Kabanata 11
Kabanata 11
"Thanks, Deion." I smiled when I got my prescription from him.
"It's been a while since I saw you here, you stopped taking sleeping pills, right? What happened?" he asked and I sighed, sumandal ako ng maayos sa upuan at nanatili siyang nakatitig sa akin, inaabangan ang reaksyon ko.
"My insomnia stopped, right? Medyo late nga lang ako nakakatulog noon pero after ng ilang oras na scroll sa phone ay makakatulog na, I also drink a glass of milk before sleeping and it helps me a lot pero nitong mga nakaraang linggo bumalik ulit, eh."
"Nightmares?" he asked, fixing his glasses. He's wearing his doctor's coat, beneath it is a black dress shirt and brown pants. Sinuklay din niya ang buhok bago sumandal, pinagmamasdan ako.
"Hmm, just weird dreams. Maybe sa mga pinapanuod kong horror movies?" I chuckled, trying to sound cheerful and unbothered. "You know I love watching films and some are scary and weird—"
"You know you can't lie to me, right?" he asked kaya natahimik ako.
"What?" I chuckled. "Why would I lie to you?"
"You're avoiding my eyes." He said kaya tumitig ako sa mata niya. "There, happy?" I smiled cutely and he sighed and shook his head at me.
"Your anxiety might be causing your insomnia, Crest." He told me kaya suminghap na ako at sinuklay ang buhok.
"Come on, Dei, I'm not anxious or something. I am perfectly fine, I'm happy and independent!" I smiled widely. "It's just that...I have weird nightmares and it's stopping me from sleeping peacefully."
"I don't believe you but I won't force you to speak either," aniya sa akin.
"But...I'm fine." I said softly.
"No, you are not. I can see it in your eyes, Crest." He said, crossing his arms on his chest while staring at me. "I understand you can't confide and I respect it but please stop keeping your emotions to yourself. Ano pang silbi ng pagiging psychiatrist ko kung hindi kita matutulungan?"
My heart melted with my cousin's concern.
"Thanks, Deion." I said gently. "I appreciate you so much and thank you for being here kahit na...hindi ko naman talaga sinasabi pa sa'yo ang nasa isip ko. I just need something to help me sleep at night and you know..."
"Don't ever be dependent of that pills, okay?" he reminded me kaya napatango ako. "Anxiety and stress are usually the cause of insomnia and it's in the mind, Crest. If you don't help yourself and let it all out, maiipon 'yan sa puso at utak mo hanggang sa 'di mo na kayanin."
"It's not really that serious, ano ka ba..." I giggled. "Pa-tweetums lang siguro 'to."
"Nah, your mental health is not pa-tweetums, Crest." He even smiled at me. "And you know that."
Ngumuso na ako at nakita kong napangisi si Dei sa akin at umiling.
"See? I hit a nerve." He said kaya natawa na ako.
"Oo na, parehas kayo ni Tito Thorn, no'ng nakaraan, natulala lang ako, lumapit sa'kin. He's asking if I'm fine." I said.
"And? Anong sabi mo?"
"Wala, sabi ko, I'm perfectly fine and he just stared at me, tumawa tapos ginulo ang buhok ko. Sabi niya, he didn't believe me but he won't force me to open up. Basta, if I need something daw I can talk to him or you." I smiled genuinely.
"He's right tho, kaya nga kami nandito. We are doing our best to help other people, ang pamilya pa kaya?" he smiled, I saw his black eyes twinkled.
"Sus naman si Dr. Valderama, you're helping other people but who helps you?" I said and he glared at me.
"Come on, Crest. We're here again." He smirked, binasa ang labi at nag-iwas ng tingin kaya natawa na ako.
"You're still looking for her?" I asked and he didn't answer me at first, I saw him stared at his water bottle for a brief time before taking it to have a drink.
"No." Aniya pagkatapos. "Why would I?"
"Hmm..." I chuckled. "Okay, sabi mo, eh." I gave him a suspicious look at akmang babatuhin niya ako ng stress ball kaya natawa na ako.
"Hindi ko nga kasi hinahanap." He explained and I smirked. "Hindi nga kasi!" he defended.
"Oo na! Oo na!" I laughed, "bakit ka defensive?"
He was stunned, his eyes widen, mabilis pang umiling sa akin.
"I'm not!" ginulo niya ang buhok. "I've moved on, akala mo? Hindi ako marupok na tao. Sandejas tayo, 'di tayo marupok."
"Oh...okay!" I said but he only glared at me kaya tinawanan ko na.
After a few more pag-aaway at pang-aasar, he let me go. Ilang beses pang nagpaalalang pumunta ako sa kanya kapag may gusto akong pag-usapang kahit ano and I smirked.
"Oh, okay. Paano kung pag-usapan natin si Iv—"
"Isa, Crest Veronica. Ipapahuli kita sa pulis o sisipain palabas?" he gave me a bored look kaya napahagalpak na ako at tinapik na ang balikat niya.
"Oo na, cous. Hindi na, good girl na ako!" I smirked. "Pero p'wede mo rin ako ipahuli sa pulis pero gusto ko si Locket, ah?"
"Ewan ko sa'yo, Crest Veronica." He chuckled and I smiled, niyakap siya bago nagpaalam na aalis.
"Bye, Deion Rheus! Mwuah!" I chuckled and waved my hand.
"Take care." He smiled, hinatid pa ako palabas ng ospital.
I didn't bring my car so I was waiting for some cab to take me to the mansion since maaga pa when a car stopped in front of me.
My forehead creased, it looks familiar but I am not sure pero nang makita ang lumabas ay napatawa.
"Zion!" I called and smiled.
My cousin got out of his sports car wearing a black leather jacket and white shirt, kaagad niyang sinuklay ang buhok ng daliri at kumindat sa akin.
"Akala mo artista ano? Si Zion lang 'to!" he smirked kaya napatawa na ako at napailing sa kanya.
"Feelingers ka na naman!" I said, "saan ka?"
"Ah, pupunta sana akong track ngayon kaso nakalimutan ko suit ko sa bahay." He said kaya natawa na ako.
"Loko ka, sa lahat naman ng kakalimutan mo, 'yong suit pa. May race ka ba?" I asked and he nodded.
"Oo, two weeks na nga akong 'di sumasali kaya hinahanap na ako ng girls." He said confidently and when I frowned at him, he laughed. "Oo nga! Wala ka bang tiwala sa kagwapuhan ko?"
"Sa mukhang 'yan? Wala." I said.
"Sa bagay, sa mukha mo rin, wala akong tiwala." Aniya at para kaming tangang nagtawanan doon. "Pauwi ka ba? Dadaan kasi ako sa bahay para kunin 'yong suit, sabay ka na sa'kin."
