Kabanata 29 (Part One)
Hindi sana ako magkakaroon ng parts sa SE pero... hahaha! I know you'll love naman na medyo nag-e-extend ang chapters so... enjoy! This is unedited.
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Kabanata 29 (Part One)
Mayor Nash, na nag-level-up na raw ayon kay Sol na dati ay cast sa Going Bulilit, ay pinagbigyan kaming dalawang maghabol na lang ng requirements na ipapasa. We've finished a few documents with our personal info.
"Push na 'yan!" hagikhik ni Liza, "OMG ka, Admin Sol! 'Di mo man lang jinowa muna! Pinakasalan mo pa kaagad ang idol natin! Ikaw na! Ikaw na ang pinakaswerteng kalalakihan sa balat ng lupa!"
Nash grinned at Sol, "congrats in advance, Sol, pare. 'Di mo na baa ko ibabalik sa Going Bulilit?"
"Gago, hindi na," tumawa si Sol, "pero baka si Liza, oo. Kung 'di mo pa yayayain magpakasal."
Liza froze.
"H-Hoy!" she hissed, her cheeks blushing. "'Di kaya—"
"Tara, babe?" Nash smirked at her and fixed his suit, "maybe we could be the seventeenth couple for today—"
"Gagi!" she blushed more, "s-sinong mag-kakasal kung tayo rin?! Next year na, uy!"
She glared sideways at Sol who only grinned and shrugged, tinapik niya ang balikat ni Nash.
"Bilis-bilisan mo na, Mayor," he said, "maraming naghahabol d'yan kay Admin L—basher nga lang sa fan page."
I burst out laughing when Liza almost stabbed my fiancée with the pen.
Iniwan namin sila para mag-asikaso at nag-usap para naman magpaalam kay Fritzy na walang kaalam-alam sa nangyayari. We watched her eating while animatedly telling her adventures in Aussie accent.
"Anak," kahit alam kong ayos lang kay Fritzy ay kinabahan pa rin ako habang tinatawag niya ang atensyon ng anak.
Fritzy's pretty black eyes glanced at us, her smile immediately widened.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Well, Papa just wanted to ask for something," ani Sol at marahan akong inabot.
I intertwined my fingers with his, moving closer and beside him.
Nagtatakang pinagmasdan kami ni Fritzy pero inangat aang marshmallow na hawak at inilapit sa labi ko. I took it, smiling.
"Thanks, sweety," hinaplos ko ang buhok niya.
"Anything for my Mama," she answered me back and walked closer until she's hugging my waist.
Muli kong sinulyapan si Sol. Habang hinahaplos ko ang buhok ni Fritzy ay iningat niya ang tingin sa ama.
"What is it, Papa?" she asked, her lips protruding. "Pa-suspense naman."
Napatawa ako. Inangat ni Fritzy ang tingin sa akin bago maamong ngumiti, sa ginawang iyon ay mas napansin ko ang pagkakahawig nila ng Papa niya.
"Mama, is Pookie in the house with the baby piglets?"
"Yes, Fritzy," tumango ako at pinisil ang pisngi niya. "They missed you, I'm sure they're excited to see you."
"So..." Solomon started again kaya sabay na naming tinignan ni Fritzy, huling-huli ang kaba sa mukha niya.
"Yes?" tumaas na ang kilay ni Fritz, "mukha ka pong natatae, Papa,"
Napatawa na ako. Namula ang mukha ni Sol nang mapansing miski sina Liza at Nash ay naririnig na pala kami.
"Sabihin mo na kasi," ani Liza, "for sure naman game na game ang aming baby Fritzy, 'di ba, Fritz?"
I gave Sol a nod. Ginagap niya ang palad ng anak bago lumuhod sa harapan nila at hinanap ang mata niya.
"Papaalam lang sana ako sa 'yo, Fritzy," marahang sinabi ni Sol, "as you see, may event ngayong kasalang bayan sina Tita Liza mo and I am thinking and asking for your permission to marry your Mama Sibyl."
Fritzy stiffened. Natulala siya saglit at 'di nakapagsalita kaya kinabahan din ako.
"Fritzy—"
"But I don't have a dress..." biglang reklamo niya. I heaved a deep breath, napatawa na ako at napasinghap si Sol, muntik pang mawalan ng balanse sa lapag.
"You mean," tumitig si Sol sa anak, "is it okay?"
"Why not naman po?" she smiled brightly, "I would prefer not having a mother at all if it's not my Mama Sib." She glanced at me, "'di ba po, Mama Sib? I'm your baby Fritzy? Always?"
My eyes stung. Nag-squat din ako ng bahagya para makita nang buo ang kanyang mukha, tumatango.
"Of course," I smiled gently. "Of course, you are my baby. You are my very talented and amazing little ballerina. I-I would be very happy having you as my daughter."
Habang nakatitig sa akin ay lumipat ang tingin niya sa kanyang Papa bago kinagat ang labi. We panicked when a tear fell on her cheek, akmang aabutin iyon ni Sol pero inunahan siya ni Fritzy na umiiling.
"N-No po, I was just h-happy," she whispered and watched the both of us. "Fritzy h-have both a loving Papa and a-amazing Mama, w-who won't be happy?"
"Fritzy..." hinawi ko rin ang luha habang nakatitig sa kanya.
"I grew up not knowing Papa's my Kuya. H-Hindi naman po ako naghahanap ng Mama at Papa po kasi happy na ako kay Kuya Sol ko at Nanay po. Tapos m-may Ate Sib pa ako kaya happy na po ako," she said, "I am contented with that but I n-never thought I'd be happier. Now because po I have my P-Papa Sol and Mama Sib."
She sniffed and held my hand after taking his father's palm. Inilapit niya ang mga palad namin sa maliit niyang mukha, ang namumungay at puno ng sayang mga mata ay nakatitig sa amin.
"Fritzy is l-lucky," she sniffed. "Lucky to h-have a loving family. To have my Mama and P-Papa. K-Kapag po ba kasal na kayo ni Mama po, Papa, official niya na po akong anak?"
Sol glanced my way. I nodded without hesitations.
"You've always been Mama Sibyl's little girl," I smiled. "You and your Papa, you are my freedom and I'm lucky, too, having such wonderful family."
"T-Then, I'm okay," she nodded, "nagplano pa nga lang ako p-po na pilitin si Papa na nunuod kaming shooting mo tapos kunwari po 'di namin expect pero plano talaga para liligawan ka ni Papa ulit."
Napatawa ako sabay sulyap kay Sol na puno ng aliw at pagmamahal habang pinapanuod ang anak na nagsasalita.
"Kaso po, super nga pala kayong mabilis na dalawa. Nasa plano pa lang ako po pagkauwi tapos po kayong dalawa kakasal na pala." She grinned then glanced at her father.
"Good job, Papa." Sabay tapik niya siya balikat nito. "Fritzy approves." Sabay thumbs-up niya.
The place got filled with laughter upon hearing her comments. Napapikit ako nang ibalot kami ni Sol ng mahigpit na yakap.
"Ang mag-ina ko," he breathed dreamily, "mahal na mahal ko kayo."
I inhaled and closed my eyes, feeling the warm comfort filling my chest as I hugged the two important people in my life.
"But, I don't have a dress," she suddenly whined, "dapat pretty ang baby ng Papa at Mama Sib ko!"
Everything went in place. Sobrang rush pang naghalughog si Liza ng mga damit para sa flower girl sa dresser nila at nang makita si Fritzy na suot-suot ang kulay purple na gown kagaya ng sa mga batang tatayong flower girls ngayon ay tumalon na ang puso ko.
"Mama! Papa!" she exclaimed and showed us her flower basket.
