He Was My Umbrella

61

Renzo

"Sure, I may be older. But you're also very mature. So, age difference will not be a problem. I'll tell him how much I love you."

Nanonood kami ng The Purge sa bahay ni Adi kasama ang iba naming kaibigan. Iyong sinabi sa movie, napaisip ako doon. I never really saw Adi as someone I'll love romantically. I just never did. She's young and fragile. I'm already in my twenties. But, we're still close friends after all. Na kahit na malaki talaga ang gap namin, we worked as best friends. Siguro we feel comfortable with each other without knowing why.

"Are you excited for your birthday?" Tanong ko kay Rai habang nasa kwarto niya ako ngayon, tinutulungan ko siyang gumawa ng invitations. Gusto niya kasi ng handmade invitations. May message pa nga kasi for each person.

"Of course, Kuya. Can you believe it?! I'm turning 13!" Masaya niyang sabi.

She's turning 13. All my life I wanted a sibling younger than me, then Rai came. I was the person who named her Raine. I was 11 that time. It was a rainy day and we were at the hospital, waiting for her birth.

***

"Renzie, what do you think is the name of our sister?" Ate Ra-Rach asked me.

"Uhm, I think Raine will be a good name for her! Because look! She's gonna be born on a rainy day!" I said excitedly.

We were at the hospital, beside Momma while she was laying down on a bed, waiting for my baby sister to arrive! I am so excited! I've always wanted a younger sister!

"Mama! Since Renzie and I's initials are R and M, why don't we do the same to my sister! Raine could be her second name and since I call my brother Renzie, what if we name her Mackenzie Raine?!" Ate asked Momma with a smile.

"That's a good name! Thank you!" Mom kissed the top of our heads.

I went closer to Mom and put my head on her big tummy! "I will be the best Kuya for you, Mackenzie Raine. I promise to love you forever even if we're already grown-ups! You'll always be Kuya Renzie's best love!" I kissed Mommy's tummy and she kicked! Raine kicked!

"She likes you, Renzo. She likes her Kuya."

***

"Did you know that I was the one who named you Raine?" I tuck her hair behind her ear.

"Yes, and you were wrong. I hate the rain." She rolled her eyes at me.

I roamed around her room. I was the one who designed this with the help of Dad. I came across this display cabinet and there was a digital camera. It looked familiar that's why I checked it. It was bedazzled by colorful beads and glitters. This is Ate's camera way back when she was still a teenager.

"Rai, can I borrow this?" I raised the digi-cam.

"Yeah, display lang naman 'yan. Don't worry, fully charged 'yan." Sabi niya kaya umalis muna ako pumunta sa kwarto ko.

Binuksan ko iyon at tiningnan ang mga files nandoon. May isa akong video na nakita kaya pinindot ko iyon. Buhat ko si Raine noon, bagong panganak pa lamang. 'Yon ata ang unang beses na binuhat ko siya. Halata naman dahil ang file name ng video ay "Renzie's first time carrying Baby Raine!".

[I love you, Baby Raine!] Little Renzo said in the video. [I'll always take care of you!] Little Renzo kissed Baby Raine's forehead. 

I saw the smile that I was wearing that time. I looked very happy. May pictures pa doon kaya trinansfer ko iyon sa laptop ko. 

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"I know you'll pass." Sabi sa akin ni Ate habang naghihintay kami ng results ng licensure exam ko. Nasa C na ang mga pangalan. "Cabrera Cabrera Cabrera." Sabi niya nang sunod-sunod, hinahanap ang pangalan ko. "CABRERA, MAVERICK RENZO!" Sigaw niya.