Fragmented Rhapsody

Fragment 26

26
Wait

When I decided to break things apart between Octavian and I, I was so convinced that it was the best and most appropriate action to make.

That it would set things free; my internal conflict would end once our relationship stops.

And I was right.

Naging mas madali sa nagdaang mga buwan para sa akin ang alagaan at mag-focus sa pagpapagaling ni Papa. I would lie if I say there weren't days that I didn't care about the break-up, because there were. There were even days that my mind was too focused on the problem that I forgot all the associations and relations I had during those times.

For a span of three months, I have completely pushed Octavian at the back of my mind, or even out of my mind.

"They found some leads on Tito's case," Niko mentioned once when he visited our house to check on Papa's progress.

"Really?"

"I heard it," he shrugged, slowly walking towards our veranda. "Dad had a call...and he made me promise not to inform you for the meantime."

I frowned at him. "Then why are you telling me this?"

"As if you wouldn't pester me for it."

I sighed and nodded. Sinabayan ko siya sa paglalakad hanggang makarating na kami sa labas ng pintuan.

I seriously appreciate Niko's help as my only connection to the insides, because Papa didn't want me to further know what has happened, nor update me regarding his case.

And I hated it.

I didn't want to wait in the darkness but then again, I'd know things my own way, but I just didn't know how to do so. Luckily, meron si Niko na kahit papaano ay nagsasabi ng mga gusto kong malaman tungkol sa imbestigasyon.

"Was it a significant lead?"

"Every lead is significant, Natalia," he snorted. Sunod niyang pinindot ang kaniyang key fob at umilaw naman ang kaniyang sasakyan mula sa aming driveway.

"Does it reveal something big?"

"It leads to something," he uttered without looking at me because he's gazing at his car at a distance.

I pursed my lips. This has been a bothersome to me for months. Ilang buwan na pero wala pa ring usad ang imbestigasyon. It just means that whoever plotted the ambush must have a massive support and protection system that it was able to dodge investigations for a long period of time.

I was about to turn my back and proceed to our house when he shifted his posture and looked at me with much caution. My forehead creased. Hindi pa ba 'to aalis?

"You know the senator?" he asked which sent an electrifying signal all over my system.

"Is he..." I faltered because everything came back within a second.

Iisa lang ang na sa utak ko sa mga sandaling iyon at hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit siya pa ang naalala ko.

Octavian.

"I think all the leads unexpectedly vouches towards him."

That was the last thing he said before driving back home.

Simula ng araw na 'yon, hindi na rin nawala sa isip ko ito. What he said occupied my mind for the next days. Kahit na may event sa school ay 'yun pa rin ang laman ng utak ko. Kaya naman parang ang lalim ng iniisip ko kahit na sa kalagitnaan kami ng panonood ni Caitlyn ng trainings nila Dominic.