The Only Exception

Flashback - Year, 2003.

I just saw it. The scene in front of my eyes. My parents are shouting at each other, their relationship is getting toxic and toxic.

They'd hurt each other feelings. The love they bear was gone in the middle of the air. I cannot handle the pain, it's getting more painful here in my heart.

Dad crying hardly. Mom packing her things. While I, stood there watching how they handled together.

Their marriage lasted 10 years, and for the past years it was full of pure love and comfort and even I can feel it. But now, it feels different.

I don't feel pure love and comfort anymore... All I can feel is hatred.

I promised myself I don't believe in love anymore. It sucks.

Present - Year, 2022.

"Only a few weeks, It's Christmas already!" My cousin said, Gael.

I chuckled seeing him so excited. Christmas is his favorite season at all times. I stopped myself when I saw the scene with my parents getting prepared for Christmas. I shake that thought.

When I saw my Auntie with presents in her both hands. Tatayo sana ako nung tumakbo ang isang 'kong. . I glared at her. Ako dapat 'yon e!

I scoffed when I saw her victory smile. "Epal ka talaga,"

"Sorry not sorry. I'm the one who grabbed it," she mocks.

"And I was gonna stand up!" I argue.

"And you're so slow!" she screams but in the end laughs.

"That's enough, ladies. You both are acting like kids. Stop it." Auntie said, glaring at the both of us.

We both looked down feeling embarrassed about our behavior. I sigh before apologizing to Auntie. "I'm sorry, Auntie. It won't happen again," I beam a smile not looking at my other cousin.

Auntie hummed, "Lydia?" she calls her name and I saw her looking at Auntie.

"Okay, I'm sorry," Lydia said biting her lower lip. Auntie nodded her head and walked away.

Lydia walked away also with presents in her hands.

Yep, that's us. We kept bickering together and just like that, little things can go into a big fight.

I guess let's start this day by preparing our Christmas decorations. I'm not that excited just like years ago. Hindi ko na ramdam ang saya, ngunit puno ito ng galit at puot.

Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko nangyari 19 years ago, nandito pa rin sa isip ko. Gusto 'kong umiyak, sumigaw, at ipa-alala sa kanila walang kwenta ang pag-ibig.

Wala akong pakielam 'kung anong sasabihin nila. Hindi nila alam 'kong ano ang pinadarama ko noon at ngayon.

Or maybe love wasn't for them?

I deeply sigh before starting decorating. I walked over to our big Christmas Tree kinuha ko ang Christmas balls para ilagay don.

Kulay ng Christmas tree namin ay white, sabi kasi ni Auntie maganda 'yung white na Christmas tree dahil nagbibigay daw ito ng purity at peace.

At nagsimula kami mag decorate.

Hindi pa buo ang Christmas tree at napaisip ako maganda 'to mamaya.

Kumuha lang ako nang mga Christmas balls at nagpipili 'kung ano ang babagay doon sa tree namin. Gusto ko sana black at white kaso hindi s'ya bagay.

"Avyanna!" tinawag ko ang kapatid 'ko.