A Road To Azlan's Heart (Azlan's Heart Sequel)

Kabanata 20

Walk Forward

"Is it really fine? Wala ka bang work, Lez?" tanong ko habang sinusuksok sa maleta ko ang mga damit na dadalhin. She was handing me some of my clothes.

"Nah. I don't have one. Kaya sana may suweldo ako rito, ah?" I chuckled at that. Nilingon ko ang pinsan na nakanguso sa akin bago nagkibit-balikat.

I'm leaving and I don't trust anyone enough for them to handle my resort, but my pretty cousin right here, offered to be my manager instead. Alam kong kababati lang naman. And that she wanted to spend more time with me which won't happen anymore because of my plan. Pero hindi niya naman ako pinipigilan sa plano kong pag-alis. Tumulong pa nga siya sa akin na mag-empake.

"You have your father's business, Lezzana. Papaanong wala kang trabaho?" natatawa kong tanong. Mas lalong napanguso ito sa akin na ikinailing ko na talaga.

"It's stressful there! Ang ingay pa sa syudad. Buti pa rito sa resort mo. Tahimik at amoy dagat. Makapagpapahinga pa ako habang nagma-manage, so please? Pretty, pretty please? Let me be your manager, hm?" Ipinagdaop na talaga nito ang parehong palad habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Ewan ko sa iyo. You know, if you are just doing this because--"

"Of course not! Besides, I know that you don't want any pity from me, or from anyone at all. I completely understand that, cousin, but I really wanted to be here. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto kung bakit gusto mo rito. There is no pollution here. No traffic. No noises! Not even plastics gathering around."  Iwinasiwas pa nito ang kamay sa ere na tila may pinapalayas na demonyo. I rolled my eyes with that before zipping my luggage when I was finally done with it.

"Fine. But!" Itinaas ko ang pointing finger ko habang mariin na nakatingin dito.

"Ano? Ano?"

"Don't pick a fight. Maiiwan ka rito, and I know you knew that his wedding will be held here. Ayaw kong malaman na pinapakialaman mo sila, understand? Because I know Nicho and you talk about stopping the wedding. I heard the two of you," I seriously said. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa gulat bago hilaw na natawa sa akin.

"O-Of course! Wala akong gagawin na kalokohan!" Her smile faded and turned into a grimace.

Tinalikuran ko na siya pagkatapos niyon. Alam ko naman na wala talaga silang gagawin. I just really heard them. They are planning to sabotage the wedding for me. Natawa na lang ako sa likod ng isipan ko. Panigurado, kung kababalik ko pa lang galing New York ay papayag ako kapag sinabihan akong ganoon ang gagawin.

I am madly and deeply in love with Azlan Vergara or Fortalejo, how can I say no? But our circumstances changed now. I don't mind anymore, seeing him waiting in the altar for another woman. I'll just wait for that someone too whom I can look forward while walking towards the altar. Right now, I just wanted to be happy for him. To be glad that he meet the one he would hold unto in this lifetime of his.

"Girls! Tara na! Swimming time! Swimming time!" I heard Lezzana groaned.

Kahit ako ay muntik nang mahulog sa kama dahil sa lakas ng boses ni Xian. Nang lingunin ko ang bandang pinto ay bumungad sa akin ang nakangising mukha nito. He was holding a lifebuoy on his right hand while his other hand was holding a buko juice. Natampal ko na lamang ang noo ko. Aalis na ako at lahat pero hindi pa rin naaayos ang kokote niya.

I just pray that whoever that person who'd dare to fell in love with him could take him head on. Kasi ako, hindi ko kaya. Alam kong plano naming magpakasal kapag hindi kami binalikan pero hindi ko talaga kayang gawin. Tatanda ako nang maaga sa kaniya. Baka matige rin ako nang maaga kapag nagkataon.

"Can you lower down your voice, a-hole? Ang ingay mo! You are ruining the peaceful ambiance of this gorgeous place!" maarteng tugon ni Lez. Tumayo ito sa kinauupuan at nameywang. Dinuro niya pa si Xian na ngayon ay awang ang labing nakatingin sa pinsan ko.