This is a work of FICTION. All characters are used in FICTITIOUS manner.
---
Irene's POV
I opened my door when I heard someone knocked and it was Mommy.
"Get ready for later. We're going to the Araneta's, Emma invited us for a dinner" she told me.
Oh? Walang nababanggit si Greggy sa'kin ha.
"Okay. Mommy are you busy? May ginagawa ka ba?" I asked.
"Ngayon? Wala naman. Why?"
I pulled her inside my room and let her sit on my bed. "Can you sing for me Mom? Medyo masakit ang ulo ko, sing me to sleep please" paglalambing ko sa kanya.
Alas dos palang naman so I want to sleep. Itutulog ko na lang tong sakit ng ulo ko, hopefully mawawala na siya paggising ko. It's the first day of my menstruation that's why.
"Alright. Lay down now then" umayos siya sa pwesto niya kaya humiga na rin ako.
How I missed this. Kahit noong buhay pa si Daddy ay ginagawa na nila to sakin.
She started humming so I encircled my arm on her and she hugged me too. Ah, what a nice feeling this is. My mom's warm hug is very comforting.
I closed my eyes as she sang for me. Makukuha ko na sana ang tulog ko nang marinig kong bumukas ang pinto ko.
"Mommy have you seen m-- Oh anong meron?" I heard my brother Bongbong asked.
"Shh, keep your voice down. Your ading is sleeping, her head hurts" Mommy told him.
I heard footsteps walking away. "Come look at your sister" he sounded like he's informing someone.
"Ay, adda agum-umbi, Aimee umay mo kitaen" (Ay, may naglalambing, Aimee tingnan mo) I already know who said that.
Oh Lord, please don't tell me they're bug us here. But I think it's too late for that. Naramdaman ko na lang ang paglubog ng kama ko sa may paanan ko.
"Nakaturog kano ah" (Nakatulog daw) I felt Bonget tickled my toe.
Dahil sa kiliting nararamdaman, nasipa ko ang kamay niya.
"See, she's awake" he uttered.
Patuloy pa rin si Mommy sa paghaplos sa buhok ko kaya hinayaan ko ang mga kapatid ko. My god, why do they love to nag in to my tranquility.
Naramdaman kong may humiga sa likod ko dahil may yumakap sakin. I turned around and saw Manang. Sumunod at gumaya sa kanya si Aimee.
"Syempre sali ako" ani Bonget at humiga na rin.
I looked at mommy na parang nagsusumbong but she just smiled at me. I looked back at them but they just raise their brows teasingly, they even winked!
Idinagan ni Manang ang paa niya sakin pati si Aimee at Bonget. "Yung paa mo naman Bonget, hindi naman mahaba, pero umaabot dito." I said.
"Bunganga mo ha. Akala ko ba masakit ulo mo. Matulog ka na" he told me.
I rolled my eyes before hugging Mommy again. Patuloy pa rin sila sa pag-aasaran pero pumikit na ako para matulog.
Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras akong nakatulog pero nagising ako nang makarinig ako ng ingay at kaluskos di kalayuan sa kama ko.
I opened my eyes and looked around me. Manang is still sleeping and she's hugging me like a pillow. I quietly removed her feet and arm on me before standing up.
"Will she find out kaya if I'll take some of her books?" dinig kong bulong ni Aimee kay Bongbong. They are turning their back on me kaya hindi nila ako napansin.
"Yes I will" I answered. They both turned around and hide the books behind them.
"You're awake na pala Ate" Aimee gave a small laugh.
"Huwag niyong kukunin ang mga yan. I haven't read them yet. Yung mga tapos ko na lang ang kunin niyo." turo ko sa itaas ng shelf.
Aimee smiled and reached for them. Bongbong approached me and whispered. "Sa tingin mo, mabubuhat natin si Manang pababa?" there's a big smile flasterred on his face.
"What are you planning again?" I asked him.
"Swimming na swimming na ako. Kanina ko pa kayo hinihintay magising, I can't wait any longer. Mamaya niyan mag-aayos na tayo para sa dinner" he whispered again.
Napangisi ako sa sinabi niya. "Tas ihuhulog natin siya sa pool?" tanong ko ulit.
"Naalam met lang garud." (Nakuha mo) nakipag-apir pa siya sakin.
I agreed to his plan. Minsan lang kami makaganti kay Manang, and this is the right time.
Bongbong attempted to carry her. "Ay, kaya ko naman pala" he chuckled. "Aimee let's go" he excitedly said.
I opened the door for them and then I followed. "Where are you four going?" I heard Mommy asked nang dumaan kami sa kusina.
"Mag-swimming lang kami Mommy" Bongbong shouted that woke Manang up.
"Hoy! Saan niyo ako dadalhin? Bonget ibaba mo ako!" she scream from the top of her lungs.
Sakto naman na nakarating kami sa pool area kaya inihulog siya ni Bongbong sa tubig. We laughed because of that.
"Humanda kayong tatlo" she warned us. Tumalon na rin si Bongbong na kanina pa atat na atat lumangoy. While Aimee, bumaba pa siya gamit ang hagdan.
I went to pick up the hose. Inayos ko ang lalabas na tubig na parang umuulan at itinutok iyon sa kanila.
"Halika na dito" pag-anyaya nila sakin. They even splashed water on me.
I was just laughing at them but I was shocked when someone gently pushed me in the pool.
"Nice one Mommy" Bongbong showed a thumbs up. While the two cheered and clapped.
"Mommy naman parang hindi pamilya" reklamo ko.
Just like what I was doing earlier, itinutok niya sa amin ang hose. "Ayan, ganyan, maligo kayo. Di pa kayo naliligo" she said.
"I did! Kaninang umaga!" tutol ko sa sinabi niya.
"Oh, yeah kase sinukahan ka ni Michael" tawa ni Manang.
The baby puked on me earlier. I thought he was just going to burp. Nagulat na lang ako na may parang lugaw na sa leeg ko.
We enjoyed our bond together. We played so much in the water while Mom watched us. Dumating din si Borgy dahil nagising siya sa ingay namin.
We stayed in there for hours until we decided to go take a bath in our bathroom now. When I'm done, I went out of my bathroom wearing my robe.
I went to my phone and read Greggy's message.
Greggy:
See you later. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you about it.
6:38 pm
Greggy:
Do you want me to fetch you?
6:40 pm
I composed my reply as I sat down.
Irene:
No need. Sasabay na lang ako kay Mommy. I'll see you later.
6:45 pm
I placed my phone back and proceed to dry my hair. He's been staying in their house for days since his siblings will go back to the US tomorrow.
After I dried my hair, I went to my closet. Wearing a poet sleeve, sweetheart cross-back body hughing dress and two inches stilletos, I feel so delightful.
I went back to my vanity mirror and comb my not-so-long hair, then I put a light make up on my face.
When I feel I'm done, I went out of my room. I walked towards Mommy's room and twisted the knob, it's not locked so I went inside. She's just done with her hair.
"I see you're done" she commented. She still look 'imeldific' with her terno. Of course terno is her thing and no one can take those away from her.
When we are all ready, we got into the car and head to their house. Agad naman kaming sinalubong ni Tita Emma at Tito Luisito.
We went to their kitchen to see their long table full of foods. Parang silang magpapa-piyesta.
Greggy pulled a chair for me and after that, he sat beside it. Katabi ko rin si Gwen at sa harap ko ay si Bongbong.
The dinner started and so is the chika. When we are done, itinuloy nila ang kwentuhan sa sala. As for us, pinabantay sa amin ang mga bata.
They are playing here in the orchard and Greggy and I were asked to look after them.
Gagawa-gawa kasi ng bata tapos kami ang pagbabantayin. Ano yon, sila lang ang chichika doon.
