Peace of the Heart (Cacher Series #1)

Kabanata 16

Kabanata 16

Caught

"Martiza, I like you..."

My eyes grew bigger at Frence's confession. I was struggling to regain my composure because we're dancing! He kept his straight face, waiting for my answer. I bit my lower lip trying to stop myself to speak up about his feelings. I don't want to acknowledge that.

"I have liked you for straight five years now..."

I blinked thrice.

I wasn't ready. I did not see this coming.

I felt his hands loosened up on my waist because I wasn't saying anything. I gave him a short-lived smile.

Frence is not rich, but he has a soft and pure heart. He has the looks also. I remember him helping me with my studies back when I was still in Junior. I could've liked him if I only knew about his feelings back then. He's my type. But it's too late now. I'm happy now, and considering things like this isn't my concern anymore.

"I know that you are h-happy with Alcaeus now..." He gave me a warm smile. "I just want to tell you about my feelings. I can't seem to free them knowing that they weren't heard at the first place... I am not asking for anything in return..."

He let go of my waist to wiped off the tears on his face. The crowd started to notice what's happening here on the stage. The spotlight was on us. I went to him and gave him my warm hug.

"It's okay, Frence... I am not worth it..." I consoled him.

"Ano'ng nangyayari? Pina-iyak yata ni Martiza si Frence, e!"

"Hindi, gago! Tagal nang crush ni Frence 'yan!"

"Gago! Sama na ng tingin ni Alcaeus! Ba't kaya ngayon pa umamin?"

"Cute naman si Frence, e."

"Shhh..." I tried to comfort him. "I am not worth it. You deserve better."

"You are above better, Martiza," he whispered on my ears.

Natawa na lang ako sa sinabi niya at hinayaan ang sariling yakapin siya. Nang matapos naman ay ako na mismo ang nag-ayos ng kan'yang salamin at tuxedo. Isang ngiti ang aking pinakawalan para pakalmahin siya.

"Thank you," he smiled sweetly at me.

"Free them now, Frence," I said with a smile on my face.

"I'll try..."

Nang matapos kami ay sila Laimer naman at ang babaeng nanalo ang nag-sayaw. Bumalik na ako sa table nila Alcaeus.

I sat down on my chair and smiled on Alcaeus. He glared at me. I chuckled when I saw his annoyed expression. He glanced away and continued to shut his mouth.

"Wala lang 'yon, Alcaeus," natatawang paliwanag ko sa kan'ya.

"Galit 'yan, Martiza," nagpipigil tawang sambit ni Eugene. "Ba't mo kasi niyakap?"

"He confessed," I told them honestly.

I caught his attention. He glared at me again.

"What did he say?" he asked, trying to hide his annoyed self.

"He likes me for five years straight..." I lowered my voice.

He licked his lower lip. He continued to glare at me. I showed him my shy smile, he rolled his eyes. We didn't break our gazes, until we heard his cousins trying to stifle their laugh.

"May nauna pala sa'yo, Alcaeus, e," pangaasar ni Alui.

"Hina naman ng Kuya natin," tinakpan ni Raven ang kan'yang bibig para hindi marinig ang kan'yang tawa.