One Chance For Redemption

Kabanata 42 - Uncanny

Kabanata 42

Uncanny

The first time that I felt my heart skipped a beat because of Dale, I knew already that I am bound to experience a serious heartbreak. The moment I let my feelings go awry, I knew there's no turning back.

I have chosen this path. I have chosen the way where I could join Dale to his journey.

This heartbreak... this jealousy and uneasiness that I am feeling... ako ang may kagagawan nito. Ako ang nagsimula. Hinayaan ko ang sarili ko na humantong sa gantong sitwasyon kaya wala akong ibang masisisi kung hindi ang sarili ko. Nang mapunta ako sa mundo na ito, sinigurado ko na agad na ang lahat ng bagay, takbo ng pangyayari ay pabor sakin. I should be the one who will benefit sa mga bagay bagay. I was always one step ahead sa lahat ng tao o character na nandito sa nobela na ito.

Bawat kilos ko noon ay kalkulado. Alam ko ang lahat ng dapat kong gawin.

But...

Seeing that girl... Serena Monfort. The girl I was very anxious to meet, have finally showed herself in most unexpected way, causes all my nerves to tense up. This is too early for her to show up. Serena and Dale wasn't supposed to meet until Dale claimed the throne. Pero bakit... bakit ka ngayon nandito sa harapan ko Serena? What causes you to be here? May ginawa ba akong bagay na naka-apekto sayo? Ako ba ang dahilan ng maaga mong paglabas sa storya?

Magulo ang isip ko. Hindi ako makapag-isip ng maayos. Pasimpleng sulyap mula kay Portia na nasa gilid ko ang natanggap as I breathed out deeply.

"Are you ill, Lady Amaury?" panimula niyang tanong pagkaalis ng isang noble lady na binati ko. I know my expression couldn't hide it because I am very disturbed right now. Madaming bagay ang tumatakbo sa isipan ko at gulong-gulo na ako.

Gulong-gulo dahil hindi ko maisip ang dahilan for Serena to show up. Gulong-gulo sa nararamdaman ko. I have promised myself that I will accept whatever Dale's decision once na mag-pakita ang tunay na babae na makakapareha niya. Hindi ako kokontra o lalaban pa. I'll accept it willingly. Y'on ang dati. But why is my feelings and conviction wavering? Should I fight? Kaya ko bang pantayan ang babae na dapat at totoo niyang kapareha? Will he choose me kung papipiliin siya sa pagitan namin ni Serena?

Amaury or Serena? What would be your decision, Dale?

The tea party has started when the sweets arrived. Unlike the usual tea party na tradisyon dito na tanging kababaihan lamang ang maaring dumalo, binago ko iyon at nilagyan na maaari silang magsama ng escort nila sa party. Kaya ang hardin ngayon ay punong puno.

"You're doing a good job, Amaury. I can now conclude that this party is a success."

I smile a little as I heard him approach me. He was wearing a dazzling silver coat that compliment his hair and grey eyes.

"It was all Portia's work. You should gave her the credit and not to me."

"Sure." he said as he took a step closer to me and hugged my waist, "I acknowledged Portia's work, but I am commending the hard work and effort of my fiancée too. Kahit maliit pa yan."

Ngumuso ako upang itago ang nagbabadyang ngiti sa labi, "Sus! Bola!"

Padabog kong biro na tinanggal ang pagkakahawak niya sakin. When I took a step back ay muntikan na naman akong matapilok, good thing Dale was there para alalayan ako. Mahina siyang humalakhak as he helped me get back on my feet.

"Anong tinatawa-tawa mo d'yan? Tinatawanan mo pag-kalampa ko?" I clicked my tongue on him as I glare him at medyo tumatawa ng kaunti.

Ngumisi siya at muling binalik ang posisyon naming dalawa kanina. Inilapit niya ang kanyang labi sa tenga ko at doon bumulong.