Kabanata 49
Ran Away
Hindi ko alam kung paano ko nalagpasan ang gabing iyon, kung paano kami ng mga kaibigan nang maabutan kami doon sa couch. I feel so ashamed from all of their unfiltered words! Palibhasa lasing na kaya ganoon.
"Don't ever leave her again!" Biglang sigaw ni Maxxine pagkatapos niya kaming titigan ng matagal
"I didn't." Kalmadong sabi ni Johansson at tinignan ako. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at kinurot si Maxxine
"Ouch! Bakit totoo naman ah? Kung wala iyong Kelsey na iyon edi sana sinabi mo na-" mabilis tinakpan ni Karlie ang bibig niya. Napamura naman si Nick at kinuha ang hawak na shot glass ni Maxxine
"Lasing kana girl, kung ano ano sinasabi mo." Pahisterikal na tumawa si Shaira at itinayo si Maxxine para pumuntang comfort room.
Kinagat ko ang labi ko at uminom ng pang limang shot sa gabing ito. That's my last one though, I'll stay with the cocktails in front.
Masama akong tinignan ni Johansson habang walang kahirap hirap niyang ininom ang kanya, ni hindi man lang ngumiwi.
"That will be your last one." Ngumuso ako pero tumango rin. Kahit hindi mo pa sabihin Johansson.
"Are the kids already inside?" Tanong ni Ate Xena kay Percy na naglalagay ng mga gamit ng mga bata sa likod ng van
"We're here!" sigaw nila sa loob ng sasakyan. They're waiting for us in their car seat while we're busy arranging our things.
Hindi na namin pinasama si Rose at Percy dahil gusto naming umuwi muna sila sa kanilang pamilya. They've been with us since we're in France and they didn't get the chance to go home to their family.
It will be a four days three night vacation in Mactan, Cebu, some close friends and some relatives are prepared and take a leave for this birthday celebration of Dior. While Mom and Dad will be there tomorrow with their friends because of a problem in the company that need to be solved immediately.
I greeted my relatives inside the private plane, masaya sina Lauren at Dior na makita ang mga pinsan nila. Magkakasamang nagdatingan ang mga kaibigan ko at ni ate.
One of ate's friend has a child and we introduce her to the kids.
"You're an Australian?" tanong ni Lauren kay Agatha, anak ng kaibigan ni ate.
"Yes, how did you know that? Some thought I'm half American."
"It's because of your accent." She tried to imitate Agatha's accent and they both laugh while I remained impressed.
"Did you teach her that?" Nick asked
"Hindi, napapanood niya siguro." sabi ko at tinawag na si Lauren para makatabi na sa akin dahil kumpleto na kami at pabyahe na.
"Nasaan na si Kuya Carreon?" Tanong ko kay ate
Tumingin siya sa mga bata bago ako sinagot
"He said he will come, maybe tonight or tomorrow?."
"Alam na niya?" Umiling siya at hinimas ang buhok ni Dior na mahimbing ang tulog
Ate Xena wants to surprise both Dior and his father that's why prior to this, we already told them about it and try not to talk about it. We're talking in tagalog so that the kids won't understand us.
We got escorted by the hotel's vans. It's a thirty minute drive and we have to sail to go to the hotel. Lauren didn't enjoy the water dahil pinapaalala ni Dior sakaniya iyong napanood nilang shark movie
"Mommy, do you think there's a shark in there?" Malambing na tanong niya at tinuro ang dagat.
"I think so, baby. But you don't have to worry because you're safe with me." She hugged me tight and I know that she's scared. Tumawa si Doir sa reaksyon na at lumapit sakaniya.
"I'm not afraid of sharks so you don't have to be scared." He tried to comfort Lauren but she's just too scared kaya buong byahe ay nakayakap siya sa akin
This day will be our free day, bukas ay mag start na sa preparation sa birthday ni Dior. Sunday ngayon at sa tuesday ang birthday ni Dior. I think my parents will be here tomorrow night, siguro ay kasama nila si Kuya Carreon bukas.
And alam lang ni Kuya Carreon ay birthday celebration ng batang lalaki na relative namin. Ate Xena invited her for just a vacation and I'm sure it will surprise him real bad.
