OFFSTAGE (Suspire Series #2)

Kabanata 3

I'd driven to my mother's house by myself. I was invited to a party for which I had no idea why. Perhaps something business-related or to show her new husband to my late father's colleagues. Even though I'd been swearing and restraining my clenched fist from landing on my stepbrother's half-baked face, I tried to behave as normal as possible.

He'd spent the entire evening talking about himself. He was trying to impress the visitors, who were well-known in the business world. He isn't aware of it yet, but he has the appearance of a large fucking masquerader.

When a stranger approached us with my stepbrother, I chose to remain silent. Hinayaan ko nalang na si Lester and kumausap sa kanila. Pumunta lang ako rito para hindi ipahiya si Mama. Though, pinilit lang naman niya talaga ako. She had no idea how much I loathed seeing my stepbrother. Being with him, inhaling the same oxygen as I do, irritates me even more.

Lester yelled at me, "Could you just fucking talk?" When a businessman approached us and promptly fled because I was vaporizing the vibe of ignoring anyone who dared to speak to me. At pakiramdam nitong isa ay pinapahiya ko siya.

"Mind your own business," I retorted. When he gripped my arm while everyone was focused on their companion, I winced. There weren't even a few glances in our direction. "Aw!" I uttered. I'm trying to keep my stinging voice down, because of his strong hands.

"Umayos ka! This party is for the company. We need to make partnerships kung ayaw mong mawala ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ng magulang mo para sa'yo!" he snarled.

Nagpumiglis ako sa pagkakahawak niya ngunit mukhang wala siyang balak na bitiwan ako. I glared at him. In a certain degree I'd straight my sense plug his face but instead I delivered a grin.

"You have no claim to any of the property or assets that my parents have earned for me. So get your filthy fucking hands off." I was mad. When I sensed his surprise at what I said, I quickly pulled his hands away from me.

Hindi na ako nagpaalam kay Mama dahil alam ko namang wala siyang pakialam kung nasaan ako. Hindi nga niya alam na 'tong mga pinapasok niya sa buhay namin ay mga alagad ni hudas. At hindi rin alam ni Mama na halos lahat ng mga properties at ari-arian na tinaguyod nila ni Papa ay nakasulat sa pangalan ko.

Mom and I didn't have a particularly close relationship. Ang layo ng loob namin sa isa't isa. We didn't have any mother-daughter conversations, make-up bondings, or boy talk. Ano pa bang aasahan ko? She was blinded by money. Kaya mas naging close kami ni Papa. He loves me. He cares for me. But he was no longer here. All I have of him was his memories, which was engraved in my head.

I used to wonder if Dad was aware of Mom's nature. She treated me as if I were nothing to her. My own mother made me feel unappreciated.

Mabilis ang paglalakad ko hanggang sa makarating ako malapit sa gate. I take a deep breath to compensate for my earlier outburst. Lester becomes more agitated. My arm was reddining from the hold. Halatang-halata ang pamumula dahil nakasuot lang ako ng straight-across burgundy sheath long dress. I muttered to the visible air, "Fuck you, Lester."

I was searching for something in my pocket, when I stumbled into someone. I was about to apologize when Mason's face radiated in front of me, and I lost my words.

I cringed when I accidentally slipped on my tail dress, and he caught my arms to keep me from cracking up my face. Malakas at madiin ang pagkakahatak niya kaya hindi ko mapigilan ang mapadaing sa sakit dahil saktong ang nahila pa niya ay 'yong braso ko na kasalukuyang namumula.

"Sorry. Are you hurt?" nagaalalang saad niya when his eyes scanned my swollen arms. His face had darkened and become threatening. "Who did this?" His tone becomes ominous as well. Imbes na sagutin ang tanong niya I was staring at him like a frightened cat. Nakakatakot siya sagutin. He seems furious.