link

    Arthur fixes his tie and cuffs his sleeve. He adjusts his sando and looks himself in the mirror. He likes what he sees. Smiling, he turns around and walks back to his bed, picking up the socks before sitting down at the edge of the bed, resting one foot across his knee as he slides his socks on. Someone knocks at the door. Arthur looks up to see Uther standing sa pamamagitan ng the door, smiling at him. There is a box in his hand.
    “Father?” Arthur calls out, brows arching in surprise.
    “Carry on; don’t let my presence stop you from doing what you’re doing.”
    “I’m done… just need to find my shoes, that’s all. Should be here, someplace…” Arthur stands up and circles the kama but doesn’t find his shoes anywhere. “That’s funny, I thought I put them here last night!” Arthur scratches his chin and sighs, looking around.
    “Arthur, you can always wear other shoes… you have plenty.”
    “I like this pair, Father… they’re my lucky shoes,” Arthur says and bends down on one knee to peek underneath the bed. His eyes widen. “I found them!!” he exclaims and reaches underneath the kama to pull out his shoe but as he does, another thing catches his eye. He freezes.
    “Arthur?”
    He doesn’t answer, but he pulls out his shoe and the chain that is attached to it, untangles it from his shoes and holds it in his hand. He knows to whom the chain belongs and what it signifies. He holds it in his palm and caresses the pendant, feeling the three blue stones and the silver claw that holds the stones. His puso sinks as he remembers Guinevere giving it to him when she had gone away for a week and left the chain as her reminder so that he wouldn’t miss her. He had it around his neck all the while until she dumped him at the railway station on that wretched day. He didn’t remember where he’d thrown it in his rage that day. He remembers tugging it forcefully from his neck and he remembers throwing it away but doesn’t know how it got under the bed. Someone must have kicked it away or he must have done it himself. Painful memories come rushing back to him as he holds the chain in his hand. How he misses her. How he still loves her and yet how angry and mapait he is with her, for hurting him. He will never forgive her, no matter what the circumstances are. After all that she has caused, forgiveness isn’t in the cards.
    “Arthur!”
    Uther’s stern voice brings Arthur back to his senses. He jerks a little, straightens up and looks at his father, a little embarrassed.
    “What is that?”
    “It’s a… urmm, a chain, Father.”
    “I can see that, but to whom does it belong?”
    “Guinevere.”
    “Are you still having her things around here, Arthur?”
    “No, Father… I…”
    “I thought we promised that you would dispose everything that is connected with her?’
    “I did, Father, I have no idea…”
    “You gave your word you’d get over her and now it seems likely you haven’t! The single chain is enough to bring you to your knees and I dread the araw if you meet her sa pamamagitan ng chance…”
    “Father!! It’s just a chain, for God’s sake!! There’s no need to get excited about this, yeah!! I did throw everything of hers, but unfortunately the chain seems to have been missed. But I’ll do it now, Father, if this is what you want!” Arthur snaps and moves to the litter bin stationed at the corner of the room. He steps on the pedal, the lid opens and he drops the chain inside. Then he summons Geoffrey. The old butler hurries towards the younger Pendragon immediately. “Take the bin and please empty it, Geoffrey,” Arthur says, all the while looking at his father.
    “Of course, sir,” Geoffrey takes the bin and leaves.
    “Are you satisfied, Father?”
    “Arthur, I didn’t mean…”
    “Look, Father,” Arthur nears his father and looks directly into the old man’s eyes. “When I sinabi I have forgotten all about her, I did. I will not lunok back my promise and humiliate myself or you again. Never! I learned my lesson the hard way and will never succumb to that sort of foolish act again. I can’t madala to go through the hurt and pain again, so you need not worry. The chain is nothing but a painful reminder of my stupidity, that’s all. I have thrown it away with ease, so doesn’t that tell you something? I am your son, Uther Pendragon… a Pendragon forever, till I die and I will marry whomever you ask me to. I will not make any madami mistakes in my life and all I ask you in return is to trust me. That’s all, Father.” Arthur finishes.
    Uther smiles proudly. He nods and with one hand, he reaches up and places his hand on Arthur’s shoulder.
    “I know… I just feared you’d turn to your old self again. But I never doubted you, never once. I trust you and will do as long as I breathe. I am sorry, Arthur.”
    “It’s all right, Father,” Arthur says and walks back to his bed. He sits down, picks up his shoes and slides them on. “After all that happened, I don’t expect you to trust me.”
