anywhere, somewhere, far away

15

"Sure ka na ba? As in, sure na sure? Baka mamaya pagdating natin doon umiyak ka na lang bigla." Niko asked me worriedly.

I immediately shot him a glare. What does he think of me? A crybaby? Softhearted? Yes, he may be right, but I'm only like that when it comes to Lux. Siguro nga at umiyak ako kapag nalaman ko na totoo nga na ikakasal na sila ni Frank. Shit. Ang traydor ni Señor Antonio kung ganoon. Akala ko may pinagsamahan kaming dalawa. Wala na lang ba iyon sa kanya?

"Huy, wala pa. Nagd-drama ka naman diyan agad." Inirapan ako ni Niko. Bumuntong hininga ako habang inaayos ang gamit.

Señor Antonio let us use his private plane when we go to Palawan so medyo nakabawas sa gastusin dahil wala kaming plane ticket na bibilhin. He invited us to spend Christmas with them. If we're not busy, then New Year as well. It was Señor Antonio's request so we didn't really have a choice.

Fortunately, my return to the Philippines wasn't an issue with my uncle. He is okay now and maybe in two months he can finish his rehab. Makakauwi na rin sila ni tita. Wala silang anak, kaya naman ako ang itinuring nilang anak nang mawala ang parents ko. Mom died due to her chronic illness. And months after she died, Dad followed her. I guess he couldn't take it. Guilt and sadness swallowed him. Siguro iyon na rin ang nag-udyok sa akin na maging doktor. I wasn't really planning to continue, but after what happened I decided to pursue it. Wala naman na mawawala sa akin...

And look at where I am now.

"It is nice to finally have you both back here again, Dr. de Ayala, Dr. Wyatt. Come on, sit with me!" Señor greeted us warmly when we arrived at the palace. We sat down in the opium den, snacks and refreshments were served.

"How's your uncle, Dr. de Ayala?" Iyan agad ang bungad na tanong niya.

"He is doing perfectly fine. He'll be able to come back here in two months max." I smiled.

"I see, that's great! And what brings you here? I saw your email and I had to immediately respond." Usisa niya pa. Napalingon ako kay Niko at nakita ang ngisi nito.

"Well," I trailed... "I just want to know how you're doing, Señor. I apologize for my abrupt departure before." Shit. Why can't I ask that simple question?

"Oh, thank you for asking. I am doing a lot better than ever. Effective ang binigay mong prescriptions sa akin. Nang umalis ka naman ay pinagpatuloy ng doktor ko ang mga iyon kaya ayos na ayos ako!" Nakangiti akong tumango.

"That's great. And also, thank you for accommodating us."

"Señor, I have a question. We happened to see it on social media, but is it true that Lux and Frank Giannelli are getting married?" Inunahan ako magsalita ni Niko. Agad ko siyang sinamaan ng tingin.

"Hina mo naman, p're. Ganoon lang kadali itanong." Bulong niya sa akin. Porke't
palagi silang magkasama ng Señor ay ginaganito na niya ako.

"What?" Naguguluhan kaming hinarap ng Señor. "Sino naman ang nagkalat ng impormasyon na 'yan?" Natatawa na niyang sabi.

"We saw the ring that Lux posted, tagging Frank and we were..." Alangan kong sambit. Sana hindi niya mahalata na umuwi ako para lang talaga rito.

"Appalled." Sabay naming nilingon si Niko nang sabihin niya iyon.

Appalled? He's making it very obvious that we don't want that wedding and that was the real reason why we came here.

Señor was about to say something when Lux came in with Frank. I watch him give Lux flowers. Her face brightens before she hug the man. I looked away and just sighed.

Señor doesn't seem to need to answer my question.

Have I ever given her anything?

Nang maisip na wala ay nanlumo ako agad. I was always by her side, we were always together then but I couldn't even give her a single flower. But thinking about it and seeing them now makes me complacent and a bit happy 'cause Frank has given her one now... which is what she deserves. Binigay iyon ni Frank sa kanya... bagay na hindi ko nagawa noon.