Kabanata 18
Kabanata 18
WHAT am I gonna do?
"B-baby, what are we gonna do?" I whispered, caressing my stomach with my cheek still wet with tears.
It feels so sudden, it's unbelievable. I've been asking myself why this has to happen while I'm in this state. Bakit kung kailan ganito ako at saka ka mapupunta sa akin?
Pocholo barked, nang ibaba ko ang tingin sa ibaba ng sofa ay kaagad niyang iniangat ang katawan sa hita ko.
"H-hey, Cho-choo...magkakaroon ka na ng younger sibling," I muttered softly and lifted my hand so I could carry him.
He was too quick to comfort me, gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang ipinaraan niya ang ulo sa tiyan ko at inangat ang katawan para isiksik ang ulo sa balikat ko.
I sighed loudly and hugged my dog, ipinikit ko ang mata at isinandal ang katawan sa sofa bago marahang hawakan ang impis na tiyan.
"D-don't worry, baby. Kaya natin 'to, hmm?" I whispered in the air, my voice breaking. "K-kapit lang, anak. Hindi kita papabayaan."
It was a tough day for me, pahinga man ay stress pa rin ako at umiiyak sa kwarto. I don't know what to do. Disappointed na nga sa akin ang pamilya ko, dadagdagan ko na naman sila ng pasakit.
When can I be a good daughter? Puro pasakit na lang ba talaga ang maibibigay ko sa pamilya ko?
I was thankful since I have Pocholo with me in times like this, siya ang nagsilbi kong sandalan. Alam kong hindi niya naman ako nakakausap but just his simple cuddles ay napapanatag na ako.
My cousins called that day too, sina Scira at Zire pero hindi ko sinagot. I just texted them, telling them na flight ako dahil hindi ko rin talaga alam kung paano ko sila kakausapin.
The next days, I might still feel gloomy and tired but I have to work. Nag-iipon pa ako ng lakas ng loob para makausap sina Papa tungkol sa sitwasyon ko.
Wala naman na akong nagawa dahil nandito na ang anak ko, whether I like it or not, my baby is living in me now and I have to take care of him or her. I did it with Chance because of love and I would never abandon my child just because the father is an asshole.
Ginusto ko ang ginawa ko kaya kailangan kong maging responsible. Hindi lang bilang tao pero dahil magiging ina na rin ako.
Hawak-hawak ko ang hand bag ko habang papunta sa opisina kung saan ang meeting area ng mga cabin crew para sa flight ngayon ay nakita ko si Delilah.
The rage fueled inside of me again. Ang galit ko'y sasabog na at nasa punto na na gusto ko siyang sugurin pero iniisip ko ang anak at hindi ko ginawa.
Her brow was raised, her mouth lifted for a smirk as she walked. Magkakasalubong kaming dalawa pero malamig ko lang siyang tinignan.
I raised my chin up, unbothered of her ugly face. Diniretso ko ang tingin ko at akmang lalagpasan na siya nang bigla siyang tumili.
Nagulat at nangunot ang noo ko nang bigla siyang mitumba at napaupo sa lapag sa harapan ko. I just stared at her, confused, lalo na nang makita kong nangilid na ang luha niya.
"I-inaano ba kita?!" she suddenly exclaimed, shocking me.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"H-how dare you push me?! D-dadaan lang ako!" She suddenly sobbed.
Gago, baliw?
Napakurap-kurap ako, narinig ko ang komosyon dahil doon kaya nilingon ko ang paligid at nakitang may iilang tumigil para pagmasdan kami.
What the hell?
Nilingon ko si Delilah sa lapag na hawak na ang balakang niya.
"Baliw ka ba?" I asked, annoyed.
"S-see? Sasabihan mo pa akong baliw, eh, ikaw na ang nanulak!" she exclaimed, as if she was a child getting bullied.
I looked around and saw people whispering to each other, ang iba'y mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin at napailing sa akin kaya halos mapasabunot na ako sa sarili.
Nilingon ko si Lilah na nilapitan na ng ibang crew member at gustong tulungan patayo. She was sniffing dramatically, mukhang kawawang bata sa lapag pero what the fuck? What did I do?
"What's the matter here?" I stiffened when I heard my father's familiar voice, mabilis akong nakalingon at nakita si Papa na papalapit.
His hand were in his pocket, hawak niya sa isang kamay ang cap niya.
"C-captain..." She sobbed more. I almost cursed loudly in frustration.
What a good actress!
"What happened?" ani Papa roon. Napaatras ang iilang mga empleyado na tutulong sana kay Lilah para makadaan ang Papa.
"S-si Darshana po..." she said and my jaw clenched. "She pushed me, dadaan l-lang naman po ako."
"I didn't..." I sighed hard, almost pulling my hair in frustration.
Hindi man lang ako nilingon ni Papa, my heart ache when I saw him offered his palm to her. Nanginginig pa ang kamay ng bruha habang tinatanggap ang kamay ni Papa.
I fisted my palm, the pain intensified and tripled it felt like someone's taking the oxygen out of my lungs.
Nang makatayo na si Delilah ay hinawi niya ang kanyang luha. "S-salamat po..." she whispered.
"What happened, Miss Vicente?" he asked her. Lilah looked like she's scared as she glanced at me, matalim at malamig ang tingin ko sa kanya.
