Painted Memories (ISLA SERINO SERIES #1) COMPLETED

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

“Isan Verdejo's kind of scam, kiss and cuddle.”

My brother smirked and I find it weird. He seldom do that. Everytime we talked about this he would just remained silent or nod his head if badly needed.

“That's good, kuya. I am happy for you both. Congratulations.”

And even his simple statement amazed me. He's indeed happy for us. I told myself. He seldom talk and say things like that.

“Pero babalik na ako sa Canada. My research is done and I have to present it. Anong plano mo?”

That made me stop from my thoughts.

“Akala ko ba sa katapusan pa ng June?”

“Madali kong natapos, e. But I can stay naman...” Ivan gave me a look. “Only if you help me. Kahit hanggang July pa kung gusto mo. Deal?”

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko saka pinanliitan ng mata ang kapatid, “Sino 'yan?” tanong ko pa.

Ivan tilt his head. He's caught off guard. “She's from Isla Serino, kuya. Find her for me then I'll stay here 'til July. Babalik ako ng September katulad nang pangako ko.”

Ibinalik ko ang laptop sa drawer pagkatapos ng tawag, saka ako dumiretso sa banyo para maligo. Keliandra's parents wants to see me. Nandito sila ngayon sa Serino, kagabi dumating. Masyado yata akong excited para doon na halos hindi ako nakatulog ng maayos kagabi. And I was a bit nervous though. Sino ba ang hindi? I'm gonna be asking for their daughter's hand.

Gusto ko man na kami ang pupunta sa kanila pero dahil sinabi ni Keliandra na ayaw n'ya at ang mga magulang na lang nito ang uuwi ay wala na akong nagawa. Lalo pa't nakikita kong wala na yata talaga siyang balak umalis ng Isla. Well, if that's what she want then we'll stay here. Mas ayos na nga siguro dito. Mas nakaka-relax ang tunog ng alon sa umaga kaysa sa traffic. And she's here so everything about this Island wouldn't be that boring.

A smile crept into my lips at that thought. Then the smile didn't fade at all when her parents agreed.

I bit my bottom lip suppressing the scream at the back of my mind. I even stopped myself from jumping and hugging the woman I love sitting beside me. Controlling my emotions had never been this hard for me. Just now.

“Tandaan mo lang ang mga bilin ko, Verdejo. You know what I mean.” Tito Pablo blank and serious face met mine. Napalunok ako.

“Opo, tito.”

“Kapag naging tatay ka na maiintindihan mo ako, Daniel.”

Nakita kong ang marahang paglapat ng kamay ni tita Gab sa braso nang asawa. Parang sinasaway ito. Binalingan ko si Keliandra na may maliit na ngiti sa labi pero bahagyang namumula ang mga mata. I held her hands and when she looked at me I mouthed 'I love you' and that made her laugh a little.

“Hindi kita bibiguin, tito.”

“Huwag mong bibiguin si Keliandra.” He corrected me.

I nodded. “Hindi po. Hinding-hindi.”

“Just tell us when. We'd love to help.” Tita Gab looked at Keliandra excitedly. Biglang nawala ang munting tensyon kanina. I even heard Keliandra's soft breath, as a sign of relief. I tightened my hold on her hands.

“After my shop, mama. Iyon muna ang uunahin ko.”

Naramdaman kong sinulyapan ako ni Keliandra, kaya kahit nasa mga magulang niya ang tingin ko'y magiliw akong ngumiti. She's worried that I might disagree with her plan when in fact I can't really oppose to whatever she wants.