Thank you for letting me breathe through this story. I missed writing stories with light plot that's why I wrote this. Hope you enjoy being with Jace and Zarina because I really enjoyed writing them. See you in my next stories!
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Epilogue
"Let us all welcome Architect Jace Lael Sy, the new President of Talavera Corporation." The emcee announced.
With hands on my pocket, I walked straight to the center of the stage. The emcee gave me the microphone that I immediately received in order for me to speak with the guests.
I turned to the guests, scanning the hall before I found the eyes I wanted to look at.
There she was... my fianceé.
She smiled at me while clapping her hands gracefully. She was looking so proudly at me that I wanted to do my best with the speech that I was going to voice out.
I didn't exactly know how it all started.
Among all my admirers before, she was the most annoying one. It annoyed me how she threw herself to me, endlessy confessing that she liked me, following me around the campus whenever she can, embarrassing herself just to try and get my attention, and even though I was rejecting her frankly, she still wouldn't stop pursuing me.
My heart suddenly gave a one big pound when she fell onto the floor because I recklessly turned to her that result our collision. She lost her balanced and fell. I suddenly felt guilty. I didn't mean it!
I heard some of our schoolmates started to whisper about her. Her eyes remained looking at the floor while she bit her lower lip.
I felt responsible for what happened. I swore, I didn't mean to hurt her. It was an accident!
"Zarina!"
Her friend kneeled beside her.
"I told you not to try, Zarina. I told you to stop," she emphatically said.
But knowing Zarina, she was hard-headed and very persistent. She didn't listen to her friend and raised her head to look at me before standing up. She smiled sweetly at me like I haven't done anything wrong to her.
"If you will attend my debut and be my escort, I promise to stop bothering you after that. I promise to do my best and stop liking you," she bravely stated all her promises. "I promise, Jace. I don't usually make promises, but I promise."
Those who heard her vocal invitation started to laugh, but she didn't even care about them. She was still smiling at me like she wasn't being laughed at.
"Okay," I simply said before turning my back.
I accepted her invitation to eradicate the guilt that I was feeling. If I'd reject her again, it will just be more embarrassing on her side.
"You need a what?" My mom asked with her eyes wide open.
"I need a tux," I repeated.
"Why would you need a tux?" she asked me. "Well, actually, you already have a tux or suit in your closet. Do you mean, you need a new one?"
I heaved and nodded. "I need a new one," I said. "I'm gonna be an escort in a debut."
Mom over reacted when her jaw literally dropped, while my Dad coughed and almost spilled his coffee.
"You're going to attend a debut?" It was now Dad's turn to interrogate.
"Yes, I am and please, spare me from the interrogation," I timidly said and spreaded butter on the toasted bread.
My parents pursed their lips, but my mom couldn't help it and blatted how happy she was that I was finally attending some social gathering. Marami na akong tinanggihan na imbitasyon. Ito ang unang beses na aattend ako sa debut ng aking kaeskuwela. Mom was so thrilled because of that. Ipinakita ko sa kanya ang imbitasyon at paulit-ulit niyang pinasasalamatan si Zarina habang kumakain kami.
"Zarina Cashe Rivadelo!" The emcee announced her name as the crowd cheered.
I sighed and turned to look at her only to find myself feeling that one big pound in my heart again. I immediately averted my gaze away from her and looked away before her eyes even landed on me. She was wearing a rose gold gown that was very suited for a princess. Her hair was tied into a bun with a small crown on her head.
All throughout her debut, I did my best not to look at her. I did everything to keep me busy. I found myself staring at the plates, flower vases, chandeliers, and the likes just to avoid her. I didn't like the foreign feeling she was giving me.
But I knew avoiding her wouldn't last long. The organizer came to me and told me that it was time for the eighteen roses already. She gave me one long-stemmed rose and waited until it was finally my turn.
The song changed and it was my cue to start walking towards her. She was smiling at me and gave me all of her attention.
I slightly bowed and offered her the rose just like what the organizer told me. Zarina's smile didn't fade away as she accepted the rose. Humakbang ako papalapit lalo sa kanya upang masimula na siyang isayaw. I felt her tensed up because of our closeness, but she relaxed right away and leaned on my chest.
