To Kiss My True Memories

CHAPTER 18

Chapter 18

The next day came, I'm already looking forward to this but isn't really simple. I think I'm not yet ready. Maybe, in every seconds there's a lot of things we already planned but it will change unexpectedly.

Yesterday, I already decided that I'm going to tell Gem what me and Darrow relationship, ngunit nagdadalwang-isip nanaman ako ngayon. At kung kagabi ay maganda at masaya ang pagkakatulog ko kaya nagpagaan ng aking nararamdaman. Ngayong araw naman ay kabaliktaran.

It's really true that it's only once in a time when we could feel some peacefulness.

Sahalip na 'good morning' ang bumati sa akin kinabukasan ay mga tanong ni Gem ang bumungad sa akin. I know na takam siya sa mga kaganapan kahapon but I didn't expect that she's bothering me this too early just to answer her questions!

"Kairra, what? Hindi mo ba talaga ako sasagutin?" iritado niyang saad sa aking tabi.

Take note, hindi siya nakaupo sa upuang nasa gilid ng aking kama, she's sitting on my bed while shaking my arms like a kid!

"Kairra naman, eh." aniya pa na parang bata.

She asked me again for the six times, but I'm still shocked para masagot pa siya. Ni hindi pa ako bumabangon upang magtungo sa cr para makapaglinis ng sarili, kakadilat ko pa lamang galing sa mahimbing na pagkakatulog, nakahiga pa lamang. The fudge!

She's lucky that nana Mirna isn't here, walang mangbabawal sa kaniya!

"Ano na, Kairra!?" she shouted.

Iritadong-iritado ko siyang binalingan. "Can you please calm down first." anas ko.

"How can I? when you're not answering my simple damn question!"

"It's seven in the morning pa lamang, for god's sake, Gem." ubos na pasensya kong saad.

She rolled her eyes. "Just answer, then go back to sleep again! duh!"

I looked at her with my dangerous look. Tila pinapahirapan siya sa pamamagitan ng aking masamang tingin. She turned to me and she only raised her eyebrow, nagtataray dahil hindi na makaantay sa sagot ko!

The fudge this girl!

"What is it again?" tanong ko kahit alam naman kung ano ang tanong niya.

I don't think I'm ready now to answer her questions!

"You and Darrow are together?" she asked, emphasising every words.

"We're not." I said simply.

"Ohh, don't lie!" iling niya.

Napairap na lamang ako sa kaniya. "I'm not!"

Tinitigan niya ako na tila pinag-aaralan kung nagsasabi nga ba ng totoo. Duh, I'm saying the truth! We're not together!

"So, what's your relationships with him, then?" maarte niyang tanong.

Hindi ko agad siya sinagot, kunwari'y nag-iisip pa ako ng sagot. But, what the one I'm thinking is, if I'm going to say to her the truth. Yesterday I already promised that I will going to say to her the truth... but now, my mind suddenly change.

I don't want to lie to her! And I think it's too obvious even I won't tell to her alam niya na kung ano ang namamagitan sa amin ni Darrow. She saw it yesterday but I think she need my confirmation!

"What, Kairra!?"

I closed my eyes tightly. "He's courting me!" buong boses kong saad.

"He what?" gulatan niyang tanong.

I let a deep sigh, slowly. "He's courting me!"

Nagulat ako sa pagtayo "Gotcha!" malakas niyang bulalas na tila ba nanalo sa kung saan at padarang na bumagsak sa aking kama.

Gusto ko siyang sipain sa sobrang likot niya. And she's still not contented, she bounce over my bed for several times! Hindi ko alam kung saan na hahawak dahil natatakot na mahulog sa kakayugyug niya sa aking kama.

What's wrong with her! She's being childish!

"Gem, could you stop bouncing! Baka mahulog na ako dito!" saway ko.

"Oops, I'm sorry." natatawa niyang saad. "Kung sinagot mo na lang sana ako ng mabilisan!" she rolled her eyes but there's a smile she hiding on her lips.

I just rolled my eyes too!

"When?" taray-tarayan niyang tanong na hindi ko nakuha.

Nalukot ang mukha ako. "Anong when?"

"When nagsimula?" malumanay ang pagkakasabi niya.

