Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

14

;
Chapter 14

I spent the remaining days of the break with Piolo's family. Lagi kong kasama si Veron at Francesca sa tuwing bibisita kami sa ospital. His mother was transferred with the help of the Azconas. I found out that Brent Iverson opened up Piolo's problem to his parents and asked them to give assistance to Piolo's family.

Brent Iverson was able to convince his parents to give them a better private room. The Azconas also funded the surgery. Malaki ang pasasalamat ng pamilya ni Piolo dahil doon.

"Croozian..." I didn't notice that Piolo was beside me already. I was crocheting a coaster. Natutunan ko lang dahil sa available video tutorials.

Niligpit ko muna ang naka-kalat na yarns. My eyes darted at the paper bag he was holding. Kinamot niya ang batok niya at nahihiyang tumingin sa akin.

"Oh, bakit?"

"Uh... pwede bang ibigay mo 'to sa mga Azcona? Nagluto si Papa ng pansit malabon para sa kanila... pero kinakabahan ako. Baka hindi nila magustuhan, baka 'di sila kumakain ng ganitong pagkain一" halatang kabado siya habang nagsasalita.

"Ano ka ba!" inagaw ko ang paper bag medyo mainit-init pa ang pagkain. "Siguradong kakainin nila 'to, Piolo. 'Wag mo nang isipin na mapili sila. Gutom na nga ako, e... sa amoy pa lang."

He gulped and it reflected his anxiousness. I assured him that the Azconas would like the food. I didn't finish my coaster crochet project. Hapon na kasi at ayaw ko namang malamig na 'yung pansit malabon para kainin.

I texted Brent Iverson that I'll be delivering food to their house. He didn't believe me at first because he thought I was just bluffing him. He thought that I was kidding around about the postponed friendly date.

My lips pursed as Brent Iverson opened their leviathan gate. Awtomatikong tumigil ang paghinga ko nang lumapit siya sa akin. My heartbeat quickened spontaneously.

I blushed when I got a whiff of his body wash.

His clean cut hair was still drenched. May mga tumutulo ang tubig mula sa dulo ng buhok niya. There was also a dark blue towel draped on his shoulders. He wore a plain maroon cotton shirt, basic shorts, and Fendi slides.

Ang aliwalas niyang tignan... at ang bango pa!

I wonder how much he spent on his whole wardrobe.

I stepped back when he already took the paper bag. Brent Iverson looked at me in confusion. I jumped a little at my place when he smoothly clutched my wrist and pulled me to enter their property.

I lifted my gaze. Halos nakalimutan kong matagal ko palang pinagmamasdan ang nakabalot niyang kamay sa papulsuhan ko.

I have fair skin, but Brent Iverson is on the next level of fairness.

The spare yet warm stretch of his lips sent me chills because his wintry vibe didn't waver.

Ako na mismo ang bumawi sa sarili kong papulsuhan.

"Sumabay ka na sa'min kumain. Yuliya would be glad that you're here, and Kuya Atlas..."

"Isn't this your only family day? Bonding?"

Naalala ko ang sinabi sa akin ni Yuliya. Every Sunday of the week is dedicated to their family bonding. Thay have to attend the holy mass in the morning, eat meals together, and talk about their life updates. Yuliya told me that their mother, Madam Mary, established that household rule.

"So? You're just going to eat with us."

"Nakakahiya," I quickly replied.

Brent Iverson held his towel to dry his damp hair. Nahatak muli ang hininga ko nang bumaluktot ang braso niya. His veins beautifully protruded and his biceps almost throttled the sleeve of his shirt.