"YOU drugged him right? Because you want him under your dress and you know that your mother will not settle for less! Alam mong ipapakasal kayo so you manipulate everything!" Hindi na niya napigilang sumigaw.
Una, she doesn't care what Eli might have done in the past year. Harsh, but she doesn't care about what Eli had been through. Wala siyang nararamdamang simpatya sa dating kaibigan.
That's what she is. She isn't kind. And it will take time for her to sympathize. Maybe the reason why many hated her. From her old classmates, acquaintances, and co-workers in her career field. They say she's mean, they say she's heartless, they say she don't deserved the fame.
But no one has the right to state what she deserves. She works hard for the things she wanted to be deserving of her. Hindi lang iyon bastang sinasabi ng iba. If you wanted to be deserving of something, live your life.
And whatever kind of being she wanted to be, no one.. no one could ever demand her to change. That's how much she likes her life.
"Stop it, Kel.." Napabalik siya sa sitwasyon nang marinig ang mahinang pagpigil sa kan'ya ng kapatid.
Her blood boiled again. Her brother is a fool. And she will promise to herself not to be like him.
Sarkastiko tuloy siyang bumaling sa kapatid, hindi makapaniwala. She understand that he might really care for Eli, for his wife. Malinaw rin sa kan'ya ang nararamdaman ng kapatid. But is it really enough to suddenly discard the mistakes Eli made in the past? Hindi ba dapat mas nagagalit ang kapatid niya? But why does he keeps protecting and taking Eli's side? He must be in rage! He must be keeping Eli away!
"What? Ikaw 'yung galit na galit noon, Kuya! You didn't want to get married but you have no choice because everything was already planned with mom and her mother!" she paused, staring at him. "And now you're acting like a grateful husband? When did the tables turned around?" She shouted her thoughts.
It is true! Noon ay galit na galit ang kapatid niya tapos ngayon ay ayos na lang ulit? Ganoon kabilis?
Her brother didn't answer. Annoyed, she stared fiercely at Eli, slowly losing the last piece of her control and patience.
"Sigurado ka ba talagang si Kuya lang ang naging lalaki mo? Dahil hindi na ako magugulat kung malalaman kung hindi anak ni kuya ang kambal—
Eli slapped her, hard.. waking her up to the words she said. Ang mga salitang hindi niya aakalaing magpapahiya sa sarili niya. Kelly, how could you say those words? You love the twins!
She tried to control her emotions, regretting everything that happened a minute ago. She wanted to hurt Eli. She wanted Eli to be guilty for leaving the kids! Gusto niyang saktan at basagin ng pira-piraso ang babae dahil sa madaling naging pagsuko nito! Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit parang napakadali para dito na umalis at iwan ang mga anak nito. That's the only reason why she hates Eli. Hindi iyon dahil sa pagkakaibigan nilang naglaho na. Hindi iyon dahil sa nawalan siya ng matalik na kaibigan.
It was all because of Eli's rash decision. She didn't understand that thing at all. Bakit.. bakit kailangang umalis kung may problema?
"Are you hearing yourself, Kelly?" Eli asked, tears flowing down on her cheeks. "How dare you taint my children's identity?"
Natahimik siya, umaasang bumilis ang oras at magising na lamang na mag-isa na lang ulit siya. That way.. she can think better. Sa paraang iyon.. ang sarili niya lang ang kailangang kalabanin.
"Bakit kailangang umabot tayo sa ganito, Kelly?" mahinang usal nito kasabay nang paglabas ng mahihinang hikbi. "Do you hate me that much?" Yumuko siya, pinipilit parin ang sariling huwag manlambot sa harap ng babaeng ilang taon niyang sinasaktan sa isip, ang kaibigang ngayon niya lang namalayang ilang taon na palang wala sa kan'ya.
"Because I did not. After all of the hurtful words you said. After you forgot everything because of your hatred. But I didn't hated you.. I didn't resented you.. but now, why are you making it so easy for me to hate you?" Damn, I know. I know that I'm easy to hate.
"Do you want me to hate you? Because I will, if you start talking ill about my children.. " Naging blanko ang ekspresyon nitong tumingin sa kan'ya bago inalis ang tingin at ang kapatid naman niya ang binalingan ng atensyon.
Eli smiled at her brother. "Just contact me if we have to attend the counselling," usal nito kaya't takang napatingin siya sa babae. "And please... please hurry the annulment. I want it as soon as possible.. " dugtong nito at mabilis na nilisan ang opisinang iyon.
Napatanga siya, dahan-dahang nilingon ang kapatid na marahas lang na huminga. He looks so frustrated as he put his palms on his hair.
He looked at her calmy. "Go home.. " pinal na sagot nito.
Napakagat siya sa pang-ibabang labi. "Don't make me apologize to your wife, Kuya. I don't even know if I'm sorry, " agad niyang sinabi.
Fine, she was sorry about her accusations of Eli's other man. But rather than that, she's not sorry at all. She said her thoughts. She said the truth. It's what matters.
"You won't apologize even if I told you, Kelly. For now, go home. I need some space to think. " Umirap na lang siya sa sinabi nito.
