He's Not Mine To Keep [COMPLETED]

Chapter 22

ANG IKADALAWAMPU'T-DALAWANG KABANATA:
Cruel

Parang lalabas na ang puso ko sa ribcage ko sa sobrang bilis ng tibok!

"Shit!"

"Hala! Ba't mo binaba!"

"Anong gusto mong gawin ko? Mag-'hi, Rage! Musta na, si Paris 'to!' Gano'n?" Sarkastikong sabi ko.

Nakahawak parin ako sa dibdib ko habang Nagsasalita. Shit talaga! Paano na 'to?

"Oo! Bakit ka ba magpapa-apekto, matagal naman na kayong wala. Just act normal, unless, you haven't moved on yet." Tudyo niya.

"Naka-move-on na ako." Madiin na sagot ko.

"Prove it, then."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Go back to Philippines." Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya.

"Hell, no!"

"It's the only way. And besides, mukhang ito talaga ang balak ni Kuya Rum in the first place. He lied when he said he will bring the kids back on Monday."

Yes, I've just realized that now.

"Damn that jerk!"

"Lola Georgina is calling." Tinuro niya gamit ang nguso niya ang phone ko na nasa coffee table. Agad ko iyong sinagot.

"Grandma," I greeted

[Paris, why on earth are my great grandchildren in Escareal Residence?] Mahahalata mo ang galit sa boses ni lola. Napalunok ako.

"L-Lola kasi..."

[Tsk! You've been fooled by Demitrius Escareal's eldest son?] Napairap ako. Alam naman na pala niya eh. Napabuntong hininga nalang ako bilang sagot.

[I have something to tell you.]

"What is it?"

[Hinayaan ko nang mahanap ka ng pinakabatang Escareal.]

"What?! Why?" Wala na bang mas imamalas pa 'tong araw na 'to?

[It's the only way for you to go back home. I've already given you five years to hide. I've been covering you for years now and napapagod na rin ako. Lalo pa't napaka-desperado ng pinakabatang Escareal na mahanap ka. Ilang milyon na rin ang nagastos ko sa kakasuhol sa halos sampu na niyang private investigators para lang mahanap ka. Si Guzmano lang talaga ang hindi ko talaga masuhulan dahil tapat ito sa mga Escareal. So it's either you go home voluntarily, or you will wait 'til he comes to US to bring you back home himself.]

"Traitor." I accused her but she chuckled.

[It's your fault, darling. You let my great grandchildren go to the Escareal's Mansion. I din't like it. Lalo pa't hindi mo manlang sinabi saakin. I've covered you up from them for five years pero ni ipaalam saakin na pinadala mo pala ang mga apo ko sa pamilya ng walang kwentang nilang ama, hindi mo ginawa. You, ungrateful granchild.]

"I just did it for the kids, Lola. Please, understand." I just said.

[Gleam Paris, ayoko lang naman na pang-habang buhay ka nalang na magtago, lalo na sa pamilya mo. You are so distant with your family. It's time for you to fill the gap. Go home.] She told the last sentence with her most soothing voice.

I eventually sighed. "Okay."

[Good! I'll arrange everything. Let Aviona hear what I will say.] Ang bilis naman niyang kausap. Umupo ako sa tabi ni Avi at ni-loud speaker ang phone para marinig niya.

"What?" Avi asked, confused.

[You too, Aviona. Go back to Philippines. Make peace with the rebellious Escareal. To tell you the truth, malaki na rin ang nagastos ko sayo. Everything he earns from their company is always spent, if not for clubbing, it's for searching. He also hired private investigators to find you. Malaki na ang utang niyo saaking dalawa ah. You should pay.]