Malia POV;
I woke up without having beside me, perhaps mom and dad left early. I know what will happen now. Perhaps they will simply let me die. Di bale na lang ginusto ko naman to eh.
I get from my bed and take a few moments to ready for the day. I've messaged and contacted the family in our gc, particularly mama Imee, but she's not responding same as to my cousins. Nagalit na ang nga siguro ang lahat sa akin.
Plus, I received a text from Jessan stating that they're coming here with Keirt also for me to inform them. Sila pa pala, mga kaibigan kong matutuklasan ang nalalapit kong mga pagpanaw, baka pati silang dalawa ay magalit rin sa akin.
"Kaya mo yan" I inhale and taught myself as I get out of my room to have my breakfast. However, as I was making my way downstairs, I noticed a stack of papers beside the vase. Hindi ko naman napigilan ang sarili ko na pakialaman dahil iba ang kutob ko rito.
I was taken aback when I found what I had just uncovered- it was an annulment petition between mom and dad. I'm at a loss for words as to how I feel when I see them and suddenly wonder if everything is my fault. Ipapapili nila ako kung kanino sasama? Pero what is the reason for this? Is it because of Eva? Hayst, I want to talk to her pero ayoko naman pangunahan si mommy at baka mali-mali ako ng kutob. But why did it appear as though I was unaware of mom's silent agony? Minsan naman kasi iniisip ko sarili ko lang.
"Ma'am kumain na daw po kayo, nag-iintay po sa ilalim sila mommy at daddy niyo po" nabigla ako ng biglang may nagsalita sa likuran ko.
"K-kayo po pala manang, ang akala ko nga po wala sila dito kasi ang tahimik ng bahay. Pero sige po susunod po ako"
"Sige po ma'am" manang smiled back at me and I went downstairs.
But as I approached to the dining table, my tears suddenly wants to drop just because what I saw earlier.
"You're strong independent woman. Face it" I concur to myself at nakikita nang nakatalikod sila mommy at daddy.
"Oh hi! You're awake na pala. Let's have breakfast together?" dad said while mom has a wide smile in her face.
Nakakapanibago, for the past few days, weeks, and months we just ate together again.
As a response, I just nodd and the both of them kissed me in the forehead. Dad also offer me a seat, kung magkakaganito rin lang naman ang magiging resulta ay sana mas maaga ko pa sa kanila sinabi na mamamatay lang rin naman ako para hindi na humantong sa annulment itong dalawa.
"So how's your sleep?" sabay nilang sambit ni mommy.
"Oh uhm, okay naman po. Kayo po?"
"Absolutely fine anak diba hon?" mom state and hold dad's hand. I thought there would be an annulment but why does it seem- ahh okay gets. Pakitang tao para hindi halata, I know the moves of the both of them. Alam kong labag na sa loob ni mommy ang ginawa niya- that's why even how many times she scold me I still love her for she's so strong to handle this kind of situation lalo na sa akin.
"Of course hon, sino ba hindi hihimbing ang tulog kapag kompleto tayo?" talaga ba daddy?
"Oh here anak, you like tapa diba? I made some for you-"
"Diba you like sisig in breakfast anak? Here I made some for you" dad cutted mom.
I'm not sure which meal to prioritize because if I prefer daddy's, the other person will be sad, and if I prioritize mommy's, daddy may be disappointed.
They both just staring at me and waiting kung anong unang kakainin ko.
"Malia?"
"Lia honey" mom added and all I did is just staring at them. Kung nandito lang sana sila kuya Alfy and Luis malamang kanina pato ubos.
"W-wait mom and dad! I'll eat all of these pero isa-isa lang po ha. I miss both of your dishes yet sandali lang po. Ilagay niyo lang po muna jaan at kakainin ko lang po maya-maya ng sabay-sabay yan. We didn't pray yet pa naman po" I declare and proceed to prayer na lang.
