Simula
Hi! This is the first draft and unedited version of this book. This was written years ago and may contain typographical and grammatical errors. The author is yet to revise if given time. If this book does not suit your taste, there are more stories to explore in this app. Thanks for dropping by!
xxx
Madame Crest is here!!! This is my early gift for all of you since isang kindat na lang 300K na tayo! I'm happy na our family is growing! Dapat kapag saktong 300K pa 'to kaso wala kaming internet kaya ngayon na HAHAHA! Pasilip lang muna ito kay Madame. I love you, Archers! Mwuah!
PS: I will be self-publishing Sandejas Siblings this December to February! May individual copies and may Boxed set with 3 special chaps each book and a special book called Sandejas Legacy which consist of teasers ng WHOLE third gen. Sandejas + Excerpts + POV ni Jer. Visit lang kayo sa FB ko for more details!
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Simula
YOLO. You only live once, ika nga nila. Will you spend your whole life doing things you're not happy about or spend your whole life smiling because you enjoyed everything you do?
Well, I choose the latter. You only get one life, don't be afraid to do everything you want.
And I, Crest Veronica "Ganda" Sandejas will do everything I want in life. Everything.
Ako si Crest Veronica at walang makakapigil sa akin, kahit si Dad pa.
"Crest, what is this notice from the bank?" natigilan ako sa pagkain nang magsalita si Dad.
I lifted my face and took some tissue, pinunasan ko ang gilid ng labi ko at sumulyap kay Dad na nasa kabisera. Katabi ko ang kambal ko na nasa may tabi ni Dad. Mom and Adira is in the other side of the table, natahimik din at sumulyap sa akin.
"Po?" I asked and smiled.
Dad stared at me, nakakatakot ang mata ni Attorney pero princess naman niya ako kaya nginitian ko pa siya ng matamis.
"The bank sent a notice, you spend more than four hundred thousand yesterday?" he asked.
My eyes widen at that, maski si Alchiel ay napasulyap sa akin.
"You what, Crest?" Chiel asked.
"What did you buy, anak?" ani Mom kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya, si Adira ay ngumunguya pa, halatang nagtataka at si Mom ay nakatitig sa akin.
"Uhmm...it's nothing." I answered and glanced at my father, kunot na ang noo niya roon sa akin.
"Nothing? You can't buy nothing and spend four hundred thousand, Crest." Ani Dad kaya ngumuso ako.
"Well, I just made a clean up and shopped a bit." I said.
"Shopping a bit? That's a lot of money, kambal." Chiel pointed out kaya mas humaba ang nguso ko.
I glanced at Dad and he's serious, sumulyap ako kay Adira para humingi ng tulong pero ngumuso lang din siya sa akin. I saw Mom took the glass of water and lifted it near her lips.
"Crest...I'm asking you." Dad said kaya suminghap na ako.
"Well, I just cleaned up my closet, Dad. I'm so nagsasawa na sa clothes ko and you see...I don't wear an outfit twice." I said and smiled cutely.
Narinig kong biglang naubo si Mom, napasulyap ako sa kanya at nakitang nakatakip na ang labi niya. Dad moved from his seat, mabilis siyang tumayo para puntahan si Mommy but Mom shook her head.
"I-I'm fine..." Mom even laughed a bit, "I'm just, I'm sorry...I think I'm seeing my young self again."
I bit my lower lip, nang masiguro na ni Dad na okay na si Mommy ay muli siyang bumaling sa akin, pabalik kay Mommy.
"Sa lahat ba naman ng mamamana sa'yo ng anak mo, 'yang ugali pang 'yan, Thallia?" Dad asked her, making her laughed.
"What? Is it our fault we didn't like repeating an outfit twice?" Mom asked, pinunasan pa ang labi at binalingan ako. "Right, Crest?"
"Yes!" I cheered. "I donated some of my outfits to the charity or that bazaar with a cause. I tried giving some outfits to Adira but she didn't like it."
"You know I can't wear those clothes in law school, Ate." Ani Adira sa akin.
"Asus," I rolled my eyes. "If I know, you just didn't like wearing sexy clothes. Baduy ka kasi."
"I'm not baduy, ah! 'Tsaka I'm wearing dresses naman, ah? Hindi lang madalas-"
"You two, stop arguing, we're in front of foods." Ani Dad kaya natahimik kaming dalawa.
"Sorry po," we both said in unison and Dad sighed and nodded.
