This is a work of FICTION. All characters are used in FICTITIOUS manner.
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Irene's POV
Days passed and it's already the 23rd of the month. I'm alone here at my condo again. I decided to visit because it's been a week since the last time I went here.
I did what I always do. Painting. Kakatapos ko lang at kahit pinta-pinta ang kamay ko, kumakain ako ng cookies habang nanonood. I'm too lazy to fix my mess. Paints, paintbrushes and palettes are scattered on the floor.
Suddenly I heard my phone rang. I looked at the caller's id and it's Greggy.
"What?" I asked as I answered it.
"Are you busy? Labas tayo, sunduin kita" then I heard the sound of an elevator. "Actually nasa floor mo na ako"
Gulat kong tiningnan ang paligid. This is really a mess. But it's too late to arrange it because I already heard the doorbell rang. I opened it and I saw him stood there. Ayos na ayos, while me?
Just wearing a spaghetti strap sando and a short-shorts. Parang ang dungis kong tignan dahil na rin sa pinta. I let him in despite how messy my condo was. "Saan ba tayo?"
"Mall. Aren't you gonna buy gifts for christmas? Baka wala na masyadong mag-open na bilihan bukas since everyone will prepare for christmas eve."
Oo nga pala wala pa akong panregalo. Uuwi na ako sa bahay bukas at paniguradong kasama si Greggy dahil nga sa bahay siya magpapasko.
"But..." inikot ko ang mata ko sa paligid. "Maglilinis lang ako saglit tapos maliligo ako. Can you wait for me?"
"Of course. I will always wait for you. Now go. Maligo ka na. Let me clean"
"No. Ako na. Just sit there."
"Wag matigas ang ulo Irene. Maligo na." pagtataboy niya sa'kin.
"Fine." I sighed defeatedly. I went to my room to take a quick bath. Nakakahiya, galing pa ata siya ng trabaho.
With that thought talagang binilisan ko ang pagligo. Since umuulan ngayon I wore a hoodie jacket then paired it with pants and then sandals. When I went out of my room, nag-aayos na siya ng sofa.
The condo looks neat again. Pati mga ginamit ko, nalinis at nahugasan na. "You're done? Ang bilis mo ngayon ah. Anyways, I'm also done. Let's go?" He pulled my hand.
We're now on his car. "Anong oras ka aalis bukas? Sabay na tayong uuwi, sunduin ulit kita."
"Probably mga 9 am. Hindi ka ba papasok bukas?"
"Effective na bukas ang bakasyon ko. 10 days" kita ko ang malawak na ngiti sa mukha niya.
"Ang haba naman?"
"Eh gusto nga kitang makasama ng matagal, next year I will be very busy for sure." Magpapatayo nga pala to ng mga branches abroad. Ito siguro ang tinutukoy niya.
When we reached the mall, halos walang mapag-parking'an dahil sa dami ng tao. He tightened his grip on my hand. "Baka mawala ka." he uttered when I looked at him.
Para akong bata na hawak-hawak niya para di mawala. We went first to the jewelry shop na kanina niya pa sinasabi, baka daw magsara na. For pick-up na lang pala ang binili niya kaya hindi ko na nakita kung ano yon, ayaw naman niya sabihin
I also bought a jewelry set for mommy, manang and Liza. I also get them a bag. Iisa na ang binili ko sa kanila pero magkakaiba ang design. I will also buy Liza sandals. To my Manong Bongbong, I bought him five books. Binili ko ang mga alam kong hindi niya pa nababasa, pati na rin yung hinihingi niya sakin. To my nephew, Borgy, I bought him his favorite toys and to Kuya Tommy, I got him a golf tool holder since Manang told me she's getting him a new golf bag.
As for Greggy, hindi ako bumili dahil kasama ko siya. I ordered him a watch online and it tends to arrive tonight. I customized that watch for him. I hope he will like it.
Madilim na nang maka-uwi kami. Hinatid niya ako hanggang sa condo dahil sa dami ng shopping bags na dala ko. He wants to stay but I refused. Baka mamaya dumating na yung magdedeliver.
Inayos ko ang mga regalo na nakabalot na. After my dinner, I heard someone's knocking. I opened it and I was right, andito na yung inorder ko.
"Papirma na lang po maam" He said so I did. "Pwede po magpapicture sa inyo? Ipapakita ko lang po sa mga anak ko"
"Sure. How old is he?"
"Fifteen na po maam, babae po siya. Idol na idol po niya ang pamilya niyo" I can sense sincerity in every word he said. Nilabas niya ang cellphone niya and we took a picture.
Before leaving, I gave him a tip because of his good service and he deserves it. "Merry Christmas maam. Maraming salamat po ng marami."
"Merry Christmas." I said and closed the door. I immediately opened the velvet box, and there I saw the watch. I was amazed by how it looks. Very detailed, kuhang-kuha ang ibinigay kong design. Ayaw ko na tuloy ibigay kay Greggy. I put it back at inilagay ko sa isang paper bag.
