Noteworthy
Days had passed like a bullet out of gun. Wala pa ring improvements sa kondisyon ni Levi. Mom was out for a business trip. Next week pa daw ang balik. Kuya Zuriel and I, we're civil. At least. Kakausapin lang ako kapag kailangan. I understand, of course. Hindi pa rin ako nakakahanap ng t'yempo para makausap siya. He's real busy.
"Tsokolate niyo, Ma'am."
Nilapag ni Margarette ang tasa ng mainit na tsokolate sa lamesa. Its sweet aroma instantly invaded my nose. Sandali kong pinagmasdan ang cup. Lihim ako'ng napangiti. This was my favorite cup. Mommy knows me too well. Kahit gaano pa kalaki ang pinagbago ng mansyon, they didn't replace it here. Kulay pink ang cup at may disenyong maliit na baboy. It was made personally for me. Sa taas, naroon ang magandang pagkakaukit ng pangalan ko.
Actually, this was Levi's gift for me noong high school. Alam niya ayaw ko ng ganito. I hate cups and picture frame, lalo na towel, as gifts. Kaso parang tanga si Levi. We're just friends that time. Hobby niyang inisin ako. How ironic na sobrang special na nito sa 'kin ngayon. This cup reminds me of him. Kung paano kami nagsimula.
"Thank you..."
I gave Margarette a timid smile before she turned her back on me.
Nanuot ang pinaghalong init at tamis sa dila ko, gumuhit ang init sa dibdib. It was hot, yet refreshing.
"Nasaan si Nanay Beth?" tanong ko kay Margarette na nagpupunas ng mesa.
"Baka umidlip po. Napagod po siguro sa paglalaba. Tawagin ko po?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm just asking. Pakisabi na lang siguro kay Mang Diego na ihanda ang sasakyan. I might go somewhere later."
Sa totoo lang, I don't have plans for today. Hindi pa rin nagrerespond sa 'kin ang secretary ko. It was supposed to be a good thing dahil ibig sabihin lang no'n, walang problema. Pero mamamatay na 'ko sa boredom. Feeling ko, busy lahat ng tao sa paligid ko. Samantalang ako, bahay at ospital lang. Siguro sasama na lang ako kay Bailey one of these days. Baka makatulong ako sa research nila.
After drinking my hot chocolate, bumalik na ko sa k'warto. Sakto namang naabutan ko ang cellphone ko na tumutunog. My heart pumped aggresively when I saw his name on the screen.
I stared at it for some seconds hanggang sa namatay ang tawag. Mas lalo akong kinabahan. Muling tumunog ang phone. Halos manginig ang mga kamay ko habang binubunot ang charger sa outlet.
"D-Dad..."
Kinagat ko ang index finger ko para matigil sa panginginig. Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko. I quickly slid the door that seperates my room to its balcony. I need some fresh air.
"Blaire! I've been calling you for thirty minutes! What took you so long?"
Parang tinambol ang puso ko sa pagtaas ng boses niya. I bit my lower lip. I can sense the rage from his voice. Ayaw na ayaw niyang naghihintay. Dad has the slightest patience sa aming lahat. I can't help but to feel on edge kapag gan'to siya.
"I..." Mariin akong pumikit. "I'm... s-sorry dad. Galing po kasi akong kusina. I... kinda... left my phone inside-"
"Excuses! You're always full of excuses!" Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat. "Next time, always bring your phone with you! Paano na lang kung tungkol sa negosyo ang tawag at hindi mo nasagot? You don't have your secretary beside you this time. Be responsible!"
"N-Noted dad. I'm sorry."
He breathed heavily. I can even imagine him massaging his temple while his forehead was creased.
"Irresponsible... so irresponsible," he whispered.
My hand fell on my side. Pinagdiin ko ang mga labi ko. Kung kanina, tumatahip ang puso ko. Ngayon, para itong kinukurot. Paulit-ulit.
"Dad..."
"Just be attentive next time, Blaire. You can lose opportunities kapag ganiyan ka. Palagi ko na lang sinasabi sa 'yo 'to. Parang hindi ka natututo, ano?" his never ending lecture.
Hindi ako nagsalita kaya natahimik din siya sa kabilang linya. I was trying to weigh the gravity of his mood para alam ko kung dapat na ba akong magsalita o ano. One thing I've learn. Kapag galit siya, mas mabuting 'wag na lang magsalita. Dad has the power to twist tongues para maging pabor sa kaniya ang argument.
