Getting His Attention (Completed)

Chapter 50

"Sorry..." ang tangi kong sinabi bago umalis at dumiretso na sa loob ng bahay.

Walang sorry ang sasapat sa lahat ng ginawa ko sa kaniya. Ngunit iyon na lang talaga ang kaya kong sabihin. That's better than giving him false hope.

The whole day was tough and filled with sheer heartache. I just stared at my ceiling and cried myself to sleep.

For the past few weeks, I've been spending my time working in my office. I was tied up in paper work and meetings. Ako na halos nag-handle ng store operations sa lahat ng branch namin kaya hindi na rin ako inabala nila Daddy at sila na ni Xian ang nag-asikaso sa ongoing project. The setup was actually in my favor. Hindi ko kailangan bumisita sa construction site.

I kept myself busy to divert my attention and avoid... him.

"Jil..." I heard my mother's voice. Naalis ang mata ko sa laptop at nilingon siya na nakadungaw sa pinto.

She stepped in, giving me a small smile. Ngumiti rin ako, delighted to see her again. Ginabi na siya ng uwi for preparation sa birthday ni Xian.

There is really an ineffable relief whenever she gets home safe.

Masaya rin ako knowing na fully recovered na siya. We are now okay, too. Kahit may work na siya as online tutor, she'd find time to ask how my day was or if I needed anything.

Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama ko kaya tumabi ako.

"Tomorrow is your brother's birthday," she began. "Sa Areniego gaganapin. I want you to come with us."

I let out a deep breath. Hindi ako nakasagot agad.

"Sige na... pagbigyan mo na ako ngayon. Huling araw na rin bukas ni Manang Trinidad sa mansyon. She really wants to see you before going back to their province."

I was a bit surprised and sad at the same time. Sobrang tagal na ni Manang Trinidad sa mansyon to the point na parte na siya ng pamilya namin at mas ka-close ko pa kaysa sa parents ko.

"Okay. Sasama po ako." Hindi naging maganda ang huling ala-ala ko roon, but maybe it's really time to return.

Hesitant din ako umuwi noon dahil baka magtagpo kami ni Cyron. But at least now, we've done talking and haven't seen each other for awhile. Madalas na siya sa Manila kaya malabo nang magkita kami sa Areniego at sa mismong mansyon pa namin.

"Are you okay, Jil?" Mom asked in a worried tone. Napansin niya siguro ang sandali kong pananahimik.

"Not really..."

"Your eyes tell me the sadness you never shared." Sinipat niya ako. I just hugged her. Marahan niya namang hinaplos ang mahaba kong buhok.

"I'm sorry, Mom..." I mumbled, not knowing exactly what I was apologizing for. Siguro sa lahat. Ang hirap isa-isahin.

"Shh... don't feel bad, Jillian. Allow yourself to be free from guilt, or at least, let yourself be happy again. You deserve that."

I faintly smiled. We stayed that way, and later on, I returned to my work and started preparing my things.

Kinabukasan ng tanghali kami tumulak patungong Areniego. My family got everything set for a double celebration. Binigay ko na ang regalo ko kay Xian bago pa kami kumain.

"Thanks, Jie. Susuot ko 'to agad," tukoy niya sa mga polo shirts na bigay ko. "Jie. Your phone... Kanina pa nailaw."

I immediately turned it off. Dumadagsa 'yung text at tawag galing sa store at sa... iba.

We were all gathered at the dining table. I ate silently while listening to them. I didn't know what to feel, naghalo ang saya at lungkot kaya nang matapos kumain, agad akong napayakap kay Manang Trinidad.