Secret Series #4 Dandelions (On-Hold)

CHAPTER 12

The dinner is ready. The S.G. men are present. All is well; prepared and with a big smile on each faces. My kids mano to their Titos. I also show a beso as a sign of respect.

We sat down and felt excited. I saw happiness in their faces. Komportable naman ako na makasama ang S.G. pero iniiwasan ko ang labis na pagiging kampante. Even though they're my husband's friends, I still know what it feels like kapag nababasa ko ang iniisip nila at mas lalo na ang kilos ng mga ito. Alam ko ang pakiramdam nang traydorin, at ayoko ng maulit ang mga bangungot na noon ay nangyari na sa akin.

The S.G. are more different now, at may kaibahan talaga ang nakaraan mula sa kasalukuyan. The closure Rain had with his friends doesn't change. They still respect me, but unlike before, less communication na ako sa kanila ngayon. Every one of them has their own proof of successful living. And among the S.G. men, Rain already owned a family, and it was us.

As we ate, maingat ako sa aking kilos, ekspresiyon at pananalita. Rain's men are full of judgement and have an expression of disapproval or blame. Kaya kung maingat man ako noon, mas maingat ako ngayon kahit sabihin pa na kaibigan ko sila.

"It's really good when we talk and bond like this," Frank implied. "It reminds me of old memories."

"May nagbago na ba sa inyo ngayon?" usal ni Rain habang seryosong nakatingin sa kanyang pagkain.

"May dahilan ba para magbago?" sabad ni Lex.

"We almost grew up at the same age. At wala namang gaanong nagbago sa atin," giit ni Ford. "At kung meron man, just state the fact na sa mga minor stages of life lang. Of course, we are friends. We are a team."

"And Ford, how about major obligations?" paalala ni Jack sa kaniya. Ngumiti lamang ito at nagkibit-balikat.

"Sa limang tayo, si Rain lang ang may mataas na responsibilidad. As we know, he had a family. I mean his own family that we don't have yet. Right, Rain?"

"Choice of responsibility," Rain corrected and smudged a little.

"And I'm waiting that you, Ford, will make some choice like that of Rain," Jack insisted. "Para naman maranasan mo na ang tinatawag na obligasyon. Any plan?"

"Do you think ganoon lang iyon kadali?" sagot ni Ford at isinandal ang likod sa upuan. "Mahirap tanggapin ang obligasyon kung hindi pa handa. Mabigat na bagay at responsibilidad ang pag-aasawa, and you know me. I liked what I was doing without any real commitments."

"Sa kalandian lang kayo nagkakaintindihan." Sa wakas ay nagsalita na rin ang kanina pang tahimik na si Sky. "And never expect guys na titino itong si Ford sa iisang babae. Wala sa bokabularyo nito ang seryosohang relasyon."

I turned my gaze to my husband na katabi ko lang. "Do I need to get the drinks now?"

"Yes. Thank you."

I slightly nodded my head and excused myself. At habang ako'y nasa kusina, hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi mapatulala. I felt discomfort towards the men.

"Damn it," reklamo ko habang kumukuha ng maiinom sa fridge. Laking-gulat ko na lamang nang makita ang mukha ni Rain pagkasara ko sa refrigerator.

"Nagulat ba kita?"

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" sagot ko at umiwas ng tingin. "May nakalimutan ka bang kunin?"

"No, hon." He smiled. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry for making you sick last time. With those words, I could really make you bother now."