Chapter 29
It feels so great to have a complete family, where they would stick together when things get complicated, where they would show the beauty of the world, and give strength that comes from loving one another.
We were once like that. My parents did an amazing job for me and my brother. They loved us fair and equally. They were the backbone of my life, as they shaped me on who I am today. And now, it still pains me knowing that we were once a complete family.
Seeing Jinoh's family made my heart so happy. I can't stop smiling and laughing while listening to their fun stories about their son. Kaya pala makulit si Jinoh dahil makulit din ang tatay niya.
"Gusto mo pa kumain?" Jinoh asked me, pouring water in my glass. Umiling lang ako. "Okay, kung busog ka na, ibigay mo na lang sa 'kin 'yang nasa plato mo."
Hindi ako tinigilan ni Jinoh na asikasuhin sa buong dinner. Maya't maya ang naging lingon niya sa akin na para ba'ng aalis ako sa tabi niya. Naka-ilang beses na ata niya akong tinanong kung may gusto pa ba akong kainin o kung maayos lang ba ako.
"Thank you," I said, caressing his hand underneath. "Ikaw, ayos ka lang ba?"
"Hmm. I'm totally fine," he smiled as he took my hand for him to hold it, and gently caressed it using his thumb.
I literally enjoyed the dinner with them. Throughout the night, I only felt comfortable because his parents treated me so well.
"Hindi ba sumasakit ang ulo mo sa anak ko, Fiorella?" tanong ni Tito Nolan. "Pahirapan mo pa kaya 'yan. Patagalin mo pa ang 6 months niyang panliligaw."
"Kahit abutin pa ng ilang taon bago ako sagutin ni Elein ay walang problema sa akin," si Jinoh na malaki ang ngisi sa ama.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"Are you really my son? You're so cheesy," gatong naman ni Tita Jade. "You are really in love!"
"I am," he proudly answered, holding my hand more tightly. "Ang kapal naman ng mukha ko kapag iniwan ko pa ito si Elein."
Natawa ako, 'saka mahinang hinampas ang bisig niya. Miski sila Tita at Tito ay natawa rin.
"Oo na," Tita laughed. "Oh, I forgot. Your Lolo was looking for you. He told me he wants to see you."
"I almost forgot that, hon. Oo nga, anak, sumama ka naman sa amin."
Nilingon ko si Jinoh dahil sa biglang pagtahimik nito. Lumabi ako at hindi na nagsalita pa, pinanood ko na lang ang mukha niya.
"Can you convince him, Fiorella? Ayaw kasi makinig niyan sa amin. Parang bata," nakikiusap na sabi ni Tita.
"Sumama ka na, Jinoh," I told him.
He nodded. "Hmm. Sasama ako."
Tita clapped her hands in joy. After nang dinner ay nagtungo kami ni Tita Jade sa sala. She was holding a glass of wine while watching the two guys playing darts. Inalok din naman ako ni Tita ng wine pero tumanggi na ako.
"Did you enjoy the food?" Tita looked at me, smiling. "Si Jinoh ang nagluto ng adobong manok."
"Yes po. It was a good dinner."
She sighed in relief. "I'm glad to hear that. I really wanted to celebrate his birthday with just a simple dinner. And your presence made it special."
"Thank you po," nahihiya kong sabi na ikinatawa ni Tita.
"You're really beautiful. You have soft, yet angelic features," she examined me, as my face started to blush. Hindi pa rin ako sanay sa compliment.
"Kayo rin po. Sobrang ganda niyo," sabi ko. Totoo na maganda si Tita, kung magiging babae si Jinoh, siya ang kamukha. Sobrang kinis din ng mukha na para bang pati ang wrinkles ay ayaw dumapo.
BINABASA MO ANG
Light Under The Glooms (MPS#2) | ✓
RomansaMALA-PRINSESA SERIES #2 Fiorella Elein Rivera, a woman who is the epitome of kindness, was once called a light because of her soft and pure heart. With her past trauma, her inner light began to dim. Despite her scarred heart, she continued to pursue...
