Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

40

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Chapter 40

This is the last chapter of FTP. I want to first apologize for my shortcomings as a writer. Upon writing this, I have been in a huge college identity crisis. I cannot handle stress ever since I entered college. I am lost until now so I am having trouble drafting a chapter. I am really, really sorry for leaving you hanging every time. I was also not responsive to your messages lately. I promise to reconnect with you once I regain half or hundred percent of my social battery. I might jump to another series after this, maybe not. May you continue to support my journey as I am always grateful for your consistent presence through your votes, reads, and comments. Thank you, and always be safe. Happy 2nd!

Namumula halos ang buong mukha ni Brent Iverson nang lumabas kami ng kotse. He asked me to enter the hotel first and he would follow me after giving his driver instructions. It surprised me when he remembered what I had said years ago. 'Di ko akalain na tatatak 'yon sa kanya. My dialogues with him were truly impactful.

Ako? May iilan din naman akong natatandaan pero paglipas ng ilang taon ay sinubukan kong kalimutan 'yong mga parteng masakit para sa'kin.

The harsh words may still matter to his siblings and to my brother, but I am already in my phase where I am eager to stop recalling them.

They were already written and engraved in our minds. We've already inflicted pain on each other, and we could only erase them with new memories.

Brent Iverson grabbed my hand and clasped it with his. Mabilis naming nakuha ang keycard para sa suite na kinuha niya. We were also escorted by a staff member. Ang sabi sa'kin ni Iverson kanina, ayos lang naman kung tutuloy ako sa bahay niya. Maarte lang talaga ako kaya ayoko munang pumunta roon.

We aren't even clearing the label that we have right now. He's not asking; and I am scared to ask.

"Do you want to eat? I can ask for room service if you want to."

Umiling ako. "Hindi na, busog pa 'ko. Ikaw ba? Wala ka bang kailangang gawing importante? Tomorrow's your graduation."

I did not bother hanging my clothes on the rack anymore. Double work lang para sa'kin, mas gusto ko munang magpahinga dahil nakakapagod ang biyahe kahit nag-eroplano naman.

"I have to get my graduation gown in Batangas. I was expected to be there tonight, do you wanna come with me? Para rin makita mo si Alex... perhaps fix the rift between the two of you? Alam ko namang naging malaking issue sa kapatid mo ang biglaan nating paghihiwalay."

I pursed my lips. "E 'di sana hindi na tayo tumuloy rito sa hotel. You just wasted your money paying for this huge suite for us."

"Oh, this is for free."

I tilted my head. Paano naman naging libre 'to?!

"Huh? Free?"

"Ramsis manages this particular hotel they own," he told me. "I am not sure if he's here in the Philippines or in Switzerland with his wife."

Bumilog ang mga mata ko. "May asawa na siya?! Hindi ba't kasing edad ko lang siya?"

"Ramsis has been married for a long time, Zian... Nauunahan na 'ko ng mga mas bata sa'kin," umirap siya pagkatapos niyang sabihin 'yon.

I scoffed.

"You're not even asking for my hand, Ive."

He was taken aback.

What now, Azcona? Hanggang paninisi na lang ba kaya mo?

Iverson cleared his throat. He smoothly ran his hand through hair. Tumitig siya nang bahagya sa isa sa mga bintana ng suite, animo'y nag-iisip nang malalim. When Iverson snapped back from his little trance, he grinned at me. "Okay, then. Change your clothes, we'll head to your house to meet your parents and ask for their blessing. We'll also see my family in Batangas," he was very determined to push through his plan when he enunciated every word.