Strategy

Hindi pa ako tuluyang nakaka recover sa pagkawala ng aking anak. Ngunit kailangan ko itayo muli ang sarili ko. Kailangan ko magpakatatag dahil sa mundong marahas, sarili ko lang ang kakampi ko.

Do you know how it feels to get up in the morning empty hearted? I feel like I am always gripping on death. Everytime the water runs down through my skin, it is so cold... that it’s painful. It bit my bone marrow. And I gasped with the anguish and shock of it.

Hearing the sounds of a child’s cry is like a strong salt in my mouth, and I was strangling with the acrid stuff in my throat and lungs. But it was the rage I am feeling that was most distressing.

Also... may tao pa akong dapat hingian ng tawad at pasalamatan sa kabila ng mga nangyari. Kaya noong umaga, pumayag akong sumama kay Geon pabalik sa La Union... sa tahanan ng mga Variejo.

Tatapak akong muli sa lupain nila na dala dala ang alaala ko. At pakiramdam ko ay ipinain ko na ang sarili sa mabangis na tigre roon.

I took a deep breath. Nilingon agad ako ni Geon.

“I want you to relax, Laire,” aniya sa nag-aalalang tinig.

Tipid akong ngumiti. Nanumbalik sa akin ang nangyari sa kumpanya nila na halos magkagalit sila dahil sa akin.

“Hindi pa rin magbabago ang isip ko na bumalik sa kumpanya niyo. Ang nais ko... ay humingi ng tawad sa... pamilya mo.” malamig kong sinabi.

Nakita kong humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela. Ibinalik ko na ulit ang atensyon ko sa dinadaanan namin.

“This is my battle, Geon. I... I want you to step aside... for now.” seryosong sambit ko.

Marami na siyang nagawa para sa akin noon pa man. Maraming isinakripisyo. Tama na iyon. Hindi ako nabubuhay para magtago sa likod ng makapangyarihang pamilya.

I don’t want to live behind a man’s sleeve. To live is to fight against uncertainties. In a world full of uncertainties, be a certain heroine.

“I won’t stop you. If you look back... you will see me. Still protecting you from afar.” he said, lowkey proud.

I bit my lip to endure the pain within my heart. Habang pinagmamasdan ang dinadaanan namin, noon ko lang natanto na wala pa rin nagbabago sa lugar nila. Lalo itong gumanda.

Presko ang hangin. Hindi kalbo ang mga puno. Walang usok na mula sa pagkakaingin. Walang mga basura o plastic sa paligid. Halatang alagang alaga nila ang sariling lupain.

Tila ang bundok na ito ay itinadhana para sa kanilang pamilya. Tila isang kastilyo ang papasukin namin sa ganda ng daan. Hindi basta basta matatagpuan ng iba. Hindi rin basta basta mawawasak ng kung sino.

Tulad ng pagprotekta nila sa tahanan nila, gayundin sa pamilya. Masaya ako para sa pamilya ni Geon dahil may ganito siyang buhay. Ako, hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang dapat kong protektahan ngayon pati pagkatao ko ay wasak na.

If only I could ask for a second chance to choose my own kind of life... I will choose to live simply and peacefully.

Mula Thunderbird Resort ay nakarating kami ng Variejo Mansions. Lahat ng mansion at small houses na nadaanan namin ay halos pag-aari ng mga Variejo. Ngunit may natandaan akong ilang residences na may ibang surname like Hui, Fiore, at Lavoiser. Hanggang ngayon ay namamangha pa rin ako. Para kasing ang sarap manirahan dito. Mukha rin mayayaman ang may-ari ng mga iyon.

“Good afternoon, Sir. Good afternoon, Ma’am.” bati sa amin ng guard pagbaba sa sasakyan.

Binigay ni Geon ang susi ng kaniyang sasakyan bago hinawakan ang kamay ko. Nagpadala ako sa kaniya papasok ng magarang mansyon. At halos manginig ako sa sobrang lamig pagpasok.

