Isla Fontana Series #7: His Desire (ON-GOING)

Chapter 12 (Chase Her)

CHAPTER 12

"DREW, STOP IT." 

Pinigilan siya ng kaibigang si Zach at kinuha ang isang bote ng alak na hawak. Mahina siyang napabuntong-hininga at sumandal sa kinauupuan. Napatingala siya at tumitig sa kisame.

"I hurt her and she hates me now," he whispered.

Naramdaman niya ang pag-upo ni Zach sa tabi niya.

"You only did what is right, Drew. That was for her sake. She didn't know how much you suffered. You already sacrifice your own happiness and she doesn't even know about that." Tinapik siya nito sa balikat.

Muli siyang napabuntong-hininga at mariing pumikit.

"I don't want to give her up," he said in a low voice.

"Then, fight for her. It's time for you to choose yourself. Stop blaming yourself and choose your own happiness this time, Drew."

Nagmulat siya ng mga mata.

"I am always willing to fight for her, Zach. But I've caused her pain and said some hurtful words."

"It's because that was your only way to protect her," mariing sabi ni Zach. "If only you could tell her that she and her father were the reason why you─"

"Stop it, Zach." Mabilis niya pinutol ang sasabihin nito sa seryosong boses.

Mataman itong napatingin sa kaniya at napabuntong-hininga.

"You still can't tell her the reason. Look at you. You are still protecting her without her knowing." Napailing ito. 

"There's no need for her to know. I've already settled that thing, Zach." Tumayo siya at namulsa. 

"I don't want you to get hurt because you are my friend, Drew. Kayong lahat na mga kaibigan ko, gusto kong makita kayong masaya sa piling ng mga babaeng pinili ng puso ninyo. I know that you don't want to give her up but don't get hurt. You've already keep the pain in your heart for years. I want you to be happy this time, please."

Mataman siyang napatingin sa seryosong mukha ng kaibigan. Napailing at napangiti na lamang siya. Humakbang siya patungo rito.

"Agawin na lang kaya kita kay Thea?" tanong niya at mabilis siyang napaatras nang akmang sisipain siya nito.

Natawa siya kaya natawa na rin ito. Ilang sandali lamang ay sumeryoso rin siya.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be okay, Zach. I assure you that," seryosong sabi niya kaya tinapik siya nito sa balikat.

"Alam ko na lahat ng mga ginagawa at lahat ng desisyon mo ay pinag-iisipan mong mabuti. I am proud of you as a friend, Drew. If you need some help, just call me. I will always be there for you. For all of you." Muli siya nitong tinapik sa balikat.

Nginitian niya ang kaibigan.

"Thank you for being with me all these years, Zach." Siya naman ang tumapik sa balikat nito.

"Of course, we're friends." Ngumiti ito. 

Humakbang siya patungo sa pinto.

"Are you leaving now?" Zach asked.

"Yeah. I'm going to her," sabi niya.

"You know where she is?" tanong nito.

"Well, yes," tugon niya at akmang aalis na nang may naisip siya.

Muli niyang hinarap ang kaibigan.

"I might need your permission for going to Isla Fontana," seryosong sabi niya sa kaibigan.