The Heartbeat of Sky

Kabanata 14

Betrayal

"Okay.. paano nakilala iyon ni Mommy? Is she close to her?" kalmado ko pa ring tanong.

But deep inside, I'm nervous. Hindi ko nga alam kung ano bang kinatatakot ko.

"I don't know love.. Hindi naman kami nag-uusap ni Mommy ng madalas." tumayo agad ito at niligpit na ang pinagkainan namin.

I sighed and give up. I guess there is nothing to worry about. My family was known in the corporate world as well as Maddox and Janine's family. Kaya paniguradong nagkikita ang mga ito sa event.

At Maddox's graduation, I saw Janine with her Mom. Kasama sila sa dinner na inihanda ni Tita Emma. It felt weird thou. Pero hind ko na iyon pinansin pa.

Maddox is busy putting food on my plate. I caught Janine starring at us.

"May gusto ka pa ba?" malambing nitong bulong sa akin.

"Punong-puno na nga ang plato ko. I'm good. Kumain ka na rin" he nooded and kiss the side of my forehead.

Narinig ko ang tikhim sa katapat naming upuan. It was Tita Janice, hindi ko nga alam kung dapat ko ba syang tawaging tita.

Maddox's father smiled at us. Ganun din si Sab at Tali. After a long time of waiting and trying nakuha ko rin ang loob ng isa pa nitong kapatid. Maikling ngiti naman ang binigay sa amin ni Tita Emma.

"Becoming a pilot is hard Caden. You should choose a wife that understands your profession.." sabi ni Tita Janice at bumaling sa anak nitong si Janine.

"Of course Janice.. nasabi ko na rin iyan kay Caden.. and kay Millie" may pag aalinlangan sa boses nito.

"I'm sorry I'm lost. What's your name? They called you Millie but I heard Caden called you Cleo" nakataas ang kilay nitong tanong sa akin.

"Tita. Si kuya lamang ang tumatawag na Cleo sa kanya. Ate Millie called Kuya, Maddox instead of Caden.." Sab explained.

"I see. Your name is Milana Clementine right. Your mom gave it to you. Sa unang pagkakataon ay may maganda ring nagawa ang mommy mo."

Naipatak ko ang kubyertos sa aking plato. Lumikha iyon ng ingay dahil nabalot ng kahimikan ang aming mesa sa sinabi nito. I looked at her and see that there's no guilt on her face. She said like it was a fact.

"Mawalang galang na po. You don't know my Mom. So don't speak badly of her" kalmado kong sabi.

"Of course I know her. Hindi ba ay hihiwalayan na iyon ng Daddy mo. Pagiging mabuting asawa na nga lamang ay hindi pa magawa" walang emosyon nitong sabi.

Naikuyom ko ang kamay ko. I never disrespect someone in my life before. Lalo na at nakatatanda sa akin. But she is talking about my parents. Particularly my Mom. Hindi ko mapapalampas iyon.