THE LAW OF LOVING YOU °[KathNiel] ✓COMPLETE

37. Orchestra Heights

Five

Malalim na ang gabi. Hindi, umaga na pala. Mag-aalas dos na ng umaga. Nakatayo ako ngayon sa tapat ng Orchestra Heights, tinitingala ang matayog na tower na ibinandona ng ilang taon na. Kanina lang ay galing ako sa family dinner sa bahay ni tita Keam kasama si Bernard at Rocco. Umuwi lang ako saglit ng condo at sa bahay namin saka nagpunta rito. I still can't believe everything I've just known.

My heart is breaking...for myself... for her. It bleeds for both of us.

***

"Madrigal."

"Palmer." Ngumisi siya bago nakipagkamay. "I can never forget you and your brother."

Tumawa ako dahil naalala ko na naman ang kagaguhan namin noon ni Four. It's really funny when I think about it now. I've never been to a fist fight before except when Four and I plotted against Rocco. Hindi ko na maalala kung paano ako napapayag ni Four noon na tulungan siyang bugbugin ang karibal niya. Siguro, masyado lang kaming malapit ng kapatid ko kaya ayaw ko rin sa mga taong ayaw niya. That's how it always works.

"Your brother is a rockstar. Sila talaga ni Amara ang nagkatuluyan ano?"

"They're meant for each other." Nakangiting sagot ko. "Anyway, my cousin seems to be close to you."

"Nicko?" She's in love with him. She lets him call her with that nickname. "She's smart. We met in the camp during her Reserves Training."

That's not what she told me. She met you before that. Isn't it why she joined the military?

"Pakibantayan nalang muna ang pinsan ko." Kumunot ang noo ni Rocco na nakatingin ngayon sa'kin, naghihintay na dugtungan ko ang pahayag ko. "May manliligaw kasi 'yon no'ng nakaraang nandito ako. Tita said he is the general's son."

"Jet Rivera. That jerk." Narinig kong bulong niya. His jaw clenches too and it's a good sign. Nicko is right. The guy has feelings for her but is just in denial state. "Don't worry, man. Your cousin is safe with me."

"I will keep that in mind, General."

"Well you have my word, Attorney." Nakangising tugon niya. "It's nice to see you again."

***

During the dinner, I can't help but be impressed with how Bernard managed to look me in the eyes like as if he did nothing. I'm surely going to give this guy a good punch in the face later. Tsk. Matapos ang dinner, inabangan ko talaga sa labas ng bahay si Bernard para makausap. Baka kasi balakin niya pang tumakas.

"You must be waiting for me."

I give the guy an abrupt blow for trying to piss me off with his arrogance. Hindi naman siya gumanti. Alam niya sigurong deserve niya 'yon.

"What the hell, man?" Anas niya matapos tumayo mula sa pagkakabagsak niya.