The Bargain Woman

Chapter 44: Cruel

Weeks after, Ellias arrive. I was happy to see him after an almost a month of separation.

"Namiss kita ah" niyakap ko siya matapos kong sabihin iyon.

"Me too" he smiled back.

"Why you didn't tell me?" Tanong ni Ellias pagkaserve ng pagkain saamin.

"Huh?" I ask since I don't have an idea what he's talking about.

"You were with Darius during the week that I can't reach you" he added.

Namanhid ang kamay ko sa sinabi nya. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell y-"

"It's fine, I am more worried, Van. " He added.

Napayuko ako dahil alam ko na sobra ang naging kasalanan ko sakanya.

"I--"

"Eat first. We'll talk about it later" he said and smiled

Hindi ako nakakain ng maayos kahit na apura ang lagay ng pagkain ni Ellias sa plato ko.

Tahimik lang kami hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain. Sumakay na rin kami sa sasakyan at nagtungo sa rooftop ng condo.

Malamig ang hanggin na dumampi sa aking balat. Hapon na at mula rito ay matatanaw mo ang paglubog ng araw.

Malakas ang ihip ng hangin kaya niyakap ang aking sarili upang maibsan ang lamig na nararamdaman.

"Ellias" pagtawag ko sakanya.

He only looked at me and smile. Lumapit ako sakanya kung saan ay nakatukod ang kamay nito sa railings.

"When I found about what happened to casino, I blame myself, Van. I wasn't there to protect you" he started.

I bit my lowerlip because I know that later on I'll cry.

"Your Dad is also worried.. that's why I was here with you right now. Supposedly, I won't be here but I took a flight earlier than my schedule to be with you" he said.

I cried. I can't help it, napahikbi ako sa sinabi niya. I was so selfish, I don't deserve them, I don't deserve him at all.

"Husssh. Don't cry, Van" he said and wipe off the tears on my cheek.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" paulit ulit kong ani.

"You're not in fault to say sorry, Van." He said and hug me tight.

Mas lalo akong napaiyak. The guilt on my chest hunt me.

"I-I was with D-Darius the whole t-time" hikbi ko.

I would like to slap myself. I am the worst of all.

"Yeah, yeah I know. That's why I must see him and thank him" he replied.

Napataas ako ng tinggin sakanya. He sighed and looked into my eyes.

"He took care of you. He was there for you when I couldn't. He made you safe and sound.. I should thank him atleast" he added

Kaagad akong umiling. It's true that I was safe because of Darius. I might be dead right now if we didn't escape.

"I-I-I" I can't find a words to say. Gusto kong maglaho nalang bigla.

"It's fine, Van. " He hug me.

Kaagad akong kumalas sa pagkakayakap niya saakin.

Lakas loob akong nagsalita kahit na alam ko na hindi magiging malinaw ang sasabihin ko dahil sa mga hikbi ko.