That One Match

Chapter 12

"IS EVERYTHING doing alright there, Essey?"

I am video calling my secretary as of the moment. It's been a month since I decided to leave for New York. Dad and I were able to convince my mom to continue her treatment in NY. Dahil sa pag-alis namin, temporaryo ko munang ginawang CEO-in-charge si Essey.

"Yes, ma'am. Marami-rami po ang clients for the coming months lalo na at malapit na ang Pasko."

I was feeling happy that everything was doing okay despite what happened that night.

"Kapag may problema, tumawag ka lang."

"Yes, ma'am Pent. Kailan po pala ang balik nyo?"

Nginitian ko sya ng makahulugan.

"Two days from now, Essey."

"Sige po, ma'am. See you po! Miss na po kayo ng lahat."

 I miss everyone, too. Lalo na si Blank.

"Paubos na po ang stock sa fridge. I'll buy."

Pagpapaalam ko kina mommy sabay labas ng mansyon. I went to my car and drove to the nearest market.

I was busy looking for my groceries when I accidentally bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry."

Umawang ang mga labi ko nang makilala ang taong nasa harapan ko. She hasn't change at all. Kung anong awra ang mayroon sya nang unang araw na magkita kami ay ganoon pa rin ang nakapalibot sa kanya ngayon.

"It's you." She looked at me from top to toe as if checking if something has changed. "You really went back to New York."

Hindi ko inaasahan na kakausapin ako ni Mrs. Alfonzo after our last talk. Akala ko ay babalewalain nya lamang ako.

"I have to come with my mom. She is undergoing treatment."

She seemed aware.

"Are you going to take long in doing your groceries?"

"Po?"

She just looked at me with no emotions.

"See me at the nearest cafe. I think we both need to talk."

Hindi pa man ako nakakasagot ay umalis na ito. I wonder what we're going to talk about. Kung tungkol man ito sa relasyon namin ng anak nya, pwes handa ako.

Later after doing the groceries, I went to the cafe Mrs. Alfonzo was talking about. Umupo ako sa tapat nya at di na nagpaligoy-ligoy.

"I have to go home right after my groceries, ma'am. Naghihintay si mommy. Tungkol saan ba ang pag-uusapan--"

She cut me off and showed me a photo.

Nang una ay di ko pa namukhaan ang lalake sa litrato. It was until I looked closer that I get to realize it was Blank who hasn't shaved his face. He looked hot tho but at the same time he was looking horrible.

Napalunok ako.

"What have you done to my son?"

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

"I told him everything."

She looked surprised.

"Sinabi mo?"

Tumango ako.

"I love your son, Mrs. Alfonzo and I reflected on everything before finally coming up to a decision. I can't hurt him the way his father has hurt him. Ayokong isipin nya kapag sa iba nya pa nalaman ang totoo, he would feel betrayed. As much as possible, ayokong isipin nyang niloko ko sya kasi hindi iyan ang totoo."