Chasing After Wind // Jordi GDL FF

Chapter 25

9 years later

It was rude to stare.

I knew that much from the tons of etiquette lessons I received from Mom as a child.

But sometimes it was impossible not to.

And this was one of those times.

Ibinaba ko ang iniinom na orange juice at mahinang itinulak palayo ang pinggan.

Nawalan na ako ng gana.

I called the waiter's attention so I can pay at nang makarating siya'y minadali ko na ang pagbayad. Hindi ko na hinintay ang sukli't inayos na ang aking bag.

I glanced at Amarissa's direction one last time.

It's only been two years since he asked permission. Siguro this time, hindi niya na talaga hahayaang makawala?

A corner of my lip tugged upwards bitterly.

Judging by the bump she sported, it seems like she's on her third trimester. Malaki na ang nasa sinapupunan niya and if I were to put another bet, it looks like she's a month or two away from labor.

Dahil sa tagal ng pagtitig ko ay nakuha ko na ang atensyon ni Amarissa. Nang nakita niya ako'y malawak siyang ngumiti at kumaway-kaway pa.

It made me feel guilty to act like I didn't see her. Kaysa naman magkunyari akong komportable akong makipag-usap sa babaeng nakatuluyan ng ex ko.

I need a drink.

I entered my car and drove to the nearest bar.

Hindi naman ako madalas sa Pilipinas. Over the years, I've been building my empire back in Spain. Kaya tila sinusulit ng tadhana ang saktan ako sa tuwing napupunta ako rito.

I've moved on.

At least that's what I believe.

Sa kabila ng pinaniniwalaan ko'y inaamin ko pa rin namang hindi pa rin ako komportable na makasama si Jordi sa iisang lugar o kahit sinong may kakayahang ipaalala sa akin ang binitawan ko.

Ever since Ate got married though, avoiding their family was like a kid trying to avoid school.

My heels clicked on the pavement that led the way into the bar. Hindi pa nga ako nakakapasok ay nakatanggap na ako ng tawag mula kay Antonio, one of the people I trust to run the company when I'm not around.

"Yes?" bungad ko. I stood aside and leaned on the wall para hindi ako nakaharang sa entrance.

"Bad mood?" tanong niya.

"Ano sa tingin mo?" suplada kong ani. I was thousands of kilometers away from where he was pero nagagawa niya pa rin akong inisin. "Bilis! I need to get a drink."

Tinawanan niya lamang ang sinabi ko. "Your jewelry line in the Philippines. Opening na nun in a few weeks. Will you be there?"

I racked my brain for an answer. Nakalimutan ko nga palang tanungin ang Coach namin kung hanggang kailan ang liga.

"I'll tell you when I find the schedule. Don't call me," diretsong ani ko before I sent my location to Ate Mica para alam niyang iinom ako. Nang matapos ang ginagawa ay pinatay ko na rin ang phone.