Solely Her

CHAPTER 12

Chapter 12

"Natasha is also talented. She can sing and dance but she was too shy to share those talents."

Ito na naman po tayo. Pauli ulit na lamang nangyayari ang senaryong ito.

Another day with another pain. Kailan ba magiging tahimik ang araw ko rito.

"Ewan ko ba sa batang ito at masyadong mahiyain. I always keep telling her that she has missed a lot of opportunities due to her low self-esteem."

Go on, dad. Tell them who I am and what I have. Sobrang sakit na pinapahiya ka sa harap ng pamilya mo at wala kang magawa kundi ngumiti na lamang at sumang-ayon sa kanya.

"That's true. You know what, Tasha. Your cousin never felt ashamed of his talents. You see, he shares it with everybody. It's really a waste of opportunity for your talents."

And I can't believe his friend agreed with my dad. Now, I am in the hot seat with my family, putting me under pressure.

Kahit hindi naman kapamilya, sad to say, nakikisawsaw.

"A lot of people, especially my friends, kept telling me that you have a beautiful daughter. And they would always tell me it's a shame if you don't express yourself that much."

Okay, I'm cornered. And I can't escape this. Ano ba ito. Hindi ko inasahang ganito ang mangyayari sa akin sa loob ng isang buwan.

Nung una, hindi naman ganito kalala ang sitwasyon ahh.

"Be like Kiefer, Tasha. Don't be afraid to show who you really are. There is no coward in the Bautista family. We are well known for having strong hearts and determination."

Wala na. Talagang hindi ko na matiis ang binabato nila sa akin. Nakangiti pa rin ako pero hindi nila alam kung gaano ko gustong umalis dito.

Akala ko sa labas lang ako mapepressure, bakit biglang pumasok dito sa bahay ang nakakatakot at nakakainis na presensya.

"Wala 'to. Talagang mahiyan. Sayang."

I remained at my composure until they ended up pressuring me. It's afternoon and the house finally went silent.

I've decided to take a walk by myself. Without Kiefer, Makmak, or even ate Ems, I went out from our house to take a peaceful walk.

Nagsumbrero ako at naglakad papalyo sa aming bahay. Nagdesisyon akong tumungo sa port at umupo sa seawall.

Nasa studio sina Kiefer at nasisiguro kong naroon silang lahat kaya walang sagabal.

I watched the beautiful scenery as the sun was about to set down. I'm alone and I can't help thinking about things.

I suddenly missed Dome's presence. Alam ko kasing siya lang ang nakakaintindi sa akin maliban sa pinsan ko, pero bakit kung kailan kailangan ko siya, saka pa wala.

Akala ko rin magiging masaya ako sa aking bakasyon, ngunit kabaliktaran ang mga nangyayari.

Flashback
"Oh, bagong mukha ahhh. Sasali ba siya sa grupo niyo? Kaya ba lately lagi niyo siyang kasama?"

Pauwi na kaming lahat pagkatapos ng practice nila pero sa aming paglalakad, hindi maiwasang may makasalubong kami.

Napatikom ang bibig naming lahat at ako'y nakaramdam ng kaba.

"Yeah, I wonder who she is. May workshop na ba nang hindi namin alam? Or special siya?"

Nagkatinginan nalang kaming lahat dahil sa mga tao. Si Kiefer na ang nagsalita at nagpaliwanag sa kanila ng lahat.