Pulsing Rage (Mad Men, #2)

Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22

"So, how's your first time, Marga? You're on your birth control naman, 'di ba? Also, did he use a condom? You know, just in case the tiny percent of the birth control became ineffective. Mas okay na sigurado para hindi kayo magbiglang dalawa. Though, wala naman akong reklamo if you become pregnant." Mama heaved a sigh and shook her head. She sipped on her tea cup and looked at me without malice. "I can't wait to spoil my grandchildren..."

Napakurap na lamang ako habang tinitignan si Mama. My eyes bugged out my socket. Nakanganga rin ako habang tinitignan siya sa sinasabi.

I can't believe everything that is happening now.

Mama is sitting on the queen's chair while holding her teacup. She wears amusement on her very features. Tila tuwang-tuwa sa nasaksihan kanina.

Pa'no ba nama'y ginamit ang spare key ng aking kuwarto upang malaman kung anong nangyari sa akin dahil hindi raw ako sumasagot sa katok niya. Malamang, because I came back sleeping after...having a good damn sex. Aniya kinabahan siya kasi hindi raw nangyari ang ganito sa akin na nahuhuli sa paggising. Can this day be an exception though?

Mama found me and Corey spooning...naked. No, we were not having sex. We were sleeping peacefully. I can't imagine how red my whole body that time when Mama knocked on my door. Her face is grinning wildly. Akala niya binigyan 'ko na siya ng apo sa estado ng mukhang binibigay sa akin.

Thinking of that scene, making me feel one hundred times worst than ever.

I feel uneasy sitting across her in this couch. Ang katabi 'ko nama'y nakaakbay lamang sa akin at tahimik.

I will wear embarrassment until I die.

"I'm really sorry about it, my darling. I am...just worried. I thought something happened to you." Ngumuso si Mama bago siya humigop ng kanyang tsaa. Mga mata'y nanunuya pa rin at pasalit-salit sa aming dalawa. "May nangyari nga naman sa'yo." She looked away, hiding her enjoyment. Impit na tawa ang binigay ngunit kaagad na pinigilan at tinuloy ang pag-ubos sa inumin. "I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, disturbing my precious darling and his boyfriend's moment of love."

Mabilis pa sa kidlat ang talim ng tingin 'ko kay Mama. Lumiban ang tingin niya sa akin at napunta kay Corey. "Do you accept my apology, son? Oh, sorry about that. I think I am thinking ahead-"

"Mama," I breathed firmly.

Tumikhim ang bibig niya at napanguso sandali.

I can't just...digest and chew everything she blurted out. Imbis na hindi na lamang bigyang pansin ay mas lalong todo bigay siya sa atensyon. She shouldn't be talking about her daughter's deflowering moment!

"Okay! Okay! I am really sorry! May I just know about your boyfriend then?" lihis niyang tanong.

"No-" Napatigil ako.

"It's okay," sagot ni Corey.

I tilted my head and gazed him. Seryoso ang tingin niya kay Mama. Pinisil niya ang balikat 'ko sandali, tanda na okay lang sa kanya ang nangyari. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako saka tumginin kay Mama. I gave her a warning with this terrifying eyes. Mama didn't mind me. Her pretty eyes landed on Corey.

"You're part of a band, right?" usisa ni Mama at binaba ang tasa. "I saw your band posters everywhere...I think I saw you there..." she trailed off. Bakas sa mukha ni Mama ang pag-iisip habang titig na titig. "You and my daughter are a big item since yesterday. Wala na talagang mapapyestahan ang mga tao ngayon..."

I know what she's thinking. Kaya ganyan na lamang ang titig niya kay Corey. He is somewhat seeing tito Ern in Corey. Do all Americans look alike each other? Maybe, some of them I believe. But at the back of my mind, there is resemblance between the two.