“Good afternoon, Sir Geon!” magiliw na bati ng mga maid na may cute na uniform pagpasok namin.

“Inform mom to meet us in the family room.” sabi niya.

“Ay, opo! May gusto po ba kayong meryenda—”

“Yes. Being everything in the family room...” Tinapos na ni Geon ang usapan at ako ay isinama na paakyat.

It feels nostalgic when I see his spacious bedroom again this time. Nakatayo ako sa tapat ng pinto habang siya ay pumunta sa closet upang kumuha ng damit. Sunod ay sa veranda niya upang hawiin ang kurtina at buksan ang sliding door. Pinahinaan niya rin ang aircon. Bumalik siya ulit sa tapat ko at inilahad ang damit.

Bumaba ang mata ko sa mga iyon. Hindi ko damit iyon.

“Magbihis ka muna gamit ang damit ko.” aniya.

Nag-angat ako sa kaniya ng tingin.

Tipid niya akong nginitian. “Your size suits my shirts. You... look good in it.”

I nodded, though perplexed. Tinanggap ko iyon at dumiretso na sa banyo. Pagkatapos maligo, lumabas ako na suot ang damit ni Geon.

Naabutan ko siyang may kausap sa veranda. Hindi pa niya napapansin ang presensya ko kaya tuloy siya sa pakikipag usap. Dumiretso ako sa harap ng salamin at nagsimulang suklayin at i-blower ang buhok.

“Proceed to the conference tomorrow. We will be arriving... yes. I am with Solaire.”

Nagpantig ang tainga ko kaya napatingin ako sa direksyon ni Geon. Saktong nagtama ang mata namin. Ibinababa na niya ang tawag. Ngayon ay naglalakad na siya palapit sa akin.

“Ako na,” aniya at inagaw ang blower sa akin.

Hindi pa rin ako makagalaw. Hinayaan ko na lang siya sa ginagawa habang nakatingin sa kaniya mula sa salamin.

“We will need to attend the conference tomorrow at VRB Company. Are you fine with that?”

“Why?” wala sa sariling tanong ko. Wala pa man ay kinakabahan na ako.

“It has something to do with Trieescapes and El Superior Development Corporation. Our very own group is playing a role as a subsidiary between the two...” diretsa niyang sinabi.

My forehead creased. “What do you mean?”

He sighed and then lowered his face near my shoulder. We looked with each other.

“We are battling in different fields. Fight for yours. And I will defend our conglomerate in a single blow.” aniya.

Is this his motive for entering an open market with Trieescapes and El Superior?

“Did you just... use your family’s company as a bait—”

“Not exactly.” he smirked and continued what he’s doing with my hair. “We are building a strong image here, Miss Gomez.”

Saktong may kumatok. Pumasok ang maid na nakausap kanina ni Geon. Inimporma niya kami na naghihintay sa family room ang mga magulang niya pati raw si Eurus.

Damn. How can I face his older brother when I had a crush on him before! How absurd.

“A minute,” sagot ni Geon.

Inayos ko nang mabilis ang aking sarili. Mukha naman akong presentable sa white polo sleeves ni Geon at black short kahit papaano.

I felt abashed when we walked down the stairs. Geon is holding my hand. And there are eyes watching us.

Kumalma ka, Solaire.

“Geon—”

“This is your home, too. Get used to them from now on, hmm?”

How the hell? Tsk.

Pagdating namin sa family room, naabutan namin sina Tita Isabel at Eurus. Maging si Zion at Israel ay narito. Nasa couch sila kasama sina Tali at Ysa, pati ang tatlong aso.

Muntik na ako mapatalon nang tumakbo sa akin ang isang Pomeranian, Chihuahua, at Shih Tzu. Umikot ikot sila sa akin, lalo na ang chihuahua na tila nais magpabuhat.

