Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 18
Kabanata 18
WALANG TIGIL ANG luha ko. Tila lumulutang ang pakiramdam ko at nawawala, 'di alam saan papatungo.
I snapped out of my reverie, clutching my phone tightly as I walked straight ahead.
"Ma'am, ayos lang kayo?" ani ng empleyadong nakapansin sa 'kin, but the tears continued to stream down my cheeks.
No... I might just be dreaming. This isn't possible. Nagsisinungaling lang ang kausap ko!
Buhay ang tatay ko!
I tried raising my trembling hands to hail a taxi pero nilagpasan nila ako. My mouth parted, my breathing labored as I struggled to catch my breath.
"K-Kuya!" I desperately called out for a cab but failed.
I saw people getting cabs on the other side of the road. Without thinking, I crossed, walang pakialam sa mga nakakasilaw na headlights ng mga matulin na sasakyan, ang tanging nasa isip lang ay ang makatawag ng taxi.
My eyes were swollen from crying, my vision blurred, when a loud horn made me freeze. Nang lingunin ko iyon ay nakita ko ang humaharurot sa sasakyan, sunod-sunod ang busino.
Gusto kong tumakbo pero natulos lang ako, 'di makapag-isip ng mabilis hanggang sa naramdaman ko na lang ang marahas na hila sa 'kin pabalik sa gilid ng kalsada.
Naipikit ko ang mata nang tumama ako kung saan.
"S-Sera..." That familiar soft voice called and that's when I shut down entirely and cried.
My hands trembled, my sobs grew louder, and his embrace tightened around me.
"Sshh, baby..." he hushed. I cried harder, pushing him away, but he kept pulling me against his chest.
"B-Bitawan mo ako!" I wailed, trying to pull away.
"N-No..."
Nang nilingon ko siya't nabakas ko ang namumula at takot niyang mga mata.
"Huwag mo akong hawakan! B-Bitawan mo ako!" I exclaimed.
"I won't," he said desperately, refusing to let go.
I cried harder, pounding his chest. I'm sure it hurt but he endured it, trying to calm me.
"A-Are you alright? N-Nasaktan ka ba?" He tried to cup my cheek, but I pushed his hand away.
"B-Bitawan mo ako! Kailangan kong puntahan ang tatay ko!" I screamed desperately.
Nakita ko ang sakit sa mga mata niya. Pumikit siya ng mariin.
"Y-You have to calm down, Sera. Pupuntahan natin siya—"
"Bitawan mo ako!" I cried. "W-Wala naman kayong pakialam, 'di ba?! Dapat masaya ka pa nga!"
"No!" He shook his head. "No, baby, please..."
I weakened when he held my face, staring at me intently.
"Pupuntahan natin siya..." kalmado niyang sinabi.
"B-Buhay pa ang tatay ko..." I murmured, looking at him desperately. "R-Rai... buhay pa si Tatay ko, 'di ba?"
I searched his eyes for hope, but all I saw was pain.
"T-Tell me, please, buhay siya, 'di ba?" My voice trembled. "Rai!" I tugged his shirt. "S-Sabihin mo... sabihin mo sa aking buhay pa ang Tatay ko!"
He stared at me, sighing, and slowly shook his head.
"I-I'm sorry," he whispered, looking down.
I gasped and shoved him away.
"Hindi! H-Hindi siya p'wedeng mawala! Hindi..." Humagulgol ako, nanginginig, nawawalan ng lakas ang mga paa at tinatakpan ang mukha.
"S-Sera," I felt his warm embrace, but I pushed him off.
"No..." I muttered.
"Come on, please. Ihahatid kita," he whispered weakly, trying to support my weight.
"Get off me!" I cried.
"Please... I'll take you to him. Let me take you," he pleaded.
He held my arm, helping me to my feet, his arm steadying my waist as I trembled. Hindi pa rin matigil ang luha ko.
"S-Si Tatay..." I whispered.
He breathed deeply, wrapped me in his jacket, and pulled me into his embrace again.
"Pupuntahan natin siya..." he soothed, kissing my head repeatedly.
"Engineer!" I heard Lando's voice, but I stayed buried in Rai's chest, clutching his shirt tightly.
"Get my car, pupunta tayong ospital," Rai ordered.
I didn't hear Lando's reply, but moments later, I was in Rai's car, still wrapped in his jacket, staring blankly at the road.
