SA PAG-UGNAY (Soul Ties 2)

Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

RYAN NICKOLAS

Pagdating roon ay naabutan ko na sila Mama at Papa sa iisang lamesa. Nakaupo na sila ngunit may isang upuan ang pagitan sa isa't isa.

My mother is not pleased that she is sitting at the same table as her ex-husband. My father, on the other hand, is unconcerned. Tila isa siyang batong hindi inukitan ng kahit anong emosyon.

Minsan nakakapagtaka kung saan ko nakuha ang maramdamin kong mga mata dahil hindi ko 'yon mahanap sa kaniya.

Sa kabilang banda ng lamesa ay si Tito Laurence—katabi ang matalik na kaibigan ni Taliya, si Venus.

When I arrived at the table, their eyes were all set on me. Magalang kong binati ang lahat bago umupo sa kanilang lamesa. Hinantay nilang maihain ang lahat ng pagkain bago nila napagdesisyunan na mag-usap.

Tinapunan ako ng tingin ni Tito Laurence. He's a professor at one of the competitive medical schools. He used to be a surgeon. Surgery specialty: cardiothoracic surgery.

We have met several times before.

"Engineer Ryan..." tawag niya sa napakapormal na tinig.

Malawak at bilog ang kaniyang boses. Talagang mabobosesan mo ang pagiging guro niya sa med school.

"Yes, sir." agad kong tugon.

Umayos ako ng pagkakaupo.

Saglit na tumama ang mata ko kay Venus. She was sipping on her wine glass. Jetlag pa nga. Halatang kakagaling lang sa eroplano pero dumiretsyo agad dito.

Nagtama ang mga mata namin. Pinagtaasan niya ako ng kilay. Her eyebrows are naturally arched. Her resting, serious face hardened as she finished the glass of wine.

Bumalik ang mata ko kay Tito Laurence.

"Before you had even arrived, your parents and I had already talked. Before I came here, Taliya and I talked. She clearly told me that she wouldn't go to this meeting; that's why she isn't here."

Nanatili ang mariing tingin sa akin ng propesor. Tumango ako habang pinanatili ang mga mata sa kaniya.

"I am aware that she will not go here, sir. We have already talked before I came here."

Dumaan ang gulat sa kaniyang mga mata ngunit agad din 'yung nawala. My parents are also surprised but have maintained their composure.

"And speaking of that, the reason why she refused to come here, which I believe I have already discussed with your parents earlier," saglit niyang minata ang direksyon ng mga magulang ko.

"I will inform you as well about that matter," aniya. Bawat salita ay buo at pulido. "As much as I want both of you to get married as a consequence of such a daring deed," his lips turned into a thin line.

"I also respect my daughter's decision. She decided not to get married while bearing the fetus in her womb. Hindi na rin naman kayo bata at kaya niyo na magdesisyon mag-isa."

I can even see my father's nod with what he heard. I can't believe he let this slide. How fortunate things are on his way, huh?

"Now, the reason we were gathered is to clearly ask both parties about what agreement we should all follow."

He sipped on his glass of water and clasped his hands together on the table.

"Would you like to give your child the right to carry your last name?" he asked. "Or if it is more convenient to you, the baby will carry ours?"

"Let the baby carry my name," mabilis kong sagot. "Let Taliya change her last name too, sir."

Biglang nabuga ni Venus ang kaniyang iniinom. Suminghap si Papa at nasa akto na ng pagtayo bilang pagprotesta sa sinabi ko. Si Mama naman ay tumango lang sa sinabi ko.