One can hear a dropped pin inside this elevator sa sobrang tahimik. Edgar is standing up straight in the middle, calmly looking at the numbers on the digital panel as they change. Nasa kaliwa niya ako at nasa kanan naman si Oliver.
Earlier, Edgar walked-in on us as Oliver was exploring the wonders of my dress. My boyfriend coolly removed his hand from cupping my right breast underneath my top, inayos ang pagkakalapat ng mga pleats, making sure that I'm covered, bago humarap sa butler. Ako naman ay nagdasal na sana bumukas ang lupa at lamunin ako on the spot. Hindi nangyari kaya nagtago na lang ako sa likuran ni Oliver as he conversed with the old man.
Ipinaalam ng butler na nauna na sina Sr. Jaime at Sra. Ynez sa ball. Inabot din nito ang isang green envelope with gold trimmings. It looked like it contains an invitation. Pinasa naman iyon sa akin ni Oliver as they continued to talk. I flipped the envelope and Oliver's name is inked on it in gold. I guess my door list mamaya if pati siya may invitation talaga.
The next thing I know, Edgar was walking us to the elevator and he also got on it. Kaya heto kaming tatlo at nagpapakiramdaman.
The butler is ignoring the both of us but that made me even more anxious. Isama pa doon ang walang puknat na pagtitig sa akin ni Oliver. Mas lalo akong naiilang. Nakasandig lang siya sa pader ng elevator paharap sa amin. A foot crossed in front of the other at nakahalukipkip. Openly staring. As if Edgar is not with us. Hindi ko tuloy malaman kung saan ako titingin kaya ginaya ko na lang din ang katabi ko at tumingin na rin sa digital panel.
Huminto at bumukas ang pinto sa 30th floor. Tinapunan kami ni Edgar ng tingin bago siya lumabas. Nagsara ang pinto ng elevator na nakangiti siya sa amin.
"So," Oliver started at tinapunan ko siya ng tingin, "have I told you that you look ravishing tonight?"
Napangiti ako bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa mga numero. The elevator kept its silent descent. "Not in so many words but I get it already."
At the corner of my eyes, I saw him smirk bago tinulak ang katawan palayo sa pader na kinasasandigan at lumapit sa akin. "Naninigurado lang, love. Baka kako hindi ko pa nasabi."
Muli ko siyang tiningnan at nginisihan. "I don't need the words. I already get it. Edgar must have, too."
He chuckled as his fingers softly touched my shoulders. "No one can blame me, baby. Dahan-dahan akong binabaliw ng damit na 'to."
His fingers trailed down my arms and playfully walked the length of my tucked in waist hanggang sa dumako na nga ang mga iyon sa aking likuran. He spread his fingers wide para sakupin ng isang palad ang buong likod ko. Ang init ng kamay niyang dumadampi sa balat ko that it made me shiver.
Yumuko siya and dropped a soft kiss on the tips of my shoulder. "I wonder kung ilang oras ako tatagal before I have to drag you into an empty room and have my wicked ways with you."
Sinulyapan ko ang camera sa isang sulok bago siya tinitigang muli. "Umayos ka, Oliver. May nanonood," babala ko.
Hindi niya inalis ang tingin sa akin. "Nah," he murmured softly. "They wouldn't dare spy on us." At inabot na niya ang labi ko for a soft yet hungry kiss. Ako na ang kusang pumutol niyon at bahagya siyang tinulak papalayo sa akin.
"Later," mariin kong sabi na ikinabuntong-hininga niya.
"Fine. Later," pagsang-ayon niya. "Fair warning. I won't be gentle."
Sakto ring huminto ang elevator sa puntong iyon at bumukas ang pinto. I gave Oliver a sideways glanced before grinning at him, wickedly. "Good. I don't want you to be."
At nauna na akong lumabas sa kanya but not before I heard him groan and utter a curse.
"Fuck, Sabrina. Not fair," reklamo niya habang hinahabol ako.
Mahina ko na lang siyang tinawanan but I continued walking. His strides were definitely longer than mine kaya maagap niya akong napantayan. Inabot niya ang palad ko and hand-in-hand, we approached the door to the lion's den, also known as the del Valle Christmas Ball.
With every step we take, the colder Oliver's aura becomes. Nawala na ang mapaglarong nobyo ko. He was replaced by the sole heir of the San Martins. Confidence and power stamped on every inch of his body.
