Kabanata 21
Kabanata 21
"Miss Crest? Did you ever thought of stopping designing? I mean, may time po ba na parang gusto mo na po mag give-up?" one of the students from the fashion school where I am conducting a seminar asked.
"Oh, the truth is, almost eighty percent of my life before is in the verge of giving up." I smiled. "I know some of you I am a victim of rape, right?"
They all nodded kaya bumuntonghininga ako saglit at muling nagsalita.
"Well, the thing here is I loved designing ever since I was young pero hindi ko siya naisip i-pursue noong college kasi walang direksyon ang buhay ko. You know that feeling when you didn't know what you want in life?" I asked and I heard chuckles when they relate on it. "I was once like that, carefree, happy, go with the flow, walang balak sa buhay. Noong college ako, I thought of joining a fashion school to pursue designing but that incident happened and I just lost the will to do it again. Unfortunately kasi, the dress I designed myself on my graduation is the same dress I wore when that happened."
I saw the sadness filling the hollows of their eyes kaya umiling ako.
"Oh, no, don't be sad, I'm fine now." I smiled. "There are people who helped me stood from the ground when I fell, I found people who gave me the motivation to start again. You know what I realized? Somehow, just going with flow isn't right all the time, may panahong darating na minsan hindi ka lang sasabay sa agos. There are times you have to learn to swim and fight the currents no matter how strong it is going against you.
"Mahirap sa umpisa pero kapag katagala'y mas magiging malakas ka. I almost gave up my dreams, fashion designing was my life before but I forgot it because of the challenges given to me pero I helped myself to be better and recover. Sabi nga ng Tita ko noon sa akin, ang asawa niya kasi is my psychiatrist, she told me. Collect and grab the stones thrown at you and make your own kingdom." I said.
"Never give up, you are stronger than the currents. Fluctuat nec mergitur, our family motto. Life might toss you out of the waves but we must not sink." I said softly and nodded. "That's all, thank you so much for listening."
The all clapped their hands and I gently nodded.
"Thank you so much for that heartwarming speech you gave us, Miss Crest!" The host then greeted. "Everyone, let's give another round of applause to Miss Crest Veronica Sandejas, Fashion Designer and the CEO of the rising clothing line in the Philippines, Crescent Shines!"
I was then awarded with a certificate for being a speaker in today's fashion designing student's seminar and I felt so happy and overwhelmed smiling and being greeted by the people around. Some asked for a picture with me, there are a lot of students idolizing me, making me smile kasi they're wearing the clothes I designed today.
"Miss Crest! Maraming salamat po sa inspiration! Noong nalaman ko po ang story niyo talaga na-inspire po akong mag-design!" one of the students then greeted me.
"Salamat! I am glad inspiring you all, guys. You inspire me too." I smiled softly.
"You're so pretty, Miss Crest! You're a model too, right? You're the face of your own company?" I chuckled and nodded.
"Yes, nakakahiya naman..." marahang sabi ko, nagbibiro at tinakpan pa ang bibig para mukhang mahinhin kaya nagkatawanan kaming lahat.
The students asked me for photos and selfies too na masaya kong pinagbigyan, I spent almost half an hour having quick chikas with the kids and I was so glad hearing how I inspired them in their journey.
Who would have thought? The story I was once hiding by myself will inspire people in the future?
"Grabe naman at famous na ang Ate Crest-ganda namin na 'yan," Scira then teased after I finished joining the crowd.
"Asus, si Architect naman, masyado ba kitang pinag-antay?" I raised my brow kaya nagkatawanan kami at mabilis siyang kumapit sa braso ko.
"No naman, I had fun listening to you, Ate. Pat inga si Chichay proud momma." She muttered kaya natatawang ibinaba ko ang tingin sa lapag at nakita si Chichay na excited na excited, tumatahol pa.
I took the pink sparkly leash from my cousin and took Chichay, marahang kinarga ko ang baby ko bago kumapit kay Scira at sabay kaming lumabas na dalawa.
"Ate, should we go to the mall first? Let's buy something for the family." Aniya kaya nakangiting tumango ako at sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa sasakyan ko.
When we got there, I immediately checked the backseat for anything suspicious at nang makitang ayos naman na ay niyaya ko na si Scira papasok.
I sat on the driver's seat and she's in the shotgun, ikinalong niya si Chichay na may suot na color pink na damit na may glitters pa at headband na match sa kanyang damit.
I saw how Scira checked the backseat and when she gave me a go signal ay umandar na kami. Kapit ang braso namin ng pinsan ko habang naglalakad papasok, she's wearing a simple off-shoulder top and white pants while I was wearing a tight white turtle neck top tucked in a checkered skirt and boots.
Tinanggal ko ang shades ko nang makapasok at pumunta kami sa isang pastry shop para mamili.
"How about this cake, Ate?" ani Scira na dinudungaw ang mga lagayan doon.
"Yes, I'd like the chocolate one, Scira." I smiled. "Dagdagan mo na rin ng macaroons and cookies for the kids."
"Oh, they'll like it." Aniya na nangingiti bago sinabi sa tao roon ang mga orders namin.
I carried Chichay, habang nag-aantay ay pinaupo ko siya sa hita ko at dumekwatro ng upo sa chair na naroon.
The pastel colored bakery made me smile, this still looks the same, I remembered coming in here to eat some sweets with Clyte-Clyte before.