"How's work?" I asked Greggy. We are sitting on a porch swings while looking at the kids playing.
Natahimik siya bago sumagot. "It was... good. Okay lang naman"
"You seem hesitant to answer. May problema ba?"
"Wala" he looked at me and smiled. "It was tiring but it's good. Sanay naman na ako"
I know and I can feel that he has a problem right now. But if he doesn't want to open up to me, I'll try to understand. Iintindihin ko siya sa abot ng makakaya ko.
"Anong oras ang flight nila Ate mo bukas?" tanong ko ulit. But I didn't get any response. I looked at him, nakatulala lang siya sa sa baba.
He looks out of his reverie kaya pumitik ako sa harapan niya, "Hello, earth to my Greggy!" I chuckled.
"S-sorry. What is it again?" he scratched the back of his head.
"Are you really okay? I was asking what time is their flight tomorrow."
"Seven pm pero dapat before seven nasa airport na. Will you come?"
"Huwag na. Baka may gagawin din ako bukas. As for you, mister, baka hindi ka na naman sasama sa kanila ha" I uttered.
"Oo na, sasama na." he chuckled and put his arm around my shoulder. Parang napipilitan pa. "Look at Aumyrrh and Borgy, they can't catch up to Theia and Myreah" he stated.
Oh, iniiba ang topic. I see.
"Will you really not tell me what's going on with you this past few days?" pagbabalik ko sa tanong ko kanina.
"Eto naman, wala ngang problema. I just worked on important papers tapos mga meetings ganon. Everyday is very tiring kaya siguro ako nags-space out" he chuckled again.
Bahala ka nga. Ayaw mong sabihin, edi huwag.
Nang napagod na ang mga bata, pumasok na kami. Sakto namang tapos na sila kaya nagpaalam na kami para umuwi.
"I know, I'll stay." banggit agad ni Greggy nang magtama ang mata namin.
Good boy.
Nakipag-beso ako kila Tita bago ako umuna sa sasakyam ni Mommy.
"Bye. I love you" I told him. He accompanied me until we got into the car. Ako pa lang ang nandito dahil hindi pa tapos si Mommy.
"I love you too. Text me when you got home" he met my lips. After that, he hugged me and placed his head on my neck. "Chacharge lang ako" I felt him smiled.
"Alis na" I uttered when I saw Mommy walking towards the car. "We're going"
He stood properly. He held my waist before planting a kiss on my forehead. "Babye" paalam niya. "Ingat kayo Tita" he told my Mom before walking away.
Something is wrong with him. I wonder why he can't tell me.
We arrived in the mansion in no time. Swabe lang naman ang daloy ng trapiko kaya ganoon. I immediately went to my room to change my clothes. I composed a message to Greggy saying that we already arrived. After that, nahiga na ako para matulog.
The next day, I keep myself busy with painting. When I finished two canvass, I suddenly got bored.
I went to Bongbong's room. Si Liza ang nakita ko doon at nagbabasa.
"Hello" I sat on the bed beside her and caress her tummy. "We can't wait to meet you little guy" pagkausap ko rito.
Nagulat ako nang may bumukol sa bandang gilid. I looked at Liza who's smiling. "Does that mean he kicked?" paniniguro ko.
"Yes. I think he heard you" she chuckled.
"May name na kayo?" I asked and she nodded.
"Ferdinand Alexander" she replied. "Sandro for short."
Wow.
"What a nice name. Hello Sandro, can you kick for Tita again?" hinaplos ito pero wala na.
Malapit nang manganak si Liza. Who knows, baka these coming days na.
"Asan nga pala si Bonget?"
"Sa baba. Pinakuha ko ng pagkain" tawa niya.
"Alright. Puntahan ko lang" I told her.
Nang makababa ako, nakita ko siya sa kusina. "Bonget" tawag ko sa kanya. "Inom tayo mamaya"
Kumunot ang noo niya. "Anong nakain mo. May problema ka ba?"
"Wala naman. Iinom ka lang ba kapag may problema ka? Sige na, sama natin si Manang"
"Sige ba. Titingnan ko kung anong alak pa ang nandy--"
"Wag dito" putol ko sa sinasabi niya. "Bar hoping tayo" I suggested. "Pero huwag natin ipaalam kay Mommy na iinom tayo. Let's just tell them we'll see a movie"
He smiled on what I said. "Idea mo to ha. Teka lang ibibigay ko lang to kay Liza." he showed me a plate with food.
"Ako, wala?"
"May tira pa sa pan, sayo na" he told me.
I went towards the stove to see it. Yung tirang carbonara kaninang lunch, ininit niya. I placed it in a plate before going to the sala. Agad namang sumunod ang limang aso sakin.
While eating, I heard footsteps going down the stairs. "Irene, ikaw ang magpaalam kay Mommy" Manang stated as she sat down beside me. Kinuha niya ang hawak kong tinidor at iniikot iyon sa pinggan.
"Bagim man laengen" (Sayo na nga lang) I gave her the plate. Paubos naman na.
"Saan kayo? Sama ako" Aimee entered the sala, carrying her laptop. She also went to Manang para humingi sa carbonara.
"Detoy met." (Eto naman) reklamo ni Manang habang pinapanood si Aimee na sumubo.
"Bawal ka don" I told Aimee. "Iinom kami, bawal bata don"
"Sige na Ate." she pleaded but we still said no. "Isusumbong ko kayo kay Mommy" aniya na ikinagulat namin.
"Fine. You'll come but you're not allowed to drink too much" sabi ni Manang sa kanya.
She clapped in happiness. "Yes! Sama ako ha. Wala nang bawian"
Napailing na lang kami ni Manang sa iniasta niya. Maya-maya pa tinawag kami ni Bonget para pumunta sa room ni Mommy. Siya na ang kumatok ang nagbukas ng pinto.
"Mom, may sasabihin daw si Irene" he said and pushed me inside. I glared at them but they just grinned.
"Go na" Manang shoved her hand, gesturing me to go closer to Mommy.
Mommy is just looking at us and waiting for me to speak up. "Mommy..." lumapit ako sa kanya. "Lalabas sana kami mamaya. You remember the movie that Aimee has been talking about lately? Tonight is the premiere, sasamahan po namin siya sa movie theater Mom" pagpapalusot ko.
"Kayong apat?" she asked and we all nodded. "Alright. Alam niyo ang oras ng uwi niyo ha. Maaga dapat" she added.
"Yes Mommy. Thank you" humalik ako sa pisngi niya bago hinila ang tatlo palabas.
Nakipag-apir sila sa akin at tuwang-tuwa sa mga nirason ko.
---
I went out of my room wearing a polo collar rib-knit tee, a wide leg pants and white sneakers. Inis akong bumaling sa kanina pang kumakatok na si Manang.
"Ang tagal mo naman, bagot na bagot na yung driver" tukoy niya kay Bonget.
"Sorry naman" ungot ko bago naglakad papunta sa kwarto ni Mommy. "Mom, we'll leave now." paalam ko.
Sumilip din ako sa kwarto nila Liza. "Hey, inform them immediately if you feel weird or anything ha" bilin ko rito.
"Sure. Ingat kayo, have fun" she answered.
Agad akong sumakay sa kotse nang makalabas ako. Nasa harap si Bonget at Manang habang nasa back seat kami ni Aimee.
When we reached the bar, we chose to sit on the second floor. Dadalhin pa sana kami sa VIP room but we refused. Apat lang naman kami, ang boring nun.
I ordered some drinks, iba lang ang kay Aimee dahil hindi pa siya pwede sa mga hard drinks.
Nakaka-ilang shots na ako kaya nagsisimula nang umikot ang paningin ko. Hinila ako ni Manang sa baba para magsayaw.
