Love on a Broken Canvas (An Artist's Love Story)

Chapter 6 - Waiting Blue

“Theo, who’s Meruem?” I asked Theo, ang magiging half-brother ko sa nalalapit na kasal ng Daddy ko sa napupusuan nitong si Tita Aileen .

I was looking at the painting in front of me entitled, “Retrospect”, gawa raw ng isang artist na nagngangalang Meruem.

Nandito ako sa isang exhibit kung saan isinama ako ni Theo, Tita Aileen at Dad dahil may malapit itong kakilala sa event na iyon. We were to go have dinner after this as a family.

Dad and Tita Aileen were talking to some of their friends kaya Theo and I were left roaming around the place.

Ito namang si Theo hindi halatang nababagot kaya sinamahan na lang ako sa paglilibot sa nakadisplay na paintings at murals sa paligid.

“Well, he’s a famous artist ngayon. His works are worth millions na nga at pinag-aagawan pa.” He answered na parang hindi interesado.

“Ang galing nga n’ya. Ang gaganda ng mga ginawa n’ya oh.” I said as I scanned closely sa mga nakahilerang gawa ni Meruem.

“You’re really interested in paintings, aren’t you?” Pagtataka nito.

“Theo? Dude, andito ka pala?” I heard a man approached Theo at my back.

“Who’s this? May bago ka na namang girlfriend?” The guy chuckled and said as I turned.

“Gago! Kapatid ko ‘to. Tito Rick’s daughter. She’s Illya.” Pagpapakilala nito sa’kin sa kaibigan nito. I smiled at the guy.

“Hi, Illya. Ako nga pala si Denver, nice to meet you! I’m single.” Pangiti-ngiti nitong pagpapakilala sa’kin.

“Hoy tigilan mo ‘yang kapatid ko. 19 years old pa lang ‘yan. Mahiya ka naman at pitong taon ang tanda mo rito.” Hinawakan ni kuya ang ulo ko and I really felt glad not being an only child anymore.

Theo and I really get along well dahil only child din s’ya ni Tita Aileen at ang namayapa na nitong ama.

Pinakilala na s’ya sa’kin dati pa ni Dad ‘nung hindi pa sila officially annulled in papers ng Mom.

When I was still 14 years old pa lamang ng maghiwalay ang Mom and Dad, just over a year ago lang tuluyang legal ang paghihiwalay ng dalawa.

Theo and I have known each other for 2 years now and he’s been looking after me as his newly found sister.

Hindi ko rin ito matawag na kuya dahil naiilang pa rin ako at mas okay rin naman daw sa kanya.

Pitong taon ang tanda n’ya sa’kin. Mabait ito ngunit napakababaero kaya no wonder ang kaibigan rin nitong si Denver ay matamis rin ang pananalita lalo’t may kaharap na babae.

“Fine. You can always call me Kuya, Illya.” He winked at me tapos siniko s’ya ni Theo.

“Anyway, what are you two doing here? Ikaw, Theo of all people ‘di ko akalain na may buhay ka pa pala sa labas ng bar.” Pagtatanong nito at sabay tawa na rin sa kuya ko na para bang takang-taka at nakita n’ya ang kaibigan na nasa ganitong event.

“Well, Tito Rick and Mom was invited here then this girl wanted to tag along dahil mahilig s’ya sa paintings. Sumama na rin ako kasi Mom pleaded na minsan lang ‘to. Nagmamalinis ka, eh ikaw ba parang ‘dun ka na nga rin natutulog sa bar ah.” Pagpapasahan ng kagaguhan ng dalawa. Tumawa lang ako sa tabi nila.

Humalakhak rin si Denver kaya pinagtinginan kami ng mga tao.
“Ooops. Anyway, is it true you’re interested with arts and paintings, Illya? Kung ganoon tagahanga ka rin ni Meruem?” He turned to me and asked.