"Alright, kumain na kayo ulit." Aniya kaya tumango kami at kinuha ko ang kutsara ko.
I saw Mom glancing at me kaya ngumiti ako, she winked at me kaya natawa na ako ng mahina at nag-flying kiss pa sa kanya.
"Mag-ina nga kayo," ani Dad kaya natigilan kami ni Mommy at sabay na natawa.
"Should we work harder, Dad?" ani Chiel kaya natawa si Dad at tumango.
"We probably should, we have two brats in the house. Mabuti pa 'tong Adira ko at hindi gastusera." Ani Dad at nakita ko ang ngisi ni Adira at napailing ako nang mag-apir sila ni Dad.
"S'yempre, ako pa ba, Dad? Alagang Iñigo kaya 'to!" Adira said proudly.
"Oh, well...sugo ni Thallia here!" I raised my hand, earning laughters from my family, making me genuinely smile too.
Natapos ang pagkain namin sa tawanan at asaran, nang umalis si Mom kasama si Adira ay nakita ko si Dad na nagtitipa sa phone niya.
I walked closer to him, peeking a bit on his arm and saw him emailing the bank, telling he's aware of my gastos yesterday. I pouted, nang maibaba niya ang phone ay mabilis na yumakap sa braso niya.
"Fuck!" he exclaimed in shock, making me laughed. "Crest..." his eyes soften when he saw me.
"Did I shock you, Dad?" I asked sweetly and he sighed and nodded.
"Yes, don't scare me. Your old man might have a heart attack, princess." He said, making me smile more.
"Old man? You don't look old to me, Dad. Super gwapo pa rin nga, eh." I smiled and tapped his cheek. "Grabe, super gwapo ni Iñigo Rafael, oh? Kaya in love na in love si Thallia!"
It made him laugh, pinching my cheek. Kinuha niya sa akin ang brasong yakap ko para Akbayan ako at mabilis kong niyakap ang tagiliran niya.
"Naglalambing ka, ano? Para hindi ka pagalitan?" he said, making me pout.
"Well...a bit?" I chuckled. "Can I say sorry for spending a hundred thousand, Dad?"
"It's four hundred thousand, Crest. It's more than just the thousand you are referring." He quoted.
"Sorry, Dad." I sighed. "I'm just...those clothes are hard to resist, I find it really beautiful and I fancied it a lot."
"You cleared the entire closet? As in?" he asked and glanced at me kaya tumango ako.
"Sort off. We'll nandoon pa rin naman ang unused clothes ko, mostly ang coats." I said.
"So I assume, four hundred thousand is enough to fill that closet of yours? Ilan nabili mo fifty clothes? Pairs?" he asked and I shook my head.
"I think it's six pieces of clothes..." I said.
"Six...what?!" his eyes widen, parang nakokonsumi sa sinabi ko.
"You see, Dad. Those are from Chanel and Gucci, newest, wala pa sa market. I got the access since I'm a VIP kaya isa ako sa very first na magkakaroon ng pair, mas mauuna pa ako sa mga artista." I said.
"What the-"
"And, I talked to my favorite designer in Paris, Dad and I asked him to make me this customized, never been seen Swarovski dress-"
"S-sandali, parang nahihilo ako..." pumikit pa si Dad kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Dad?! Are you-"
"I should work harder, huh?" ani Dad na nagmulat ng mata at tinitigan ako.
His eyes are soft, no matter how strict Iñigo Rafael is in court, he's still a softy to us.
"Sorry, Dad." I pouted. "I won't spend that much na."
"Huh..." nagulat ako nang biglang siyang tumawa at pinitik ang noo ko. "Kabisado ko na 'yan, Crest Veronica. You told me that a thousand times already, sinabi mo rin 'yan last month after you spent a million treating your friends I didn't even know to Japan."
"Sorry na..." I sighed again, naglalambing na yumakap sa baywang niya. "Sorry, Dad. Love ka ni Crest na super ganda."
"Alright, I love you too. Basta, hmm? Limit yourself, hindi lahat ng oras may pera tayo." He said kaya tumango ako at ngumiti.
"Okay po, sorry, Dad. Love you." I tiptoed and kissed his cheek.
"Be good, okay? Enjoy yourself, we won't force you to do things you didn't like but please remember na hindi lahat ng magagawa mo ay tama, okay? There will come a time that I might discipline you for real, Crest Veronica. H'wag mong antaying mangyari 'yon." He warned kaya tumango na ako.