Kung sino-sino na ang nakakabangga ko pero wala akong pakialam. Hanggang sa maramdaman kong may nanunulak sa likod ko. I looked at them and saw a group of men that is starting to have a fight.
I felt someone pulled me away from the dancefloor when they started punching each other.
"Lipat na tayo sa kabila" Bongbong told us. Tiningnan ko siya at nakasukbit sa kamay niya ang bag namin ni Manang habang hila-hila niya kami palabas. Aimee is just following us.
---
Third Person's POV
It's already eleven in the evening and the four siblings are on the fifth bar. Literal na nag-bar hopping sila.
Irene looked at her phone when she saw it light up. Her man texted her.
Greggy:
Hey love, just finished my business proposal. Are you still up?
11:46 pm
Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mata bago nag-tipa sa telepono. She's trying to compose it correctly but she failed. She's too drunk to do that.
Irene:
Yrs, yea. Nada bar akp.
11:48 pm
She was about to put her phone down when she received his reply very quickly.
Greggy:
You're drunk. Sinong kasama mo? Where exactly are you? Open your location, pupuntahan kita.
11:48 pm
"Irene come here!" tawag sa kanya ni Imee na nasa dancefloor, kasama si Aimee.
Sa kanilang apat, si Bongbong at Aimee lang ang matino pa. While Imee and Irene, pulang-pula na sa kalasingan.
She drank another shot before standing up. Muntik pa siyang matumba pero mabilis siyang inalalayan ng kuya niya. "Tama na, huwag ka nang iinom" he warned her at pinaupo ito.
"Saglit lang, sasayaw pa ko dun" ngumuso siya.
Wala nang nagawa si Bongbong nang magpumiglas ang kapatid niya. He sighed deeply and watched them. He's also drank but he made sure he's not that drank so he can look over his sisters.
He took his phone out and sent a text to Liza saying that he's going to convince his sister to go home. Alam ni Liza na nag-bar sila at hindi nag-sine.
When he looked back at the dancefloor, wala na doon ang tatlo. Agad siyang na-alarma dahil dito. He stood up and roamed his sight in the bar.
Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang mamataan si Aimee. He went towards them carrying their bags and phones.
Hindi niya alam kung anong ire-react niya nang makitang may dinadaluhan silang umiiyak na babae.
"H-he cheated on me..." the lady cried. He frowned when Imee and Irene also cried.
"Konti na lang, itatanggi ko na talagang kasama ko tong mga to" ani Aimee na hinihila sila.
Gusto niyang matawa nang i-comfort ng dalawa ang babae. The only question he have is that, bakit sila nakiki-iyak?
"Hush now, don't cry over him, what's your name again?" Irene asked her. Pinunasan niya ang mukha niya na may mga luha.
'Tingnan mo, hindi pala kilala pero nakiki-iyak' Bongbong thought.
"Ainsley" tipid na sabi ng babae.
Hindi pa rin tumitigil sa pag-iyak ang babae na nagpakilalang Ainsley. Walang nagawa si Bongbong at Aimee kundi umupo sa harap nila at magbantay dahil ayaw tumayo ni Imee at Irene.
Gusto mang awatin ni Bongbong sila nang makitang tumungga na naman ang dalawa ng alak ay hindi niya magawa dahil mas matigas pa sa bato ang ulo ng dalawang kapatid niya na babae kapag nalalasing.
"Kuya iuwi na natin yan" Aimee told him later on.
"Hindi ko sila mabubuhat pareho. Buti sana kung tig-isa tayo eh mas mabigat pa sila sayo" he stated.
"I think you should call Kuya Greggy" she suggested.
They both looked at their sisters. They are so wasted. Yung polo ni Irene bumubukas na rin.
Bongbong stood up and took Irene's phone. "Bantayan mo sila. Don't let them stand up and go anywhere" bilin niya kay Aimee.
He went out to call Greggy using Irene's phone. In a few rings, he picked up the call.
"Irene where are you?" bungad nito.
"Lasing na lasing" Bongbong chuckled. "Come help me take them home. Busy ka ba?"
"Hindi naman. I was waiting for Irene's reply. Good thing you called. Saan ba kayo, papunta na ako"
Bongbong told him the address before ending the call. Nang bumalik siya sa loob, gusto niyang matawa sa itsura ni Aimee na sinusuway ang dalawa.
Hindi niya alam kung paano nila nagawang lumabas na apat. Akay-akay niya si Imee habang inaalalayan ni Aimee si Irene.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" narinig niyang singhal ni Irene na nasa likod nila.
He thought she bumped into someone but it isn't a someone. Napailing na lang siya dahil kotse ang nabangga niya. Gumawa pa ng ingay ang sasakyan kaya nabitawan ni Irene ang cellphone niya.
Nabasag ang screen niya dahil naihagis niya ito.
"Shit naman" she cursed as she pick it up.
"Ate umayos ka ang bigat mo!" Aimee complained.
Bongbong stopped ang looked for his car. "Where did I parked it?" he whispered as he roamed his sight in the parking lot. Binitawan niya si Imee para hanapin ito.
Because of dizziness, Imee sat on the cemented road. She crawled to the nearest plant box and settled herself there. Nakita iyon ni Irene kaya gumaya siya rito. She also sat down beside her Manang.
"Hindi ba yon doon Kuya?" Aimee told her brother as she point a place a bit far from where they are.
"Ewan. Parang dito lang din." nagkamot ng ulo si Bongbong.
"What really came first, the egg or chicken?" dinig nila Bongbong at Aimee na tanong ng kanilang Manang. They looked back at the two and they are holding a bird's nest with three eggs on it.
There's a big tree near them, it probably came from there. Nagkatinginan ang dalawa sa topic nila.
"Of course the chicken!" Irene answered. "God created pairs of animals first. Kaya chicken ang nauna tapos mangingitlog"
"Wrong. Egg ang nauna. Look at this, see" Imee showed the nest. "Egg tapos paglaki magiging chicken na"
"Manang that's a bird's egg and not chicken. And how will you know what kind of animal is that kung hindi mo unang malalaman kung ano sila paglaki. Paano magkakaroon ng itlog kung walang mangingitlog?" Irene explained.
"If you think this through, dadaan sila sa pagka-bata and ano ba sila noong bata? They were an egg, doon sila nagmula at nagsimula. Kaya egg ang nauna" Imee rebutted.
"Bong!" there was a man rushing to where they are.
"Finally" usal ni Bongbong na parang nabunutan ng tinik.
"Papasok na sana ako sa loob pero nakita ko kayo dito" Greggy said.
"We are looking for my car. Nakalimutan ko kung saan ako nag-park" Bongbong told him.
"Yung white ba na sasakyan mo?" Greggy asked and he nodded as a reply. "I saw it there, malapit sa labasan. Akala ko nga nandoon na kayo"
"Then let's go, they're over there" turo niya sa dalawa.
Pinuntahan nila ang mga ito para akayin na pauwi. "Oh, you're here!" Irene exclaimed when she saw Greggy. "Wait, are you really here or am I hallucinating?" kumunot ang noo niya.
"Let's go home, it's already late" he assisted her to stand up.
Nang makarating sila sa sasakyan, agad nilang isinakay ang dalawa. "I'll drive" Greggy uttered and ask for the key.
"You didn't brought your car?" Bongbong asked him.
"No, nagpahatid lang ako sa driver namin" he answered and drove to their mansion.
Maluwag ang daan kaya nakarating sila agad. Naunang pumasok sila Bongbong at sumunod sila Greggy.
"Sinehan ba sa abroad ang pinuntahan ninyo at napakatagal niyong umuwi? I told you earlier na maaga dapat ang uwi at hindi umaga" bungad sa kanila ng kanilang ina kaya napaayos ng tayo si Imee at Irene.
"M-mom, you're still up" Bongbong uttered. He looked at the huge clock on their sala and it's already one thirty in the middle of the night.
