When She Falls

Chapter 5

| Chapter 5

5 years ago...

I was in my room preparing for a party later. It's a long weekend. Luckily, tumama pa yun sa 18th birthday ko. And napaamin ko si Cassy sa gagawin nilang surprise birthday celebration for me.

Cassandra Kim Dela Vega calling...

"Yes?"
"Hi Pen! Ready ka na ba? Mag-act ka nalang na nasurprise ah! Kaloka ka kasi kung hindi mo isinaalang-alang ang friendship natin, di talaga ako magsasalita."
"Oo na! I'm getting ready. I need to get a package pa kasi. I ordered something for my case study."
"Oh. Okay then. You'll drive yourself or you want a lift? Our driver's here naman eh."
"It's okay. I'll just drive myself. I'll hang up now. See you!"

Binaba ko na ang aking phone as I hear a knock on my door.

"Kuya? Bukas yan."
"Bunso."

Nilingon ko ang pinto. My tears are about to fall down my eyes. Daddy... daddy's back...

"Daddy..."
"My princess..."

Tinakbo ko siya at niyakap nang napakahigpit. I missed him so much.

"Daddy, I miss you po. Sobra."
"Me too, my dear Penpen."
"Daddy naman eh! That was my nickname years ago! Di na po ako bata!"

Nilingon ako ni Daddy at pinunasan niya ang mga luha sa aking pisngi.

"Dad..."

Nagulat ako sa babaeng biglang nagsalita sa kaniyang likuran. Nilingon ko si Daddy at pinagmamasdan niya pa rin ako na para bang minememorya niya ang buong mukha ko.

"Daddy, who is she?" I asked him blankly.

Parang naalala naman niya ang babae.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I came here for you to meet you sister, Penny. Jessica, come here dear."

"Wait. Did I hear you right? Sister? Daddy don't tell me..."

"Anak," napatigil muna siya at tinignan ako sa mat ana mukhang sising-sisi, " this is the right time for you to know the real reason why your Mommy and I separated."

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. Napatulala lang ako sa kaniya.

"Anak, talk to Daddy naman. Please."

"Daddy. No. Tell me you're lying. No, Daddy." I laughed without humor.

"Anak, I'm so sorry. Patawarin mo si Daddy. Ayaw mo ba nun? You'll have a new sister, a new member of the family." Pagpalubag-loob na sabi niya.

Parang may sumabog sa utak ko nang marinig ang sinabi niya. "Family? " I laughed again. "Are you joking me? Siya ang dahilan para masira ang pamilya natin! And you'll tell me that she's part of it! No! She will never be my sister! She'll remain to be the daughter of your mistress and nothing else!" Wala na akong pake kahit makita nila ang patuloy na pagtulo ng luha ko.

Nilapitan ko naman si Jessica. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"How old are you?" Mataray kong tanong sa kaniya.

"17."

"Birthday?"

"Do I really have to answer you?"

"ANSWER! YOU ARE INSIDE MY FREAKING HOUSE SO YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN!" sigaw ko sa kaniya.

"Penelope! Language!" sigaw naman ni Daddy.