The Antiquity of Us (La Fortuna Series #2)

Kabanata 50

Kabanata 50

Antiquity 

"What is this fancy dinner all about, hijo?"

I simply smiled at her. "Just settle down, Ma."

Nasa dining hall kami ng mansiyon. There were all kinds of food on our long The Last Supper-like table as we all sat on our designated Windsor chair, one that was antique and my mother bragged her friends about. Nakaupo sa kabisera si Papa samantalang nasa gilid naman niya si Mama na sinundan ni Mr. Amuesca. I was facing my mother whereas Io was facing her biological father.

There were intricate candle lights on the table. Magara ang mga inihandang pagkain at may dalawang bote rin ng wine para sa lahat. We were all in formal attire, dahilan kaya nagtataka si Mama. It wasn't usually this fancy but this night was an exception. This night was special.

I cleared my throat after everyone had settled down. Then with a slightly nervous voice, I said, "Io and I are getting married."

Bumitin sa ere ang mga salita ko. Ilang segundong katahimikan ang namayani bago suminghap si Mama. Natutop niya ang labi niya sa namimilog na mga mata.

"Oh my! About time, hijo!"

Nagpalitan ng marahang halakhak sina Papa at Mr. Amuesca. I glanced at Iowa who was beside me. Namumula ang mga pisngi niya at bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkahiya. I smirked in my head. The thought of us getting married made my insides churn in excitement. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam kapag naaabot mo ang totoong pangarap mo.

The feeling I felt when I graduated from camp and became the CEO couldn't compare to this feeling now. Sa katunaya'y nitong nakaraang mga tao'y tila walang saysay ang lahat ng naabot ko dahil wala siya sa tabi ko. I couldn't consider myself successful. Ngayon lang. Ngayong nandito na siya.

"Can I see your ring, dear?" she asked Io.

She nodded and extended her arm over the table. Pinakita niya kay Mama ang singsing niya. I was supposed to pull off a romantic proposal but she told me frankly that she didn't want any. Ang gusto niya'y tumungo nalang kami sa ring shop at bumili ng simpleng singsing. She chose one that had a slim shank and a simple teardrop diamond as the center stone.

"It suits you," puri ni Mama sa kumikinang na mga mata. Tears pooled at the sides of her eyes which she wiped away with her folded forefinger. "I can't believe this. Parang kailan lang ay pinipilit ko pa 'tong si Atlas na dalhin ka rito sa mansiyon. Tapos ngayon..."

Hinagod ni Papa ang likod niya. "Luce, calm down. Reserve the tears at their wedding."

"Congrats, hijo," si Mr. Amuesca naman ngayon. He smiled at me before darting his eyes at Io. "I'm happy for you, hija. I'm glad that you've finally found true happiness with Atlas. It's all I ever wanted."

"T-thanks, Dad," she croaked at the last word.

Kumislap ang mga mata ni Mr. Amuesca. Pure happiness washed over his face as he nodded. Halatang matagal niya nang gustong marinig ang salitang 'yon mula kay Io. Somehow, it comforted me that she was opening up for him.

Kalaunan ay nagsimula na ang tahimik at pormal naming hapunan. It felt unnatural but the air wasn't uncomfortable so it was still quite bearable. I scooped the edible parts from the grilled scallops on my plate and transferred it to Io's. She looked up at me and smiled before eating a mouthful of them.

Hindi ko maiwasang mangha siyang pagmasdan sa tuwing kumakain siya. It was weird but I fancied seeing her take in real food. Mabuti nalang at buntis siya kaya nagiging matakaw na siya.

"Sa'n niyo ihe-held ang kasal at kailan gaganapin?" si Mama ulit.

"We want a church wedding, Tita. We'll do it as soon as possible. Gusto naming simple lang ang lahat at kung sana'y medyo pribado rin."