Gunned Down (Chasing Dreams Series #4) | C O M P L E T E D

Chapter 60

This is the last chapter of Gunned Down. Thank you for making it this far!

The resonating sound of crisp that was produced as I stepped upon the dried leaves was the only thing that has disturbed the solace and tranquility of the cemetery. Going further, the gentle wind seeped through my skin—humming a wistful melody in my ears. Niyakap ko ang dalawang maliit na basket ng bulaklak na pinitas ko mula sa hardin ni Lola Carmelita. I went inside my parents' mausoleum, fighting the longing that I had been keeping inside me for years.

The justice was served after waiting for five years. All the victims could now rest in peace. As I faced my father, I knew that this was the exact moment where I could finally let go of the past and move on.

Umupo ako sa sahig at iniharap ang screen ng cellphone ko sa lapida ni Papa. I played the video where the judge handed down the sentence. I smiled as tears stung my eyes.

"Listen carefully, 'Pa. The judge officially sentenced Glen Romualdez to life in prison. I know you've been waiting for this, too. This is the closure that we've been all waiting for. Wala ka nanag iintindihin pa dahil sa tulong ng mga taong nagmamahal sa ýo at pananaig ng batas ay nakamit mo rin sa wakas ang hustisya. All your efforts were put into good use to hold that person accountable and to separate him from us for as long as he lives. At, sana nakita mo ýung reaksyon ng mga kabaro mo na mangiyak-ngiyak sa tuwa dahil naipanalo natin ang kaso. We all cried in happiness. Even the judge became emotional when I gave my statement in court. Thank you for guiding me and believing in me, 'Pa. And without the need to worry about anything, all you have to do now is to spend eternity with Mama."

I beamed triumphantly when the sunlight shined down at me. Makulimlim pa bago ako pumunta rito, ngunit ngayon ay mas maliwanag pa sa sinag ng araw ang mensaheng ipinaparating ng langit...

Pagkatapos ng mahigit isang oras na pananatili roon ay umuwi ako sa hacienda. Kumpleto ang pamilya ko dahil may mahalaga raw i-a-anunsyo si Jeremiah. His pale face during lunch made me think whether he would drop a good or bad news.

I leaned closer to him. "What is it? Is she pregnant?"

He choked with water and his eyes almost popped out. Natigilan ang iba sa pagkain at ang atensyon ay nakatutok na sa kanya. That was just my wild guess!

"There you go..." I ignored his glaring eyes and smirked at him. "Congratulations!"

"What's the matter, Miah?" Ate Jeminah asked her restless brother.

Umungot si Jamaica. "Don't tell me you already proposed? Think twice, Kuya. Who knows if that girl just wants—"

I cut the bitch off. "Just wants his money? The likes of Maribel can be successful even without your brother, just so you know."

"It's none of your business, Maica. Don't disrespect my girlfriend like that. I know you don't approve of her, but it's my life. Desisyon ko na kung magpapakasal ako o hindi. I spoiled you too much that you would even cross that line," Jeremiah fired savagely.

Hinilot ni Tita Celestina ang kanyang sentido. Ang nakasimangot naman na si Lola Carmelita ay may ibinulong kay Jamaica—halatang pinagsabihan ang intrimitida.

Tumikhim si Tito Emmanuel. "Enough, you two." Bumaling siya kay Jeremiah. "Now tell me what's going on."

Huminga ng malalim si Jeremiah at matapang na tumingin sa mga mata ng kanyang ama. "Maribel's pregnant and I'm going to marry her. Don't worry 'cause we've long prepared for this; we don't need your financial support. All we want is your blessings. And I don't need to think twice 'cause I'll still marry her even without the baby. I hope you can support my decision, Dad, Mom, and Lola."