"W-wala naman po akong ginagawa, Cap..." she muttered softly. "N-nagulat po ako na itinulak ako ni Darshana."
I heard whispers around, nilingon ako ng bahagya ni Papa. His black eyes pierced through me. I sighed and slowly shook my head.
"I-I didn't do it, Pa," I said weakly but he didn't show any reaction at all, mas nanlumo ako at bumagsak na ang balikat.
He won't believe me... he won't.
"Y-you did!" she even sounded hysterical and I've started losing my grip.
"I didn't!" I exclaimed. "I was just walking past you and you fell—"
"Darshana..." Papa's voice stopped me.
My mouth parted, I saw how Lilah's lips tugged for a smirk na kaagad ding nawala nang mapabaling sa kanya si Papa.
Naiiyak na ako but I know for a fact I have to save myself at alam kong wala akong maling ginawa. Na wala akong inagrabayadong tao. If papa would not believe me then I will believe myself! I'll fight for it.
"Papa, I didn't do it! I swear—"
"Darshana, no..." umiling si Papa kaya tumiim na ang bagang ko.
"Why can't I?" I asked, stopping myself from crying. "I did nothing, Pa. T-total naman 'di mo ako papakinggan, let me perhaps speak for myself."
I saw how an expression played on my father's eyes, hindi ko makuha kung ano 'yon pero nagsalita ako.
"L-let me just speak," pakiusap ko. His gaze on me was critical, as if reading my expression.
He nodded.
"Okay, what is it?" he asked. I let out a shaky breath.
"I-I was just passing by and she suddenly fell on the floor. I-I don't know if you'll believe me but I swear, Papa. I-I swear I'd never hurt anyone with petty reasons," I said, sounding so frustrated that I almost felt bad for myself.
I am never desperate! Ngayon lang!
My Papa stared at me, nanahimik ang mga tao sa paligid at nakagat ko lang ang labi ko at ibinaba ang ulo ko.
"I-I'm not forcing you to believe me..." I said, almost a whisper.
"She really did push me—" Lilah muttered.
"I believe my daughter, Miss Vicente." Malamig na sabi ni Papa at doon na ako nag-angat ng tingin at nakita si Papa na nakabaling kay Delilah.
My heart jumped, parang naiiyak na ako habang nakatayo roon sa tabi niya.
"Captain, no! S-she..." Delilah's voice shook. "S-she really—"
"I saw what happened, Miss Vicente," Papa said coldly that it sent me shivers. "I was right there..." Itinuro niya ang puwesto sa hindi kalayuan.
I bit my lip and saw Lilah's eyes widen, "o-or she tripped me? I swear, Captain—"
"I am not letting my daughter explain dahil wala siyang kailangang ipaliwanag, she did nothing wrong and she didn't have to explain anything," he said. Nakita kong pasimpleng nag-aalisan ang ibang tao na nakikinig sa amin.
"P-pero..."
"She almost got past you but you fell and I didn't see her lift a hand or even a finger to push you, Miss," Papa retorted and flashed a timid, small smile. It was indimidating and scary.
He moved his gaze to the guard.
"Please, bring, Miss Vicente to the clinic. Baka may injury. Tell me immediately about it, I will pay for her fees."
Nakita ko ang takot sa mata ni Delilah. "I-I'm telling the truth po! S-sana h'wag mo kampihan ang anak mo, Cap, dahil anak mo siya—"
"Oh, my daughter here is my employee too, like you. Wala akong kinakampihan. I'll take proper disciplinary action if she does something wrong," Papa said timidly.
"Y-you didn't! Noong nakaraan nga po, she did hurt me and you didn't—"
"What happened is a personal matter, Miss Vicente. I know you know that." Dumiin ang boses ni Papa. "Personal matters should be within our family only."
He emphasized.
Bumaling si Papa sa mga staff at tumango.
"Please take Miss Vicente for check up," he said timidly before glancing at her. "I hope this serves as a warning to you, Miss. I don't want dishonest employees in my airlines."
Mas naiyak si Delilah, she's weeping while some employees are helping her go to the clinic. Sumulyap naman na ako kay Papa na bumuntonghininga lang at bumaling sa akin.
"T-thank you, Pa..." I tried my best not to cry but my voice shook.
"You did nothing wrong," he said and looked around. "Go back to work." Malamig niyang sabi sa mga nakikiusyoso na mabilis na naglaho.
"What happened?" sabay kaming napalingon nang dumating ang Kuya, he's wearing his white uniform, parehas sila ni Papa roon.
"Check on your sister first, Marcus," ani Papa na seryoso bago bumaling sa akin. "I'll go now, I have a flight. Take care."
He turned his back on us.
Habang pinagmamasdan namin siyang palayo ay bigla akong inakbayan ni Kuya.
"What's up, princess? What happened?"
"He... believed me, Kuya." I blurte and glanced at him, nakita kong nanlaki ang mata niya at biglang inabot ang pisngi ko.
"Why the heck are you crying?!" he gasped kaya ngumuso ako at natatawang suminghot at tinulungan siyang tuyuin ang luha ko.
"M-masaya lang ako..." I said softly. He smiled and pinched my cheek.
