All I have to Give (Absinthe Series 1)

Kabanata 44

Kabanata 44

Away

“ I don’t like you for my son, Miss Gomez.”

Nanginig ang aking kamay habang hawak ang hawakan ng wine glass. I thought my heart stopped beating when I heard those sharp words coming from the father of the man that I love. Kinagat ko ang aking labi at nagbaba ng tingin.

I thought it would be the best time to finally meet him. Napag-usapan namin ni Helion na kailangan kong makipagkita sa kaniyang ama. Little di he know, I plan on meeting his dad alone. Ang napag-usapan ay magkasama kaming dalawa ngunit mas nararamdaman kong hindi magiging maayos ang usapan kapag kasama si Helion.

All I know is that I had to meet him and the unfinish business. Alam kong itinuturing kong atraso ang ginawa ng ama ni Helion sa aming dalawa. At kahit kinakabahan ako ay sinubukan kong maging positibo sa araw na ito. I want to try my best for noth Helion and I. I want to try my best in this relationship. And I want to accept all his flaws, and that means including his dad.

Sinubukan kong mag-angat ng tingin. I was back now at staring at the familiar green eyes. Ang mga matang kagaya ni Helion. Only that, it was staring at me in disgust and distaste.

“ Even before, I don’t really like you for my son. Now that you’re someone who’s on the top rank, it wasn’t enough for you to fit in our class. My son doesn’t need a woman like you. I want a woman who fits to be in our class and that’s not you. You don’t even have a Greek blood. Not even a royalty...” anito. He drank his wine in an authoritative manner while still not looking away from me. He was the older version of Helion, with that serious face, strong jaw and solemn green eyes. Hindi maipagkakaila na mas kamukha ni Helion ang ama. And too bad, I was having this total hate towards him.

Huminga ako nang malalim at tipid na ngumiti. Isipin mo ang limang taong nasayang, Raya. Hindi matatapos ang pagsubok sa relasyong ito at mas pinili kong lumaban para sa aming dalawa ni Helion.

Ibinaba ko ang aking kamay at pinagsalikop iyon. Hindi ko alam kung nauubusan na ba ng kulay ang aking mukha dahil sa kaba o baka naman mukhang patay na ako sa putla. All I know is that I am not feeling well and I don’t like the situation at all. Tila sinasakal ako sa bawat titig ng ama ni Helion sa akin.

“ With all due respect, Sir, I am here to respectfully meet you in person. Helion thought it would be best if we finally meet and I accept this as an opportunity, Sir. I will accept all your judgements and opinions about us..or only about me. I don’t really care, Sir. I don’t want your money or riches. I don’t even want to be a part of your family but if that’s what it takes to be with your son, then I will. I want your son. I love him, Sir. Not even you could stop me from being with him...” matapang ang aking boses ngunit sa kabila nito ay kaba at takot. This is Helion’s father we’re talking about here! Right in front of me!

Ngumiti ito sa akin. I don’t like the way he smile. Tila nagpapanggap na walang balak na masama. His eyes tell me otherwise. His menacing stare was enough to make me tremble in fear. Lubusan kong itinatatak sa aking isipan na kahit anong sabihin ko sa kaniya ay sadyang hindi niya ako matatanggap. I wasn’t forcing him to do so. Gusto ko lang ipaalam na walang makakapigil sa akin upang makasama si Helion.

“ You’re too late for that, Miss Gomez. I’ve already arranged Helion’s marriage to someone who’s better than you. I don’t think you’d ever have the shots to stop it.” Aniya.

I felt my heart sank. Tila tumigil ang tibok ng aking puso at nanginig ang aking kamay. Mariin kong kinagat ang aking labi at iniwas ang tingin dito.

“ I’ve offered something precious to my son that he’ll never ever refuse. If he really loves you, he’ll cancel the marriage. He won’t be the heir anymore. I’ll cut off all my connections. He’ll be on his own if he chooses you. Is that what you really want for my son, Miss Gomez? Do you really know what’s best for him?...”