"Laki na ni Fritzy," natatawang sinabi ko sabay sulyap kay Sol. I fixed the collar of his shirt and brushed his hair.
"Tangkad," he answered. "She's nine now, you see. Madaldal na noon pero mas lalo na ngayon. Gustong-gustong paduguin ang ilong ko sa Ingles niya."
"She grew up beautifully," napapikit ako nang haplusin ni Sol ang pisngi ko habang nakapila kami sa labas at nag-aantay na makapasok sa pagsisimula ng wedding. "Just one look and you'll see how amazing her father was."
Sa pagmulat ko ng mata ay napansin kong hindi niya inaalis ang titig sa akin.
"Why? Gandang-ganda ka sa fiancée mo?"
"Nothing," he chuckled. "Simula talaga nang makilala kita ang dami ng naging instant sa buhay ko. Hindi lang instant coffee, instant boyfriend, instant fiancée at ngayon... instant asawa?"
I cackled. I clung on his neck as he drew me closer to his until our eyes are caging each other's.
"Ako ang instant coffee ng buhay mo, Mr. Alejo," ipinaraan ko ang ilong sa ilong niya. "But this instant, I swear to you would last for a lifetime."
"I wanted to give you an amazing wedding," idinikit niya ang noo sa akin. "But then, like you said, it wasn't the venue and event that is important. It's the person you're marrying."
He took my palm and gently brought it closer to his lips, "tho, I should've prepared for a ring in advance. Desidido kasi ako no'ng unang papabaril muna kay Pareng Zeijan para sa blessing kahit may tyansang nasa ataul na ako kapag kinasal tayo."
I chuckled more, "Daddy will be very ballistic but he can't do anything, anyway. Don't worry, kung may dala 'yong baril, fake naman."
"Pero mas magandang sigurado, angel ko," humalik siya sa gilid ng labi ko. "Papakasalan mo pa rin naman ako kahit malamig na bangkay na?"
"Idiot," I flicked his forehead, "h'wag kang advance mag-isip, ang problema natin ngayon, saan tayo kukuha ng singsing?"
"Fuck," napaayos siya ng tayo bigla. "Sana talaga tinodo ko na nang advance mangarap sa kasal natin."
I lifted my hand, "I have my fashion ring, baka p'wede na 'to—"
"Wait," he walked away, pinakialaman ang souvenirs doon sa may gilid na lamesa after wedding at nangunot ang noo ko nang bumalik siya sa akin na natatawa at inilalahad ang dalawang pirasong kulay gold na twist tie na pinagtatali sa souvenir sa kamay niya.
"What?" napatawa na ako.
"DIY wedding rings, angel," he winked handsomely. "Hindi lang ikaw ang may instant, ako rin may instant wedding ring."
We ended up laughing and hugging each other and with the deformed gold-colored twist tie, we tied the knot of our marriage.
Fritzy cried while hugging her flower basket. Si Liza ay sumisinghot din habang kinukuhaan kami ng litrato gamit ang camera at polaroid ko, itinataas ang kamay niya.
"Bata ko 'yan!" she screamed while Sol's tying the knot on my finger, "ang galing mo, Admin S! Lodi!"
I cried while laughing and as we sealed our promises of lifetime love, for better or for worst, with a kiss, I felt full of life.
The event was lively yet very intimate. Because of me, ang official photographer at si Liza lang ang pwedeng kumuha ng litrato para maiwasan ang kakalat na tungkol sa akin.
Tho, I don't really mind. They could talk to me all they want, nothing would make me less happy that right now.
"First family picture!" Liza exclaimed.
I grinned happily. Sa likod ng ginawa nilang altar na may nakalagay na: Sta. Monica. Kasalang Bayan ay pumwesto kami.
I am wearing simple, yet flowy white dress which was coincidentally appropriate for our instant wedding. Sol's on his formal black long sleeves at nang makalapit na si Fritzy na tumatalon ay mabilis niyang inabot.
He carried Fritzy on his arms, placed his other palm protectively on my waist and I hugged them both from Sol's waist, smiling sweetly.
"One... two..." Liza counted, "three! Smile, Alejo Family!"
It was the start of my happy family, my happy ending with my husband. Pero day one pa lang... mukhang maaga ata akong mabi-biyuda.
"Pretty ghourl? Surprise! Tsaran—" I froze on the spot the moment my eyes met my father's blue ones. He stiffened.
Umawang ang labi niya at sa panic ko ay sumigaw ako.
"Solomon! Salagubang!" sabay sampal ko sa mukha ng asawang bumalentong sa lakas ng palad ko.
"H-Huh?" madramang napahawak sa pisngi si Sol habang nanlalaki lang ang mata ko sa kaba at gulat.
Damn this palm! Hindi ata pipirmi kapag nagugulat!
"Pretty ghourl—"
But nightmares turned to reality when instead of magically appearing salagubang, a cockroach appeared.
"Ipis!" sigaw ko nang biglang lumipad sa may mukha ni Sol ang ipis kaya nasampal niya rin ang mukha.
I ran. Hell, I fucking ran!
Nakita ko kung paano namutla si Daddy habang pinapanuod si Sol na nangingisay na ata maalis lang ang pakiramdam ng ipis sa katawan niya.
"Dad!" I exclaimed, "Daddy, help—"
"Putang ina!" he screamed back and before I could reach the door, he closed it behind.
Dramatic song played inside my head. Nangisay ako sa pandidiri nang maramdaman ang pagdapo ng ipis sa balikat at mas sumigaw.
"Daddeh!" I screamed and smacked the door, "I swear if I—"
May tumamang malambot sa likod ko, napalingon ako at nakita ang unan sa paahan at si Sol na namimilog ang mata.
"What? Binabato mo ba 'ko, Solomon?" sikmat ko.
"No, angel!" umiling siya, "pinapaalis ko lang 'yong ipis—putang ina!" sabay takbo niya sa tabi ko at kalampag ng pintuan. "Pareng Zeijan!"
We panicked. I really hated the sight of a flying cockroach imitating a damn butterfly! The feeling of its tiny legs walking on my skin—I shivered.
The door opened. My Mommy's face came into view.
"Sibyl? Sol?" Mom called, confused. "Bakit—"
But she didn't get to finish her sentence when we ran away, nilalagpasan siya sabay takbo kay Daddy Pogi ko na nakataas na ang suot na sapatos at iniaangat sa ere.
We hid on his back.
"Saan? Saan?!" he exclaimed.
Mommy frowned at us from the door, namamaywang.
"What's with all of you?" tumaas ang kilay niya, nagtatakang naiirita. "Umagang-umaga kitang-kita ang ngala-ngala n'yo sa sigaw. Nakakahiya sa mga chicken and pigs—" she froze.
Sabay-sabay na namilog ang mata naming lahat nang makita ang ipis na nasa ulo na ni Mommy.
"M-Misis..." Dad called, "Misis, kumalma ka. H'wag kang magpa-panic..."
Mommy breathed soundly and blinked her eyes. The cockroach moved and walked on her hair that we can see her already losing her color.
"P-Papatayin mo ang ipis, Zeijan Ruais o ikaw ang papatayin ko?" she asked with danger on her voice.
"Ako..." tumikhim si Daddy, "akong bahala, misis ko! Stay put ka lang d'yan!" he moved away from us then lifted his shoes. "Misis, umiwas ka—"
"Are you fucking serious? Babatuhin mo ako ng sapatos mo?!" Mom was frantically panicking. Bumaba ang ipis sa may balikat na niya kaya miski ako'y kinakabahan.
No matter how brave and strong Daddy Pogi's family are, we have one weakness: cockroach na feeling butterfly.
