"... And they lived happily, ever after." She said softly, slowly and solemnly as if it was a verse from the holy bible.
Mom closed the book then smiled to me like she was convincing me to believe in something. She kissed my head and said her goodnight then tugged me to sleep like she always does.
I loved the story of Cinderella. Maybe that's the reason why I am so damned right now. I believed too much when there's no thing such.
Kahit paaulit ulit na iyong binabasa ni Mommy sakin, 'di pa rin ako nagsasawa. She's my favorite princess. Growing up, I wanted to be just like her. Happy and loved.
I just thought that her story is the most enticing amongst all. She lost everything when her father died and she was abused by her Stepmother and sisters.
But she met a handsome prince that raised her from the pit that she's in and then made her his princess. Later on, his queen. Nothing's more perfect than that.
For me, that's the most beautiful ending a girl could get for herself. Being a queen of a beautiful kingdom, ruling people of the country and being with the one you love. Waking up looking at his eyes and watching the days, hours, minutes and seconds of your remaing time pass by... together.
I dated so many boys back then that i couldnt count how many, waiting for the one to come along. With no love feeling for any of them.
Girls in my school probably thinks that i'm a flirt but I left it that way. I don't have to guts to explain my reason to others because they might think it's lame, childish, whatnots.
On my highschool and college days, i'm highly respected. I'm rich, i'm smart, i'm hot. I can get anything I want...
Until I tripped and fell.
Hard, pretty slumped, with my face kissing the dirty ground. Literally.
My Mom got sick. She had breast cancer. Pumunta sila ni Daddy sa States para dun magpa gamot. I want to go with them so much pero ayaw ni Mommy.
Ilang buwan na lang kasi matatapos na ang school year. I know they could do someting para maging excused ako but they didn't. It was a very lousy excuse for me. She is a member of the board!
I knew something is going on. Sabi niya, sa susunod nalang raw kami mamamasyal doon.
"Mamasyal? Mom, look. I'm not a kid anymore. I know this is a serious matter." I tried so hard to keep my tone down. I just want to be with her side.
She smiled then comb my hair with her fingers. Staying calm, as always.
"I know. You're a big girl now, Elaine baby. I can see it. You grew you so beautifully. You're so mature now. As a mother, nothing's more heart melting than that. But please. I promise when i come back, we'll be happier than ever." She smiled.
I nodded. What i know is, I can't say no to her that time. Never knew that I would be regretting it. Months later, Dad came home with Mom... in a coffin.
Later on, our company went bankrupt. Si Daddy ay nalulong sa casino matapos mamatay ng Mommy. Getting drunk, spending his money, having bitches in two arms... it has been his escape on loneliness.
Napabayaan niya na ang company namin dahil dun. Nabaon kami sa utang. Kaya imbis na pera at ari arian ang manahin ko, utang.
And just like cliché, Daddy stayed in drunken misery and got sick. The money left on our accounts were spent on his medications and therapy. We're poor as rat but i'm very happy he got well. I need him.
