Guarded ✔ (Alpha Sigma Omicron #5)

14. Family Tree

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

A warning.

I gave them a warning by chasing their car that it collided to a tree. Their faces had enough bruises to sent the message I was planning to tell. I wasn't someone to be messed around. Kaya kong bumalik sa kinagisnan kong buhay upang isa - isahin sila.

I don't accept a threat lightly especially if it came from Bernabe. We parted ways, I've won against them in battles, they should've let go by now. But they were still trying to terrorize me, somehow.

"Ate, kuya bayaw! Tingnan n'yo, oh! Very good ako ni teacher sa project ko!"

Russle ran toward us. His face was beaming with excitement. Nawala naman agad ang pagod at pangamba ko nang sumalubong sa amin si bunso. Napangiti ako. Even my grumpy husband was smiling seeing Russle.

Lumuhod ako upang pantayan siya. Gotham messed with his hair.

"Patingin nga si ate," Pinisil ko ang kanyang magkabilang pisngi.

He handed me a bondpaper. It was a drawing of a tree with our pictures pasted on it. It was a family tree. Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko. I was surged with emotions seeing my bunso's project.

"Sabi ng teacher ko ilalagay daw ang family... ang family daw may nanay, may tatay... eh, wala naman ako noon. Sabi ko sa kanya, iba ang family ko. May ate ako, saka may kuya bayaw na lagi akong inaalagaan at mahal na mahal ako." He even explained. "Ganoon naman ang family, 'di ba, ate... kuya?"

Kinabig ko siya papalapit sa akin at niyakap. Bumuhos ang luha sa aking pisngi, hindi ko napigilan ang pagbuhos ng emosyon. I was so happy... and a bit sad how I couldn't give my brother the conventional family almost everyone has.

But hearing those words from him... parang hinaplos ang matigas kong puso. Siya lang talaga ang mag-iisang kahinaan ko. He was so innocent... so precious... I would protect him with my life.

Niyakap niya ako pabalik.

"Yes, big boy. Some families are unconventional, but it doesn't mean the love's less." Gotham hugged us both. "Good job on your project. Kuya is honored to be part of your family."

Pinahid ko ang luha sa aking pisngi. "Thank you, bunso. Masayang - masaya si ate..." It really warmed my heart.

"Eh, bakit parang malungkot ka, ate?" He questioned and pouted.

"Hindi, ah. Hindi malungkot si ate. Paano naman ako malulungkot? Eh, may dalawang nagpapasaya sa akin." Tumikhim ako. Pinatatag ko ang aking boses upang takpan ang pag-iyak ko.

Mas nangingibabaw ang saya sa maraming emosyong bumalot sa akin. I smiled at him. "Hindi na ba mukhang malungkot si ate?" tanong ko.

Pinagmasdan niya ako ng ilang segundo bago siya tuluyang tumango. It made my smile even brighter.

"Let's frame this masterpiece," Gotham suggested.

"Gusto ko 'yan," sumang-ayon ako.

Hinalikan niya ako sa sentido. He caressed my back. Inirapan ko siya, mas lalo akong naiiyak sa gesture niya.

"Proud ba kayo sa akin?" Russle asked cutely.

"Sobra," sabay naming saad ni Gotham.

"We're so proud of you, our big boy. I think, it's time for a celebration. How about an ice cream treat? Does anyone like that?"

"Me!" My brother even raised his hand.

Kumapit siya sa kamay ng asawa ko. Napailing lang ako nang nauna ang dalawa patungo sa kusina. Sinundan ko naman ang mga ito. There was still a smile etched on my lips.