"Can I help you, Mommy?" Lumapit si Lauren sa akin at tinulungan ako sa pag-aayos ng gamit. Natawa ako dahil ang mga stuffed animals niya ang una niyang inayos sa kama namin
"You get some sleep first, okay? I know all of you are tired." And she started talking to them like her own babies.
Habang naglalaro si Lauren sa kama ay pinagpatuloy ko na ang pag-aayos ng gamit namin. We got invaded by my friends who are bored and want to explore the resort.
"I can't, Lauren needs to rest." Sabi ko at tinignan ang anak kong walang bahid na antok sa mukha dahil nakatulog sa byahe
"Did you see the playground downstairs, Lauren?" tanong ni Karlie at nilagay ito sa kandungan niya. Tumango si Lauren
"I want to play with Dior and Agatha but Mommy is still arranging our things so..." she gave me her big smile and proceed on what she is doing, playing with her toys
"See? Gusto rin ng anak mong bumaba." Sabi ni Nick, binuksan niya ang pintuan sa balcony
"Fine, you're using my daughter against me?" I grinned "why do you want to go downstairs immediately?" I asked him
"Boy hunting!" They all said and we all laughed about it. Todo tanggi si Nick pero nang may kumatok na bellboy at sobrang gwapo at lumaki ang ngiti niya at kung ano ano ang hiningi para lang makausap
"I'll just check the others." Sabi ko at iniwan sila doon. I greeted and checked my cousins and some titos and titas. I told them to go downstairs at eight to have dinner.
Kinuha ko si Dior sa kwarto nila ni ate, she's busy talking to the organizer about the upcoming event.
I let the kids play and let someone watch over them as I take pictures with my friends. There's a bonfire area and my friends suddenly got excited about it.
"How bout you let Lauren and Dior sleep in one room and we all drink and have fun?" Suggestion ni Nick nang tumanggi ako sa gusto nilang gawin mamaya
"Paano kapag nagising sila?" Bulong ni Bianca at agad siyang kinurot ni Karlie
"They won't, nandoon naman si Ate Xena di'ba?" And as always, napapayag nila ako.
We reserved the whole sea side restaurant for all the guests, I invited some of my cousins to join us but they refused. Pagod na raw sila, they would just enjoy their wine. While the elders went to have spa.
"Why are we sleeping in Mama and Dior's room?" Tanong ni Lauren habang yakap-yakap ang kanyang bunny stuff toy. Bagong ligo siya at nakapangtulog na.
"I'll fetch you later and we'll sleep in our room, okay?"
"Why? Where are you going, Mommy?" Tinignan niya ako at nakita ko kung paano lumungkot ang mukha niya sa iniisp niya
"I will be just downstairs with your Titas and Tito Nick, do you want to be with us?"
"No Mommy, I want to play with Dior." Nang kumatok kami ay agad binuksan ni Dior ang pintuan at nagsimula na silang manuod ng T.V.
"You'll sleep here?" rinig kong tanong ni Dior habang hinihintay ko si ate matapos maligo
"No... Mommy will get me here later. Right, Mommy?" tumango ako
Nang lumabas si ate ay sinabi ko sakaniya na magkakatuwaan lang kami ng mga kaibigan ko sa baba, she agreed. Sinabi niya rin na baka may plano ring uminom sila ng mga kaibigan niya dahil matagal na silang hindi nagkikita.
"Ayos lang yung mga bata?"
"Don't worry, I'll lock the doors and windows. We have connections with the owner of this hotel so I may ask for someone to check on them." sabi niya at mabilis na inabala ang sarili sa mga bata
"I'm so thankful for this trip! Walang stress!!" Sigaw ni Karlie at winagayway ang mga kamay sa ere.
We have two red wines in front of us and some snacks. We talked about our new work, Nick is a fashion designer of his own brand, Shaira as an accountant, Maxxine who works under their company, Karlie who is an architect and Bianca as a famous actress.
"Naku pasalamat iyong boss namin at tinitiis ko lang si Daddy kasi gusto niyang magtrabaho ako doon."
"Bakit? Sino bang boss niyo?" Aasarin ko siya doon, malay natin at magkadevelopan sila, diba?
