PGS05: In Fact, You Waited

IFYW03

When is this gonna end?

After that dreadful dinner they all decided to transfer to the living room for after-dinner drinks. I was bombarded with questions as soon as I got my glass of wine that I kinda missed the silence.

The wine was kinda fruity with a bittersweet aftertaste. It reminded me of cranberries with a tarty texture. Nakaupo ako kasama si Josephine at isa pang ginang na bisita rin nila. I forgot her name.

"This is locally made, hija. It's Bignay wine. How do you like the taste so far?" Josephine asked eagerly. Bigla kong naaalala si Jojo, yung asong alaga ng kaibigan ko sa England.

"Masarap naman po," tipid na sagot ko sa kaniya. Tumango-tango naman ito na parang natuwa sa sagot ko.

"So what are your plans for college? Have you decided on which school to go?" tanong ng ginang na katabi niya.'Di na ko nagulat pa na alam nila ang ibang bahagi ng rason kaya ako napunta rito. Minerva surely briefed them before I arrived. Hence Josephine's reaction towards me before dinner.

"Sa University of St. De Pablo po. I'm planning to finish my degree there."

"Ohh I see. Not that it's not a good school, but why don't you go to big universities in the city? They also offer business courses there, hija," Josephine stated like it's a matter of fact.

"I've set my mind on that university po," hayag ko na planong tapusin na ang topic.

"But you know if you're up to it. My son, Jackson, can help you look for other available options." She's quite persistent. As far as I know ay hindi naman siya ang magpapapaaral sa akin dito. Nonetheless, sinakyan ko na lang ang daloy ng pag-uusap namin.

"Okay po, titingnan ko pagkatapos kong makapag-adjust dito." This statement seemed to appease her.

°°°
Pagkatapos no'n ay nagpatuloy lang sila sa pag-uusap at panaka-naka akong tinatanong kahit alam ko namang karamihan doon ay alam na nila ang sagot. Most of the conversation revolves around their sons' life and what are their plans for brunch.

On the midst of their ramblings ay napag-alaman kong kapatid pala ni Josephine ang namayapang asawa ni Minerva. The resemblance is uncanny now that I look at her more focusedly. Kapag nilagyan mo ng wig si Henry ay magmumukha silang kambal. Thin face, black hair, pointed nose, wide lips, frown lines on their forehead, and high cheekbones.

No'ng pangatlong baso ko na ng alak ay nagpaalam na 'kong mauna sa taas para matulog. They both agreed that I need the rest considering my flight was quite long. Slowly taking my steps towards the end of the hall, I diverted my way and decided to chill in the near balcony.
 
Retrieving my cigarette case in the hidden pocket of my dress, I brought one stick out along with my thin pen lighter.

Looking back at our conversation, kilala nila 'ko bilang anak ng dating kaibigan ni Minerva.I know that they would buy the story instantly since there's no family resemblance between us. Pati na sa kambal ay wala akong pagkakahawig.

Speaking of them, they barely acknowledged my presence so I decided to do the same. Although, it kinda stings that my "mom" just denied me as her child. Never mind that she has barely any emotional connection with me to begin with.

Kitang-kita mula sa balcony ang tanawin kahit gabi na. Nasisinagan ng buwan ang mga kakahuyan sa malayo. Lalo siguro itong maganda kapag umaga na. May iilan din akong kabahayan na nakikita.

May malalaki at mayroon ding tamang-tama lang ang laki at taas. Sa pagkakaalam ko'y nagkalat ang mga palayan, sakahan, at iba pang magagandang tanawin dito sa Isabela.