MORENA-Chapter16

Sydney, Australia

Few months after Cedric left the Philippines…

Cedric just turned 18. When most people in the world merrily celebrate theirs, Cedric was seating on his bed cheerless. He opted not to celebrate it even with Addi and Leslie’s insistency. There is none to be happy about. In 6 months, he will be getting married with Addi. That would be 2 months after Addi’s debut.  

His family still lives in their grand mansion. The jade is still in their family, and continuously will if they will not breach the contract. His dad uninformed of the marriage was so grateful of his helpful friend Jack, and responding to treatments.

Brannon kept calling him since he left, asking a lot of things. But, Cedric remained tongue-tied, no way will he divulge his foolish circumstance. Eventually, Brannon gave up.

Cedric is now living a miserable life. He seems to lose the ability to laugh or even smile. Ryan wasn’t even useful, their comic neighbor and his friend since grade school. With Leslie’s help, Ryan has access to his room to show his antics.

He heard the door opened. Cedric stayed heedless of whoever that was. He kept scanning the pictures of the girl he left.

“Happy birthday!”

“That’s inappropriate. I hate this birthday.”  Cedric answered his sister flatly.

“I brought you an exciting gift” Leslie gladly said.

Cedric remained unexcited.

 Leslie seated next to Cedric. She gave a long sigh. Since he was back, this is Cedric unhappy. He has become distant, even from her. In the hope that he will move on eventually, she put up with it. But, seeing him this way each day is excruciating. And so, she did the last thing to help her brother.

“You are now free.”

Cedric gave uncomprehending look.

“You need not to marry Addi anymore”

“Seriously?” He said in a mocking tone. It’s hard to believe that uncle Jack will give to charity. 

“I called mom. She will be paying everything with interest.” Leslie informed him.

“What? How?”  He asked with disbelief.

She gave an old looking letter. “I found that in the mail box years ago. Do you remember when I was still 17? My favorite thing was to peek at the mailbox.”

“Mom sent letters for the four of us.” Cedric was reading the unsealed letter thoroughly. The letter was greeting him for Christmas, saying sorry and asking for forgiveness. He waited long ago for this. But he could not have any ill feelings to his sister.

“That was the first letter she wrote for you. I don’t want you to know, especially dad, so I kept it. Every year since then, she sends letters but I made sure that no single letter from her would escape.”

“I still hate her but we need her money. Her partner is a construction and real state magnate in Ireland.” Leslie kept talking.  

Cedric kept listening.

“I tried to forgive her, I am still trying… but those memories of her leaving us beyond my begging and crying kept haunting. Seeing Dad on his knees and Derek silently crying were awful.” Tears fell as she spoke.

Cedric did not talk. He understands his sister. He was too young to remember then.

“I guessed you’re starting to forgive mom” He found his voice at last.  “You asked help from her, something we don’t expect you will ever do. You did something very special. Thanks for the wonderful gift!”

He hugged his sister. Leslie hugged him back tightly; they were laughing and crying at the same time. “I missed my crazy brother!” She said merrily jumbling his hair.

---------

Dylan studies in UST. That’s the only information he got from Brannon. Dylan changed his number and surely, her furious Aunt wouldn’t talk about his call. He needed to talk to Dylan in person but her bodyguards were doing their job very well. Frances was very angry. Brannon was not even allowed to hangout with their group. Ian was always there.

This is the third day Cedric following Dylan but he could not get any single chance to talk to her.  After his conversation with Leslie, he flew as soon as he could. Sure. After what happen, There’s no easy way to get Dylan back.

Yesterday, Frances accidentally saw him. He had no choice but to face her and tell her he wants Dylan back. Frances laughed mocking and said that he was 8 months late, that Dylan already moved on with Ian. Of course, he did not believe that. But as he looked at Dylan and Ian happily conversing about who knows what, his confidence seems to drain really soon.

Cedric is becoming impatient as he followed Ian’s car. He will talk to Dylan no matter what.  He seriously wanted Dylan back. But. when they reached Dylan’s house, Cedric who was about to get off his car was surprised of how Ian acted. He kissed Dylan on the lips. He wanted to shout in fury, but he bravely waited for Dylan’s reaction. His fury was transform to immense anguish. Dylan was kissing Ian back!

“So, it’s true. She moved on.” He bitterly uttered. Frances was right!

He don’t know how he got the strength to stay there watching the unpleasant scene. Silently he retreated in great lamentation.

He was crying as he left the place. Shit! When did he become too weak? Since when did he become a crying machine? Since you fall in love with Dylan. He answered himself silently.

Love? He will never be fool by that emotion ever again. From this day, that word doesn’t exist for James Cedric Reid.

He will continue his business studies in Australia. He will be successful. He will bed beautiful women. Never will a single girl will turn his life up side down again. Cedric promised to himself that night.