    “Or you of me…” Uther says and walks towards his son. He sits down beside Arthur and places a reassuring arm on his son’s shoulder. “I am sorry, but today is a big araw for you and I want you to be happy. And I am very proud of you, so… I want you to have this,” he hands Arthur the box he has been holding.
    “What is it?” Arthur takes it from his father.
    “Open it up.”
    Arthur does and his lip stretches into a smile when he spots the watch lying beautifully on a red velvet cloth. He turns to his father, his smile never leaving his lips.
    “Father? How did you…?”
    “Know you liked it? I’m your father, Arthur; I will know what your interests are sometimes without asking you a single word. Do you like it?”
    “Like it, Father? I pag-ibig it! Thank you so much…” Arthur removes the watch and immediately slides it on. He fastens the strap and admires it.
    “Come on, hurry up, you can admire it in the car. We are running late and the managing director wouldn’t want to be late on the first araw of his appointment, would he?” Uther says with a soft tap on Arthur’s shoulder and gets up to his feet.
    “Sure, Father… just a couple of things and I’m good,” Arthur promises.
    “I’ll wait for you in the car,” Uther leaves the room while Arthur adjusts his sando again and walks to his table. “Don’t be late”
    “Won’t…” Arthur ang sumagot shortly.


    Despite the bravo words, Arthur can’t help when his mind drifts back to the chain and to Guinevere. He has bravely denied to his father that his mind is completely focused on his life and not on his past, but then why did his puso ache the moment he saw the chain? And though he has thrown it away, he wishes he hadn’t, as it’s the only reminder he has of Guinevere. Arthur closes his eyes as he leans against the window of the car. Beside him his father is busily talking with an associate over the phone and he doesn’t notice the sadness creeping over Arthur’s face.
    Arthur plays with his tie and looks out of the window. The meadows, fields and even forests don’t interest him anymore. His mind is still on the chain. Should he call Geoffrey and ask his butler not to empty the litter bin or should he ask Geoffrey to keep the chain until he gets back home? ‘What are you doing, Arthur!’ he thinks to himself angrily. ‘You promised!! Remember that!’ he thinks and closes his eyes again. Yes he did, but he still loves her. Yes, he does… after all the hurt she caused him, he still pines for her, longs for her pag-ibig and tries to understand why she had broken his heart. It’s been three months now and everyone is expecting him to ilipat on from that unfortunate event. He wishes he could, too. He is pagganap like he has but in reality, he has not. He couldn’t forget Guinevere. She’s all around him, in his room, in his office, on the walls, the plants he looks at, the bulaklak he gazes at… she’s everywhere. And how can he forget her when she’s still part of his life? No one will understand this, not his father or his friends. Only those who have walked in his shoes will know the mapait pain dwelling like a parasite in his heart.
    People can talk, advise, but no one will understand. Yes, Guinevere dumped him, broke him and hurt him, but why? She gave him very convincing reasons, but Arthur’s still feeling suspicious over the way she behaved with him. He may not have known her for ages but he knew her enough to know that she has good manners and a positive attitude. It’s mahirap paniwalaan that she’d hurt him like that when she wouldn’t even hurt a fly. Yet, all the proof seems to point to her and he has no choice. She wanted the money, took the money and left. She even resigned from her work and has never come back to Camelot since she left. Father must have provided a hefty sum indeed, Arthur thinks, and sighs sadly.
    He looks down at his hand. He remembers slapping Guinevere at the station and calling her names. He regrets it after calming down and wishes he had never raised his hand to her. The image of blood seeping out from her cut lips is still vivid in his mind. He feels mapait and ashamed of himself. He has never struck a woman before and vows to never again in his life, no matter what the circumstances are.
    “Are you all right, Arthur?”
    Arthur looks at his father and feigns a smile. “Yup.”
    “Nervous?”
    “Not really, Father… remember I was working there all this while.”
    “Yes, but now you are taking the company over… you will be their boss. How does that make you feel? Powerful?”
    “Not really, Father. You know how I prefer to keep a low bista sa tagiliran about this matter.”
    “Of course… do as you please, Arthur. It’s your company now, and just keep it strong on the foundation.”
    “Sure will, Father.”
    “And one madami thing, Arthur,” Uther says immediately before Arthur can turn around.
    “Hmm…?”
