Acquaintances

LAHAT ng bagay na sinubukan ni Kira na itatak sa isip niya kapag nagkita sila ulit ni Aivan ay napunta sa wala.

Kira gave Aivan a smile. A smile that no one can ever distinguish if it's a real one or not. "Good evening, Mr. Marceau." Pormal na bati ni Kira kay Aivan. At pinilit ni Kira na itago ang nararamdaman at nilingon muli si Chaun at Aiden. "Well, I'll see you guys again if there's still a chance. Thank you for inviting me, it's been fun. Good bye." Nakangiting paalam ni Kira sa dalawa at kinuha niya ang bag niya.

Chaun and Aiden returned a smile for her and Chaun then said, "See you again, Kira. Are you sure you don't want me to take you home?"

Umiling si Kira at tinanggihan ang alok ni Chaun. "I'll be fine, plus, it's not like I did not live here for a year or so." Naglakad si Kira papunta sa labasan ng venue kung saan nakatayo si Aivan. To show her respect for him, Kira just gave him a bow and left without saying anything to him.

He looked too shocked when he saw her. Why would he give her such reaction like that? Good thing Kira manage to pull herself together. She can't be just showing her emotion to him easily, it might affect something she should dodge.

As soon as Kira got out of the restaurant, the smile she was wearing was gone and she got to breath freely. It's been hard to breath knowing that the person she loved was inside --- the person that also broke her into pieces. She started walking away from the place, she wanted to visit a place to cool things off before going back.

She once did wonder, why did it ended like this? The person she trusted so much, the person who used to tell her comforting and sweet words --- how did it ended up as lies?

She wanted to try their relationship again, she's more than willing to accept and chase him even though that the person who broke her heart was him, but it can't be helped, right? It's always part of loving a person. In order to know that you truly love someone is to hurt. But if it's not healthy anymore, then it's not worth to fight anymore.

Kira gave a sigh. Why do we fall in love so easy? Even if she knew from the very start that it's not right.

Nang makita ni Kira ang convenience store na lagi niyang pinupuntahan nuong mga unang buwan niya sa bansa ay napangiti siya. Kaagad siyang pumasok at binati siya ng cashier. She got the food she used to buy here three years ago, when she was short of money and she doesn't have anything with her that day.

Kira payed for the hotdog and the cola, she sat at the table outside and as soon as she got her food laying on the table, a small smile crept on her lips. She still remembered how Aivan startled her that time, and because she was startled, the hotdog she was eating fell on the floor. Sa pagkakatanda niya ay tinapon rin ni Aivan ang inumin niya sa basurahan dahil kakagaling niya lang noon sa isang aksidente and as her doctor that time, he wanted her to eat healthily.

This is where everything started.

She started eating the food she bought, people walking on the streets looked at her with confusion, alam rin niya na hindi maiiwasan 'yo dahil hindi bagay ang suot niya sa pinupuwestuhan niya ngayon.

Suddenly, something came into her mind. The mysterious person who always left her a complete meal throughout those day... the person's still unknown.

Those were the memorable days she experienced during her stay here in this country three years ago... but deep inside her heart, Kira knows what's the biggest blessing she received when she was here---

---It was meeting him.

"Ki...ra..."

Did Kira hear it correctly? From the sound of its voice, she knew it pretty well... she knew who was the owner of the voice.

Kira was surprised from what she just heard. She knew who it was so she immediately glanced at the person, and there she saw Aivan huffing, he's trying to catch he's breath. Did he run all the way here?

Even if she did want to stay away from him and won't let him get to know about her stay in here, she can't do anything. Darating at darating ang oras na magkikita silang dalawa.

His clothes were disheveled from running, he can't barely breath and he can't even talk because he's catching his breath. What does he need?

"Mr. Marceau, did you run all the way here?" Kira asked him with confusion, though it is pretty obvious that he ran.

Kira stood up and she went near Aivan. "Would you like a drink ---"

When he finally got the chance to catch his breath, he immediately stood straight and Kira was startled when he suddenly held her hand. "Can we talk?"

