Masked, Unmasked

1: Start

"Dennise, your Mom and I had been talking about going home to our hometown. You know it has been a tradition, us celebrating this occasion on a yearly basis - your abuela's birthday." Her father announced while they are having their dinner one beautiful Saturday evening.

Dennise's expression abruptly changed. From looking oh so at ease and happy, for being able to spend another precious moment with her family to being overly serious and extra tensed.

"But Dad, you could see how busy I am right? I need to finish a very huge project and also I have an impending meeting with a very important person. A projected overseas client! Plus we could bring nana here sa atin para dito na magcelebrate just like what we did for the past years. Could I not go with..." She tried her best to sound as convincing as possible.

"No but's and no if's Michelle. We are all going to Negros on Thursday. Don't try to argue or say anything else. My decision is final!" Her father said with full authority.

Dennise was not able to open her mouth after hearing those words.

"As you say so dad." She said but shaking her head in complete annoyance.

Her mother held her hand and squeeze it very gently, trying to calm her.

"You sure will have a great time in there baby. Just like the old times. Plus it's your grandmother's 75th birthday. We should celebrate that, you know, minsan nalang nakakaabot sa ganoong edad ang isang tao." Mrs. Anna Lazaro told her eldest daughter.

"Yeah just like the old time's Mom." Beatriz, more famously known as Bea, Dennise's younger and only sibling smiled knowingly at Den.

Dennise on her part gave the youngest Lazaro a death glare.

"I cannot wait to see Bolt once again!" Bea happily exclaimed concerning her horse.

"Buhay pa ba yung kabayo mong iyon? I doubt hindi na iyon nakakatakbo katulad ng dati." Pang-iinis ni Dennise sa nakakabatang kapatid.

"What made you say that ate?" Naghahamon ang tono ng dalaga.

"Tatay Roy, talked to me last week, asking me if I'll be coming home, kasi kundisyon na kundisyon na daw si Bolt. Okay na siya from the slight injury he suffered last year." Pagmamayabang niya sa ate niya.

"Oh please stop, Beatriz!" Dennise sighed heavily, obviously annoyed.

"Whatever ate. Pwede bang huwag mong pag-initan si Bolt. I know exactly kung bakit ka nagkakaganyan, at hindi iyon dahil muntikan kanang naihulog noon ng kabayo ko!" Bea smirked.

"You two, will you please stop bickering? Bea, stop pestering your ate." Mabilis na suway ng kanilang ama.

"Dad, if lahat tayo aalis sino ang maiiwan para sa firm?" Tanong ulit ni Dennise pagkatapos punasan ng napkin ang bibig.

"We have competent and able employees for that Den. Huwag mo ng isipin iyon plus babalik naman ako agad after three days so walang magiging problema." Her father assured her.

"So we'll be staying in Negros for three days? Uhm, mas okay sana kung two days lang pero pwede narin iyon. Three days won't kill me." The last sentence of her statement came as a whisper pero hindi iyon nakalagpas sa pandinig ng sariling ina.

"Who told you na three days ka lang doon mananatili Dennise, hija? You and Beatriz will be staying there for atleast a month." Parang wala lang na sabi ng kanilang ina.

"Excuse me, but what exactly are you saying Mommy?" Napatayo siya at napatukod pa ang mga braso sa mesa ng marinig ang sinabi ng ina.

"Seat down Michelle!" Her father ordered, pointing on her chair.