@marquisprieto: Ready for the fundraiser! Big thanks @LeeDesigner for my beaute dress, HMUA @leilaJ – I feel like a princess! 👸🏻💕✨
"Hiiiii. San ka na?"
I called Ricci to ask since we're already on our way to Shangrila Fort for the "grand fundraising ball" that my family and dad's company is hosting. It's already 6:00pm and sobrang gutom na gutom ko na. 3:00PM pa lang nang magsidatingan ang mga make up artist sa bahay para ayusan kami. Todo rin ang pagddiet ko the past few days para I feel more comfortable with what I'm wearing.
"Around Makati na with Kib and Steph. Nasa Fort na daw sila Kuya and Brent e. Nag-ppregame na."
Natawa ako. Pre-game? Umiinom sila? Kinakabahan siguro si Brent ma-meet uli ang Dad ko after a few years. Dati kasi, lagi napapagsabihan ni Daddy si Brent around the neighborhood dahil isa siya sa mga kids dun na laging pinaglalaruan yung sprinkler namin sa garden – na-trauma na siguro sa mga titig ng tatay ko. Hahaha.
"Okay sige. We're around BGC na rin but I'll text Brent if I could meet up with them beforehand. See you!"
"Babe..."
Kumunot ang noo ko sa tono ng boses nya. Is he sick?
"Natatae na ako sa kaba. Sabi ni Steph sobrang Ice King daw ng Daddy mo."
Hindi ko alam kung kakabahan din ako or matatawa sa sinabi nya. Kinakabahan kasi tama siya – hindi ko talaga alam kung anong magiging kahihinatnan ng gabing 'to. I'd protect him if I could but sometimes I break too especially when I'm in front of my Dad. He already broke my life before and I'm scared he might break it again after tonight. Nakakatawa na nakakaawa kasi bakas talaga sa boses nya yung kaba nya which is so adorable at kinilig ako because it means may pake talaga siya sa mga sasabihin sa kanya ng mga taong nakapaligid sa buhay ko.
I laughed. "Bunny, don't be nervous na. Ako bahala sa'yo. Shield kita kay Dad, ok? Stop worrying. Hug kita when you get here, okay?"
"Hug then kiss, pwede? Sige na baby, I'm super nervous talaga!"
I laughed when I hear a few teases from Steph and Kib at the background. I agreed. Baka sakaling mawala din ang kaba ko once we do that.
-
The grand ballroom is sparkling with luxury. Everyone's almost wearing the shade of black and the elegance is astounding. We were asked to stay at the 2nd floor of the ballroom dahil isa isa daw kami sa family na ipapakilala sa mga guests. I sighed because this has been too familiar. Every two years naman kaming pinapakilala sa lahat so what's the difference this time? I'm sure si Danica na naman ang may pakana nito para magmukha na siyang legit naming kapamilya.
"Okay, Prieto family! Showtime in 15 minutes! Everything's cool? Wala naman may wardrobe malfunction or anything?" Lance the event organizer that we've been getting ever since, asked. He's a bit panicky because working for my Dad is definitely not a walk in the park.
Kuya Liam, Ate Pauline, Danica, Dylan and I just shook our heads. Para talagang kapatid lang namin tong si Danica dahil kung titignan mo talaga kami ngayon – mukha lang kaming magkaka-edad.
"I'll call your Dad a few minutes before the program. He's there mingling." Napakunot ang noo nya sa akin. "Marq, where's your date? He should be here!"
I got surprised! I didn't know we're required to have a date to present too. Akala ko he's just considered a guest since no pressure naman and this never happened before!! I am not ready!
"Lance, I didn't know I have to present my date tonight! Kailangan ba talaga?" I whispered to Lance. Hindi naman sa kinakahiya ko si Ricci or anything but this is new! I haven't introduced him yet to my Dad tapos i-ppresent na siya agad? I don't want to be unfair and put him on the spot!
Lance gave me a panic look! "Of course, Marq!!! Lahat kayo nasa legal age na. Mas PR pag may escort kayo – well of course except Dylan. It would kind of create a bad buzz if wala kang date! Isipin pa nila something's wrong with you!"
"Kaya pinasama namin ng Daddy mo ang date mo, pero may escort ka naman." Danica reasoned out na akala nya ay ikinatuwa ko.
