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Maddison’s POV
Ang bigat ng katawan ko at parang mabibiyak ang ulo ko. Ayoko pa sanang bumangon kaso nasisilaw na ako sa liwanag ng araw.
“Try mo din bumangon, Madds. Anong petsa na oh?!”
Napahawak na lang ako sa ulo ng maramdaman ko ang sakit though my eyes are still closed. Binuksan naman lalo ni Alex ang kurtina na lalong nagpapasok ng liwanag sa kwarto.
“Ang bastos lang, Alex. Ahhh!” napahiga ulit ako dahil bigla akong nahilo ng biglaang pagbangon.
“Sige lang. Iinom mo lang yan. Grabe ka naman bruha, parang hindi mo lang kakagaling sa sakit nung lumaklak ka ng alak kagabi.”
I slowly opened my eyes without breaking massaging my temple. I looked to Alex and gave her an inquiring gaze. Alak? What happened? I am still wearing the clothes I worn yesterday.
“Don’t tell me you don’t remember anything, yung kagabi?” Alex peculiarly asks and I just shook my head.
“Oh gracious dear! Really? Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Napaaway ba tayo? Parang binugbog ako sa sakit ng katawan ko and my head is gravely aching!” I said as I sat in edge of the bed, still rubbing my head.
“Of course not! Hahaha!” she was just laughing. “Inumin mo yan para mawala hang-over mo and try to recall about last night.” She handed me a coffee and I inattentive accept it.
The last thing I remembered was we’re having a dinner with the boys, including of course Jeron at Samantha’s house. What else?
“Thanks for this.” Referring the coffee she gave to me. Alex was just doing some girl ritual in front of the mirror.
“ Nag-inuman tayo kagabi diba?” I unsurely asked and took a sip on my coffee. Parang bihis na bihis naman ata si Alex, may lakad siya? Itinigil muna ni Alex ang pagmamake-up niya at inikot ang paningin sa akin.
“Yup. And I loved it how you acted when you’re drunk. Such a wicked btch.” She giggled.
“Ano?!”
Ako lasing? Alam ko sila lang nag-iinuman kagabi, I was dodging of being drunk because Jeron was there. Hindi din ako makakilos ng ayos dahil din sa kanya. All I know, he’s just staring at me for the whole time and waiting a chance to talk me, privately. Hindi naman ako ganun kamanhid para hindi maramdaman iyon.
“Tsk. Maalala mo rin ang nangyari, bulok kasi yang utak mo kapag lasing ka eh.” she naughtily said and grabs her hand bag that was on the sofa.
So, sobrang lasing lang ako kagabi? Ano ba yan! I’ll be having difficulties of remembering happened last night. Ganito talaga ako kapag na sobrahan sa alak, pero naalala ko rin naman in short time. Sana naman wala akong ginawang kahiyayan, never pa akong nakagawa ng kahit anong kahiyayan kapag lasing except of talking non-stop.
“Aalis na ako. May date kami ni boyfie nasa baba na siya.” She said while taking her steps but before she opens the door.
“You really did well, Madds. He’s poorly hurt. Teng surely regretted what he just did and you must thank me. Bye.” She said and quickly disappeared.
Wala naman akong naintindihan sa mga sinabi ng bruha. Basta si Jeron un, sya lang naman ang nandun kagabi. Tumayo na ako sa kama and walked straight in the bathroom.
“Extremely mess!” I muttered when I checked myself in front of the mirror. I almost curse when I smell my own breathe. Liquor effect!
Healthy eyebags? Check!
Messy hair? Check!
I straightaway strip and open the shower. I close my eyes as I let the cold water falls in my whole body. Ang sarap magbabad sa tubig, I decided to stay like this for a little longer while recalling… there’s a man. I got it! Someone carried me hanggang sa kwarto namin ni Alex.
“Teng! You’re my everyTeng! Hehehe!” I happily said and pinched his nose as he slowly put me down in the bed.
“Don’t leave! Please!” I protested and grip my hand on his arm while giving him a puppy eyes. I can’t fully see his face because of the dim light.