"Sure, buti napadaan ka?" I asked and he nodded, kinuha na ang bag ko at binuksan ang pintuan ng sports car niya.
"Nakita kasi kita no'ng dumaan ako, mukhang kawawa at nawawalang bata kaya ayon, likas kasi akong gwapo at maunawain kaya..." kinaltukan ko na at natatawang tinulak niya ako papasok ng sasakyan kahit halos sabunutan ko na siya sa kahanginan.
My cousin and I talked while we're on our way back to the mansion, nagtatawanan dahil sa corny ang mga joke niya pero natatawa pa rin ako kahit gano'n.
I am really lucky to have my cousins with me. I don't really like hanging out with boys but with them, I am comfortable. I could even sleep beside them and not worry a thing. Hindi lang dahil sa pamilya ko sila, dahil 'yon sa alam kong pinalaki kami ng tama, pinalaki sila ng tama.
I remembered my Papa Jer telling us when we were kids. Ang sabi niya sa amin, sa mga magulang namin na kausapin kaming babae na mag-ingat pero h'wag na h'wag kakalimutang pangaralan ang mga lalaki na rumespeto and we engraved that in our hearts kaya kahit malalaki na kami ay hindi malayo ang loob namin sa isa't-isa.
Through the years, our family became stronger. Sa bond naming Lolo't-Lola, magkakapatid, magpipinsan at maging sina Dad at ang mga Tito at Tita ko ay hindi nawalan ng oras at nanatiling matatagal. We made sure to keep our family intact, no matter what. Na kahit papaano'y magba-bonding para hindi magkailangan at mawala ang saya.
"Crest-ganda, andito na tayo!" aniya kaya ngumisi ako at tinanggal ang seatbelts at nilingon siya.
"Bye, Zion-gwapo! Thank you!"
"Ayan gusto ko sa'yo, eh. Nagsasabi kang totoo." Aniya kaya natawa na ako at nag-apir muna kami bago ako lumabas ng sasakyan niya papasok sa mansion namin.
Sinadya ko talagang pumunta sa bahay namin na wala si Dad at mga kapatid ko dahil hinahanap ko ang passport kong nawawala. I just put it last time on my drawer tapos no'ng dumating ang inorder kong damit na gagamitin ko sana for my getaway in Paris, nawawala na.
I was actually suspecting Dad from hiding it pero hindi pa ako sigurado kaya 'di ko pa siya tinatanong.
The guards greeted and I smiled at them and greeted back before entering. Tahimik ang bahay pagkarating ko kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa kwarto, halos baligtarin na ang mga gamit kakahanap sa passport ko pero wala.
Where is it?
I pouted. I was informed by my designer friend na my fashion show sa Paris and he's inviting me kaya dali-dali akong nagpa-book ng ticket but now...my freaking passport is gone!
Naupo ako sa lapag sa gilid ng kama ko, I sipped on my milktea before taking my phone to text my baby Pingu.
To: Lt. Pingu
Baby Pinguuuu, wala ang passport ko ☹
From: Lt. Pingu
What? Where is it? Bakit mo kailangan? Are you leaving me?
I laughed.
"OA na Pingu." I muttered and bit my lower lip.
From: Lt. Pingu
Crest Veronica, aalis ka?
From: Lt. Pingu
SANDEJAS
I laughed, mas binagalan ko ang reply at alam kong nagpa-panic na siya na kanina pa ako typing pero wala namang natatanggap siya.
From: Lt. Pingu
Where are you now?
From: Lt. Pingu
CREST VERONICA SANDEJAS!!!
Humagalpak na ako, halos mabulunan pa ng pearls sa milktea kaya natakpan ko ang bibig at napaubo saglit bago nag-type.
To: Lt. Pingu
Charot! Chill lang! Haha! Pasok ako mamayang tanghali, huh? Nasa bahay lang ako. I miss you!
From: Lt. Pingu
You're not leaving me?
My heart thumped, nakangiting nagtipa ako at sumagot.
To: Lt. Pingu
Crazy ka ba? Of course not. See you later, baby Pingu! Miss you!!!
From: Lt. Pingu
I miss you too, Pinga. Can't wait to get a kiss 😏
What a sweet, baby Pingu.
After a while of searching, I gave up. Humiga ako sa kama bago nagdesisyong tanungin na si Daddy at hindi nga ako nabigo sa naisip.
"I'm keeping it for a while now, princess." Aniya kaya suminghap ako.
"Dad..." I whined. "Sasaglit lang naman po ako sa Paris, I just wanna watch some fashion show and uuwi ako kaagad."
"No." Aniya kaya ngumuso ako.
"But...I bought some outfits for it?" I said, "Daddy, sige na?"
"Still a no, Crest Veronica." He said. "And you began buying clothes again? I saw your card history, you bought something nearly reaching your card limit."
It made me stopped, realizing I spent my time on shopping again this week kasi pumunta si Ate Minda sa precinct at at balak ng bumalik one of these days para sa mga urgent papers na need niya gawin at hindi naituro sa akin. And I'm alone in my unit since the boys had an emergency field work kaya...
"Ngayon lang naman ulit, Dad." I said, muling naupo para sumimsim ng inumin. "And that's just a couple of clothes, I just went shopping two days ago. May nakita po kasi akong magandang shoes, clothes and bag."
He sighed, "alright, you're earning so it's okay but still, control your expenses. Lalo na at mag-isa ka lang sa unit mo. Are you eating well? Nasaan ka ngayon?"
"I'm at our house po," I smiled. "And I am eating good foods naman, Locket is cooking for me at times when he's free and I'm spending time naman po always sa precinct and they have great foods there kaya I'm good."
"That's good to hear, is Locket good to you?" I heard his voice soften and it made my heart jumped.
"Opo, he's a great guy, Dad." I said lovingly.
"Is he treating you good? Never hesitate to tell me if he did something wrong to you, I like that man for you but still...mas mahalaga ka sa'kin, okay?"
"Okay po." I smiled. "I love you, Dad. Pumunta lang ako ulit dito ngayon para sana hanapin ang passport kaso wala."
"I love you too, Thallia-liit." He chuckled. "And I hid your passport, I can feel you're planning to do this kaya inunahan na kita, it's not really ideal for you to go outside the country o kahit dito lang sa bansa. It's dangerous."
"Why?" I asked.
"Just some old enemies before, princess." He sighed. "Just...stay here with us. Ang sabi mo, ayaw mo ng guards kaya hinayaan kita pero h'wag na h'wag mong susuwayin ang bilin ko, okay?"
"Kahit one day lang?" I asked.
"No."
"Nunuod lang naman akong show, Dad. Tapos uwi ako kaagad. Sige na, please? Passport? I already booked a flight."
