The Trained Wife [Completed]

Kabanata 6

I am busy reading another module when Rycie texted me that she'll drop by this afternoon for another training. Nagsagot na rin ako ng assessment test para sa araw na ito at hinayaan kong lumipas ang oras hanggang sa dumating siya rito. I made sure I have no pending activities and quizzes everyday.

By next year, I can already go to college once I'm done with all the modules. I will forever  be in debt and thankful to that one teacher who patiently taught me before, naging madali para sa akin ang aralin ang mga module. I have daily assessments too and by the end of the year I'll take my comprehensive exams.

I heard a knock from my door. Agad ko itong binuksan sa pag-aakalang si Rycie na ito. Si Tita Ina pala. "Hi tita!" Bumeso ako sa kanya at ganoon din ang ginawa niya. "What brings you here po?" Ngumiti ako sa kanya. She handed me an orange shopping paper bag of a famous luxury brand.

"I dropped by Louis Vuitton earlier and thought of you when I saw a bag." She smiled genuinely at me. Kahit na ilang buwan na ako rito ay hindi pa rin ako masanay-sanay sa mga mamahaling bagay na natatanggap ko. I am already contented with the comfortable life I have now and I hope my siblings and Nanay Ising experience the same.

"Thank you tita." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. Napansin niya ang mga module ko sa aking study table at ang grades kong naka-post sa aking online classes. Naglakad siya patungo sa harap ng computer, sumunod ako sa kanya.

"You're a fast learner and you've got high scores in exams." Puri ni Tita Ina nang makita ang progress ko sa aking online classes. Sandali siyang tumingin sa malayo bago ako tapunan ng tingin, malumanay siyang ngumiti sa akin. "Angel could have made it with you if she's still alive." Tsaka bumuntong-hininga. Tumayo ako para mayakap si Tita Ina.

"I know Angel's happy with her dad now and I think she's always watching over us." Ngumiti sa akin si Tita Ina at bahagyang pinalis ko ang luhang kumawala sa mga mata niya. Tita Ina is a great mother. I can see how she treasures her sons now, lalong-lalo na si Kal. She wouldn't have done something like this if she never cared at all and that's something Kal won't understand for now. Naiintindihan ko rin naman si Kal, maybe he really is blinded by the love he has for Immaculee. Ganoon siguro talaga kapag nagmamahal.

"Anyway, Rycie will be coming over today right?" Tumango ako. "I'm sorry Cerys, if you ever feel uncomfortable with this set up, you can always tell us okay? I know you're trying very hard and I know you're doing your best." She pulled me for a hug while caressing my bag.

"I will po tita."

Hindi rin nagtagal ay umalis na si Tita Ina. I checked the bag she gave me. Namangha na naman ako. I know it cost a lot of dollars, sa design pa lang nito ay nagsusumigaw na ng karangyaan. Everything's really easy with money.

Bumaba na ako ng kwarto upang abangan ang pagdating ni Rycie. When she came she was wearing a thick coat. Malakas ang ulan sa labas. Ngumiti siya sa akin nang makita niya ako. She handed me a white paper bag from another luxury brand. "Thank you. Para saan ito?" Magalang ko itong inabot sa isa naming kasambahay upang maitabi muna.

Nagkibit siya ng balikat. "Wala lang naisip lang kita. I know you're smart enough to take in all the lessons you need to learn in a shorter time and I know you're a bit pressured too, that's just a token of appreciation for your hardwork." She gently tapped my shoulders. "You can always tell me if you're having a hard time." Aniya.

"Magsasabi naman agad ako kapag mas nahihirapan na ako. Hindi na kailangang bigyan pa ako ng mamahaling bagay. Living here comfortably is more than enough."

"Okay then, let's be productive today." Magiliw niyang sabi habang pumapalakpak pa. I focus my attention to everything she'll teach me today.

"Wifely duties such as cooking, choosing his suit, how about loving?" Namilog ang mga mata ko sa huli niyang sinabi. "Relax, I'm just kidding besides you're too young for Kal." Napanguso na lamang ako. "You need to always look presentable, you'll be attending various meetings with Kal. You'll go out of town or country with him. You need to know how to socialize." Aniya.