    “Remember your uncle Agravaine?”
    “Uncle Aggy, yeah… why?”
    “Well he called last night and asked me about Mithian.”
    “Ohh…” Arthur turns back towards the window and sighs. He knows where this will lead and he dreads it.
    “Come on, Arthur… she’s been here three times already in the past two months and you still haven’t ibingiay me any answer and your uncle is pestering me.”
    “You can tell him I’m not interested at the moment.”
    “At the moment? What are you blabbering about, Arthur? What are you trying to tell me? That suddenly your interest in Mithian is shifted sa pamamagitan ng something you found under your kama this morning?”
    “Father!” Arthur turns towards his father in frustration. He whacks the upuan between them softly, refusing to cause any friction between them now. “That has nothing to do with Mithian.”
    “Then, what else? You still harbor feelings for that girl?”
    “NO!!! Please… just, please!” Arthur raises his voice. “Enough already, Father. Haven’t I ibingiay you my word?”
    “Look, Arthur, I trust you and I’m willing to give you the puwang and time to choose your life partner at your ease but I just don’t want you to pine over that woman anymore or let her destroy the happiness you deserve.”
    “I know… just, I’m…”
    “I don’t want to know your reasons, but Mithian is a lovely girl, best fit for our family, and she’s an orphan. Agravaine is her closest comfort and your uncle wants nothing but the best for her and he wishes to get that done through you. So do I. That’s all I’m saying.”
    “She’s fine, Father, I don’t deny that, but I can’t decide on anything yet. Perhaps this weekend when she comes over for your retirement celebration, I might find sometime to get to know her.”
    “That’s better. I’ll inform Agravaine right away. He will be delighted.”
    “Sure…”
    “And will you give us your answer then?”
    “I’ll try, Father, I’ll try…” Arthur says softly. While Uther calls Agravaine, Arthur leans back and closes his eyes. ‘Mithian!’ he thinks. ‘Is this the woman who’ll finally share my life?’ he thinks again. ‘Is she the one I’ll have to spend the rest of my life with?’ he thinks again. The first time he met Mithian, he found her interesting. She was lovely to look at, funny, respectful and above all, understanding. She chatted with him easily and never pushed herself on him. Instead, she drew him out with her charm. He liked her, enjoyed her company, but that’s it. His puso couldn’t afford any other feelings for her. Everything else still belongs to Guinevere and despite his hatred for Gwen, his puso still belongs to her and he doesn’t want anyone else to inhabit her property. Certainly not Mithian. But now, if his uncle and father have it their way, he will have to marry her someday. But what sort of life will he afford for her when his puso belongs to another? Mithian will provide and paliguan him with her pag-ibig without a single doubt, but will he? He can’t, and he won’t… he knows the answer already, but isn’t that a betrayal of trust? Is he repeating what Guinevere feared she’d do to him if she married Arthur? Won’t he be guilty for cheating Mithian of a better life? Will he be lonely even after the marriage because he doesn’t pag-ibig Mithian?
    “Your uncle is delighted! He will inform Mithian immediately!” Uther taps on Arthur’s shoulder and gives him the news. Arthur alerts himself and opens his eyes, looking at his father.
    “Hmm…” Arthur smiles but doesn’t answer.
    “Look, Arthur, you can never get a better woman than Mithian and please put your past behind you when you see her, all right?”
    “Will do, Father.”
    “Good. Now, let’s go through that speech of yours again,” Uther says, picks up the tablet and scrolls the menu while Arthur sighs and continues to look out the window.


A buwan later…

    “Where’s Merlin? Is he still angry with me?” Arthur asks, as he clips his cuffs and turns around to face Leon and Gwaine. “I haven’t seen him for couple of months, and he’s spending madami time in Ealdor than here with us. What is he up to?”
    “He wants to be with his mother,” Leon says, handing the amerikana to Arthur.
    “Yeah, come on, Leon. You can do better than that. He’s still pissed at me for what happened between me and Guinevere. He’s probably been off sulking somewhere.”
    “He’ll be fine, Arthur. He’s got his own responsibilities, too and he’s a grown man. He needs no caring or nurturing. He will take care of himself,” Gwaine says.
    “What happened troubled him for some days and he isn’t extremely pleased sa pamamagitan ng what happened, but he’s still our friend and he will come over. Just be patient, all right?” Leon says.
