SERIES 2: Trapped In Sadness

TIS Chapter 18

"I am not ready for parental responsibility" — Vaughn Vestager
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YUMUKO ang ulo ni Vaughn.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to disappoint my family especially my fiancée. I hope you understand. Just please keep this secret between us." Tinignan niya si Illyza sa mga mata. "This may be the last time we'll be seeing each other." Walang kahit na anong ekpresyon ang makikita sa mukha nito.

Nanatiling tikom ang bibig ni Illyza at napalunok.

Umiling-iling ang lalaki. "I'm really sorry, I am not ready for parental responsibility."

Huling sinabi nito pagkatapos ay umalis.

Hindi man lang nakakibo si Illyza sa huling mga sinabi nito. Nanghihina siya at dahan-dahang napaupo. Tumulo ang kanyang mga luha. Unfortunately some people aren't meant to be parents and Vaughn is better off.

Naawa siya sa anak, naawa siya kay Amarah dahil nagkaroon ito ng amang walang pakialam sa kanya.

Huminga siya ng malalim nang maalala ang kanina. She stayed in the garden for about 20 minutes before she head on to the reception area.

"Ahm, excuse me..."

Nilingon siya ng babaeng receptionist.  "Yes, ma'am. May I help you?"

Tipid siyang ngumiti rito. "Ahm... about earlier, with regard to the plant that has been torn by a kid..." Tinuro niya ang sarili. "I am the mother. May I talk to the manager please?"

Tumango ang babae. "Alright ma'am, please wait..." Ani ng receptionist pagkatapos ay may tinawagan, kaagad din naman nitong binaba at tinignan siya. "I'm sorry ma'am, the manager is on meeting right now."

She nodded gently. "Uh, thank you... Ahm, when will he be available, Miss? Because I need to know how much will I need to pay for the damage."

Ngumiti ang babae at umiling. "You have nothing to worry ma'am, you don't need to pay for the expense. Everything's settled by the boss."

Her forehead creased. "The boss? What do you mean?"

"It was just a simple accident for him. Besides, he was pleased to met your daughter, ma'am." Muli itong ngumiti. "Excuse me," anito pagkatapos ay bumaling sa ibang mga guests na kadarating lang.

Nasiyahan ang boss sa anak niya kaya hindi siya pinabayad, tama ba ang pagkakaintindi niya? Napakunot noo siya, ang bait naman ng boss para hindi siya pabayarin.

Kahit papa'no nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Pagpalain sana ito. Sigurado siyang mahal ang halamang nasira pero hindi man lang siya pinabayad kahit kalahati man lang?

Umiling-iling siya at tumalikod.

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"OH! Vaughn, son you're here!"

Masiglang sabi ng ina niya.

"Your mom's recovering so fast. She must be happy that you're getting married to Willa Jenica." Ani ng ama niya na nakatayo sa gilid ng higaan ng asawa.

Tumango siya ng dahan-dahan pagkatapos ay bumaling sa taong nakaupo sa sofa.

"Vaughn!" Tawag ni Willa Jenica at lumapit sa kanya. She hugged him tight and kissed his cheek. "I missed you already..." Anito and placed her head lovingly on his chest.