"Sorry, honey. I cancelled and refunded your ticket." I can hear the amusement on his voice when I gasped in shock.
"Dad?!" I exclaimed and he laughed at me.
"So, no going out of the country. No going in other places, you stay here in Manila for your safety and okay, you can shop a bit but not too much. Work hard to earn your keep."
"But Dad..."
"But Dad..." he imitated me using a girly, maarte voice and chuckled. "No, princess. It's final. Anyway, bye. I have a trial today." He said and before I could even whine, he cut the call, leaving me pouting.
Of course, what can Crest do right now? None.
Tinawagan ko na lang ang designer friend ko na madalas nagde-design sa akin ng mga damit at sinabing may urgent matter kaya 'di na ako makaka-attend. Of course, I didn't have a choice, baka pagtawanan pa ako kapag nalamang 'di lang ako makakasama kasi tinago ng Tatay ko ang passport ko.
It's still nine in the morning kaya s'yempre, I don't like putting my time into waste so I decided to make halughog sa kitchen namin to see if I have something to cook for the boys when I go there sa precinct.
My eyes brightened when I saw a local Pâncit dè Cantón on our cabinet. My smile widened, kaagad akong kumuha roon, binasa ang instruction sa likod para maluto ng maayos but of course, I wanted it to be special kaya naghanap ako ng tutorial ng other ways to serve this.
And one recipe got my attention, it looks madali kaya naghalukay ako ng ingredients doon sa loob.
"Hala, Ma'am Crest! Ano 'yan?!" I almost jumped when I hear Ate. Nilingon ko siya at natawa nang makitang nakahawak siya sa dibdib at nakatitig sa akin.
"Nagluluto lang, Ate." I smiled.
"Nagluluto?" her eyes widen again. "Talaga ba, Ma'am? Hindi nga?" she asked unbelievably kaya natawa na ako.
"Oo nga, 'te, it's my specialty na Pâncit dè Cantón." I said and her forehead creased.
"Huh? Pa...pancit ano?"
"Pâncit dè Cantón." I said with an accent, lifting my finger to give arte with my pronunciation.
"Pâncit dè Cantón?"
"Mali, Ate. Dapat with arte and accent." I said and spoke again. "Pâncit dè Cantón, may kulot ng kaunti."
"Pâncit dè Cantón—ay jusko, Pancit Canton na lang nga at bumabaliktad ang dila ko!" aniya kaya nagkatawanan na kaming dalawa. "Jusmiyo Marimar naman kasi, Ma'am. Bakit gano'n ang tawag?"
"Para sossy..." I smirked and giggled, "Ate, look oh, I saw some recipe from the internet? It looks easy, do we have some oyster sauce, cabbage and you know what's Toge?" I asked.
"Ah! Mayro'n tayo niyan, Ma'am!" aniya at natawa. "Teka, kukunin ko, ano ba gagawin mo?"
"Uhm...it says here it's like a Hongkong Style noodles? Dried noodles?" I asked, confused.
"Ah, DIY ata 'yan, Ma'am." Aniya bago tumawa, "pero sige, tulungan kita kahit ako na maghiwa ng cabbage at baka maputol pa ang daliri mo."
I pouted at her and she just chuckled. "Charot!" she showed me a peace sign. "Pero mas magandang sigurado, para 'di tayo mapagalitan ni Attorney kapag nasunog ang bahay."
I chuckled while watching her, bumalik muna ako sa kwarto para kunin ang ang pink apron ko at pink na chef cap para kumpleto sa outfit. Pagkababa ko pa lang ng kusina ay nakita kong nabuga ni Ate ang tubig na iniinom nang makita ako.
"Ma'am! Anong..." she eyed me from head to toe and I smiled.
"Master Chef Crest Veronica." I smiled proudly and lifted my whisk.
Bigla siyang tumawa, napahawak pa sa dibdib niya. "Ma'am, 'di natin kailangan ng whisk!" aniya kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"Really?" I gasped and stared at my whisk na pink pa ang handle. "But I can see a lot of photos na kapag chef girl may ganito." I said.
And of course, Crest Veronica is very proud of what she had achieved today! Kumakanta pa ako kahit pumipiyok sa kotse ko while I'm on my way to the precinct. Pagbaba ko pa lang ng sasakyan ay halos takbuhin ko na ang presinto sa excitement.
I fixed my pastel blue collar double blazer and short slit hem skirt, sa loob ng blazer ko ay may white spaghetti strap na damit and sa neck ko ay may gold round necklace. I straightened my hair and with composure, went inside the precinct.
Other police officers greeted when they saw me. Kaagad na lumaki ang ngiti ko bago kumaway at bumati sa kanila pabalik.
Dire-diretso ako ng pasok at nakitang wala ang mga babies ko sa table nila kaya bumaling ako sa pintuan ni Locket. I walked closer, isang beses na kumatok bago pinihit ang seradura para makapasok.
"Hello, Pingu!" I cheered pagkadungaw ko pa lang pero kaagad na natulos sa kinatatayuan nang makitang 'di lang siya nag-iisa sa loob ng opisina.
I saw Earn, Brent and Adam there, si Locket ay nakaupo sa may swivel niya pero nasa harapan niya at may sineserve sa kanya si Caroline, 'yong isang pulis.
"Who are you?" I was stunned when I heard a voice, doon ko natantong may isang medyo may edad ng babae ang naroon.
"H-hello po!" I said and stood straight, napansin ko ang titig sa akin ng mga lalaki pero 'di ko na napagtuunan dahil abala ako sa pagtingin sa babae. "P-pasensya na po sa pagpasok, akala ko po ay si Locket lang ang nandito."
"Crest..." I heard Locket spoke, nang sulyapan ko siya ay nakatayo na siya sa kanyang swivel, papunta na sa pwesto ko. I saw Caroline touched his arm pero nilagpasan niya lang ito at naglakad palapit sa akin.
"Locket," I called and bit my lip. "Pasensya na, akala ko walang tao."
He nodded, his gray eyes soften. Akala ko'y ihahatid niya ako palabas pero nagulat ako nang maramdaman ang kamay niya sa baywang ko, marahan akong inihapit palapit sa kanya.
My heart thumped, lalo nan ang napasulyap ako sa babae sa harapan namin na malamig lang ang tingin sa akin, walang emosyon.
"Ma, this is Crest Veronica." He said and my eyes widen. "Crest, this is my mother, Eliza."
"M-mother?" my eyes widen, mabilis na umayos ng tayo at bahagyang tumungo. "Good noon po, Ma'am." I said.
She didn't answer me, I saw how her eyes roamed from my clothes down my short skirt and immediately, I felt uncomfortable and intimidated.