“Lali, Lala, Lili!” tawag ni Tali sa mga aso.

Trained ang mga ito kaya muling nagbalikan ang mga ito sa tabi ni Tali at Ysa.

“Mom...” si Geon.

Tita Isabel fixed her eyes at me. “I want a private talk with Miss Gomez.”

Geon and I stared at each other in vexed fashion. I immediately returned my gaze at his mother. I nodded and smiled a little.

I left the room with Tita Isabel. I found ourselves in her vast and beautiful flower garden. I needed to pull myself together so I could talk to her unhesitatingly.

“Do you know how grateful your mother was when I agreed to let my son stay with you back then?” she asked me while checking her flower petals.

I did not reply. I could scarcely catch my breath.

“It is not about the tutor part. If you looked in the bigger picture...” Tita Isabel turned to me with a pain in her eyes. “My son was there to protect you, her only daughter... her only heiress... against their enemy.”

Ito pala ang ibig sabihin ni Geon noong sinabi niyang hindi ko siya magagawang paalisin bilang tutor.

“Czarina asked for help from us and I helped her as her dear friend. Even if it means my son could suffer.”

Nangingilid ang luha ko. Kitang kita ko ang labis labis na galit sa mata ni Tita Isabel. Ngunit namamangha ako sapagkat kaya niya iyon kontrolin.

“She knew she’s already in danger. She just pretended that everything is fine when you are around. But that Fernandez is continuingly consuming her... and she did everything to save you. Even if it means leaving you without knowledge... and die alone without you knowing.”

My tears fell upon hearing my mother’s unbearable pain.

“We tried to help her hide... but maybe it is her destiny to be found and be killed by her enemy.” kwento pa niya.

Standing before her is like a place that gives a sense of intolerable anguish. My heart felt the gong struck and thundered, making me squirm under the pain. Why does it need to be this painful?!

“Matatanggap ko ang paglayo sa akin ng aking anak upang protektahan ka. Ngunit ang makita itong walang malay sa ospital... puno ng pasa... comatose ng ilang linggo dahil sa’yo... ibang usapan na iyon.” she looked at me furiously.

I almost fell on my knees. My chest tightened even more.

“Sa puntong iyon... tinapos ko na ang pagkakaibigan namin ng ina mo. I forgot she’s ever existed! I cursed your family! And all I wanted was to avenge my son!” she hastened to say. “At alam kong naiintindihan mo ang punto ko... you had once became a m-mother...”

Mother... I was a mother. A useless mother. Unlike her, I haven’t done anything to protect my child.

Memories of my nearly death flashed past me. I almost choke. I almost breakdown. I almost lost my sanity.

“I am s-sorry...” I cried in regrets. “T-Tell me what I can do for y-you to forgive me... to forgive my parents.” I was so hopeless.

Her tears fell, smirking.

My heart stumbled in anxiousness. It felt wrong but my motive is to ask for an apology to whom I have wronged. To whom I have caused a nightmare. On behalf of my parents’ mistake.

Tita Isabel has no expression to show already. That’s what scares me now. But I can sense immeasurable rage swarming around her. I can sense life and death in her glance.

“What can you offer?” she clarified.

I glanced around. Geon was standing from afar. His eyes are fixed on me. Wondering what is going on.

“I brought misfortune in your family. Only you could breathe freely if I were away...” sambit ko habang inilalayo ang tingin kay Geon.

“Your point?” Tita Isabel urged me.

I smiled. “After this... I will leave the country.”

Tita Isabel seemed surprised, na para bang hindi iyon ang gusto niyang sagot.

“We need to find our purposes in our own way.” I said trying to suppressed my tears. “I want also the best for your son, Tita. H-Hindi niya ako kayang layuan kaya ako ang l-lalayo. Just give me some time...”

“Is that what you wanted?” she probed.

I nodded.

