Beyond the Horizon of Love (Ryker Series #1)

BTHOL [20]

I was immediately stunned when I saw the old house he was talking about. This isn't a house, this is a mansion.

Napalunok ako at hindi maitago sa mukha ang pagkamangha. I know they're rich pero mas lalo lang napatunayan ang yaman nila dahil sa mansion na ito!

Nanatili akong tahimik hanggang sa makarating kami sa garden. I was amused on how they spread like a lush tapestry around the mansion.

"Avril!"

I immediately heard Tita Shane's voice. Agad siyang hinanap ng mga mata ko at nakitang nagmamadali na siyang lumapit sa pwesto namin.

"Happy birthday po, Tita!" masiglang bati ko nang tuluyan siyang makalapit.

"Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're here!" tuwang-tuwang sabi niya bago ilang beses na humalik sa pisngi ko. Nasa tabi niya na ngayon si Tito Leander.

"Good evening po, Tito," bati ko bago nagmano.

"Good evening, hija. Mabuti at nakapunta ka. Kanina pa nakasimangot ang Tita mo dahil akala niya ay hindi ka makakapunta," kwento nito bago mahinang tumawa.

My hands were trembling as Tita Shane guided me on the center. Kinakabahan ako habang pinapakilala ako sa iba pang mga Tito at Tita ni Sean.

I felt a sign of relief when they all smiled as they offered their hands to me. 

"Is this Avril?"

We stopped in front of an old woman. She was sitting on her chair with a serious face as she looked at me, waiting for an answer. 

"Yes!" Tita Shane answered before facing me. "Say hi. She's Sean's grandmother."

"Good evening po," I greeted her politely.

I bit my lower lip. Para akong napako sa kinatatayuan ko habang nakatingin lamang sa kanya. She's very intimidating.

"Mamita, you're scaring her."

I heard Sean's voice as he stood beside me. Mula sa nakakatakot na itsura nito ay unti-unting sumilay ang ngiti sa labi niya.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that," natatawang paumanhin niya.

She opened her arms, initiating for a hug. Nahihiya akong lumapit sa kanya para yumakap.

"Did I scare you? I'm so glad I finally met you. Bukambibig ka na nga nitong ni Shane, bukambibig ka pa ng apo kong si Sean."

"Mamita..." muling singit ni Sean.

Tita Shane snatched me from Sean kaya naman wala rin siyang nagawa kung hindi hayaan akong sumama sa Mommy niya.

I ate my dinner with the adult Rykers. Hindi ako magawang makuha ni Sean sa pwesto ko dahil ayaw pumayag ni Tita Shane dahil siya raw ang may birthday. 

It was actually nice talking to his family dahil hindi naman ganun kahirap na makipag-usap sa kanila. I feel like I am part of their family.

"Can I have her now?" 

I don't know how many times he asked that. His mother sighed before facing me. 

"Mukhang kanina pa naiinip ang anak ko. Ibabalik na muna kita. I'm sorry if I took too much of your time."

"It's okay, Tita. I really enjoyed the dinner because of you," nakangiting sabi ko.

Sean came closer to me before taking my hand to help me stand up.

"Halika na," he whispered before he snaked his arms around my waist. 

"Were you comfortable earlier? Mom requested to wat with you," he said as we went to their table.