Almost Everything

Epilogue

Epilogue: His Point of View

At the age of thirteen, I learned that my mother cheated on my father. And in the same year, she died.

I thought our family was perfect. Akala ko ang suwerte ko dahil buo ang pamilya namin. But I never imagine of hating my mother for hurting my father, who loved her dearly.

I have been silent for weeks after her burial. She dies without even apologizing. Kahit 'yon nalang sana ang ginawa niya.

I hated my birthday because it was also hers. Lagi akong pumupunta sa sementeryo, hindi para magluksa, pero para itanong kung bakit niya nagawa 'yon. I told her I hated her for leaving us without apologizing for what she did to my father.

"Luke, pakitignan naman si Pia, pumunta kanina sa poolside," bulong ni Mommy Alison nang tumalikod ang kausap nito.

I nodded and went to the backyard where the pool was.

I knew where to find her. Kung nasaan ang matatamis, nando'n siya.

I was right. May kausap siya babae. At sa tingin ko'y sinasabi ng bata na gusto niya 'yon. Napailing nalang ako.

"Pia! Your Mom was looking for you!"

I walked to them. I carried my sister and look her with a warning.

"But I want cookies!"

I sighed. "It's bad for your teeth! That's sweet, princess."

"But not too sweet for kids." Sabat ng babae.

Tinignan ko ito at kumunot ang noo ko. With what she wears, I'm guessing that she's one of the helpers. She looks beautiful too— what?

What am I thinking? Get a grip on yourself, Luke!

"Ginawa talaga ang mga ito para sa mga bata kaya sinigurado namin na hindi ito masiyadong matamis," dagdag pa niya.

Tinignan ko lang siya at binalingan si Pia.

"I told you not to talk to strangers," I told her.

We shouldn't be deceived by beautiful faces. Ang daming mapagpanggap sa mun—

"She's beautiful! She's not just a stranger!"

Damn right.

"She is. But still a stranger, Pia," I agreed.

"Huwag niyo na po pangaralan ang anak niyo. Bigyan niyo na ng cookies, kawawa naman. Mukhang paburito pa naman niya," sabi ng babae.

What did she just say? Does shethinks that Pia was my daughter?

Really, woman?

Sa tingin ko ay ito na ang pinakamagandang birthday na napuntahan ko.

Fuck. She was gracefully dancing with the debutant and I look like someone who's whipped with her. Mas mukha pang siya ang may birthday!

As they danced, I saw something on the girl's back.

Was that a scar?

For days, I was tempted to message her. I got her number, thanks to my sister. But guess who has no balls to text her? Damn it.

Parang nagbukas ang langit at narinig ang dalangin ko nang sabihin ng kapatid ko na itext ang babae. I love my sister so much!

I feel bad for not being in the mood when I meet her in the café for the contract signing. Firstly, today is the day to visit my mother and tell her how I loathe her. Second, I read the contract that Mom made.

It was stated that as long as Pia already knew how to dance ballet, she could free herself from teaching her. And knowing my sister, she's easy to learn everything! Lalo na kapag gusto niya ang isang bagay!