The Crude Casanova

TCC ~ 22

TCC ~ XXII

***

Chryss

"So what's your plan tomorrow for us, darling? Tour us in your beloved country!" Oliver, my Dad, was laughing as he said those to me.

"As if you haven't stayed here before." Nakasimangot kong sagot sa kanya.

Tinawanan niya lang ako sa sinabi ko. I'm glad he's not opening up about our misunderstanding before. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanila ni Charlie.

Yes, I am adopted. Oliver and Charlie Adams adopted me when I was just a baby. They are Americans who took pity on me and treated me as their own child.

I am so much thankful to them. Dahil hindi nila itinago sa akin ang tunay kong pagkatao.

"Darling, Mom have something to tell you." Charlie softly said to me.

I am crying because my classmates teased me about being brown-skinned while my Mom and Dad are white. I was about 8 years old now and I've been receiving their banter since I was in pre-school. It was terrifying to be bullied all the time. Just because I don't have the same color of their skin. Just because I am different.

They keep on telling me that I'm adopted. That I am not my Mom and Dad's daughter.

"Mom, I am your daughter, right? Why are they telling me that I am not?" I asked her with tear-strickened face.

Charlie sighed, then sat beside me in my bed where I went when I just got home. I was already crying.

And then, she said she have something to tell me in a gentle and worried voice.

"What is it?" I lifted my eyes from hiding it between my knees.

She's caressing my hair gently. She loves me so much. And I am in fear to think that she's not my Mom just like what they keep on saying.

"Just remember that I will always be your Mom no matter what. And Oliver will always be your Dad. And that we love you so much."

My heart started to hurt with fear. I felt like I am going to hear something so painful. Eventhough I'm just a kid, I can feel it.

"M-Mom?" I stuttered, a little afraid.

"You are adopted, darling."

My face paled. My mouth hung open with shock as I tried to read if she's telling the truth. But why would Charlie joked with something like this? She would never! Unless..

"No! I am not adopted!" I screamed at her while crying.

I tried to let go of her who wanted to hug me. No!

As a child, I couldn't accept the fact-- the fact that the bullies were right. I am really adopted. I am not their daughter.

Hindi ko matanggap noon na hindi ako tunay na anak. I was hardheaded and close minded as a child. Ni ayaw kong makilala ang tunay kong mga magulang. I hated them for they left me and gave me to other people. I guess I was being stubborn then. I never wanted to hear anything about them eventhough Charlie and Oliver was willing to provide information.

"What about your business, Chad? Who will manage now that you're having vacation?" Oliver asked him who's quietly eating in front of us.

Nasa loob kami ng restaurant ng hotel. The place is luxurious and for classy people.

They booked a hotel where we're going to stay for the night. Masyadong nakakapagod if we're going to Batangas tonight. So bukas na lang iyon at pagpapahingahin ko na muna sila.