Those were the words she wanted to avoid. Though, this can help her to move forward, but Kira can feel the pain in her chest. That somehow her mind wants to here those words, but her heart... doesn't even want to hear it.

Kira stepped back and gave him a faint smile and she sat back on her chair, "Have a seat..." Mahinang wika ni Kira at nang makaupo na ang binata sa upuan na nasa harap niya, kaagad sinimulan ni Kira ang pagiging pormal.

"What are we going to talk about, Mr. Marceau?" Kira questioned him formally, she can't just call him like how she used to call him three years ago. She can't be too casual in front of him now --- she has to bare in mind the fact that they already broke up.

"Just... Just call me... Aivan. Just how you used to call me three years ago."

"It can't be helped, it's been three years after all." Mahinang wika ni Kira at simula nang mag-usap sila ay hindi niya ito tinitignan ng deretso sa mata.

"It's nice to see you again, Kira. It's been three years..."

Mapait na napangiti si Kira at sa wakas, nakuha niya na rin ang lakas na tignan ang binata. He really does resemble Kyrone a lot. She can't deny it... "It's really been three years, and I couldn't believe that I'll bump into my ex-boyfriend. What a small world, huh?" Pabirong wika ni Kira at mahinang natawa.

"I owe you the biggest apology for putting up with what you didn't deserve..."

Natigilan si Kira sa mga sinabi ni Aivan. She should be happy because he is apologizing, but Kira knew it too well what this apology means... they need to move forward. It pained her, her mind was happy to hear those from him, but her heart... her heart can't even stand hearing those words from the man she loved.

"Which one are you apologizing for?" Kira questioned him with confusion.

"About three years ago... at the hospital..." Mahinang sagot ni Aivan. "I didn't mean to make things difficult for you, I know that I was wrong and I deeply regret it ---"

"You don't have to explain..." Mahinang wika ni Kira at mahigpit na napahawak sa bag niya na nakapatong sa hita niya. "I mean, you were right that time... Dapat hindi ko na ipinilit a yung sarili kong kagustuhan. It's normal for you to think that I was Krisza, when in reality, I am her. Hindi ko rin alam na si Krisza at ako ay iisa lang, I never knew about it and I suffered a lot from what I just knew..." Paliwanag ni Kira at mahinang natawa. "But, it would be a lot better if you never lied to me... If you never told me that there was no one in your heart except me... It would have been better if you never said it to me, that I never stood chance, three years ago. I only looked stupid, thinking that... thinking that I made it, I made you love me without thinking I was not Krisza. But, it was not a surprise when I heard you talking with Chaun that day."

"Kira, I'm really sorry... It was not my intention to hurt you..."

"But, it was your intention to lie to me." Putol ni Kira kay Aivan. Kira heaved a sigh and she looked at Aivan with a smile. "But don't worry, this is what I needed... closure..."

Why did it end up like this? This is not what she wanted to say... Why does she sound bitter? What did she do? Kira looked at Aivan, and there it is... that emotion in his eyes that she really hated.

Without looking into her eyes, Aivan smiled. "Yes... this is what we needed... closure." Dahan-dahang tumayo si Aivan at nagbigay ng ngiti kay Kira. "But, I'm glad that I met you twice in my life. But, it's sad to think that we met twice, but it doesn't always work out." Dagdag na wika ni Aivan. "I have to leave, thank you for sparing your time to talk with me."

He really is cutting his ties with me. It slowly kills her and she knows it pretty clearly, it's because he already had someone with him. Kira returned a smile, "It's okay, I understand." Sagot ni Kira at nang talikuran siya ni Aivan at tuluyang umalis, unti-unting tumutulo ang luha niya at hindi na kaya pang pigilan ni Kira ang paglabas ng mga luha sa mata niya.

She's okay, she should understand the situation. She should just let him leave... They all do... At this moment, Kira just want to be numb, she doesn't want to feel anything.

