The Fall of Alexander the Great (Monteverde Series 3)

24

Chapter Twenty Four

BLYTHE

Famous photographer Blythe Oenone Dominguez is reportedly seeing another well-known businessman in the identity of Avix Saavedra after the rumored split with the CEO of the Monteverde Group of Companies.

Napamura ako nang mabasa ang headline ng article sa Facebook. Ibinaba ko ang cellphone at naupo ako sa swivel chair ko. Parang wala sa sariling paulit-ulit akong umiling.

So, what if we're dating? Why does the media have to stick their noses everywhere?

It's been two weeks since I left Bicol, but the memories are still emblazoned in my mind. Everytime I feel the familiar twinge of pain, I try to focus my attention on something else to block off the negative thoughts. I was supposed to fly to Paris a week ago, but my sister talked me out of it. Sabi niya ay hindi naman kailangang madamay ng trabaho ko dahil sa personal problems. I realized she was right. I'm hurting, but I have an empire to run. I have staff that rely on me for advice and leadership.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in, Terry." Pumasok siya dala ang isang bouquet ng red roses. She placed it on top of my table and left immediately. Hindi ko naman pinagalitan si Terry dahil sa kanya nalaman ni Alexander ang plano ko. It's not her fault. Though the past few days, nararamdaman siguro ng mga staff ko na may nagbago sa akin kaya maingat sila sa pakikipag-usap at pakikitungo.

Kinuha ko ang card na nakakabit sa mga bulaklak at binasa ito.

These flowers are as beautiful as you are. Have a nice day, pretty woman. - AMS

My phone rang and I answered it with a little bit of hesitation.

"Hi," I greeted.

"Hello, pretty woman!" Avix's voice was on the other line. Napasandal ako sa swivel chair bago minasahe ang sentido ko.

"Hello to you as well. Busy ka, 'di ba?"

I met Avix at a friend's party a week ago. He introduced himself to me. We talked about life in general and we enjoyed each other's company. A day later, he asked me out. It escalated quickly, but I decided to go with it. I want to be the old Blythe again. The one who never wants to be in any relationship. The one who does not believe in romantic love. I want to go back to being me. I don't want to be the helpless person whose love cannot be genuinely reciprocated. Avix knows what he is getting himself into. Alam niyang I'm not looking for anything serious right now because I'm not ready to take a leap of faith. He told me he understood and respects my perspective.

"Blythe?" His voice pulled me back to reality. "Did you receive the flowers?"

"Yes, they're lovely. I loved them. Thank you." Avix is a womanizer and I'm well aware of that. Kabisado ko na nga ang mga estilo niya. Ang mabubulaklak na salita, mga chocolates, at mga pagpapalipad-hangin. The fact that he's a playboy makes him the perfect thing I need right now. A distraction.

Muli ay lumipad ang isip ko kay Alexander. Nakaramdam na naman ako ng pagkirot ng damdamin dahil ayaw ko mang aminin ay namimiss ko siya at ang boses niya. Nang makabalik ako sa Metro ay sa apartment ako ni Amanda tumuloy. Hanggang ngayon ay roon pa rin ako naglalagi dahil ayaw kong bumalik sa condo.

I'm not yet ready.

My unit is filled with memories I am not certain I can face.

Alexander didn't try to contact me anymore. The rational part of me rejoiced kasi alam kong mas makakabuti ito. Pero 'yung puso ko na napakakulit ay parang lumubog lalo dahil para lang niyang pinatunayan na tama ako. Isa nga lang akong past time at hindi totoo ang sinabi niyang mahal niya ako.