Five months have quickly passed, but mama still wouldn't allow the newlyweds to leave our house for a lot of reasons: Ben had to look for a stable job, Naya needed to be close to the Opiana family while her belly grew bigger, they have no money to build a house of their own, and the list went on.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl1bsNPz5g
That was not the first time mama attempted to keep her boys close. Even when our two other brothers got married, she would give a lot of reasons for their family to stay.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHIkxl7nKy
We were all sitting around the table one evening, having dinner, when mama opened up to the family about Ben's need for a job.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dWIOJYVEw
"Ben, you have been hopping from job to job since you graduated college," she started. "But now you have a family. You have to start finding a decent job. Having a baby is expensive nowadays."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8rO0gF2uD
Ben did not answer and refused to touch his food, while Naya frowned like she needed a hug at that moment.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkooE0vifCa
"If only you took your board exam seriously, you wouldn't have that problem," she continued. "Much as I wanted to support you, I have loans to settle too."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS7jyde8Zx
Naya, who had been glancing on the floor and at her husband, placed her hand on my brother's bare shoulder.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvt9ynCXGv
"Mahal, do... do you want me to ask papa to help you?" Naya asked Ben. "There's a job vacancy in his company. They hire fresh graduates, with or without experience."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWNrRaTxrH
Mama flashed her that smile that she usually gives to the people who get on her nerves.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfasSOrPqy
"Naya, anak," mama said, "Opiana men help, but they do not beg. Your man, your provider; he should look for work on his own."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRciBEhZrrY
"But mama—"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0MOtliPTi
"The offer is appreciated but I'm afraid we have to decline," mama interrupted, her voice raising a fraction for emphasis. "That has been a family tradition and I promised their father that it should not be broken."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKRbRUz5sL
The poor young woman fell silent and looked away.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazx9UkmOrD
Ben nodded like a zombie, but without an answer. It was hard to tell whether he agreed with who or not. I released a weary sigh. Meanwhile, the other boys were quietly finishing their meal. Mama turned back to Ben.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjnVWulI1y
"Why don't you look for a job in town?" mama suggested. "Or you can work with Joe in the construction."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldKXS3EAIT
Joe almost threw up at the sound of it. Good thing everyone's too focused on mama to pay attention to what happened. I tightened my mouth to control the overpowering desire to laugh while watching him gulp glass after glass of water. I chided myself for wanting to burst out amid a serious business.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiB1mXsGDD
"Can you help him get a job, son?" mama asked, her attention to Joe who seemed to have swallowed a half pitcher of water.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyR7dK2sjb
He quickly composed himself.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3loefNtAD
"I'll try," he replied.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HdjjF5LPB
"Alright, Ben. You go with Joe tomorrow."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4tiYP9kt0
"Tomorrow?" Joe blurted out. "But that's my day off. What about um... Monday?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn54kuassuC
Her slipper made a loud clap on the shoulder of our eldest.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6PaWqY05P
"Aray!" he cried, massaging the pained area with his fingers.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4I20Ux5nX
"Do not keep your brother waiting, my goodness! He needs to provide for his family!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3W6xjpRTm
Joe threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I'll do it."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB50zAzHGg7
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn0zsIsuq1
Ben finally got a job as a clerk in the town hall. It was not really related to the course he finished in college, but better have a source of income than nothing, right?440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC6xM2cBYC
Week after week, he and Joe took turns in bringing food to our table. Our pantry started to overflow with supplies so we divided some of it to our brothers from the other houses.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBGpX4Vqi1
Our ball of sunshine rapidly bounced back to his usual self, making hilarious antics at the dining table during his days off. He also used his spare time to review for his licensure exam.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7PaVNflMD
Naya on the other hand tried to save money when mama told Ben to keep his earnings instead of buying supplies. When everyone was asleep, I would find her counting paper bills on the coffee table.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8SXmjmizM
One of those nights, I surprised her with a cup of warm milk only to find out what was keeping her up at night.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92MxmHLIKr
"How thoughtful of you, Judy," she said, then took a sip.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xNsMpdGSx
"I try," I answered. "You're always up late. Won't it affect the baby?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblSQKzNghY
"I cannot sleep," she answered, then turned the attention to the bills.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvnogFFrIL
She pretended to count the money before her but decided to continue when I didn't answer.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQh0vkVUp1
She reluctantly raised her head and looked at me with a serious face. "Truth is, I want Ben and I to move out already."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBIMcLApQ4
My brows arched out of curiosity.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4m6mBRFjw
"Is that mama getting in your head?" I asked, looking at her frowning face intently.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOykjXhzHF
She didn't answer, but I could tell I wasn't wrong. Sometimes, I wanted to be thankful I was raised this way; I wouldn't endure the offensive, unsolicited remarks of a mother-in-law. But on the other hand, the desire of defending a wife from the same remarks made me push the thought at the back of my mind.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO505tipTN
"I'm sorry, you know, about her," I continued. "If it makes you any better, she treats all my brothers' wives like that. Well, until they have a baby and move out of this house."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38DkCa2sj6
She laughed nervously, but I gave her a smile of assurance.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Jt3SZ5gF
"Just know that I'm here whenever you need me," I continued.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRUFb7xRCM
She gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Judy... For understanding me."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXnOEX5cev
"Anytime, ate," I said, placing my palm at the back of her hand. "Anytime."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGXNeo90wb
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFWsoXVvLO
My room was just beside Ben's, and since its walls were made of bamboo, I could clearly hear him and his wife argue about anything, most especially about the subject of moving out. Ben naturally wouldn't want the idea, having just started his job. But time came that Naya could no longer handle the unspeakable pressure she felt so she decided to pack up and go.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9zK4pFnle