She should be happy because he finally got someone better by his side, that's why he chose to end everything between them... this is what not what she wanted, but she can't do anything. The scene she saw at the hospital that day kept on replaying on her mind non-stop.

She really felt sorry for her son, she wants to say sorry to Kyrone because... he has a heartless mother...

KIRA knew that she wouldn't be able to sleep properly. The whole night she only did her paperwork, even though she's on her vacation. 'Yun lang kasi ang alam niyang paraan para makalimutan ang nangyari kahapon. Because of her stupid emotion, she couldn't even say anything what she really want to say to him. But what can she do? If he's giving her closure, then she has to accept it.

Nasa restaurant sila ngayon ni Luther, dito kasi sila niyaya ng binata na mag-almusal at gusto rin ng anak niya na dito mismo mag-almusal. Walang gana si Kira kaya mas pinili niya na lang na uminom ng kape.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" Nabigla si Kira nang makita niya si Luther sa harap niya. Hindi pa nakakasagot si Kira ay kaagad na itong umupo, "Alam ko na may gusto ka tanggalin sa utak mo. You finished your work all night and you didn't even sleep. I'm all ears to listen."

Mahinang natawa si Kira at napatingin sa labas. "I had the chance to talk with Aivan yesterday." Kira sighed, "I did my best and it was our closure. I really can't give Kyrone a complete family." Napatingin si Kira kay Kyrone na masayang nag-aalmusal kasabay ang ibang empleyado ni Luther sa restau.

"I know when Kyrone reaches the right age, he'll understand you." Wika ni Luther. "At least, everything is clear between the two of you. You should be happy for him because ---"

"Good morning!"

Hindi naituloy ni Luther ang sasabihin niya nang may pumasok sa loob. Napatayo silang dalawa ni Luther para tignan kung sino iyon.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry but we're close… Mamaya pa po ang opening ---"

Kira looked at the person clearly. "Aviana?" Lumapit si Kira kay Aviana at nagtatakang tinignan ito. "Hindi mo 'ko sinabihan na pupunta ka? How did you know where we are?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Kira sa dalaga.

"Uhm," Tila napakamit ng ulo si Aviana at turo ang dalawa pang tao na nanggaling sa labas. "I kind of need someone to be with me today… I'm sorry, Kira. I said it to them…"

Nabigla si Kira nang makita si Aiden at Chaun na nanggaling sa kotseng nakaparada sa labas. May dala-dala ang dalawa na tig-tatlong paper bag at galing lahat iyon sa isang sikat na clothing line para sa mga bata.

"Mommy, is that Ate Aviana?" Masayang bungad ng anak niya sa kanya.

She can't even speak, she doesn't know what to say to them. Especially to Chaun and Aiden.

"Yes, it's me, my cute niece!" Masayang bungad ni Aviana at niyakap si Kyrone. Kinuha ng dalaga ang anim na paper bag at binigay sa anak. "Here, I have some gift for you, Kyrone!" Masayang wika ni Aviana.

Kira can't even look at the two straight in the eyes. "K-Kyrone, what are you going to say to Ate Aviana?"

"Thank you!" Maligayang wika ni Kyrone kay Aviana at dahil sa tuwa ay niyakap ni Kyrone si Aviana.

Napansin ni Aviana ang reaksyon ni Kira sa nangyayari. "I'm really sorry, big sis-in-law. I did not intend to break your promise. But, I have to tell them the thing so I can freely visit Kyrone… I'm really sorry…" Aviana apologized sincerely.

Kira sighed and gave Aviana a smile. "It's fine, there's nothing I can do anymore..." Mahinang wika ni Kira.

"Is she your son, Kira?" Pagtatanong ni Aiden sa kanya at tila napatingin kay Luther. "Is he the father? Chef?" Pagtatanong muli ni Aiden sa kanya.

Hindi maibuka ni Kira ang bibig niya, ni-sumagot ng oo ay hindi niya magawa. She doesn't know how to handle the situation.

