Chasing an Angel

C11.8

MENG'S POV

Kuya Leo pulled me hurriedly upstairs while I was helping my cousins distributing foods to guests. Although wondering why, I went with him and learned that he was keeping me out of Alden's sight who's just arrived with his family. He more of commanded me to stay upstairs and will only go down once the coast is clear, that is, when Alden and company had left.

Waking up at early dawn, he was no longer inside the room. I remember that he promised not to leave me alone while Alden is still around before I had fallen asleep so I thought there is no risk anymore. Liza, my uncle's house help who was sorting out things at the room seeing that I am already awake spoke up.

"Meng puede ka na bumaba sabi ng Kuya Leo mo."

I nodded and thank her for I understand what it means.

I decided to go down now to assist my cousins on whatever unfinished tasks but on my way to the kitchen I heard kuya Leo's voice calling me. Turning around I saw him with a very attractive man striding towards my direction.

Kuya introduced us both. He is Nathan, kuya Leo's office-mate. What surprised me and made me feel uncomfortable was when he offered his hand and I accepted it, for instead of a brief handshake which was what I was expecting, he held it longer than necessary. I gently tugged at my hand but instead of releasing he unexpectedly raised it to his lips, kissed the back of my hand and only then did he set it free from his firm grasp. He likewise uttered words to me and Kuya that made me ill at ease aware that we are already attracting the attention of some people around us. 

Kuya Leo perhaps sensing my discomfort, unobtrusively came to my rescue by inviting Nathan into the dining room to eat.  Nathan was insisting that I join them but I explained that I still need to assist my cousins. Thankful to make an exit, I kept busy the whole time just to avoid him and was glad when he left just minutes after five in the morning. But this was not before coming near me and unexpectedly reached for my right hand and pressed it lightly while saying something that I could not remember. I was more focused on my hand that he is holding somewhat tightly thinking how to free it without embarrassing him.

"Meng I'm sorry I did not expect Nathan's actions. I know that he is not generally keen in impressing women. Truth is, I have not seen him take advantage of women we worked and socialized with even when they openly show their admiration and interest on him and would gladly welcome his advances. Often times it is he who avoids entertaining straightforward women," explained Kuya Leo in a somewhat remorseful tone.

"Nathan is a person with a good heart though. He is also good in controlling emotions as it is difficult to guess what's going on in his mind by looking at his facial expression and it was not so him that I saw in your presence," explained Kuya Leo further.

"No worry kuya, it's nothing I'm just not comfortable being showered with attention in public and is somewhat sensitive towards overzealous men," I assured him.

********

The convoy for sending off Auntie Rosa to her final resting place left at twelve thirty noontime. Lot of people joined our families in sending her off. I was not surprised for my uncles' families are known for their kindness so they are loved by the community.

Our first stop was at the church for Auntie to receive her final blessing and a way for us to ask the Lord in granting her soul eternal joy and peace.

Kuya Leo, Nathan and I were seated together. Yes, Nathan came back and tagged along with Kuya and me but there is less awkwardness from my part for kuya Leo sees to it that I am always on the safe side and Nathan behaved too.

We were listening to the priest's homily related to the service when a very pretty woman approached my cousin to express her sympathies and left. She was not introduced to us as she left after talking to kuya Leo and also it seems inappropriate with the ongoing church service. However, I have observed that she threw more than a couple of glances towards my direction while talking with my cousin which aroused my curiosity.

A bit nosy, I followed her through my peripheral vision and saw that she proceeded to the farthest part of the church far from the group that joined us and sat beside someone wearing an oversize dark eyeglasses with head bent a little too much. I can't understand but I stole glances towards the couple discreetly. When the rites is about to end I turned my head towards the church entrance and that was when I saw them already heading for their car and the man's built seem familiar. When I saw him assist the lady into the car with their backs turned from us, I felt a strange thudding of my heart.

At the cemetery, people crowded the place where my Auntie is to be finally laid to rest. Looking around I again caught sight of the lady mingling with the group alone and her companion is missing. My curiosity is now eating up on me. On impulse, I informed Leo I had to attend to a personal need and when he wanted to go with me, so with Nathan, I advised them to stay put for it will only take a while.

I hurried to the entrance of the memorial park which is just near avoiding the regular path but passed in between spaces of lined up graves to be hidden from Kuya Leo's watchful eyes. I then searched for the woman's car and there bending as if checking on something was the man still wearing his oversize glasses. Minutes later he stood up straight, faced the memorial parks entrance and strode towards it. That was when I recognized him despite the large eyeglasses almost covering his face and, surprise was an understatement when I realized who he was. My whole body trembling all over, I dashed back towards Kuya Leo not aware that tears are now falling from my cheeks. Kuya Leo's questioning eyes meet mine.

"What happened? Why are you crying?"

Not to arouse suspicion I answered back. "I just find it hard to accept that we won't be seeing Auntie after this," and looked up to heaven mentally asking the Lord and Auntie for understanding and forgiveness.

Kuya Leo said no more and just placed his comforting right arm over my shoulders and held me close to him.

Silently though, I was cursing someone in my thoughts. "You are an idiotic, heartless, insensitive, stupid moron. The nerve in bringing your woman to my Auntie's service and allowing her to come near us," and cried harder. Kuya Leo hugged me now and started saying comforting words while stroking my back tenderly to help restrain my crying. And it suddenly dawned on me. Kuya Leo know the woman personally but I am sure he is not aware if who is she in his life.

A day after, I flew back to Manila and resting inside our room, I felt grateful and secure with the knowledge that I am now miles away and will be living a more stress free and peaceful life.