Burning Desire (Alejandrino Trilogy 1)

Special Chapter: Mom

POV: Tamara

“Dito kayo!" Mommy Delancy said as she called the three of us— me, KD, and Lucky to gather around her. We came from the kitchen holding snacks in each of our hands. We sat in a semicircle with Mom in front, facing us.

"Hey, you can't start without me!" Dad said, descending from the stairs.

"Tapos ka na sa work, love?" Mom asked.

Dad sat beside Mom and slid his hand on her waist. His gesture made me smile. "Yeah, just finished. Wait up. Ano muna‘ng gagawin?"

Mom took a board game from behind her and placed it in the center of our circle. "Ang matatalo, better luck next time."

Bumunot siya ng dalawang name sa jar. It would determine who would play first. Si KD at Lucky ang nabunot kaya pumwesto na sila. Magkaharap sila at nasa gitna ang board game, which Snakes and Ladders. The three of us— Mom, Dad, and me— watched them fondly as they rolled the dice. We would cheer everytime someone would land on the ladders and gain a heads up, and we would also voice put our disappointments when they land on snakes.

KD ended up winning and of course, our bunso couldn't accept his defeat. He demanded a rematch, but Mom said it's time for another pair to play. Lucky begged Mom, but she said it would be unfair for the others. He threw a tantrum and started crying. He sat down as Mom tried to comfort him.

"Ano'ng magagawa natin, anak ko? Ganiyan talaga ang laro, minsan talo, minsan panalo," Mom said, comforting him as she brought him to her arms.

I smiled, but something inside me stung— a sudden pain in my heart just struck me. I took a deep breath and looked at Dad. He's already putting the pieces back in the board.

"Lucky, sa ngayon, si Kuya muna ang winner. It's just a matter of luck," he said.

"B-But Daddy, I wanna win!" Lucky whined.

"Fine, you're the winner!" parang labag sa kaloobang sagot ni KD.

Lucky sniffed. "Really, kuya?" He is still sitting on Mom's lap.

"As if you're gonna stop crying if I tell you ‘no.’ I honestly don't have a choice."

"Mommy, I'm the winner?"

Tumango si Mommy. "Oo na, kaya tahan na, ha?"

Lucky slowly stopped crying. Dad chuckled then hugged them both. KD also  pushed himself in. The four of them smiled were smiling and laughing at Lucky.

There it is again... I don't know what's happening to me. Why am I like this?

"Tamy, you wanna play?" Dad asked. "You've been quiet, sweetie."

I shook my head and forced a smile. "Wala 'to, Dad. Uhm, by the way, can I go upstairs na?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "It's our family day. Ayaw mo ba ng laro natin?"

"I'm not feeling well," I lied.

Mom extended her hand and reached for my neck. "May lagnat ka ba, anak ko?"

Her words stirred up emotions that are beyond my understanding. I tried my best to dodge her without being obvious. "Wala po. Maybe I just need some rest. Continue your family bonding. Good night."

I stood and they were quiet as I walked upstairs. I threw a quick glance at them and caught Dad looking at me, his face is painted with worry. I ignored that and went into my room. I cleaned up and sat at the edge of my bed. I clutched my chest and closed my eyes, questioning these unknown feelings of mine. All of a sudden, someone knocked on my door.