Camouflage (Querio Series #3)

Kabanata 38

Kabanata 38

Happy New Year

Nakatingala si Victoria sa mga fireworks. Bagong taon na at naroon pa rin siya sa police station. She just greeted her father a Happy New Year. Jacob was standing near her. He's also watching the colors transitioning above them.

"Happy New Year, SPO4." She greeted without looking at him.

Nakita niya sa gilid ng mga mata niya ang pagtingin sa kanya ng binata. He looked shock at the sudden greetings. For the past months, hindi sila masyadong nag-uusap dahil sa mga nangayari. But it is different. Victoria came to a realization that she cannot blame Jacob for everything. Bagama't umamin ito sa lahat ng kamalian nito, she cannot deny na mayroon rin siyang pagkakasala roon. If she did not drink with him, it will be different.

"H-Happy New Year," he greeted back.

Tumingin si Victoria rito. She nodded and pointed inside the headquarters. May simpleng pagkain na pinadala si Judge Victor sa kanila.

"Let's go, eat." Aniya at nauna nang pumasok.

Binuksan ng isa sa mga pulis ang pagkain doon. Jacob distributed the paper plates and plastic untensils. Tinanggap niya iyon at hinayaan ang mga kalalakihan na mauna sa mini buffet. Nakatingin siya sa mga ito. How sad that they are here, ang iba rito ay may mga sariling pamilya na.

She cannot help but to think about their families' thoughts as of this moment. Masaya ba sila? Nagtatampo? O kaya sanay na?

Ganito rin kaya siya ngayon kung tinanggap niya ang alok ni Gregory na kasal last year? Magiging mabuting maybahay kaya siya sa mga panahong ganito? She smiled weakly. She can clearly remember the choice she made that night. How she cried for choosing herself.

"Choose, Victoria. It's either we fix this or you keep your job."

She just stood there. Hindi niya maproseso ang sinabi nito. Her tears flowed uncontrollably. It was the first time she realised she can cry this much.

"A-Are you serious, Greg? You're asking me that?" She stammered.

Gregory's face was void of emotions. That was very not-so Gregory. Para bang ibang tao ang kausap niya. Parang bato iyon na kailanman ay hindi niya matitinag. Gregory was always expected to succumb when it comes to her but not right now. The man in front of her was born to be obeyed.

"Yes. That's the only way we can fix this. You're doubtful of me, and I'm also doubtful of you. One of us had to stay back."

"No. It's like you're asking me to choose between breathing and eating to survive. You cannot do this to me." Aniya.

She wiped her tears. Gregory smirked evilly. Hinawakan nito ang panga niya at tumawa na nakakainsulto.

"Well... I'm not the one here with the picture of sleeping naked beside some guy here. You cannot give me the choice to back down right now, Victoria. Palagi akong tumitiklop sa'yo but not right now. It's your turn." aniya sa matigas na boses.

Pinagmasda ni Victoria ang mga mata nito. His eyes are now bloodshot. Gregory's still perfect even though he's pained. She really loved the man. But is it worth it? Kaya pa bang ayusin ng pagmamahal ito kung sira na ang tiwala sa isa't-isa? Will that be enough?

Will that be enough to give her dreams up? Kapag ba nagpakasal sila maayos ba na parang bula ito?

Tumango si Victoria at humakbang papalapit sa binata. She carressed his face and memorized it. Every lines, every facial hair and freckles he has. She remembered it. Another tear fell out of her eyes. She smiled.