    “Leon, it’s my engagement party today and one of my best mga kaibigan isn’t here! No matter what happened between us, he shouldn’t punish me like this.”
    “I don’t think he’s punishing you, Arthur, best not to get too excited about this. I am sure he has his own reasons why is he late or not turning up,” Leon replies.
    “Leon… he hasn’t spoken to me for weeks! I do think he is punishing us,” Gwaine says and sits down to tie his shoelace. “I have never seen him like this before!”
    “Look, guys… I don’t know what happened and I don’t want to jump into any conclusions here, regarding Merlin or Gwen. But everything has an explanation and let’s hear it from Merlin when he comes over.”
    “If he comes over!” Arthur adds and slides on his coat. He looks himself in the mirror and sighs. ‘Good … I’m looking dapper, I guess.’ He thinks.
    “What if I did?” Merlin asks, stepping into the room with his amerikana hanging across his shoulder. He doesn’t smile but he doesn’t look angry either, his face carefully blank.
    “Merlin!!!” Arthur smiles and walks past the other two and grabs Merlin sa pamamagitan ng the shoulder and pulls him close for a hug. Merlin accepts the hug but remains emotionless. Arthur releases his friend and looks at Merlin’s face with concern. “Is something wrong, Merlin?”
    “I don’t know Arthur, you tell me!” Merlin throws the amerikana on the chair and sits down. As he does, he nods at Leon but stares icily at Gwaine. “Seems like there’s a party going on here?”
    “Merlin… I’ve been searching all over for you, but you changed your number, went away to Ealdor and when you came home, you didn’t look for us. Instead, you just went on your own course. I wanted to share my engagement news with you but I didn’t know how to find you,” Arthur says nearing Merlin.
    “I have a mother who needs me, Arthur and Ealdor is my home, not here. And why should I even consider looking for any of you when it’s obvious all of you are quite well off without me?”
    “Merlin, why are you behaving…?”
    “No, Leon… I’m not behaving any way, merely adapting to this type of attitude and lifestyle which I think… I’m beginning to like.”
    “Merlin!” Gwaine warns and gets up.
    “Don’t waste your temper on me, Gwaine, because I’m just sick of your attitude. I’m sick and tired of everything that happened and I will do and say as I please. I’m tired of being nice!”
    “Is this because of Guinevere?”
    “Oh, Arthur… you still remember her name? That sort of surprises me, because I thought you despised her. And didn’t you tell me not to mention her name anymore in your presence?”
    “Merlin, enough. I understand that you’re hurt because of what happened, but…”
    “Hurt?” Merlin scoffs and shakes his head. “Hurt, you say, Arthur? No… I’m not hurt sa pamamagitan ng what happened. I’m disgusted! Understand? There’s a huge difference between hurt and disgust! And I’m truly on the segundo one here.”
    “She left him Merlin, try to understand that!” Gwaine tries to defend Arthur.
    “Yes… but why? Did anyone find out?” Merlin snaps and stands up, his eyes fiery, looking at his friends. “Did anyone find out why she left Arthur? Why she really left him?”
    “Why should I, Merlin? She sinabi her reasons well… do you expect me to beg for her love?”
    “If you have to, yes!”
    “That’s bollocks, Merlin!” Arthur throws his hands in the air and walks away from Merlin. “I have my dignity and are you expecting me to lay the name of my ancestors at her feet just to have her pag-ibig me again. She left me, remember that!! I would have built a temple for her if she had accepted me before, but now… it’s too late for that!”
    “Merlin… what has gotten into you? Why are you talking like this? You saw what happened, didn’t you? How can you even side with her?”
    “Leon…” Merlin walks towards Leon and places his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Yes, I saw what happened, but I don’t believe a single word that she said.”
    “You’re blinded sa pamamagitan ng your friendship Merlin!” Arthur says angrily.
    “You should have been blinded sa pamamagitan ng your pag-ibig and denied all she uttered! You should have forced the truth from her mouth!”
    “Truth?” Gwaine asks. Arthur turns to face Merlin in surprise.
    “Do you know something I don’t know, Merlin?”
    “Unfortunately, no…” Merlin says with a sad sigh. “But I’m still searching.”
    Arthur laughs loudly and walks to his table. Gwaine and Leon look at each other while Merlin watches Arthur in disgust. Arthur continues to laugh and picks up his hand phone and drops it into his dyaket pocket. “Merlin… you are funny, you know that?”
