Caged [RWS #1]

CHAPTER 43: CATHARSIS

Clio's POV

"I had a suitor six years ago and she's my standard."

Paulit-ulit na nag-play 'yon sa utak ko na parang sirang plaka. I froze and all I can think about was her expression while saying that. She looked serious yet annoyed. Her eyes grew big when she realized what she said but she can no longer take it back.

"Hey, Vianca," I called her name in hushed tone. Pagkatapos kasi niyang sabihin 'yon ay dumiretso siya sa tabi ni Hyacinth at pumikit. Alam kong gising pa siya pero wala na akong magawa dahil ayaw na niya akong harapin. "I'll let this pass tonight pero mag-uusap tayo bukas." I firmly stated before leaving their room.

...

We just arrived at the Avecedo Inc. Hapon na at pare-pareho kaming pagod. Nakaalis na si Rocco, nag-taxi nalang ito pabalik sa hotel na tinutuluyan niya.

"Are you hungry, baby?" Tanong ko kay Hyacinth. Nasa lobby kami ng building, hinihintay ang SUV na susundo sa'min.

She shook her head. "I'm just tired," she answered and yawned. My heart melted when she rested her head on her mom's arm and closed her eyes.

"The SUV will be here in a bit. Have a rest when you two get home." Saad ko at tumingin kay Vianca na maiging pinagmamasdan si Hyacinth. She snaked her arms on Hyacinth's back to support her from sleeping.

"What?" Baling niya sa'kin.

"What what?" Takang tanong ko.

"Is this still about last night?" Nagsusungit nanamang tanong niya.

I gave her a serious look. I knew it, narinig niya 'yon at tinandaan. Hindi na kami nakapag-usap kanina dahil naging busy kami sa pag-aayos ng kanya-kanyang mga gamit. Sa byahe ay hindi rin kami makapag-usap.

"What do you mean that I am your standard?" Seryosong tanong ko. Umayos pa ako ng upo sa single sofa para pirmi siyang makausap.

"Was," pagbibigay diin niya. "You were my standard, noong nanliligaw ka sa'kin. That's it, nothing serious, really." She answered nonchalantly.

"Really?" Natatawa ako sa loob-loob ko. "So ilan ang naging boyfriend mo sa Italy?" Nanghahamong tanong ko.

I can see that I caught her off guard. Hindi na siya makatingin sa'kin at naging malalim ang paghinga niya.

"That's none of your business." She dismissed and gave me an eye roll.

"Oh to be someone's standard." Nakangising bulong ko habang nakatingin sa kanya, nang-aasar.

"Shut up." She glared at me and I just find her adorable.

"How can I be your standard again, Miss Fabroa?" I asked while tilting my head on the side, observing her reaction.

"You were my suitor, Miss Martinez, yeah? Go figure it out." Mataray na wika niya.

Something in my head clicked. Manliligaw niya ako noong naging standard niya ako. Does that mean that I need to court her again para lang maulit 'yon? Is that what she meant or I'm just hallucinating?

"If-"

"Cliocakes!" Sabay kaming napalingon ni Vianca. Natutop ni Maddie ang bibig niya nang makitang may kasama kaming bata at nagising ito dahil sa pagsigaw niya. "Sorry.." she whispered as she stood infront of me.

"The SUV is ready, ma'am. Dalhin ko na po mga gamit niyo." Kasunod na pala nito ang driver na agad ng kumilos para dalhin ang mga gamit namin sa sasakyan.

"Puntahan mo na si Cora sa taas. She needs you there." Bilin ko kay Maddie. Si Cora muna ang pumalit sa'kin habang nasa bakasyon ako. I left tons of workloads so Cora must be busy until now.