Paradise (Book One)

The Reason (Part One)

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You

and the reason is You [x3]

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

"Herzlich willkommen im Interkontinental Hotel! Welcome, sir, to Intercontinental Hotel!" ang bati ng reception kay Gerald.

"Guten morgen. Ich habe eine Reservierung im Namen Gerald Anderson." Iniabot niya ang kanyang credit card at passport.

"Lassen Sie mich nachsehen Sir." After few minutes, 'Ah, here it is. You will be in Suite 212, Mr. Anderson. Sollten wir Ihr Gepäck auf Ihr Zimmer, Sir?"

"Ja, bitte."

After few minutes, "Your room is ready. Gibt es etwas anderes kann ich Ihnen helfen, Sir?"

"Nein, danke. Können Sie mir den Weg zum Restaurant?"

"Sie können gehen Sie geradeaus auf der linken Seite und dann rechts am Ende. Sie sehen dann den Haupteingang."

"Okay,danke."

"Vielen Dank, Herr Anderson. Wir hoffen, Sie genießen Ihren Aufenthalt hier in Wien."

"Das hoffe ich auch. Wir sehen uns."

At pumunta na siya patungong restaurant. "Straight left, then right at the end," ulit niya sa direksyong sinabi ng receptionist.

He reached the restaurant, and occupied the table at the corner and near the window. From his position, he can see anyone entering the place.

He ordered food and finished eating and already sipping his coffee, hindi pa rin siya mapakali. Is he ready to face the old man?

Ano sasabihin niya? Will he remember him?

Naalala niya ang unang beses niyang makita ito. The old guy was introduced to him nung burol ng kanyang ama. When Don Geronimo tried to shake his hands, hindi niya tinanggap. Instead, pinakititigan niya ang mukha nito, tinandaan niya ang hitsura at sinabi niyang, "One day, hahanapin kita at sisingilin." At iniwan niya itong nakakunot-noo.

He decided now is that day. Though this was not his original plan, he has to do it now. Baka tuluyan nang makawala ang kinabukasan niya kapag ipinagpaliban pa niya ito. Pero wala pa rin ang don. Ayon kay Fred, dito madalas kumakain ang matanda at palaging nag-iisa.

"Five more minutes."

Natapos ang limang minuto pero wala pa rin ito.

Tumayo na siya. Babalik na lang siya mamaya.

He was about to leave when Don Geronimo came in. He was slowly walking in, a cane on his right hand and someone at his left awaiting in case he needs help.

Totoo palang may sakit ito. The old guy looked older than the last time he saw him. Pumayat din ito at mukhang mahina. But his face is the same. Tough and with determination. His body may be starting to give in to his old age, but not his mind.

Nagdalawang isip siya kung kakausapin na niya ito o ipagpapaliban hanggang sa tuluyang gumaling. Kung dati-rati wala siyang pakialam kung ikamatay man nito ang paghihiganti niya, ngayon palagi na lang siyang kinokonsensya.

Pero nandito na rin lang siya, tatapusin na niya ang sinimulan niya.

Umupo siyang muli at pinanood ang matanda habang kumakain.

Nakuha ni Asher dito ang habit nang pagbuntung-hininga, pagkunot ng noo kapag may iniisip at pagnguso nang hindi sinasadya kapag hindi nagustuhan ang naiisip. Hindi nakuha ng babae ang kulay nito dahil ang matandang lalake ay moreno samantalang si Asher ay maputi. Average Filipino height ang don samantalang umaabot ng 5'6" ang dalaga, matangkad sa karaniwang Pilipina. Siguro sa ina nito nakuha ang kulay at tangkad.

Naalala niya ang ina ni Asher.

Buhay pa pala ito at nandito rin sa bansa. Kaya pala dito gustong magpagamot ng don, para makausap din ang dating asawa.

Balak din niyang kausapin ang babae. Kailangan niyang malaman mula mismo dito ang hinala nilang magkakaibigan.

Pero sa ngayon, ang don muna ang kakausapin niya.

Hinintay niyang matapos ito sa pagkain at saka niya nilapitan habang umiinom na ito ng tsa.