Chased by El Lewis Vesper Esquivel

Chapter 37

“Are you sure about this, Nikah?” Jaoquin asked on the phone.

I carefully walked out of our room while looking at El who was in deep sleep. Lumabas ako ng tuluyan at kaagad na sumalubong sa akin ang malamig na simoy na hangin. Napahigpit ang kapit ko sa roba ko.

“Yes. You just need to get it ready and I’ll just talk to him after…” Nagbilang ako sa isipan ko. “After ten days, he just needs to meet me at the address that I am gonna be sending.”

Napahinga ako ng malalim ng marinig ko siyang tumahimik sa kabilang linya. My decision is final, whether they like it or not, whether they need my help or not, I am determined to make things right. At ito lang rin ang alam kong paraan para maitama ko ang mga pagkakamali ko noon.

“Okay…I can help too right?” Alanganin nitong tanong.

Umiling ako. “No need, Joaquin. I have dragged you enough with my family’s mess.”

Napangiti ako ng mapait. He had done more than enough for me. At hangga't maaari ay ayoko na siyang guluhin sa mga sarili ko naman talagang problema.

I heard him sigh heavily on the other line. “I will still submit my affidavit, Nikah.” Mariin nitong sumbat.

Napangiti ako ng mapiit. I am so glad Joaquin is always on my side. 

“I will help you end this, Nikah.” He added more.

I tried to contain my emotions and look up. Sumalubong sa akin ang maraming bituin at mas lalo nakaramdam ng panghihinayang. It will definitely be hard and painful, but this is how it should be.

“Thank you, Joaquin.”

“Did you sleep well last night?” El hugged me from behind as I cooked our simple breakfast.

Kaagad akong tumango. “Yes. Never been peaceful.”

Mas lalo siyang sumiksik sa akin. He inhaled deeply in the hollow of my neck and I can’t help but feel ticklish.

“Then what should we do today? Is there any activity that you would like to try?”

I transferred our food onto a plate and he remained hugging me. Pagkatapos ay humarap ako sa kanya ng tuluyan. Kaagad na pumaikot ang kamay niya sa likod ko.

“I haven't tried swimming in the lagoon yet. Pwede bang yun yung gawin natin ngayon?” I tried to sound cheerful and as believable as possible.

Biglang sumeryoso ang tingin niya. Was my tone too much?

Pero maya-maya pa ay huminga siya ng malalim. “In your swimsuit?” He asked, looking so problematic.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko. “Yes? We’re gonna go swimming so…”

“Then let me clear the area first.” Seryoso nitong sagot.

“For what?” Alanganin kong tanong. 

“We’ll make the lagoon exclusive for us.” 

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa kanya. He cannot just do that! 

“El it is for a public purpose! It is a tourist spot. You don’t need to clear it for us.”

Suplado siyang umiwas ng tingin. “Tsk. It’s just for hours and it is for your own sake…and my own sake too.” He added the last statement faintly.

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko. “What are you saying? El it’s fine. Wala—”

“You are in your swimsuit.” He interrupted me.