I was right. There was a door list and my boyfriend was on it. In that moment, it occurred to me that Tita Adina was not really expecting me here. She made sure to keep Papa off the list. But not me. Sino nga naman kasi ang mag-aakalang ako ang magiging plus-one ni Oliver. Next time that she will hold a party such as this, sigurado akong magpapa-RSVP siya with the name of the plus one and make sure that I'm off the list.
Mabilis naman kaming pinapasok sa loob and we stood just inside the room as Oliver takes note of the surrounding. People are milling around near the entrance with most of them waiting for their turn in front of a backdrop. I could see several photographers there and some media men probably. Iniwas ako ni Oliver mula roon and we moved deeper into the room.
I could feel eyes sizing us up. Oliver watched them back, weighing and judging their stares as they judged us back. Hindi na ako nagtaka that most of those stares came from women. Some of them watched us with a frown. Lalo na kung mapapadako ang tingin sa akin. They must be wondering who the heck am I and how dare me to stand beside this demi-god. Intrigued, they kept on looking.
May ilan rin namang pamilyar na mukha. Those people, after a few minutes of staring, they went back to their own conversations. Lalo na ang mga nakasama namin sa ibang parties na aming dinaluhan. Not the cousins, however. Not the Trinidad and the del Valle cousins.
Lihim akong napabuntong-hininga. I expected them here kahit na ipinagdadasal kong sana ang mga elders na lang ang dumalo dito. Hindi na sana ang mga pinsan namin ni Rachel. Another unanswered prayers. All of them seems to be here.
The del Valle cousins stared at us, me in particular, in various degree of worry and irritation. I could see the question in their eyes. Does Señora Adina know I am here? They must be worried about how Tita will react seeing me here at baka mapagkamalan pa ang isa sa kanilaa na nag-imbita sa akin. As much as possible, they try to avoid the señora's wrath. They should have not worried. Alam naman ng lahat that they won't lift a finger to help me.
The Trinidad cousins stared at us, too. In equal shots of shock, disbelief, and wicked glee. I inhaled deep and steeled my spine. Lion's den, indeed. I got a feeling na hindi matatapos ang gabing ito na hindi ako mapapahiya in the hands of one of them. Ang tanong na lang ay sino sa kanila ang unang magbabato ng poisoned dart.
They are Tita Adina's side of the family. Like her, they can be vicious. They know how much Tita hates me. Some of them will surely curry favor from her by putting me in my place. Inaasahan ko naman iyon. I will actually be shocked if none of them try it. I just pray that they wouldn't do it too publicly na madadamay ang pamilya San Martin. Sana maalala nila that this ball is a business affair and that we shouldn't air our dirty laundry here.
A waiter with a tray of hors d'oeuvres approached us. Tig-isa kaming kumuha ni Oliver and we continued deeper into the ballroom.
"Will I be meeting your father here?"
His eyes are full of curiosity when he asked that.
Umiling ako. "No," nakangiti kong sabi, "and be thankful. Mas matinding drama ang masasaksihan ninyo kung saka-sakaling nandito din siya. You won't meet my father but look alive, love. His wife is approaching."
Humigpit ang pagkakakapit niya sa kamay ko at tensed na tumuwid ng tayo at napatingin din sa direksyon na tinitingnan ko. Tita Adina, resplendent in her royal blue gown, is walking towards us. Kasama niya si Rachel. My sister looks dazzling in her green gown. She is smiling for the audience but her eyes are trained at me.
Run, Sabrina!
Parang iyon ang sinasabi ng mga mata niya. Iyon din ang sinisigaw ng survival instinct ko. Unfortunately, it is too late. Kaya humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at ngumiti sa dalawang papalapit. Napakunot-noo si Ate. But, Tita Adina's smile brightened, as if nothing could make her happier than seeing us.
It took a while for the two na makalapit sa amin dahil marami silang nakasalubong na nakipagbeso-beso sa kanila. In that time, binitawan na ni Oliver ang aking kamay at inilapat ang palad sa aking likod. Subtlely, he drew me closer to his body at kulang na lang yata ay ipasok ako doon. Ikinalapad na iyon ng ngiti ko. This time, totoong ngiti na. My boyfriend's protective instinct is being triggered by my father's wife. So sweet. Who will have not the will to fight a little harder with someone like him by your side?
"Oliver," magiliw na bati ni Tita Adina sa nobyo ko nang makalapit na sila.
"Tita," magalang namang tugon ni Oliver. His fingers began tapping on my bare skin in a relaxing rhythm.
"Do you still remember me?"
"Bits and pieces. Here and there."
