Pinagsoltada

99

2022 . . .

ERNESTO was ecstatic about today. Naisipan kasi ng kaniyang ina na magkaroon ng family lunch sa roof deck ng mansiyon. Ibig sabihin, makokompleto na naman silang magkakapatid sa hapag. Makikita niya uli ang kaniyang mga pamangkin.

The family lunch was announced a month ago. Iyon ay para masigurado ng matriyarka na makararating ang lahat sa salo-salong ito. Ernesto sent Alwyn a chat about this gathering too, but he politely declined the invitation. Hindi raw kasi makabibiyahe ang binatilyo nang hindi kasama si Allyssa na nagkataon namang may event din na pinaghahandaan last month para sa country club na sa buwang ito mismo gaganapin.

Tungkol sa family lunch, mabibigyan na naman nito ng excuse si Ernesto para kulitin ang mga kapatid at tanungin tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay na hindi niya maitanong sa ordinaryong mga araw. Like, how true was it that Genaro was forgetting his professional boundaries? That he was flirting with an admin staff? Alonso also said, he would be introducing a woman to them. So, he would take the opportunity to ask that woman about his very secretive brother's shenanigans. Then, Feliciano would be peppered a bit with his spicy questions about how his life was at the seaside with his family. As a family man like him, Ernesto was curious how his brother could manage to be a husband, a father, and a businessman altogether.

Ngunit, tila made-delay nang kaunti ang pag-usisa niya sa mga kapatid, because while he was carrying Jernie in his arms and rocking her a bit to soothe her from her impatient babbling, Joan just stepped out from the bathroom.

He turned the moment he smelled her presence—her soft floral scent that made him imagine of pink, delicate sakura petals. Then, there she was, standing a few steps away from him. She was stunning, dressed in a maxi dress with a pleated skirt and a wrap top with spaghetti straps. The soft shade of powder blue complimented the soft fairness of her skin and contrasted well against her thick, dark waist-length hair twisted in small curls. Their wedding ring with a shiny sapphire on it was her only accessory, but damn, her gentle pink lipstick smile and sparkling round eyes beneath her thick lashes stood out.

Ernesto held his breath as Joan approached him.

"Hamos na? Baka naghihintay na roon sina Mama," anito sa kaniya sa karaniwan nitong malumanay na boses.

"H-Hamos." Damn. He was struggling to speak. Tila may nagpoprotesta sa kaniyang dibdib dahil sa kaniyang isinagot.

Nang marating ang pasilyo ay nasalubong nila rito ang pababa sana sa grand stairs na si Everleen. Napuno ng pagtataka ang mukha ni Joan nang iabot ni Ernesto si Jernie sa katulong.

"Everleen, ikaw na muna ang bahala kay Jernie," nagmamadali niyang habilin dito. "Stroll her around the living room, the kitchen, or read her some books in the office room!"

"S-Señor—" nagugulohang palipat-lipat nito ng tingin kina Ernesto at sa bata na nagtataka na rin ang ekspresyon sa mukha.

Ernesto gave Jernie a quick kiss on the forehead. "Daddy will pick you up later, anak. This will be quick," he said and took Joan by hand.

He pulled her back in the bedroom.

"Did we forget something?" nagtatakang tanong ni Joan sa kaniya habang sinisikap nitong sabayan ang bilis ng paglalakad niya kahit naka-wedge heels ang babae.

Ernesto slammed the door shut then pulled Joan a little to push her back against the door. Napasinghap sa gulat ang babae nang hawiin ng likuran ng mga palad niya ang buhok nito na nakasabit sa mga balikat nito. As soon as he cleared her soft hair, her smooth shoulders, chest, and neck were revealed before him.

"You need more accessories," he looked into her eyes breathlessly as his left hand securely held her waist.

"A-Accessories?" Napamaang ito saglit, pilit na inuunawa ang gumuguhit na paghahangad sa kaniyang mga mata.