Even If It Means A War (Chaotic Series #1)

Kabanata 10

Even If It Means A War

Kabanata 10

"May nagpapabigay po sainyo ng rosas."

Napaangat ang tingin naming lahat sa lalaking nagsalita. Binaba ko ang aking kubyertos at tumayo.

"Sino pong nagpadala, Kuya?" nagtataka kong tanong at kinuha sa kaniya ang bulaklak.

I looked at the fresh flowers. Each one has different colors. Natigil ako nang makita ring may isang pirasong gumamela na nakatago sa gilid na tingin ko'y bagong pitas pa.

"Sino pa ba, Yary? Wala ka namang ibang manliligaw kundi si Rall." Si Lolo na malapad ang ngiti.

I smiled discreetly and nodded at the man. "Thanks po."

The man left after giving me a meaningful smile. Tumaas ang kilay ko at binaba ang tingin sa mga sariwang rosas. I sat down and put the bouquet on my lap. I searched for a note in it but I found nothing.

Rall has been busy and we haven't seen each other for a week. These flowers must be from him. Kahapon din ay nagpadala siya ng mga chocolates sa bahay.

"Magnobyo na ba kayo?"

Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkain. Kasalukuyan kaming nagtatanghalian sa clubhouse.

"Hindi pa, Ma," sagot ko.

"Bakit hindi pa? Matagal na siyang nanliligaw sa'yo, bakit pinapatagal mo pa? Don't tell me you're still on getting to know each other level? Matagal na kayong magkaibigan, kilala niyo naman na ang isa't-isa. 'Wag ka nang magpakipot."

As I said, I don't consider Rall as anything. Not even a friend. I'm selective with my friends. I'm elusive when it comes to friendships. Of course, I'm keeping a secret and I need to be cautious. Besides, I don't really need a lot of friends. Si Rems na kapatid ko ay ayos na sa akin.

"It takes time naman, Ma," kaswal kong sagot. "We're not rushing things."

Though, I don't have a plan to say 'yes' to Rall, I still need to lie to them.

Everything's going well. Ang problemang kinakaharap namin ngayon ni Zame ay ang pagpapakasal niya sa anak ni Chairman Crisologo. I'm still worried, hindi naman mawawala ang bagay na 'yon. But Zame assured me, and I do, trust his process. Marami na kaming pinagdaanang bagay. This is just another snag.

Minsan tuloy naisip ko kung ang babaeng anak ni Chairman Crisologo ay ipapakasal kay Zame, hindi kaya may plano rin silang ipakasal ako kay Rall? It's not impossible. They're pushing me to Rall, I'm thinking if this one of their strategies. If by any chance we end up together, baka ipakasal kaming dalawa sa huli.

And that's impossible. I am already married.

"Let Yary decides," si Papa. "She's old enough for herself to decide. Let's not pressure her."

Papa looked at me and smiled. I smiled back in return.

"Sabagay," kibit balikat ni Lolo. "Sa altar din naman mapupunta 'to."

May narinig akong naubo sa tabi ko. Nilunok ko nang maigi ang kaning nabitin ata sa lalamunan ko. Rems and I gave each other meaningful look. Iniwas ko agad ang tingin ko bago matawa.

Umambon kinahapunan. Naambunan ako kaya nagdaan ang ilang oras ay nangati ang aking lalamunan. Agad naman akong uminom ng gamot para hindi na lumala pa.

Grandfather announced that we will have a family and friends dinner tonight. The Maguin and Vendivil families would be there as well. He mentioned this last time.