"Kayo na?!"
Narito kami ngayon sa cafeteria ng school. I didn't know how to tell them about me and my... boyfriend. Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam kapag may tinatawag kang 'boyfriend'. Agad kong tinakpan ang bibig ni Niña. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon nila kaya hindi ako handa.
"Alam na ba 'to ni Miss Maggie?" Bulong sa akin ni Therese. "Gaga ka, masama magsinungaling!"
"Grabe naman kayo," Angal naman ni Krizia. "Hindi naman ganu'n kasama kung worth it naman para sa true love."
"True love my ass," Sabi naman ni Niña. "We need to meet that guy."
"Nasabi mo na ba sa mga bestest friend mo?" Tanong ulit ni Therese.
"Sasabihin ko palang," Kinakabahan kong sagot. "Sa tingin n'yo ba... magagalit sila?"
"Katulad namin... magugulat, syempre," Seryosong sagot ni Niña. "Pero hindi naman sa galit. Gusto lang talaga namin na makilala. Para you know, alam namin kung sino ang pinagtatanggol namin sa parents mo."
"I'll tell him about it. Sa ngayon, kailangan ko na umalis," Niligpit ko kaagad ang mga gamit ko. "I have a date."
"Ingat!" Sigaw ni Krizia nang maglakad ako paalis.
"Iba talaga pag inlove!" Rinig kong sigaw ni Niña.
"Uwi ng maaga!" Bilin naman ni Therese.
Pagkalabas ko ng campus, nandun na si Orpheus, naghihintay sa akin. Agad naman akong lumapit para magpakita.
"Sorry, I'm late," I smiled. "Saan tayo?"
"Movie date," He smiled at me.
"Huh? Manonood tayo ng sine?" Tanong ko. "Wala akong pera."
"Hindi," Tumawa siya. "Nag download ako ng mga movies sa flashdrive. Sa apartment namin tayo manonood."
Two weeks na pala kami, parang kahapon lang nung sinagot ko siya. Next next week, birthday ko na. Ang bilis ng panahon. Bago kami dumiretso sa apartment niya, bumili muna kami ng makakain habang nanonood. Nag bawas nalang ako sa credit card ko because we needed to buy fries, donuts and pizza. Wala daw siyang budget kaya sinagot ko nalang muna.
"Kayo lang dalawa ni Khate rito?"
The moment we arrived at his apartment, I unconsciously looked around. Ang laki nito para sa dalawang tao.
"Wala si Khate dito ngayon. May pasok pa," He said, putting his bag in his bedroom. "Ano'ng gusto mong panoorin muna? May horror d'yan, romance, comedy at drama."
"Horror nalang," Umupo ako sa couch nila at nilapag ang backpack sa side. "Can I study while watching? May summative kasi kami tomorrow."
"Oo naman, ano ka ba," Abala siya sa kusina, nililipat sa mga containers ang foods na binili namin. "Goodluck sa test, mahal!"
Mahal... Hindi pa rin ako sanay sa ganito. Hindi pa rin ako sanay na tinatawag niya akong 'Mahal' at hindi rin ako sanay na may tinatawag na 'boyfriend'. Pero kailangan kong masanay kasi baka magalit siya na hindi pa rin ako komportable sa relasyon namin.
It was one of those cold afternoons that's why we decided to spend quality time together, just the two of us, watching movies in his apartment. The setup was perfect – a warm, dimly lit room, with snacks ready, and a comfortable couch to snuggle up on.
First on our movie list was a horror flick. I was engrossed in my textbooks, trying to balance studying and enjoying the movie. As the tension in the film mounted, I couldn't help but notice Orpheus beside me, who was pretending to be unfazed by the scares on the screen. His brave facade slowly crumbled, and his subtle flinches and attempts to hide his fear made me giggle. His eyes met mine, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud, exposing his pretense. We both shared a good laugh, easing the tension in the room.
"Duwag!" I teased him.
"Edi ikaw na matapang!" Inirapan niya ako.
"Sabi ko na barbie, e," I teased him more.
Next, we decided to watch a family drama, a genre that never failed to touch my heart. As the emotional scenes unfolded, I found myself tearing up, completely engrossed in the story. Orpheus, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied with his phone, unaware of the emotions the movie was stirring in me. I discreetly wiped my tears, hoping he would notice, but he remained oblivious. It was a stark contrast to the horror movie, and I felt a little distant from him at that moment.
