Erudition of Doyle: Volume One

CHAPTER 19: CASE V - THE UNEXPLAINED DEATHS

Case 5: The Unexplained
Deaths (The Lion's Introduction
Chapter, Part Two)

ROSALINDA

The host cheerfully announced, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the debut of our lovely Miss Rosalinda Almazan!"

As I descended the stairs with the boys behind me, the crowd automatically applauded. Excitement lit their faces as they watched me. They see only a smile, but I feel the strain. I'm not used to heels; I don't even want this gown, I'm only wearing it because I was forced.

Though I'm smiling now, inside I want to tear off this dress and glare at them. But I must stay composed. I just hope this night passes quickly. Nang nakababa na ako, Papa immediately held out his hand, which I took without hesitation. His grin stretched wide before he kissed me on the forehead.

"Malaki na ang baby ko," ani ni Papa, na ikinasimangot ko. Why do they call me baby all the time?

He laughed. "What's with that frown?"

Mabilis na lumapit si Mama sa akin at niyakap ako. "My baby, ang ganda-ganda mo! Surely, one of the boys behind you will fall in love with you!" Medyo napatalon-talon pa siya sa sobrang saya, saka bumulong, "Ma-inlove ka na sa kanilang tatlo," while pointing at Doyle, Augustus, and Raleigh. "Huwag lang sa butler mo, ha?"

Ha? Ewan ko sa'yo, Ma.

"Mahal, huwag mo na siyang tuksuhin." sabi ni Dad.

"Dalaga na ang anak mo. Gusto ko na rin siyang makitang magpakilala ng lalaki rito. Gusto ko rin apo!"

Malabong mangyari 'yan.

"Kaka-eighteen lang niya. She's still young to think about those. Tapusin muna niya ang pag-aaral bago 'yang love life," kalmadong sabi ni dad, na ikinanguso niya.

"Before we proceed with the program," the host continued, "let us take a moment to acknowledge Miss Rosalinda's family and friends here tonight. Your love and support have shaped who she is. Thank you for sharing this joyous occasion with us."

Agad na lumapit ang mga photographer para picturan kaming tatlo. Pagkatapos, mabilis na tinawag ni Mom ang mga lalaking nasa likuran namin para tumabi at sumali sa amin. I kept the fake smile as I glanced at each photographer.

After a few shots, the host resumed while I forced myself to join my parents' happiness. I know I sound ungrateful, but I hate big celebrations. They love me, which is why they're doing this, but I don't need grand parties. I want their loyalty, true love, and happiness for me and them. Is that so hard? Our family is just putting everything into this show.

All of it is fake.

Ang kaibahan lang, my father is trying to regain his feelings for my mother, while she has a new man waiting whenever she wants to feel loved.

I just realized, nung nagising si Papa, that they are already falling out of love. They're forcing themselves to fake it for the family's reputation and for me. I stay quiet when asked about their relationship, but I'm not naive about their feelings.

Hindi ko alam kung sobrang bagal ng oras, or was I too eager to make it pass faster, so it feels like it's dragging? I was so lost in the story in my mind that I wasn't focused on the celebration, na patapos na pala.

"Before the program ends," the guests quieted as all eyes turned to the host. "Let's move to the grand debut dance with eighteen men, the beautiful men the mother deer chose for her daughter to dance with!"

Everything the host said and the music felt like a blur; my mind was elsewhere as I danced with Papa. When he noticed, he clicked his pointer and thumb near my face, snapping me back to the moment.