Tita Adina grinned at Oliver's honesty. "Not surprising. You were too young the last time your mother and I visited each other. But, I'm sure you remember my Beatrice." And she glanced at my sister fondly.
Rachel visibly winced hearing her second name pero hindi naman siya umimik. Tumalim lang ang tingin niya sa kanyang ina. Tita Adina just took that sharp look in stride na para bang hindi niya iyon nakita at tinitigan lang si Oliver habang hinihintay ang sagot nito.
Tinitigan ni Oliver si Rachel and grinned. "Of course I know her, Tita. She's a great friend of my Sabrina. Isn't she, love?" At ako naman ang tinitigan niya ng may paglalambing ang mga ngiti.
Hindi ko rin mapigilang gumanti ng ngiti. Even Ate smirked. We're both impressed with how Oliver skillfully maneuvered me into the conversation without being rude about it. He did it in such a way na lalabas na walang modo si Tita Adina if she continued to ignore my existence.
Rachel and I glanced at each other quickly before we held our collective breaths for the expected explosion from Tita Adina. But she surprised us both. She just arched a regal eyebrow at Oliver.
"So, you know how to play this game," she said, chuckling in amusement. "You are aware of what she is," tinuro niya ako, "and it doesn't matter?"
Oliver's smile is still as bright but his voice cuts in its coldness. "Watch your words, Tita. I do not suffer fools gladly. Especially not when it comes to Sabrina."
Humagikhik lang ang señora na para bang aliw na aliw siya. "Who are you calling a fool, my child? Me?"
Muli siyang mahinang tumawa.
"Ah to be so young, impassioned, and cocksure. You shall soon see, little emperor, I am not the enemy. I don't need to be. Don't tear me up to pieces just yet." She winked teasingly at Oliver. "You are your father's son, Oliver. He was just like you at that age. But then again, Sabrina here is not your mother. It would be interesting to see how you two will fair. And I'll have a ringside seat to it. Isn't this exciting?"
Nararamdaman kong naghahanda si Oliver at si Rachel ng rebuttal but I tapped Oliver's bum in a silent reminder to let it go. I also gave the look to Rachel. Nakikita kong ayaw bitawan ng kapatid ko ang issue. Mabini ko na lang siyang nginitian at umiling. Nothing good comes out with engaging Tita Adina in a battle of words. She had years of practice.
"Tita, your other guests are waiting," malumanay kong paalala.
"Indeed, Sabrina. Thank you for reminding me," nakangiti niya ring sambit sa akin. Tita Adina can play very nice if she wanted to and tonight, she seems to be in that mood. Binalingan niya si Rachel.
"Beatrice, guide them to our table please, will you? I can see the Vitoria family has finally arrived."
At mabilis na kaming nilampasan ng señora at naiwan kaming tatlo na nagtititigan.
"Welcome to the family," sarkastikong wika ni Rachel as she threw Oliver a dirty look.
A regal eyebrow arched. "And what did I do?"
Rachel started walking as she kept muttering under her breath. Tahimik naman kaming nakasunod sa kanya. Ang palad ni Oliver na nasa likuran ko kept the cold away and was a silent encouragement that kept me walking.
"My mother will do something at this party. I don't know what it is but I know she will do something."
"She will not do anything, Ate."
Sabay akong tiningnan nilang dalawa at matipid lang akong ngumiti. Rachel rolled her eyes at me and snorted before she continued walking. Tinitigan lang din ako ni Oliver ng ilan pang segundo bago muling naglakad. Pareho silang hindi naniniwala sa sinasabi ko. I just smiled, breathing a little easier.
I've been dealing with Sra. Adina all my life. Masasabi kong kilala ko na siya. Mas pa sa sarili nitong anak. Rachel spent our youth avoiding and ignoring her mother, much like what our father does. I didn't have that luxury.
When she called for me, I come. Even if I did not want to. When she starts dumping all her feelings of rage and unfairness with the world on me, I just accept. Even if I have my own rage inside me. I did all that because I felt that was the only way to keep her away from my mother and my small family. Katulad ng sinabi niya sa kapatid ko kanina sa suite, she could throw all of us to the dogs if she wanted to. She is the legal wife after all while we are the other family.
It was not all bad. One can get used to it. Masasabi ko ngang masuwerte ng asawang napili ang tatay ko. Masakit man magsalita, hindi naman namimisikal. What more could we ask for, right?
She will not do anything tonight. This Christmas ball is above all, a business event. The family affair is the New Year's ball. This one is for her business associates. The señora will never do anything to jeopardize her position in the business world. She fought tooth and nail to become the Adina Trinidad-del Valle. She will not throw all that for her hatred of me and my family.
