Sullies of Haunted Yesterday (Casa Fuego Series #4)

Chapter 32

Timeless 

Dali-dali akong naglakad pabalik sa loob. Pakiramdam ko lumulutang ako, nilalagpasan ang mga tao kahit hindi ako sigurado kung saan ako pupunta.  

Everything, and everyone, was a blur. The pain stings so much that it clouded my senses. I went straight to the long table for drinks and immediately drank on a glass of champagne.  

Six years had passed. We didn't part ways amicably. I was the one who didn't want to try on us, so he had all the reasons to move on with his life. He had the right to be happy and find someone who embraces him, and not push him away.  

The woman looked sophisticated and beautiful in her champagne sequin dress. She was every bit of what I had imagined he deserved to be with. Somehow, I should be happy. He's finally found someone who will treasure him, who will keep him.  

Maybe... this is the price I must pay for everything I've done to him.  

"Hey, are you alright?" 

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Bumungad sa akin ang nakangiting si Ruther Hermedilla. May hawak din siyang champagne.  

"Ah! Yes, I'm alright!"  

Inayos ko ang disposisyon ko. Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang reception at nakitang wala pa roon si Eros at ang babae. Ang babaeng... maaaring girlfriend niya.  

"Why are you here at the corner? Where's Therese?" 

"May kausap pa siya. Ayos lang ako rito. I just needed a glass of champagne." 

Ngumiti siya at bahagyang ibinangga ang baso niya sa akin.  

"A glass of champagne fixes everything. Do you have plans after this party?"  

"Uh, wala naman. I just plan to go straight home and... rest."  

"My friends and I are planning to throw Russel a surprise afterparty. Do you wanna come or... are you really going home straight?" he smiled humorously.  

I smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry but... I'll pass. I need to rest." 

Paniguradong dadalo si Eros. At maaaring pumunta rin ang girlfriend niya kaya h'wag na lang. Isa pa, wala na rin akong lakas para roon.  

Natanaw ko si Therese na palapit sa amin. Sumulyap siya sa pinsan niya at nagtaas ng kilay. Nilingon siya ni Ruther. 

"What are you guys talking about?" 

Ruther grinned. "I was just asking her if she would like to come to the afterparty. But she said she wants to rest." 

Napatingin sa akin si Therese. One look and she knew something was up. Umubo siya at bumaling sa pinsan niya.  

"Mama is calling for you. Hindi mo pa raw siya binabati." 

Napaayos ng tayo si Ruther. "She was busy earlier! I'll go to her. Emeraude, I'll be back." 

He smiled at me. Tipid lang akong ngumiti. Agad lumapit si Therese nang naglakad si Ruther palayo. Alam niya ang plano ko ngayong gabi kaya hindi ko na kailangang ipaliwanag.  

"Do you want to go home?" She skipped the inquiries. Perhaps, she knew that I was at the edge.

Tumango ako. Nagpaalam lang kami saglit kay Russel. Habang nag-uusap sila ni Therese, luminga ako sa paligid. Saktong kakapasok lang ni Eros... at noong babae... kaya agad akong nataranta. Hinawakan ko ang siko ni Therese.  

"Tara na," bulong ko.  

Nagtatakang tumingin si Russel sa amin pero nagpaalam na si Therese. Naglakad na kami patungo sa exit bago ako saglit na lumingon. Nakita kong ngumiti iyong babae kay Russel. Russel smiled as greeting.