KSM 1: lateral

49

Sol.

I waved at Rhythm and Harmony one last time after i drop them off. "You really aren't going to see mama again?" Rhythm asked.

I shook my head. "Hindi na, I have to go somewhere pa eh. Just tell tita that I'll see them again soon." i said.

Tumango si Rhythm at hinaplos ang aking buhok. "Sige, mag-ingat ka. Text mo na lang ako kapag nakarating ka na don." paalala nya.

I nodded. "Yes, sir." I laughed. "Bye, Harmony." i told her. Binuhat sya ni Rhythm at lumusot sa bintana para humalik sa pisngi ko.

"Bye bye, ate." kumaway sya. Bumusina naman ako bago ako tuluyang magmaniobra. Dumaan ako sa condo ko bago pumunta sa amin.

Nasa hacienda kasi ang isusuot kong damit para sa party mamaya. Nang makarating ako don ay pinarada ko na ang aking sasakyan. Pumasok ako sa loob at sinalubong ng relatives namin sa side ni daddy.

"Hi, tita." bati ko sa isa kong tita na nakatayo malapit sa pinto.

"You're late, Sol. Go in the kitchen, your fiancée is there." she smiled at me and pushed me away. I smiled back before walking in the kitchen.

Fiancée? Meaning Callan is here?

"Hi, ma." humalik ako sa pisngi ni mommy at kumuha ng patatas sa ulam na hawak nya. Habang nilalapag nya iyon sa lamesa ay naupo ako sa Island counter.

"Tita Grace said Callan is here, where is he?" tanong ko at pinapapak ang ilang putahe na malapit sa akin.

"Stop it, Sol, uubusin mo pa yan. Cal just left, he said he just need something to get kaya dumaan lang sya dito." sagot ni mommy at tumingin sakin.

"Wash yourself and get dress na, malapit na tayong kumain, pupunta pa tayo sa hall." sabi nya sa akin. Tumango ako at umalis na agad.

I went upstairs where my bedroom was and stare at the outfit on my bed. I'm not surprised that mom didn't pick a dress for me anymore.

I just took a bath and prepare myself, i put a light make up so my face won't look pale.

Pagkababa ko ay nakahain na sa dining table, nakaupo doon ang ilan kong mga pinsan, tito at tita. Nagkukwentuhan pa sila bago nagsimulang kumain.

Kinakausap din ako ng isa kong pinsan na malapit sa edad ko kaya i don't feel out of place. "How have you been with Cal?" she suddenly asked.

"Why do you guys keep on asking about us? We seldom meet, and the fact that he lives in Tearese." i answered.

"Kahit na, you're still engaged and will marry each other after your graduation." Emily talk while eating.

I stopped when I was about to eat. "It's an arranged marriage, i don't see the need to be close with each other while we're not married yet."

"It's for you to be comfortable with him. Sya na yung makakasama mo sa buong buhay mo, you guys need to have an actual engagement not just only in front of our family."

"How can you say that? How have you been with your fiancée? Nag-aadvice ka sakin tapos baka hindi mo naman naa-apply sa sarili mo." i rolled my eyes.

"Ganun talaga, kung di mo kayang gawin i-advice mo na lang sa iba." sabay kaming natawa sa sinabi nya. "Pero seryoso, Sol. I just want you to be happy that's why I'm saying this. Marriage isn't just engaging with each other, you'll soon also build a family with your husband." her face of expression changed to be serious.

I nodded and gave her a small smile." I know that. I also don't want something bad to happen after we get married." i answered and looked at my hands. Emily held it and squeeze it a bit tight.

I am currently in the hall where everyone who lives in Ams Hills get to celebrate together. There were performers in front who dances our culture.

Everyone is having fun and happily celebrating the fiesta but i don't see myself wanting to join them. Most of the people here are from known family and others are big businessmen.

I search for the exit and finally found peace after i get out. I took out my phone after sitting on a bench.