Love Me Again

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The tension was thick. But before Theo could say another word, he heard a very familiar voice. Nangibabaw ang matinis na boses ng babae sa malamyos na tugtog ng jazz at sa iba pang nag-uusap na mga guests.

"Hi, tita! Happy anniversary!"

Theo suddenly became uneasy and faced Carson.

"Go home now. I'll have someone drive you home."

"Pwedeng mamaya na? Sayang naman 'tong food. And besides, hindi pa nga nagto-toast. Ano na lang ang sasabihin ng parents mo?" She said.

Lalo lang ikinainis ng binata ang nakuhang sagot.

"You shouldn't be here in the first place."

He knew Carson was offended dahil sumeryoso ang masayahin nitong mukha. And jeez, he wanted to apologize all of a sudden.

"That's rude."

Theo was about to say something when the music suddenly stopped. The whole house becomes quiet. Seconds later, the soft clinks of a mental against the glass was heard followed by Theo's dad's authoritative voice.

Tahimik lang na nakikinig ang dalawa mula sa dining room.

"Good evening, everyone. May we have your attention, please? Promise, this will be quick."

Footsteps were heard as the guests gathered in the huge foyer.

"Before we start, I would like to call our son, Theo."

Theo closed his eyes tightly before looking at her again.

"We'll talk later."

Iyon lang at umalis na ito para daluhan ang mga magulang.

Napabuga na lang ng hangin ang dalaga. Gusto sana nyang umalis din agad kanina lalo na noong nalaman nyang wala pa si Theo. Para hindi sana magtagpo ang landas nila dahil tiyak na magagalit ito. Pero hindi naman nya mag-'eat-and-run'. That's rude. Kaya hinintay na lang nya na mag-toast ang mga magulang ng binata pagkatapos saka sya magpapaalam. Malay ba naman nya na sa laki ng mansion na iyon, magkikita sila ni Theo.

Mula sa foyer, narinig nya ang pagbibigay ni Theo ng mensahe para sa mga magulang.

"Mom and Dad, I cannot begin to describe how blessed I am to have amazing parents in my life..."

Ibinaba muna ni Carson ang plato na hawak at marahang lumabas sa dining area. She maintained a good distance from the guests. Around thirty people were gathered in the foyer listening with adoration as the mighty Theo gives his message.

"Seeing true love through you both makes my heart happy. As your son, I see perfection in both of you. I love you."

Short but sweet.

Hindi nya akalain na makakarinig sya ng mga ganoong salita mula sa binata. Sweet din naman pala kahit na palagi itong seryoso at hindi ngumingiti.

He gave his parents a hug while his mom wiped her tears. Nagbiro pa ang tatay ni Theo na wala daw itong kinalaman sa pag-iyak ng asawa. That made everyone laughed.

When it was time for Tita Amie to speak, inikot nito ang mata sa mga naroon na para iniisa isa ang mukha. Lumapad ang ngiti nito nang matanawan si Carson.

"I'd also like to call someone. She's Theo's 'special' friend."

Doon nanlamig si Carson at bigla ay gustong magsisi na lumabas pa sya sa dining area.

"Carson, hija. Please join us here."

Ngumiti ang dalaga at marahang umiling saka sumenyas na okay lang sya doon. But all the attention was focused on her and she was left with no choice but to join Theo's family. Pilit nyang iniwasan ang matatalim na tingin ng binata habang palapit sya sa mga ito.