"Noted that, kaya love na love kita, eh." I kissed him again on his cheek, earning a laugh from him.
"Para ka talagang Nanay mo, Crest. Kayo ata ang kambal at hindi si Chiel?" he teased.
"S'yempre, anak ko 'yan, Iñigo Rafael, kaya sa akin talaga." Biglang lumitaw si Mom doon kaya natawa kami ni Dad.
"Come here, baby, hug your two babies." Dad said in a teasing, sweet voice and Mom smiled, walking closer to us for a tight hug.
I spent my day pretty much browsing the internet and checking out cute stuff, mabuti na lang at naka-connect ang credit card kaya no worries ako.
I stood, glancing at my bed. It's white and dull, sawa na ako sa color.
How about I buy a new one?
Napatango ako, nothing's wrong with it. Importante naman ang kama kaya gora na. I sat back on my bed and saw a classy, cute royal bed. Ang ganda ng head board niya! Parang pang-Queen!
I checked the price and it's two hundred thousand. Mura na, huh?
I smiled and checked it out, after that. I slept all day, nagising lang nang mabalitaang pumunta na ang mga pinsan at Tita at Tito ko sa bahay para magluto sa simpleng agahan namin bukas, pupunta kasi rito sina Mama Lena at Papa Jer na galing sa Sta. Monica.
"Uy, si Crest-ganda!" I smiled when I saw my favorite Tito.
"Hello, Tito of the century!" I giggled when I saw him. Tito Zeijan laughed at me, offering his arms.
I ran closer and hugged him a bit, kissing his cheek.
"Musta, ganda?" he smiled at me and I gave him a thumbs-up.
"Ayos naman po, Tito kong pogi." I smiled back, humagalpak siya at nag-apir kaming dalawa.
"Asus, kaya paborito ka ni Crest kasi bata pa lang inuuto mo na." Ani Tito Dash na lumitaw kaya natawa na ako at yumakap din kay Tito Dash.
"Ganyan talaga kapag pogi, Dash-beybe, 'di be, Crest-ganda?" he smiled kaya kumindat ako at tumango.
"Opo naman, correct ka riyan!" I said and we chuckled.
"H'wag ka papauto riyan kay Kuya, Crest." Ani Tita Zid kaya natawa ako bago rin bumati sa kanila.
I said hi to my relatives, nakipag-chikahan pa ako sa mga pinsan kong nakapunta para tumulong magluto. I saw Scira kaya lumapit ako at nagtanong pagkatapos mag-beso.
"Hi, Scira, where's Clyte-Clyte?" I asked and she pointed the door.
"Nasa labas, Ate. Baka sa garden." She smiled kaya tumango ako at nagpasalamat bago lumabas.
I searched for my bestfriend outside and my forehead creased when I saw her on the bench on the garden, katabi niya si Chiel at parang may tinitignan sila sa phone.
I tiptoed, taking a peek and saw Clyte showing my brother a photo of some balloons.
"What do you think? Bagay ba ang kulay na 'to for pink motif?" Clyte asked him.
"Gold and pink?" Chiel asked and she nodded. "Saang party 'yan?"
"Just nearby, Quezon City sa hospital lang din. Debut kasi ng isa sa pasyente namin at 'yon, dahil nga sa nag-aayos nga ako ng parties, they asked me about this. Surprise kasi may cancer 'yong patient, hindi makalabas."
"Oh, that's good." Chiel nodded, "can I do something to help? I can buy some balloons or what do you need?"
"I can do it, wala ka bang kaso? Chill-chill ka, ah?"
"I have but it's fine, tulungan kita mamili. What do you need-"
"What she need is space!" hinarang ko ang kamay ko sa ulo nila kaya napahiwalay ang dalawa. Chiel glanced at me and frowned, I saw Clyte smiled and waved at me.
"Crest!" she cheered.
"Epal." Chiel muttered and I grinned, nagmartsa ako sa kanila, I sat in between them and glanced at my brother before smacking his head.
"Ikaw ang epal, mang-aagaw ng bestfriend!" I hissed at him.
"Ikaw nga, kitang nag-uusap 'yong tao-"
"Shh, magsabong na kaya kayo, ano?" Clyte said boredly kaya matamis akong ngumiti sa kanya,
"Ako lang ang bestfriend mo, right?" lambing ko sa kanya kaya ngumiti siya at tumango.
"Oo naman," she chuckled and hugged my arm kaya ngumisi ako at nilingon ang kapatid kong nakabusangot.