The next day, nagising ako dahil may yumuyugyog sa balikat ko. I opened my eyes and it was Greggy. "What are you doing here this early?"
I didn't get an answer but instead, he glared at me. "Bakit mo hinahayaang hindi naka-lock ang pinto mo? Irene naman, mag-isa ka lang dito, paano kung may biglang pumasok at ginawan ka ng masama?" Now that explains how he get inside.
"Nakalimutan kong ilock kagabi. Akala ko kase nakasara na noon"
"Maraming namamatay sa maling akala." umupo siya sa kama ko, still facing me. "Dapat kase dino-double check mo ang mga ganon. You're living alone, malayo yung mga kapitbahay mo dito kung meron man. Iche-check ko kung may nawawala kang gamit par-"
I cut him off by kissing his lips. "Goodmorning" I smiled sweetly.
"You know how to make me stop huh. Hindi pa ako tapos ano ba yan." aniya. "Get up, I already cooked you a breakfast."
"Kanina ka pa dito?"
"Yup, six thirty. Let's go."
I looked at the clock and mag eight o'clock na. Tumayo na siya pero nanatili ako sa kama. "Tara na Irene, wag matigas ang ulo." But I'm still not moving any single muscle.
Bumalik siya at hinila ang kamay ko. "Tinatamad ako. Mamaya na kase"
"Lalamig nga yung pagkain." I can feel he's getting irratated again.
Hinila ko yung kamay ko kaya nabitawan niya. He's staring at me blankly. "Galit ka ba?"
"Sinong hindi magagalit sa hindi mo pag-lock ng pinto?"
"Nakalimutan nga." I pouted my lips and played with my hands.
Suddenly, he sat down again and then hugged me. "Sige na. I'm sorry, I was just worried. Next time, before going to bed, check it first. Alright?"
Tumango ako. "Now, let's go. Kanina ka pa tinitext ng mga kapatid mo" he gestured where my phone was and it's true, kanina pa ilaw ng ilaw.
Tumayo na ako dahil nakaramdam na din ako ng gutom. After eating I went to the bathroom and took a bath. He did the same in the other room.
When I'm done I stepped out in my room. He's now waiting at the sala. "You're good to go? Tara." he said and opened the door.
"Hoy Gregorio, ako ba magdadala mg lahat ng to?" tukoy ko sa mga regalo.
"My bad." tatawa-tawa niya akong nilapitan at kinuha ang mga ito.
"Why are you too exited?"
He just looked at me, ignoring my question. I locked the door and then we went home.
When we arrived at the house, dali-dali siyang bumaba para pagbuksan ako ng pinto at para kunin ang mga regalo. Hindi na ako hinintay ng loko at nauna nang pumasok.
Nang makapasok ako, karga na niya si Borgy. Kaya pala atat na atat dahil gusto na niyang makipaglaro sa bata.
Hindi na nila ako pinansin kaya ako na lang ang nagdala ng mga regalo sa kwarto ko. I went out to go to mom's room. I knocked twice but when I knew that it was unlocked, I opened it. I can't see her anywhere but I can hear noises coming from the shower so I'm guessing she's taking a bath.
I just waited for her so I roam around the room. I sat on her bed. Her bed is facing a two large portraits. The bigger one is mom and dad's wedding picture and beside it was a family picture taken when we're still kids. This is mom's view everytime she's in bed.
I keep myself busy using my phone. Suddenly the shower stopped, she's done. I went to kiss her cheeks the moment she stepped out the bathroom.
"Nandito ka na pala. Where's Greggy?"
"Downstairs mommy, he's playing with Borgy. Where are they?" tukoy ko sa mga kapatid ko.
"Imee and Tommy went out. Wala pa daw silang nabibiling regalo. Bongbong and Liza are in their room" she uttered. "Kumain na ba kayo?"
"Tapos na mommy. Bababa lang ako." paalam ko.
I went to the sala where the two were playing. Borgy just greeted me and kissed me in the cheek then wala na, hindi na ako pinansin, yun lang talaga. Because I feel unwanted there, I went to the kitchen.
"Ano pong lulutuin? I want to help."
"Sinigang na bangus po, salad na pako at chicken lollipops."
I went to the sink to wash my hands and then helped them to cook. Natapos kami bandang 11:45. Ako na din ang nag-ayos at naghanda sa lamesa.
"Kakain na." I told everyone who's in the sala.
Bongbong and Liza's eyes glistened. "You cooked?" he asked.
I nodded and they immediately went to the kitchen. "Talagang gustong-gusto nila pag ikaw ang nagluluto." Mom told me.
Kukunin ko sana si Borgy pero pinigilan ako ni Greggy. "Papakainin ko nga"
"Gusto ko nga ako ang magpapakain sa kanya" sabi niya at kinarga papuntang kusina.
"I never thought that he likes kids that much." I uttered.
"So do I" tawa ni mommy at sabay na kaming pumunta sa kusina.
