Isn't it just so pretty to think, all along there was some invisible string tying you to me...
"Abyss, Amanda, meet your sister, Galene. Galene, sila ang mga kapatid mo."
Ngumuso ako at sinuri ng tingin ang babaeng katabi ni Mommy. Wearing a black T-shirt so big for her size and skinny maong jeans, I couldn't help but make face.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not being maarte or matapobre but her shirt just really does something to me
I just really have a problem with girls who seriously need a make over! While looking at her, I'm already thinking different styles that would change and suit her.
"Hi, Amanda..." she smiled politely as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Hindi muna ako gumalaw. I remained crossing my arms, examining her. She sensed it so now she looks uncomfortable.
She's tall so she would definitely rock a skirt. Oh, gosh? I'm sure she would look great with those newly bought Chanel coordinates I have in my closet! Buti na lang talaga tigda-dalawa ang binibili ni daddy with same designs! We could be twinning!
When she's about to withdraw her waiting hand, I pulled it and gave her my biggest gummy smile.
"Hi, Galene!" I squeal and hugged her warmly. Nagulat siya syempre ngunit ramdam kong naginhawaan sa gitna ng yakapan namin.
What? She thought I was a brat? No, I'm definitely not! I will be the coolest little sister she will have!
"Welcome home! Wait, I couldn't help but notice how bouncy and shiny your hair is! Where is your salon? May salon ba sa probinsya?" I asked giddily as I pulled her towards our living room.
"And you're very makinis, too! Makes me wonder how, given the fact that you're living a province life since you were born! How is it possible without clinics or mall where you could buy your skincare products because I couldn't imagine it."
"Amanda, slow down. This is still overwhelming for her-"
"Mommy, I'm slowing down. This is me getting to know Galene-"
"Mag ate ka, Amanda." suway ni Abyss na inirapan ko lang.
Yes, she's a year older than Abyss. Tingin ko nga kaedad niya lang ang pinsan kong si Astov. Hindi naman ako nagku-kuya kay Astov kaya bakit ako mag a-ate sa kanya? That doesn't mean I don't respect her or anyone whom I just address by their names.
"Hindi, okay lang. Kahit Galene na lang." nahihiyang aniya.
Anak siya ni Mommy sa ibang lalaki. Bago nagkakilala si Mommy at Daddy, mayroon ng anak ang Mommy. Hindi naman lingid sa amin iyon. Hindi inilihim ni Mommy. Noong mga bata pa kami ni Abyss ay palagi niyang ikinukwento na may kapatid pa raw kaming babae na mas matanda kay Abyss. Nasa probinsya kasama ang ama nito. Wala naman naging problema sa akin. I'm open about it. Minsan nga naaawa ako kasi kami, kasama namin si Mommy. Pero si Galene, well, she have a kind stepmother according from her but I'm sure, iba pa rin iyong kasama mo iyong totoo mong mommy, diba?
Thinking about it makes me sad already. I think I'm going to cry. I took Galene's hand to comfort her. Siguro ang lungkot-lungkot niya habang wala si mommy sa tabi niya.
"You probably had it worse, huh? Bakit kasi ngayon ka lang umuwi sa mommy natin? You should have done this sooner! Edi sana, matagal mo ng nakasama si mommy! Matagal mo na kaming nakasama! Ako! Edi sana, matagal na kitang nabigyan ng make over and you're not this baduy anymore! Siguro ngayon, you're so stylish na!"
"Ha-ha..." she only laugh. She look puzzled.
Wala pa man ay pinunasan ko na ang baka sakaling tutulong luha gamit ang aking nakafold na daliri. Nahuli ko si Abyss na ngumingiwi sa akin at si Mommy na umiiling.