Minutes passed, hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. I was about to speak nang matikom ulit ang bibig ko. Naunahan niya 'ko.
"Anyway, I called to tell you something. Where are you?"
Agad naman akong naalarma. Humigit ako ng upuan at pinakalma ang sarili. Kapag kausap ko si Dad, dapat walang ibang tumatakbo sa isip ko kun 'di ang sinasabi niya. If it was for business, hindi niya ako anak. I was an employee.
"What is it, Dad? Nasa balcony po ako."
"I just want to inform you na may pagbabago sa schedule ko. It was urgent. Maraming kailangang asikasuhin sa negosyo. Tell them I can't make it on March."
My jaw dropped.
I cocked my head, hindi makapaniwala. The way he said it, sobrang casual lang. Parang hindi mahalagang araw ang kinansela niya. Tumayo ako at pumasok sa loob. Hindi nawala ang gitla sa noo ko hanggang sa maupo ako sa kama. Ilang beses kong binuka ang bibig ko para magcomment pero walang tumakas na salita.
Hindi siya uuwi?
But Mom was expecting him! And Bailey! Sobrang excited pa nga ni Mommy kasi finally, after two years, makukumpleto kami!
Tapos ito?
"Dad..." I exhaled and massaged my temple. "Alam na po ba ni Mommy?"
"Blaire," he sighed. "Your mother's busy, alam mo 'yan. She has to focus. I'm expecting her to close the deal with Oroscos. Do you think it is the best time to bother her? Dahil lang dito? I won't risk it."
My shoulders fell in disappointment. Sigurado ako. Mom won't like the idea. She was excited for Bailey's graduation. She's expecting. And si Bailey. Alam kong gano'n din siya. For sure this will make them sad. Ayoko namang mag-valedictory speech ang kapatid ko nang low-spirit.
I know... There was one time, hiniling ko na 'wag muna siyang umuwi. I was afraid na bigla niya na lang akong bulyawan habang hindi pa maayos ang lahat. But that doesn't mean na ayoko siyang umuwi. Especially on Bailey's graduation.
"I... I know she can make it, Dad. Mommy's good. Pero..."
I can't help but to heaved out a deep sigh. Ngayon pa lang, nakikita ko na ang dismayadong mukha ni mommy. This will be a terrible news for her.
"I-Is it about business?" Hindi siya sumagot. "Kaya po ba kayo hindi makakauwi... dahil po sa negosyo?" Nanatili siyang tikom. I sighed. "Dad, it is Bailey's graduation and... he's expecting you to be there..."
Pahina nang pahina ang boses ko. I can't remember when was the last time na nakausap ko si Daddy na hindi ako kinakabahan. I was afraid. I don't want to say something that can pull his trigger. Baka may masabi akong mali para sa kaniya. Minsan kasi, akala ko okay lang 'yung sinabi ko. Then it turns out, ayaw niya pala. Kaya kapag si Daddy talaga ang kausap ko, mas gusto kong makinig na lang.
But on the other hand, I knew I have to convince him. I badly needed to. I hope he could set aside business this time. Kahit ngayon nga lang. This is Bailey's graduation we are talking about. Supposedly, espesyal na araw 'yon sa kaniya. But with Dad's absence? After we all expect na uuwi siya? Hindi ko alam.
But I can't just tell him that.
"I know... Pero kailangan din ako sa Seoul. It is supposed to be you, actually. Pero anong ginawa mo? Umuwi ka diyan, 'di ba? You chose your fiancee. At sino ang inaasahan mong sasalo sa mga pending na gawain? 'Di ba ako rin? And now Bailey's graduation is coming. Paano ako makakapunta do'n gaya ng gusto mo? This is what I'm telling you, Blaire..."
He seemed so disappointed. I breathed heavily and inclined my head down. Right. The blame was pointed on me. Alam ko na kung anong kasunod nito.
You're such a disappointment.
Narinig ko na 'yon.
"You should've just stayed in Seoul para tapusin ang mga gawain mo. Kahit sana magsabay na lang tayo pauwi sa March. Kahit sa first week. Hindi naman gano'n kadami ang kailangan kong tapusin dito sa Spain."
