Lost Island ✓

VEINTISEIS

#CHAPTER26

If they were a great actress and actors, then I should, too. I did my best to stay calm and composed like Leah wanted me to do. I could still look at their eyes as if I didn't know a thing. It was such a shame that I couldn't laugh even if I know how hard they're trying to stay composed. 

Hilaw akong ngumiti nang itaas sa akin ni Senyora Alexandra ang kanyang tingin mula sa pagkain niyang nasa kanyang harapan. Lahat kami ay narito ngayon sa hapag-kainan upang pagsaluhan ang tanghalian. They were all free, so here we are.

"I've been looking for a time where I could talk to you," patuloy ni Senyora habang nakatingin pa rin sa akin.

I bit my lower lips but remained looking at her. Kalaunan ay tinanggal ko rin ang pagkakagat sa labi at dinilaan ito.

"You've been busy." Nahihiya akong ngumiti.

"Why are you looking for her?" I wasn't shocked when I heard Luisa's question.

"She's my granddaughter," simpleng sagot ni Senyora.

Nakita ko ang pagngiwi ni Luisa bago tumuloy sa pagkain. Ipinagkibit balikat ko na lamang iyon at saka ibinigay muli sa aking pagkain ang atensyon.

"I'll talk to you after lunch," Senyora said with finality.

"But we have to visit the farm, Mama," Tita Charlotte—I mean Leo's mom said.

Napabaling naman sa kanya si Senyora at sandaling nag-isip. Tumango-tango siya at pinunasan ang labi bago nagsalita.

"I almost forgot about that!" she exclaimed, then looked at me. "I'm sorry, hija. I'll just talk to you later."

"Ayos lamang po," sagot ko at ngumiti sa kanya.

"Thank you."

Nagpatuloy kaming lahat sa pagkain kahit na ramdam ko ang kanilang titig sa akin. Hindi tuloy nawala ang ngiti ko hanggang sa matapos kami sa pagkain. Nagpaalam na sina Senyora at ang mga magulang nila. Ako, si Luisa at Leo na lamang ang naiwan sa hapag. 

As I expected, Leo sat closer to me. I saw how Luisa frowned at his bold action. I couldn't help but chuckle. She could be cute sometimes. 

"How are you? I'm sorry if I've been busy. I couldn't say no to grandma," he apologized.

I looked at his handsome face. My lips automatically broke into a smile as I stared at his regretful face. Just by looking at him, I'm already satisfied. I couldn't ask for more. His presence is more than enough for me.

"I am fine. It's alright." I smiled sweetly.

My smile grew wider when he mirrored it. Napaiwas tuloy ako ng tingin dahil baka hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili't mahalikan ko siya bigla. Kasabay nang pag-iwas ko sa kanya ay ang pagtama ng tingin namin ni Luisa.

"Really? In front of me?" she asked in disbelief. "Whatever! You can do everything you please now. I'm off." Itinaas niya ang magkabilang kamay at saka kami iniwan.

Narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa ng katabi ko. Napahawak naman ako sa magkabila kong pisngi dahil naramdaman ko ang pag-init ng mga ito. Alam kong aasarin pa 'ko ni Leo kapag nakita niya 'to. Hindi ko kakayanin iyon!

"I should go, too," I said, not looking at him.

"Oh! You have something to do?" 

I know that he's giving me his curious look that could make my heart jump in joy, but I didn't bother looking at him. Baka hindi ko na makayanan at masabi ko na nga ang lahat sa kanya. I knew that I could trust him. But based on what I observed, I knew that he could be impulsive once he knew the truth. He would be in danger if that happens, and I don't want it. By all means, I want to protect him. Hindi ko kakayanin kung may mangyayaring masama sa kanya. That would be the end of me.