Undeniable Romance

QUATRO

          “So, honey anak, sino ba itong tinutukoy ni Febi na manliligaw mo 'daw. Iyan bang suot mong kwintas ang ibinigay niya sayo? Mukhang mamahalin ha?” Pansin ni Dad sa kalagitnaan ng pagkain namin.

Masama ko lamang na pinukol ng tingin ang bunso kong kapatid.

“His name is Cervix Montecarlo, Dad and Mom.” February added. Nagkatinginan nalang ang mga magulang ko sa sinabi ni February.

“Uh–okay.” Awkwardness filled around as Mom said.

“How about Mateo, Ate? I thought he promised you na babalikan ka niya. It's been two years already.”

At isa pa itong si January. Pilit na pinapaalala ang ex boyfriend ko.

“I'm not quite aware of these, Mom and Dad. Mateo was just my ex and Mr. Montecarlo is one of my shareholder, nothing more.” I said seriously as I continue eating.

“Luh, Ate you sure? Why did he gave you a necklace tsaka niresearch ko yang branded necklace na 'yan and it ranges from $7500 U.S dollar.”

“..I second the motion, Ate. Feb is right!” January insisted.

“Can we meet him, honey? Pakilala mo naman sa akin kung sino ang tinutukoy nitong kapatid mo.” Mom added. “It's about time na rin siguro. You're not getting any younger, Anak.”

Here we go again. They are still pressuring me about my married life.

Napailing ako.

“That's enough. Let her decide in her own. Pero balak mo bang tumandang dalaga anak?” Dad interrupted our silence.

Nagtawanan naman sila na ikinasimangot ko.

“Dad...”

“I'm kidding. Masyado kang seryoso, honey.” He added at me.

Napabuga ako.

“Sweetheart, bakit ba kasi laging mainitin ang ulo mo sa akin noong ipinagbubuntis itong si December. Ayan tuloy.” And they laugh again as Dad talk about my mom's pregnancy 30 years ago.

Lord Jesus Christ, why did they annoy me right now?

          It's Sunday and we decided to go to our private resort for our family bonding. It takes an hour since we get there.

Kaagad akong lumusong sa tubig dagat for me to relax. Akala ko makakapagpahinga ako ngayon dahil wala akong trabaho. Mali pala, my family keeps asking me about nonsense question.

Wearing my black two piece, nilublob ko sa malamig na tubig ang katawan ko. I tried to distance myself from them to avoid their annoying queries.

This is my safe place whenever I feel tired and stress, I'm always here. Alone, sometimes. Dad bought this when we're still in our high school. He's a licensed architect while my mom is a dentist.

Talking about my family. It was all perfect. A happy indeed. Dad and Mom promise each other to give us a complete family. And I'm so glad that it happened.

Masaya ako. Wala naman na akong hinahanggad pa sa buhay. I'm working and I'm getting a large amount of money every single day.

I can buy whatever I want. I can do wherever I want to go. Wala naman na akong ibang mahihiling pa. Siguro, I want to thank God for these blessings.

“Ate!”

Kasalukuyan akong nagpapalutang lutang sa tubig habang nakamasid sa langit. Iniisip ang ibang bagay nang lapitan ako ng isa ko pang kapatid.