A Pure Heart: Missing Piece

Kabanata 49

We're currently at our dining area, having breakfast. My parents are in formal attire, Ashley's in her FU uniform, and I'm in casual wear, just a plain white polo shirt and faded jeans.

"Ashley, starting today hindi ka na sasabay sa akin umuwi, ah? I'm going to live in my condo straight from this day onwards," informed her during breakfast. Nakapagpaalam na rin ako sa mga magulang ko kagabi na hindi na muna ako uuwi ng weekends.

"Okay," she replied, though her tone hinted at a desire to object that she couldn't express.

I also changed my passcode just to make sure she wouldn't contemplate visiting me there.

"By the way, Warly, your sister has a boyfriend now," Mom enthusiastically shared with me. I suddenly choked in surprise because it was something I never anticipated hearing from her.

Damn, that caught me off guard! Who wouldn't be startled?!

"Mom," Ashley interjected, giving our mom a reproachful look.

"Are you okay, son? Sinabi lang na may boyfriend na ang kapatid mo ay nasamid ka na agad," natatawang sabi ni daddy, nang-aasar. Sinamaan naman siya kaagad ng tingin ni Ashley.

I grabbed the glass of water and took a sip. Once I felt better, I turned my gaze back to my mom.

"What, mom? Sorry. Come again?" I told her.

"Your sister has her boyfriend now. Aren't you happy? You should be!" Ang ngiti pa nito ay abot-tenga.

"Mom," muling saway ni Ashley sa nanay namin, mukhang hindi gusto ang sinasabi sa akin.

"What? It's true after all!"

Our mom's eyes were gleaming with happiness. Napataas naman ako ng kilay at napailing-iling. When she dropped the bombshell about Ashley having a boyfriend, I was taken aback, not because I doubted it but because I never witnessed guys approaching her. Perhaps it's because they're aware she's my sister, and I've unintentionally emitted a protective vibe. The news caught me off guard, leaving me wondering how on earth this happened, especially since I've been discouraging potential suitors from messing with her. So, hearing it from our mom makes me question the secrecy of my sister's romantic endeavors. Bakit hindi ko alam? Dapat pinaalam muna sa akin. Sino ba iyan?

"How come she got a boyfriend?" I asked, my forehead creased. "I never witnessed any guys pursuing her."

"Liar! Your sister is pretty!" Mom fired back at me.

"Oh, come on! Believe me wala pong lumalapit diyan!" ani ko at ngumising tumingin kay Ashley.

"But it's true, son. Last night, her boyfriend was here with us. He even joined us for dinner," my dad informed me.

"Actually, we spotted them in the garden! The guy was hugging your sister from behind! They're literally adorable!" Mom added excitedly.

"Mom! Dad! Tama na po," saway ni Ashley ngunit hindi namin pinapansin na tatlo.

"Who's the guy then?" I asked sternly. I set down my spoon and fork on the table, leaning back in my chair.

"Tama na po..." mahinang saad ni Ashley.

"He's from the Bueno Family. They're a perfect match!" Mom replied, smiling.

My eyebrows furrowed instantly as they brought up the name Bueno in the conversation. Bueno? Bueno Family? There's only one Bueno I know.

"Kalil Bueno?" I asked, chuckling. That seemed utterly impossible!

"Yeah, you got it right! Kalil Bueno. You're familiar with him, son?" Daddy asked, and my eyes widened at his confirmation.