Daylight

Prologue

Seven's P.O.V

My shoulders relaxed at the sight of my parents surrounded by the golden sand and the tranquility of the sun rising in paradise.

It's almost 5:30 in the morning when I checked my watch. Patong ang dalawang siko sa barandilya ng teresa, nanliit ang mata ko dahil sa liwanag na onti-onting lumalabas. Where I'm standing is an overlook of the best view in the whole island of Boracay. But still, my gaze lingered at my parents down by the shore.

Iilan sa mga kasama namin sa bahay ay nag-aayos ng pang-umagahan sa naka set-up na lamesa. Nag-aayos din si mama pero nang makitang nawawala ang isa sa mga gamit niya, bahagya niya itong hinanap. Only to find out that my father hid it from where he's sitting.

Bahagyang pinalo ni mama ang braso ni papa bago kinuha ang tinagong gamit. I could see my father laughing at the scold of my mom.

I have always held my father at a high regard. Matapang, magaling, at mautak. All the men that came before him in our family were also held at a high regard in our society, but it's my father who surpassed their records. He thinks I could break his own. He was a skilled businessman in my eyes...stern, decisive, and skilled... but a gentleman in front of Sylvia Montevalle Raverde. I have only seen him this warm towards my mother.

Our family has been focused on business so there are just fragments of moments when I would see them be warm and intimate with each other. Everyone wasn't used to seeing that side of papa. That's why I think it's humorous to be that in love with someone. Absurd, even. Hindi ko nakikita ang sarili kong ganon.

My mother shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked up from where I'm standing. With her other hand, she gestured for me to come down with a smile warmer than the rising daylight.

"What? To Spain?" Tinawanan ako ni Maxwell, na sumama sa akin dito sa opisina ko kahit na hindi ko naman tinawag. "Since when did you plan to go there for your birthday?" 

I placed my free hand inside the pocket of my slacks while I used the other to hold my phone to my ear. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin kay Maxwell habang pinapakinggan ang pag-dial ng phone ko. 

"Just now." 

"They planned a celebration for you, though."

The dial tone continued and I felt a bit anxious. She usually answers fast. 

"I'm too old for that." 

Binaba ko ang phone at pinindot ulit ang facetime audio call. I just finished a meeting and I know at this time she's supposed to be done with work, too...based on the schedule she sent me. I wanted to talk to her so badly. 

The dial ended when she didn't answer my call. I could feel my blood pressure rising and I wish I could instantly go to where she is now...not that I can't, though. That's what I'm gonna do now.

Tatanda ata ako ng maaga sa ganito, having her at a distance makes me think of all the years I'd follow her wherever she goes. The only thing keeping me sane is the lifetime that I will spend with her. Ayaw ko na ulit ng ganito...but I have to let her do these first for her future, babawi nalang ako. 

Binaba ko ang phone at nagtipa ng message. 

"Seven." 

Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Maxwell na nasa harap ko na pala. He also has just lifted his stare from my phone, with a remnant of a teasing smile on his lips. My brows creased and I clenched my jaw, utterly frustrated for some reason. My system is anxious and not at peace. 

"Let's go there for a while, nandoon na silang lahat. Then you can go straight to the airport after." 

Tumingala ako at pumikit. I massaged the bridge of my nose and sighed. I need to get it together. Why isn't she answering? Wala pa din siyang message simula noong nag-umaga sa Spain. It's my birthday today and all I want is my baby. I miss her so bad. 

"Fine. Saglit lang ako doon." 

Akala ko wala nang hihigit pa sa paghanga ko kay papa, at sa pagmamahal ko kay mama...but all those become underwhelming when I look at Deligne. 

Umawang ang labi ko habang pinapakinggan siya sa harap, presenting for their final project. I made sure I was with her in the remaining years of her college life - to know her struggles and to clap for her in her victories. She was extraordinary, even her professors knew she'd reach greater heights...she would conquer the world. Even a man like me could never outshine her. 

I just prayed I knew better. 

Adeligne had moved differently than other women. She was prim, proper, eloquent, and admiringly mature.

She had broken up with me with a physical mail sent to my office. She had a way with words...that affected me more than anything else. Above all, I have never been overpowered by such a simple letter, so much so that the words felt absolute and domineering. I couldn't decide if it had woken up an unfamiliar level of rage in me, to avenge her and destroy the people involved, or if I admired her more.

Mr. Sylvester Vallen Raverde II,

My mother's hard work of raising her own family from the injustices of life are being discredited, and my name is being dragged to the dirt in my own workplace. My priority is both my family and my dream- both that have been the targets in this never-ending complications because of this linkage between the two of us.

I am writing this letter to break that link or anything that associates my name to the Raverdes. This is not a letter of me running to you for help, but to inform you of how this constant harassment and power-play has affected what I have built and am continuing to build for myself and my family.

The Saturday of the first month of April, I was terminated from my job at Grand Hyatt Manila. Wrongfully so. I'm assuming you've already read between the lines as to how that happened. Emotionally, I am in distress. Mentally, I am shaken. If leaving me alone would be so hard for you to do because of our history, then at least think of what I have to be put into as long as I am with you.

For as long as I am with you, I will always be associated to the Raverde surname. For as long as I am associated with your family, my progress, hopes, and dreams would all be nullified.

I ask for nothing but for your family and the Valderamas to leave me and my family alone. I hope to not speak, or be associated with any of you in any way from here on.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Advern Deligne Sevilla

I let her go for her dream and for her family, because I know those two are dear to her...even if...for me...she was both my dream...and my family.