"Nakainom ba kayo?" puna pa ni Imelda nang makita ang itsura nila.
"Konti lang M-mommy, as in slight l-lang" sagot ni Imee na nagpipigil ng pagsinok. Irene tried to hide her laughter by bowing her head down. They are trying to compose theirselves dahil malalagot sila kapag nakita ng ina na lasing na lasing sila.
Napahawak sa sentido si Imelda bago inutusan silang umakyat na. "Go to your room now. We'll talk tomorrow."
Agad na tumalima ang magka-kapatid. Patuloy na inaalalayan ni Greggy si Irene sa pag-akyat dahil susuray-suray ito.
Pabagsak na humiga si Irene sa kama niya. Greggy went to the bathroom to prepare a warm water and face towel. Paglabas niya, tinanggal niya muna ang sapatos ni Irene bago ang suot na pants, leaving only her cycling short.
"Look at my phone, basag" tumatawang pinakita niya ang telepono, tila nagsusumbong.
"What happened?" Greggy asked but he still continue to wipe her body using the towel.
"May nakabanggaan ako kanina, ang ingay niya, nagulat ako kaya naihagis ko" pagkwento niya pa.
"We'll just buy you another one" sabi sa kanya ni Greggy. "Ano bang phone ang gusto mo, we'll buy it"
"Even the most expensive one?" she innocently asked.
"Even the most expensive one" pag-uulit niya.
Her lips rose up. "You're like my sugar daddy nga pala 'no" she grinned playfully that made him chuckle.
'Is that because I'm older than her and I spoil her too much' he thought.
"Oo na, sugar daddy na. Get up, put this on." he showed her night dress.
"Sugar daddy huh" she said smirking. "Daddy"
She removed her polo tee before she puts on the dress. Ibinalik ni Greggy ang mga ginamit at nilagay sa basket ang mga damit niya.
When he went outside, Irene's eyes is closed. Probably sleeping now. Nilapitan niya ito para ayusin ang pagkakakumot pero tinabig niya lang. Init na init siya kaya nilakasan na lang ni Greggy ang aircon.
Hindi niya namalayan na nakatulog na rin siya sa tabi nito.
---
"Good morning, let's go downstairs, lalamig na yung pagkain" bati ni Greggy nang magmulat siya ng mata. She held her head since it's aching.
Bumangon siya at pumunta sa banyo. Pagtapos niya, hinihintay pa rin siya ni Greggy kaya sabay na silang bumaba.
"Sit down" utos sa kanya ni Imelda nang makarating sa hapag. Tinabihan niya ang kanyang Manang na tulala at sabog na sabog ang itsura kaya siniko niya ito.
She looked at Bongbong and Aimee who's holding their laughter. "Masakit ulo niyo 'no" he teased and she rolled her eyes.
"Kain na" suway ng kanilang ina.
Naging tahimik sila sa pagkain hanggang sa basagin rin mismo ni Imelda ang katahimikan. "Hindi ko alam na nalipat na pala sa bar ang sinehan?"takang tanong nito.
Nagkatinginan ang magkakapatid. "You should've told me the truth at hindi yung kung anu-anong rason ang sinabi niyo sa akin" panenermon niya pa.
"Sorry Mommy" nagbaba ng tingin si Irene.
"I hope this is the last time na gigimik kayo nang hindi nagpapaalam ha. Paano na lang kung pare-pareho kayong nalasing, how will you get home" her face softened when she saw how sorry her children are.
They ended their meal with stories from last night. "Alam mo ba Mommy, yang dalawang yan, may cinomfort na babae na kaka-break lang. They even cried for her. Hindi nila nilubayan hanggang di tumigil sa pag-iyak" pagkwento ni Bongbong.
Sinipa siya ni Irene sa ilalim ng mesa dahil magkaharap sila. "What? It's true. Nakiki-iyak kayo akala niyo naman kilala niyo" he laughed loudly. "Sinisi mo pa nga yung sasakyan na nabangga mo dahil nabasag ang phone mo diba?"
"And Mommy, pinag-debatehan pa nila kung alin ang nauna. Kung itlog ba o manok. Ayaw nilang magpa-awat kagabi" Aimee uttered.
Nawala na ang galit ni Imelda at napalitan na ng tawa dahil sa pinagga-gawa ng dalawa.
After their breakfast, Greggy prepared because he's going to his work. Hindi sana siya papasok ngayon pero tumawag si Josh at sinabing kailangan siya sa kompanya. He seems so restless everytime na napag-uusapan ang trabaho niya.
Hapon na nang magising si Irene mula sa pagkakaidlip kaninang pagkatapos niyang kumain. She was woken up by a loud noise around her.
"Mommy, Manang manganganak na si Liza!" Bongbong shouted.
Pagbukas niya ng pinto, akay-akay si Liza na umiiyak sa sakit. Agad siyang naalarma. She did what she also did when Imee gave birth.
Kinuha niya ang bag kay Bongbong para mas madali silang makababa.
Nang maisakay nila si Liza, pumasok din si Imelda para may kasama sila. She was about to enter the car too but she was dumbfounded when the car went away. Pinanood niya kung paano siya naiwan dahil pinaharurot ni Bongbong paalis ang sasakyan.
She didn't noticed her sisters on the door laughing at her. "Pasok na, di ka papasamahin don. Makiki-panic ka lang. Susunod na lang tayo" Imee told her.
They stayed in their house and waited for news from the hospital.
---
"Buti naabutan ko pa maipanganak ang pamangkin ko bago ako umalis ulit bukas." Aimee commented as they stared at a baby boy having his nap.
"Okay na ba lahat?" Bongbong asked her. "Your flight, your luggages?"
"Siyempre naman Kuya, ako pa ba?" she even pointed her self.
Halos mapuno ang hospital room dahil nandoon silang, including Liza's parents. It's a good thing the room is huge.
Greggy:
I'm sorry, mamaya pa ako makakapunta. May inaasikaso lang love. Don't get mad, please?
2:46 pm
Irene sat on the sofa while she's carrying Borgy. She fixed Borgy's position so she can type her reply.
Irene:
OA, no one is mad. Just do your work, that's more important. Pwede ka namang pumunta anytime, hindi naman aalis ang baby dito.
2:47 pm
She closed her phone and put it on the side. 'Why would he think that I'm mad' she thought.
They spent their whole day at the hospital. Umuwi sila nang gabi na dahil maaga ang flight ni Aimee bukas.
The next morning, at exactly eight, they went to the airport. Sakay sa kotse ni Greggy, sa backseat ang pwesto nila Imelda, Imee at Aimee. Irene is in the shotgun seat with Borgy on her lap and of course, Greggy is driving.
Nauna na sa airport si Nanay Novie dahil mas malapit ang bahay nila doon. Nang makarating sila sa paliparan, sinamahan muna nila sila Aimee na hintaying tawagin sa eroplano bago sila tuluyang umalis.
"Mag-iingat ka doon ha. Call us from time to time." Irene told her.
"Study well Aimee, okay? Huwag mong gagayahin ang mga ate at kuya mo na gumigimik" bilin ng kanilang ina na ikina-tawa nila.
"Noted na po. Sige na, baka iwan na ako ng eroplano." Aimee chuckled as she bid her farewell. "I'll miss you all"
Nang mawala na si Aimee sa paningin nila, bumalik na sila sasakyan at umuwi.
---
Greggy is alone in his office and he is working on, as usual, some important files again. Nag-angat siya ng tingin nang bumukas ang pinto niya. It was one of his bodyguard.
"Package daw po para sa'yo Boss" the man uttered. Nilapag niya ito sa mesa at umalis lamang noong tinanguan siya ni Greggy.
When he's alone again, he stared at the small box in front of him. Sandali siyang napatigil nang may maramdamang kakaiba dito.
