State of Grace

Chapter 17: Find A Way Back To Your Heart

SKY

It turned out that the imminent partnership between the Yvasco Empire and Lucas Incorporated was not the only dose of good news I would receive today. This is because my mother mentioned something rather interesting to us over dinner.

"Oo nga pala, Josephus. Nagkita kami kanina ni Evangeline. She's inviting all of us to Sancho's engagement party this weekend."

"Sancho?" My father echoed. "Yung inaanak ko kay Gab Lucas? Ikakasal na pala siya?"

She nodded. "Yes, he's getting married. It's about time for him anyway. May anak na kasi siya sa girlfriend siya, at kambal na lalake pa. Three years old na yata ang mga bata."

I only met Sancho once, but throughout my stay at The Turf, I've heard a lot about him from his cousins. Most of their stories made me cautious about him, even though he was actually fine when we first and last talked.

As his cousins narrated, Sancho was fiercely protective of his two sisters when they were younger. Because of his stance, the school bullies had zero chances against him. They said he could even send the bullies to the principal on a whim. After hearing those, I felt a bit disheartened to learn that Savannah Gabrielle used to be targeted by school bullies back then. That made me want to protect her, if she would let me.

On the other hand, I could also picture her in my head being an aunt to her nephews. I bet she looks adorable playing with them, and taking care of them. She would surely do the same to her future kids... with me.

"Kuya," Tinapik ni Philip ang braso ko. "Bakit nakangisi ka diyan?"

I didn't realize I was until I saw everyone giving me those knowing looks.

"Kuya ha? Ano ba yang iniisip mo?" Mama giggled.

I just chuckled nervously. "Wala po, Ma. I'm just in a good mood today."

"Bakit? Nagkita na ba kayo?" Lumiere snickered, and I knew he was referring to her.

I shook my head. "Hindi pa eh... pero malapit na, and I can't wait."

We all decided to attend the event, and just like that, I felt excited. Dahil magkikita na talaga kami ng babaeng minamahal ko.

❤️❤️

Sancho Lucas' engagement party would be held at the Lucas residence. Because of my retrograde amnesia, it occurred to me that being in that place might trigger another episode of recalling my lost memories. So I carried my medicine with me in case I needed it.

As we alighted from our SUV, I was quietly gazing at the façade of their house. It did look familiar to me, like I'd been in this place before, more than once. A distant memory promptly flashed through my mind, particularly of a little girl taking my hand and leading me to this place. However, I couldn't see her face. Her back was facing me when we walked hand in hand together.

It didn't take long before I felt that strong stinging sensation in my head. Napahawak ako sa sentido ko. "Ow."

That caught my family's attention and they huddled around me. Nag-alala silang lahat sa akin.

"Kuya, okay ka lang?" Tanong agad ni Papa, pero hindi ako makasagot. Ang sakit ng ulo ko.

"Oh no, may episode ka na naman." Sabi naman ni Mama. "Looks like may na-trigger na old memory dahil sa lugar na 'to."

Lumiere handed me a bottle of water, so I took my medicine right away. Then I took a few deep breaths until I calmed down. The headache eventually lessened, and I felt better.

"Okay na ako." Sagot ko sa kanila. "Salamat sa inyo."

"Oh, good." Mama sighed in relief. "Buti na lang at may dala kang gamot."