Barcelona Escapade

Chapter Forty-Four: Marriage

Chapter Forty-Four
Marriage

I took a quick heave of breath when I went out of the testing center. Sa labas, nahagip ko na agad ng tingin si Mamá at Kuya Hugo. My brother's holding a bouquet of flowers which he handed to Elian after he saw me. Tumakbo naman si Elian papunta sa'kin. Nilakihan ko na rin ang hakbang ko para malapitan siya agad.

"You did a good job, Tita Al!" He managed to say and smiled, his attention facing the crowd of people behind me. Nagtinginan tuloy ang iba. He looked adorable, the bouquet looked bigger than his frame so when he greeted me, he peeked behind it. Today was my last day of exam and Kuya Hugo and him took time to fetch me and give me good luck flowers.

"Thank you," I said, chuckling.

Tinanggap ko ang bulaklak at hinawakan siya sa isang kamay para lumapit sa puwesto nila Mamá. Hindi na niya nga lang hinintay pang tumayo ako sa harapan nila ni Kuya para magsimula siyang maglakad papunta sa parking kung nasaan ang sasakyan.

Kuya Hugo waited for me though. He gave me a small hug and we walked our way, following Mamá. Naglakbay ang tingin ko sa paligid ng testing center, inaalalang nabanggit ni Eros kaninang umaga na pupunta siya rito.

There are too many people, takers like me who recently just went out so it was difficult to find him. Sinubukan ko ring i-check ang phone ko pero ang huli niyang text ay kanina pang umaga.

"He's behind the red Fusion," Kuya Hugo whispered behind me until he walked faster and carried Elian in his arms. "Make it fast."

"I'm not good with cars," I murmured but he didn't hear it. Buti na lang at iilang pulang sasakyan lang ang nasa paligid ko.

I spotted Eros leaning in the red car. He's looking in my way. Nilingon ko ang direksyon nila Mamá na naglalakad palayo. Gustuhin ko mang tumakbo sa direksyon ni Eros, hindi ko na ginawa pa dahil ayokong malagay sa alanganin.

When I looked back at my boyfriend, I only waved. He stood up straight until I noticed he was holding something. Apart from that, he's on a v-neck sweater and a black pants. As much as I wanted to talk to and hold him, the only thing I can do now is to watch him smile at me.

I gave him another wave and walked away before Mamá finds out I'm nowhere. I pulled out my phone to text him while I walked.

Me: I want that bouquet you're holding. Is that for me?

Sumakay ako sa kotse. Mamá was seated in the front seat with Kuya Hugo driving for us. Si Elian ay katabi ko sa likuran.

"We're having dinner at 7. Get ready," Mamá announced.

"With whom?"

"With your father and the Vastias."

I blinked. "Is Jayren and his father already down in the country?"

Nagkatinginan kami ni Mamá sa salamin. "Shouldn't you know if your fiancè is? Didn't Jayren tell you?"

"Oh. I... I was busy with the exams," I reasoned. "He was with his business too. I'm just about to check if he texted."

Hindi na sumagot si Mamá. Nagpanggap akong naghahanap ng text ni Jayren pero inuna ko talagang hanapin ang reply ni Eros.

Eros: It's for you. Can I send it over your condo?

I tried my best not to smile.

Me: And you'll stay? I have dinner at 7 but I'm all free before that.

Pagkatapos mag-text kay Eros, saka ko lang hinanap ang message ni Jayren. He told me they'll have a flight back last week but I wasn't aware it was today. Saka ko lang din napansin ang text niyang nasa biyahe nga sila kagabi at kaka-layover lang nila isang airport.