INCENSE

Chapter 28

“Meet at 7 pm this evening at the clock tower -Rupert” was the content of letter sent by Rupert. Ano na naman ito? he was always full of surprise. Anyhow, I cannot find my father. Saan ba yun pumunta? Wala naman siya sa office nito. I met his secretary and he said that my father went with Rupert outside so I’ll just wait for him here in his office. I didn’t think that they will become this close. Something is bothering me. Everyone has already left but the group of prince Rupert are not yet. Though I don't think winning my heart is the only motif he has. I wonder what is it? Maybe masyado lang akong praning. Not long after, my father entered the room.

"Greetings. My father-." I bowed down my head but he just passed me. Huh? Is there something wrong? Hindi naman siya nagkakaganyan these past few days at ngayon lang ito nangyari. Hindi man lang niya ako binati which is unusual. I looked up to him. He appears to have wanted to speak with me, but instead he moves towards his desk. He seems robotic and has a rigid attitude when he faces me.

"Father, is there a problem?" Tanong ko dito.
"You will be going to marry the prince of the east." He suddenly uttered.

"Wait. What?! Father. It's a bit rush kaya nga nandito ako para kausapin ka tungkol kay prince Rupert. I wanted to tell you that he became my suitor but how did it become like this? I mean yes, he has the potential but I think we are rushing things. Hindi ko pa nga siya nobyo, magiging asawa pa kaya. I’m still young for that. Father, you did tell me that I must follow what my heart wants and this is not what I wanted. Nagplano kayo ng hindi ko man lang alam. What did he tell you para sumang-ayon ka?" I exclaimed.

"We spoke a while ago; he is the finest husband for you, and he will look after you," he said.

"Father, what is happening to you? Anak niyo ako. Hindi niyo man lang naisip ang mararamdaman ko. This is too much. No. I will not marry him. I’m out of here.” Sabi ko at lumabas ng kwarto.

My body is covered in frustration and a frothing face. This is just unbelievable. I must speak with Rupert. I almost thought about loving him pero binabawi ko na. He is stepping outside the line.
…

This is it. I’m in front of the clock tower and the wind blew coldly. This is the last time na sasakay pa ako sa mga kalokohan niya. I’ll make sure to end it here at sisiguraduhin kong makakabalik na siya sa lugar niya. Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng pag-akyat sa hagdanan ng huminto ako. I can’t take it anymore. Sa dinami-dami ba ng lugar dito pa talaga sa clock tower. Yari ka sakin Rupert. You will definitely pay for messing up everything and me.

Nang makaakyat na ako sa pinakatuktok, it was dark. Wala man lang ilaw? I saw someone standing behind on the edge of the tower. It was Rupert.

“Hey, Rupert. What is this? You’re going to surprise me again. Enough of this play. Just what did you talk about with my father? -”

“Ssshhh, let’s talk about it later after you see this. You’ll definitely love this.” He interrupted.

The lights around the tower started to light up as he suddenly raised his hands and snapped his fingers, and floating lanterns started to rise. There were numerous, and they filled the night sky. It goes around the tower.

“Bakit mo ito ginagawa? This is too much.” Sabi ko.

“I said that I will win your heart, right? Did you not like it?” sabi niya at kumuha siya ng dalawang lanterns at ibinigay niya sa akin ang isa.

I know. I admit that the festival was livelier and happier at that time than this. I was on the verge of indulging because everything was so magical, but it was all phony. No. I can't and will never be able to love him.

“Will you marry me? I know it’s a rush but please think about it. I’ll always wait for you. I love you.” He said.

Pinakawalan ko ang floating lantern na hawak ko at hinarap siya.

“Rupert, I’m sorry. Let’s end it here. You are a special person to me; thus, you cannot win my heart. Although you hold a special place in my heart, I just see you as a brother and a friend. Although I once loved you, I am unable to do so and we will never be more than friends. There will be no engagement and I will not marry you. There are more women than just me who adore you more than you do. I apologize; I hope you can accept it. Don’t worry I’ll talk-“

“What did you just say?!” bigla siyang nagalit at hinawakan niya ako sa magkabilang braso.

“Wait. Rupert. Sinasaktan mo na ako!”

“I-I’m sorry, Adel. I didn’t mean-“ bigla niya akong binitawan.

“You’re, you’re…insane.” I cried and hurried back and left him.

Ano ba ang nangyayari? Did I missed something that I don’t know? Why is everybody acting weird. Ugh, I need to rest.