After that, they both stared at me and waiting kung nong uunahain kong kainin. Hindi naman ito contest at hindi ako judge, kaya pareho akong kumuha ng tig kalahati at parehong tinikman.
"Hmm, this is so good mom and dad. I miss this" and the both of them just smiled at me. While mom tucked my hair-being sweet.
"Honey do you want us to go somewhere else today?" dad abruptly declare. I know that if we're gonna go or bond somewhere else we won't be able to finish the day with him because I expect that there's someone who'll call him later.
"Don't you have work HONEY?" mom state at diniin ang pagsasabi ng honey kay daddy. Anoto nag p-plastikan lang?
"Perhaps EVA needs you at the office?" mom added-pwede naman na mamaya pagusapan to hindi sa harap ng hapag kainan.
As a response dad just stared mom as if he pities her.
"Diba-"
"What time did the both of you wake up po" I cutted mom kasi baka saan pa humantong ang usapan.
"4 hours ago honey. Do you like it?" dad answered and asked me about the food that he cooks. I also noticed that they're eating their own food na niluto. Nakakahalata na talaga ako.
"O-of course daddy. Here, you should try what mom did cooked, also here mommy. Try what did dad cooked masarap pareho ang luto niyo" then gave the opposite dishes sa kanilang dalawa.
Then when they taste it, walang umimik ni isa. Paano na lang kaya kung mamatay ako edi sila kuya Luis and Alfy naman ang kawawa dahil sa planong gagawin nila mommy.
"Oh diba, told you na masarap daddy. Ganoon din nung sayo mommy" then all I just received as a response is that they both just nod.
After we ate, I'm planning to go at the garden. For when I'm there, I could feel my serenity. When I was a bout to step mom called me.
"Sit here with us honey" she state and I saw that the both of them are in the couch ni daddy. But why does it seems na malayo sila sa isa't-isa? I want to ask what's happening between the two of them but hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin, yung ginawa ko kagabi o sa kanilang dalawa ba? After the incident last night, it seems to be a normal day na sa ngayon. Parang wala lang may nangyare kagabi, pero baka ito na yun at kakausapin na nila ako.
Then I went to them. But as I approach them hindi na talaga maiwasan ng mga luha kong pumatak. Kahit papano ay na g-guilty din ako sa ginawa ko.
"I-I'm sorry" I state and mom just hugged me.
"Shh it's okay, we're supposed to talk that right now naman. But can we? If you're not ready it's okay-"
"I-I'm ready" I cutted mom.
Then both of them ni daddy hold my hand.
"When you left me at the hospital that time, the doctor announced that my leukemia got already severe. She told me that if ever I'll continue my chemo, ganoon pa rin na may tanim na ang buhay ko. So I simply decided that won't continue anymore. B-because n-nahihirapan na po k-kasi ako, hindi ako makagalaw, maraming bawal and I-I couldn't enjoy my life anymore if that happens"
"But what if we'll try? I believe that there's a possibility that you'll heal anak. Ayaw naming nahihirapan kaming mga magulang mong makita ka unti-unting nagbabago-"
"Ayaw ko na rin naman pong pahirapan at ipilit ang sarili ko sa mg bagay na hindi ko rin lang naman makakamit. Mommy it's already severe, the word severe could already vanish me anytime-"
"Shh honey, just please don't. But don't you want to try it? If you think there's no more chance, you're wrong for me and your mom exactly know that you'll make it" dad concur.
I just shook my head.
"B-but you know w-what po? Kahit minsan lang tayo magkakasama- I still want to thank you mommy and daddy to the both of you. I know that sometimes I'm hardheaded, naughty and the way you want me to be that I wasn't able to do . I want to thank you- thank you for showing me patience. For looking into my tired eyes and offering me place to rest. Thank you for keeping me warm, and holding me when things get too heavy. Thank you for supporting me and hearing me and seeing me. Thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love me too. And I'm sorry kung naging pabigat ako sa inyo-"
"Don't t you ever say that word Malia, hinding-hindi ka naging pabigat sa amin dahil anak ka namin. But the decision you did- napakasakit anak. Pero wala naman na kaming magagawa kung yan ang kagustuhan mo, this house is not the same anymore when you're gone already. There's no one that I'll cuddle every night and morning. And t-there's no you M-malia" mom declare.
