Kabanata 11

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakarating sa harap ng condominium building na tinitirhan namin... ng wala sa sarili. It's already 2:00 in the afternoon. I sat on the wooden chair which is located at the small playground in front of the condominium. 

I sighed and look at the sky above. Malungkot ang langit na tila sumasalamin sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. Bilang sa daliri ang masasayang araw sa buhay ko at nangingibabaw ang lungkot. 

True happiness comes from within but for me...it comes from ignorance. Iyan ang paniniwala ko dahil nagiging masaya lang ako sa mga bagay na nagiging tanga ako.  Does loving someone who doesn't care about your feelings is bliss or ignorance? Maybe you will judge me if I will say it's bliss. Well, loving him makes me happy.  

My phone rang the reason for breaking my reverie. I immediately get it from my bag. 

Daddy calling...

My eyes widened when I saw my father's name on the screen. I immediately pressed the answer button.

“H-Hello, dad?” mahinang sabi ko. 

This is the first time he called after they left. 

“Anak.”

One word and four letters but my heart sank with glee. I missed him. 

“D-Dad.” 

“Daddy wanna see you, Fortunate. Can you come over here? I'll wait for you in my office.”

“O-Okay po.”

Naghanap agad ako nang masasakyan pagkatapos naming mag-usap. Medyo natagalan ako dahil naging choosy pa ako sa sinakyan. I arrived at the company in just a few minutes since it was near in my location. Ngumiti ako sa secretary ni dad nang magkasalubong ang mata namin. 

“Si dad po?” tanong ko.

“He's in his office, Miss. Pasok na po kayo,” nakangiting aniya. 

Tumango ako at pinihit ang pinto ng opisina niya. I saw him sitting comfortably on his swivel chair. Napatingin siya sa gawi ko. He stood up before putting his hands in his pocket. Umupo ako sa couch at napasulyap sa kaniya. Hindi na ako nag-abalang batiin at yakapin siya dahil hindi namin kami gano'n magturingan. 

“B-Bakit niyo po ako pinapunta rito, dad?”

He smiled at me. “I heard you came home earlier. Sinabi sa akin ng mommy mo. Gusto lang kitang kamustahin. How's your studies, hija?”

Napalunok ako sa huli niyang tanong. 

“I-I'm fine...I mean it's fine studying at UP. Masaya pong mag-aral doon,” nakayukong sabi ko. 

I don't want to see his reaction. I'm afraid he'll get mad like mommy because I decided without his knowledge. 

“Good to hear that. I'm contented knowing you're fine and happy. Don't mind your mother. She's just overreacting sometimes.”

“T-Talaga po? H-Hindi po kayo g-galit?” paninigurado ko.

He shook his head. “Hmm. Anyway, may manliligaw ka ba o boyfriend? I bet you have,” he teased. 

My cheeks heated with his question. 

“W-Wala po, dad.” No one dares because they don't want someone like me. “I don't have a plan pa po.”

He sighed. Lumapit siya sa akin and sat beside me. Hinaplos niya buhok ko dahilan para mapatingin ako sa kaniya.

“You're still young too. You don't have to rush if ever. Don't try finding the right person. Hindi mo mahahanap ang taong para sa'yo dahil kusa siyang darating, hija.” masuyo niyang turan. 

Mali ka dad. I already found him but he doesn't like me. 

“Alam mo ba ang dapat mong gawin habang naghihintay para sa kaniya?” he asked.

“Ano po?”

“While you're still single and waiting for the right one, you have to prepare and be the best version of yourself that would make you worth it for that person to have. God is preparing someone for you kaya palaguin mo muna ang sarili mo ng sa gano'n ay maging handa ka sa pagdating niya.”

“Bakit po ganyan? I think we can prepare and be the best version of ourselves while together.”

Umayos siya nang upo at tumingin sa malayo. I noticed the sadness in his eyes but it suddenly subsided.

“Time... it's the time. Kung ipipilit mong makasama siya habang 'di pa oras, maghihiwalay at maghihiwalay pa rin kayo. Sometimes being together doesn't mean your relationship is strong and right, paghihiwalayin kayo dahil hindi pa kayo handa.”

“Did it happen in your relationship with mommy?”

He glanced at me and shrugged. “Marami ka nang nalalaman. That's enough, Fortunate.”

His tone became serious so I stop asking questions. He glanced at his wristwatch before standing. Tumayo na rin ako.

“I have meeting in 10 minutes. You can stay if you want.”

Umiling ako. “Uh, aalis na rin po ako. Baka po hinahanap na ako nila kuya Lucky...hindi po kasi nakapagpaalam.”

“Kailan ka babalik sa bahay?”

“I don't know. Kung uuwi po kasi ako, mahihirapan ako sa pagpasok because our house was way too far from the University. Magiging hassle po iyon.”

