Breaking the Rocks (Provincia de Marina Series #1)

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Breaking the Rocks

I followed Exodus as he walked. I widened my strides so that I could reach him. I stretched my hand and aimed for his arm. Nahawakan ko ang kaniyang braso dahilan kung bakit siya nahinto sa paglalakad.

Nahigit ko ang aking hininga nang lumingon siya sa akin. He was cocking his brow again in an annoying manner.

My jaw clenched. "You knew from the very start that I like reading mystery novels," I stated in solemnity.

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa kamay kong nakapalibot sa kaniyang braso. I kept a stern face because I want to see his reaction when I figure it out.

Humarap siya sa akin kaya lumuwag ang pagkakahawak ko sa kaniyang braso.

"It's not a question, Exodus. I am sure that you were the one who's been giving me books and not Landon. It was always you."

Huminga siya nang malalim. He then chuckled and chuckled like a maniac. Nasapo ng kaniyang isang kamay ang noo at bahagyang hinilot ng kaniyang hinlalaki ang pagitan ng mga mata.

"Why would I give you books? Care to tell me one reason why, Honey?"

Sumimangot ako. "I don't know. Ikaw ang nagbibigay kaya bakit ako ang tinatanong mo?" sumbat ko.

"At kung hindi naman pala ako ang nagbibigay?"

"Then let's just bury this conversation at the back of our minds," I suggested and crossed my arms. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He won't deny it, of course. Nahuli ko na siya. I just realize it now.

Kapag si Landon ang nagbibigay nang kahit anong regalo, minsan hindi niya naman pinag-iisipan. At kung mag-reregalo man, mga mahal na bagay ang binibili. Sometimes, things that Landon bought for me were stuck in a shelf because I don't use them often. That's why it was always so random for him to give me books to read whenever I get bored or I don't have any plans about Marcus.

I know it seems impossible that Exodus was the one giving me books nor Marcus. Pero may pagdududa naman kasi ako noon kay Landon sa biglaan niyang pagbibigay ng libro sa akin. It was out of character.

"You got me." Napatingin ako sa biglaang pag-amin ni Exodus. Umawang ang labi ko kahit na inaasahan ko naman na aamin siya.

"W-why?" I stuttered. My brows snapped together. "And...how did you find out about that thing?"

"I observe everything, Muriel. You left a book at Marcus' place hoping he'll give it back to you. I was the one who found your book and told Landon to return it to you. You probably forgot about that."

"No, I can still remember."

"Very well. That sums it up."

"But why? Why would you give me books at random times? And you know my favorite genre."

"Those weren't random times. Those were the times where Marcus rejected you everytime you get your chance to offer yourself to him. I figured, it would be a good idea to give you books to ease your disappointments."

Napabuntontong-hininga ako. "I didn't know you're into charity, Exodus. You shouldn't pity a girl like me because I don't easily back down."

"I know." He grinned. "Not until now, huh?"

I glared at him. Kinuha ko na sa kaniya ang brown na paperbag at nauna ng maglakad.

He was right, though. Up until now, I'm still battling my way on how to get Marcus. Napakasama ko bang tao na nangangarap pa rin ako sa lalaking kasal na?