"How dare you say that to him?! You should've answered him politely! Why do you have to embarass me?!"Mom was fuming mad as she shout at me. Panay ang paglakad niya habang hinihilot ang kaniyang sintido."I just told him the right words, Mom. Totoo naman pong may boyfriend ako. And I don't want him to think that I'm interested.""You should've just said yes! Hindi naman ibig sabihin no'n ay pumayag ka na kaagad na nirereto ka niya sa bunsong anak niya!"Nag-angat ako ng tingin. "So, I'm right? Nirereto niya nga po talaga sa akin ang anak niya?""My God, Janniza! Where are your brains?!""Janine," suway ni Daddy sa kaniya. "Why are you putting the blame on your daughter? You're obviously disrespecting her relationship with Sean. She just did the right thing.""I am not disrespecting her relationship with Sean! I am just trying to introduce her to someone else!""Introduce her for what? Alam mong hindi mabilis maging komportable ang anak mo sa ibang tao," sagot ni Daddy sa kaniya."Tha
As a tourism management graduate, I had dreams of exploring the world and working in exotic locations. However, fate had different plans for me. I decided to put my dreams on hold to stay at home to help manage our family business."What are you doing here again?" kunot-noong tanong ko kay Sean.Nasa company ako ngayon para sana bisitahin si Daddy at kumuha ng knowledge on how to run our business because I am very determined to help but I wasn't expecting na makikita ko si Sean ngayon dito."I thought we had an understanding. I asked you not to get involved," I added. Nilingon ko ang opisina na pinanggalingan niya at nakitang opisina ni Mommy iyon."Your mom needed some urgent help, and I thought it was a one-time thing, love."I scoffed. Tinalikuran ko siya bago nagmadaling nagtungo sa parking lot. I sighed heavily before facing him. "I told you to stay away from her.""You know I couldn't just turn her away when she said she needed help. It's not that simple, she's your mother."I c
"What's happening here?" kunot-noong tanong ko. Nagising ako nang makarinig ng ingay mula sa living room. There were police in our house. "Manang, what's going on?" nagtatakang tanong ko lalo na nang makitang pinoposasan nila si Mommy at sinakay sa police mobile. "Anak, inaresto nila ang Mommy mo, hindi ko maintindihan ang dahilan peor may ipinakita silang warrant of arrest. Ang Daddy mo naman ay hindi matawagan." Mabilis akong umakyat para kunin ang susi ng kotse ko bago nagmadaling sumunod sa presinto. "Janniza Ventura?" one of the officers inquired, a stern expression etched on his face. "That's me," I replied, my voice was shaky. The officers exchanged glances before the one with a grizzled beard spoke up. "Are you here for your mother, Janine Ventura?" he asked me, I nodded. "Sit down." The officer with the grizzled beard cleared his throat. "Miss Ventura, we regret to inform you that your mother has been arrested on charges of embezzlement, fraud, and other financial crimes
The days that followed were a blur for me. I navigated the hospital's paperwork, consulted with doctors, and tried to help in saving the company. The weight of responsibility bore down on my shoulders. Wala akong katuwang, wala akong kasama, wala akong masandalan. I only have my Dad now.I went to the hospital's billing department to settle my father's mounting medical expenses. As I approached the counter, a frown etched on my face, I prepared myself for the financial strain that awaited me."I'm here to pay for my dad's bills," I declared.The receptionist looked up, her eyes softening and asked for my Dad's details. I politely gave it to her. After a few minutes, ngumiti ito sa akin. "Your father's bills have already been taken care of, Ma'am."My eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" takang tanong ko. "Are you sure? By who?"The receptionist checked the records before looking back at me with a warm smile. "A man came by earlier and settled the entire outstanding amount. He
