"Uuwi si Mariana," ang pinsan ko.
"Palagi namang si Mariana ang kasama mo. Ayaw mong may iba naman?"
"I'm fine with Mariana. Besides, Lola won't allow me."
Napatuwid siya ng upo. "Papayagan ka non!"
I don't believe her. But true enough, when August came, the towns people were all celebrating when the Gatchalians went home. It means, mas lalong sagana ang selebrasyon. Lalo na at sabi-sabing lahat sila ay uuwi.
Hindi ako nakikibalita, ang balita ang bumubulong saakin.
"May tatlong apo at mga kaibigan!" she announced excitedly. I was with my teacher at the library for school. I was solving math problems when she went inside. Sinamaan siya ng tingin ng babaeng guro. She is strict, very strict when it comes to my study. I am also very serious with school but you cannot stop Yaya Dulce with all her announcement about the town.
"Opps," she said. I did not give her even a glance. I only heard her say it. Napailing ang teacher ko at tahimik na nilapitan si Yaya Dulce. They went outside. I am pretty sure Yaya Dulce will receive a strict momentum from her.
I finished within thirty minutes. I opened my new book to read while I wait for her. I don't eat in three hours of studying. I only study, my only break is for water and rest room.
"Thank you," I said to my teacher.
"Welcome. You can now rest, sa susunod na araw nalang ulit ang para sa bagong libro." I nodded. Hinatid siya ng isang katulong palabas habang ang isang katulong ay mabilis na pumasok sa library para maglinis. I got my own things with me before they come to clean.
Nang nayari kami, nakahanda na ang meryenda ko sa mesa. Bukod doon, nag-aabang narin si Yaya Dulce na kanina pa atat na atat sa ibabalita.
"Sorry, Sera... Akala ko wala pa ang teacher mo kaya pumasok agad ako!" she said with all smiles but obviously not guilty.
"It's okay," naupo siya at sinimulang balatan ang mansanas. Tinikman muna ulit ito bago ibinigay saakin.
"Ito na nga... narito na raw ang mga Gatchalian. May tatlong apo at may mga kasamang kaibigan. Puro lalaki ang apo pero wish ko na kahit may isang babae sana sa mga kasamang kaibigan. "
And even though I am not interested, I'd still listen to her.
I am not allowed to be friends with people my age in Tingloy. Or more so, I have to be careful because of past issues.
"Nakibalita ako sa ibang mga katulong, mga mayayaman din ang mga 'yon kaya pwedeng-pwede!"
"Are we going to go there?"
"Oo, sa susunod na araw kapag hindi na busy ang lola mo."
I raised my brow. "The day after tomorrow? I have school."
Napaisip siya.
"Susunod nalang tayo!"
They are aware that I don't skip school for other things even for charity events. Kaya kung hindi tugma sa oras na pwede ako ay hindi talaga ako nakakasama.
Indeed, I have classes for that day. Lola kissed me and assure me that my yaya and my driver will wait for me. May lalakarin pa muna siya bago sa pagbisita. Naiwan si Kuya Lester at Yaya Dulce dahil aantayin nila ako. Yaya Dulce is already ready with her uniform while I am still in my dress to study.
When I am finally done, inabot ni Yaya Dulce and tubig ko at ang mansanas. Even when she is excited, nag-antay pa ulit siya dahil kailangan kong kumain.
Prologue
Start from the beginning
