Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 35

"Mahal pa rin kita katulad nang kung paano kita minahal noong una."

I remained motionless, completely taken aback by his confession. I looked around, striving to summon the confidence to respond appropriately.

"Aid—"

"Ayos na ba?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What do you mean?"

"G-Gusto ko sanang sumali sa audition. I want to try showbiz. Kapani-paniwala na ba ang acting ko?"

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag at yumuko dahil sa mahinang pagtawa. "Oo naman! You almost got me there!"

He laughed awkwardly. "Thank you! Ibababa ko na ha?"

"Oh, okay."

I continued to leave when the call ended. Napailing ako. Kaya hindi nagkaka-girlfriend ulit ang isang 'yon e. Sobrang dedicated sa work. Pati showbiz, gustong pasukin.

Pinigilan ko ang ngiti ko nang makitang nakasandal si Zoren sa sasakyan niya nang nakalabas ako sa building. He waved his hand, waiting for me to come.

Nang makalapit ako, hinalikan niya ako sa pisngi bago binuksan ang pinto. Sumakay ako sa passenger seat at umikot naman siya sa driver seat.

"Are you tired?" he asked, opening the engine of his car.

Tumango ako at sinandal ang likod sa upuan. I put my head down and massaged my temples, seeking to have some comfort.

"Why don't we pull over for a while and have some dinner? I'm sure you're famished right now," he suggested, glancing at me as he drove.

Lumingon ako sa kanya. "Sorry, love. Sigurado akong naghihintay si Tati sa bahay. I promised her a dinner."

"Doon na lang din kaya ako kakain? Gusto kong makasama kayong kumain."

I smiled a little at him. "No problem."

Nang makarating sa bahay, sinugod ako ng yakap ni Tati. She's nine years old and still clingy. Kinawayan niya si Zoren.

"Hello, Tito!" she greeted me with a smile.

"Daddy na lang ang itawag mo sa akin, Tati," nakangiting sabi ng lalaki.

Kumunot ang noo ni Tati. "I already have a daddy! Daddy Aid!"

Umawang ang labi ko at nilingon si Zoren na sumama ang timpla sa mukha. I chuckled awkwardly and invited them inside.

"May gagawin pa pala ako. I need to go," Zoren said, grabbing his car keys inside his pocket.

Pagod akong bumuntong hininga. "Zoren."

"See you tomorrow," he said before going inside his car.

Napatingin ako kay Tati at parang wala naman alam sa nangyayari. I carried Tati inside.

I'm starting to wonder if our relationship is worth standing up for. I'm scared to acknowledge it, but I'm beginning to think that perhaps this upcoming wedding should not have been intended in the first place.

Gusto kong intindihin si Zoren, pero minsan nakakapagod din siyang mahalin.

***

"Welcome home, fellow alumni!"

The place was packed with boisterous cheers. Confetti was tossed around, and miniature banners were hoisted on the corner. Nakangiti lang akong nanonood habang umiinom ng wine.

"Fine Arts Department, batch 2012-2013!"

My classmates cheered. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong sumama rito lalo't hindi naman ako nakagraduate, but they insisted that I should come. Pati si Achi ay imbitado.