"Si Zeeyan Brent Johansson lang naman!" Umirap siya "My Dad wants me to be trained by him. If you're not my friend, baka hindi ako kinausap noon." Lumapit kami sa bonfire dahil nagsisimula nang lumamig
"He's an architect?" Tanong ko dahil akala ko ay business related course ang kinuha niyo
"He's an engineer but I know he's currently studying for his Master Degree."
"All companies want Johansson Group to build for their project and I can't disagree because they have the greatest and most efficient staff for those." Dagdag kaalaman ni Nick
"And that's the reason why my Dad wants me to work for them kahit na pwede naman akong mag-freelance." Si Karlie
"I want to buy some pieces of your work." Sabi ko kay Nick, pag-iiba ko ng topic
"Pwede kong ibigay sayo ng libre basta ba you say my name when asked who designed your dress." Ngisi niya at pumalakpak. Siya kasi ang gumagawa ng mga gown at dress ni Bianca kapag may special event at naging sikat siya dahil sikat ang nagsusuot ng mga gawa niya. Not that his designs are not good, it's unique and catchy, like those Hollywood that I see during awarding.
"I honestly thought you'll end up together." Turo ni Bianca kina Karlie at Nick na pinaglalaruan ang marshmallow sa apoy
"What? Yuck!" Sigaw ni Karlie at nang mapansin ang closeness nila ni Nick ay tinulak niya ito at tinignan ng masama si Bianca
"No way! Maawa ka naman sa akin! Lugi ako!" He crossed his arms around his chest and looked at Karlie in a disgusting way
Humagalpak kaming lahat sa tawa, umalis si Nick at tumabi sa akin, kung saan malayo siya kay Karlie
"Wow ah! Nahiya naman ako."
The night was filled with laughters and memories. I saw Ate Xena with her friends swimming in the pool, that means she left the two kids alone. I should go back right?
Magpapaalam na sana ako nang biglang naghiyawan ang kabilang grupo. Tumayo si Karlie at tinignan kung ano ang nangyayari kina Ate Xena.
"Oh my God! Carreon is here!" tumili si Nick at tinakbo ang distansya sa pool
Naghiyawan sila at nakita kong tumakbo ang dalawang kaibigan niya papasok ng hotel habang ang dalawa ay masinsinang nag-uusap.
Nakita ko kung paano lumaki ang mata ni kuya sa sinabi ni ate pero kalaunan ay ngumiti ito at niyakap si ate. At alam ko na na doon palang kung ano ang sinabi niya.
I smiled and witnessed how sleepy Dior was when ate's friends get him from the suite and how my ate introduced him to his daddy.
Lumuhod si Kuya Carreon sa harap ni Dior at niyakap ito ng mahigpit. Nakakunot ang noo ni Dior nang tinignan niya si ate na pinapanood lang siya.
"That's your daddy, baby." Pinunasan ni ate ang luha sa pisngi niya para hindi magtaka si Dior kung bakit siya umiiyak
"You are?" tanong ni Dior. Tumango si Kuya Carreon at niyakap ng mahigpit si Dior
They stayed there for a couple of minutes hanggang sa binigay sa akin ang inaantok na si Dior para bumalik sa suite dahil mukhang may pag-uusapan sila.
"Are you happy?" Kahit hindi ko na itanong ay halata naman na masayang masaya siya. His smile is so evident despite his sleepiness.
I lay beside them until I sensed Dior is asleep then proceed to my friends who are talking about my sister.
"Does Tita and Tito know about them?" tanong nila sa akin pagkaupo ko sa tabi ni Maxxine
Tumango ak9 kay Shaira at kinwento na nasa plano iyon ni ate. My parents are supportive of us
They respect our decision as a parent. Maybe one of the reason why they will arrive tomorrow is because of this. They want Ate Maxxine, Kuya Carreon and Dior to reunite first before entering the picture.
Pagkatapos ng isang oras na kasiyahan at kwentuhan ay nagsibalikan na kami sa kanya-kanyang suite. Makikita sa mukha ni kuya ang kasiyahan ng makita si Dior na mahimbing na natutulog katabi ni Lauren.
"Who's the girl?" tanong niya ng mapansin si Lauren
Kinarga ko si Lauren na masarap ang tulog at hinarap siya.