"Bati na kayo?" he asked me. I shook my head at him.
"H-hindi pa ata, eh." I sniffed.
"Tigas talaga ulo niyan," aniya at bumaling sa pwestong pinag-alisan ni Papa. "May sabihin akong secret, ah?"
Nagtatakang tumitig ako sa kanya at inayos niya ang hat ko bago nagsalita.
"Pinalo 'yan ng walis tambo ni Mama kagabi sa puwet," aniya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"What the... really? Why?" I asked.
"He wants to check on you, badly, kaso si Mama ang pinapapunta niya, balitaan daw siya kaya nagalit si Mama, hinabol siya ng walis tambo sa bahay kagabi." He laughed at bigla na rin akong napatawa roon at napailing.
My family advised me on going to the family get together this coming week. Pagkababa ko pa lang ng shuttle ay inayos ko na ang buhok ko, dahil nga maiksi ang buhok ko ay hindi na necessary na nakapusod kaya hindi ko na rin siya inaangat madalas. I remembered how Scira and Zire freaked out when they saw me with my hair.
Kinain ko ang huling cookie na natira sa pack ko at nilusot ang kamay sa bag na dala para kunin ang phone nang may makapa ako sa loob na parang maliit.
My forehead creased, kinuha ko iyon at inangat bago nilaglag sa ere at nagitla nang makita ang kwintas na ibinigay ni Chance na hinubad ko at itinapon lang sa bag. My heart tugged painfully at the sight of the necklace.
"Daru..." I froze when I heard a voice, mabilis akong napalingon at makita si Chance.
"W-what are you..." my voice quivered, I felt like my stomach would churn with just the sight of him.
If he looked restless the last time, he's the worst now. Kumalabog ang puso ko nang makita siyang mas papalapit.
Paano ako nalaman na rito dadaan? I changed my path kasi palagi siyang nakaabang at ngayon ay nakalapit na nga!
"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" I spat.
"L-let's just talk..." He moistened his lip and brushed his hair. "P-please, parang-awa mo na."
"How dare you talk about that, huh?" I tasted the bitterness on my voice. "Awa? Bakit kita bibigyan no'n kung ako nga'y 'di mo binigyan?"
My heart flinched when I saw a lone tear fall on his left eye. "P-please, Daru?"
He's a good fucking actor.
I sighed and shook my head.
"Umalis ka na. Wala kang mapapala sa akin." I tried moving away but he pulled me back, napasinghap ako roon at akmang bubulyawan na siya pero nawala ang boses ko nang makita siyang unti-unting lumuhod sa harapan ko.
"W-what the hell..." My voice shook. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"P-parang-awa mo na," his voice broke, taking my two hands. Naramdaman ko ang panginginig niya habang idinidikit ang mukha roon. "P-please, I'm sorry... I'm begging you, please don't leave me."
"L-let go," mariing sabi ko at pilit kinuha ang kamay ko pero mas humigpit ang hawak niya roon.
"D-Daru, please. I-I need you..." he cried desperately now, his voice broken. Naramdaman ko ang patak ng luha niya sa mga kamay ko. It made me emotional too but I refused to be fragile again in front of him.
"I-I need you, please, don't leave me..." he cried.
"G-guess what?" I said coldly. "I don't need you, Chance. I don't need you anymore."
"N-no..." He lifted his face and stared at me with bloodshot eyes. "P-please don't do this."
"I would. You need me? To hell with you, I don't need you," I said with disdain. "I will never need you again, you hear me? Never."
Nang hinila ko na ang kamay ko ay nakita ko kung paano siya nanlumo. Mabilis ang paghinga ko nang umatras ako at pinagmasdan siyang nakaluhod pa rin.
"See this?" With my shaking hands, I lifted my palm where the necklace was and showed it to him. "I don't need this, I don't need you."
I saw how mouth parted when I walked to the closest trash can, nilingon ko siyang muli at inihulog ang kwintas sa basurahan.
"I hope to never see you again, okay?" malamig kong sabi at mabilis na tinalikuran siya at pumasok na sa building.
I was so composed, unmoving, and almost not breathing but it all faded when I got into the elevator. The moment it closed, my tears fell uncontrollably.
I promised myself not to stressed about it again but I failed, iyak ako nang iyak pagkarating ko sa unit at napansin kong mas lumala lang at mas naging sensitive ako sa mga bagay-bagay noong nalaman kong buntis ako.
I tried my best to be cheerful when I got into the simple get together with our grandparents. It's always our tradition, simula bata pa lang kami ay hilig na nila Mama at ng buong pamilya na magsama-sama kami para mag-bond lang, kainan, inuman o mga bagay na gano'n.
There are times where my cousins and I are doing sleepovers, watching movies, swim for fun sa bahay ng isa sa mga pinsan of choice namin. Minsan sa ancestral house kami nina Mama Lena at Papa Jer dahil may malaki silang room for all of us, isa pa kapag na kina Mama Lena kami ay maraming pagkain.
"Bakla!" My cousins screamed when they saw me.
I laughed, halos takbuhin ko na sila para lang makayakap dahil ngayon ko lang silang nakitang muli.
"Kumusta ka?!" They exclaimed happily and I flashed a sweet smile at them.