“Sht!!” I hurriedly open my eyes.
Ginawa ko iyon? What on earth is happened? Why I’m with Jeric last night? I even pleaded him just to stay.
I was breathing heavily when I finished taking a bath. Hindi na ako nag isip pa nang kung anu-ano. I don’t want to remember anything, ayoko talaga. Baka pagsisihan ko lang but I wanted to know the whole thing happened. I probably should ask Sam about this. Hindi ko alam at pano napunta si Jeric kagabi… si Jeron? Nagbati na ba kami I mean binati ko na ba siya?
Parang pakiramdam ko may mali akong nagawa. Hindi ako mapakali at nagdecide na umalis na lang ng dorm, wala namang klase at kumalma naman na ang ulo ko. Should I call him? I took my phone in my bag and I hesitantly dialed his number. It’s ringing.
“Mama wait!”
“Oops! I told you already, no phone on our girl bonding.” Tinago naman ni Mama ang inagaw niyang cellphone ko sa bag niya.
I’m with my mom and sister. I was about to go see Samantha awhile ago but my mom invited me to hang out with them, out of the country kasi si Papa. Sumama na din ako sa kanila because mom say so. Hirap i-decline ng proposal niyan ni Mama.
“Here’s your food, Madame.”
The waiter serves the foods. If you’re expecting that were in a classy restaurant I’m telling you, mali! Andito lang kami sa resto namin. Kuripot din ito si Mama eh. Even though she loves Chinese foods and graving for it, ayaw niya kasi mas masarap daw ang meron dito sa amin.
After we eat nag-aya si Mama pumunta sa isang mall sa Makati. Ibibili niya daw kami ng damit which is I find bad idea, it’s just a waste of time. Hindi naman kami nag-iimikan ni Jade.
“Here anak. Try to fit this dress. This would be lovely on you. Go on.” She didn’t let me complaint as she lead me excitedly to the fitting room right away.
Now, ano na gagawin ko dito? I’m holding an above the knee gray dress, a fitted one. Sinukat ko na lang and I find it fine. Kahit ano naman kasi ipasuot mo sa akin bumabagay.
“Mama halika!” I call.
Dumating naman agad si Mama at sinabing bibilhin niya na ang damit ng makitang bagay na bagay daw sa akin. Pinagsukat niya kami ng pinagsukat as she said earlier siya ang taya kaya siya ang nagbayad. Wala nga siyang nabili for herself.
“Wait for me here. I’ll go to the ladies room.” She said as she handed her bag to Jade.
Awkward! Nag kunyari na lang si Jade na tingin-tingin sa mga damit dito at ako naman ay nakatitig sa kanya. Masaya din palang kabonding siya, yes, first time kong maramdaman ‘to. Mas maigi na atang hindi kami nagkikibuan nagkakaroon ng piece of mind ang earth. Should I apologize to her?
“What are you smiling at?” she irritated asked when she accidentally faced me.
We observed for each other eyes and I find it weird. Kalmado lang ang mata niya even though she sounds angry. I looked away and said.
“Nothing. Punta lang ako doon.” Turo ko sa isang boutique, she just nodded.
“Welcome ma’am.” Sales lady happily welcomed me as I enter.
I roamed my eyes into the wholeness of the boutique. Ang gaganda din ng mga dress dito. As I continue, one navy blue dress catches my attention, bagay siya kay Mama. I walk towards on it and was about to get it when there’s a lady grabs it first. Nakatalikod lang sa akin ang babae.
“Sorry gusto mo din ba—“
“Tita Susan.”
“Ikaw pala yan, Maddison.” She said and kissed me in cheeks.
“Jeron would be happy to see you. Sayang lang at hindi siya sumama sa amin at nagmumuk-mok sa kwarto niya. He seems bothered when he got home last night until now and a bit drunk. Do you know something about it, Hija?” she continually said.
I almost choked with my own saliva after heard it from Jeron’s mom. Bothered?
