That Feeling [COMPLETED]

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Sinalubong ako ni Manang nang makapasok ako sa pinto. Nagmano ako as kan'ya pagkatapos ay kinuha niya ang bag ko.

“Ako na ang magdadala nito sa k'warto mo, Bettina. Pumunta ka na sa kusina, 'andoon ang mga magulang mo,” sabi sa akin ni manang.

“Salamat po, Manang Sally,” nginitian niya lang ako.

Pumunta ako sa kusina gaya ng sinabi ni Manang. Malayo pa lang dinig ko na ang boses nila galing sa kusina.

“When should we tell her, Beth?” I heard Daddy ask Mom.

They talked without noticing that I'm arriving.

“After her Debut, Larry,” Mommy simply answered.

I'm certain that they are talking about me for my debut is weeks from now. I got curious about what they are discussing that's why I butt in.

“Tell me about what po?” I asked as I arrived in the dining area.

Dad cleared his throat as Mom forced a smile. Based on their reaction, they are talking about something serious. I'm now getting more interested.

“It's nothing, Bettina. Let's eat,” he said as he motioned me to sit down, changing the subject.

Tahimik akong nagmano sa kanila bago umupo at hindi na nagtanong pa. Hindi ko sila pipilitin kung ano ang gusto nilang sabihin sa'kin because never in my entire life won a conversation with them.

Also, I'm pretty sure that what they are about to say will hurt me. H'wag muna, tama na muna 'yong nabibigo ako. Hinay-hinay ko pa nga itong tinatanggap tapos may iba na naman. I just wished that the news won't hurt me further.

Kumakain kami ng tahimik, naghihintay lang ako kung ano ang sasabihin nila.

Dad didn't opened up our last dicussion. Mabuti nalang na hindi, his words hurt me and I wanna hear Mom say those words too.

“How was your sem-final exam, Bettina?” tanong Daddy asked without glancing at me.

I surprisingly look at him. How did he know? I never told them when will be our exam.

Nilunok ko ang kinain at nagtanong, “It's fine po, Dad. Ah, how did you know that today is our exam po?”

Dad looked down consciously trying to act normal but I saw him gulp. Is he hiding something?

“Manang told us, Bettina,” Mommy answered, saving Dad from additional questions.

My forehead furrowed, how come? I didn't tell Manang about the exam either. It's just I didn't find the need to tell them or anyone. But even if I'm confused, tumango nalang ako at hindi na nagsalita pa.

“Bettina, what color do you prefer for your gown? And the design also,” Mommy broke the silence.

Nilingon ko siya, “I want a lavender color, Mom. You can choose the design for me po,” I answered.

I don't want to have a flashy debut, I want a simple one but I don't have the guts to tell them.  Gusto kong lagi silang sinusunod, baka kasi bigyan nila ako ng mas maraming oras.

All I want is to follow them and to make them proud, maybe they'll be if I'll follow what they say. Maybe, being a good daughter would make them appreciate me.

“Okay. Any request for your birthday party?” she asked, looking at me.

Walang bahid ng ngiti o kung ano man.

It's like she is talking to her client. When should she see me as her daughter?

“Wala po,” I responded. Tumango siya sa'kin.