Forever Agape [FS#1]

SERIES OF NOSTALGIA

C h a p t e r   8

The month of August, Saturday evening. I can clearly remember that pace of my life because how can I forget? It was the night I submit myself to my parents. When they told me I was arranged in a marriage with a Laurette, I know I won't be able to change their minds.

And yet, I can't stand still forever. I want to do something for myself, it was the least I can do to give myself the justice I want.

Tinabig ko ang basong nasa gilid na naging dahilan mg pagkabasag nito. Tila nawala ang lahat ng respeto sa aking katawan, wala na ang mga Laurette sa aming harapan dahil nagpasya na silang magpaalam. Naiwan ako at ang aking mga magulang sa harap ng hapag at napatayo ang aking ina dahil sa aking ginawa.

"Hurricane Zaphyrine!" Sigaw nito, pati ang mga maid na nasa loob ng dining hall ay inatasang lumabas ni Daddy. Pinunasan ko ang luhang tumulo sa aking mata, wala na akong balak itago sa kanila ang lahat.

"You should be thankful I didn't do it while the Laurette's are here, at least I still want you to keep your high image in front of them after you disrespect me." Mariin kong sabi, tumayo ako at hinarap silang dalawa.

"What?! How can you say that to me?!" Angil ni Mommy, pulang pula ang kanyany mukha at nanginginig ang mga daliring nakaturo sa akin.

I distance myself from her, there is a large gap between us right now.

"How can you do that to me?!" Sigaw ko, napapikit siya dahil doon. "Paano niyo nagawang ipagkasundo ako ng ganoon na lang?! Anong karapatan niyong gumawa ng desisyon sa buhay ko nang hindi ko alam?!"

It was the adrenaline rush, I can't fucking control myself right now. Noong nandito pa ang mga bisita, nanatili akong nakangiti ngunit ngayon ay hindi ko na magawa.

"Just because I stayed silent in front of them doesn't mean that I agree with it!" Hinagod ko ang aking buhok at hinilot ang sentido. "You can't do this to me... I can't marry this early, I'm too young." Another tear escaped from my eyes but I immediately wiped it.

Huminga nang malalim si Mommy, pinapakalma ang sarili. Dad stood beside her, hinawakan nito ang braso ng aking ina ngunit mabilis iyong iwinaksi ni Mommy. Matalas ang mata niya akong tinignan, ibinaba niya ang kamay at nanatiling nakatitig sa akin. Hindi ako nagpatinag, hindi pwedeng matalo ako. I have to fight for myself.

"It was agreed by the two families that the engagement will be later on announce the time you turn eighteen. For that reason, you have to build concealment with Hell. You have to live with him starting next week and you will stay with him until you turned into a legal age, until we can finally tell it to the world."

Napahawak ako sa sandalan ng upuan, naramdaman ko ang panghihina ng aking tuhod dahil sa kanyang sinabi. Hindi na kinaya ng sistema ko ang sunod sunod na impormasyon, mga desisyon sa aking buhay na hindi ako ang gumawa ngunit kailangan kong panindigan.

"Ang ibig mong sabihin, kailangan naming magpanggap na may namamagitan sa aming dalawa? Kailangan naming tumira sa iisang bahay para walang mahanap na mali ang ibang tao?"

"I want perfection." Maigsing sabi ni Mommy, ang boses niya ngayon puno ng awtoridad. "I don't want anyone to know that this is just an arranged marriage. You two must make it work. I want the media to know that in an unforeseen corner, a Laurette and a De Vera will be one."