"Ayos na ayos!" I giggled, nagbeso ako sa kanila at ngumisi.
"Ang blooming talaga, mas nag-bloom ka sa short hair, bakla!" tili ni Zirena habang hawak-hawak ang buhok ko.
"Bagay ba?" I even flipped my hair and winked.
"Hot!" Scira giggled and hugged my waist.
Kapit-kapit kaming tatlo papasok sa loob, I can already smell the foods being cooked inside the kitchen, natakam ako kaagad.
"What are they cooking?"
"Ah, madami! Super yummy!" Zire cheered. "Dad is the one cooking with Tito Thorn and Tita Reah."
"Sina Tita Thallia?" I asked and looked around when I noticed them missing.
"Ay, wala pa, male-late ata," ani Scira sa akin kaya ngumiti ako.
"Shit, nand'yan na si Miss Beauty Queen!" Napatawa na ako nang tumigil sa pagsayaw si Kuya Zion na ginagaya ang dance steps ng music video ng isang K-pop group sa TV para aliwin si Queen Scira at Audette sa sofa.
"Dadaan ang reyna!" Kuya Deion laughed kaya rumampa pa ako sa harapan nila at inilagay ang kamay sa baywang.
My other cousins whistled, Kuya Macky chuckled while shaking his head kaya nag-peace sign na ako.
"Hello, everyone! I missed you all!" I cheered happily and walked towards Kuya Zion first since he's the closest to me, he hugged me back and even messed with my hair.
"Ngayon lang ulit kita nakita, good girl, ah? 'Di ka sumama sa sleepover no'ng nakaraan! Naihi ang Kuya mo sa salawal kasi natakot sa movie—"
"Gago, nakakahiya naman daw sa tili mo, Zion," ani Kuya Macky na bumusangot pa.
"Luh, Macky-beybe, hindi ako takot, ah?!" he whined.
"He's afraid of the movie," ani Kuya Deion na inilahad ang braso sa akin. "He's actually the one who pissed on his pants, Daru."
"Kuya!" tawag ko sabay yakap sa kanya.
He laughed and messed with my hair, nang humiwalay ako sa kanya ay nag-kiss ako sa cheeks ni Kuya Macky bago sugurin ang dalawang batang nag-aagawan na ng Barbie sa sofa.
"Oh, no, babies. Don't fight, hmm?" I hummed and knelt on the ground, kissing the two kids.
"Ate!" Audette giggled.
"Hi, 'te! Pretty ka!" Queen smiled at me too kaya hinalikan ko silang dalawa bago naupo sa gitna nila para 'di na mag-agawan sa Barbie.
"Bagay na bagay pala sa 'yo ang short hair, Daru!" ani Kuya Zion na nilingon ako at nagsisimula na namang gayahin ang dance steps sa TV.
"Really?" I smiled.
"Yeah, 'di ba?" aniya na tinanong ang dalawang lalaki na tumango.
"Come on, kids! Gayahin n'yo si Kuya sa steps!" Kuya Zion said and I shook my head in amusement nang nag-uunahan pababa sa sofa ang dalawang bulingit at nakikipagpaligsahan na sa pagsayaw doon kay Kuya sa gitna.
I greeted my cousins, uncles, and aunts. My grandparents are there too, busying themselves in the kitchen while laughing at Tito Zeijan's jokes and wittiness.
"Hi, princess." Mama smiled when she saw me kaya dali-dali akong lumapit at humalik.
"Hello, Ma. I miss you," I said softly and hugged her.
The girls and I busied ourselves in watching a quick movie while waiting for Ate Crest and Adira to get here, medyo na-delay ata sila ng punta dahil may problema raw ata at nasa presinto ang Ate ngayon but I know they'll be fine, pamilya ni Tito Iñigo pa ba?
They have a bunch of lawyers, from Tito to Kuya Chiel down to the aspiring one, Adira na inaantay na lang ang results sa bar exam.
The movie we're watching is scary, it's a creepy Halloween movie where the serial killer is in the loose at kahit tili nang tili ang mga pinsan ko ay natutulala lang ako, walang pumapasok sa utak kung hindi ang mga problema.
Naramdaman kong may sumandal sa balikat ko, napalingon ako at nakita si Scira.
"You okay?" she suddenly asked while staring at me.
"Oo naman, bakit hindi?" I chuckled a bit before smiling at her pero hindi siya ngumiti at tinitigan lang ako.
"You have a problem," she concluded kaya natigilan ako pero napangisi rin at umiling para ipakita sa kanyang ayos lang ako.
"Nothing's wrong, Scira. I'm fine."
"Oh?" She stared at me. "Sige nga, kumusta 'yong nagdadala sa'yo sa langit?"
It stunned me, tumiim ang bagang pero kinalma ang sarili.
"Alam mo kung anong nangyayari sa dinadala sa langit?" I asked kaya kumunot ang noo niya.
"Huh?"
"Iniiwan sa ere," I hinted her with the truth but laughed afterwards. "Charot! Tara, nuod na tayo movie. Malapit na iyong patayan!"
"Narinig ko 'yon, ah?" ani Zire sa kabilang gilid ko kaya nilingon ko siya at nginitian.