"I'm Crest Veronica Sandejas po." I said a flashed a sweet smile, inilahad ko ang kamay ko for shake hands but she just stared at it and raised her brow.
"Ma..." I heard Locket called seriously and his mother blinked.
"Yes?"
"She's introducing herself to you," he said seriously and the lady even tried looking shock when she saw my hand and she shook my hand briefly, parang 'di ko nga masyadong naramdaman ang paghaplos ng kamay niya dahil sa sobrang bilis.
"Oh, nice to meet you too, Miss. I'm Eliza, Lorcan's mother." She smiled coldly and I nodded.
"Hello, Ma'am Eliza, nice meeting you po." I smiled and she just glanced at me briefly and stared at the woman near Locket's desk.
"Carol, darling. Okay na ba ang pansit na paborito ni Lorcan, hija?" she asked softly and very motherly.
"Yes, Tita." Carol said softly and smiled back. "Pinaghandaan ko talaga ngayon at birthday ni Locket."
I froze, kaagad na nanlaki ang mata ko at nilingon si Locket na nakatitig sa akin.
"O-oh my..." I muttered. "I-it's your..."
"Oh? You didn't know, hija?" Ma'am Eliza asked kaya kaagad akong umiling sa kanya.
"No po, I was—"
"Naku, mabuti pa itong si Caroline at alam." She chuckled and I saw Carol looked so proud. "Talagang pinaghandaan—"
"Mom, stop it." Locket said seriously, mas humigpit ang hawak sa baywang ko kaya napalunok ako. I saw the offended look on his mother's eyes sa sinabi ng anak niya and I didn't like that kaya nagsalita na ako.
"Ah, mabuti nga po at nakapaghanda si Captain." I smiled and glanced at Caroline na tinaasan lang ako ng kilay kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin. "Naku, nakakahiya po, wala akong dala, sorry—"
"You being here is fine with me." Locket said kaya kumalabog ang puso ko. I glanced at him and he smiled briefly, marahang humaplos ang palad niya sa baywang ko at bumaling siya sa Mom niya. "Carol, boys. If you'll excuse us first." Ani niya.
I saw the boys nodded, nakangiti pang kinawayan ako at tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanila. They left, si Earn ay kumindat pa.
"Ganda naman." He mouthed kaya natawa ako at kumindat pabalik.
"Call me, Tita, if you need something." Ani Carol na inayos pa ang skirt ng uniform bago matapos na ngumiti.
I saw her touched Locket's arm gently and caressed it a bit kaya kumunot na ang noo ko at nairita pero hindi ako umimik.
"Happy birthday, Lorcan." She smiled. "Enjoy mo 'yong pansit ko, huh?"
"Thanks, Captain." I saw Locket said formally and she smiled, glanced at me and gave me a smirk before leaving.
When I heard the door closed, kaagad akong napasulyap sa Mom niya. She looks sophisticated with her twisted updo and light pink dress. May pearls sa leeg at tainga at mas napansin ko ang pagkakahawig nil ani Locket nang matitigan.
"So...you're who again, Miss?" she asked kaya tumikhim ako at ngumiti.
"Crest Veronica Sandejas po." I said.
"Crest...Veronica." she nodded and smirked, I saw her glanced at his son and chuckled. "Are you serious, Lorcan Keith?"
"Mom." I heard the warning on Locket's tone kaya natahimik ako at kinabahan.
"What? I didn't say anything, son, calm down." She said, hinawi ang buhok at muli akong pinasadahan ng tingin. "What's your family name? Sandejas?"
"Yes po," I slowly nodded. "My father's—"
"Atty. Iñigo Sandejas, I assumed. Am I right?" she asked and I nodded.
"Opo." Nawala ang kamay ni Locket sa baywang ko at marahang hinuli ang daliri ko para mahawakan ang kamay.
"Oh, I see. Your family's pretty known. Brother is Atty. Alchiel, sister is Miss Adira, aspiring lawyer. Mother is Thallia Castuares, a heiress. Palagi kong nababasa 'yan but...how come I rarely see your name?"
"Mom!" Locket exclaimed, ramdam ko ang galit sa boses niya kay humawak ako sa baywang niya. I secretly squeezed his side to calm him down.
"Ah, hindi pa po kasi ako established na kagaya nila." I said formally, showing her a smile. "I'm still working on it po, I'm an aspiring fashion designer—"
"How old are you, hija?" she asked me, crossing her arms on his chest.
"I'm twenty-eight po." I said, "I'm currently working here po sa presinto para makapagsimula."
"Designer?" she nodded, glancing at my clothes again. "Won't you take over your Mom's business? Or take up law or something? No offense but I don't think designer will suit you, you can't earn that much—"
"Mother!" Locket exclaimed, his voice thundered at miski ako ay natahimik.
"What? Why are you raising your voice at me, Lorcan Keith?!" her eyes widen, offended at him.
"Because you're obviously spitting your hate for her!" he exclaimed kaya napasinghap ako.
"Locket, she didn't—"
"Wow, you're really telling me that?" she laughed sarcastically. "What happened to you, son? You spent years alone and mourning for whatever shit and now, you're dating a woman with the same—"
"Get out, Mom." Mariing sabi niya.
"Locket, that's your mother." I muttered, worried of him raising his voice like that. I tugged his hand but he looks so mad.
"How dare you, Lorcan?" her Mom raised her voice. "Pinalaki ba kita para pagtaasan ako ng boses ng ganyan?! Hinayaan kita ng ilang taon, Carol was there for you all this time yet in the end you'd choose a low girl! Mayaman nga pero walang ambag sa pamilya!"
Her words pained me, natahimik din ako roon dahil totoo naman.
"I respect you, Mom, okay?" he said seriously. "But I won't tolerate you degrading her face-to-face."
"I am not!" she gasped. "I was just telling you the truth! I can't believe you got a poor choice now! Ayang babaeng 'yan ang ipapalit mo—"
"Get out." He said, nagitla ako nang hinigit niya ako palapit sa kanya at tinuro ang pintuan. "Get out, Mom."
"How dare you..." she gasped, massaged her temple and glanced at me. "You're choosing that woman over your mother?!"
"I am not choosing between the two of you, Mom, but I know respect and I have that for you as my mother but I would never take your disrespect for my girlfriend." Malamig niyang sabi.
Tita Eliza looked shocked and disappointed, mabilis siyang umiling, kinuha ang bag niya at walang pasabing tumalikod, nagdabog palabas ng opisina at binalibag ang pinto pasara.
Silence filled the place when she left, natulala ako, humigpit ang hawak sa paperbag na may lamang pagkain. Locket was silent too, hawak pa rin ang isang kamay ko.