She scoffed. “You are right. We want the best for him. If you can’t be strong enough... might as well leave him alone. Do not ever... come back.”

Pinanood ko ang papalayo niyang pigura. Mabilis kong pinalis ang luha nang makita si Geon na nananakbo na palapit sa akin.

“What did she say? Are you crying?” tanong ni Geon paglapit.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. “We just talked,”

“I know you’re lying, Laire. What’s the matter? Please...”

I smiled to cover my uneasiness. “I am fine...”

“Are we fine, too?” he asked grimly.

“Yes,” agap ko. “There’s no need to worry about it.”

Nauna akong maglakad. Ngunit napahinto sa sinabi niya. Dahilan upang manikip ang dibdib ko.

“Huwag mo akong iiwan, Solaire. Promise me, right now.”

I clutched my chest. I bit my lip as hard as I could to silence my escaping sobs.

Tumango ako without looking back at him. I‘m sorry... I might not be the one destined standing next to you.

They are against me. They are all. There’s no place I’d rather be other than my own abode. Isang kalokohan na ipagsiksikan ang sarili sa mundong hindi naman para sa akin.

I have nothing in hand. What should I do? Leaving is the only way to survive, right? Yes, it is.

“It‘s dark here,” at first I thought it was Geon who spoke behind me. But I was stunned to see Israel. “You should go back in and rest. You need the energy for tomorrow’s conference.”

Lumabas ako ng hatinggabi dahil hindi ako makatulog kakaisip. Natutulog na si Geon sa kwarto. At hindi ko inaasahan na gising pa rin si Israel.

Alam kong may galit din siya sa akin dahil sa dinanas ng pinsan niya. What more pa kaya ang father niyo at mga kapatid? Ako na ang nahihiya. Kaya desido akong umalis dahil na rin sa kahihiyan.

“That conference... how important is it?” halos hininga ko na lamang iyon.

Tumabi sa akin si Israel sa bench. He puffed his cigarette and looked up above the starry night. “It can destroy a whole organization... and improve image in a corporate world.”

I nodded. “How can I be relevant to that?”

Israel sighed.

“What will happen to my company, then?” I looked at him.

Israel shrugged. “Obviously, El Superior will fall under Lux & Land Realty Group Incorporation... a subsidiary of VRB Corporation.” he looked at me. “Are you aware of that?”

“What do you mean—”

“Once your company is saved and Trieescapes is dissolved corporately, you have no control over your company. It will fall under my father, Samuel Lux and I, Israel Landon Variejo’s hand.” he said casually.

Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. That simply means... wala na akong panghahawakan. Then, I should accept my fate. It is, after all, the Variejos.

I smiled scarcely. “Y-Yes...”

If this is the only way I can pay my debt of gratitude in your family. It is nothing big to me now.

Israel stood up. “Always prepare to fall alone. Not every damn time, you have an arm to hold you. Good night.”

Hilaw ang tulog ko kinabukasan. Pero gumayak na ako dahil may importanteng mangyayari ngayon. Walang alam si Geon na lumabas ako kagabi at nakausap si Israel. Mukha ring walang balak sabihin sa akin ni Geon ang tunay na mangyayari. Baka inaalala niya pa rin ako.

Bumuntonghininga ako. Paulit ulit sa utak ko na wala na talagang matitira sa akin. Na kahit ipaglaban ko iyon, wala akong mapapala. Wala akong alam sa lahat ng ito. Kaya tinatanggap ko na.

“Yow, boss G!” Paglabas namin sa mansyon ay bumaba sa sasakyan ang dalawang pamilyar na lalaki.

“Good morning, Miss! Good morning, boss! Handa na ang hukbong pang himpapawid!” ani kasama ng lalaki.

Sa isa pang sasakyan, akala ko kung sino ang lumabas. Si France at Abra lang pala na sabay pang tinanggal ang shades at nag pagpag ng itim na blazer sabay ngisi.