Avril:I already landed na. Nasa hotel room na ako ngayonPinindot ko ang sent button para ma-send na iyon kay Tyler bago tuluyang nagtungo sa shower. I've decided to take a nap first dahil mamayang gabi pa naman pupunta sila Lei rito. I'm sure I'll be needing a lot of energy for tonight.I have so many plans. Maraming rason kung bakit pinilit ko ang sarili kong umuwi ngayong taon but I couldn't tell it to Tyler dahil wala naman siyang alam tungkol sa nangyari sa buhay ko dito sa Pilipinas. He just love comforting me without knowing what exactly happened to me.I heard that she got released last week. And I am here to see it myself. Gusto kong makita niya kung ano ang narating ko sa tatlong taong lumipas. Her words really stayed in my head, and I wanted to prove her wrong."Avril!!!"My whole hotel room was blown up when they arrived. Lei shouted loudly before rushing to me. She hugged me tightly as if I would disappear in front of her anytime. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin siya nagba
"What do you mean may girlfriend siya kanina when I was talking to you on the phone?" bungad ni Lei nang makarating sa apartment ni Zayd na kasalukuyang tinitirhan ko.Halatang galing pa siya sa flight at nagbihis lang ng damit sa airport tapos dito dumeretso dahil bitbit niya pa rin ang luggage niya."Chill," I told her. Umupo ako sa sofa bago tumingin sa kaniya. "Nasabi ko naman sa 'yo na ipapa-renovate ko 'yong bahay. Tyler suggested an Engineer. And guess what? It was Sean.""What?" gulat ding tanong niya. "Ibig sabihin nagkita kayo?!""Oo. Kanina," tumatangong sabi ko."How was it?" curious na tanong niya. "Anong pinag-usapan niyo? Nag-usap na ba kayo ng maayos?""What do you mean? Of course we talked about the renovation. Ano pa bang pwede naming pag-usapan?""About your past!" mabilis na sagot niya. "Ni hindi man lang ba kayo nagkamustahan?!""I think we're not in good terms to do that," nakangiting sabi ko. "And well, Sean was really professional. He even introduced himself to
I continued working as as cabin crew. Hindi naman ako nahihirapan mag-adjust. Pagkatapos ng first flight ko ay madalas ko nang kasama sa flight sila Lei, Brix, o 'di kaya ay si Zayd.Sean was also very consistent in sending me emails of the everyday progress of our house. Binabasa ko lang iyon at tuwing may concern naman ako ay saka lang ako nagrereply. Minsan, nagkikita kami kapag naiisipan kong pumunta ron.And Tyler, grabe ang pagtatampo niya sa akin nang malaman niyang nagtatrabaho na ako sa RS airline. Ang sabi niya ay hindi man lang daw ako nagsabing balak kong magtrabaho dito para sumama siya. Hindi naman pwedeng iwan niya ang sarili nilang airline."Nagtatampo ka pa rin ba?" tanong ko sa kaniya nang nakasimangot ang mukha niyang sagutin ang tawag ko. "Hindi ka masaya na tumawag ako?" biro ko. "Papatayin ko na 'to."Suplado niya akong inirapan. "I will clear my schedule next month so I can take a short vacation. I'm going to pester your life for two weeks, I think," mahabang sa
"You're drunk. Baka hinahanap ka na sa inyo," mahinang sabi ko sa kaniya."I may look drunk but I know what I'm saying," sagot niya. Pumungay ang mga mata niya pagkatapos niyang mag-angat ng tingin sa akin. "What really happened to us three years ago, Av?""Sean..." I gulped. "Let's talk when you're sober, okay?""Can't we talk now?" tanong niya. "I'm still waiting... and hoping for us, Av. Kahit hindi na tulad ng dati. I just... want you to clear things to me. Kasi hanggang ngayon..." Tumulo ang mga luha niya. "...hanggang ngayon ang sakit pa rin."Hindi ko na alam kung paano ko siya kakausapin. Nakaupo na siya ngayon sa sahig habang nakayuko at tahimik na humihikbi. Hindi ko alam kung dala lang ba iyon ng alak na nainom niya."Stand up, please. Huwag ka rito, magkakasakit ka," I told him. Sinubukan ko siyang alalayan sa pagtayo pero ayaw niya. "Let's talk inside, okay? Malamig na," bulong ko.Nakaakbay ako sa kaniya hanggang sa makarating kami sa sala ng apartment. Pinark ko rin ng
"Nasaan ka na? Napakatagal naman nito. Galing ka bang ibang bansa? Mag-iisang oras na 'yang on the way mo!" sunod-sunod na talak ni Mikko pagkatapos kong sagutin ang tawag niya."Traffic nga. Anong gusto mo, lumipad ako?" tanong ko sa kaniya habang nasa daan pa rin ang tingin.He asked me to come to their house to help him in practicing new songs. Wala naman akong ginagawa kaya pumayag na lang din ako."Tawagan mo ako kapag malapit ka na."Pinatay na niya ang tawag kaya muling tumahimik sa kotse ko. When I arrived at their house, mabilis kong kinuha ang cellphone ko para tawagan siya. I can just enter their house but when I went to the front door, wala sa sarili akong napasilip sa glass window nila at nakitang nandoon si Brix kasama ang mga kaibigan niya.I stopped dialing Mikko's number and unconsciously looked at the girl with the blue hair clip. She was busy telling something while her friends were in full ears. I can't help but to smile while looking at her. She really looks hands
