Drops of Divine

Chapter III

Chapter III

"YOW! Tatiana!" masiglang sambit ni Blake. He's my freaking second stepbrother. The prince of envy. "I'm glad you're back."

"We didn't see each other for a long time but still your hair is curly."

"Of course!" He smirked. "I like your tanned skin. You're now more like a French woman."

"I really am." I sat down in front of him. "So, how's life here?"

"You still don't have manners, do you?" mataray na sabat ni Barbara, my stepmother, feeling queen of this mansion. She's the living proof of a successful mistress. "Atleast greet your father."

"What else can we expect from her?" nang-iinsultong wika naman ni Vivian. My auntie who always lowered down her panty. Of course, for men. "She's a rebel."

"My greetings a while ago is for all of you," I said and raised my eyebrow. "So, if you don't get it then your stupid brain got some problems."

Binagsak ni Daddy Rafael ang kubyertos. "Why are you back, Tatiana?"

"Bawal bang umuwi?" Ngumiwi ako. "Kunsabagay, labindalawang taon niyo nga pala akong pinipigilang makabalik dito sa Pilipinas."

"Because you're supposed to be there."

"No. You forced me to be there." Malamig ko silang tinitigan isa-isa. "Tinapon niyo nga ako, 'di ba?"

"Tatiana," Ledger said in warning tone. "That's enough. You're being rude. What happened to you?"

"Oh, give me a break. You made me like this." Pinakadiin ko ang paggalang sa kalahating kapatid. "Don't pretend like you're the kindest family member here."

"And don't act like you're a princess who ran away from a prosperous castle," Vivian boasted and glared at me. "'Cause you're not and will never be a princess."

"That's not a castle. That's hell." I smiled sarcastically. "Just like here. Full of bad spirits."

"Want to play Ouija board?" ngisi ni Blake, maloko pa rin. "I still have the one we used before."

Tumaas lang ang sulok ng aking labi at tinitigan ang pagkain. "You're eating this grass?"

"Tatiana, it's spinach salad," Ledger asserted. "When it comes to leafy greens, darker is better. They have the most nutrients."

Pabuntong-hininga akong sumandal. "Give me a salmon."

Nag-aalangan pa ang maids ngunit sumunod din. Ilang minuto lang ay nilapag na nila sa harap ko ang salmon. Inamoy ko muna 'yon bago hiwain at kainin. Natigil lang ako nang mapansing nakatingin sila sa akin.

"Oh." Nagpunas ako ng tissue sa bibig. "In France, it's salmon time or lamb. Yeah, the lamb shank navarin. It melts in the mouth. Really."

Nasaksihan ko kung paanong umikot ang mga mata ni Barbara. Ayaw ko siyang tawaging Mommy dahil hindi naman siya ang biological mother ko. At never ko siyang matatanggap bilang stepmother. It sucks.

Umirap naman si Vivian habang napailing na lamang si Ledger. Wala akong galang dahil hindi naman sila karapat-dapat igalang. Ang respeto, nilalaan sa mga tama at mabuting tao. Hindi sila kabilang do'n.

"So, what's your plan, Tatiana?" Blake asked.

"The question is, does she even have a job to stay here for good?" Saka maarteng tumawa si Vivian.