Stuck At The 9th Step

CHAPTER 50 : THROW IT

#SAT9S

DEDICATED TO : Choco Myu

(Note : mabilisang ang phase ng chapter na 'to. Questions are left unanswered but I'll assure you, masasagot din 'yan.)

CHAPTER 50 : THROW IT

"Don't ever give Rhea to that asshole."

He bolt from the blue. He states it like an absolute bombshell. I was taken by surprise, not expecting him to care after all. It requires a few seconds before the whole idea penetrates my damped brain. Firstly, I don't have any idea how he was able to know Shinn. Secondly, based on his conviction, he seems well-informed about him. Thirdly, I could sense revulsion and it seems like he's disgusted by the idea of Shinn having his ex-girlfriend. Lastly, if that idea supposedly affects him, does that mean he still has a torch for his ex or it's just a matter of concern for someone who used to be his and he simply doesn't want Rhea to fall for the likes of Shinn Aslejo? Especially when they share the same characteristics. It was like competing with your own shadow, if there's any competition to begin with.

"Why do you care? It has nothing to do with you. Ang sabi mo wala kang pakialam kay Rhea."

Tumiim ang bagang niya. "I didn't say anything like that."

"But your actions clarifies it. Alin do'n ang totoo?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Akala ko ba mahal mo?"

"Akala ko rin mahal mo kaya nga pinaubaya ko sayo, di ba?" I clenched my teeth. "That's how I remembered it. And now, what are you trying to imply? Parang inuutusan mo akong bakuran ang dating teritoryo mo."

"Dati." Pag-uulit niya.

I couldn't help but stretched my lips into a simper smile before I sarcastically slips my remark. "Why don't you just drop your rebound and give yourself a chance with Rhea? You're so stupid, Ren."

Nagdilim ang mukha niya at kitang-kita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamao niya. "You don't know the whole story, Coby. Don't drag George into this mess. Kung ano man ang nalalaman mo, sinisiguro ko sayo na wala pa 'yan sa kalahati ng kwento. This isn't about my relationship with her, neither my past with Rhea." Mariin niyang bulong. "This is about Rhea. Alone. I'm giving you a warning but you're too skeptical to notice it that way. Who's more stupid?"

"I can't trust anyone, Ren. Not Shinn, not even you. I only have myself. I can be independent and I can protect Rhea in my own ways. I don't need your so called 'warnings.' Don't tell me what to do." I countered with equal conviction. "Sana hindi ka magsisi na hindi siya ang pinili mo."

"Fine." He sighed lazily. "Do it in your own." Naglakad siya at nilampasan ako habang may binubulong. "You know who to blame if her trauma got worse."

I froze. Nang matauhan ako ay nakalampas na siya sa akin at tuluyan nang pumasok sa opisina ni Tito Loren.

Ren knows about Shinn. He also knew what Rhea has been going through. What the hell is happening?

Gusto ko sanang harapin ulit siya at harap-harapan siyang tanungin tungkol sa mga bagay na 'yon pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. My pride kept me on the same grounds. Bumuntong hininga ako at nilisan ang building na marami pa ring katanungan.

Sa trabaho ay hindi ako masyadong nakapag-concentrate. From time to time, tumatawag ako kay Rhea para kumustahin siya.

"Kumusta na ang pakiramdam mo?"

"Um-ookay na." Okay daw pero halata sa boses ang tamlay. Huminga ako nang malalim at sinubukan siyang i-cheer up.

"You have to be fine. I'll give you something when you fully recover." Sandali akong natigilan nang maisip ko 'yon. I whisked the thought away from my mind. This isn't the right time to think about that.