"Ang hirap maging anak mo, Ma..." I whispered, mocking the character's line. "Sana alam mo 'yun."
Finally, we chose a romance movie to end our movie night. However, this genre seemed to make us both a bit uncomfortable, as the screen was filled with passionate kisses and intimate moments between couples. We exchanged glances, each of us unsure how to react to the sudden change in atmosphere. The once cozy and romantic ambiance in the room now felt awkward and unfamiliar.
"Gusto mo ba... palitan nalang natin?" Tanong niya.
"Ikaw bahala," I looked away. "Okay lang naman."
Feeling a bit flustered, I suggested watching another movie after the romantic movie we watched, something lighter, to break the tension. But he hesitated, saying he had something else to do and needed to leave. I felt a pang of disappointment but didn't want to pressure him. So, I simply nodded and told my driver to pick me up instead.
As I bid him farewell, there was a sense of lingering awkwardness, a feeling of unfinished business in the air. Our movie night had taken unexpected turns, from laughter to tears, and finally to discomfort. It left me wondering about the complexities of our relationship and how moments like these could shape our connection in the days to come.
"Saan ka galing?"
Napatigil ako nang biglang magsalita si Ate Yria sa likuran ko. Nakataas ang kilay at nakahawak sa bewang. Kinabahan kaagad ako. Late na kasi ako nakauwi dahil sa dami ng movies na napanood namin.
"Ate..." I tried smiling. "I was just with my classmates kanina. We made a group project together kasi po."
"Huwag kang magsisinungaling sa akin, Ashiera," She was so serious, I couldn't read her emotions. "Galing ako sa Privato High kanina. Nakita kitang may kasamang lalaki. Tell me honestly, Yera. Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Ate..."
"He's in college, for pete's sake, Ashiera!" Ate Yria yelled. I can't help but to tear up. "You're too young for this kind of relationship."
"Please, Ate, you have to trust me..." I tried my best not to sob. "Orpheus is a nice guy, and he's friends with Ate Yanna."
"Alam mo ba 'to, Blairiana?" Tanong bigla ni Ate Yria sa dumaan na si Ate Yanna. "At pumayag ka?!"
"Ate, malaki na si Yera," Sagot naman ni Ate Yanna. "At first, ayoko. Pero nakita ko kung gaano siya kasaya kay Orpheus. Gusto ko lang naman maging masaya si Yera."
"Blair, our sister is still in High School!" Singhal ni Ate Yria.
"She's in Senior High," Pangangatwiran ni Ate Yanna.
"But she's still a minor!" Ate Yria fired back. "She's just fifteen."
"Ates, don't fight..." Naiiyak kong pigil sa kanilang dalawa.
Everyone became silent for a moment.
"Ashiera, you're only in senior high school. You should be focusing on your studies and not getting involved with college guys," Ate Yria sighed. "You don't understand the potential consequences. Kapag nagkagulo, huwag na huwag kang iiyak sa akin. I warned you."
Napahinga nalang ako ng malalim nang mag walk out si Ate Yria. This is our first fight at sobrang sakit sa damdamin. I hope this will be the last too.
"Okay ka lang?" Ate Yanna approached me.
"Okay lang ako, Ate," I wiped the tears in my eyes.
"Hayaan mo na si Ate. Intindihin mo nalang," She caressed my back. "Nag iba lang siguro ang pananaw niya sa pag-ibig nung nakipag break sa kanya 'yung ex niya."
Isa 'yun siguro sa dahilan kung bakit ayaw niya akong masaktan. Alam niya ang pakiramdam kung paano umiyak gabi gabi, tanungin ang sarili kung saan ba siya nagkamali at higit sa lahat ang masaktan pa rin kahit matagal nang nangyari iyon.
"Alam mo naman siguro na mahal na mahal ka ng Ate mo, hindi ba?" Tanong ni Kurt.
Nandito kami ngayon sa Ice Skating Rink sa Megamall. I asked them to spend a bit of their time with me since it's the weekend.
"Natatakot lang siyang pagdaanan mo ang pinagdaanan niya," Sabi naman ni Blaze. "Hindi naman 'yun dahil sa ayaw ka niyang maging masaya. Ayaw ka lang niyang masaktan."
"Mali ang pagtatago ng sikreto, Ash," Nakatulala sa kawalan si Janzen. "Pero dahil mahal mo ang isang tao, pagtatakpan at pagtatakpan ka nun kahit alam niyang mali ang ginagawa mo."
