Dandelions in the Wind

44

"I need you to draft a response to the email from Mr. Williams. He's concerned about the progress on his case," seryosong utos ni Charlotte sa hawak na telepono habang naglalakad sa malawak na study room. Lumusot ang sikat ng araw sa bintanang salamin, hinaplos din ng sinag ang bookcases at coffee table na nagpapatingkad sa maliwanag na umaga. "Yes, let him know that we are still waiting on the discovery documents from the opposing counsel. Also, reassure him that we're on top of it and outline the next steps we plan to take," tugon ni Charlotte pagkatapos marinig ang sagot sa kabilang linya. Maririnig ang tunog ng kaniyang heels na lumalapat sa marmol. Bumagay sa kaniyang high-waisted trousers ang puting blouse na v-neck ang kuwelyo. Hinaplos ni Charlotte ang nakalugay niyang buhok habang nagsasalita. "Yes, that's a good idea. Include the tentative dates and let him know we'll confirm as soon as possible." May narinig na mahinang katok sa pinto at napalingon si Charlotte. "Could you also follow up with the court regarding the hearing schedule? I need to make sure there haven't been any changes." Saglit muna nakinig si Charlotte sa kabilang linya at napatango. "Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate your help," pagtatapos ni Charlotte ng pag-uusap at agad din pinutol ang tawag.

May narinig ulit na mahinang katok sa pinto. "Come in!" sagot ni Charlotte habang nakatayo sa gitna ng study room. Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad si Marcus. "Working this early?" nakangiting bati nito.

"Hey!" Saglit na nagulat si Charlotte ngunit agad din napalitan ng tuwa. Lumapit siya kay Marcus at niyakap ito. "I thought you'd be here this weekend? Bakit napaaga ka?" tanong ni Charlotte habang nakayakap.

"Maagang natapos ang trabaho. Besides, madali lang naman pumunta dito." Sinuklian din siya ng yakap ni Marcus. "So, Dionne's here?" dagdag na tanong nito.

Kumalas sa pagkakayakap si Charlotte at nagtungo sa maliit na mesa na kinalalagyan ng porselanang tea pot at nagsalin ng tsaa. "Yes, she's here," nakatalikod na tugon ni Charlotte. "Her car broke down while visiting St. Claire. You know there's no hotel in San Mateo, so I invited her." Lumingon si Charlotte kay Marcus nang makapagsalin ng tsaa.

"Oh, that explains it," walang emosyon ang makikita kay Marcus nang sumagot. Napatikhim at nagkibit balikat. "I just think it's weird that she's here," malamig na turan nito.

Napabuntonghininga si Charlotte at uminom ng tsaa habang nakatayo sa tabi ng maliit na table. "I can't leave her in the middle of nowhere, don't you think? Besides, Mom adores her. She was happy that Dionne is here." Ibinaba ni Charlotte ang hawak na tasa.

"And you're happy too?" tanong ni Marcus.

Napalunok si Charlotte at napakagat ng labi habang nakatalikod, tila pinag-iisipan ang sasabihin. Nakangiting lumingon siya kay Marcus. "Clarissa is happy, Georgia is here, so is Tracy. Yes, I'm glad she's here," pag-iwas niya sa tanong nang sinalubong ang tingin ni Marcus. "The more, the merrier, don't you think? Ngayon lang maraming bisita dito sa Villa," saad ni Charlotte.

Napaupo si Marcus sa sofa at inakbayan ang sandalan. "I wouldn't be surprised, Dionne is too lovable, don't you think?"

"I have to agree," tipid na ngumiti si Charlotte, tumalikod at nagsalin ulit ng tsaa.

"I brought David."

Muntik nang mabitawan ni Charlotte ang hawak na tea pot, napalingon siya kay Marcus. "Why?" napakunot noong tanong ni Charlotte.

"What do you mean why?" takang tugon ni Marcus. "Charlotte, he's your future husband. Why do you never bring him here?"

Napabuntonghininga si Charlotte. "He's more of a city guy. I just thought he wouldn't like it here," hindi siguradong sagot ni Charlotte.

Marahang napatawa si Marcus. "He told me he likes to visit the villa."

"He's probably being polite." Napahaplos si Charlotte sa buhok at uminom ng tsaa. "We can always skip the formality. He will be my husband soon, he can stay in the villa whenever he likes," nababagot na saad ni Charlotte at nagpunta sa mesa at binuksan ang laptop.