I sneered at the OA explanation of Lance and Danica but sighed. I guess I just have to face the music now. I'm sorry for putting you on the spot, Ricci. I texted him to meet me at the back entrance of the ballroom and he complied immediately. He's having pre-drinks with all our friends at hindi pa kami nagkikita. Actually lahat sila di ko pa nakikita so mixed emotions talaga ako pag nakita ko siya dahil I'm sure sobrang gwapo na naman niya!
"Wow, nasa langit na ata ako."
I looked around and see a very handsome man, his hair quiffed, and has Gucci all over his whole outfit. Hay nako, this guy talaga. I can't have any more luxuries in life – okay na okay na po ako sa kanya. I went up to him and gave him the biggest hug as he laughed softly to my ears.
"Sobrang ganda mo, hon."
I looked up to him, surprised that I heard another term of endearment from him but I don't care. I feel over the top with this guy and our hug gave me a sense of love and longing. Can we just stay like this forever?
But like I said, I have to face the music. I just hope that Ricci Rivero is prepared to come with me.
"Aww, thank you bunny!!! Ayaw ko sana sirain 'tong moment natin but I have to tell you something..." I whispered at him and explained what should happen. Lumunok siya ng malalim at nakatingin lang sakin as if di siya naniniwala sa mga sinasabi ko.
"Marq! Seryoso ka ba? I mean, okay lang naman sa akin... but okay lang ba sa family mo? I mean, we're not even official yet-" I partly felt guilty for what he said. I know I'm the reason why there are complications right now because I haven't said yes yet, but andito na kami and I wanted him to face this feud with me – if he's willing.
I nodded and simply grabbed his hand going to the 2nd floor. I saw my whole family there, lining up because the program is already starting. I looked at Ricci and smiled as if telling him that everything will be okay. Well, one can only hope.
"There you go!!! We are about to be introduced, where have you been?!" Kuya Liam ranted at me, panicking because Dad is there staring straightly at me.
"Well, I'm already here, am I?" I replied and held Ricci's hand tighter. I faced Dad at nakita kong umigting ang panga nya nang makita nyang nakahawak ako kay Ricci. Lumapit ako.
"Dad, I want you to meet Ricci. Ricci is a classmate of mine. Ricci, this is my Dad." Dad stood up straight and I observed that he's wearing a head to toe Ferragamo orange suit – probably Danica's influence because seriously, my Dad wearing an orange suit? I never thought I'd see the day.
Ricci swallowed but still smiled. He raised his hand for a handshake.
"Good evening Sir, it's an honor to meet you." I looked at Dad and he's scrutinizing every inch of Ricci's appearance starting from his head to foot. I already expected him not to shake Ricci's hand but he did and I thank heavens for that.
"Well, you're here now, aren't you? No funny business." Dad said without any acknowledgement for the both us as he fixed his gaze on the program downstairs. I gave Ricci an awkward smile as if to say I'm sorry and he just gave me a sad smile as if to say he understands.
"Kuya Ricci!!!" Dylan smiled genuinely and Ricci looked at my brother as he breathes a sigh of relief. It makes me feel happy that Ricci treats my little brother as a comfort.
"Hi, Dyl. Pogi ah!" Ricci said habang sinubukan nyang guluhin ang well-polished na buhok ni Dylan while my brother just smiled at him in response.
Kasama naman ni Dylan si Yaya Lucy na sad to say, ay naka-uniform. Sayang. Akala ko pa naman mananalo ng Star of the Night Award 'tong si Yaya.
"Cci, I want you to meet Yaya Lucy. Yaya Lucy has been there for me ever since I was a kid. Let you in a little secret though, siya ang nagturo sa akin on how to make the Sinigang..."
Tumawa si Ricci at nag-bless kay Yaya. Si Yaya naman, tahimik at nakangiti na nakamasid sa amin na para bang natutuwa siya sa nakikita nya. I gave her a wink and she gave me a thumbs up. Love ya, Yaya!
Lance asked a couple of questions to Ricci for him to be introduced as well. We all lined up and while we're waiting for our cue to be called and to go downstairs, he squeezed my hand and boisterously laughed. "Natatawa ako – sa sobrang kinakabahan ako, natatawa na lang ako sa nangyayari now."
