The Man I Chose To Let Go (Under Editing)

Chapter 16: Offer

"Ayos lang ba kayo ni Fred?"

"Bakit po?"

"Ang tahimik niyo kasing dalawa." Sumuluyap ito kay Fred na nakaupo sa sofa ng sala nila. Nasa loob siya ng silid at kita naman mula rito ang lalaki.

Umiling siya, "Okay naman po kami."

Okay lang naman talaga sila. It has been five days since she was discharged from the hospital.

Pagkatapos nang malalim, mainit, malambing, at masarap na halik. Hindi na sila nagkibuan sandali ni Fred.

Walang ibang salita na lumabas sa bibig nila. She just buried her face on his shoulder and when their breathing settled down, they just decided to go back to her room.

Hindi nila pinagusapan. Tila nagkaintindihan na lang sila. Hindi rin siya nito binitawan hanggang makabalik sila ng kwarto. Mahigpit pero may pagiingat na para siyang babasagin manika.

Then Samuel visited.

Mas maganda na rin ngang hindi na nila pinagusapan. Okay na siya doon. Nandito naman ito ngayon, parang walang nangyari. She would just do the same.

Maybe, he was still taking easy on her. Ayaw siya nitong i-turn down lalo na nagpapagaling pa siya. After drinking her meds, lumabas siya ng silid at dinaluhan si Fred doon.

Tumayo pa nga ito na parang aalalay, "Kaya ko na, Fred." Aniya, "Bakit ka nga pala nandito? Wala kang trabaho?"

"Dad and I've decided to hire someone who can lead Sining for the meantime." He said, "He has PhD., and he would take care of Sining until Camilla can step up."

"You're still giving it to Camilla?"

"It was really hers, Aims." Sagot nito, "Dad thought we can save it, the only way was to marry her. Which I almost did."

"How did Sir Rico react?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't care. Pwede naman siyang magalit, but there's nothing I can do. Kasal na 'yong tao."

Tumango naman siya, "Kailan start nang hinire niyo?"

"April." He said, "So, halos sabay tayong magreresign." He chuckled. Nahawa na rin tuloy siya. Para silang timang dalawa.

"So, after this month. Pareho tayong jobless? Literal na April Fools?"

"Parang ganoon na nga." He said, "But, I guess you'll leave as soon as possible, right?"

"Depende pa sa papers ko." She said, "I am already okay. I don't think kailangan sayangin nila Mama ang visa nila para sa akin."

"So, tutuloy sila?"

She sighed. "I've also convinced my brothers. We don't have the luxury to pretend na pera lang iyon. I am now okay, so why stay here?"

"Are you really okay?" Paniniguro nito, "Sa susunod na araw ang check up mo, right?"

"Oo, at least aalis sila Mama na maririnig sa doctor na maayos ako. Kinabukasan niyon kasi flight na nila."

"I see," He sighed, "What are your plans for the rest of March?"

"Aasikasuhin ko lang iyong paghahanap ng bagong titira rito." She said, "Sayang pa rin kasi, pwedeng mapa-upahan."

He nodded, "Wait, you're staying here while looking for a tenant? Baka mas mahirapan ka and it's dangerous. Iba ibang tao ang papasok rito."

"Ayoko na lumipat pa. Dagdag gastos lang,"

"I'll be leaving for Sydney," nagulat siya roon sa sinabi nito, "I'm visiting Carmen."