He reached for it and untangle the ribbon. Dahan-dahan niya itong binuksan at umigting ang panga niya nang makita ang laman.
Bumigat ang paghinga niya habang inaangat ang pekeng bomba na laman nito. With that, there was a small letter and what is written on it made him so mad.
'Your downfall will be my victory. And I can't wait to witness it.'
Sa likod ng card ay may naka-seal na capital letter B.
Blietzkrieg.
Siya ang unang pumasok sa isip niya. That man will never stop him, that's for sure.
"S-sir, pinapatawag po kayo ng D-daddy niyo. Nandoon din po ang board" tarantang pumasok si Josh sa opisina niya.
"Not now Josh. May ginagawa pa ako"
"Malaking halaga daw po ang nawawala ngayon sa kompanya S-sir." kinakabahang dagdag pa niya.
"What?!" namuo ang galit kay Greggy nang marinig iyon. He crampled the small card and carried the box then he put it on the trash can. Dali-dali siyang pumunta sa conference room.
"Who did it?" bungad niya pagkapasok.
"How would we know Mr. Araneta, hindi ba dapat ikaw ang nakakaalam niyan dahil ikaw ang 'boss'?" Eleazar emphasizes his words, a smirk is drawn on his face.
"Kayo-kayo lang din ang pwedeng maka-access sa pera ng kompanya, now my question is, who's behind this and why would you do that" tumalim ang mata ni Greggy sa bawat isa sa kanila.
"Of course no one will admit their wrongdoings, right?" he sarcastically laughed. Sumeryoso ang mukha niya, "If I found out who the traitor is, I'll make sure your life will be a living hell" he said then he stormed out.
The next following days, another stressful day for him, kahit makakalahati pa lang ang araw. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply because of anguish.
"I told you to redo your report because this is a mess and it's fucking useless"
"Yan na po yung n-napalitan S-sir" the employee nervously looked down on his hands.
"It's still a disaster! Yan na ba ang kaya niyo? Binabayaran kayo tapos hindi niyo maayos ang trabaho ninyo! Repeat it and I want it tomorrow kung ayaw niyong mawalan ng trabaho!" he said with finality and authority in his voice.
The guy was holding back his tears while waiting for his boss' command that he'll leave.
Naagaw ang atensiyon ni Greggy nang may tumikhim. He looked up and saw Irene on the door and holding a lunch bag.
"L-love..." his monstrous aura softened. It seems like he transformed from a lion to a kitty. "Leave now" he whispered to his employee. Agad namang tumalima ang lalaki at mabilis na lumabas.
"I brought you lunch, nabanggit ni Yaya Lucille na maaga kang umalis sa bahay mo at hindi na nakakain pa" she uttered without moving on where she's standing earlier.
"Love, I'm sorry if you have to see that" si Greggy na ang lumapit sa kanya. "Don't get mad at me please" masuyo niyang kinuha ang kamay ng dalaga at hinalikan.
"Bakit ba kasi galit ka na naman" she hand him his lunch. "Kumain ka na, tapos na ako kanina"
"Samahan mo akong kumain" he said while pulling Irene to sit. "You cooked?"
Umiling siya. "Tinatamad akong magluto kaya kumuha na lang ako sa ulam namin kanina. But that's masarap" she smiled sweetly.
Inayos muna ni Greggy ang mesa niya at itinabi ang mga papeles. Irene picked up a paper and read it.
Her forehead creased, "They are pulling out their investments in your company? Why?"
Agad kinuha ni Greggy sa kanya ang papel. "I don't know. Hayaan mo sila, they're not that important."
Irene sighed. 'Is this the problem he's facing? Or there are some more?' she thought.
Nang matapos kumain si Greggy, niligpit na ni Irene ang mga dinala at tumayo na. "I'm going home" she informed him.
"Wait for me. Uuwi na rin ako"
"Anong oras pa lang, bakit uuwi ka na?" she asked.
"Na-miss ko mga pamangkin natin" Greggy joked.
"Pamangkin ko lang. Nasa ibang bansa mga pamangkin mo" she smirked.
"Ganoon na rin yon" he chuckled. "Tara. You brought your car?"
"No, nagpahatid lang ako kanina. Are you sure you'll leave your work already? Marami ka pa atang gagawin" turo niya sa mesa nito.
Ngumuso si Greggy, "Pagod na ako" he whispered.
"Alright let's go home. Get some sleep also later, you look so restless. Hindi ka ba natutulog sa bahay mo?"
Bahagya itong umiling. It's true. Kaunting oras lang ang itinutulog niya dahil ginagawa niya lahat para mahanap ang nagnanakaw sa kompanya niya. Bawat araw na dumadaan ay may malaking halaga ang nawawala.
Dumagdag pa sa isipin niya si Mr. Blietzkrieg.
Pagdating nila sa mansion, dumiretso sila sa nursery room kung nasaan ang mga bata. Ilang linggo na rin mula nang maka-uwi sila Liza.
"Malapit na birthday mo" Irene uttered as she sat down beside her sister. "What's your plan?"
"Wala, dito na lang sa bahay. Katamad mag-party" Imee chuckled.
"Kumbinsihin mo si Mommy" sagot ni Irene bago tumayo para utusan si Greggy na matulog.
"Saglit lang. Five minutes" pakiusap ni Greggy habang karga-karga si Sandro.
"Tulog na siya kaya matulog ka na rin. Your eyebags are big, let's go" ani Irene at nagpatiuna nang pumunta sa kwarto niya.
Greggy gently laid the baby on his crib before following Irene. Pinipilit niyang hindi antukin pero hindi na niya kaya. When he entered Irene's room, she's nowhere to be found. 'Probably on the bathroom' he thought.
Pabagsak siyang humiga hanggang sa lamunin na siya ng tuluyan ng antok.
When Irene went out of the bathroom, Greggy is already sleeping. She went near him to remove his shoes and work clothes and after that, she fixed his sleeping position before leaving him.
---
When Imee's birthday came, just like what she wanted, they had a not-so-simple dinner. They made sure that even if she wanted it simple, she was happy and relaxed on her special day.
The garden was decorated with beautiful lights. Her family and some of her close friends are present. Well, aside from Aimee who just left to resume her studies abroad.
"Special thanks to my sister. This dinner will be impossible without your help ading ko. Thank you for helping me convince our mother" Imee chuckled as she have the floor to give her small talk.
Irene smiled and clapped her hands a little, delighted on what she heard. They had a hard time persuading their mom because she wanted to throw a party again.
"And of course, Mommy, kahit alam kong medyo labag sa loob mo ito, still, I want to thank you. Thank you also to everyone here who roistered with us for my birthday. Have a pleasant evening to all" she added then she raised her wine glass so did the others and they made a toast.
---
"You are amazing, love" Greggy uttered as he assist Irene down from him. He then dropped a kiss on her forehead.
He held her hands because her legs are still shaking. They let the water run down from their body coming from the shower.
Greggy bathed Irene and when they are done, they went to her walk-in closet to get clothes.
"This is... a lot" Greggy commented while looking at his own neck through his reflection in the mirror. He saw kiss marks on it, even in his shoulders, and then down to his chest.
Irene grinned, "You'll wear scarf naman when you get there. Pasalamat ka hindi masiyadong nakikita pag naka-tshirt ka."
He will be leaving tomorrow. He'll attend a business trip out of the country and probably will celebrate holidays, next week, with his family in California.
Nauna nang umalis ang magulang ni Greggy at siya na lang ang naiwan. He did that on purpose. Nagpa-iwan talaga siya para makasama pa ng matagal si Irene.
They will be apart for a very long time since Greggy will be back after New Year. As much as he wants to bring Irene, he can't because Irene will spend holidays with her family.