I laughed loudly too – in a few seconds kami na ang tatawagin. "Ako rin, pero tawanan na lang natin?"
After we are introduced as 'Margarita Adriana Prieto – second child of Dominico Prieto to be escorted by De La Salle Green Archer, Ricci Rivero' I was seated at the fancy 1st table and had an an extremely awkward dinner with my family but what's new since every weekend naman kaming ganito. Iba't ibang tao ang lumalapit sa table namin para mag-hi o magpakilala kay Dad. Ricci went back to table 18 where the rest of our friends are seated. I finished the 7-course meal as fast as I could para makalapit na ng upuan at pumunta na sa kanila.
"Holy moly, look's who's here!!!" I hear Prince boomed and the rest of them that were eating pa faced me. All of them looked very formal and spiced up – I can't believe these are the same walwal people na pawisan during Happy Thursday. I laughed at the irony and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you guys for coming!!! Ok ba yung debut entrance namin ni Ricci?" we all laughed. Finally. Comfort.
"Sobra! Grabe akala ko hihimatayin na si Ricci sa putla sa stage!" Brent teased which earned a harsh pat on the back of his head. "Bakit? Totoo naman pre... na-ambush ka ba?"
"Bakit Cci... sanay ka naman mapahiya on stage. Lagi ka kaya nasa TV!" Kib said, a mouthful of Foie Gras.
"Siyempre, iba pa rin..." marahan na tugon ni Ricci and shyly looked at me. I smiled.
"Oh fuck... you met Marquis' dad na?" Steph panicked in which Ricci nodded at.
"Kamusta pre? Kinain ka ba ng buhay?" Brent joked but quietly. Nakakatawang ang laki ni Brent pero takot sa Daddy ko.
Ricci looked at me shyly then smiled. "Buhay naman ako, diba? Let's just say na he's strict." I smiled at how Ricci made it sound nice kahit medyo nakakakabastos yung nangyari. Goes to show how mature he is.
"Grabe, buti ka pa. Alam mo ba nung 13 years old ako – muntik na ako habulin ng baril nyan! Grabe, traumatic experience talaga kaya nga medyo kinakabahan din ako ngayon e. Kung di lang talaga masarap pagkain dito sa Shang and di lang ako pinagsabihan nila Mommy, di talaga ako pupunta!"
"Eh kasi naman, araw araw kang naglalaro sa sprinklers namin! Ang daming tubig ang nasasayang tapos 5 hours ka pa ata naglalaro dala mo pa yung scooter mo!" I laughed and everyone wanted to give Brent a punch for being so silly.
We all maintained a light conversation and listened to the program carefully. We also took pictures around the venue and it's safe to say that we're having fun. Tumambay pa kaming lahat sa bar area to drink a couple of shots bukod sa wines and champagnes that the waiters pass around. Nakisali pa sila Kuya Liam and Ate Pauline sa amin and I can tell that this night is turning out to be good which isn't I expected.
Steph, Alexa and I are having too much fun with each other and I can tell that we're getting tipsy but nowhere drunk (Kapal ng mukha namin kung maglasing kami dito, diba!) so we all decided to go to the comfort room. We were all laughing when we entered each cubicle.
"Steph, you'll never believe what I saw last week." I hear Alexa mutter beside my cubicle.
I laughed. Dahil tipsy na ako, hindi ko na ibibig-deal ang mga susunod na sasabihin ni Alexa.
"What is it?"
"I saw Marquis texting a certain Mico Romualdez while we're at the church with the Riveros!"
I hear Stephanie gasp and I rolled my eyes. "You slut! Are you freaking serious Margarita Prieto? Ok na naman kayo ng gagong yun?"
"Let me explain."
Another group of girls entered the comfort room and they are laughing.
"This fundraiser is actually a big help. To be honest, I didn't expect na gagawa pa sila ng ganito after Marita left. I underestimated that wench of a mistress Dominico got!"
I swallowed hard when I heard my parents being mentioned on the same phrase with Danica.
"To be honest, when Marita disappeared parang sinakluban ng langit at lupa yang pamilya na yan! Akala ko nga malulugi sila. Pero parang nung nawala si Marita mas lalong nag-bloom ang mga Prieto."
