"THE SACRED BOOK"

Chapter 12

After finally having a grasp of what just happened, makikita ang pagguhit ng gulat sa mukha ni Mama.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," she stuttered, hand on her mouth.

I turned to my father. "I won't do what you want!"

And there, I stormed out. I heard them call my name but I didn't bother to care.

Elders these days just love to act important. Nakakairita na rin minsan.

While walk-running, a sudden idea of visiting the Dark Kingdom popped up. Why not? I see nothing wrong about it.

Nag-teleport ako para mas mabilis akong makarating sa pupuntahan.

What greeted me is an astonishing ethereal view. Beautiful fireworks and mesmerizing celestial body.

My mouth was left open for a while. Wow.

The loud bangs from the fire crackers unusually gave me peace and comfort. For the first time, it sounded euphonious– soothing and pleasing.

Sobrang ganda. They all look so happy.

Hindi ko inasahan na ganito pala kaganda tuwing sasapit ang bagong taon dito.

I came here expecting a deafening silence to welcome my unannounced visit. Nakalimutan kong nahanap na nga palang muli ang prinsesa.

Noong minsang pumunta ako dito, puro lantang dahon ang makikita sa paligid. Mga walang kabuhay-buhay na mga halaman at hindi ganito kaganda sa paningin ang mga ilaw.

Hindi lang langit at mga ilaw ang nagniningning ngayong gabi, their faces are luminous with excitement and happiness.

Now that I look at them, marami ang magaganda't gwapo sa kaharian nila, pero isang bagay ang pinagtataka ko– bakit walang makapantay sa kagwapuhan ko?

Nag-joke na naman ang utak ko.

I was not able to hold my smirk. Ang funny ko talaga, nakakaproud.

I bit my lower lip to hold my laughter inside.

Binaling ko na lamang ang atensiyon sa mga nagsasaya sa malayo when a silhouette appeared before me.

I was so surprised. Naramdaman ko pa ang mabilis na pag-init ng katawan at panlalamig ng mga paa sa sobrang gulat.

I can feel my eyes grow bigger and become uneasy.

I've lost my composure for some seconds.

Nang maayos na matitigan, isang babae pala ang ngayong nasa harap ko.

Her face is as plain as a new canvas, but her eyes are very unreadable like an abstract.

I'm certain it's my first time meeting this lady but it feels like I've known her for so long. Long enough to feel some kind of longing.

"Why are you hiding here?" kung gaano kawalang emosyon ang mukha niya, gano'n din ang boses niya.

"Eh, ikaw? Why are you here?" kabado kong tanong pabalik.

She grinned playfully. “It’s a common sense to say something in reply to the question with the answer one is seeking. Respond to my question first,” she commanded. I won't deny, she sounded dominant which is kinda attractive.

I tried to put on a show. I made my brows meet, “Whatever my reason is doesn’t concern you at all. Mind your own business.”