"Sharpshooter ako, promise!" Dad exclaimed, "akong bahala, h'wag kang gagalaw—" but the cockroach flew from Mommy's shoulder to meet Daddy's face.
Mas nag-ingay na kaming lahat sa may gate. Mukhang tama nga ang sinabi dati ni Daddy na once upon a time, naghihiganti raw ang mga ipis. Kasi ngayon? Kinakarma ata kami at hinahabol kami ng lumilipad.
Halos sakyan ko na ang balikat ni Sol para magpabuhat sa kanya palayo. He was holding me and trying to shield me from the cockroach pero kapag lalapit na sa kanya, ako naman ang ginagawa niyang shield.
This idiot!
The cockroach then flew on the ground near the gate. Sabay-sabay kaming napasulyap doon at namilog ang mata nang makitang nakatayo doon si Twinkle na kumakagat ng lumpia.
"T-Twinkle..." Dad called, panicking. Alam kong gusto niyang isalba si Twinkle mula sa gumagapang na ipis papalapit sa paa nito.
Twinkle didn't even move, she continued munching on her food, oblivious of what's happening.
"Anak, h'wag kang magpa-panic!" Dad called and raised his hand, walking closer. "H'wag kang tatakbo sa kalsada!"
Horror filled my eyes as blood rushed on my veins when I saw the cockroach crawling closer to my little sister's feet and I was just preparing to scream and call Kuya Zion to save Twinkle when we heard a thump and saw on our very eyes what just happen.
Kaswal niyang tinapakan ang ipis gamit suot na umiilaw na rubber shoes.
"There, it's patay," Twinkle said and lifted her purple eyeglasses up on her head to look at us, as if weirded out. "Why kayo scared? Sa'n mayonnaise kow po?"
Twinkle is one of the kind. You couldn't deny how brave she was. Pagkatapos naming halos panawan na ng buhay sa ipis na 'yon ay kaswal lang siyang kumakain ng lumpia na sinawsaw sa mayonnaise habang kalong-kalong ni Kuya Zion at tinitirintas ang buhok niya.
Twinkle seemed pretty normal as a kid but she was closely and heavily guarded by unseen guards the family gave her. Not everyone knew about her existence, we did not even publicize about her for her safety.
She was attending with us sa mga intimate events ng pamilya pero kapag public ay umiiwas para na rin sa safety niya. She's usually staying with our parents but the danger their work had is quite alarming. 'Di kami p'wedeng magpakampante.
They might use our baby sister who unexpectedly came into our lives like a ball of sunshine against us. 'Di namin kakayanin kapag may nangyaring masama kay Twinkle kaya kung hindi kina Mommy, palitan kami ni Kuya Zion sa pagbabantay sa kanya.
She was always with me if I have overseas work or check-ups. We are safe in there at kapag narito sa Maynila ay nasa exclusive and high-security condominium siya ni Kuya Zy kung wala sina Mommy.
Minsan kapag nasa bahay si Zirena at kaming lahat ay nagkakasama rin sila ni Twinkle pero kagaya ko'y highly publicized ang buhay ng kapatid ko dahil isang sikat na journalist at vlogger din kaya hangga't maaari ay umiiwas na lumabas ang tungkol sa kapatid.
I wasn't sure how or what's the reason behind this tight security for our baby sister but I trust my parents. Nag-iingat lang sila marahil para 'di na maulit ang trahedyang nangyari sa akin.
We can't risk our brave little sunshine's safety. She must be protected. At all cost.
Kanina pa'y no'ng bago kami pumasok ay namaywang siya sa harapan ni Sol na ngumisi at pinantayan siya.
"Magandang umaga, Señorita Twinkle," he greeted.
"Hmm... senyowita..." she mumbled, then checked Sol from head to toe, nodding her head. "Ate Sib, gusto ko pow ito. Pogi."
I laughed and kissed her hard on the cheek, with Sol flushing in front of us.
"Good taste, baby," I greeted before entering the house.
"Tinalo pa tayo ng prinsesa," Mommy mumbled while glancing at Twinkle's smiling face. She was moving her feet back and forth while watching Totally Spies cartoon on television.
"S'yempre, misis, prinsesa natin kaya—"
Mom shot Dad a look, he whined and surrendered.
"Sorry na," lambing niya kay Mommy sabay halik sa pisngi nito.
We're seated on the couch. Pinupunasan ni Mommy ang likod ni Dad habang nakaupo kami ni Sol, magkatabi at magkadikit. Our fingers are entangled while we're hiding it underneath the throw pillow.
I'm nervous, waiting for Dad's ballistic remarks.
I caught Mom's eyes. She shot me a questioning look. Kumurap-kurap ako.
Bigla kaming nilingon ni Daddy. I tensed up and spoke almost immediately.
"N-Napadaan kayo, ah?" I chuckled awkwardly, "where's Zire, Dad?"
Dad's eyes lingered on Sol for a while. I nervously retrieved my pinky finger flirting with Sol's pinky. Nanliit ang mata niya pero nang bumaling sa akin ay ngumiti.
"Nasa Maynila pa, pretty ghourl," he started. "May show ata kasi si Alon, susunod 'yon sila bukas kasabay nina Kuya."
"H-Huh? Bakit? Is everyone going here? May occasion?"
"Nothing, dito raw tayo mag-family bonding this month," muling sumulyap siya kay Sol at seryosong tumitig.
I gulped.
"Good..." tumikhim si Sol sabay pormal na umupo, "good afternoon, Ma'am Alyx, Sir Zeijan..."
"Good afternoon, Sol," malambing na bati ni Mommy na kabaligtaran ni Dad. He remained butchering Sol by his gaze that I felt his nervousness transporting towards me.
"Anong ginagawa n'yo dito sa bahay, Solomon?" Dad asked darkly.
Nakita ko ang pag-galaw ng adam's apple ni Solomon. His palm fisted and opened his mouth to speak.
"Sir, kasi—"
"Nagpasama lang akong kumuha ng gamit, Dad!" I cut him off, "May kainan kasi kina Sol tapos baka madumihan damit ko kaya n-nagpa... ano, nagpasama."
Dad's face remained neutral. His sharp features highlighted the Brazilian blood we had, mas naging mapagmasid ang mata niya habang tumititig kay Sol.
"Bakit may kainan?" he asked.
Sol was twitchy beside me kaya pasimple kong sinipa ang paa. He's too obvious!
"Nakauwi na kasi 'yong anak ko galing Australia, Sir," he answered. "Si... Fritzy, uh, kaya may handaan..."
"Hmm..." Daddy tapped his finger on the table. We nervously froze.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Nagpalit-palit ang mapagmasid niyang titig sa akin at kay Sol kaya hilaw akong ngumisi, kinakabahan.
Just not now! Sasabihin kay Daddy kapag ready na siya! I'm sure he'll faint! Baka mabalibag pa niya ang buong bahay kapag sakaling—
"Sabi ko sa 'yo, gwapo, eh," Dad suddenly chuckled then glanced at Kuya Zy's malicious glances. "Friends lang sila!"
Nabulunan ako ng laway. Umawang ang labi ni Sol at napapikit si Mommy sabay sapo ng mukha niya.
"D-Dad," tumikhim na ako, "I wanna say something—"
"Na 'di kayo friend kasi best friends kayo?" Dad asked and grinned, "sus, don't worry, pretty ghourl! Ayos lang kay Daddy pogi mo 'yan. Halos isang taon ka rin dito sa Sta. Monica kaya normal na magkaroon ka ng best friend!"
Shit...
Dad, huli ka na ata sa balita! 'Di kami best friend! Mag-asawa na kami!