He already told me that. Noon pa, bago ako umuwi. Pero hindi ako mapakali sa Seoul. I'll just screw everything up kapag pinagpatuloy ko ang trabaho do'n. Lalo na kapag naaalala ko ang sinabi ni Ate Faye sa phone. Levi wasn't in a good shape. Sabi ni Kuya, exage lang daw si Ate. Pero alam kong hindi. At nang umuwi ako, nakumpirma kong hindi nga. She wasn't exagerating things. Totoo ang sinabi niya. At wala akong pinagsisisihan.
"Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit madaling madali ka sa pag-uwi diyan," he added.
"Levi's sick, Dad. I'm worried."
"And so? Will it change the fact na comatose siya kapag bumalik ka diyan? Ngayon na kasama mo na ulit siya, nagising ba? May nagbago ba?"
"Dad..."
I know he'll never understand. His mind is closed 'pag dating sa ibang bagay. Dad's mind- feeling ko, 98% filled with business 'yon.
"You never failed to disappoint me with your reckless decisions, Madison Blaire."
Ngumiti ako, sanay na.
Si Dad ang unang nagbaba ng tawag. He just reminded me to inform my brothers about his schedule. Napahinga ako nang malalim. His decision was firm. Si Kuya lang ang nakakabali sa mga desisyon niya. Minsan, iniisip ko na 'yun ang dahilan kung bakit favorite niya si Kuya. Kaya naman ginagawa ko rin ang same tactics. I tried to be as courageous as him. Minsan, kinakausap ko rin si Daddy. I tried to refute his decisions. Kaso sa huli, napapagalitan lang ako. Ano naman daw alam ko.
Chelzie:
I'm sorry, Blaire. Hindi talaga ako pwede. I have a lot of things to do. Baka mag OT pa ako mamaya.
Napa-buntong hininga ako. Nauubusan na talaga ako ng gagawin. Gusto ko sanang mag-mall. Kaso ayaw ko namang gumagala mag-isa. Feeling ko sobrang kawawa ako kapag mag-isa lang ako ta's maraming magkakaibigan sa paligid ko. Kaya kapag wala rin akong kasama, hindi na 'ko tumutuloy. I never tried.
Gusto ko sanang bisitahin si Levi, but Tita Martha adviced na 'wag daw muna.
I understand. Kakauwi lang kasi ni Madame Eliza. She is Levi's grandmother. Nanay ni Tito Gabby. She was staying in Canada all this time.
And she never really wanted me for his grandson.
Okay naman kami no'n dati. I even called her Lola. Kilala niya kasi ako bilang best friend ni Levi. I used to grow up playing sa mansion nila dahil palagi akong bored noon sa bahay. I thought she'll be happy kapag nalaman niyang girlfriend ako ng apo niya.
But she wasn't.
She gone mad.
Sobra.
Naging cold na siya sa 'kin after no'n. Ayaw na ayaw niyang tinatawag ko siyang Lola. I will never be part of her family, sabi niya. Hindi naman ako tanga. Alam ko kung bakit. She's been rooting for someone else all this time.
Thaliya Tianco is the name.
The president's unica hija.
Tianco... the family was one of Gilmore's affiliates. Noon pa man, magkakampi na talaga sila. When it comes to politics, malakas ang mga Tianco. Maraming supporters. 'Yun nga lang, nang mamatay ang matandang Gilmore, medyo nawala ang connections nila. Palibhasa, ayaw ni Tito Gabby pumasok sa politics. And now that Madame Eliza was planning to continue the legacy of her late husband, she's starting to build the connection again. Tatakbo raw siyang senador sa susunod na halalan.
At anong kailangan niya?
Ang mga dating kaibigan.
Alam niyang magagamit niya si Thaliya for her senatorial ambition.
E ako? Ano namang ambag ko?
Funds for her campaign? Mayaman siya. May negosyo sila sa Canada. Hindi niya kakailanganin ang pamilya ko, 'di tulad ng pangangailangan niya sa mga Tianco.
I already met Thaliya once. Totoong magkaibigan sila ni Levi. She attended his 21st birthday. Wala naman akong problema do'n. Levi clarified na magkaibigan lang sila. Nothing more, nothing less. Alam naman daw ni Thaliya 'yon. Isa pa, mabuting tao naman daw ang mga Tianco. That's what I heard. So far, wala naman akong napapansin na iba. Si Thaliya... she looked nice. You can always see her smiling. Napaka-accomodating niya. She's a philanthropist, as they say.
