Flickered By Innocence (Crossing The Line Series 4) ✅

Epilogue

"As you can see on the slide, our profit for this month increased by 7% compared to last month. Many tourists find our resort very entertaining because of the Rainbow Theme that was designed by me along with the helpers." Taas-
noo kong wika habang nakatingin kay Dad.

"Okay, how about those souvenirs that we're giving to the tourists for free? Is that already deducted from the 7%?" Pinagkrus ni Dad ang kanyang braso bago sumandal sa swivel chair.

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa aking labi. "The Rainbow Keychains? Yes, it's already been deducted from this month's profit. The main goal of Garcia Private Resort isn't just to make our visitors happy with our service but also to reach out to their hearts even after they leave. That keychain might be childish for everyone, but it has a... deep meaning behind it."

"And what's the meaning behind those rainbow keychains, anak?" Dad curiously asked, looking directly into my eyes.

"Pag-asa. Na kahit ilang bagyo man ang dumaan, muling sisilay ang bahaghari... na siyang magbibigay kulay sa malungkot na kalangitan." Umiwas ako ng tingin nang maramdaman ang pamumuo ng luha sa aking mga mata.

Dad stood up from his seat and clapped his hands, which made me feel surprised. Even all of the workers gave me a warm hug, soaking in tears. I owe the success of our resort to all of them. Nothing is impossible because we help each other grow harmonuously. 

Isang taon na ang nakalipas at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na mas dadagsa ang mga turistang bumibisita sa aming resort. Ang pagod ko sa pamamahala ay nawawala kapag nakikitang masaya ang mga bisita sa serbisyong ibinibigay namin sa kanila.

The sound of my lively ringtone welcomed me as I went back into my office. I'm debating whether or not to respond to the incoming call. My guilt was tripping me up, so I picked up my phone from the top of the table and answered him.

"Hello," Walang emosyon kong bungad.

I heard Gellian take a deep breath. "It's me, baby. A-are you sick? Why do you sound so down whenever I call these past few weeks?"

"Napagod lang siguro ako," I lied, pouting my lips.

"So I can't make you feel tired once I go back to the country, huh?" He whispered.

Gellian is now in the UK to shoot his latest movie, and he will stay there for a month. He keeps on sending me pictures of himself to lessen my longing for him, but it's not even working. I miss him so much to the point that I'm having hallucinations of his face from time-to-time.

I shook my head, losing my patience. "Wala ka bang nakalimutang sabihin sa 'kin, Gellian?"

"I love you, baby." He replied immediately.

"I love you too, but it's not that. Try to think of something more... important." Maayos ko iyong binigkas para sa kanya.

"Important than my love for you? What's that, baby? Tell me." He's probably anxious by now.

"Wala! Kalimutan mo na. Sa sofa ka matutulog pag-uwi mo ng Pinas. Bye!" Bulyaw ko sa kanya mula sa telepono bago binaba ang tawag.

Isang taon!

Isang taon na akong naghihintay na alukin niya ng kasal at isuot sa daliri ko ang singsing na matagal niya ng tinatago. Mas mabuti siguro kung hindi ko nalang nakita iyon noon para 'di ako naghihintay ngayon. Sigurado naman ako na ako lang ang mahal niya pero hindi maalis sa akin ang mag-alala.