I freeze for a while, iniisip pa kung sasabihin ko nga ba o hindi. But in the end I decided that I will gonna tell it to her.

"When we meet in the bar." panimula ko. "I thought he's joking that time, kase malay ko ba if drunk lamang siya noong mga oras na iyon, ta's... I don't know kung wala siya sa sarili that time—"

"Then tinotoo niya?" Gem cut me off excitedly.

Slowly, I nodded.

"That's your first meeting with him, I guess."

She didn't remember that isn't? Noong nagkaroon ng insidente sa restaurant ay naroon si Darrow at naroon din siya. She didn't notice Darrow that time? But our really first meeting was when Darrow is with his family and relatives.

I shook my head. "Sa restaurant ang first. He's with his family and relatives. Nagtataka nga ako noon, eh. Her mom in the middle of introducing me to him but he cut it off and say that he already know me. He know my full name na but we just met that time!"

"That could only explain one thing." tipid akong nginitian ni Gem. "He know you already back before. Nakikilala mo rin ba siya?"

I smiled at her sadly. "The only vivid scenario's showed up on my mind was about my parents."

"Coz, sorry about it. We didn't meant to lied and keep it with you. We're just worried because the doctor warned us that we shouldn't pushed you to remember. That's why dad decided to keep it because we're worried that you might push yourself to remember everything that you shouldn't." she explained sadly but the sincerity was there.

"It's fine. I understand you all now."

"We really are sorry. Hindi mo pwedeng pilitin na makaalala ka." dagdag niya sa malungkot na boses.

Nakangiti akong umiling sa kaniya. "Don't worry, I already forgive you all."

Tipid din siyang ngumiti sa akin at umayos sa pagkakaupo sa aking kama. I thought she will going to leave me now but I was wrong, she stayed na tila may gusto pang sabihin.

Hindi ko na lamang siya pinansin. Bahala s'ya d'yan! Inabot ko ang cellphone sa aking unan upang tignan kung may nagtext ba. A wide smile quickly draw on my lips when I saw the two message from Darrow.

Darrow:

Good morning.

Darrow:

I guess you're still asleep. Rest more.

I immediately type my reply while hiding the wide smile on my lips.

Ako:

I just woke up. Good morning, have a nice day ^_^

Narinig ko ang malakas na pagtikhim ni Gem kaya mabilis kong tinikom ang aking bibig upang matago ang ngiti, binaba ko rin ang aking selpon. She then murmured something but I didn't hear it.

"Huh? What is it?" pilit na kinunot ang noo.

"Can I ask you one more question?" taas ang kilay niyang tanong.

I raised my brow also. "Sure—"

"Then you love him na!?" tanong niya, agad na pinutol ang aking sinasabi.

Napakurap-kurap ang mata ko sa tanong n'ya. I didn't expect that she will ask me that question! The fudge, she's too straight forward!

Do I love Darrow?

How would I know if I love him? How would I know if I'm falling for him more deep that I didn't expect. How would I know?

Napatitig ako kay Gem. Hindi alam ang isasagot sa kaniya. Ngunit sa huli ay umiling ako bilang sagot. Maybe, that's the answer for now because I don't think sapat na itong nararamdaman ko ngayon sa kaniya para masabing mahal ko siya? I don't think I fall involve for him that too past?

"Eh, ano ngarod?" pagtataray niya.

"I like him." I whispered slowly.

"Then, how is he as a siutor?"

My eyes widened because of her question. "Seriously, pati ba iyan?"

"I just want to know." depensa niya. "Just tell me na lamang kung paano ang way niya, you know." ngumisi siya.

He's visiting me in the restaurant. Sabay din kaming kumain ng lunch when there's a day when he's not too busy! That's his way but of course I won't going to say it to her!

"Gem—"

She cut me off quickly. "Just one!"

I sighed heavily. "It's fine. He's visiting me in the restaurant."

"You know, he's kind of sweet, huh." she said as she smiled at me. "I just saw it here! Anyway, you're too obvious that you like him!"

Napabangon at nanlalaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya. Habang mabilis kong naramdaman ang pag-iinit ng aking mukha. Totoo ba iyon? Am I'm that too obvious!

