The Manila Charmers : TROY

34

I wasn't sure if I would laugh or take his line seriously. I stopped walking towards my room and looked at him.

My brother's eyes were just staring at me, waiting for my answer. " So? Then congratulations." I said.

He smirked and crossed his arms. " You are such a sour liar, Troy. Do you expect me to believe that? Hahaha!" His laugh echoed in the living room. Hindi ko din alam ang sasabihin ko. I cannot say anything against it.

Sa mga oras na ito, alam kong mali ang sinabi ko ngayon. Sa pagkabigla ko, napa-congratulations ako. I shouldn't be saying that line but I did. Why? Hust because that was the best response from a illegitimate child like me towards my half brother. Kuya Trevor was f*cking right, if it wasn't for me, sa kanya ang Battens.

After he went to Europe to pursue his dreams, Dad immediately made me his apprentice. I was a fresh college graduate that time, kumakapa pa lang at walang idea sa pagpapatakbo ng negosyo. Dad taught me his skills and that was it. Unti-unting naging successful ang Battens. Mas naging sikat pa ito dahil sa mga sponsors and charities na tinutulungan namin.

And Kuya Trevor? Well, he was in Europe. Nagpapalaki ng pride at ego kasi alam niyang never ko mapapantayan ang naabot niya. He was free. Noon pa man, malaya na siya unlike me. I was more of a follower than a leader. I'm more reserved and phobia-prone, unlike him na walang kinatatakutan. He can do whatever the hell he wants.

Si Roxanne na nga lang ang kalayaan ko, tapos aagawin pa nya?

But why am I like this? Why do I look like I'm giving her up to my brother?

Ganito ba kagulo kapag umiibig ka?

" Did I hear that right? Hah! You congratulated me. Wow,Troy!", sabi niya habang magkabilang dulo ang ngiti.

Akala mong nanalo sa lotto.

I looked at him and I know na alam niya mali ang sinabi kong sagot sa sinabi niyang pagpapakasal.

" Sabi mo eh. Hah!", he smirked and went away. I was left there, standing and punching the air.

" F*ck! Mali!", I whispered to myself.

The next day, I woke up a earlier than the usual. Masyadong busy ang schedule kaya nakalimutan ko na ang wedding preparations ni Kuya.

*toot toot*

From: WAKI
Pre, punta ka dito sa amin. Susukatan daw tayo para sa kasal.

Kasal? Yeah right. Kasal ng kuya ko at ng supposed to be wife ko. Kung pwede lang talagang hindi umattend, ginawa ko na. Kaso kapatid ko pa rin ang ikakasal. Kahit gaano kasama pakiramdam ko towards sa kanya, magkapamilya pa rin kami ni Kuya."

To: WAKI
Sure.

After all the endless meetings, dumiretso kaagad ako sa bahay ni Joaquin. He was standing infront of the lady with his arms wide opened. Sinusukatan na siya sa may arms. He looked at me and waved for me to sit first.

" Kailangan ko na yatang magpa-fit. Mukhang magmumukha akong suman sa amerikana ko.", he said while laughing. Buti pa tong mokong na ito ang saya-saya. " Huy itsura mo Troy ha, Biyernes Santo ba? Cheer up!"

" You know the reason why i am not so enthusiastic about this wedding Joaquin.", I said while scanning my Facebook on my phone. Napatahimik siya hanggang sa matapos ang pagfi-fit sa kanya.

" Sir Troy, kayo na po susunod.", sabi ng taga-fit so I went in front of her and opened my arms. My heart was pounding. Kung anu-anong plano naiisip ko.

I want to ruin this wedding by taking her away from kuya.

But that would be unfair, di ba? He deserves her more than I did. Sa simula pa lang naman sila na talaga, nawala lang si Kuya kaya ginawa akong reserba.

But I already love Roxanne. I cannot give her that easily.

"F*ck."

" Ano po, Sir?" Napatingin yung nagfifit.

" Wa-wala. Sorry. Continue"

Just when I thought na tapos na ang araw ko sa bahay, someone knocked on the door.

" Papasukin mo, Manang.", Waki said while drinking some coffee.

Then there she goes again. Making my heart beat faster with every step she makes. She was just smiling at us and waving, " Hi boys! Matatapos na kayo?"

She went beside me and punched my arm a bit. " Tulala ka dyan. Ganda ko di ba? Hahaha!" I didn't know na nagdedress pala siya. And her hair, wow. Straight and medyo may pagka-blonde sa dulo. She is so freaking beautiful.

" Iba talaga ang ikakasal ha! Nagpapakababae na!", Waki said. She punched him on the back and laughed. Grabe naman ang transformation ng babaeng ito.

Ibang iba na siya.

" Bakit ka ba nandito?"

" Checking if you are all okay and ready to go. Mukhang si Troy na lang ang di pa nasusukatan ngayon."

I looked at her and she smiled at me genuinely. Anong nangyari?

Why is she acting really weird?

Napapayag na ba talaga sya ni Kuya Trevor? Ganoon na lang ba yun?