Nang hindi ko na kinaya ang pagkayamot, lumabas na 'ko ng k'warto. I brought my phone with me. Alam ko naman na 'di na tatawag si Daddy. But still, I have to follow his orders.
Naisip kong magmall na lang. Tumila naman na ang ulan. I'll probably ask Margarette to come with me. Wala rin naman si Bailey. Nasa school. I know she might find it weird. Pero sobrang nayayamot na kasi talaga 'ko. And I can't just go alone. Sabi ni Mommy, may mga guards naman daw na bumubuntot sa 'kin. But that wasn't the point. I need someone who can hang-out with me.
"Si Margarette?" I asked one of the maids. May hawak siyang feather duster at tinatanggalan ng alikabok ang mga cute na figurines.
"Nasa baba po. Naghahanda sa pag-alis."
"Pag-alis?"
She nodded. "Opo. Masama po kasi pakiramdam ni Manang Beth. Si Garette po nautusang mamalengke."
Kumunot ang noo ko. It rang a bell. "Garette..." I echoed in a hush while nodding, dahan-dahan.
The name sounded familiar. Siya ba ang tinutukoy no'n ni Jehoram? 'Yung mahilig sa leche flan? I racked my head. That shouldn't be my concern. Kung friends man siya sa isa sa mga maids namin, wala na dapat akong pake.
Bumaba ako para puntahan si Margarette. I really felt lighthearted towards her. Maybe because of the familiarity? Sa two years kasi na nasa Seoul ako, ang daming nagbago. Pati mga mukha sa bahay, nagbago rin. I heard may trust issue na raw si Mommy when it comes to people she let inside. 'Di ko maintindihan kung bakit pati 'yung mga maids na mukha namang trustworthy noon, tinanggal din niya. Buti na lang nandito pa si Margarette. Siya lang ang kilala ko sa kanila, pati si Manang Beth.
"Garette."
Naabutan ko siyang nag-aayos ng sarili sa salamin. Nang makita ang repleksyon ko, tinanggal niya kaagad 'yung nakaipit na goma sa labi niya. She turned her back and faced me. Hawak pa rin niya ang ilang hibla ng buhok.
"Ma'am! Aalis na po ba kayo?"
Nagtuloy ako sa paglalakad. "Yes. Bilisan mo diyan."
"Po?"
"Bilisan mo. Sasama ako sa 'yo."
"Po?" mas tumaas ang boses niya, halatang nagulat.
I creased my forehead and faced her. I was right. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya at ang kamay niya, sumuko na sa pagsisiklop ng buhok.
"I'll go with you. Mamamalengke ka, 'di ba?"
"Ha?"
Nalaglag ang panga niya. Tumaas ang kilay ko. Nang magbalik sa Earth, para siyang robot na tumango.
"O-Opo!"
There was an obvious gleam in her eyes. She looked so amused. Pinigilan kong mapangiti. She's cute. Napailing ako at tumalikod. Ramdam ko naman ang pagsunod niya sa 'kin, sinisilip ako mula sa gilid ko.
"Ma'am..." Even her voice sounded so regaled. "Talaga po? Sasama ka? Sa wet market po ako mamimili, ha? Ex ko po kasi yung salesman do'n sa supermarket. Doon po sa bayan? Kaya sa magulong palengke ako pupunta. Walang aircon. Mainit. Siksikan—"
"Ano ba? Bibilisan mo ba diyan o ako na lang ang aalis?"
"Sige po!" She said with utmost enthusiasm.
Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. I halted, binalingan siya ulit. Mukha siyang bata na binigyan ng lollipop. She found everything so amusing. Napakaliit pa naman niyang babae. She looked younger than me. Parang halos kaedad nga lang ni Bailey. Or a bit older.
Napapitlag siya nang marealize kung ano ang sinabi niya.
"Ah! Ibig ko pong sabihin, sige po! Bibilisan ko na po!"
She then ran away with all possible haste. The other maids found her weird. Napalingon sila sa 'kin. Nagtatanong ang mga mata. I just shrugged, all smiles. Hindi na ako mabobored kapag nandito sa bahay. Lalo na ngayon. Wala pa ring response ang secretary ko. It wasn't as if ikukulong ko na lang ang sarili ko sa k'warto. Ngayon, nandito na si Margarette. She has the power to crack people up.
