Destiny's Dance

Chapter 11

Roger didn't know what comes in his mind. He decided to talk to Rylan. He doesn't know why he still needs to do it for clarification. Besides, there's nothing special about his relationship to Chanylle. Their approaching marriage has no meaning for him, because he only loves one, and it is Caroline.

Rylan was shocked upon seeing him stepping towards where he was.

“Roger! You're here, what's the matter?” Rylan said with his wide smiles. He offered a seat to his cousin Roger.

“No thanks, we will talk shortly.” Roger seriously said.

“Good to hear that, what are we talking about?”

Roger deeply sighed and looked straight into his cousin's eyes.

“You know that I am getting married to her,” He started.

“Her? Who?” Rylan asked, forehead frowns.

Roger sarcastically smiled.

“You know who I am talking about, don't be silly in asking that way.

Rylan slowly smiles, and Roger feels irritated.

“Uh, to the girl I used to sleep with last night? To the girl whose parents setted up a marriage together with your parents? The girl whom you will marry?”

Rylan said and laughed and his voice echoed in the whole corner of his house.

“Yes, did you have s*x with her?”

The wide smiles of Roger slowly faded upon hearing those words. He sat on the other sofa facing Roger.

“Why did you ask like that?” Rylan now becomes serious.

“Don't ask me another question, you silly!” Roger's voice echoed. “Just answer me, yes or no.”

“I feel bad for you, cousin, Roger Drebb Gatchero!” Rylan said and laughed again. “Are you in love with her?”

Roger couldn't help but to stand and approach his cousin, Rylan, and pulled his collar and acted to give him a punch.

Subalit binigyan lamang siya ni Roger ng nakakairitang ngiti.

“Relax and calm yourself, cousin. You don't have to do this to me. I will answer you correctly if you stay away from me.” Rylan said while smiling and raising his arms up.

“Okay,” Roger stayed away from him and got back to where he sat, lately.

Rylan tells him the time when he saw Chanylle's inside the bar while she's drunk.

“There's nothing happened to us, besides, it was my first time seeing her. I didn't even know that she was the girl you are going to marry. I know that you're getting married, but I didn't know even the name of your bride to be, even his face, I don't have any idea.”

Tila nakahinga naman ng maluwag si Roger.

“It is just, I feel pity for her. That's why I brought her to my condo. I may be drunk but I am still in my right mind. I respect girls.” Rylan continues explaining. “She didn't even have a cellphone at that time for me to contact his family.”

“Thank you,” Roger finally thanked his cousin for saving Chanylle.

But Roger thinks multiple times. He must not have any concern toward Chanylle.

Kalaunan ay humingi na din ng paumanhin ang binata dahil sa naging asal niya kanina.

“I would like to congratulate you, Chanylle. Finally you will be settled.”

Mapait na napangiti si Chanylle. Ka-video call niya ngayon si Reyn.

“Stop congratulating me, Reyn. You know that I was just forced. You know that this married is not that I like.”

“I'm sorry, but it was there. You said that you can't say no to your parents, so accept the fact.”

“I am just twenty Reyn. I still want to pursue my dream, to finish my studies.”

“Being married is not a hindrance to your studies, why not continue despite it? As you say, Roger is rich so he has the ability to help you reach your dreams.”

“But I don't want to owe it all to him. Yes I have savings in my bank account but it's not enough. I am still in my second year of college, and I am in a prestigious university. Then my parents told me that, once I get married to Roger, they will not be able to sustain my needs in school, even my personal needs.”

Hindi maitago ang lungkot sa mga mata ni Reyn para sa kaibigan.

“Stop worrying. Malay mo kayo pala ang para sa isa't-isa, so hindi ka na mahihiyang pasanin niya ang lahat ng problema mo, financially or even sa lahat.”

“It's imposible, Reyn.”

“Think positive. Di ba naikuwento mo sa akin through chat ang unang kita mo kay Roger sa Baguio, which is R. Drebb lang ang name na ipinakilala niya sa'yo? Hindi mo ba naisip na that was the first move of god towards his life?” Nakangiting saad ni Reyn na tila paraan nito para pampalubag-loob. “Try to imagine, the day before your wedding, tumakas ka para hindi matuloy ang kasal, and Roger do the same. Iniwasan niya rin ang kasal, without knowing na ang babaeng pakakasalan niya ay nakakasama niya pala that day!”

Napaisip na rin si Chanylle.

“Was it like destiny? Am I destined to him? But no, kahit naging mabait naman siya akin during those time, I don't feel any attraction towards him. And I know na hindi rin siya na attract sa akin.” Malungkot na wika ng dalaga.

Napailing na lang si Reyn.

“Have you heard of love at first sight?” Biglang tanong ng kaibigan.

“Y-yeah!”

“Then did you believe it?” Reyn asked again.

“Yes!”

“If there is love at first sight, there's a possibility that there is love after marriage!”

Napatawa nalang si Chanylle. Hindi niya alam kung totoo ang tungkol sa sinasabi ng kaibigan.

“Yes, there is!” Si Reyn na mismo ang sumagot nang makitang tila hindi siya kumbinsido. “Ang love ay natututunan.” Wika pa nito.

“At kailan ka naman nagkaroon ng love?” Supla ni Chanylle.

Mabilis itong umiling-iling.

“I fell in love with the male characters of the books I have readed.”

Mahilig kasi itong magbasa ng mga nobela kaya mabilis na naa-attached sa mga perfect characters ng mga lalaking bida.

“Di nga, I am serious. Hindi magtatagal, matututunan mo rin siyang mahalin, at ganun din si Roger sayo. Look at yourself, ang ganda mo, at ang sexy pa. You look like a virgin mary.” Saad nito. “Anyway, congratulations again. I need to rest na. I will call you after your honeymoon!” Kinikilig na saad ni Reyn. Namula ang pisngi ni Chanylle.

Chanylle found herself standing at the precipice of a new chapter in her life, teetering on the edge of uncertainty and expectation. The honeymoon about to happen with Roger loomed large, casting its shadow over her thoughts. As she considered the days ahead, a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirled within her.

The foundation of their relationship had always been pragmatic rather than passionate. Arranged by familial ties and social expectations, her union was forged in the crucible of practicality. The impending honeymoon, however, felt like a leap into uncharted waters. Would the romantic backdrop of a far-off destination weave threads of connection between them.

In the quiet moments leading up to the journey, Chanylle allowed her mind to wander through the memories of their first meet.

She still cant believe that this was happening. Their first meeting in Baguio City was Chanylle realized that it was also the first step towards their destiny.

It wasn't just a chance encounter; it was the inaugural chapter of a story that defied logic. Their connection was like an intricate puzzle, each piece falling into place with a mysterious precision that eluded Chanylle's understanding.