Besides, nakapaglabas na siya ng galit niya kanina. In private. Now, she can breath easier. She could get back to dealing with the reality of being the unwanted wife and pretend that it is okay. She will play nice at this ball. The other Trinidads, however, are a different story. That is what I should watch out for.
The San Martin couple are talking animatedly nang makalapit kami sa mesa. Of course, magkakasama kaming lahat sa lamesa. It wouldn't be interesting otherwise.
Agad na lumapit si Oliver sa mga magulang, bumati, at humalik sa pisngi ng kanyang ina. Lumapit rin ako, bumati, at humalik sa pisngi nilang dalawa. Magiliw akong nginitian ni Señor Jaime at ganoon din si Señora Ynez. Though, the older man's smile is brighter.
"You really took your time, children," komento ni Señor Jaime na may himig ng panunudyo. Tumawa lang si Oliver pero walang sinabi at umiling lang. He earned a slap on the knee from the señora. Namula naman ako in embarrassment at nauutal na nagpasalamat kay Señora Ynez para sa mga hikaw na suot ko.
Lumapad ang pagkakangiti niya sa narinig. "I thought of you the moment I saw them. They look absolutely beautiful on you. You look stunning tonight, child." I blushed once more from the sincere compliment.
Maingat na hinila ni Oliver ang upuang nakatalaga sa akin at siniguradong maayos na akong nakaupo roon bago niya hinila ang sariling upuan. I'm seated to the right of Oliver and his parents are on his left. To my right is Rachel, on the other head of the table. Sa harapan namin ay may apat na blangkong upuan. I wonder who else are coming to this table.
Hindi naman ako natagalan sa pagtataka dahil Tita Adina came back with four others. An older couple, the parents of the smiling Paige Vitoria, and one of the Trinidad cousins, Irene.
Señora Ynez was visibly delighted with the new arrivals. Agad na nagbeso-beso sila ng ina ni Paige at nagkamay naman si Señor Jaime at ang ama nito. Si Paige ay humalik din sa mga magulang ni Oliver. I tried not to take it to heart when Señora Ynez clutched Paige a little tighter than she did me.
She watched her grow up. You just appeared out of the blue two weeks ago. Paalala ko sa aking sarili para supilin ang umuusbong na kirot na hindi ko dapat maramdaman.
After a brief welcoming remarks from Tita na masigabo naman naming pinalakpakan, we got seated to enjoy what the Riviera's chefs have to offer.
"Someone really has to applaud our spirit, Sab, noh? I mean, heto tayong dalawa, malayang nalulunok ang masasarap na mga putaheng ito even when we don't actually belong to this table," mahinang sabi ni Irene, just loud enough for me, and Rachel, to hear. And here it is. The first volley has been shot.
Ang mga kasama naming nasa unahan ay malayang nag-uusap. From the gist of it, they were talking about a project that Tita Adina pitched to the older couples. The children are being included in the conversation samantalang kaming tatlo na nasa kabilang dulo ng mesa ay tahimik na kumakain.
"Hello to you, too, Irene," sagot ko na lang at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkukutsara ng sopas na nakahain sa aking harapan.
"Hi," nakangisi naman niyang ganti. "You've grown a thicker skin since the last time we've met." Tinapunan niya ng mabilis na tingin ang katabi kong si Oliver bago lumapad ang pagkakangisi niya sa akin. "I guess you have to para mabingwit ang isang 'yan. Bawal sensitibo."
"Will you just stop?" Rachel hissed.
"What? I'm actually praising Sabrina here," nanunuya niyang sambit.
Somebody took the soup away and an appetizer took its place. I carefully spooned mine as I try not to listen to Irene.
"We didn't think she had the guts to do something like this," pagpapatuloy niya nang makaalis na ang server. "We thought she learned from her mother about, you know, the perils of climbing the ladder not meant for you. I guess not, huh. Tell me, Sabrina. Do the Rodriguez clan take lessons sa pagiging makapal ang mukha?"
The second volley. I continued chewing my food.
"This is actually delicious, Irene. Do try and enjoy it."
She smiled maliciously at me as Rachel stares daggers at her. She made a showing of eating the appetizer with gusto. She was making sounds of pleasure na napabalik ang tingin nina Oliver at Paige sa amin. Patuloy pa rin ang masayang balitaktakan ng mga magulang nila at ni Tita Adina. Apparently, the three older women went to the same college and were friends since then.