"Hey, look at me..." Rai urged, searching for my eyes. But I refused, afraid he'd see how weak I was, how defeated I felt in his game.
"Sera," he called desperately. "Baby, please..."
Finally, he caught my gaze. I stared at him, exhausted, as tears streamed down my cheeks. Namamanhid ako. I couldn't process a thought. If this were a nightmare, I couldn't wait to wake up.
"It's gonna be alright," bulong niya.
I shook my head, looking away. He hugged my waist, burying his face in my neck.
"Nandito lang ako," he breathed solemnly. "Hindi kita pababayaan. I won't leave you."
I stayed silent, eyes closed, drained.
Liar. Nauna mo pa nga akong iniwan kaysa sa Tatay ko.
Pagkarating namin sa ospital ay mabilis ang takbo ko papasok.
"Benjamin Mendez," I said desperately at the front desk. "I-I'm his daughter."
The nurse checked her records.
"Ma'am, nasa left side ng first floor. Morgue," she said.
Morgue...
Wala sa sariling tinakbo ko ang tinuturo niyang lugar at nanlamig nang makita si Miggy na umiiyak at nakaupo sa bench. Nando'n si nanay na kausap ng doltor kaya lumapit ako.
"'N-Nay..." I whispered.
"Mauna na ako, Mrs. Mendez." The doctor glanced at me, nodded, and left.
"N-Nay," I called again, desperately this time.
Nilingon niya ako, nag-aalab ang tingin at 'di ko na napigilan ang pagkawala ng mga luha nang sampalin niya ako.
"Kasalan mo ito, babae ka!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
"'N-Nay..." Iyak ko, inaabot siya pero marahas na hinawi niya ako. Dahil sa pangangatog at kawalan ng lakas ay mabilis niya akong naitulak sa lapag.
"Hayop ka! Malas! Nawala rin ang asawa ko dahil sa 'yo, punyeta ka!" sigaw niyang galit na galit.
"A-Ate!" Miggy ran to me, trying to protect me, but I pulled him away.
"Huwag... Huwag, Migs," I whispered. Binalingan siya ni Nanay.
"Huwag kang mangialam dito, Miggy! Hayop itong kapatid mo! Kung nagtrabaho ka sana sa halip na mag-aral kang peste ka! Sana hindi na nagpapagod ang Tatay mo!" she shouted.
"'N-Nay..." Miggy cried.
Wala akong mahanap na mga salita para sagutin siya. She was right... if I hadn't studied... if only...
"Mrs. Mendez!" A cold voice stopped my mother. Her hand froze mid-air, her face losing color.
"V-Vioxx," she muttered.
Natigilan ako at nagbalik-balik ang tingin sa kanila, maraming tanong na namuo dahil sa tono ni Vioxx at sa reaksyon ni Nanay.
Nanay stepped back as Vioxx approached.
Vioxx slowly pulled me up, shielding me behind his back. I clutched my trembling brother tightly in my arms.
"May problema po ba?" Vioxx asked calmly yet dangerously, his voice cold.
"W-Wala..." She shook her head, glaring at me before storming away.
"A-Ate..." Miggy sobbed, hugging my waist. My tears fell harder. I hugged him.
"Shh, M-Miggy, ang puso mo..." I whispered.
"S-Si Tatay, Ate," he whispered painfully.
"Sshh, d-dito lang si Ate. Hindi kita iiwan, Migs," I whispered.
We cried on each other's shoulders. He trembled as I stroked his back to calm him.
"D-Dito lang si Ate, Migs. M-Mahal na mahal kita," I whispered, soothing him while he cried in my ear. "Calm down."
"K-Kuya?" Miggy murmured after a moment.
Pinakawalan ko siya at tahimik na pinagmasdan ang pagtakbo at pagyakap niya sa mga hita ni Vioxx.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
MY FATHER DIED of a heart attack. Nagmamaneho siya nang atakahin siya pero naigilid pa niya sa sasakyan kaya ligtas ang kanyang mga pasahero.
Despite the pain, he pulled the jeep aside and let everyone out... then collapsed, never making it to the hospital.
"Ate... wala pa rin po si Nanay?" ani Miggy, ang mga mata'y puno ng lungkot at pag-asa.
"Wala pa, Migs," I whispered, caressing his face. "B-Baka may ginawang importante."
"Mag-tatatlong araw na, Ate. Hindi ba tayo importante kahit sa kanya? S-Si Tatay?" He glanced at the coffin.
