Ravaged (CHURCH SIBLINGS 3)

CHAPTER 31

ABRAHAM SAIDE

"Are you sure you don't want to come? Can't you postpone your trip to London this time?"

"I'm sorry, darling. I can't. Babawi ako sa 'yo pagbalik ko."

Jia puckered her lips. She's been bugging me to come with her on this yatch party for her friend's engagement— I hope I can come but I can't.

"Ano bang gagawin mo sa London? If it's really important why shouldn't I come with you nalang? Rumors will spread if I will come alone on the party later tonight. Baka isipin nila hiwalay na tayo."

Yumakap siya mula sa likuran ko dahilan para mapatigil ako sa paglalagay ng damit sa luggage bag ko. I met Jia because of Ate Jackie, kakalabas ko lang noon sa rehabilitation and I wasn't really interested in dating. But Jia is consistent with getting my attention after we talk for hours during Ate Jackie's birthday party. They're under the same agency kaya even with the age gap they are friends. We went out for a group date, became friends and from there we became official a year ago.

We don't live together but everytime I'm in California I stay with her. I stay in Las Vegas for work— I fight for a living.

"It's family matter, darling. I'm sorry."

Siya mismo ang kumalas sa pagkakayakap niya sa akin. She made me face her. "Kailan mo ba ako ipapakilala sa kanila? We've been dating for a year now."

I zip my bag. Tumalikod ako at nagkunyari na pumipili ng sapatos na susuotin ko. "I don't go home in the Philippines anymore, Jia."

"But you're always in London. You're there for holiday season— and every September. Your brothers are there. I can meet them muna if you're hesistant for me to meet your parents."

I counted inside my head— thinking of good things in my life before I say something terribly offending. I have mastered control over my emotions for over six years now dahil kung wala akong control baka lahat ng mahawakan ko masira ko na naman— mula sa gamit hanggang sa relasyon.

"Dadalhin kita sa susunod na punta ko," sabi ko nalang para matapos na ang usapan.

I travel from California to London, like always I booked a hotel near where Adi and Cayenne lives. I only wanted to see my son on his birthday. Wala naman akong ginagawa para lapitan siya o kahit ang mommy niya. I only want to see them happy— para hindi ko pagsisihan na binitawan ko sila.

Cayenne named our son Stefano, Hugo Stefano— kahit 'yon lang nasasabi ko sa sarili ko na anak ko talaga siya.

I rented a car on the day of Stefano's birthday, madilim pa lang sa labas ay nasa harap na ako ng apartment nila. I wanted to be with them kahit nasa malayo at hindi nila ako tanaw. I saw Cayenne run in hurry, kabi-kabila ang bitbit niya. She must have a night shift again on the hotel restaurant she's working.

Balita ko ay kakapasa lang ni Adi sa bar exam. He's a lucky man to have Cayenne supported him all the years. I met with Milan few times in California. We have almost the same circle of friends pero hindi kami nag-uusap na dalawa. I don't know if she's aware that I know the truth about her son with Adi pero hindi na 'yon mahalaga. She seems fine now, may balita na rin naman na nagkakamabutihan sila ng anak ni Uncle Desmond.

Napaayos ako ng upo nang may bumukas ng pinto para kay Cayenne. Naunang lumabas si Adi, kinuha niya lang ang dala ni Cayenne— he didn't even kiss his wife after a long night of work— he haven't change a day, still an asshole with romance to other women. Kay Milan lang siya magaling. He married Cayenne, he should have done so much better.