat to your heart's content," Rylee giggles.

Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Noah na nasa ulo ko ngayon, "Don't worry, Ry. Kayang-kaya yan. Matakaw ata 'to." sabay gulo niya sa buhok ko.

Tinaboy ko ang kamay niya at siniko sa may tagiliran. I heard him say 'ouch'. Natawa kaming dalawa ni Rylee at dumiretso sa kusina.

Sumalubong sa amin ang iba't-ibang uri ng putahe, "Fiesta ba ngayon?" pabiro kong tanong kay Eli na nakaupo na. Sa dami kasi nang niluto ni Eli at Rylee ay baka umabot pa ito bukas. Not that I am complaining.

Kumpleto ang pagkain mula pampagana hanggang panghimagas. Food is the best remedy to a tired body after all. 

Eli chuckles, "Minsan lang kasi kami magkaroon ng bisita ni Rylee. Lubus lubusin niyo na dahil hindi na ito mauulit."

Naupo ako sa bakanteng upuan at naupo naman si Noah sa tabi ko, "Wow, bakit sa tuwing bumibisita ako noon hindi naman ganito ang handa niyo sa akin?" Noah teased.

"Hindi ka rin naman nagtatagal eh," Eli says casually, but he's teasing Noah.

Nilagyan ni Rylee ng creamy broccoli pasta ang plato, but she paused mid-air, "Ay teka, babe. Nasabi mo na ba sa kanila?" 

She then continues to add more pasta on my plate. Hindi ko maiwasang umismid ng makita kung gaano karaming broccoli ang nandoon. 

The pasta looks great just without the broccoli pero ayoko maging bastos so I smiled widely to Rylee when she handed the plate to me. Alam kong pinaghirapan nila itong lutuin kaya kahit ayoko man kumain ng broccoli ay pipilitin ko. 

Sumubo ako para tikman ang pasta at hindi ko naman made-deny na masarap ito. Ramdam ko ang mga tingin ni Noah sa akin habang kumakain ako ng pasta at pinipilit nguyain ang broccoli na nasa bibig ko. Tinawanan niya lamang ako saka binalik ang mga tingin kay Eli.

"Oh, right. I'm sorry I should have informed you guys earlier. Ngayon ko lang kasi naalala," he smiled at Noah and me, "You guys have to share a room. Wala na kasi ibang bakante. We used to have two spare rooms, but we turned one into a small clinic room for my patients and storage. Akala ko kasi si Skyla lang yung magsta-stay pero dumating si Noah. Hindi ko tuloy nailipat ang mga gamit sa storage sa ibang lugar," Eli smiled apologetically at Noah and me.

Para naman akong nabilaukan sa sinabi ni Eli. 

Noah and I stared at each other before turning back to Eli. Simultaneously we both say,

"Okay," Noah says

"What?" I say. I glared at him.

"Why are you glaring at me like that?" he asks.

"You're not against it?" I asked him as my eyes squinted.

"No, why would I be?"

"But you're a guy, and I'm a girl,"

"So?" he asks bago sumubo ng pasta.

"What do you mean 'so'? A guy and girl shouldn't be sharing a room unless the guy is gay or they're married or a couple," I tried to explain.

Noah chewed his food, watching me then he says, "It shouldn't be a problem between us. It's not like something will happen ---" he paused, realizing something, "Oh wait, I get it now," he says. Noah smirks at me, "Are you expecting something will happen, princess?" Noah raises his eyebrows at me suggestively.

My eyes widened at what he said, and I can feel myself turn red.

I heard Eli choke on his water.

Rylee gasped.

Sinipa ko si Noah sa ilalim ng mesa, "Awww!" daing niya.

"You're crazy. Anong sinasabi mo? Sa sofa ka matutulog!"   

"Fine, hindi rin naman kita gusto kasama. Baka gahasain mo pa ako." 

"Ang kapal mo!" 

"Children, settle down, please," Eli says, habang hinihilot ang sintido niya. 

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