"Wow, you looked pretty." Ani Scira na ngumisi sa akin. "Akin na ang phone, Ate, I'll take a photo of you."
Smiling, I gave her my phone. Nang maitapat niya iyon sa akin ay mabilis akong umayos ng upo, sinuot muli ang shades ko at um-awra habang nasa hita ko si Chichay.
"Ate, you should let Chichay wear her sunglasses too." Aniya kaya suminghap ako at napatango, dali-daling kinuha ang shades ni Chichay na kagaya noong akin at ipinasuot sa kanya para twinny kami.
"There! Perfect!" She chirped kaya natatawang umayos kami ni Chichay at um-awra na parang nasa Paris.
I laughed after Scira showed me the pictures at pagkatapos ko ay siya naman ang nag-picture sa kanya habang hawak ang milkshake na binili.
She resembled Tita Zidney so much, she looks so bold and strict pero kapag ngingiti'y ang lambing ng mga mata at nagiging hawig si Tito Thorn.
"Perfect!" I exclaimed, natatawang nag-apir kaming dalawa bago kami tawagin dahil naroon na raw ang orders namin sa counter.
Scira presented herself na siya raw ang magmamaneho sa amin papunta sa ancestral kaya hinayaan ko na. I sat on the shotgun seat after checking our backseat and played with Chichay when my phone rang.
I took it and my heart softened upon seeing my Dad's message.
From: Dad
Hi, princess. Sorry for nagging you again but where are you? Are you with Scira? Pauwi ka na?
I immediately checked my wrist watch and realized medyo late na nga ako sa sinabi kong dating namin sa ancestral kaya nagte-text na siya.
To: Dad
It's okay, Dad! I'm with Scira po, sorry for being a bit late, pumunta po kaming pastry shop to buy some pastries for the fam. We're on our way home po!
From: Dad
Alright, princess. Drive safely. I love you. Sorry for texting you again like an old grandpa 😭 😭😭
To: Dad
Haha! It's okay po, I love you! 😘
My father checking me out from time to time made me happy yet at the same time, sad. The past year has been tough for the family, for me, pero alam kong sa aming lahat ay mas dinamdam ni Dad ang nangyari ng sobra.
Ever since that incident happened, he keeps on monitoring everyone in our family. Ako, si Adi, si Chiel at Mom. Kapag nahuhuli kami ng oras or nale-late sa usapan ay magte-text siya o hindi kaya'y tatawag, checking about our whereabouts, kung sino ang kasama at kung ayos lang ba raw kami.
It was a sweet gesture and yet it pained me so much that he's too paranoid whenever where late or nowhere near his sight because I know it scarred him.
My Dad won't tell me he's so worried of me pero ramdam na ramdam ko iyon, maluwang siya sa akin noon at ngayon pa rin naman pero ang pagtatanong niya kung ayos lang ako at kung sino ang kasama ko ay mas lumala.
He's always worried, there's this one time I got home late because it's a bit traffic tapos na-lowbatt ako kaya hindi makapag-text at nang makauwi ako ng bahay ay umiiyak na si Dad at nagtatawag ng tulong kina Tito Zeij para hanapin ako.
It made me cry at kapag naiisip ko iyon ay nasasaktan pa rin ako kaya ngayon sinisigurado kong may dala akong extra na power bank para makapag-charge at makapag-message sa kanya.
He may not tell it to me, alam kong hanggang ngayon ay sinisisi niya pa rin ang sarili niya sa nangyari sa akin kahit hindi naman niya kasalanan. I heard a lot of people outside my family called my Dad overreacting for being so emotional but it is not for me.
He is never overreacting, he just cared and loved me so much that what happened to me left him a permanent scar that he began questioning if he deserved to be a father.
He thinks he's not and he kept on apologizing to me and Mom for being a failed father but he is not, he is the best yet because of that incident, he doubted himself.
Hindi lang naman ako ang naapektuhan ang mental health sa nangyari, Chiel and my Dad is affected too pero mas malala ang naging epekto noon sa Dad ko. There is a time wherein he went a psychiatric session with Tito Thorn because he experienced anxiety and nightmares.
There are a lot of times, I mean a lot wherein in the middle of the night, may kakatok sa pintuan ko tapos makikita ko si Mom at Dad. My Dad will often look at me with his teary-eyes and will ask me if I am okay and I will say I am tapos yayakapin niya ako.
Natutulog sila ni Mom sa kwarto madalas noon, si Dad ay nasa lapag at magkatabi kami ni Mommy sa bed because Dad just wanted to make sure I am okay and didn't have any nightmares pero siya naman itong nananaginip ng masama tungkol sa akin.
He was dreaming about me, crying and asking for help pero hindi raw siya makalapit sa akin kahit anong pilit niya kaya nagigising siyang umiiyak at hinahanap ako.
We even ask for a work leave for a month in prosecution for him para makapamasyal siya dahil kapag naroon ay madalas daw magalit at tahimik masyado, hindi kagaya noon na nagbibiro naman kahit papaano. We spent a month in States so we could all bond as a family.
He came back to his past self after his sessions with Tito Thorn pero naroon pa rin ang palagi niyang pag-check sa aming magkakapatid. He was traumatized for it because sabi nga niya noon, abogado nga siya at natulungan ang maraming tao, ako mismo na anak niya ay wala siyang nagawa. He said I didn't deserve suffering like that and blamed himself again and again for not being there for me and I don't want him to be like that.
