Truly, Madly, Crazily

Chapter Twenty

Chapter 20

"Jan" bumuntong hininga ako at pumikit ng mariin. Hearing her voice really calms my nerves and makes me at peace.

"You're with Glenn.." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Naramdaman ko ang pagtabi niya sa akin. Dalawa na kaming nakatingin sa view sa harapan, the city lights .

"Obviously.." I smiled sadly.

"You could have told me na Glenn's your partner pala. We're always together for a week.. You have a lot of time to inform me." I didn't help but ask her. It's been bugging my mind ever since I learned that she's coming here with Glenn.

Lyric's expression remained neutral as she replied, "I didn't think it was necessary to inform you." I look at her in disbelief. I could feel the anger and jealousy building up inside me.

"It is necessary because I'm courting you, Lyric, and I asked you to be my partner. You could have just declined my offer and at least informed me. Naghintay ako sa wala." I blurted out, unable to hold back my feelings any longer.

Lyric's gaze hardened. "Here we go again. Do you want me to repeat what I told you before?"

"I'm sorry. I just needed to get that off my chest." I have to calm myself to avoid saying things like that. Ito yung ayaw ko every time i'm mad. I'm saying everything without thinking. "It's just that.. Umasa ako, Lyric. I thought because of what had been happening last week.."

Lyric sighed, making me stop. "I don't want to explain myself anymore. If you want to stop courting me then so be it. Stop hurting yourself, Andrico". Ano? Back to zero na naman kami? Hays.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I listened to her words. Hindi na ako sumagot dahil baka kung saan pa mapunta to. Choice ko to, choice kong masaktan. And it's still my choice to keep on doing this kahit masaktan pa ako ng paulit ulit. At least in the future I won't have any regrets. Silence remain between us hanggang sa pumasok na uli siya loob, pumasok na rin ako after a few minutes.

As I came back in, the music welcomed my ears. It's perfect for a slow romantic dance. Instead of approaching Lyric I approached my partner for the night, Abrielle, instead. Of course

Huminga muna ako ng malalim and made my way over to Ma'am Abrielle, who is on our table, sipping on her drink. Bahagya akong yumuko at inabot ang kamay ko. "May I have this dance with you, Ma'am?" I asked, my voice soft and gentle.

She looked up at me and smiled, placing her hand in mine. "I would love to dance with you, Lijan," she replied, "Please stop calling me Ma'am, call me by my name instead."

"You're my professor, ma'am. It's normal to address you in that way.." I said.

"Fine. But if we're outside the school please call me by my name.." I sighed at tumango na lang. Kulit din pala neto ni Ma'am

We made our way to the dance floor, and I placed my hand on her waist while she rested her other hand on my shoulder. As the music played, we swayed to the rhythm, talking about the basketball team and school syempre.

I couldn't help but steal glances at Lyric from time to time, and I noticed that she was watching us dance.

"Thank you for dancing with me, Abrielle.." As the song came to an end I led her back to our table. Where someone is waiting for me

Nakilala ko agad kung sino yon because of his familiar posture and physique. And his signature long black waist-length hair tied in a ponytail. It's my grandfather, Lolo Jaime.

I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and happiness seeing him, ang tagal naming hindi nagkita. I can't go to pangasinan because of my studies. He stood up as we approached, his face lighting up with a smile as he saw me.

"Lijan, my dear granddaughter! It's been too long since I last saw you," he said, opening his arms for a hug. Agad naman akong lumapit sa kanya after guiding Abrielle to sit but she refused so she's standing behind me.

Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit, i can feel his warmth and love. "I missed you, Lolo Jaime," I said

He pulled back and looked at me, his eyes shining with pride. "You look beautiful, my dear. And who is this lovely lady with you?" he asked, turning his gaze towards Abrielle.

"This is Abrielle, Lolo. She's my partner for the night," pagpapakilala ko kay Ma'am Benett.

Lolo Jaime took Abrielle's hand and kissed it gently. "Enchanted to meet you, Abrielle. She really got my taste with girls," he said, making Abrielle blush.

I playfully pinch him. "Lolo! She's my professor, stop it..". They both ignored me, I massaged the bridge of my nose as they continued to talk. Edi kayo na

Abrielle couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed as Lolo Jaime kept on complimenting her. She smiled and replied, "Thank you, sir. It's an honor to finally meet you."

"Well as much as i want to keep on talking to you, Abrielle, i also need to catch up with my granddaughter.." he apologetically smiled at Abrielle.

Abrielle smiled back and nodded understandingly. "Of course, sir. It was lovely meeting you."

After that, Lolo Jaime guided me towards the dance floor and we danced. Talking about old memories and catching up on each other's lives. As the night went on, he eventually asked, "So, have you finally made up your mind? Do you already consider running our company?"

I looked up at Lolo Jaime, feeling a little uneasy. "I'm still thinking about it, Lolo. It's a big responsibility, and I want to make sure that I'm fully prepared for it if I do decide to take on the role. At isa pa, i'm still studying," I replied honestly.

Tumango siya ng dalawang beses at ngumiti. "I understand, Lijan. But just remember, the company has been in our family for generations. It's a legacy that we need to preserve and continue to build upon," he said, his tone serious.

I knew that he was right. The company was not just a business, but a part of our family's history and identity. "I know, Lolo. I'll make sure to give it careful consideration," I assured him.

The rest of the night passed in a blur, and before I knew it, the event was over. Nakausap ko na rin ang mag-asawang Benett, they are delighted to know that I am Abrielle's partner. As we were getting ready to leave, I caught a glimpse of Lyric and Glenn saying their goodbyes to the other guests. I felt a pang of jealousy as I watched Glenn wrap his arm around Lyric's waist.

Instead of hurting myself, I looked away and asked Abrielle to go home. Nauna nang umalis si Lolo Jaime kanina, he's asking me to go with him sa pangasinan kaso may pasok ako bukas. The drive home is silent but comfortable, we are both tired kaya walang nagsasalita. I notice that Abrielle keeps on taking selfies ng palihim that's why i stop the car sa gilid ng daan. She looked at me confious

"Take pictures properly. Do you want me to take your picture?" I smiled.

"Kala ko nasiraan na tayo ng sasakyan, Jan. But yes please, i wasn't able to take a picture kanina sa ball.." I feel sorry because I think it's my fault. I'm her partner but then diko man lang naisip na kunan siya ng litrato

"I'm sorry, Abrielle.." her forehead creased.

"No need to say sorry ano ka ba. Matagal kayong hindi nagkita ng Lolo mo, it's fine. Now let's take our pictures.." oh well..

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hala tagal na pala di naka-update! kamusta kayo? sorry 3rd year na e. dami pa events sa school. namiss ko to! advance merry christmas guys<3

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12/9/23 | 10:43pm