LOVE & PROMISES [Editing]

Chapter 11 || Pretend

"What?!", all of them yelled in surprise. Some parents were feeling happy. The children does seem like shocked. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia is the only one who has that unreadable expression. Alex knew they won't believe her. That's why she needs Clark to make them believe.

"I'm surprised! Hindi nabanggit sa akin ni Clark na kayo.", Clark's step-mother said. Halatang masaya ito sa narinig. "Ikaw anak ah, di ka nagsasabi.", masayang sabi ng mga magulang ng binata. Clark smiled nervously.

"We're really happy and surprised that Clark is your boyfriend. We'll be rooting for the both of you.", ngumiti sa kanya ang tatay niya. "Thank you, dad.", she gave him a fake wide smile.

"Akala ko si Yohan ang makakatuluyan mo. He's been courting you for a long time.", sabi ni Mrs. Garcia, halatang gustong malaman kung totoo ang mga sinasabi ng dalaga. Both parents of Leo stare at Alex, almost like staring into her soul. "Oo nga, anak. Bakit hindi kayo ang nagkatuluyan?", Mrs. Dela Cuesta said with a little disappointment in her tone.

Alex froze. Di na niya alam kung anong sasabihin niya. It was clearly out of control. Siguradong mapapagalitan siya sa kanyang kuya. She's sure there will be a lot of explanation. Ni hindi nga niya alam kung gagana ito dahil sa mga nangyayari palang ngayon sa harap niya ay inaasahan na niyang hindi uubra ang madaliang plano niya.

Once Yohan decides to be honest with her mother, her plan will be ruined. Hindi niya inasahan ang lumabas sa bibig nito.

"Hindi ma, matagal na po akong tumigil sa panliligaw.", Yohan smiled. Alam ng mga kaibigan niya na sobrang nasasaktan ito sa mga nangyayari. It was so selfish of Alex to go and say something that will definitely hurt Yohan (and Leo).

Alex released a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Yohan.", she mentally thanked him.

"Oh, that's a shame. I really loved how you two look good together.", Mr. and Mrs. Garcia commented. Alex's hands balled into fist as she was enduring the annoyance she's been feeling. "Well, Alex and Clark would make a great couple too, right Mr. and Mrs. Clemonte?", masayang sabi ng ina ni Yohan.

Alex smiles widely at her, glad that the elder was taking her side. Wala ng masabi ang dalawang matandang kontrabida para paaminin ang dalaga. The rest of the night went well. Not literally well. Because, a heart is aching. Some of them were confused, angry and sad.

Their parents decided to have a formal meeting inside the extravagant office of Mr. and Mrs. Clemonte.

"I know it's sudden-", naputol ang sinasabi ni Alex ng dahil sa pagtayo ni Yohan sa kinauupuan niya. "Magpapahangin lang ako sa labas.", he said with no emotions, he left the scene. Alam ni Alex na siya yung dahilan ng pag-alis ng binata. Tumayo ito para sundan si Yohan ngunit pinigilan siya ng kaibigan niyang si Aliyah.

Umiling ito habang hawak-hawak ang kamay ng dalaga. "I think it's better if it's not you being the first one to talk to him.", sabi nito. She signalled Venice to go after Yohan instead.

Sumunod naman itong si Venice at umalis. Inalis ni Aliyah ang pagkahawak niya kay Alex at huminga ng malalim. It stayed silent for like 5 seconds until they started bombarding her with questions.

"Ano bang pumasok sa kokote mo?"

"Did you think about the consequences?"

"Paano kapag nalaman nilang nagsisinungaling ka?"

"Why Clark though? Bakit hindi nalang si Yohan?"

"Did you ever considered Yohan's feelings?"