"Ang lalim mo naman," Biro ni Rhys.
"Okay ka lang ba?" Bigla tuloy akong nag alala kay Janzen dahil sa mga ikinikilos niya these past few days. "Parang distracted ka these past few days. What's bothering you ba?"
"Ha?" Biglang bumalik sa katinuan si Janzen. "Ano? Wala wala. Okay lang ako."
"Sure ka?" Blaze asked again. "Baka may gusto kang ikwento sa amin?"
Mas lalo akong nag alala nang bigyan ako ng makahulugang tingin ni Janzen pero agad itong umiwas bago pa man ako magbigay ng reaksyon. May problema ba siya sa akin?
"Kapag pinapili kayo between family and friends, ano'ng pipiliin niyo?" Makahulugang tanong ni Janzen sa amin. "Hindi ba pamilya ang pipiliin mo?"
"May hindi ka ba sinasabi sa amin, Zen?" Nakakunot noo kong tanong.
Hindi makasagot si Janzen sa akin. He can't even take a single glance at me. I can tell that there is something he is not telling us. Or me? Sa akin siya higit na nagiging uncomfortable noong mga nakaraang araw, eh. May problema ba siya sa akin?
"Okay, hindi ka namin pipilitin na magsalita," Rhys smiled at him. "Pero nandito lang kami palagi, okay? Mahirap talagang mag open up pero sana unti unti mong matutunan sa amin kasi mga kaibigan mo kami."
"Okay lang ako," Janzen faked a laugh. "Tara, kain na tayo."
Hindi na namin pinilit na magkwento si Janzen. We just lived the moment. After namin kumain ng take out foods namin sa skating rink, nag decide kaming manood ng sine. Wala naman 'yun sa plano pero parang trip namin that time na manood. Sakto at showing pa that time ang Terrifier 2.
After the movie, we decided to have snacks sa food court at mag shopping ng mga clothes for our Acquaintance. Napansin ko rin na maganda palang mag spend ng time rito. Naisip ko tuloy na sa susunod na date namin ni Orpheus, dito nalang para maiba naman. Nakain ko na kasi ata lahat ng menu sa Jollibee.
Katulad nga ng sabi ko, I told Orpheus about sa naisip ko earlier when I was with my bestfriends. Buti nalang he agreed. It was a Wednesday afternoon, and the sky was painted with streaks of orange and pink. Sinundo ako ni Orpheus sa labas ng subdivision namin. He was wearing a simple black shirt with an anime print at the back and his favorite khaki shorts ending at his knees partnered with his Islander slippers. While I was just wearing a simple white shirt and maong shorts partnered with my cute chanel slippers.
Orpheus and I strolled hand in hand through the mall, a place that will hold special memories for both of us after this day. We started our date at a cozy little café, where we indulged in creamy lattes and shared a plate of freshly baked pastries. Our laughter filled the air as we chatted about our week and the little things that had made us smile.
"Eh ano'ng sabi ng teacher n'yo?" He asked, laughing.
I told him about what happened to our class yesterday. It was so funny because my classmate fell asleep at the teacher's table while our teacher was not yet around. Pero pagkarating ng teacher namin, hindi niya pinagising ang kaklase namin, instead she asked where my classmate was seated and she sat there.
"Wala, umupo lang siya sa upuan ni Megan," Tumatawa pa rin ako. "Sobrang nakakatawa 'yung reaksyon ni Megan pagkagising. Jusko, kung alam mo lang."
After satisfying our caffeine cravings, we ventured into the arcade, where the playful competitiveness between us shone. We played air hockey, raced against each other in driving games, and even tried our luck at the claw machines. Nagpataasan pa kami ng scores sa basketball. The sound of laughter and the thrill of the games made the time fly by.
"Mukhang kailangan na natin ng basket para sa ticket," Pagbibiro niya.
"Thanks to me," Mayabang kong sagot.
As the day rolled on, we decided to catch a movie. We picked a romantic comedy that had us both laughing and stealing glances at each other during the cute and heartfelt moments. It felt like a movie within a movie, a perfect blend of fiction and reality.
After the movie, we walked hand in hand to our favorite ice cream parlor, indulging in sweet scoops as we continued our conversation. Time seemed to slow down, and the world outside the mall became a distant memory.
"Buti hindi horror pinili mo," Natatawa pa siya habang sinasabi iyon. "Iiwanan talaga kita mag-isa."