“Good morning, boss. Good morning, Miss Solaire. France nga pala. Ang pinaka gwapo sa lahat ng sentinels niyo.”

“Parang hindi naman,” dinig kong tawa ng lalaki. “Mas gwapo pa ako sa’yo, dude.”

France hissed. “Huwag bumoses kapag hindi marunong humawak ng relasyon, Andrew, ha?”

Si Andrew ay bumaling bigla sa kasama niya na humahagikhik, nakatakip pa ang kamay sa bibig.

“How the hell? Damn you, Alex.”

“Aba, wala akong alam diyan.” si Alex.

Abra then approached Andrew at tinapik sa balikat. “Ayos lang ‘yan, tol. Si France nga, hindi na nga gwapo, hindi pa minahal. Aguy!”

“Taran...tado!” mura ni France. “Baka hindi mo alam, may kakayahan akong sirain relasyon niyo ni Imara?”

“Hoy, gago, tol. Walang ganiyanan.” nagpa-cute si Abra.

“Ayaw niyo gagaya sa akin... tamang crush lang!” si Alex.

“Sino? Si Haide? E, nagpapansin sa akin ‘yon, eh.” sabat ni Andrew.

Tila nagpantig ang tainga ni Alex. Nanlalaki ang mata niyang tumingin kay Andrew. “Distansya, tol! Hindi siya sa’yo... I mean hindi rin siya sa akin... pero ‘wag kasi!”

Andrew smirked subverbiently. “Ulul.”

Nilingon ako ni Geon. “Don’t mind them. They are just here to escort us.”

I nodded with a sly smile. Medyo magulo sila pero mukhang close naman sa isa’t-isa. Namiss ko mga kaibigan ko.

“Fuck you, Andrew! Akin ‘yon! Ako nauna magkagusto sa kaniya! Humanap ka ng sa’yo!” Huling dinig ko bago kami tuluyang makasakay sa sasakyan ni Geon.

As expected, may nag-aabang nga sa amin na helicopter. Agad akong inalalayan ni Geon makasakay bago siya. Ang kasama namin ay sina France at Abra. Naiwan iyong Alex at Andrew.

Natampal ko ang noo nang makita sina France at Abra na pinaulanan ng middle finger sina Andrew at Alex sa ibaba. Gumaganti naman ang mga iyon.

Napailing ako. Weird.

Nakatulog ako sa biyahe at nagising lang noong nakababa na sa helipad ng building. Magkahawak ang kamay namin ni Geon habang binabagtas ang floor ng conference hall. Gusto ko bumitaw dahil namamasa ang palad ko pero sa tuwing gagawin ko iyon, mas lalo niya hinihigpitan ang hawak sa kamay ko.

“Let me just hold your hand. I am comfortable with this.” aniya sa seryosong tinig.

I sighed. Just this once, fine.

Huminto kami nang nasa tapat na ng pinto ng conference hall. Geon looked intently at me.

“Are you fine?” he asked.

“I am fine,”

“You don’t look fine.”

I scoffed. “Then, stop looking.”

“Laire...” his temper can never cease.

“Let’s go in.”

Para akong tinanggalan ng hangin sa katawan nang makita ang mga negosyante sa loob ng conference hall. The tension is not a joke. My spine is literally thrilling. Their gazes are like acid. Nakaramdam ako ng hiya dahil kami na lang ang hinihintay ng mga ito. Lalo na si Geon dahil bakante ang upuan niya sa gitna ng long table.

Naupo ako sa kanan. Ang sumunod sa upuan ko ay sina Israel, si Axis ( I met him when his stuffs fell on the floor before), at si Zion. Sa katabi ni Zion ay hindi ko na kilala pa. Samantala, sa kaliwa ni Geon nakaupo si Eurus na abala pa sa kakatipa sa cellphone niya, sa tabi niya ay si Sir Throne, at ang sumunod ay hindi ko na kilala pa.