Mabuti na lang at kanina pa hindi normal ang pagtibok ng aking puso kaya wala na itong naging pagbabago sa sobrang lapit namin sa isa't isa. Ngunit sa tingin ko'y kung magtatagal pa ay may posibilidad na magbago ulit ito... Nararamdaman ko.
"We're dancing for almost a minute now," I told her.
Isang minuto lang ang tinagal nang mga nakasayaw niya kanina. We should also be done by now, but the song won't stop playing.
"You are my last dance," she said.
I slightly closed my eyes... I'm her last dance so it should be damn long, huh?
"Jace, I really like you..." she confessed unexpectedly.
I almost stopped dancing, but my mind refused me to. I continued swaying her slowly.
"I never laid eyes on any boy in our school except for only you," she said. "Maybe you can try to look at other people who cherish you like how I do. Ang hirap din kaya ng nababaliwala at hindi napapansin."
I clenched my jaw tightly. Wasn't this enough? I already agreed to be her escort. I was even dancing with her right now and being this close to her!
"I never asked for any attention or affection from you and from the others." I just defended my side.
I felt her nodded. "I know..." she trailed for a second. "Pero wala namang mawawala kung susubukan mong buksan ang mga mata mo para sa mga taong nandyan para sa'yo, 'di ba? You wouldn't know... maybe one day, bigla na lang silang mawala sa'yo bago mo ma-realize ang halaga nila."
Ang ayoko sa lahat ay 'yong pinapangunahan ako sa aking damdamin. I had different principles in life. I was fine being alone. And if ever I needed someone, I never had to open up to others because I have my family.
"If they will leave me sometime, then they're not really there for me at all," I coldly said.
That was what I've learned from my parents' story.
Kahit gaano ka kahirap intindihin, kung gusto talaga nilang manatili sa tabi mo ay hindi sila aalis kahit gaano ka kahirap pakisamahan.
Hindi ko namalayan ang pagtigil ng musika na aming sinasayawan. Si Zarina na mismo ang tumigil sa aming pagsasayaw bago ako tiningnan diretso sa aking mga mata.
"Thank you for making me happy tonight, Jace. I will forever cherish and remember this moment."
I never knew it would be the last words that I will hear from her. She started to avoid me after that night. Every time our eyes would lock, she will look away immediately. If she'd see me coming, she will turn her back and take a different path. If her friends teased her about me, she will wear a scowl on her face like it was forbidden to be teased.
"She will not attend the party," Liana told me when she suddenly trespassed inside my room and sat on my bed. "Nasa New York na raw siya no'n. Bakasyon ata."
Nanliit naman ang aking mga mata habang iniisip kung alibi niya lang ba 'yon at ayaw niya na talagang maging konektado pa sa akin.
"Alam mo kung ikaw ang mag-invite sa kanya, baka kahit i-move ang flight niya paalis ay gagawin niya para lang makapunta sa birthday natin," sabi pa niya.
I remained stoic while staring at the sketch I was drawing.
"Okay lang naman kahit hindi siya pumunta," pabalang kong sabi.
"Okay lang naman pala, e! Bakit mo pa pinapa-imbita sa akin kung ganoon?" sarkastiko niyang tanong. "Ang hirap mo talagang intindihin minsan."
"Nakakahiya lang kasi, Li," I reasoned out. "Inimbita niya ako sa kanyang debut pagkatapos ay hindi ko siya iimbitahin sa atin?"
She pursed her lips and nodded. "Well, you have a point, twin."
Kahit na iyon ang sinabi ko sa aking kakambal ay hindi ko man lang iyon napanghawakan. Pagkatapos ng aming graduation practice ay nagawa ko pa siyang sundan sa kanilang bahay para sana sa magulang niya magpaalam, ngunit hindi ko rin itinuloy dahil ayoko na ring maaksaya pa ang pera at oras nila. They already booked for the tickets. It would only cost them more if they'll move it.
I just let it pass and went home. May susunod na taon pa naman. Babalik naman sila.
After graduation, my life resumed normally. I spent my summer going in and out of the country with my family. Ayaw ko ngang sumama pero hindi papayag si mommy. Sometimes, I helped dad with our company. Most of the time, I was just sketching inside my room.