"My daughter." bahagya siyang nagulat pero nawala rin iyon at tinitigan kaming dalawa ni ate
Tumango siya at nilapitan si Lauren. Inayos niya ang mukha ng anak ko dahil natatabunan iyon ng kanyang buhok
"Is... Brent Johansson the father?" may pag-aalinlangan sa boses niya, ngumiti ako at tumango. Tinignan ko si ate at nakuha niya agad ang gusto kong mangyari.
"Good night Tiara, Lauren." hinalikan niya si Lauren sa pisngi kahit tulog. Ngumiti siya sa akin, ngumiti rin ako pabalik. I'm proud of her, this is the life she's been wanting ever since and to see it right now is overwhelming.
"I will explain it to you tomorrow, love." aniya kay kuya na mukhang hindi ako tatantanan hanggang sa makuha ang sagot
Before hearing kuya Carreon's response, the door closed kaya pumasok na kami sa suite.
"You're becoming heavier, baby." sabi ko pagkatapos iayos si Lauren sa kama. She moaned and roamed her hands around her. Lumapit ako at nang mahawakan ang braso ko ay niyakap niya ito ng may ngiti sa labi. She's always clinging to me whenever we are sleeping together, palibhasa sanay sa stuff toy niya.
I don't usually wake up late but the exhaustion from last night got me bad that I just nod when ate take Lauren and Dior out.
I woke up few hours after that, I called ate to check on Lauren and she told me that they are playing with their cousins and some new meet friends. Tinawagan ko na rin ang mga magulang ko para kamustahin ang byahe nila, inaayos na nila ang mga gamit nila at ang regalo kay Dior. Ang sabi nila ay mamayang tanghali na sila makakadating dahil mamayang alas-tres pa ang byahe nila. They are also planning to surprise their friends, Tita Tracy and Tito Ivan, who are Kuya Carreon's parents with their first grandchild.
I am currently browsing my emails for some emergency because I know that ate is too overwhelm to check those when I heard a loud knock on my door.
"Tiara, may sasabihin ako!"
Bumungad sa akin at buhaghag na buhok ni Maxxine, mukhang bagong gising at dumiretso agad dito sa kwarto ko.
"I know that I shouldn't say this to you but I can't help it." kinabahan ako sa sinabi niya. She's usually talk like this especially when there's a rumors around but something is off this time.
"Promise me not to be shocked because I'm totally shook!"
"Come on, Max. Spill the bean."
"You know that Tita Regina used to lived to London without Tito and Zeeyan, right?"
"Uh-huh."
"They stayed there for what? Five years or seven years? But she only came back when Zeeyan was old enough to manage the company!" kumunot ang noo ko, alam ko ang ibigsabihin niya pero hindi ko maisip na magagawa iyon ni Tita Regina. She's not like that for all I know.
"And she wants the heir of Wilson to marry him!" I am fully aware of that
"And I just found out from Dad that his brother, Sage, is an illegitimate son!" my heart stopped for few seconds. Pinagmasdan ko ang mukha ni Maxxine na seryoso at walang bahid ng biro
"W-what? Illegitimate?"
"Yes! A child from another man! That's why they were hiding him all these years!"
"Bakit hindi natin alam 'to? I thought he stayed with his Mama for her recovery?"
"Ah! About her cancer? It's just stage two cancer and not four. Although it is still a cancer but why do they have to lie about it right?"
"What about Johansson? He was what? Ten or eleven at that time!" bigla kong naisip si Johansson noon na tahimik at palaging gustong mag-isa habang kaming mga kaklase niya ay masayang naglalaro tuwing break time
Is this the reason behind his behavior? The reason why he's not open to anyone?
My heart shed into pieces thinking the situation of a young Johansson, with no one to talk to, parents who have their own issues and can't notice that their child is suffering.
Tumunog ang phone niya, binuksan niya iyon at seryosong binasa ang mensahe ng kung sino.
"Oh my God! Someone leaked the news!"
"Huh? Sino?" We are panicking because this is a big catch for media, they are the leading company for construction and condominiums! This will appear on newspapers and magazines, that's for sure!
I tried to contact Johansson but he's out of reach! Alam na niya siguro na usap-usapan na ang issue kaya ganito pero sinubukan ko paring i-message siya.
Ako:
Where are you? Please call me after reading this.