She laughed like a witch. "Don't be so surprised like a baby!" irap niya sa akin.

Shocks!

Did Darrow noticed it too? Am I really too obvious!

"I think Zurina's just hallucinating by spreading some rumors about her engagement with Darrow. Can't she see, sampal sa kaniya ang katotohanan! Darrow is with you!" natatawang saad ni Gem while controlling her own anger towards Zurina.

I couldn't say anything because I'm still thinking if I'm really too obvious that I like Darrow. Shocks, it's embarrassing! Anong mukhang maihaharap ko kay Darrow!

Hindi naman kasi, eh!

Shocks, you punk, Kairra! Just hold yourself when Darrow is with you!

"Isa pa iyang Sheenia na 'yan!" Gem added and curse for Sheenia.

I heard her but I stayed quiet as my mind still thinking what she said lately to make me out on myself. Was Darrow seeing the same as Gem see how I look when he's here?

It's really, really driving me nuts!

"Sana ay umusad ang kaso sa kanila, If they just nothing hold against me. They unfair! They think magagawa ko iyon. it's just a threat!" galit niyang utas.

This time she got my attention because of what she said. I don't have any plan para magsamapa ng kaso sa kanila, but I want them apologize and take back what Zurina said about me and my restaurant. Kung ayaw naman nila it's okay lang, hindi ko sila pipilitin para hindi na lumaki pa ang gulo. I don't like away!

"Wala akong balak magsampa pa ng kaso." malumanay kong saad sa pinsan.

"What!? Are you out of your mind, Kairra!" gulat niyang sigaw na halos ikatakip ko ng tenga.

"Stop shouting Gem."

She rolled her eyes and sighed to calm herself. "Are you still in yourself?" pilit niyang pinahinahon ang boses.

"Why? Tama na kung ano ang nangyari sa akin. Ayaw ko ng palakihin pa ang maliit na gulong ito!" kalmado kong saad. "I'm still worried to all of you. Kayo na lamang ang pamilya ko, ayaw kong mapahamak kayo kaya sana tama na ang gulo. I don't remember any memories with my family or even with you that's why I want to spend more time with you now just to fill the space on my mind. Gem, please understand." I explained, begging.

She didn't speak ngunit natahimik siya sa aking sinabi. I know she's listing to me.

"I'm always asking kung bakit wala akong maalala na memories with my family, with you... that's because I lost my memories and any of those I didn't yet remember and I don't think there's a possibility that I will still remember it all." malungkot kong saad.

"I'm sorry, coz." nakayuko saad ni Gem. "Sorry dahil pinipilit ko pa. I didn't consider your situation. I'm sorry, we're really sorry, coz." she said sadly as she lifted up her gaze.

I smiled at her a little. "It's fine." I whispered.

Tipid niya rin akong sinuklian ng ngiti. Ilang minuto ang katahimikan bumalot sa amin hanggang sa narinig ko siyang nagpakawala ng mabigat na bugtong-hininga bago magsalita.

"You know what..." she start. "We're not too closed before because it's seems there's a wall between us, you're not telling me anything about you before kaya kung papipiliin ako kung 'yong dating Kairra o ngayon, I will choose iyong ikaw ngayon." she smiled genuinely.

Nangunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. "We're not too closed? We're cousin?" lito kong tanong.

"Yeah, we are. But like what I said, seems there's a wall between us." kibit-balikat niya. "Kaya hindi ko alam kung sino ang mga kaibigan o lagi mong kasama way back, but I think Sheeme is your true friend."

"Then why you were choosing what me now than before?"

"Kasi nga wala akong alam sayo dati, but now I know your love life na! So, don't keep it with me!" aniya ng may pagbabanta bago iritadong naglakad patungo sa sofa na inuupuan niya kanina.

Napairap na lamang ako sa opinyon niya sa akin. She really wants me now that before, huh? Why? What am I way back? Hindi ko alam kung ano ang ugali ko noon, but I think mas pipiliin ko rin iyong ako ngayon. Maybe, because wala pa talaga akong maalala sa kung ano ako noon?

But should I stay put and just wait the right time to get back all the memories I lost? When should be the right time? Or does it have a right time?