"I don't want to handle the company," I told my family when they asked me what course I chose. "Architecture is my first choice. I'm also admitted with scholarship by the university where I want to study."
"Jace, are you sure about this?" tanong sa akin ni mommy na mayroong pag-aalala.
Ang pinakagusto kong malaman na opinyon ay kay daddy. Pero kahit na hindi niya ako payagan ay itutuloy ko pa rin ang gusto ko.
I didn't want to live behind my family's shadow. I wanted to earn my keep. I wanted to create a name for myself. Carrying my parents' surname, especially mom's surname was already a big burden. I needed to live with the expectation of those people around me who knew about my family. In order to detach myself from that, I isolated myself as much as possible.
I didn't attend any social gatherings with regards to our business or any party that we needed to represent our family. Kahit sa mismong pamilya ko ay inilayo ko ang sarili ko.
I know how to handle our business by helping my father and uncle, but I didn't like it. Good thing that Liana's very willing to handle our company.
Everyone thought that I'd be the next business prodigy, but I shattered their expectations when I chose Architecture.
"Hmm... Nasa New York na pala talaga siya..." Malakas na sabi ni Liana pagkapasok ko ng bahay.
She was scrolling her iPad in the living room.
"Akala ko magbabakasyon lang siya roon pero doon na pala siya mags-stay for good," dagdag niya pa.
Napakunot ang aking noo dahil kinakausap niya pa ang kanyang sarili. Umiling na lamang ako at humakbang para tumungo sa kitchen nang muli siyang nagsalita.
"I wonder if Zarina will still come back..." she suddenly said. "Tingin ko ay hindi na..."
Zarina's the one she was talking about. Hindi ko alam kung sinasadya niya bang sabihin ang kanyang iniisip upang marinig ko pero kung ganoon nga ay nababahala na ako.
I can feel the raging anger inside me. How dare she confess and leave just like that? Pagkatapos ay hindi na siya babalik?
"Oh, Jace! Nakauwi ka na pala!" Biglang pagkausap sa akin ng aking kakambal.
My jaw clenched and didn't pay attention to her anymore. Dire-diretso ang lakad ko patungo sa aking kwarto. Inilabas ko ang aking cellphone at tiningnan isa-isa ang aking social media accounts. She didn't have any new post on her Facebook, so I checked Instagram next. She posted a flatlay of her acceptance letter from a famous university in New York with a caption, "Thankful for this new beginning".
I tightly held my phone while I stared at her post. Even though I can feel the anger for her running through my veins, I still can't help but to think if she will still come back or not. If she will, good. If not, then... okay.
Is it really okay?
Napabalikwas ako sa aking kinauupuan habang nagm-meeting nang makita ko ang panibagong post ni Zarina sa Instagram. For almost seven years, I managed to live by viewing her Instagram posts every time she updates. It was a candid photo of her staring at the landed planes. I was sure that she was at the airport.
The caption on her post made me feel something that I had never felt before. I didn't know if it was excitement, nervousness, or both.
"I will miss you, New York."
That was the caption.
What did she mean by that? Saan siya pupunta? Uuwi na ba siya?
"What do you think, Architect Sy?"
Napaangat ako ng tingin sa head ng team na nagp-present ngayon. Tumikhim ako at pinasadahan ng tingin ang hard copy ng kanilang presentation.
"Give me a time to think about it. I need a more detail report other than this hard copy," I told them and shifted from my seat. "That's all for today. Meeting adjourned."
Humilig akong muli sa backrest ng aking upuan habang isa-isa silang umalis sa loob ng conference room. Muli kong tiningnan ang kanyang post. I read the comments of her friends from New York and saw that one of them promised her that they will visit Philippines for her.
She's really coming home!
"Jace..."
Napaangat ako ng tingin kay Isha na kakalapit pa lang sa akin.
"You seemed so pre-occupied during the meeting. You're not in your usual self. May problema ba?" nag-aalala niyang tanong sa akin.
Umiling ako at tinago ang aking cellphone. "To be honest, I wasn't satisfied with their presentation and design," sabi ko. "Our client's target are the mid-class families. Masyadong marangya ang kanilang disenyo. If those designs will be featured in a brochure, paniguradong hindi nila ito papansinin dahil iisipin nilang hindi nila 'yon kaya."