Siguro hihingiin ko na lang din kay Ate Faye and schedule ni Madame Eliza. My time with Levi will be constrained dahil sa pagdating niya. For sure, alam niya na ang tungkol sa engagement namin ng apo niya. Hindi pa naman siya 'yung tipo ng tao na may pinapalampas na pagkakataon. She always wear her heart on her sleeves. Malamang, naka-prepare na lahat ng bwelta niya sa 'kin. And I wasn't prepared. Yet. Kaya 'wag muna. Ayoko muna siyang makita.
"Ma'am. Sigurado po ba kayo na itong Chevrolet gagamitin natin?"
"Why not?"
"Ayaw po kasi ng Mommy niyo na nilalabas 'tong sasakyan 'e. Dapat approved niya. Na-trauma po ata kay Kuya Ramon. May trust issue 'e."
"That's fine. Sinabi ko naman sa kaniya na ilalabas ko 'to."
She nodded. "Matanong lang kita, Ma'am... Bakit ka po sasama? 'Di ka po ba bibisita sa ospital?"
"I'm bored," tipid kong sagot, hoping she'd stop asking.
Mabuti naman at natahimik na rin siya. I want her to be my friend but I don't really like answering whys. Nagkibit-balikat na lang siya at nagngiting-aso. Sinuot ko ang dalang earphones, nakinig sa mga kanta ni Ed Sheeran at sinandal ang ulo sa bintana. Margarette began to discuss petty things with Mang Diego— the family driver who happened to be Jehoram's father. Na hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin lubos na mapaniwalaan.
Maya-maya pa, biglang umalog ang inuupuan ko. Napalingon ako kay Margarette. Sa tabi ko kasi siya naupo. Dumadaldal na naman. Feeling ko, magkakasundo sila ni Chelzie. O baka nga kilala na nila ang isa't isa.
Buka nang buka ang bibig niya. Yet, her words weren't audible to my ears. Nilalamon ng music. Nakita kong humilig siya sa pagitan ng driver at shotgun seat. Kinukulit pa rin niya si Manong.
We were already at the shopping centre at mula rito, malapit na lang ang supermarket. Kaso ang sabi ni Margarette kanina, sa wet market daw kami pupunta. May iniiwasan daw. 'Yung ex niyang salesman. Tss. Buti na lang sanay din ako mamili sa wet market. Sumasama kasi ako no'n kay Manang Beth. She preferred wet market too. Tindera kasi siya ng isda bago namasukan sa 'min. Sabi niya, bawat customer, mahalaga. Mahirap daw kasi do'n kumita.
Patuloy na kinukulit ni Margarette si Mang Diego. From the mirror, kita ko ang pagtawa ni Manong. Margarette's lips were slightly parted and her eyes were gleaming. Sinundan ng mga mata niya ang dinaanan ng sasakyan.
Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. I removed my earphones para marinig ang pinag-uusapan nila. I was curious. Fine.
Mang Diego's barritone laugh barged in.
"Bibili 'yan ng ulam. Inunahan na naman siguro ang asawa ko."
"Talaga? Siya po ang namamalengke, Mang Diego? Wow!"
He laughed. "Ayaw na ayaw niyang napapagod ang Nanay niya. Pasaway na bata 'yan 'e. Kahit pagod sa simbahan, dederetso agad sa palengke. Nakikipag-unahan lagi kay Sienna."
Margarette squealed. "Grabe! Super bait talaga ni Jehoram, Mang Diego!"
The surges in my blood went vigorous as I heard the name. Bigla kong naalala 'yung gabi na nakita ko siya sa ospital. I've almost forgot!
"Naku! Sinabi mo pa. Mas'werte nga kami ni Sienna. Maaasahan talagang bata."
Umayos ako ng upo, tinanggal ang bara sa lalamunan.
"Anong meron?"
Nabaling sa 'kin ang atensyon ni Margarette. She grinned like a Cheshire cat. Mas nabuhayan ata siya kasi nakisali ako sa usapan. Nagulat ako nang bigla siyang humilig sa 'kin. Before I could react, siniksik niya na ang sarili niya at inangkla ang braso sa 'kin. I flinched when she squealed.
