Symphonic Waves (Ciudad de Escalante #6)

Phase 36

"I told you I don't want to see you ever again," matigas kong sabi at pinagpatuloy ang pag-sketch sa aking pad. I haven't seen the person watching me from behind, but I already knew who it was.

For some reason, I couldn't sleep tonight. We're still here in the resort where Rei celebrated her birthday. Everyone is asleep in their own room. They are all wasted and exhausted. My brother is drunk that's why we decided to stay for a night.

"Why did you come here, then?" Sylvan asked. Napasinghap ako nang umuga ang sun lounger kung saan ako nakaupo at tuluyan nang naramdaman ang presensya niya sa tabi ko.

"It's for Rei. Not for you," I said and coldly glanced at him. Inalis ko rin agad ang tingin sa kanya at pinagpatuloy ang pagguhit ko. I did my best to ignore him as he watched me doing my thing.

"I know you'll be here, sketching whenever you see something fascinating," aniya at tiningnan ang view sa harapan namin.

Hindi ko napagtuunan ang setup kanina dahil madaming tao pero ngayong tahimik at malinis na, mas na-appreciate ko ang resort na ito. The design, the flower arrangement on the walls, the light, the waterfalls... everything is perfect.

"Where have you been the whole week? I'm trying to reach and find you. But you're not in your headquarters, foundation, church, in your studio... everywhere," Sylvan muttered, and once again, I ignored him.

"Ceres, hey..." he whispered softly and touched my hand to catch my attention.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at hinawi ang kamay niya.

"Stop this, will you? Whatever your intention is, I don't care. I'm leaving," deklara ko at isa-isa nang pinasok ang pencils ko sa lalagyan.

"Look, I'm sorry..." malambot niyang sabi at napalunok.

"I don't need your empty words anymore," I chuckled and shook my head.

"Cerestine, can't I have a chance—"

"You already have! You wasted it," singhal ko at matalim siya muling tiningnan.

Hindi ko alam kung ano bang gusto pa niyang mangyari at kung anong makukuha niya sa ginagawa niya rito. Whatever running on his wild mind, I don't have to figure it out anymore. I pressed my lips when his expression softened and anxiousness etched his bold features.

"I'll make it right, this time," desidido niyang saad ngunit hindi ako nagpatinag.

Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagliligpit sa mga gamit ko. I should go back to my room. Nothing is worth staying here. But wait, I'm sketching. I'm not done yet. I came here first. Siya ang nanggugulo dapat siya ang umalis. Magmumukha akong mas apektado.

"Cerestine, please?" Sylvan requested again, and this time, desperation is visible in his tone. Tatayo na sana ako nang hawakan niya ang pulsuhan ko.

"Talk to me, please. A minute will do," he continued and pulled me closer to him.

I gasped in irritation.

"Sylvan, let go of me," pagbabanta ko ngunit imbes na pakinggan, mas lalo akong hinapit palapit sa kanya at niyakap!

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly again, dipping his head at the hollow part of my neck. My heart raced when I felt how ragged his breathing was against my skin.

"I'm warning you, Sylvan. This is not funny!" I mumbled and tried to push him, but he didn't budge a bit. Mas lalo lang niya hinigpitan ang yakap sa akin.

"A minute, please? I'll leave you alone after this, I promise," he pleaded. I sighed and calm myself. Hinayaan ko na lamang siya at tiningnan ko ang malaking orasan na nasa pader. I counted mentally, and feel our breathing. Ni isa walang nagtangkang bumasag sa katahimikan.