Teardrops of the Sky (The Skies Series #1)

Chapter 25

TWENTY-FIVE
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Pinanood kong unti-unting maglaho ang saya sa mukha ni Mama Crizalde.

"W— what?" Hindi niya makapaniwalang sambit.

"You're calling the wedding off?" Maski si Tita Agnes ay kumapa ng mga salitang pwedeng sabihin.

Tumango ako at nanatiling nakatingin sa kanila. I don't want them to see that a part of me is against my decision. A part of me that's bent on being selfish because I don't want to let Alron go. Ngunit mas nanaig pa rin ang kagustuhan kong maging masaya siya.

"I don't understand, Louise," bumaling ako kay Tito. "I thought you and my son were getting along very well."

We were. "It's not because of that, Tito."

"Then why?"

"I..." I trailed off. "I want him to be happy."

"Pero magiging masaya siya sa 'yo!" Ani Tita. "I know my son and I can see that he's happy whenever he's with you."

Your son only sees me as a friend while I see him from another light. And he also happened to love someone else. Someone who isn't me.

"I think it will be better if we remain friends," I stood by my decision. "Nakausap ko na po ang mga magulang ko at suportado nila ang desisyon ko. Pasensiya na po kung biglaan..."

Mataman akong tinignan ni Mama Crizalde. Sinalubong ko ang kaniyang tingin at hindi nagpatinag. Alam kong inoobserbahan niya kung ano marahil ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.

Mayamaya ay bumuntong-hininga siya. "Kung iyon ang gusto mo," malungkot siyang ngumiti. "I did promise your grandfather that I will accept whatever your decision may be."

I can't ignore the sadness that enveloped my heart. Napalapit na ako sa pamilya nila dahil buong akala ko ay magiging kasapi na rin ako ng pamilya nila. They are one of the best people I have ever known. I was lucky to have a chance to be a part of them. But unfortunately, Kailyn is luckier.

Hindi ko rin masabi ang totoong rason. It's not my secret to tell. Ayokong pangunahan muli si Alron at baka magulo ko nanaman ang buhay niya. Hindi ko kayang sabihin na may mahal na iba ang kanilang panganay kaya papakawalan ko siya para makasama niya ang babaeng minamahal niya.

"Ako na ang magsasabi kay—"

"Kung pwede po..." Pinutol ko ang sasabihin ni Mama Crizalde. "Ako na lang po sana ang magsasabi kay Alron."

And I exactly know when I should tell him.

Nang aalis na kami, niyakap ako ni Tita Agnes.

"You're a very nice girl, Louise," bakas ang lungkot ang panghihinayang sa tono ni Tito Damon nasa sa likuran ni Tita. "You would have been the best daughter-in-law, are you sure you won't change your mind?"

I would have loved to be your daughter-in-law, Tito.

Umiling ako. "I'm truly sorry, Tito, Tita."

"I understand," bahagya ngumiti si Tita bagaman alam kong malungkot pa rin siya. "Don't hesitate to visit us sometimes, okay?"