I don't want seeing my brave father being weak and scared for me, gusto ko masaya siya palagi, silang pamilya ko dahil kapag masaya sila'y gano'n din ako. Sila ang buhay ko.
"We're here," ani Scira nang makarating na kami sa ancestral house.
I was all smiles when I got out, bitbit pa ang pastry na pasalubong namin ay sinalubong na ako ng mga bata.
"Tita!" they exclaimed happily, running after me kaya natatawang sinalubong ko sila para yumakap.
"Miss you po ng super, Tita!" Sunny exclaimed happily while hugging my leg, natawa ako nang makitang inaabot na ni Cookie si Chichay na nakipaglaro sa kanya.
"I miss you too, babies!" I giggled happily and lowered my body to gave my cute nephews and niece a kiss. "Did you love Tita Crest?" I asked.
"Yes po!" they cheered, miski si Scira ay natawa rin bago dumukwang para abutin si Cookie na sinusuot na ang shades na para kay Chichay.
"Macaroons?" Sky asked me softly, making me chuckle and showed him the small box.
"Sino muna ang pinakamagandang Tita sa balat ng earth?" I asked them teasingly.
"Tita Crest!" they cheered, Sunny raised her hand and took her twin's hand too to raise it.
"Ta Crest! Ta!" Cookie then moved his body to dance a bit kaya napahagalpak na ako ng tawa.
"Oh, akala ko ba si Tita Scira ang pinakamaganda?" Scira asked gently and touched her chest as if she's hurt, "tatampo na si Tita Scira—"
"Tita Scira too!" Sunny exclaimed at inangat ulit ang kamay at si Sky ay mukhang pre-occupied kakatitig sa maliit na box na hawak ko.
"Ay, hindi nagsasalita si Sky, walang macaroons." Ani Scira kaya napasulyap sa kanya si Sky, umawang pa ang bibig.
"Tita Scira!" he exclaimed and stared at the box I'm holding. "...and Tita Crest!" he exclaimed kaya natatawang hinagkan ko ang pisngi ng mga batang sumalubong bago ko i-abot sa kanya ang box.
"Here, hati-hati kayo ng mga pinsan mo, ah?" I asked and his smile widened.
"Yehey! Macaroons! Macaroons!" he exclaimed happily, earning laughters from us.
I feel so Tita na when I got inside the mansion and saw the kids, nag-uunahan pa sa pagbati sa akin.
"Tita! Tita! Bless!" the bubbly girl asked pero ngumuso lang ako at dumukwang.
"Kiss sa cheeks na lang, pretty kasi baby girl pa rin si Tita." I said gently and chuckled when she kissed my cheek.
I gave my pasalubongs to the kids, si Chichay ay kaagad nakihalo sa mga aso ng mga pinsan ko na mukhang pabida pa dahil may pink na glittery clothes siya at headband kaya natawa na ako.
"Naku, Ate, naloloka na sila saan ang bakasyon." Ani Daru nang makita ako kaya natawa na ako.
"Huh? Why? What happened?" I asked and she softly pulled me towards the garden.
"Just see..." aniya kaya sumama ako sa kanya.
In the garden is our family, ang iba kong pinsan at ang mga Tito at Tita ko ay naroon. May projector pang nakalagay sa may tent at nandoon sa magkabilang gilid si Chiel at Adira.
"No, I suggest we go to Palawan this vacation." Ani Alchiel na pinindot ang remote sa katawan niya kaya eksaheradang nanlaki na ang mata ko. "What you're about to see are the facts regarding the province's hidden beauty—"
"No!" Adira then exclaimed. "We went to Palawan two years ago and it's time we check other provinces, Atty. Sandejas."
"I definitely oppose your suggestions, Atty. Sandejas." Ani Chiel. "I love Palawan but it's time we try and check other beaches too."
"No, we should try checking Puerto Galera." Adira then said, may pinindot din kaya nawala ang powerpoint ni Chiel. "As you can see, these are some astonishing sights to behold in Mindoro."
"Uh, can I speak?" biglang taas ng kamay ni Dad kaya natahimik ang dalawa.
"Yes, prosecutor?" ani Chiel sa Tatay ko na nagsalita.
"How about we just go to Sta. Monica?—"
"Objections, your honor!" they both exclaimed at my father who froze on the spot when the two attacked them.
"O-oh, sorry then..." ani Dad na alanganing natawa, "okay, proceed..." he said at nang nagtalo na naman ang dalawa ay halos sumabog ang braincells ko.
"Nakaka-sheyt talaga magtalo ang mga matatalino, na-realize kong sobrang bobo ko!" ani Tito Zeijan pagkatapos ng away no'ng dalawa habang hinihilot ang kanyang sentido kaya tawang-tawa ako.
"Fifty nga lang ang braincells ko, Daddy Pogi kaso no'ng narinig ko ang away no'ng dalawang abogado parang twenty-eight na lang ang natira." Zion commented kaya napailing ako at natawa sa kanila.
"Uy, si Crest-ganda, ang favorite kong pamangks!" ani Tito Zeij nang makita ako kaya napatawa na ako bago siya sinalubong at niyakap.
"Kumusta, anak, ang seminar?" aniya nang mayakap ako.
"The best, Tito!" I said happily.
