Twilit Passion

Chapter 38

Dedicated to
Veilofthedark

Chapter 38

Mabilis na lumipas ang tatlong araw na nandito lang ako sa mansiyon at tinutulungan si Mama sa pagpapaganda ng hardin na dating tuyong-tuyo na. We cleaned the water fountain together with Aling Lita’s twins. Kahit papaano ay nakalimutan ko ang tagpong iyon sa mall na sobrang bumagabag sa aking katinuan.

Hindi ako makatulog sa kakaisip kung bakit pa niya kailangang magsinungaling sa akin. Was that really his habit to tell me lies over and over again? I was really confused with his actions the moment I came back from Morocco. I don't want to trust someone again even if it was Hielder. And I promised to stick with my decision to forget him totally.

While we were busy helping each other, no one noticed my sullen state and aching heart. I also don't want to spoil my mother's happy and productive day so I gathered my energy forgetting that scene. I even joined in their wild grooves to the classic upbeat music in which she unexpectedly choose.

Hours passed and we didn't notice that everything's changed inside the mansion’s lawn especially the garden. We don't need a landscape gardener cos’ my mom's work was even great that the outcome of her plans for the lawn amazed us. The wide garden of ornamental shrubs and variety of exotic plants became bright and cultivated. Hospitality and calmness reflects on it just like our newly renovated facade.

It was a good sign for my family and a fresh start for our new life together with the six people that we trust. Magkakasama na kaming tatlo at muli naming bubuhayin ang dating walang kaemo-emosyong mansiyon na ito. This place witnessed everything I've been through and it was still here when I fully recovered everything from my past. I felt glad and I thought my soul was connected to this huge manor.

Nakakagaan ng pakiramdam na makita ang malaking pagbabago sa loob at labas ng mansiyon. It felt surreal like I was living in a foreign country.

“You were smiling again hija. Do you remember how I was a bad dancer yesterday? Hmm,” tanong ng aking ina nang iniliko ko na ang aking Chevy palabas ng garahe.

Nakita kong binuksan na ni Mang Manuel ang aming asul na gate. Nakasunod naman sa amin ang sasakyan ni Papa habang pinagigitnaan kami ng dalawang fully-armed van ng mga tauhan ni Karim. The two brothers went early to Atty. Jimenez’s house to check on him. They update me everytime since last night.

I earnestly turned to her with a slight chuckle while maneuvering my steering wheel.

“Ma, how could you say that when you're better than me? I even followed the sway of your hips and the snap of your fingers as you were too engrossed to that song,” sagot ko sa kanya habang tinitingnan ang maliwanag na kalangitan sa harap.

The pastel colors in the sky brought me a positive feeling about this day. I exhaled all the negativities as I opened the windows of my car letting the gentle wind in.

Wala akong narinig na sagot mula kay Mama at nakita kong tahimik siyang nakasandal sa upuan habang nakatingin sa matatayog na mga gusali ng syudad. Alam kong nababahala rin siya sa mga mangyayari mamaya. Ngayon na ang araw ng paghuhukom at pagsasaad ng katotohanan.

“Mama.. shake all that negative thoughts, OK? Trust HIM on this, I know He will never let us down on this battle for justice.” I hold her hands that is fisting on her thighs.

She mumbled ‘I know, thank you anak..’ and remained quiet. My right hand didn't leave hers until we arrived to the trial court. Fortunately, nothing happened as we drove up to here.

Tahimik kaming lumabas at agad hinawakan ni Papa si Mama sa balikat na parang inaakay niya ito papasok sa loob. Lihim akong napangiti sa kanilang dalawa. Alam kong bumabawi si Papa sa maraming taon na nasayang nilang dalawa.