Can You See My Heart? (Pontevedra Series #4)

Kabanata 42

Past.

Malamig sa Baguio nang makababa kami ng chopper. Sinalubong kami ng iilang staffs sa mountain lodge kung saan kami naka-check in. This is a bit far from the tourist spots but the area is so damn breathtaking.

It makes sense why the name has mountain lodge on it. We're surrounded of mountain. Though the fog is a bit thick, the entire view is still breathtaking.

Ayaw ko na yatang umuwi ng Pontevedra.

"I'm glad that you visited here, Miss de Dios..." Ani may-ari ng lodge. "I'm always inviting your family here but they're always busy."

Napangiti ako sa may-ari ng lodge. Daddy told me that he already contacted the owner of this lodge. I didn't expect him to welcome us though because I know that he is a busy person.

Kinuha ng dalawang staffs ang gamit namin ni Rainier. Rainier only bought a duffel bag while I bought a small luggage. He gave a key to the staff before he glanced on me.

Ngumuso ako sa kaniya bago ngumiti sa may-ari ng lodge. "Yes, Sir. Biglaan din po kasi ang pagpunta namin. Thank you for assisting us," sagot ko.

Tumawa siya at tumingin kay Rainier. "Vlad is a residence here, Miss de Dios."

Nalaglag ang panga ko sa sinabi niya. Tumingin ako kay Rainier na bahagyang natawa sa sinabi niya. I was left in awe. Milyon-milyon ang halaga ng property rito. Kailangan pang member ka ng isang club. Well, that's what I heard from Kuya.

"I thought you already forgot about your property here, Vlad. Mabuti at napadalaw ka," sabi ni Mr. Ong.

"I just got here from Italy, Tito. Nanatili pa ako sa Pontevedra," sagot niya.

Tumawa si Mr. Ong bago tumingin sa akin.  "Oh. You live with de Dios?"

Mahinang tumawa si Rainier. "You know that my sister is bound to marry Carlo, Tito. Nagbakasyon lang ako roon," sagot ni Rainier.

"Oh..." Suminghap siya. "The long wait is over now? When is the wedding?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Rainier. "I don't know, Tito. Si Carlo ay sinusunod ang gusto ng kapatid ko," humalakhak pa siya.

Tumango si Mr. Ong. "At kung si Carlo ang masusunod ay pakakasalan niya kaagad?"

Tumawa si Rainier at tumango. Humalakhak din si Mr. Ong bago tumingin sa akin. They are close. It is possible if Mr. Ong is also close to my family kasi even this secret engagement of Rei and Kuya Carlo, he was aware of it.

"Vlad and Carlo used to go to same school with my son. They are good friends," aniya.

I smiled and nodded. Iyon ang sagot sa tanong ko.

"And the both of you are together now? Finally, Vlad?" Halakhak ni Mr. Ong.

Ngumuso ako at nag-iwas ng tingin. Imposible ba talaga na maging magkaibigan ang isang lalaki at isang babae? Palagi na lang nilang binibigyan ng kahulugan ang pagiging magkaibigan namin ni Rainier.

"We're good friends, Tito," sagot niya.

Humalakhak ang matanda. He shook his head like it was a big joke. He then glanced on me before tapping Rainier's shoulder.

"Rodolfo already told me about this, Hijo..." Humalakhak siya at sumulyap sa akin. "Still, holding on a promise, Vlad?"

Rainier chuckled. Umiling bago tumingin sa akin. "Tito, magpapahinga muna kami. Magtatagal po ba kayo rito?"

Kumunot ang noo ko sa usapan nila. Ang bilis nilang magpalit ng topic at hindi ko iyon masundan. Kanina lang ay tungkol pa sa kina Kuya Carlo tapos ngayon ay sa promise na? What promise?