My heart ached for him but there's nothing I could do.
"Nandito naman si Ate, Migs." I smiled sadly. "Pangako ni Ate na hindi kita pababayaan."
Tahimik na lang siyang tumango at sumandal sa 'kin, bakas ang lungkot. Hinaplos ko ang buhok niya.
"Sera, uuwi muna ako. May kailangan lang akong asikasuhin pero babalik ako kaagad." Napatuwid ako nang pumunta sa harapan si Ma'am Asunta.
"Ayos lang po." I smiled. "Magpahinga po muna kayo, Ma'am. Salamat po sa pagtulong sa 'kin dito kahit hindi naman kailangan."
"Sera, hindi. Kailangan mo ng suporta ko." Umiling siya. "Hindi kita papabayaang mag-isa sa ganitong sitwasyon. Nandito lang ako, dadamayan kita."
My heart swelled as tears pricked at the side of my eyes. I smiled and gently moved away from Miggy to hug her.
"Ang laki po ng utang na loob ko sa inyo, Ma'am. M-maraming-maraming salamat po."
"Wala iyon, anak," she whispered. "Nandito lang ako palagi, kami ni Marco."
"Salamat po," I whispered.
"Thank you po, Tita Asunta!" Miggy exclaimed. We both turned, and Ma'am smiled warmly at him.
She bent down and hugged him. My heart swelled at my brother's genuine smile.
"Salamat po kasi tinutulungan n'yo po si Ate na mag-asikaso, Tita. Kasi po wala na po siyang tulog palagi at pagod. Thank you po dahil hindi n'yo po siya pinapabayaan." Those words, coming from my brother, made me melt.
Ma'am smiled, wiping her own tears before facing Miggy.
"Walang anuman, Migs. Masaya akong tinutulungan kayo ng Ate mo. Mga anak ko na kayo." She smiled and looked at me.
"Saglit lang ako, Sera, at babalik din. Nand'yan naman si Marco kapag may kailangan kang tulong. Huwag kang mahihiya magsabi."
"Salamat po, Ma'am," I whispered sincerely.
"Walang anuman, pero Tita na lang, Sera. Mas ayos sa akin kung tatawagin mo ako no'n."
"Okay po, Tita."
My brother went with Marco to play while I stayed seated in front of my father's coffin.
'Di ko kailan man inaasahang makikita kita ng ganito, 'Tay. 'Di ba, nangangarap pa ako para sa pamilya natin? 'Di ba... i-aahon ko pa kayo sa kahirapan?
I was supposed to graduate, and I wanted you to be the one to walk me in the march. Pero paano na ngayon, 'Tay? Bakit n'yo kami iniwan kaagad ni Miggy?
"Here." Nang marinig ang boses ay nanghina ako. Inabot niya sa akin ang plato ng pagkain pero umiwas ako ng tingin.
"Hindi ako gutom."
He sighed, then sat beside me, gently touching my arm. Umiwas ako kaagad.
"You should eat, please. Kagabi ka pa walang kain," he said softly.
"Hindi nga ako gutom," I replied, searching for my coffee but not finding it beside me. My forehead creased. "Nasaan na 'yon..."
"I threw it," he admitted. I turned to him in shock, my brows furrowing.
"You what?"
"Puro ka na lang kape no'ng isang araw pa," paliwanag niya. "That isn't good anymore. What you need now is food and rest."
"And who are you to know what I need?" I shot back, irritated.
"Sera, please? You barely eat and sleep. Kagabi ka pa walang tulog," he pressed.
"And so?" I challenged. "When did you start worrying about me, anyway?"
"Sera..." he called, defeated.
I sighed in resignation.
"Please lang, Vioxx. If this is part of your sick games, I'm fucking out. I lost, okay? Nanalo ka na. Nakuha mo na ako, nakuha mo na ang lahat sa akin. Ano pa bang gusto mo?" I asked sharply.
Pain flickered in his brown eyes. His disheveled hair fell across his forehead as he touched my hand.
"S-Sorry, please, let's talk about this—"
"Stop with your bullshit, Miranda. Pagod na pagod na ako," I said firmly. "Pagod na pagod na ako sa nangyayari sa buhay ko, kaya p'wede ba? Manahimik ka na. Huwag ka nang dumagdag. Sarilihin mo na lang 'yang mga kasinungalingan mo."
