My Only Exception

Chapter 5

"So your hardwork in making your resto-bar paid off then?" she asked him.

He nodded. "And I know that you will like the service we will do for your book as much as the publication company is confident with us."

"Let's see," she said. They started talking about business and she never gave him any look. After a tour of the facilities and the paper quality that they provide, she knew she was impressed how big he has succeeded and how established he is now but didn't show it.

Nakatingin lang din sya sa paligid at nakikinig sa nadidinig pero hindi naiintindihan kung ano ang pinapaliwanag sa kanya. When they were done, Albert asked her if she was satisfied.

"I'll let you know about it," she answered.

"If there's anything else that would make you more satisfied, you can tell me. I would make it available for the book," Ethan told her.

"I didn't say I am satisfied but yes, it is impressive," sagot nya. "Let's go Albert? I'll just talk to you personally tomorrow?"

"Ah... S-sure Miss Raffy," naguguluhan din sa kanila na sagot ni Albert. "Ihahatid ka na namin ulit sa pupuntahan mo."

"Well... Why don't we catch up Raffy? It's been a while and it is almost lunch. I know a place that you'll like. Isa pa, work's done," he asked her.

"My preferences might have changed. Baka ayaw ko na ng Italian food," she told him.

"Don't worry, buffet yun. So kahit anong klase I know you'll get it," he said. He was looking straight on her eyes as if challenging her.

"Okay. Sure," she agreed. Hindi sya papaapekto kay Ethan.

••

(His Thoughts)

We headed to a quiet restaurant na buffet service like what I told her. She took her seat after serving her plate. Tahimik lang kaming dalawa dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko. I wanted to talk to her because of so many reasons pero wala akong masimulan. My pride and ego were too prevailing. I was about to say something when her phone rang.

"Hi honey," she said as soon as she answered the call. She listened on the other line and smiled. "Yes, I missed you too. How are you and Dada?"

Sumagot naman ang nasa kabilang linya. Whoever she was speaking with, they were telling her stories which made her laugh. I remained silent, focused sa plate but ears alert.

Dada.

"Ikaw, kung anu-ano talaga tinuturo kay Cali," she laughed. "Kelan na yung surprise nyo sakin?"

She paused for a while. "Baka lang naman makalusot. I'm having lunch with an acquaintance."

Really? Ako? Acquaintance? Seryoso ba sya?

That moment made me wish I was Incredible Hulk.

"Oo na, sige na. I'm just waiting. Thanks Dada. I can't thank you enough for doing that. Kiss Cali for me. I'll see you both soon," she smiled. "I love you. Take care, okay? Alright, bye."

Napatigil ako lalo sa huling sinabi nya.

I love you.

Dati rati, para sa akin yun. Now, it's for her own family with my older brother.

Fuck.

Is she really doing this in front of someone she spent a part of her life with? Na kapatid ng tatay ng anak nya?

Pero mas naiinis ako dahil akala ko I have moved on completely. Okay naman ako. I was doing perfectly fine. I didn't plan to see her. I didn't want our paths to cross again. I've been intentionally avoiding the places she might be going to. Less chances, less pain. But then, kahit anong iwas ko, fate still played its tricks on me.