Out came the appetizer and in came the salad. Paige tried it and groaned in pleasure. Binalingan niya si Irene at masayang nagsabi na, "I get it now why you were making those sounds. This really is delicious."
Mahina naman siyang tinawanan ni Irene. Si Oliver naman ang binalingan ni Paige pagkatapos. "Oli, you have to find out who the pantry chef is and have him or her talk to our chef at home. I could finally get on that vegan diet wagon kung ganito naman kasarap ang mga salad na ihahain sa akin."
"If you diet even more, you'll be stick and bones. I don't think Tita and Tito will be happy about that."
Paige made a face. "My body, my life."
"Alright," pagsang-ayon na lang ni Oliver. "I'll ask."
"Thanks, Olibabe," nakangisi niyang sabi sabay kindat sa akin, bringing me in on the joke.
"Sure, Peewee," nang-aasar namang ganti ng katabi ko.
Sinamaan siya ng tingin ng kaharap. "You can really be detestable sometimes."
"Thanks. I try."
Paige sneered at him bago muling ibinaling ang atensyon sa usapan ng mga magulang. Oliver did the same at naiwan na naman kaming tatlo in our little corner.
"Aren't they cute?" Si Irene ulit. "You're so mean, Sab, for trying to get in the middle of that." Ginamit niya pa ang tinidor para ituro sina Paige at Oliver for emphasis.
"I would be meaner if I stab you with this fork," sabad naman ni Rachel. Mahigpit na nga rin ang kapit ng kapatid ko sa kutsilyo at tinidor niya.
The third volley. I sighed. Mukhang full course dinner ang meron ngayong gabi. By the looks of it, there are four or five courses left. Will Irene keep throwing shots at me for every course?
"Please, girls, no one is stabbing any one tonight." I touched my sister's arm to calm her down bago binalingan ang kaharap ko. "Is it too much to ask that you give me this night, Irene? We still have the New Year's Ball. You can throw an armory of insults at me there."
"I can," wika niya. "But I won't. Tearing you to pieces here is more fun."
"Yawa ra," Rachel hissed under her breath and was a second away from stabbing her cousin for real nang tumayo ako.
Agad na nahinto ang usapan ng mga tao sa mesa namin at napatingin sa akin. Tita Adina arched an eyebrow at me with the gentle smile still on her lips but her eyes stone hard. The others looked confused.
"I'm sorry. I have to go to the lavatory," nakangiti kong paliwanag. Yumuko ako at bumulong kay Oliver. "I'll just be a minute."
Pagkatapos na magbitiw ng isang maliit na ngiti para sa lahat, mabilis na akong tumalikod. I asked for directions mula sa isa sa mga umiikot na waiter at mabilis na tinahak ang tinuro nitong direksyon.
I am running away to hide for a few minutes but I do not want to make it so obvious. So I walked fast but steadily.
I entered the elegantly designed marble bathroom and immediately checked the four cubicles for people. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng masigurado kong nag-iisa lang ako sa buong kuwarto. Pasalampak akong naupo sa lounge sofa na naroroon at maingat na isinandal ang ulo ko sa sandigan. I blinked once, twice, several times trying to stem the tears but I failed.
"You must be kidding me," naiinis kong anas sa kawalan habang marahas na pinupunasan ang mga luha ko. "You are still crying over this? Kailan ka ba matututong Sabrina ka? Kailan?"
Mas lalong bumilis ang pagpatak ng mga luha ko at may impit na hikbi pang kumawala. Pero sinupil ko pa rin 'yon. The tears have to be enough. Wala na dapat hagulhol. A passerby might hear it at mas lalo akong mapapahiya.
"Yes, why are you still crying over the same old story?"
Napatuwid ako ng upo at hilam ang mga mata ng luha na napatingin ako sa direksyong pinanggagalingan ng boses. I heard the click of the door lock and then I saw the edge of a royal blue gown. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin, tumambad sa akin si Tita Adina na papalapit. She stopped at a wall with the tissue dispenser and pulled several plys bago muling ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad papunta sa akin.
Huminto siya sa aking tapat at inabot ang mga tissue. "Wipe your tears before you totally destroy your face beyond redemption. My make-up talent only goes so far."
Naupo siya sa aking tabi pagkatapos kong tanggapin ang mga inalok niya. She quietly looked at me as I wipe my tears. Hindi ko maintindihan kung kaba, takot o ano ang nararamdaman ko na nasa tabi ko siya. Basang-basa ang mga tissue bago ko na-kontrol ang aking mga luha. Inabutan niya rin ako ng maliit na water bottle and I gulped from it thankfully.