They went to bed and ready to sleep now. Greggy turn the lights off except for the lamp on the side table.
Irene is caressing his hair gently and softly. It already grew long since he haven't got a haircut for a very long time now.
"Ganda ng buhok ko no" he teased Irene when he felt she's enjoying it.
"Ha!" she scoffed. "Anong maganda diyan, para kang kabayo" Irene joked that made him frown.
"Hindi mo gusto?" he furrowed his brows.
"Konti na lang magkakapareho na tayo ng buhok" she chuckled and stop brushing his hair.
"Kabayo raw pero kung makasabunot kanina, wagas." pagpaparinig ni Greggy sa kanya.
Irene rolled her eyes on what he said. "Matutulog na ako, you better sleep na rin. You have a flight tomorrow" she turned her back from him.
Greggy protruded his lips as he find a good spot to fix himself to sleep. Pinatay niya muna lahat ng ilaw bago pumikit para matulog.
The next morning, he woke up early. He was preparing some of his stuff when he saw Irene woke up too. "You're early" he commented.
"I want to jog outside" she replied and rubbed her eyes.
"Let's go then. Maaga pa naman" Greggy looked at the clock.
Irene stood up and went to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and entered her closet afterwards.
She wore a sports bra and a jogging pants. When she went out, Greggy handed her a jacket that made her frown. She had no choice but to put it on.
Pagbaba nila, sumalubong ang mga aso kaya dinala na lang nila ang mga ito. They have three bodyguards with them to hold the five dogs.
They just jog around the area and they stopped in the nearest park. Wala pang tao dahil maaga pa so they have the park for themselves.
They let the dogs play as they sat down on the swing.
"Two months won't be that bad, right?" he spoke.
Irene looked at him. "Of course. Mabilis lang naman lumipas ang araw. You should enjoy yourself there, you're always busy here"
"I promise, I'll make it up to you when I get home." he genuinely said.
Few more minutes before Irene stood up. "Uwi na tayo, I'm hungry" she said.
Napatawa si Greggy bago tumayo. She said it like a child.
When they arrived in the mansion, her siblings were already awake.
"Bonget they're here!" tawag ni Imee sa kapatid nang makapasok sila. "I told you they just went out with the dogs"
"Bakit?" Irene asked.
"I don't know. Bigla-biglang nagwo-worry si Manong Bongbong kaninang hindi ka niya nakita. Akala mo naman itatakbo ka nito" turo niya kay Greggy. "Ano pareng Greggy. Uwian mo ako ng snow ha, mag-ice scramble tayo" she jokingly added.
Greggy laughed and just nodded. Nagpaalam siyang maliligo na dahil umaga ang flight niya.
On the other hand, Irene went to the kitchen to help prepare the table as her siblings made themselves busy with their own sons.
"Good morning Mom, kain na" Irene told her mother the moment she entered the kitchen. She kissed her on the cheek before pulling her a seat.
"Good morning" she replied with a smile carved on her face. "Where are the others?"
"Tinawag na Mommy" sagot niya.
When they got complete on the table, their breakfast started. After Irene was done, she informed them she's going to take a bath now since ihahatid niya si Greggy.
Pagbaba ni Irene, nandoon na ang mga luggage ni Greggy. "Irene, isama niyo raw to" her sister Imee told her, pointing Borgy who's now all dressed up and ready to go.
"Nauna pa talaga sakin ha" Irene uttered. "Where's Gregorio?"
"Sa kusina, pinapabaunan nila Mommy at Bonget ng kung anu-ano" Imee chuckled.
Napailing na lang siya bago nagtungo sa kusina. She leaned on the door as she watch them put foods in a bag.
"Okay na yan Tita, may food naman ako sa eroplano" nagkamot ng ulo si Greggy.
But Imelda and Bongbong didn't listen. "Iuwi mo na lang sainyo kapag hindi mo naubos. Diba?" paghahanap ni Imelda ng kakampi and good thing Bongbong agreed.
They didn't notice Irene's present because she's facing their backs. "Pakawalan niyo na yan, his flight is waiting for him" she chuckled to get their attention.
She laughed when she saw a medium-sized paper bag filled with foods. "Tara na" she pulled Greggy.
They checked first his things before loading them into the car. Greggy bid his goodbyes to everyone before they went inside the car.
Borgy is sitting on his lap while they play. Irene is just watching them.
Nang makarating sila sa isang malawak na lote na pag-aari ng mga Araneta, doon naghihintay ang sasakyan niyang eroplano. This wide lot is like their own airport for this is where their planes and helicopters usually take off and land.
His crews are waiting for him as they prepare his private plane. He chose to use it instead of having a payed flight so it would be less hassle, he'll also have the whole plane for himself, well aside for the pilots and attendants.
"I'll get going now, love" he informed her as soon as they were told that it's all ready.
"Alright. Take care of yourself there, huh. Do your work but know how to take a rest din. Mga bilin ko ha, wag mong kakalimutan" she said.
"Noted na po lahat Madam" he chuckled. He wrapped his hands around Irene and gave her a soft kiss.
Their kiss was about to go deeper but they heard someone cleared their throat.
And that someone is Vaughn, one of the pilot who happens to be Greggy's close friend. "Aalis pa ba tayo o kami na lang ang aalis? Parang nakakaabala pa kami dito oh." saad niya habang tinatakpan ang mata ni Borgy.
The two chuckled and realized that there are people around them. "Sige na, umalis ka na kasi" Irene pushed Greggy lightly.
He heaved a deep sigh, "Fine. I'll call you whenever I can. Bye, I love you." he whispered the last phrase.
"I love you too." she whispered back. "Aalis na rin kami. Ingat ka"
"And you as well" he then turned to Borgy and gave it to Irene. "Bye kid, I'll see you next year" he chuckled.
"Bye-bye" he waved his little hands.
Irene also waved her hands goodbye then went to her car. He watched them until they were totally inside before climbing in to the plane.
Bumusina pa ng isang beses ang sasakyan bago tumakbo palayo. Minutes later, the plane took off.
---
Few more days before Christmas and the surrounding is already giving the holiday vibes with all the decorations.
It was a cloudy afternoon and the three little boys in the Marcos mansion are playing together. Imee and Bongbong are looking after them.
The dogs are peacefully sleeping but Athena is playing with the boys. She's wagging her tails from time to time.
Irene entered the living room with a frown on her face while she has a mango and alamang on a plate.
She sat not far away from her siblings. Her expression caught their attention so they looked at each other. She opened the tv and looked for something to watch.
Bongbong decided to speak, "Irene, nakita mo ba yung--"
"Hindi. Wala akong nakita" she immediately cut his words off.
"Ang sungit. Bakit ba bad mood ka na naman, and what are you eating? Mangoes?" he uttered. And then an idea came to his head. "Are you pregnant?"
"Oh my god" Imee gasped.
Irene glared at the two of them. "I'm not!" asik niya rito. "I'm on my period" she rolled her eyes.
"Oh" Imee mumbled. "Detoy gamin, tila adda ti ibagbagam" (Eto kasi, kung ano-ano ang sinasabi) she gave Bongbong a light punch.
"Kunkunak met lang" (I was just kidding) he laughed.
Afterwards, Bongbong seems to fixed Irene's mood. Tumatawa na ito at nakakausap ng maayos.
"I got a riddle for you" he voiced out to her sisters.
"Go, spill" Irene gestured with her hand.
"Ready?" pagpipigil niya ng ngiti. "Whoever gets the right answer, I owe her a treat" he said.
"Wala madaya, talo ako dito" busangot ni Imee. "Slow ako minsan, yung madali lang ha"
"Wen nalaka lang" (Oo madali lang) Bongbong grinned. "Okay so here it goes,"
"What has four letters, sometimes has nine, always has six and never has five?"
