The Runaway Groom

TRG ~ 33

TRG ~ XXXIII

***

Freesia

"How is he now?"

He asked me while staring at my father's face. He sat beside me.

I almost want to giggle with the heavy atmosphere emanating in the room. I could feel two pairs of eyes watching us like a hawk.

"He's fine now. Pagod lang at stressed."

Hindi ko pinansin ang matiim na titig ng dalawang kasama namin sa kwartong iyon. I can somewhat understand Apollo's sentiments but what about my cousin's? What's wrong with her?

Pagkapasok pa lang ni Dazzel ay tila nailang na siya. Aren't they in good terms? The last time I saw them together at my mother's death anniversary, they seem to be okay.

Bakit ngayon ay tinanguan lang siya ni Dazzel at inirapan niya naman ito?

Tumango siya sa akin. "He told me he's in Macau last week so he must be overfatigued. That's the problem with Uncle, he's so hands-on with the company."

Unti-unti na naman akong kinakain ng guilt ko. Kung sana'y nagagawa ko man lang tumulong kay Dad sa company. Hindi sana siya mapapagod ng ganito.

"Freesh.." He seemed unsure to continue what he's saying.

Nagtatanong ang matang tiningnan ko siya. I heard someone snickered in the back. Nandoon kasi ang dalawa nakaupo at nagmamasid. Tahimik lang naman sila pero ayon nga, masama ang mga tingin.

"Ano 'yon?"

"I just want to tell you something about last time.. sa cafe. I only saw your Dad there. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka nagalit bigla at umalis. I was about to explain to you but your father stopped me. He loves you so much and you should try to talk to him."

I sighed hearing his statement. Then I shook my head and chuckled.

"Huli ka na sa balita! Bati na kami 'no! Ba't ang drama mo?" Sabay tapik ko sa kanya.

Nanlaki ang mata niya sa sinabi ko. Although he looked shocked, he had his composure.

"Really?! Kailan pa?"

Napalabi ako sa tanong niya. "Kahapon lang din. Tapos tsaka pa siya inatake."

He gave a marvelous laugh with what I said. Napangiti ako sa kanya. It earned a lot of coughs from the two hawks.

Bakit ba kasi hindi nakikisali 'tong dalawang 'to sa usapan? Sa daldal ng pinsan kong si Soffia, she should have joined us already.

"Are you going to be here all night?"

I shrugged. "I guess so.. Walang magbabantay kay Dad and I want to be with him too."

"Well, I could go home then come back here and then I'll keep you company para hindi ka mag-isa."

"No need. I won't leave her here alone." Apollo decided to interfere.

Bumalik ang kaseryosohan ng kanyang mukha na katulad noon. He's more carefree this past few days when we're together. But now, looks like grumpy Apollo is back.

Natahimik si Dazzel sa narinig. They glared at one another. Or is it just Apollo? I knew Dazzel to be this kind person and he rarely have enemies.

"Tsaka.." Soffia suddenly trailed off. Iniiwas niya ang tingin kay Dazzel. "I'll be with Freesia, too."

"Don't you have a meeting tomorrow morning?" Dazzel seriously asked.

I felt Apollo's hands intertwined mine but he still looked mad.