Isha pursed her lips and nodded before she smiled. "I thought you're not listening to their presentation."
Tipid na lamang akong ngumiti sa kanya at humigpit ang pagkakahawak sa aking cellphone nang may maalala ako. Pagkabalik ko ng opisina ay sinuyod ko ang aking email upang balikan ang nabasa kong invitation para sa reunion namin.
I wasn't planning to attend it, but knowing that Zarina's coming back, I suddenly had the urge of attending the reunion. There was a huge possibility that she'd attend it.
Hindi naman ako nagkamali. She really did attend the reunion. Pagkapasok niya pa lang ay agad na siyang pinagkaguluhan ng aming mga batchmates. Nang makita kong hinila siya ng girlfriend ni Ericson patungo sa amin ay agad akong nag-iwas ng tingin at kunwari'y abala sa iniinom.
"Puppy love, huh?"
I didn't know why the subsided anger that I had for her suddenly rose up again. She constantly humiliated herself before just for a puppy love?! Kung amakto pa siya ay parang hindi na niya maalala ang mga nangyari noon. Hindi ko 'yon matanggap kaya gagawin ko ang lahat para maipaalala sa kanya.
"Is she the one you're talking about before?" Isha asked me after our dinner with Zarina and her father. "She's finally back."
Hindi ko na sinagot ang kanyang tanong. I wasn't obliged to answer it anyway. And besides, alam kong alam na niya at naninigurado na lang siya. Kapag hindi ako sumagot, alam na niya ang ibig sabihin no'n.
"At 'di ba... nangako ako sa'yo na lalayo ako at pipigilan ko ang nararamdamn ko? I just fulfilled my promise to you alongside with my first reason. Naisip kong madali kong makakalimutan ang nararamdaman ko sa'yo kapag lumayo na lang ako."
My lips slightly parted because of her confession. One of the reasons why she left was because of her promise. I didn't even pay attention to that promise of her. Naalala ko tuloy ang mga pangako niya para lang pumayag ako na maging escort niya kahit na hindi naman 'yon ang rason kung bakit niya ako napapayag.
"Ano ba, Jace?! Ang gulo mong kausap!" Walang pagdadalawang-isip na sabi sa akin ni Liana. "Get your shit together."
"You just don't understand," I frustratedly told my twin.
"Paano kita maiintindihan kung pinapairal mo ang galit mo?" pabalang niyang tanong sa akin. "You told me that you are angry at Zarina, but you're angry at yourself as well. Kung ganoon, bakit ka nagagalit? Iyon ang gusto kong maintindihan."
"Iyon nga ang hindi ko maintindihan!" Tumaas na ang tono ng aking boses. "Nagalit ako sa kanya nang bigla siyang umalis noon ng walang paalam pero nagagalit ako ngayon sa sarili ko nang malaman kong isa ako sa dahilan kung bakit siya umalis. She made a promise to me that she'd do anything to forget me if I'd attend her debut and be her escort. Umalis siya dahil sa tingin niya'y mapapadali siyang makalimutan ako kapag malayo siya sa akin."
Liana stared at me while her lips were slightly parted from each other. Tinitigan ko lang din siya habang hinihintay kung ano ang kanyang sasabihin.
"You love her..."
Gulat akong napalingon kay mommy na mukhang kanina pa nakikinig sa aming usapan. She invited herself inside my room.
"Naramdaman mo bang nag-iiba ang pagtibok ng puso mo kapag nandyan siya?" sunod na tanong sa akin ni mommy. "Kapag nakikita mo ba siyang may kasamang iba, naiinis ka?"
I didn't know why my mom's questions affect me so much. Maybe it was because I was able to feel what she was asking me. Noong debut niya pa lang noon ay alam kong kakaiba na ang ginawang pagtibok ng puso ko pero hinayaan ko na lang 'yon. Nang malaman ko namang kasama niya si Bench para sa isang lunch date sabi ng kanyang sekretarya ay nag-init ang ulo ko sa hindi malaman na dahilan kaya ko siya pinatawag.
