Falling Series #1: The Rhymes in Our Fall

CHAPTER 12

I reach for his hand and held it.  "Court me."

He stayed silent looking directly at me, napakurap ako sa naisip. Ayaw niya yata. Ngumiwi ako at lumayo.

"Sorry, siguro nga bigla lang tayo."

"I'm willing." He tilt my chin that cause me shock. Ang lamlam ng mga mata niya. "But, if you're a little bit surprised, I'll wait patiently." 'Di ako nakaimik dahil sa makapigil hininga niyang kinilos.

"Kris..."

"No worries, knowing that you feel the same way... is more than enough." I couldn't believe what he just said, he's clearly so gentle. He's not shallow nor afraid, so far from me.

"We have a guest?" Kumabog ang aking puso dahil sa biglaang pagdating ng isang boses sa likuran, hinarap ko 'to ng may bilugang mata.

And there he is, infront of me was the great... Edward Charles Xandova, all standing in his glory and power. Filled in a dominating aura that could set your soul in fire. Parang lumiit ang aking mundo nang makaharap siya ng tunay. Dati ay sa magazine or TV show ko lang siya nakikita, but holy cow, he is infront of me!

My heart rate raises.

Naramdaman ko ang presensya ni Kris sa'king tabi, tumango siya sa Tatay niya bago ako ipakilala. "Dad, my friend, Margarett Monteriano
The one I mentioned." Natunaw ako nang bigyang tingin ni Mr. Xandova, 'di ako nag-alangan na tumango at inabot ang kamay ko na nanginginig.

"G-Good evening po." Akala ko ay susungitan niya ako tulad ng sa penikula, pero magalang niyang inabot ang aking kamay na naghatid saakin ng kilabot.

Grabe, totoo ba 'to?

"It's nice to meet a Monteriano, again." 'Di ko mapigilan ang ngiti. Napaka-genuine niya. "Since you're helping my son, why not join us for dinner?" Makailang ulit akong kumurap dahil 'di ko alam kung nananginip ba ako o hindi. Dinner with him?!

"I-It will be an honor, Mr. Xandova"

"Then it's settle. I'll prepare the meal. Excuse me for a minute," after he sweetly said that, tumaas muna si Mr. Xandova para magpalit ng damit. Pagkaalis nito tuluyan akong nanghina. Natawa si Kris na hinawakan ang braso ko pang suporta.

Nagluto nga si Mr. Xandova ng favorite dish daw nilang dalawa ni Kris, and besides that. He made me feel comfortable by asking some unconfidential questions.

"Call me Tito Edward, dear." Pigil hininga akong pumayag matapos niyang ihain ang isang special pasta dish that was even named after him.

"T-Thank you, Tito Edward." He smiled at umupo na sa kabisera, mula sa kabilang table.

The whole dinner, wala akong ginawang iba kundi ang ngumiti, tumango at tumawa sakanilang dalawa... and it was the best dinner I have. Naiinggit tuloy ako kay Kris, how did he earn a father like Tito Edward? Loving, caring and so sweet?

I secretly stare at Tito Edward. I wish Dad was also like him... that one day he will also cook for the family, do some jokes and laugh with us infront of the dining table. But... when? I wish he was like Tito Edward.

I wish he can just learn to accept me.

"I really had the best dinner po," pasasalamat ko matapos ang hapunan. Now I am off to go.