Maybe, that's the only thing I should do for now, that's the only way I know! Dahil baka kung pipilitin ko ay mas lalo lamang matatagalan o may posibilidad na hindi na maibalik pa ang mga ala-alang nakalimutan ko. Malaki rin ang posibilidad na kaonti lamang ang bumalik.

I sighed heavily to calm myself. Inside me, I feel some obvious nervous... because I don't think it's going to be easy. I don't think there's a big change. I don't think I still can hold myself to wait. I don't think I can still breath thinking that the memories I lost I will never been touch again.

I didn't yet mention it about Dr. Munar but I will do everything to take back all the memories I lost, but the sadness part is, I don't know when, there's no exact days or time. I'm waiting now, this is the start but I don't think I could wait more another days more on year. I don't think kaya ko pang mag-antay ng mahabang panahon maibalik ko lamang ang mga ala-alang ito!

Because inside me, I'm really, really scared. I'm scared that everything might go in a wrong way! I'm scared that I chose something wrong! I'm scared for myself but I'm more scared to hurt anyone who's staying beside me.

Ang hirap lalo pa't walang mga kasiguraduhan sa huli.

What should I do? Gusto ko ng makaalala! Paano kung nakapagdesisyon ako at mali pala ito, paano ko maibabalik ang mga pagkakataon? Magiging sayang ito!

Thinking that kind of situation torturing me! Make my heart hurt and feel pain!

Am I just really going to wait the right time? Yes, because that's the only way I should do! Then, how long? Gaano katagal pa akong mag-aantay? Gaano katagal para lamang hindi maging mali ang maging desisyon ko?

It's really hard for me. At ang maisip na mali ang magiging desisyon ko ay nakakapanghina, nakakapanghinayang. I hope I could make it right kahit sa anong pagkakataon.

"By the way, did you know Darrow way back?" basag ni Gem sa malalim kong pag-iisip.

"No." wala sa sarili kong saad, bahagyang napatulala sa kaniyang tanong. "I mean — I don't know, I can't remember... him."

And yeah, how about Darrow? If I know him way back... gusto ko din ba siya dati? Gaano ka gusto, katulad ba ng ngayon? O nagustuhan ko ba siya? Was he fooling me now? Was he lying too? For what? for revenge? Did I hurt him before?

Shocks, I don't know any small things about my past!

Binaliwala ko na lamang ang mga sariling tanong na nagpapagulo sa aking isipan. Gusto ng tumulo ng luha ko sa sobrang pag-iisip na wala namang pupuntahan, binibigyan lamang ako nito ng sakit sa aking dibdib!

Tumikhim si Gem at tinikom ang bibig. "Just don't mind that. Isn't important" bawi niya.

Tumango na lamang ako dahil iyon lamang ang kayang gawin ngayon. I can't speak because I might be broke in front of her!

"Sana natuluyan na lamang talaga iyong dalawa." maya maya ay narinig kong galit niyang utas pa, ibinalik niya sa kaninang topic.

Maypagbabanta ko siyang binalingan ng tingin. "Gem!" saway ko.

"I'm sorry, I just can't help it!" aniya, bakas pa rin ang galit sa boses niya. "Hindi lamang ako makapaniwalang nalusutan nila iyong kasong isinampa sa kanila, maybe they use all their connection for that case! And maybe tumulong din sila Darrow para sa kaso! They know that Dela torrles company is friend with ours!"

Hindi naman ako nakapagsalita ng mabanggit na pati sila Darrow ay tumulong para sa kaso ni Zurina. I know that Zurina were they model for their products, I just read it from some articles. And maybe they give their help para rin siguro hindi madumihan ang kompanya nila?

Pero kahit anong pampalubag loob para sa sarili ay hindi ko pa din matanggap. Thinking that Darrow parents fixed his marriage for Zurina hurt me, the woman that Darrow's family want to be with him for the rest of his life. Thinking it, it's break my heart.

How's the feeling when the family of the man you wish, were owning you? They're supporting you for the sake of your relationships.

What if, he didn't definitely like me?

What if, his words were only lies?

Pinuno ko ng 'what if' ang aking utak at dahil na rin sa mga nabanggit ni Gem ay nawalan ako ng gana para sa araw na ito. This day is definitely a bad indurated day.