"If you do, maybe... it's really love, Jace."
Mom's words were engraved in my mind. Paulit-ulit ko 'yong iniisip. Nahihirapan akong intindihin dahil ito ang unang beses na maramdaman ko 'yon. I told myself that I was fine alone, and my family was already enough for me, but something inside me felt incomplete. It felt like something's missing. Noong bumalik si Zarina ay nararamdaman kong unti-unti nang naiibsan ang pagkukulang.
I was in love with my profession being an Architect. I was able to establish my own name in the field I chose. I was happy and satisfied with what I had achieved, but I suddenly felt like it wasn't enough when I first encountered Zarina's mother. She had her own bet for her daughter. She wanted someone who'd be able to help Zarina with their business.
I was confident that Zarina wouldn't let that happen knowing how stubborn she was. But I didn't realize that she already changed. Hindi na siya iyong dati kong Zarina na laging nakasunod at nangungulit sa akin.
When I saw Dylan, her mom's bet, waiting for her, an unknown feeling inside me had woken up. Sa sobrang pag-iisip ay nagawa ko pa silang sundan sa kanilang pinuntahan. Mabuti na lang at hinayaan siya ni Dylan kalaunan na mag-isa kaya nakuha ko ang tiyansang 'yon para makausap siya. Ang totoo'y hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kung sabihin sa kanya pero alam kong kailangan ko siyang makausap.
It felt like she will continue to drift farther away from me if I'd just let her be. I didn't want that to happen. Hindi ko siya hahayaan na malayo ng tuluyan sa akin at nang maramdaman ko 'yon ay alam ko na kung bakit. I finally accepted my feelings for her.
"You love me, Zarina," I shamelessly told her. "You still love me even after all these years. Even if you left to forget me, I know you didn't succeed. I'm still the one you love, right?"
I didn't know where I got the guts to say that. The truth is I wasn't confident with the words I said. I wasn't sure if she still has feelings left for me because she made it seem like she didn't want me anymore.
Hindi ko alam kung ako pa ba ang gusto niya makalipas nang ilang taon na nagdaan kaya naman panay ang pagdadasal ko sa aking isipan na sana'y ako pa rin. Kung ako pa rin hanggang ngayon ay gagawin ko ang lahat para hindi na malihis ang nararamdaman niya para sa akin.
It seemed like the heavens heard my prayers and granted my wish, but there was a consequence. I needed to court her and I didn't know how to. Natatakot ako na baka iyon ang dahilan para hindi niya ako tanggapin.
That's why I did my best. Kahit ako mismo ay hindi ko maintindihan ang aking ginagawa. There was only one thing that I was certain of... I want to make her happy and satisfied. Naisip kong kapag nagawa ko ang dalawang bagay na 'yan ay hindi niya gugustuhin na malayo ako sa kanya.
"You finally confessed to her?" tahimik na tanong sa akin ni Isha pagkaalis ng sasakyan ni Dylan at kasama nito si Zarina.
Nilingon ko naman siya at saka tumango. "Where's Li?" tanong ko. "Iuuwi ko na ang kapatid ko."
She bit her lower lip and slightly bowed her head. She's my dear friend, and I know she had feelings for me, but I just don't like her the way she liked me.
"Jace, hanggang ngayon..." bigla niyang sabi na nagpatigil sa akin sa paglalakad. "Gusto pa rin kita hanggang ngayon. I just want to tell you for the last time before I finally let go of my feelings. Alam kong sigurado ka na sa kanya. I know you so well..."
I heaved and exhaled a deep breath before I turned to her. Her tears were already on the verge of her eyes, ready to fall.
"I'm really sorry, Ish..." I apologized for I cannot reciprocate her feelings.
Umiling siya at ngumiti na dahilan kung bakit tuluyang bumagsak ang kanyang luha. "Please, don't be sorry..." sabi niya. "Huwag kang humingi ng tawad sa akin dahil hindi mo masuklian ang nararamdaman ko. Huwag kang humingi ng tawad dahil nasaktan mo ako. Huwag kang humingi ng tawad dahil hindi ako ang minahal mo. I'm happy for you, Jace. That's the truth. I'm happy because you finally open your heart to love even if it's not me."