"Nakita namin si Jehoram, Ma'am! Papunta rin siyang palengke! Tapos alam mo ba? Ang sweet sweet niyang anak! Ayaw na ayaw niyang napapagod si Aling Sienna! Kulang na lang, siya na rin ang magbantay sa karinderya nila! Halos lahat, siya ang gumagawa! Ang bait!" Tumili na naman siya.
"Jehoram?"
"Opo! Si Jehoram, Ma'am! Hindi niyo po ba kilala? 'Yung gwapong anak ni Mang Diego!" Manong laughed. "God! Gwapo na, mabait pa!"
"You saw him?"
Paulit-ulit siyang tumango.
"Opo, Ma'am. Naglalakad!"
Sinubukan kong lingunin ang pinanggalingan ng sasakyan. But we drove already too far for me to see where he was. Dagdagan pa ng malabong salamin ng bintana. Good thing that the skies already calmed down. Feeling ko, mahirap mamili sa wet market kapag maulan.
Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi ni Margarette. Kung galing siya sa simbahan- like what Mang Diego said- sino siya sa akala niya para gawing walking distance ang simbahan at palengke? He has to walk too far para lang marating 'yon!
"Isabay na kaya natin?"
The car came to a halt. Agad lumayo sa 'kin si Margarette. Inangat ko ang mga kilay ko sa kanila, proud sa suggestion. Nilingon naman ako ni Mang Diego mula sa rearview mirror. May malalim na gitla sa noo.
"Ha?"
Margarette gave me an are-you-serious look. Tumango ako. I even smiled sincerely so she'd know that I was serious and that was completely fine.
"Si Jehoram... 'Di ba sa palengke lang din naman ang punta niya? Isabay na natin..."
Nilingon na ako ni Mang Diego.
"Sigurado ka, Ma'am? Sanay naman po sa mahabang lakaran 'yun. Tsaka... baka gabihin pa tayo kapag hinintay natin siya rito."
"Yie! Ang bait naman ni Ma'am! Kahit 'di kilala, concern!"
I scowled when Margarette poke her finger beside my tummy. She was teasing me with that annoying smugly smile. Muling humarap si Mang Diego sa steering wheel at humalakhak.
"Ano ka ba! Kilala ni Ma'am 'yon si Ram-ram! Nagkakilala na sila no'ng nakaraan. Hinatid pa nga ni Ram sa ospital 'e. Tsaka... noong nalasing si Ma'am? Si Jehoram din ang tumulong sa kaniya. Mukhang close na nga sila 'e. Di ba, Ma'am?"
Umuwang ang bibig ko. Margarette was astounded. Umiling ako sa kaniya. Kalaunan, sinamaan niya 'ko ng tingin. She was glaring at me like I played her false. She looked betrayed.
"We're just... acquainted. Tsaka no'ng nalasing ako, coincidence lang 'yon."
"Talaga?"
"Oo nga!"
"Coincidence lang? Ano 'yon? Nalasing ka tapos coincidence lang na napulot ka ni Jehoram—"
"Garette!" suway ni Manong.
"Manong! Narinig ko 'yon! Pinagchichismisan kaya nina Kiray. Akala ko nga inaasar lang nila ako 'e. Totoo pala."
Umirap ako. "Coincidence nga lang!"
She cocked her head, hindi pa rin naniniwala. Pinaningkitan pa niya ako ng mata. Nang maubos ang pasensya ay inirapan ko siya. Ang arte ng babaeng 'to. Exaggerated pa siyang bumuga ng hangin. I wagged my head. Bagay nga sila ni Chelzie. OA sila pareho.
"Oh siya! Sige na nga! Acquainted! Ano, Manong? Hintayin ba natin si Jehoram dito? Matagal pa 'yun."
"What if... Mag-U-turn na lang tayo?"
Napaisip ako sa sariling idea. It wasn't bad. Kaysa naman tumunganga lang kami rito while waiting for him. He wasn't even aware that there were people waiting for him. Tumango-tango ako, supporting my idea.
"Tama. Balikan na lang natin si Jehoram, Manong. Let's pick him up to wherever he is."
Their eyes bore on me. As if it was weird. Like I was weird. Kung makatingin sila, para akong na-possess ng masamang espiritu. Itong dalawang 'to... Wala ba 'kong karapatang maging mabuting tao?
