Fundamentals of Marriage | Suarez I

Chapter 9

"I cannot promise you anything but I will try my best to be a good partner. If you love or fall in love with someone else by chance, remember, you can break my heart."

We are both hopeless, both coward. Para akong nakatingin sa repleksiyon ko sa salamin. He is everything I am. Alam namin na kung hindi sa pamilya namin, maaaring wala kami sa posisyon ngayon. But where we could've been blown by the wind, if not here in each other lives? Could it be a better place?

"You can hurt me if that what's make you free. At least, when you're with me."

I lost my balance while doing a pirouette when I remembered the last thing he told me. Itinukod ko ang paa at sinimulan ang Adagio mula umpisa. I am watching my movements in the mirror, making sure that I will look like a soft feather dancing with the wind.

Isang linggo na ang nakaraan pagkatapos ng gabing 'yon. Hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing tahimik ang paligid ay naiisip ko pa rin ang sinabi niya, ang lahat ng nangyari.

It gave me a feeling of contentment. I am not the only person trying to be a good partner, siya rin. That one night is proof that he's doing his best to be a good man for me.

Both of my feet dropped after a Grande Jete when someone from behind me, clapped. Tumigil ako sa ginagawa at kinilala sa salamin ang pumalakpak.

Ciana in her moss green long dress is holding a tote bag. She waved her hand. I smiled at her through the mirror before turning my back to face her.

Walang ibang tao sa ballet studio kung hindi ako. Heaven is great for sending an angel here.

"Hindi ka dumaan sa cafe last week. Are you not planning to visit me this week too?"

"I was busy. Nilakad ko ang mga requirements sa school. Regular classes will start next Monday. Did you miss me?" I clung my hands around her arm.

She nodded. "I miss your gossip." She pinched the tip of my nose.

Ang balita at tsismis na sinasabi sa akin ni Papa ay nanatali sa isip ko, pagkatapos ay idinidiretso ko kay Ciana. Is that what you call process of communication?

"Pasukan niyo na ulit? Parang kailan lang ang bakasyon niyo, ah."

"Hindi ko nga naramdaman. My God, we could've gone to the beach. I am craving sunlight."

"Walk your way home later, mataas ang araw," biro niya.

"I mean sunlight by the seashore."

"Magkaiba ba ang sinag ng araw sa beach at ang sinag ng araw sa labas ngayon?"

"You can emote at the coast, you can't at the streetside." Pareho kaming natawa sa sinabi ko. I opened her bag and took the tea in there.

"Your nightmare will start again. Hindi ka man lang nakapagpahinga nang maayos." Hinaplos niya ang likuran ng ulo ko samantalang iniinom ko na ang dala niyang ginger tea.

Ciana knows all my struggles, in school, sa mansiyon, sa family--everything. But I know nothing about hers because she rather talks about how the moon is made of cheese as long as we don't talk about her. That's why sometimes, I'm worried.

"I'm sending Kuya off to Davao tomorrow. Wanna come?"

"I was about to ask you If I could." She can't look at me, but at least she's honest.

Iyon ang nangyari kinabukasan, ihinatid namin si Kuya sa airport. I am keeping my distance from them. Nakakalimutan ni Ciana na kasama niya ako kapag nandiyan si Kuya. I'm not even complaining.

"Rory told me last time, is it true you're leaving El Dorado?" tanong ni Kuya. Nilaglag niya 'ko.

"There's no reason to leave. My life's here and where else would I go?" She chuckled.