I stuck my tongue out, teasing him.
"Chupi..." I mouthed.
"You-"
"Hinahanap ka na sa loob," I said and he frowned more.
"I will go later-"
"Sige na, pumasok ka na, Kuya." Clyte said teasingly and smiled at him.
Chiel's mouth parted, it made me laugh. Sinara ko ang panga ng kambal ko at tinulak siya patayo.
"Hoy, Alchiel, hanap ka na-"
"What? Can you quit calling me Kuya-" sinipa ko ang pwet niya kaya napaabante siya. "Crest Veronica!" he hissed and I smirked at him.
"Hanap ka na kasi!" I said and he sighed, napailing siya at bumaling Clyte.
"Sasamahan kitang mamili." Aniya at lumapit sa akin para pitikin ang noo ko kaya suminghap ako at hinampas ko ang kamay niya.
"Alchiel, you're such a gago!" I exclaimed and he smirked before leaving.
When he left, nagkatinginan kami ni Clyte.
"Why still call him Kuya? We're just what...one, two years ahead of you?" I asked and she laughed and shrugged.
"I just love annoying him, pangit, eh." Aniya kaya nagkatawanan kami at nag-apir.
"Kaya kita BFF, eh. Kambal ang utak natin!" I cheered at nag-apir kaming dalawa. "Sinasabi ko sa'yo, Clyte-Clyte, kapag naging lalaki ako mas gwapo ako kay Chiel."
"I agree." She said kaya nagtawanan na naman kami.
Saglit kaming natahimik, I sighed and rested my head on her shoulder. I felt her touched my hair and spoke.
"May problema ka, Crest-Crest?" she asked and I chuckled at that and shook my head.
"Wala naman, Clyte-Clyte. I just missed you, I rarely see you, you know?" I pouted. "Wala na akong kausap madalas."
"Sorry, Crest." She sighed. "You see, these few months, may mga events ako. Tapos pagbalik ko sa ospital, busy na ulit."
"Ikaw kasi, Nurse ka pero bakit ka nag-pa-party organizer?" I pointed out. "Naghihirap ka na ba sa dami ng sideline mo?"
It made her laugh, "I love organizing parties! I love designing at the same time, helping our patients. I'm happy kaya there's nothing wrong with it, I think."
"Hmm, why don't we just party? Look at me, chill lang, happy pa. YOLO tayo, Clyte-Clyte. Kakapagod magtrabaho." I frowned and she chuckled, sumulyap ako sa kanya at umiling siya sa akin.
"Ayokong umasa kina Mom, Crest." She said. "I want to earn my money, ayaw kong aasa. 'Yong pera nila, 'di ko naman pera."
"Huh? Why not? Ayaw ka ba bigyan nina Tita-"
"No, of course not. They give me everything, I just want to earn my keep." She said, "I feel contented whenever I work for everything before I have them."
"Wow, sana all ganyan ang mindset." I muttered and she chuckled.
"Ikaw, hindi ka magtatrabaho?" aniya kaya ngumiwi ako at nagkibit-balikat.
"Nah, magtatatrabaho naman daw ng extra si Dad at Chiel," hagalpak ko kaya ngumisi siya sa akin at tumango.
"Don't worry, once my schedule is clear, I will hang-out with you, 'kay? We'll go to bars and have quick vacations." She smiled, making me smile.
"Okay, BFF. Thank you!" I hugged her arm.
"Welcome, bakit? Kumusta ang friends mo? Balita ko nilibre mo sila sa Japan, ah? How are they?" she asked.
"Okay naman," I answered. "Kasama ko sina Samantha, they're fun to be with. Party there, party everywhere."
"That's great to hear, I'm happy na kahit wala ako may mga kasama ka. Don't worry, babawi ako, hmm? Kapag free ako, promise. Basta ba, kapag may problema ka, I'm just a call away, okay?" she smiled at me.
"Paano kapag may trabaho ka?" I asked and she shook her head at me.
"Crest-Crest is more important than those. I'll be there always." She smiled and it made me smile, mabilis ko siyang niyakap at niyakap niya ako pabalik.
Pumasok kami sa bahay at nakisalamuha sa mga pinsan, I pulled Darshana and the girls and showed her my new dresses. My Dad even announced how much I spent for it kaya nagsitawanan sila at asaran.
I dressed Darshana up, she's like a doll at gusto-gusto rin niya kaya nakakatuwa. Clyte fixed her hair and I checked the clothes na bagong bili ko na I will let her wear and some of my sandals.
