Perfect Lovers (Book 2 of Perfect Haters, COMPLETED)

Thirty One

Thirty One: Pain

***

“I will not agree to this engagement. I'm sorry.”

Kevin's words left my father dumbfounded. Hindi nakapagsalita kaagad si Papa. His forehead creased like he didn't expect the answer from Kevin. Lalo na ngayon na alam pala nito na may nararamdaman sa akin si Kevin. Inaasahan niyang papayag si Kevin sa ganito. I silently sighed. Thank you, Kev.

“What? Wait..” Papa said after a long minutes of silence, “We've talked about this right? You clearly said to me that you will agree to this engagement, hijo.” Papa forced a smile, convincing Kevin.

Kevin gave him a small smile then he looked at me. Tinanguan niya ako, like he was saying na siya na ang bahala. Na ipaubaya ko sa kanya ang sitwasyon na ito at siya na ang aayos. Nginitian ko siya.

“Tito, we both know who Lexine really likes. At alam nating lahat na hindi ako yun,” he sighed, “At first, I was so excited when you told me about the engagement, but this past few days, I realized that I don't want it anymore.” sabi niya.

Kunot-noong tumingin sa akin si Papa. The annoyance in his eyes is visible, “Did Lexine told you to do this, Kevin?” kalmado na tanong ni Papa.

My eyes widened! “No, papa! I didn't!”

“I am not asking you, Lexine.” sabi niya.

Kevin sighed, “Hindi niya po ako sinabihan, kasi kusa ko po itong ginagawa.” mahinahong sinabi ni Kevin. “It's my own decision, Tito. Labas si Lexine dito.” he added.

Mariin na ipinikit ni Papa ang mata niya, na para bang hindi masink-in sa kanya na ganito ang nangyari kasi he didn't expected this! Papa sighed heavily. He was about to speak nang magsalita si Kevin.

“We both know kung sino ang gusto ni Lexine. At ang magagawa nalang natin para sa kanya ay maging masaya at suportahan siya kung saan siya magiging masaya.” sabi niya then he looked at me. My tears are forming in my eyes again. Kevin looked at me like he is telling me that he got this. “Let us all support Lexine, alright? Yes, I like her. A lot. But we shouldn't force her to like me back. May iba siyang gusto. Ayaw kong pilitin natin siya na gustuhin ako. Kasi Tito, hindi ganoon ang pagmamahal. Hindi pinipilit ang pagmamahal.” mahabang sinabi niya.

Tuluyang nang tumulo ang luha ko. I... did not expect this words from Kevin. Akala ko, papayag siya. Pero mali ako.

“Kevin, are you sure about this?” mahina ngunit seryosong tanong ni Papa.

Natigilan si Kevin. He was stunned for a minute bago siya tumingin kay papa at sa akin. Ibinalik niya ang tingin kay Papa and he smiled with a hint of pain, “I am sure, Tito.” he answered firmly, with finality.

“Kevin...” hindi makapaniwalang sinabi ni Papa.

Kevin smiled once again, “I hope you will support Lexine like how I support her. If you really love her, you won't force her in the things that she does not like.” he stand up, “I think, that's all, Tito. I'm sorry.” he added pagkatapos ay naglakad na siya papalabas ng bahay.

Kapwa kami hindi nagsalita ni Papa. No one dared to talk between us. It was all silent, pure silent. I sighed. Pinunasan ko ang luha na muling tumulo sa mata ko at tumayo na mula sa pagkakaupo.

“Pa, like what have Kevin said, if you really love that person, you won't force her or him in the things that she or he does not like,” I smiled sadly. Hindi pa rin siya makatingin sa akin, “I love you so much, Pa, so I won't force you to support me. But promise, all of this, the decisions I made will be all worth it at the end of the day. I promise you that.” I said before ako naglakad papalabas ng bahay niya.