Suzy Azarcon

Chapter 5

Suzy

"Hello, Tita!" bati ko kay Tita Merced pagkapasok na pagkapasok pa lang niya sa bahay. 

Sinalubong ko siya ng isang mahigpit na yakap bago siya inalalayan sa loob. I gave Tito Philip a hug, too. Tito was a six-footer which made me look like a baby in his arms. Tita was tall enough for her husband that's why it doesn't look awkward when they are together.

"Kumusta na ang maganda kong pamangkin? You're getting tall every time we meet," ani Tita. She gave manong her things before leading the way to the blue sofa - our favorite color. Tito excused himself to take a phone call. He's a busy man, you see.

"You know, Tita, I always train to make myself taller without my shoes." I ignored Mervin who's currently walking his way near us. Mukhang napansin siya ni Tita kaya naman hindi maiwasang hindi siya masali sa usapan namin.

"Thank you very much, Mervin, for taking my niece here safely. Pasensiya na rin sa abala dahil alam kong in-eenjoy mo pa ang pagbabalik mo rito," nakangusong sambit ni Tita. She can be sweet to anyone sometimes. Huwag na huwag mo lang talaga siyang gagalitin lalo na kapag binasag mo ang mamahalin niyang figurines sa bahay.

"No problem, Tita. Wala na naman akong masyadong ginagawa kaya ayos lang. I also had a fun time with her. Right, Suzanne - I mean, Suzy?" nakangising sambit niya.

Pilit akong ngumiti sa kaniya pabalik kahit na gusto ko nang pilipitin ang leeg niya. "Right! Hindi mo naman po sinabing may gentleman kang kasama sa bahay niyo, Tita."

"He is, indeed. Kaya naman hindi na ako nagtatakang maging malapit kayo sa isa't isa. I see you found a friend in him." 

I wanted to vomit with the words pero pinigilan ko. Ayokong ma-offend o mapahiya si Tita. As much as possible, ayokong malaman niyang hindi kami magkasundo ng lalaking 'to.

"He's not a stranger, okay, Tita? But a friend? Let's see..."

Tinaasan ako ng kilay ng lalaking 'to kaya naman tinaasan ko rin siya. Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakla siya. It looked like he doesn't like me. What if he likes guys instead kaya niya ako laging inaasar? Is that the way to show he doesn't like someone? Wala naman akong problema kung ano ang gusto niya. I don't have a thing for gays. They can do what they what and feel what they want.

"By the way, there are so many beautiful places here so I guarantee you'll enjoy it. Mervin, can you come with us and give us a ride?" she pleaded. 

Gusto ko sanang sabihing sanay naman akong mag-drive pero mukhang may ibang plano ang kumag.

"Sure, Tita. That way, ma-eenjoy ko rin ang pagbalik ko. Why don't we eat first? Alam kong nabitin ang pagkain ni Suzy kanina," he said while looking at me. 

I mentally cursed him but smiled sweetly at him. "Ang sweet mo naman. You really care for me, don't you?" pang-aasar ko sa kaniya. 

Imbis na mainis o mainsulto ay matamis pa siyang ngumiti sa 'kin. Ang sarap talagang burahin ng labi niya sa mukha niya! Akala mo kung sinong gwapo. Amp!

"Of course, you're Tita Merced's beautiful niece. I'll care for you especially when you're hungry which I assume happens a lot." 

I gritted my teeth. This guy's starting to get on my nerves. Hindi mainitin ang ulo ko pero kaunti na lang talaga ay sasabog na ako dahil sa kaniya.

"Okay, children, let's get going! Para naman marami pa tayong makita on our way to town later," pagsingit ni tita. She dragged me by the arm and led the way into the kitchen. 

I glared at Mervin before letting aunty beckoned me to eat, again.

The smug look on Mervin's face made me want to throw him a bread. Pero hindi naman ako pinalaki nina Papa para maging ganoon kabastos. Kaya naman mas pinili ko na lang ang makipag-usap kay Tita kaysa makipagplastikan sa kaniya.