Pulsing Rage (Mad Men, #2)

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

People usually loud on gossips. At first they whisper pulsing rage of lies from one's ear to another. It is continuous. Rumor spreads like infections, affects millions of people and be infected instantly. Only the brave could stop the vicious cycle. By telling the truth in front of everyone.

"I'm clean," Mama proudly uttered, eyes gazing in front of me directly-probably to the camera of the showbiz reporter. "Sobrang tagal na. And I want to say it in front of everyone who believes in me and to those who are still bashing me because of my past illness or we could just say addiction." Malia Fuentes air-quoted but gave her charming smile after. Her fully manicured finger pointed right away, dictating anyone's attention to her.

Even in this period, my mother's beauty doesn't age that much. She is elegant, appealing, and exquisitely beautiful. Still has the body she always maintained. Though, the number of years she already experienced is palpable on anyone's eyes. She has lines on her forehead, wrinkled, even though she doesn't like the word.

I don't look like my mother. I am, maybe, the opposite of her soft look.

Mahigpit 'kong hinawakan ang remote control. I looked around the pantry and everybody's watching the television's showbiz report. I don't get why it should be flash report? Siguro dahil sa unang pagkakataon at sa antipasyon ng mga tagahanga ni Mama ay nagpakita na siya muli o sinagot ang tanong. Maiging nakakatitig ang aking mata sa telebisyon, pinagmamasdan ang bawat buka ng kanyang bibig, at pinapaparating ng kanyang mata.

I want to believe her. God, I really want to.

"My manager told me that there might be possible projects soon...I said projects, right?" Mama laughed softly. Her eyes roamed around the corner. Hindi pinansin ang mga nag-i-interview sa kanya. Her only focus is to find someone. Lumiwanag ang mukha niya nang matagpuan ang hinanahap. "Ern!" My mother panicked a little but still composed. Nagkukumahog siyang makarating sa pwesto ni tito Ernest. The camera still pointed on her direction. Sinusubaybayan ang bawat galaw niya kaya nakikita pa rin namin ang kanyang ginagawa. "Sorry, I have to go home." Mama raised her palm. Tito Ernest protectively put his arm over her shoulder hanggang sa makapasok ito ng sasakyan.

Ernest followed her.

The camera still trailed the car's direction then after a long way, positioned to the showbiz's insider. Binitawan 'ko ang remote control. Hindi 'ko napansin na padabog ang aking pagtayo. Umiiling na dinala ang glass containers na hindi man lang nangalahati sa counter. I lost my appetite, 15 minutes ago. I usually lost it when I already have a spoon of it.

Hindi 'ko akalain na magagawa niya iyon. I told her not to comment on anything about her illness/addiction in that way...I don't want her to get hurt again! People in online are cruel. Pa'no na laman kung may ibato ang tao sa kanya? She is much in better place now. Ayoko nang bumalik ulit siya sa dati!

Nagpupuyos ang inis sa aking loob. My palms rested irately on the counter. Napapikit ako upang kalmahin ang aking isipan. When I opened my eyes, I cringed at the cold pasta. I got goose bumps over my shoulders. Madali 'kong tinakpan ang container at nilagay sa refrigerator.

I could feel my heart in my throat.

"Oy, Elaine! Okay ka lang ba?" anang June, papakagat nang mansanas. Nakataas ang isang kilay habang nakatutok ang mata sa akin. "'Yong mata mo! Mukha ka na namang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa!" June smiled into laugh. She bumped her hip against mine. "Nagtataray ka na naman sa itsura mo! RBF alert!"

I breathed a sigh. I tried to soften my features. Even though that is difficult. "Hindi. I'm fine."

June never said about the reports that is flashed a while ago. She told me about the after party she wanted to attend with me. Hindi 'ko iyon sinagot. My heels clicked over the marbled floor. I flattened my suit jacket and my pencil skirt. Huminga ako ng malalim at patuloy na naglakad. Maraming tanong ang binigay ni June ngunit maiksing sagot lamang ang sinasabi 'ko. Patuloy iyon hanggang sa makarating kami sa cube. Not shocked, that everyone is waiting for me...at my cube. Probably will ask me about the showbiz news.