Barcelona Escapade

Chapter Thirty-Two: Exam

Chapter Thirty-Two
Exam

"On the other note, I don't think she's worth my price."

Eros left me there, gaping at his broad back as he walked away. Napakurap ako. He was wearing a gray suit and dark trousers; I almost didn't recognize his style. He was different, he became leaner and firmer from the way he stood up in front of me in a quick moment.

Pinipilit pigilan ang pag-awang ng labi, pinagmasdan ko siya hanggang sa makalayo. Nang mawala sa paningin, kumawala ang malalim na buntong-hininga ko na hindi ko namamalayang pigil din dahil sa biglaang presensya niya. It felt as if I dived in the pool for few seconds and swam up, losing half of my breath.

Napalingon sa'kin si Fenris na interesado ang itsura. It was enough call to make me shrug and took the opposed route as immediately as I can. I should not be stunned by that. Binalak kong bumalik na lang sa venue at manahimik.

I saw him again, after roughly two years.

Napakagat ako ng labi nang maalala ang sinabi niya kanina.

Just how broke did he get from our breakup? It's not like he's dumb not to know the reason why. From the way he flashed his harsh stares at me, parang mali pa ang ginawa ko. I rolled my eyes. Kung hindi sana ako nainip sa loob, hindi ako mapupunta rito.

"Parating si Sir Jayren dito," hindi ko namalayang nakasunod pa rin pala si Fenris sa likuran ko. That sent me halting from my walk. Mabilis ko siyang hinarap. Maski si Fenris ay na-estatwa sa puwesto dahil doon.

"Huh? Where is he now?" I inquired hastily.

"Nasa parking-"

"I'm going."

One hint of a word and my heart pulsated. Tinalikuran ko si Fenris at sumenyas. Oh, why now of all time?

"I'll leave the rest of auction to you, Fenris. Coordinate with the organizers for me after."

"Ha? Teka, Clementine-"

I need to see Jayren.

If Eros is here, I need to pull him away. That's one thing I want to avoid. Until now. Mabilis kong iniwan si Fenris na panay ang tawag sa'kin sa phone. There's no use of reminiscing the past now.

I texted Fenris his possible concerns as I bossed down in the basement parking. Pinatay ko na agad ang phone ko para hindi na magulo sa mga tawag niya.

I took the elevator towards the parking and when it dinged open, bumungad kaagad si Jayren sa harapan ko. My heart was sent in a glitch. Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ako. God, he didn't tell me he's already here.

"Hey... I was just about to go up," kaagad niyang sabi.

Jayren looked like he's fresh from work dahil nakatupi pa ang sleeves sa braso. Though, it seemed like he did some retouches because his hair looked polished, and his face looked ready to see me. Samantalang ako, hindi man lang nakapag-ayos kahit pagkatapos ng graduation. I'm pretty sure I look pale and that my makeup's already thinning out.

Napailing na lang ako sa sinabi niya at lumabas kaagad ng elevator. Sinabayan niya ako pabalik sa parking.

"Let's go out of here. Fenris would handle it," I sounded hurrying.

It must have surprised him that I have been wanting to go out when hours ago I told him in the messages that I cannot be absent in the auction. Kaya nga siya nagpunta rito para samahan ako.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Wala. Kaya pwede na akong umalis," palusot ko.

With him slightly behind me, sinubukan kong hanapin ang kotse niya sa mga nakahilerang kotse. Napansin ko ring may hinugot siya sa bulsa. It must be his car's remote key dahil tumunog ang itim na kotse niyang ilang metro lang ang layo sa'min.