"That's why in that one and a half months, I'm going to spend and enjoy my life. With you and my friends I want to die peacefully while we're sitting and watching the sunset. I just want to left some fruitful memories and die peacefully. I want my last breathe, sensed, touched with the both of you. And last night? I know some of the family are disappointed at me for they don't answering my chats and calls but last night's the happiest event did ever happened to me. And every night when the both of you ni daddy sleeps with me? I'm so flattered for what happened in the past is happening in the present again. I just want my remaining time spend in the most unforgettable events for even when I'm already at the other side. That will make me remember that when I'm still alive, the people loved-gave determination and persevere for me" I said while smiling and do have a tears of joy.
"Malia anak a-are you s-sure about that?" mom concur while dad also agreed.
And as a response I just nodd.
"I can't fathom what would we feel in that day, but mom and dad promise you that while you're still here. We're not gonna let you feel like your unprotected we're gonna do things you'd like to do- go somewhere you want to and stay with you" dad mention. On the other hand, mom just keep on crying-I think she didn't agree.
"Mommy?" I state and waiting her to response.
"Are you truly sure?" she said and I just nod in happiness.
Until she smiled which I suddenly understand.
"T-thank you mommy. I-I really love the both of you" I remarked and both of them ni daddy suddenly hugged me.
Then the urge of me that want to ask about what I saw earlier.
"Mommy and daddy will always be here okay?" dad utter.
"But I just want to ask a question po" I spoke.
"Whatever it is anak" mom answered while dad's caressing my hair.
"Please tell me the truth mommy and daddy what's going on between-"
When the landline telephone suddenly rings.
"Let me handle it hon" dad concur which made us left ni mommy.
But when dad's in call his gaze are on mom, wrong timing naman baka may pupuntahan sila o pinapatawag.
"Hon it's the maid of mommy. Pinapatawag tayong dalawa, it's urgent daw" that said as he put down the phone.
"But what about Malia-?"
"No mommy I'm all okay here. Perhaps mama Meldy needs to talk with you- and if anything happens just call me" I cutted her.
"But anak you have something to ask pa diba? You can ask na, they can wait naman" mommy added.
Wrong timing talaga naman kasi eh.
"N-nothing na po mommy-we'll talk about it next time. I'm not yet ready is it okay po ba?"
Mom and dad jsut nodded.
"Are you sure anak? Perhaps it's important makakaintay naman sila" dad said.
"Yes daddy, you should go na ni mommy. I'm just here lang and Jessan and Keirt will be here naman in few minutes kanina pa kasi nagtext yun"
"O siya sige, we'll allow you to go somewhere ni Jessan but just with the driver and bring yaya okay? We'll come back immediately" mom state and kissed me same wih dad and the two of them went already.
A few minutes I received a notification on my phone and it's from Jessan pala. Saying that they're will be here na maya-maya. I just prepare some snacks for us.
"Ma'am may naghahanap po sa inyo sa gate, mga kaibigan niyo raw po. Noong pumunta rin rito noon" manong suddenly appeared.
"Oh they're here na pala. Just let them in manong. Salamat"
"Sige po ma'am" manong answered and went to the gate.
"BAKLAAAA!" I was taken aback when someone suddenly shout behind me and it was Jessan and Keirt pala.
Linapitan ko naman ito para yakapin.
"Hey!" I said as a approach the both of them as well to hug them.
"Oy ikaw ha, di mo ako pinatulog kagabi sa sinabi mo. Ano na yun? Deretso na ako sa tanong ko" Jessan concur.
"D-doon muna tayo sa garden" I exclaimed and lead the way papunta sa garden.