Mga tatlong palit ata ako sa kanya ng damit at s'yempre, sina Sibyl ang photographer sa pang-IG ng pinsan namin kaya tuwang-tuwa kaming lahat.
They got home when midnight came, susunduin daw nina Tito Dash sina Mama Lena at Papa Jer sa airport kaya sabay-sabay na sila.
I said my goodbyes to my cousin before I went to take a half-bath and did my hour and half skincare routine, combed my slight curvy hair a hundred times. Sabi kasi ni Mom na to make my hair healthy, dapat one hundred combs before I sleep.
I went to my bed, put the face mask on my face and took a quick selfie which I posted in my story before I turned the light off and browse social media.
Ako 'yong tipo ng tao na hindi makakatulog sa isang higa lang kaya tatlong oras ata akong nag-internet bago napagod. I put my phone off, bigla kong gustong uminom ng gatas kaya tumayo ako sa kama.
I fixed my night dress, wore my bunny slippers and walked out, still with my facial mask. This is my second one na after I took off the other one earlier tapos nilagay ko ang new just minutes ago.
Kapag mas maraming facial mask, mas maganda ang pag-moisturize ng skin.
I went down to the kitchen, medyo inaantok na ako kaya inunat ko ang kamay, naglalakad papasok nang makasalubong si Alchiel na nanlaki ang mata.
"Tangina, multo!" he screamed.
I screamed too, sa gulat ko ay nasabunutan ko siya at nakanganga lang siya sa akin.
"Anong..." umilaw ang kusina. Sabay kaming natigilan nang may magsalita.
"Oh, Ma'am Crest, Sir, ayos lang kayo?" we all stopped when we heard Manang, napalingon ako sa kanya at gano'n din si Chiel.
"C-Crest?" I heard Chiel asked, he tilted his head, nagkatingin kaming dalawa at napanganga siya. I lowered my hand on his hair and he cursed.
"Crest Veronica! Why the hell are you wearing that?!" he exclaimed, pointing my face kaya suminghap ako at napakurap.
"Para smooth skin-"
"Ay, maiwan ko na kayo, ah? Good night." Manang said pero hindi na namin napagtuunan ng pansin dahil masama na ang tingin namin ng kambal ko sa isa't-isa.
"You-"
"You screamed first! Kaya nag-scream din ako kasi nakakagulat ka!" I pointed out and after a few moments of glaring with each other, he sighed.
"Okay...just, don't wear the freaking mask again, okay? Nakaputing pantulog ka pa! Bagsak ang buhok mo at naka-facial mask na puti, are you giving me a heart attack?" he frowned and I pouted.
"Sorry na, malay ko bang nand'yan ka." I said and he shook his head and took my wrist.
"Bakit ka bumaba? Milk?" he suddenly asked, assisting me towards the stool kaya tumango ako. Inalalayan niya akong paupo, marahang kinuha ko ang facial mask sa mukha ko bago ko itapon sa basurahan sa may tabi ko at binalingan siya.
"Yeah, ikaw? Nag-milk ka?" I asked and he shook his head at me, taking a glass to do the milk I am requesting.
"Nah, I will study a case tonight. Coffee." He pointed the cup kaya napatango ako. "With marshmallows?" he asked and I nodded, I watched him fixed my drink and when he's done, mas lumaki ang ngisi ko.
"Thanks, kambal!" I cheered and he chuckled and nodded.
Sabay kaming umakyat sa itaas. Chiel took me in front of my room, giving me the glass of my milk and kissed my head.
"Night, kambal." He said and smiled and I smiled too, I tiptoed and kissed his cheek before waving.
"Night-night, kambal." I said back. "If you happen to talk to Adira, Dad and Mom, say goodnight for me too." I smiled.
He left after I went inside my room, naupo ako sa kama, ininom ang gatas habang ngumunguya ng marshmallow at nakatulog na rin pagkaraan.
The next morning, I was glad seeing my Papa Jer and Mama Lena again. I hugged and kissed them, we had our simple breakfast sa may labas para malaki at kasya kaming lahat.
I was a bit sad lang dahil wala si Clyte at may duty, she told me she'll be here later tonight but I started getting bored, nakikipag-bonding naman ako sa mga pinsan ko at madalas ako ang taya sa pagpili ng movies and we had one pero pagkaraan ay mabilis akong nawalan ng gana.
