Memories of the Wind

End

End

I was always contented with my life.

Even if we only had a small apartment back in the States, I never complained about it. As I grew up, I strived hard in order to go to school.

My mom was only a waitress in a local diner. My dad worked part time in a small company. It was hard but I realized how life works in an early age.

Weird as it sounds but I agree that love can really makes the hard part easier.

I witnessed it firsthand. Our family struggled financially. Still, Mom and Dad were happy about it.

Ever since I was a child, I really pictured myself to be with someone like my mother. Calm. Serene. Modest. Feminine. But you never really know where the wind takes you.

I smiled when I looked at the ring tattoo on my finger. It's finally time.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Serese," the lady in the receiving area greeted.

"Good afternoon." I nodded.

"I saw the message earlier, Mr. Serese. Your father allowed you inside the museum. Your grandfather also instructed us to let you choose whatever you like."

"Thank you."

There are four bodyguards who stood by me when I entered the secret museum.

It's underneath the building of Serese Jewels where the original designs of the jewelry are located. It was hidden behind a secured door and only exclusive people can enter. Even bodyguards would stay outside.

When I went inside, I was still as amazed as the first time I went here two months after I arrived in the Philippines.

The jewelries are placed inside a crystal-clear box. It was shining. I think there are about a thousand original pieces here.

Sinimulan ko nang tingnan ang mga alahas, lalo na sa mga singsing. I was keen and careful not to break anything because it's fucking priceless.

"Hey, cousiiiiin!"

I jumped when I heard a voice shouting. Kunot-noo akong tumalikod at nakita si Haben na nakangiti. What the hell?

Hindi lang pala siya. Iyong iba ko ring pinsan ay pumasok ng isa-isa. Like me, they all stopped to take a view of the whole place.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

Jimson smiled widely. "Wala. Nakatanggap lang kami ng tsismis."

I raised a brow. "Tsismis?"

"Yup, as in gossip in english," ani Haben habang nakatingin sa isang ruby.

"Hey, watch out. You're clumsy as fuck," sabi ko sa kanya at nilayo pa siya mula roon. "Pero bakit nga kayo nandito lahat?"

Chester chuckled. "Gusto lang namin na tingnan kang mamili ng singsing. Baka gusto mo rin kaming tanungin kung ano ang mas magandang singsing."

Natawa lang si Jeno Emmanuel habang nakahalukipkip. Joseph was carefully keeping his hands to himself, afraid to damage a single thing.

"Come on. You are not here to help me. You are here to make fun of me," sabi ko.

Inakbayan ako ni Haben. "Grabe, Gab. Hindi mo na ba talaga kami isasali sa mga plano mo?"

"Oo nga," ani River. "Remember that I invited you to my wedding."

"What the fuck... I am just here to pick a ring. At saka, teka nga lang. Alam ba ni Lolo na nandito kayong lahat?" tanong ko sa kanila.

River scoffed. "Of course. Inutusan namin si Joseph na ilakad kami."