SELENE [BOOK 2]

CHAPTER 13

"It's okay, hijo, come here and join us." Mom said to Steve. Lumapit naman si Steve kila Mommy at Daddy para bumati bago umupo sa bakanteng upuan katabi ko.

I looked at him and smiled.

He leaned a little bit toward me. "What were you guys talking about before I arrived?" Steve asked me in a low voice.

"It's about Solene's upcoming birthday, she changed her mind and want a big party," I answered calmly.

Napatingin si Steve kay Solene. "Really?" he said amused.

"Yes, Daddy!" Solene responded joyfully.

Steve smiled at her. "That's good to know, Princess. Your mom really wants you to have a memorable birthday on your debut," he gently said, throwing me a glance.

"Yes, Dad. Before, I just wanted a simple dinner with the family, but I realized that I only have one birthday to celebrate my debut, and it won't happen again. That's why I changed my mind." I stared at Solene while she was talking.

"Apo, I've contacted one of my amega, she's the best when it comes to making beautiful and luxury gowns. You might want to check her designs." They were interrupted by Mom.

Solene clapped her hands, and her eyes twinkled in happiness and excitement as she looked at her lola.

"Really, Lola? That would be great! Thank you!" she exclaimed cheerfully.

Magkatabi silang nakaupo kaya naman ay hinaplos ni Mommy ang pisngi ni Solene.

“Anything for our granddaughter's happiness. We'll make sure your birthday will be the talk of the town.” Mom said, and she glanced at me with sadness lingered in her eyes.

"Dito na lang rin kami babawi sa celebration na ito na hindi namin nagawa sa Mama mo." Mom sadly said.

I bit my lower lip. I cleared my throat and continued eating silently.

During my debut, I wasn't with them to celebrate it. I was running for my life at that time with my sister. Who sacrificed herself even if we're not sisters by blood.

How many years have been wasted? I've been away from them for a long time. Ang daming pinagkait sa akin noon. Isa na roon ang makasama ang totoong pamilya ko. Kaya hinding-hindi ko hahayaang mangyari at maramdaman ng mga anak ko iyon.

I stopped chewing and stared at Lucas. I deprived him of meeting his real father because of me. I just said that I don't want them to be like me, but I... I am becoming selfish.

I quickly looked away from my son when I saw that he looked at me when he felt my gaze.

"Are you okay?" Steve suddenly asked me next to me when he noticed my silence.

I looked at him and forced a smile. He stared at me intently and clenched his jaw. "I-I'm okay," I answered him in a low voice.

"You sure?" paninigurado nito.

Sinubukan niyang hulihin ang tingin ko pero hindi niya nagawa dahil umiwas ako ng tingin at tumingin na lang sa pagkaing nasa harapan ko

I nodded at him and continued eating.

Matapos kumain ay una akong nagpaalam na aakyat na ako para maligo at magbihis. Tulala ako habang blino-blow dry ang buhok ko. Nakatitig ako sa sariling repleksyon.

Nasa baba pa rin silang lahat at nagkwe-kwentuhan sa living room.

May kumatok kaya napabaling ang tingin ko sa pintuan.

"Spain? May I come in?" I heard my mom's voice from the outside.

"Sure! It's open, Mom!" I shouted for her to hear me clearly.