"Huh?" Imee and Irene furrowed their eyebrows.
Bongbong repeated his riddle again and again. He even uttered every words slowly.
"Has four, nine, six and five? May ganon ba Bonget? Four-nine-six-five? Ano daw?" Imee tried her luck.
"Ano na, bilis, nagiging waley na" Bongbong frowned.
"I've guessed so many times. Saang lupalop ng mundo mo ba napulot yang riddle mo na yan" reklamo ni Imee.
"I saw it in the internet. Ang bilis lang mahulaan ng iba bakit ang tagal niyo" he replied.
Irene just sat there silently and thinking the answer to the riddle. She stared at the ceiling and analyzed it deeply.
Until, "Ha! I get it now!" she joyfully exclaimed but was taken back when she realized her nephews are sleeping on the mat. "Ay sorry" she grinned.
"You get it now?" Bongbong has hopes.
"Yes" she boastfully said.
Bongbong's smirk turned into laughter when Irene also burst to laughter. "Bwisit ka, kanina ko pa iniisip yung sagot, ganon lang pala" she said between her laugh.
Napaismid ang kanilang Manang. "Hoy, share niyo naman sa'kin. Gusto ko ring tumawa. Ano ba kasi yun"
Naiiyak na sa tawa si Bongbong dahil dito. "Tell her Irene" he commanded.
Irene gasped for air after laughing. "He's right"
"Anong 'he's right'? That's the answer? Are you kidding me?" Imee is still clueless
"Ganito. What has four letters. That's correct, w-h-a-t. Sometimes has nine. That's correct again, s-o-m-e-t-i-m-e-s. And the last two, always has six, a-l-w-a-y-s, never has five, n-e-v-e-r." Irene explained and even spelled them.
"So, Bonget is right. He is talking about the number of letters in the mentioned words. He wasn't looking for an answer. He's just stating them." she added and laughed.
Imee is still absorbing those information until she also cracked up into laughter. Nagkatinginan pa sila Bongbong at Irene pero tumawa rin kalaunan.
It was like the riddle was very risible.
"Ang bababaw ng kaligayahan ninyong tatlo." Imelda went out from the kitchen. "Keep your voices down, the children are sleeping" she added.
The three sibling kept quiet when they felt epiphany that they are making loud noises.
"Bonget yung treat ko ha" Irene told him.
"Sure, whatever you want"
"Sama ako" Imee protruded her lips.
"Eh you didn't got my riddle nga" Bongbong laughed again.
"Mabo-bore lang kayo kapag hindi niyo ko sinama, sige na"
"Isama mo na" Irene chuckled.
In the end, he agreed. Ayaw pa sana niya dahil dalawang tao ang ililibre niya. Well, just like what they say, Ilocanos are kuripot. But not everytime naman.
They spent their leisure together in the living room. Hindi rin nagtagal at nagising si Liza at bumaba na para saluhan sila sa kasiyahan. Tommy have a game to attend to which needed his service so he wasn't in the mansion.
Irene excused herself when she received a call fron Greggy. She received teasing smile and look from her family before she left them there.
---
It's Christmas Eve tonight.
Irene looked at the clock and it's already eleven a.m. If her calculation is right, it's still eight in the evening in California. She grabbed her phone and composed a message.
Irene:
Are you busy?
11:08 am
She waited for a few minutes until she received a reply. A smile grew on her face when she read it.
Greggy:
Not really. We just finished our dinner. Eat your lunch na rin.
8:11 pm
Her smile even grew bigger when Greggy's name flashed on her screen. She immediately swiped to answer it.
"How's your day?" bungad niya.
"It was fine. We went to Disneyland as per the kids' request. I wish you were here." he sighed.
"Come on, Mr. Araneta. Don't be sad, may next time pa naman. You had fun naman right?"
"Of course I did. I'll send you photos later. Anyways, where are you? Kumain ka na?" he asked.
"Not yet. I'm in my room, they're still cooking kanina. Probably they'll call me na few minutes from now."
Their call lasted until she was called to eat. They shared stories on how their days went.
---
Irene went out of her room wearing a white ruffled blouse with a red bow and red full circle skirt. She then paired it with an ankle strapped heels.
It was just a simple outfit.
But she made herself look sumptuous.
She entered the nursery room where her nephews are. Si Bongbong lang ang naroon at nagbabantay. It's still seven in the evening and they are waiting for their visitors to arrive. They invited some relatives and close friends.
"Ang popogi niyo naman" she complimented them.
Borgy ran towards her, he's wearing a white sweater and a red vest on top.
Maya-maya pa ay pumasok si Imelda at sinabihang bumaba na dahil nagsisidatingan na ang mga bisita.
The mansion is filled with laughter and joy. Time check: thirty minutes 'til clock hits twelve.
"Irene can you carry this outside anak" tawag sa kanya ni Imelda. "And where are your dogs?"
"Don't worry Mommy, they are behaved. Look, they are even helping to entertain the guests" she chuckled, pointing at Apollo having his tummy rubbed by a girl.
They had games and contest to enjoy their Christmas party. They all participated in every games.
Sinong hindi gaganahan kapag ang prizes ay limang blue paper peso bill?
"Merry Christmas everybody!" they announces as Christmas song is being played.
It's already twelve. They started to eat and paused the games for the meantime.
"Merry Christmas, love" Greggy greeted through a video call. It's still nine in the morning in California and it is December 24.
"Merry Christmas" Irene smiled sweetly.
"Irene, come, sing for us hija" an amiga of her mom called her. "Oh wait, are you still eating?"
"I'm done Tita"
"Great! Here," she gave her a microphone. "Come on, don't be shy"
Para mabawasan ang hiyang nararamdaman, she picked another microphone and pulled her brother.
"Talino mo ha" he whispered to her sister that made her giggle.
Kinuha ni Liza ang cellphone kay Irene. She knew her cousin is on call so she focused the camera to her.
Little did Irene know that Greggy's family is also watching with him.
They received a round of applause after they sang. But Irene thought it's going to end there but no. She was requested to play the piano for her mother to sing her favorite song, 'Dahil Sa'yo'.
After pressing the last key, she also clapped her hands for her mom. Liza gave her phone back and she went to her seat.
"You never failed to amaze me" puri ni Greggy sa kanya.
She made a face before looking back at the screen. "Oh, hello Tita, Merry Christmas to all of you" she greeted.
"You guys are here the whole time?" Greggy looked at his family.
"Hello to you too, my dear Irene. Merry Christmas" Emma.
"Merry Christmas Ate Irene" Gwen.
"Merry Christmas hija" Luisito.
They greeted her one by one. Pagkatapos nila magkamustahan, may mga bubwit na sumingit.
"Tita Irene! We miss you already" the young girl, Marialathiea waved her tiny hands.
"Theiang, I miss you too. Oh, watch your brother's head" she informed them when she saw Aumyrrh na sumisingit para makuha sa screen.
"Hello" he joyfully said.
"Tita!" Myreah also uttered.
Isa-isa ring dumungaw ang mga kapatid niya para bumati. Imelda even sat down beside her to have a little chitchats with them.
When the party is over, their guests went home. Para silang nalowbatt nang pumunta sila sa mga kwarto nila para magpahinga
---
No new on New Year's eve. They welcomed another year happily. They might not be complete but they made sure Aimee still celebrates with them.
They also didn't forget to visit the head of their family's graveyard. Late president Ferdinand was very happy for his family's presence just by the sight of the candle burning so joyfully.
At dahil nga mas ahead ang oras sa Pilipinas kaysa sa California, Irene and Greggy did the same thing last Christmas.
The day they were both waiting for came. Greggy is coming home, after more than a month of being away with each other.
Irene was supposed to meet him the moment their plane will land but she has no idea on anything about their flight.
