(GRIEGO COUSINS #1)
Seven years after his mother's tragic death, Angelus Griego's father, Simon Griego, made a life-changing decision to marry a wealthy businesswoman with a troubled past and a sick child. Angelus, known for his charm, intelligence...
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"Do you like it?"
Nakatingala ako sa napakalaking kulay puting Christmas tree sa malaking living room ng mansiyon. I heard the maids assemble it last night. It was beautiful. Seeing it gives me the warmth of Christmas.
"Yeah... it's pretty." Ngiti ko at binalingan si Mama na nakangiting nakatingin sa akin. "Time flies fast. I almost didn't notice."
"I'm so happy that I can now celebrate Christmas with you, Ari. Do you want something? We used to exchange gifts every Christmas."
I have something in mind. But I know Mama won't give it to me. I have recovered already, but I know she was traumatized by what happened. I want to have a car. I can use it to go to school.
"I don't have something specific, Mama. Anything is fine."
Parang noong mga nakaraang buwan lang ay baguhan pa ako rito. Though I'm still a newbie here. Kahit na ilang buwan na ang nakalipas, hindi pa rin talaga ako kumportable sa lugar na ito.
Kuya Angelus stopped pestering me. Puro patutsyada, ngiti, at titig na lang ang ginagawa niya ngayon. It was better than before. Kaya mas naging madali ang mga araw sa akin. Hindi ko tuloy namalayan na lumilipas pala ang bawat oras.
"I'll hire a driver for you, Farida. I heard you chose UP and have already passed your admission." Si Papa Simon na hinihiwa ang kaniyang karne.
Only the three of us are here tonight. Kuya Angelus flew to Hong Kong for business, I heard. Not that I care.
"I can drive, but... I guess it's better to have a driver," I said.
"Yes. Iyon din ang nais ng Mama mo. It's safer than having you drive. Hindi mo pa kabisado ang mga pasikot-sikot at delikado."
"At wala pa siyang lisensya, Simon. Kaya mas mainam na huwag na muna siyang magmaneho." Ani Mama at bumaling sa akin. "Your nurse will return this week. She has to monitor your medications. Hindi magiging maganda kung aatakihin ka habang nag-aaral. You're neglecting your medicines, Farida."
Kumalabog ang aking puso at tumikhim. I know. I sometimes don't take my medicine. I just don't feel like drinking one. Pakiramdam ko ay ayos naman ako. And I don't like the side effects of them. Ngunit alam kong kailangan kong uminom kung nais kong magkaroon ng maayos na buhay.
I understand. I shouldn't take this negatively. My hallucinations were almost gone because of my medications. Dati ay grabe ang delusyon ko at kung hindi pa ako naging aware sa kalagayan ko, hindi ko pa malalaman na delusyon lang ang lahat.
That's the advantage of being aware of your sickness and taking proper medication. You don't only reduce the symptoms; you're also aware of reality. It was hard to accept that fact. But what can I do, right? This is me.
"Malapit ka na ring matapos sa last year mo ng Senior High. Kailan mo balak mamili ng gamit? I heard from Sir Austin that you were doing well in his class. Once you have your requirements and grades, we will enroll you immediately." Mama smiled.