"Hoy, inaagawan mo na ako ng anak." I heard a voice kaya napalingon kami at napatawa ako nang makita si Dad na mukhang seryoso pero nagtatago ng ngisi.
"Daddy!" I greeted happily and ran towards him for a hug, kaagad niya akong sinalubong at hinagkan ang noo ko.
"Sabi ko sa'yo, Kuya Raf, aampunin ko si Crest—"
"Wala, akin lang ang prinsesa ko!" Dad hissed at him kaya natawa na ako.
"Ipapasangla na raw namin si Zirena, Tito, kasi masakit na sa tainga nag bibig kakadaldal." Zion muttered kaya napatawa na kami, lalo nan ang dumating si Zire at bumusangot doon.
"Hmp! Akala niyo sila! Mga pangit!" She exclaimed loudly at si Tito Zeij ay humalakhak pa.
"Joke lang naman, ganda! Manang-mana ka sa akin kaya love kita!" he exclaimed pero pinalo-palo siya ng pinsan kong natatawa sa kanila.
"They're hopeless," ani Tita Lyx nang makitang pati ang asawa ni Zire ay ginugulo na ni Tito Zeijan at Zion.
"You should talk to him about my free sessions, Lyx." Ani Tito Thorn na sumingit pa sa amin habang buhat si Queen, "libre na." Biro niya kaya nagkatawanan na kaming lahat.
When they left, I glanced at my father na nakaakbay sa akin.
"How's the seminar, anak?" aniya.
"Great, Dad! I am so happy seeing the kids inspired by me." I smiled at him and I saw the proud look on his eyes as he nodded at me.
"I'm glad you are happy, I'm so proud of you." He smiled at me and messed with my hair. "Sayang at hindi ako nakapunta."
"Oh, it's okay, Dad." I chuckled. "Present ka naman palagi sa seminars and events ko kaya no worries."
"Asus, ang mag-ama, hindi na naman mapaghiwalay..." we heard a voice kaya lumambing lalo ang ngiti ko nang makita si Mom.
She's wearing a simple maroon dress, her hair in a ponytail. Kaagad akong lumapit sa kanya para yumakap at natatawang humalik siya sa buhok ko at hinaplos ang likod ko.
"How's the seminar, anak?" she asked me softly. "Sana ay humabol kami."
"It's great, Mom! It's okay naman po, palagi naman kayong present sa seminars ko. You have work kanina, eh, and you helped cooking pa today kaya it's okay." I said and hugged her waist.
"Ang ganda-ganda naman ng anak ko, how's the fashion week going?" she asked, si Dad ay inalalayan kaming dalawa paupo roon sa may tent na wala ng tao dahil nagsipasukan muna 'yong iba para ayusin ang buffet para sa monthly get together namin.
"Great po! A bit tiring—"
"Ate ko!" my eyes wandered and smiled sweetly when I saw Adira and Chiel approaching, buhat-buhat pa ng kakambal ko si Chichay.
"Hey, twin. Pangit mo." I muttered when I greet my twin at nagkatawanan kami bago nag-apir at naupo siya sa tabi ni Dad, si Adi nama'y naupo sa tabi ko, mabilis pang kumapit sa akin habang inaabot ang ulo ni Chichay sa hita ko para laruin.
"Mana lang sa kapangitan mo, Crest Veronica." He spatted back kaya nagkatawanan kaming dalawa.
"So...the fashion week?" Mom asked while fixing my curly hair na dumikit sa pisngi ko kaya napaayos ako ng upo at naisip ang tanong niya.
"Oh! It's a bit tiring po, Mom but really doing great! The designers in the company are very creative too kaya nagtutugma ang ideas namin, isa pa, Tita Nat is helping me a lot in preparation since it's my first time hosting the fashion week." I smiled.
"Kumakain ka ba ng maayos?" ani Dad kaya nakangiting tumango ako sa kanya.
"Yes, Dad." I said. "I'm also drinking my vitamins!"
"Good," he said. "It's okay to work but don't stress too much, okay? Sleep early and always drink water. Health is important, hmm?"
I nodded at him, "also, kayo ring dalawa..." he pointed Adi and Chiel, "I heard sobrang nagpupuyat kayo sa mga kaso niyo, it's not good—"
"Makapagsalita ka, Sandejas, akala mo siya maaga natutulog, ikaw nga rin madalas na puyat!" Mom commented but my Dad smirked.
"Nah, sa ibang dahilan naman kaya tayo palaging puyat—"
Adira suddenly screamed and covered her ear, eksaheradang nanlaki ang mata ko at si Chiel ay mariing napapikit.
"Sandejas, ang mga anak mo! Bastos ka!" Mom smacked Dad's lip and Dad laughed loudly, tinulak pa si Chiel na nagulantang no'ng nahulog sa upuan.
We spent our day grilling fishes and meat on the garden, tawang-tawa pa ako nang makita si Tito Zeij na nilalambing ni Sibyl na may bahay naman dito ng family niya sa Maynila pero mas gustong naglalagi sa Sta. Monica.
"Dad..." she whined.
"Kinakalimutan mo na ako, Sibyl Timothea! 'Di mo na ba love ang Daddy Pogi mo?" he asked her, touching his chest dramatically kaya napailing ako.
"Dad, come on, umuwi naman ako ngayon, ah? Sorry na..." my maldita cousin looked soft today while making lambing to his Dad.