Solomon cleared his throat and glanced my way, his eyes are telling me something. Ni hindi ko na alam anong tingin ang isinagot ko roon.
"Sir," ani Solomon, "may sasabihin—"
"Sus, okay lang, ano ka ba..." tumawa si Daddy sabay hampas sa ere. "Para ka namang others, pareng Solomon. Ayos lang 'yan na best friend kayo ng pretty ghourl ko!"
Napaubo si Sol sabay iling, "ano kasi—"
"Ayos nga lang, ano ka ba!" tumayo pa siya sabay akbay sa asawa ko, patapik-tapik sa balikat nito. "Walang problema at matagal mo ring binantayan ang prinsesa ko rito! Masaya ako na best friends kayo."
I met Mom's eyes. She shook her head hopelessly.
Tumikhim na ako.
"Daddy..." I started but his mind was somewhere else if he's not ignoring me.
"Atsaka, Tito Zeijan na lang itawag mo sa 'kin!" Ngisi ni Dad kay Solomon na napapatawa na rin na naiiyak, may halo pang pagkalito. "Mag-kumpare naman na rin tayo! Sino ba namang magdadamayan kung hindi ang mga gwapo sa balat ng Sta. Monica?"
Daddy laughed. Solomon laughed, too, forcefully. Namumutla na.
"High-five ulit, pare!" Daddy called.
"High-five," awkward na tumawa si Sol sabay apir din kay Daddy.
"S'werte mo, ah?!" tinapik niya ang balikat ni Sol, "alam mo bang choosy sa friends itong prinsesa ko? Aba't si Adira lang ang natatagalan niyang kasama madalas! Pero sa bagay..." inilahad niya ang kamay, "mukhang natitiis naman niya 'yong ugali nating pang-gwapo! Tignan mo ang misis ko, natatagalan ako?"
Inilahad niya si Mommy na napairap lang.
"Tapos ikaw, natatagalan ka ni pretty ghourl?" ako naman ang inilahad niya. Napairap ako sa hangin. "Edi, malay mo meant to be! Crush mo ba itong si pretty ghourl ko? Yieee! Aba, pareng Solomon, sabihin mo lang at baka kapag good mood ako, ireto kita tapos magkatuluyan kayo?"
We both stiffened.
Why is my father so slow?
"What if... what if kasal na pala kami?" I found myself challenging Dad and we saw how quick his smirk faded. "Charot..." sabay bawi ko at sandal sa upuan.
"A-Ah..." Dad laughed again, "palabiro pala itong Sibyl ko, akalain mo 'yon?" hinampas pa niya ang balikat ni Sol kaya napipilitan pa itong tumawa rin, mukhang malapit na mag-LBM.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Mommy. She shot me a look. I answered her with a knowing one. Nagulat siya pero napangisi sabay iling sa akin, humahalukipkip.
"Zeijan Ruais..." she called.
"Misis!" aniya, "nagle-level-up na ang anak natin, 'yong level ng humor niya pang-doctorate na!" sabay baling niya kay Kuya, "'di ba, gwapo?!"
Kuya definitely had amusement playing on his eyes but decided to play along and chuckled, too.
"Gano'n talaga, humor ng pamilya natin superior," ani Kuya, "kaya kung sakaling nagpakasal si pretty ghourl natin at si Sol, bagay na bagay—"
"Silly, they're best friends," he answered and before I could say a word, he changed the topic. "Anyway, nand'yan na pala si Fritzy-liit?"
Sol nodded, napahawak siya sa panga niya para itago ang kaba sa mukha.
"Yes, Sir,"
"Tito na lang kasi. Ito naman, ang mga pogi, magkukumpare," umiling si Daddy sabay tapik sa kanya. His eyes lingered on Sol's finger when he combed his hair.
"Yes, Tito," ngumiti na si Sol, inaayos ang sarili niya. "May nilutong pagkain tapos may kinatay na kambing."
"Ay, walang baboy?" I shot Zion Schauffer a glare, he blinked at me.
Napakachoosy! Akala mo naman handaan niya! At anong baboy? Walang magkakatay ng baboy!
"Wala, Zy, eh. Ayaw kasi ni Sibyl, balak atang mag-vegetarian," he chuckled lightly. "Tumulong din po si Sibyl na mag-asikaso kahapon, masarap 'yong ginawa niyang lumpia."
Twinkle shifted on her seat to look at me. I winked at her.
"Gusto n'yo po bang pumunta... o hahatiran ko na lang kayo?" napasinghap ako kay Solomon. Is he freaking serious?! They all knew!
"D-Dad!" my voice raised, "hahatiran na lang namin kayo!"
"H'wag na, abala pa," umiling-iling siya sa akin. Nagwala na ang puso ko. "Atsaka, gusto ko rin makita si Fritzy-liit! Feeling ko matangkad na 'yon ngayon, ano, pareng Sol?"
Sol nodded, napansin kong pasimple niyang kinukuha ang phone niya para siguro mag-text kina Liza.
I was panicking. I literally begged my Mommy with my gazes that she cleared her throat and spoke.
"Nauna tayo rito para magpabili ng grocery sa get together bukas, mister," Mommy sounded so gentle and convincing as he said that. "Atsaka, 'di ba, pupunta ritong gabi na sina Mama at Papa. Kailangang mag-asikaso."
Dad stopped. Humuhugot ata ng hininga at mukhang nagdadalawang-isip.
"Come on, mister," Mommy called, "Sol would understand, right? Perhaps! Of course, you are invited to tomorrow's event! Same with Liza! Oh, and don't forget to bring Fritzy, okay? I asked a friend to customize a dress, regalo ko sana sa kanya. I hope it'll fit?"
Sumulyap kami kay Sol na tumango at maliit na ngumiti, "I understand, Ma'am. Hahatiran na lang namin kayo ng pagkain."
"Misis..." he whined, "saglit lang—"
Mommy just looked at him and then, he surrendered, nodding his head.
"Sige na nga," inarte niya, "basta bukas, ah? Pumunta kayo rito kasama si Fritzy, papakilala ko sa mga pamangkin kong bulilit."
After a lot of convincing, they let us go.
Pormal pa kaming naglalakad ni Sol habang kita pa ang mansyon pero no'ng mawala na sa paningin ay parang tanga akong tumakbo pagkatapos siyang hatakin at nagkatinginan.
He was pale. Hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya.
"Baby?"
"Akala ko kamatayan ko na!" he blurted. "No'ng tinatapik ako sa balikat ni Pareng Zeijan, tang ina, akala ko didiretso sa leeg ko sabay sakal sa akin!"
Hindi ako magkamayaw sa kakatawa, kagaya niya ay kinakabahan din. My cheeks are heated, my jaw quite aching from laughing too much. Kung hindi ko lang naramdaman ang paghawi ni Sol sa buhok ko paalis at ang titig niya ay 'di pa ako matatauhan.
"Why stop laughing?" he asked and firmed his palm on my waist.
"Wala lang," nag-init ang pisngi ko, "nakakahiya, pangit ba ang tunog?"
"Pangit?" he chuckled, "may pangit pa ba sa 'yo kung sobrang ganda mo na sa paningin ko?"
My heart fluttered, "ano ba..." ngumuso ako, nahihiya. Tumaas ang kilay niya, pinisil ang baywang ko sabay siil ng mabilis na halik, inilalayo ang labi bago ko pa man mahabol.
"Stop flirting with me! If we weren't interrupted, I'm sure I'm grinding on your mouth now."
Mas dumilim ang tingin niya.
"I'm sure, angel," unti-unti niya akong isinandal sa puno at ipinatong ang braso sa itaas ng ulo ko habang ikinukulong ang baywang ko sa isa. "I'm damn sure my cock's inside that pretty mouth now, too."
