Impervious Treasure (Azcona Cousins #2)

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Chapter 29

"Easy with the drinks, Clair. Those won't run."

James was preventing me from drinking another hard liquor but I couldn't stop myself. I was lucky that Ramsis didn't cry for me. I don't want him to cry because he didn't deserve me in the first place.

Iniwan ko siya kanina. I was the one who cried for him. I couldn't stomach the fact that he threw down his precious principles. He doesn't deserve to be treated less by anyone.

No one does.

I grabbed the shot glass from James with force.

"Clair, tama na. Baka hindi tayo makauwi sa ginagawa mo ngayon."

My eyes welled up again but I was trying to fight my emotions.

Paulit-ulit kong naririnig ang mga binitawang salita ni Ramsis. Hindi ko matanggap na tinapakan niya ang sariling dignidad para sa'kin.

"Ramsis is here, James... and we talked."

I saw anticipation in James' eyes. Mukhang handang makinig kung anuman ang sasabihin ko.

"Did the conversation go well? Ayos na kayo?"

"I don't think so... he desperately told me that I should break up with you and take him back."

"Then, that's good!" he smiled. "I know that you have feelings for him so it wouldn't be hard to adjust. You two are on the same track but Ramsis is just a little advance."

Umaalon ang paningin ko nang bumaling ako sa kanya.

"James, he's fucking desperate," I repeated. What I've said was like a wake-up call also because I am near the brim of accepting his plea. "Hindi maganda 'yon para sa'ming dalawa. I don't want us to start that way."

He chuckled. "Don't agree in a petty relationship with him because you two deserve better. Hindi naman talaga tayo. I am your coverup, remember? Ang kailangan mo lang gawin muna ay magpaliwanag. Enlighten him."

"I like him, James," I blurted out. Tinamaan na yata ako ng alcohol dahil gusto ko na lang ikuwento sa kanya lahat ng mga pinagseselosan ko. I memorized the faces of Ramsis' past flings.

If I only had voodoo dolls...

"That's not surprising at all, Clair," tawa niya. "I am relieved that you finally confessed your feelings!"

I glared at him.

"Alam mo, siya na nga ang gumagawa lahat ng paraan para sa inyong dalawa. You're the coward in the relationship... I must say. Si Ramsis kasi ay sumusugal, alam niya kung ano ang gusto niya. Ikaw?"

"His mother doesn't like me..." I sounded so pained.

"Impress her. And for love's sake! His mother shouldn't be your initial problem. Hindi naman si Raquel Azcona ang gusto mo."

Inis kong sinuklay ang buhok dahil sa sinabi niya ngunit naibsan naman ang sakit ng ulo.

"Still. She'd disapprove of us."

"You being a pessimist wouldn't help you solve your problem. For once, focus on Ramsis. Siya naman ang puno at dulo nitong paglalasing mo," palatak niya. "Itigil mo na nga 'yan. Hindi pa tayo makakuha ng plane ticket sa ginagawa mo."

"Pabayaan mo muna ako ngayon."

I raised my hand to call for the attention of a waiter. I ordered a bottle of Black Label. I saw the disappointed reaction of James but I didn't care less. Just for tonight, I want to set aside everything that is occupying my mind. Hindi ako pinayagan ni James na uubusin ko ang bote na binili. I know we're both drunk and for sure, we have to ditch the first flight for tomorrow. I didn't know that I could be wild. I just found myself mixing in with other people一 talking and dancing with them. Kasama ko naman si James kaya kampante ako na ligtas pa rin ako.