Chapter 24
Joaquin's POV
Narinig ko ang boses niya na tinatawag ang pangalan ko pero hindi ako lumingon... hindi ko na kayang lumingon pa. Tama na yung mga narinig ko.
"Joaquin!"
Hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ko. Gusto ko lumayo nalang.
Bubuksan ko na sana ang pinto ng kotse ko pero pinigilan niya ako. Hinarap niya ako sa kanya at hinawakan ang kamay ko.
"Tumingin ka sakin, Joaquin."
Hindi ko siya kayang tignan. Natutulala nalang ako at pinipilit intindihin ang mga narinig ko.
"Look at me!" Inalog niya ang balikat ko kaya napabalik ako sa wisyo.
When I looked at her, my tears started to fall. I don't know what to do.
"Pakinggan mo ko, Joaquin, please?"
"I've heard enough, Rai... and that's enough." I used the back of my hand to wipe my tears but fuck, it won't stop.
She wiped my tears for me, "I'm here."
Umiling ako, "Gusto ko muna mapag-isa."
Tinignan niya muna ako nang maayos bago siya tumango at hinayaan na akong umalis. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta pero gusto ko lang lumayo at makapag-isip nang maayos.
I found myself walking down the aisle of the church. Umupo ako sa upuan at pagkatapos ay lumuhod.
"God, help me... help me, please. I know you're giving me this challenge to prove myself to you and I know there are reasons behind all this.... I am so sorry for loving Rai back then, during the time when we knew to ourselves that we can't be together. But please, be with me still and guide me throughout my journey. Give me strength and courage in facing and accepting this reality. With my 18 years of existence, I never felt alone. I'm blessed that you have given me a loving family but I think it's time for me to be with my true family. Thank you, I'm sorry and please... please forgive me." I prayed while crying.
I don't know what to do. Gusto ko pumunta sa kanila at itanong lahat pero..... natatakot ako. Pero ayoko nang patagalin ito.
I need to accept my reality.
..........
"Sup, what are you doing here?" Brent opened the door for me. Yayakap siya sana sa akin pero tinulak ko siya.
"Where's your mom?" I ask while walking straight to the kitchen.