I was replacing the cover of my bed when the sound of a door busting open made me jolt like a frightened rabbit. It came from the next room, which happened to be Ben's. I tiptoed to the door of my room to see what was happening. And the sound of footsteps behind me indicated that Asher has done the same.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCebLeYrX4D
Naya carried a big suitcase in her left hand while Ben followed her.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumgnY7X0g8
"What are you doing, Naya?" my brother asked. "You leaving? What happened to till death do us part, huh?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcppvbTWgJ
"I can't take it anymore, Ben. Stay here if you want, but I'm going back to my parents." She struggled to lift her luggage and support her big tummy at the same time.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi276yWso9I
"Naya," he called, grabbing her by the arm, "We talked about this, right?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KDJ5nlFnm
She wiped the tears using the back of her hand. "No. You keep running your mouth, but you are not giving me any choice!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGchgsVTt7
She spun around and tried to take a step, but Ben stopped her with a hug from the back. Mama and the rest of us went to the living room, where we saw Ben bury his tearful face in the nape of his wife.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI3HpHBNxK
"What's going on?" It was mama. "What is this commotion about?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5jjFL8mrB
But my brother ignored the question.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hWR9Sk3DH
"Naya, don't do this, please," he mumbled.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIRHCYPsAj
"No, Ben, don't stop me. Just stay here." She tried to free herself away from his embrace.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk8ot8tgrc
Ben violently spread his arms in the air.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZfYn9J331
"What do you want me to do, Naya?" he growled in frustration. "I told you we cannot move out; we need a lot of money to build our own house!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq73FH754p
"Then why don't you let me borrow from papa?" she snapped. "I am your wife, Benjamin! We are supposed to be equals, but you treat me like a fool who shouldn't have a say about anything!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosIG4wwS7a
She slowly slumped on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. She buried her face in the palms of her hands.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3FXJBFX9B
I hurried to her and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, while Joe placed his hand on Ben's shoulder.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemC9mgt0CF
The next thing we heard was nothing but the sobs and snivels of the couple.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ldZlIEtqD
Joe spoke to our brother.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbMXVJGrA0
"Ben, she's your wife," he said gently. "Respect her wish."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCPAhcz4iU
Ben turned his teary face to our eldest. "But kuya, I cannot, not yet... Not now—"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOwvvUBpDq
Joe shook his head, stopping Ben mid-sentence.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr09quzfnX
"You want to lose your baby by stressing your wife?" Joe asked, his brows furrowed. "Come on, man, we will help."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bnP14lBLu
"Kuya..."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs9OiAmRqO
Joe pulled Ben in a one-armed hug, allowing the latter to pour out the tears on his shoulder. From a short distance, mama also teared up, drowned by the drama and confusion.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeChw9IF8m9
Still running my palms through the back of our sister-in-law, I looked at our eldest and gave him an understanding nod.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaDwUytwKM
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMBBCq5ehW
A few days later, all the men and women in our barangay gathered at our compound, bringing the supplies they could contribute to building Ben's house.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyNqnQtDD2
My brothers cleared the elevated, taro-filled lot just behind our house and started flattening the area where Ben's dwelling would be built.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxajlxz5esm
The women with whom I was grouped busied themselves in the kitchen. As we were working, I couldn't help but stare at my brothers. I really wanted to be with them and display my manly feats. Maybe Joe would allow me to do their work this time.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrefIexg0r
"Mama," I called one day as we were mincing the garlic and onion for lunch.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGahIoUkQUm
"Yes anak?" she replied.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfXdiuUgMZ
"Can I shift strands?" I asked.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDjAs70CVV
"Can you what?!" she blurted out.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTaJXy1XQe
I shrugged.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLRt5gVidT
"Shift strands, you know, from Arts and Design to TVL," I explained.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZknr9hf0CO
Her head violently turned toward me.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkeTAuvod9
"You're shifting from Arts and Design to TVL? My God, Judy, you're graduating in a year!" she said, slapping her head after the last word. "Are you having a—what you call that, midlife crisis?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOladNhXnx0
"No, I just don't find fashion designing appealing anymore," I said, struggling to sound casual. "I want to be a master carpenter."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ6qRbZoxC
"Master carpenter?! You'll get those soft hands dirty by doing manly work? Can't you just give that job to your kuya Joe?" she asked in a frustrated voice.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL5tLUHT1T
Luh.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRuHAsGeUI
"What's wrong with me wanting to be a master carpenter? I could earn millions there too," I defended.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99mSNKtDyS
She faced me again with arms folded together, giving me an old-fashioned look.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjElOGLYq7
"Judy, do you really want to be a carpenter or do you just want to abandon your responsibilities here to join your kuyas? You've been staring at them the whole time since they started clearing the area," she said. "You think I didn't notice?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpnzeZHDXu
My eyes rolled upward, wondering how in the world she found out my true purpose. Mama's expression suddenly shifted from panic mode to gentle. Her hand rose to smooth my hair.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2IWYEfVff
"Anak, you know that Mama loves you even if you have chosen a different path from your brothers, right?" she said.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab4KZzvYb3
The emphasis did not escape my ears. Have I really chosen a different path? It seemed more like it was being shifted against my will.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuyXKlnJlI
"And you promised me you'll grow up to be a refined woman and help me keep the house," she continued. "Right, anak?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKjptBItQU
No, I didn't.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HuCE1hJ9M
"Right?" she insisted.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ1kXOgD0b
I released a heavy sigh.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncf1cvGeym
"Right," I said in resignation.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr51AuHRg6r
"So please, Judy, can you respect me on this?" she asked.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T3jOULKy6
I nodded, hoping that would stop her from talking.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2951eYiNd
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