"Dati, ayaw mo sa Sta. Monica tapos ngayon naman madalang ka ng umuwi rito! Hay naku, kinalimutan mo na ang pinakagwapong pinagmulan ng lahi natin—"
"Hoy, ang arte mo, Mister!" Tita Lyx came and went closer, chuckling as she reached for the pouting Sibyl.
"Mom, ang drama." She pointed out and Tito Zeij touched his chest.
"Bakit parang kasalanan ko?" he asked dramatically. "Kuya Raf, inaaway ako? Kasalanan ko ba?!"
"Oo," ani Dad na sumimsim ng soft drinks doon habang nakakapit sa Mom.
"What?! Why?!"
"Tanga, kung hindi mo pinapunta si Sibyl sa Sta. Monica edi sana, dito 'yan nakatambay." Ani Tito Dash kaya umawang ang labi ni Tito Zeij.
"Ayan, karma ka, masyadong nasayahan sa probinsya, Kuya." Ani Tita Zidney na naiiling pa roon nang mukhang nawawalang bata na ang Tito Zeij.
They're adorable. Magkakaugali silang magkakapatid. My favorite Tito still treats Sibyl like she's a teenager when she had her own house in the province now, plus that she already has a family.
As usual, we had our sleepover for that mini get together we're always doing, siksikan pa kami sa theater room habang sine-set-up ko ang papanoorin.
"Crest, anong papanoorin?" Zy then asked me while peeking on the laptop I'm setting for today's movie marathon because as usual, ako na naman nakatoka sa palabas dahil sa mga napirata ko.
"Horror, Crest?" ani Marcus pero umiling ako at natawa, "hindi, ah?"
"Weh?" Zy gave me a suspicious look. "Horror 'yan, eh!"
"Hindi nga!" I laughed, "bakit ko pipiliin ang horror, eh, alam ko namang takot ka?"
"Aba't..." his eyes widen at me. "'D-di ako takot, ah! Sino nagsabing takot ako, sapakan na lang?!"
"Ako, bakit?" Chiel then bumped his shoulder.
"Hoy, gago ka, Alchiel-taba! Hindi ako takot! Pustahan pa, oh!" aniya at mukhang mag-i-sparing pa ang dalawa roon, inaangat ang sleeves ng shirt at umaamba ng away.
"Mga loko," Dei then appeared and took a peek from the laptop. "Horror, Crest?"
"Horror-thriller, habulan." I said and smirked, glancing at Zion at Alchiel na nagre-wrestling na sa lapag at si Marcus ay binato na sila ng popcorn. "Secret lang, basta videohan niyo si Zion."
"Ako bahala," he winked kaya humahalakhak na nag-apir kaming dalawa.
The girls got ready with the pillows, drinks and snacks. Katabi ko si Scira na katabi si Daru at Zire sa may malambot na upuan. Si Sibyl at Adi naman ay nakasalampak sa lapag, nag-umpisa ng pumapak ng pagkain doon.
"I wish Ate's here," Scira suddenly muttered kaya napabuntonghininga ako, I held her hand and she rested her face on my shoulder and sighed too, missing Clyte again.
It was hard finding her, miski ang Tito Zeijan ko ay hirap na hirap dahil wala raw bakas kung nasaan ang sasakyan na kumuha sa kanya. They monitored every CCTVs and yet, the car vanished and it was seen abandoned somewhere secluded tapos wala ng tao kaya nahihirapan kami.
We even have a hundred million pesos award for anyone who would see my Clyte-Clyte but all we got are false claims and now, we're still doing our best to find her and take her back to us.
No matter how happy we are, we still have this hollow, an empty space for our hearts longing and missing Clytemnestra and we would never stop until we take her home again.
"Ano bang title?" ani Zy na chill lang, ngumunguya ng popcorn doon.
"The Nun." I answered and his eyes brightened.
"Ay, wow, religious, ah? Gusto ko 'yan!" he smiled happily, sinubuan pa si Macky ng popcorn na ngumingiwi sa kanya.
"Come on, Macky-beybe, say ahh! Let me feed you!" he said like a kid at nang bumusangot si Marcus ay pinilit niya ang popcorn sa bibig nito kaya natawa ang mga lalaki roon.
"Hoy, mamaya na kayo magharutang dalawa. Mag-jowa ba kayo?" Deion hissed. "Manuod kayo ng palabas, maganda 'yan."
"Oh, sorry, oh, ito popcorn. Subuan din kita, h'wag na magselos, Deion-babe." Ani Zy na inambahan pa ng popcorn ang huli.
"Manuod na kasi, Zion." Chiel hissed.
"Sheyt, huh? Alam kong gwapo ako pero h'wag niyo akong pag-agawang tatlo. Isa-isa lang, mga mahal!" aniya at hinawi pa ang buhok kaya sabay-sabay na nagmura ang tatlo at inambahan siya ng suntok at tawang-tawa naman kami.
"I felt like she got Dad's genes like...a hundred and one percent." Sibyl then muttered.
"Oo nga, Ate." Ani Zire sa kanya. "Buti na lang, tayo kay Mommy nagmana, ano?" she asked kaya sabay-sabay kaming bumaling sa kanya.
"Hindi, ah!" we all exclaimed at nang napanganga siya ay nahulog ang popcorn sa bibig.
