Sign by the Cumulus (Cloud Series #3) - COMPLETED

Epilogue

Epilogue

Third was nervous. I can feel him even when he looks calm and compose. Nasa sasakyan niya kami ngayon at bumabyahe na ng ilang oras pauwing bahay.

"Third..." I called him as I held his hand. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." He smiled.

"Don't be nervous. I'm here."

"Yes, baby..." He sighed heavily. "I'm just worried. They're still mad at me and I'm here showing myself again, but now, as your boyfriend."

"And soon to be husband."

"Tss." his lips pursed. "Are you trying to make me feel better now?"

"Bakit? Ayaw mo? Binigyan mo nga ako ng singsing!"

His lips stretched for a smile. Dinala niya ang kamay ko sa kaniyang labi at marahang hinalikan iyon. Pagkatapos ay bumuntong-hininga siya.

"Ah, I think I'm going to pass out." He chuckled.

Malungkot akong ngumiti.

Ngayon ko lang naisip kung gaano ka nakakatakot sa kaniya ang pagpabalik-balik sa bahay. Sa nakita kong kaba niya ngayon, I realized it's been too hard and fearful for him to come and come that he's very much unwanted. Takot sa galit nina Mama pero nagpatuloy pa rin. I feel so bad for him that it's painful to think about it now. I hope I can make it up to him.

"I'll take care of you, okay?" I looked at him lovingly. "Nandito ako."

He bit his lower lip and nodded.

Pagkatapos niyon ay tahimik na siya buong byahe. Tahimik lang na nilalaro ang kamay ko, nagpaparamdam, habang seryosong nagmamaneho. I let him have his peace and silence so he can think thoroughly. I have the feeling he's really thinking what to do.

When we arrived home, hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa kamay niya. Mama welcomed and embraced me so tight. She looks so worried for me. Niyakap ko rin si Papa na naghihintay ng yakap ko, nakabukas pa ang mga braso. I hugged Clarence and Ate Pearl too.

"Kumusta?" ani Ate Pearl at sumulyap kay Third na tahimik sa likod ko. "Mabuti naman sumama pa rito?"

"Gustong sumama."

Ate Pearl smirked. "Ilang beses ng tinaboy, a? Hindi talaga takot?"

Umiling ako at bumuntong-hininga. Nilingon ko si Third na nakatingin sa akin, naghihintay na balikan ko. Mama went to him. Napunta agad kay Mama ang atensyon niya.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am." Third bowed politely.

"Tita Sophia," Mama corrected. Nakita kong natigilan doon si Third. "Kumusta si Pristine sa Manila?"

"Ayos lang po. Pasyensiya na kung hindi siya agad nakauwi."

"Ako ang nagdesisyong manatili roon, Mama. I waited for him to settle things before going home."

Bumuntong-hininga si Mama at pinapasok na si Third. Third looked hesitant but he obliged. He looks so cautious. Pakiramdam ko nag-eexpect siyang sasampalin at papalayasin ni Mama anytime. I was so sad for him. Mabuti na lang at welcoming naman ang kilos ni Mama habang pinapapasok siya.

Nagtipon kami sa sofa at nag-uusap habang nags-serve naman si Ate ng meryenda. Maya't maya niya akong sinisiko, nginunguso si Third na nakikipag-usap kay Papa at si Mama na nakikinig sa kanila. They all looked calm and chill so I didn't worry. Ilang sandali lang ay tumabi na siya sa akin.

"Nag-uusap na sila ng tungkol sa negosyo ngayon. Narinig ko ng kaunti." pangchi-chismis ni Ate.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Ngumisi siya.