Nang makarating kami at naka pwesto na, both of them ni Keirt are waiting on my announcement.
"Oh ngayon na nandito na tayo, ano na?" she state which Keirt also agree.
"So uhm" I said and get suddenly so nervous for baka umalis ang dalawa nito wala sa oras pag nasabi ko na.
"Ano na?" Jessan raised her voice.
"I-I'm dying Jess" and there was a silence.
"Dying-dying ka jan, yung totoo?" she note.
"But why won't you believed? I-I have only one and a half months remaining. And that's all, I just want that before I vanished we'll have a bond or create some memories"
"Uy Lia ano ka ba naman" Keirt quote.
I just nodd and smiled at them.
"Alam mo ikaw na babae ka, gusto kong magalit sayo. Wala na bang paraan para mabuhay ka? Diba nag c-chemo ka Lia? Ano to?" Jessan added.
"My leukemia just got severed. Ganoon din naman if I'll continue my chemo, papanget ako at mag lalala lang. Kaya mas mabuti na yung ganito, hindi sa hospital ako nagpapalipas ng mga araw na natitira sa akin. But I already expect that you'll be angry at me. Dalawa kayo ni Keirt and it's fine, if you want to leave you can. It's just I want to say goodbye-"
"Alam mo ikaw maganda ka sana kaso lutang beh, oo magagalit ako pero hindi naman kita hahayaan na mamatay na may sama ako ng loob sayo. Tutulungan ka namin ni Keirt ano bang silbi ng pagkakaibigan natin kung hahayaan lang namin ikaw malagay sa piligro? Hindi kami pabaya noh. P-pero nasabi mona ba yan kila Tita Irene?" Jessan spoke and I can see that her tears are about to fall.
"Y-yes I did tell them already, at first they really didn't approved me but natanggap naman nila na hanggang sa edad na lang na ito ang buhay ko. And t-talaga ba Jessan? Hindi ka magagalit?"
"Tara na nga Keirt bungol ata tong babae na to eh" she respond and was about to stand but I stopped them.
"H-hindi sa ganon but you're not mad at me dying?"
"Isa pang dying-dying mo jan Malia gagawin talaga kitang daing wala sa oras" she joked.
"Oo nga Lia, mabenta pa naman daing sa palengke" Keirt added.
As a respond I just hugged the both of them and didn't expect that these will happen.
"T-thank you f-for allowing me sa ginawa kong decision. As in salamat talaga" I said and couldn't handle to cry.
"Ano ba naman halika nga" Jessan said and hug me again.
"Hindi ka naman na namin mapili kung yan ang gusto mo. Pero paano naman kaming mga kaibigan mo? Dalawa na lang kami ni Keirt ang matitira?" she added.
"I-I'm sorry talaga Jessan but I already need to."
"Kung yan ang gusto mo talaga Lia. Kahit masakit ay tatanggapin namin"
"T-thank you Jess and Keirt, both of you are my real friends talaga" I said and Jessan wiped my tears.
"Tama na kakaiyak magiging koreana kana maya-maya kagabi kapa ata iyak ng iya" she exclaimed.
"The truth is yes, that's the announcement I made last night yet the family didn't respond on my chats and calls this morning. Perhaps they're all upset at me"
"Eh kagabi, pagkasabi mo sa kanila anong naging reaksyon nila?"
"The silence stood and I abruptly walked out and went to my room" I answered.
"Haysst naman, so anong plano mo? Sila tita and tito kamusta?"
"I'll talk to them perhaps later. Aside, mom and dad went on mama Meldy pinapatawag sila and it's urgent daw. B-but I literally need to fix some things before I'll vanish"I declare.
"P-pwede bang malaman kung ano yun? Baka makatulong kami" she said,
I just stared at them first before to proceed what I'm gonna say. Until Jessan held my hand.
"Makakaasa ka sa amin" she said.
