After Daylight

19. When Naomi Was Malibog

CELESTINE

I was busy packing some things in my room for the last time when mama came inside. Oliver said Yllak invited him to drink scotch so I had a time to myself. I have spent twenty-three years in this room and I cannot believe I am moving out to start my own family. I did not even see this through. Not even with my first love, Gabriel.

“Celestina.”My mama called me. She was standing at the doorway. Hindi ko manlang siya napansin sa dami ng iniisip ko.

Mama was holding a cup of milk. She was smiling. I bit my lips as she approached me. I hugged her. I’m gonna miss her. I realized.

“Ma. I do not know if I’m gonna be a good mum or wife to Oliver.” I confessed.

She laughed and motioned me to sit down with her. I did. Inayos niya yung hibla ng buhok ko while I stared at her. Totoo nga ang sinasabi nila. I am the splitting image of my mom except for the eyes.
“I felt that too when I was carrying Iris. She wasn’t planned. Sandro and I did not talk about having kids even when we got married. Sex sex lang ganon.”She laughed. I made a face. I can surely imagine young Sandro and Louise, wild and horny but I shove that thought away. Ew.

“Ma naman.” Saway ko sa kanya.

“Pa-virgin ka pa e dun naman nabuo baby boy mo.” She said.

“How sure are you na baby boy dinadala ko?”I asked.

“I just know Celestina. Your dad and I are betting. Sa tingin niya babae daw. I beg to differ. You’re glowing.”

I rolled my eyes at my parents childishness. “Ano naman pinagpustahan niyo?”

She snickered. “Europe tour. Ayaw niyang mag-vacation leave. Masyado niyang mahal ang Pilipinas so I bet on it.”

I laughed. Mama said dad has been workaholic ever since he started working again for the senate.

“And if he wins?” I asked curiously.

“Bagong bunso.”

I made face. “Ma, 50 ka na mahigit.”

“Tatay mo ilusyonado porke nireregla pa ako.”

I only rolled my eyes at my dad’s choice of prize. Sandro Marcos gusto pang umisa ng anak.

“Why are you two hanging out without me.” Naomi suddenly spoke. Mama and I glanced at the doorway looking at Naomi with her bunny jammies. She looked like a kiddo na naagawan ng mama with her facial expression.

Mama laughed. “Come here Naomi. How are you and Ade?” She asked. 

Naomi sat beside mama. “He treats me nice mama. Like a princess.”

Louise Marcos smiled. “Just remember to prioritize yourself Naomi. I don’t want you to come home na umiiyak dahil sa lalake.”

“Paano kung buntis mama?”Naomi asked.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata.

Mama laughed. “Yung kamukha mo na ang bahala saýo.”She joked.

“Mama nga!”Naomi exclaimed.

I laughed. Naomi always hated it whenever she was told na kamukha niya ang papa. I don’t know why she hates it though.

We talked a lot more and slept together in my room. The next morning, Oliver was sleeping beside me.

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NAOMI

Ade came over to our house for brunch the next day. I do not alam why he is here but I am natutuwa with his presence. He makes me happy and he is masarap in every angle of his katawan so I am not lugi. But lately he and I are not nagiiyotan as he calls it because he is nanliligaw to me. Sabi niya, tikim lang daw ako ng tikim with no label and that panindigan ko daw his feelings.