Naghabol ako ng hininga at napapikit.
"What's with the eyes closing, hmm, wife? I thought we're best friends?"
"Fuck you," I grunted and fisted his collar. He swiped a kiss in between my chest and placed the pendant of my necklace in between his molars while watching me. Then he dropped it, dipped his head down to claim my lips.
Naghalikan kami. Sa gilid ng madahon at tahimik na daanan ay nag-make-out ang sabik na mag-asawa.
Oh, God. I have a husband now!
He hid me with his body, knelt in front of me after making sure no one could see what we're doing and fucked me until I'm dry and spent with his mouth and fingers.
"Nanginginig na ang vagina ko tuloy!" singhal ko nang ideklara niyang tapos na.
"'Yon na 'yon?" irit ko.
"I'll fuck your brains out, angel," he whispered. "'Yon ay kung bubuhayin pa 'ko ni Pareng Zeijan kapag nalaman niyang kinasal na tayo."
He laughed. On my damn misery and wanton need, he laughed. Napatawa na rin ako habang binibiro pa niya akong bubuhatin sa likod niya.
Pinagbigyan ko na. I piggy backed while I'm fisting his hair. Mukhang tanga man ay tawang-tawa kaming dalawa habang papunta sa bahay nila.
"I'm nervous but I'm really willing to be dead in the honor of loving you," madrama na niyang sabi habang nagbabalot kami ng pagkain.
"You're overreacting," sumimangot ako. "First day ko pa lang may asawa. Ayoko pang mabiyuda."
"Just making sure, baka kausapin ko na rin 'yong abogado para sa last will ko. Sa 'yo at kay Fritzy lahat ng napundar ko," yumakap siya sa likod ko at nagsumiksik sa balikat ko. Natawa ako. "Kapag may totoong bala 'yong fake gun ni Pareng Zeijan tapos tinamaan ako, 'di natin sigurado kung mabubuhay pa ako. P'wedeng hindi asintado pero sa galing ba naman no'n sa target shooting 'di ako maaasinta?"
I laughed. Inangat ko ang palad ko at sinuklay ang buhok niya.
"Tomorrow, in your family get together, I'd tell them what are we." My heart pounded, shifting my gaze to look at him over my shoulder.
"Are you sure? Daddy was scary but with them, he's scarier."
"Doesn't matter," he hugged me more. "Kahit suntukin pa ako ni Pareng Zeijan, pumutok ang labi, may black eye at bungal na ngipin ako pa rin naman ang baby mo, 'di ba, angel?"
"Gago," I cackled while imagining it. "But yeah, of course. I'll just cheer you, then?" kumindat ako.
I felt so sad because it was supposed to be our honeymoon night but I understand. I just can stay in Sol's house while my family was here who even packed me a suitcase! Thanks to Zirena.
We've decided to tell Daddy tomorrow, after the get together. Kahit anong reaksyon niya, tatanggapin namin.
What we're looking forward, too, is the blessing from my family. Mom, I'm sure she's good with it. She even visited me again before I went to bed to talk but Dad? Siya 'yong tipong magda-drama muna bago matanggap.
He was ballistic before with suitors kaya nga nagsi-sekreto ako't 'di naman ako masyadong seryoso. Pero ngayon? Hindi na 'to flings lang o boyfriend para sa career.
What I have with Sol is marriage. A lifetime commitment and I hope for the best for us. I'm in love with him, irrevocably. I wanna have a family with them.
I'm quite nervous telling him but I know he would understand. He knew Sol, too. He's a good man, responsible, too.
"Did Dad know?" tanong ko kay Mommy nang dalhan niya ako ng gatas.
"That you married Solomon earlier?" she asked. "He wasn't asking and still bubbly. First instance, hindi niya alam. Second, he's probably curious and suspicious but if you were to ask me? He's in his first stage of grief. Denial."
Napatawa kaming dalawa pero naalala ko na naman ang nangyari.
"Sorry, My," I mumbled. "I just... it was a sudden decision."
"Hmm, did you regret it?" malambing niyang sabi. Umiling ako.
"No, never," I answered, "at the very moment, I knew it was the best thing to do. To marry him. To build a family with him and Fritzy. It's just that, I'm feeling guilty now for not telling you and Dad. For not asking permission."
"Your father would only whine for not being invited," she grinned. "But the shotgun marriage? Nah, you might be forgetting how quick we got married?"
I chuckled, remembering how they tied the knot. They just met when Dad asked her to marry him and the rest is history.
"Unlike you, who met Solomon and get to know the man you married first, which is good for you. Mas risky ang ginawa namin ng Daddy mo noon. Ni hindi kilala ang isa't-isa, turned out we're enemies, too, but you see, fate always find ways to get two destined souls together." She smiled softly, "and look, your father and I are still happily married with amazing kids. You are a grown up. Alam kong alam mo ang ginagawa mo. Don't be guilty."
I smiled. Unti-unti kong niyakap si Mommy na humalik sa buhok ko.
"Your Daddy would understand, if he won't I'll let him. Just, you know, expect some chaotic feedback and his infamous gun threat. Napakitaan na niya si Wave," she mentioned Zire's boyfriend. "Kaya panigurado, magrarambol 'yan. Pasuotin mo si Solomon ng komportableng damit para 'di mahirap kapag naghabulan na sila ng baril."
She left when we heard Daddy's screams. She excused herself para isalba si Daddy dahil naroon daw si Twinkle sa kwarto, namimilit sa Daddy na manuod ng horror at kung anong enjoy ng bulilit ay siyang takot ni Zeijan.
I dimmed my lights and sighed loudly, looking forward for tomorrow. Kung hindi siguro dumating ang pamilya ay baka naroon ako sa bahay ni Sol tapos...
I sighed again.
Ang sad ng vagina ko.
I checked the new phone we just bought earlier while in the airport. Magme-message pa lang sana ako pero may ilan nang naunang mensahe mula sa asawa ko... wow, asawa.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko, mabilis na tumayo sa kilig, gumigiling pa habang binubuksan iyon.
From: My husband
Hi, angel. How are you?
From: My husband
Kakaalis lang ng mga bisita. Napagod si Fritzy, hinahanap ka kaya sinabi kong nand'yan ka sa inyo ngayon. Ayon, nakatulog. Have you eaten dinner yet?
From: My husband
I'm missing you already :(((((((((
From: My husband
I just got out of shower. Are you already sleeping? Text me if you're still up.
From: My husband
The bed feels empty. You should be here beside me, right now. Hindi na ata 'ko makakatulog, kaso baka 'di na ako tanggapin ni Pareng Zeijan kapag nagka-eye bags ang kagwapuhan ko.
From: My husband
Tulog ka na ata. Sweet dreams. Hope you think of me. I'll probably think about you. I love you, anghel ko.
I chuckled. Naupo ako sa kama ko sabay sulyap sa salamin sa may gilid ng kama.
I fixed my body, angling the curves so it would show on my short, silver silk night dress. I took a photo of me looking beautiful and seducing.
I tapped the message.
To: My husband
I wish you're here, husband. :(
*Attached a photo*
Wala pang ilang segundo ay umilaw ang screen at napatawa ako nang sagutin ang video call niya.
"What?" salubong ko.
"Are you teasing me?" seryoso niyang tanong. Humagikhik ako.
Nakasandal ang ulo niya sa headboard. I was so sure he just got out of shower dahil kitang-kita pa ang basa sa buhok niya, wala pang pang-itaas na damit kaya hantad ang damit.
"Nope, husband," I smiled cutely, "I was just wishing you're here... is that a bad thing?"
