Disgrace

Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

The day of my Aunt and Uncle's anniversary came and we're now here at the island that we own. La Posada de C y T, in English, C and T's Inn, was obviously named after us by our grandfather. They built it here on one of the islands, Seven Commandos Beach.

Daddy said that Abuelo and his business partners were about to build a new business and they wanted it to be inherited by us in the future so he came up with that name for the Hotel Business. At that time, Mommy and Aunt Janna were both pregnant.

"Kids?" I heard a voice.

We were at the restaurant of the hotel, waiting for everyone to come down. Aunt Janna and Chelsea will arrive later this afternoon due to some reason. Mommy La's seated at the center of the table. It was a twelve seater table.

By everyone, I meant my Tita and Tito's, Aunt and Uncle's friends. Hindi pa sila kumpleto pero paparating na daw yung iba. They were cautious of coming here because they wanted to surprise the celebrants, they didn't want them to know that they're already here. Narinig ko, kasama ito sa plano.

Tita Cherry, the one who called us, since Niko and I were the only kids on the table yet. I smiled as she was approaching. She was a good friend of my Aunt, then eventually she became a friend of my mom as well. Although at the age of her 40's, she was a single independent woman but still glowing as ever. She was much older than my mom and Aunt but it's a shame that she didn't have a lover. I wonder if she hates the thought of being in love or she just doesn't want to be.

"Tita," Bumeso ako sa kanya bago niya hinagkan si Niko na nasa tabi ko lamang. "How are you doing, po?"

"Oh my, dalagang-dalaga na ang mini-me ni Leticia!" She held both of my shoulders as I braced myself for her next statement, or should I say a question. "Do you have a boyfriend na?"

I sighed while smiling like an idiot. It was awkward to ask that in front of Mommy La and my parents. I glanced at them and met Mommy La's gaze. Binalik ko agad ang tingin kay Tita.

"Uh, no po, Tita." I shook my head.

"That's a shame! You should have one already! You don't stay young forever, you know. Enjoy your youth days or you'll regret it." And she laughed. I could say the same thing to her but I stopped myself. I'm afraid it would turn out the wrong way.

"Fourth, baby!" Lumipat siya kay Four na nanahimik lang roon sa tabi ni Mommy. She was on a call so she couldn't talk to Tita Cher. Nagbeso lang sila bago umupo sa tabi ni Four. Tumayo rin si Daddy para sagutin ang isang tawag. I just sat back down and busied myself with my phone, browsing some new places here in Palawan.

The private island that we own is in El Nido. I want to go to other places since we'll be staying here for one week and four days. Bumaling ako kay Niko na naglalaro na naman sa cellphone niya. I don't want to disturb him so I just patiently wait for everyone to be here then have breakfast.

After eating breakfast, niyaya ko si Niko sa tabing dagat. I was wearing a simple yellow floral dress and I let my brother hold my sandals while soaking my feet in the water. I instructed him to take photos of me even when I'm moving.

"Hey, let's go to Coron this Saturday." I said. Today was Tuesday. I glanced at my brother, he stopped taking pictures of me because of what I said.

"Tayo lang? I doubt we can go by ourselves. " He said, bored. Well, he always looked bored. "Dad won't let us."

"Eh, keysa naman ma bored tayo dito."

"Ate, it's too far. At ano? Kung papayagan tayo, we'll commute? No way." He raised his eyebrows.