53.000 Steps

Chapter 39

Thirty-Nine

The Ultimatum

Matapos naming magbatian ng Merry Christmas at magpalitan ng regalo, kumain kami ng tahimik.

 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganoon.

Walang umiimik samin, taning ang kutsara’t tinidor na kumakalansing lang ang maririnig.

 

Until finally, he spoke.

 

“If I’m going to ask you again, would you go back and start a new life with me in England?”

 

Natigilan ako.

Kumalansing ang tinidor sa plato nang mabitawan ko ito.

Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko and Cian was able to read the look on my face.

 

“What? Your still not ready?” seryoso ang mukha ni Cian.

 

“You know you can’t tellme that. You know that I know na ok na kayo ni Ralph. What else could be your reason to be not ready to go back to England?” He made it even worse. Mas lalo akong hindi nakasagot.

 

“Niobe…” He reached for my hands na nakapatong sa table

.

“Mahal na mahal kita. You’re the only girl I wanna grow old with. Ika lang ang babaeng gugustuhin kong pakasalan, ang babaeng gugustuhin kong maging ina ng mga anak ko. And I’m sure, I can be a father to Gabbie if you will just let me.”

 

“Cian…” tinignan ko ang kaniyang mga mata.

Still not able to find the right words to say.

 

“I know you still love me, Niobe. ‘Cause if you don’t, you wouldn’t be here now. Unless…” he moved his hands back. Binitiwan niya ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko.

 

“Tell me, are you inlove with Gab?”

 

Nagulat ako sa biglang pagbukas ng pinto ng kwarto ko sabay ng pagpasok ng ngiting ngiting si Gab sa loob.

“hey. Kumatok ako, hindi mo ata narinig.” I smiled and he did too us he walked towards me.

 

Napabuntonghininga ako.

It’s one question I cannot escape.

 

“Siguro nga tama ka. Siguro nga, the reason why I’m here infront of you ay dahil mahal pa kita. Pero siguro rin… kaya ako nasa harap mo ay dahil sa kabila ng mga nangyari satin in the past, you’re stil a friend.” Napasandal si Cian sa kinauupuan niya.