Kabanata 2
Different
"Stop crying, hija," Daddy soothed me.
Nakaluhod ako sa carpet habang salo ng kaniyang hita ang aking ulo. I stayed there, never wanting to get up. We were all called in the living room when the commotion in the dining room has met its end. Ngayo'y narito kaming pamilya at sa muling pagkakataon, nag-uusap nang may alaala si Daddy.
Everything's still fresh to me but I want to stay where my father is. I've had so much in the past years. Pakiramdam ko sa kaniyang pagbabalik, hindi ko na kailangang patunayan ang sarili ko. I have the right to stay still and be quiet.
"Rience, you can go home," Daddy said with a slight smile.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa lalaking kasama niya kanina. He's familiar. Siya ang panganay na Trajano. But how did he get here? At kasama pa si Dad?
His eyes were serious. My brows furrowed when I realized they're blue. Tipid siyang tumango. Nasulyapan niya ako pero parang wala naman siyang pakialam. He cascaded away without everyone noticing. And I guess he did it on purpose.
Nasa couch si Mommy habang sa sofa naman ang mga kapatid ko. My mother is miserable and tearful, while both my brothers were serious. Bumalik ako sa pagsiksik kay Daddy.
"I can't believe I'll see my girl crying in my return," matabang na simula ni Daddy.
"Bernard..." Mommy called desperately.
"Sana, you let this happen?"
"Ako po ang may kasalanan." Kuya Rameses stood up. "I gave Crescent a hard time, Dad."
My heart broke at his confession. Hindi ko na siya binalingan. I just paid attention to the details of the couch that sits my Daddy. Ayaw ko nang makakita. Ayos na sa akin ang makarinig.
"I sinned, too, Dad. Please forgive us," nanginig ang boses ni Kuya Euly.
"What did I tell you? She's your sister." Nagpipigil lang si Daddy base sa paghihigpit ng kaniyang tono. "What did I see? You're all ganging up on her?"
"No, Bernard! I'm always responsible when it comes to our Crescentiana. You know that!"
"She's the youngest of you three. Why didn't you..."
Napapansin ko na ang paglala ng postura ni Daddy kaya umahon na ako. I lifted myself so I can sit beside him. Doon ako pumuwesto sa armrest.
"Daddy, cool down. Ayos na po ako. Dad..." I held his arm.
Painfully, he threw me a look. Humawak siya sa aking kamay. Pinikit niya ang namumulang mata.
"I'm not unaware of what I did to you then. I mistook you for someone else..." nanghihinang aniya.
Another flow of tears made their way to my cheeks. I pursed my lips so my sobs will turn immobile.
I'm just glad that his memories of me are back. Sapat na iyon. I prayed for this for countless of times and now, my dream became a reality. It's now fulfilled. Nothing will ever make me feel unhappy at this moment.
"I broke a promise, Crescent..."
"Daddy, please. Tama na po..."
"You can punish us for everything, Dad." Nanatiling matapang si Kuya Rameses.
Nagmulat si Dad. His eyes were a bit dark. His lips thinned.
"What really happened, Eulyses?"
I know why he asked him. He's the most honest among us and he's Dad's mentee before.
