This is How We End (Published under Pop Fiction)

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

I grow up thinking that if you do good, it will be enough for people to treat you good, too. I thought that was how the world works. If you are good to other people, then you can rest assured that they will never or at least hesitate to do bad things to you in return.

I was wrong.

Humigit ako ng isang malalim na hininga. Ilang araw na kaming nananatili ni Mama-jan sa bahay ng mga Ferrer at sa totoo lang, tinatamaan na talaga ako ng hiya. Gusto ko mang umalis para makaiwas na kami sa abala, alam ko namang wala kaming mapupuntahan.

And Zeus...

"You're not taking her away from me," mataman niyang wika kay Malik. "What the hell are you talking about, man? You've only showed up after hearing the news of your wife nearly getting killed by the townspeople. And now you want to take her to Sulu? Are you nuts?"

"Zeus..." mahinahong wika naman ni Malik. "This is not for you to decide. This is for my mother-in-law and my wife." Bakas ang iritasyon sa mukha niya. "My wife." He said in gritted teeth. "She will decide, not you. Although I am very grateful for all your help to my family. But Parvana will be the one to decide if she wants to come with me to Sulu. There, she would be safe. She will get the finest education and no one will dare to harm the future Datu's wife."

Umigting ang panga ni Zeus sa galit. He turned to me, his eyes drilling with questions. Bumukas lang ang bibig ko at nang mapagtantong wala akong masabi ay isinara ko ulit iyon. I don't want to rush my decisions. I've yet to talk to this with my mother. She will know what to do. Alam niyang hindi namin basta-bastang iiwan nalang si Baba dito sa Governor Generoso, nakakulong at nag-iisa. That will not happen.

"Pag-iisipan ko pa, Malik..." sa huli ay nasabi ko. I gave him a rueful smile before I pulled myself up and dusted my long skirt. "Salamat nga pala sa pagdalaw mo dito."

"Can I talk to you in private?" he asked me while staring at Zeus. The tension between the two of them didn't die since the day that Zeus learned I am going to get married with him. I nibbled my lower lips and nodded. Irritably, Zeus swore under his breath and got up from his seat, before stalking away stiffly. I want to reach for him and at least held his arms to calm him down, but I know that I couldn't. I placed my hands on my lap and clenched it to control myself.

Malik turned to me. I shot him another apologetic look. "Pagpasensiyahan mo na talaga si Zeus, Malik. He's just pissed. Mabait siyang tao, alam mo yun..."

"Oo naman, Parvana. Alam ko iyon." Malik sighed and smiled a bit. "He stares at you like a man who would do anything to protect his woman. He kind of reminds me of a warrior. He has the built and the will of it." Tapos ay napailing siya. "But this is the kind of battle where swords are not drawn, Parvana."

"I know." I nodded in agreement. Violence had never been promoted in our culture, however harsh some of my Baba's punishments are. My mother doesn't want me to grow up in an environment where violence is a part of the culture and is considered a norm. Ayaw niyang nadadawit ako sa kung ano mang gulo kaya matinding pinsala talaga ang nangyaring pag-atake ng mga taong-bayan sa amin.

"I tried paying the Ferrer's for everything they've done for the two of you, but they refused." Patuloy ni Malik. "It is not an insult to my wealth, but I could see the genuine generosity of them. They're good people, Parvana."

Gumuhit ang isang maliit na ngiti sa mga labi ko. However rough Zeus may have appeared at most times, there are soft spots of him. He has a good heart and an even greater soul. I am grateful that he lets me touch the softest parts of him and I've seen his vulnerable side. The Ferrer's are truly a great people. Their parents did a good job on raising their kids with principle and compassion, albeit the brothers have different ways of showing it.