Chapter 62
“Hi, Jillian.” Clyde greeted while taking his seat. He made himself comfortable before he spoke again. “Van told me that you want to talk abou
t some serious matters?” He took a sip of his freshly made espresso double shot. I already made an order when he said he’s five minutes away. And here it is, he and his cousin’s favourite coffee.
I gently massaged my palms under the table before I answered. “This is about the training Cyrus has declined.” I sighed and thrust my lips.
He cleared his throat and fixed his collar as though he can’t breathe properly. Come on, Clyde.
“Oh, what about that? He already said no.”
“I know. Pero, nasabi mo na ba sa management ang desisyon niya?”
Hindi siya makatingin nang diretso sa akin. Tila ba naaasiwa siya sa pinag-uusapan namin. “Uhm,” he trailed. “Not yet. But I will.” He nodded his head. “Anyway, they have an idea about it. They won’t be surprised. It’s just that I’m still holding on to that tiny hope that along the way, he will change his mind.”
“I understand. And I believe that his papers are still on your custody.” Hinawakan ko ang baso ng kape na ngayon ay malamig na. Pinaglaruan ko ang kutsara at ang tissue para hindi masyadong halata na kinakabahan ako.
“Wait.” He raised his arm. “What’s the point of this conversation?”
“We will change his mind,” I declared.
“What?” he asked in total bewilderment. “Are you for real?”
“Unless you’re taking this as some kind of joke,” seryosong sagot ko.
“But, how?”
“Let me have his papers. I’ll give it to him. Ako ang kukumbinsi sa kaniya.”
“Jillian, ikaw nga ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw niyang ituloy, hindi ba? Wouldn’t it be plain ludicrous if you’ll still push it if he already said no?”
Isang taimtim na ngiti ang binigay ko sa kaniya bago ako sumagot. “I will make him say yes.”
Iniling niya ang kaniyang ulo. “Unbelievable.” Tinapik niya ang kaniyang noo. “After all his sacrifices, this is what he will get?”
“He doesn’t deserve this,” mariing sagot ko. “So, please. Just help me kill the flame before it becomes a wildfire.” Suminghap ako. “You know what, Cyrus is a very selfless guy. Just like his mom. He can sacrifice everything for the people he loves. He is willing to put someone else over his personal desires.” Tumigil ako at hinanap ko ang kaniyang mga mata. “But, this time, it’s gonna be different.” I paused and took a long, painful sigh.
He has to realize that in life, there are some wars that aren’t worth the fight. There are some battles that we have to lose.