"I'm doing fine," I told her a few minutes after being silent. "Sean is always taking care of me.""I'm really glad to hear that," tumatangong sabi niya. "To be honest, I--- I really have something to tell you.""What is it?" tanong ko kaagad."I'm opening a small restaurant tomorrow. I know this is too much to ask but I still wanted to invite you for the mini opening."I bit the inside of my cheeks when I heard. She's opening a restaurant? Bata palang ako alam kong magaling talaga si Mommy when it comes to business and knowing the family she came, alam kong hindi naman siya mahihirapang magsimula ulit."May I know the other details?" I asked her, remaining a poker face."Eight in the morning," she said. "Don't worry. My family isn't coming. I only invited you and some of the staff and people I know personally.""Titingnan ko po," tipid na sagot ko kahit na alam ko sa sarili kong pupunta ako. Of course, I would still love to come. I wanted to show her support."You can invite Sean if
My life went on normally. Wala namang nagbago bukod sa palaging nakadikit sa akin si Sean. Sa tuwing wala akong flight ay gumagawa talaga siya ng paraan so he can stick beside me. Hindi ko alam pero napansin kong habang tumatagal ay mas nagiging clingy siya lalo sa akin and I'm not complaining."Hug?" tanong sa akin ni Sean, pumipikit-pikit pa ang mga mata niya dahil kakagising niya lang din. Nakatulog kasi siya kagabi habang nanonood kami ng movie kaya hindi ko na lang din siya ginising pa.I extended my arms on him to give him a hug. Mabilis naman siyang lumapit sa akin at sa sobrang aggressive ng pagkakayakap niya sa akin ay napasandal ang likod ko sa backrest ng sofa."Clingy mo, ah?" natatawang tanong ko sa kaniya habang bahagyang sinusuklyan ang buhok niya gamit ang daliri ko."Love..." he called me, his eyes still closed. "Can I ask you a question?"Bahagya akong tumawa. "You're already asking me na," I said.Nagmulat siya ng mga mata bago maingat na inabot ang kamay ko. Maraha
"Nagkabalikan na nga kayo?"Napapikit ako nang muling itanong ni Lei sa akin iyon. Alas sais palang ng umaga nang dumating siya dito at hanggang ngayon ay tinatanong niya pa rin iyon kahit na ilang beses ko na rin siyang sinagot."Balak mo bang itanong sa akin 'yan hanggang matapos ang araw na 'to?" nauubusan na ng pasensya na tanong ko sa kaniya."Hindi naman." Umiling siya. "Wala. Hindi na kita magagawang maid of honor niyan kasi kailangan partner kayo ni Kuya Sean," she pouted."Pwede mo pa rin naman akong gawing maid of honor. Ano naman kung hindi kami partner?" tanong ko."Mas maganda kung partner kayo!" she suddenly shouted kaya naman bahagya akong nagulat. Tumayo siya para lumapit at umupo sa harapan ko. Tahimik niyang inabot ang dalawang kamay ko bago hinawakan iyon."Are you happy?" seryosong tanong bigla sa akin.Matagal ko siyang tinitigan sa mukha bago unti-unting tumango bilang sagot. "Of course, Lei. I am beyond happy.""Is this really what you want? Are you sure you can
"What the hell was that?! Why did he kiss you on your forehead?!"As soon as Sean left, Lei immediately dragged me inside the house. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya na parang naguguluhan sa nasaksihan kanina."Oh my God! Nagkabalikan na ba kayo?! Ano? Kayo na ulit?! Kailan pa? Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?! I should be the first one to know!"Napasapo ako sa noo ko. This is the reason why I prefer to tell them in a nice way. Kung biglaan kasi, talagang ganito rin ang magiging reaksyon ni Lei."Kanina lang, okay? Nag-usap kami kanina," sagot ko."Kanina?! During our engagement party?! So, naging tulay pa pala itong party namin sa inyo?"Nagkibit-balikat ako. "Siguro. Parang ganun na nga.""Bruha ka!"Kung hindi lang siguro pagod at nakainom si Lei ay talagang aabot kami ng umaga para makwento ko sa kaniya ang lahat ng nangyari simula noong alumni party.The next day, tinanghali na ako ng gising. Sobrang sakit ng ulo ko dahil sa hang over kaya naman naligo na ako bago tuluyang bumaba para
