The Intertwined Fate (Serendipity Series #1) COMPLETED

21 - Bad

March 2019

"Luke," bati ko dito at ngumiti. He stared at me for a minute before returning a smile. Lumapit naman ako sa kaniya at pinulupot ang braso ko sa bewang niya. I just need some comfort right now.

He looked at me and tilted his head, probably wondering what got into my head that I'm suddenly clingy to him. I raised a brow at him with my head looking up at him. He raised a brow and chuckled right after. And that was enough for me to feel lighter.

Inakbay niya ang kamay niya sa balikat ko bago yumuko at humalik sa ulo. "You okay?" Bulong niya pagtapos kaya tumango ako sa kaniya. I know he would notice my swollen eyes but I feel better now.

For some reason, his presence brightens up my mood.

 "Ah, I heard you went out with Lucian today?" Luke asked when we sat down in our living room. The dinner is not yet prepared kaya dito muna kami pinapuna habang naghahanda sila. I wanted to help but they insisted I entertain Luke since he is a guest.

I nonchalantly nodded even when my heart is beating fast right now. "I didn't tell you because I know you'll ditch your class again," I lied.

Luke chuckled. "Good point. I would probably do that if I knew you'll go here."

"Hinatid ka ni Aris?" I asked, diverting the topic. I just want to move on from Lucian being the topic. I'm afraid I'll touch on some parts that should not be discussed. I'm not ready for that part yet.

"Yes," he let out a small laugh. "He got so mad when he realized where I wanted to go. You should have seen his face."

Natawa din ako sa sinabi niya. I could picture Aris annoyed face while driving here. He must be frustrated and killing Luke in his mind. Luke continued to tell me what happened on the campus after I left. I listened to him even when I hardly care about the campus. I just wanted to listen to his voice.

"Lovebirds, the dinner is ready," Mom called so I stood up from my seat. I offered my hand to Luke since he is still sitting and he gladly took it. Naabutan namin si Ate Lian and Kuya Sandro na nakaupo na.

I still feel guilty that I cannot meet Ate Lian's gaze. She just assumed earlier that I forgot about Lucian because of Luke but now she's seeing it with her eyes. I could only imagine her hatred towards me.

After eating, I decided to go see Lucian. If I am not mistaken, it's nearly his bed time kaya gusto ko sana siyang makita bago matulog. But Luke tagged along and I cannot tell him to stay downstairs because that will rise suspicion from him. Hinayaan ko na lang siya sumama sa akin. Because in his mind, Lucian is Ate Lian's son.

"Is he still awake?" Tanong ko sa nag-aalaga sa kaniya ngayon. She nodded and opened the door for me. Pumasok naman ako at sumunod si Luke sa akin.

Lucian is already in his crib but he's not yet sleeping. Kaya naman nang makita ako ay tumayo agad ito at nagpabuhat. I chuckled before accepting his little arms and carrying him. Luke stayed beside me and played with his hands.

"He's too cute," Luke said.

I know. He is your son, by the way. I wish I could easily tell him that. But we're still in the stage of building whatever our relationship is. If I'll tell him about Lucian, our relationship must be solid so he could understand where I'm coming from. I don't want Lucian to be left behind by his father once he knew about the truth.

So I could say that this is me testing the waters.

Nang maramdaman ang antok ni Lucian ay binaba ko na din ito para makapagpahinga na. The moment I stepped out of his room, a thought came into my mind. I looked at Luke accusingly. "Are you going to sleep here?"

He looked taken aback by my question. He opened his mouth in surprise, trying to have an innocent look but he is far from being innocent. I should know that because that face is exactly the reason why I was drawn to him.

Then he chuckled and raised both of his hands. "Swear, it never crossed my mind. I didn't know I'll be staying this late."

"I don't believe you," I said and shook my head as I walk past him.

He grabbed my arms, making me face him. "It's true, Celestine. Why don't you believe me?"

"Because there is a sign on your forehead saying, do not trust me."

Tinanggal ko ang hawak niya sa akin at dumiretso na sa kwarto ko. I really want to clean myself up dahil pakiramdam ko nasagap ko na lahat ng dumi sa labas. Luke went downstairs when he realized I'll be entering my room. He will probably ask permission from Mom.

Naligo na lang ako at nagbihis ng pangtulog bago bumaba. Naabutan ko sa baba si Ate Lian na umiinom ng tsaa. She saw me and tapped the seat beside her kaya sumunod ako. I could feel the tension around us.

Then she sighed. "I know you understood my words well, Cian. But don't take it against me as if I'm trying to take away Lucian from you."

"I never thought of that," I said and looked down. "I'm just embarrassed that someone had to point out to me that I'm forgetting my own child."

"Cian."

"I'm young and naive, Ate Lian. I knew it was a mistake to have a kid at a very young age without any plans for the future because it is the kid that will suffer. And I'm very sorry for Lucian because he doesn't deserve a Mom like me. I just wished... I could turn back time."

But I knew I could not do that. And I'm not quite sure if I wanted to forget the time I met Luke... because it was him who changed everything. He is not exactly the best thing that has happened to me but the progress we have now made me realize that he is not a bad thing after all.

"Do you like Luke now?"