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You have given me the courage to be all that I can
And I truly feel your heart will lead you back to me when you're ready to land
-MC
💖💖💖
"Hindi ba magsu-swimming si Gem?"
Napatingin ako sa nagsalita.
My dad sat on one of the single armchairs beside me. We were on the porch looking at the scene near the swimming pool.
Naroon ang mga kapatid ko, ang mga asawa at mga anak nila. About twenty-five employees of Atlantis that were mostly executives and managers. Si Gigi at si Emil. And Jiro, who just arrived about an hour ago.
Gem had been playing with my nieces and nephews and she was genuinely happy in her pink silk long sleeves shirt na hanggang kalahatian ng mga hita niya ang haba. "May allergy siya, Dad. Kanina niya lang din sinabi sa akin. 'Yong combination ng araw at chlorine water, at 'yong tubig alat at araw sa beach. She could die from it."
"Seriously?"
Tumango ako. "She's already wearing her swim suit under that shirt. So, mamaya kapag lumamig na ang tubig sa pool at wala ng araw ay maliligo na 'yan."
"I've never heard anything like that. Nadadala ba sa allergy meds?"
"Kung hindi siya makakainom ng tubig ay madadala sa gamot. Pero hindi siya marunong lumangoy ng normal. So, hindi puwedeng hindi siya maka-inom ng tubig."
"Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin na hindi siya marunong lumangoy ng normal?"
I glanced at him and grinned. "She doesn't know how to swim. She could only dive under the water. Just like mermaids, if those exist."
Napanganga siya.
Umiling lang ako. Gem was so many things unexpected and I love her more for that.
Nakita ko nang pumunta siya sa gilid at kumuha ng punch sa isang covered area sa corner malapit sa barbecue place.
She stood beside the barrel and watched the people in the pool.
I was a little alarmed when I saw Jiro walk to her.
"Kumusta naman ang tulog n'yo kagabi?"
Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Ang tulog namin?"
Natawa siya. "Hindi ko alam kung paano ko itatanong sa'yo, eh. But Gem said her piece last night. She seemed to be firm."
I turned a little to face him. "Inaasahan mo ba, Dad, na may mangyayari sa amin kagabi?"
Hindi niya iniwas ang tingin sa akin. "Why did Rio called the engagement off?"
Tinutop ko ang noo ko pero hindi nawala ang ngiti ko. "Ang simple mo, ah."
He chuckled. "Hey, I need to know. I was there at your engagement party."