May biglang sunod-sunod na kumatok sa pintuan at alam ko ng mga kaibigan namin iyon. Pinag-usapan nila iyong tungkol sa issue habang ako ay hindi mapakaling hinihintay si Johansson na mag reply. It's been an hour yet he doesn't respond. Maybe he's in a meeting? But it's weekend!
Tumunog ang phone ko at lahat kami ay napatingin doon, nagbabakasaling si Johansson pero nang nakita na si ate ay sabay-sabay silang lumayo sa akin at pinagpatuloy ang kwentuhan.
Lumabas ako sa balcony bago sagutin ang tawag. I was welcomed by the warm air and the ocean breeze, I smiled as my hair was blowing by the wind.
"Is Lauren with you?" kalmadong tanong ni ate
"Huh? You took her earlier right?" narinig ko ang mura ni ate at may kinausap siya
"Bakit? Nasaan siya? Don't tell me ate."
"I'm sorry, Ti. They were just playing right in front of us but Dior said she ran away after asking some questions from their friends. But don't worry, she's just around the hotel premises."
"Why should I not worry ate? The last time she went missing, she almost drown! Bakit hindi ako mag-aalala?" mabilis akong nagsuot ng bathrobe at dali-daling lumabas. Tinanong ako ni Maxxine kung ano ang problema at ang tangi ko lang nasabi ay "Si Lauren nawawala."
This is my longest ride of lift ever. Agad akong nag-isip kung saan pupunta si Lauren, she might be under a tree because she loves nature. But they are trees everywhere of this resort!
Pagkalabas ay sinalubong ako ni ate, she's on her phone pero nang nakita ako at binaba niya ito at nilapitan kami.
"Carreon and Dior are looking for her, I sent some staff to look also. I'm sorry, Tiara. I didn't know that those kids will ask her irrelevant question."
"Bakit ate? Ano bang tinanong nung mga bata?" tanong ni Karlie
Umiling siya at binalik ang tingin sa akin "She's just here, Tiara." she hugged me and I did the same. Wala akong kailangan na pagbugtungan ng galit dito, I just need my daughter safe.
We spread apart to look for Lauren, ang iba sa dagat, swimming pool at playgroud where Lauren would usually go as a child but I asked where their garden is.
"Dulong part po, ma'am. Sa kanan." turo sa akin ng guard na nakita ko, tumango ako at tinakbo ang daan.
Please be there, Lauren. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magagawa ko kapag napahamak pa siya. She's just three years old, she knows how to swim but with the big ocean or deep pools? She can't handle that.
Ang sabi ni ate ay may itinanong ang mga bata kay Lauren at iyon ang dahilan ng pag-alis niya. Lauren is a friendly person, she is pleased to help anyone but there's always one thing that bothers her a lot and that is who is father is.
Hindi kaya iyon ang tinanong nila kay Lauren, the kids were curious who his father is when Dior already has one? Kaya hindi masagot iyon ni ate kanina nung nagtanong si Karlie.
Nakita ko si kuya Carreon na nakatayo lang at may pinagmamasdan. Tumakbo ako palapit sakaniya
"Nakita niyo na si Lauren?" I assumed, tumingin muna siya sa akin bago tumango at tinuro ang kaninang pinagmamasdan.
By my surprised, I saw Lauren holding hands with Dior who are walking towards us. She's not crying but her cheeks are bright red, an evidence that she cried. May sinabi sakaniya si Dior na nagpangiti kay Lauren.
"Lauren..." tawag ko sakaniya dahil nakatago kami sa likod ng halaman. Umangat ang tingin ni Lauren sa amin at nang nakita niya ako at agad niyang kinalas ang kamay kay Dior at tinakbo ang distansya namin
"Mommy!"
Lumuhod ako para mayakap siya. I hugged her tight and she giggled. And I hate that she can laugh when I was so worried to death!
"Don't ever do that! I was so worried baby, you gave Mommy an heart attack." lumayo siya at pinatong ang kaniyang kamay sa dibdib ko
"Your heart is beating so fast mommy."
"Because I ran all the way here from our suite. Don't do that again, understand?"
"I understand but those guys are all mean. They asked why I only have a mother unlike them who have both." she said some french words about her complains and I listen to them as I wipe her tears.
"I told her that she can share with daddy, right Daddy?" natawa kaming dalawa ni kuya sa inosenteng solusyon ni Dior
"Of course, Lauren. You can call me Papa."