"Subukan mo lang. Isusumbong talaga kita sa Nanay mo," I rolled my eyes. "Speaking of... alam ba ng mga kapatid mo 'yung... ito? About us?"
"Oo naman," Walang pake niyang sagot. "Ikaw? Alam ba ng mga kapatid mo?"
His question made me uncomfortable. Hindi ko pa pala nasasabi sa kanya ang pagtatalo namin ni Ate Yria tungkol sa kanya.
"Hindi," I tried speaking normally. "Hindi nila alam. Except for Ate Yanna. I can't tell my other siblings. They might make sumbong sa parents namin."
"Tama 'yan," Tumango tango siya. "Baka pag nalaman lang nila, pagalitan ka pa. Tapos paghiwalayin lang tayo."
"Why would they do that?" Napakunot ang noo ko.
"Shien, obvious ba?" Pinunasan niya ang labi niya gamit ang tissue. "Para kaya tayong langit at lupa. Ikaw nasa taas, ako nasa baba lang. Ang mga katulad niyo gugustuhing ipakasal sa kauri niyo lang din."
"Is that how life really works?" I innocently asked.
"Hindi ko alam... baka... ewan ko..." Napaiwas ng tingin si Orpheus na parang may naalala.
"Are you okay?" I asked, getting concerned.
"Okay lang," He smiled at me. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry saan?" Napakunot ang noo ko. "Why are you saying sorry?"
"Sorry kasi hindi ako kasing taas niyo," Napayuko siya at mukhang malalim ang iniisip. "Sorry kung hanggang dito lang ang kaya kong maabot. Hindi manlang kita madala sa mga nakasanayan mong mamahaling restaurant. Pati ngayon nga halos ikaw lahat ang nagbabayad."
"Hindi naman kita sinisingil. Ano ka ba naman?" I tried cheering him up. "Saka ano ka ba? Lumaki kaya akong hindi ganito kataas. Kaya hindi ka dapat mag alala sa mga bagay na hindi ko naman talaga nakasanayan. Mas gusto ko ang simple."
"Simple na nga lang ang naibibigay ko sa 'yo ikaw pa ang nagbabayad..." Ibinababa niya talaga ang sarili niya.
"Oh, tapos?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Ano naman? Ano naman kung ako nagbabayad? Pati ba naman sa pagbabayad kailangan laging lalaki lang? Nasa'n ang gender equality dun?"
"Huwag kang magsasawa sa akin, huh?" Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ko sa ibabaw ng mesa. "Huwag mo sana akong ipagpalit sa mga taong kayang ibigay lahat ng kailangan mo."
That mall date, while seemingly ordinary, was a day full of laughter, shared moments, and love. It reminded us that sometimes, the simplest plans could lead to the most cherished memories, and that's what made our relationship so special.
I was smiling the whole way home. Even my driver became suspicious of my mood. Pagkarating ko sa bahay, agad akong nagtaka ng walang makitang tao sa sala. Agad akong umakyat para i-check ang kwarto isa isa pero wala rin sila. I checked the pool area and saw them complete out there. Pagkalapit ko ay agad akong nakaramdam ng tension. My younger sister was crying so bad.
"Ate Yanna, what's happening?" Bulong ko kay Ate Yanna.
"What were you thinking, Sienna?" Napaatras ako nang marinig ang sigaw ni Mommy. "How did you end up in a relationship like this? You're still so young!"
Agad akong napatingin kay Sia na umiiyak. I looked at her full of confusion and disbelief.
"This is unacceptable, Sienna!" Dad was also yelling, getting more furious. "We trusted you! Tapos makikipag relasyon ka lang sa isang lalaking mas matanda sa 'yo ng limang taon?! Nag iisip ka ba?"
"Halos pitong buwan ka nang nagsisinungaling sa amin, Sia," Nanghihina na si Mommy. "Paano mo nagagawang magsinungaling sa amin ng ganu'n katagal?"
"Break up with him," Dad said in monotone.
"But, Dad!"
"Sienna Maxine, you heard your Father!" Galit na sigaw ni Mommy. "Break up with that guy!"
"But I love him—"
Napaawang ang labi ko nang makita kung paano sampalin ni Mommy si Sienna. Natakot ako para sa sarili ko. What if they found out about me and Orpheus? Would they react like this or would they react differently? What if magalit din sa akin si Mommy? Pati si Mommy Tez? I promised them na hindi muna ako magb-boyfriend until I turned 18. But I'm just... 15.
