Unplanned Love - COMPLETED

Kabanata 40 - Date

Ngayon ko lang naalala na gusto ako nitong kausapin. I checked the time and it's till 5pm, sandali lang naman siguro kami mag-uusap at mahihintay pa ako ni Jon dahil napagkasunduan naming we'll have dinner together.

I signaled Jerome to wait at hinarap ko ang nagtatakang si Jon, "I just need to talk to him... Can I?" Paalam ko dito. I would like him to feel that I also want him to be part of my little decisions.

Bumuntong hininga ito at pagod na tumango, tumingin muna ito kay Jerome bago ibinalik ang tingin sa akin. He got my bag and kissed me on my head. "I'll wait in the car." He said and left.

Nasa may study table kami ngayon ni Jerome. Hindi pa ito nagsasalita so I don't know what to do or say. Magkatapat kami ngayon ngunit nakatingin lang ako sa langit. The words he said last time felt like a pierce in my heart. He's someone I was really close to... And I really didn't expect those words to come out from him.

"This is the same table I ran to that day I felt really jealous of you and Jon," sabi nito kaya't tinignan ko siya. He was smiling.

"Why are you bringing that up?" Nagtatakang tanong ko. I was expecting for his sorry immediately upang makaalis na rin ako kaagad. But I think he wanted to release everything... Which is somehow a good idea as well.

"My feelings for you are real... For years I was aiming for something... impossible - you and your dreamy love. I love you so being engaged to you is a dream. And I can't explain how my life was shattered just because it came to an end."

Hindi na kailangang ipamukha ni Jerome sa akin 'yon. I know that his feelings for me are genuine... But I just can't love him back.

"Jerome, it wasn't meant to be."

When I met Jon even amidst the family problem, alam kong siya ang gusto ko.

"Alam ko. So sorry for putting all the blame to you. You're not selfish, I- I was just desperate. It was my mistake to tell you those things. Alam kong hindi mo inasahan iyon... So was I. That night, it was full of revelations and the only thing that came into my mind is you."

Mahirap mang kalimutan nang mga sinabi niya ay alam kong mawawala rin iyon sa isipan ko dahil I'm still surrounded with people who knew the real me.

"I understand... The words you told me that night really stuck not just into my mind, but here in my heart," I said pointing at it.

"Afterall that happened in our lives, the greatest lesson I learn is to forgive... Hindi mo man kayang makalimutan pero patawarin mo. So, I forgive you... Pero hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag patuloy ka paring sumusunod sa akin," I calmly said.

His eyes focused on mine, "Madaming taon ka nang nasayang kakahabol sa akin, please... Start living the life you deserve." I said and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Au... One thing that I really love about you is your heart, your selfless heart."

My heart. You we're the reason after all. I guess this conversation is done. I think we both get what we wanted.

Tumayo na ako ngunit nakatingin parin sakanya, "I have one wish."

"What?"

"Stop loving me... Two people deserve your love more. Your undivided love." Sabi ko at lumapit sakanya upang tapikin ang kanyang balikat. I am smiling as I walk towards Jon's car.

Naabutan ko ang binata na nakasandal sa pinto ng kanyang sasakyan. Hindi pa niya ako napapansin.

"Tss. Why are they talking so long," inis na sabi nito at nagsipa pa ng mga bato. "She wasn't even texting."