This is what I hate about me, if may gagawin akong isang bagay, hindi ko natatapos dahil mabilis akong mabagot.
And now, I'm in my room, I excused myself first sa mga pinsan kong nag-aayos na sa pangalawang movie at nandito ako ngayon at nagti-text.
From: Matthew
Hey, babe! Wanna hang out?
I immediately became excited, halos tumalon na ako sa kama roon at mabilis na nagtipa ng sagot.
To: Matthew
Sure! Saan? Do you have a new mall in mind? I want sa hindi ko pa napapuntahan, ah? Sawa na ako sa clothes na nakikita ko, eh.
From: Matthew
No, we won't go to mall. You like to go in a road trip? Do you like taho? I know a place na may ibang flavor.
My eyes widen, I immediately got interested with it. Nang sinabi niya sa akin ang lugar ay halos mapasuntok na ako sa ere sa tuwa.
To: Matthew
Give me an hour or two, ayos lang ako. See yah!
I immediately walked to my walk-in-closet to check my outfit for today. I took my newest Saint Laurent, checkered brown and gray coat. I partnered it with a light brown knitted long sleeves and turtle neck dress and of course, my outfit wouldn't be great without my knee over-the-knee high boots.
I ran to my vanity, put on a light make up, finished my curls before wearing my black, leather cap and wore my round shades.
Nag-pose pa ako sa tapat ng salamin, showing off my outfit. I lifted my hand to take a mirror shot. I pouted a bit, inilagay ko ang kamay sa baywang ko at matapos ang sampung shots ay nakontento na ako.
I took mg bag, inilagay ko iyon sa balikat ko at dahan-dahang bumaba sa hagdan ng mansyon sa takot na bumalentong ako pababa sa taas ng boots ko.
I can hear the commotions in the living room, naririnig ko ang tawanan nila roon habang nagke-kwento si Tito Zeijan. I took a peek and saw them busy, sumulyap ako sa distansya ng hagdan sa pintuan at baka 'di naman nila ako mapansin.
I tiptoed, walking quietly like a ninja to the door at masaya na sana akong makakaalis nan ang makarinig ng boses.
"Ate?" I froze, I immediately shifted my gaze and saw my sister, Adira, wearing her shirt and shorts. May hawak siyang bowl ng popcorn, sa likod niya ay si Daru na kumunot din ang noo sa akin.
"H-hey!" I chuckled and laughed.
"Alis ka?" Adira asked and I shook my head.
"Hindi naman," tumikhim ako at tinitigan si Adira, nakikipag-communicate na h'wag na niya ako tanungin at hayaan pero nakanganga lang siya sa harapan ko. "Ano-"
"Where are you going, Crest Veronica?" Dad's strict voice stopped me.
Fuck, patay kang bata ka...
Ramdam ko ang katahimikan sa buong bahay, I immediately shifted my gaze and saw my Dad near the stairs, mukhang kalalabas lang sa kusina.
"Uhm..."
I saw Chiel glanced at me from the sofa, kunot din ang noo. Nakita ko si Mom na lumabas sa kusina at napalunok na ako.
"Bibili lang ng taho, Dad." I said formally, flashing a cute smile.
"Taho?" Chiel stood from his seat. "With that outfit?" he glanced at me from head to toe, making me frown.
"Duh, it's a fashion trend, okay?" I said. "And...and we'll have a quick photoshoot mamaya, right, girls?" lumingon ako kina Daru na naguguluhan ay napatango sa akin.
"You're a bit overdressed, princess. Kung bibili kang taho." Dad said.
"I'm-"
"Just let her," I was relieved when Mom spoke and smiled at me, "it was as if it's new na aalis 'yang ganyan ang suot. Remember one time? Pinabili ko lang sa tindahan diyan, nagkulot pa ng buhok?"
My cheeks flushed at that, nagtawanan ang mga kamag-anak ko sa akin at si Dad ay ngumuso lang.
"Oo nga, Dad." I said, ginagatungan si Mom. "It isn't new, right? Come on, I'm just craving for taho." I pouted at him.
"Pagbigyan mo na, Kuya. Kitang nagke-crave nga ng taho si Crest-ganda." Tito Zeij said, taking my side kaya nangiti na ako.
That's my favorite Tito right there!
"Alright..." Dad sighed, "just go back kapag nakabili ka na, antayin mo si Kuyang nagta-taho riyan sa labas, mamaya nand'yan na 'yan."