We really not expecting some things to happen quickly or slowly. We definitely not holding every circumstances that happening in our lives. Maybe, some are predictable but a lot was mistakable.

Darrow continue texting me, I restrain myself not to respond on his texts. Ang tanging nagawa ko lamang ay basahin at titigan ang mga text niya para sa akin.

Darrow:

How's your feeling? Are you fine?

Darrow:

Do you want anything?

Darrow:

Don't forget to eat your breakfast.

Inulit-ulit kong basahin ang dalawang magkasunod niyang mensaheng kanina pa dumating. Pinalipas ko ang ilang minuto bago nagpasyang basahin ito para sa sarili.

I think I feel that I miss him!

"Kairra, it's breakfast time. Mag-aayos ka ba muna o kakain na?" si Gem na kakalabas galing cr.

"Maliligo muna ako." matamlay kong saad.

"Okay."

Tinulunga niya ako patungong cr para makapag-ayos na. Natanaw ko naman si nana Mirna na nag-aayos ng pagkain. Ilang minuto na pala ang lumipas simula ng dumating siya ngunit hindi lamang napansin dahil sa pagkakatulala.

Medyo natagalan ako sa cr dahil sa matamlay na galaw at malalalim na pag-iisip. I don't know why I keep thinking those questions!? Isn't the time to answer it! Because when I rush some things it will definitely ended with a wrong answer!

I'm just hoping that Darrow isn't lying at me. This time, I can't believe on his words. My heart became numb, it changed quickly! Just please... just please, I'm really hoping that from now on no one who dare to lie in me.

I know na nasabi ko sa kaniya na papaniwalaan ko siya, at iyon din ang gusto ng puso ko sa oras na iyon. I don't know now, I realized that I don't have an assurance in the end. I shouldn't uttered those words because that's just my heart wants.

Pero pilit na sinasabi ng puso ko na sana ay pagbigyan ko muna itong pakirmamdam na ganito. I really wanted too to let my heart to feel this way.

Siguro'y walang mawawala?

Pero... paano naman kung meron? Kung may mga masasayang? Alam kong sa huli ako ang magiging talo, ako ang sugatan, ako ang magdurugo. Saan ako magsisimula kapagnagkataon?

Letting your heart loving with someone without assurances in the end was hard to wagered your heart. Yet, it's the start but I don't think it's still 'til the end.

Akala ko noong una ay madali lamang, but I was wrong! It's so hard to make a decision now!

Kase, sino ba ang masasaktan kung hindi ako... dahil ako ang tumaya kaya inaasahan kong ako rin ang matatalo. Ito ako sumusugal sa pagmamahal na walang kasiguraduhan.

Should I quit now?

Should I stop?

Why would I stop if I don't know how to help my heart in this situation. Paano ko papatigilin ang puso ko kung doon ang gusto niya? Kung doon siya tumitibok at nagiging masaya. Mahirap hindian ang puso, it will gonna make me cry! It will gonna broke me into pieces.

Totoo ngang kapag ang puso ang usapan ay hindi ka makakapag desisyon ng agaran Because heart giving us a hard time to made a decision!

What decision I should pick now!?

Lumabas ako sa cr ng walang nakuhang tamang desisyon para sa sarili. It's either nagtatalo ang puso't isip ko at the same time ayaw ko talagang munang magdesisyon!

"Handa na ang pagkain mo hija, kumain ka na." bungad ni nana Mirna pagkalabas ko.

"Sige po." matamlay kong saad. "'Saan po si Gem?" tanong ko nang makabalik na sa kama.

"May naiwan daw siya sa kotse niya. Kanina pa naman iyon bumaba baka pabalik na rin." si nana Mirna habang maingat na bitbit ang tray ng pagkain ko patungo sa akin.

"Salamat po."

Ngumiti siya at tinanguhan ako. "At hija, kanina pa pala tumutunog ang iyong selpon. Mukhang may tumatawag, ang mabuti pa ay sagutin mo muna." dagdag niya.

Nangunot ang noo pero kalaunan ay tumango na lamang din. "Sige po."

