IKAW LANG ANG MAMAHALIN (ASHRALD)

Chapter 27

Pagpasok ni Sarah sa living room, she was surprised. Ate Nhila was walking towards her with a vanilla cake and candles on top of it. Everybody was singing happy birthday to her. After they sang, she paused for her wish and blew the candles. "Thank you!" She exclaimed.

Gerald was happily staring at his wife. Her eyes sparkles now, she laughs and beams with a pretty smile. "I don't want to see you sad again Sarah. I can't promise not to hurt you again, but what I can assure is my love and faith will forever be yours. I love you. Sana mas maging masaya ka sa piling ko."

Nagkausap si Gerald at Ate Nhila.

"Gerald, dito ka na matulog. May extra bed naman kami."

"Ate, hindi na po. Nakacheck-in ako sa Mercure, malapit lang dito yon."

"Ganon ba. Pupunta kami ng Universal Studios mamaya, sama ka ha!"

Gerald looked at Sarah, she is busy talking with another visitor.

"Okay lang ba kay Sarah?"

"Oo naman! Matutuwa pa yan. Ako bahala!"

After the party, almost 2:00 am, Sarah and Gerald are sitting across each other on the dining table. They are both quietly eating the cake.

"Ge, sabi ni ate nakacheckin ka sa hotel?"

"Ah oo. Malapit lang dito yon."

"Ilang nights?"

"Two nights." He paused then continued. "Sarah, I have to be back in Manila by the 26th. Remember the medical conference? Im flying to India on the 28th."

"Okay." She slowly answered. Napaisip si Sarah.

"Sarah, you are coming with me right? Sabay tayong uuwi ng Manila. Di ba?" Gerald was intently staring at her. His face was hopeful.

Sarah looked down. She was silent.

"Sarah! Uuwi na sina Jed." Tinawag siya ni ate Nhila.

"Excuse lang ha" She looked at Gerald and stood up.

Kinakabahan si Gerald. "Why do i feel you don't want to come home with me? Sarah please don't do this to me!"

"Ge, Ge." Naramdaman ni Gerald na may humawak sa braso niya. He opened his eyes. Nakatulog na pala siya sa dining.

"Ge, gusto mo higa ka na dun sa sofa." Sarah said.

"Hindi na. Balik na ko ng hotel."

"Masyado ng late. Dito ka na matulog. You can go back to the hotel later pag gising mo."

"Dun na lang tayo sa hotel, babe. Samahan mo ko dun." He looked at her, with his passionate eyes. He held her hand and gently kissed it.

Nagulat si Sarah sa sinambit ni Gerald.

"Ha? Uhmm.." Sarah just looked at him. She was speechless.

"Come on Sarah. Don't you miss me? Do you have any idea kung gaano ako kasabik sayo ngayon?"

Gerald didn't know what her silence meant. He can't deny that he was disappointed.

"Walang problema. Dito na lang ako sa sofa." Gerald stood up and went to the sofa.

Sarah knew that she offended him, but she just tried to ignore Gerald's attitude towards her response  . She went inside the bedroom, took a pillow and blanket and handed it to him.

"You will be okay here?"

"Yeah. Of course."

"If you need anything, katok ka lang sa room namin ha. Goodnight." Sarah said.