ALEA MONTEVERDE
"Kamusta naman ang apo ko, irog ko?" nanghihinang tanong ni Papa kay Mama.
I can still remember how I laughed when I first heard Don Carlo called Donya Celia, irog ko. The old flame love was really lasting.
Ngunit naman si Mama. "Keganda ni Belle, irog ko. Sayang lang at di nakuha ang mata ng Monteverde." napalingon ang mag-asawa sa akin.
"Hanggang sa apo sa tuhod, malakas ang dugo nitong si Alea." Tumawa lang ako biglang tugon dito. Hindi na namana ni Renz ang brown eyes ng Monteverde, they are expecting for my grandkids. "Buti nalang ay pinayagan na ko makalabas dito. Makikita ko na ang apo ko." puno nalang ligayang sabi nito. Alam kong excited na ito makita ang apo niya, matagal na niya ito gusto makita ang bata kaso hindi naman namin pwede dalhin ang bata dito kaya mabuting makakalabas na ito. Naging stable ang resulta ng medication nito kaya pinayagan makalabas.
Maybe Ysabelle is more than a blessing in our family. Simula kasi nang isilang ito, gumaan ang pakiramdam ni Papa at ngayon pinayagan na itong makalabas but still we're carrying to conscience for not telling him the truth.
Maybe soon, when he's more than better. We can't take a risk on his health. Okay nang bumiti ang kalagyan nito sa ngayon dahil sa apo.
"We'll just comeback the next day to pick you up, Pa." We bid our goodbye to Papa and drove back to their mansion.
We're taking our time while sipping our coffee and tea in Papa's library or office at home.
"So, what's your plan Ma?" my husband asked Mama.
Donya Celia took a deep breathe. "We need to stick in our plan, son."
"How about Apple, Ma?" I asked.
Mama looked at me with a smile on her face. "Nag-aalala ka ba sa kanya Alea?"
Nagulat ako sa tanong nito sa akin. Napahawak pa ko sa aking dibdib. "Ma! Of course I am, I might not be the nicest person to her but can you blame me? I'm a concern mother." I'm trying to explain myself, my side. As a mother, I want the best for my son. Hindi ko naman gusto basta-basta lang magka-apo at ayoko pangunahan ang desisyon ng anak ko. I trust Renz. I trust his love for Isabel.
"I am a concern grandmother also, Alea." Mama countered.
"I know Ma. At nakilala ko si Apple. She's a nice girl, she deserve better than this." Alam ko naman if she has a choice, hindi niya pipiliin ang maging babymaker. We actually used them. Ginamit namin ang pangangailangan nila para sa interes nang aming pamilya. Is this immorality? Maybe in people's eye, sa society na ginagalawan natin kung saan di mo maiiwasan ang mga mapanghusgang tao. Well, I am myself is judgmental too. But sa ibang bansa naman legal ang pagkuha ng babymaker para sa mag-asawang hirap magka-anak o may problema.
"Actually,I have an idea." I looked at Mama. "Aside, sa napagusapan natin na bayaran ang medical needs ng pinsan nito. I'm planning to shoulder her education. Apple is a sweet and smart girl. I want to give her a better life. A life she deserve."
Ang asawa kong nakikinig ay tumango-tango lang bilang pag-sangayon. I also agree. This is best we can give on her. Apple deserves a better life.
I actually first thought what kind of parents she has to let her be a babymaker but I found out she already lost her parents. Kinuha nalang ito ng tiyuhin dahil wala nang ibang kamag-anak pero iba ang ugali ng Tiyahin medyo mahigpit sa pera at iniisip na palamunin lang ito. Kaya imbis na pag-aralin ay pinagtrabaho nila ito. And worst, may sakit pa ang anak nito kaya pinilit nang mga ito si Apple na pumayag sa alok ng aming pamilya.
