First Heartbreak

CHAPTER 10

Invitation

Maaga akong gumising na may ngiti sa labi. Ang gaan ng pakiramdaman ko. Matagal narin simula nong nakatulog ako ng maayos.

Pababa ako sa Salas ng marinig ko ang kahapon ko pa inasahang maging laman ng news sa boung Pilipinas.

"Breaking News. Renowned actor Riley Buenaventura has been arrested on serious charges of harassment and human trafficking. Authorities confirmed that Buenaventura also tested positive for drug use. If convicted, he could face a lifetime imprisonment" panimula nito.

"The arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, where Buenaventura is well-known for his roles in several blockbuster films. Law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available. For the latest updates and in-depth coverage, visit our timeline on CNTV News"

Malaki ang ngiting bumaba sa hagdan. Calli nabigyan narin kita ng hustisya. Kahit papano naibsan nito ang bangungot mo. I'm relieved.

"Good morning Honey" bati ni Mommy mula sa baba.

"Good morning too Mom" bumalik ako sa kanyang pisngi. Agad naman akong dinala nito sa dining room. It's been a year since nakapagbonding kami ng ganito. Palagi kasi itong busy sa negosyo nilapero kahit ganon hindi naman sila nagkulang sa pagaalaga sakin.

"You did a great job Xuriella" napatingin ako sa kakapasok kong ama. Lumaki naman ang ngiti ako at sinalubong ito ng yakap.

"I just did the right thing Dad. For my friend's justice" mahina kong sambit.

"I heard that you and Kirby broke up" mapait akong napangiti. Wala talaga akong maitatago sa kanila.

"Yes Dad. I'm sorry for not telling you this, I just don't want to bother you on something that doesn't make sense when it comes to business " mahina kong sambit. Totoo naman sometimes walang kabuluhan sa kanila ang bagay na walang kinalaman sa business at industry.

"Honey, you know you're more important to us. Why didn't you tell this sooner. Are you okay?" Nagalalang lumapit sakin si Mommy. Ngumiti lang ako at tumango.

"I'm fine Mom. Makakakaya ko ng magstay sa isang lugar na naroon din sila" sambit ko.

"Oh my gosh. My baby is all grown up now. I'm thankful that you have matured. Parang kahapon lang ayaw mong may kahati ka sa mga bagay na pagmamay ari mo, but seeing you in your current situation, I can truly say that you are a fully grown lady" napangiti naman ako sa sinabi ni Mommy. Even without their guide. I still have their support. I need to grow up, I need to be mature so that I can survive.

"So what's your plan?" Napatingin ako kay Dad. Naalala ko tuloy si Shiro.

"Move on po" nakita kung ngumiti si Mom habang patango tango naman si Dad.

"Do you want to escape. I can send you to US. Vacation. Fresh air. Meet another friends" sambit niya.

"Thank you Dad but no thanks. I can handle at saka hindi po ako tinuruan ni Mom na takbuhan ang problema" I heard my Mom giggled.

"Alright. I will support whatever your decision is. You are grown up now" Wala sa sarili akong napangiti. Iba pala talaga ang feeling kapag mismo yung pamilya mo ang pumuri sayo. It feels like they are so proud of you na pinanganak ka nila. Akala ko kasi ikinahiya nila ako yun pala nais lang nila akong protektahan sa mas masahol na mundo ng industriya.

"Sige na. Kumain na tayo. Ihahatid ka namin sa school mo Xuri. I will talk to your school Dean" ni Mommy.

Sobrang ingay ng hapagkainan. Nagkukuwentuhan kami ni Mommy habang si Dad ay nakikinig lang samin. Minsan ay sumali siya pero tumahimik rin kalaunan at piniling pagmasdan nalang kami.