I get my phone upang tignan kung sino ang tumawa na hindi ko nasagot. Pagkabukas ay tatlong missed call ang bumungad galing kay Darrow. Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na bugtong-hininga bago pinatay ang selpon, binaliwala na lamang iyon.

Matamlay akong nagsimulang kumain at sakalagitnaan ng pagkain ko ay ang saktong pagbalik pa lamang ni Gem dala ang kaniyang cellphone at charger. Ngiti ang binungad niya sa akin nang magkatinginan kami tipid ko lamang siyang nginitian pabalik.

"Hapon na daw makaka-visit si ate Zen at kuya Ald. They've so much board meetings to be present to represent our company." paliwanag niya habang mariin akong pinapanood na matamlay na kumakain.

I nodded slowly and just continue eating.

"You okay?" may pag-aalinlangan niyang tanong habang naglalakad palapit sa akin.

Tanging tango muli ang sinagot ko, patuloy sa mabagal na pagnguya. I'm not on the mood.

"Really? Your face saying you're not." iritado niyang saad.

I let out a deep sigh. "I am."

Nang tuluyan siyang makalapit sa akin ay mas sinuri niya ng mabuti ang aking mukha. I smiled at her but fake. I did wide more my smile even I'm chewing to assure her that I'm really okay. I feel sad inside me but I want to keep it to myself, I don't want to make her worried.

"Are you sad, kase hindi makakabisita ang manliligaw mo?" pabiro niyang tukso.

Tumaas ang kilay ko sa tanong niya, but the truth is kind of that. I just shook my head instead to answer her. Darrow is very busy person at ayaw ko siyang maabala sa kung ano man ang ginagawa niya.

And I'm sure if he's here, hindi rin siguro ako mapapakali na tanungin siya ng kung anong tungkol sa akin dati because he said we're close way back. But I'm also scared the he might lying at me.

I don't know if I will just stay put and not ask about my past or should I ask about it even if it makes my situation worse?

"Ohh c'mon don't deny it!" she smiled widely, with matching tusok-tusok pa sa aking tagiliran.

Hindi nakakatuwa Gem!

"He's too busy, kaya huwag mo munang papuntahin. Madaming meeting iyon." kunwari'y malungkot niyang saad pero nang-aasar lang.

Binigyan ko siya ng masamang tingin at inirapan. "Hindi ko naman pinapapunta!" iritado kong saad.

"Ba't ka galit?" she smirked.

"Hindi nga, eh!"

"Galit nga, eh!" aniya ng mapang-asar sabay tusok niya muli sa tagiliran ko.

"Stop it, Gem! Hindi nakakatuwa!" iritado ko na talagang saad.

Sahalip na tumigil ay humalakhak pa siya muli ng malakas. "Deny deny pa kasi." she then murmured

"Gem, ano ba!"

Hindi ko na magawang magpatuloy sa pagkain dahil sa pinsan. Seems she's happy making fun of me! She keep laughing so loud!

Nakakairita!

"Gem, huwag mo ng tuksuin ang pinsan mo. Tignan mo hindi niya na matapos-tapos ang pagkain. Abay kailangan niyang kumain para magkaroon ng lakas." sermon na saway ni nana Mirna.

Natahimik si Gem sa pagsaway ni nana Mirna. Ngunit sa labi niya ay may malaki paring ngising nakaukit. Napasinghal na lamang ako at nginiwian siya. I'm really not in the mood.

"Fine! I'm sorry coz, okay." she said then pouted. "Bye the way, Kyros asking if you're already okay."

"I am, pakisabi." tipid kong sagot at pilit na nagpatuloy sa pagkain.

"Just call him na lang, he's too worried sayo."

I just nodded lazily as my answer.

"Okay." tugon pa niya bago umalis sa aking harapan.

I continue eating and push myself to eat all my foods because my body need it, I need it. Gusto kong sundin ang mga bilin ng doktor nangsagayon ay mabilis bumalik ang aking lakas upang makaalis na agad dito. I don't have plan to say here more longer!

Nang matapos sa pagkain si Gem ang nag-ayos ng aking pinagkainan bago siya nagpaalam.

"Si nana Mirna muna ang bantay sayo. I'll go to my condo to change." she said.

I sighed and just nodded to her.

