Catching the Warm Sun(Maldita Series #1)

Kabanata 21

Kabanata 21
Siblings

I don't know that we'll ended up like this. My fate is really harsh to me but I'm used to it. Sinukat ko ang damit na susuotin ko para mamaya. Huminga ako ng malalim, kinakabahan ako sa gagawin ko mamaya. Inayos ko ang bagong gupit na bangs.

I look at my phone. I'm too early, always. I walked downstairs and I see Mommy in the dining table. She take a sup in her cup of coffee.

After all, I can clearly remember that day. The day that my questions have been answered. The day, that I've felt too much pain and...happiness too.

"Good morning, mom." bati ko at naupo para makakain.

She looked at me. "What's wrong with your hair, Eileu?" napahawak ako sa bangs.

"Why? Is it pangit?" tanong ko habang inayos amg bawat hibla.

"No. It suits you well." napangiti ako. She's been my critic at all.

"Kailangan lang po para sa play namin mamaya." tumango siya. Kumuha ako ng tinapay at paminsan-minsan ay napapatingin kay Mommy. What happened before have been forgotten but it is still vivid in my memory.

Kinuha ko ang backpack para makaalis na. I've remember something.

Nagising ako dahil sa panaginip. Tiningnan ko ang orasan at alas tres pa lang ng umaga. My eyes were sored. I can feel that they are swollen due to my crying last night. I stared at the backpack that I've prepared. I don't want to decide carelessly that's why I'm still thinking. If I will stay here, nothing will happen. Walang kasiguruhan na sasabihin sa akin ni Mommy ang totoo. One thing is for sure, Lola knows everything.

I've worn my hoodies and slowly walked downstairs. I take the route at the back of our kitchen. The gate in front will surely make a noisy crank. I'm sorry if I will do this, Mom. Dati ay nagtataka ako kung bakit ang iba ay lumalayas ng bahay kapag napagalitan o di kaya'y nag-away ang anak at ang magulang. I find it too childish but now, I understand. Aalis ako hindi para takasan ang problemang mayroon ako sa halip ay para masagot ko ang mga tanong ko at para maintindihan ko si Mommy.

Lakas-loob akong naghanap ng bus na masasakyan papuntang La Purisima. I have no experienced going to La Purisima alone. May be I will just sit near the driver.

I cried at the bus again. The conductor must be confused. I caught him took a glanced at me.

My journey to La Purisima was a bit long. I've arrived  after ten hours or so. Pinindot ko ang doorbell. Medyo matagal bago may dumalo at pagbuksan ako. Tanghali na kasi. Gulat na Ate Maria ang bumungad sa akin. Agad niyang tinawag si Lola sa itaas.

Ang akala ko'y naubos ko na lahat ng luha kagabi at kanina. But when I saw Lola, my tears falls, effortlessly. I hugged her, tightly. I wish that all of my conclusions are not true.

"Anong nangyari sa iyo, hija? Kasama mo ba ang mommy mo?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Lola. Nang kumalma ako ay pinakain muna ako. I don't remember when was my last meal.

"Lola..." I look at the floor. "I want an answer." hindi ko masabi ang dapat kong sabihin. Lola is carressing my hands while sitting at the veranda. I can feel that Lola has a hint already. She's not saying anything.

I sighed. Kinuha ko ang litrato sa bulsa ng aking jeans. "Lola...can you explain this to me." I handed her the crumpled photo.

"Hija, ayokong manghimasok sa inyo ng mommy mo. Kayo dapat ng Mommy mo ang mag-usap."

"But...she will never let me know the truth." I've asked her before.

"Do you know who's that man?Anong relasyon ang mayroon sila at kailangan nilang magkita ng patago?" tumulo ang luha ko. Lola hugged me.

"Ang totoo, Eileu...hindi talaga patay ang Daddy mo." kumalas ako sa yakap sa gulat. "Your mom was got pregnant when she's twenty-two. Your Tito's resentment was unmeasurable...especially your Tito August." tumingin sa kawalan si Lola habang hawak ang aking kamay.

"So that's explains kung bakit hindi ko pa nakikita ang puntod ni Daddy." sabi ko at natawa. Tumango si Lola.

"It was your Tito August ideas just to save our family from disgrace. Ipinadala niya sa US si Eula. Alam ko na darating ang araw na ito..." nagulat kami sa pagbukas ng pinto.

Si mommy...

"Eileuthea!" she hugged me while crying. "I'm so worried, hija. I will tell you everything...j-just don't leave.." ramdam ko ang labis na pag-aalala ni Mommy para sa akin. There's a black circles around her eyes.

That day was unexpected. She explained everything to me. Fate's dad was the man he's meeting..that's why Fate has so much anger to me.

"Ms. Sandejas..." tawag ng aming professor. I smiled. "Goodluck sa play niyo. Balita ko ay hindi basta-basta ang magiging judges." nag-goodluck ba siya para mang-asar. Natawa na lang ako kay sir.

My surname Fontanilla was changed into Sandejas. It's Fate's family name.

"Thanks, sir!" napailing ako at naglakad patungo sa gym.

"Ate Eileu.." I saw Janus. He jogged. Huminto ako. "I'll help you, give it to me." kinuha niya ang malaking paper bag na dala ko.

"Huwag na! Pumasok ka na lang at baka ma-late ka pa." sabi ko at aagawin sana ang bag pero nai-iwas niya.

"I'm fine, Ate. May pinapabigay si Ate Fate sa'yo." napakunot ang noo ko. That's new. Ibinigay niya ang isang invitation. "Birthday ni Ate this coming saturday. You should come, magtatampo si Daddy kapag hindi ka niya nakita." paliwanag ni Janus. He's the younger brother of Fate. Janus Sandejas.

"I don't know. Pero sige, susubukan ko." sagot ko. Napangiwi ako sa naisip.

Birthday ko noong nakaraang linggo and it's weird that there's an ananymous person who keeps on sending gifts. Five consecutive years. We just have a simple dinner and they gave their birthday present to me...si Janus, Mommy, Fate ...at si Daddy.

Nakakapanibago.

Fate and Janus are my siblings. Unbelieveble yet, it's true. Fate's attitude is better than before. I can't blame her, though.

Kung ako rin siguro ang nasa sitwasyon niya baka mas higit pa ang magawa ko.