"I'm so sorry for that, baby Pinga." He said after a moment of silence and touched my palm. Sumulyap ako sa kanya at nakita kong seryoso at malambing ang mga mata niya.
I just stared at his eyes and he's staring right back at me and sighed, "come on, please say a word, Pinga. You're making me worry."
He let go of my hand, my heart thumped when he cupped my cheek and stared right through me.
"You're too good for me, Locket." I said lowly, "your mother is right, you see, I haven't achieved anything in my life and I'm not stable like my family. I don't think we're compatible? I mean, you're a successful man and I am—"
I was stunned when he moved his face and kissed me. Nanlaki pa ang mata ko roon.
"You saying?" he asked at ayaw ko namang ma-tempt makipaghalikan na lang sa kanya kaya suminghap ako at umatras sa kanya.
Nang mahiwalay ako ay lumapit ako sa desk niya at inilagay ang paper bag na hawak.
"I mean, maybe I should do my best to be better before I deserve you—" but he took my wrist and turned me around, nagulat ako kaya napaupo ng bahagya sa table niya.
He smirked when he saw my shock expression, he put his arms in between my body, caging me. Nakaupo ako sa table habang siya'y nakatayo, bahagyang nakadukwang at ikinukulong ako.
"Hmm?" he hummed, his gray eyes piercing my black ones. Dumukwang siyang lalo at halos magdikit na ang ilong namin.
"Lorcan—"
"Pingu, you call me Pingu." Aniyang seryoso kaya napapikit na akong mariin.
"Locket, I'm serious here." I pointed out but he gave me a peck on my lips.
"Paanong serious, Pinga?" he asked.
"Huh? Ganito." I said and showed him a serious expression and he suddenly laughed, I froze, nang matantong mukha na naman kaming tanga ay hinampas ko na ang braso niya.
"What? Ikaw napakaano!" I hissed at him and he chuckled, inayos niya ako sa table bago muling ilapit ang mukha sa akin. He gave me a soft kiss and I closed my eyes, gaganti na sana ako pero kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi ko at bahagyang umatras.
"I'm Pingu." He said kaya nagmulat ako at napailing.
"Seryosong usapan nga kasi, Locket. I think...I think your mother's right, I think you're good enough for me—"
"Nagrereklamo ba ako?" he asked kaya natigilan ako. "No, right?" he raised his hand and took a few strands of my hair, placing it behind my ear. "No one could choose who I deserve and who I like but me, Crest Veronica."
My heart thumped, naiiyak na naman ako sa kanya kaya inabot ko ang batok niya at marahang hinaplos iyon.
"Bakit...bakit ang bait mo sa'kin?" I asked, staring at his gray eyes.
"Why not?" he asked lowly, "you deserve kindness and love, Crest. You don't have to question yourself for all the good things coming and happening because it's rightfully for you."
"P-pero kasi 'di ba..." I bit my lower lip. "W-what can I offer? I am working to become a better person pero hindi naman sapat, I am proud and happy of my family but I am sad because I can't be like them. Sila, magaling, matatalino tapos ako napapag-iwanan, Locket. Bobo ako."
"Hindi ka bobo." Aniya, seryoso na. "How many times to I have to tell you that you are not stupid, that you are not worthless and useless. You have talent, you're smart, you're anything a man could ever want in this life, Crest."
"Tinatatak ko naman sa utak ko, Pingu, kaso napapaisip talaga ako. Parang everything is so slow for me and I feel like the world is turning its back for me. Napapag-iwanan ako, pakiramdam ko hindi ako magiging successful. Magti-thirty na nga ako."
"No one is successful overnight, baby." He said gently and touched my cheek. "Success does not come with age too, Pinga. It takes time, it takes days, months, years and slow progress is still a progress."
"B-but I want to be better...for you, para sa pamilya ko. P-para deserve ko naman kayo?" my tears fell.
"You don't have to be better for me, Pinga." He sighed. "Because you're the best for me."
"Pingu..." I sniffed and started sobbing. "P-pingu, l-love na love kita..." I whispered and pulled him for a hug.
He immediately covered me with his arms, ramdam ko ang paghaplos niya sa likod ko at ang halik niya sa ulo ko.
"Don't mind my mother, Crest. She's just like that at times, maski ang Dad ay nagagalit sa paraan ng pagsasalita niya. She didn't mean it that way. Please don't make their words make a permanent mark in your heart. Please don't let them drag you down, hmm? My bratty penguin?"
"O-opo..." I whispered and hugged him more, I felt like I'm squeezing him too much pero wala namang reklamo.
"And be better for yourself, not for me or anyone else." He whispered and comfort me.
It took me a while before I calmed down and my eyes found his while he's staring at me.
"Happy birthday, Pingu. 'Di ka man lang nagsabi sa'kin na birthday mo, sana nagpa-buffet ako." I muttered.
He chuckled, he pinched my cheek and stole a kiss.
"I really don't celebrate my birthdays, Pinga. I think I'm too old for it."
"Uh-huh? What age ka na ba right now?" I asked.
"Thirty-three." Aniya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko. Pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin, he looks damn handsome on his usual uniform, nakakaloka pa ang bakat na fluffy bird kaya nakagat ko ang labi.
"Oh, you're a Daddy now, huh?" I smirked. "Hindi na siya fluffy, siya na si Daddy Bird."
"What?" he glared at me kaya natawa na ako, I winked at him pero muli niyang pinatakan ng halik ang labi ko na nagpatahimik sa akin.
"And...I remembered, anong girlfriend?" my cheeks flushed when I remembered it. "Kailan pa naging tayo?"
"Ay, hindi pa ba?" he eyed me teasingly kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"A-ay weh? Tayo na ba?!" I gasped and he chuckled.
"Birthday gift mo na sa akin, Pinga." He said softly, moving his nose against mine kaya kumalabog ang puso ko. "Come on, Mama Crest? Don't you like to make Papa Locket, the birthday boy happy?"
I stared at his eyes and saw him waiting for me kaya ngumuso ako.
"Speed mo naman, pag-isipan ko muna!" I exclaimed and he chuckled, nodding at me.
"Alright." He said.
Natahimik kaming dalawa at muli niya akong pinatakan ng halik.
"So?" he asked and my eyes widen.
"Hala, ang bilis naman!" I exclaimed and bit my lip. "Pero...okay, sige na nga. Mag-jowaan na tayo." Nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Happy birthday to me, indeed." He said and I smiled pero nawala nang patakan na naman niya ako ng halik.
"Alam mo, Pingu, adik ka na sa halik." I pointed out.
"Oh, am I? Sinusulit ko lang ang regalo from my bratty baby Pinga." He smirked, tilted my chin to press his lips on mine. I opened my mouth and it's as if he got my invitation and he moved his lips against mine.
