Taste Series #1: Taste of Love

Chapter 1

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙾𝙽𝙴

"Daddy, who are they?" I asked, tugging at my father's sleeve as he led me into the living room.

Nang nasa living room na kami, may babaeng nakatayo malapit sa couch at may ngiti ito sa labi. Sa tabi ng babae, may isang lalaki na sa hula ko ay medyo dalawa o tatlo ang agwat sa akin ang edad, at bahid sa mga mata nito ang pagka curious.

My father crouched down, his eyes meeting mine. "Summer Enya, this is Azarella, and she's going to be your new mom. And this is Finn Azariah, your new stepbrother." he smiled, and he pointed them.

I stared at them, uncertainty in my eyes, unsure how these strangers were about to become my family.

Tita Azarella knelt down, her eyes filled with kindness. "Hi, Summer. Your dad has told me so much about you. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you."

Tita Azarella's smile still plastered on her lips. I will not accept her as my Mom, although I can call her Tita—not Mom. Hindi naman siya ang nagluwal sa akin sa mundong 'to.

"Starting now, you can call him Kuya Finn, Summer." wika ni Daddy, habang inaayos ang pillow sa couch.

I glanced at Finn. He's wearing brown slacks paired with a black long sleeve and black shoes. His chinky eyes were captivating. Fine, he's handsome.

"And take care each other because starting now magkapatid na kayo!" bakas sa boses ni Tita Aza ang tuwa.

I rolled my eyes.

Take care each other? I can take care of myself. I don't need anyone who will take care of me.

I shifted my gaze to Finn, who was studying me with a mix of curiosity and shyness.

"Hey, Summer. We're going to be like a big, happy family," he said, trying to break the ice.

I managed a small smile, still processing the idea of this new family forming around me. I can't accept it but—kung kaligayahan ni Daddy, susuportahan ko nalang siya. Kung papipiliin man ako, pipiliin at pipiliin ko si Mommy every lifetime para maging Mama ko.

As we sat here in the living room, there was a palpable awkwardness. My father and Tita Azarella exchanged glances, attempting to make conversation, while Finn and I sat silently, sizing each other up.

"Do you like playing video games?" I whispered to Kuya Finn.

I don’t want to be rude. Baka akalain nila maldita akong bata mabait kaya ako. Ayokong ma issue na yung anak ni Sergio Sevilla ay maldita at walang galang na bata.

His eyes lit up. "Yeah, I love them!"

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at hinila siya patungo sa game room ko. Yeah, I have a game room. Nang makarating kami sa game room ay umupo ako sa gaming chair. Ganoon rin ang kanyang ginawa.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Bakas sa kanyang mukha ang pagkamangha sa kabuoan ng aking game room. Naglaro kami ng Call of Duty at kung anu-ano pang laro. Ayoko naman na masabihan niyang maldita ako at hindi marunong makisama. As long as I can be kind to them, magiging mabait ako, basta lang 'wag na 'wag akong pagalitan.