May isang panel table sa katabi at wala pang umuukopa noon. Hindi ko alam kung may hinihintay pa ba o sadyang bakante lang. Base sa mga water at folder na naroon, mukhang may dadalo pa maya maya.

May nakalapag din na folder sa tapat namin lahat. Binuksan ko iyon at binasa. Binalewala ko ang mga matang nakatingin sa akin.

Kumunot ang noo ko sa mga negatibong report na nakatala roon. At kung gaano kalaki ang naging liability ng El Superior Development Corporation under Fernandez’ regime.

What a shame. Paano ko pa ibabangon ito? It’s bankrupt already!

“They are here, Mr. Variejo.” Anunsyo ng sa tingin ko ay Secretary.

Napatingin si Eurus sa kaniya. Tumango ito. “Let them in, Raine.”

I slowly turned my gaze to the man who emerged through the door with a glowering, villainous countenance, trailing at his heels. Behind him are his unfamiliar puppets. My breath shortened. The blood crawled up to my head upon recognizing his visage.

“Are we late?” Arman Fernandez asked ironically.

“Nah. Just in time.” Eurus answered sullenly.

Before he sat in his chair, he looked around. Nagtagpo ang mga mata nila ni Geon. Bago inilipat sa akin. Ang ngisi niya napalitan ng isang linya.

“Ohh... look what we have here, Mr. Variejo?” he mastered his temper. “Perhaps, you are the daughter of the late Czarina Solivel Gomez? Uhm... I heard you... had a miscarriage?”

It hit my weakest spot, causing my tears to subside. My heart beats abnormally. I felt like I wanted to strangle him right now! Damn! Damn! My chest tightened as if I would have a heart attack!

Damn you!

“Condolences, dear.” he said with a gratified smile.

Hindi na napigilan ng aking luha. Gusto ko siya murahin pero walang salitang lumalabas sa bibig ko! Fuck you.

“Watch your word, Mr. Fernandez. You are here because you needed us more than we needed you.” Eurus mediated.

He stood up and put his hands in his pocket. Lumakad siya palapit sa table ni Arman. He then smirked at him.

“We agreed to open the market for your company to redress. Now... I only have one rule.”

I felt Geon’s hand on my hand under the table. Nagkatitigan kami. He looked at me worriedly but I immediately looked away.

“Madali akong kausap, Mr. Variejo. Tell me what it is.” he provoked.

Bumalik si Eurus sa harap at sumenyas sa technical. Sa projector, lumantad ang mga information, reports, forecast, at liabilities ng El Superior Development Corporation at Trieescapes.

Nagkaroon ng kaniya kaniyang usapan ang mga tao sa loob ng silid. Tutok din ang mata namin ni Geon doon.

“Do not attack our people in any way possible. Or else... you will be a non-existing organization. In just a snap.” Eurus snapped sharply.

Arman forced a laugh. “Oh, really? Interesting, Mr. Variejo. Perhaps, she’s got a powerful house to live in, huh? Do you think that the heiress of El Superior Development Corporation is still functional?”

I felt a sickening shock in the pit of my stomach. I turned to him abruptly. And our burning eyes met.

“Do you want to continue this agreement or not, Mr. Fernandez? I can summon someone and report a breach of contract.” Geon intervened, his fist is ready to destroy someone’s face.

Arman Fernandez nodded. “Let’s get this done.”

Kahit tumahimik siya pansamantala, hindi pa rin nawawala ang tensyon. He really knew where to attack me.

“We will be investing in your company to make it live at least. Your corporation has a standard to offer that is why we agreed to negotiate with you. Also, you have a higher rank of the leading stocks in Philippine Stock Exchange. It is not a bad idea to... team with you, right?”