"Are you in control now?"
Tumango ako.
Tinitigan niya ako. "You look better than your mother when you cry. Helena was the epitome of an ugly crier but Roman always found it adorable. That dolt."
Mapakla niyang tinawanan ang gulat na tiyak kong nakarehistro sa aking mukha. Hindi ko alam kong imahinasyon ko lang ba pero there was a hint of fondness in her voice when she uttered the name of my mother. "Surprised? I didn't always hate her, you know. Them. Once upon a time, they were my friends. Until they sold me out, that is."
Binuksan niya ang kanyang purse and got out a small touch-up kit. Naglabas siya ng maliit na sponge, began dabbing on a small pressed cake, at maingat din iyong idiniin sa aking mukha. She dabbeded powder on my cheeks and around my eyes. Maingat niyang tinabunan ang dinaanan ng aking mg luha. I was wearing waterproof make-up so it wasn't difficult to cover.
"But then, I'm sure that is not the story you wanted to hear." She got out a mascara and carefully applied it to my lashes. "In that story, I am the victim. Nobody wants to hear that. I am the bitch wife Adina. I will always be the villain of the story. I prefer that anyway. Nobody messes with the villain and live happily ever after. Tingnan mo na lang ang martyr mong ina."
Tiningnan niya ang kanyang maliit na kit at pumili ng powder blush na halos kapareho ng kulay ng ginamit ng make-up artist na dala ni Betty kanina. Gamit ang daliri, nilapat niya rin iyon sa aking mga pisngi. "Ayan, you look human again."
And she closed her kit with satisfaction at muli iyong pinasok sa kanyang purse.
"Bakit, Tita?" Hindi ko maiwasang itanong.
"Bakit ang bait ko ngayon? I don't know," seryoso niyang sagot and then she grinned. "Maybe I hate it when other people make you cry? As much as I hate you, gusto kong ako lang magpapaluha sa'yo. I'm possessive that way. Or it could be that being nice to you now would make it hurt even more when I make a swipe at you again. That sounds great, actually."
She shrugged. "Who knows what is in this villainous mind of mine, Sabrina? This ball is a business event. This is not the place for our emotions to run amok and our family name dragged to the ground. We have the New Year's Ball for that."
Tumayo siya at maingat na inayos ang skirt ng kanyang gown bago ako tinitigan "I want you to go back out there and be the beautiful lady that you are. Dazzle the San Martins and the rest of high society. Tongues will wag. It is unavoidable for them to know who and what you are. Who cares about that as long as I accepted you, right? Tonight, stand by your older sister and carry the del Valle blood with pride. Beatrice is riding the edge of her emotions tonight. She needs you to calm her down. Why she doesn't have your control, I can never understand."
At naglakad na siya palayo, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Muli siyang huminto pagkapihit niya ng pinto at nilingon ako ulit. "I still hope to see you fall but not this early in the game. This doesn't mean anything. I still hate you, Sabrina Rodriguez." Nakangiti siya habang sinasabi ang mga katagang iyon. "But that's the thing, you are mine to hate. Not my side of the family. Not by the del Valles. Mine. By now, you should have learned how to deal with my kin. They are sharks. All of them. Don't let them smell blood on you. I am the biggest and meanest shark in our ocean. You've survived me. You can survive them."
Head held high, she went out of the room.
====================
Hi dear readers,
Ang tagal na rin since my last notes. Well, this chapter is super raw so please do not expect perfection.
Many of you must be wondering kung bakit ang tagal-tagal kong nawawala at mag-update. I've been really busy with work. -Ber months na kasi. As you know, my full time job is for a fastfood restaurant. Kahit may COVID, may curfew, at limited ang dine-in seatings, hindi pa rin kami nawawalan ng customers (for which thankful naman ang aming kumpanya). So, our workload is still the same except lang na adjusted ang oras namin. Same goes with my part-time job. Ang boss ko naman sa part-time ay mag-open ng new houses for Airbnb sa area niya so ngarag din itong lola mo sa kakausap sa mga carpenters, electricians, cleaners, paggawa ng welcome book, house rules, etc. for each house. Time difference also matters.
Don't worry. I'm safe and healthy. Sana kayo din.
I don't know how soon and how often I will be able to update after this. Pero, hang in there guys. Matatapos din ako.
Keep safe everyone and live happily each day.
Always,
Domino 💋💋💋