She wiped her tears and laughed with no humor.
"You're still my best friend after this, Jace, okay?"
I smiled at her and nodded.
I thought everything was finally settled when I was able to fix my relationship with Isha, and Zarina finally agreed to be my girlfriend with the help of my family, but her mother didn't want me for her.
"Talagang sinuway mo ako, Zarina..." I heard her mother say before I was completely out. "Is this some kind of rebellion because I'm forcing you to marry Dylan? You're using that Architect to get back on me, claiming that he's you boyfriend?"
I suddenly had the urge to go back and defend Zarina, but I realized that it would only make things worse. Walang mangyayari at baka mas lalo lamang maging hadlang ang kanyang ina sa aming dalawa. I needed to do something that would make her mother favor me, and there's only one way I can think of to make it happen.
"Kumain na kayo ng dinner. Saan ka ba nasiraan, Li?" tanong ni mommy sa aking kakambal nang salubungin niya kami sa living room.
I followed them inside the dining room even though I already ate at my girlfriend's house. I already made my decision the moment I left their house earlier, and I needed to relay my thoughts and decision to my family.
"I already asked your Auntie Bella to reserve the largest function hall in Belle Danse for the party," Dad told Liana. "Doon ko ipapaalam sa lahat at pati sa mga media na ikaw na ang mamamahala ng kompanya."
"That's too grand for sure," Liana uttered.
"Of course, it has to be grand!" Mom exclaimed and smiled.
I bit my lower lip and stared at the food on my plate. Kaonti lang ang kinuha ko ngunit hindi ko pa rin ito magawang kainin.
"Jace, bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?" marahang tanong sa akin ni mommy na mukhang napansin ang aking pagtitig sa pagkain. "Baka lumamig ang pagkain mo."
I will not back down with my decision. I just hope that my family, especially Liana will gladly accept it. I know that I disappointed them before when I turned my back on my supposed responsibility but right now, I'm gonna claim it back.
"I want to handle the company," I announced before I looked at my family's reaction.
Jath continued eating his dinner after he was stunned for a second or two, but my parents and Liana were looking at me with pure shock on their faces.
"I already got my training before when I was helping dad and Tito Vini. I can handle it already," I added.
"Are you sure about this, Jace?" My twin asked me.
I turned to her and nodded. "I am."
She smiled at me. "Well, I'm fine with it," she said and looked at our parents. "Lower position, less responsibility and work. I'm sure Jace will do well being the president. And besides, he's really the heir of Talavera, right?"
Mom looked at me with her eyes moistened. Nilipat ko naman kay daddy ang tingin ko na nakangiti rin sa akin.
"I'm very much happy with your decision, Jace," Dad told me.
And because of the sudden decision, I created my own deadline for my unfinished business in my firm. I also breached the contract I signed with a foreign client for a building in Singapore because I would need to stay in Singapore for that one. I didn't want to be bombarded with work when I started handling our company. I needed to finish everything. It was actually a good thing that Dad was willing to give me two weeks more after the announcement before I officially go to work as the President of our company.
"You seem pretty busy this week, twin," Liana trespassed, once again, in my room.
"I have a deadline to meet," I simply told her.
"What's with your sudden change of mind?" she suddenly asked me. "Dati noong tinanggihan mo ang responsibilidad mo ay buo na ang desisyon mo. I can also see that you're doing pretty well in the field you're in right now. Kung ano man ang nakapagpabago ng desisyon mo, alam kong importante 'yon. That variable made your firm decision bend. Isa lang ang kilala kong makakapagpagawa no'n sa'yo..."
I let go of my mechanical pencil and pursed my lips. I craned my neck a bit and massaged my nape before leaning my back on the back rest.
"Is it because of Zarina?"
"She didn't ask me to do this," I cleared it out to her.
"I know..." she said. "Kilala ko si Zarina. She loves you so much that she wouldn't ask you to do what you don't want to do. Hindi ko lang maisip kung bakit at paano nangyari 'to."
Huminga naman ako ng malalim bago hinilot ang aking sintido. Alam kong hindi siya aalis hanggang sa hindi niya nakukuha ang sagot na kailangan niya.
"Her mother's luring her to marry Dylan Ortiguera," sabi ko sa kanya.
