Nakalabas na ako ng ospital. May crutches ako dahil hindi pa rin ako makalakad ng maayos dahil sa bali sa paa ko. Si Ares naman ay umalis na muna dahil may kailangan siyang asikasuhin para sa imbestigasyon tungkol sa nangyari sa akin.
I was so afraid, but not for myself—more for Ares. He already told me everything, including the involvement of his grandfather in a syndicate just to boost their company. Akala niya tapos na ang lahat nang nagpunta ang daddy niya sa Bahrain at kausapin ang mga kinauukulan doon, pero ngayon, dahil sa nangyari sa akin, mas lalong nagalit ang pamilya nila Ares, lalo na siya.
I was inside Ares' condominium. Hindi na muna niya ako pinauwi sa bahay namin o sa bahay niya dahil baka kung ano pa ang mangyari sa akin. He wants me to be safe. Gusto kong lumundag sa tuwa dahil ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang kakaibang kilig. Hindi ko inaakalang kay Ares ko pala matatagpuan iyon.
I had been lost for so many years. Mas natuon ang atensyon ko sa ibang tao kaysa kay Ares, and I felt sorry for myself because so much time had been wasted between us. But I'm determined to make it right and be with him for as long as I can—longer than before.
Narinig ko ang pagtunog ng aking cellphone. Mabilis ko itong tinignan at ngumiti ako nang makita ang pangalan ni Ares sa screen.
"Hello, love," bati ko sa kanya nang masagot ko ang tawag. I couldn't help but smile. Ang laki ng tibok ng puso ko, parang excited ako palagi kapag nakakausap ko siya.
I heard him laugh a little. "Hi, my sweet! Have you eaten your lunch yet?" he asked me. "I missed you! I'll be home tonight. Wait for me," he added in his soft, affectionate voice. Gusto kong matunaw.
I just sighed. "I will cook, love."
"No, you should rest. Hindi pa magaling ang mga paa mo," he protested. "I'll cook for you."
"Pero—"
"Blythe, please don't be too stubborn," he said, cutting me off before I could speak. "And just don't keep walking around. Pagdating ko ng condo, bubuhatin kita."
"Ares naman..."
"Why?" he unconsciously asked me.
"Nakakalakad naman ako. Paika-ika lang, 'nga. You don't have to carry me." I said.
"Nah... That's final, my sweet. I have to go, Dad is calling me. I love you, Blythe." He ended the call before I could respond, obviously in a rush.
Boyfriend ko...
Ang sarap sa tenga. I never addressed John before as my boyfriend, because we didn't go through the usual process. I just pushed him into a relationship because of my dad and his dad. I admit that I was at fault for making things complicated for John and Venice, and for that, I feel guilty. I haven't been able to apologize to them, and until now, I still lack the courage.
I placed my hand on my chest. There was no more strange feeling now. My chest felt lighter. Before, I used to wish that John would love me, but now, I didn't need to wish for anything because I wasn't looking for John anymore. I was looking for someone else to spend my life with.
I walked out of the room and headed to the kitchen. I would cook for him. I knew he was probably tired from all the investigation work. I really hoped everything would be over soon. I just wanted to live peacefully with Ares.
I cooked sinigang na baboy. Marunong naman akong magluto dahil palagi akong naiiwan sa bahay noong bata pa ako, kaya natutunan kong magluto, at pinatutulungan ko pa ang mga katulong namin.
After cooking the rice, I set the table. Mas gusto ko rin ng sabaw dahil medyo maulan at malamig ang panahon. May bagyo kasing paparating. Nang matapos ako sa pag-aayos, bumalik ako sa kwarto para magbihis. Naligo na ako kanina, at tinulungan ako ni Ares dahil nahihirapan pa rin akong maligo. Nagbihis lang ako ng t-shirt dahil nadumihan iyon habang nagluluto.