"It's nothing—"
"Oh, don't fool us, Darsh. Sometimes, the pain will reflect in your eyes no matter how much you mask it with a smile," she said before slowly hugging my arm. "Basta bakla, nandito lang kami kapag may problema ka, hmm?"
It made me smile. I nodded.
"Thank you," I said softly.
"Para saan pa ang team bakla kung mag-iiwanan tayo sa ere?" ani Scira na nakangiti sa akin. "Men might leave you hanging in the air alone pero ang pamilya, hindi ka iiwan."
"Okay, team marupokpok, assemble!" ani Zire na inilahad ang kamay niya kaya natatawang humawak kami roon.
"Hoy, 'di ako marupok, ah?" I said and laughed when they glared at me.
"Ikaw leader, Darshana. Innocent pa lang kami nagmu-mukbang ka na," ani Zire sa akin. "Damayan natin ang leader ng marupopok fam!" She giggled kaya natawa na kaming dalawa.
We talked for a bit. I can see my cousins really having fun with the family. Nakikisabay din naman ako sa kasiyahan pero wala lang siguro talaga lang akong lakas sa ngayon.
I can see how much happy Zirena is with her fiancé, I can see how Scira got annoyed when Tito Thorn teased her suitor, Warren to Kuya Deion at baka kakalembang daw pero nagtatawanan din sa huli. I saw my mother carrying Audette while talking to my other aunties, having fun too.
Si Papa ay nakikipagbatuhan ng basahan kay Tito Zeijan na ngayon ay nag-iihaw na ng barbeque. Si Tito Thorn ang tagapigil sa dalawa pero hindi matahimik at halos magtusukan pa ng barbeque stick.
Tito Iñigo even attempted to stopped the two from fighting pero natapunan lang siya ng basahan sa mukha kaya sumigaw na.
"You two!" he screamed out loud kaya napahagalpak na ako habang nanunuod nang magsitakbuhan ang tatlo papunta sa mga asawa na nagke-kwentuhan din sa hindi kalayuan.
"Oh, Daru? Why don't you join your cousins?" Napabaling ako sa gilid at nakita si Mama Lena na marahang nauupo sa tabi ko.
"Hi, Mama." I smiled at my beautiful grandmother. I kissed her cheek and hugged her at hinaplos niya ang buhok ko at humalik sa noo ko.
"Hello, princess. Nandoon ang mga pinsan mo sa pool, oh? Bakit hindi ka sumama at mag-isa ka rito?" She asked when she noticed me sitting alone in the bench.
"I'm just not in the mood po," I said. "Niyaya po ako kanina kaso sabi ko na dito muna ako para magpahinga saglit, maybe I'll join them later."
"Hmm," she hummed and touched my hand. "I noticed you not talking that much with your father, is everything fine between the two of you?" I noticed her voice laced with concern kaya tumango ako.
"Opo, Ma. We just had a misunderstanding po. Nagkataasan po ng boses tapos hindi nagkapansinan, gusto ko po sana humingi rin ng sorry kaso po hindi ko po kaya, natatakot po ako."
"And your father? Did he say sorry?" he asked and I sadly shook my head.
I didn't expect it when she chuckled, nagtatakang pinagmasdan ko lang siya pero umiling siya sa akin at pinisil ang kamay ko.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Daru. I just realized your father is still such a baby kahit ang tanda na." She smiled at me. "Honestly, you know why your Tito Zeijan calls him Dash-beybe? It's because a lot of times, he's acting like one."
"What do you mean po?"
"You see, he's the youngest of the boys. It may look like Zeijan is the one who's... you know?" Natawa si Mama Lena. "Your Papa would still be the youngest between the three boys. Noong bata pa sila, madalas mag-away 'yan sina Dash at Zeijan, asaran lang naman pero mabilis mapikon 'yang Papa mo."
"Oh..." Natawa ako, "I noticed it too, Mama. He really has a short temper."
"That's right, Zeijan is the cocky one, Zidney is the chick one, right? Magkambal nga minsan 'yang Tito Zeij at Tita mo sa kalokohan. Your Tito Iñigo is strict when it comes to disciplining the younger ones but he is so soft, I swear. Sa kanilang lahat, your Papa is the proud one, ma-pride iyan." Hearing it from my grandma is amazing, ganyan pala talaga ang ugali ni Papa.
"He rebelled one time, when he found out he's about to marry a girl he didn't know for business, to save the airport." She smiled and my eyes widened upon hearing that.
"He... did?" I asked. "Pero si Mama..."
"No, Mama is a different girl. You know your father was blind before, right?" she asked. I nodded. "Nagrebelde ang Papa mo, ayaw pakasal sa babaeng sinabi namin. He said he'll save the airlines alone without anyone's help. He got into an accident, dahilan kaya nawala ang paningin niya. He refused help, kahit bulag ang Papa mo noon ay ayaw na ayaw niya ng tulong. He didn't like it if he feels useless."
Tumango ako at nakinig.
"He never begged, Daru. Your Papa, kung kaya niya gagawin niyang mag-isa, na walang hinihinging tulong ng iba. He's a proud man, hindi 'yan basta-bastang hihingi ng tawad kahit minsan ay mali na siya. Kapag nag-aaway sila ng Tito Zeij mo noong bata pa sila, si Zeij ang hihingi ng tawad at ang Papa mo parang siya 'yong tipong... magpatayan muna tayo bago 'ko hihingi ng sorry."
