The Fallen Purse

10

"Sumama ka sa kaniya, basta huwag mo kaming kalilimutan ng mga kapatid mo."

Nanlaki ang mata namin nung pumayag yung mama niya na sumama siya sa akin. Bukas na yung flight ko kaya pumunta muna ako sa bahay nila para bumisita, tutal sila naman talaga ang pinunta ko rito sa Pagadian.

"Talaga ma?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Paul, tumango lang si tita na may malaking ngiti.

"Why don't you go with us tita? You can bring the kids and tito.." I asked her with a smile.

"Hija, ma aabala ka pa.." She softly said, "It's really okay tita, kung payag naman kayo wala namang problema para sa'kin.." Pag kukumbinsi ko,

"Belle, how about the project that you gave me?" I became speechless when he said that, nawala na sa isip ko 'yon dahil na rin sa kagalakang masama siya sa'kin.

"You'll be working with us, so you have to meet your boss first and that's not me. So you're going with me, to meet your boss and that's dad." Ngumiti ako tinapik ko ang balikat niya.

"I'll be the CEO soon, we'll come back here right away and that project is fully yours, Engineer Makino." I said while looking at him proudly, lumingon ako sa mama niya who's already smiling. "We will come back here right away, let me borrow your son first tita.." Lalong lumaki ang ngiti niya nang sinabi ko 'yon, "Sa'yong sa'yo na hija."

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you."

"Okay ka lang?" Pag hawak ni Paul sa kamay ko.

"I'm fine," I gave him a little smile at sumandal na ako sa kinauupuan ko.

"Kabado pa rin sa landing, hmm?" He smiled at me teasingly as he held my hand tight. "You don't have to be scared. I'm here, darling." He kissed my hand and interwined it with his.

"Ako nga ang dapat kabahan, e." He sighed and laughed awkwardly. "I'm meeting your dad..after leaving you in pain." Tumingin ako sa mga mata niya at binigyan siya ng maliit na ngiti, "You don't have to be nervous. I'm here, darling." 

We waited for a bit and Paul helped me carry my baggage. Nakababa na kami ng eroplano at dumiretso na kami  sa pinag parkingan ng sundo namin. We sat comfortably at the backseat and I looked at him with a huge smile on my face. "Manong, to the mansion please." I politely said "As you said, madame." Sinandal ko ang ulo ko sa balikat niya at naisipan kong umidlip dahil hindi ako naka tulog ng maayos sa eroplano, nakaka nerbyos kasi!

This will be a very long ride kaya nag stop over muna kami  sa store na nadaanan. It's currently 4:30 pm that's why I decided na mag meryenda muna. "Manong, come with us para yung gusto mo yung mabili mo." " Huwag na po,kahit ano naman okay sa'kin ma'am." This driver has been working for us for 30 years. Maliit palang ako ito na ang nag hahatid sa akin sa school. Siya yung pinaka pinag kakatiwalaan ko because he's a really good person. And a good person also needs to be treated well. "But kuya Felix, it's also your work to protect me." I smiled teasingly at him while he chuckle. Tumawa ng mahina si Paul dahil alam niya na that is my dialog to make manong come with us. "As you said...Madame."

Pumasok na kami at hinayaan ko na silang kuhanin ang gusto nila, I smiled and followed them to get some foods, mahaba haba pa ang byahe so our stomach should be full. I looked at Paul and I saw him laughing with kuya Felix, kuya Felix looked at me and nod lightly. Ngumisi ako pagkatapos kong humigop sa kape ko at tumawa ng mahina. Everything is going well as I planned.

"Everything should be perfect, they will arrive soon." I told the maids after taking a sip of my wine. Ahh shit ang angas ng datingan ko do'n.  Well, as Ysa's brother I should be helping her reach her dreams..I know a lot of people will probably think na nakuha na niya ang lahat ng gusto niya at ang mga pangarap niya pero I SAY NO! One thing was added to her lists of dreams a few years ago; and that is- "Brooo, ayusin mo nga 'yang mukha mo para kang na sa teleserye haha!" My thoughts was interrupted by my sister's wife. "Anong meron?" Andrielle asked while taking a look around the dining room. "Look, I want you to play along.."

I couldn't explain how happy I am now. Finally, it's starting. Parang gusto ko nang mag tatalon sa saya pero I'll have to save that for later.

"Bakit pumayag agad si tita?"

"I don't know either.."

Interesting.

Binalik ko ang aking tingin sa daan at malayo pa lang ay nakita ko na ang malaking gate ng aming mansion. Nang malapit na kami, nag bukas na ang malaking gate na iyon showing the huge mansion of the Cravalho Family. I took a quick glance at him while smiling lightly.

"We're here, madame.."

Huminto na ang sasakyan hindi malayo mula sa malaking pintuan ng bahay namin na mala palasyo.  Sumilip si kuya Felix sa akin at tumango, ngumisi lang ako at kinuha ko na yung hand bag ko. I could see the maids taking our baggages and one of our tauhan opened the car door for us and I thanked them after. I took a glance at Paul and I could see how nervous he is.

"Don't be nervous, love. You're with me.." Ngumiti siya at ngumiti rin ako pa balik.

Two maids started to open the huge door for us to come in. Pag ka pasok namin ay nasalubong na agad kami ng ngiti ng aming mga kasambahay. Ngumiti kami pa balik at sinalubong naman ako ng personal maid ko para kuhanin ang bag ko. 

Dumeretso kami sa dining room and I saw my kuya already looking at me while we are taking a seat and we heard a familiar voice coming from behind.

"It has been a very long time, Paulo."

Paulo  William Makino...what a beautiful name.

This Paulo is 5'8 and moreno. No one can describe his beautiful features.

"Good evening, Mr. Cravalho." He slightly bowed his head at my father.

"No formalities, engineer."

I took a look around the long table and I saw my mom who doesn't care at all and what made me shocked is that I saw Andrielle sitting beside her. He looked at me and gave me a smile. "Hi love.." he whispered.

"So how's life, Paulo?" My father started talking while we're all eating. "Life was tough, Mr. Cravalho. But here I am now, engineer na po ako haha." "I told you, stop being formal." They laughed together. "Oh, by the way Paulo. Let me introduce you to my daughter's husband , Andrielle." Paul and Andrielle stood up and reach for each other's hand, they are staring at each other with a look that confuses me. After that I excused myself para pumuntang CR. I kinda feel bad for Andri and I don't know why. His eyes are just a little different earlier. Pero bahala na, I'm sure he doesn't care at all. Isasarado ko pa lang ang pinto ngunit biglang may pumigil at nagulat ako nang bigla siyang pumasok, sinarado niya agad ang pinto at napapikit na lamang ako. The person held me by my wrist putting it up to the wall, trapping me.

"Why are you always hurting me, my wifey?"