Del Rico Triplets #1: Bound By Duties

Wakas 1

Hinawi ko ang lahat ng makita ko sa aking silid. The door I slammed earlier opened up and my mother entered my room.

“Anak naman. We need this to strengthen our businesses…” mahinahon na mahinahon ang boses niya.

She is always like that but it’s more softer now that she’s trying her best to make me agree to the marriage.

“I’m too young for this, Mom. I’m only twenty one and I have a lot of responsibilities in my back. Gusto niyo pang dagdagan?”

I tried so hard to be gentle while speaking to her. I just couldn’t handle my frustrations right now. This is my birthday. Triplets kami. My brothers received a simple gift from my parents while I received this!

“Try to understand, anak. Mag-aasawa ka rin naman. Mabuti na ngayon at sa kakilala natin pa.”

“I don’t want to get married! Marrying someone means another responsibilities!” I almost shouted that.

Daddy entered my room, too. Matalim ang tingin na ibinaling ko sa kaniya. He sighed and went to me to pat my shoulder.

“I’m sorry, son. You can take your time to accept it. She’s also young. Hindi pa naman kayo maikakasal agad. You can get to know her,” anito sa pinakamababang boses niya.

I didn’t answer him. I turned my back. Inalis ko ang coat na suot at nagdiretso sa may bathroom. I took a cold shower to calm my nerves. I closed my eyes tightly when I can’t forget the fucking arrange marriage they proposed to me. Is this my fault for always saying ‘yes’ to their words?

But this ain’t the fucking usual situation I am in when I was a child. This is different from those simple favors! Very unlike those…

“Kuya Tross, can Troi and Tyron have these?” Mommy asked pertaining to my collections of toy cars.

Malambing ang boses niya. Sinusuyo ako at nais mapapayag.

I looked at those, thinking of whether to agree or not. Bumuntong-hininga ako at tumango.

“Okay…” I coldly said.

Mom caressed my hair before she left my room. Bumalik ang tingin ko sa iilang pirasong toy cars na naroon sa shelves. This is me, always giving up something for my brothers. Palaging nagpapaubaya. I was raised like that. Or maybe it is me who made me believe that I should always be like that because I am the first born. Nauna ng limang minuto kay Troi at kay Tyron.

That is the reason why all the business will be given to me. Business means responsibilities. Kaya lumaki ako sa pag-iisip na I have no choice. I carries the burden of being the first born. Sa negosyo… sa responsibilidad. Lahat iyon nasa akin.

I set aside my dreams in life. I wanted to become a doctor, too but I can’t pursue that because If I do, who would look for our businesses? Si Troi, ang sumunod sa akin ay Doctor at ganoon din ang isa ko pang kakambal, Doctor din. The only one who can’t pursue medicine is me. Ayos lang. As long as they’re happy. I am the oldest. Ako ang dapat na magpaparaya.

My fist crumpled as I went out of my car. We’re in one of my friend’s resort. De Guia invited us to join their two-day vacation. Mom has been bugging me for this. I don’t want to stress her out after knowing that she’s dealing with heart complications. Though, I know what this means.

Meeting the girl they've chosen for me to marry. Great! She probably was raised as a princess. I'll hurt her ego by having someone by my side. Let's turn her off. At least, if there is someone who'll call off the marriage, it will be her, not me!

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out.

“Where are you, Tross? Kanina pa ako binubuliglig ni Janelle. Tanong nang tanong kung pupunta ka ba,” Giovanni said on the other line.