“Is there any other reason that you can think of?” Tanong ni France sa akin. “Why did Acel suddenly call off your wedding?”
I sighed. “Sabi niya ayaw niya daw maikasal at saka alam niya namang. . .h-hindi ko siya gusto.”
Nagpunta siya dito sa firm. Nagulat na nga lang ako kasi bigla na lang siyang sumulpot. Hindi naman niya kasama si May Ann kasi maselan ang pagbubuntis at kailangan na mag-ingat lalo na't malapit ng lumabas ang baby.
“Eh sino nga bang gusto mo?” She smirked. “Iyong kapatid ba?”
Umirap ako dahil sa pang-aasar niya.
“Pero kung iyong Caesar ang ipakasal sa 'yo, papayag ka?”
Natigilan ako at saka napailing. “That's not the case here, France. I don't want to complicate things.”
It doesn't really matter who. I want to get married on my own will. Even if it's Caesar and not Acel, I will not agree to marry especially if it's for marriage for convenience. That's not how I want it to be. I want it to be a product of love in between us. Not some kind of business agreement between our families.
“So ano'ng sabi nina tito? How did they react when the wedding was called off?”
I shrugged my shoulders then chuckled a little. “They thought I did something wrong that might have turned off Acel kaya he cancelled the wedding.”
“They blamed you for it?” Nangunot ang kaniyang noo.
Tumango ako at saka pilit na ngumiti. “It's fine.”
Siguro ngayon ay sinusuyo nila si Acel para muling ituloy ang kasal. I knew because Acel sent me a message last night saying that mom went to his office to settle things down and continue the wedding. Hindi naman na ako masyadong nag-aalala na baka ma-convince nila si Acel. Acel already swore that no matter what, hindi na matutuloy ang kasal. I also promised to myself that no matter what they say or tell me to do, the marriage between me and Acel will not push through. Kahit ano pang masasakit na salita ang marinig, ayaw ko na.
“Hay! You're life has been so eventful, huh?” Umiling si France at saka malungkot na tumitig sa akin. “Kaya pa, Ricca, darling?”
I pursed my lips then smile at her a little. “Yes.”
“Why don't you go on a vacation?” She suddenly said out of nowhere. “I'm sure you need a break from those stressful days.”
Saglit akong natigilan at napaisip. Matagal ko na ring pina-plano na magbakasyon pero hanggang plano lang. Hindi ko naman talaga nagagawa. I have work and I can't leave just like that. Dad's health was also not stable before and the company's facing a problem kaya hindi maganda ang timing na iyon para sa isang bakasyon. But right now. . .I might as well consider having one. I guess I really need it and it wouldn't really hurt to go on one.
Isinubsob ko ang sarili sa pagbabasa at pag-aaral sa mga bagong dating na cases sa opisina. Most were only minors ones. Since I am planning to go on vacation for three days, I might as well finish my works earlier than expected para walang problema in the future. Kanina pa nakaalis si France dahil may lakad din daw siya kasama ng asawa.
Napanguso ako habang nag-iisip ng lugar na puwedeng puntahan. Hindi ko sigurado kung saan but I will not go abroad. Three days is too short for that. Siguro out of town lang. Baguio or Tagaytay?
I was focused into thinking of where to for the vacation that I am planning when someone knock on my door.
“Come in!”
Umayos ako ng upo ng bumukas ang pinto sa pag-aakalang isa iyong client pero nangunot ang aking noo ng makita ang dalawang delivery man na pumasok. Iyong isa ay bouquet of roses ang dala samantalang iyong isa naman ay paper bag na may pangalan ng brand ng restaurant na pagmamay-ari ng mga Dior.
