A Martial's Query (Saint Series #6)

Chapter 20

Chapter 20
Chester

I am Feliciano Havoc Gonzaga, the man who's currently reading the book she wrote, hoping she's describing me in it.

Meeting him was a one shot type of story, once you finished reading it, it's all done but still satisfying. Looking at him feels like sipping a cold champagne at the top of the road, it brings sparkle of memories in me. He's like a roll of die, he's unpredictable and exciting to observe. He's like warm espresso in the morning that gives me warmth with his hugs. Most especially, staring at him feels like entering a home, a home that is a person.

"What are you reading?"

Bahagya akong kinabahan dahil sa biglang nagsalita at pumasok sa aking opisina. Mabilis kong sinara ang libro at itinago iyon sa aking drawer.

"N-nothing, mom," I paused a bit. I then cleared my throat at tumayo na. Inayos ko ang aking suit at sinalubong ng halik sa pisnge ang aking ina.

"Are you ready for the party tonight?" she asked. Inayos pa aking neck tie.

Natigilan ako bago tumango. I looked away after that. I feel so guilty.

"Yes, mom," I took at deep breath. "I'm actually picking the kids now. I think their classes has ended already," dagdag ko. Lumayo ako sa aking ina at kinuha ang cellphone sa lamesa.

"Your secretary told me Ameliah went to your office last week?"

I was about to epen the door when she speaks again, that made me stop. Ilang sandali pa bago ako muling humarap sa kaniya.

"Yes, mom," I replied honestly. Bahagya rin syang natigilan, tinitigan pa ako na akala mo'y binabasa ang nasa utak ko. Kalaunan ay tumango sya.

"Hindi sa ayaw ko sa kanya, Anak. Pero... gusto ko lang na alalahanin mo kung paano pinilit buuin ang sarili mo," she said gently. Lumapit sya sa akin at tinapik ang aking balikat bago lumabas. Natigilan ako at hindi nakaalis sa aking pwesto dahil doon.

I don't know what's with me but I love waiting for her. Kahit noong mga bata pa kami...

"You're still here pala?"

Mula sa pagsipa ko sa mga bato ay nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Martial. Katatapos lang kasi nya sa kauna-unahang ballet lesson nya, gusto kong hintayin sya dahil baka wala syang kasabay umuwi. Kapag wala kasi ang daddy nya ay hindi sya pinapasundo ng mommy nya.

I don't know what's with her mom but I can sense the mistreatment already.

"Hello? Earth to Feliciano?"

She snapped her fingers in front of me this time.

"Ha? Ah, oo. Hinintay kita kasi..." I replied with hesitation.

Aish! Bakit ba kasi nagtatanong pa sya? Hindi ko nga rin kasi alam kung bakit ba ako concern sa kanya kahit masungit sya lagi.

"Kasi?"

"Wala! Wala kasi akong kasabay!" pasigaw kong sagot bago ko sya iwan doon. She had no choice but to follow.

I don't know what's with me but that made me happy. Palagi ko na syang hinintay dahil doon. Lahat ng bagay ay napag-uusapan namin kapag sabay kaming umuuwi except sa parents nya. Pero dahil I love waiting for her, hinintay kong dumating ang araw na magkwento sya.

"Tatay, totoo po bang nakauwi na si nanay?"

Tanong ni South nang sinusuklayan ko ang buhok nya. Kaagad ko namang nilingon si North na abala sa pag-aayos ng sarili. Kitang-kita kung paano siyang biglang sumimangot.