Chance Again (Again Series #3)

Kabanata 48

The loveliest day of my life was when I first met her in our mansion's garden. When I was young and in denial.

She got my attention because she just seemed so familiar.

Her beauty and serenity.

That morning, I already knew that I would always look at her—and look for her. Because I was enthralled by the peace her existence brings, and that's what I need.

I need a listener.

"Dad! Look, with highest honor ako!" The thirteen-year-old me ran to him so I could hand my report card.

What he did was to cue me to wait.

Pakiramdam ko noon para akong naging isa sa mga tauhan niya. Wala siyang panahon para makinig sa akin. Tuwing nasa bahay siya nasa kausap sa kabilang linya ang kaniyang atensiyon.

Nagsimula iyon sa simpleng tampo, hanggang mauwi sa kinikimkim na galit.

Hindi man lang nila matanggap ang pagkukulang sa akin.

I tried to tell Mom about my achievements and the performances offered to me in ballet, which was my extracurricular.

Naging masaya siya pero palaging na kay Arielle ang atensiyon niya simula nang ipanganak ito.

Samantalang, si Grandma puro negosyo ang palaging dahilan ng pagbisita.

I had Yaya Eloy who always listened to me, but even she was aware that she could never fulfill my parent's duty to lend their ears.

Nang malaman din niyang wala na akong balak bumalik sa mansiyon nang maka-graduate, nag-resign na siya at umuwi sa probinsiya nila. Nagtayo siya ng may kalakihang tindahan para may pagkakakitaan kahit suportado na ng mga anak niyang graduate at may mga disente ng trabaho.

I had Jonary and Kesha, but I chose to show them my strengths over the weaknesses that I have.

I also had Sena, although it became hard to communicate with her after she confessed.

Ayaw kong masira ang relasiyon namin bilang magkaibigan. I know the consequences once I take her as a lover. Hindi na maibabalik ang friendship namin.

I chose her ex-girlfriend to listen to me.

It took me a mistake to pay just so I could have Cleo as my listener.

Maybe, this is it.

I am now paying back.

"Can we dance?" Edwin whispered after I answered.

Tumango ako kasabay nang muling pagtugtog ng orchestra at unti-unting pagpuno ng mga bisita sa espasyo.

"You made me so happy."

"Ilang taon na tayong magkasama," sagot ko.

"Kasi akala ko hindi enough para mapa-oo kita." Naging malinaw sa pagtawa niya ang sayang nadarama. "Kompleto na ako, attorney na may teacher pa."

Muli kong binalingan ang lamesa ng mga kasama ko.

Inayos niya ang mga palad kong nakapatong sa magkabilang balikat niya. "May sasabihin ka nga pala."

Natauhan ako at muling nagtama ang mga mata namin.

"Say it now," ani Edwin. "Huwag mo na akong pakabahin."

I didn't answer.

"Okay, ako na." He locked his fingers behind my waist. "I proposed 'cause I did it on purpose."

Nagtatanong ko siyang tiningnan.

"Alam kong mabubuntis ka."

I bit my lip and tried my best to hold my tears back.