Kabanata 35
Nod
'Di pa man tapos ang mga sinasabi ni Alec, pero ang luha ko ay nag-uunahan ng bumagsak. It's either because of the pain that Adriel did to me, or it's because of the truth the Adriel's death was planned. Ang sakit.
Adriel and I are the perfect definition of tragedy.
How could someone that heartless. Ready to kill people just for the revenge. But on the other hand, I don't know their pain. But that doesn't mean what Officer Meyer did to us is acceptable because she's in pain. Ang daming nawala dahil sa aksidenting 'yon! My life was a messed back then.
"What's your plan now, Captain?" Tanong ni Daddy matapos itong bumuntong hininga.
"I'll marry---" I cut Alec's words.
"Dad, let us talk about it. I'll decide for that," inunahan ko na ang sasabihin sana ni Alec.
Masyado pang magulo ang isipan ko para sa bagong desisyon na gagawin ko. I need time to think. Hindi ko pa napo-proseso ang mga narinig ko.
All I thought is I've healed already. I didn't know that the wound in my heart didn't heal yet. Pansamantala lang pala itong naghilum, pero hindi tuluyang gumaling.
"No, Maisha. The last time we let you do what you want, gave us a trauma. We almost lost you. No. I won't let it happen again. I know it hurts for you. But hija, think about Aztiel. Think about your son."
My dad's words with conviction gave more pain in me. I know they were traumatized after the plane crash. I don't want them to feel that way again, but I have things to do. I'll clarify everything before I settle down. I want to clear everything. Even if it's late already.
Pagod at wala sa sariling nagtungo ako sa silid ko dito sa bahay nina Mommy. We decided to sleep-over dahil matagal kaming natapos. Tulog na si Aztiel nang matapos kaming mag-usap. Nasa sariling kwarto na ito at mahimbing na natutulog nang bisitahin namin ito ni Alec.
Alec want to sleep with Aztiel kaya hinayaan ko ito. Gusto ko munang mapag-isa. Marami akong dapat isipin. Marami akong dapat ikonsidera.
Amya's younger sister? The woman in the picture with Adriel, na nakita kong kasama rin ni Alec sa Canada. How could Adriel do those things?
My heart and mind are full of anger and pain. All I want to do is to shout all the pain I have right now. But I chose not to.
A knock in my room's door bring me back to my senses. I didn't bother to wipe my tears away. I just let whoever it is, saw me so weak. Sadness always reminded me how weak I am.
Alec cleared his throat after entering my room. Getting my attention. 'Di ko ito nilingon. Naramdaman ko ang paglubog ng kabilang side ng kama ko at nakitang naupo doon si Alec.
A long silence was between us. Walang kiboan, and that's what I want. Pero ilang sandali lang 'yon, dahil nagdesisyon naman akong magsalita.
"W-Why you didn't tell me about it, when I was in Canada?" Alec sighed. Ilang sandali ang lumipas bago ito nagsalita.
"Because you are in danger. I want you to believe that I'm getting married to her, para mas mapabilis ang imbistigasyon ko. I'm sorry if I kept you for four months in a place you don't know."
Nag-angat ako nang tingin dahil sa sinabi nito. What does he mean by that? Kunot ang noo ko itong tiningnan. Alec nodded at me like he knows what's playing on my mind.
"Yes. I am the one who brought you in Mr. and Mrs. Esslinger's house. They are my relatives. Tito Armando is my mother's brother."
That explains everything. I don't need to ask more detailed information for me to realize everything.
Bumuntong hininga si Alec. Nanatili itong nakatitig sa akin. His arctic blue eyes are damn hypnotizing.
"She's in a jail now. And her sister sent back to asylum because she wasn't completely healed. Nilabas lang siya ni Officer Meyer doon," Alec paused, but I remain looking at him. Intently. With my furrowed eyebrows.
"Don't worry. You and Aztiel are safe. I assure you that. I did everything before I came here. To get you back."
My heart calmed down. I felt secured and at peace for awhile when I'm with Alec. All of what Alec said, I still can't believe it. But knowing that there are so many people died in that plane crash boiled the anger within me.
Amya Meyer is damn heartless and psychotic bitch!
"Now, it's time for you to say yes to me." Ilang sandaling saad ni Alec. Nanatiling salubong ang kilay ko. May kinuha ito sa bulsa ng pantalon at halos kapusin ako nang hininga nang tuluyan ko na itong nakita.
"It's either you'll gonna marry me, or you'll marry me. But please... marry me, Baby. Marry me."
Sunod-sunod na saad ni Alec. Halos umatras lahat nang galit sa puso ko ngayon dahil sa pagsusumamo sa boses ni Alec. He's holding a ring!
"Please... nod if it's yes. Turn your back if it's no. Now, nod for me, Baby," ulit nito sa nagsusumamong mukha.
My heart hammers because of different feelings. Hindi ko maintidihan kung bakit ako nasasaktan dahil sa sobrang sayang nararamdaman ko. Tumayo ako at umurong ako ng kaunti para makahinga nang mabuti. Na agad kong pinagsisihan nang makita ang takot na rumihistro sa mukha ni Alec. Naka-awang ang mga labi nito at nanatili ang takot sa mukha nito. I swallow hard, and tried to talk, pero nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko.
Alec stand up and took one step closer to me. At puno nang lambing na hinawakan ang kamay ko.
"Baby..." sa mahina at nagsusumamong boses nito.
I nodded once. Hindi parin nagbabago ang ekspresiyon ni Alec.
"Please, say it." He demanded with so much gentle in his voice.
"Y-Yes, Alec... I'll marry... you."
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