The Dignified Heartbreaker

TDH ~ 24

TDH ~ XXIV

***

Cleopatra

Nakasimangot lang ako habang nasa hapag kainan at nakatitig sa mga kasama ko.

It's nostalgic to see both of my parents with me in this dining area. We used to eat together and talk about so many things way back when they were okay.

It used to be a dream of mine, to see us together again. And now, hindi lang kami nakumpleto, nadagdagan pa ng isa.

Nasa gitna nila Mom and Dad ang kapatid ko. Hanggang ngayon kakaiba parin sa pandinig ko na may kapatid na nga ako!

This is the plot twist in my life that I never imagined!

Imagine, halos eighteen years ang agwat namin? Aren't I too old to have a sibling?

"What's your name?" I asked him.

I can somewhat see our resemblance. My heart was suddenly washed by fondness just by staring at him.

Seryoso siyang tumitig sa akin. "I'm Toby."

His eyes resembled my father's dark and brave eyes.

"Toby, call her Ate.." Bilin dito ni Mom.

Napangiwi ako. Damn, I'm really a big sister now!

"Cleo, anak.. His name is Tobias Lare." She said tenderly.

Nakahaplos ang kanyang mga kamay sa aking kapatid na bihira lang ngumiti. This kid should learn to smile more often.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapairap. Ba't ganoon? Related kina Mom at Dad iyong name ng kapatid ko tapos sa akin 'di ko alam kung saan pinulot?

Kanina ko lang nalaman ang lahat kaya hindi pa rin ako komportable na nandito na si Mommy. Of course, she's my mother so it's obvious that I longed for her love and care. At ang isiping mas nakasama niya ang kapatid ko ay nagpapainis sa akin.

I know I shouldn't hate my brother. I'm not evil to hate a kid. It's just that nakakatampo at nakakapanibago lang ang mga pangyayari.

I still can't comprehend on how my mom kept this as a secret to all of us. I felt so betrayed and hurt. It's the reason why I still don't want to talk to my mother but I know I still have to face her.

So when Dad asked for this favor, that we all have dinner together, I just can't break his heart. I can't say no.

Isa pa, siya naman ang nahirapan sa pagkarga sa akin pababa 'no!

I don't know what Dad thinks of this situation but he looked shocked, as well.

Kasalukuyan siya ngayong nakatitig kay Toby, tila hindi makapaniwala.

Imagine, after almost eighteen years, ama na ulit siya? And he didn't have any idea about it. Who wouldn't get astounded?

"Eat more, Toby." He murmured at my brother.

He can't seem to take his eyes off his son. Halatang sabik sa anak.

I am curious how my father felt when he fetched mom in the airport and seeing a son. I know he probably would have been appalled to the core.

But I shouldn't think more about it, sila na lang ang mag-usap ni Mommy tungkol diyan. They both look okay now. Paminsan-minsan ay nahuhuli kong nag-uusap din.

I'm wondering if they'll be back together?

"How's your wound anak? Nag-alala ako nang sabihin sa'kin ni Bonnie na nabaril ka." Her eyes shined with worry as they gazed at me.