Beyond His Caution (Lost and Retained #1)

Kabanata 32

Kabanata 32

New Life

Kumikirot ang puso ko habang naaalala ang mga sandaling iyon. After our break up, balita ko ay lumipad si Toran pa ibang bansa para tapusin ang masters niya. Sinubukan ko nang hindi makibalita manlang dahil ako naman ang may kasalanan.

I am now at my office. Hindi gaanong kalakihan iyon ngunit sapat lang naman para sa akin. Maraming papeles ang nasa harap ko ngunit napag desisyunan ko munang magpahinga. I stood up. Inayos ko ang itim kong tube top at blazer. 

I went to the window of my office to see the city lights in front of me. Cars are flocking and the chaotic scenery of those muddling seem to complement the peaceful and vibrant colors it release.

He's now a councilor of a city near Manila. Sumunod talaga siya sa yapak ng kanyang ama. The difference is he has a better governing skills. He got the highest votes in that area when he ran for the election. Ugong-ugong na may balak siyang tumakbo para sa pagiging Mayor pagkatapos ng termino niya sa pagiging councilor. 

He's being linked to the Mayor of Taguig. I know her. I remember. I can still clearly remember that day.. Hindi ko lang sigurado kung may kinalaman ba siya o ang pamilya niya sa pagkapanalo ni Toran dahil independent siyang tumakbo.

The city lights are more evident in front of me. We're both successful but I guess my successes are still not enough.

I tried to console myself. I am happy for him. I sometimes wonder why the heavens gave him to me to give me fleeting happiness.. only to experience eternal pain thereafter? How the heavens made me experience satisfaction whenever I feel his warmth.. only to long for his presence subsequently?

I sighed heavily. Ang isang luha ay tumulo na sa aking mata. Hindi talaga lahat ay para sa akin. Aalalahanin ko na lamang ang mga bagay na pinaramdam at pinaranas niya.

My phone rang. Agad akong bumalik sa aking mesa at umupo sa swivel chair. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at nakita ang numero ni Roman, ang Kuya ni Lucy. I immediately answered it.

''Ano na namang kailangan mo?'' I said with a hint of entertainment over the phone.

''Dinner tonight? Sagot ko,'' I can sense his smile.

''Mukha ba akong palamunin, Roman?'' I laughed. ''Baka sa bahay na ako mag dinner, e. Nag text sa akin si Mama, nag-luto raw siya.''

''Hmm. Okay. How about tomorrow?'' 

''Tatapusin ko yung mga kaso. Malapit nang matapos kontrata ko,'' my lips twisted.

''Hindi mo manlang ba ako masisingit sa schedule mo?'' he chuckled. ''When are you free, then?''

''Hindi ka ba busy? Malapit na ang eleksyon,'' I said as I slowly fix my things.

''I am, actually. Kaya rin ako napatawag.''

My brows furrowed. Anong kinalaman ko doon?

''Huh? Bakit? Magiging taga print ba ako ng campaign posters mo? Busy ako, ha,'' I joked.

He gave a bark of laughter. ''You won't. May io-offer ako sa 'yo. I hope you'd accept it, though.''

Agad akong napaupo nang maayos. 

''What is it?''

''I'll tell it to you personally. Kailan muna ang dinner natin?''

I rolled my eyes. ''Kapag ako hindi natuwa riyan, I'll block you.''

I heard him smirked. '' You will. It's about work, anyway. Bakit ba hindi ka na lang ulit pumirma ng kontrata riyan sa kompanya na pinagta-trabahuhan mo?''