He sighed. Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako nang mahigpit. Hindi ako nakagalaw because of his sudden move. This was the first time he hugged me again after so many years. 

“Always take care, Fortunate. Daddy loves you.”

•••

“Where have you been?”

That was the first question of kuya Lucky when I entered the suite. He's crossing his arms on his chest while leaning on the wall. 

Umupo ako sa sofa at nilapag ang bag sa harapan. I nibbled on my lower lip when he arched his brows.

“S-Sa bahay.”

“Tsk.”

Suplado siyang umalis sa pagkakasandal. Minsan pareho sila ng attitude ni Rius. He walked towards the kitchen. Napangisi ako nang makitang may dala siyang tray ng pagkain pagbalik. It's my favorite spicy roasted cauliflower! May isa ring baso nang pineapple juice. Walang rice?! 

He put it on the round table. “Eat.”

“Thank you, Kuya! Ikaw?”

“It's already 4:25 pm, Fortunate. Kanina pa kami tapos. Stop talking and eat.”

Napanguso ako sa sinabi niya. Ang sungit naman. Kaya 'di nagkaka-girlfriend eh. 

“Si Hope nasaan?” muli kong tanong. 

Sa halip na sagutin ang tanong ko, I received a death glare from him. 

“Oo na kakain na. Psh.” 

Ilang buwan na pala ang nakalipas at malapit na ang midterm exam for the first semester. Parang kasisimula palang noong isang araw but the midterm exam is approaching. It's been a while since I became friends with Akiro and Winslet. I hope magtuloy-tuloy. 

I know problems and difficulties will come sooner or later. I need to prepare myself for the possible actions and outcomes. Life is not always cozy, it was mixed with darkness as well as grief so we need to get ready every second. 

One of my problems is how can I abstain from Rius especially when he's working for my cousin. We will always see each other every morning and after class. Siguro kailangan kong magplano nang maigi kung paano ko siya maiiwasan nang hindi mahahalata sa mga oras na kailangan naming magkita. 

A favorable idea came into my mind as I saw Akiro's car in the parking area of the university. He stepped out from it in a graceful manner. 

“Aki!”

Agad siyang napatingin sa puwesto ko. He suddenly smiled upon seeing me. 

“Fortunate, bakit nandito ka pa? Tara pasok na tayo,” aniya.

Tumango ako at sumabay sa paglalakad niya. Our room was slightly far so it will take minutes for us to arrive.

“Akiro...c-can I--”

“Ano 'yon?” agarang tanong niya.

I nibbled on my lower lip. Papayag kaya siya? 

“C-Can I ask a f-favor?”

He licked his lower lip before nodding. 

“Puwede bang sumabay sayo pagpasok at pag-uwi?” I said directly without breathing. 

“What? Dahan-dahan lang uy ang bilis eh,” he said and laughed. 

“Sabi ko puwede bang sumabay sa'yo sa pagpasok at pag-uwi? H-Hindi kasi ako sanay bumiyahe m-mag-isa. Kung ayaw mo...it's okay.”

Saglit siyang natigilan at napatulala sa akin. I pouted. Ayaw niya ba?

“Sige kung aya--”

“Of course! I mean...sige payag ako. Madali lang naman iyon. It's my pleasure to serve you, ma'am,” biro niya sabay yuko. 

I smiled widely at him. Hindi ko na napigilang yakapin siya. 

“Thank you, Aki! You saved me!”

“What did you say?”

Lumayo ako sa kaniya at umiling. “N-Nothing.Tara na.”

I dragged him while smiling happily. Problem solved! I may be indecisive but I'm assured with this setup right now.  

When we arrived at our room, I sat on my chair right away. I saw our prof entered with someone. My eyes grew bigger when I saw who it was.  

“Good morning, everyone!” he vigorously greeted us and we respond lively. He sat on his chair before talking again. 

“We have a new student from Ateneo. She will be your new classmate. Ms. Cabalahin, please introduce yourself and tell us your reasons for transferring here at UP,” he said while smiling. 

She confidently stands in her position at iginala ang kaniyang paningin. I nibbled on my lower lip when her eyes met mine. She arched her brows and sneered at me. Napaawang ang bibig ko sa ginawa niya. 

What's wrong with her?

“Hi! I'm Cassidy Cabalahin. The hottest woman in this world. I transferred here so I can see my baby. I'm soon to be Mrs. Fabroa.” 

She flipped her proudly before sitting next to me. Iyon lang naman ang available na upuan. 

“Are you referring to Mr. Console Valerius Fabroa of Architecture department, Ms. Cabalahin?”

“Oh! You got it right, Prof!”

“Hmm, may chemistry. Just invite me on your wedding day, huh? Kidding,” he teased her. 

She laughed at him as if she's enjoying it. I heard my classmates murmuring.

“Seryoso ba siya? Nag-transfer lang para makita si Kuya Sole? Unbelievable!”

