Wicked Hearts

Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Returned

Nakaayos na kami ni Ate Sarah bago pa man dumating ang isang magarang sasakyan na siyang naghatid sa amin sa mansion ng mga Megardon. Nakapikit lang ako buong biyahe habang ang ate ko ay walang hinto sa kabibigay ng mga paalala.

Don't be rude, Riza. You will soon be living with them.

"Alam kong hindi kayo nagkakasundo ni Amanda. It's not your fault, I know that very well. Masyadong lang mapagmataas ang kapatid mo—"

"She's not my sister," I cut her off. Minulat ko ang mga mata ko para madiin na tingnan si Ate Sarah. "Hindi dahil titira ako kasama nila ay pamilya ko na sila. That's not how it works, Ate Sarah."

My sister let out a sigh. She nodded. "Fine. Just be the bigger person, baby sis. I know it will be challenging, but you can do that, right? Kung papatulan mo siya, walang mangyayari."

"I am about to turn 18 in a few days, ate. You don't need to lecture me like a kid." I mentally rolled my eyes. Bumaling na lang ako sa labas ng bintana.

Bakit kailangang ako pa ang mag-adjust? Hindi mahaba ang pasensya ko gaya niya. Saka ngayon pa bang kaya ko nang tapatan si Amanda?

Hinawakan ni Ate Sarah ang kamay ko habang naglalakad kami sa cobblestoned pathway patungo sa likod ng malaking bahay ng mga Megardon. The driver, who was leading the way, told us the dinner would be in the garden. If I know, they want to brag about how rich they are.

They probably intended to intimidate us.

We have finally arrived. The place looked like a home of fireflies with all the lit-up decorations. There was also calm music playing in the background. At the center stood a round table occupied by the Megardon family.

"They are here!" The first one to acknowledge us was Chester, who stood up immediately. He gave us a heartfelt smile. Sumunod si Amanda at ang mag-asawa na Megardon.

"Hey, dear!" It was a shock that the first one who approached us was the mother of them. She went directly to me and hugged me. "Oh, my God. You are finally here!"

"Good evening, Mrs. Megardon," my sister greeted her.

"Oh, come on, Sarah. Tita Marinelle na lang." Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko at bahagyang hinaplos. "You look like your mom. I am happy to see you, Riza."

Sobrang hirap ngumiti pero pinilit ko. Plastikan pala ang gusto nila e 'di go. If she wants to play the role of a good mother, I can do that, too! I can play this game better than them.

Bahagyang umatras si Tita Marinelle para bigyan ng daan ang iba pang babati sa amin. Agad niyang hinawakan ang kanyang mamahaling hikaw na animo'y nag-aalala siyang nawala ito.

"Rizzie!" Sumunod na nilapitan ako ni Chester. His smile lightened up the mood. Para talaga siyang naligaw lang dito. He doesn't match their presence. "I still can't believe you are my younger sister. Like... how?"

"Kuya Chester..." I laughed.

Natawa rin siya. "Right. Call me kuya starting now. Welcome home, Riza."

Napansin kong bahagyang tinulak ni Tita Marinelle si Amanda. Sumimangot ang anak niya pero nung lumapit sa akin ay todo ngiti naman.

"Rizzieee!" I gasped when she roughly hugged me. Bahagya pa siyang tumatalon-talon na para talagang excited. "I can't believe we will end up sisters after everything. But I'm glad you are here!"

Tumawa ako. "Nice to meet you again, Ate Amanda!"

"W-what?" Her mood suddenly changed into irritation.