Ang itim at nakakaakit niyang mata ay tumitig hanggang sa pakiramdam ko'y nalulunod na ako roon.
"No, na-miss lang kita," sagot niya.
"I missed you, too," my eyes softened. "You see, this is supposed to be our honeymoon. First night as wedded couple but..." madrama akong bumuntonghininga.
"I want you here, too," sagot niya, malambing na nakangiti sa akin. "Sa tabi ko. Tapos yayakapin kita nang mahigpit na mahigpit. Tapos hahalikan. Tapos alam mo na." He wiggled his brows playfully.
I chuckled. Mas umayos ako ng upo sa halong kilig at pag-iinit ng katawan kahit naka-aircon naman kami.
He watched me move while taking my pillow to rest my back on it. Nahuli ko pa ang mata niyang bumaba sa dibdib ko at napatitig nang napunta roon ang camera.
Sinadya kong hilahin ang night dress para pakitaan siya ng biyaya.
"Opps!" I exclaimed and covered my boob immediately. He cursed under his breath.
"Stop teasing..."
"I'm not," I denied, "but if you'd like... madali lang naman akong kausap—"
"Lower your top, I wanna see your tits," and that was the start.
Once my very gentleman Sol started dirty talking, my stomach churned in wanton. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at napasinghap nang pisilin ko ang dibdib habang nagvi-video call sa kanya.
"Do you still have my panties?" tanong ko.
Tumango siya, madilim ang mukha at nakaigting ang panga.
"Get it," utos ko. "Wrap it around your cock and show me."
He obliged and that's how we got through our lust, love and heat in our first night as a married couple. We might not see and touch each other physically, but... we find ways.
Ang saya-saya ng vagina ko na.
Kaso nga lang ay bumalik na naman ang kaba kong pang-end of the world kinabukasan nang magsidatingan na ang pamilya ko.
Maaga pa lang ay nandito na si Sol para tumulong sa kusina. Si Fritzy din ay yakap-yakap pa ako pagkakita, nagtatanong kung bakit wala ako kagabi. Nagpaliwanag ako at ayon na siya ngayon, kasama si Dette at Queen na naglalaro ng bahay-bahayan.
I was waiting for someone to enter our garage and when I saw their familiar family car, my smile widened.
"Uy, bruha," tawag ko.
"Sibyl!" Adira cried and jumped when she saw me.
Napatawa na ako. We hugged each other while jumping up and down. Lumayo lang ako nang sumisinghot na siya at hawak ang pisngi ko.
"Na-miss kita, sobrang busy lang sa law school, 'di tayo makapag-bonding."
"We will, I promise!" sinuklay ko ang buhok niya, "nagpupuyat ka na naman ba, ah? Tignan mo 'yang pimples na 'yan." Sabay pindot ko sa ilong niya.
"Aww..." she whined, "sorry, malapit na kasi ang exams tapos start na rin ng mock trials namin. Si Attorney may in-assign na cases, ako ang prosecutor kaya... practice, papaturo ako kay Dad at Kuya. Nakakakaba. What if I messed up?"
My eyes softened, "you can do it, Adi. You are smart, brave and pretty. Mas maganda pa lalo kung maayos na ang sleeping schedule mo at ginagawa mo na ang tinuro ko sa 'yong skin care? Saan na 'yong pangtanggal ng black heads?" kinuha ko ang face wipe ko sa maliit kong bag at pinunasan ang ilong niya.
"Mayro'n ba?"
"Yes," I removed the oily part on her face, too. Hinila ko siya pagilid sabay halughog ng gamit ko at lagay sa kanya ng face powder.
"Sib—" I eyed her seriously.
"C-Color pink," she mumbled. "Gusto ko pink na lip gloss."
I pampered her face to make her look fresher. Maganda naman ang pinsan ko pero mas gusto niya ang batang ligaw look kaya 'di ako approve.
"The pore strip, for black heads. That one sa black na mini sachet." I reminded.
"'Yong..." medyo namutla siya, "'yong black na lagayan? 'Yong maliit tapos kapag binuksan may para liquid na magiging solid kapag..."
I nodded. Kinuha ko ang blade ko para medyo linisin ang sabog niyang kilay. Tahimik lang siya hanggang sa matapos ako. Pagkababa ko ng blade atsaka lang siya humugot ng hininga.
"O-Oh..." she cleared her throat, "f-for black heads pala 'yon?"
Unti-unting natigilan ako. I eyed her seriously.
"What... did you do?" I asked, folding my arms on my chest to shot her a glare.
"A-Ano..." she stuttered, "h-hindi ba 'yon pangtanggal ng balbon sa braso?"
My mouth parted and closed again.
"Ano? Anong... sabi... mo?" malumanay pero may diin kong tanong. "'Di ka ba nagbabasa, Adi?" sabay angat ko ng kamay at haplos ng marahan sa kanyang buhok.
"A-Ano..." she flushed. "N-No'ng ginamit ko kasi basta ko na lang nilagay sa braso kasi nagbabasa ako ng case—"
"Adira Venice!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and I swear, the birds flew, startled from above.
Habang mas dumadami ang dumadating ay mas nagiging kabado ako. Sa t'wing susulyapan ko si Sol ay mukhang 'di naman siya kabado, inaasar pa si Daddy pabalik no'ng nando'n sila sa may barbeque.
Ang ibang pinsan ko ay naroon kasama si Kuya.
"Sige, sige, yabang mo, ah?" I could hear Dad chuckling.
"Oo nga, pare," my husband comfortably answered back. "No'ng bago i-develop 'yong product, s'yempre dapat maraming interview kung worth it. Pero no'ng nakita ako ng presidente no'ng kompanya on production agad."
My brow twitched.
Anong sabi mo, Solomon?
Nagtatawanan sila roon. My Dad even smacked his back and pretended to be choking him—if it's pretending. I swear Sol's face reddened.
"'Yan gusto ko sa 'yo, pareng Sol, eh," he chuckled. "Ano? Ganda ba no'ng presidente? Nahumaling sa kagwapuhan mong gunggong ka?"
His jaw clenched.
Solomon coughed and shook his head, "it's not—"
"Grabeng gwapo," he choked Solomon more, "tara dito nang ma-barbeque natin 'yang pagmumukha mo aagawin mo pa title ko sa pinakagwapo rito!"
"Are they joking or...?" nilingon ko si Adi na tahimik na kumakain sa tabi ko.
"Mukhang hindi, Adi," sagot ni Liza sa tabi niya na mabilis niyang nakapalagayan ng loob sabay turo kina Solomon. "Tignan mo si Solomon, 50-50 na ata."
"They're just joking," I shook my head. "No'ng panahon nga ni Daddy noon, kapag bored sila, nagbabarilan."
Their jaws dropped at me. I shrugged and silently ate again, mentally thinking how I would punch Solomon later.
Nahumaling pala ang presidente, ah? Tignan natin kung mahumaling pa 'yan sa 'yo mamaya.
When Mama and Papa Jer came, who just got back from their breakfast in Taiwan with Ate Crest, Kuya Alchiel and Ate Clyte, mas naging maingay ang pamilya.
"Nakakatuwa talaga ang pamilya n'yo, Sib," Liza said dreamily while watching them. "Alam na alam, kahit tingin lang na maayos kayong pinalaki."
"That's the power of my grandparents," I smiled softly and removed the leftover from the cake on Fritzy's lips. Inilahad ko sa kanya ang juice at humalik sa buhok niya.
She gazed upon me with her bright black eyes, resembling Sol's.
"I love you, Mama," she adorably whispered. "Thank you."