"Parang mas madali pa nga pakisamahan yung kabit na bata ni Dom! Napaka trying hard kasi kaya madali i-please. Unlike Marita who's really the matriarch. Ang hirap hulihin ang kiliti!"
"Oo nga, siguro mabuti na rin na wala na si Marita... bukod sa mas lalong yumaman sila, we all have a chance with Dom na... hahaha!"
I can feel my body churning. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko uumpisahan ang galit na nararamdaman ko ngayon. I get that Mom's long gone now... pero ang pagsalitaan ang sarili kong Ina ng ganito?! Respeto naman! Hindi ko na ata kayang palampasin 'to!
I harshly opened the cubicle door to face these witches who's been lambasting my Mom! Magkamatayan na tayo dito pero walang pwedeng bumastos sa kanya lalo nang wala siya.
"Excuse me? Pinag-uusapan nyo ba ang pamilya ko?" I faced them at napansin kong nasa tatlo silang nasa late 30's na. They are all wearing sparkly black dresses – oozing with extravagance yet oozing with kabastusan naman ang ugali.
They put down their make up and stared at me. They were shocked and frozen right on the spot. Alexa and Steph were behind them and they are looking everywhere but me.
"Hija, we're sorry... what you heard was..." the tallest one of them spoke and I can tell that she tried to be formal.
I smirked. "What I heard was what? Rude? Diba ang bastos ng sinabi nyo? You were backstabbing the people who fed you in this party! Hate us all you want, but my Mom? Seriously? Nasa'n ang respeto dun?" I angrily spoke and I can feel my hands trembling. Steph and Alexa tried to comfort me but I stopped them immediately.
"We're sorry, we didn't mean to-" the other bitch said.
"What? You didn't mean that I'm here to hear all your insults about my Mom? I'm sorry but I don't even know you. Are you sure that the three of you are invited? I don't think so... I think you can leave." I said with finality. I swear, pag hindi umalis sa party 'tong mga to, tatawag talaga ako ng security!
"Marquis... we're really sorry. Business partners kami ng Dad mo..."
"I don't fucking care!" marahas kong sambit na ikinagulat nila. Sobrang nagagalit ako at wala na akong pakielam kung ano pa ang sabihin nila – wala akong pake kung magkaroon ng eksena. I want these witches out of this party!
Mabilis na lumabas ang tatlo while Steph and Alexa went up to me. Gusto kong umiyak, gusto kong mapag-isa pero paano? Hindi ko matanggap ang mga sinabi nila maybe because I myself couldn't believe that's what others think about my Mom – with my family. We used to be the perfect family that everyone dream of... now, sobrang wala na.
After a couple of minutes of Steph and Alexa comforting me and trying to fix myself up because I was almost on the verge of crying, we received an emergency text from Kib.
"Marq, we have to go back na to the ballroom. Kib texted and told me that your Dad just approached our table."
Nanlaki ang mata ako at dali-dali naman kaming lumabas ng washroom. This will never be good. Lord naman, akala ko magiging okay ang gabing ito.
Namataan namin na nasa table 18 nga si Dad kasama si Danica. I see Brent, Ricci, Prince and Kib give each handshakes to my Dad while they did a undeserving curtsy to Danica who's by far- giggling. Pagkalapit namin sa kanila, I give a cough to signal that I'm already here.
"Marquis! Where have you been? Self-introduction na lang tuloy ang ginawa namin ng Dad mo with your friends..." Danica giggled and I tried to smile at her. I looked at the boys and I swear Brent swallowed deeply. Gusto kong matawa but sobrang bad mood ko na because of what happened just a while ago. I wonder where those three bitches are!
"Dad... 'diba I introduced you na to Ricci? Well, I was at the washroom with Alexa and Steph, you've met them na before..."
"Hi Uncle!" Steph and Alexa said in unison and I swear I saw an imaginary halo on top of their heads dahil mukha silang mga anghel na bata ngayon.
"Then Prince – he's Ricci's brother. Kib and Brent... I'm sure you know Brent?" I told him and Brent gulped.
Dad nodded. "Yeah I remember. Paraiso? Ikaw yung makulit na bata na naglalaro sa garden namin..." Brent swallowed. "I thought I invited your parents?"