He kissed me deeply, I felt his tongue tasted mine and I moved my body closer to him, hugging his nape while tilting my head up so I could fight his aggressiveness and we were so lost with each other's mouth when we heard the door open, accompanied by voices.
"Ay, grabe, enjoy na enjoy si Lt. Padlock sa buffet!" I heard Earn's loud voice kaya gulat kong natulak si Locket palayo, sabay kaming napalingon sa pintuan at nakita ang tatlo.
"Ibang putahe ata 'yan, Lt. Padlock?" Brent smiled wickedly.
"You assholes..." Locket cursed, iritado, akmang tatambangan ang tatlo pero nahila ko siya pabalik.
"Nice naman, Mama Crest at Papa Padlock, may kapatid na po ba kami?" Adam smiled cutely kaya napatawa na akong malakas at namula na si Locket sa narinig.
"What's this, Pinga?" Locket asked when he saw my paperbag.
"Ah, Pâncit dè Cantón lang." I smiled shyly when I saw their eyes widen.
"Ay, talaga?! Hala, na-miss namin 'yan, Madame!" Earn exclaimed.
"Hmm? Really?" I smiled. "But you have pansit pa here, oh. 'Di ba, like niyo 'to? Pingu, 'di ba, favorite mo 'to?" but Locket is busy checking out the tupperwares, I saw him smiled habang nakasilip sa takip.
"Oy, Lt. Penguin, tinatanong ka ni Madame!" ani Adam kaya natigilan si Locket at binalingan ako.
"No, I like Pinga's Pâncit dè Cantón more." He smirked.
"Alam niyo, kinikilig ako sa inyong dalawa pero natatawa ako kasi nai-imagine ko si Lt. Padlock na mukhang penguin tapos naka-uniform na pang-pulis." Aniya at sabay-sabay kaming nagtawanan.
"Gusto namin 'yan, Madame!" ani Brent kaya ngumuso ako.
"Talaga? But Carol cooked everyone pansit—"
"Let's vote." Ani Locket kaya natahimik na kami. "Who likes to eat Mama Crest's Pâncit dè Cantón?" he asked seriously and to my shock, everyone raised their hands without even a second.
"Us!" they exclaimed and it made me happy.
"Aww...thank you! Special 'yan, mga babies ko!" I giggled, pinaupo ko sila sa upuan at excited na hinainan sila ng aking specialty.
I can see how excited they are, lalo na nang makita ang itsura ng niluluto ko.
"Okay, before anything else. Let's sing happy birthday for Pingu!" I exclaimed and Locket shook his head, sasabihin sanang h'wag na pero huli na ang lahat, nakakuha na si Brent ng Barbie na children's hat kaya nagkatawanan kaming lahat.
"What the hell, Brent?!"
"Oh, ito kandila!" humahagalpak pa na ipinakita ni Earn ang kandila at nakita ko ang matalim na tingin ni Locket.
"Gago ka ba? Mukha ba akong patay?" he said coldly pero wala nang nagawa, lalo nan ang kantahan na namin siya.
"Happy birthday, Padlock! Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy birthday, Pingu!" we exclaimed and clapped our hands. "Yehey! Blow the candle na!"
He sighed, closed his eyes to muttered a small prayer and when he blew the candle, his eyes met mine and it made me smile.
I hope and pray your wishes would come true, Pingu.
I can see how they enjoyed the meal I prepared for them and I feel so overwhelmed and important, realizing there are really people who would appreciate even the little things you do.
"Yummy ba?" I asked and they all nodded at me.
"Here, hindi mo ba natikman?" Locket asked and I shook my head.
"No, eh. Nagmamadali kasi ako at late na." I smiled, took a taste and my eyes widen when I realized it really is yummy! "OMG! It's yummy pala?! Hala, I didn't expect it kasi this looks weird."
"It's toge." Ani Locket na pinunasan ang gilid ng labi ko. "You liked it?"
I nodded and smiled, he fed me again and while I was eating, napatitig ako ulit sa toge at napaisip.
"Nawe-weirduhan ako, masarap siya 'no? Kasi mukhang sperm." I said at nanlaki lang ang mata nang sabay-sabay silang mabulunan.
Happiness comes when you choose it, that's what Locket told me. My life might be a bit tough because of other people's judgment of me, I'm lucky pa rin because my family loves me and Locket with the boys are supporting me, they became my family.
Days passed like a bliss, Ate Minda went back to work pero hindi araw-araw dahil sa anak niya. She did important works, paper works na wala akong background kaya siya ang sumalo, naging mahirap din makaraan, lalo na ang sa mabigat na kasong nagbukas dahil makakalaya na raw ang suspect. I remembered Locket being mad and distant when he heard that.
Si Ate Minda at ang mga lalaki ay gano'n din. Captain Carol even stayed in our station for weeks now because of it, I heard may kapit ang suspect sa nakatataas na pwesto kaya madali lang para dito ang tumakas sa batas.
Ayaw ko namang makigulo sa kanila dahil assistant naman ako at hindi pulis kaya nanahimik lang, I am helping Ate Minda organizing the files pero hanggang doon lang, kapag close door meeting ay sila-sila lang which I truly understand.
Just that...Carol is there and I can see how much she's clinging to Locket and it annoys me. Ayaw ko maging ipokrita at magiging possessive kay Locket but I can't help it. It's hard to admit but I am jealous, that sometimes, I wanted to snatch my Pingu from her but I couldn't so I did my best to make my loving Pingu and babies happy, kahit sa kaunting bagay lang.
I heard them one night talking to a certain store in Cebu for dried mangoes, sabi nila, they're craving for it kasi hindi siya like the dried mangoes na nasa store lang sa Manila at matapos lang daw ang kaso nila, dadayo sila roon para mamili.
I made a research and found out na trending ang shop na iyon ng dried mangoes sa Cebu dahil sa sarap at quality ng products nil ana I even heard my family talking about it when dinner came and Adira's scrolling social media. She showed it to us and Dad said kapag daw free na siya sa kaso, bibili raw siyang mangoes from Cebu.
They are all busy...they're all craving for dried mangoes kaso marami naman silang ginagawa so why not me? I am not busy, I have a lot of free time and I wanna give them a treat! Tamang-tama at kaka-sweldo ko pa lang.
And yes, the Dora explorer, Crest Veronica flew all the way to Cebu to buy everyone the delicious dried mangoes!
I turned my phone off to not get a call from my father and Chiel when they realized I am gone and went to Cebu at mabilis lang naman ako kaya hindi naman sila mag-aalala. I don't think they'll notice I'm gone!
And of course, the outfit I'm supposed to wear to Paris, sa Cebu ko na lang inirampa! I curled my hair, wore a terno crop top and skirt and of course, my thick coat and ankle boots to complete my outfit.
