Love isn't Lost (Love Series #1)

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Noong nasa Italy palang ako, I was so confident to introduce Shynrone to his father when the time comes. But what happened to me now? Simpleng tanong lang ni Shan na may anak ako hindi ko masagot? Bakit ganon?

Back then I was confident to tell Shan  about his son Shynrone? But what happened now?

Nakatayo parin kaming dalawa malapit sa duyan. Pagkatapos niyang magtanong sakin kanina hindi ako sumagot at basta nalang tumunganga sa kanya.

"Athena, answer me p-please..." his voice is pleading. I shook my head not wanting to answer him.

"No, Shan. Give me back my phone." I was about to get my phone from him when he caught my wrist and held it gently.

"Acy.... answer m-me please?"

My lips parted when he let me sit on the rattan swing, he squat on front me. "Shan, it's a no."

No Shan hindi ko kayang sabihin sayo. Baka kunin niya si Shynrone sakin kapag sinabi ko sa kanya ang tungkol dun. I know I'm selfish but ayaw kung mapalayo si Shynrone sakin.

Suddenly a voice echo on my head.

Anak ba talaga yan ni Shan o anak ng rapist mo?

I covered my ears and shook my head not wanting to hear anymore words. No!

It's been years but the voice is still fresh on my mind.

My eyes watered because of frustration. That voice again, yan ang mga naririnig ko noon na pilit kung kinakalimutan.

"D-damn it! No! Stop!" I shouted frustratedly not minding the presence on front of me.

A warm embrace envelopes my body. "A-acy stop hurting yourself. O-okay hindi na ako magtatanong." Ilang minuto kaming nasa ganong posisyon, nakayakap lang siya sakin. I couldn't return the hug to him.

"I'm sorry..." I said weakly to him. He slowly let go from the hug and he stared at my face.

Ginamit niya ang isang kamay niya para ayusin ang buhok ko bago siya kumuha ng scrunchie sa bulsa ng pants niya at tinali ito sa buhok ko. "I'm sorry for asking."

I nodded. Napasulyap ako sa phone na ngayon ay nasa kamay niya parin hanggang ngayon, napasulyap din siya dun.

The screen was open so technically kitang-kita namin dalawa ang homescreen. It was me and Shynrone, nasa beach kami nun. Around 4 years old nun ang anak ko. Nakatagilid si Shynrone habang nakatingin sakin ako naman ay nakatingin lang sa papalubog na araw.

Laking ginhawa ko ng medyo side view lang ng mukha ni Shynrone ang kita sa picture hindi ang buong mukha.

"I-is he your s-son?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at tinuon ang pansin sa mga kasamahan namin na masayang nagvovolleyball sa gilid ng dalampasigan.

Ang saya naman.

"We're not close, so I refuse to answer your question." I was thankful may natitira pa akong lakas ng loob para barahin siya.

He scoffed looking so offended. Ganyan maoffend ka kasi hindi naman talaga tayo close. "Hey, Miss. Shan Xavier Cortez. Nice to meet you. " he said coldy but sincerely.

"Gago!?" I hissed.

His forehead creased. "Gago is a unique name."

Hindi ako makapaniwalang tumingin sa kanya. "The fuck, Shan?" Epekto ata to ng pagiging workaholic mo Shan.

"What? I was just trying to make a joke."

"You suck at making joke, Mr. Cortez." I said and we both went silent. He handed me my phone back and stood up before walking away. He was heading inside the restaurant.