"No, I'm not his father." Sagot ni Luther sa tanong ni Luther.

"This is the moment I'm waiting for." Mahinang wika ni Chaun. "I can finally call you stupid, Aiden." Dagdag nito.

"Older brother, doesn't he look like someone you really know?" Masungit na tanong ni Aviana sa kapatid niya. "Look closely, who do you think this kid portrays?" Dagdag na tanong ni Aviana sa kapatid.

Hindi pinansin ni Aiden ang sinasabi nila sa kanya. "Does he know about the child, Kira? Why did you hide him?" Seryosong tanong ni Aiden sa kanya.

Kira looked at Aviana. "Aviana, can you play with him first?" Pagtatanong ni Kira sa dalaga. "I'll talk with them first."

Tumago si Aviana at hinawakan sa kamay si Kyrone. "C'mon, Kyrone. Let's play together!" Maligayang wika ni Aviana at dinala ang anak sa may garden ng restaurant.

Nagpunta sila sa isang lamesa at apat silang umupo sa bakanteng upuan. Ramdam ni Kira ang tensyon sa pagitan nilang apat at hindi alam ni Kira kung paano sisimulan ang pag-uusap nila.

"Tama ba ang iniisip ko? Is that Aivan's child. Tell me I'm not wrong." Diretsong tanong ni Aiden sa kanya.

Dahan-dahan na tumango si Kira. "Yes. He is Aivan's child. I'm sorry for keeping it up until now."

"Akala ko anak ninyong dalawa ni Luther." Mahinang saad ni Chaun at halos matawa sa sinabi. "Why didn't you let Aivan know about this?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

"You know what happened three years ago, Chaun." Nakayukong wika ni Kira. "You were there, right?"

"What does she mean by that?" Aiden asked Chaun with confusion.

"Sa madaling salita, yung kapatid mo, ginawang tanga si Kira. Imagine, using her as a substitute for his deceased ex-girlfriend. When in reality, no one knew that Kira and Krisza are the same person ---"

"Luther." Pigil ni Kira kay Luther. "I'm sorry for keeping this to myself, Aiden… Chaun. Hindi ko naman intensyon na itago si Kyrone. I just want to protect him, I can't give him false hope, right?" Paliwanag ni Kira kay Aiden at Chaun.

"Why not just tell Aivan about your child? If you tell him about then it'll be easy for you and your son ---"

"I want to tell him, but ---" Hindi na ituloy ni Kira ang sasabihin dahil sa biglaang pagsingit ni Luther sa sasabihin niya.

"Do you think that it's just that easy?" Pagalit na tanong ni Luther. "Why not check if your brother is in a relationship? Kira's being too nice not to ruin your brother's relationship with his new girl."

"If I'm not mistaken, hinabol ka niya kahapon diba? Nakapag-usap ba kayo?" Pagtatanong naman ni Chaun.

Tumango si Kira. "You can say that we did talk, but it was our closure from what happened three years ago."

"So, you plan on keeping your son to yourself?"

Why does it feel like Aiden's asking her too many questions? She really can feel the tension between them and Kira knows that Luther's actually pissed off right now because of Aiden's question.

Bumuntong hininga si Kira at tumango. "Yes." Deretsong sagot niya. "I'm leaving the Philippines after a week. Bumalik ako para tingnan ang kalagayan ni Aivan. I wanted him to meet Kyrone but I think it's not the right time, I don't want to use my son to break him off with his new relationship."

"Wait! Kyrone! Hindi ka pwedeng pumunta d'yan!" Narinig nila ang boses ni Aviana kaya kaagad silang napalingon sa pinagmumulan ng boses.

"Mommy! Mommy! Look!" Narinig nilang apat ang sigaw ni Kyrone at papunta ito sa lamesa nila habang suot-suot ang damit na pinamili nila para sa anak.

"He really resembles Aivan." Narinig niyang bulong ni Chaun.

