Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin

Chapter XI

It has been three days since Lillian left for Batangas and it bothered him.

He also found it weird that he hasn't seen Andrea since the night Lillian left but according to Manang Edna, she's currently staying with Paolo.

It's probably for the better, Hugo thought. He has been in such a limbo lately and he did not want to confuse Andrea anymore.

He thought about actually dating her. If only his heart learns to agree, she would be the ideal wife. He couldn't imagine his life without her especially the last couple of years. Even though he was a little older than her, they always got along. They would even make a great pair.

Andrea is sweet, beautiful and ever so understanding. She knew when to give him his space and when he needed him. In fact, he doesn't even think he deserves her for not having shown enough appreciation for her.

He thought about it and being with her would be the most logical choice.

The one big thing that bothered him greatly was Lillian and her daughter Alyanna. Knowing that he's the co-guardian to the child made him feel all sorts of things he has never felt before. Although he hasn't even met her yet, he already felt a sense of ownership and he would do everything to protect her. After all, they are biologically related.

He shook his head. He needed closure from Lillian and some clear understanding where he stands in little Alyanna's life. He knew the only way to do so is by having an alone time with Lillian and there is no way that's happening when she comes back to Manila because she will be too busy then.

That meant he had to drive all the way to Batangas to have that alone time with her.

No sex. God no.

Suddenly, he was able to create his plan. Have closure with Lillian, meet Alyanna and be a father figure to her now that their father is gone, and finally give him and Andrea a shot.

He got out of bed, packed a couple of clothes and grabbed his keys.

He is on his way to Calatagan, Batangas.

...

The drive to their beach house was roughly three hours and Hugo was exhausted.

He drove by himself around 10:30 in the morning, getting to Batangas around 1:30 and all he wanted was a nice dip in the beach.

The beach house has not changed much since Hugo left. The style is still very Mediterrenean and the landscape is still very well maintained. They've owned the house since Hugo and Paolo were teenagers. They used to go there all the time to brings girls without their father knowing since he was always so busy at work.

Once he even brought Lillian their when they were still together.

He parked his grey Jeep Wrangler outside the house when Anton (Chocoleit), one of the housekeepers of their beach house, found him.

"Aba sir! Dadating pala kayo! Hindi nyo man lang sinabi samin para mas nakapag-handa kami." Anton said,

Hugo smiled, "I wanted it to be a surprise kaya wala talaga akong sinabihan."

"Ay sya nga pala, nandito din si Ma'am Lillian at ang napakagandang bata na si Alyanna. Pero ang alam ko sumama kay Manang Cely mamalengke si Alyanna sa bayan kaya si Ma'am lang ang andito."

Even better,  Hugo thought.

"Ah okay. Paki-park nalang sasakyan ko pati pakibaba nung mga gamit."

Hugo walked inside the house and he didn't expect how relaxed he felt. Adjacent to the main door are huge windows overlooking the pool, the beach and a couple of coconut trees with a hammock in between.