Between the Rainbow (Strawberries and Cigarettes Series #1)

Special Chapter

Hello, irys! This special chapter is just a gift I've written for the anniversary of the Sac Series. Thank you so much for supporting these LGBTQ-themed stories. And as much as I enjoyed the hype, I would like to remind those other authors who are copying my sac series to at least be educated about the difference between inspiration and plagiarism.

I have no connection with those authors, and they never ask for my permission about it. Those 'inspired' works aren't my second account nor affiliated with my Sac series. I will not mention the names of those few authors that were brought to my attention by the other irys, but please write responsibly. Thank you.

Happy reading!
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Warning: R18

"Bading ka rin?" Tita Solene asked.

I was speechless for a moment. She looked at me with hostility; her eyes scanned me from head to foot, as if she were trying to find any evidence that I'm gay.

"Ay bisexual ang anak ko! Si Shiloh ang bading!" si Mommy na ngiting ngiti at tiningnan si Shiloh na tahimik din.

Mom decided to celebrate Christmas here in Cebu. Gustong gusto niya kasing kausapin ng masinsinan si Tita Solene. And of course, I wanted some formality here. I wanted to introduce myself properly as her son's boyfriend.

Clearly, I'm nervous. Heck, I am fucking nervous! Who wouldn't? I only met her once, and I could barely remember Tita Solene. Tapos ngayon, babalik akong boyfriend na ng anak niya? It's a disaster. Hindi man lang ako nakapagpaalam ng maayos at kulang nalang ibinahay ko na si Shiloh sa Manila.

I cleared my throat as I watched my mom's energetic vibe while she was helping Tita Solene place the food I had been eyeing for a while. Si Shiloh, nakalimutan na rin yatang may bibig at ramdam kong kabado siya.

I know he hasn't talked about this seriously with his mom. Sa kwento niya pa lang, alam ko agad na malala ang pinagdaanan niya sa bahay na ito kaya hindi niya kayang tanggapin ang sarili niya noon.

"Ano bang kaibahan no'n? Parehas lang naman 'yon," si Tita Solene na medyo kuryoso.

"Ay 'yung bisexual kasi, attracted pa sa both genders. Parang 'yung anak ko, naaattract sa girls tapos naattract din kay Shiloh," si Mommy na nagpaupo sa akin ng maayos. Gusto ko sanang sumabat na noon lang 'yon kaso masyado silang tutok sa isa't isa para sumingit.

Muli akong tiningnan ni Tita Solene, ang dessert na inilalagay sa mesa ay medyo bumagal lalo na't para bang may mga nagbalik sa isip niya.

"Oo nga pala. Napaka babaero nitong si Brent," she said, like it was really my nature.

I chuckled nervously and looked at my mom. Good lord! Here we go again.

"Ay hindi na! Hindi na! Noon Solene! Noon!" si Agatha na nagpapanic din. Kaka tsismis niya 'yan eh. Pati buhay ko ikukwento sa iba.

"Yes. Noon po 'yon," I explained carefully while the saliva in my throat seemed to be strangling me.

"Pero babaero ka talaga?" Fuck. Sagot, Brent!

Even my mom leered at me, like she was trying to save me but, at the same time, throwing me under the bus. Hindi niya ako maipagtatanggol pagdating diyan.

"Noon..." I smiled nervously and caressed my ear. I am ashamed that I played that hard. If only I'd seen my future, I should have behaved and waited for Shiloh so I wouldn't have these big problems.

"Si Shiloh, hindi ito kailanman naattract sa babae," si Tita Solene na tiningnan ang anak niyang tahimik.

I glanced at Shiloh. He also glanced at me. Kung kami lang sigurong dalawa, inasar-asar na ako nito sa ekspresyon niya pero sa titig pa lang, rinig ko agad ang mga nasa isip niya.