"Ang boring naman, nasaan na 'yong bida? Religious ba 'tong palabas? Like mga miracle, gano'n?" Zion asked after a while.
"Oo nga, antay ka lang, masyadong atat." I said. "Baka kapag nakita mo 'yong bida, mapa-amen ka bigla."
"Ah! Mapapadasal ba tayo riyan?" he asked, sipping on his beer.
"Ikaw lang," Chiel smirked at nang magkatingin kami ng kambal ko ay sabay kaming nagkindatan sa isa't-isa.
It's all fun and games until the scary nun in black veil and clothes appeared on the screen at nanginig pa si Zion sa gulat at nabulunan ng kinakain sabay sigaw.
"Putang ina niyong lahat!" he screamed his lungs out and I almost died laughing when Dei videotaped his expressions, Chiel was seizing his arms at si Macky ay binubukas ang mata niya para makita ang palabas.
Family bonding never gets old, it was our escape, our happy time and relaxation, one of the reasons why our family remains strong throughout years and decades that has gone by.
"Ready?" Dad then knocked on the door at mayamaya pa'y bumukas ang pinto.
Sabay kaming napalingon ni Mom na kinukulot pa ang buhok ko, si Adira ay nakasalampak na sa kama, naiiyak na kasi nilagyan ko siya ng make-up at ayaw niya pero walang magawa kasi pinagkaisahan namin ng Mommy.
"Hello, girls, done?" he asked.
"Not yet, baby." Mom said, chuckling as she tilt my head back to look at the vanity mirror para matapos niya ang beach curls kong pangmalakasan.
"The three of you have been curling your hairs for three hours now, anong oras kayong nagising, five?"
"Hindi ka pa ba sanay, Dad?" biglang lumitaw si Chiel na nakasukbit na ang bag sa likod at handa ng lumipad kung saan. "Bata pa lang kami ganyan na 'yan." He pointed us kaya nagkatawanan kami nila Mom.
"Dinamay pa nila si Adi—" he then stopped. "Oh, she's already sleeping." Napalingon kami ni Mom kay Adi na nakahiga lang sa kama, nakatulog na pala dahil ginising namin ng alas-singko para makapagpa-beauty.
We all ended up laughing dahil hindi pa kayang makipagsabayan ni Adi sa aming dalawa ni Mommy at ayon, nasa kama at bagsak na, magulo pa ang kulot na buhok.
Everybody is ready, three days lang kami sa Puerto Galera with the family kaya kaunti lang ang dala nila. Si Dad at Chiel ay may bag pack, si Adi rin ay mayro'n.
"Where's your bag packs, baby? Princess?" Dad asked after stretching his arms. "Let's put it on the car's trunk, your uncles are waiting sa airport."
"Oh, there..." ani Mom kaya lumapit si Dad sa may gilid ng kama at natigilan kami ni Mom nang napamura na siya.
"Are you seriously...bakit dalawang malalaking maleta 'to?!" he gasped.
"Oh, baby, I have my casual dresses, cover ups, bikinis and sleepwear." Mom explained pero nakanganga lang si Dad at mukhang nalulula kaya nagsalita rin ako.
"I have party dresses din po, Dad. There will be a fire dance to attend, right? Kaya I brought the dress I designed for us, mukhang fire 'yon. Same as Mom's, I have my casual dresses, cover ups, bikinis and sleepwear, I brought bikinis for Adi too because I know she won't bring one. Also, I brought Chichay's swimming wear too. She has mini-bikinis." I smiled cutely at napahawak na si Dad sa batok niya at bumaling sa pintuan.
"Alchiel! Dalhin na lang natin ang buong aparador!" he exclaimed loudly, hinihilot ang batok niya kaya nagkatinginan kami ni Mom at nagkibit-balikat.
Puerto galera indeed is a sight to behold, I love the pristine clear seas, the white beach sands and the cold, fresh air really is relaxing.
My Mom and I are so happy when we successfully made Adira wear a sexy two-piece yellow bikini, she was so shy and all, almost covering her body.
"Come on, Adi. Loosen up! You're very pretty and sexy! Don't be shy and parade your body!" I winked at her.
"Pero, Ate...I'm shy." Her cheeks flushed. "I-I'm...I mean, hindi ba pangit? I don't work out."
"What? You're very pretty, anak." Mom smiled at her, "look at me, may edad na pero walang paki?" she showed us her body and we chuckled in admiration because she really is still has body to die for.
"What's your exercise, Mom? You looked like just our older sister, oh? OMG, look at those curves." I stared at her curves. "And the abs! Mom, share us your tips?"
"Ah, exercise lang sa kama." She said and the three of us stopped and her eyes widened. "Shit, I'm sorry! I-I mean, kasama ko si Dad niyo sa kama—na mag-exercise!"
"A-ah..." she cleared her throat. "N-not what your thinking! I mean, you know that exercise when someone has to hold your leg? Tapos aangat ka at—"
"OMG, Mom, you like cowgirl?!" I exclaimed and her eyes widened.
"Crest Veronica!" her cheeks flushed. "P-pero masarap 'yon—"
"M-mom!" Adira's eyes widened in horror.
"Asus, my innocent baby Adi." I tapped her blushing cheek. "Hayaan mo, Adira-babe, turuan kita mamaya paano kumilatis ng bakat."
"Lord, bakit ganito ang pamilya ko?!" Adira then exclaimed and covered her ears and then ran outside like she's hearing something so lewd.
