Sinful Surrender

Chapter 6

It was been a week and a half since Daddy Jackson was buried, but I couldn't sink in into my mind what happened. Hindi ako makapaniwala na wala ana nga siya. 

I couldn't stop myself from feeling guilty because I hadn't notice that he has a heart disease. Maybe I focused in myself too much. Sarili ko lang ang iniisip ko. 

Doon ko lang naisip na may pagkakataong nakikita ko siya sa kwarto niya na may parang may palihim siyang. Nang maglinis ang mga kapitbahay sa kwarto niya, doon namin nakita ang iba't ibang klase ng gamot. Ilang taon na rin pala niyang iniinda iyon. Nilihim niya sa amin. 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya nilihim sa akin. We were best buddies with no secrets. 

Ngayon, nasa bahay kaming lahat kasama ang mga kamag-anak ni Daddy Jack, pati na rin ang kanyang abogado. They were so loud fighting over the inheritances at kung saan mapupunta ang mga ari-arian ni Daddy Jack. 

Natatawa nalang ako sa isip ko dahil ngayon lang naisip na bumisita dito sa bahay ngayong wala na si Daddy Jack at panahon na para maghati ng mga ari-arian. Ni hindi ko man lang sila nakitang nangungumusta kay Daddy Jack.

How pathetic these people are..

"Attorney, let's proceed." ani ko kay attorney dahilan para matahimik sila.

They looked at me with hatred on their eyes.

Nasa tabing upuan ko si Kuya Leyton na gaya ko ay tahimik lang.

"O siya! Sige na, attorney. Simulan mo na  para malaman na kung saan talaga sa aming magkakapatid mapupunta ang kompanya!" mataray na sabi ni Auntie Beth— pangalawang kapatid ni Daddy Jack.

Tatlo kasi silang magkakapatid. Panganay si Daddy Jack, Pangalawa si Auntie Beth at bunso si Auntie Carol.

"Alright." panimula ni Attorney. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for gathering here today under these circumstances. As you may know, we are here to discuss the last will and testament of the late Mr. Jackson Marasigan, CEO of Marasigan Enterprises. I understand that this is a difficult time for all of you, and I appreciate your patience."

I could still heard Auntie Beth and Auntie Carol's murmurs beside me. "Sa akin mapupunta ang kompanya..."

"Sa akin kaya!" 

I was just holding myself. Pinipipigilan ko ang sarili kong sampalin sila at bulyawan. Because at this mourning moment, mas naiisip pa nila ang mamanahin nila. 

I can't believe this people!

"Now, let's go through the key details of Mr. Anderson's will. Please understand that my role here is to ensure that his wishes are carried out as per his legal instructions." the attorney continued. "Mrs. Bethany Marasigan Paraiso, as stated in Mr. Marasigan's will and testament, you will inherit his rest house in Tagaytay. And to you, Mrs. Carolyn Marasigan Garcia, sayo rin ipapamana ang rest house ni Mr. Marasigan sa Batangas." 

Narinig ko ang pagbubulong-bulongan nilang mag-anak kasama na rin ng mga step cousins ko. Pati na rin ang kanilang mga asawa na tila ba hindi kumbinsido sa sinabi ni Attorney. 

"For your children, Mrs. Bethany and Carolyn, Mr. Marasigan ensured that both of your children will receive educational funds until they graduate in college. Furthermore, there are provisions for financial support for both of you. Each of you will receive a specified amount to assist with any immediate needs or concerns." Attorney added. 

Attorney diverted his gaze at me. "Now, Mr. Marasigan has named his daughter, Ms. Odessa Von Alfanta, as the primary beneficiary of his estate. She will inherit the family home, personal belongings, investments and any joint assets he held. Ibig sabihin, sayo na ang bahay na ito. Hindi lang 'yan... he has left you his shares in a charitable foundation close to his heart, as well as a personal art collection."