"Dylan Ortiguera? Is he the son of Danilo and Sylvia Ortiguera?" she asked.
Tumango naman ako.
"Why would her mother want her to marry someone else when she's in a relationship with you?" Hindi niya maintindihan. "You are Jace Lael Sarmiento Sy!"
"Uhuh... I'm Jace Lael Sarmiento Sy but still, her mother doesn't like me for her."
"Are you serious?" My twin sounded like she will raise hell.
"She wants someone who'll be able to help Zarina with their business. Dylan will inherit their company. Her mom wants someone who's business minded. Clearly, that's not me. That's not what I want."
"And that's why you decided to handle our company even if you don't like it..." she concluded. "Does Zarina even know about this?"
Nilingon ko naman siya at matalim na tingnan. "Hindi niya alam kaya huwag mong sasabihin," sabi ko. "Hindi ko muna sasabihin sa kanya. I'll invite their family to our party. Kakausapin ko rin ang mga magulang niya."
"Zarina won't like this, Jace. Nakikita kong ayaw niya sa desisyon mong 'to lalo na kung malalaman niyang siya ang dahilan," sabi niya.
"I know..." I said. "But I'd rather give up a piece of me than to lose her. And besides, I will not completely give the firm up. I'll ask Isha to help me run it while I'm busy with the company. Kapag naging gamay ko naman na ang kompanya ay hindi na ako mahihirapan na pagsabayin 'to."
To be honest, I wasn't sure if I can really pull this off. But I'm willing to make everything work for the both of us. Kahit mahihirapan ako ay gagawin ko. Lahat gagawin ko para sa kanya.
I never knew that I could actually make this kind of decision for a girl. I was firm with what I want. Pero para sa kanya, pakiramdam ko'y lahat ay kaya kong baliin. Kahit ang desisyon ko para sa sarili kong buhay ay kaya kong baliktarin dahil kayang-kaya niya rin naman 'yong ayusin ng walang kahirap-hirap.
The Jace Lael Sy who refused to be the heir of their company volunteered to be in the position without any second thoughts. Alam kong hindi lang ang ina ni Zarina kundi pati na rin ang pamilya ko ang magiging masaya sa desisyon kong 'to. Kahit na pinayagan ako ni Daddy noon sa gusto kong mangyari, alam kong sa kaloob-looban niya ay ayaw niya sa desisyon ko. That's why he was very happy when I decided to get the position back to me.
"Okay ka lang ba?" Zarina softly asked me.
She was sitting on my lap while I hug her from the back. It might be too cheesy, but just by holding her, I suddenly felt replenished. Nawala agad ang pagod na nararamdaman ko dahil sa trabaho. Siya lang talaga ang kailangan ko.
"Why wouldn't I be okay?" Hinigpitan ko ang aking pagkakayakap sa kanya upang kumuha ng mas maraming lakas. "Well, maybe, I'm not okay. You're here in my arms. I'm more than okay."
Kung siya lang din naman ang kapalit ng lahat ng paghihirap ay wala na akong hihilingin pa. Handa akong maghirap basta siya ang kapalit.
"I'm gonna handle our company," I stated with conviction in front of her parents.
I saw her mom shifted from her seat and stared at me with a stoic expression.
"I thought you don't want to handle your company?" She raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms.
"My parents were disappointed before when I refused to handle the company and chose Architecture. They believed that I wanted to handle it because I was helping my father and uncle before. Hinayaan nila ako dahil importante sa kanila kung ano ang gusto kong gawin sa buhay. Kung saan ako masaya, kahit hindi 'yon ang gusto nila para sa akin ay susuportahan nila ako. I can proudly say that I'm very blessed with understanding parents," I told her. "Ngayon, gusto ko nang harapin ang responsibilidad na tinalikuran ko noon para sa mga taong mahal ko. I want to make my parents happy, and I want to be the man suited for Zarina in your eyes. Hindi niya man sinasabi sa akin para hindi ako mag-alala, alam kong nababahala siya."
Her mother let out a deep sigh before she smiled and nodded at me. Ikinagulat ko ang kanyang reaksyon dahil hindi iyon ang inaasahan ko.