"They are both in Singapore po e, that's why they can't attend and sent me instead. They send their regards po." Brent politely said at first time ko ata siyang makitang ganito! Lahat talaga napapatumba ni Dad – perfect example are the untouchable Mico Romualdez and Brent Paraiso.
My dad nodded but still didn't smile. There was an awkward silence.
"Uncle, great food and party po pala! You always throw the best parties talaga," Alexa braved and I smiled at her at the small attempt.
"I'm glad you're having fun. It's all Danica's doing, really." Dad commented and I almost barfed. We all looked at Danica and she was grinning madly – soaking up all the attention she could get.
"Why thank you, honey!" she looked up at my Dad. "Well, tell us about yourself guys! How did you meet Marquis?" Danica asked and seriously, can't she just shut up.
I rolled my eyes. "I told you, Danica. They are all my schoolmates."
My dad looked at me. "Danica's asking them, not you, Margarita."
I blushed because I was embarrassed. Wala talagang pinipiling lugar at tao 'to. Napatahimik ako dahil baka pag nagsalita pa ako, bigla na lang tumulo ang luha ko.
"I'm a classmate of Marquis in Constitution po and then our younger brother," Ricci motioned for Prince and Prince smiled. "plays with Dylan every Sunday sa basketball clinic. I'm sure you know that."
Something changed between my Dad's eyes as he looked at Ricci's speaking form. "How is Dylan at basketball?"
Ricci smiled as if he's proud of my little brother. "He's doing great po. The first time I saw him play I saw a potential in him. Every Sunday parang improving po siya,"
I was surprised by Ricci's statement. I didn't know he follows my brother's trainings dahil inaamin ko, bukod sa wala naman ako masyadong alam sa basketball, napakalaking distraction din ng mga Rivero sa akin tuwing Sunday kaya di ako masyado nakakapanood.
My dad nodded and I can tell that he's a bit surprised by Ricci's assessment. "And you're evaluating him, because?"
Prince coughed. "We all play in UAAP po. We're in the varsity team."
"I see. What are your courses again?" My dad asked.
They all blurted out their specific courses and I can feel the embarrassment creeping unto my neck little by little. Hindi ko alam kung anong sense at inisa isa ni Dad ang mga kaibigan ko. Is he trying to imply something? I am now secretly praying for Ate Pauline or Kuya Liam or anyone who'd take away my dad from this table.
"Sports management?" Dad repeated when Ricci just said his course. "Anong klaseng trabaho ang makukuha mo doon?"
"DAD!"
"DOM!"
Sabay naming suway ni Danica. Gusto ko na lang lumubog sa lupa at maglayag papunta sa malayong lugar ngayon. Hindi ko alam kung anong ginawa ko kay Daddy para ganituhin nya ako. Kumunot ang noo ni Ricci and he smiled at me weakly as if saying, 'It's okay,'. I suddenly want to cry.
"I'm sure marami pang makkwento sa atin si Ricci next time when we invite him at our Sunday lunch, right honey?" Danica said and for the first time in my life, I feel thankful for her presence. "Ricci, can you join us next Sunday at lunch? Mukhang madami atang tanong sa'yo 'tong Daddy ng lady love mo." Danica joked and we're back to her being the annoying one.
Ricci just nodded whilst Danica excused herself and Dad. I breathed a sigh of relief. Ayoko na ata harapin 'tong mga kasama ko after what happened.
"Enjoy the unli-champagne guys!" pabirong paalam ni Danica while my Dad just looked at me sternly.
They all looked at me sympathetically. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan ang pag sosorry ko sa awkwardness na nangyari – lalong lalo na kay Ricci.
"Guys, I'm very sorry..." I started and Ricci immediately enveloped me with a tight hug. All of them stared at us, speechless of what just happened. The hug is longer than I expected dahil nung pagkalas namin, nagulat na lang ako na wala na sila Steph sa tabi namin. They probably wanted us to have the privacy that we deserve kahit na ramdam ko ang mga titig ng mga tao sa paligid.
It's funny how even we are with a sea of people, Ricci and I still feel alone afterwards. Nakakalungkot isipin na kahit andito ang pamilya ko, isang taong hindi ko pa kaano-ano ang nagbibigay pagmamahal at suporta sa akin.
Aayain ko sana si Ricci hanapin ang mga kaibigan namin nang biglang may humigit ng mahigpit sa braso ko.