"Where are you confused, Ril? For what specific reason are you confused?"Napayuko ako at marahang minasahe ang sintido ko. Masakit na ang ulo ko kakaisip sa mga kung anumang pwedeng mangyari."I don't know," tanging nasabi ko na lamang."Is it about your ex?"Unti-unting akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya. Kahit kailan ay hindi niya sinubukang magtanong tungkol sa ex ko o tungkol kay Mommy dahil alam niyang sensitive ang topic na iyon sa akin.He licked his lower lip when he saw my reaction. "Does he... hurt you? Does he make you cry? What did he do to you?"'Mabilis akong umiling sa kaniya bilang sagot. "We just talked. I gave him the closure that he had been wanting. Sinabi ko na sa kaniya lahat...""Does he... want to reconcile?""Hindi ko alam," mahinang sagot ko. "I've been wanting to contact him. Pero hindi ko magawa... hindi ko kaya.""Do you..." Napakagat siya sa ibabang labi niya bago pinasadahan ng mga daliri ang kaniyang buhok. "... still love him?"Nakita ko kung paano s
"Water party?" tanong kaagad ni Tyler. Madaling araw na kaya naman nagulat ako nang makitang nandito pa siya sa living room at gising pa. "I told you to call me so I can pick you up. What happened to you?" takang tanong niya bago kumuha ng towel para ipatong sa akin."Ty..." tawag ko sa kaniya. He immediately opened his arms for me, signalling me for a hug. Mabilis akong lumapit sa kaniya para yumakap. "I'm tired," bulong ko bago hinayaan ang sariling umiyak sa kaniya."What happened?" Mas lalong nagpakita ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya. "Who made you cry? Did something happened during the party?" seryosong tanong niya. "Tell me, Ril. Who made you cry? Who hurt you?""No one," umiiling na sagot ko sa kaniya. "I'm sorry.""What are you sorry for?" mahinang tanong niya. He held my face and wiped my tears away using his thumb. "Hmmm?"Hindi ko magawang ikwento sa kaniya ang nangyari bagkus ay umiyak lamang ako ng umiyak sa kaniya. Nakatulog ako habang nakayakap sa kaniya. Paggising ko, nas
Naghiyawan ang mga tao, nangunguna si Lei. Pakiramdam ko ay namumula na ang mukha ko dahil sa tanong. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot ko. He's talking about me and Sean, right? Wala naman akong ibang naging boyfriend bukod sa kaniya."Not anymore," mahinang sagot ko.Disappointment flashed on their faces after I answered. May mga nagbulungan at nagtanong kung bakit, kung kailan, at kung paano."Kalma!" tumawa si Chris, iyong host namin ngayong gabi. "Ito na lang ang tanong. Are you single, taken, engaged, or married?""Uh," awkward akong tumawa. "I'm single.""May pag-asa pa! Uso comeback!" malakas na sigaw ng isang lalaking hindi ko kilala. Umani iyon ng malakas na tawanan."Sorry kay Sean pero huwag na! Give chance to others!""Gago!" Malakas na sigaw ni Kuya Kai mula sa gilid ng stage."Hoy, tangina mo, Arturo! Swerte mo wala si Sean dito!" tumatawa ring sigaw ni Kuya Axel."Gago, nasa likod si Kuya Sean!"Sabay-sabay kaming napatingin sa likuran. Nakapamulsang naglalakad si Se
"Talk?" tanong ko. "Ano namang... pag-uusapan natin?""It's been four months since you came back yet we still haven't talk about what happened three years---""That was three years ago already, Sean. Do we really have to talk about it?" putol ko sa kaniya."Of course," he whispered, mukhang hindi niya inaasahan na itatanong ko iyon sa kaniya. "Don't you want to talk about it?""Hindi naman sa ayaw." Umiling ako. "Nakainom ka kasi. Let's just talk when you're---""Sober?" mabilis na putol niya sa akin. "That's what you told me the last time I tried to talk to you..."I looked away, feeling guilty. I know he deserves to know everything for him to start moving forward. But why does it feels illegal to me na ibigay sa kaniya ang closure na gusto niya dahil ayoko siyang umabante? I want to be stuck in our past relationship with him. Gusto ko... pareho kaming hindi makausad."Ano pa bang gusto mong malaman?""About what exactly happened.""Hanggang ngayon nakakulong ka pa rin sa nangyari?"