That made us laugh both.
"His mouth is uncontrollable too, you know? He speaks without thinking kaya if may nasabi man ang Papa mo, bugso lang iyon ng damdamin at hindi niya iyon gusto. He never begged, he never asked anyone for help. Alam mo, the first time I heard him ask us for help is when he hurt your Mama..." M as naging interesado ako roon.
"What happened po?"
"Nagkagalit silang dalawa ng Mama, your Papa said something harsh that your mother wanted to go back to Sta. Monica. That night, your Papa cried to us ng Papa Jer mo, pumunta siya sa kwarto at nag-iiyak na tulungan namin siya sa pagsalba ng airlines para hindi na niya pakakasalan iyong babaeng papakasalan niya dapat. He wanted to be with your mother and of course, it's love, he's our son so we helped him get his happy ending."
"He... did that for Mama?" I asked, feeling like a kid hearing a fairytale with happy endings.
"Yes, my princess." She smiled and brushed my short hair. "He loves your mother so much, he loves the family so much. He's overprotective of you, naalala ko noong bata ka pa? Ang Papa mo ayaw kang bitawan, bata pa lang ang Kuya Macky mo, may samahan na sila ni Dash na anti-manliligaw para sa 'yo."
It made me laugh but then I also began shedding a tear.
"Talk to your Papa, paluin ko rin 'yang Papa mo sa puwet kapag nakausap ko mamaya at tumandang paurong ata at matigas pa rin ang ulo. Kapag ayaw kasi niyan, ayaw niya." She chuckled. "Fix it, ikaw din, h'wag matigas ang ulo, okay? Listen to your parents. H'wag kang magmana sa tatay mong kahoy sa tigas ng ulo."
"Opo..." I smiled.
"Oh, ang Lolo mong pabida, nan'dyan," ani Mama kaya napalingon ako at nakita si Papa Jer na paparating at malayo pa lang ay pinagmamasdan na kaming dalawa.
I chuckled when I saw him, he kissed my head and sat beside me too kaya nasa gitna nila akong dalawa.
"What's the princess and the queen talking about, hmm?" Papa asked.
"Oh, your granddaughter and your son have a misunderstanding. Alam mo naman si Dash at matigas ang ulo," ani Mama.
Napailing si Papa.
"Your Papa loves you so much, Daru." Papa Jer smiled at me, his blue eyes glistened. "I'll talk some sense to him, hmm? If he apologizes, I hope you would, too."
"Opo," I said, sumandal ako kay Lolo, kinakagat ang labi. "Ma, Papa... can I confide on you?" I suddenly asked kaya natahimik ang dalawa.
"Of course. What is it, princess?" Mama asked kaya humugot ako ng hininga at umayos ng upo, I glanced at Papa Jer and saw him staring seriously at me.
"I-I know you'll get mad at me for this pero po I wanted this out of my chest kasi po super bigat na..." I said and glanced at him. "S-sasabihin ko rin po kina Mama pero po sa inyo muna..."
Maybe I looked so nervous that Papa Jer took my shaking hand and squeezed it.
"It's okay, princess, tell us. We won't tell your Papa since it's your story to tell, confide to us if you want it out of your chest, okay? H'wag mong hayaang maipon ang bigat at malunod ka."
My tears fell, nakita ko ang lungkot sa mata ni Mama at hinawi ang luha ko. "Come on, Darshana, you can trust us."
"I-I'm..." I sniffed. "I-I'm pregnant po..." I said and that's when I sobbed harder.
I saw how shocked filled their eyes, si Papa Jer ay natahimik pero hindi binitawan ang kamay ko.
"Oh, my princess...we love you, be strong, okay?" Mama hugged me and I felt Papa Jer hugging us after a while.
"We'll protect you, Darshana, okay? Be strong and don't hide secrets from your family, iiwan ka na ng lahat pero kami, hindi namin gagawin iyon," bulong ni Papa kaya mas napaluha na ako.
–
DAYS passed by and it became harder for me, Chance kept on pestering me, palagi niya akong susubuking kausapin sa labas ng condo unit ko kaya sa huli'y umuwi na lang ako sa bahay namin kung saan maraming security at hindi siya makakalapit.
My father and I are casual but we still don't talk that much to each other. Mama and him reconciled but Mama's still annoyed with him from being tough like a brick, naaabutan ko nga minsan na binabatukan siya ni Mama kapag nag-go-goodnight ako at I love you sa kanila pero tatango lang si Papa at ngunguso.
My morning sickness got worse na minsan sa eroplano'y nagsusuka ako sa banyo dahil umiikot ang tiyan ko kapag nagte-take off na. I was so sensitive and moody and it was annoying me at times.
Still, I love cookies, so much. I'm doing my best to help the house helps cook kapag maaga akong nakakauwi para healthy ang pagkain ko. I reduced my sweet intakes—except cookies, and drank vitamins and milk to keep my sweet little pea strong in times I am weak.
Kuya Macky is busy, may flight madalas parehas sila ni Papa kaya kami nina Mama at Dette ang naiiwan sa bahay.
I was still gathering enough courage to tell them my current situation but it was too late and I wasn't ready when Papa confronted me.