It's my own Father – again. Wearing the most furious expression I have ever seen.
Kinuha nya ang braso ko at marahan akong dinala palabas ng ballroom. I can see my whole family with worried and scared look on their faces as they followed us papalabas ng venue. Huminto kami sa gilid ng mahabang hallway kung saan maraming waiter ang labas masok.
"What were you thinking!" Dad spoke, angrily and I can see the veins in his neck protruding. I looked at my Dad and the people around – confused on what he is talking about. "Wala ka bang respeto, ha? Why did you curse at my business partners? Hindi mo ba alam kung anong kahihiyan ang nadulot mo?! Answer me now!"
"Dad...." I hear Kuya Liam and I felt that a tear suddenly fell from my left eye.
Gusto ko nang sumabog sa poot at kahihiyan na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Hindi nya alam kung ano ang mga narinig ko, ang mga pinagdaanan ko nung nawala si Mommy. Wala siyang alam.
"You don't understand," I croaked. "They spoke of ill of Mom!" I shouted at nabigla ako sa ginawa kong pagtaas ng boses sa kanya. Wala e, hindi ko na talaga kaya. Sasabihin ko lahat ng gusto kong sabihin at walang makapagpipigil sa akin.
Dad pinched the bridge of his nose and huffed. "Ikaw ang hindi ako maintindihan! They are my business partners at pinahiya mo raw sila!!! You are such a disgrace!" dinuro nya ako at hindi ko na lang mapigilang maiyak. Hindi ako makapaniwala na ganito ang tingin niya sa akin. Wala siyang idea kung anong mga salita ang narinig ko kanina para ganituhin nya.
"Dad, stop it!" I hear Dylan and I can see him crying beside me.
Dad looked at him sneered. "Huwag kayong makisali dito! Kailangan turuan ng leksyon 'tong kapatid niyo dahil sumosobra na siya!"
Huminga ako ng malalim at sinubukan maglakas ng loob sagutin siya. Kung wala siyang respeto sa akin, sasagot na ako.
"Dad, hindi mo naiintindihan. They judged our family. They even wished Mom dead!" I said incredulously and I hoped when I said that, medyo maliliwanagan siya.
But he didn't because what my Father did was what I can't accept. He slapped me.
"DAD!" I hear a couple of voices but wasn't able to distinguish who because what just happened was unbelievable.
"I really don't care if they wished your Mom dead. Andito ba ang nanay mo? Do you even see her here?! Wala naman diba?! You can't accept the fact that she left!" he screamed and I wish I could suddenly disappear.
I was about to respond back when a tall body hindered my retaliation. I didn't even know Ricci's here. Napalaki ang mata ko. Nakita niyang lahat yun?!
Hinigit ni Ricci ang kamay ko at hinarang ang katawan nya kay Dad. Nagulat ako at nakita kong napa-ismid rin ang nasa harap ko.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect you Sir at ayaw ko po sanang makielam, pero sana tama na po."
Dad gave an evil smirk and scrutinized Ricci from head to foot. "Sino ka ba, ha? Wag kang makielam dito dahil di kita kilala!"
Ricci swallowed and I held his wrist tighter. I wish we could leave. "Your daughter introduced me to you a while ago, in case you weren't listening, Sir. I didn't mean to disrespect you, malaki po ang respeto ko sa inyo, pero nasasaktan na po ang anak nyo."
Bigla namang pumunta rin sa harap ko si Kuya Liam. "It's true, Dad. Talaga bang ganyan ka katigas when it comes to this family?"
For the first time, my older brother spoke up.
"Wag ka nang makisali, Liam. Don't you understand that I might break those partners' trust! Dahil sa kapababayaan at kabastusan ng kapatid mo!"
Kanina naaawa pa ako sa sarili ko pero nung narinig ko ang mga salitang yun, hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. Naramdaman ko ang galit na naramdaman ko kanina nung naririnig ko yung tatlong babaeng hinuhusgahan si Mom. Walang pinagkaiba si Dad sa tatlong yun.
