Breaking the Rocks (Provincia de Marina Series #1)

Kabanata 20

Kabanata 20

Breaking the Rocks

"Mommy, okay lang po ako. Kailan po ba kayo uuwi? You've been away for almost three months. Wala po ba kayong balak na bisitahin man lang ako? I got married, you know?" Sumandal ako sa sun lounger habang angat na angat sa ere ang aking cellphone. I watched my parents on the screen. Parehong nakaupo at mukhang chill na chill sa labas.

"Plano naming umuwi sa Pilipinas next week, Sweetie. May gusto ka bang ipabili? I've bought too much things. I was thinking maybe I could give it to you as a wedding gift," ani Mommy at sumandal na kay Daddy.

"Mom, ako lang naman siguro ang gagamit niyan? Wedding gift, diba? Dapat magagamit namin sa bahay," I argued softly.

My mom just laughed. "Marami nang pera ang asawa mo, Muriel. I'm sure kompleto na ang mga gamit niyo diyan sa Marina. By the way, I want to visit that place. Siguro'y maganda kung diyan na kami didiretso? I want to meet Exodus' parents, too. I am sure they're lovely."

I almost rolled my eyes. There is nothing lovely about Exodus' parents. Sa Mama niya palang, siguradong hindi na sila magkakasundo. My mom reeks of city life so is my dad. Siguro'y makakasundo pa ng papa ni Exodus si Daddy. But I doubt na magtatagal ang Mama ni Exodus sa kanila.

"Do whatever you want. I miss you both," I said fondly. Si Daddy ay tumaas-taas ang kilay. Mom gave me a flying kiss. How lovely.

"Nasaan ang asawa mo? Nagt-trabaho ba? Sunduin mo muna para makausap namin."

My lips protruded. Nilingon ko ang aking likuran. Exodus was in his office awhile ago. Ang sabi niya sa akin ay may importanteng meeting siyang dadaluhan. It's Sunday, yet he is busy. Kanina lang ay nagsimba rin kami sa malapit na simbahan. As usual, people  shook hands and greet him like he is some kind of an actor.

Kapagkuwan ay nagbuga ako ng hangin. I stood up carrying my phone to go to my husband. Sana lang ay tapos na ang meeting niya para naman hindi kami istorbo. My parents—my mom rather, is quite persistent.

Kumatok ako nang dalawang beses sa pinto. My mom asked why I had to knock. Sinabi kong baka nasa meeting pa kaya hindi pwedeng isisigaw ko na lang basta ang pangalan ni Exodus.

"Come in," I heard Exodus.  Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto. Maliit na siwang lang muna pagkatapos ay sumilip ako na parang pagong sa sariling bahay-bahayan.

"Are you busy?" I whispered, careful not to be heard by his colleagues.

"Honey, why are you whispering?" he whispered too. Kumunot ang noo ko pagkatapos ay tumawa.

"Bakit ikaw?"

"Because you're whispering? What is it?" Tumayo siya. I stopped him with my other hand. Mas lalong bumukas ang pinto dahil sa aking ginawa. Mom made a sound on the other line.

"Still in a meeting?" I asked him. Umiling naman siya, kunot ang noo. Tumango ako.

"My mom wants to talk to you," I said.

"Your dad too!" pahabol ni Mommy. I rolled my eyes before letting them see Exodus. The former smiled automatically like a charming boy. Mas lalong lumapit si Exodus sa akin kaya pumasok na ako nang tuluyan.

"Good day, sir, ma'am." Exodus smiled more.

"Ano ka ba, anak? Call me mommy. You're already my son-in-law, masanay ka na," sabi pa ni Mommy at tumawa. Ibinigay ko kay Exodus ang aking cellphone para makausap niya nang mabuti ang aking mga magulang.

Instead of getting my phone, he pulled my hand and guided me on his swivel chair. Naupo siya roon. I was staring at him with questioning eyes. Tumingin siya sa kaniyang kandungan pagkatapos ay sa akin.