Late na akong nakarating sa bahay. I was still wearing the casual clothes I wore earlier when I went to the OB to check on my baby's health and good thing, my sweet pea is doing great.
"Kuya?" I asked when I saw my brother when I got inside the house.
"Papa's office, now," malamig niyang sabi kaya kumalabog na ang puso ko at kinabahan.
I tried reading his expression but his emotions were blank. Madilim ang kanyang mukha kaya nakurot ko ang daliri ko.
"W-why?" I asked.
He sighed and shook his head at me.
"Fix yourself and follow me," malamig niyang sabi at umalis na.
I was anxious, inayos ko ang buhok ko at ang blouse bago sumunod sa kanyang maglakad patungo sa office. My heart is hammering inside my chest, kurot-kurot pa ang daliri.
He opened the office door and I heard Papa's strict voice.
"Ang kapatid mo?" malamig niyang sabi.
"She's here," Kuya said and opened the door widely to let me in.
I was nervous but I still managed to flash a smile, si Mama ay nakaupo sa sofa na napatayo ng makita ako.
"Good evening po, Mama." I glanced at my father. "P-pa..." I said before putting my bag on the table.
Wala silang reaksyon. My mother sighed and brushed her hair, si Papa nama'y malamig ang tingin sa akin at doon ako kinabahan. The coldness on his eyes reminded me of that scene way back, when I fought with Lilah, only that, it intensified now.
Anong mayro' n?
Nang isinara ni Kuya ang pinto ay tumalon ang puso ko, pasimpleng humawak ako sa tiyan ko at bumaling kay Papa.
"B-bakit po?" I asked.
"What's this?" he asked coldly and gave me his phone. "Explain, now."
My heart hammered inside my chest and my mouth parted when I saw what's spreading online, it was my nude painting. Kaagad akong nanginig at ini-scan ang picture na kinuha sa painting ko at wala roon ang pirma ni Chance na halatang nilabuan.
How...
"P-pa..." My voice shook and stared at him.
His eyes were bloodshot. He was frustrated and offered his hand back.
"Give it back," he demanded.
But I didn't and clicked the comments of the viral post to scroll and read.
Nice tits!
Sexy naman! Patikim naman ng katawan!
'Di ba ito 'yong sa anak ng may ari ng airlines? Sarap naman! 🤤
Miss, magkano isang gabi? Patikim naman!
Hindi ko na natapos ang pagbabasa nang mawalan ng lakas ang kamay ko't kinuha sa 'kin ni Papa ang phone niya.
I watched his expression and noticed he was mad and hurt at the same time.
"What the fuck was that, woman?!" he exclaimed frustratedly.
"P-pa..." Nanginig ang boses ko. "T-that's just art..."
"Art?! I don't care if it's a fucking bullshit art, Sandejas!" he screamed.
"Dash, calm down..." Mama, despite her trembling voice tried calming him.
"How can I calm down, Kaia?!" Papa brushed his hair frustratedly. "Ang anak mo!"
"T-that's art po." I bit my lip, in the verge of tears. "H-hindi po ako nabastos—"
"Hindi?!" His enraged eyes glared at me. "Read the fucking comments and tell me you aren't!"
"N-no'ng ginawa po ito, I-I did it wholeheartedly, I wasn't forced. M-may mga nude art po talaga—"
"I said, I don't fucking care of the art bullshit if morons are sexualizing you, Darshana!" Galit niyang sigaw, I saw how tear escaped his eyes kaya napaluha na rin ako.
"P-papa..." I sobbed.
"Wala akong pakialam sa art na 'yan kung ang kapalit ay babastusin ang anak ko!" Halos magwala na siya roon kaya napatakip ako sa bibig. Mama couldn't help but tear up, si Kuya ay dumilim ang mukha at napatungo.
"Wala akong pakialam d'yan kung babastusin ng mga tang inang 'yan ang prinsesa ko sa social media, Darshana!" his voice started breaking. "T-tang ina nila...w-wala silang karapatang bastusin ka..."
"P-papa..." My voice trembled. I cried hard while covering my mouth. "S-sorry po..."
"H-hindi kita prinotektahan para lang bastusin ng mga g-gagong 'yan!" Napatili ako bigla ng hinawi niya ang gamit sa kanyang lamesa.
"Dash!" Mama called, shaking.
"Pa..." Kuya Macky tried calming him down but no one could calm him down.
"Tang ina! Papatayin ko sila!" sigaw niyang galit doon at sinipa ang lamesa niya kaya bumaligtad iyon.
"S-sorry, Papa..." I cried louder and shook my head. "S-sorry po, M-mama, K-kuya..."
"Tang ina..." Papa cried harder and tried stopping himself from losing his grip but his tears were unstoppable, hinawi niya ang kanyang luha at nakita ko ang panginginig niya kaya niyakap siya ni Mama.
"D-Dash Rakiel, calm down..." Mama tried consoling him but she was crying too.
"K-Kaia, 'y-yong prinsesa..." tunog nagsusumbong siya kay Mama kaya mas nanghina na ako at nanginig. "H-hindi siya p'wedeng b-bastuhin, p-papatayin ko sila..."
"P-papakulong natin sila, okay?" Mama calmed him down but he was trembling so badly.
