P.R.N

38

I couldn't stop playing with my fingers as we go closer to their house. It felt like I was going to take my second Physician Licensure Exam. I was so anxious.

"Erica Vienne..." He called my attention while driving.

"Please don't talk to me, I'm already nervous." I said while clenching my teeth.

I heard him chuckle before reaching for my hand. He kissed the back of my hand three times before squeezing it gently.

"It's just my family, Vienne. There's nothing to worry about."

I deeply sighed. "I haven't introduced you to my parents like this. You don't know the feeling."

My eyebrows furrowed when I heard him scoff. "Sure."

I rolled my eyes at him before fixing my eyes to the road. Damn, we're almost there!

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko nang makakita ako ng isa pang pamilyar na kotse.

"C, Is that..." Tito Collin's car? He's here?

Unti-unti kong nilingon si Cole at mas lalong naguluhan nang makitang wala siyang reaction sa kotse na nakaparada sa harap ng bahay nila.

Why is he acting nonchalant? I'm certain that it's Tito Collin's car. He's here! Am I the only one panicking?!

"I think your Father is here." I told him.

"Yes, Erica Vienne. I asked him to come."

He did what?!

Habang papasok sa bahay nila ay mas lalong lumalakas ang kalabog ng dibdib ko. Bakit ang tahimik?! Bakit ang kalmado?! Nandito yung cheater!

When we got to the dining area, I reached for the ends of Cole's shirt. He was wearing his usual sweatshorts and a plain oversized shirt.

Mas lalo lang akong nabigla nang makita na nag-uusap (nang maayos) si Tita Karen at Tito Collin. They were even smiling at each other!

A middle-aged woman was sitting beside Tito Collin. He was holding her thigh under the table.

What just happened during those four years?!

"Hija, hijo!" Tita Karen welcomed us by kissing our cheeks and hugging us.

"Thank you for being here, Vienne. I know how hectic your schedule gets." Tita Karen said.

Umiling ako at magalang na ngumiti. "No problem po."

Binaling ko ang tingin kay Tito Collin. "Good morning po." I greeted before glancing back at Cole.

This is the time to tell me what the fuck is up! I wanted to tell him, but everyone would hear me. I didn't want to embarrass myself.

"This is Tita Ysabelle, Vienne. My wife." Napahigpit lalo ang kapit ko sa shirt ni Cole sa narinig.

What?!

--

Tita Ysabelle and Tita Karen were actually okay. They were talking like they've known each other for years and they talk like they're actually friends. I don't see any sadness in Tita Karen's eyes— she looked fine.

Tito Collin and Cole were also talking calmly. They were talking about medicine stuff. Ako lang yata ang hindi pa rin naiintindihan ang nangyayari. Minsan ay sumasagot ako kapag naisasali ako sa usapan pero mas pinipili kong makinig lang sa kanila.

Nang matapos kumain ay inaya ako ni Cole na pumunta sa garden nila. We excused ourselves before heading out.

"A year after we broke up, I came back to talk to him." Nilingon ko si Cole. He smiled to me. "This is me feeding your curiosity."