"Para hindi sayang oras," I reasoned-out.
I didn't give them a chance to ask further. Sinuot ko ulit ang earphones at sumandal sa bintana. Margarette shrugged her shoulders, Mang Diego grinned and wagged his head. Sa huli, nag-U-turn din siya, searching for his son's whereabout.
We found Jehoram across the broad street. Lahat kami, nakatingin sa direksyon niya, watching his moves. Beside him was an old woman with visible deep furrows on her skin. She looked craggy. On her right hand, she was holding a clutch. Ang kaliwa naman, nakapatong sa palad ni Jehoram. His free hand was on the feeble back of the old woman, guiding her as she took small steps.
Nang makatawid, binitawan niya ang matanda. He smiled. My lips parted when he hugged the old woman. Nang bumitaw, hinaplos niya ang buhok nito. Parang may humaplos sa puso ko nang dumukot si Jehoram sa bulsa niya. With a beam, he handed a bill to the woman.
A genuine smile crept on my lips. I wasn't even bothered to hide it.
I always think of the world as a place with ample ignorance. Akala ko, puro pera lang ang mga tao. Akala ko, wala silang pake sa mga nasa paligid nila. Why would they even dare to reach a hand when they need both of it? Lalo na kung hindi nila kilala? 'E kaya ka nga may kaibigan, para sa kanila humingi ng tulong. Pero hindi pala. Kahit sino pala pwedeng tulungan.
Kahit hindi kilala.
Jehoram... and his altruistic heart, was definitely a mind opener.
Sometimes, those who have the shallowest pocket, have the deepest concern for the people around them.
'Di ko man lang napansin si Mang Diego. Lumabas na pala siya. Jehoram seemed surprised yet confused when he saw his father. Nag-usap sila. Mukhang hirap pang magpaliwanag si Manong. He averted his gaze to our car and in an instant, adrenaline rushed over me. Parang biglang gusto kong magtago. My heart weaved in anticipation. Ngayon ko lang narealize kung ano 'tong ginawa ko. Why did I even insist to offer him a ride? Pinabalikan ko pa. 'E sinabi naman na ni Manong na sanay siya maglakad.
'Di ka na naman nag-iisip, Blaire!
I wasn't yet done cogitating my ideas and decisions in life when I saw him approaching our direction. Nauna pang mataranta sa 'kin si Margarette. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang tumayo siya.
"Margarette!"
She transferred herself to the backseat and plumped down heavily.
"Why did you—"
My mouth hang open nang bumukas ang pinto. Sa gilid ng mata ko, pansin ko ang pagyuko ni Margarette. Nagtatago. Binalingan ko si Jehoram. He was standing on the threshold, halos magdikit ang mga kilay, thinking twice pa ata kung papasok siya o hindi.
"Ma'am..." Mukha siyang stress na stress, wala pa naman akong sinasabi. "Sure ka ba rito? Isasabay mo 'ko?"
I gulped. "Y-Yes... Why not?"
"Anong why not? Hindi naman kailangan 'e."
I rolled my eyes. "Kahit na. Gano'n rin naman. Pupunta kaming palengke. And then we saw you. There's no big deal, Jehoram. It's just a simple help."
"Pero hindi niyo na dapat—"
"Come on! Are we going to spend time counting reasons kung bakit dapat kang sumakay? Pumasok ka na kaya. Nandito na kami oh." I tapped the space beside me.
Wala siyang nagawa. Huminga siya nang malalim at marahang pumasok. Ang bigat pa ng yapak niya, halatang labag sa loob. Kung umakto siya, parang sa impyerno ko siya niyayang pumasok.
"Seriously, parang anak na kaya ang turing ni Ma'am Leira dito sa sasakyan. Baka magalit siya." Bothered pa rin siya kahit nakasara na ang pinto at umaandar na ang sasakyan.
"And why would she?"
"Why would she?" he echoed like I was being sarcastic. "Malamang! Nagpapasakay ka ng ibang tao!"
"Bakit? Ibang tao ka ba?"
Natigilan siya. Ako rin. Tapos si Manong din. Sinulyapan ko si Margarette, mukha siyang natuod sa likod. Umiwas ng tingin si Manong at hinawakan ang collar ng polo niya. Hinatak niya 'yon, like the situation was making it hard for him to breathe. It was too late when I realized what I have said. Hindi naman gano'n ang ibig kong sabihin!
