Unplanned Love - COMPLETED

Kabanata 12 - Katapatan

Tahimik lang ako kahit na patuloy ang diskusyon ng mga tao sa paligid ko. We're here at Ocampo's Mansion for some dinner. Ito yung nirequest ni Jerome sa'kin nung isang araw.

It's a good thing na kasama ko si Mommy ngayon dahil hindi siya madalas sumasama dito. Kumpleto rin ang mga Ocampo at kasama rin namin ang party coordinator to report about the preparations.

"So, the venue we rented is for around 300 people," explain ni Ms. Tania, the party coordinator.

Wow. 300 people for this event. Sasagutin daw ng Ocampo ang bayad sa buong party even though nagpumilit si mommy na siya na. It's an engagement party daw kasi, kaya hindi nila papayagang kami ang magbayad.

"Jerome," bulong ko dito. "Isn't 300 people too many?"

Ngumiti lang ito sa akin, "Nung una akala ko rin. But lolo's going to invite their business partners," paliwanag nito at napatango nalang ako.

Patuloy nalang akong nakinig sa lahat ng details. Hindi rin naman ako nagrereact kapag may ayaw ako dahil nahihiya ako dahil sila na rin naman ang nagdedesisyon.

Buti nalang at napapayag sila na kami na ang bahala nila mommy sa lahat regarding my debut. I'm happy on that one! Financial matters na ang pinag-uusapan ng mga matatanda kaya Jerome invited me na magpahangin sa labas.

"How's your preparation for the pageant?" Tanong nito.Paglabas ay agad na bumungad sa amin ang maliit nilang pool. How I've wanted to dip my feet there for a moment.

Nakita ata ni Jerome ang pagtingin ko sa pool. Laking gulat ko nang lumuhod ito sa harap ko and he carefully started to unstrap my sandals.

"Wag na!" Sabi ko sakanya at umambang luluhod na rin pero he shook his head. Wala na akong nagawa. After niyang maalis ito ay sinunod niya ang kanya.

This boy and his little ways. I can't help but smile. He held my hand at iginiya niya ko sa pool, naupo kami sa gilid nito at hinayaang mabasa ang aming panyapak. What a relaxing moment.

"You know, Rome, " tawag ko sakanya. Matagal tagal ko narin pala siyang di natatawag sa palayaw ko sakanya. Nanatili ang mga tingin namin sa tubig.

"This past few days have been so refreshing. The preparation for the pageant is exhausting. I've never been that busy before but you know? Trying new things have helped me," nakangiti kong kwento.

"There's one thing that's bugging me this past few days, Babe. The sportswear... You're fine with it?" Nag-aalalang tanong nito kaya't tumango ako sakanya at ngumiti.

"Yeah. Medyo naninibago parin ako but I guess I'm starting to feel good at it. A person reminded me that I should really start loving myself. And I guess by loving more of me and by giving time for myself, I can really start letting go of my grudges."

I've really decided to let go of things and really live a life. Kahit may mga kailangan akong sundin, I guess I really still shouldn't forget myself.

Hinawakan ni Jerome ang kamay ko at hinalikan ito. "I'm proud of you. Seeing you in pain this past few years pains me. Wag mong kakalimutan that I will always be there by your side."

I've realized the past few days na wala man akong magagawa sa mga bagay na decided na, I can still make myself happy by accepting it and making the best experience out of those limitations I have.

Pero litong lito pa rin ako. Especially towards Jon. Wala pa man siyang sinasabi or inaamin sa akin, pero hindi ako manhid. I don't want to assume that I'm the girl he's starting to like, but I can't stop thinking about it. And it made me feel so guilty as well knowing that I'm committed to Jerome.