Versailles Series Book 7: The Ballerina [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 17

=== J U A N M I G U E L ===

"Bakit ba palagi ka na lang mukhang constipated kapag nakikita kita?"

I saw Georgina enter my office that morning. I was in Manila again to meet some investors personally during that week. We are planning on merging with another pharmaceutical in Singapore and I wanted them to see our automated factories here in the Philippines.

"I thought you have your own business? You don't seem busy." Sagot ko naman dito. Tila ba kapag lagi akong nasa Manila ay naroon ito palagi.

"I am. I have someone to meet around the area kaya dumaan na rin ako."

"A date?" Looks like she was dressed for one.

"You know my parents. Very eager to marry me off."

"You're 30. It's normal especially for Asian parents."

"Oo na. Hopefully this guy has more substance."

I looked at her. "Does your parents know that aside from the date itself, you also sleep with the guy?"

Georgina shrugged. "Dapat compatible kami sa kama. Saka at least I'm getting something good out of the date. Pero kung malas, wala na ngang substance, hindi pa performer. But enough of me. What's new with you? What new with Alexandria?"

Bumuntong-hininga ako nang mabanggit ang pangalan ng dalaga.

I was with Alexandria last week because of the menstrual cramps she was having. I was actually shocked that she still has that struggle with her period. I stayed with her for two days before I left for Manila.

"I don't know what to do with her."

"Ang tanong lang naman diyan, do you want to give her a chance again or not? You've been living as neighbors for almost a year at wala namang progress ang ginagawa niya. You shouldn't be bothered for a bit."

"I am kinda in between."

"That's still something. Ibig sabihin ba niyan, wala ka ng galit sa kanya? Nakalimutan mo na na iniwan ka niya para sa pangarap niya? Na hindi niya tinanggap ang proposal mo noon."

I stood up and looked outside the window. Those exactly are my reasons for holding back. Alam ko na meron pa rin ang galit sa puso ko. Hindi naman iyon nawala. It was just there.

"If you really want her out of your life for good, I know a way."

"And that is?"

She smiled at me as she told me her plan. I am against it. I may be angry at Alexandria but I don't think I can do that.

"Sinabi ko lang naman. Nasa sa iyo pa rin kung gagawin mo. But this is also a good time to measure if you really have moved on. Malay mo, ito na rin ang closure na inaantay mo."

Kahit matagal na itong nakaalis at napapaisip pa rin ako. Hindi naman ako mapupunta sa posisyon kong ito kung hindi lang bumalik si Alexandria sa buhay ko ulit.

I stared at my monitor for a long time before realizing the date tomorrow.

***

I concluded my business trip as soon as the meeting ended. This time, I chose to drive to Baguio rather than ride the chopper. I need the time to think.

I want this over to be honest. I wanted my peaceful life back.

But did I really have a peaceful life before she came back?

I was on constant pressure to deliver ever since I sat on my father's position as CEO. My siblings didn't want it and I was the only one who really pursued a path to it. It was a different kind of stress. A kind of stress that would only need my thinking capacity. With Alexandria, it's always everything.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa manibela. I hate that she still affects me this much. I hate that she affects me at all.

Yes, there was an era in my life that my life revolved around her. But that was eight years ago. We went our separate ways after that.

Maybe Georgina's right. I have to use this opportunity to make peace with myself.

Nang makauwi ako sa club ay dumaan ako sa Drunk and Sober.

"Sir Juan Miguel! Napadaan kayo?" Nakangiting sabi ni Tabi.

I gave her a small smile. I was hoping it looked like a smile. "Can I get one mango cake and a chai tea latte."

Napansin kong tumaas ang kilay nito bago tumango-tango. "Iyon lang po ba Sir?" Her smile was knowing.

"Yes."

"Pa-tap na lang po ng card. Ihahatid na lang po sa table niyo ang order niyo Sir."

Umupo ako sa isang sulok ng cafe. Gabi na niyon kaya medyo maraming tao ang naroon. I haven't observed the club so much. I know the people in it but I didn't interact much.

Napatingin ako sa katabi kong mesa nang may umupo roon. It was Enchong.

"Sasabihan nanaman tayo ng kakambal mo na naghahasik tayo ng kadiliman dito." I said flatly.

Hindi naman lingid sa amin na Princes of Darkness ang tawag nila sa amin nila Enchong at Caden.

"I need to get out of my lair from time to time."

"How's the business?"

"Good. You?"

Sa pagkakaalam ko ay si Enchong ang may hawak ng mga trabahong hindi kinakailangang humarap sa tao. It was Enteng's work to attract investors and entertain them.

"Good."

"Ganyan ba talaga kayo mag-usap? One word lang?" Sabi ni Japs na umupo sa katapat kong upuan.

"The answer is there, Japeth."

"Nasaan na iyung inorder kong game?" Tanong ni Enchong dito.

Nilingon ko ito. "I didn't know you play games."

"Once in a while. I need that para hindi iyung kakambal ko ang masakal ko."

"I'll deliver them to you next week. Maraming nag-advance order."

"I'm not a priority?"

"No. Pareho lang naman ibabayad mo. Saka iyung may-ari pa ang magdedeliver sa iyo."

"Fine." Sabi ni Enchong bago kinuha ang order nito sa counter. Sinundan namin ito ng tingin nang may babaeng sumunod dito pagkalabas.

"How's life?" Tanong ni Japeth sa akin.

"Same old."

"I heard something about you."

"Of course. Maraming tsismoso dito."

Nilapag na ang order ko sa mesa. Kasabay niyon ang pagtayo ni Japeth. He had a smile on his face. "Say hi to Alexandria for me."

Kumunot ang noo ko. What does that mean?

Tumayo na rin ako at sumakay sa sasakyan ko. Nang ilagay ko sa cup holder ang take out ko ay natigilan ako nang mabasa ang nakasulat na pangalan doon. Alexandria.

Napailing na lang ako. I drove to my house. I walked to Alexandria's house along with the cake and latte.

I rang the doorbell a couple of times before waiting for her to open the door. When she opened the door, she was wearing a teddy bear onesie and munching on a gummy worm.

"Miggy?"

CHAPTER 18 >>