Saglit lang naman ako but why not? This is my body, I can wear anything I like! Kahit mahihimatay na ata ako sa suot kong coat sa init sa Cebu. Ako naman ang maiinitan eh, hindi sila so...mamatay sila kakatitig ang ngiwi sa outfit ko!
I am sipping on my fruit tea na sobrang nasasarapan ako ay nakita ko si Darshana na nakasalampak sa may airport, kumakain ng cookies at tulala.
Of course, we had a cousin bonding! She even cut her hair short and she's pretty in her long hair but I could not deny that she's oozing and super hot in her short hair!
We separated after that, excited pa akong pumunta sa station bitbit ang mga paper bags ko na may pasalubong for everyone!
Pagkababa ko pa lang ng car ko ay hinagis ko na sa loob ng sasakyan ang coat ko. I hopped to the station, expecting to see the boys but I found them outside kaya nagtaka na ako. Locket looks serious, hindi pinapansin si Carol na nagsasalita sa tabi niya at patuloy na nagtitipa sa phone niya bago ilalagay sa tainga.
"Hi, boys!" I greeted when I saw them and I saw how they are all shocked.
"Madame!"
"Mama Crest!" they exclaimed, nagtaka ako nang makitang umayos ng tayo si Locket, walang pagdadalawang-isip na tinawid ang distansya namin at hinawakan ang braso ko.
"Are you alright?" he asked frantically when he touched me.
"H-huh?" I asked in confusion, nakita ko rin ang pag-aalala sa mukha ng mga lalaki kaya mas kumunot ang noo ko.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where have you been?" tuloy-tuloy na tanong niya.
"Sorry, I don't..."
"You weren't answering your phone, Crest Veronica!" he said kaya gulat na nanlaki ang mata ko. Sumulyap ako sa mga lalaki at si Earn na ang nagsalita.
"Nawawala ka raw sabi ni Attorney, he called us, asking about you and we didn't know kasi wala ka namang pasok kaya...hinanap ka namin, you also weren't traceable."
"What, I don't!" I exclaimed, find it a bit funny kaya tumawa ako. "Chill, guys, I am not missing."
"Where have you been?" ani Locket, nakatitig pa rin sa akin kaya itinaas ko ang hawak kong paper bag.
"Ah, I heard kasi you're all craving for dried mangoes so I bought it from Cebu!" I said happily. The boy's mouth parted, akala ko'y matutuwa pero mas lumalim ang gitla sa noo ni Locket.
"You what?"
"I bought these from Cebu, surprise!" I smiled. "I turned my phone off para 'di niyo malaman."
They were all quiet, nawala ang kamay ni Locket sa balikat ko at nakita ko ang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi niya and shook his head.
"Bullshit." He said hardly and my heart dropped when I saw how his jaw clenched, walang salitang tinalikuran ako kaya umawang ang labi ko. I glanced at the boys, I saw Brent and Adam sighed. Si Earn ay ngumiti ng maliit sa akin.
"Sana nagpaalam ka, Madame." He said sadly.
"Sorry..." I bit my lower lip. "Did I worry you?"
"Sige, Madame. Pasok muna kami." Ani Adam na hindi na pinagsalita si Earn. "Pasok ka na lang." He nodded formally at napakurap ako nang umalis sila roon.
"Pabigat ka naman, Miss Sandejas." Natigilan ako nang makita si Carol na lumapit sa akin, I noticed the smirk on her lips while saying that.
"Sorry..." I gasped, "did my father really called?"
"Hmm, they searched the area, looking for you. Ni hindi nga namin naasikaso ang trabaho at kaso dahil sa kakahanap sa'yo, ayaw pa tumigil at hahalughugin ata buong Maynila, 'yon pala walang kwenta."
"I just..."
"Tss, you really are a bad influence to them. Lalo na kay Locket, they weren't like that but because of you..." she eyed me from head to toe. "P'wede ba, Miss, kung patapon ka, h'wag kang mandamay ng tao."
My mouth parted, she smiled sweetly at me before turning her back at me and walked inside.
Natulala pa ako sa labas ng ilang saglit bago nagdesisyong pumasok para humingi ng tawad. I walked towards his office, pagpasok ko ay magkausap na sila ni Carol habang magkatabi sa may upuan. He glanced at me but immediately lowered his eyes back on the paper, walang reaksyon.
My heart thumped painfully but I chose to smile and walked closer to the boys na nakatitig sa akin pero sabay-sabay na nagbaba ng tingin nang makita ako.
In tiny steps, I walked closer to them and put three paper bags and they all froze. Sabay-sabay silang napatingin sa akin kaya ngumiti ako.
"Sorry na, babies." I said, "I heard kasi na you like dried mangoes sa shop sa Cebu so pumunta ako para bilhan ko kayo. I bought it using my sweldo."
They all blinked at me kaya ngumuso na ako, "please? Sorry? Sige na...Mama Crest is so sorry for making you worry."
"You...bought this for us, Madame?" ani Brent kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.
"Kasi, everyone is stressed so I wanted to make you happy just by giving that." I said, "sorry na, please? Can you forgive me?"
And I almost screamed in happiness when they all nodded, their eyes softened.
"Salamat, Madame, sana h'wag mo na ulitin, ah? Nag-alala kami sa'yo." Adam smiled.
"Kay Lt. Penguin ka naman mag-sorry, Madame." Ani Earn sa akin. "Para ng iiyak 'yan kanina no'ng 'di ka mahanap."
My heart melted, mabilis akong naglakad palapit kay Locket bitbit ang paper bag na pasalubong ko for him, bukod sa dried mangoes, I bought a locket necklace for him. Its design is like that of a dog tag and it's silver, binili ko sa Cebu no'ng nakita ko.
"Locket..." I called when I got beside him. Nakita kong natigilan siya sa kakabasa sa papers niya pero hindi ako nilingon.
"Locket," I called again but he didn't look at me, I caught Carol hid an evil smile before shaking her head.
"Pingu..." pinalambing ko ang boses ko, "look, oh. I have a pasalubong for you...sorry na."
"Go home." He answered coldly and I shook my head and lowered my body to see his face.
"Ayaw!" I smiled, "hindi ako uuwi habang 'di mo ako pinapatawad." But he didn't answer kaya mas naglambing ako.
"Pingu, sige na." I said softly, "check mo ang pasalubong—"
"I said go home!" mariing sabi niya kaya natigilan na ako.
"I have pasalubong, sorry for—"
"I don't care. Go home now." Aniyang mariin. I saw his piercing gray eyes and it's cold but I still pushed my luck.
"Pingu, come on—"
"Ano ba sa salitang umuwi ka ang hindi mo naiintindihan, Crest Veronica?!" his voice thundered and I was stunned, I felt like my heart fell.