"Uy, ganda naman ikaw!" nawala ang titigan namin ni Fritzy nang may marinig na boses at napangiti ako nang makita ang tumatalon na si Twinkle sa may gilid ng lamesa.
"Hi, baby," I greeted.
"Hi, 'te!" she jumped again, nakabaling pa rin kay Fritzy. "Papa mo pow si Kuya na gwapo pow?"
Fritzy glanced at me with her curious yet amazed eyes. Probably because Twinkle's vocabulary, might be stuttering at times are clear. I gave her a nod.
"Opo..." Fritzy answered, kinuha niya ang plato niya ng dessert na may lamang gummies sabay lahad kay Twinkle. "Gusto mo?"
"Wow... gummy!" she giggled and took one. "Mamats pow! Upo ako..." sabay turo niya sa hita ni Fritzy, nagniningning ang napakagandang mata.
Fritzy looked at me, as if asking for permission. She didn't need to do that kaya ako na mismo ang umalalay kay Twinkle at unti-unti'y pinaupo siya sa hita ni Fritzy.
"Wow, pwetty dress," Twinkle complimented Fritzy's orange dress.
"Ikaw din, pretty," she smiled. "Ang ganda naman ng color ng eyes mo, baby Twinkle. Ano color iyan?"
"A—"
"There you are!" Mommy appeared, catching her breath. "Kanina pa kita hinahanap, anak, nand'yan ka pala..." her mouth parted when she saw Fritzy.
"Hi po, Ma'am Alyx! Magandang umaga po! Ang ganda-ganda mo po! Palagi ka po namin nakikita at nunuod ni Papa sa T.V., pati po si Mama Sib!"
"Oh... thank you," her black eyes twinkled. "Hello to you, too, darling." She lowered her body to kiss Fritzy's head. "Ang laki-laki mo na, mas lalong gumaganda. Kwento sa akin ni Mama Sib mo, magaling ka na raw mag-ballet?"
She blushed and glanced my way, "'di naman po masyado po, Ma'am Alyx, kaunti lang po..."
"Don't, Fritzy," umiling si Mommy. "Just call me Mama Lyx or just Mama. You're my grandkid now, right?"
Fritzy's eyes glistened.
"Welcome to our messy yet weird family, Fritzy namin." When Mommy offered her arms, she accepted her hug tightly, with Twinkle blinking in the middle.
"Ipit ako," Twinkle blurted and giggled.
Papa and Mama knew I tied the knot with Sol. I didn't know how but when I got alone time with them, they congratulated me.
No'ng medyo gumabi na ay nagpaalam na si Liza na uuwi at magkikita pa sila ni Nash. Ang mga bata ay nasa guest room na para matulog, kasama na rin si Fritzy na napagod pakikipaglaro at pagtuturo ng sayaw kay Twinkle, Dette at Queen kaya ayon, plakda silang lahat.
My aunties are in the kitchen with Mama. Ang ibang pinsan ay nag-i-swimming na habang naglilitanya si Ate Crest na may listahan siya ng movies na bago at ako'y tahimik na nakikipagkwentuhan kay Adi dito sa may tagong lamesa at sa walang katapusang katorpehan at kamanhiran nila ni Abo.
Sol was their eye-candy, 'yon ang napansin ko. Close na close na sila marahil noon pa man kay Sol dahil sa negosyo at dahil nandito na siya noon pa, kahit bago pa ako nag-stay dito sa Sta. Monica.
It made me smile. Solomon will not feel like outsider, that's for sure. They would easily accept him as family. My family now.
Weirdly, my cousins are not asking me questions, as if they knew something and my father didn't. They would just smile at me. Sina Daru nga kanina ay pinakitaan pa ako ng heart sa malayo sabay turo kay Sol na nakikipagpaligsahan sinong mas magaling manghuli ng manok kay Kuya Zy.
"Why are they grinning at me?" bulong ko kay Adi na patagong nagte-text para kumustahin ang best friend niyang si Abo.
"Ah, na-miss ka lang siguro," sagot niya.
Tumabi sa akin si Sol nang mapakawalan na siya sa pwesto niya kasama ang Dad at Kuya. Napasinghap ako nang basta na lang niya akong hapitin at halikan sa pisngi.
"Sol!" singhal ko pero natunaw rin sa haplos niya.
"Miss na miss kita," bulong niya pa, "hindi kita nakausap buong araw."
"Miss?" ngumuso ako, "paanong na-miss tapos pinagyayabang mo pa 'yong presidente ng kompanya, huh? Ano? Nahumaling sa 'yo?"
He eyed me teasingly. Mas sinimangutan ko.
"Nagseselos ka, misis?" bulong niya.
"I'm not," I snorted, "bakit ako magseselos?"
"Hmm..." he kissed my cheek again, "matanda na 'yon, angel. Baka lola ko na 'yon—" I smacked him. He laughed.
Hinuli niya ang palad ko. My finger touched the know on his finger briefly. Nang magkatitigan ay bumaba ang titig ko sa mga labi niya.
I sniffed him.
"You're drinking?" I whispered.
"A bit," he whispered and moved the tip of his nose, "I'll tell your family tonight—"
Adi cleared her throat. Napatalon ako sabay harap sa kanya.
"Adi, best friend ko!" sabay turo ko kay Sol na nanlaki din ang mata sa sinabi ko.
Oh, shit.
Napalunok ako, "kidding—"
"So, you are the Solomon, hmm?" Adi smirked at him coldy, "nice to meet you, sir."
Tumayo si Sol at inilahad ang palad niya, "nice meeting you, too, Miss Adira. Or should I call you Attorney?"
Adi cleared her throat, accepting Sol's palm as they shook their palms. Her face's serious and neutral. Intimidating.
Kinilabutan tuloy ako. Nakakatakot talaga 'to magseryoso.
"Soon," aniya bago bitawan si Sol, "but it won't stop me asking you questions and demand for proofs. Can you elaborate what made you love this pretty yet possessing an ample amount of indescribable attitude of a lady?"
"What did you just say?" tumaas na ang kilay ko.
Sol chuckled, "I agree, Miss Adi. I often call this pretty lady right here my angel. Kaso nga lang minsan may lalabas na sungay at buntot—"
"Do you want me to stab you with a fork, Alejo?" sabay tusok ko ng tinidor sa hotdog.
He froze but cleared his throat and shook his head, "sorry, hindi po, misis."
"M-Misis?" Adira's intimidating character faded and was replaced with shock. Natahimik kaming dalawa ni Sol.
Of course, I explained.
Natutulala si Adi at dire-diretso ang simsim sa juice niya habang nakikinig. Naagaw pa nga rin niya ang alak ko at isang baso pa lang ay namumula na ang mukha.
"Adi, stop, you're getting drunk." Paalala ko.
"Wedding... kahapon..." she mumbled, her voice slurry. "Tapos... 'di ako invited." She sniffed, "how dare you, Sib? How dare you? I'm your bestest friend and—" she sniffed again and before I could further explain, plumakda siya sa upuan.
Nagpaalam kaming ihahatid si Adi sa kwarto ko kaya binuhat siya ni Sol. Tawang-tawa pa ako dahil tulog na ay tinataas pa niya ang daliri sa ere.
"Article..." she mumbled. "According to..." then she would hiccup.
"Sobrang sipag ngang mag-aral ni Miss Adira," nailing si Sol, nangingiti.
"She'll be graduating soon, baby," I told him, opening the door of my room. "I'm sure she'll be a great attorney."
Ibinaba ni Sol si Adi sa kama ko. Binalot ko ang pinsan ng kumot at nagsabi kay Sol na mauna na muna siya sa baba at pupunasan ko si Adira nang hulihin niya ako.
