Bay of Strangers (Manila Girls #2)

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Ako

My alarm blared in my ears. The daylight peeked through my windows, bathing me with warmth. I heave out a sigh and hugged my soft, fluffy pillow. Imagining that I have a warm body beside me. I always do this. I always thought that the pillows and space beside me are occupied by a presence that I crave. It has no face... It only allowed me to feel warm, safe and full.

Most of the times, my pillows are my comfort. They know my darkest fears, my warmest tears, and my dreams. Sometimes I am sorry that I soak them with lukewarm and honeydew tears that cascaded like velvet streams. However, they always accepted it silently like it was drops of golds in a desert of starvation.

"Lei," It's Atticus voice that drowned my little reverie.

"Palabas na!"

Today's Sunday and just like how my father announced that he's running for senate, he also did the same trick of saying that we're going to church at this particular week. Hindi naman talaga kami palasimbang pamilya, lumaki rin ako na hindi nakasanayan na mayroong sinasamba na Diyos. I pray, sometimes... But sometimes my lips only know what to say but I couldn't feel it coming from my heart.

I dressed and dolled up. Letting my long wavy hair cascade my porcelain skin. Wearing a white off-shoulder dress with a princess cut skirt and a white kitten heels, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I draped a white faux fur shawl over my shoulders and texted Daven and Vanna for updates.

"Deus," Naabutan kong hinalikan ni Mama si Papa sa pisngi.

Napangiti ako habang pinapanood sila. Sa tabi ko ay napansin kong nakangiti rin si Atticus. He's wearing his black polo shirt and white pants. Malinis na malinis tignan at may suot pang stainless bracelet at relo.

"You look pretty, Lei." Atticus complimented and handed me a small white envelope. Tipid akong ngumiti at tinanggap ito.

"Do we have the donations ready?" Tanong ni Papa.

Sabay naming inangkat ni Atticus ang dala namin. Atticus is holding a golden basket filled with fruits, grains, and a bottle of wine while I'm holding the white envelope. Nang maayos na ang lahat ay dumiretso na kami sa sasakyan. Inayos ko ang munting YSL bag na dala at nagwisik ng pabango bago tuluyang yakapin ang braso ni Atticus.

The trip to the church is short and bearable even with my parents' nagging. Buti nga at nakakayanan ni Atticus na huwag sumagot kina Papa lalo pa't halos ata lahat ng ginagawa ni Atticus ay may nasasabi sila.

Alam kong nakakainis iyon at naiintindihan ko si Atticus, but still... his plans to get away and live with Tito Deon is not a good idea. May pakiramdam akong hindi magiging maganda ang dulot nito.

"We're here," Papa announced.

Sumilip ako sa labas. The cars paraded outside like it's magic hour. I look at the grandeur tower of Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz or simply known as Binondo Church. Its facade boasted a granite touch, heavily influenced by western architecture.

"Nariyan na ba si Mayor?"

"I think so? His convoys and PSPG are here." Tinuro ni Papa ang mga nakahilerang sasakyan sa plaza at iilang mga unipormadong pulis. Sumulyap ako sa kabilang parte kung nasaan ang entrance ng simbahan at nakitang may iilang civil bodyguards din na naroon.

"Nariyan kaya si Senyora Gliceria?"

"They said she never skips Sunday service."

I frowned a bit. Senyora Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco is the matriarch of the Rustia-Tantoco clan. I've heard a lot of stories about her. My parents disliked her because she's too controlling and manipulative. I know they're not the one to talk but Senyora Gliceria is on a different level. I once heard that she manipulated her children's marriages and their businesses and power extended and floursihed because of her. She is that powerful.