"When I was about to go downstairs, I saw a s-stack of papers beside the v-vase and when I looked at it. It says that it's the annulment p-papers of mom and dad" I concur and forcing my tears not to fall.
"A-ano?" both of them ni Keirt spoke.
"B-bakit? May pinag-awayan ba sila? Hindi na ba talaga nila yan mapag usapan? Naaawa ako sayu Malia kasi nagawa pa yun nila tito at tita imbes na bawiin nila ang mga pagkukulang nila sayo. Alam ba nila na alam mo?" Jessan added.
I just shook my head as a response.
"May naalala ka bang may pinag-awayan sila o anuman na hindi nila pinagkakasunduan. Ano ba naman yan sila tita at tito, ganito na nga ang sitwasyon mo nagagawa pa nila mag ganyan" Keirt now spoke.
"I only remember that when mom head here in the house, she's crying and a minute after. Sumunod naman si daddy. Sa naguguluhan na ako sa mga pangyayari, I went to their room at nakinig kung anong pinag aawayan nila. And it's all about Eva. For when dad's on a business trip, Eva accidentally kissed him. Ganoon din yesterday, when mama Imee and I got here may narinig akong nagsisigawan at parang alam rin ni maam Imee what's going on. But she insist not to tell me. Nakailang ulit na nga ako"
Then Jessan hold my hand to stand.
"W-wait. Jessan w-what are you doing? Saan tayo pupunta?" I said.
"Edi pupunain yang Eva na yan. Nakakailan na ata yan Malia, ikaw ang kawawa dito sa mga nangyayare eh"
"W-what do you mean?" I exclaimed.
"Edi pupuntahan natin para matahimik"
"W-what? No! Baka hindi lang yun ang rason kung bakit-"
"Eh ano Malia!? Noong una palang sobra-sobra na ang pag bubuntot ng bobita na yan kay tito Greggy. Naalala mo noon sa sementeryo? Doon pa lang may sama na ako ng kutob, malandi atang business partner ni daddy mo yan jusko naman!" she spoke.
"Oo nga Malia, dapat jan turuan ng leksyon sa ginawa niya" Keirt added.
"B-but not in this way. We're not going to go in her company just for me to talk her about these things. What we're planning to do is inappropriate!" I raised my voice upon them.
"Bahala ka kung ayaw mo, kami na lang ni Keirt ang kakausap dun. Tara na nga Keirt tinutulungan nga tong isa ayaw niya pa" Jessan state and we're here already na sa gate and was about to leave same as Keirt.
"H-hey! W-wait!" I shout at them habang papalayo na nang papalayo ang mga ito.
"I'll go, but I'll be the one who'll talk to her and please don't make any scene sa company niya" I confidently said and called manong driver to assist us.
Just a minute passed by at nandito na kami sa parking lot ng kompanya nila. Their company is quite big perhaps they're just the same sa kompanya nila daddy.
"Nandito lang kami" Jessan and Keirt trying to cheer up me and as a response, I just nod.
"Ma'am samahan ko na po kayo sa loob" manong driver told us but we insist na kami na luckily mabilis naman itong kausap.
When we're already at the entrance, we ask the guard if the CEO is here.
"Yes po ma'am nag book po ba kayo ng appointment sa kanya?" he state.
"No po, we're just here to talk her personally. And it's very important po sana" I quote and he dialed someone in the telephone at pagkababa nito ay may sinabi siya sa amin.
"Nako ma'am mukhang busy ata si ma'am Eva sa ngayon. Sabi kasi ng assistant niya kapag wala kang binooked na appointment hindi ka po maaaring makapag usap sa kanya" he declare and the three of us looked so disappointed. I just want to talk her honestly and personally. Ayoko namang gamitin ang name ni daddy at baka saan pa hahantong ito.
"Malia sabihin mo na lang kaya pangalan ni tito Greggy" Jessan and Keirt said. Hindi naman ako mapakali ayoko namang sumali sa gulo pero tama si Jessa. Ako ang nagiging kawawa rito.