"Nana Mirna, ikaw po muna ang bantay. Ayos lang po ba?" baling niya kay nana Mirna na abalang nag-aayos.

"Oo naman, hija."

"Sige po, alis na po muna ako." paalam niya kay Nana at bumaling sa akin. "Don't forget to call Kyros." paalala niya.

"I will. pagkaalis mo."

"Just make sure na you're okay here!" taas kilay niyang saad. "I'll get going na." she then came near me to kiss my forehead as her goodbye.

Tipid ko siyang nginitian sa ginawa niya. "Take care." I mouthed.

"Of course." mayabang niyang saad.

Pagkaalis niya ay nanatili akong nakaupo sa kama, bahagyang nakatulala. Minutes passed when I decided to call Kyros. Hinanap agad ang numero niya para matawagan na, gusto ko rin siyang kamustahin. And I thought he won't going to pick his phone dahil madaling araw pa lamang sa kanila ngunit nagawa niya paring sagutin.

"Hello, Ky." panimula ko.

Matagal bago sya tumugon sa akin. "Hello, is it you Kairra? How were you?" agad niyang tanong, nag-aalala.

"I can use phone now, so it means I'm okay na, don't worry." masigla kong saad.

I heard him sighed heavily, sounds relief. "Your head?"

Napangiti ako sa pag-aalala niya. "It's fine, don't worry."

Matapos kong magsalita ay wala na akong narinig na ingay sa kaniya. I scowled, wondering because of his sudden silent. And I thought namatay ang tawag but it's still in the line nang tignan ko.

"Hello, kyros—" hindi ko na natapos ang sinasabi nang magsalita na siya.

"I'm sorry." he said sincerely, his voice was too sad.

Huh?

I'm ready to ask if what his sorry for. But I keep my mouth silent when he continue speaking.

"We lied, I lied." mababang boses niyang saad. "I'm sorry, Kairra."

Natahimik ako ilang sigundo bago nakapagsalita. "It's okay, it's done already anyway." I whispered.

"Were you still mad?" maingat niyang tanong.

"Nope." agap ko. "Noong una nagalit ako, of course you lied. You lied about the relationship of my mom and dad. I thought they in good term, but they're not." malungkot kong saad.

"Sorry... sorry about it." he said, sounds so guilty.

Mapabuga ako ng malalim na bugtong-hininga. "Don't worry it's okay na. I know na iniisip niyo lamang ang kapakanan ko. I understand you all now. Thanks for that."

"But still, I want to apologize in person."

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. "How?Eh, you're still in France? But don't worry na, apologies accepted." masaya kong tugon para hindi na siya malungkot at maguilty.

"Thank you. Pagaling ka d'yan. Follow what the doctor said and advices. Don't be hard 'kay?" he chuckled.

Napairap naman ako kahit hindi niya nakikita. "Yes po, cousin!"

"See you soon, then." masaya niyang sabi.

Hindi ako agad nakapagsalita sa sinabi n'ya. Wait... wait — what he mean, uuwi siya dito? Babalik na siya dito sa pilipinas? Thinking about it makes me happy.

When I was in France he always took care of me even he's a busy man. Siya ang lagi naming kasama ni Gem sa mga galaan. Gem is my closest cousin at pangalawa si Kyros samantalang si kuya Aldwin naman ay sakto lamang dahil siya ang pinakabusy sa trabaho at asawa niya.

"You will go home here?" masaya kong tanong.

Natahimik ang linya at hindi ako nisagot ni Kyros. Nang matagal na at hindi parin siya sumasagot ay binalingan ko na ang aking selpon and guess what? The line has been cut!

That man!

But, I guess he will finally go back here, huh? Who make him to come back here? Dati ay pinipilit namin ni Gem na sumama siya dito ngunit ayaw niya dahil busy pa siya sa business namin abroad but Gem and I know that there's is something wrong to me that's why he doesn't want to come back here.

Hmmm, what are you keeping to us, Kyros?

Nakangiti ako nang magpasyang bumalik na sa pagkakahiga, papatayin na sana ang selpon nang makita ang mensahe ni Darrow, mayroon ding tawag. I'm really not in the mood but my heart started to beat fast once I read his message.

I really, really can't control my feelings to him!