The Gentlemen Series 6: Chris, The Macho Lawyer (SELF-PUBLISHED)

THIRTY-THREE

Stupid Words

"I thought you would only say the three magic words once you're done dealing with your problems? Is everything okay now?" I asked nervously habang nilalayo ko ang sarili sa kanya.

Tumango ito. "We've figured everything but we still can't ensure the safety of everyone."

Hawak ang tuwalyang nakatapis sa aking dibdib, tinignan ko si Chris ng diretso. "Naguguluhan ako. Are they in danger? Ganun ba kalala ang galit ng ama ni Rosalie? Are they even that powerful na kaya nilang sumuway sa batas, Chris?"

"Medyo komplikado ang sitwasyon, Nica. We still don't know who's our enemy and what are their motives? We have yet to find it out." Suminghap ito. "Kaya ganun nalang ako mag-alala sa kaligtasan mo, Nica. They are after me and since you are a part of my life now, there's a possibility na pati ikaw ay idadamay nila. Ayokong may mangyaring masama sa'yo. Lawrence has been receiving threats ever since at ang isiping ang pagiging konektado ko sa'yo ay makakadagdag pa sa banta ng kaligtasan mo ay nakakabaliw ng isipin. I don't want you to get hurt because me. I won't allow it."

"That's ridiculous. Anong mapapala nila sa'yo? I mean, anong kailangan nila sa'yo? May kasalanan ka ba? Gumaganti ba sila? Dahil ba naanakan mo si Rosalie kaya ganun nalang ang galit ng ama nito? At kung ganun nga kalaki ang panganib, are you willing to sacrifice your life for them? Oh. It was a stupid question. Knowing how noble you are, of course you will. Echo's your son, after all. You are so willing to risk your life that you don't even consider how will I feel about it. Hindi ko alam pero mas lalo atang gumulo ang sitwasyon." Sabi ko at tumalikod sa kanya. "Would you mind leaving me for a minute so I can make myself decent?"

Tanging pag-hinga lamang ang narinig ko sa kanya. Chris came to me as he securely wrapped his arms around me from behind. I could feel him kissing the top of my head. "I love you."

I nodded as I freed myself from his hold. The sound of his fading footsteps and the door closing was what I heard next. Saka pa lamang ako lumingon sa pintuan ng kwarto. I hugged myself. There is something wrong with me.

Why am I suddenly reluctant to answer back the three magic words? Bakit tila may kung ano sa puso at isip ko ang tumututol na bigkasin ang mga salitang yun. Bakit may takot at pag-aalinlangang nabuhay sa loob ko?

I took my time to dry and fix myself up. Nawala ang aking antok sa pangyayari. Chris' sudden confession will probably make my mind work up all night.

Lumabas ako ng aking silid only to be suprised when I saw another figure sitting casually on the sofa. Mabilis na tumayo ang babae nang mapansin nito ang aking presensya. She gave me a small smile.

"Hi." She said. Her gaze roamed around my body. Tila sinusuri nito ang aking katawan.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. Hindi ko magawang humakbang. Pain was slowly taking control in my heart. I really don't like this girl.

"Veronica?" Chris came out from the kitchen. May bitbit itong mga baso at isang pitsel ng orange juice. Napansin kong may box ng pizza sa centre table. Hindi ko mapigilang mag-angat ng kilay.

"What do you think you are doing, Chris? As far as I know, MY living room is not a place where I eat. Anong silbi ng dining area KO?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

Nagtinginan si Rosalie at Chris. It was the girl who spoke first. "Sorry. I told Topher that I want to watch HBO movie. Akala ko matatagalan ka pa sa pag-labas sa iyong silid. I brought pizza, by the way." She gave me that dazzling smile but oh how I wanted to tear it apart.

"Oh wow. How much do I owe you then?"

Chris carefully put down the things he's carrying on the centre table. "That's enough, Nica." Kalmante nitong pagkakasabi but I know he's giving me warnings.