His Queen and Princesses in bikini is Dad's cause of dead, nakanganga siya sa amin at halos yakapin na ang Nanay kong looking so young and sexy in her bikini.
"Bakit..." he was pouting and hugging Mom. "Thallia, suotin mo ang shirt ko, Alchiel. Maglabas ka ng damit sa mga kapatid mo—"
"Iñigo Rafael, hindi na uso 'yong ganyan!" Mom chuckled and tapped his cheek. "Nothing's wrong with bikinis, we're in beach! Oldie ka na talaga."
"But—"
"Come on, Iñigo Rafael, stop being possessive." Mom chuckled. "Sa 'yo lang naman ako, also, let your kids have fun. It's okay, right, girls?"
I nodded and smiled widely, si Adi ay umiiling lang na alanganin ang ngiti kaya siniko ko at napipilitang tumango siya sa akin.
Dad then stared at us and then sighed, "okay, have fun, my princesses." He said and pouted, glancing at my Mom. "Ikaw, Thallia Josephine, sa kama ka mag-i-swimming mamaya."
Another kalat morning with my parents with Chiel's embarrassed face and Adi's screams, ako lang ata ang malaki ang ngisi at kikindat-kindat pa sa Nanay kong hiyang-hiya na sa amin.
It was a funny sight seeing my possessive uncles sitting on the sun lounge while watching their wives being so sexy in their bikinis. Bawat galaw ay nakasunod pero hindi naman makapagreklamo at nagmamasid lang kaya natatawa na ako.
"Oldies are really conservative," Sibyl then whispered, glancing at somewhere.
"Yeah, right, pero wala naman silang magagawa, under, eh." I said kaya nagkatawanan na kaming dalawa.
"Luh, tatanda niyo na possessive pa rin kayo?" entrada ng pabidang si Zion na nakikisali sa mga bata gumawa ng sand castle. "May uban na nga kayo!"
They all glared at Zion na biglang natigilan sa ginagawa.
"Alam mo, Zion, gwapo ka sana kasi mana ka sa 'kin pero pasyado 'yang bibig mo." Tito Zeij glared at him.
"Busalan ko na ba 'yang anak mo? Mas pogi pa riyan si Macky ko, ayaw lang aminin." Tito Dash then commented.
"Huh! Sorry, mas gwapo ang Alchiel ko sa mga anak niyo."
"Oh, don't get me started. Deion Rheus got my handsomeness." Tito Thorn hissed.
"Dad—" Zion then gasped and screamed when the oldies, like what he's referring to our handsome uncles and Dad chased him around the beach.
"Ate, can I just swim with my cover up? I-I'm shy kasi—"
"Adira?" we all stopped when we heard someone, mabilis kaming napalingon at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang pamilyar na mukha. Adi then froze on the spot while looking at it.
"Oh, Ash!" I greeted.
"Ate," he nodded and smiled handsomely, "Adi, nandito pala kayo, vacation?"
"Yes," tumikhim si Adi at hinawakan ang kulot na buhok. "Family bonding lang, i-ikaw?"
I saw him stared intently at Adi and smiled, "just some boring getaway."
"Boring?" her forehead creased but then Ash shook his head, the fresh air brushed his hair kaya sinuklay niya iyon ng daliri at tumitig sa kapatid ko.
"Yeah, boring, but not anymore." He said, staring at her kaya napa-O na ang bibig ko.
"Ash!" I heard a voice kaya sumulyap kami at nakitang may babaeng naka-sexy bikini ang kumakaway kay Ash at tinawag siya. "Your Mom is calling you!"
"I'm coming!" Ash then answered and glanced at us. "Ate, una na muna ako. Mamaya ulit, Miss..." bumaling siya kay Sibyl na mukhang inoobserbahan siya.
"Oh, alright." I smiled.
He then glanced at my sister and smiled, "Adi, mamaya na lang. Balikan kita." He said, kinalabit pa ang ilong ni Adi at tumalikod, patakbong pumunta sa kung saan.
"Adi—"
"Let's swim." Adira then said, sabay kaming napanganga ni Sibyl nang walang pagdadalawang-isip niyang tinanggal ang cover-up, with poise na naglakad patungo sa dagat na parang hindi nahihiya kanina.
I swam with Chichay who's also in her custom-made bikinis from me, it was fun, tawang-tawa ako sa mga palaro namin sa dagat na magpipinsan para malibang. Nasa cottage naman ang mga parents namin, abala na ngayon sa pag-aayos ng pagkain namin para sa dinner.
I spent some time playing with my Chichay and the kids, making sand castles when the boys left to help with the foods we're eating.
"Ate, picture!" Daru then said kaya sabay-sabay kaming lumingon sa camera. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko, malambing na ngumiti at nag-pose bago niya kli-nik ang capture.
Nakabalot ang katawan ko ng cover up at t'walya dahil sa lamig nang maabutan ko ang mga lalaki na nakabilog na sa bonfire na gawa nila, nagtatawanan kasama ang iilang pinsan naming gising pa. I just made a quick dip at ngayo'y nagtatawanan na sila.
"Oh, anyare?" I asked, naupo sa tabi ni Chiel na kaagad na binigyan ako ng pwesto at pinunasan ng twalya ang basa kong buhok, napansin ko kasing tawang-tawa silang lahat at si Zion ay nakabusangot.
