Dandelions in the Wind

19

"It's a good thing you finally decided to visit me!" nakangiting bungad ni Amelia sa sala at agad niyakap si Dionne. "How's my favorite niece?"

Mahinang tumawa si Dionne at niyakap nang mahigpit si Amelia sabay nagbeso. "I'm your only niece."

Nagkibit-balikat si Amelia at umupo sa sofa. "True. But you're still my favorite." Sa edad na sitenta, mukhang bata pa rin si Amelia dahil na rin sa hilig niyang magpabanat ng kutis at maalaga sa katawan. Nasa 5'5 ang taas, morena, at balingkinitan ang pangangatawan. Nakasuot siya ng berdeng bulaklaking bestida, sopistikada ang pananamit na dinagdagan ng pearl earrings at necklace. "Marj, can you get Dionne something to drink," malumanay na utos niya sa maid na nakatayo malapit sa sofa.

"What do you like to drink, sweetie? Juice? Wine? Water? Or soda?" malambing na tanong niya sa pamangkin.

"I'll take the juice, Auntie Amelia. I won't be long. Dumaan lang ako dito. I'm going to visit Mom after this," sagot ni Dionne. Ibinaba niya ang dalang puting paper bag sa asul na carpet at umupo sa sofa. Bahagyang lumubog ang kalahating katawan nang maupo dahil na rin sa lambot ng kinauupuan na binabalutan ng brown leather. Itinabi ni Dionne ang throw pillow na kasing kulay din ng sofa at nagdekuwatro nang pagkakaupo. "I bought you gifts, Auntie Amelia. I always know you like delicacies from the province, so I bought you some. Mayroon din akong seeds of flowers that you really like." Itinuro ni Dionne ang paper bag at kinuha rin ang isang basong orange juice na inabot ng maid. "Thanks," maikling pasasalamat niya, uminom, at inilapag ang baso sa katabing coffee table.

Masayang kinuha ni Amelia ang paper bag at tiningnan ang laman. "Oh, my god! You're spoiling me. I like these rice cakes you bought. It's been so long since nakakain ako nito." Kinuha rin niya ang maliit na plastic sa loob. "Oh, you brought me Zinnia and Aubrieta seeds? This is fantastic!" natutuwang pahayag ni Amelia. "Can you put this in the foyer? Thanks," magiliw din na inabot niya ang paper bag sa maid.

"So, how's Adelle? I will visit her this week after James's travel trips," nakangiting pahayag ni Amelia at umupo sa tabi ng pamangkin. "You know, when your husband is a diplomat, you just have to attend endless parties." Napabuntong-hininga rin siya. "It's so tiring," may bahid ng pagkabagot ang boses ni Amelia, at sandaling may kuminang sa mga mata nito sa naisip. "Don't you like to accompany me, honey? You can meet suitable gentlemen for your taste," may panunuksong turan ni Amelia at marahang niyugyog ang balikat ng pamangkin.

Mahinang tumawa si Dionne, sabay hinaplos ang buhok. "No, thanks. I don't like to meet anyone. I'm not interested in dating."

Napataas ang kilay ni Amelia at eleganteng tumawa. "Oh, you met someone you really like?"

Marahang napatikhim si Dionne at naramdaman niyang uminit ang pisngi. "Uhm... let's say, my usual preference has changed. That's all I can say for now."

Napaakbay si Amelia sa sofa habang nakatingin sa katabi. "Hmm... tempting. I'm curious to know what changed," magiliw na tumawa at tinapik ang hita ni Dionne. "Marami kang ikukwento sa akin tungkol diyan. For now, I'll let you figure it out."

Kinuha ni Dionne ang juice at uminom. "As for your question about my mom, she's fine. She can remember everything except her daughter," malamig niyang sambit. "Sanay na ako, so you don't have to worry," sarkastikong dagdag ni Dionne.

Nakitaan ng simpatiya ang mukha ni Amelia. "You know, I already told you about Adelle having a high school sweetheart whom my father didn't approve of, right? And that her marriage to your dad was arranged?"

Napabuntong-hininga si Dionne. "Yes, I appreciate that for giving me the she-wasn't-like-that sob stories."

Tipid na ngumiti si Amelia. "It's not your fault. Our parents had old-fashioned ideas, believing they had the right to decide who should and shouldn't marry."