“Hehe! I don’t know but—“
“Don’t tell me nagkakalabuan na kayo?!” she asked concernedly. I instantly put my hands on the air while saying.
“It’s not that, Tita!” I awkwardly told her.
Tumingin naman ako sa likod niya, just checking if she’s with Almira and Alyssa.
“Are you alone, Tita?” I need to change our topic. Kahit kasi ako hindi ko alam ang tanong ni tita sa akin.
“No, Hija. I’m with Almira and Alyssa they are just paying for their clothes.” She said while wearing the smile on her face. She looks really happy.
“Who’s with you? You can join us, let’s have a dinner together. That would be great.” Tita Susan told me as she held my hand.
“I would love too but I’m with my mom and sister, Tita.” I said humbly.
In a split second she became pale and her hand that was holding mine become cold. She looks worried and uncomfortable.
“Something wrong, Tita?” I nervously asked. She closed her eyes while shaking his head. I do not take off my eyes on her. May sakit kaya siya?
“Your M-o-m is here?” she uneasily asked and I just nodded.
“Honey let’s go!”
Palapit na sabi naman ni Mama kasama si Jade. They were facing me at si Tita Susan naman nakatalikod sa kanila, she’s still holding my right hand and this time it’s shaking. Sobrang kabado naman ata si Tita Susan.
“You alright, Tita?” I murmured to her and she opened her eyes. “I’ll introduce you to my Mom.” I stated and mom exactly reached us.
My mom gave me questioned stares as she mouthed “Sino yan?” mentioning to Tita Susan. Jade also looked curious.
“Mama halika ka dito may papakilala ako sa inyo.”
Hinila ko naman si Mama at tumayo nang ayos si Tita Susan. This time, they both look pale even Jade. Para silang magkakilala. Tita Susan has teary eyes while my mom grew wider. No one dared to speak. I knew it, maybe they know each other? They were just staring when I felt someone arrived behind us.
“Mommy, dad’s called he was asking if what time are we going h- o- m –“ Alyssa did not finish her words as she look straight to Jade and Mama.
“OMG! Tita Madeline! Mayerie!”
Almira was the one who breaks the freezing scene as she missing hugged Jade and Mama. Both of them were stunned, I think Almira was giving her mega hyper tight hug.
“Hija, Mira.” My mom gave Almira a weak smile and Jade just nodded to her.
“Magkakilala ba kayo?” I oddly asked. They all gaze at me while Tita and Mama nodding.
“How come?” Lumapit ako kila Mama at sila Almira naman ay nasa gilid ni Tita Susan.
Baka dahil kay Jade at Jeric kaya magkakilala sila when they’re together. But Jade told me they were forcedly broke-up. Siguro magkaaway sila Mama at Tita kaya pinaghiwalay nila sina Jeric at Jade noon.
“We used to be friends.. but that was before.” Walang kaganang-ganang tinignan ni Mama si Tita Susan na ngaun ay mukhang maiiyak na. Parang ang bitter ng pagkakasabi ni Mama. So, it means they’re not friends anymore? But how I observe them, they are.
“Susan Uy Teng, how are you? Long time no see. I’m glad to see you with your kids.” Tuloy-tuloy na sabi ni mama emphasizing the ‘Teng’ and handed her hand on Tita Susan.
Tita Susan reached my mom’s hand and they shook hands. They gave each other an awkward smile. Feeling ko nagmamataray ito si Mama. Alam kaya ni Mama na anak ni Tita Susan si Jeron.
“We’re doing well, Madeline.” She hesitantly answered. My mom looked at them from head to toe and rolled her eyes.
“Let’s go home! Sumama ang pakiramdam ko.” Siya namang talikod ni Mama kila tita Susan.
Hindi naman ako makagalaw ng ayos sa kinatatayuan ko. Tiningnan ko lang si Jade at inirapan niya naman ako, sumunod na din kay Mama.
“Jane! Tara na!” tawag ni Mama sa akin ng makahakbang sila ng kaunti papalayo. Bigla ko namang ikinagulat ang pagsunod ni Tita Susan kay Mama.
