Scorned Innocence (Scorned Trilogy #1) ✔

Twenty One

"What is it that you want?" I asked as Jacob as we endured the long ride to SBC.

"Kumusta ka na?" Jacob said as he slowly looked at me.

I was tempted to look back at him but I chose not to. It was too much to take in. I realized that I still haven't moved on from him. From us.

"Eto. Ayos naman." I managed to say in a small voice.

"That's good to know." He said and sighed. "Saan ka papunta?"

"Dyan lang. Sa tabi-tabi." I said. I was not planning to tell him where I was going. "Ikaw ba?"

"I'm fine... I guess?" He said sounding unsure. "Yun pa din ba ang number mo?"

I nodded and then he smiled, "Great! Will it be okay if tawagan ulit kita?"

At that moment, I was torn between saying yes for there is a possibility that I may not be able to move forward because of the communication we will be having again and otherwise. Doing both will give him an idea that he still affects me. That he still has this impact on me.

I decided not to say anything. He sighed and said, "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I am missing you so terribly. And seeing as how you are so fine without me made me frustrated to have you back. Pero kung masaya ka, sino ako para hadlangan ang kagustuhan mo?" His voice began to sound hoarse.

This time, I felt tears springing down my cheeks. I never expected this confession. I never expected to hear this from him.

The bus passed by an intersection along E.Rodriguez and he started to stand.

"Ingat ka pauwi, Amara. It's nice seeing you again." Jacob said and gave me a tight smile before he ambled to the aisle. He signaled the conductor that he will be going off and the bus halted.

I wiped my tears away and sniffed. Someone sat beside me and tapped my shoulder.

"Miss, payong mo oh. Nahulog mo din yung papel mo." The young woman said and I took it with a small smile.

Iniwan nya pa talaga ang payong para sa akin.

He's never changed. Still the thoughtful Jacob I knew.

I unfolded the cream paper and read  the note silently.

To My Amara,

Hello! I was supposed to give this to you before everything between us became rocky but I never had the chance.

We used to be so close. So comfortable with each other. Suddenly, I saw us growing apart.

You became distant. You suddenly began to avoid me. Without even giving me a clue.

I tried my hardest to think that it must be my training schedule that has been eating my time from you. I talked to Coach asking for some time off to explain to you everything.

I guess, things just fell off. I planned to get close to you again after some time and resorted to my last plan when you completely let me go. I befriended your friends, Alexa and Duchess. I even asked Alexa to act as my girlfriend to make you jealous.

But, damn! Wala pa ding epekto sayo!   Masyado kitang mahal kaya hinayaan kita sa gusto mo.

Alexa became a friend. Those rumors about us? They are plain rumors. All part of our act in our efforts to get your reaction.

But you were strong-willed. You decided to end us without even hearing my side.

In case we meet again, please don't ignore me. Please know that I will always wait for you to take me back again.

I love you, Amara Claudia Palermo.
I cannot see myself with anyone else other than you.

Loving you everyday,
Jacob

"Oh! Yung mga bababa ng Morato dyan! Malapit na po tayo!" The conductor yelled and I folded the paper again and kept it inside my bag.

I wiped the tears that has sprung from my eyes.

He still loves me.

And I still do.

But, I was a coward not to explain him about what happened.

I fixed my things and checked my bag if they are still complete. With the umbrella in my hand, I excused myself and the young woman let me pass.

After a couple of seconds, the bus halted and together with a few passengers, we got off the bus.
I waited until the stoplight turned to red before I crossed the street.

Shadow Bar and Casino was standing right in front of me. And, I was eager to know the truth between my sister and this Eric.
Amira deserves an explanation.