Um-agree rin ang mga negosyante sa tinuran ni Geon. Ganito ba kalaki ang tiwala niyo sa mga Fernandez? Kahit alam ko ang plano ng magkapatid ay hindi ko maiwasan mangamba. Hindi tanga si Arman Fernandez. Alam kong may plano rin siyang masama sa Corporation ng mga Variejo.

“Yes... and how about making Trieescapes fall under your subsidiary? I can assure you it’ll run longer than El Superior. Also, your company can benefit from it in the longer-term.”

Israel glided in. “You have a really good mind, Mr. Fernandez!”

Pinalakpakan si Arman ng mga ka-meeting. Napangiti naman ito.

“Unfortunately, VRB is only accepting reputable groups. Having Trieescapes as one of our subsidiaries will only not give us bad company branding... it will also blemish our standard. Kung nag-iisip ka, maiintindihan mo. Business men may be risk takers. But they choose their battlefield.”

”Is that so?” Arman looked at my direction. “Based on the projector, was El Superior Development Corporation a reputable group?”

Bumaling lahat ng atensyon sa projector. Everyone gasped. Knowing that El Superior Development Corporation was once handled by Arman Fernandez.

Fuck.

Sir Throne meddled. “According to the legal, El Superior Development Corporation is only owned by the only daughter of the Gomez. Neither Solaire nor Czarina signed any contract that permits Arman Fernandez to take over the corporation. Also, upon investigation, Trieescapes used El Superior’s asset to uphold its own legal obligation, taxes, pay liabilities, and such. Which is against the law, correct? Basically... El Superior, even in the absence of its rightful owner, is thereby clean and spotless...”

Napatayo si Arman sa kaniyang upuan. Pilit siyang ngumiti ngunit alam kong halos mabasag na ang kaniyang ngipin sa sobrang galit sa nangyayari.

“I am the owner of the two corporations, Mr. Variejo. I have been taking care of them. How can you say that I have no right to claim what is mine, huh? Tanggapin niyo na kailangan niyo rin ang kumpanya ko para mabuhay ang subsidiaries niyo. Marami na itong pinabagsak ng kumpanya, existing at will be existing!”

I doubt you can beat one of the most successful conglomerates in Asia. Tingnan natin kung hanggang saan ka tatagal, Arman Fernandez.

“I can say that you really are powerful, Mr. Fernandez...” Geon walked towards him wearing a subverbient smirk. “Let’s continue our discussion next time...”

Arman laughed awkwardly. “Are you threatened?”

Geon laughed. “I have been in the darkest place no one would imagine they’ll be, Mr. Fernandez. Next time... I will surprise you.” tinampal tampal no Geon ang pisngi ni Arman.

Arman scoffed.

“Meeting adjourned.”

Lumabas na umuusok ang ilong ni Arman sa conference hall. Naiwan ang ibang ka-meeting sa conference ayon na rin sa kagustuhan ni Eurus at Geon. Mas dumami ang tao ngayon. Ang mga nasa top management, Chairmen, at Vice Chairmen ay dumalo ma rin.

Makalipas ang dalawang oras na pagpupulong at pagpapalitan ng opinyon, nagkasundo rin ang mga ito.

“In one month, we will completely dissolved Trieescapes without a mess...” It was the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Darwin Ralph Variejo.

“Proceed to our strategy.” Geon declared impulsively.

Eurus and Israel both smirked.

I sighed.

Nagpahangin ako sa rooftop. Hindi ko kinaya ang tensyon sa conference kanina. And it’s been a while since I tasted the alcohol so I brought two beer in cans.

Ang gulo pala talaga sa business world. Oo nga at may kumpanya na naiwan sa akin pero hindi ko naman kaya pangalagaan. Ni hindi ko kayang depensahan. Tama lang sa akin ang mawalan. Hindi ko deserve ang mga iyon.

“Nandito ka lang pala,”

Hindi na ako nagulat na nahanap agad ako ni Geon. Nagpatuloy ako sa pag-inom. Wala naman akong ginawa pero pakiramdam ko ay pagod na pagod ako.