“Mag-usap tayo Madeline.”
“Para saan naman?”
“I’ll tell lot of things that we haven’t cleared years ago.” Tita Susan held her hand at kinabig naman agad ni Mama ang kamay niya.
“Not now, Susan. Maybe next time, we really need to go.” Mom said while controlling her annoyance. Tita Susan just smiled to her and casually said as my mom answered nodding.
“Thanks.”
Maguusap sila tungkol saan? “Wala ka na paki doon! Usapan ng matatanda un.” I thought.
Tumingin sa akin si Mama at siya namang paglakad pa punta sa kanya. Nagpaalam ako kina Tita Susan at feel ko naman tinarayan lang ako ni Ate Alyssa. I saw how her eyes rolled. We just decided to go home.
“Mama magkaaway ba kayo ni Tita Susan?” biglang tanong ko habang nagddrive ito pauwi ng bahay. Umiling naman siya habang hindi inaalis ang mata sa daan. Kasi ang lamig niya kay Tita Susan tapos kay Almira at Ate Alyssa hindi kasi nagpaalam pa nga siya doon.
Napakatahimik masyado ng atmosphere dito sa kotse. Si Jade may nag-iisip ng malalim sa back seat kala mo naman nakasalalay sa kanya ang poverty ng Pilipinas. Ang dami kung tanong.
“Paano mo sila nakilala at kelan pa?” Napalingon naman ako kay Jade, napatingin naman si Mama sa akin at binalik din sa unahan ang tingin. Sasagutin ko ba o sasagutin?
“Jeron introduced me to them. Two months ago.” Matipid kong sagot.
“Kayo kelan niyo pa sila kilala? At kilala niyo na talaga si Jeron that time I introduce him to you, diba?” medyo tumaas ung boses ko. Nag-iwas ng tingin si Jade sa akin at si Mama naman nanatiling tahimik.
Hindi na ako nagtanong pa kasi wala rin namang sumagot sa akin. Silence means yes naman diba? Kaya okay na din natatakot akong kausapin si Mama kasi seryoso ang mukha niya.
“Dito ka na matulog, Jane. Mag-uusap tayo bukas masama kasi pakiramdam ko kaya matutulog na ako.” Diretsong pumunta naman si Mama sa kwarto nila at naiwan kami ni Jade dito sa sala. Medyo kinabahan din ako doon sa boses niya.
I sat down as I am thinking of asking approximately to her but I was stunned when she takes the seat in front of me.
“Probably there’s lot of things in your mind that needed an answer.” She told me. She’s giving me her anxious looked.
“Sobrang dami! Hindi ko nga kayo maintindihan e. Could you tell me the whole story about us and them?” I protested.
“What you don’t know, will hurt you. So, are you willing to know everything—“
“Jade!” napatayo naman agad kami ni Achi nang maglakad palapit sa amin si Mama.
“Matulog ka na! Let me be the one who tell her about it tomorrow.” She commanded.
“but Ma-“
“Just go! Lalo lang sumasakit ang ulo ko.” Napahawak naman si Mama sa ulo niya. Kinuha ni Jade ang mga pinamili niya at tinalikuran kami.
“Your phone. 20 missed calls from Jeron. Bukas mo na lang siya kausapin, matulog ka na din. ” She handed my phone to me but before she leave.
“Kailangan ko na bang layuan ang mga Teng, Ma?” I seriously asked her and she just gave me a weak smile. Bigla na lang lumabas sa bibig ko ang tanong na iyan even though deep inside me is griping, I just I need to know but it’s not that easy to accept if mom will answer me no.
“I won’t do anything that will cause you a hardship, Jane. Always remember that. What you and Jeron have… I will support you on that.” Napatulala naman ako sa sinabi ni Mama at hinalikan ang noo ko.
“I love you, anak.” She said as she hugged me and I hug her tighter. Hindi ko alam pero kinakabahan ako. We stayed embracing for a moment when I felt a tear falls in my shoulder. She’s crying.
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