Dulling Glisters of the Diamond (Casa Fuego Series #5)

Chapter 36

Mother

Hindi pa rin humuhupa ang balita tungkol sa amin pero hindi ako pwedeng tumanggi sa simpleng birthday dinner na dadaluhan ko ngayong gabi. Tita Devall Divinagracia invited me to her birthday dinner and since my grandmother couldn't attend, I have no choice but to come.

Kaya nang nag alas kwatro, agad na akong naligo at nagbihis. Nagpaalam na ako kanina kay Julius na aalis ako at ihahatid niya ako sa hotel. I thought he would fully let me go but I think my two boys are pretty much obsessed with me. Habang nagbibihis ako, nakatitig silang dalawa sa akin.

They were playing some board games in the living room but suddenly went in the room when I started dressing up. Ngayon pareho silang kunwaring nanunuod ng TV pero pasulyap-sulyap sa akin.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang nagtama ang mga mata naming dalawa ni Julius sa salamin habang sinusuot ko ang aking hikaw. He cleared his throat and looked away, pretending he's watching. Ang anak ko ay nakadapa sa kama, tahimik akong pinagmamasdan.

"I thought you two were playing in the living room?" tanong ko habang sinusuot naman ang kwintas.

"Yes, Mama..."

"Then, why are you both suddenly here?" tanong ko sa kanila pero si Julius ang tinaasan ko ng kilay.

"Maybe Papa likes watching you dress up, Mama."

Naubo si Julius sa sinabi ng anak ko. Natigilan ako at sinamaan ng tingin si Julius. He immediately scooped my son into his arms.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Jav. I'm just watching here," sumulyap siya sa akin.

I made a face at him. I suddenly remember the good old days. Ganito rin siya noon. He used to watch me dress up while he's in bed, sheets tangled on his legs. Madalas pa noon, nanggugulo siya sa akin. He would smooch me and cuddle with me while I dress up. Napanguso tuloy ako.

"Or maybe Papa was losing so he made an alibi to come here," Javion said nonchalantly.

Natawa ako roon. Julius stifled a smile, too.

If there is anything my son got from me, it is that he gets nonchalant sometimes. We didn't baby talk to him so he speaks a bit smoothly at his young age. Nahihirapan pa siya minsan lalo na kapag mahaba ang sasabihin pero madali naman siyang maintindihan.

"I used to beat Tito Emerson with all the games we play."

"Really, baby?" lumapad ang ngisi ni Julius at niyakap ang anak niya.

I smiled, suddenly missing my brother. Madalas kong mapansin na nagpapatalo talaga si Kuya kapag kalaro niya si Javion. But sometimes he really plays with my son like they're the same age so I always scold him.

"Where are you going, Mama?"

"I'm going to a birthday dinner, Jav."

"Papa and I are not going?"

Nanliit ang mga mata ko kay Julius. He looked at me innocently.

"No. It's an all girls party, Jav. You'll just get bored there. Besides, it's not for kids."

"We'll drop Mama to the hotel, don't worry," Julius whispered to Javion.

My son nodded and turned to the television while his father's eyes lingered on me. Umiling na lang ako at muling pinasadahan ng tingin ang ayos. I am wearing a white satin dress styled in puff longsleeves. My short hair is properly ironed. I wore pearl earrings and pearl choker to match the intimacy of my dress.

I can see how Julius played the insides of his cheek using his tongue while watching me. Umirap ako at kinuha ang aking puting purse. Napalingon sa akin ang anak ko mula sa TV.