"Bakit ba galit na galit kayo sa akin!" Sienna yelled. "Bakit laging ako lang?! Si Ate Shien din naman ah!"
"Sienna!" Saway ni Ate Yria.
"What are you talking about?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Daddy. "Ano'ng si Shien din?"
"May boyfriend ka rin, Shien?" Mom looks at me with so much pain in her eyes.
"Bakit hindi ka makasagot, Ate Yera?" Galit na tanong ni Sienna sa akin. "Hindi ba boyfriend mo si Kuya Orpheus?! I heard you and Ate Yanna talking! Huwag ka nang mag deny!"
"Can you please shut up, you spoiled little brat!" Singhal ni Ate Yanna.
"Blairiana, your mouth!" Saway naman ni Ate Yanny sa kanya. "Pwede bang kumalma muna tayong lahat dito? Walang maaayos kung pare-parehas tayong matataas ang emosyon ngayon. Let's talk later."
"Ashiera Naomi, tinatanong kita!" Bahagya akong napapikit ng mariin nang biglang sinigawan ako ni Mommy, galit na galit. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil naunahan ako ng mga luha ko. Napatango nalang ako at napapikit, ayaw makita ang reaksyon ng mga magulang ko. Ate Yanna was behind my back, holding both of my arms.
"How could you..." Napaupo si Mommy sa labis na panghihina.
"Jusko..." Napahilamos si Daddy sa mukha niya gamit ang mga kamay. Hindi alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon sa natuklasan. "Kailan pa?"
"Two weeks po..." I tried my best to speak. "But I promise... it's not my intention to lie po. I'm really sorry. I just... wanted to... experience to have a b-boyfriend..."
The feeling of dread and guilt that washes over me when my parents discover that i've been lying to them is indescribable. It's a mixture of fear, regret, and a deep sense of betrayal.
"I know I broke your trust... I would understand whatever your consequence is..." Pinunasan ko ang luha ko. "Even if it is breaking up with him."
"Shien?" Napatingin sa akin nang sabay sina Ate Yanna at Ate Yria.
Seeing my Mom's disappointment and the pain in her eyes is like a dagger to my heart. It's a crushing weight that I never wanted to put on her shoulders. I can feel her sadness and sense her questioning where she might have gone wrong in raising me.
But when I witness Dad's fury and intense disappointment, it takes the turmoil to a new level. I realize the gravity of my actions and the consequences of my deceit. I feel like I've not only let them down but also shaken their trust in me, which is a devastating realization.
"Tama si Yanny, Mom... Dad. Palamigin muna natin ang ulo ng isa't isa," Ate Yria broke the tension.
Matagal muna silang natahimik bago magsalitang muli.
"Go to your room, Sienna," Utos ni Mommy.
"Hindi pa tayo tapos, Sienna," Dad said in monotone. "You're five months grounded and I'll have you sent in New York for a homeschooled for girls."
"What?!" Sia exclaimed in disbelief. "This is unfair!"
Lahat kami nakatingin sa kanya nang bigla siyang mag walk out.
"And you, Ashiera Naomi," Nabaling agad ang tingin ni Daddy sa akin. "Papuntahin mo dito ang boyfriend mo. Mag uusap usap tayo."
Iyon lang ang huling sinabi ni Daddy bago sila umalis ni Daddy. Naiwan kaming apat doon sa pool area. Ate Yanna was still trying to calm me down.
The emotional rollercoaster that follows is filled with moments of deep self-reflection, as I come to terms with the magnitude of my actions and the pain I've caused my parents. It's a difficult path toward making amends and regaining their trust, but it's a journey that's necessary to rebuild the relationships that mean the most to me.
"Okay ka lang?" Ate Yanny asked, looking worried. "Bakit hindi mo naman sinabi sa akin na kayo na pala nung Orpheus?"
"Ate it's not helping..." Ate Yanna said. "Manang Luz, ikuha mo nga po ng water si Shien."
"Gusto mo ba kausapin ko sina Mommy?" Ate Yria approached me. "I can... you know? I can cover you up."
"Are you still mad?" Tanong ko kay Ate Yria.
"Galit? Ba't naman ako magagalit sa 'yo eh kapatid kita?" She smiled at me and pinched my cheeks. "I'm just glad that you didn't lie when they asked you the truth."
