THE ONE I LOVE

TOIL 36

JAMILLE AUDREY CHANDRIA

Bumukas na ang elevator. Tiningnan n’ya muna ang number ng floor bago tuluyang lumabas doon. Mag-isa lang naman s’yang lulan ng elevator. Nagsimula na s’yang maglakad patungo sa pinakang dulong silid. She took a deep breath. Once she enters this room there’s no going back. Mrs. Matienzo is inside waiting for her. Disidido na s’ya. She wants to get even. She want vengeance but then she remember James face. May kung ano sa mukha noon ang tila ba pumipigil sa kanya.

Saglit na napukaw ang atensyon n’ya nang bumukas ang pintuan. Pakiramdam n’ya saglit ding huminto ang oras nang isang pamilyar na mukha ang bumungad sa kanya mula doon. That guy is smiling at him. That guy is still alive and is facing her right now.

“D-Drake?” tanging usal n’ya na tinugon naman ng ngiti ng lalaki at pagkuway tumabi ito nang saglit upang bigyang daan s’ya para makapasok sa silid.

“So you’re finally here.” Puno ng pagtatakang ibinaling n’ya ang tingin kay Mrs. Matienzo. ‘Yong tinging tinatanong n’ya kung anong nangyayari.

“Aren’t you happy to see him?” tanong nito sa kanya dahilan upang muli n’yang ibaling ang tingin sa lalaki. Of course she’s happy. Pero hindi lang s’ya makapaniwala na kaharap na n’ya ito ngayon. It has been so long since she saw this guy.

“Long time no see.” That was Drake’s statement at parang awtomatiko ang katawan n’ya at kusa na s’yang napayakap sa lalaki. Don’t get her wrong. It was just a surprise for her to saw him here. It was an unexpected meet up.

“I-I am so-sorry. I was just surprise.” Tila ba nahihiyang sambit n’ya nang marealize kung ano ang ginawa n’ya.

“It’s okay. I’m happy too see you. You—You look really good.” Compliment nito sa kanya na saglit n’yang tinugon ng ngiti saka ay pumasok na ng tuluyan sa loob kung saan nakita n’ya ang ilang mga gamit sa ibabaw ng glass table.

“In less than a week we’re flying to Canada.” Muli s’yang napatingin kay Mrs. Matienzo.

“Don’t worry. Knowing your abilities alam kong hindi tayo magtatagal doon. It would take you 3-4 months.” Nagsalubong ang kilay n’ya sa tinuran nito. Ibinaling n’ya ang tingin kay Drake.

“Alam n’ya kung ano ang makakabuti sa’yo. Look at me, if not for her wala ako dito ngayon at wala ako nang mayroon ako ngayon.” Ibinalik n’ya ang tingin kay Mrs. Matienzo.

“You have to be prepare for everything if you want vengeance. It means leaving everything behind.” Ani Mrs. Matienzo at naupo sa sofa.

“I know. But you told me Cebu is the perfect location for me to prepare. Cebu, dahil nandun ang parents ni James. But why did it suddenly changes?” mas pinili n’yang manatiling nakatayo habang nakikipag-usap kay Mrs. Matienzo.

Tinitigan lang s’ya ni Mrs. Matienzo. Binalot sila ng katahimikan.

“You know I can’t just leave my sister. I mean—” naputol ang mga sasabihin n’ya pa sana nang maramdaman n’ya ang palad sa may kanang balikat n’ya.

“While you’re not around I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry.” Tiningala n’ya tuloy si Drake. “I’ve been gone for so long. This time, tutuparin ko ang pangako ko sa’yo na ako ang mag-aalaga sa inyo.” Natahimik s’yang saglit. Drake is very important to her pero this time kasi it’s different. Their life is totally different.

“Drake.” Tanging sambit n’ya.

“Have you forgotten one thing, Jamille?” Mrs. Matienzo butt in. “I’ve change plan because of your emotion. Kung nandito ka lang sa Pilipinas hindi kita mapipigilang hindi bisitahin ng palihim ang kapatid mo and that very fact would ruin our plans. Ngayon, You have to choose. Do you want to continue this or not? I only need a yes or no answer!” Katahimikan ang pinili n’yang isagot.