“Baka naman may something talaga sa kanila. Hayaan mo na bagay naman sila. Talented + Intelligent = Perfect! Oh, diba ang ganda ng combination.”

“M-Mrs. Fabroa?” I whispered to myself. 

She turned her head on me and smirked. “Yes. May problema ka ro'n?”

Umiling ako. “Ah, nothing.”

Tumitig siya nang matagal sa akin at napaangat na naman ang kilay. 

"You're the clumsy girl last time, right? OMG! I can't believe you're here in front of me right now. Annoying!"

Natigilan ako at napayuko. “I-I'm sorry.”

“Frail and boring.”

I didn't mind what she has said. I shouldn't have talked to her. I realized that she's talking about Rius when she said “Mrs. Fabroa" since he was the only one I knew. I also saw them talking last time at the restaurant where he's working for. That's why her face was familiar when I bumped at her.

“I already knew the participants for the university tour. Glad to hear that all of you were interested in joining based on the list I have gathered. Expect it next month after the midterm examination. Nevertheless, we set that schedule for all of you to relax after the mind-blowing examinations. For your information, the officers chose some students among fourth-year college of Architecture, Tourism and Engineering as your tourists' guide. Why them? Because they are capable of asserting some information about our university in terms of its history, the art of designs, construction of buildings, etc. Also, they are responsible enough to handle each of you. Is that clear?” he asked after his lingering explanation. 

“Yes, sir!”

“Excellent! Now group yourselves into seven, with four members. You're free to choose your group members. It will be your permanent group during the freshie tour. I will also give you a group task where you need to state the University facts, tales, and history.  Do you have any questions? Violent reactions?”

“Nothing, sir!”

He gladly smiled while looking around to observe our reactions. 

“Great. That's all for today! Class dismissed.”

I take a look on Winslet's side. Tulala siyang nakatingin sa puwesto... ni Cassidy. I went to her seat and snap my fingers on her face. 

“Hey! Are you okay?” She flinched a bit because of what I did. 

“A-Ah, oo!” balisa niyang turan.

“Hmm...why are you looking at her anyway?”

She looked away and played with her fingers. “A-Ano...nagulat lang ako na may plano pala siyang lumipat dito.”

“Why? Magkakilala kayo?”

“Kapatid ko siya,” she uttered poorly.

My mouth parted. “M-Magkapatid k-kayo?! How? Uh, don't get me wrong, but why does she's rich while you're...not?”

Nanatili siyang nakayuko. “Ganito kasi 'yo--”

“Because her mother was my dad's mistress. I'm just her half-sister.”

I was stunned by her sudden appearance. I turned around to face her. She crossed her arms while staring at us in a displeased manner. 

“A-Ate--”

“Don't call me that!”

“P-Pero...”

“Don't you dare. You won't like it if I will get pissed. Try me, Winslet. Sa oras na malaman nila na may kapatid akong hampaslupang katulad mo, malalagot ka sa akin!” mariin niyang turan bago tuluyang umalis. 

Binalik ko ang tingin sa kaniya. Her shoulders trembled while crying silently. I sat next to her and caress her back. I don't know how to comfort her but maybe it will help. 

“Shh. Don't mind what she has said,” I said to console her. 

“I'm just here always. You can cry on me. I won't judge nor neglect you, hmm.” 

I thought she has no problems in life since she's a jolly and carefree person but behind her smiles and laughter, there are difficulties she is facing. That's why in life, we should never judge someone easily without knowing their stories. We will never know if that person is having a hard time fighting for their lives just to survive and live in this cruel world. 

When lunch break came, Winslet was silent the whole time. Kapag tinatanong siya ay tipid na tango at ngiti lang ang isasagot niya. Kami lang dalawa ang magkasama dahil wala si Aki. I think he's avoiding Win. I still don't know the reason behind it. 

Until our classes end, she didn't seem to be fine. I didn't bother to ask her about it because I assumed she's not yet ready to tell a story. 

Naglalakad ako ngayon papunta sa parking lot. My heart throbbed rapidly when I saw our car on the right side of the parking area. Binilisan ko ang lakad ko papunta sa kotse ni Aki. I sighed heavily nang makapasok ako sa loob. 

Bahagyang nagulat si Aki sa biglaang pagpasok ko. His chinky eyes widened a bit.

“Oh, bakit ka nagmamadali? May humahabol sa'yo?”

“Nothing. A-Akala ko kasi kanina ka pa naghihintay,” pagdadahilan ko.

Matagal siyang tumitig sa'kin bago tumango. “Okay. Alis na tayo?”

I nodded before glancing at the side mirror. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang tuluyan kaming makaalis doon.

If this is the only way to avoid him, then I'm willing to embrace it. Ako na ang lalayo kung hindi mo ako kayang saluhin sa huli, Rius. Isasalba ko na ang sarili ko bago pa ako malunod.