Shattered Souls

Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Fall

Standing on the side cliff, my eyes got enthralled by the spectacular scenery of dark sky and the seemingly infinite body of water. The whirling wind kept swaying my hair back.

"Another day without the moon," said by Brix who stood beside me.

I shut my eyes to feel the serenity of the night. It was all calm but I knew it wouldn't last long. Just like the sky heavy covered by dark looming clouds, rain would fall any moment.

Brix held my hand and squeezed it gently.

"After all, I still underestimated you..." I whispered in the wind.

Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko at umikot sa likod. Saka niya ako kinulong sa kanyang mga braso. Pinatong niya ang baba ng kanyang ulo sa aking balikat.

"If only you knew how much I wanted to be with you two..." he mumbled in my ear. "If only you knew how much I restrained myself to show up and hug you."

I smiled as I said, "I think I know the reason now why you barely show up here."

Hinigpitan niya ang pagkakayakap sa akin. "I can't wait to end this war and be with you. Ako ang magtuturo kay Aya na makipaglaban. Gagawin ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para maihanda siya sa laban ng buhay niya."

Kumawala ako sa yakap at humarap sa kanya. Pinulupot niya uli ang kanyang mga braso sa bewang ko at diniin ang sarili sa akin. Kitang-kita ko ang kinang ng kanyang mga mata.

Stars disappeared from the sky just to shine in his eyes.

"Do you think you can keep a secret from me?"

"You are still an asshole for pretending to know nothing," I chuckled. "Hindi mo alam kung ilang beses kong tinangkang sabihin sa 'yo pero lagi akong pinangungunahan ng takot."

Gumaan ang loob ko... sa sobrang gaan nito ay parang gusto kong halikan ang lalaking siya ring dahilan kung bakit sobrang tagal kong ininda ang bigat nito.

His expression turned worried when he questioned, "Do you think she will like me?"

I should be sympathizing but I burst into laugher.

Sumimangot si Brix. "No, I guess? I mean, not surprising."

"Work it out," I replied.

"What if—"

"Bakit parang takot na takot ka sa anak natin?"

"Why not?" Halos umirap ito. "You are her mother."

"So, you are telling me—"

"Hindi ba dapat pinapagaan mo ang pakiramdam ko?" Bakas na ang pagkairita sa kanyang boses. "Tinatakot mo pa ako lalo. You are so heartless, Astra."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang talikuran niya ako at nilapitan si Servena na nakatali sa puno. Kinalag niya ang tali at halatang lilisan na kaya mabilis akong sumunod.

"She will like you!" agap ko.

"I don't think so..." pagtatampo nito.

"Brix naman. Sa dami ng aalalahanin mo—"

Napasinghap ako nang humarap siya sa akin. "Paano kung magkatotoo ang sinabi mo? Mas kilalanin niyang ama si Abel? Jesus. I don't want to kill anymore after this war."

My jaw literally dropped.

I remember when I told him I would rather have Abel as the father of my child when he knew all along... it's him. He must have felt so hurt that time and he couldn't say it.