We watched each other, unwavering. My sharp gaze held him until he surrendered, lowering his head.
"I-I'm sorry..." he whispered.
"At bakit ba nandito ka? Hindi ba may kompanya kang kailangang patakbuhin? Hindi ba dapat kaysa niloloko mo ako rito ay nandoon ka at nagpapalago ng kompanya mo?"
"I just want to help," napapaos niyang sinabi. "K-Kahit dito man lang ay matulungan kita."
"Umuwi ka na at magpahinga," I said. "Salamat pero hindi ko kailangan ng tulong mo."
"I won't." He sighed. "Dito lang ako."
"If you're worried about my internship, babalik naman ako sa trabaho. Matapos lang ang libing ni Tatay bukas, babalik ako."
"I know, baby... I know," he murmured. I noticed his phone lit up.
Alice's name registered on his screen.
"Balikan mo na 'yong Alice mo," I said painfully. "Baka hinahanap ka."
He looked at me, alarmed and immediately explained. "She's nothing, okay? Let me explain, Sera, please?"
I shook my head, leaned back on the chair, and closed my eyes from exhaustion. I felt light-headed. Nasa gano'ng ayos ako nang maramdaman ang braso sa lumukob sa katawan 'ko bago ako dinalaw ng antok.
Naalimpungan na lang ako at nagising, nagulat nang makitang nakahiga na ako sa pahabang upuan. When I turned, I saw myself resting on Vioxx's lap. My head was lying on his thighs while he slept, his other hand resting on my face to keep me from falling.
Tulog na tulog siya kaya mabilis akong naupo.
He jolted awake, nanlalaki ang mata at inabot ako.
"W-Why? Huh? N-Nahulog ka?" His bloodshot eyes flickered with panic.
"Sana ginising mo ako," I said coldly.
Slowly, he calmed down. He sighed and released my arm, straightening up and combing his hair with his fingers.
"I'm sorry. You slept so well, so... I thought."
"Marami pa akong kailangang asikasuhin—"
"Ayos na. Nandito sina Roff at Trisha kanina para tumulong," aniya.
"Si Migs?" I looked around.
"He's resting, too. Pinatulog muna sa may kwarto. Don't worry, pinapabantayan ko kay Lando," he said.
I nodded, glancing at the visitors of the wake. Most were neighbors; only a few relatives came. Nanay hadn't shown up at all, not at the hospital, not even to help with Tatay's remains.
I shouldn't be shocked pero kahit para kay Miggy na lang sana ay nandito siya para sa suporta.
"You should eat. Nagpaluto ako ng pagkain—"
"Ayos lang ako," I said, standing. I spotted Marco drinking coffee nearby and immediately approached him.
I noticed Vioxx's serious, pained expression, but I looked away and smiled at Marco.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
LUMIPAS ANG ILANG oras nang tawagin ni Marco ang atensyon ko.
"May bisita," aniya kaya napalingon ako at nagulat sa nakitang bisita.
Ano'ng ginagawa nila rito?
It was Alice Tan, dressed in black, and the Chairwoman. Kakalabas lang nila sa sasakyan at nakasunod sa kanila ang payong habang papalapit sa burol.
"Bakit nandito sila?" he whispered.
Umiling ako, 'di rin alam kung bakit sila nandito. Nakita ko ang pag-alis ni Alice Tan ang kanyang shades at nagsalubong kaagad ang tingin namin, may maliit at sarkastiko pa siyang ngiti.
Mrs. Angelita Miranda, the Chairwoman, in a black suit and pants, walked toward me. Behind them, I saw the staff carrying a large flower arrangement; they're arranging it outside the chapel.
"Chairwoman," I called.
Mrs. Miranda removed her shades, her cold eyes piercing mine.
"Condolence, Miss Mendez," she said stiffly.
I nodded.
"Pasok po kayo..." She nodded and walked inside, leaving Alice behind. Alice turned to me.
"Condolence," aniya pero alam kong hindi iyon bukal sa kanya. It didn't sound like sympathy; it sounded like pride.
Hindi na ako umimik at tinalikuran siya para pumasok.
I was confused about what to offer. Walang imik ang chairwoman habang nakaupo, samantalang si Alice Tan ay lingon nang lingon sa paligid, iritado pa ata.
I shook my head when I noticed her slowly taking out her sanitizer and cleaning her hands.
