First Love

Kabanata 20

Half

This is my tenth time watching my wall clock. Malakas ang aircon pero hindi ko alam kung bakit nang-iinit ako. Sirado ang aking kurtina pero alam kong sinag na sinag ang araw. I sigh again. Hindi matahimik ang utak ko, maraming tanung and such.

Why am I so bothered? Gosh, Ralia, he explained it to you earlier! Bakit ba hindi ka matahimik? Kulang nalang sagutin ko ang konsensya ko. Again, I sigh. Napabangon ako at mabilis na nagbihis. I put some powder and matte lipstick in my lips and I'm good to go. Simple black dress and two inches heels is fine. I never waste a second, I hop in my car and drove it to the Port.

I was expecting to go there fast but I was wrong, nakalimutan kong rush hour pala ngayon and it's friday! Good god, Ralia. It was 9PM, nang nakaalis ako sa traffic mula sa kalsada.

I step out from my car and the wind embrace my skin. Napayakap ako sa aking sarili, the waves is calm and so does the moon and the starlit sky. I made my way towards the entrance of the ship, the man recognise me immediately so he let me in. Tahimik kong binaybay ang daan patungo sa sinabing lugar. Tawanan ang aking unang narinig at unti-unting nakita ko ang imahe ng dalawang tao. Naka-upo sa bilog na mesa naghaharapan at nakangiti.

My breath stop for a moment. My heart ache as I see his smiling wide to that pale girl. The girl was stunning with her long and blond hair and she have a perfect curve and amazing smile.

"I never thought you will grant my wish, V" The lady said happily. V? Ah, stands for Vodka. Bakit ko ba nakalimutang may ikalawa pa palang pangalan ang taong mahal ko?

"No, it was my wish to meet you, finally. I know Dad will be happy to hear it.."

What?

"One.." I called. He immediately look at my direction. He stand and he hug me tight.

"Why are you here, baby? It's late. Mabuti nalang at nakarating ka ng maayos" I smile.

"I'm fine, One. You seem happy with her, who is she?" I glace at the girl, she smile at me. My stare darted at her face, what's with her face?

"This is Cristina Villacarlos" He declared.

"Hi" She greeted. "Nice to meet you, Sister-in-law"

I looked at One, he give me a wide smile. Could someone tell me what's happening? Why did she call me sister-in-law?

"Pardon, Ms. Villacarlos?"

"Baby, I want you to meet my.." Lumapit ito sa babaeng kausap niya kanina. He look at him and smile, sabay akbay dito.

"Half sister" He said.

Shock evade my system. Gulat ako sa kaniyang sinabi. I barely utter a word or show any expression other than being shock.

"How.."

"Come here.." He hold my hand and he offer me a seat. Umupo ako sa kaniyang tabi at kaharap ko ngayon ang kapatid nito.

"Cristina is my half sister, nah, my older sister, ngayon ko lang din nalamang may anak si Dad sa unang babae. Dad had another child on his first love, but unfortunately Cristina's mother died when she give birth to her." He explain. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil sa sinabi niya. Ghad, I think he.. geez.

"I am sorry for your lost." Wika ko. She just smile as she look at the waves. Silence reign between us. "So, how d-did you meet?" I asked.

"I contact him." Si Cristina. "Ow, you have a pretty face, Cristina" I compliment. Napayuko ito. "Thank you.." Nahihiyang sagot nito.

The conversation went on, paminsan minsan ay sumasagot ako. At nawawala rin ako sa usapan, they talk a lot. Habang ako ay kumakain lang at napasulyap sulyap sa kanila. Cristina stares to One telling me that there's something on it, pero naiwawala ko iyon dahil kapatid niya ito. For sure, they miss each other. Sa tagal ba naman ng panahon na hindi nila nakita ang isa't isa. I glanced at One, he look at his wrist watch.

"I think I need to go, V" Si Cristina. Hindi pa rin natanggal ang ngiti nito sa kaniyang labi. "Yeah, it's really a great night to have you here, Cris. I'm sorry, hindi kita maihahatid. Kailangan ko pang ihatid si Ralia--"

"No, ihatid mo nalang siya, One. I have my car, makakauwi ako ng mag-isa. I'll be safe" I said. One sigh.

"But, baby, its 11PM already. Alam mo namang delikado ngayon sa lansangan." He insist.

"One, Cristina is waiting. I am sure, wala siyang kasamang umuwi. Sige na ihatid muna ang Ate mo, alam kong matagal kayong nawalay sa isa't-isa. I'll be fine"

Nalukot ang mukha ni One, halatang ayaw niya akong umuwi ng mag-isa. I don't know what happend pero bigla akong nairita. I don't usually being like this, ngayon lang. I understand that Cristina is her sister but I have this guts that something is not right. That something is wrong. Why is that?

"Fine, please be safe, baby. Papakasalan pa kita"

"So sweet" Cristina added. Napatingin ako sa kaniya, can't she see it? I'm having a moment here. Ugh, what's wrong with you, Ralia?

"You too, One," Napalingon ako kay Cristina at ngumiti. "Cristina"

"I'm leaving, have a great night." I kiss One's cheek and then he kiss my forehead.

"I love you" He whisper. I just nodded and made my way to exit. My car is waiting outside but why I feel so sad all of sudden? Bakit pakiramdam ko may kulang ngayon? Bakit pakiramdam ko may kahati ako? Bakit ganoon?

A/N: Quintina_gondoko18 thanks for the name. You know who you are, thank you!