Kaagad na umupo si Kyrone sa hita niya at panay ang pag ngiti nito sa kanya dahil sa tuwa. "Look, mommy! The clothes Ate Aviana bought for me is cool!"

"Sorry, Kira. Ang bilis niyang tumakbo hindi ko na siya nahabol." Hingal na saad ni Aviana at kaagad na kumuha ng upuan sa tabi ni Chaun. "The clothes fit him well! He's so cute!"

"Actually, I chose that." Nakangiting singit ni Chaun at kaagad na napatingin si Kyrone kay Chaun. "Hi, Kyrone. Do you like the clothes?"

"Sorry, do I know you? I don't talk to strangers." Masungit na sagot ng anak niya kay Chaun at kaagad na tumingin si Kyrone sa kanya. "Mommy, sino siya?"

Nabigla si Kira sa biglaang pagtawa ni Aiden. "Damn, I can't believe it! Even the way he talks! Nakuha niya lahat kay Aivan!" Natatawang wika ni Aiden at kaagad na napatingin ang anak niya kay Aiden at doon na tumigil si Aiden sa kakatawa. "HI, Kyrone. I'm your uncle. My name is Aiden. I'm your Ate Aviana's eldest brother. It's nice to meet you."

Hindi nagbigay ng kahit anong reaksyon si Kyrone kay Aiden at doon niya naman narinig ang pagtawa ni Chaun. "See? He doesn't care who you are ---"

Bumaba sa pagkakaupo sa hita niya si Kyrone at kaagad na nagpunta sa puwesto ni Aviana. "Ate Aviana, is he really your eldest brother?" Pagtatanong ni Kyrone kay Aviana.

Kaagad na tumango si Aviana at pinaupo si Kyrone sa hita niya. "Yes, he is my brother. Why'd you ask? Are you scared of him?" Pagtatanong ni Aviana kay Kyrone.

Umiling si Kyrone at nagbigay ng ngiti kay Aiden. "I'm Kyrone Denielle Zhou, nice to meet you Tito Aiden." Pagpapakilala ni Kyrone kay Aiden at ibinalik ni Kyrone ang tingin sa kanya. "I have so many uncles and aunties, mommy."

"How about me? I'm your uncle too, Kyrone." Nakangusong pagtatanong ni Chaun kay Kyrone.

Saglit na tinignan ni Kyrone si Chaun at kaagad naman tumingin kay Aviana at nagtanong ulit. "Siya rin po ba kapatid mo, Ate Aviana?"

Ngumisi si Aviana at kaagad na umiling. "No, he's just our driver."

"What the ---" Mahinang wika ni Chaun at nagtatawanan silang lahat sa lamesa dahil sa sinagot ni Aviana sa bata.

"Okay, so he's not one of my uncles? Okay! Let's play again, Ate Aviana!" Masayang pagyaya ni Kyrone kay Aviana. At dito napansin ni Kira kung gaano na kalapit si Kyrone kay Aviana

"How about me? Let's play, let your Ate Aviana eat breakfast first." Ani ni Luther.

"No, why would I play with you? You're not Ate Aviana." Masungit na sagot ni Kyrone kay Luther at kaagad na bumaba sa pagkakaupo sa hita ni Aviana. Hinila niya si Aviaa patayo at dinala ulit sa hardin. "Let's go!"

Narinig ni Kira ang tila mahinang pagtawa ni Chaun habang nakasunod ang tingin kay Kyrone. "This is the first time I am being unwanted by a child. He really is Aivan's son. Even in the way he talks. He doesn't hate me, right?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun kay Kira.

Natawa si Kira sa tinanong ni Chaun sa kanya. "No, he doesn't hate you. It only means that you're not that close to him yet. Masungit na bata si Kyrone, it's not that he hates you. Ganoon lang siya mga tao na hindi niya kilala." Paliwanag ni Kira.

"Well, sorry to say this, but…" Napatingin sila kay Luther at narinig ang mahinang pagtawa nito. "Welcome to the club, Chaun."