He found it hard to recover. He couldn't even blink. Nakauwang lang ang labi niya habang nakatingin sa 'kin. He was staring at me like the moment was bizarre. Like I just said the pithiest words in the world.
I cleared my throat, averting my eyes away from them.
"I-I mean... Anak ka ni Mang Diego. He's our driver. Kilala na kayo nina Mommy. Hindi ka na ibang tao sa kanila."
Sinulyapan ko siya. He's pursing his lips hard, obviously resisting the temptation to smile. I gave him a dagger look, pinilit niyang magseryoso at tumango. Pinaglaruan niya ang mga daliri at tinuon ang mga mata sa harap.
"Pero iba kasi 'to. Mahal na mahal kaya ni Ma'am Leira 'tong sasakyan. Tapos sabi pa ni Garette, may trust issues daw—"
"Hoy wala 'kong sinabi!" Nakalimutan ata ni Margarette na nagtatago siya.
Jehoram's brows shaped like a rounded vault. Maganda rin pala na umepal si Margarette dahil nalimutan niya ang sinabi ko kanina. Nilingon niya 'yung isa sa likod. Jehoram looked surprised. 'Di niya malamang inexpect na dala rin namin si Margarette. And as for Margarette, nagpanggap din siyang gulat.
"Garette!" Margarette laughed. Halos pamulahan siya ng mukha nang ngumiti si Jehoram. "Nandiyan ka pala."
"Ahh.." She smiled sheepishly, nagkamot ng ulo. "Oo. Kakagising ko lang kasi." She faked a yawn. "Sige, usap lang kayo diyan. 'Wag niyo 'ko pansinin."
She leaned her back. Pinagkrus niya ang mga braso niya at pinikit ang mga mata. She was a great pretender. Nagpapanggap naman siyang tulog ngayon.
Jehoram chuckled, umayos ng upo at binalingan ulit ako ng atensyon. He stared at me for a moment, making me quite uncomfortable. I shifted to my sit, peering at him too.
"Back to you..."
I breathed, umiwas ng tingin nang 'di na kinaya. "Really, it's okay Jehoram... Mas kilala ko naman si Mommy. Besides, just think of it as my pay back. May utang ako sa 'yo, 'di ba?"
"Utang?"
"Yes! When you took care of me! Nakalimutan ko kasi mag-thank you. Nagmamadali kasi si Kuya 'e, kaya 'yun. Nawala na rin sa isip ko. Thank you, ah? Kung iba 'yun, baka pinabayaan na lang ako sa lansangan."
Mang Diego laughed. "Kung iba 'yun, inuwi ka na sa kanila. Tapos nanghingi ng ransom."
"Tay!"
I chuckled. "Yeah. Kaya nga thankful ako na si Jehoram 'yun, Manong. At least, 'di ba? Nothing awful happened."
"Okay ka na ba?" Jehoram wore his consoling look.
I smiled. "Not yet... Pero malapit na. I was done contemplating my decisions and yeah, most of them sucked."
He nodded. "But don't be afraid to get sucked. Nagkakamali naman lahat ng tao. Parte ng buhay 'yon. And the next time you screw up, ayan si Tatay oh. Patawagan mo lang ako. Human tissue ata 'to." Inuntog pa niya ang kamao sa dibdib.
Nahawa ako sa ngiti niya. I nodded at him. Somehow, I was grateful. Punong-puno ng negativity ang isip ko pero buti na lang. I found some people who were willing to share their optimistic dispositions to me. 'Yung mga tao na mahihingan mo talaga ng comfort. I was surrounded by people who can lighten me up and make me understand things. And for that, I was grateful. Beyond grateful.
Kinuha ko ang earphones ko at sinuot muli. I was too chuffed to remove a smile. Kahit ipikit ko ang mga mata ko, 'di ko pa rin mabura ang ngiti ko. How can I be too happy when I was inside a can of too many worms? Hindi ko alam. Pwede naman sigurong maging grateful kahit maraming problema.
Before I could turn-up the volume, I heard someone's whisper beside me.
"And thank you for thanking me, too."
And I guess, this day wasn't all bad. It was out of the ordinary. Noteworthy, I'll say.
***
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Proverbs 11:25 |320Please respect copyright.PENANA9wW8yH0DyJ
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A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshened.