I Lost Me, Too

Six: I Like That Boy Raius But,

"How's school?"

Daddy asked while the maids are preparing the table. Ibinaba ko ang phone ko sa table at maligayang binalingan siya.

"It's fine, Dad. Actually, busy lately dahil malapit na ang foundation day."

"Oh, foundation day!" Nakangiting sali ni Mommy. "How I miss those days."

She looked at Daddy and gave him a teasing, meaningful look.

Napahalakhak naman si Daddy. Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti sa kanila.

"You know, your Mom was quite a player back then. Naalala ko pa, foundation day no'ng talagang nakuha niya 'ko. She showed me how she played different boys and I was so jealous that I couldn't help but tie her down." Natatawang kwento ni Daddy habang umiiling pa.

"Benzito!" Saway ni Mommy. "Wag kang maniwala sa Dad mo, Breanna. It's not true, you know I just provoked you kasi ang bagal mo." Hagikgik ni Mommy.

"Hindi sa mabagal ako. I was just being careful, Ana. What can I do? Masyado pa tayong bata no'n. Tito Andres could have gotten me killed if I break your heart."

Nagkatinginan sila. I swear, I saw glimmers on their eyes. I can't help but admire their undying affection with each other. Kahit na matagal nang kasal ay para pa ring bagong kasal.

And, speaking of Lolo, I know he's one of the most powerful men in the country kaya hindi na rin ako nagtatakang natakot nga talaga si Daddy na patulan si Mommy noon kahit na makapangyarihan din ang pamilya nila.

Well, Mom is the great Andres Fontanilla's only daughter. Anyone who would dare touch her should prepare to cry blood for her.

Now, I'm wondering. Ganoon din kaya ang nararamdaman ni Raius sa'kin? Maybe, just like Daddy, natatakot rin siyang magkamali sa'kin.

To think that, parehas ng sitwasyon ko ang sitwasyon ni Mommy noon. An only daughter of a very powerful household. Maybe pressured din siya?

The thought of it made me smile.

The thought of me provoking him like how my Mom did it made me imagine funny things. But, for now, hahayaan ko munang malagpasan niya ang mga hinaharap niyang problema sa pamilya.

Pagkatapos niyang maovercome ang problema niya, tsaka ako kikilos para sa aming dalawa.

We ate lunch comfortable and happy as usual. Stories about their teenage years were unending. Para bang kahapon lang nangyari ang mga 'yon habang inaalala nila pareho.

This is one of my many lucks in life.

To have parents who really love each other deeply. Dahil sa kanila, I never felt unloved. Hindi ako tulad noong iba kong kakilala na ang mga magulang ay sobrang nakatuon ang atensyon sa mga business nila kaya nalilimutan nang bigyan ng atensyon ang pamilya.

"Nga pala, kamusta si Riaus? Ba't hindi na siya napapadpad rito?" Mom asked as she sipped into her wine.

Tapos na kaming maglunch at kasalukuyan nang nasa pool area ng mansion.

Mommy and Daddy are both drinking wine while I'm having my fresh fruit juice. Lahat kami ay nagpapahinga sa mga lounge chairs na nakatapat sa pool habang suot suot ang ternong wayfarer sunnies namin.

"He's fine, Mommy. Busy lang rin lately dahil sa school works kaya hindi makapunta." Sagot ko habang nakatanaw sa pool.

The waves of the blue water under the bright sun is too satisfying to watch.