Pursuing My Nemesis

Thirty Six

Chapter 36

IT'S CHRISTMAS. The bells were ringing outside and the joyful melody from Christmas carols being played by the neighbor was passing through the thick door of Aniel's unit.

Nakatayo ako sa tapat niya habang pinagmamasdan siyang magkalkal sa mga gamit niya. After talking about his past in the balcony, we decided to go inside and stop for a moment to celebrate Christmas. Kumain na kami at kasalukuyang umiinom ng wine. Freeda called awhile ago and told me na dadalaw raw sila rito kasama si Triton at Channing. Mukhang magkakasama nilang sinalubong ang pasko.

"Here," Aniel said and stood. Humarap siya sa akin at inabot ang isang litrato. "It was taken by the time I first stepped in the Felan's residences."

Tinitigan ko ang litrato. It was taken years ago. Bata pa si Aniel dito. His face was younger, more innocent looking that how he is now. He was also thin and pale. Noon pa lang ay maputi na talaga siya.

Katabi niya sa litrato ang isang babae na mas maliit sa kanya. The girl was identified as Victorina Felan, the youngest among Donya Vitoria Felan's children. She was sophisticatedly beautiful. Para siyang batang bersyon ng kanilang ina. Nasa likuran nila Aniel ang dalawang lalaki na halos magkamukha. Aniel pointed them each and told me their names. Gregor and Krisostomo Felan. Magkasing tangkad ang dalawa pero mas mahaba ang buhok ni Krisostomo. Parehong suplado ang mga mukha at hindi mo rin makikitaan ng kinang ang mga mata nila. They were twins.

Nakaupo si Donya Vitoria sa isang vintage chair. She was wearing a maroon dress, and her hair was in a tight bun. She look like a queen. Kulang na lang ang korona na dapat nakapatong sa kanyang ulo.

"Ilang taon ka noong kinupkop ka ng mga Felan?" I asked Aniel without peeling my gaze away from the picture.

"I was already twenty. Too old to have a new family." His voice was empty. "Only Mamá wanted me in the family. My siblings, Gregor and Krisostomo, who were already had their own family and careers, objected their mother's decision."

Huminga ako nang malalim at saka siya nilingon. Parang sinaksak ang puso ko nang makita ko ang mga mata ni Aniel. They were empty, like I was only staring at a black hole without totally nothing in it.

"I don't even know why I agreed to come with Mamá when she fetched me from the shelter. Doon na ako lumaki at nagka-isip. I was happy there. I got friends and many charities were helping us to live." He smiled bitterly. "And Channing's family adored me. I found home in his existence. But I think I was greedy enough to wish for more. Kaya noong dumating si Mamá at pinili akong ampunin kahit na matanda na ako, pumayag pa rin akong sumama sa kanya."

"I'm glad Channing did not leave your side all these years," sabi ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. "He once told me that he always treat you like his real brother. Kaya nahihirapan akong mag-rant sa kanya tungkol sa 'yo noon kasi lagi kong napapansin na medyo nasasaktan din siya kapag napagsasabihan kita ng masama."

Aniel smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. Itinabi ko ang litrato at saka siya niyakap. He stayed still but I could feel his chin resting above my head. He really had some advantages from our height differences.

"I wish you had the chance to meet her. She's nice, but feisty at some times. Just like you," he mumbled, pertaining to his Mamá while I was hugging him.

"Sa tingin mo ba, gusto niya ako para sa 'yo?" I asked.

Aniel looked at me and cupped my cheeks. "You are always likable, Nemesis. There's no doubt my Mamá would love you in an instant."

I crinkled my nose and pouted my lips. Aniel chuckled before planting a peck on my lips. Sakto namang tumunog ang doorbell ng unit. Kumalas ako kay Aniel para buksan ang pinto.