"Thanks, Dad! You're the best!" I cheered happily, walking closer to him to kiss and hug him.
Mom chuckled and pinched my nose, I caught Chiel's suspicious stares kaya inirapan ko lang siya at sumulyap sa favorite Tito Zeijan ko na ngumisi sa akin at kumindat pa.
When I got passed the guards ay para akong tanga kung makatakbo palayo para makakuha ng taxi at makapunta sa meeting place namin ni Matthew.
I saw how he stood from his seat when he saw me approaching, kakasulyap lang niya sa orasan niya roon at kaagad akong sinalubong.
"You're late," he pointed out.
"Sorry, I had some trouble magpaalam kay Dad. You know, medyo strict." I smiled.
He nodded, glancing at my outfit and my face.
"Alright, you're late. Do you think I deserve a kiss?" he lowered his head and without warning tried to stole a kiss but I tilted my head, tumama ang halik niya sa pisngi ko at kaagad ko siyang tinulak doon.
"Matthew..." I warned and he sighed.
"We've been hanging out for quite some time now, don't you want to step us up? I mean-"
"That's just two weeks ago, and I clearly told you na we're hang out buddies lang, right?" I told him. "And you agreed kaya-"
"Okay, okay..." he sighed and brushed his hair. "Alright, let's not ruin this day and let's go?"
It made me smile na, I nodded, sumama na sa kanya sa loob ng sasakyan.
It was fun, indeed. The road is clean, maluwang pa ang daan at walang masyadong sasakyan. I am starting to feel the cold weather, suminghap ako at mabilis na binuksan ang bintana para damhin ang hangin.
"Matthew look-"
"Close the window, Crest! Naka-aircon tayo!" he scolded and I sighed, sinara ko ang salamin at bumaling sa daan.
Napakaarte nga naman, oh!
For hours, I enjoyed looking around the scenery. Medyo ma-fog na rito kaya niyakap ko ang sarili ko.
"Masarap ba ang taho rito?" I asked and he nodded at me.
"Yes, hindi siya regular taho na nabibili sa Maynila. I saw a great store here at pupunta naman talaga ako rito kaya sinama na kita." He said, making me smile.
"Thank you, I was bored in the house earlier kasi." I said. "But I have to be home kaagad, ah? Dad would scold me to death."
"Walang sasakyan sa may malapit sa atin, ano?" aniya kaya lumingon ako at umiling sa kanya. "Then, wanna go for a ride?"
"Huh?" I asked pero biglang bumilis ang sasakyan. Nanlaki ang mata ko at napahawak sa hawakan sa itaas ng ulo ko at malakas na tumili. "Matthew!" I screamed.
He laughed, mas binilisan niya ang patakbo ng sasakyan at natatakot ako noong una pero napatili na rin sa thrill.
"Go! Go! Go!" I exclaimed happily, screaming my lungs out. He laughed, mas binilisan pa ang paandar ng sasakyan.
We were both enjoying the silly moment when we heard the familiar wang-wang sound from the police. Sabay kaming natigilang dalawa, napasulyap ako sa likod at si Matthew ay bumaling sa side mirror.
We saw a hand from the car behind us, nakalabas iyon sa bintana. It was as if he's asking us to pull over.
"Matthew..." I called nervously.
"Fuck..." he cursed and I panicked.
"B-bilisan mo pa kaya? Para hindi tayo maabutan?" I asked and he sighed, shaking his head.
"No, I can't. Mas malalagot tayo." He cursed lowly. "Fuck, yari ako kay Mommy." He said and pulled over.
I saw the black car drove past us, may bumaba roong matangkad na lalaki at suminghap na lang ako, lalo na noong kinatok nito ang bintana sa pwesto ni Matthew.
"Fuck..." he cursed and glanced at me. "Kasalanan mo 'to, Crest, eh!"
"What? Excuse me?!" tumaas ang kilay ko. "I didn't-"
"Because of you kaya napunta tayo rito and now-" may kumatok ulit sa bintana kaya nagmura na si Matthew at lumabas ng sasakyan.
My forehead creased.
Gago 'to, ah? Siya nag-aya rito tapos maninisi?! Paksheyt people of the universe!
I am a good person pero kapag paksheyt ang people sa paligid ko nagkakaroon ako ng sungay at buntot. I am turning to a demonyita at nasa mood na ako ngayon sa irita ko.
Annoyed, I went out of the car. I saw Matthew talking to a man taller than him, magsasalita na sana ako para magtanong nang mapabaling sa akin ang lalaki.
