The Vens

FranSSin

November 2008, New York City

I enter the Plaza Penthouse Condominium with the fabulous women of the Venriverra family.

My ears are suddenly overwhelmed with music. It is not just the amazing music from the grand piano but the music from different accents of languages simultaneously being spoken.

I can hear the musical notes of Spanish, Japanese, Russian, American English, Canadian English, New Zealand English, Maori, Bislama language of Vanuatu and Ilocano, a dialect of Filipinos in Ilocos Province.

I savor the ensemble of languages as my eyes explore the vast space and the impressive furniture of this penthouse. This one is bigger and more luxurious than Helenna's.

My ears search for the Ilocano accent notes and find three Filipino men dressed in traditional Barong Tagalog.

I thought Metrinna and I are the only Filipino Vens. I can't even fathom why I assumed that.

I decide to walk toward the three Filipinos but Jennafer hooks her arm on mine. Jennafer is wearing a modern kimono-style gown in red floral silk. Her hair is beautifully pulled into a geisha bun.

Jennafer leads me to the veranda where Zainn and Danniel are standing. They look like male supermodels wearing identical shiny black tuxedos.

I feel my armpits sweat as Jennafer and I walk closer to Zainn.

Zainn is so hot. His facial hair is so sexy. I asked Hans to grow a moustache before but I think he won't be able to. Hans doesn't even have armpit hair.

"Betinna, is that you?" Zainn asks.

"Betinna? How dare you call me Betinna!" I say jokingly in Spanish.

Zainn laughs and looks at me from head to toe.

"I've been waiting to hear you speak in Spanish. I heard you speak in many tongues," Zainn says.

I feel my armpits sweat some more when I hear him say tongues.

How can I be sweating when cold autumn breeze is blowing in the penthouse's open veranda? Why do I ask this question when I already know the answer?

My pearl-studded off shoulder gown is the most beautiful dress I have ever worn. My wavy hair is ironed straight and hangs like black curtains to cover my exposed back. I suppress the thought of convincing myself that Zainn is checking me out.

I want to show off to Zainn my fluency in Spanish but a beautiful woman wearing a white gown walks elegantly toward me. She walks like a ballerina.

"Hello, Betinna. We finally meet. Welcome!," the woman says.

"I love your hair," I say thoughtlessly.

"Thank you. I love it too," she says smiling.

She looks so royal in a pixie hair cut. Her platinum blond hair reminds me of a fierce fairy; the one that fights evil monsters.

"Franssin, you are a goddess."

I hear Helenna's voice behind me.

I turn around. Helenna takes
my right hand and the woman's right hand. She places our hands on top of each other.

"Franssin Venirossi, meet my new daughter, Betinna Venriverra," Helenna says.

My eyes widen. I look at Helenna's green eyes and then at Franssin's bluish-grey eyes.

I am surprised Helenna introduced me as her daughter. I have honestly contemplated on the possibility. Does that mean she will adopt me like she adopted Jennafer? I like the sound of Betinna Venriverra.