Searing Burst of Rage (Fireheart 2)

Chapter 12

He's looking at me intently, somber... on top of that... he doesn't seem surprised to see me at all. He's wearing his usual dress shirt, the same Alfe I met in Australia, except for his nonchalance. He's acting oblivious.

But, wait... am I marrying him? What in the world? Is this coincidence? He's the person I like... did I use all my luck for this? I really didn't care whom I am marrying but then... it's Alfe, it becomes something else. I will definitely marry him.

However, I pulled out of my surprise and formed a smile as I said, "Alfe!"

His eyes pulled away from me and directed to his mother. Bumaling din ako kay Signora at nahiya sa inasta. Was I too delighted? Was I too obvious?

"Do you know each other?" she asked.

Mabilis akong tumango. "We met in Australia. We're acquainted and hung out a couple of times."

"Hung out?" gulat na tanong ni Signora.

"It's not what you think Mama. We didn't hang out like 'hang out'. Walang ibig sabihin," depensa ni Alfe atsaka lumapit sa ina.

"Why not? Well, it's better that you already know each other. The marriage will definitely work," she said and smiled at me.

Ngumiti din ako sa kanya. "I will look forward, Signora." Nahalata ko din na nagustuhan ni Papa ang sinabi ko. Pero si Alfe ay hindi man lang nagpakita ng kahit anong emosyon. What is his problem? Wala ba sya sa mood?

"Son, greet her formally," utos ni Signora sa anak.

Walang nagawa si Alfe at naglakad palapit sa akin. Naglahad sya ng kamay. "It's a pleasure meeting you." 

Tinanggap ko ito at handang makipagkamay nang iangat nya ang kamay ko at dalhin sa mga labi. He kissed the back of my hand softly. It's smooth but sent shocks all over my system.

I instantly composed myself the moment he let go of my hand. Pinigilan kong hindi ngumiti ng malaki sa ginawa nya. Normal lang siguro ito sa kanila pero para sa akin ay hindi.

Sabi ni Signora ay magsimula na kaming kumain dahil kompleto na kami. Ang laki ng dining nila para sa aming apat. There are tarts, pasta, some soup, salad and skewers. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit wala silang rice.

Pasta nalang ang kinuha ko. Pagkatapos ng using subo ay agad akong tumingin kay Alfe, naghihintay na mapatingin din sya sa gawi ko. He is so serious.

"Since our kids already know each other. We should go proceed to the wedding right away," Dad suddenly said.

"That's a good idea. We should do the engagement party first to announce it formally," pagsang-ayon ni Signora.

"Do we really have to do that, Mama? People will eventually know," Alfe opposed.

"Why? Do you want to do the wedding ceremony as early as possible?" ani Signora.

"What's the point? It's just a waste of time, money, and effort."

Bumaling si Signora sa akin. "What do you think, Chantrea?"

"I will agree to anything that will compromise," I answered.

"How about you Sebastian?"

"I will give you the honor to decide, Zi," ani Papa.

"Then, we'll have an engagement party," Signora concluded.

"No one will attend, for sure," Alfe murmured.

Nakita ko ang pagsaway ng Signora sa anak pero parang wala lang sa kanya ito. Bakit naman walang pupunta sa engagement? Ang laki naman ng pamilya nila atsaka siguradong maraming business partners. Si Gus kaya? Nandito din ba?