All she knows is that, he'll arrive today, with his family. The time is something that she doesn't know. Greggy won't tell her, it's a surprise according to him.
She also asked Gwen but she doesn't want to tell her too. 'Binalaan na to ni Gregorio panigurado' she thought.
Padilim na pero wala pa ring balita si Irene. She's in her room, spending some time with her fur babies, when someone knocked on her door.
"Ading" Bongbong peeked his head inside her room.
"Ano na naman Bonget?" she frowned because she thought he's going to ruin her alone time again.
He looked back outside, "Pumasok ka na, kanina pa siya badtrip sa'yo" may kausap siya. Then he looked at Irene again, "Wag ka nang malungkot" he pulled something and pushed it inside her room.
A man wearing a cap, gray hoodie jacket and jogging pants entered.
Her eyes narrowed when she saw the man that she's been waiting to come home. "Ah!" she screamed in excitement. "You're here!" she jumped off the bed and ran towards him and gave him a big and warm hug.
"It's nice to see you again. I missed you, my love" he hugged her back.
"I missed you too, love" madamdamin niyang ani. "Oras ng flight lang naman ang hinihingi ko, ipinagdamot mo pa" she then rolled her eyes.
They sat on her bed and dogs immediately attacked Greggy with kisses. "They missed you too" she chuckled.
"They sure do. Help me love" he asked for help because he already fell down and five dogs are jumping to him.
Nang lubayan siya ng mga aso, doon lang siya nakahinga ng maluwag. He removed his cap that made Irene gasped.
"You cut your hair" it wasn't a question but a statement. She touched it.
"Yes. Okay na ba?"
"But why?"
He protruded his lips. "You said you don't like it. Na konti na lang and we're almost the same." he pointed Irene's shoulder length hair.
"Hey, I never said I don't like it" bwelta niya rito.
"You said I was like a horse." kumunot ang noo niya. "Pangit na naman ba?"
"No, it's not. Bagay mo kaya. Pero medyo malaki ang pinabawas mo ha" she inspected his whole hair.
"Don't worry you can still grip it whenever you feel ple--"
"Ituloy mo at ibabalik kita sa California" banta ni Irene sa kanya.
That made Greggy smirk and burst into laughter when he saw her like she's throwing daggers.
"Greggy, isa"
"What?" he's still laughing.
"Dalawa. Don't make me count to three" she glared at him.
"Wait" he laughed some more then he stopped. "I'll stop na Madam" he joked.
"Sir saan po ito?" they heard, someone at the door.
Greggy stood up and opened it. "Oh, just put it here." turo niya sa tabi ng isang cabinet ni Irene.
Three of their helper came in carrying a big box. They placed it where Greggy wanted them to put it.
"Thank you" he thanked them before closing the door.
"What's that?" she inquired.
"Pasalubong"
"Eh bakit dito pa sa kwarto ko? You can just put it sa sala, pupunta na naman dito ang mga kapatid ko"
"That's all yours love. Nasa baba ang para sa kanila. Let's go open it" aya niya.
"Everything inside that big box is mine? Seryoso ka ba?" she looked at him to see that he really is. "Oh, seryoso ka nga. You don't have to give me a lot but thank you" she also stood up and went to him to give him a light kiss. "My gift for you is over there" she pointed on her table. "You can have it later."
"Alright. Let's go?" he offered his hand which she immediately accepted.
Greggy's hand crawled to her waist as they went down the stairs. Just like what she thought, her siblings are already eyeing at the two big box in the sala.
'Two big box?!' she exclaimed inside her head.
"Wow, nandito na ang fresh from Cali" Imee joked as she was carrying her child, Baby Mike.
"What do we have here?" Imelda also entered the living room. "Oh, you're already back. Nice to see you again hijo. Mabuti naman at nakabalik ka na, para di naman palaging nakabusangot ito" she pointed her last born using her lips.
They chuckled. "Ah yes Tita. Anyway, I have something for all of you" he went to the boxes.
"Okay, bubuksan na ang balikbayan box" Bongbong cheered jokingly and sat beside Irene. "Galante itong jowa mo, ang laki ng box" he then whispered to her. Irene just chuckled and she hit his arm lightly.
Greggy started to distribute everything in the box.
"This is for Borgy. For Bongbong. Liza. Tita. Imee. Tommy. Baby Mike. Baby Sandro" he gave them everything that has their own name on it.
Para silang nagkakaroon ng bunotan at naghihiyawan kapag natatawag ang kanilang pangalan.
Even the maids, helpers and guards have their pasalubong from him.
'May pa-raffle naman pala 'to' Irene thought ans chuckled.
When they already emptied the two box, Bongbong looked at Irene. "Ay, sa laki ng box na yan, ni isa wala ka man lang natanggap? Ang dami samin oh" he showed what they receive to her.
"I have my own box in my room noh" she told him.
"Oh, so the big box na iniaakyat kanina is yours" Liza uttered.
"Really?" Imee looked at Greggy and he nodded. "Ang shala naman"
"What's shala?" they asked her.
"Shala, sosyal ganon" she grinned. "Patingin kami Irene" she poked her sister.
'Just like what I thought' Irene said to herself.
Can she say no to her siblings? Mangungulit at mangungulit lamang ang mga kapatid niya at hindi siya nito titigilan.
"After dinner na lang. We should not let the food wait. 'Di ba Mommy" pagtatawag niya ng kakampi nang sabihan sila sa nakaayos na ang hapag.
"That's right. Halina kayo" Imelda stood up and went towards the kitchen.
Isa-isa silang sumunod sa kanya at naupo sa kani-kanilang upuan.
They blessed their meal first by uttering a short prayer before digging in.
When they're done, hindi talaga tinantanan ng dalawa si Irene. She had no choice but to invite them to her room.
"This one really suits you Irene oh, saktong-sakto sa'yo" Imee said, referring to a beautiful dress.
"You got my size correctly huh" she whispered to Greggy.
"Of course, I know everything about your body" he winked. She jokingly rolled her eyes on him.
When they finally finished looking through the stuffs Greggy got for her, they left them alone.
"And here's for you Mister" Irene handed Greggy her gift for him.
He teared the wraps with a smile on his face. "Wow..." amusement is visible in his eyes.
"You like it?" Irene smiled.
"Like it? I love it!" he said. "I look so good in here. How long did you make it?" he curiously asked.
"Five days I think." she answered.
"This is amazing! I'll put this on my office, pwede?" paghingi niya ng permiso.
"Oo naman. It's up to you love." Irene said.
He caressed Irene's gift for him once more. It's a portrait of him made by her girlfriend.
'Walang-wala ang mga regalo ko rito sa regalo niya. It's her talent and effort over anything' he thought.
"Okay, put that away na. I know you're tired. Let's get some sleep" she uttered.
"Just a minute, I'll take a photo of it" he proudly said.
Irene chuckled on that. Nauna na siyang nahiga habang pinapanood ang kasintahan na pinagmamasdan pa rin ang regalo niya.
She didn't notice that she already fell asleep, with that as her view.
---
Days passed and Greggy went back to work. He keeps on receiving threats and blackmails everytime.
Sa dami non ay pinabayaan niya na lang. 'They'll get tired soon' he always thought.
Sinabayan pa ang lumalaking problema ng kompanya. Whenever he gets tired with all the shits that coming to his life, he always run to Irene and escape everything.
Everytime he's with Irene, nakakalimutan niya ang problema ng kompanya.
Kinakalimutan niya ang mga problema ng kompanya.
'As long as they are not doing any harm to me, my love ones and my company, I'll ignore them' he note to himself.
Ang akala niya ay hanggang pangt-threat at blackmail lang ang kayang gawin ng mga kalaban niya.
Pero yun ang akala niya.
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brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride in the next chapter. see you soon : ))