Hues and Lies

🎨33: Anchored

I PLOPPED on my bed and I felt that my body missed the scent and ambiance of my room.

I closed my eyes and I remembered my days with my mom. Napangiti na lang ako habang inaalala ko ang mga panahong tinuturuan niya akong magpinta.

"Always remember Sydney that without darkness, no colors has any depth."

Mom was right, I'd never appreciate the colors of life without the darkness I experienced from the past.

I stood and I checked myself in the mirror. I could see my real reflection in it. Behind this beautiful dress I wore, hide a woman who stood strong on the grave of her dead parts.

I took the lipstick and I used it. I shook my head in disbelief that I was able to go back in my real life. The hues of make-up and the lies about my real identity saved my life. Who would have thought that I changed the use of make-up. I used it to make myself ugly, yet safe.

Being Cindy Torres taught me to value real people, to appreciate the simplicity of life, and the essence of having patience.

I heard the knocked on my door that's why I went out. Bumungad sa akin si Yaya at bakas sa mukha nito ang saya. Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit bilang tanda ng pasasalamat.

"Finally, nakauwi na po tayong lahat Yaya," hinalikan ko siya sa pisngi.

Tumango ito at pinahid ang nangingilid niyang mga luha.

"Alam kong masaya na si Madeline kung nasaan man siya ngayon," sambit ni Yaya habang hawak-hawak niya ang mga kamay ko.

"That's for sure Ya, dahil nakamit na nila ang justice na matagal ko ng pinangarap para sa kanila," I tapped Yaya's shoulder.

"Sydney apo, hinahanap ka na ng daddy mo, magsisimula na raw ang party," sabi ng papalapit na si Lolo Thomas.

Nagmano ako sa kanya at sabay na kaming naglakad palabas. Marami na palang tao sa pool area namin kung saan gaganapin ang thanksgiving party ni daddy.

Pili lang ang mga bisita niya, dahil ako mismo ang pumili kung sino lang ang imbitado. I chose the people who supported us during the darkest part of our lives.

"Dad," I gave him a tight embraced.

"I am very proud of the woman you become anak," he held me in my shoulder. "You're so brave."

"I made it dad because I met such good people along my journey, and those are my real friends ," I smiled and I glanced on my friends seated on the table nearby us.

"I know anak, so what are you waiting for, go join with them," dad replied and gave his best smile to my friends.

I nodded and I walked towards their table. Agad akong biniso nila Faith at Lixy. Si Kye naman, niyakap ako nang mahigpit. That hugged was different from it usually did. I felt safer because of it.

"I'm glad you made it guys, your presence is the most important thing tonight," I held my chest. Nag-uumapaw kasi ang saya na nararamdaman ko, at hindi ko na 'to masukat pa.

"Thank you for inviting us here Sydney, your place is really elegant," Lixy gaped looking her eyesight around.

"Kaya nga, nakakalula naman ang bahay niyo Sydney, hindi ka ba naliligaw rito?" seryosong tanong ni Faith.

Napahalakhak na lang kaming tatlo. Kahit kailan talaga si Faith good vibes lang ang dala.

"Having a good time guys?" I heard a familiar voice. It was Shay walking towards us, alone. Gladly, nakinig siya sa'kin tungkol sa panloloko sa kanya ni Chesca.