"What club?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Chaun kay Luther.

Tumayo si Luther at mahinang natawa. "Uncles that Kyrone hates." Anito na ikinatawa nilang dalawa ni Aiden. "Well, I'll prepare us breakfast. Wait for me here." Kaagad na umalis si Luther at nagpunta ng kusina. Naiwan silang tatlo sa lamesa.

"Pupuntahan ko lang sila Aviana. I'll try to win Kyrone's heart." Pabirong wika ni Chaun at kaagad na nagpunta sa garden at naiwan lang silang dalawa ni Aiden sa lamesa.

"May balak ka pa bang bumalik pagkatapos ng isang linggong bakasyon niyo dito?" Aiden asked her out of the blue.

Umiling si Kira. "No, I'll settle in Italy. This would be the last visit." Sagot ni Kira at ngumiti.

"Then if that's the case, can I bring your son out? I want to hang out with him as his uncle." Paalam ni Aiden sa kanya.

Kira was a bit hesitant on what Aiden's asking her for.

"Don't worry, I won't meddle with your decision as his mother. If you want to keep him, then it's fine. But I just want to tell you that you can't always keep him to Aivan. He has his rights too, as Kyrone's father." Dagdag na wika ni Aiden sa kanya.

"I know, Aiden… I know…" Mahinang wika ni Kira at napayuko. "It's just that… natatakot ako na kapag nalaman niyang may anak siya ay baka ako pa ang maging rason ng paghihiwalay nila ng ka-relasyon niya ngayon. I don't want to use Kyrone in that situation."

"Nag-aalala lang rin ako kay Kyrone. It's hard to grow up without knowing who is his father and it'll be painful for Aivan's part knowing that he has a son that he never heard before." Paliwanag ni Aiden sa kanya. "Don't worry, I'm just giving you some advice. I won't meddle with you and my brother's situation. But I'm glad I got to know my niece."

"I hope you won't misunderstand me, Aiden. I'm just doing this for the sake of Kyrone."

"Kira." Narinig ni Kira ang pagtawag sa kanya ni Luther kaya kaagad siyang napalingon.

"Yes? Is there any problem?" Pagtatanong ni Kira kay Luther.

"Can you accompany me to the grocery store? We ran out of some ingredients and I think I need your help for it. Absent si Rochelle, she's in-charge for the grocery and stuff."

Kaagad na tumayo si Kira at tumango. "Sinong maiiwan kay Kyrone?" Kira asked Luther.

"Go on, do your stuff. Nandito naman kaming tatlo, we'll take care of Kyrone." Presenta ni Aiden na ikinagaan ng loob ni Kira.

HALOS mapuno na nila ang cart dahil sa dami ng pinamili ni Luther, nagsinungaling pala ito sa kanya. Hindi pala para sa restaurant ang pinunta nila sa grocery kung 'di mga pagkain na stock para sa condo niya.

Ang dahilan kung bakit siya sinama ni Luther ay para makabili rin siya ng kailangan nilang dalawa ni Kyrone sa condo nito sa isang linggo na stay nila sa bansa.

"Bakit parang halos naman yata ng kinuha mo ay paboritong pagkain ni Kyrone? Are you doing this so you can have his good side?" Natatawang tanong ni Kira kay uther.

Kaagad na tumango si Luther at kumuha ng isang pack ng gummy worm. "Of course! Imagine, kasama ako sa pagsubaybay sa paglaki ni Kyrone pero hindi kami nagkakasundo. Masungit ang anak mo at nakuha niya talaga ang ugali na 'yon sa tatay niya."

"Whatever, Luther. Bilisan nalang natin ang pamimili para makabalik na tayo agad. Nakakahiya kila Aiden, sila ang nagbabantay kay Kyrone. Alam mo naman ang bantang 'yon, madalas topakin." Wika ni Kira at kaagad na tinapik ito sa balikat. "Let's go, pumunta na tayo sa cashier para makabalik na tayo agad." Anyaya niya sa kaibigan at kaagad namang sinang-ayunan nito ang sinabi niya.

