Astig II (The Promise)

Chapter 3 - Before the Prom

Parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Jaybee ng marinig ang boses ng kanyang Ninang Maya.   Biglang binitiwan si Mandie na para bang napapaso sa pagkakasakal niya dito.

Jaybee:  I'm sorry Ninang, Ninong... she started it. We were just talking and she provoked me and we all know how bratty she can be hindi niya ako titigilan if I don't fight back.

Maya:  I know,  Pero pwede ba tama na.

Joax:  That's enough, Mandie didn't I told you not to create a fight?! When you do it with Shawn, I understand pero with Jaybee, he is your betrothed.  Can't you be lady like in front of him?!  For God sake naman anak, mapapangasawa mo siya!

Mandie:  Ewwww!

Jaybee:  The feeling is mutual Mandie, very much mutual.

Nasaktan si Mandie sa narinig, nanahimik at pinipigil na maiyak.

Jaybee:  Yes po Tita. We are done, she lost so she will have to follow my decision.  Listen Mandie, and listen good... with regards to going to school out of the country, I say a big fat NO. So, unless you want me to discuss this with Lolo Rick and Lolo Rod at magrounded ka for the rest of your life. Susundin mo ako.  Is that clear?

Walang nagawa si Mandie kung hindi tumango.  Alam ni Mandie ang importansya ng mga salita sa kanyang dalawang Lolo at simula ng marinig nila ang pangako ni Jaybee noong 7 years old sila. Para sa kanila Jaybee and Mandie are betrothed and based on the family rule unless she reaches 18 hindi siya pwedeng magdesisyon para sa sarili niya.

Nagpapadyak si Mandie, napatingin si Jaybee sa kanya.  She's making that puppy eyes at paiyak na eyes again. Nasa isip ni Jaybee, "that will be the death of me, Amy."

Mandie: You will have to give me a fair suck of the sav (give me a fair chance) you imbecile!

Kahit pa sarcastic at may pangungutya ang pagkakasabi ni Mandie, naawa at naiintindihan din naman niya na ayaw lang ni Mandie na masayang yung entrance examination na naipasa na niya.

Jaybee:  Fine, so your harwork will be paid off naman,  you can enroll in the same school but it will be with their online program.  Sabi mo gusto mo yung Crime Scene Investigation Courses di ba.  Eh di yon ang iapply mo.

Maya:  That is a good idea for now, tama si Jaybee, until you are waiting for you to be on the right age, magaral ka na muna online. Study as much as you want.

Joax:  Your Nanay and Jaybee is right, in two more years am sure we can find a way para magawa mo ang pangarap mo to study there. I promise anak we will find a way.  Maybe Jaybee and the rest of the boys can join you or whatever comes up.

Mandie:  You promise Tatay? when I reached 18 I can enroll sa US?

Joax:   Did Tatay ever broke a promise?

Mandie:  No po.

Joax:  So, pag 18 ka na lang ha?

Mandie: Okay po Tatay.  Promise Nanay when I reached 18 na lang.

Ngumiti na si Maya at niyakap ang kanyang panganay. Hinalikan naman ni Joax sa buhok si Mandie at inakbayan.  Inakbayan din niya si Jaybee.

Joax:  Now, my dear daughter can you help me, at gamutin natin ang sugat sa labi ni  Jaybee. 

Jaybee:  Ninong, it's okay. I'll be fine, mawawala din yan.

Maya:  No, Jaybee I insist.  Kailangang magamot yan at baka mamaga. Sige na go get the first aid kit.  Doon na kayo sa sala maggamutan ng sugat ninyo.  Yaya Medring, paki labasan na nga ho ng ice bag yang dalawang yan para sa mga pasa nila.