We kissed when he cornered me, the scent of liquor on his breath made me shiver.
"Sol..." I groaned and stopped him from kissing my neck, "come on, baba ka na. Susunod ako."
He sulked, "alright. I just missed you. Hindi kita nakakausap ng matagal. Tapos ngayon tago lang kitang nayayakap." He sniffed me.
"Don't worry," I smiled and cupped his cheek, "pagkatapos natin sabihin kina Daddy... paniguradong kahit saan, kahit harapan, p'wedeng-p'wede mo na ako yakapin."
Hindi siya kaagad sumagot. Tinagilid ko ang ulo at hinaplos ang kanyang batok.
"What's the matter, baby?"
"Wala naman," pumirmi ang palad niya sa baywang ko at humalik sa noo ko. "Kinakabahan lang ako. Paano kapag 'di nila ako gusto? O kaya deserving ba ako para sa 'yo—" I shut him with my kisses.
"There, there, baby." Umiling ako, "you're being paranoid again. Parang 'di mo naman kilala ang pamilya ko?"
He sighed heavily, resting his head against mine.
"Maybe it's just the nerves..."
"Don't worry, my family's rational and amazing," hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "I am positive they could or would see the reasons why I chose to be with you. Why I fell in love, with you." Humawak ako sa dibdib niya.
He lifted my hand where the knot was and kissed it while staring at me, "'til death do us part."
Naabutan ko silang nakapaikot sa malaking table, nag-iinuman pagkababa ko. Ang iilang mga pinsan ko, sina Auntie at Uncle, si Papa Jer. Si Wave at Zire ay naroon din.
Si Tito Iñigo ay abala sa paghihiwalay ng kornik at man isa pulutan nila, namumula ang mukha. Tito Dash's beside Dad with Tito Thorn and basing on Dad's face. He's quite drunk now.
Which isn't a good thing. Kapag lasing 'yan sila, nagpapayabangan. Kasama na roon ang mga anak. Kung sino ang pinakapogi. Sino ang nagsisimula? Edi ang Tatay kong bangag.
"Mga anak ko... pinalaki ko 'tong mga dalagang Filipina," sabay lahad niya kay Zire na nabilaukan sa iniinom. Wave cleared his throat and touched her back, whispering something. She blushed.
My cheeks heated.
Sorry, Dad. I don't deserve to be your daughter. I failed as a Dalagang Filipina.
The Dalagang Filipino trope removed me from their committee already. They don't seem too proud.
"Come on, Kuya, normal lang naman magka-boyfriend." Tita Zidney said, "malalaki na ang mga bata. They're of age to even get married."
"Nah... nah..." umiling si Daddy, "hindi kasi gano'n 'yon, Zidney-tot. S'yempre, prinsesa ko pa rin sila—oh, pretty ghourl ko! Upo ka, upo!" he called when he spotted me.
Mabilis na inilahad ni Sol ang tabi niya kaya marahan akong umupo roon at tahimik na nakinig. I caught my uncles throwing me and Sol glances. Ngumisi si Tito Dash sabay siko kay Tito Thorn.
"Mga dalagang Filipina, tignan mo si Sibyl ko. Wala pang boyfriend 'to, eh!" pumasok na sa ilong ko ang juice.
Hindi boyfriend! Asawa na agad, Daddy!
"Ayos ka lang?" hinaplos ni Sol ang likod ko kaya tumango-tango ako sabay angat ng kamay para sabihing ayos lang ako.
"Hmm," Tito Iñigo hummed, "eh, paano 'yan. Hindi mo papayagang mag-asawa?"
"S'yempre, p'wede," ngumisi si Dad. "Pero kapag mga sixty-eight na sila."
"What?!" Zire and I blurted. Nagtawanan sila.
"Oo nga..." Daddy smiled, his face flushing. "Ayan si Alon, tanggap ko na siya sa pamilya kasi medyo may itsura pero mag-antay siyang thirty years pa muna."
Wave nodded, chuckling. Dad smiled proudly at him.
"Very good, 'yan ang gusto ko sa 'yo, eh!" sumulyap siya sa akin, "ito namang si pretty ghourl ko, wala pa 'tong boyfriend, eh. Pero may best friend siya. Si Pareng Sol."
I stiffened. Sol froze beside me.
'Di mo sure, Daddy Pogi.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Sol. Binasa niya ang labi, sumulyap sa lamesa sa pamilya ko bago umayos ng upo.
"May sasabihin po sana ako—"
"Ah, na best friend kayo?" Dad laughed a little and lifted his hand, "h'wag na, ito naman. Tanggap naman kitang BFF ni pretty ghourl." Sabay inom niya ng alak.
First stage of grief: Denial.
"Dad..." I started.
"Nakakatuwa nga kasi naging best friends sila habang nag-i-stay dito si pretty ghourl, at least, alam kong 'di siya nalungkot."
Oo, Dad. Talagang pinasaya ako ni Sol. Sa sobrang saya ko nga pinakasalan ko.
I felt Sol reaching for my palm. Humawak ako sa kanya at pinisil ang kamay niya.
We can do this!
"Dad—"
"Tapos, s'yempre! Binantayan din siya ni Pareng Sol," aniya sabay tango-tango at abot ng pangbukas ng beer niya.
My family's suspiciously quiet. Papa Jer smirked, amused.
"Hmm... best friend," Tito Thorn whistled. Mas humigpit ang pisilan namin ng kamay ni Sol sa ilalim ng lamesa.
"Oo, best friend sila, mukha bang hindi?" tumawa si Dad, sumusubok buksan ang beer niya. "Mabait na bata kasi 'tong si Pareng Sol at natiis ni pretty ghourl ang pagmumukha niya."
I closed my eyes.
"Sir Zeijan," simula na ni Sol. "The truth—"
"Tapos—"
"Zeijan, patapusin mo ang mga bata," ani Mommy na nasa tabi ko, naaaliw na kumakain ng cake habang pinapanuod si Dad.
"Ay... nahulog..." the bottle opener fell. He lowered his body under to retrieve it.
Mas pinisil ko ang palad ni Sol. He caressed my palm nervously yet competitively and when Dad lifted his head, his face's pale and confused, lost.
"Sir..."
Inangat ni Daddy ang palad niya sa ere. Natahimik si Sol.
Dad watched us quietly and slowly, we saw how realization filled the hollows of his drunk blue eyes. Mas nagwala ang puso ko nang ibinaba niya ang bottle opener sa lamesa sabay patunog ng daliri niya.
"Dad..." I called nervously.
"Bakit..." he moistened his lower lip. "Bakit kayo magkahawak sa ilalim ng lamesa, pretty ghourl?" he asked darkly.
Napabitaw kami bigla ni Sol at napasinghap na akong lalo. His jaw clenched. He was once an adorable puppy but right now? He's turning into a scary dragon. I swear I saw fire on his back.
"Uy, issue..." Tito Dash whistled.
"Tanga, gano'n kasi mag-bestriend sa panahon ngayon, Zeijan, naghahawak-kamay." Tito Iñigo commented while smirking.
"Pareng Zeijan—"
"H'wag mo 'kong ma-pare-pare rito, Alejo, kung ayaw mong gawin kitang sahog sa pares." His jaw clenched and stood. Napatayo na rin si Sol sa upuan niya.
"Second stage of grief: anger." Mommy whispered.
"Zion," Dad called.
"Yes, Daddy Pogi?" Kuya asked excitedly, umuunat pa.
Oh, God. Rest in peace, my loving husband. See you in our next life.
"Kunin mo ang shotgun sa kusina," he clicked his neck. "May ibu-bullseye na tayo."
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