Del Rico #1: Say Amen

Kabanata 13

Heat

As Valencia and I descended the grand staircase, I couldn't help but notice the influx of unfamiliar faces scattered throughout the house. The normally composed house staff were scurrying around, busy with their duties. My curiosity was piqued, and I began to wonder why Valencia was behaving so strangely, brimming with excitement.

As I caught a glimpse of multiple cars parked outside, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. I turned to Valencia and asked,

"Are the Del Rico's here to visit again?"

A mischievous smile played on her lips as she laughed and replied.

"Oh, my dear, it's an important day indeed. The Del Rico's have graced us with their presence," she is grinning as she said that.

Humalakhak pa ito nang malamang ay napansin ang pagkabigo ko sa 'di diretsong kasagutan niya. Binalingan ko ang labas.

The night sky was gradually embracing the world, adorned with beautiful clouds. Valencia and I walked towards the unexplored left wing of the house, which held an air of mystery. It was there that I laid eyes upon Aunt Loela, a woman in her fifties, exuding a majestic aura. Her graceful presence captivated me as she approached and enveloped me in a warm embrace, softly murmuring a heartfelt welcome into our family.

"I'm truly glad this is happening now, Rouge," maluha-luha ito.

"Ano po bang mayroon?" mahinang bulong ko.

Nginitian niya ako nang matamis ngunit hindi rin nagsalita.

I wonder what it is that's making them emotional at this moment. Aunt Loela held my hand and we proceeded to walk again.

Upon reaching the entrance of the balcony in the left wing, my gaze was drawn to an exquisite display of flowers, adorning the area in vibrant hues. Amongst the blossoms, I noticed the young men of the Del Rico family, huddled together, seemingly engaged in jovial banter.

Laughter echoed through the air, shared by the elder gentlemen in the group. Amidst the mirth, Regina Del Rico stood before a table, also adorned with blossoms, emanating an air of elegance. She is fixing something. Kahit ganoon at abala sa ginagawa, may ngiti sa mga mata nito na 'di rin maipagkakaila. I roamed my eyes around for more sight.

There, amidst the warmth and joy, there was one figure who seemed to radiate an icy aura—Berlina Del Rico. Her cold demeanor stood in stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere around her. A thought crossed my mind. Ano nga bang klase siya ng tao at bakit tila takot magpakita ng ibang emosyon. Even with that facade, I can sense that this woman is a good person.

I felt a tugged in my heart upon remembering that I am doing nothing for her because I am torn apart. When will Berlina find out about the curse in her marriage which happening every frequent meeting in this house? I tilted my head and looked away.

Just then, Alesha approached us, breaking the silence with her words.

"The bride is here, finally! Napakagandang bata!"

Suddenly, all eyes turned to me, their collective attention fixated upon my arrival. Hindi na bago sa akin ang pagbaling nilang lahat ng tingin sa aking direksyon. Ilang beses na ba itong nangyari? Ngunit bakit ganoon? Ganito na lamang ang kabog ng dibdib. Ganito na lamang manginig ang aking mga tuhod kahit na ang klase ng tingin na iginagawad sa akin ay hindi masama.

It was a moment of anticipation and trepidation, as I stood there, embraced by the beauty of the night and surrounded by the Del Rico family. The air was charged with excitement, and the weight of the occasion filled my heart with both excitement and apprehension. Little did I know that this night would mark a turning point in my life, forever shaping my destiny.