Up Where We Belong

Chapter 09

Answer

I roamed my eyes to see where Aldrin was but I couldn't get a sight of him...only the unfamiliar car parked outside.

"He's in my office, hija. Okay lang ba na mag-usap kayo? If you're not ready to face him yet, I'll tell him to leave."

Umiling ako. I was expecting to see him soon enough but not as sudden as this. But then, I thought it's just about time to face him so maybe I could unload my emotional burden, see the light again and advance my life as what I've been doing. I felt like I was in limbo all this time. The pain I thought never hurts anymore might be gone completely this time when I see him in person.

Getting back on my own feet is such one hell of a job.

If seeing him again is doing me a favor - a chance to become my own woman then I would take this moment even if it means killing me inside.

"I'll talk to him, Ninang," I half-heartedly said. Tinakasan yata ako ng dugo dahil ramdam ko ang pamamanhid ng pisngi ko at kamay ko.

Naramdaman ko ang marahang pagpisil ni Ninang Geah sa palad . "Are you sure?"

I nodded, smiling.

Mabagal ang mga hakbang ko patungo sa maliit na opisina ni Ninang Geah. Dinig na dinig ko ang tunog na likha ng takong ng suot kong sandals habang naglalakad. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga bago pinihit ang pinto. Kahit nanginging ang kamay ko ay nagawa ko pa ring buksan ang pinto na hindi nakalikha ng ingay. I saw Aldrin's back. I cleared my throat to get his attention and he slowly turned to me. He's wearing a blue collared shirt and black pants. It's been a while since we saw each other in that café. He looked so active like a family man.

"Hey," bungad niya at tumayo para salubungin ako.

I smiled. "Hey."

Tuluyan na akong nakapasok sa loob at si Aldrin na ang nagsara ng pinto. I sat on the couch. Sumunod din si Aldrin at naupo sa upuan sa aking harap.

"How are you, Tiff?" panimula niya. His baritone voice still sounded like music to my ears.

I glanced at him. "I'm fine."

Really, Tiffany? Are you?

"Well, I really hope you are, Tiff. I was so worried about you. You know after we called the wedding off..."

"I'm doing good, Aldrin," I cut him off.

How long should I be shielding my last fortress? Ito nalang natitira sa'kin. Kumbaga pag wala na ito ay tuluyan na akong maguguho. This pride strengthened me. Alangan namang sabihin ko na hindi ako okay. Will he come back to me?

Of course, he wouldn't.

He slightly nodded. "Oh, yes. I can see that."

"Thank you," tugon ko kahit sa loob ko ay nag-aapoy na sa matinding emosyon. But I have to take this conversation casually.

"How is Fatima? It's her due this month, am I right?" I asked shifting my gaze to the wall clock. It's 5 pm already.

"Yes. It is. Gusto niya sanang sumama para sana makausap ka pero hindi na niya kakayaning bumiyahe nang malayo."

"Then, why are you here, Aldrin? Sana sinamahan mo nalang si Fatima. She might labor anytime. Dapat lagi ka sa tabi niya," sumbat ko kay Aldrin.

Hindi biro ang 4 na oras na biyahe mula Manila papunta dito. And he wouldn't go all the way here just to blabber. His being here served a high purpose.

"I know, Tiff. I know. It's just..." atubiling sabi niya bago nagpatuloy, "...Fatima wants to apologize to you. She feels bad for snatching me away from you. I told her not to think that way because I think you don't see it that way. Do you, Tiff?"