Firm Tenacity (The Athletes #3) COMPLETED

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Confident

Mozee was really silent. Nasa tabi ko siya habang ka-meeting si Kuya at si Rovic tungkol sa gusto kong mangyari. He was playing with my fingers softly, not minding the teasing of the boys' eyes.

Mamaya na ang alis niya, hindi pa sigurado kung kailan ako susunod. Hindi ko rin kasi alam kung ano ang opinyon niya sa desisyon ko.

"I considered it, but I think the security we could give her is not guaranteed. We know that things might happen out of our expectations. Just like you said, you were threatened that she will get shot by a sniper if you won't let her go, right?" mariin na sambit ni Kuya habang nakatingin kay Mooze.

Mooze didn't speak, his fingers playing with mine slowed down. I know he's bothered by what he heard. Bumuntong hininga na lang ako, nag-aalala sa kan'ya.

We just talked yesterday, and I know he's still not over it. He was vulnerable, and I think that's one of the things bothering him. Nahihiya yata sa pinakitang emosyon kahapon...

Wala namang mali roon.

"I think it was just a plain threat, Kuya. He just really wanted to get rid of me."

Kuya Akio snorted. "He wants to get rid of you. You know that, then why are you still pushing this through?"

Napapikit ako. Ang sabi niya noon, dahil sa nakuhang ebidensya, pwede nang matupad ang gusto ko na roon na muna manatili dahil sa proyekto... And now he's changed his mind. Lagi na lang ganito. He always changes his mind.

"I know his limits, okay? He won't kill me..."

It's just my instincts, and I won't lie that there's also a doubt in my head. Hindi ko alam, pero malakas lang ang pakiramdam ko na 'di niya kayang gawin 'yon. He could only say it, but in reality, he could never do it.

"Why do you really want to go back?" tanong ni Rovic sa harap ng lamesa habang nilalaro ang kan'yang upuan. Seryoso itong nakatingin pero halata ang kaonting pang-aasar sa mga mata niya.

"Para kay Mina," I said even though I know the topic was serious.

Sumama ang tingin niya sa akin kaya nag-iwas na lang ako ng tingin.

"It's tiring, okay? I want to move without thinking of dangerous thoughts. I want to be free..." I trailed off and I felt Mooze's eyes on me. "I want to go back because of my personal reasons, too. Please? Let it happen..." halos magmakaawa ako.

When Kuya Akio sighed, I knew that's a sign of rebuke. Napasandal ako sa upuan ko at ramdam ko pa rin ang mga mata ni Mooze sa akin. I don't know why I am not staring back at him.

Dahil siguro nahihiya ako na hanggang ngayon nabubuhay pa rin akong sinusunod ang opinyon ng ibang tao? I know he's irritated before every time I do that. He wants me to at least follow what I want and decide for myself.

I can do it, to be honest. I am just respecting the decisions of the people who care for me. Alam ko kasi na minsan mas alam nila ang nakabubuti sa akin. Kasi minsan, padalos-dalos din ako.

"Mooze will disagree about your words anyway, Norwyn. So, I think we will stick to our usual ways---" Kuya's voice was left hanging when Mooze talked to me.

Tumingin ako sa kan'ya pabalik.

"Are you confident of your decisions?" he asked seriously, and I didn't even feel any pressure in it.

Malalim ang buga ko ng hangin bago tumango.

"Yes..." I whispered.

Sumandal si Kuya habang umiiling, parang 'di gusto ang nangyayari. I felt relieved all of a sudden. Pakiramdam ko may tsansa na masunod ang gusto ko sa pagkakataon na 'to.