Forbidden Fruit

First Chapter

He's Back

It was an incandescent day in our city, La Constancia. Everybody was out and embracing the warmth of summer breeze, and so as we.

"Papa, ready na daw po ang sasakyan." I said, beaming at him.

"So I guess, ang niluto na lang ng mama mo ang kulang. Oh Castel Shein Encarnacion - don't tell me naarawan ka naman nang matagal? The sun had painted you red again. Para ka na tuloy taong-kamatis niyan." aniya kasabay nang kaunting halakhak.

"Papa naman eh!" I pouted.

Kapag naarawan ako nang matagal ay talagang namumula ang mukha ko, and I find it awful. I don't know why. It's really one of my insecurities since then.

"Tapos na 'kong magluto! Sorry if I kept you waiting. Gusto ko lang kasing ma-perfect itong bagong Mexican dish na natutunan ko." mama said as she emerged from the kitchen.

"Really, mama? That looks delicious. Err-what's that called?"

"Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa, anak."

"That's very Mexican, indeed." I grinned at her.

Simula pa noong bata ako, Mama's been exerting her full efforts in learning Mexican dishes. Papa's mother who is Lola Hortencia is pure Mexican and is really connected to her roots even when she's in the Philippines for decades. Gusto ni Mama na makuha ang loob nila Lolo't Lola dahil ni isang beses ay parang hindi kami itinuring na parte ng Pamilya Encarnacion.

I jumped back to reality nung nag-start na ang makina ng sasakyan.

"Let's go, anak." Mama said and tapped my back.

It took us thirty minutes bago makarating sa Villa Encarnacion. That place was situated far from the city lights and tall buildings. Napapaligiran ito ng mga puno at falls. Ngunit dito rin nakatira ang mga elites ng La Consolacion especially the Encarnacions.

Pumasok kami sa pinakamalaking mansion dito. May lima nang nakapark na sasakyan sa garage. I guess nandito na sila. But there's this certain car that caught my attention, it was a Matte Black Ferrari. Kumabog nang husto ang dibdib ko. This rang a bell to me. How can I forgot it? Siya mismo ang nagpakita sakin ng dream car niya. Did he bought it already? And most importantly, is he back?

Nagmadali ako sa pagpasok sa mansion leaving mama and papa behind.

"Huwag kang tumakbo, anak. Ito talagang batang 'to." I heard mama said.

Ngunit tinakbo ko pa rin ang living room. The maids greeted me pero I was not in my senses to greet them back. Gusto ko lang siyang makita.

"Oh nandiyan na pala si Cash!"

Lumingon ako. Nakita ko ang lahat ng pinsan ko sa couch, except for one. I half-smiled. Bakit wala siya? Where are you?

Isa-isa ko silang bineso at umupo na rin.

"Uhm, I noticed there's a new car outside. Kanino pala 'yun?" I asked and managed to smile.

"It's Vyron's car. Ang ganda diba? I'm actually jealous." Kuya Javier replied.

I bit my lip para hindi mahalatang gusto ko nang sumigaw. I knew it!

"And where exactly is Vyron? Bigla na lang siyang nawala eh." tanong ng isang malambing na boses, si Ate Isabel.

"Did I just hear my precious name?"

Napalingon kaming lahat and my heart automatically skipped a beat.