It's seven in the morning, and we all got up early dahil ngayong araw ang Grand Parade para sa Fiesta ng San Nicolas. Yes, I am here again. As Artemis told me, babalik kami dito. And I am happy to be here and spend time with her family.
As I step out of the gate, bumungad sa akin ang ilang stalls ng pagkain; karamihan ay mga nagbebenta ng BBQs. Marami ring sasakyan kaya nanatili lang ako sa sidewalk, waiting for Artemis and Sergio to come out.
"Thank you sa paghihintay," Artemis said when she came. "May nagpapaguwapo kasing bata." Saka niya itinuro si Sergio na naka five-piece white suit. His hair was slicked back, with a few strands left loose in the front.
"Look at you, Serge. You look handsome, baby boy!" I commented with a warm smile.
Serge's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Ate Scar!" he replied, his smile widening even more.
Then, a white Ford 4x4 truck parked in front of us. Bumaba ang driver na isa sa mga private guards nila Tita Letitia and told us na puwede kaming sumakay sa likod, sa pickup bed. There are modern leather curved side chairs with a matte finish. Its sleek design, supple leather upholstery, and minimalist form create a visually striking and comfortable seating experience.
"Wait, this is Tita's car ride, right?" I asked to my girlfriend.
She nodded. "Oo."
"Ang alam ko kasama tayo sa parade, pero hindi ako nainform na kasama natin si Tita."
"Ate, gano'n tayo kamahal ni Tita Letitia," Sergio replied, making me scoff.
Sumakay kami sa pickup bed, sitting on the chairs. Ilang minuto lang ay dumating sila Tita Letitia at Tita Esme, na kinuha si Serge saying na kasali siya sa mga kid royalties na kailangan sa parade. I don't know about it but it's cool, I think. Tita Esme and Serge bid their goodbyes para sumakay sa sasakyan ni Serge.
"Well, don't you two look wonderful," Tita Letitia complimented after sitting beside me.
"Thank you po," Artemis and I, in unison, thanked her.
One of their staffs gave us umbrellas dahil daw mainit mamaya at aabutin kami ng tanghali sa parade dahil nireport ng staff na sa sobrang dami ng kasali ay sobrang haba ng line-up dahilan para anong oras kami makakarating sa last station ng parade.
"Well, then, make sure na nakaantabay ang ambulance in case na magkaroon ng emergency," Tita strictly ordered. The staff nodded abruptly before walking away. "Oh, wait. Nakalimutan ko 'yong phone ko," she said bago bumaba ng sasakyan. "Wait for me, okay?"
Artemis chuckled. "Tita, hindi po 'to aandar kapag wala kayo," she said making Tita laugh as she walks inside their house.
"Tignan mo nga naman oh. Kasama siya sa parade," rinig kong sabi ng isang matandang babae na may hawak na palamig, ang tingin ay nasa amin.
"At sa sasakyan pa talaga ni Mayor sasakay. Ibang klase," sabi naman ng kasama niyang, sa tingin ko ay mga kaedad nila Tita Esme.
"Talagang ipaparada siya ni Mayor?"
"Palagi namang mayroon 'yan kapag may selebrasyon dito sa lugar natin."
Umiling ang matanda, nasa amin pa din ang tingin. "Proud talaga si Mayor, ano?"
The other lady scoffed, shaking her head. "Siya lang ang politiko na kilala ko na proud na ibalandra ang anak sa labas."
I looked at Artemis who sighed and shook her head. "Hey--"
"Hija, mawalang galang na, nasaan si Mayor?" Tanong ng matandang babae sa amin after nitong lumapit.
"Nasa loob po," I answered when Artemis refused to talk and looked at them.
BINABASA MO ANG
Break Fresh Ground
RomanceScarlett and Artemis are two women from vastly different worlds. Scarlett, born into wealth and privilege, has always had everything she's ever wanted handed to her on a silver platter. She lives in the fast-paced city, surrounded by skyscrapers and...
