Ira Casa (Novela)

Huling Kabanata

Helga

"My fiancee, Helga Ortega." Hindi niya alam kung ngingiti siya o sisikuhin si Pierre. She did not say yes, she answered his proposal with a hug. Does that means 'yes'? O assuming lang talaga si Pierre. Pinaglaruan ni Pierre ang kanyang mga daliri sa ilalim ng mesa. They were on a dinner with Pierre's college friends and associates. It was a lovely evening, finally, she can go out like a normal human being.

She can't help but to adore the quaint interiors of the restaurant. Lush paintings and furniture were carefully chosen to complement the Italian vibe of the place, they even played Scarlatti and Vivaldi, oh, she became familiar of Italian musicians because of her father's music choices. That made her think that time is not really of the essence when it comes to connections, you can build connections and know the person in a short span if you really open your heart to them. And longer engagements don't mean anything. Kagaya nang nasirang engagement ni Pierre at Helena na siya din ang may kasalanan.

"Oh, and an upcoming baby?" Tumaas ang kilay nang isa sa kaibigan ni Pierre na nakilala niyang si Winona.

"Yes." Pierre's eyes twinkled in delight. Parang walang titibag sa kasiyahan nito.

"Wait, Helga Ortega, hindi ba Helena Ortega ang girlfirend mo noong college, Pierre? I remember that girl from the other class, yung lagi mong pinupuntahan? That girl looks like her, though, I am lost. Sorry, I am not good in remembering names and faces." Winona laughed bawdily, she really looks clueless and a non-offending friend.

"She's my sister." Agap ni Helga.

"And you're the same girl in college?" Kumunot ang noo ni Winona.

Umiling siya at nahihiyang ngumiti. "I—I was in highschool when you were in college."

Nakita niya pa kung paano ito tingnan nang makahulugan nang lalaking kasama nito at saka umiling. Nagkibit balikat naman si Winona.

She thought that the dinner will get awkward, mabuti at hindi na tinalakay kung paanong naging sila ni Pierre. Pierre on the other hand was very attentive of her needs, panay tanong nito kung ano ang gusto niya at kung may kailangan siya. Maybe if she just welcomed Pierre in earlier days of her pregnancy, baka hindi na siya marunong maglakad ngayon dahil binubuhat na lang siya nito.

"It is too early to settle down." Sabi ni Vanjo. Sa grupo ay ito ang mukhang seryoso sa lahat. Akala niya ay si Pierre na ang pinakaseryoso na nakaharap niya pero meron pa palang tatalo dito.

Pierre shook his head, grabbing her right hand tightly, "When you find the right one, you'll feel that everything is too late. Kulang ang oras, at hihilingin mo sana noon pa nasimulan."

"Pero underage pa siya that time, hindi ba?" Humalakhak si Lucas, sumimangot naman si Pierre pero mukhang hindi naman ito nagalit.

"Age is—"

"Just a number?" Putol ni Santino kay Pierre.

"Age is a matter of feelings, not of years." Binalingan ni Pierre ang pagkain nito at sumubo ng bite-sized seared salmon. Mukhang wala ding balak ang kanyang fiance na magpakabog sa pang-aasar ng mga kaibigan.

"Ikaw, Helga, handa ka na bang magpatali dito kay Pierre? Masungit yan, laging busy."

"I'll make time." Maagap na sagot ni Pierre sa intriguing na tanong ni Lucas..

"Eh yung pagiging masungit?"

"Hindi naman siya masyadong masungit na ngayon." Pagtatanggol naman niya sa binata.

"Basta ikaw." Pierre kissed her forehead and her blood instantly pooled on her cheeks. She couldn't imagine that Pierre would be this blunt. He was so uptight. Now, even while eating, whenever he hears her voice, he will attentively respond.