Barcelona Escapade

Chapter Sixteen: Fiancé

Chapter Sixteen
Fiancé

"Eros," I called for him like a baby.

Narinig ko ang pagtikhim niya sa tono ng boses ko. I was too bold to pick up a fight earlier with my friends but now, I can't help sound petty sobbing. Pinawi ko ang luha sa pisngi habang yumuyuko ang ulo.

Hindi ko na tinanong pa kung saan niya nakuha ang number ko o kung bakit saktong kung kailan kailangan ko siya ay bigla siyang nagparamdam. I only know I'm not fine and I needed to hear his voice for consolation.

"Where are you?" His voice sounded husky, worried and different over the phone.

"Why are you asking?"

"Where are you, señorita?" he repeated.

Kaagad bumuhos ang luha ko sa tanong niya. He sounded like it'll change a thing if he knows where I am! Wala naman siya rito at mas lalo lang iyong naglungkot sa'kin 'yon.

"It doesn't matter," I sobbed. "You're not here to drive me home."

Napasinghap siya. "I'm not your driver in Manila but I'll be worried, señorita. Tell me where you are, I'll inform your nanny. She called me to check up since she's worried about you."

"You got my number from my nana?"

And she gave it? Did Nana think I wasn't in the mood to talk to her kaya si Eros ang pinatawag niya? And since when did they got close like this?

"Should that matter right now?" tanong niya pabalik.

Napanguso ako habang kinukusot ng kamay ang mata. Tumayo ako mula sa bench at luminga-linga sa paligid para tingnan kung may ibang tao.

"I'm.. I'm inside Hailey's subdivision," sabi ko.

Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta sa may sidewalk. Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko habang inaalala ang kaninang nangyari. The realization that my cheek still stings from Chloe's slap dawned on me.

"Did anything happen?"

My heart felt like it weighed heavier than it is. But hearing Eros speak felt like his proximity didn't wither one bit. In his voice, I can feel my heart hammer even though I know that has to be wrong. Maling guluhin pa siya.

It was stupid of me to call for him and let myself be heard that I was crying. Kasi kung gusto ko talagang mag-move on, hindi ko na dapat siya kinakausap ng ganito.

"Nothing.." I lied. "You should get back to work. Ako na ang tatawag kay Nana. Thanks."

Rinig ko ang pagbuntong-hininga niya. "Do you want me to listen-"

"It's fine," pinilit kong magtunog kampante.

I put down the call and the heaviness in my heart doubled. Feeling awful, I only choose to text Nana to fetch me in the subdivision's garden house.

Tinawagan ako ni Eros ng ilang pang beses pero hindi ko na sinagot. Dumating sina Kuya Evan ilang minuto pagkatapos kong mag-text kung nasaan ako. It was as if they're only waiting for my cue.

Pinlano ko nang dumiretso sa kwarto ko 'pagkarating. No one tried talking to me until I buried my face and threw myself in my soft bed. Bumigat lang muli ang pakiramdam ko kapag naalala ang ginawa ko.. ang mga nasabi ko.

Envy, bitterness, jealousy and frustration. I had it all in me na mismong mga kaibigan ko ay napagbuntongan ko ng galit. My conscience is bungled of my own dirty laundry but I didn't say I don't mean it. I firmly believe I stood up for what I knew is reasonable. And my reason is.