"Are you guys really separating?" nag-aalangan niyang tanong.
Sinamaan lang siya nito ng tingin. "Go home.. " he simply answered.
Balisa tuloy siya habang nag-aayos ng sarili para sa kaarawan ni Freesia. Tahimik lang siyang nakatingin sa sarili habang nakaharap sa salamin at nag-aayos ng buhok.
She saw how her earrings glistened through the mirror. The earrings Caleb gave her. She realized that she's been using the jewels for quite time now. Hindi siya iyong tipong palaging nagbabalik ng sinusuot na alahas. But she somehow she like wearing the earrings he gave her. It was too pretty. And kind of special.
She looks so simple with her tube sweetheart neckline top and a mini skirt. Ibang-iba sa mga sinusuot niya sa mga nagdaang kaarawan na napuntahan niya. Usually, fancy dresses, floor length gowns. But Freesia called her earlier that it was just simple. At wala pa sa sampu ang inimbita nito.
"Ma'am, nasa baba na po si Sir Caleb!" malakas na sigaw ni Dana mula sa labas ng kanyang kwarto.
Napanguso siya at sinuot ang wedge bago kinuha ang clutch. Nang magtama ang mata nila ni Dana ay agad kumunot ang noo nito, nagulat siguro dahil sa simple niyang pananamit.
"Nailagay na po namin sa sasakyan ng nobyo niyo Ma'am ang regalo, " wika ni Dana sa tabi niya at malaki ang bibig na ngumiti.
She stopped from walking and glanced at the girl. Napaatras ito. "He's my friend, " aniya.
Nahihiya naman itong yumuko. Bakit? Akala ba ni Dana ay may relasyon sila ni Caleb? Bagay ba sila? Hmm.
She saw Caleb talking to her father. He was on simple clothes too with a white fitted long sleeve and dark pants. Halos kuminang pa ang suot nitong relo sa pulsuhan.
"Finally, here's my daughter, " imik ni Daddy, marahan pang tumatawa. She pouted and looked at her Mom at the single couch staring at her with the questioningly eyes. Iniisip siguro nito na nagbago na siya ng buhay at mag-uumpisa nang mamuhay ng simple.
Pinasadahan ni Caleb ang kabuuan niya bago magpaalam kila Mommy at Daddy. Siya naman ay tahimik lang na nauna sa sasakyan nito.
"You look good, " puna lang ni Caleb at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto.
Tinaasan niya lang ito ng kilay bago pumasok sa sasakyan. She was happy with the compliment, but well.. she was expecting more. Anyway, atleast she still looks good.
"Where's the venue? Bar? Hotel? Freesia's house?" kuryoso niyang tanong.
Kasi kung siya ang may birthday, siyempre bar!
"Her house, " he asked, inabutan pa siya ng maliit na blanket galing sa backseat at walang hiyang pinatong sa hita niya.
"It's cold, " simpleng sagot nito bago pa siya makatanggi.
Fine, it was useful tho since her skirt is mini, reaching half of her thighs when standing so it is definitely short now that she's sitting.
"Bakit hindi sa bar?" tanong niya ulit.
He just leaned to her and buckles her seatbelt. Nagulat siya doon pero hindi siya nagpahalata, hinayaan na lang niya. When he finished mine, he put his seatbelt on too before starting the engine.
"She doesn't drink, " sagot ng lalaki.
Tumango-tango siya. Freesia's completely opposite of her. She drinks atleast one glass of wine everyday. She likes expensive wines and stuffs. Sa States man o dito sa Pilipinas, their wine cellar is always full.
"Why? Is she alcohol intolerant?"
"No, but she's allergic of alcohol. "
Napatanga siya, mas lalong naging matanong.
"Is there a thing like that?" she asked again and he just looked at her ridiculously like he was asking her not to state the obvious.
"Hmm. She got that when she was 18 or so. "
Pity. Kapag sa kan'ya nangyari 'yon, oh my god. How could she live her life without her precious liquors and wines?!
"But wine! Some wine doesn't have alcohol atleast some has low alcohol percentage!" halos siya ang frustrated. Kasi diba? That's so sad!
"Some wines are fine but she'll still experience rashes. "
Huh! Will Freesia drink milk and carbonated water for the rest of her life?!
"Don't worry. She's not interested with alcohol, anyway, " sabi nito.
Doon niya napagtanto na kilalang-kilala ni Caleb si Freesia. Maybe because they were friends since middle school. Freesia's nice and pretty. Did Caleb liked her? Or he still likes her?
"You're close since then, right? But I never saw her with you before, " usisa pa niya.
He glanced at her for a seconds before shifting his eyes at the road again.
"She's homeschooled until she graduates senior. " Dahil doon ay nawalan na siya ng imik. Hindi na rin nagtanong pa.
Nang makarating sila sa bahay ni Freesia, it was a bit weird because she can't see bright dancing lights or loud sounds from speakers like a typical house party.
