Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

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Special Chapter
Note. This is a part of the past (short chapter).

"Brent, uuwi ka ba ng Batangas ngayon?"

I only dispensed a small nod since I was busy decluttering my bag. I am just here in Manila to deal with my abandoned affection for my best friend's sister. I hate to admit that I want to see her each time that Alex mentions Zian.

Sobrang dalang mangyari no'n at kung minsan ay 'di talaga tumutugma sa break ko.
Lagi kong hinihiling na kahit segundo lang... I want to make sure she's well. She's not too worn-out with her college program. Kahit wala nang dahilan para mag-alala pa dahil narito naman si Alex sa Manila para agapan kung anong problema niya, 'di pa rin mawala sa isip ko kung nasa tama ba siyang kalagayan ngayon. Sometimes when I am idling, I imagine Zian crying because of exhaustion and that makes me want to win her back quickly. Gusto kong magkasama sana kami habang nilalagpasan namin ang sarili naming mga problema. Makalipas lang ng isang buwan o linggo lang yata ay nawalan na kami ng koneksyon. She moved out to the apartment I chose for her. At unti-unti ring nalaman ng mga kapatid ko ang nangyari.

They were all shocked and downhearted with the news.

When I finished doing my business, I turned to look at Alex. "How about you? 'Di ka uuwi?"

He immediately shook his head and said, "Baka bisitahin ko muna si Croozian," noong una ay mukhang 'di pa siya sigurado kung tama bang banggitin ang pangalan ng kapatid niya. Maybe he still thinks that Zian has an effect on me.

At hindi naman siya nagkakamali roon.

I remained stoic and tried not to look flustered. "I see... may gusto ka bang ipasuyo sa'kin? Anything you want your parents to do or give you? Uuwi rin naman ako kinabukasan."

Uuwi ako dahil iba pa rin ang pakiramdam pag nasa Batangas, mas komportable ako. I am just too stubborn to admit that I want Zian to be impressed. I want her to recognize my achievements.

My priorities had changed when I met her. Before, I wanted to earn any form of gratification from my parents... and then now, all I want is to make Zian proud of me.

Despite our parting, Croozian Neriah remains my top motivation.

"Siguro lutong bahay, sinaing na tulingan o lomi, Brent."

Tumango ulit ako. "Iyon din ang hanap ko ngayon. Sasabihan ko si Tita," sambit ko. I want to feel the warmth and familiarity and I can only achieve those when I am in Batangas.

"Sige, ingat sa biyahe, Brent."

Pagod at patuloy akong nalilito sa mga ginagawa ko. Kuya Atlas is in his unusual self when he had a fight with Ate Saviel. Yuliya is always a victim of sham affection from the others.

Ako?

Nananatiling lito sa tinatahak na daan.

We all have an unstable relationship with our parents. Lahat kami ay 'di maayos at wala rin namang gumagawa ng paraan para umayos ang sitwasyon. I sometimes don't care because I am too tired to talk and discuss feelings.

Kaya sa halip na matulog ako o manatili lang sa bahay para magpahinga, mas pinili kong bumisita muna sa mga Gozum. Suddenly, something struck me. It begins to feel strange visiting their home without any hidden agenda.