    “Enough, Arthur,” Merlin warns.
    “No, really…” Arthur wipes his tears and looks directly at Merlin, his smile curving into a sneer. “Searching for the truth? What truth, Merlin? That she collected money from my father and ran away to enjoy a better life without the burden of a blind man? That she played with my feelings? That she cheated me? What truth? Why don’t you fill me in, since you’ve been playing the role of a detective all this while?”
    “I don’t deny any of that but I find it suspicious that she claimed to have received a huge sum from your father yet it isn’t in her account at all. And the only money that left your father was transferred to another person who goes sa pamamagitan ng the name of Morgana. And that had me thinking quite a lot.”
    “That’s easy, Merlin. She must have received it as cash… and spent it!”
    “How do you know that, Arthur? Have you asked your father?”
    “What do you mean?” Arthur’s brow arches curiously.
    “A friend of mine who works in the bank that supports your father’s account has authorized personnel who know the details about everything regarding the Pendragon account. And fortunately, too, he’s a close associate of Reagan, your key member who dealt the transfer and he told me after much persuasion that your father only sanctioned one transfer, his own and under the name of Morgana, not Gwen. And what further surprised me is… the transfer of money you agreed upon earlier was cancelled, mysteriously, sa pamamagitan ng your father! A araw before he sanctioned his… and I found out from Morgana that she received the sum from Gwen and it was the money Gwen promised to help ease Morgana’s problems. And…” Merlin licks his lips and smiles angrily, looking at Arthur. “No other transactions were dealt between your father or Gwen after that, which sort of intrigues me, Arthur,” Merlin teases. “Who’s telling the truth? Gwen, or Uther Pendragon?”
    “That’s the worst crap I’ve heard from you, Merlin, and how dare you accuse my father without any proof?”
    “Oh, so you want proof? Why don’t you ask Reagan or your father how much he gave Gwen? Ask him to ipakita you his account? That should suffice, isn’t it?”
    “Are you challenging me, Merlin? Are you aware to whom you are talking?”
    “I wouldn’t forget, Arthur, how can I? You reminded me of my place once and I will always hold on to that reminder. You wanted proof, so I’m merely suggesting where you can find it, that’s all. Just friendly advice, yeah,” Merlin laughs and shakes his head. “This is just the beginning Arthur, I’m not done with my investigation yet. I will prove Gwen’s innocence to you, regardless what you choose to do with your life. I don’t care if you don’t wish to carry on with Gwen but I will not let her be the victim here… she’s been through too much and she deserves a break in her life, Arthur. If none of you choose to do it, I will because I value her friendship. She’s a sister I never had and I pag-ibig her like that. I will not disappoint her like all of you did… No!! But this shouldn’t stop you from proceeding to the susunod chapter in your life, Arthur. I believe Mithian is much madami suited than Gwen, in all terms, and I’m not surprised why you agreed. Have a great time, Arthur, but don’t expect me to sumali the celebration because unfortunately I don’t feel like doing so. If there’s one engagement or wedding I attend, it’ll be yours to Gwen. Goodbye, Arthur and goodnight, all of you!”
    “Merlin… come on mate!” Leon calls but Merlin leaves the room, ignoring his friend’s pleas.
    Leon turns towards Arthur and waits for his friend to say something. Instead of saying anything, Arthur storms out. Leon wants to go after Arthur but Gwaine restrains him. “No… let him go. Merlin’s words are hurtful enough… I don’t think he wants us at the moment.”
    “And what are we to do? There’s Merlin on one side and now Arthur?”
    “I want to go after Merlin… something he sinabi struck me and made me realize I made a mistake… I want to know something further from him and maybe apologise.”
    “And I’ll keep my eye on Arthur. Keep me informed what you hear from Merlin, yeah?”
    “Sure…” Gwaine nods and leaves the room, hurrying after Merlin, while Leon heads towards the direction Arthur hurried off to.


    Mithian is a lovely woman, somewhere around Arthur’s age or younger. She has a lovely face that seems to light up with a warm smile each time she meets anyone. Polite and courteous, she is at ease with the guests and starting to win the charm of all those attended the engagement party for her and Arthur. She hasn’t seen Arthur all evening and she can understand why. She knew about his nakaraan accident and his loss of sight, so he might be having difficulty adjusting to his social life. But now that she’s here, she will not let him face the difficulties alone. She vows to help him adjust to his new life through any way she knows.
