Whisper of Her Lies (Nayon Series 2)

Kabanata 36

Kabanata 36
Vow

"Ryleigh..." my call almost a whisper when my insides were about to burst.

My body shivered when I feel his hot liquid exploding inside me. A dejavu. A flashing light of a magical moment from our history.

I stared at him and realize that I will never be able to handle myself if I ever lose this fine man. My love will never find its justice unless I marry him. Hindi ako kailanman matatahimik kapag nawala siya sa akin at malaman ko na kasal siya sa iba.

I wonder how I dared to think of calling off our wedding even when it isn't still planned. Nairita ako sa sarili habang iniisip ko na may isang beses na gusto kong isuko ang pagmamahal ko para lang sa makasariling kagustuhan ni Alani. Tangang tanga ako sa sarili ko na muntik na akong mapaniwala sa kasinungalingan. I am sensitive to lies so why did I almost fell for it?

For some reason, I have to look back to my mistakes and learn from it. Paulit ulit kong babalikan dahil sa bawat pagbabalik tanaw ko, iba't ibang aral ang nakukuha ko. I need to learn. I need to make sure my ground won't shake the next time. I want to be more firm. I should not falter.

It became my daily reminder to always choose my family over everything. Nothing comes close to them and no selfish wishes could ever get me doubting myself again. I chose them before, I am choosing them now, and will always be my choice for the coming days.

Kaming dalawa ni Ryleigh ang naglinis ng Study. The place is a complete mess. Books fell off the shelf. Bumaha ang papel sa lapag na nasa mesa lang naman kanina. Nasagi ata namin habang naghahalikan kaya ayan, nahulog at kumalat!

"Malalagot tayo kay Papa," natawa ako habang iniisip ang magiging reaksyon ni Papa kapag nakita ang Study.

"Linisin lang natin ng maayos."

Pigil ang tawa kong nilingon si Ryleigh na nagpupulot ng mga libro. That shelf in front of him, I leaned in to that. My face heated as I remember the scene earlier. Dinaanan ng tingin ko ang lahat ng sulok ng Study. This place will be my reminder of our second time!

"Now you are smirking," Ryleigh snapped at me.

Nakatayo na pala siya at inaayos na sa shelf ang mga librong pinulot. Umiling ako at binawi agad ang ngiti.

"Kailan tayo uuwi ng Altaguirre?" tanong ko at tinuloy na ang pagwawalis.

"Kung kailan mo gusto."

Kailan ko ba gusto?

Well, I want to stay here for few more days. Pambawi lang sa mga araw n sinayang ko para sa walang kwentang rason. I can't believe I wasted days for Alani's stupid request!

"Malapit na ang pasukan. Jarrie should make it to the enrolment week. Sa susunod na linggo pa naman 'yon."

"How about we go home next week Monday?" he suggested.

Tumigil ulit ako sa pagwawalis at sandaling napa-isip. Ryleigh was done doing the books. Lumapit sa akin para tulungan naman ako sa mga nagkalat na papel.

"Bukas na lang kaya? We are doing a simple matrimonial ceremony but we still have to prepare for it. It would be better if we go home tomorrow. What do you think?"

He smiled. "Then I am packing our things up today."

Pinaalam ko agad sa mga magulang ko ang plano naming pag-uwi sa Altaguirre bukas. Papa agreed right away when I mentioned him about our simple wedding. Si Mama naman ay halatang ayaw pa kaming pauwiin dahil hindi pa nagsasawa sa mga lakad nila ng apo.

Jarrie adjusted to her grandparents. Siguro nangyari iyon no'ng umiwas ako ng mga ilang araw. Hindi niya malapitan ng lubos ang mama niya kaya sa Lola na siguro naghanap ng kalinga ng ina. If that's what really happened, then keeping a distance from them is not that bad, isn't it? Kung hindi ako dumistansya, baka hindi pa magaang ang loob ng anak ko sa abuela.