Tinulak ni Luther ang cart at papunta na sila sa cashier nang matigilan si Kira nang makita niya si Aivan na mayroong tulak-tulak na cart at mayroong bata na nakatayo sa loob ng cart at nasa gilid lang ni Aivan ang babae habang mayroon silang matamis na ngiti sa isa't isa.

Ito ang babae na nakita niya noon sa hospital.

"Kira… don't mind them, let's go…" Bulong ni Luther sa kanya.

Hindi makagalaw si Kira sa kinatatayuan at pinipigilan niyang maluha. She can't manage to ruin this, right? She can't be the reason for them to have a complicated family, so all in all, her decision was right from the very start.

"Honey, isn't that Hayley's favorite food?" Narinig niya ang boses ni Aivan na mas lalong nagpasakit sa nararamdaman niya.

Damn, it hurts like hell. Hindi siya dapat masaktan dahil una sa lahat siya ang nakipag-break, alam ni Kira sa sarili niya na wala na siyang karapatan na magseos o magalit… pero dahil sa nakikita niya ay nasasaktan siya para sa sarili niya at para sa anak niya.

"Kira, c'mon." Bumalik si Kira sa huwisyo at bumuntong hininga. She can't cry in front of them, she can't show any emotion.

Nabigla si Kira nang akbayan siya ni Luther. "These are your favorite snacks, right?"

Natawag ni Luther ang atensyon ni Aivan at hindi maiwasan ni Kira na mapayuko dahil do'n. "Y-Yes, they are." Pagsasakay ni Kira sa ginawa ni Luther. Nang mailagay na ni Luther ang pagkain sa cart nila ay akmang dideretso na sila nang mag-tama ang tingin ni Kira at ni Aivan.

"Bayaran na natin 'to para makauwi na tayo. What would you like to eat for lunch?" Pagtatanong ni Luther sa kanya.

"Anything would do." Pahina nang pahina ang boses ni Kira at alam niya ang rason no'n ay dahil nasa paligid si Aivan.

She wanted to look at him and hug him the way she did three years ago. But, she can't do it anymore. Pinapahiya niya lang ang sarili niya.

Nang madaan nila ni Luther sila Aivan ay kaagad na bumati si Luther kay Aivan. "It's you, Doc Aivan! It's seeing you here!" Masayang bati ni Luther kay Aivan at umaktong para hindi niya ito nakita kanina pa.

Nanatiling nakayuko si Kira at pilit na iniiwasan ang presensya ni Aivan. "It's nice to see you here, Luther." Bati sa kanya ni Aivan pabalik.

"Oh, Doc Aivan. I want you to meet Kira. She's my girlfriend." Pagpapakilala ni Luther sa kanya kay Aivan. Kaagad na nagtaas ng tingin si Kira, "Kira, he's Doc Aivan. He was my doctor three years ago."

"I know her." Malamig na wika ni Aivan.

"Really?" Pagpapanggap na pagkabigla ni Luther sa sinabi ni Aivan. "Is that true, Kira?"

Kaagad na tumango si Kira at prenteng ngumiti. "He's an acquaintance and he's my former boss' brother." Deretsong sagot ni Kira.

"Oh, that's great." Masayang wika ni Luther at naatiling nakayuko si Kira. "Mauna na kami, Doc. We have to finish some things back home. It was nice bumping into you and to your wife." Nakangiting paalam ni Luther kay Aivan. Kaagad na inakbyan siya ni Luther at kaagad na nilagpasan sila Aivan.

Nang makalayo na sila kay Aivan, doon na nagsimulang tumulo ang mga luhang kanina pa pinipigilan ni Kira. It hurts… It really hurts… Why can't she be honest with her feelings? This only makes things difficult for her… But what can her honesty do? Break his family? She doesn't want to be the other party. She can do this, she has to be brave… for Kyrone.