"Papa?
"Yes, Mama Maxxine and Papa Carreon." tumawa ako sa pagkakasabi ni kuya Carreon sa 'Mama' and 'Papa'
"Okay, Papa." she pronounced it in French that's why we are all laughing. Inangat ko ang tingin ko kung saan galing ang dalawa kanina.
My body froze when I saw a man standing beside the tree, gawking at us like a beast watching his prey. His eyes are on Lauren who's in front of me, teaching kuya Carreon with seom french words.
"Let's go? Your Mommy needs to talk to the man who found you." napatingin ako kay kuya. He gave me an assured look at hold their hands before turning their back on me.
My heart beats faster than awhile ago, mas gugustuhin ko nang sumama sa tatlo kesa kausapin si Johansson. I don't have any excuses if he asked me about Lauren, he witnessed the whole thing!
Iyong pagtawag ni Lauren sa akin at ang pag-uusap naming dalawa kanina. Kuya Carreon knew who the father is the moment he saw Lauren's face, si Johansson pa kaya?
Pumikit ako ng ilang segundo bago humarap sakaniya at lapitan siya. Nagulat ako nang nasa harap ko na siya, nakakunot ang noo at pinagmamasdan ang dinaanan nila kahit na wala na sila doon.
"A-ayos ka lang ba? W-what are you doing here?"
"I am here to see you." ang tigas sa boses niya at nakakatakot, I tried my best to stand properly in front of him. I need to fix my thoughts.
"I heard what happened, are you... okay?"
"Who is her father?" diretsong tanong niya, hindi man lang ako binigyan ng pagkakataong icompose ang sasabihin ko
"Johansson, I'm so-sorry that-"
"Who, Tiara!?" his bloodshot eyes are telling me that he's not here to hear some lies, he wants the answer right away.
"You." narinig ko ang ilang malutong na mura niya bago ako hinawakan sa balikan ng mahigpit
"Why didn't you tell me right away? Is this the reason you left without saying anything?" umiling ako
"My sister got pregnant and want to stay in France for a mean time. Ako lang ang maasahan niya kaya sumama ako, I didn't know I was pregnant that time."
"At hindi mo ako sinabihan noong nalaman mo na may anak tayo?"
"I tried. I went back without telling anyone and witnessed you and Kelsey together. I assumed the engagement started." ang mga mata ko ay nakatitig lang sa kamay kong nilalaro ang tali ng aking bathrobe.
"You just assumed Tiara! You should have talked to me the moment you knew you were pregnant! Asked me if I want a child! She's what? Three years old and you have all those years to tell me that. You have the time last week to tell me that. Ano? Wala ka bang balak na ipakilala sa akin ang anak ko? I have the right, Tiara!"
"I'm scared with your reaction, I'm afraid that you might get Lauren away from me."
"Why did you think of that? I was neglected by my mother's love and why would I want that to happen to my daughter?" Tumulo ang luha sa mata niya at agad niya itong pinunasan. My heart broke, this is the first time to see him cry and this frustrated and it is all because of me. Kasalanan ko ang lahat, kung bakit hindi ko sinabi sakaniya ng mas maaga sa maraming pagkakataon na iyon.
"I thought you were married or engaged."
"I am not, what are your other reasons?" the sarcasm from his voice is evident.
Umiling ako, wala ng masabi.
"You should have told me, Tiara... I would be beyond happy if I hear that from you, I should have been there with you." he hugged me so tight, like all his frustration are releasing from his hug
"I am sorry. Ayoko lang na mapahamak ang anak ko."
"Anak natin." tumango ako at pumikit.
"Damn, I knew from the moment I saw her on your birthday! Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin sa oras na iyon?"
"I was not ready."
"Uh-huh. When will you be ready then?" nagkibitbalikat ako
"By the time I ask for your hand?" kinurot ko ang braso niya
"What? I love you and doon naman talaga mapupunta ang lahat."
"Bakit, mahal ba kita?" bakit biglang lumambing ang boses ko?Argh!
"Hindi ba?" he smirked and looked at me
"Hindi!" ang yabang ne'to ah!
"I highly doubt it..." may panunukso sa boses niya kaya tinalikuran ko na siya at naglakad palayo