    “You’re looking lovely, Mithian,” Uther says as he approaches her.    
    Mithian turns around and smiles. “Thank you.”
    “Ahh… blushing I suppose,” Uther says, pointing to his cheek. Mithian bows her head and smiles to herself.
    “There’s no need to be shy, dear… you are going to be part of this family soon, and there’s madami people you will need to meet and madami compliments will come your way. And all I am saying is, you have better be prepared for all that,” Uther laughs.
    “Are you bullying my daughter, Uther?” Agravaine asks, nearing Uther. “Is he?” he asks, looking at Mithian.
    “No, of course not,” Mithian says quickly. “He’s preparing me for the future.”
    “Ahh, I see… speaking of which, where’s my nephew, Uther? I haven’t seen one hair of Arthur’s head since we arrived. Don’t tell me he chickened out?”
    “No, he wouldn’t do that, and he will not let me be shamed, especially today. I’m sure he’s with his friends.”
    “It’s getting late; we better get these two engaged immediately. I know Mithian can’t wait,” Agravaine laughs.
    “That’s not true…” Mithian beats Agravaine’s arm playfully.
    “You’re right… let me get someone to get him,” Uther says and looks for his butler.
    “There’s no need, Father… I’m here,” Arthur ang sumagot as he comes to sumali the group. Mithian looks up at Arthur and immediately her cheeks colour. Arthur nods at her politely and turns his attention back to his uncle and his father. “Someone’s looking for me?”
    “I was… it’s getting late and I thought we better get the engagement on already.” Agravaine informs.
    “Of course, Uncle … I have someplace to go after this party anyway.”
    “You’re leaving?” Mithian sounds disappointed.
    “Just a while actually… have a last-minute meeting that is rather urgent,” Arthur says, remembering the phone call he made to Reagan a short while ago.
    “But Arthur, this is your engagement night, you can’t simply walk out leaving the guests unattended… who ever you need to meet could wait till tomorrow, I believe?” Uther asks, annoyed at his son’s reluctance to spend the evening with his future wife.
    “I’m afraid I can’t, Father … but I won’t be long. I will be tahanan before the last guest leaves. And I am sure Mithian wouldn’t mind my absence… after all she’s going to be stuck with me forever,” Arthur jokes.
    “Of course not, Arthur,” Mithian reaches out and clasps Arthur’s hand but Arthur politely removes her hand and smiles at her.
    “Thank you. And Uncle, why don’t you officiate the night and get us engaged already,” Arthur taps his uncle’s shoulder.
    “All right, then…” Agravaine laughs and leads the couple to the front.
    As Arthur follows Mithian, Uther grabs Arthur’s hand and halts him. “What are you doing Arthur? Whom are you meeting?”
    “A friend, Father… don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it. Promise.”
    “Whatever, Arthur… sometimes you just irk me with your attitude,” Uther says crossly and heads to the front to sumali Agravaine. Arthur sighs and walks slowly to sumali Mithian. Agravaine gets the ceremony going sa pamamagitan ng first briefly introducing the couple and then sa pamamagitan ng asking Arthur to place the ring on Mithian’s finger.
    The moment Arthur slips the ring around Mithian’s finger, he drifts back to the night he slid a ring onto Guinevere’s finger, asking her to marry him. His puso sinks and starts to ache remembering the affection and passion he poured on that engagement compared to this. He looks at Mithian and she’s beaming with happiness. He smiles at her and then the crowd but he isn’t happy. He hopes no one notices that his smile does not reach his eyes. He doesn’t pag-ibig her and he will never be able to give her the pag-ibig he gave Guinevere, but now she’s his fiancée whether he likes it or not. And soon, she will be his wife. But how will he provide her the happiness she craves when he certainly doesn’t pag-ibig her?
    Beside him, his father and uncle are celebrating the engagement with a mag-ihaw to the couple. Arthur can’t hear what they are saying because his mind isn’t focused on them right now. One part of his brain is torn sa pamamagitan ng all the scorn Merlin poured on him a while ago, another part is still thinking about the phone call he made, another part is trying to think all the tanong he needs to ask when he meets Reagan outside town in a short while and another part is trying to find the solution to his unhappy marriage with Mithian. Someone taps his shoulder. Agravaine. He smiles at his uncle. His uncle makes another mag-ihaw and he smiles again until his cheeks hurt. He wishes his uncle would stop with the toasts so that he can make his way out.