"What happened? Anong nangyari sa'yo?" I asked Zy and he just pouted more and almost sulked at me.
"Nag-contest kami! Pabobohan! Ang winner may premyong hotdog!" he hissed sabay kagat ng hotdog na nasa stick kaya napahagalpak na ako at tinulak ang kambal ko.
Every fun has an end too, unfortunately. After our quick getaway, naging abala naman ako sa fashion week kung saan host ako.
"Mom, ang mga flowers po na padala from your guests and fans nandito na." I smiled when I heard my secretary.
"Gano'n ba? Salamat. How about my favorite flower?" I asked, glancing at her and felt happier when I saw her holding the daffodils in a gorgeous bouquet.
"Ito, Ma'am, s'yempre walang palya. Every week ang padala ng secret admirer." She chuckled and showed me the bouquet, kaagad ko naman inabot iyon at inamoy.
"No names pa rin?" I asked and she shook her head.
"Wala, Ma'am, parang balak po atang mag-anonymous forever. Pero may letter po ulit." Aniya kaya nakangiting tumango ako at nang magpaalam siya paalis ay binalingan ko ang bouquet at nakita ang maliit na card na may typewritten na letter.
Congratulations in advance for your fashion week! I'm proud of you, always. I'll support you from afar. Wishing you nothing but the best.
It made me smile, kaagad kong inayos sa vase ang daffodils, ang nag-iisang bulaklak na iba sa mga padalang rosas sa akin mula sa sponsors, fans at admirers. This stood out the best because I know daffodils means New Beginnings and that person who's sending the bouquets for a year now is something and I don't know because weirdly, it felt...special.
Maaga akong umalis sa opisina kasama si Chichay dahil may kikitain akong ilang suppliers, after checking the backseat, I drove my car with Chichay on the shotgun, quietly watching me humming.
We almost have similar clothes, I am wearing a checkered violet sweetheart dress with a black belt on my waist and heels, may itim na scarf pa akong design ko rin para i-partner sa damit and Chichay is wearing a violet clothes too with her pink, glittery leash.
I was driving my car seriously when a taho vendor caught my attention, suddenly, I felt like craving for it kaya nakagat ko ang labi, walang pakialam kung tanghali na at mabilis na pumarada sa gilid ng daan.
"Kuya! Pabili pong taho!" I said and the vendor stopped, a smile appeared his lips.
"Oh, sige, hija, ilan ba?" aniya kaya nangiti ako at mabilis na bumaba ng sasakyan, "sandali, Kuya, I will go there."
I took Chichay with me, I gently pulled her while holding her pink leash as we made our way to Kuya vendor to buy some taho I wanted.
"The biggest cup po, Kuya. One lang." I smiled. "Pa-add din po ng maraming tamis and sago."
"Sige, dadamihan ko ng sobra at pauwi na rin ako." He smiled kaya tumango ako.
"How much po?" I asked softly.
"Sampu lang, hija." Aniya kaya nakangiting tumango ako, bumaling sa pouch para buksan. Kumuha ako ng sampung piso roon at inabot kay Kuya.
"Chichay, wait lang si Mommy, ah—" I froze when I didn't see Chichay. "W-what..." inangat ko ang leash at eksaheradang nanlaki ang mata ko nang matantong ang leash na lang ang naiwan sa kamay ko at wala na ang baby ko.
"What the hell! Chichay?!" I screamed and shock, mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa may gilid at napasinghap nang mapansing tumatakbo na patawid ang baby ko.
"Oh my God! Santisima, Chichay!" I exclaimed and without second thoughts, even with my heels, dress and curly hair, ran across the street to chase my Chichay.
"Chichay!" I screamed her name while tumatawid siya na mukhang excited. "Masagasaan ka! Jusmiyo! Kuya, para!" I exclaimed, at pinatigil ang sasakyan.
Bumusina sila sa akin pero walang pakialam na pinapatagil ko miski ang truck at motor para lang makatawid ako.
I felt like I'm in full adrenaline while chasing my dog, I was running like I'm in a marathon in heels at suminghap ako habang naka-focus kay Chichay na biglang tumigil sa pagtakbo nang may taong humarang.
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, running out of breath, mabilis na dinakma si Chichay na napatigil at gumagalaw pa ang buntot. "Fuck! Why did you run?!" I heaved a sigh, halos mapaupo na sa lapag pero naalala ang humarang kay Chichay.
I heard Chichay barked and I touched my chest, mula sa paa ng lalaking humarang ay umangat ang tingin ko pero napatigil.
Ay, shit na malagkit, may bakat!
I then blinked, calm down, Crest! Manyak ka?!
"A-ah..." I cleared my throat and stood. "Naku, Kuya! Maraming salamat sa pagharang sa alaga ko—" I froze on the spot, my heart thumped and I felt like my throat dried up when I saw a very familiar man staring at me.
"I'm inviting you to go to the precinct, Ma'am." He said seriously, his gray eyes stared at me intently and my heart felt like bursting.
"H-huh?"
"Illegal parking." He then pointed somewhere kaya gulat na napabaling ako at nakita ang sasakyan kong basta ko na lang pi-nark sa gilid ng daan para sa taho. "And jaywalking." He said and pointed the sign na walang pedestrian lane roon kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.
"I-I was just..."
"Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag, Ma'am." He said seriously, staring directly into my eyes.
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