"But isn't it unfair for Sienna?" I looked up to my three sisters. "Lahat kayo nandito para sa akin. Hahayaan lang ba talaga natin siyang mag-isa? Saka bakit grabe 'yung galit nina Mommy sa kanya pero sa akin hindi?"
"Kasi si Sia, nagsinungaling pa rin nung tinanong siya nina Mommy," Ate Yanny explained. "Hinintay niya pa talaga na magalit sila Mom and Dad bago siya umamin. Unlike you, you were mature enough to admit your sin."
Nang kumalma na ako, umakyat kaagad ako sa kwarto para maligo ulit. I also texted Orpheus that my parents wanted to meet him tonight. Wala pa akong narereceive na reply even after I took a bath. I just waited patiently, baka may ginagawa lang. College life is hella stressing. After one hour, he finally replied.
Orpheus Danziel Imperial:
Mahal, sorry hindi ako pwede ngayon. Sobrang dami ng schoolworks. Midterm, remember?
Napasimangot naman kaagad ako. But I understand him kasi importante naman talaga ang gagawin niya.
Orpheus Danziel Imperial:
Pakisabi nalang po sa magulang mo na kung pwede after exams nalang, kung okay lang? Huhu, sorry talaga bebe. Loveyou!
Agad naman akong pumunta sa kwarto nina Mommy at Daddy to tell them about it. Nag dalawang isip pa ako kung kakatok ba ako o hihintayin nalang silang lumabas ng kwarto para sa dinner. But I also don't want to have that awkward moment later while eating. So I tried my best to knock on their door.
"Mom, it's me..." I said while knocking. Agad naman iyong binuksan ni Daddy. "Uh... About... the... dinner..."
"What?" Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Mommy dahil hindi ako makapagsalita ng maayos.
"Hindi daw po makakapunta si Orpheus..." Napayuko ako. "Madami daw po siyang schoolworks dahil midterms ngayon. Kung pwede daw po after exams nalang?"
"After exams?" Napakunot ang noo ni Daddy. "Nasa New York kami ng Mommy mo n'yan."
"How about on Christmas break?" Tanong ni Mommy. "You can invite him here."
"Uuwi po ata siya sa Batangas," Mahinhin kong sagot. "Pero I'll try telling him po. Baka sakaling magawan ng paraan."
"Shien, do you love this guy?" Napatigil ako sa tanong ni Mommy. "We trust you. And it may be unfair for your sister but... mas pabor kami sa iyo kesa sa kanya."
"Hindi tama ang pagtatago ng ganitong bagay, Shien. Alam mo 'yan. Pero I'm so glad that you chose to admit it bago pa tumagal," Dad caressed my head. "Sixteen ka na sa makalawa. But your sister just turned thirteen when she entered that relationship. It's not that we don't want her to be happy. We just want to enjoy her teenage years without this kind of stuff."
"But fourteen and sixteen are still the same, Dad," I tried protecting my sister. "We're both minors. And the punishment for my sister should also be punished for me. I can't be on the same roof as her knowing na baka isipin niyang I betrayed her. Because your decision for both of us became unfair and unjust."
"Okay lang sa 'yo maging grounded for five months?" Napakunot ang noo ni Mommy.
"If that's the only reason for Sienna not to feel like pinagkakaisahan natin siya," I sighed heavily. "I don't want her to feel like she's alone kasi wala siyang kakampi dito. And about the New York thing... does it really have to go that far po?"
"Hindi siya matututo kung pagbibigyan natin siya," Dad said in monotone.
"Hindi niyo po ba naisip na baka mas lalo po siyang mag rebelde dahil hindi po natin siya pinagkakatiwalaan?" I closed the door and got inside their room. "I know mali ang ginawa ni Sia. But isn't it too much na kailangan pa po siyang ipadala sa girl school sa New York? Meron naman po dito."
Nagkatinginan sina Mommy at Daddy. Matagal silang napaisip sa sinabi ko. I awkwardly looked around, waiting for their minds to change.
"Okay," Tumango tango si Daddy. "Para fair, parehas kayong grounded for five months. No gadgets, no credit cards. Two hundred lang ang magiging allowance niyo in a day. 6pm ang curfew and no hangouts lang muna."
"If you want to bond with your friends, dito lang sa bahay," Mom said.
"Thank you, Mommy!" I immediately hugged my Mom. Sumunod naman kay Daddy. "Thank you so much, Dad!"
"Napakaswerte ng kapatid mo sa 'yo,"
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