    “Nervous?” Mithian asks, almost causing him to jump because she asked him suddenly. And she realized that. “Oh, I’m sorry, did I surprise you?”
    “It’s fine… no, I’m not nervous but I really have to go. But Uncle’s still making his mag-ihaw and I doubt he’ll stop anytime soon… and that’s what I’ve been thinking.”
    “Oh… why don’t you leave? I’ll take care of them both.”
    “Really?”
    “Really… they wouldn’t mind if I entertain them. Go now before they notice anything,” Mithian urges Arthur.
    Arthur smiles and leans closer to halik her cheek and leaves, without causing any alarm. Mithian touches her cheek, and smiles to herself. ‘I pag-ibig you Arthur Pendragon’ she thinks to herself.



The susunod morning …

    Arthur taps the steering wheel impatiently as he waits for the traffic ahead of him to clear up. He is on his way to meet Reagan again as the latter has promised he will ipakita Arthur the details of the accounts of the transfers made for Gwen under Morgana’s name. He met with Reagan last night and found out Merlin’s words were true after all. Reagan wasn’t cooperative at all, in fact he was willing to let the truth be buried with his corpse until Arthur offered a pay raise for his help and a promotion. Tempted sa pamamagitan ng the prospect of securing a better life for himself, he agreed to ipakita the details, but it will have to be done in a secluded place. Arthur has asked Reagan to meet Arthur at his apartment, since nowhere else sounded safer. And Arthur can’t wait.
    When Merlin told him about the transfer and the way it was played out, Arthur’s puso leaped with hope. He didn’t understand why it did what it did but, he was filled with hope. He knew something wasn’t right the moment Merlin let the cat out of the bag. But he wants to know whom to trust, Guinevere or his father. Not that he’s holding a torch for Guinevere anymore but he is desperate to know why Gwen dumped him. And if this can help in some way, he’ll be happy. The car ahead of him moves slowly and he curses himself for choosing this road instead of another detour that could have avoided this traffic. He sighs and slams his head lightly on the steering wheel.
    “Come on… ilipat it already!!” he shouts to himself and lifts his head back up. He turns to his right and looks out from his window. He recalls Merlin’s bitterness towards him last night. He feels hurt but one small part of his puso is actually siding Merlin. He understands why Merlin had been so angry with him but what stuns him is the information Merlin gave him yesterday about the transfer. Arthur believed his father when he was told about the money paid to Gwen for dropping the case and helping him agree with the operation. But what he didn’t know is that his own transfer, the one Gwen had requested to help Morgana never went through! Instead, his father’s did! And how is that possible? And why wasn’t he told about this? Why didn’t Guinevere inform him about the rejected transfer? How did she know? Who informed her? Why did his father interfere and is it true he paid her or is it another lie from his father? Arthur fears for the last phrase but he really hopes it’s not true. Merlin seems adamant that Guinevere’s action on that araw was suspicious but why isn’t Arthur feeling the same strong feelings Merlin feels? Why isn’t Arthur the one doing the investigation rather than Merlin? Is it because his puso is fuelled sa pamamagitan ng rage and vengeance rather than pag-ibig and compassion? What if… what if Guinevere is proven right? What will he do next?
    ‘No … I believe my father. He wouldn’t have done it.’ Arthur thinks to himself. ‘This is Guinevere’s fault!’ he thinks again. ‘She left me, broke and shattered my dreams and took my money. Merlin’s wrong … I will prove him wrong though my puso says otherwise.’
    More cars moves pasulong and Arthur drives his car slowly and brings to a halt right in front of a park.
    “Bloody hell!” he curses and looks out to his right and watches some school children playing at the park. The kids look happy, in contrast to Arthur and he recalls how he loved the playground when he was a child. Sighing, Arthur scans everyone slowly until his eye pauses on a person. He didn’t believe what he sees yet it’s is true. His eye widens and he inches closer to the window to have a better look. ‘It can’t be!’ he keeps thinking yet the image of a woman seated on the bench alongside anther woman is extremely recognizable! He knows her and he couldn’t believe what he sees. His hearts leaps to his mouth and he finds himself looking at her as if hypnotized. The woman is chatting with her friend, unaware of being watched while Arthur stills stares at her, from his window. He didn’t know how long he stared, but the moment he manages to collect his strength, he utters a name he vowed never to say again, “Guinevere?”