"If you don't believe me then don't. But I'm telling you, binastos nila si Mom. Now, if you don't care about this family then I also heard that they called your girlfriend a wench. A mistress. Baka dun may pakielam ka?" Nanlaki ang mata ni Dad at tumingin ako slightly kay Danica who's in complete shock too. "Oh ngayon, may pake ka? You told me you don't understand, pero paki-intindi mo rin sa akin bakit wala ka nang pakielam kay Mom? Do you even think about her? But who am I kidding, of course you don't. E ikaw naman may kasalanan kung bakit hindi na namin siya kasama ngayon, 'diba?"
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako kumuha ng lakas ng loob sabihin lahat 'to pero masaya ako dahil finally, nasabi ko na ang dapat kong masabi. Wala na akong pakielam kung ipatapon nya ako – basta masabi ko lang ang matagal ko nang gusto sabihin sa taong to. I can feel their deadly stares at me – probably too concered of how I look like a mess right now but I don't give a damn. Andito na rin naman ako, lulubusin ko na.
My dad froze but maintained his composure. "Wala kang alam."
I smirked. Wala naman talaga. "Wala nga, but I know you were the reason why she forgot this family! It's because of you and you're doing it again! After mo sirain ang buhay nya, ako naman ang sisirain mo!" I wiped the tear that fell. "You think hindi ko alam kung anong ginawa mo kay Mico?"
"Marquis! Tama na yan." malumanay na sagot ni Kuya Liam sa gilid ko but I'm a girl unstoppable.
"If you think nag-succeed ka sa paninira ng buhay ng taong nagmamahal sa'yo like ni Mom, well ako hindi ako papayag. Dad, I was a wreck for months tapos ikaw lang pala ang may dahilan. What kind of a father are you?!"
Tuloy tuloy ang luha na dumadaloy sa akin dahil sa galit at lungkot na nararamdaman ko. Gusto ko lang marinig ang mga sagot kung bakit? Bakit siya biglang nagbago? Anong nangyari at sa isang iglap ay parang diring-diri siya sa pamilyang 'to?! Bakit?!
I hear a huge cry beside me and I recognized it was Dylan's. Kuya Liam held my wrist and shook his head at me. He nodded at Ricci and Ricci nodded too.
"Ricci, take Marquis home muna. Marquis, you need to rest."
Ano?! Kung kelan in the zone na ako saka nila ako papaalisin?! NO WAY!
"NO! I'm not yet done!"
Ate Pauline came to my side at inalis nya ako sa harap ni Dad na nakita kong nakatingin lang at nakahinto sa kanyang kinatatayuan. "Sige na, Marq. You've said enough. Kami na ang bahala dito. Let's update each other once everything's clear, alright?"
Umiling ako. Ayoko talaga umalis dito dahil marami pa akong gustong isumbat at itanong. "Ate Pauline you don't understand-"
But Ate Pauline just gave me a sad smile. "Of course I understand, Marq and I'm proud that you stood up for your family... But let's take one step at a time, okay?"
I exhaled and nodded at her. I know I'm on the verge of breaking down right now at kahit gustuhin ko pang magsalita, I owe it to these people who were there for me ever since the start. I need to respect my siblings this time and it's true that I've said too much already.
Napansin kong maraming nang waiters ang nanonood sa pamilyang kanina lang ay mukhang napakasaya at perpekto sa harap ng maraming tao pero ngayon habang lahat kami ay nasa likod – para bang nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin at naging kabaligtaran. Well, welcome to the Prieto family everyone. This is our true color.
Ricci approached me with the saddest look and gave me a weak smile. I saw Danica at the background, trying to console my Dad pero nakatalikod siya at hindi ko makita ang reaksyon nya.
"Marq, tara na. I already texted Brent and the rest and told them mauna na tayo," He pleaded and I nodded.
We were about to leave when I hear Dylan.
"Ate, don't leave me here,"
Nalukot ang mukha ko nung narinig ko ang boses ng bata kong kapatid. Nakakalungkot na sa murang edad ay nadadamay na siya sa kaguluhang naidulot ng pamilya ko. When I was his age, mom is still here. Napakasaya at napa-kumpleto ng pakiramdam namin noon pero ngayon sa edad na 13, ganito na ang nararanasan nya. He doesn't deserve this.
I was about to kneel in front of him when I hear a cold, sarcastic voice that I hate hearing almost half of my life.
"Pabayaan mo na siyang umalis, Dylan. Wala naman yang alam kung hindi ang umalis – Just like your Mom," he huffed and I can see that Danica's trying to control him.