"Tatawagin ko lang po si Engineer," I said to the chairwoman, but she stopped me.
"Later," she said firmly. "Let's talk, Miss Mendez. Ikaw ang gusto kong makausap."
Umalon ang sikmura ko sa sinabi niyang iyon. Alice smirked.
"Sige po."
Tumayo siya. Lumingon ako para hanapin si Vioxx pero wala siya kaya mas lalo akong kinabahan.
I led her to an empty path near the chapel. She removed her shades before staring at me.
Her brown eyes resembled Vioxx's. She was petite and strict-looking. She has this air in her that's intimidating. Halos magkasing-tangkad lang kami, but with her high heels, she towered over me.
"First of all, my condolences for your loss," she said coldly.
"We appreciate it, Ma'am," I said, bowing slightly.
"How are you coping?" she asked.
"A-Ayos lang po, hindi ko lang po ine-expect dahil biglaan."
She nodded, glancing at the chapel before looking back at me.
"Kailan ang libing?"
"Bukas po," I murmured.
"That's good, then." She nodded. "We'll compensate for his burial—"
"Po?" Natigilan ako.
"Let my son do it for you, even for the last time, Miss Mendez."
Mas naguluhan ako. "Ma'am?"
"I know you keep his card... under your name, right?" I froze at her words. "Alice told me you also get money from him, right?"
Shit...
"M-Ma'am... I..."
"It doesn't matter anymore, Miss Mendez. I understand my son has been a bit attached to you for some time, but he's just like that. Katagalan ay magsasawa rin 'yan. He's bound to get wed anyway. You don't expect him to be like this with you until then, hmm?" Tumaas ang kilay niya.
"I-I'm sorry po, but kaya ko naman pong bayaran ang pang-libing ni Tatay—"
"You have nothing to offer, Miss Mendez," she cut me off. "Kaya tanggapin mo na ang alok ko. Minsan lang akong maging ganito kabait."
"Ma'am—"
"After this, I expect my son to be back at work. Tapos na ang kahibangan kakasunod sa 'yo na pera lang naman ang gusto."
"Ma'am–"
"My son became incompetent these past few weeks because of you," mariing sinabi niya. "He dropped important projects and meetings because of you, in case you weren't aware, Miss Mendez."
"Ma'am..." I sighed, closing my eyes. "Hindi ko naman po ata kasalanan na hindi siya dumadalo sa meeting."
"Wow." She shook her head. I could see the sarcasm in her expression. "You have the guts now to answer back, huh? Huwag mo na akong lokohin. Alam kong pera lang ng anak ko—"
"Take all your money and I won't care, Ma'am," I said firmly. "Mawalang-galang na po, pero ang anak n'yo ang nanloko sa akin—"
"Stop lying, Miss Mendez!" her voice roared. "You fooled him around for his money. Parehas kayo ng Nanay mong mukhang pera!"
My brows furrowed.
"Ano pong ibig n'yong sabihin? Usapan natin 'to, huwag n'yong idadamay ang Nanay ko—"
"As if your mother doesn't ask my son for money, huh?"
I froze.
"Po? Anong—"
"I'm surprised you didn't know." She chuckled. "But it's quite easy to pretend not to know anything when you pretend all your life. Right? You fooled your ex-friends into thinking you're part of the elite when you're just some poor rat?"
It hit me straight to the gut. It stung but it's the truth. Hindi ko na pinatulan iyon.
"What do you mean? Ang Nanay ko po, bakit nadamay dito? Hindi gagawin iyon—"
"Of course, yes! Nagawa na nga niya. She's been asking my son for money! Hindi lang ikaw, pati ang pobreng Nanay mo!" Dama ko ang diin at galit sa boses niya.
I was stunned, speechless. Suddenly, I remembered Nanay's money, the new things she bought. Napapikit ako at halos mapahilot na sa sentido.
Is that why she and Vioxx seem to know each other?
"H-Hindi ko po alam," I whispered. "Kakausapin ko si Nanay—"
"Dapat lang," she said coldly. "Tell her to stop talking to my son. And you... you, stay the hell away from him, too. He deserves better. Someone in our circle. Hindi ko hahayaang bumaba ang anak ko sa kagaya mo."
It weighs heavily on my chest. My hand shook, my breath quickened but she was right. They were all right.