My eyes widen, the evil demonyita inside me were shook too that she hid again in her angel outfit when she saw the man in front of us.
I thought I saw his blue eyes in first glance but I was wrong all along. The rays from the sun reflected on his face that I saw flecks of gold and brown in that deep hollow of his.
Mas lumapit ako at natantong kulay abo ang mga mata niya. It's color gray. Wow.
He has that clean, handsome European aura like those people I've seen in Hollywood movies and in person. He's tall, strict, cold face. Malinis ang pagkakagupit sa buhok, his jaw is sculpted just right and his firm red lips looks so seductive.
Mas natural na mapula pa ang labi niya kaysa sa akin! Saan ang hustisya?
"You are aware of the speed limit, Sir, right?" the man said and oh, man...lalaking-lalaki!
"It's not my fault, Sir. She-"
"Excuse me?" nawala na ang titig ko sa lalaki at bumaling kay Matthew. "I didn't ask you to drive that fast!"
"Ikaw ang nagsabi sa akin, kitang speed limit na tayo-"
"I didn't!" I exclaimed. "Malay ko bang balak mong gawin 'yon! I didn't do it!"
"Anong hindi? Sabi mo bilisan ko para makabili kang taho!"
What the hell? You piece of putang ina!
The man glanced my way, his cold eyes intimidated me a bit, lalo na nang napabaling siya sa damit ko pero walang reaksyon.
"Is it true, Miss?" he said and stared at me, napatitig na naman ako sa gray eyes niya at namamangha talaga ako dahil ngayon lang ako nakakita sa personal ng ganyan.
Sa bahay kasi namin blue! Minsan nga tingin ko na sa kanila mga lamang-dagat at alien. Lalo na si Alchiel? Pangit talaga ng kambal ko!
"Miss? I'm talking to you." Halos mapatalon ako roon nang magsalita siya. "Is it true-"
"No, sher..." I said, tumabingi pa ang labi at kumunot ang noo niya. "I-I mean, Sir! Uhm...medyo napaos lang, uhm...pero I didn't do it nga, Sir."
"Anong hindi-"
My phone suddenly rang, the tone is familiar, malakas iyon kaya suminghap na ako, bumaling sa dalawa at ngumiti.
"Excuse muna," I said and walked a bit away from them.
I took my phone out and I gasped when I realized na tama nga ang hinala ko sa tumatawag. Iba-iba kasi ang ringtone nila sa contact ko! Iba kay Mom, Adira, Chiel at Dada para alam ko 'yong level ng taranta ko sa ring.
Dad calling...
"Oh, come on..." I whispered a bit and sighed, mabilis kong sinagot ang tawag at nagsalita. "Dad-"
"Where the hell are you, Crest Veronica?" his voice roared.
"Dad-"
"You said bibili ka ng taho? Dumaan na si Manong dito kanina at nagbenta, he said he didn't see you. It's been two hours since he left yet you're still not here. Akala ko ba bibili ka ng taho? Are you lying again-"
"Dad, bibili nga akong taho." I told him and sighed.
"Then, where are you? don't trick me, Crest. Hindi na ako natutuwa-"
"Kuya's selling the usual taho kasi, eh. I'm nagsawa na, I like the strawberry one." I pouted, sumandal pa sa sasakyan para tignan ang nails ko.
"So, you mean you really bought taho? Strawberry?" biglang kumalma siya kaya tumango-tango pa ako.
"Yes po, I want the strawberry one."
"You didn't lie?" he asked and I sighed and answered.
"No, Dad. I want taho talaga, sawa na ako sa original." I said and he sighed.
"Alright, sorry, princess. I was just worried of you. Where are you? I can ask Chiel to fetch you, saan shop at mall iyan?" he asked calmly and I pouted again.
"Dad kasi..." I trailed off.
"What?"
"Don't be mad, ah? I bought strawberry taho," I said.
"Yeah, where?" he asked and I bit my nails and spoke.
"Strawberry taho sa...Baguio." I said in a small, nervous voice.
Narinig kong natigilan siya, mayamaya'y humugot ng malalim na hininga at mas kinabahan na ako.
Shit, ayan na...ayan na si angry Iñigo Rafael--
"Crest Veronica Sandejas!" he screamed his lungs out on the other line at napapikit na lang ako ng mariin.
Rest in peace, Crest Veronica, sana tanggapin ka sa bahay nina Tito Zeijan.
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