Catching the Warm Sun(Maldita Series #1)

Kabanata 24

Kabanata 24
Akyat-ligaw

I didn't expect him last night. I thought our path will never cross. Tulala ako habang nag-agahan. I think...tutulala ako buong maghapon.

"Eileu, pupunta ang Daddy mo kasama si Cybele bukas."

"Kasama si Tita Cybele?" gulat kong tanong. That's odd. I look at my pitiful mother.

Is she okay?

Tita Cybele was mommy's bestfriend since high school. Gusto ng mga magulang ni daddy na si Tita Cybele ang kanyang mapangasawa despite the fact he had mommy as his girlfriend. They've arranged a wedding without daddy's acknowledgement.

I wonder if I was in mommy' shoes. Will I able to handle the pain? They are bestfriends after all.

Totoo nga, walang hindi nagagawa ang pag-ibig.

I heard my phone rang. I look to see who's calling. I saw Ron's name and picked up the phone.

"Hi." bungad ko.

"Hi. Are you ready?" his question made me realized something. Sht. I've forgot about it.

"Yes. I'm sorry. I'm not yet ready." I prepared hurriedly. Nakakahiya naman kung paghihintayin ko ang parents niya. I wear me red dress, the one with ruffles.

I was about to go out of my room when Mommy come in.

"Hija, may naghahanap sayo."

"Sige, mommy pababa na po ako." sabi ko habang tinitingnan ang sarili sa salamin.

"Your suitors are downstairs." she said and caressed my hair. Suitors? Is she pertaining to Ron?

Tumayo na ako ng makuntento sa ayos ko.

"Pupunta po ako sa bahay nila Ron to meet his parents. They want to meet me." paalam ko. Tumango naman siya.

Bumaba na kami and I almost choke with my own saliva when I saw Ron and Leiou sitting in our sofa. Ron has a red rose while Leiou is holding a bouquet of tulips.

Leiou is silent. His white long-sleeves was folded onto his elbow. Sa postura niya'y akalain mong isang modelo na handa na sa photoshoot. I admit it, mas lalo siyang naging gwapo. Tumayo siya ng palapit na ako at ganoon din si Ron.

"What are you doing here?" tanong ko.

"Eileuthea." he looked at me. "Nandito ako kasi  aakyat ako ligaw." he gave me the bouquet. "For you." My heart beats irregularly. "Tita Eula, manliligaw po ako sa anak niyo." tumingin siya kay mommy na nasa tabi ko pala.

Si Mommy ay parang balewala lang sa kanya.

"It's fine with me. Malaki na si Eileu para magdesisyon para sa sarili."

In his tone, it sounds like no one can obstruct him. Lumapit si Ron sa akin.

"Shall we?" binigay niya sa akin ang isang pulang rosas.

"Thank you. Iiwan ko na lang ito dito." lumingon ako kay Mommy. "Mom, pakidala na lang po sa kwarto ko." ibinigay ko ang bouquet at ang rosas. Tumikhim si Leiou. He's looking at me, intently.

"A-hmm. Sorry. Aalis kasi kami ngayon so I can't entertain you." sabi ko at tumalikod na. Sumunod si Ron sa akin.

Eileuthea, aakyat ako ng ligaw.
Paulit-ulit na nag-play sa utak ko iyon hanggang sa makarating kami sa bahay nila Ron.

"Mom, Dad..si Eileuthea. My girl friend." napalingon ako kay Ron. Pero agad kong binawi dahil nasa harap kami ng mga magulang niya. We're friends...yeah..we're friends.

"Good evening po." bati ko sa parents ni Ron. His mom looks strict and prim while his father looks calm.

We headed to the garden where the long table was set. I was so shock when I saw his other relatives.

"Byron!Where is your girlfriend?" dinig kong tanong ng isang babae. Nasa harapan namin ang mga magulang niya.

"We're here Auntie." he kissed his Aunt on the cheeks. Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko.

"Everyone, this is Eileuthea Sandejas." he hold my hand. Nailang ako. They're all smiling at me so I gave them my shy smile.

"Your?" tanong ng isang lalaki. I think his Uncle.

"Syempre, girlfriend niya!" sabi ng babaeng nagtanong kanina. His aunt.He just laugh. I can't say any words due to my astonishment. Gusto kong umapila sa kanila pero hindi ko magawa. Baka mapahiya si Ron sa harap ng pamilya niya.

The dinner is fine. They are all happy. Ron put a lot of food in my plate that I haven't eat the one fourths of it.

"So hijo, shall we expect for the wedding soon?" nasamid ako sa tanong ng mommy niya. Ron gave me the glass of water and he caressed my back.

Kinikilabutan ako sa mga ikinikilos niya.

"Mom, can you stop it." natawa ang mommy ni Ron.

Ang buong pamilya niya ay alam na mayroong kami. I want to say it in front of all. To clear everything..

Gaya ng palagi niyang ginagawa inihatid niya ako sa bahay. Tahimik ako sa buong biyahe.

"Goodnight." he was about to kiss me again but I move my head. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko.

"Goodnight, Ron. Umuwi kana." matabang kong sabi at pumasok na sa loob ng bahay. I want him to realise it. I don't want to repeat it again. I know it will hurt him.

I slept like they had stole something from me. Something's missing in me that I don't know how to fill it up.

Nagising ako kinabukasan at napansin ang bulaklak na nasa plorera. Inayos siguro ni Mommy kagabi. Napabangon ako ng makita na may maliit na notes doon.

I opened it.

'I'm courting you, Eileuthea.'

Is this his handwriting?I open the box where I put all unknown gifts that I'd received every year at my birthday. I look at the notes. The handwriting is just the same!

He's the one who's sending me this!

I sit on the floor and open the box. I put all the gifts here because I don't know who sent this. I just can't throw it.

Binuksan ko ang unang kahon na nakita ko. It's a watch from the famous brand! Hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang laman nito dahil hindi ko naman binubuksan! My gosh.

Inisa-isa ko ang mga iyon. Bracelet, necklace, watch and the cute anklet! They are all beautiful and looks expensive.

I wear the anklet. Namangha ako dahil first time kong nagsuot ng gano'n. Nakakatuwa. Narinig kong tumunog ang cellphone ko.

Nabasa ko ang texts ni Ron. Bukod doon ay may message mula sa unknown number.

'Good morning! Have a nice day.'
-Leiou

Tss. Akala mo talaga totoo.