"Huwag po kayong mag-alala, Ma'am. Lalayo po ako sa anak n'yo," I said, lowering my head in shame. It backfired. All my tricks were done. Sinisingil na ako.
I deserved it, anyway. Karma 'to sa lahat ng kasinungalingan ko.
"Dapat lang. Madali ka naman pa lang kausap, Miss Mendez. That's what I like about you. Just hoping you keep your word. After your internship in my company, I hope you'll be gone from my son's life," she said.
I nodded slowly. "I will."
"Ate, nand'yan na si Nanay!" My brother's voice made me turn. I straightened just as the chairwoman left me behind.
"Miggy?"
"Si Nanay po dumating ngayon lang, kausap po ni Kuya Vioxx," aniya.
My forehead creased. Nang ituro ng kapatid ko kung saan sila nagtungo, agad kong pinabalik si Migs kay Marco bago ako pumunta roon para kausapin si Nanay.
"Do you need it right now, Ma'am? Hindi ko po kasi kaagad maaasikaso dahil kailangan kong tulungan si Sera—"
"Kailangan ko ngayon na!" Nanay demanded.
Mas kumunot ang noo ko at sinilip sila.
"Ma'am, I can deposit it in your account after your husband—"
"Hinahabol na ako ng pinagkakautangan ko! Iisipin ko pa ba 'yan?" she shouted.
"But Ma'am—"
"Sasaktan ko si Serafine!" My eyes widened at her threat.
Vioxx sighed, his jaw tightening in anger.
"Ma'am, napag-usapan na natin 'to—"
"Oo nga! Hindi ko siya papakialaman kung bibigyan mo ako! Tumutupad naman ako, ah!"
"Let me just remind you what you did in the hospital," Vioxx said darkly.
Nakuyom ko ang kamay at lumalim ang paghinga.
"Nagalit nga ako! Sinong hindi magagalit sa pesteng babaeng—"
"It wasn't her fault!"
"Sasaktan ko siyang muli–"
"Alright." He sighed in resignation. "I'll transfer it immediately... just don't touch Sera."
"Okay, madali naman akong kausap." Doon na kumalma ang boses niya. She smiled wickedly.
Vioxx closed his eyes, took out his phone, and made a call before looking back at her.
"It's done," he said, and that was when she left with a triumphant smile.
Vioxx remained standing there, brushing his hair in frustration before kicking the tree.
"Fuck!" he cursed.
'Di ko na napigilan ang sarili at lumapit na.
"I hope this will be the last time you meddle with my life, Engr. Miranda," I called out.
He froze, turning to see me.
"Sera," he whispered, panic and surprise flickering in his eyes. "Kanina ka pa ba?"
"Enough for me to hear you and my mother's conversation," I said coldly, watching him step closer.
"Sera, sorry, I just want to—"
"What are you doing? Bakit kailangan mo pa siyang bigyan ng pera?" matalim kong tanong. "Bakit ka ba nangingialam sa buhay ko?"
"She's hurting you, Sera," he explained as if it were enough reason. "What am I supposed to do? It's the only way to keep her from hurting you."
Pagak akong natawa, umiiling. "Coming from you? Ano naman ngayon kung nasasaktan ako? Sanay na ako! Ilang taon na kaming ganito! Bakit kailangan mo pang pakialaman ang Nanay ko? Bakit kailangan mo pang suhulan siya ng pera?!"
"Para hindi ka saktan!" His outburst stopped me. "Fuck, Sera! Hindi lang ako nagsasalita dahil ayaw kong 'di ka komportable pero ayokong nakikita ang mga pasa at sugat mo! Hindi ko kayang nagtatago ka sa akin ng ilang araw para lang hindi ko makita ang mga pasang galing sa kanya!"
I closed my eyes, clutching my hair, and looked at him tiredly.
"Wala kang karapatan panghimasukan ang buhay ko! Wala kang pakialam na sinasaktan ako!"
"Of course I care! I care because I love you! Ayokong sinasaktan ka, Serafine! Kasi mahal kita! Sa tingin mo kaya kong tignan kang nasasaktan kung mayro'n naman akong paraan para itigil 'yon?" His bloodshot eyes brimmed with tears.
"Talaga? Sa tingin mo, may pinagkaiba ang pananakit ni Nanay sa pananakit mo sa 'kin?" My voice cracked.
He was stunned, lips parting as he gasped.
