ENEMY'S PROPERTY | ES:2

Kanabata 12

Early update! Thank you for always waiting patiently. You may comment down your thoughts about this chapter or the story. Happy reading, enjoy! ❤️

+++++
ENEMY'S PROPERTY
KABANATA 12
''Picture''

''Napapadalas ang punta mo sa mga Montecarlo, Georgianna.''

Napalingon ako at nakita ang pagpasok ni Mama sa kwarto ko. I wasn't even able to hear her knock because my mind has been wandering. Ngayon ko lang din napagtanto na kanina pa ako sa harap ng salamin at hindi pa nakakapagbihis.

''We are finishing a group work, Mama. It will also serve as our examination so we needed to really work hard for it.'' I explained.

''Hmm.'' She went to me, took my hairbrush and started to comb my hair. ''I didn't tell Papã about it. When he asks about you, I just tell him that you are with your classmates. Pero hindi ko sinasabing sa mga Montecarlo. You know his feelings about that family.''

I nodded understandingly.

''How are they to you?'' she softly asked.  ''Are they kind or are they treating you differently because you are a De Leon?''

I remember Senyora and Lukas who have been nothing but warm and kind to me. Senyora who always worries about me, and treats me affectionately and generously. And Lukas who always accompanies me in school.

''They are kind people, Mama.''

They are. But I know in myself that I wouldn't step anywhere near their land anymore if it isn't just necessary. If I knew Carlos would come home yesterday, I would've refused to go there today. Pero naka-oo na rin ako. And if I don't show up now, Rona would pull my hair out of my head when Monday comes.

Tumigil din si Mama sa pagsuklay. She went to the closet and rummaged around. Ilang sandali siya doon bago bumalik na may dalang damit. It's a pale baby blue puff sleeve dress with side pockets, one of the clothes she brought for me.

''Here, you can wear this dress. It's simple and something not tacky, this will also look good on you.''

I plan to just wear something simpler but I think this is also good. At tama naman si Mama, simple lang naman iyong dress. Wala masyadong kung ano ano.

I put it on. My mother went out and when she came back, she already had an oversized bow hair clip on her hand. Pinaupo niya ako muli sa harap ng salamin at muling sinuklay ang aking buhok. It's a rare occasion so I let it be.

''It's Carolina who does things like this for you before. Whenever you get home, you will always show me your hair with some ribbons and pins.'' aniya habang pinagpatuloy ang ginagawa. ''Minsan nagseselos ako dahil mukhang mas naalagaan ka pa nila kaysa sa'kin. Wala ako masyadong oras sa'yo dahil sa trabaho. I'm sorry, Georgianna.''

Agad akong umiling.

''Mama, it's nothing to worry about. I understand what our situation was before. I'm already beyond grateful because you are doing your best to provide for me... for us... even though I know how hard it was on your part, too. And aside from those, you love me unconditionally. It was more than enough po.''

Nakita ko ang reaksyon ni Mama, ang pagnguso niya. Medyo napangiti ako.

''I have more time now for you and Eli. You're already twenty-two, I know, but please don't get mad if I still treat you as my baby girl, okay?''

I rolled my eyes playfully at my mother, but eventually chuckled and nodded my head.

Maayos na ang buhok ko. Somehow it's brushed up and the bow clip held my hair. Medyo may mga takas pa rin sa gilid, malapit sa may aking tainga. Mukhang ganoon iyon inayos ni Mama. At mukhang konting parte lamang ang tinali dahil bagsak pa rin ang mahaba at halos umaalon kong buhok.