"Locket—"
"Stop pestering me, I have some work to do." Aniya at nagbaba ng tingin. "Leave. Ang sakit mo sa ulo."
Bumilis ang kalabog ng puso ko roon at natigilan, I saw the boys glanced at me. Si Caroline ay napatakip ng bibig kaya napalunok ako.
"Uh, sorry..." I said softly and flashed a smile. "Sorry for making everyone worry, uh, una na ako. Pasensya sa abala."
I found it hard to take a step but luckily, I did, bitbit ang paper bag ay tahimik akong lumabas ng opisina pero nahabol ako ng mga lalaki.
"Madame, hatid ka na namin." Earn said and I felt like crying but I stopped myself. Tahimik nila akong hinatid na tatlo sa sasakyan hanggang sa magsalita na si Adam.
"Pagpasensyahan mo na si Padlock, Madame." Aniya. "Masyado lang nag-alala sa'yo kaya nagalit..."
"It's okay," I flashed a small smile. "Balik na lang ako, p-pasensya na, babies, hmm? Pinag-alala ko kayo, sorry talaga. Pasabi rin kay Locket."
They all nodded and when I got inside, that's when I saw them left. I did my best to compose myself on my way home, noong buksan ko ang phone ay nakita kong maraming mga messages at missed calls sina Locket at ang pamilya ko sa akin pero hindi ko nasagot.
Tanga ka, Crest Veronica!
My heart hurts, I felt so emotional but I couldn't let my tears fall dahil kakausapin ko pa ang Daddy na nag-aalala sa akin. At ano bang karapatan kong umiyak? It's my fault! Ni hindi ko man lang naisip na mag-aalala sila sa akin!
And so...I rehearsed a smile went I got inside our house, ready to greet my father but like expected, I received a scold from him.
"What do you think you are doing, Crest Veronica?!" I've never seen my father this mad, ngayon lang. Kitang-kita ko ang galit sa mga asul niyang mata habang nakatitig sa akin.
"You were gone! You turned your fucking phone off! We've been looking for you all day and you will only smile at me?!"
"Dad...sorry." I tried softening him like I always do. "I just went to Cebu because I heard you like dried mangoes and—"
"That's bullshit!" he said angrily, si Mom ay tahimik lang sa likod, naiiling sa akin. "Your brother and sister are out there! Still looking for you tapos sasabihin mo sa'king pumunta kang Cebu para sa pesteng mangga na 'yan?!"
My heart ache, this isn't just a mere mango. This is my pasalubong to make everyone happy.
"D-dad kasi..." I sighed, "I am so sorry, I am wrong for leaving without telling you and for making you all worry. I saw kasi that everyone is stressed tapos gusto niyo ng mangga kaya dumayo ako, wala naman po kasi akong ginagawa, I just wanted to surprise—"
"I really didn't know what happened to you at pasakit sa ulo!" he said, stopping me. Nangilid ang luha ko roon.
"Dad..."
"Ang mga kapatid mo, abala sa ginagawa pero tumigil para hanapin ka! And you are out there! Fucking having fun while everyone else is looking for you! Ang mga kapatid mo, responsable pero ikaw, wala kang ginawa kung hindi magbigay ng konsumisyon!"
I gulped, humigpit ang hawak ko sa paper bag at hindi na nakaimik.
"Iñigo..." Mom called but Dad was so mad at me.
"Malapit ko nang halughugin buong Pilipinas mahanap ka lang tapos ikaw..." he sighed and closed his eyes tightly. "You are a brat, Crest Veronica! You are irresponsible and selfish! Sarili mo lang ang iniisip mo! Wala kang pakialam sa nag-aalala sa'yo!"
"N-no, Dad..." I shook my head. "I-I just didn't think you'll worry—"
"Because you only think of yourself, Crest!" I saw how rage fueled on his eyes. "Binigay namin sa'yo ang lahat pero hindi ka nag-iisip! Hindi ka gumaya sa mga kapatid mo! Sila, responsable, sila may patutunguhan sa buhay! Ikaw? Puro ka luho! Puro ka pasarap sa buhay!"
"Iñigo!" Mom exclaimed and tried calming him down but he couldn't.
"No, Thallia! Sakit sa ulo na itong anak mo! Stop babying her! She wouldn't learn!" he exclaimed.
Mom sighed, I saw her glanced at me and shook her head kaya nahulog na ang balikat ko.
"S-sorry po..." I whispered and showed him the paper bag. "Just...at least, take these—"
"I don't need that." Dad said. "What I need you to do is to grow up and stop being immature! Mas matanda pa kung umakto si Adira kaysa sa'yo! Hindi ka na teenager, Crest!"
"Iñigo..." Mom called seriously.
"No." Dad said and stared at me coldly and intently. "I am so disappointed with you, Crest Veronica. So disappointed."
When he turned his back at me, I felt like the world also turned its back on me...completely now.
"Sorry, Crest." Mom sighed. "But you have to learn." Aniya at wala ng sinabi, she followed Dad, leaving me alone there, lost and almost crying.
I got out of our house, hindi na napigilan ng guards, tulala at hawak-hawak ang paper bag sa kamay ko. I was walking with no direction, like me, staring at the dark, empty road, feeling nothing but pain and disappointment to myself.
Ironically, rain started pouring. Nang Mabasa ang mukha at ulo ko ay bigla akong natawa, wala sa sariling naglalakad.
"Lord, bakit naman po ganito?" I asked. "Ang wish ko po sa life ko Rom-Com, bakit mo naman ako binigyan ng heavy drama?" I chuckled.
Narinig ko ang kulog, mayamaya'y mas lumakas ang ulan pero patuloy pa rin ako naglalakad. When the drops of rain completely covered my face, I felt weaker, it was as if rain became my disguise that when tears fell, it would mix and it won't be seen by anyone but me.
Kasabay ng bagsak ng ulan ay ang paghikbi ko, I heaved a deep breath, realizing how much burden I am to the people I love and I hate it. I hate that I am giving them problems that's supposed to be only mine.
My body started shaking, my chest felt heavier and I saw how the paper bag got wet at dahil doon ay nahulog at kumalat sa daan ang pack ng dried mangoes na binili ko.
Sobbing, I took it one by one, napatid pa ako sa heels at nadapa sa ulanan pero pilit ko pa ring kinukuha ang pasalubong ko.
I tried collecting it but it keep on falling on the ground and I chose to just sit on the side of the empty road, hugging the packs of dried mangoes and cried.
"G-gusto ko lang naman silang b-bigyan ng dried mangoes." I sniffed, trying to lift myself up by thinking that maybe...maybe they'll like it tomorrow, when they're not mad at me anymore.
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