"Manong guard pwede niyo po bang tawagan ulit ang assistant nita and tell her that it's Malia Araneta?" somehow she might recognize me.
"Sige po ma'am" manong guard spoke and dialed her assistant again.
Pagkababa naman nito ay hindi namin inaakala ang sasabihin nito.
"Pupuntahan na lang daw po kayo ng assistant niya rito ma'am" manong spoke which we agree.
Just a few minutes and her assistant's here na.
"Malia Araneta po?" she said and I just nod which she assist us papuntang 30th floor.
"Ate nasaan yung boss mong ahas?" Jessan suddenly spoke while we're inside the elevator. Eva's assistant just stared at her dangerously ako naman ay sinuway siya.
"Just wait na lang dito Ms. Araneta" Eva's assistant spoke while she enters the room.
"Jess is it okay na ako na lang ang kakausap sa kanya?" sambit ko.
"Sigurado ka ba jan Malia? Baka anong gagawin sayo ng babaeng yan"
"Oo nga Lia" Keirt added.
"It's all fine na ako lang just wait na lang here" I respond at timing naman na lumabas na ang assistant nito and accompany me inside.
"I'll go ahead ma'am" her assistant told me and I just nod and say thank you on her. On the other hand, I saw her facing at the glass window and her back at my sight. Nang bigla itong humarap sa akin with pointed sight.
"It's you Malia" the first words came out on her mouth with a smirk. She's quite beautiful, pero mas maganda si mommy.
I didn't respond on her, instead stared at her.
"What brings you here?" she said as she got closer and closer to me.
I don't know what to say. Dederetsuhin ko ba ay magpapaikot-ikot pa ako?
"Are you here to tell me that you want me to avoid your dad?" she suddenly spoke. Why does it seems she's guilty and what did I assume were true.
"What if I said yes?" I confidently said.
"And what if I said he's the one who keeps on following me?"
"Edi layuan mo" I answered.
"And what if I can't?"
"Edi makikita mo ang hinahanap mo" I declare.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I though at first you're one of a kind and just like your father. Yet I was wrong, for you're just weak as your mom, sweetie" she insulted me and made my blood boil. Mama Meldy taught me na kapag inaapakan kana, labanan mo na.
"Your daddy kissed me my dear Malia. And we're lovers in the past" those words devastated me. But I'm not going to be weak, as she implied, I'm going to fight for what's right. Kami naman ni mommy ang mas angat sa kanya.
"Lumaban ka kaya mo yan. Hindi yung puro iyak" I murmur to myself.
As a response I smiled at her first before continue to speak.
"You know what Miss Eva your too beautiful. Too beautiful to have a mind as narrow and as clear as your skin shining on your face. I got hurt mentally and physically and it didn't feel nice at all. And I despised being hurt. But perhaps you wanted to play a game between my mom to my dad. And I won't letting anyone rule this game. Yes my dad did kissed or did some things to satisfy you. But don't you think it's all a game also? Because as far as I know diring-diri sayo si daddy after what you did , perhaps he wants to file a case against you. Don't you think ikaw ang nagpapakatanga dito? Mom's different than you that's all because dad went down on one knee for her. All of that, he did none for you. Daddy didn't ask you to marry him. In that particular situation, I think we can all see who is ruling this game and it's my mom"
"What are you trying to tell me?" banggit nito habang papaiyak na.
I took a deep breathe first before speaking.
"I'm just telling you that we don't like losing. You are not dad's wife after all. I believe that you are just someone from his past and his playing too. I'm just telling you that you should already avoid my dad and if not. I just want to tell you that good luck to mom if you won't stop. She is as fierce as a lion, yet you are as frail as a worm crawling and easily to stepped on."
With only seconds remaining and she still refusing to speak, I decided to leave at baka saan pa humantong ito.
That is it. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Miss Eva, I'll go ahead" I say, leaving her with a wide smile as her tears stream down her cheeks.