Where My Heart Lies Between

Chapter 57: The 'Other Side' of Daddy Marcos - Part II

Melbourne, Australia

The family is currently resting in the hotel's guest room from the whole day of roaming around the city, visiting Vinny's school he'll be attending soon, and even got to meet fellow Filipinos — particularly both Loyalists and new supporters — to express the Marcoses' whole gratitude for their support during the whole election period.

Bongbong fixed his eyes on the lit-up city view through the clear glass window with a cup of coffee in one hand, wondering deeply about how Anna is doing right now.

༺ ･ ❀ ･ ༻

Bongbong

I couldn't help but to smile na nakikita ko that unti-unti na magiging okay yung samahan namin. But at the same time, I couldn't help but to doubt if I'm rushing things quickly just to make amends and create new memories.

Nagulat ako nang may nararamdaman ako na mga kamay na nasa baywang ko. I couldn't help but to form a smile with my lips, for I know who's behind me.

"Is something bothering you, honey?" malambing na tanong ni Liza. 

I caressed her arms, "Hmmm. Just thinking if I'm rushing things." ani ko.

⋯ flashback ⋯

"Ba't ang sweet mo sa akin nung mga nagdaang araw, sir?"

I turned to face her when she asked me that. Medyo kumirot yung puso ko when she addressed me that - but I understand where she's coming from naman.

"W-what do you mean?" I ask.

"This!" she exclaimed, "Yung mga ginagawa mo po. You think magiging okay ang lahat with your deeds nung sumulpot ka sa buhay ko pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon? A-as if nothing happened?" Anna sternly said, tried not to shout at baka marinig pa naman ng Ka. Eduardo.

"Magagalit na nga po ako dapat sa'yo. Pero hindi, eh! Hindi ko po kaya..." pagpipigil niyang sambit.

"Anak naman." I uttered, "I—I'm just trying to mend things up and..." carefully reaching her hand out to hold it pero agad niya eto iniwasan.

"Mend things up?" dali-dali eto na tumayo, "Okay na nga ako dito, tapos... eto? Pagkatapos ng labing-pitong taon?" she gasped for air, "Yung totoo... nagsisi ka na ba talaga sa desisyon mo? Mukhang hindi, ahh..." Anna chuckled bitterly after she stated the last sentence with sarcasm.

"A-anak..." that's all I could muster.

"I know I shouldn't be saying this... pero. Please. Umalis ka na sa harapan ko. Baka lalo lang ako maiinis dyan sa ginagawa mo." she said, then went back inside of the house.

⋯ end of flashback ⋯

Dahan-dahan niyang kumalas sa pagkayakap sa akin at pumwesto sa tabi ko, "Honey, bakit mo yan sinabi? Ang saya-saya ko when your making steps na magkabatian uli kayo nina Anna." assurance neto.

I smiled weakly, "I am... honestly thankful with Anna showing her soft and sweet side to me that resulted from my efforts para lang mapalapit ko yung loob ng bata." panimula ko, napabuntong hininga naman ako, "Still, deep within... I know she's not 100% ready to open her heart for me— us, exactly, to enter her world."

Humarap ako sa kanya na ramdam ko yung init sa gilid ng mga mata ko, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I'm the reason why she's like that sa akin, hon..." tears slowly dripping down to my cheeks.