“Laire...” he hugged me from behind.

“Kung nabuhay ang anak natin, ano ipapangalan mo?” Pinigilan kong umiyak.

“If it were a boy, I would want Lucien Marceau. Lucien... a light. Marceau... a little warrior. If it were a girl, I would call her Amelie Solenn.”

I chuckled. “Siguro, kasing gwapo mo or kasing ganda ko.”

Para akong nagtatanim ng kutsilyo sa sarili kong puso. Nanghihina ako kapag naalala ko siya. Nasasaktan ako para sa kaniya. Pakiramdam ko naririnig ko ang iyak niya.

“I’m sorry I was not there, Laire.”

Inubos ko ang beer bago humarap sa kaniya. Lahit sandaang alak yata ang inumin ko, hindi ko makakalimutan ang bagay na iyon. Habambuhay na iyon mananatili sa puso ko.

“Do me a favor, Geon,” I said weakly.

He looked at me worriedly. At sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mata niya, parang gusto ko na lang dumepende palagi sa kaniya. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

“I want to go somewhere...” Malayo sa’yo. Malayo sa mundo mo.

”Tell me where. I will go—”

“No. You’re not coming with me.”

“Laire... please. Huwag ganito. Kung ayaw mo na nasa malapit ako, fine, lalayo ako pero gusto ko pa ring nakikita ka.” he demanded.

I shook my head. “I want to be alone. I want to b-breathe.”

He cupped my face. “Don’t do this to me, Laire. Please, baby—”

“P-Please, Geon. Let us break...” I cried.

Bumagsak ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa mukha ko kanina. Hindi siya makapaniwalang napatitig sa akin. Umigting ang kaniyang panga at tumalikod sa akin.

“Fuck this. What have I d-done...” he tried to sound firm but his voice broke.

Hinubad ko ang singsing sa daliri ko. Nanginginig ang aking kamay nang ibigay iyon sa kaniya. His face roughened while staring at it.

“Don’t please...” aniya, halos magmakaawa na.

Nang hindi niya tinanggap ang singsing, kinuha ko ang kamay niya at inilagay doon ang singsing.

I smiled bitterly. “I’m sorry, Geon. I don’t deserve to be your fiance... anymore.”

Tumalikod na ako, pinipigilan ang luha. Subalit yumakap siya sa likod.

He breathed. “Huwag mo akong iwan...”

I sobbed.

“Bumalik na tayo sa baryo. Kasi roon, mahal mo ako. Alam ko...” he said painfully. “Please, Laire...”

“I-I’m sorry...” I said, removing his arms around my waist.

I watched him fell on his knees, downcasted. Hindi niya ipakita ang mukha, alam kong may luha sa kaniyang mata.

“Laire, mahal kita...”

Parang pinilipit ang puso ko sa itsura niya. Damn it!

“Thank you for everything, Mr. Dungeon Elixor V-Variejo. I hope... to never... see each other... a-again.”

“I cannot see myself loving another woman. Having you around is my everyday strength, Laire…” his voice sounded metallic.

“J-Just let me go…” I cried.

“Baby…” he did not hold any longer, tears fell from his eyes. “I…I am sorry I can’t… fuck it!”

“I-I’m sorry…” I said before running away from him.

Naririnig ko ang pagtawag niya subalit hindi ko siya niligon pa. Baka hindi na ako makaalis.

I burst into tears the moment I closed the door of the rooftop. I slowly fell on the floor, enduring the pain all by myself.

Pasensya na kung hindi ko kaya magpanggap na matapang. Pasensya na kung hindi pa kita kayang ipaglaban, Geon. Mahal din kita pero hindi ito ang para sa atin. It is better to find our purpose. And to heal separately. We will continue hurting if we are together.

Goodbye, my dangerous flower. Someday, when destiny permits, I want to see you happy… in another woman’s arms.