The guard immediately recognized Caleb. Nang makapasok sila sa malaking gate ay mas natanaw niya ang kabuuan ng malaking bahay. It was big. Probaby the same size of her brother's house. It's very modern with the touch of neutral colors.
Sinalubong agad sila ni Freesia. The birthday girl is very pretty with the white bandage dress. Nakalaglag ang buhok nito at walang kahit ano mang suot na alahas maliban sa isang simpleng kwintas.
"Hello! I'm glad you're here!" Tuwang-tuwa ito at yumakap pa sa kan'ya.
"Happy birthday!" she greeted sweetly before looking at her gift Caleb's holding. "I'm not sure about your likes but.. hope you'll like this!" Bumaling siya sa regalo.
"Thank you for the gift! I love these!" masaya niyang sabi, hindi pa nga nalalaman kung anong regalo niya. It was still packaged you know. "Lagay mo na lang doon sa sala, " utos ni Freesia kay Caleb.
Hawak-hawak pa ni Freesia ang braso niya habang papasok sila sa loob. Doon niya nadatnan ang iba pang mga kaibigan ni Caleb na nakilala niya rin naman noon. Although there's a one guy she's not really familiar with.
"Your new friend, Freesia?" tanong ng lalaking hindi niya kilala.
Freesia nodded happily. "Yes! But she's Caleb's friend too!"
The guy looked at her. "Friends?" Sumulyap ito kay Caleb at ngumisi.
Yup. Friends.
"I'm Gray. What's your name?" diretso nitong tanong.
"Kelly, " she answered simply.
Ngumiti ito ng tipid. He was handsome. Well, all of them naman.
Indeed, it was a simple celebration. She didn't even see Freesia's parents or so. Ang kasama lang nito ay ang matandang kasambahay.
Weird, but she was genuinely happy as they started eating at the long dining table. The food tastes so good and Manang Nita' kept on smiling at her. Sa ngiti nito ay parang sayang-saya makita siya. Mabait ito at nakikita niyang alagang-alaga si Freesia.
Nakita niya kung paano lagyan ni Caleb ang pinggan niya ng pasta. Sinamaan niya ito ng tingin dahil kanina pa siya kain ng kain ngunit hindi ito namansin.
"You should eat a lot, " sambit nito at sinalinan siya ng juice sa baso. Habang ginagawa ni Caleb iyon at matamang nakatitig sa kan'ya ang mga kaibigan nito. Nahiya naman siya kaya't tumango na lang siya.
"What gift do you want, Freesia?" tanong ni Gray.
"I don't know what I want, " rinig niyang sagot ni Freesia.
"Bags, books, dresses, jewelries, Freesia?" suggest ni Daniel. Halos magtagal na ang tingin niya sa lalaki dahil sa kulay ng mata nito.
"I have lots of that, " mahina namang sagot ulit ni Freesia.
She heard the boys sighed, heavily. Kahit si Caleb na nasa tabi niya ay nanahimik lang.
"Is your cafe doing good?" Iniba ni Phoenix ang usapan.
Ang nasa kabilang tabi niyang si Freesia ay masaya lang na tumango.
Looking at them, she saw how all of them are protective of Freesia. She saw how the guys cared for her. Is it really possible to have a large circle of friends with majority of guys without having feelings for each other? Ang sabi naman ni Freesia ay wala itong gusto sa kahit isa sa kanila. Sa tingin niya ay ganoon rin ang mga lalaki kay Freesia. Napatunayan niya iyon nang marinig ang mga kaswal nilang usapan tungkol sa mga babae.
"I still don't want to get married, Manang, " sagot ni Gray sa tanong ni Manang Nita tungkol sa kailan ito mag-aasawa.
"Nasasabi mo lang iyan, hijo. Sa mga susunod na buwan ay kakailanganin at gugustuhin mo rin, " ani naman ng matanda at ikinangisi lang ni Gray.
"Ikaw, hija? May kasintahan ka na ba?" baling ni Manang. Nakita niya tuloy kung paano sabay-sabay na bumaling ang lahat sa kan'ya.
Yumuko siya. "Uh, wala naman po. "
Tumango ito. "Naku, kailan kayo mag-aasawa niyan? Kay gaganda niyo at guguwapo!" Halos mamroblema ito. "Wala ka bang natitipuhan sa kanila, hija? Mababait naman ang mga iyan!" bugaw nito sa kan'ya sa mga lalaki kaya't nanlaki ang mata niya.
Pati si Freesia ay tumango-tango. "Right, Kelly. They are all single. May type ka ba sa kanila? Ayaw mo ba i-try?"
Halos mabulunan siya. Anong i-try?!
"She doesn't like someone here, Freesia, " si Caleb ang sumagot sa kan'ya.
The guys just smirked at her. Hindi niya ito pinansin.
Freesia looked at her sadly. "Sayang. It would be great if you like one of my friends. "
Ngumiti lang siya. I liked one of your friends before, Freesia.
Tumingin siya kay Caleb na tahimik lang na nasa tabi niya. Suddenly, he stared at her too. Hindi siya umiwas ng tingin. As she stared at his brown eyes, there's a one question in her head.
Do I still like you?