Adler's Legacy #2: Hearts Don't Lie

Chapter Six

"YOU are so fucking doomed, Francis."

His cousin Shien Castiel Adler pointed out. Sinabi niya kasi rito ang tungkol sa interaction nilang dalawa ni Francheska. That was three days when he saw her. Gusto niyang tawagan ito or bisitahin man lamang ito pero hindi niya magawa dahil nahihiya siya sa dalaga. Alam niyang malaki ang naging kasalanan niya noon kay Francheska.

He admitted his mistakes. If only he could turn back the time and pour his attention on Francheska's gestures. Hindi sana siya namromorblema ngayon.

"May boyfriend na ba siya?" tanong sa kanya ng fiance ng pinsan niya na si Valencia Vega.

Francis shook his head. "I don't know. I didn't ask her," anang Francis habang tinutungga ang alak niya. Nagkatinginan si Shien at si Valencia.

"So, anong balak mo ngayon?" muling tanong ni Valencia sa kanya.

Marahas siyang napabuntong-hininga. Wala naman kasi sa plano niya si Francheska pero bigla na lamang itong nagpakita sa kanya. At first, he wanted to apologize for what happened two years ago. He was eager to ask for her forgiveness. He was aware of what he had done. May mali naman talaga siya dahil nasaktan niya at napahiya niya si Francheska noon.

"I don't have any plans, Val." pagtanggi niya kay Valencia. "I--I already asked for her forgiveness, and she told me that she was already fine. Pero hindi ako mapakali."

Shien and his fiance exchanged glances for the second time. He was unable to comprehend them. When he heard of the couple's arrival, he wasn't sure why he had flown all the way to Davao. He had a busy schedule and was entirely preoccupied with his projects.

Lalaine's coffee shop's continuing remodeling went without a hitch. The whole community was talking about it. They were too interested in learning who the project's engineer was. Although he was overly proud of himself, he is no longer content with his accomplishments.

Since a few weeks ago, Francis had been doubting himself. May kulang para sa kanya. May kulang at hindi niya mapuna kung ano iyon. He let himself succumb in his job and felt great with all his achievements but when he landed on Cebu everything suddenly turned upside down. He was feeling uneasy and uncontented. He was looking for something that he couldn't pinpoint.

Uncertainties washed over his whole being.

When he was with Francheska that was the only moment that he felt at peace. His mind was silent and only Francheska's voice mattered to him.

"You like her," komento ni Valencia.

"That's why you are too doomed, Francis. I should tell abuela about this," Shien chuckled.

Francis gave his cousin a death stare. "Never tell abuela about this. Alam mo naman na mangingialam lamang iyon."

Nagkibit-balikat lamang si Shien. "Ikaw bahala pero alam mo naman si abuela makakarating pa rin sa kanya ang balita kahit walang magsabi sa kanya."

Hindi na nagtagal si Francis sa bahay ng kanyang pinsan sa Davao. Binisita niya lang naman ito dahil gusto niyang makausap ito tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay. His cousin's business was booming in Davao. Kakabukas lamang ng negosyo nito sa Davao kaya tutok na tutok ito roon.

Si Valencia Vega naman ay sekretarya ng kanyang pinsan. Hindi niya alam kung ano talaga ang nangyari at kung bakit nagkatuluyan ang dalawa basta ang alam niya ay si Valencia nag sumalo kay Shien ng minsan itong malugmok dahil sa babae. Now, they were happy together.

He envied his cousin. Gusto niyang maranasan ang ganoong klase ng saya. Hindi na rin siya bata para mag-settle sa mga sexual relationship. He wanted a real and genuine relationship this time.