Kuya Macky is crying too, nang sulyapan ko siya at hinawi niya ang luha at nakakuyom ang kamay.
"S-sorry po,"
Papa closed his eyes, crying hard while Mama is hugging him. I felt so bad because of that kaya napatakip lang ako sa bibig ko at kinagat ang labi ko.
"S-sorry... sorry po." I cried and covered my eyes, terrified of everything. "S-sorry..."
Bakit kailangang mangyari sa 'kin 'to? Bakit?
"W-what's this? Darshana?" I heard my brother kaya ibinaba ko ang palad.
Napatingin kami sa kanyang lahat at parang nahulog ang puso ko nang makita ang hawak niya, bumaba ang tingin ko sa lapag at nakita ang bag kong nahulog at ang nagkalat na mga gamit.
"K-kuya..." bulong ko at nanigas ang katawan.
"Give it to me." Mabilis na kinuha iyon ni Papa sa kanyang kamay bago ako marahas na nilingon. Surprise and confusion played in his eyes until it was replaced with fear.
"W-what's this, Darshana?" mariing sabi niya, pinapakita sa akin ang ultrasound picture.
I couldn't answer. I tried but no words came out of my mouth.
Mas napahagulgol na ako, umiling-iling kay Papa at halos lumuhod na sa harapan niya para humingi ng tawad.
"S-sorry po, sorry!" I cried loudly and fisted my hand on my chest. "S-sorry..."
"A-are you p-pregnant?" His voice broke.
Slowly and painfully, I nodded. My mother cried violently this time too, nabitawan ni Papa ang ultrasound picture at panibagong luha ay nahulog sa kanyang mata.
"S-saan ako nagkulang sa'yo, Darshana?" aniyang nanghihina kaya umiling-iling ako sa kanya.
"S-sorry po..."
"Where's the damn father?" mariing sabi niya at nakagat ko ang labi ko. "Where's the fucking father, Darshana?!" sigaw niya kaya napatalon ako.
"W-wala po..." I cried and shook my head at him. "W-wala..."
"Tang ina..." he cursed brutally and closed his eyes. The painful expression was etched on his face.
My father is so strong but seeing him now shaking in rage and fear, it was making me feel badly ill.
I disappoint him again. I've hurt him. Again.
"S-sorry, Pa..."
"'Y-yong lalaking 'yon ba?" aniya at nang tumango na ako ay mas nanginig siya sa galit. "A-anong sinabi ko sa 'yo? I warned you about that man, haven't I?!" mariing sabi niya, nahuhulog pa rin ang luha kaya tumango ako.
"S-sorry po, Papa..." I wailed, fisting my hand. "I-I loved him b-but..." My voice shook as I cried harder, couldn't even finish my words.
"I-I didn't protect you only to get hurt by these assholes, you know?" Napasandal na si Papa sa kanyang lamesa at sinabunutan ang buhok, frustrated.
Mama sat on the sofa, crying while shaking kaya mabilis na lumapit si Kuya sa kanya para patahanin.
"H-hindi kita prinotektahan para lang s-saktan ng gagong 'to," he muttered painfully.
Taas-baba lang ang dibdib ko para ikalma ang sarili, itinago ko ang kamay sa likod ko para hindi manginig at pinisil ang daliri.
"H-hindi ba ako naging mabuting ama sa 'yo, D-Daru?" His bloodshot eyes stared at me weakly. "A-am I a useless father?"
"N-no..." I shook my head. "I-it's not your fault, P-papa. A-ako po... ako."
"O-or am I too much?" he whispered to himself. "A-am I hurting you too, anak?"
I broke down at that, naitago ko ang mukha ko sa palad ko at mas napahikbi.
"I-I just didn't want you to get h-hurt. I don't want you to lose everything you worked so hard f-for. A-ayaw kong masasaktan ka ng mga tao... pero nasaktan ka pa rin..." he said painfully. "W-what kind of father am I?"
"P-pa..." I sobbed. "S-sorry po, s-sorry 'di ako nakinig..."
He didn't speak after that, tanging ang iyakan lang namin ang naririnig sa opisina. My Mom is sobbing with my brother comforting him, si Papa ay nakatulala lang sa lapag, patuloy na nahuhulog ang luha.
We heard knocks, tumayo ang Kuya at binuksan ang pintuan at narinig ko ang isa sa mga kasama namin sa bahay na nagsalita.
"S-sir, p'wede pong makiistorbo?" aniyang nanginginig kaya hinawi ko ang luha at bumaling doon.
Kuya glanced at Dad pero wala sa sarili si Papa kaya tumango si Kuya, Mama covered her face with her palm and lowered her head.
I'm sorry... I'm sorry po kung puro disappointment lang ang hatid ko.
"S-sir?" I noticed the house help crying at doon napabaling sa kanya si Papa na walang reaksyon at pagod na nakasandal.
"S-sir Dash, M-Ma'am Reah, m-may tumawag po galing sa ancestral house..." aniyang nanginginig.
"What..." I heard Kuya's voice hitching. "W-what happened?"
"S-si Sir Ejercito po," she cried. "S-si Sir po, wala na..." My heart dropped and I saw how my father sat there, unmoving, another batch of tears pooling down his cheek.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co