Tumayo ako ng deretso at tinignan ang lalaking unang nagpangiti sa akin pero ngayon, tila nagpapalungkot at nagpapabigat ng buhay ko.
"Alam mo Dad, okay lang naman na wag mo na akong kampihan e," I forced a smile and prevented the tears from falling again. "But ang pagsalitaan si Mom ng ganyan? Who did nothing but to care and love you?! Well, siguro nga mana ako kay Mommy dahil katulad nya – hindi na rin kita mapapatawad."
-
Tahimik sa loob ng kotse. Pagpasok ko doon, bigla na lang bumuhos ang mga luha na pinipigilan kong pumatak while confronting Dad. Wala na atang mas isasakit pa sa mga narinig ko dahil bukod sa hindi ako makapaniwalang ganoon ang tingin sa akin ng sarili kong dugo't laman, hindi ko rin lubos na maisip na wala na nga atang natitirang pagmamahal ang kayang maibigay ni Dad sa aming pamilya. His eyes are cold and his voice unshaken. Walang awa o kung anuman ang nakita ko sa kanya. Wala na ngang pag-asa.
Nakaramdam ako ng yakap sa gilid ko and I freely accepted it. Ricci saw and heard everything that happened in that hallway and I know he expect at least an inkling of the story from me. I know he wanted to console me but for that to happen, I have to tell him the story. I know I haven't fully opened up to him but I figured, he has gained the love and the affection from me and soon enough, I'd have to tell him the whole story for him to fully comperehend what just happened.
Hinagod nya ang likod ko habang patuloy pa rin ako sa paghikbi. Na-realize ko na pangalawang beses na nya ako pinapanood at yinayakap ng mahigpit tuwing umiiyak ako. Wala pang ibang taong nakakakita kung gaano ako umiyak at mag-hinagpis kung hindi si Mommy – nung nawala siya.
Pinilit kong kumalma at sinubukan ngumiti habang pumipiglas sa kanya. Ayoko nang makita nya akong ganito: Hopeless and heartbroken.
Ricci gave me a box of tissue that's been sitting on his dashboard. I got a couple and blew my nose. He's still looking at me intensely na para bang awang-awa. No, ayokong kaawaan nya ako.
"Sorry, you had to see that. Sobrang pangit ko na," I muffled through my nose as I laughed a bit forced.
Kumunot noon ni Ricci at tinignan ako ng mas mabuti. "Ikaw? Pangit? Kailan mangyayari yon?"
I smiled and stayed silent. I wiped my nose and checked myself on the mirror. I noticed that my makeup are a mess. Medyo magulo rin ang buhok ko. Parang feeling ko dumaan ako sa isang gera – which is partly true.
I hear Ricci sigh as he continued to stare at me. "Marq," he started and got a hold of my left hand. "You don't have to pretend that you're okay... okay lang umiyak. I heard everything at hindi madali ang pinagdadaanan mo."
He keeps on making lines on my hand and after hearing his words, I suddenly wanted to cry again.
"But you don't have to face it alone this time. Alam mo naman na andito na ako ngayon, right? I may be rough around the edges but mabait naman ako... huwag kang mahihiya sa akin."
Upon hearing those words, I cried again. Not because I'm sad but because I'm happy. I'm happy that I've finally found the person who can understand and fight for me. A person who knows how imperfect and unwanted I feel all the time. A person who knows how to deal and love me for who I really am.
I laughed as I reached for his lips and gave him a lingering kiss. It's a long peck and I felt him smile through our lips. Naglapat ang noo namin at ngumiti. It's such a bittersweet scene and I'm glad to share it with this person.
After that intimate moment, Ricci immediately opened his car engine and looked at me.
"Ano tara? Roadtrip?"
I nodded and smiled. Thankful that Ricci Rivero came to my life on the right time and place.
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Mej early update because I'm going to Korea tomorrow. I will be back on the 2nd so the next update is on the 3rd of April na guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me if masyadong heavy or mahaba tayo sa isang chapter. Gusto ko lang kasi paabutin tong story ng 30 chapters e.
ANYWAY. Guys!!! PLEASE don't forget to comment And vote para naman I have the inspiration to finish this story. Huge thanks inadvance. Annyeong!!! Love y'all. x