Chasing Ring (Architect Series #2) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 4

We went to Beijing for summer vacation. Sinama ako ni Daddy pabalik doon. Ayaw ko sana kaya I asked Mommy to come with us, para na rin maka-bonding sila ni Kuya r'on. Hindi na rin kasi kakauwi si Kuya mula noon dahil doon na siya nag-aaral.

I don't feel bitter for Dad, I don't hate him for breaking Mom's heart. I just tried to understand our situation as of now. I can't blame them both, I think what are we right now, I am still blessed. Imagine, there are broken families out there who are not on good terms. A child who doesn't have any chance to be with their parents anymore. A child who cries at night thinking and wondering why in all of the people, bakit siya pa?

A broken child crying at night thinking what should she do to make their family whole again.

A crying child stares at the night sky wishing she could turn back to the old gold days when her parents were still there.

A pity child who has nothing to do with pain but to embrace her hurtful thoughts.

Those children have no hope but are still, not losing hope.

"Look at them, Ann. They look sweet together." Kuya Seth stated, referring to our parents.

Narito kami ngayon sa balkonahe ng bahay namin dito sa Japan. Nakatayo lang ako sa hamba ng pinto samantalang si Seth naman ay nakahilig sa kawayang bakod ng balkonahe.

"You think may pag-asa pa sila, Seth?" Binaling ko ang tingin sa mga magulang naming na nasa Hardin, nagt-tsaa at nagtatawanan. They laughed like they have their own world. I could see the happiness in their eyes together. That smile of Mom... napa-iling na lang ako. I know that smile. Smile that only Dad can design those lips of her elegantly. Marupok si Mama.

"I don't want to lose hope, though. I don't want to expect either."

"Seth, alam mo bang mahal pa ni Mommy si Dad?" I asked him but he just shrugged his shoulder.

"To be honest, halatang mahal pa nila ang isa't-isa."

Ngumiti si Kuya sa sakin. How? I don't know about Dad. Matagal kaming nagkahiwalay kaya hindi ko alam! All I know is about Mom. Her undying love for my father.

"P-paano? I mean... matagal na silang wala, Kuya!"

"Ikaw na ang nagsabi, mahal pa ni Mom si Dad. So..." he trailed off.

"Oo, pero si Dad pinagpalit niya si Mommy! He cheated, Kuya! Ano? He cheated for what? Trip niya lang saktan si Mommy?" Nagpapatong-patong na ang mga tanong ko sa kanya. Natawa siya sa akin pero nagsalita rin naman agad para masagot ang mga katanungan ko.

"Chill. Ganito 'yon. Yes, Dad cheated on her. He chose someone else over our Mom. I've been there beside him, Ann. I know everything he has been through. He's miserable without you and Mom-"

"E, bakit niya pinili ang iba, Kuya?!"

"You, brat little girl! Shut up and listen to m-"

"I'm not brat! Fuck you!" sigaw ko sa kanya at automatic na naningkit ang mga mata niya sa sinabi ko.

"W-what did y-" hindi niya na natuloy ang sasabihin niya dahil umalingawngaw na naman ang galit na boses ni Dad.

"Etyl Ann!" his voice thundered. Patay! Mukhang narinig niyang minura ko si Kuya!

Hinarap ko siya at nakitang palapit na siya kung nasaan kami ni Kuya. Sumusunod sa kanya si Mommy na nag-alala ang mukhang nakatitig sa akin. Halos hindi na ako makagalaw nang makalapit sila nang tuluyan sa harap ko at sa tabi ni Seth.