We ate our lunch together. Wala sila Manang, baka hapon na daw sila uuwi. After our lunch, we stayed in the kitchen to prepare food for the Noche Buena later. Pinaalis namin ang mga lalaki dahil nangungulit lang sila. We let Liza stayed, mommy said she wants to teach her some dishes.
Alas tres na nang matapos kami. I went to my room only to see Greggy sleeping in my bed with Borgy also sleeping on his chest. My room is a total mess! Nagkalat ang mga laruan ni Borgy. Even my bed is messy.
Lumapit ako sa kama ko para ligpitin ang mga nakakalat na coloring books at mga pang-kulay. I was about to walk away but Greggy pulled me to the bed.
"Greggy sandali lang, nagliligpit ako ng mga kalat niyo."
But he didn't listen, instead he hugged me in the waist and forced me to lay down beside him. "Wag kang galaw ng galaw, magigising si Borgy" he whispered. "Let's sleep"
As if may kawala ako dito. I am using his arms as my pillow. Tingnan natin kung sino ang mangangalay dito.
I sighed. Pagkagising na lang ako maglilinis. It's a good idea to sleep, para hindi ako antukin mamaya. Sumiksik ako kay Greggy, kaharap ko na ngayon si Borgy na mahimbing ang tulog. I closed my eyes and let myself swallowed by sleep.
---
Nagising ako dahil sa kanina pa may kumakatok. Until I heard it opened. I am awake but I'm still feeling sleepy kaya hindi ko magawang imulat ang mata ko.
"Gising na. Gising na. Alas sais na" I heard Manang Imee. "Nakakaloka naman tong mga to. Bonget halika nga dito tingnan mo."
"Ano ba yan Manang napakalakas ng boses mo." I think pumasok si Kuya sa kwarto ko. "Bakit parang dinaanan ng bagyo dito sa kwarto ni Irene? At bakit magkayakap yan eh may kwarto si Greggy dito?"
"Tommy halika dito kunin mo itong anak mo" sigaw na naman ni Manang.
"You don't need to shout, may natutulog" ani Kuya Tommy.
"Kaya nga ako sumisigaw para gisingin ang mga natutulog. Sige na, gisingin mo si Borgy para makapag-palit na."
Naramdaman kong may kumuha nga kay Borgy.
"Irene, wake up now." Manang is pulling my feet.
Inis akong nagmulat ng mata. "Ana kadi aya?" (Ano ba yon?) Tiningnan ko ang katabi ko na hindi pa rin gumigising.
"Bangon na para makapag-prepare. Magdidilim na" Kuya Bongbong uttered.
I looked at Manang. "Kunin mo mga gamit ng anak mo"
"Bakit kase nandito?"
"Eto ang salarin" Turo ko kay Greggy. "Ewan ko bakit dito sa kwarto ko sila naglaro"
They both looked at me with teasing look. I realized bumangon nga pala ako, causing his hand to slip down to my waist.
Dali-dali akong tumayo. "Sige na, susunod kami. Ingkayo dijay ruwar'en" (Lumabas na kayo)
Lumabas na si Manang dala-dala ang ibang gamit ni Borgy. But Bongbong remained still. "Sasabay kaming lalabas."
"Umuna kan. Riingek pay ne" (Mauna ka na. Gigisingin ko pa oh.)
He's looking at me so I glared at him. "Sige na nga. Siguradwem nga dijay kwarto na pagdigusan na ah. Agsabay kay lang kitam." (Siguraduhin mo lang na sa kwarto niya siya maliligo ha. Magsasabay lang kayo makikita mo ha.)
"Apay kuma agsabay kami? Nu kayat mo kadwaem agdigus dijay kwarto na damdama tapno awan panpanunotem." (At bakit kami magsasabay? Kung gusto mo samahan mo siyang maligo mamaya sa kwarto niya para wala kang iisipin)
He just mocked me at siya na ang gumising kay Greggy. The moment he woke up, "Nangalay ka no?" tanong ni Bongbong.
Iniunat niya ang kamay niya. "Medyo masakit" he chuckled and then looked at me.
"Ikaw ang nanghila sakin. Kasalanan mo rin yan." I said.
"Tara sa labas, may lunas yan" pagkumbinsi ni Bongbong kay Greggy para lumabas. Pinauna niya itong maglakad dahil lumingon pa siya sakin. "Agdigos kan, maang-angot kan" he laughed before following Greggy.
I immediately grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it to him. Natamaan ko ang likod niya bago niya maisara ang pinto.
Niligpit ko lang ang ibang nagkalat sa kwarto ko bago ako pumasok sa banyo.
After taking a bath, I chose a red tie back ruffle slip dress, put on my sandals and applied a light make up.
Before going down, I carried the gifts. Nadatnan ko sa sala si Mommy at Liza. Nilapag ko ang mga dala ko sa baba ng christmas tree.
I'm so happy I've got to spend another christmas with my family, well we are incomplete since Aimee can't come home. But I feel so excited to celebrate my first christmas with Greggy.