"It doesn't matter to me if you won't handle your company," she told me. "I was just testing you. Kung may lalaki man akong gusto para sa anak ko, hindi isang lalaki na mamamahala ng kanilang kompanya kundi isang lalaki na alam kong kayang gawin ang lahat para sa kanya. I love my daughter so much, Jace. Nag-iisa namin siyang anak ng asawa ko kaya gusto kong masiguradong magiging masaya siya kapag nawala kami. I can see that she loves you so much. Dati ay sinusunod niya lahat ng gusto ko, ngunit nang dahil sa'yo ay natuto siyang lumaban. Instead of hating it, I'm scared. Ayaw ko siyang masaktan lalo na't nakikita ko kung gaano na kalalim ang nararamdaman niya para sa'yo na nagawa niya akong kalabanin."
A tear left her eye and rolled down on her cheek. She immediately wiped that away and smiled at me again.
"Based on what you can do for my daughter, I can tell that you really do love her," she said. "You don't need to give up your profession. Just love my daughter as much as you love her right now or even more, that's already fine with me."
I can't help but to finally smile. "Thank you po," I sincerely thanked her. "But I'll remain firm with my decision. Gaya nga po ng sabi ko kanina, para rin ito sa mga magulang ko. This is for my family, and that includes Zarina too."
I was frowning while staring at her taking pictures of herself with the Statue of Liberty as her background. A group of guy teenagers were staring at her. Hindi ba nila nakikita ang singsing sa daliri niya? Guess, I should've chosen a ring with a big diamond for everyone to see. She's already going to be my wife!
Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at lumapit na ako sa kanya. I wasn't a fan of taking pictures. Kanina'y umayaw ako dahil gusto niyang marami ang maging picture namin kahit nakuhanan na kami ng isa.
"Stop taking pictures," I told her.
Natigil naman siya at nilingon ako para lamang umirap. Muli siyang tumingin sa kanyang cellphone upang ngumiti.
I sighed and hold her waist to pull her closer. I glanced at the group of teenagers staring at her earlier. Nakita naman nila ang aking pagtingin kaya agad silang umiwas.
"You lived here in New York for years. Hindi ka ba nagsasawa?" bulong ko sa kanya.
"Matagal akong nawala!" katwiran niya. "Saka hindi naman ako laging pumupunta rito noon. For years that I lived in New York, dalawang beses pa lang ako nakapunta rito. I was focused studying."
Zarina invited me to come with her here in New York when the construction of her water park has already begun. She didn't have to invite me though. Talagang sasama ako kapag nalaman kong pupunta siya rito para magbakasyon. Hindi ko siya hahayaang pumunta rito mag-isa.
This is our fourth day in New York.
We were with her friends for the first three days. Ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng time na para sa aming dalawa. I actually suggested that we should just stay at their house and start listing down what she wants for our marriage, but she insisted travelling with me. Pagkauwi na raw sa Pilipinas ay saka namin asikasuhin. Syempre ay siya ang masusunod sa aming dalawa.
"Can you please move a little bit?" she turned to me with an unknown expression. "I'm gonna take a picture. Nasasama ka."
Kung dati ay ako ang nagsusungit sa kanya, ngayon ay mas madalas na siyang magsungit sa akin. She really knows how to use her power over me. Alam niyang kaya niya akong kontrolin ngayon.
"Isali mo na ako..." mahina kong sabi.
Her eyebrows shot up and smirked.
"Kala ko ba ayaw mo?" Ang tinig niya ay tila nang-iinis.
"Gusto ko na..." Halos hindi ko makilala ang sarili kong boses.
Ngumisi naman siya sa akin at saka ako niyakap ng mahigpit. Sinsiksik niya ang kanyang ulo sa aking dibdib. Gustong-gusto ko kapag bumabalik siya sa dati niyang kagawian na para bang baliw na baliw sa akin.
I smiled and hugged her back.
I am so lucky because this woman's soon to be my wife. Can you believe it?'
Others may be thinking that she's lucky because I fell in love with her, they don't know that I'm the lucky one because she fell in love and stayed with me even when I'm so hard to love.
"I can't wait to finally marry you, baby..." I sincerely said and kissed her forehead tenderly.