"Sa tingin mo mas masakit iyong pisikal na pananakit niya kaysa sa paglalaro mo sa 'kin? Hindi, Vioxx! Mas masakit 'yong paglalaro mo sa puso ko kasi pinagkatiwalaan kita! Akala ko iba ka! Mas masakit kasi minahal kita! Kasi mahal kita!" I pointed at him, my voice breaking.
"S-Sera..." He moved closer, but I shoved him away.
"'Yong kay Nanay, masakit 'yon pero sanay na ako! I didn't expect anything from her! Pero 'yong sa 'yo? Mas masakit 'yon kasi pinagkatiwalaan kita! Akala ko ikaw 'yong kakampi ko pero putangina, pinaglalaruan mo lang pala ako!"
His tears fell. He tried to reach for me but I shoved his hand away.
"I-I love you... Please, kung papakinggan mo lang ako—"
"Fuck your love, then. 'Di ko kailangan niyan." I shook my head. "You're a fucking asshole, Miranda. Pinagsisisihan kong nakilala pa kita."
I stepped back as he advanced, reaching for me, but I retreated further.
"Sera!" Marco came running toward us when I turned, making me stop.
Nahanap niya kaagad ang tingin ko.
"S-Sera, si Migs..." The tremble in his voice stopped me.
I panicked. Through my tears, I followed him and nearly collapsed when I saw Lando carrying my unconscious brother.
Umalingawngaw din ang sigawanan ni Nanay and Tita Asunta kaya natuon ang pansin ko ro'n.
"A-Ano'ng..."
"Nahirapan siyang huminga no'ng tinawag niya ang Nanay mo at inignora siya. Tapos itong nag-aaway pa kaya nahimatay," Marco explained.
"Ang sasakyan, Lando!" Vioxx grabbed my brother from Lando and carried him, while Lando rushed outside.
I was overwhelmed. I don't know what to do, nabablangko ako. Alice and Angelita Miranda were silently watching as Nanay and Tita Asunta's shouting continued.
"Tama na!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, silencing them both.
"Nahimatay na iyong kapatid ko! Hindi ba kayo titigil?!" I shouted in frustration.
Nanay straightened, panic flickering in her eyes. Gano'n din si Tita Asunta. I shook my head in disappointment as I ran after Vioxx na buhay na ang kapatid papuntang sasakyan.
While my brother was in the emergency room, tahimik akong nakaupo, gulong-gulong at nanghihina sa lahat ng nangyari.
Vioxx spoke with the doctor and several nurses, while I remained lost, staring blankly at nothing.
However, the two women wouldn't stop fighting.
"Ikaw ang may kasalanan kaya nandito ngayon ang anak ko!" Nanay exclaimed.
"I was just asking you to tell her the truth! Ikaw itong nagsimula ng away, tapos ako ang sisisihin mo?" Tita Asunta said firmly.
I remained silent, just listening. I didn't stop them anymore. Truthfully, I was exhausted. Pagod na pagod na ako. If I could just shut down, I would.
Pagod na akong mag-isip, pagod na akong umiyak, pagod na akong masaktan. Nakakamanhid na lang.
"Totoo naman, kung hindi ka dumating ay ayos ang lahat! Ang kamalasan ko sa buhay nagsimula nang dumating kayong mga Flores! Lahat kayo malas! Lahat kayo mga salot!"
"I was just asking you to give me my niece back! She deserves the truth you're all keeping from her! She doesn't deserve this suffering! If only you decided to tell her—"
"Para saan pa? Walang kwenta ang batang iyan! Malas ang dala niya sa buhay ko! Bakit mo pa sasabihin kung sino ang malandi niyang ina, huh?!"
"Don't you dare insult my sister, Divina! Wala kang alam!" Tita Asunta snapped. I froze when I heard that. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanila.
"Alam ko! Alam kong nilandi ng kapatid mong iyan ang asawa ko!"
"You two weren't even married when she came—"
"Kahit na! Maninira ng pamilya ang nanay ng babaeng 'yan, kaya ipinanganak siyang malas!" Nanay exclaimed.
I sighed, shook my head, and covered my face to stop the tears.
"Kaya bakit mo pa kukunin? Bibigyan mo ng magandang buhay? Hindi niya deserve iyan dahil sa kamalasan niyang dala sa pamilya ko—"
"She is my sister's heiress, Divina!" Tita Asunta exclaimed. "She's the sole owner of her properties and businesses, so shut up!"
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co